Lonzo Ball is listed as probable to play Tuesday against Utah after missing three games due to a knee injury, the team’s PR department tweets. Ball practiced in full on Monday, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Picayune Times writes. The Pelicans point guard said he “definitely” plans to play Tuesday, the first of two straight games against the Jazz. In nine games this season, he’s averaging 12.4 PPG and 4.4 APG.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks guard Josh Richardson has returned to Dallas after being quarantined in Denver for 10 days, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon tweets. Coach Rick Carlisle says there’s no timetable for Richardson’s return, MacMahon adds. One of several Dallas players sidelined by a COVID-19 positive or contact tracing, Richardson has not played since January 7.
- The Rockets appear to be in rebuild mode in the aftermath of the James Harden blockbuster. Victor Oladipo, the most prominent player they acquired in the four-team swap, isn’t buying into that thinking, MacMahon writes at ESPN.com. Oladipo, who will be a free agent after the season, expressed optimism after his 32-point debut with the club on Monday. “I know that better days are ahead for the Houston Rockets, and I’m looking forward to being a part of those special days,” Oladipo said.
- The Pelicans re-signed Brandon Ingram to a five-year max contract in late November and ESPN’s Zach Lowe takes an in-depth look at Ingram’s development and desire for greatness. Ingram is averaging 23.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG and 5.1 APG this season.
What Oladipo is really saying is: “This is going to be a long year and I can’t wait for free agency or the trade dead line. Hey Mr. Agent, please call Miami and tell them I am still interested!”
Miami isn’t getting him cheaply, they’ll have to give up either Herro or Robinson. Otherwise the Rockets can re-sign Oladipo or get something for him in a sign and trade, there’s no point in letting him walk for nothing.
IMO
Man, it’s time to prepare for future
Current 12th seed Pelicans will be better than Rockets this year and next 7 years
I trust Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas to keep Houston better than the Pelicans this year and the next 7 years, contrary to your opinion.
Firstly Rockets won’t resign him cause Oladipo will want the max and as the report says Rockets are rebuilding.
Secondly they won’t be signs trading him either. He an unrestricted free agent meaning once his deals done he’s a goner and Rockets can’t match offers.
He’s already said he wants to be in Miami and that’s most likely where he will end up next year. So the Rockets only option to get something back is trade him to the Heat now while they still have him.
Package looks more like Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn, Mo Harkless and a second round pick
I would expect that the Heat would want PJ Tucker, or someone that can defend the wing/at the 4, in an Oladipo deal, depending on who they give up. They already need help defensively at those positions, so if they have to give up someone like that, they’d likely need a piece like that back, in addition to Oladipo….Deal becomes easier to figure out after February 6, when they can trade guys they signed, but I’m not so sure the Heat still hold as much interest in Oladipo as they did a year ago. We’ll just have to see how he looks in a more open floor game, with more opportunity for him, in Houston
I actually think Houston just needs to be healthy, and potentially could use some help off the bench in a couple of areas, and they should be relatively similar to what they might have been before the season
I also think they need to be more consistent with their rotation decisions. Off the bench, they could arguably use a depth big, preferably someone that can defend pick and roll and protect the rim, and maybe another depth guard, and that should be fine. That being said, they need more from DeMarcus Cousins in his role, b/c he is capable of more, and that has been a problem for them. I want to see Sterling Brown’s minutes be more consistent. Big fan of Jae’sean Tate
Zach Lowe
Ingram has superstar potential
Pelicans have a ton of talents but unlikely to make playoffs
I don’t understand why Ingram’s being touted as a next superstar. Like Zach LaVine, he’s another empty calorie scorer. He needs the ball in his hands to be effective and hasn’t learned to move without the ball. You’ve got one of the best in JJ Redick to learn from…
#freechristianwood
Oladipo has to play and prove he’s healthy. He’s got till TD to prove his worth. If he looks good Rockets could sign him. Unfortunately they also have to take a long look at Wall. I see them as a nice backcourt if healthy. Even if Oladipo is good. They can get good value for him. Herro would be a nice pickup. Plus a pick this is a good draft to have multiple picks. Rockets have time to figure it out. Even PJ and Gordon can bring back value. So they can go get younger. If I was them I’d be checking out Bagley in Sac. He and Woods could make a nice combo.
I think Ball is worth watching. Not sure if NO is going to offer him a new contract. They might move him by TD. I’ve always liked his potential. But he hasn’t really gotten that much better. Also the rumors about his attitude in NO.
I hope nola dont re-sign him and my bulls get him.i want lonzo to run bulls offense.he is so underated bcoz his shooting ability.but his shot not that bad.and hope bulls get jaret allen too.