Matthew Dellavedova hasn’t played yet this season, but the Cavaliers are hoping he can be ready during the team’s upcoming road trip, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The 30-year-old guard went through a 45-minute shooting workout before Friday’s game and was scheduled to join the team for practice today.
Dellavedova, who hasn’t played a regular season game in more than a year, suffered a concussion in the preseason opener that sidelined him for two months. That was followed by an emergency appendectomy in February, which further delayed his return.
“Obviously we know how long he’s been out and what he had to deal with with the concussion and then as he started to work his way back the appendectomy happens you’re off two to three weeks,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He’s making progress and I would expect him back sooner rather than later.”
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Lauri Markkanen‘s long-term future with the Bulls may appear uncertain, but he believes he could get an explanation any time from executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports. A source tells Johnson that a rumored deal involving Markkanen and Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball stems mostly from the fact that both are headed for restricted free agency. “ I have a good relationship with AK and same thing with (coach Billy Donovan),” Markkanen said. “If that wasn’t the case, they would tell me. I’m happy. Obviously, we’ve gotta win more games and there’s things we can get better at. And that’s what we’re trying to focus on right now.’’
- This week’s trade for P.J. Tucker will give Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer more flexibility with the lineups he uses to close out games, notes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. Milwaukee may use small-ball lineups in crunch time with Tucker on the court instead of Brook Lopez, unless the team is facing a legitimate center like the Sixers’ Joel Embiid.
- With D.J. Augustin gone, Donte DiVincenzo will take over as the backup point guard, but the Bucks will continue to look for help, Nehm adds. A report this week listed Milwaukee as a possible destination if Isaiah Thomas returns to the NBA.
- New Bucks forward Rodions Kurucs, who was also acquired in the Tucker deal, has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Nehm tweets.
Thomas on a 10-day is worth a try if his speed/quickness are there
He’s better off with Brooklyn since they don’t care if he plays defense.
Lillard, McCollum, Lavine, Beal all get away with being sub par defenders. McCollum is the best of this grouping. Not saying much really. Subbing offense for a highly defensive Holiday could be a good option for the Bucks 2nd unit. He’s replacing Augustin, not Ben Simmons.
Bucks should go after Drummond when he gets bought out. Thomas if healthy can work too. You get Drummond he makes you deeper and stronger. And keeps him away from other teams.
Didn’t Drummond say he was partial to a NY state team if he is bought out?
Meaning he wants to go to Brooklyn, the only contender there.
Possible, Drummond was vague
He’s from upstate NY. Imo he’s going to a contender if bought out. Nets, Heat, Lakers, Celtics, Bucks all could use him. Nets can offer most money. I’d love to have him on Knicks. Just don’t think so
Around here I’m sure tazza suggested the Markkanon/Ball trade maybe more. Seems likely to happen with good results.
Markkanen/Ball trade? What are the details there? Bulls shouldn’t trade their pick to offload Markkanen.
I would be thrilled with a Markannen for Lonzo trade straight up. I do not think adding a pick should be required, it is a straight change of scenery deal. Both RFAs so risk is equal.
Thats not taking into account the poor rebounding and significant time missed every season Markkanen has been in the league. A mid 1st is what I’d ask if I had to take Markkanen back. I’m not a Pelicans fan and Ball has his scruples, but your value on Markkanen is really high IMHO
Im sure Pels guys are on the phone now with thay argument and IDK the details. But as is often the case, a key to winning is how well a team’s stars connect, and ZW/BI look awkward, unattached.
One might connect with Markkanon and there’s your keeper.
Why on earth would anyone ever put PJ in a crunch time situation instead of Bropez?!?!?
I mean Bropez is a much better bb player, much better shooter & much better defender… & is much taller as well… I mean is gotta be the worst take of the year so far, right?
Because he can’t cover smdd as knee centers who shoot 3’s