Atlantic Notes: Boucher, Robinson, Sixers, Nurse
Raptors forward Chris Boucher, enjoying a stellar offensive year after re-signing with Toronto to a bargain two-year, $13.5MM deal during the offseason, still has room to grow on defense, according to Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star.
“It’s a tricky spot we’re in because (Boucher) looks great on (offense),” head coach Nick Nurse said this past week. “Even the blocked shots look great. But we’re giving up a lot of things at the other end. We’ve got to figure it out.” In 24.1 MPG, Boucher is averaging career-highs of 14.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.0 BPG this season, while connecting on a career-high 43.9% of his 3.8 three-point attempts.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who could return to New York’s rotation as soon as tonight, had a metal plate inserted into his hand following surgery to address his broken right hand, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweets.
- While other teams in the East have made intriguing upgrades as they shore up their rosters for the playoffs (such as Milwaukee’s deal for P.J. Tucker and Miami’s trade for Trevor Ariza), Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that the Sixers appear willing to selectively make improvements should it help their title odds. According to Pompey, the 76ers have been active in discussions with teams about being a third partner in three-team transactions, and the club may consider buyout market additions as well.
- Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has been fined $50K by the NBA after he threw his mask into the stands while protesting the officiating of a 115-112 Toronto loss to the Jazz on Friday, according to Steven Psihogios of Yahoo Sports. “It just didn’t seem like they were going to let us win tonight,” Nurse complained. “A lot of calls, man. Every trip, every possession was free throws.” The Jazz had 41 free throw opportunities, while the Raptors took just 14.
Northwest Notes: Favors, Thunder, Clarkson, Rubio
Longtime Jazz reserve big man Derrick Favors spoke extensively with Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune about his past and sunny new future with Utah, noting that he wasn’t surprised when Utah sent him to the Pelicans for future draft equity during the 2019 offseason to clear cap space for incoming point guard Mike Conley‘s contract.
“I wanted to be here,” Favors said. “I wanted to stay. I thought I was going to stay. But it was because of the money, the business side.”
The Jazz could have declined their $18MM team option on Favors for the 2019/20 season, but the Pelicans were happy to pay that sum in full upon making a deal. “If Utah would have waived me, I would have lost a lot of money, but they ended up trading me, and I’m blessed and thankful that New Orleans was willing to pick up that option for me,” Favors noted.
Favors’ Pelicans teammates raved about his fit within the club’s locker room and on the court. “Nothing but respect for D-Fav,” New Orleans guard Lonzo Ball said. “We know he did all the little things that we needed to win games.”
Favors was excited to get another opportunity in the 2020 offseason with the Jazz, who were all business in their recruitment.
“They literally just said, ‘Hey, you want to come back? We want you, here’s what we’re offering. Do you want to take it or not?’ It kinda felt like that!” Favors noted. “I didn’t want to waste my time or waste an opportunity… and I knew with Utah that they had other guys that they wanted to go after if I didn’t commit, so I didn’t want to waste Utah’s time.”
There’s more out of the Northwest Division:
- The Thunder will likely receive inquiries on just about every player on their roster, as team president Sam Presti looks to acquire even more future draft picks, but Joe Mussatto of the Oklahoman thinks veteran role players like George Hill, Al Horford, and Mike Muscala could be next in line to be dealt.
- Jazz reserve guard Jordan Clarkson, the current favorite for 2021 Sixth Man of the Year honors at present, has taken a massive stride in his scoring output — but the growth of his passing deserves recognition, too, writes Sarah Todd of The Deseret News. “It’s just another growth part of my game that I’m trying to keep improving on,” Clarkson said.
- After a rough start to the 2020/21 season, Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has turned things around in the month of March, so much so that the 30-year-old vet has become a potential trade chip for a Minnesota team that now may not want to deal him away as the deadline looms, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. A reinvigorated Rubio seems to have developed great chemistry with No. 1 2020 draft pick Anthony Edwards and (former No. 1 draft pick) Karl-Anthony Towns.
Lakers Not Re-Signing Damian Jones
Lakers center Damian Jones, whose second 10-day contract with Los Angeles expired overnight, will not be retained on a rest-of-season deal, per Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.
Jones has suited up in eight contests for the Lakers so far (including six starts, with Marc Gasol sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols). Woike notes that roster limitations impeded on Jones getting further time with the club.
With the departure of Jones, the Lakers have two open roster spots. That flexibility could come in handy as they look for help in the trade and buyout markets as All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain out. The team may prefer to add a more seasoned big man like Andre Drummond, should the Cavaliers center become available on the buyout market.
As Kevin Pelton of ESPN details, the Lakers are only about $1.7MM below their hard cap, which will limit the amount of salary they can take on in any deal. Woike also mentioned the hard cap was a consideration in the Lakers’ decision to move on from Jones.
Jones, 25, spent his first three NBA seasons as an occasional player for some loaded Warriors teams. He spent all of the 2019/20 season with the Hawks. This year, he logged 14 games in Phoenix before latching on with Los Angeles. He averaged 5.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 0.9 BPG across 14.0 MPG in his eight contests with LA.
Cavaliers Notes: Drummond, Allen, Love, Cook
The Cavaliers are still optimistic about an Andre Drummond trade before Thursday’s deadline, although they don’t expect much in return, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Drummond hasn’t played since February 12 while the Cavs searched for a trading partner, and he will be a strong buyout candidate if Cleveland can’t work out a deal.
The interest level in Drummond has always been high, Fedor adds, but his $28.7MM contract makes any deal complicated. Many teams would like to add the veteran center for a playoff run, but the players they would have to give up to match salaries are too good to part with.
Fedor states that general manager Koby Altman will need to be creative and suggests a multi-team deal is the only realistic way for Drummond to be traded. Cedi Osman or Taurean Prince could be offered to motivate other teams to get involved, according to Fedor.
Rival teams are becoming skeptical that Drummond will be traded, Fedor adds, but he says the idea that only a few teams will have a chance to sign him after a buyout works in Cleveland’s favor. The Knicks, Raptors, Bulls, Heat and Celtics probably couldn’t compete with the Lakers or Nets if Drummond becomes a free agent, so they may be willing to make modest trade offers. Fedor points to New York as the most likely team to trade for Drummond.
There’s more from Cleveland:
- The Cavaliers should expect an offseason extension for Jarrett Allen to cost about $100MM, Fedor notes in the same story. Even though he will be a restricted free agent, Allen is expected to be one of the top players on the market this summer. Cleveland is committed to keeping him, Fedor adds, but will have to start his new contract at around $20MM per year.
- Kevin Love has been offered up in trades for several months, but the Cavs haven’t found any takers, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN. A calf injury that has sidelined Love for most of the season and a pricey contract that pays him more than $60MM over the next two years have limited the market for the veteran forward.
- The Cavaliers are facing a decision on Quinn Cook, whose 10-day contract expires today. Cook has appeared in four games since signing with Cleveland, averaging 5.0 PPG in 12.8 minutes per night. He is eligible to sign another 10-day deal with the team.
Nets Notes: Durant, Irving, Griffin, Johnson
The Nets will remain careful with Kevin Durant, who isn’t expected to return for another week or two, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Durant has already been sidelined for more than a month with a strained hamstring and Brooklyn doesn’t want to take any chances, considering that he recently returned from an 18-month absence caused by a ruptured Achilles.
Durant, who has missed 14 straight games, hasn’t played since February 13, and that appearance came after he sat out the previous week due to contact tracing. Lewis talked to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Laith Jazrawi, who said six weeks should be considered the minimum time needed to recover from a hamstring strain.
“It’s almost involved in every movement, every sort of twisting and cutting,” Jazrawi said. “So, it’s so hard to manage these patients, rest it or even rehab it because it’s just such a big muscle unit that resting it is almost impossible. It’s very difficult. Anytime you engage, do a sprint or cut quickly, the hamstrings fire.”
There’s more from Brooklyn:
- Kyrie Irving is excited about what the Nets can be with the eventual return of Durant and the addition of Blake Griffin, writes Ryan Dunleavy of The New York Post. Griffin is listed as probable to make his debut with Brooklyn today and will be on a minutes restriction, tweets Malika Andrews of ESPN. “It’s just high-level talent out there,” Irving said. “So, when you can just prepare for the game and go over the X’s and O’s, you can look to your left and right and know the guys next to you have your back and you’re able to play at a high level offensively and defensively and make an impact. I look forward to it, for sure. As a competitor wanting to be on the main stage, we want all our guys healthy.”
- After bouncing around the league for a couple of seasons, Tyler Johnson seems to have found a home as a three-point specialist in Brooklyn, writes Chris Milholen of NetsDaily. Johnson only plays about 15 minutes per night, but he’s connecting on a career-best 41.8% beyond the arc. “The shooting is the cherry on top but the rest of the stuff is what we love about Tyler,” coach Steve Nash said. “Just the competition, fight and energy.”
- Alex Schiffer of The Athletic doesn’t expect general manager Sean Marks to be busy leading up to the trade deadline because the Nets don’t have many draft picks or young players left to offer. Schiffer believes the team will concentrate more on the buyout market and sees JaVale McGee as a better addition than Andre Drummond if both are bought out by the Cavaliers.
Celtics Notes: Barnes, Trade Deadline, Starting Lineup, Stevens
With the Celtics slipping under .500, a major move may be necessary before Thursday’s trade deadline to solidify Boston’s playoff chances. One of the hottest rumors surrounding the team has been a deal for Kings forward Harrison Barnes, and Jared Weiss and Jason Jones of The Athletic examine what a potential trade might look like.
The Celtics are in the market for a wing player with size who can improve the team’s defense. Barnes handles the toughest wing matchup for Sacramento and may be able to provide some minutes at center in small-ball lineups. Weiss notes that would enable Boston to explore moving Tristan Thompson, who is under contract at $9.72MM for next season.
Weiss proposes a deal sending Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica and Hassan Whiteside to the Celtics in exchange for Thompson, Grant Williams, Javonte Green, an unprotected first-round pick this season, and a partially protected first-rounder in 2023.
Sacramento played the Celtics on Friday, and Barnes was asked about the possibility of a trade. “Obviously Boston’s a great franchise, but for the time being I’m with the Kings and that’s where my focus is — my teammates in the locker room, going out there, putting it on the line every night and trying to win games,” Barnes responded.
There’s more from Boston:
- Without breaking up their core, the Celtics only have modest assets if they decide to become sellers rather than buyers before the deadline, according to Brian Robb of MassLive. Robb projects that Thompson, Semi Ojeleye or Daniel Theis would only bring second-round picks or unproven bench players in return, while Jeff Teague and Green have virtually no trade value.
- Bruce Castleberry of The Boston Herald believes immediate changes are necessary for the Celtics to turn their season around. He proposes putting Robert Williams and Payton Pritchard in the starting lineup in place of Theis and Kemba Walker. Castleberry states that Williams is Boston’s best big man, while a reduced work load could help Walker be fresh for the playoffs.
- Brad Stevens has no intention of returning to college basketball, even though his name has been floated for the vacant Indiana job, according to Jeff Borzello and Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
Knicks Notes: Thibodeau, Drummond, Robinson, Ntilikina
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has a reputation for preferring veterans over young players and other future assets, but he indicated the organization might not take that approach this year, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. The Knicks have exceeded expectations so far, holding a 21-21 record that has them tied for sixth place in the East. Although there’s temptation to add talent to end a long playoff drought, Thibodeau suggested the team is willing to take a long-term approach.
“It’s important for us to go step-by-step and not skip over things,’’ he said. “The whole goal this year is to build a foundation and the right type of habits. Wherever that leads us, it leads us. Our players have responded. In this league, you’re always looking for player development first, then look at the draft and free agency, then trades. You never stop working in all four areas. Every day it’s how can we make the team better. That’s where our focus lies with coaches, front office and players. We’re all tied together. We’re going to do what’s best for the Knicks.’’
Berman notes that two of the most prominent names the Knicks have been tied to — Rockets guard Victor Oladipo and Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball — will be free agents this summer and may be obtainable without breaking up the young core.
There’s more from New York:
- Andre Drummond could be worth watching if he reaches a buyout with the Cavaliers, Berman adds in the same story, but there’s “mutual disinterest” between the Knicks and Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who plays the same position as Julius Randle.
- Center Mitchell Robinson could be back Sunday after missing 15 games with a broken hand, but he may not rejoin the starting lineup right away, Berman states in a separate story. Nerlens Noel has been effective in his place, and Robinson may return on a minutes restriction. “I want to see how that goes,” Thibodeau said. “There’s great versatility there. Eventually, he’ll get back to starting. Whether that happens right away or down the road … I’m comfortable with both guys in that role. And I’m really comfortable with Taj (Gibson) as well. That gives us great depth at that position.”
- Frank Ntilikina, who’s on the final year of his rookie contract and will have a $15.6MM cap hold if he receives a qualifying offer, seems to be the most likely Knicks player to be traded, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. Alec Burks, Reggie Bullock and Elfrid Payton all have expiring contracts, but an Eastern Conference scout told Popper their trade value is limited to a second-round pick apiece.
Central Notes: Dellavedova, Markkanen, Tucker, Kurucs
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.
Rockets Notes: Augustin, Draft Picks, Losing Streak, Oladipo
D.J. Augustin went from one of the league’s best teams to one of the worst this week, but he’s excited to suit up for his adopted hometown, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Augustin was part of the return in the deal that sent P.J. Tucker from the Rockets to the Bucks, and he’s ready to assume a leadership role as the oldest player on his new team.
“Coming in being in this position with a team that lost a lot of games, losing seasons, I’ve been a part of that,” Augustin said. “I’ve also been a part of winning teams and teams that won a lot of games. Knowing what I’ve been through, trying to bring that leadership here, try to keep guys together through these rough times. Hopefully, we can turn things around before the season ends.”
“That’s one of those guys I always wanted to play with and also tried to get him as a backup a couple times in Washington,” Wall said. “It’s funny how we ended up on the same team now. I always respected him, his play and how he carries himself on and off the court.”
There’s more from Houston:
LeBron James Out Indefinitely With High Ankle Sprain
7:08pm: James has issued a tweet about the injury, vowing to return as soon as he can. “Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates! I’m hurt inside and out right now,” he wrote. “The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left.”
6:29pm: James’ injury is a high ankle sprain, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. He will be out indefinitely, Wojnarowski adds (via Twitter). The Lakers have confirmed the injury, according to Mark Medina of USA Today (Twitter link).
The severity of the sprain will determine how much time James will miss, notes Bill Oram of The Athletic (Twitter link). He could return within about two weeks if it’s a Grade 1 sprain, but a Grade 3 sprain could keep him out for six weeks, which is near the beginning of the playoffs.
5:38pm: X-rays were negative for Lakers star LeBron James, who left today’s game after hurting his right ankle, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The team is still awaiting MRI results to determine the extent of the injury, Woj adds.
James was pulled from the game in the second quarter after a collision with the Hawks’ Solomon Hill and limped to the sidelines, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link). He re-laced his shoes and briefly returned, but had to check out again and threw a chair in frustration as he headed to the locker room (Twitter link).
Some of the Lakers were angry about what happened, claiming that Hill was out of line when he dove onto the floor and through James’ legs on a steal attempt, tweets Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register.
“We don’t feel like it was one of those basketball-type plays,” said Montrezl Harrell. “… He had to go through his leg to get the ball.”
Harrell added that he doesn’t think Hill was trying to hurt James, but said the league should review what happened. Dennis Schröder called it an “unnecessary play,” tweets Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Hill responded to the criticism on social media, tweeting, “Would never disrespect the game and take a player out purposely… he knows that. that’s all that matters to me. praying for a speedy recovery.”