Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Williamson, Sims, Anunoby, Morey, Harden
The speculation over Zion Williamson‘s future with New Orleans has Knicks fans dreaming of acquiring the 2019 top pick. Williamson’s former coach and current TV analyst Stan Van Gundy scoffs at the notion that big-name players want to go to New York, Ethan Sears of the New York Post relays.
“No matter how many times people have proven they don’t want to play for the Knicks, the Knicks have this idea that everybody in the league wants to play for the Knicks,” Van Gundy said on the Dan Le Batard Show. “Now, what is the last time it actually happened that somebody came and tried to get their way to New York? Like, never in the last 20 years? But still the Knicks and Knicks fans think everybody is trying to get to the Knicks. I’m not saying [Zion] won’t end up there — there’s all kinds of ways people can end up somewhere — but this idea that everybody wants to be a New York Knick, I mean if that were the case, then they wouldn’t be as bad as they’ve been for the last 20 years.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau played rookie center Jericho Sims ahead of Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson on Friday, which may signal a shift in philosophy, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Thibodeau typically relies on veterans, so it was unusual to see a late second-round pick get 18 minutes of playing time. “We’ll see how it unfolds. Taj did a good job for us,” Thibodeau said. “Nerlens did a good job for us. Jericho, the opportunities that he’s had, he’s played well. So just let him get in there; let him gain some more experience.”
- Raptors forward OG Anunoby will get a second opinion on his injured finger, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports tweets. An X-ray revealed that Anunoby had a fractured right ring finger and would miss some games. The trip to the specialist will presumably clarify a recovery timeline.
- James Harden, who made his Sixers debut on Friday, wanted to play with Joel Embiid “for a long time,” president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “James is a basketball genius,” Morey said. “And he’s been wanting to play with Joel for a long time. I think he’s always thought Joel was, like, the perfect guy to pair with him.”
LeBron Clears Air, Wants To Stay With Lakers For “As Long As I Can Play”
LeBron James reiterated his desire to finish out his career with the Lakers and said he doesn’t “push the buttons” when it comes to personnel decisions, as he told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and other media members after the team’s loss to the Clippers on Friday night.
James is under contract for one more season and will be eligible to sign a two-year extension this summer.
“This is a franchise I see myself being with. I’m here. I’m here,” James said. “I see myself being with the Purple and Gold as long as I can play.”
James raised a lot of eyebrows with his comments during All-Star weekend that he wouldn’t close the door on a possible return to Cleveland. He also stirred the pot by heaping praise on Thunder general manager Sam Presti for his ability to identify talent.
James also expressed his desire in an interview with The Athletic to eventually play with his 17-year-old son, Bronny. However, James said Friday he hopes that will occur in L.A.
“I also have a goal that, if it’s possible — I don’t even know if it’s possible — that if I can play with my son, I would love to do that,” he said. “Is that, like, something that any man shouldn’t want that in life? That’s like the coolest thing that could possibly happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with this franchise.”
Bronny would not be eligible to play in the NBA until the 2024/25 season.
In terms of his relationship with the front office, James said his comments about Presti were not a potshot toward GM Rob Pelinka.
“If I comment [on] or compliment the GM that’s in OKC — I really believe he’s done a phenomenal job. And you guys spin that to me saying that Rob is not doing a great job,” James said.
Super-agent Rich Paul, whose agency represents James and Anthony Davis, met with Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss on Tuesday in what could be characterized as a clear-the-air session.
Pelinka consults his superstars regarding potential moves, including the Russell Westbrook trade with Washington that contributed significantly to the Lakers’ poor season. There were also reports James and Davis were unhappy the front office stood pat at the trade deadline.
James says he doesn’t have final say on trades.
“I don’t push the buttons,” James said. “They ask for my opinion, and I voice my opinion and what I believe. But I don’t press any buttons. That’s what our front office is for, and that’s what our leadership group is for.”
He also feels the influence that he and his representative have within the franchise sparks jealousy.
“I mean, I think a lot of people are, to be honest, just jealous of the relationship that Rich has with the front office and with this team and with the relationship that I have, that I’ve grown over the last four years. I mean, that’s what I think it boils down to,” he said.
Knicks Rookie Quentin Grimes Suffers Patella Injury
Knicks rookie guard Quentin Grimes suffered a subluxation of his right patella on Friday, the team’s PR department tweets.
The non-contact injury to the first-round pick occurred during the first quarter against Miami as he tried to fight past a screen. He required help from his teammates to leave the court and could not putting any pressure on his right leg as he headed to the locker room, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post.
Grimes will undergo an MRI. It’s an injury that can take four-to-six weeks to heal without surgery and sometimes requires surgery depending on the severity, Steve Popper of Newsday tweets.
Coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t have an update on Grimes’ injury after the game, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets.
Grimes had earned more playing time this month due to his defensive commitment. He was averaging 9.5 PPG in 28.3 MPG in six February appearances, including a 40-minute stint against Oklahoma City in which he scored 19 points.
The injury to Grimes comes on the heels of the announcement this week that Kemba Walker would sit out the rest of the season. Derrick Rose‘s return to action from ankle surgery was delayed after he underwent another minor procedure on Friday.
Pacific Notes: Paul, Davis, Hartenstein, Clippers
With Chris Paul out for six-to-eight weeks with a thumb injury, the Suns might seem more vulnerable. Coach Monty Williams says opponents shouldn’t underestimate the resolve of his team, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic tweets.
“I think our guys are looking forward to the challenge because they hear what everybody is saying,” Williams said. “As soon as the news got out, everybody forecasted fear and that’s not who we are.”
Phoenix extended its winning streak to eight games by defeating the Thunder on Thursday.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- The Lakers will have to go without Anthony Davis again for several weeks due to a foot injury. Russell Westbrook says he’s mentally preparing for Davis’ absence, Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register writes. “For me, I already kind of (adjusted my) mentality, changed my mindset a little bit knowing kind of what to be expected,” he said. “Our job is to hold it down until he gets back.”
- Isaiah Hartenstein has been stellar in a backup role with the Clippers and he could cash in after the season, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Hartenstein is shooting 62% from the field and has emerged as one of the best passing bigs in the league. Hartenstein will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after playing on a minimum contract and he could be in a line for a non-trivial portion of some team’s mid-level exception, Lowe believes.
- The Clippers are continuing to look around for upgrades, particularly at the point, but there may not be anyone made available that they’ll sign, according to Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times. They are happy with the recent play of Terance Mann and would have to waive a player to add a free agent.
Nets Notes: Dragic, Durant, Simmons, Curry, Irving
Goran Dragic is probable to make his Nets debut on Saturday against Milwaukee, Ian Begley of SNY TV tweets. Dragic has been reconditioning since signing with the club after passing through waivers. Dragic played five games for Toronto this season but hasn’t been active since November 13. Kevin Durant (left knee – MCL sprain) remains sidelined.
We have more on the Nets:
- Ben Simmons‘ team and season debut has been held back due to conditioning, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “It’s been a long layoff, right?” coach Steve Nash said. “So he hasn’t played NBA basketball for a long time, so just trying to work through that.”
- While some have suggested there was friction between Seth Curry and Simmons in Philadelphia, Curry says that’s inaccurate, ESPN’s Nick Friedell reports. They’re now teammates in Brooklyn, as Curry was included in the blockbuster deal. “I don’t take anything personal,” Curry said. “When we’re on the court, we’re teammates. Everything’s fine. And we depend on each other to do good things. There’s been nothing negative he’s done to me personally, so I’m fine.”
- Kyrie Irving is excited by the possibility of New York City relaxing its vaccination rules and allowing him to play home games, Friedell writes in a separate story. “I sense a real focus and urgency from (mayor Eric Adams),” Nash said. “And so if that’s any indication, I would say he is getting excited at the prospect of being allowed to play in all our games and hopefully in the short term.” However, there are no set dates regarding a rollback of the mandates, as Adams urges caution, Lewis reports.
Derrick Rose Undergoes Another Procedure On Ankle
7:02pm: The procedure was performed on Friday and addressed a skin infection on his right ankle, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets. There’s optimism that Rose will be able to return to action in one or two weeks, Woj adds.
1:39pm: Knicks guard Derrick Rose will undergo another procedure on his right ankle, the team announced today (via Twitter).
The Knicks’ announcement is scarce on details, simply referring to the procedure as a “minor” one and noting that no timeline has been set for Rose’s return. The ankle is the same one that the former MVP underwent surgery on in December.
Rose, 33, has appeared in 26 games (24.5 MPG) for New York this season, averaging 12.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, and 3.0 RPG on .445/.402/.968 shooting. He last played on December 16.
Recent reports had suggested Rose was nearing a return to action, but it now seems unlikely he’ll play anytime in the short-term future. As of this Sunday, there are just six weeks left in the regular season, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see him again before 2022/23, especially if the Knicks continue to fall out of play-in contention.
With Rose still on the shelf and Kemba Walker shut down for the season, Alec Burks will likely handle be the Knicks’ starter at point guard, with Miles McBride and Immanuel Quickley potentially in the mix as well.
Rich Paul Meets With Lakers’ Brass, Assures Team LeBron Wants To Stay In L.A.
LeBron James wants to remain with the Lakers and he and his representatives are not insisting on front office changes, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
James’ representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and VP of basketball operations Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, and expressed LeBron’s desire to remain with the team beyond this season. James is eligible for an extension this offseason.
Paul also stressed that there’s no push from his side for management changes and that there’s shared accountability, as Wojnarowski described it, for the team’s disappointing season.
James and Klutch Sports were reportedly upset with Pelinka for standing pat at the trade deadline.
Paul also spoke to Buss and Pelinka of James’ desire to finish off the season as strong as possible and then seek to upgrade the roster in the offseason.
Paul’s agency also represents Anthony Davis, who is out several weeks due to a foot injury.
James raised a lot of eyebrows with his comments during All-Star weekend that he wouldn’t close the door on a possible return to Cleveland. He also stirred the pot by heaping praise on Thunder general manager Sam Presti for his ability to identify talent.
Mavs Sign Moses Wright To Two-Way Contract
FEBRUARY 25: The signing is official, the team tweets.
FEBRUARY 24: The Mavericks are signing rookie forward Moses Wright to a two-way contract, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets.
Dallas had a two-way opening and won’t have to make a corresponding move.
Wright has been playing for the G League’s Agua Caliente Clippers. He played one game for the NBA Clippers on a 10-day deal in December under the hardship exception before he was placed in protocols.
He has averaged 17.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.9 APG and 1.9 BPG in 17 G League starts.
Wright spent all four years of his college career at Georgia Tech and averaged 17.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 BPG, and 1.5 SPG with a .532/.414/.658 shooting line in 25 games (35.3 MPG) as a senior. He was named the ACC Player of the Year and made the ACC’s All-Defensive team but went undrafted.
Nuggets Sign DeMarcus Cousins For Rest Of Season
FEBRUARY 25: Cousins has been signed for the remainder of the season, according to a team press release.
FEBRUARY 22: The Nuggets intend to sign center DeMarcus Cousins to a rest-of-season contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). The plan is for the deal to be officially completed on Friday, tweets Mike Singer of The Denver Post.
Cousins has spent most of the last month with the Nuggets, first on a hardship 10-day deal, then on two standard 10-day pacts. Because a player can’t sign more than two standard 10-day contracts with the same team in a season, Denver has to commit to Cousins for the rest of the season in order to keep him on the roster.
The 6’10”, 270-pound veteran, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player while with the Kings and Pelicans, saw his career fortunes take a turn after he ruptured his left Achilles with New Orleans in 2018. Cousins then sustained a torn quad in the spring of 2019 and tore his ACL while with the Lakers ahead of the 2019/20 NBA season. Since recovering from those injuries, he has become a role player for various clubs, including both the Rockets and Clippers during the 2020/21 season.
This season, Cousins first joined the Bucks, a club looking to compensate for the size it lost when starting center Brook Lopez was forced to sit with a back injury that ultimately led to surgery. The 31-year-old Cousins played a total of 17 games with Milwaukee, and to date has appeared in eight games for the Nuggets as a reserve behind reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, reuniting with former Kings head coach Michael Malone.
In 25 games total this year between the Bucks and Nuggets, Cousins holds averages of 8.1 PPG and 5.9 RPG, while shooting 41.4% from the floor and 77.6% from the free-throw line. Granted, these are far cries from his career numbers (19.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG and 3.1 APG on .459/.330/.737 shooting), but it’s nice that Cousins appears to have adjusted to his new role on two title contenders.
Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports notes (via Twitter) that the Nuggets have been undefeated in their games played with Cousins this year.
Rajon Rondo To Miss Approximately Two Weeks
Cavaliers point guard Rajon Rondo will be sidelined for approximately the next two weeks, according to a press release from the team.
Rondo has been diagnosed with a sprained right big toe after getting an MRI and will now undergo a period of treatment and rehab, the team said in its announcement. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s loss to Detroit.
After being traded from the Lakers to the Cavaliers earlier this season, Rondo has averaged 7.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 3.4 RPG in 14 games (21.7 MPG) with Cleveland. He has been Cleveland’s primary backup point guard in recent weeks and started on Thursday in place of injured guard Darius Garland, who has been battling back soreness that complicates his availability from game to game.
Cleveland’s backcourt has been hit hard in 2021/22 by health problems, with Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio suffering season-ending knee injuries earlier in the season. Caris LeVert is also currently unavailable due to a sprained foot.
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Having waived Kevin Pangos last weekend, the Cavs will have to lean heavily on two-way player Brandon Goodwin at the point guard spot if Garland remains on the shelf. Once Garland is able to play, Goodwin figures to remain in the rotation as his backup.