Week In Review: 10/15/12 – 10/21/12
Here is a recap of this week's top stories:
- Ty Lawson is hopeful that he will reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Nuggets.
- The Bulls waived Andre Emmett to get their roster down to 16 players.
- The Suns cut Othyus Jeffers.
- The 76ers and Jrue Holiday have been talking about a contract extension for the point guard throughout the week.
- The Knicks exercised their third year option on Iman Shumpert.
- Timberwolves star Kevin Love broke his hand working out away from the team and will be out up to 8 weeks. The Wolves waived Jermaine Taylor. Mike Harris, Chris Johnson and Will Conroy will be battling it out for the team's 15th roster spot.
- The Hawks waived Carldell Johnson to get their roster to 16.
- The Kings picked up the options on third year players DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette after waiving Cyril Awere.
- The Raptors picked up the fourth year option on Ed Davis, keeping him in a Toronto uniform through 2013-14.
- The Sixers released Dan Gadzuric. Their roster stands at 15, though they're likely to cut it to Devin Searcy before October 31. It appears appears that veteran Damien Wilkins will make the team.
- The Mavs waived Josh Akognon, who was the last player on their roster without a guaranteed contract.
- The Celtics signed Leandro Barbosa for the veterans minimum after waiving Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith.
- The Jazz waived Brian Butch and Trey Gilder. Their roster stands at 17.
- The Bulls waived Kyrlyo Fesenko to get their roster down to 15.
- Executives around the league think that the Lakers may target LeBron James in 2014 should Kobe Bryant retire. Jim Buss contributed to the rumor mill, saying that the Lakers want to make a splash in 2014, though James pleaded ignorance.
- Dirk Nowitzki had arthroscopic knee surgery and will be sidelined 6 weeks.
- The Wizards exercised up the 2013-14 options for six players: John Wall, Kevin Seraphin, Trevor Booker, Jordan Crawford, Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton.
- The Cavs picked up the 2013-14 options for sophomores Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.
- After a strong rookie season, the Nets picked up the 2013-14 option on the contract of MarShon Brooks.
- The Lakers waived Ronnie Aguilar and Reeves Nelson to get their roster down to 18.
- Similarly, the Heat waived Mickell Gladness and Robert Dozier. Their roster also now stands at 18.
Southwest Links: Martin, Cuban, Mavs, Dirk
The Rockets upended the Grizzlies while the Mavericks fell to the Suns tonight in preseason action, where the Hornets and Spurs are both 3-1 thus far. Here are some other links from the Southwest division:
- As the Rockets go-to guy in a contract year, Kevin Martin will be playing for himself in 2012-13 as much as he will be playing for his team, writes Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld. Martin has never really been part of a good team and seems to be constantly injured, but if he can stay healthy and thrive as the main option in Houston, he should be able to cash in.
- According to Mark Cuban, just because nearly all of the Mavericks roster may be free agents after the season, doesn't mean the team may not return a similar bunch in 2013/14, says Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram. “I’ll tell you exactly what I told them,’’ Cuban said. "The best situation is
everybody kills it, and they’re all back. Then, I don’t have to deal with all the idiot questions over the
summer and we’ve got a great team to build on. That’s what I want.’’ - Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News held a chat today and implied that the Mavericks may be better off if Dirk Nowitzki gets his knee cleaned out and misses half the season. Sherrington's thought process is that, without Nowitzki, the Mavs would miss the playoffs, get help through the lottery and free agency, and have a fresh Dirk in 2013/14.
Northwest Links: Jazz, Thunder, Harden, Karl
In a lengthy insider piece at ESPN.com, Chad Ford explains why the Jazz placed fourth in ESPN's recent Future Power Rankings, a position that surprised even team GM Dennis Lindsey. "We are a long way from No. 4 right now," Lindsey said. "I can understand on the future ratings why there's reason to be optimistic — with the cap flexibility Kevin has created and the young players that we do have — but cap room doesn't win you games. Young players, almost by definition, don't win you games."
Regardless of whether ESPN's optimistic ranking is justified, Jazz fans certainly have reason to be excited about the future of the team. In fact, most of the teams in the Northwest have solid young cores. Let's take a look at some other links from the division:
- Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman gives us his two cents on the Thunder's 15th roster spot, saying that DeAndre Liggins has been the surprise of training camp and has the inside track on the final job. Marberry says Liggins' toughness has made him stand out.
- Blazers general manager Neil Olshey says that will not make a decision on whether he will the exercise options on Luke Babbitt, Nolan Smith and Elliot Williams until much closer to the October 31 deadline, tweets Chris Haynes of CSN Northwest.
- Scott Brooks says that whoever plays the best will secure the Thunder's 15th roster spot, writes Royce Young of DailyThunder.com. It sounds like Brooks is comfortable enough with his top 14 to take the "best available" player that is left over. Young handicaps the potential candidates, from most to least likely: Daniel Orton, DeAndre Liggins, Andy Rautins, Hollis Thompson and longshot Walker Russell.
- Janni Carlson of the Oklahoman opines that while signing James Harden will certainly help the Thunder now, it may hinder the team's long-term future. If the Thunder choose to sign Harden and pay the luxury tax, Carlson says, they may get burned in the same fashion as other small markets have in Minnesota, Cleveland and Sacramento.
- In a lengthy feature, Candace Buckner of the Columbian highlights the relationship between George Karl and Portland head coach Terry Stotts, and how that long friendship landed Coby Karl in training camp with the Blazers.
Atlantic Notes: Barbosa, Holiday, Wilkins, 76ers
As was long rumored, we learned earlier today that the Celtics added Leandro Barbosa to back up both guard positions. After losing Ray Allen to the rival Heat, it appears the Celts have more than replaced him by adding Jason Terry, Courtney Lee and now Barbosa. Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston breaks down the move in his rapid reaction, even pointing out that Barbosa could facilitate the development of rookie and fellow Brazilian Fab Melo. Forsberg also offers a "roster reset" complete with the team's current obligations and some thoughts on how it will shake out. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe tweets that a big reason behind the move was a desire for more scoring punch from reserve guards.
Here are some other updates from around the Atlantic division:
- Tim Keown of ESPN the Magazine writes a lengthy piece that centers on the enigma that is Carmelo Anthony. While Anthony is as gifted as they come scoring-wise, Keown implies that he may not be the "alpha dog" that most NBA teams, Knicks included, need. Anthony seems to thrive in international play when he is amongst stars, but when he is the best player on the court things seem to stall.
- We've been hearing all week about a possible long-term contract extension for Sixers guard Jrue Holiday. John Finger of CSN Philly heard today from a source that the talks have begun to pick up. The Sixers have until October 31 to either extend Holiday or make him a qualifying offer for one year and $3.77MM. If Holiday does not take the offer, he will become a restricted free agent next summer.
- Tom Moore from Philly Burbs tweets that he believes that the Sixers will soon cut their roster down to 14, with Damien Wilkins nabbing the last spot. If true, that would make Devin Searcy and Dan Gadzuric free agents in the very near future.
- Michael Levin of Sixers blog Liberty Ballers writes a guest column on Sheridan Hoops, listing five reasons to feel positive about the 76ers. If everything goes according the plan, Philly could be a rare example of a team that emerges from the typically inescapable depths of NBA mediocrity to become a legitimate contender.
Lakers Notes: Rumors, Aguilar, Finances, Gasol
There has been no shortage of buzz this offseason when it comes to the Lakers, and while their big pieces are in place, that doesn't mean they're done dealing. We heard last week that Steve Blake and/or Chris Duhon may be available and then today from Mitch Kupchak that the team is not actively looking to move anyone. As we all wait patiently to see how their roster shakes out, let's round up some other notes out of the Staples Center:
- David Wharton of the L.A. Times profiles Lakers center Ronnie Aguilar, who is working hard in hopes of going from training camp longshot to backup center. As of three weeks ago, Aguilar's efforts were not going unnoticed, as Marc J. Spears of Yahoo reported that Aguilar was a "dark horse candidate" to make the Lakers roster.
- Also from the L.A. Times, Mike Bresnahan writes that the Lakers have become an economic juggernaut. Bresnahan says that the team makes up to $90MM in ticket sales per year, and is in the first year of new television deal that pays them $120MM this year. While they owe $30MM in luxury tax and are projected to pay $49MM in revenue-sharing in 2013, the franchise seems to be in as good of financial shape as it's ever been.
- Living in constant fear of being shipped out of Los Angeles this offseason, Pau Gasol had to temper his excitement for playing with Steve Nash, writes Sean Deveney of Sporting News. While swapping out Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard shouldn't majorly affect Gasol's game, no one should benefit from the existence of Nash more than the mid-range capable Spaniard.
Raptors Pick Up Option On Ed Davis
The Raptors have announced, via press release, that they have exercised the fourth year option on the rookie contract of Ed Davis, keeping him in a Toronto uniform through at least 2013-14. The Raptors had until October 31 to pick up the option on Davis or risk losing him in free agency next summer. While the team didn't disclose the financial terms of the deal, Davis should be due about $3.15MM in 2013-14.
After being drafted 13th overall in 2010 by Toronto, Davis has mostly come off the bench for the Raptors, averaging 7.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in just under 24 minutes per game. While Davis certainly hasn't emerged as anything more than a rotation player yet, this decision was probably an easy one for the Raptors given his ability to grab boards and block shots.
With the October 31 deadline looming, we should expect a lot of teams to make decisions in the next few weeks. We saw earlier today that the Kings picked up options on the rookie deals of DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette. Be sure to follow Hoops Rumors' rookie-contract 2013/14 option tracker for the latest.
Blazers Claim Justin Holiday
The Blazers announced tonight, via Twitter, that they have claimed Justin Holiday off waivers. He will join the team on Sunday. Justin, the older brother of Jrue Holiday, was released by the Cavs on Wednesday after being signed on October 1.
Holiday, 23, played at Washington and went undrafted despite being ranked as the 57th-best prospect in the class by ESPN.com's Chad Ford. He should still be considered a long shot to make an NBA roster, though it is interesting that he was claimed this late in the preseason. Holiday will wear number 10.
Southeast Links: Sessions, Hawks, Vaughn, Magic
There are seven preseason games around the NBA tonight, and not one of them involves a team from the Southeast Division. But that doesn't mean their aren't links coming surrounding the division that houses the current NBA champs. Let's keep track of them here:
- Ramon Sessions talked with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo!, explaining why he decided to opt out of his contract with the Lakers to sign a 2-year deal with the Bobcats. Sessions, who has bounced between teams throughout his career, was concerned that the Lakers may move him and was looking for some destination certainty, which he found in Charlotte.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that should the Hawks stick to the 15 player roster limit, the last two spots will come down to James Anderson, Damion James and Anthony Tolliver. Point guard Carldell Johnson is still with the club, but will almost definitely miss the cut. Vivlamore adds that it is no guarantee the Hawks keep a roster of 15, but they need to get down to at least that by October 29.
- New Magic coach Jacque Vaughn says that, despite the loss of Dwight Howard, he intends to instill his own defensive philosophy this year which revolves around protecting the paint, says Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. Robbins is skeptical is they have the personnel to do it, but Vaughn says, “The way we’re playing defensively is definitely geared toward the personnel that we have right now, for sure. It is a team defense based around five guys being in the right position at the right time."
- Brian Schmitz of the Sentinel writes that the Magic have essentially had a superstar in 19 of 20 years of the franchise's existence if you don't count the first three. Without Howard, Schmitz opines that the team's history tells us that it is only a matter of time before they find the next one. The question is, how long can they keep him once he arrives, whoever he is.
Poll: How Many Points Will Dirk Average?
We heard earlier today that Dirk Nowitzki had his knee drained for the second time this month, which is the latest update in a string of recent injury news regarding the 7-foot German. Nowitzki, now 34, played in 62 of 66 games last season and has stayed remarkably healthy throughout his 14-year career. But last season was arguably his worst statistically since his second year in the league. That, coupled with his age and the troubling news on his knee may have some people concerned about his ability to carry the load in Dallas. What do you think?
Nowitzki averaged 21.6 points per game last year, while good for 8th in the league, was also his third straight season where his scoring average declined. So what will he average this year, in his 15th season in what will surely be a Hall of Fame career?
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Terry, Richardson, DeRozan
Yesterday we heard about the extensive Atlantic Division fallout from the Dwight Howard/Andrew Bynum trade, which at this point, seems like it will have ramifications in every corner of the NBA. The Atlantic has to be the NBA's most interesting division heading into the season. With the Sixers facing the Nets in Atlantic City tomorrow night, let's look at some other news from the division:
- We mentioned Doc Rivers' comments regarding Jason Terry earlier below, and Greg Payne from ESPN Boston has more. According to Rivers, Terry could start for the Celtics, Payne says. While they targeted him with a sixth man role in mind, Rivers is keeping all of his options open. Terry, of course, says he is ready for any role the team needs him in.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York had a Knicks chat today (transcript here). Among the topics discussed, Zwerling said that he considers Raymond Felton a better fit for the Knicks than the departed Jeremy Lin. With an aging roster, it's doubtful that we see much that matters from their regulars in preseason.
- Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that free agent acquisition
Jason Terry, "filled a need," according to a CSN New England staff
report. Terry's new teammates all seem to be pretty happy with the
addition of their new sixth man, but no one's endorsement was quite as
strong as that of Rivers: "When you think about the history of the
Celtics and the great sixth man, he's been that in Dallas and he wants
to be that with the Celtics. That makes it a little easier to coach." - Trade acquisition Jason Richardson talked to Bill Ingram of Hoopsworld (via video)
about the new-look Sixers. Richardson calls the Sixers "dark horses"
that have slipped under the radar in terms of title contention.
Richardson says along with himself, the additions Dorell Wright and Nick
Young are key considering that Andrew Bynum is best utilized if
surrounded by shooters. - DeMar DeRozan has the look of a complete player so far this preseason, writes Doug Smith
of the Toronto Star. DeRozan has tons of athletic ability and has
shown a propensity to score in his first three seasons in the NBA.
According to Smith, DeRozan has bulked up and shown a willingness to
defend this fall, which has been a definite weakness in his game. With
the additions of Kyle Lowry, Terrence Ross, Landry Fields and Jonas
Valanciunas, if DeRozan can make the leap, there may be some hope for
the Raptors despite being in a loaded division.