Pelicans Sign Axel Toupane
APRIL 10, 2:31pm: The Pelicans have officially signed Toupane for the rest of the season, the team announced today in a press release. While there’s no indication in the club’s announcement that Toupane’s deal is for more than one year, RealGM’s transactions log suggests it’s a multiyear pact. That makes sense, since contracts signed at this time of year typically included a non-guaranteed second season.
APRIL 8, 11:19am: The Pelicans are signing forward Axel Toupane, currently of the D-League, tweets Shams Charania of The Vertical.
The 24-year-old forward had previously signed a 10-day contract with the Bucks in February, but after two games of action was released so that the team could make room for Terrence Jones.
Last season, Toupane played 21 games for the Nuggets and averaged 3.6 points per game.
Northwest Notes: Timberwolves, Thunder, Jokic
The Timberwolves fell short of their goal to win a playoff spot this season and team owner Glen Taylor is already thinking about how his organization can put the roster in position to do so in 2016/17, says Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. One solution? Add veterans.
“[Tom Thibodeau] needs some players that will come off the bench and keep us going and not give up the lead,” the Timberwolves owner said. “I think he would say if he can get some guys with experience that would be helpful, so he can mix them in with our young guys during those substitution times. I think that will be a priority.”
The Timberwolves have plenty of money heading into the offseason, especially as the injured Nikola Pekovic‘s salary gets covered by insurance. That budget, coupled with Minnesota’s genuine emergence as a squad capable of contending in the near future (as opposed to a hypothetically spooky one), could bode well for the franchise’s pursuit of establish talent this offseason.
There’s more out of the Northwest Division:
- It’s been an interesting year for the Thunder, one that started with devastation when Kevin Durant decided to leave via free agency. One thing the franchise has to be proud of, Erik Horne of the Oklahoman writes, is how they’ve responded to the heartbreak with a historic season. “We’re going to continue to advance, and we’ve always taken the approach of things are more new beginnings than endings, and there’s a new beginning here for the Thunder,” general manager Sam Presti said. “We have to embrace that, and we have to lean into that.”
- The Nuggets aren’t concerned that Nikola Jokic has gone through a bit of a slump from the outside, Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post writes. “He’s shown that he can make that shot, and he’s a skilled player,” head coach Michael Malone said. “To his point, you don’t want any of your bigs to become reliant upon the shot. He’s one of your best finishers around the basket. … If he’s open from the 3-point line, sure. Feel the game, feel the situation, but we like putting him at the post and at the elbows, and his versatility is what makes him such a special player.“
- Jokic is making a case for the Most Improved Player of the Year award, Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post says. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is well aware of how impressive his young center has been. “The numbers that Nikola Jokic are putting up are just a joke,” he said.
Westbrook Sets New Triple-Double Record
When fans pictured the game in which Russell Westbrook recorded his record-setting 42nd triple-double, it would have certainly been impressive, but few could have conceptualized that the game that pushed him ahead of Oscar Robertson would involve a 50-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist stat line and a game-winning buzzer beater.
Alas, that’s exactly what happened.
Just days after clinching a triple-double average for the season, Westbrook went to work chasing history. Had the 28-year-old not managed to complete the feat Sunday, he’d have had two more chances before the end of the season on Wednesday.
Westbrook’s historic triple-double came on an assist when Semaj Christon nailed a jumper and it was at that moment that the Big O’s 55-year, 1961-62 record fell.
A run of seven triple doubles from March 22 to April 4 put the guard in position to tie Robertson’s mark but he was thwarted twice this week against the Grizzlies and Suns. Consider the Nuggets more welcoming of history.
Pacific Notes: Labissiere, Randle, Suns
The Kings have done a fine job giving their young big men an opportunity to develop this season, as Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee recounts. For 2016 28th overall pick Skal Labissiere, the opportunities let him show all the teams that passed on him what they’re missing.
Sparsely used in the first three months of the season as the Kings flirted with the idea of the competing for the postseason, Labissiere has seen more time on the court as the year has progressed. In three April games, the 21-year-old has played 29.0 minutes per.
“I’m feeling a little more comfortable out there,” the Kings center said. “It’s me learning at my own pace, not getting rushed, learning how to see things on the court. […] I’m nowhere near [physically] where I want to be. But this should be a fun summer. Lots of time with the weights, and working on all aspects of my game.”
There’s more out of the Pacific Division:
- It’s harder to deny the appeal of tanking when your draft picks are tied up in previously negotiated trades. Such was the case when the Lakers and Kings met Friday, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports. The Lakers had incentive to lose in order to keep their top-3 protected pick. The Kings had incentive to lose to keep their top-10 protected pick. (The Lakers won).
- The Suns have undergone an extensive evaluation period over the course of the final months of the regular season. Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic takes a thorough look at what we’ve been able to learn from it.
- Count Kentucky head coach John Calipari among Julius Randle‘s biggest supporters, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News writes. Calipari recently spoke with Lakers coach Luke Walton about the forward. “If you can just get a bunch of guys that will fight every possession, you’re winning,” Calipari told Walton. “The dude is going to fight.“
Jazz Notes: Favors, Neto, Stayward
After missing an entire month with a knee injury, Jazz big man Derrick Favors returned to the court Friday and looked excellent in his debut. Tim MacMahon of ESPN said that the 25-year-old’s play was extremely encouraging.
It’s been a relative down year for Favors, at least compared to the last two seasons, but lingering knee issues could be to blame for the statistical downfall. Now Favors is back with an explosiveness that MacMahon notes he’s lacked in 2016/17.
Favors added 13 points and 5 rebounds in his 17 minute return to action on Friday and averages 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on the season. If the forward continues to play free of knee woes, we could see those averages climb higher come playoff time.
There’s more from the Jazz:
- Backup Jazz point guard Raul Neto injured his left ankle Saturday and was forced to miss the remainder of the contest, an Associated Press report says. Neto was playing in his first game back after a five-game absence related to a groin injury.
- The Jazz formally clinched the Northwest Division Friday, the team said on its official website. This is their first division title since 2007/08.
- Fans are pulling out all the stops to keep Gordon Hayward in Utah. A billboard with the phrase “Stayward” emblazoned across it has been installed locally as the Jazz small forward nears free agency. “Will it have any influence? Of course it will have influence,” Hayward told Aaron Falk of the Salt Lake Tribune. “It’s always nice to be loved.”
- The Jazz deserve credit for how they’ve managed to contend despite the rash of injuries they’ve endured this season, writes Randy Hollis of the Deseret News.
Pelicans Sign Quinn Cook To Two-Year Deal
4:08pm: The signing is official, the Pelicans announced on their website.
9:14am: The Pelicans will sign Quinn Cook to a two-year deal, Chris Haynes of ESPN tweets. The signing comes after the guard played out a second 10-day contract with the franchise.
In six games with the Pels, Cook has averaged just 2.7 points in 6.0 minutes per game but this latest stint with the franchise isn’t the undrafted rookie’s first in New Orleans. In September, Cook was signed by the team but ultimately released prior to the start of the regular season.
The 24-year-old had previously inked a 10-day contract with the Mavericks in February.
Earlier this week, Oleh Kosel of SB Nation’s The Bird Writes blog, wrote about how Cook could fill a role with the Pelicans similar to Patty Mills‘ with the Spurs.
Week In Review: 4/1/17 – 4/8/17
As the playoffs creep ever closer, the highlights of this April week are the returns of several prominent players to playoff-bound contenders. The week also saw a number of younger players audition on short-term contracts and, ahem, the announcement of an NFL Pro Bowler’s NBA debut. Seriously. April Fools’ Day was last week.
Transactions
- The Bucks released forward Terrence Jones.
- The Magic released guard C.J. Wilcox.
- The Nets signed guard Archie Goodwin.
- The Pelicans signed guard Quinn Cook.
- The Bucks signed guard Gary Payton II.
- The Sixers signed forward Alex Poythress.
- The Magic signed forward Marcus Georges-Hunt.
- The Pelicans signed forward Axel Toupane.
- The Magic signed guard Patricio Garino.
Injuries
- After a 19-game absence, Kevin Durant is returning for the Warriors.
- After a 21-game absence, Kyle Lowry is returned for the Raptors.
- After an 11-game absence, Dwyane Wade is returning for the Bulls.
- A torn meniscus will sideline Knicks guard Derrick Rose for the remainder of the season.
- A broken hand will keep Rockets forward Sam Dekker out of action for 3-4 weeks.
News
- The NBA projected that there will be a $101MM salary cap in 2017/18.
- The Mavs will make Tony Romo a “Maverick for a Day“, whatever that means. He’s not expected to play in the team’s home finale Tuesday (but we can hope).
- Former Knicks star Patrick Ewing has been hired to coach at the Georgetown University, his alma matter.
- Forward LeBron James supports the idea of the Cavaliers extending general manager David Griffin.
- The Sixers were granted an injury exception (which they used to sign Alex Poythress)
- The Lakers shut down guard Nick Young for the remainder of the season.
- The Pistons likely shut down guard Reggie Jackson for the rest of the season.
Rumors
- The Knicks are interested in retaining Ron Baker, who is set to hit restricted free agency this summer.
- The Mavericks will be looking for a pass-first point guard in the offseason.
- General manager Rob Hennigan insists that the “leaked white board” photo does not hint at Magic‘s offseason plans.
Atlantic Notes: Lopez, Rodriguez, Saric
Make no mistake, Brook Lopez has carved out a legacy with Nets, that’s the result of nine years of consistent production Filip Bondy of the New York Times writes. In nearly a decade with the franchise, Lopez has played in two states with 109 different teammates and is now closing in on the franchise scoring record.
In 560 career games with the Nets, Lopez has averaged 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The 29-year-old veteran has endured countless trade rumors and come out as content as anybody could expect.
“I definitely think I’m lucky,” he told Bondy of his time with the Nets, the only team he’s ever known. “When people look back on me and my career, I’d like them to say I was one of the people who helped start something big in Brooklyn. Started a legacy where players want to come and play.”
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- The Sixers have formally ruled point guard Sergio Rodriguez out for the remainder of the season, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Pompey also notes that he’s the sixth member of the team to be ruled out for the season.
- The Raptors have no intention of resting their players in the final week of the regular season, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star says. Point guard Kyle Lowry says that the team can’t relax prior to the postseason.
- First-year forward Dario Saric is battling plantar fasciitis and is on a minutes restriction but that hasn’t prevented him from playing as hard as possible for the Sixers, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The result is a palpable sense of urgency. “It’s like somebody just gorging at a buffet,” head coach Brett Brown said of his rookie’s appetite for scoring the ball.
- Expect the return of Kyle Lowry to guide the Raptors to more three-point attempts, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star writes. At least that’s what head coach Dwane Casey foresees. “We were great for a while, and then for a long period of time we were turning down three-point shots,” he said. “For the rhythm of the offence, for their confidence, for their ability to make those shots, you’ve got to take them.“
Hoops Rumors Originals: 4/1/17 – 4/8/17
Throughout the week, the Hoops Rumors staff likes to publish original content to supplement our news feed. Here are some of our favorites from the week that was.
- Upcoming restricted free agents who don’t meet a predetermined starter criteria will see the value of the qualifying offers they’re eligible for change thanks to the new CBA. We broke down the players affected by the new rules including Nerlens Noel and Alex Len.
- A sidelined Dion Waiters has contributed to Josh Richardson‘s fantasy stock rising. Get more insight into the fantasy basketball landscape from our resident expert. It’s playoff time.
- You asked why the Knicks wouldn’t just outright release Carmelo Anthony in our latest Weekly Mailbag? We answered. We also weigh in on who we’re hearing floated as the top high school recruit in the country. (Now hurry and submit questions for next week!)
- As always, we took a look at some of the best NBA content from the blogosphere, here’s what we came up with – including one piece that suggest the Raptors should, gulp, sign and trade Kyle Lowry.
- We like to extend the floor to our readers to weigh in on controversial topics in the NBA. Here are the best Community Shootarounds from this week:
- A number of notable figures were passed over for Hall of Fame nods this year, including Chris Webber and Rudy Tomjanovich. Who do you think was most deserving?
- When North Carolina won the NCAA Tournament we got thinking about who the best UNC alum might be. Let’s narrow the scope to those who played under the tutelage of current head coach Roy Williams (who started in 2003). Who do you think the best Roy Williams-coached North Carolina product is?
- A mid-season trade that sent Lou Williams from the Lakers to the Rockets (oh hello, Eric Gordon) altered the Sixth Man of The Year landscape but members of the media will have to determine a winner regardless. Who do you think wins the year-end award?
- Chords were struck when NBA players put up last minute field-goal attempts in games that were already decided. Wade Baldwin IV is the latest individual to be condemned for it. Do you think it’s appropriate for winning teams to shoot at the buzzer?
- Miss last week’s Hoops Rumors Originals summary? Look back on it here.
Community Shootaround: Shooting At The Buzzer In Decided Game
Count Courtney Lee among the latest NBA players to complain about opponents putting up shots in the final seconds of a decided game. On Friday night the Grizzlies laid waste to Lee’s Knicks, culminating in rookie Wade Baldwin IV standing at half-court with the ball and a 10-point lead as the game clock neared expiration.
Just before time ran out, however, Baldwin hoisted a deep three and nailed it. The basket pushed the Grizzlies above the triple-digit mark earning Memphis fans in attendance free chicken.
Lee, unhappy to lose by 10 but considerably angrier losing by 13, went after the rookie but was thwarted by a handful of Grizzlies veterans.
“For him to do that, what are you doing it for, bro?,” Lee told Marc Berman of the New York Post. “Think about the people who’s doing it. They got bad luck in this league. … I don’t know what made him want to do it.”
Lee’s reaction is a common one among NBA players but should it be?
Just last week Lance Stephenson incited his own commotion by adding a layup in the final seconds of a win over the Raptors. Then, Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan called the moot field goal “disrespectful to the game“. This, naturally, was followed up by Stephenson exposing an instance of DeRozan’s teammate Norman Powell doing similar to the Sixers earlier this season.
Ultimately, the NBA and fan community that drives it need to decide what is permissible in the waning seconds of a ball game and what’s just sour grapes. In response to the Stephenson/Raptors theatrics, Bobby Marks of The Vertical tweeted “I’m so tired of these unwritten rules in basketball. If you don’t want a player to shoot at the end of the game then play some D.”
On one hand, it’s easy to empathize with players like Lee or DeRozan who see the unnecessary field-goal attempts as salt in the wounds of a fresh defeat. On the other, its a thin line expecting everybody to subscribe to the same unwritten rules of a game.
Should players adopt Marks’ stance and play defense if preserving a spread is so important to them? Or should players on the winning end know not to shoot when the game is out of reach?
Factors to consider are that some veterans will go so far as to let the shot clock expire before hoisting a shot at the buzzer resulting in their being assigned a turnover. Another is the fan factor, such as that which was in effect for Baldwin IV. Reaching certain point milestones, usually 100 points, can sometimes trigger benefits for fans in attendance. Does this impact the appropriateness of a last second basket?
You tell us in the comments below!