Southwest Notes: Finney-Smith, Harrell, Forbes
Undrafted Mavericks rookie Dorian Finney-Smith has started 25 games so far this season despite barely making Dallas’ roster out of training camp. With the former Florida Gator’s partially-guaranteed contract set to guarantee on January 5, the fact that he’s managed to hold onto his spot in the starting lineup even with Dirk Nowitzki healthy bodes well.
In 22.8 minutes per game this season, the 23-year-old Finney-Smith has emerged as a capable perimeter defender for the Mavericks – even if that means being thrown into the deep end against NBA superstars like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.
“It’s great experience for young guys,” Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said of his rookie’s recent baptism by fire. “They learn a lot in a very short period of time. And some of it is very painful. But this is how you get better.”
As Eddie Sefko of Dallas News writes in the same article, the 15th and final addition to the Mavericks roster last fall has already beaten the odds.
That’s not all out of the Southwest Division:
- Veteran Gary Neal, who signed a contract to play in the D-League last month, has been traded to the Texas Legends says Chris Reichert of The Step Back. The Legends are the affiliate of the Mavericks.
- Rockets big man Montrezl Harrell has filled in admirably for the injured Clint Capela and head coach Mike D’Antoni is pleased with what he’s seen so far. A video published by ESPN’s Alykhan Bijani over Twitter shows the Houston coach shutting down any concerns that he’s worried about the center’s relatively low rebounding numbers (7.8 rebounds per 36 minutes versus Capela’s 12.0).
- Undrafted rookie Bryn Forbes has thrived with the D-League affiliate of the Spurs this season, writes Jeff Garcia of News 4 San Antonio. In games for Austin, the Michigan State product is averaging 23.4 points per game and shooting an impressive .563 from the field. Forbes remains behind Danny Green, Manu Ginobili and Jonathon Simmons on the depth chart, but will likely see time in and out of San Antonio as the year progresses.
Celtics Already Have Star In Isaiah Thomas
When Danny Ainge traded Marcus Thornton and a draft pick to the Suns for Isaiah Thomas, few regarded it as a franchise-altering deal. Fast forward to 2017, however, and the 5’9″ scoring point guard has made a name for himself as both the Celtics’ most dependable option and perhaps the team-leading star they’re so often said to be seeking.
Even with the addition of Al Horford, who signed a max contract to play in Boston last summer, Thomas has stepped up and carried the team on a regular basis. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, he’s the biggest source of star power in Beantown since the end of the Big Three era.
Perhaps most interesting about Thomas’ ascent as an All-Star in Boston, however, is his abnormally cheap contract — especially considering the raises that have been doled out in the years since the point guard signed his deal with Phoenix in 2014.
As Washburn explains, Thomas’ contract comes in the form of an extremely team-friendly $6.6M salary, with that value even dropping slightly in 2017/18. He’ll be eligible to sign a contract extension this summer, but a straight extension would only allow for a 20% pay increase, a pittance of what he’d be worth on the open market. If Boston has cap room available, the team could renegotiate the deal, giving Thomas a larger raise.
“It may not be in Thomas’s best interest to sign an extension now,” Washburn adds, “but it’s worth it for the Celtics to begin talks, and it would give Thomas the impression that the organization believes in him long term“.
Worth noting is that Ainge has long been a fan of Thomas’, even before the 2015 trade through which he acquired him. As Thomas told Josue Pavon of WEEI 93.7FM, Ainge was the first executive to come calling during the 2014 free agency period.
Southeast Notes: Reed, Zeller, Magic
Heat big man Willie Reed has seen his role increase with Hassan Whiteside out nursing an eye injury and the sophomore’s yeoman-like play could very well earn him a spot in the team’s long term plans. This summer, with the salary cap slated to rise dramatically, Reed could opt out of his player option for $1.6M and look to cash in.
Such a decision, coupled with Josh McRoberts‘ player option for $6M and Dion Waiters‘ for $3M, could factor heavily into how the Heat approach the offseason. As Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes, clearing cap space is a top priority for the club given the Chris Bosh situation, and the time is fast approaching that Pat Riley and company “accept the reality that the long view might be the only remaining perspective for this season.”
In 11.9 minutes per game for the Heat, Reed has averaged 3.9 points and 4.0 rebounds, figures that translate to 12.2 and 12.5 per 36, respectively.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Injury woes continue for the Hornets who most recently saw Cody Zeller go down Monday versus the Bulls. As Rick Bonnell writes for the Charlotte Observer, the team has placed the center in the NBA’s concussion protocol, with no timetable for a possible return.
- Head coach Erik Spoelstra signed a contract extension to remain with the Heat last week and Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders has written about just how important continuity can be in NBA clubhouses. Spoelstra is already the second-longest tenured coach in the league behind only Gregg Popovich.
- The Magic were reminded of what they could have had with the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft on Sunday. Pacers big man Myles Turner dropped 23 points and 12 rebound on his former coach Frank Vogel, while Mario Hezonja – the player Orlando did select – failed to crack double-digits in minutes for the 13th time in 14 games since November 9.
Ante Zizic Makes Jump To Euroleague
Ante Zizic, Boston’s 23rd overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft, is said to be changing teams overseas. EuroHoops.net reports via Hrvoje Sliskovic that the draft-and-stash big man is notably joining Euroleague club Darussafaka in Turkey after years with KK Cibona in Croatia.
The move will pair Zizic with former NBA coach David Blatt – a native of Boston – and will give the 19-year-old an opportunity to develop against new competition. In 24 games with KK Cibona so far this season, Zizic has averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Zizic’s stellar play in 2016/17 comes on the heels of his being named the Adriatic League’s top prospect just last year.
The six-month contract, as reported by David Pick over Twitter, will give the Celtics an opportunity to see how their young big man holds up against Euroleague caliber talent. According to Trevor Magnotti of Fansided’s The Step Back, Zizic profiles as a high-energy role player that thrives on the glass and in the pick-and-roll.
Atlantic Notes: Noel, Knicks, Booker
No matter how you want to look at the frontcourt logjam in Philadelphia, the Sixers will almost inevitably have to make a move eventually. Today, TNT analyst David Aldridge broke down several scenarios that he thinks could play out involving notably disgruntled big man Nerlens Noel.
In 2013, Noel was drafted by the Pelicans and immediately shipped to Philly in exchange for Jrue Holiday. It was one of then general manager Sam Hinkie’s first big splashes in the executive driver’s seat. A reversal of such a deal, Aldridge posits, could help both teams in 2016. While the Sixers’ need for a point guard is no secret, Noel’s presence as a stopper could take some of the defensive load off of Anthony Davis.
Aldridge also discusses packages that would hypothetically send Noel from the Sixers to the Trail Blazers, Raptors or Thunder.
That’s not all to trickle in from the Atlantic Division today:
- The Celtics could be a top-three team in the Eastern Conference and their solid, come-from-behind showing on Christmas Day served as a perfect reminder of it. According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Al Horford‘s contributions both tangible and otherwise, will play a major role in how the rest of the 2016/17 campaign pans out.
- After another disappointing loss at the hands of a plus-.500 opponent, Marc Berman of the New York Post suggests that the Knicks‘ record is hollow. After Sunday’s defeat, New York is just 3-10 against teams sitting .500 or better.
- The Nets are a rebuilding team and veterans like Trevor Booker could be just what the franchise needs to make sure that its young core develops the right way. Zach Lowe of ESPN suggests that Booker’s bully style of play will benefit young assets like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Caris LeVert.
NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 12/24/16
Here are the D-League moves from Saturday:
- The Knicks have recalled point guard Ron Baker from their D-League affiliate, according to the team’s PR department via Twitter. They have also recalled forward Maurice Ndour and center Marshall Plumlee.
- The Kings have recalled rookies Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere from their D-League affiliate in Reno, tweets Sean Cunningham of station KXTV in Sacramento.
And-Ones: Kenyon Martin, Will Bynum, 2017 NBA Draft
There have been plenty of headlines about George Karl‘s pending book release, but lost in the Carmelo Anthony barbs that have been heavily discussed in the media of late is the seemingly reignited feud between the ex-Nuggets head coach and his former power forward Kenyon Martin.
Marc Spears of The Undefeated explored the intricacies of the hostile relationship between Karl and Martin.
- Will Bynum has signed a D-League contract with the Windy City Bulls, the 33-year-old last suited it up in the NBA for the Wizards back in April 2015. In 2006, prior to his six-year stint with the Pistons, Bynum won the D-League Rookie of the Year Award.
- Justin Dentmon has signed a contract with the Shandong Bulls. The 31-year-old point guard has served brief stints with the Spurs, Raptors and Mavericks.
- Dallas Morning News beat writer Eddie Sefko explores the various ways the Mavericks could go about acquiring a superstar – and just how badly Mark Cuban wants to get one.
- There could be as many as 10-15 All-Stars in this summer’s draft class, writes Chad Ford for ESPN Insider (subscription required). The group is headlined by Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball.
Week In Review: 12/18/16 – 12/24/16
Here’s a look back at all the notable news items from around the NBA this past week, including several prominent injuries and the announcement of a new basketball league for retired NBAers:
News
- The ongoing saga in Philadelphia continues as the Sixers deliberate over what to do with their frontcourt logjam. General manager Bryan Colangelo has said that he’s content finishing the season without trading one of the team’s young centers but it’s unclear whether that will work out for the rest of the parties involved. The club drew criticism when they publicly elected to remove Nerlens Noel from the rotation, a decision that they appear to have since backed off from.
- The Pistons have plummeted below .500 on the heels of five consecutive losses. Not surprisingly, head coach Stan Van Gundy has vowed to shake things up. Since then, drama in the team’s locker room has escalated considerably, though a trade is not necessarily expected.
- DeMarcus Cousins was fined substantially by the Kings for his actions and behavior regarding the media. A video showcasing the All-Star’s past incidents with the media was published by the Sacramento Bee.
- Pat Riley has decided that it’s finally time for the Heat to rebuild. Riley lauds the team’s collection of promising young assets and promises to rebuild fast.
Business
- The NBA’s salary cap rose dramatically over the summer and could continue to rise over the next few years. According to The Vertical, the official figure could rise from the $94MM it sits at now to as much as $120MM by 2020. In 2015/16, the salary cap was just $70MM.
- NBA owners and NBA players have all ratified the new collective bargaining agreement, making the new deal official.
- The new CBA will significantly change how teams are able to sign and extend their own free agents. For James Harden and Russell Westbrook, two players that signed contract extensions last summer, some these changes will be grandfathered in allowing them to be eligible for extensions this summer as well.
- A new independent medical panel will be established to handle potential life and death cases like the one facing Chris Bosh who has been prohibited from playing for the Heat due to blood clots.
- The wheels are in motion for a new basketball league that will allow retired NBA players to compete in half-court, three-on-three tournaments. Stephen Jackson and Jason Williams are said to be among the earliest batch of players on board.
Rumors
- The injury-depleted Rockets are gauging the trade market, searching for big men to possibly add to their lineup.
- Teams have called the Grizzlies inquiring about Tony Allen and the club is open to hearing offers.
- The Nuggets have been receiving offers for 25-year-old Will Barton, but the swingman is content staying in Denver.
- He’s since denied it, but Goran Dragic was rumored to be “open to a trade” from the Heat.
Injuries
- Blake Griffin will undergo a procedure to clean up “loose bodies” in his right knee, keeping him out of action for the Clippers until the New Year.
- The Rockets will be without center Clint Capela for six weeks as the big man recovers from a left fibula fracture.
- Trail Blazers big man Festus Ezeli has elected for season-ending knee surgery. The center rushed back from an injury prematurely last season and now has his long-term health to consider.
- J.R. Smith is the latest Cavaliers rotation player to go down with an injury, the swingman’s broken thumb could keep him sidelined for 12 to 14 weeks.
- Ian Mahinmi will miss six additional weeks battling back from knee procedures. The newly inked Wizards center will now under go platelet-rich plasma treatment.
Atlantic Notes: Lowry, Nogueira, Anthony
Zach Lowe thinks that the Sixers will absolutely make a run at pending free agent Kyle Lowry this summer. The ESPN journalist spoke on his The Lowe Post podcast with Brian Windhorst Thursday, citing several reasons why the franchise could pursue the veteran Raptors point guard.
Lowry is from Philadelphia, Lowe mentions, and has played under ex-Raptors executive Bryan Colangelo previously. On top of that, the Sixers will have an exorbitant amount of cap space and could benefit from the services of a point guard should they ultimately decide to utilize Ben Simmons in ways other than as a traditional playmaker.
Worth noting is that Windhorst believes Cory Joseph to be a suitable replacement for the 30-year-old point guard while Lowe believes that such a drop off would be too much for the Raptors.
Also in the Atlantic Division:
- Raptors head coach Dwane Casey isn’t opposed to playing big men Jonas Valanciunas and Lucas Nogueira together, says Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun. Typically Nogueira has played the five but has turned heads with his energetic production this season. Casey believes Nogueira is capable of stretching out to the four.
- Former teammates are rallying around Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony this week, says Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders. The veteran was taken to task by former George Karl in an excerpt from his upcoming book. Former Nuggets players Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith, who played with Anthony and under Karl in Denver, are among those vocal.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 12/18/16 – 12/24/16
Celebrate the holidays with a look back at this week’s original content published by the Hoops Rumors staff:
- Luke Adams searched the archives for some of the most notable December trades in recent memory. Who will be this year’s Rudy Gay or Rajon Rondo?
- Chris Crouse explored some of the fantasy basketball opportunities that will open up in in the Rockets‘ frontcourt now that Clint Capela has been sidelined.
- Luke Adams scoured the basketball blogosphere for the community’s best analysis, including Dig In Denver‘s case for why Jamal Murray should start over Emmanuel Mudiay.
- There were a few contentious issues that arose in the NBA this week, so we asked readers to weigh in with their own opinions.
- The Pistons have started to fall apart, at least according to Stan Van Gundy. Was the head coach right to challenge his under-performing club so publicly in the media? What’s next for Detroit?
- The Nuggets have a logjam in their frontcourt. Should one of Nikola Jokic, Kenneth Faried or Jusuf Nurkic be moved?
- The NBA announced this week that players and the media will now be able to influence All-Star Game starters. Was this a necessary change? Was there a better way of doing things?
- The list of 2017 Hall of Fame nominees has been released and it includes individuals like Tracy McGrady and Ben Wallace. Who do you think is best deserving of a bid?
- The Cavaliers have seen several rotation pieces go down with injuries this season, most recently J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen. Do they need to make a move to accommodate?