Pistons Notes: Burks, Ivey, Duren, Injuries, Knox
The Pistons finally got some good news on the injury front. Key reserve Alec Burks returned on Sunday against Chicago after missing six games with a forearm injury. Jaden Ivey was also back in action after missing four games due to a viral infection.
Coach Monty Williams was pleased to have more answers on his bench, Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press tweets.
“It helps settle the rotation down a bit,” Williams said. “You don’t have to stress guys out with long stretches of minutes. And then having the shooting out there, and AB’s IQ and calm demeanor, certainly helps.”
Burks, who scored 16 points in the loss to the Bulls, is on an expiring contract and could be a key trade piece.
We have more on the Pistons:
- Second-year center Jalen Duren has been in and out of the lineup recently due to bilateral ankle soreness. He was unable to finish Friday’s game against Philadelphia. Williams didn’t have a timeline for Duren’s return when he spoke to the media on Sunday, Sankofa tweets. “We’ll see how he responds to the treatment, all that stuff,” Williams said. “I don’t want to speculate on how long. We just don’t wanna put him back out there again, and he plays a short stint and comes out again. We just want to be really careful.”
- Detroit has now lost eight straight, but Williams wouldn’t use injuries — Bojan Bogdanovic, Monte Morris, Isaiah Livers haven’t played this season and Joe Harris is also sidelined — as an excuse for the team’s record, Sankofa writes. “Not gonna happen,” Williams said. “We can throw that out the window. We’ve shown that we can play against anybody. We have to sustain it. Everybody we put on the floor is trained to produce and be productive for four quarters. We’re not doing that. We’re not gonna blame anything on injuries.”
- Kevin Knox is back with the Pistons on a one-year deal. Knox, who was traded by Detroit to Portland prior to last year’s deadline, told Mike Curtis of The Detroit News he’s thrilled to get a second stint with the Pistons. Knox also relayed the message that GM Troy Weaver gave him. “He just told me what they wanted from me,” Knox said. “They need a lot of shooting and playing hard on defense. Just fitting in with the guys. You got a young team, got a couple of older guys a little banged up but he just told me I have to come in and play my game and play hard.”
- Knox scored a team-high 18 points off the bench on Sunday in his first game since he was signed. “It wasn’t just his offense. His defense was sound for someone who hasn’t been in our program,” Williams said via another Sankofa tweet.
Northwest Notes: Grant, Kessler, Collins, George, Holiday, Jokic
With Damian Lillard traded and Anfernee Simons injured, Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is averaging a career-high 22.8 points through eight games. Grant was the focal point of Detroit’s offense in 2020/21, when he averaged 22.3 PPG, so he’s familiar with being a No. 1 option. Yet it remains an unusual role for him.
“I’m pushing Jerami to shoot it more because we need it,” Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups told Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian. “A lot of times he has opportunities and it’s not his nature to do so.”
Grant signed a five-year, $160MM contract with the Blazers this summer.
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Walker Kessler‘s elbow sprain will delay the answer to a key question for the Jazz. Can John Collins and Kessler be effective together? Sarah Todd of the Deseret News notes that the spacing on offense is better without Collins and Kessler on the court together, but the defense is even weaker. Utah has allowed more than 120 points in its last four games.
- On a positive note for the Jazz, rookie Keyonte George has been poised and measured well beyond his years even before he was thrust into a starting role, Tony Jones of The Athletic writes. Jones notes that Jordan Clarkson has scored a combined 59 points in two games since George took over at the point and Lauri Markkanen had an efficient offensive game against the Grizzlies on Friday.
- Journeyman Justin Holiday hasn’t played much for the Nuggets this season but he’s gotten an up close look at the brilliance of Nikola Jokic, who is posting MVP-style numbers again. “No matter who comes in here, who does what, Jokic doesn’t get too high or too low,” Holiday told Harrison Wind of TheDnvr.com. “I know he enjoys playing basketball, but if you saw him — I know a lot of people talk about his expressions — he just goes out there, he’s going to kill you, and then go onto the next game. He doesn’t care about the personal accolades, which I think is pretty cool.” Denver added Holiday, who has played in three games, on a one-year deal this summer.
Hornets’ Bridges To Play Major Role After Suspension
Hornets forward Miles Bridges will jump right into the rotation when his suspension is lifted on Friday, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports (hat tip to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports).
That may come as a surprise to some, in light of Bridges’ most recent domestic violence allegations.
Bridges was suspended for the first 10 games of this season. That concluded an NBA investigation into the original domestic violence incident that forced him to miss all of last season while his legal case played out. He signed a one-year, $7.92MM qualifying offer as a restricted free agent in July.
“I think he’ll be ready to play. He’s in practice every day,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “So, he’s been well organized when he’s there. He’s in really good shape. He’s worked hard. I’ll be honest, we’ve been playing every other day… But he will have a significant role right away.”
Bridges will be eligible to play against Milwaukee on Friday.
His latest off-the-court incident occurred on Oct. 6 during a custody exchange at Bridges’ residence in Charlotte. The 25-year-old allegedly threw billiard balls at his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle while their two children were inside it, which smashed the windshield and dented her car. A criminal summons issued for Bridges also stated that he threatened his former girlfriend.
The CBA requires the NBA to let the legal process to play out. The team could have taken action, but that hasn’t happened. As Clifford said, Bridges has been attending practices regularly during his suspension.
Bridges is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to answer a summons tied to a violation of a protective order from January, which is separate from the October incident.
Hawks’ Bufkin, Gueye Will Miss Extended Time
The Hawks will be without two of their rookies for an extended period, according to a team press release.
Guard Kobe Bufkin underwent an X-ray and medical review on his fractured left thumb on Saturday. His return to play timeline is eight-to-10 weeks from the date of injury, which occurred on Nov. 2.
Bufkin was injured during a practice with the team’s G League club, the College Park Skyhawks.
Bufkin, a guard out of Michigan, was the first player taken outside the lottery this June. The 15th overall pick has made two cameo appearances with the Hawks.
Forward Mouhamed Gueye, who has missed the last two games with a right lower back strain, underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed a right low back stress fracture. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Like Bufkin, Gueye made two brief NBA appearances prior to the injury.
Gueye was the 39th overall pick, which the Hawks acquired in a draft-night trade with the Celtics. Gueye signed a four-year, $7.64MM deal in July.
Jordan McLaughlin Has Knee Sprain, Out At Least One Month
Jordan McLaughlin has played sparingly for the Timberwolves so far this season and he won’t play at all for at least the next month.
McLaughlin underwent an MRI on Tuesday that revealed a right knee MCL sprain, according to a team press release. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.
McLaughlin was injured during a four-minute stint against Boston on Monday. He has appeared in five games last season.
It’s a rough blow for a 27-year-old reserve who will be a free agent after the season. He had his $2.32MM salary for this season guaranteed prior to the start of free agency in July.
A member of the Timberwolves since the 2019/20 season, McLaughlin appeared in 43 games last season and a career-high 62 in 2021/22. He sports career averages of 4.6 points and 3.4 assists in 16.4 minutes over 197 career games.
Injury Notes: Harris, Rozier, Middleton, Plumlee, Rose, Hachimura
The Pistons, who have been hit by a wave of injuries in the early going, got some more bad news on Tuesday. Joe Harris has an AC sprain in his shoulder and will be reevaluated in 10-to-14 days, James Edwards III of The Athletic tweets.
Detroit had six other players out on Monday against Golden State due to injury or illness. Harris, acquired from Brooklyn during the offseason, has averaged a modest 3.4 points in 14 minutes this season. He’s in the final year of his four-year, $75MM contract.
We have more injury-related news:
- Hornets starting guard Terry Rozier will miss at least the next two games. He underwent an MRI which confirmed a left adductor strain, the team’s PR department tweets.
- Bucks forward Khris Middleton will have the night off against the Pistons on Wednesday due to right knee injury management, Eric Nehm of The Athletic tweets.
- Clippers backup center Mason Plumlee has been diagnosed with a left knee MCL sprain, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and Adrian Wojnarowski. Plumlee is undergoing further evaluation, but he’ll miss at least the next two games.
- Derrick Rose has missed the last three games due to left knee soreness and he’s “week-to-week,” according to coach Taylor Jenkins, as Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal relays. He’s among eight Grizzlies players who will be sidelined when Memphis faces Miami on Wednesday, the team’s PR department tweets. John Konchar (hip strain) is listed as doubtful.
- Rui Hachimura is listed as probable by the Lakers for their contest against Houston on Wednesday after missing four games while in concussion protocol, Khobi Price of the Orange County Register tweets.
Community Shootaround: Chicago Bulls
Now that the latest James Harden saga has been resolved, there’s no obvious major trade to be made in the coming weeks.
Activity might perk up a bit in mid-December, when many of the players who signed contracts as free agents this offseason will be trade-eligible again.
There are rumblings surrounding one particular team. The Chicago Bulls, possessing a roster of high-priced veterans, finished last season at 40-42 and lost in the play-in tournament.
Many wondered whether the front office would make major changes this summer and perhaps even begin a full rebuild. That didn’t happen. Instead, it took a “run it back” approach with only minor changes.
The Bulls re-signed center Nikola Vucevic and added under-the-radar free agents like Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig.
It hasn’t gone well for Chicago in the first two weeks of the season. The Bulls have a 3-5 record and there have already been some tense moments.
Vucevic reportedly exchanged words with coach Billy Donovan after the season opener. A players-only meeting was supposedly held after the regular season opener, even though Zach LaVine downplayed it, saying it was a “basketball conversation.” LaVine was criticized after a loss to Brooklyn on Friday for not taking responsibility for defensive errors.
The club declined to give Patrick Williams a rookie scale extension last month and the 2020 lottery pick has already been replaced in the starting lineup.
Lonzo Ball, of course, won’t play this season as he continues to rehab from his knee injuries.
Then there’s DeMar DeRozan, who will be a free agent after the season if he doesn’t sign an extension. DeRozan has said he’s not the type to ask for a trade, but he’d have value for a contender looking for that final piece.
Chicago could also get a nice trade package for LaVine, one of the most gifted scorers in the league. Vucevic isn’t eligible to be traded until Dec. 28 but he could attract interest from a team in need of a starting center.
Alex Caruso is another player that many contenders would covet if he’s made available.
On the flip side, it’s still very early. A nice winning streak would settle things down and quiet the speculation. Chicago defeated Utah 130-113 on Monday and Donovan noted the team played with better “spirit.”
That brings us to our topic of the day: Do you think the Bulls will make some major moves and revamp their roster this season? If so, which players do you believe are most likely to be dealt?
Please take to the comments section to weigh on this topic. We look forward to your input.
Central Notes: Umude, Stewart, Theis, Giannis
Pistons two-way player Stanley Umude made the most of his opportunity to play on Monday, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press writes. With Detroit missing seven players due to injuries and illness, Umude received extended minutes off the bench and supplied 15 points against Golden State.
Umude thanked coach Monty Williams afterward.
“It meant a lot to me because it showed that he was watching me and he cared about what I was doing, no matter what my contract situation is,” Umude said. “It meant a lot for me just going into the game with focus. It’s not even about making shots. It’s just about being ready to play, being ready to help the team in any way I can.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- Isaiah Stewart put in plenty of work during the summer with the aim of becoming a stretch four, as James Edwards III of The Athletic details. The Pistons power forward even spent extensive hours in a YMCA in Rochester, N.Y. trying to refine his shooting stroke. Trainer Scott Finch tweaked his release and Stewart has made 46.4% of his 3-point attempts this season. “I feel like I can shoot with the best,” said Stewart, who signed a four-year extension this summer.
- Daniel Theis, who expressed displeasure with his lack of minutes, hasn’t been able to crack the Pacers’ rotation and coach Rick Carlisle explained his reasoning, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star tweets. “Jalen Smith has really won the (backup center) position. … Daniel is a very good player, no question about it, and he’s working really hard to stay ready. I know he doesn’t like sitting, but he’s being professional about it,” Carlisle said. Smith is averaging 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds. The club holds a $9,522,404 option on Theis’ contract for next season, which seems likely to be declined.
- The Bucks have won their last two games, but Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t happy with the team’s defense. Milwaukee gave up 125 points to Brooklyn on Monday. “I hope we can be better defensively,” Antetokounmpo told Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I feel like our gaps wasn’t tight. Guys felt comfortable going one-on-one and getting to the rim, drawing fouls. Our help defense has got to be better.”
Pacific Notes: James, Bates-Diop, Curry, Mann
The Lakers were unhappy enough about the officiating in their one-point loss to Miami on Monday that they complained to the league office, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
They were particularly upset about non-calls involving LeBron James, believing Heat defenders were allowed to get away with illegal contact. He only shot four free throws. Coach Darvin Ham spoke about it after the game.
“I see Bron shooting four free throws and the amount of times he attacked the rim, the amount of times he was slapped on the arm, which I could see plain as day, for that not to be called, man … he’s not flopping,” Ham said.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Keita Bates-Diop is providing the Suns’ starting lineup with a little more size, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic notes. Bates-Diop’s presence at power forward allows Kevin Durant to slide to the small forward spot. “He’s giving good length and defense and rebounding,” coach Frank Vogel said. Bates-Diop was signed to a two-year, veteran’s minimum contract this summer that includes a player option.
- Stephen Curry will turn 36 in March and he could become the oldest player to win the Most Valuable Player award if he keeps up his current pace, Kendra Andrews of ESPN notes. Curry is averaging 30.9 points on 55.1% shooting from the field, 46.5% from beyond the arc and 94.4% from the free throw line. “The sky is the limit,” Klay Thompson said. “He might change the narrative of what it looks like to be elite till you’re 40. LeBron is doing the same and Steph is following suit.”
- Terance Mann is listed as questionable to play against Brooklyn on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. When Mann is available, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer believes the Clippers wing should start ahead of Russell Westbrook. He would provide better defense, spot-up shooting, and cutting in a starting unit in need of those qualities, O’Connor opines.
Jamal Murray Sidelined By Hamstring Strain
The Nuggets will go without their backcourt star for an indefinite period.
Coach Michael Malone revealed on Monday that Jamal Murray will be sidelined for multiple games due to a right hamstring strain, according to Bennett Durando of the Denver Post.
“We’ll kind of continue to talk to our doctors, but his injury is not a one- or two-game injury,” Malone said prior to Denver’s game against New Orleans. “That’s what I do know. This will be something that will be longer than we would like.
“… You have to have the big picture in mind and make sure we’re putting him in position to get healthy before he comes back. Because this is an injury that, if you keep having recurring hamstring injuries or soft tissue injuries, they can linger and become even worse. And that’s the one thing we do not want to happen.”
Murray suffered the strain during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Chicago.
Without him, the Nuggets will rely on veteran Reggie Jackson, who had been serving as the team’s sixth man. Two-way player Collin Gillespie and rookie second-round draft pick Jalen Pickett could see more action at the point, while shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope may have more ball-handling responsibilities.
Rookie guard Julian Strawther will also see his minutes uptick. He had 21 points in 19 minutes in Denver’s victory over the Pelicans.
Of course, Denver also has the top passing big man in the game in Nikola Jokic.