And-Ones: Zizic, LeBron, TV Ratings, 2023 Draft
EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes will be signing former NBA big man Ante Zizic on a two-year deal, with an opt-out clause after the first season, Bugra Uzar of Eurohoops.net reports. Zizic, 25, averaged 12.2 PPG and 5.0 RPG in 21 MPG over 31 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season.
A first-round pick in 2016, Zizic spent three seasons in the NBA with the Cavaliers from 2017-20, averaging 6.0 PPG and 3.9 RPG in 113 games (13.4 MPG).
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Lakers star LeBron James has reached a net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes’ calculations, Chase Peterson-Withorn writes. James made $121.2MM last year, pushing him over the $1 billion mark. He’s the first active NBA player to make the billionaires list. Even Michael Jordan, the only other basketball billionaire, didn’t reach that mark until 2014, well after he retired.
- The NBA’s TV ratings for the postseason have risen significantly. There are number of reasons for the upswing, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, including the Warriors’ resurgence, an influx of new stars making their mark and Nielsen’s new method for collecting viewership numbers. Since September 2020, Nielsen has included out-of-home viewers as part of its tallies, including those watching at bars and restaurants.
- While many draft prospects are busy working out for NBA teams, some have dropped out and returned to school to improve their stock for the 2023 draft. Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo takes a look at six players who could make a significant jump in the next year, including Iowa’s Kris Murray and Houston’s Marcus Sasser.
Hoops Rumors Chat Transcript: 6/2/2022
The transcript for our Thursday live chat can be found here.
Join Luke Adams at noon CT on Tuesday for our next live chat.
Atlantic Notes: Horford, Udoka, Ainge, Raptors
Al Horford, who was languishing with the rebuilding Thunder a year ago, is now headed to the NBA Finals in his second stint with the Celtics and couldn’t be more grateful, Jared Weiss of The Athletic writes.
“On the phone, I would look at photos from a year ago, exactly what I was doing at the moment, and today my son actually graduated from kindergarten,” Horford said. “So I remember that we had pictures for him, and I picked him up from school, and we had the cupcakes and we had all this stuff. So it’s like perspective for me, like I always look back and see where I was just day to day. I’m just very grateful to be in this position with these guys.”
Horford, 35, has been a major factor in the Celtics’ run. He is averaging 11.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.6 BPG in the postseason. As we noted earlier, Horford now has a $19.5MM guarantee on his $26.5MM contract for next season.
“When he came back, that gave us a sense of security,” Marcus Smart said. “We got Al back there, he’s always going to make the right play on both ends.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Ime Udoka was the runner-up for numerous head coaching jobs but is glad that he wound up with the Celtics instead of a rebuilding team, he told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “You really want me to tell you? Detroit, Indiana, Cleveland,” Udoka said of the jobs he nearly got. “I can go down the list. That was tough because I believe I was ready. But I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of an organization that’s pushing for winning and championships. You can be in a lot of different situations. There are only 30 teams and I get that, but to not be in a rebuild and being in an expectation pressure-filled situation, I wouldn’t trade that in any day.”
- In an interview with Heavy.com’s Steve Bulpett, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge offered high praise to the man who replaced him in Boston, former Celtics coach Brad Stevens. Getting Kemba Walker‘s contract off the books was a particularly shrewd move, according to Ainge. “I think that, by moving Kemba, it allowed Marcus, Jaylen (Brown) and Jayson (Tatum) and Robert Williams to really thrive in positional size, with Horford taking up a big responsibility in the front line for Robert and moving Jaylen, Jayson and Marcus to their positions where they can have size advantages.”
- Fred VanVleet can re-enter the free agent market with a player option next summer and The Athletic’s John Hollinger believes the Raptors should pursue an extension with him in the range of $25MM annually. Hollinger and Eric Koreen takes a closer look at all the Raptors’ free agent, draft and extension decisions.
Poll: Golden State Warriors Vs. Boston Celtics
The last two teams standing have plenty of history in the NBA Finals.
The Celtics will be seeking to break their tie with the Lakers for the most NBA championships. They’ve both won it 17 times, though Boston hasn’t captured the Larry O’Brien trophy since 2008 and hasn’t reached the Finals since 2010.
The Warriors will be seeking their fourth title in eight years — they won it in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
Defense has been the calling card of both teams. They finished first and second in the regular season in defensive field goal percentage — Boston held opponents to 43.4% shooting, while Golden State limited opponents to 43.8% shooting. They are second and third in that category in the postseason behind Milwaukee.
Both teams have versatile players who can guard multiple positions. Boston has the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, Golden State has former DPOY Draymond Green.
Offensively, the Celtics rely on their wings while the Warriors lean on their guards. Boston’s Jayson Tatum (27.0 PPG in this postseason) and Jaylen Brown (22.9 PPG) are capable of taking over games at any time. Of course, Golden State has the Splash Brothers. Stephen Curry (25.9 PPG) and Klay Thompson (19.8 PPG) are just as dangerous as ever and they’ve got plenty of support from 22-year-old Jordan Poole (18.4 PPG).
The Smart-Curry matchup could set the tone for the series. Andrew Wiggins will draw either Tatum or Brown.
The Celtics’ frontcourt of veteran Al Horford and Robert Williams, with a big assist from Grant Williams, will go toe-to-toe with Green and one of the postseason’s biggest surprises, Kevon Looney.
With the home court advantage and championship experience, Golden State enters the Finals as the favorite. However, Boston’s defense and dynamic scoring duo can’t be underestimated.
So now it’s your turn to decide how the Finals will play out. Vote in our poll, then head to the comments section below to share your thoughts!
Which team will win the 2022 NBA Finals?
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Golden State Warriors in 6-7 games 44% (1,568)
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Boston Celtics in 6-7 games 36% (1,265)
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Golden State Warriors in 4-5 games 17% (603)
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Boston Celtics in 4-5 games 3% (95)
Total votes: 3,531
Draft Notes: Murray, Cardwell, Harvey, Oduro, Battle
Long Beach State’s Joel Murray is taking his name out the draft and returning to college, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports tweets. The senior guard averaged 16.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG and 2.8 APG last season.
We have more draft decisions to pass along:
- Dylan Cardwell has decided to return to Auburn, Rothstein tweets. Cardwell has been a reserve for the Tigers the past two seasons. He averaged 3.0 PPG and 3.0 RPG in 11.5 MPG last season.
- Well-traveled D.J. Harvey is expected to remain in the draft, Jeff Goodman of Stadium tweets. He played at Detroit last season after two years at Notre Dame and another at Vanderbilt. He averaged 8.2 PPG and 5.6 RPG for the Titans.
- Josh Oduro is withdrawing from the draft and heading back to George Mason, Goodman tweets. He averaged 17.7 PPG and 7.5 RPG for the Patriots last season.
- Temple’s Khalif Battle will return to school next season, his father told Rothstein (Twitter link). Battle later posted a cryptic tweet that read, “If it didn’t come out my mouth don’t believe it,” but given the lack of a clear denial, we’re assuming for now that Battle, who missed most of last season with a foot injury, will head back to college.
Heat Notes: Lowry, Butler, Tucker, Strus
Kyle Lowry looks at the Heat’s loss in the conference finals as a “waste” of a season, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Lowry missed eight postseason games due to a hamstring injury and struggled to regain the form that made him so effective in Toronto.
“I wish I would have been able to play a little bit better, at a higher level, but I didn’t,” Lowry said. “It just adds fuel. You don’t know how many more opportunities you will have to get back to this, so for me, honestly it was a waste of a year. “I only play to win championships. It was fun, and I appreciate my teammates, and I appreciate the opportunity. But for me, it’s a waste of a year. You’re… not winning a championship, it’s a wasted year.”
Lowry has two years left on his three-year, $85MM contract.
We have more on the Heat:
- Jimmy Butler scored a combined 82 points in Games 6 and 7 but the Heat still came up short. He vows that Miami will be back in the Eastern Conference Finals again next season, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. “We had enough (pieces),” Butler said. “Next year, we will have enough and we’re going to be right back in the same situation, and we’re going to get it done.”
- P.J. Tucker only played 17 minutes in Game 7 and coach Erik Spoelstra hinted it was injury-related, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald tweets. Tucker had been listed on the injury report with left knee irritation but it’s unclear if that was the issue. Tucker can opt out of his $7.35MM contract for next season and become a free agent this summer.
- Max Strus had a 3-pointer overturned after several minutes of game action during the third quarter of Game 7. The NBA replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey deemed that Strus was out of bounds. Spoelsta was frustrated about the length of time between the shot and the overturn decision, Nick Friedell of ESPN writes. “I’m sure they will look at that, and we’ll probably be the case study for it,” Spoelstra said. “I’m OK if it happens the way it used to. They would look at it at the next foul or break and look at it and notice it, but it was probably 10 minutes of real time — somebody check on that.”
CJ McCollum Joins ESPN As NBA Analyst
Draymond Green joined Turner Sports on a multi-year deal in January. Another prominent active player is following in his footsteps.
Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has joined ESPN as a multi-platform NBA analyst, the broadcasting giant announced in a press release.
His new responsibilities will begin on Thursday, coinciding with Game 1 of the Finals. McCollum, the current NBPA President, will appear as part of NBA Finals: Celebrating 75, ESPN2’s alternate presentation for Game 1.
McCollum will work with ESPN to develop a new podcast, Joe Reedy of The Associated Press relays. He will also be an analyst on games during coverage of the NBA Summer League as well as some appearances on studio shows throughout the year.
“It is my honor to be joining the ESPN family in this new role and I am excited to bring what I feel is my unique perspective, based on my vast knowledge of the game that I’ve gained during my nine years as a player in the NBA,” McCollum said. “To have an opportunity to put my journalism background to use on the largest stage with the many talented professionals at ESPN is a dream come true.”
Numerous current WNBA players have appeared on ESPN in a variety of roles, including Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike, who has been working for the network since 2018.
McCollum gives the network a prominent and outspoken presence on its NBA broadcasts.
David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of NBA and Studio Production, said in a statement, “CJ is one of the most respected players in the NBA, which is evident by his role as President of the NBA PA. Furthermore, he’s an extremely talented member of – and leader on – one of the most interesting teams in the league: the New Orleans Pelicans. CJ’s commitment to this opportunity, combined with his passion for journalism and sports broadcasting, will be a clear benefit for NBA fans.”
Micic Seeking NBA Move; OKC May Deal His Rights
Serbian star Vasilije Micic is leaning toward making the jump to the NBA next season but not necessarily to the team that owns his rights, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com (hat tip to RealGM).
The Thunder acquired Micic’s draft rights from the 76ers, who drafted him in the second round in 2014, in December 2020. With a glut of guards on the OKC roster, Micic’s agent is working with the team to trade his rights once again, this time to a team looking for backcourt help.
Micic stated earlier this month he was mulling a move to the NBA. “If this option comes out, I would be ready to risk (it),” he said.
He won his second consecutive Final Four MVP trophy in Europe this spring playing for Anadolu Efes in Turkey. The 28-year-old signed a three-year extension with Anadolu Efes last summer that contains an escape clause after each season.
Draft Notes: Hollatz, Baldwin Jr., Guerrier, Slawson, Bothwell, Akot
German guard Justus Hollatz declared himself eligible for the draft but the international prospect is signing a two-year contract with the Spanish club Broegan Lugo, according to a Eurohoops.net story. Hollatz played last season with the Hamburg Towers of the EuroCup League.
We have more draft-related decisions:
- Potential first-round pick Patrick Baldwin Jr. is staying in the draft and believes he’ll move up draft boards in the coming weeks, he told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “I still think I’m one of those top guys in the class, and I think the circumstances I had to deal with this year were a little bit unique,’ said Baldwin, who has an upcoming workout with the Thunder. “I’m looking to go into workouts and show them what I look like when I’m healthy and fully able to go.” Baldwin, ranked No. 34 on ESPN’s Best Available list, played only 11 games for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee due to an ankle injury.
- Oregon’s Quincy Guerrier is pulling out of the draft and returning to school, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports tweets. The Canadian-born forward averaged 10.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG last season.
- Furman early entrants Jalen Slawson and Mike Bothwell are withdrawing from the draft and will play for the Paladins again next season, according to Jeff Goodman (Twitter links). They averaged a combined 30.2 PPG last season.
- Emmanuel Akot, who is in the transfer portal, will be playing college ball again next season rather than staying in the draft, Rothstein tweets. He averaged 12.4 PPG for Boise State last season.
Western Notes: McGee, Doncic, Brunson, Mavs, Williamson
Veteran center and unrestricted free agent JaVale McGee said he’s interested in re-signing with the Suns this offseason, according to Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com.
“Definitely consider it, definitely consider an opportunity,” McGee said. “At this point in my career, I’m definitely focused on myself and what’s best for me and my situation and my family. I know what I bring to a team if it’s any organization that I go to. For me, that’s what it’s all about. Make sure I’m valuing myself as much as the team (is) valuing me.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- Luka Doncic will be informed of potential roster moves via frequent contact with head coach Jason Kidd, owner Mark Cuban, GM Nico Harrison and assistant GM Michael Finley, Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News reports. Doncic will not be taking it easy this summer. He’ll start practicing with the Slovenian National Team on June 15 ahead of World Cup qualifying matches against Croatia (June 30) and Sweden (July 3). He’ll re-join the national team in August to prepare for EuroBasket, which begins Sept. 1 in Cologne, Germany.
- Doncic wants free agent Jalen Brunson to remain his backcourt partner, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News writes. “The step – the huge leap – he took this year was unbelievable,” Doncic said. “And he’s going to deserve all the money he gets.” The Mavericks have made their desire to retain Brunson known but they also want to acquire a quality big man — a rebounder and rim-protector. “That’s no secret. We know we got beat up on the boards,” Harrison said after the conference finals.
- Zion Williamson no longer has any restrictions from his foot injury. So how will he fit in with a Pelicans team that showed vast improvement in the second half of the season? Will Guillory of The Athletic takes a closer look at that topic.