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Author: Eddie Scarito

Eastern Notes: Biyombo, McClellan, Mirotic

By | at October 4, 2016 10:06 pm

After spending his first five seasons in the NBA as a reserve player, Bismack Biyombo is excited to have an integral role with the Magic this season, John Denton of NBA.com writes. “I’m just really, really thankful now because I know how much this team wants me, how much respect and credit that they give me,’’ Biyombo told Denton. “I don’t talk about [the contract] until someone brings it up because I try to live in the moment and play the game. I’m really excited about being here, I look forward to all the challenges and I think it’s going to be great.’’ The big man signed a four-year, $73MM deal with Orlando in July.

“Maybe my first two years in the league, I was trying to be somebody different and change my personality. But being myself is what helped me play on the level that I did [in the 2016 playoffs],’’ Biyombo added. “For me, I was just having fun and I’m going to enjoy a lot of the games this season. This is just the beginning of something good here in Orlando. This is a new challenge – for me and a lot of us – but we all have one goal and that’s to get to the playoffs.’’

Here’s the latest from the Eastern Conference:

  • Undrafted rookie Sheldon McClellan has impressed the Wizards‘ coaching staff and the guard has a good shot to make the team’s regular season roster, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel relays (via Twitter). When asked about the 23-year-old’s chances to stick with the team, coach Scott Brooks said, “He has a great chance. . . . He has a pro game.” McClellan’s minimum salary deal includes a modest partial guarantee of $50K, which isn’t likely to factor into Washington’s decision-making process regarding the player.
  • Roger Montgomery, one of the representatives for Nets point guard Jeremy Lin, has joined Roc Nation Sports as an agent, Liz Mullen of The Sports Business Journal reports. It’s not immediately clear how, or if, the move will affect Lin, who signed a three-year, $36MM pact with Brooklyn over the summer.
  • Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic is looking for more consistency in his game than he showed last season adding that he isn’t concerned whether he starts or comes off the bench in 2016/17, K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune relays. “I’m not worried about [starting],” Mirotic said. “I’m only worried how I can help my team and where I can improve. Everybody would like to start. That’s obvious. But this is the Chicago Bulls. There are a lot of great players. We are here to help the team to put Chicago in the playoffs.“
0 comments Chicago Bulls Orlando Magic Washington Wizards

Western Conference Salary Rankings: Small Forwards

By | at October 4, 2016 8:44 pm

Hoops Rumors is in the process of ranking the salaries, separated by conference, for each NBA player by position. We’ve already looked at the point guards, shooting guards, power forwards and centers of the Western Conference and will now turn our attention toward the conference’s small forwards.

All told, the teams out west have committed a total of $346,116,172 in cap hits this season to the men who man the three spot. The average conference salary for small forwards this season is currently $6,180,646, with Kevin Durant topping the list with a more than respectable $26,540,100 to account for on his year-end W-2 form.

It should be noted that teams won’t necessarily pay out every dollar listed here. There are quite a few players who have non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts. Some of those players won’t make it out of the preseason, while others will be sweating it out until January 10th. That’s when teams must waive players with no specific guarantee date written into their contracts to avoid having to guarantee their salaries for the rest of the season. In addition, incentive clauses that a player either triggers or fails to meet can leave a player with more or less money than his cap hit reflects. Still, the purpose of this list is to show the relative pay scale by position, which is why all contracts are included in this post.

I should also add that not every player listed below will play small forward this season, as some will likely see some time at shooting guard or power forward. To maintain uniformity, I used their positions listed on the teams’ official rosters to determine which list to include them on. So if you see a player who isn’t expected to play small forward for his team this season listed below, that’s why.

The Western Conference’s small forwards are listed below, in descending order of salary:

  1. Kevin Durant [Warriors] — $26,540,100
  2. Harrison Barnes [Mavericks] — $22,116,750
  3. Chandler Parsons [Grizzlies] — $22,116,750
  4. Luol Deng [Lakers] —$18,000,000
  5. Kawhi Leonard [Spurs] —$17,638,063
  6. Evan Turner [Blazers] —$16,393,443
  7. Gordon Hayward [Jazz] —$16,073,140
  8. Danilo Gallinari [Nuggets] — $15,050,000
  9. Rudy Gay [Kings] —$13,333,333
  10. Solomon Hill [Pelicans] —$11,241,218
  11. Wilson Chandler [Nuggets] — $11,233,146
  12. Andre Iguodala [Warriors] — $11,131,368
  13. Joe Johnson [Jazz] —$11,000,000
  14. Jared Dudley [Suns] —$10,470,000
  15. Maurice Harkless [Blazers] —$8,988,765
  16. Yi Jianlian [Lakers] — $8,000,000
  17. Trevor Ariza [Rockets] —$7,806,971
  18. Al-Farouq Aminu [Blazers] —$7,680,965
  19. Corey Brewer [Rockets] —$7,612,172
  20. Matt Barnes [Kings] —$6,125,000
  21. Alex Abrines [Thunder] —$5,994,764
  22. Wesley Johnson [Clippers] —$5,628,000
  23. Nick Young [Lakers] —$5,443,918
  24. P.J. Tucker [Suns] —$5,300,000
  25. Brandon Ingram [Lakers] — $5,281,680
  26. Kyle Singler [Thunder] —$4,837,500
  27. Quincy Pondexter [Pelicans] —$3,617,978
  28. Will Barton [Nuggets] — $3,533,333
  29. Paul Pierce [Clippers] —$3,527,920
  30. Shabazz Muhammad [Wolves] —$3,046,299
  31. Omri Casspi [Kings] —$2,963,814
  32. James Ennis [Grizzlies] — $2,898,000
  33. Joe Ingles [Jazz] —$2,150,000
  34. T.J. Warren [Suns] —$2,128,920
  35. Sam Dekker [Rockets] —$1,720,560
  36. Rasual Butler [Wolves] — $1,551,659
  37. Metta World Peace [Lakers] — $1,551,659
  38. Kyle Anderson [Spurs] —$1,192,080
  39. Josh Huestis [Thunder] —$1,191,480
  40. Livio Jean-Charles [Spurs] —$1,188,840
  41. Kevon Looney [Warriors] — $1,182,840
  42. Quincy Acy [Mavericks] — $1,050,961
  43. Christopher Johnson [Jazz] —$1,050,961
  44. Robbie Hummel [Nuggets] — $980,431
  45. James McAdoo [Warriors] — $980,431
  46. JaKarr Sampson [Nuggets] — $980,431
  47. Chris Wright [Thunder] — $980,431
  48. Anthony Brown [Lakers] —$874,636
  49. Travis Wear [Lakers] — $874,636
  50. Jake Layman [Blazers] —$600,000
  51. Davis Bertans [Spurs] —$543,471
  52. Nicolas Brussino [Mavericks] — $543,471
  53. Elgin Cook [Warriors] — $543,471
  54. Dorian Finney-Smith [Mavericks] — $543,471
  55. Derrick Jones [Suns] — $543,471
  56. Troy Williams [Grizzlies] — $543,471
3 comments Hoops Rumors Originals

Western Notes: Lillard, Harris, Napier

By | at October 4, 2016 7:07 pm

Point guard Damian Lillard has been open about his desire to remain with the Blazers for his entire career. Speaking on Sirius XM today, Lillard emphatically dispelled any notion of him leaving Portland to join a “super team,” the way a number of high-profile NBA stars have done in recent years, Casey Holdahl of NBA.com relays. “If somebody wants to go join people and do that, it’s not against the rules, they can do it,” said Lillard. “It’s just more pressure to win when you do it. Some people say ‘Ah, they just joining up, they had to do this to win it,’ but we play to win it.  So when people do it, that’s they decisions. I wouldn’t do it, that’s just not who I am. I might have too much pride for that or be too much of a competitor where I couldn’t bring myself to do it. It also makes it more fun. You get to take a monster down and that’s always fun.”

Here’s more from out West:

  • Spurs coach Gregg Popovich admitted that he feels a “little bit lonely” now that Tim Duncan is retired and no longer a member of the team, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com writes. The coach reiterated his desire for his former player to remain with the organization in some capacity, Wright adds. “If he wants to scout a little bit or run a drill one day or take a week road trip with us, we’re open to whatever he wants,” Popovich said. “We’re hoping it will infect him a little bit and he’ll want to do more.”
  • Nuggets shooting Gary Harris suffered a groin strain during Monday night’s preseason game against the Raptors, Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post relays. Harris underwent an MRI today and it hasn’t been announced how long he’ll be in street clothes while recovering.
  • Lakers center Timofey Mozgov insists he’s healthy after dealing with knee injuries last season and says he’s ready to assume a heavy workload for his new team, Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News relays.
  • Shabazz Napier, who was acquired from the Magic for cash considerations this summer, could prove to be a steal for the Blazers, Cody Sharrett of NBA.com writes. The point guard has made an impression on the coaching staff with his preseason work, Sharrett adds. “I’ve been impressed with him in training camp and in September,” coach Terry Stotts said Napier. “I think he’s a quality guard. He shoots the ball a little bit better than maybe I expected. He’s a smart player, he’s tough. I’ve been very impressed with his defense throughout September. I think you saw [at Fan Fest] and tonight, he can get a shot. He’s a good player.“
0 comments Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers Portland Trail Blazers San Antonio Spurs

Central Notes: Wade, Blatt, Valentine

By | at October 4, 2016 5:30 pm

The Bulls signed Dwyane Wade for his leadership ability as much as for his production on the court and his addition is already paying off for the team, Nick Friedell of ESPN.com writes. Wade acknowledged that the coaching staff has given him free reign to stop practice whenever he wants to address something on the court, Friedell notes.

“No question,” Wade said after a recent practice. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here as well. One of the reasons they were interested in me is because of what I come with from the standpoint of being there. I’ve been to five Finals and have a lot of experience. Sitting down with [coach Fred Hoiberg] talking about all our young guys and what they can learn from me and also Jimmy Butler as well and Rajon Rondo as well. As I said in my post, it’s about us policing each other, us three leaders but also passing it down to other guys. So, yes, he gave myself — and I’m sure he gave Rondo and Jimmy — carte blanche to be able to say the things we need to say, but at the same time respect what coach is doing and respect what coach is saying and find your times to talk.”

Here’s more from the Central Division:

  • Bulls rookie Denzel Valentine is expected to miss at least two weeks of action due to a left ankle sprain, Friedell reports in a separate post. “Denzel, he’s doing OK,” Hoiberg said. “He’s probably going to miss, I’d say conservatively, probably two weeks. [The ankle] is pretty swollen, it swelled up on him right away. It’s just about getting him right, keeping him engaged with what we’re trying to do with adding to our package and trying to get him better as quick as possible.”
  • The Pacers have rounded out their coaching staff with one last new hire. Scott Agness of VigilantSports.com has the details on new assistant video coordinator Jared Bartling.
  • Former Cavs coach David Blatt, whose ouster last season didn’t sit well with him given the circumstances, accepted an NBA Championship ring from the franchise, international journalist David Pick relays (via Twitter). “(Cleveland) offered and I graciously accepted because they presented it to me in a way that was very respectful,” Blatt told Pick. “The Cavaliers wanted to give me a ring because the organization felt that I contributed to the championship. It’s not my championship, I recognize that, but I also feel that I did something there. The big thing for me was that I felt that they felt it was earned, not given.“
1 comment Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Indiana Pacers

Eastern Notes: Moreland, Schroder, Young

By | at October 3, 2016 10:20 pm

The Cavs waived Eric Moreland earlier today to make room to sign Toney Douglas. The forward isn’t upset with the move since he’s still recovering from a foot injury he suffered last season and isn’t quite ready to return to action, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com notes. “I feel it is in my best interest for me to take my time to make sure I am 100 percent healthy,” Moreland told Goodman. “I feel really good and think I am close to being game ready but with the setback I have already been through, I want be extra cautious with my return and do everything I can to make sure I my foot has completely healed.”

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

  • Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder returned to practice on Monday after resting a sore ankle for the past several days, Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution relays. “The trainers told me to relax a little bit and not put pressure on it,” Schroder said. “In training camp it was hurting a little bit. It was bothering me so they said take off. I took off Friday, Saturday and Sunday and today was the first time practicing again. I could run up and down the floor. Now, I’m healthy.”
  • Hornets coach Steve Clifford is thrilled that Marvin Williams re-signed with the team this offseason, because of the forward’s versatile skillset and leadership, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer writes. “To me, he’s such a winning player. He totally fits what this league is all about,” Clifford said. “He’s a stretch 4, so he creates space [with his 3-point shooting]. Defensively, he can guard the smaller 4s who shoot 3s and drive the ball, and the bigger 4s who post it. There aren’t many guys who can do that.”
  • Swingman James Young is one of the players on the bubble to make the Celtics‘ roster this season. One of the things making the coaching staff’s decision difficult is the fact that Young hasn’t seen much regular season action, making it difficult to judge his true fit within Boston’s system, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com writes.
0 comments Atlanta Hawks Boston Celtics Charlotte Hornets Cleveland Cavaliers

Atlantic Notes: Simmons, McCullough, Noah

By | at October 3, 2016 9:01 pm

The Sixers are still coming to terms with the injury to No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, who is expected to undergo surgery in the near future due to a broken foot he suffered during practice last week, Aaron Carter of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Dealing with injuries is nothing new to the team as of late, coach Brett Brown noted. “There is nobody, sadly, that’s had more experience dealing with injured draft picks than we have,” Brown said. “So over the course of time, you learn how to best deal with it. There needs to be, there has been, and we’ll get better this time, a holistic approach to the person. There needs to be understanding that there’s an opportunity to educate [Simmons] in the film room, watching different NBA players and teaching him. There might be an opportunity where we sit him in a chair and remake his shot, rebuild his shot, and really spend time with the fundamentals of his shot.”

The loss of Simmons will open up a larger opportunity for rookie forward Dario Saric, Carter adds. “That’s where my head goes to first,” Brown said. “Dario will have more opportunities, responsibilities. I think how we rotate this group now will change. We will learn a lot. The preseason’s really going to be good for us in that regard.”

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

  • The Nets need to replace Thaddeus Young, who was the starter at power forward last season, and if he has a solid preseason, it may be with 2015 first-rounder Chris McCullough, Anthony Puccio of NetsDaily notes. “That’s a spot that’s open,” coach Kenny Atkinson said of the four spot, adding that the Brooklyn has ‘versatile bigs’ in guys like McCullough, Luis Scola, Justin Hamilton and Anthony Bennett. McCullough, 21, only appeared in 24 games in 2015/16, missing the beginning of the season as he recovered from a torn Achilles he suffered in college.
  • Knicks center Joakim Noah is nursing a minor hamstring injury and is likely to sit out Tuesday’s preseason opener against the Celtics as a precautionary measure, Ebenezer Samuel of The New York Daily News relays. The big man did not practice today as a result of the malady, the scribe adds.
  • Shooting guard Avery Bradley wants to be known as the best defender in the NBA and understands that for him to garner that honor, his Celtics teammates will also have to up their play on the defensive end, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com relays.
0 comments Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers

Western Notes: Knight, Diop, Douglas

By | at October 3, 2016 7:39 pm

Suns coach Earl Watson has already named his starting lineup for the regular season and second-year player Devin Booker received the nod at shooting guard, Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic reports. This means that Brandon Knight will shift into the sixth man role, Coro adds. “That’s the starting lineup for the season,” Watson said. “We’re not wasting time. We’re not lingering with inner-competition. Brandon Knight is not a bench player. He’s a starter in this league. He’s sacrificed the most for our group. He took it like the pro he is because he understands the opportunity that we have to be special. Do players like coming off the bench? No, and we embrace that. That’s the inner-competitive nature that we need.”

“I knew at one point in my career I’d be a starter,” Booker told Coro. “I didn’t know it’d be this soon but I have put in that work to be one.” Here’s more from out West:

  • The Pelicans waived Chris Copeland earlier today in an effort to free up more minutes for players who are on the bubble to make the team’s regular season roster, according to coach Alvin Gentry, Scott Kushner of The New Orleans Advocate relays. New Orleans had two healthy scratches, Robert Sacre and Alonzo Gee, in its preseason opening victory over the Mavericks on Saturday, the scribe notes.
  • The Jazz have hired former NBA player DeSagana Diop as a coaching associate, the team announced. As a coaching associate, Diop will assist the Jazz coaching staff in a variety of capacities including work on the court during practices and individual player workouts, video editing and analysis, and other team preparation, according to the press release.
  • Toney Douglas, who signed with the Cavaliers earlier today, also drew interest from the Nuggets and the Suns, Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net relays (via Twitter).
1 comment Denver Nuggets New Orleans Pelicans Phoenix Suns Utah Jazz

Ben Simmons’ Agent Wants Him To Sit Out Season?

By | at October 3, 2016 6:20 pm

No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons is expected to miss at least three months of action due to his broken right foot, which will likely require surgery to correct. But if Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, has anything to say about it, the forward won’t see the court again this season, Bob Cooney of The Philadelphia Daily News relayed today during an appearance on Philly’s 97.5 FM.

Speaking to 97.5’s Mike Missanelli, Cooney said, “I just got off the phone with somebody who I really trust in the NBA, and he’s like there’s no way his agent is going to let him play this year. That’s an injury that you don’t mess around with, and he thinks he’s going to keep him off his feet all year.”

While it isn’t Paul’s decision to make regarding whether or not Simmons plays or not this season, any schism between the player’s camp and the organization would not be a productive way to begin their long-term relationship. However, if the team did make the determination to play it safe and shelve Simmons for 2016/17, it would be the same strategy the team used for Nerlens Noel and twice for Joel Embiid.

It would also help ensure that Simmons is fully recovered before making his NBA debut. An X-ray taken revealed that Simmons has a Zone 2 fracture, which is more commonly called a Jones fracture. With that type of break comes a greater chance of another fracture occurring. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer compared Simmons’ situation to that of Oklahoma City guard Cameron Payne, who had surgery on a Jones fracture July 25th, then got hurt again last week during training camp, breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. A similar injury cost Kevin Durant most of the 2014/15 season.

While it can be argued that the Sixers wouldn’t make the playoffs even with a healthy Simmons, there are other issues at play, Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com notes. There were questions regarding Simmons’ attitude during his lone season at LSU, with the player being accused of not giving his all during the Tigers’ disappointing season. Attempting to force the team’s hand if he is medically cleared to play by team doctors wouldn’t help change perceptions regarding Simmons’ drive and work ethic, Feldman adds.

What do you think? Should the Sixers play it safe and keep Simmons on the shelf for the entire season in an attempt to prevent further injury, even if he’s given the OK to return by his doctors?  Or do you think he should return to action if medically cleared during the 2016/17 campaign? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

9 comments Philadelphia 76ers

Offseason In Review: Brooklyn Nets

By | at October 2, 2016 11:34 am

Over the next several weeks, Hoops Rumors will be breaking down the 2016 offseason for all 30 NBA teams, revisiting the summer’s free agent signings, trades, draft picks, departures, and more. We’ll evaluate each team’s moves from the last several months and look ahead to what the 2016/17 season holds for all 30 franchises. Today, we’re focusing on the Brooklyn Nets.

Free agent signings:

Camp invitees:

Trades:

Draft picks:

  • 1-20: Caris LeVert. Signed to rookie contract.
  • 2-42: Isaiah Whitehead. Signed for four years, $4.586MM. Third year non-guaranteed, fourth year team option.

Departing players:

Other offseason news:

Check out our salary cap snapshot for the Brooklyn Nets right here.

NBA: Brooklyn Nets-Media DayThe Nets have a truly daunting task ahead of them as the franchise tries to dig itself out of the tremendous hole it’s currently in. Brooklyn is, and will be, paying for past mistakes over the next few campaigns. Thanks to ill-advised trades that sacrificed the future for a shot at immediate glory and New York relevancy, the Nets will have to rely on development from within if the team hopes to improve on its dreadful 21 wins of a season ago.

Under normal circumstances, fans of the team could at least spend the 2016/17 season dreaming about a shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft as the team bottoms out. Instead, it’s Celtics fans who will be watching the standings and praying Brooklyn ends up with the worst overall record in the league, since Boston holds the right to swap first-rounders with the Nets thanks to the 2013 trade that brought Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce into the fold.

Still, there is a sliver of hope in Brooklyn in the form of GM Sean Marks – who took over last season – and new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who brings with him enthusiasm, offensive acumen and his experience from working under Gregg Popovich disciple Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta. Say what you will about the Nets’ talent level, but if any coach can get the team to play hard and perform above expectations, Atkinson looks like that guy. It also appears that team owner Mikhail Prokhorov has learned his lesson and will afford the new regime the patience to rebuild the team the right way. That’s a luxury that former GM Billy King was never quite afforded by the Russian billionaire.

The team’s top player remains center Brook Lopez, a player who spent a good portion of last season as the subject of trade rumors. The situation with Lopez remains a tricky one for the franchise. Trading him away and plummeting further in the standings would bear no fruit on draft night since Boston is projected to be a playoff team this year. But hanging onto the big man, who is an injury risk, as well as only under contract through the 2017/18 season, isn’t necessarily the wise move either. If the Nets were able to land a solid package of draft picks and/or younger players who could contribute in exchange for the big man, it may be prudent to jump at the chance since the team isn’t likely to return to contention during his tenure.

Given that the Nets are not currently viewed as a desirable destination for upper-tier unrestricted free agents, Brooklyn tried to strike gold in the restricted free agent market this summer. Brooklyn tried to build itself a new backcourt by signing Tyler Johnson to a four-year, $50MM offer sheet and Allen Crabbe to one worth nearly $75MM over four years. Adding one or both players could have been a game-changer for the Nets’ future, but alas, both players’ respective teams matched the offers and Brooklyn was back to square one. While I’m not certain Johnson is worthy of that investment given his small sample size, Crabbe could have become a legitimate two-way star for the Nets. Despite not landing either player, Marks deserves some credit for working the market and making two bold offers in an effort to improve his club.

Having struck out in restricted free agency, Brooklyn went to plan B, signing Jeremy Lin to a three-year, $36MM pact. While Lin has never been able to live up to the hype that “Linsanity” generated during his brief stay with the Knicks, he is a solid player and citizen who will provide a stabilizing influence at a critical position on the floor. Given what the team’s backcourt depth chart looks like, Lin will see plenty of minutes and should put up solid numbers in Atkinson’s system. With the dramatic increase in the salary cap and his solid play for the Hornets last season (11.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG and 3.0 APG), nabbing Lin for approximately $12MM per year is an excellent value. He’s not the long-term answer at the one spot for the franchise, but Lin will give the team its money’s worth over the life of the pact.

One of the more puzzling moves the team made this summer, considering the Nets are not technically in rebuilding mode given the relative age of the team’s roster, was trading away Thaddeus Young on draft night to the Pacers for the No. 20 overall pick, which was used to select Michigan’s Caris LeVert. Young put up solid numbers during his time in Brooklyn, averaging 15.1 points and 9.9 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from the field in 2015/16. Those numbers will be difficult to replace and Young’s game seems like a solid fit in Atkinson’s system.

As for the player Brooklyn received in return, LeVert has suffered three foot fractures already during his young career, the latest of which will likely keep him out of action until close to mid-season. The Nets are extremely high on LeVert’s potential, but given the state of the franchise and its lack of draft picks the next two years, he represents a very risky acquisition. If LeVert can recover from his latest surgery and remain healthy, then nabbing the shooting guard will be considered a coup for the franchise. I’m just not sold on that coming to pass.

To fill out its roster, the team added a number of veteran players that it hopes can pay dividends this season. The most interesting of which is Trevor Booker, whose toughness and rebounding ability should play well with the fans in Brooklyn. Also joining the team is former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, who has reportedly looked good during training camp. If Atkinson can salvage Bennett’s career, the team will be all the better for it.

It will likely be a long season for the Nets and their fans, and it’s unreasonable to expect much improvement over last year’s win total. With a number of Eastern Conference squads fortifying their rosters over the offseason, there’s a very real chance that the Nets will end up with the worst record in the league. However, for the first time in what seems to be an eternity, Brooklyn appears to be moving in the right direction as a franchise. If Atkinson can work his magic and get this collection of players to perform above expectations, perceptions about the team may change and next summer’s free agents may indeed give serious consideration to coming to Brooklyn.

Salary information from Basketball Insiders used in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

0 comments Brooklyn Nets Hoops Rumors Originals Offseason In Review

Ben Simmons Fractures Bone In Foot

By | at October 1, 2016 4:20 pm

4:20pm: Simmons is expected to be out of action for three months following surgery, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman (Twitter link).

SATURDAY, 1:43pm: The doctors who have examined Simmons believe he suffered an “acute injury” to the foot that was unrelated to his recent weight gain, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter). The current plan is for Simmons to undergo surgery this coming week, Stein adds.

FRIDAY, 5:40pm: The Sixers received some bad news today regarding forward Ben Simmons, who suffered a fractured bone in his right foot, the team relayed via press release. It’s unclear how long this malady will keep Simmons out of action, with the team saying that further medical evaluation and treatment options are currently being considered. Philadelphia will release a timetable for Simmons’ return once more information is available.

Simmons rolled his right ankle during the team’s scrimmage earlier today and was taken in for an MRI, which revealed the broken bone. It was determined that the rookie fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. The forward becomes the latest lottery pick of the Sixers to have an injury interrupt or derail his rookie campaign, with Nerlens Noel sitting out his first season and Joel Embiid missing his first two campaigns in the league.

The No. 1 overall pick played six summer league games for Philly, averaging 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Simmons had averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists during his lone season at LSU.

8 comments Newsstand Philadelphia 76ers
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