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Author: Eddie Scarito

Western Notes: Marjanovic, Cuban, Davis

By | at June 8, 2016 8:03 pm

With the salary cap set to increase to approximately $92MM for next season this offseason is likely to be a wild one for free agents. But Mavs owner Mark Cuban casts some doubt on predictions that even marginal players will land outrageous deals this summer, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com relays (ESPN Now link). “Every player thinks it’s just going to be a money train this summer. There’s a lot of money; there’s not THAT much money,” Cuban said. “And I think there’s going to be teams that save their money for next year, because it’s a better free agent class. People just presume now that everybody’s going to get paid a lot of money, and it’ll be interesting to see if that happens.”

Here’s more from out West:

  • The Grizzlies officially announced the additions of J.B. Bickerstaff as associate head coach and Nick Van Exel as an assistant coach on David Fizdale‘s staff, the team relayed via press release.
  • Big man Boban Marjanovic, who is eligible for restricted free agency this summer if San Antonio submits a qualifying offer worth $1.5MM, said that he wants to return to the Spurs next season, international journalist David Pick relays (via Twitter).
  • The Mavs don’t intend to deal away any of their future draft picks this offseason unless they are absolutely blown away by the offer, MacMahon tweets. “We won’t trade a future pick unless there is a deal good enough that they would fire the other general manager for making,” Cuban told reporters.
  • The Rockets are considering veteran NBA assistant Johnny Davis for a spot on new head coach Mike D’Antoni‘s staff, Marc Stein of ESPN.com relays (on Twitter). Davis last coached in the NBA with the Raptors from 2011-2013.
0 comments Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies San Antonio Spurs

2015/16 D-League Usage Report: Spurs

By | at June 8, 2016 6:47 pm

The NBA’s relationship with the D-League continues to grow, and this season a total of 19 NBA teams had one-to-one affiliations with D-League clubs. Those NBA organizations without their own affiliates were required to assign players to D-League clubs associated with other NBA franchises. D-League teams could volunteer to take on the assigned players, and if no volunteers emerged, the players were assigned at random.

This significant change from the 2014/15 season came about after the Pacers purchased the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and turned them into their one-to-one partner for the 2015/16 campaign. Other NBA teams have interest in following suit in the years ahead, and the NBA’s ultimate goal for the D-League is for all 30 NBA franchises to have their own D-League squads. You can view the complete list of D-League affiliates here.

We at Hoops Rumors are recapping the D-League-related activity for the 2015/16 campaign for each team and we’ll continue with the San Antonio Spurs, whose D-League affiliate is the Austin Spurs:

The Spurs made 12 assignments for the 2015/16 season, sending three players to the D-League for a total of 32 days. Listed below are all the assignments and recalls made by San Antonio for the 2015/16 campaign:

Here’s how San Antonio’s players performed while on assignment to the D-League this season:

  • Boban Marjanovic: In three appearances the big man averaged 23.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocs in 26.4 minutes per outing. His shooting line was .805/.000/.625.
  • Ray McCallum: In nine appearances McCallum averaged 17.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 38.6 minutes per outing. His shooting numbers were .431/.375/.750.
  • Jonathon Simmons: Simmons made four appearances and averaged 16.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 34.6 minutes per night. His slash line was .431/.231/.773.
0 comments Hoops Rumors Originals NBA G League San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Notes: Telfair, Pacers, Weaver

By | at June 8, 2016 5:33 pm

Despite possessing solid assets like Paul George and Myles Turner, the Pacers are a team in search of an identity entering the summer, Keith P. Smith of RealGM writes in his offseason primer for Indiana. Given the team’s stated desire to play at a faster speed on offense, the scribe questions the hiring of Nate McMillan as head coach since McMillan’s teams have consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in pace.

Smith also notes that Indiana would be better served to add a starting-caliber shooting guard this summer and shift Monta Ellis to a sixth man role, given his declining three-point shooting and diminishing trips to the foul line. Ellis, 30, still has three years and approximately $33.68MM remaining on his current deal.

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

  • The Nets have hired Will Weaver, who served as a special assistant to Sixers coach Brett Brown the past two seasons, to work in the same capacity under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, NetsDaily relays.
  • The Raptors held workouts today for Daniel Hamilton (UConn), Kyle Collinsworth (BYU), Perry Ellis (Kansas), James Webb III (Boise State), Guerschon Yabusele (France) and Chinanu Onuaku (Louisville), the team announced.
  • The Pistons are holding free agent workouts this week and some notable attendees include Phil Pressey, Jordan Crawford, Greg Whittington and Chris Douglas-Roberts, Rod Beard of The Detroit News tweets.
  • The Nets brought in veteran point guard Sebastian Telfair for a workout on Tuesday, Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops relays (via Twitter). Telfair last played in the NBA during the 2014/15 campaign, appearing in 16 games for the Thunder.
2 comments 2016 NBA Draft Brooklyn Nets Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Toronto Raptors

Poll: 2016 Community Mock Draft (Pick No. 17)

By | at June 8, 2016 4:18 pm

The results of the 2016 NBA Draft lottery are in and the Sixers finally landed the elusive No. 1 overall pick after missing out the past two seasons. Now that the exact draft order is locked in, teams can begin targeting specific players who are likely to still be on the board when it is their time to choose. Drafting players is far from an exact science, and many a GM has been second-guessed for his draft night decisions. I’m willing to bet that every team executive has at least one pick that he would like a mulligan for. We at Hoops Rumors thought it would be fun to give our readers the chance to predict the results of this June’s draft, which is what we are doing with a series of polls.

We’re past the midpoint of the draft and have come to the Grizzlies. Readers, you are now on the clock! Cast your vote for Memphis’ pick and check back Thursday for the results, as well as to cast your vote for who the Pistons will select with the No. 18 overall pick. But don’t limit yourself to a simple button click. Take to the comments section below and share your thoughts on the No. 17 overall pick and why you voted the way that you did.

Previous Selections

  1. Sixers — Ben Simmons (LSU)
  2. Lakers — Brandon Ingram (Duke)
  3. Celtics — Dragan Bender (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
  4. Suns — Jaylen Brown (California)
  5. Timberwolves — Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
  6. Pelicans — Kris Dunn (Providence)
  7. Nuggets — Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
  8. Kings — Henry Ellenson (Marquette)
  9. Raptors — Marquese Chriss (Washington)
  10. Bucks — Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
  11. Magic — Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
  12. Jazz — Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
  13. Suns — Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
  14. Bulls — Deyonta Davis (Michigan State)
  15. Nuggets — Timothe Luwawu (Mega Leks)
  16. Celtics — Thon Maker (Australia)

With the No. 17 Overall Pick, the Grizzlies Select...

  • Wade Baldwin (Vanderbilt) 18% (229)
  • Tyler Ulis (Kentucky) 13% (169)
  • Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame) 11% (145)
  • Dejounte Murray (Washington) 8% (102)
  • Taurean Prince (Baylor) 8% (100)
  • Malachi Richardson (Syracuse) 8% (99)
  • Furkan Korkmaz (Anadolu Efes) 7% (87)
  • Malik Beasley (Florida State) 7% (86)
  • Brice Johnson (North Carolina) 5% (58)
  • Cheick Diallo (Kansas) 3% (38)
  • Zhou Qi (China) 3% (32)
  • Diamond Stone (Maryland) 2% (31)
  • DeAndre Bembry (St. Joe's) 2% (26)
  • Damian Jones (Vanderbilt) 2% (20)
  • Juan Hernangomez (Spain) 1% (16)
  • Ante Zizic (Croatia) 1% (12)
  • Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) 1% (11)
  • Isaia Cordinier (France) 1% (8)
  • Robert Carter (Maryland) 0% (4)
  • Petr Cornelie (Le Mans) 0% (3)

Total votes: 1,276

5 comments Hoops Rumors Originals Hoops Rumors Polls

And-Ones: Maxiell, Maker, Hernangomez

By | at June 7, 2016 10:23 pm

Former NBA player Jason Maxiell has inked a deal to play ball in the Philippines with Tropang TNT, international journalist David Pick reports (on Twitter). The 33-year-old power forward last played in the NBA during the 2014/15 campaign when he appeared in 61 games for the Hornets and averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per outing.

Here’s the latest from around the league:

  • The Nuggets have workouts scheduled on Wednesday for Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia), Juan Hernangomez (Estudiantes), Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame ), Diamond Stone (Maryland ), Tyler Ulis (Kentucky), Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV), the team announced via press release.
  • The Jazz have workouts planned on Wednesday with Chase Fischer (BYU), Dejounte Murray (Washington), Max Hooper (Oakland) and Brandon Taylor (Utah), the team announced.
  • Thon Maker is expected to work out for the Spurs in the near future, Jabari Young of The San Antonio Express-News relays (via Twitter).
  • The Knicks, Wizards and Suns have worked out former UConn guard Sterling Gibbs, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders relays (on Twitter).
  • Hernangomez, who is the No. 26 overall player in this year’s draft according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, indicated that whether or not he joins the NBA next season depends on which team selects him, Kennedy tweets.
0 comments 2016 NBA Draft Denver Nuggets New York Knicks Phoenix Suns San Antonio Spurs Washington Wizards

2015/16 D-League Usage Report: Kings

By | at June 7, 2016 9:16 pm

The NBA’s relationship with the D-League continues to grow, and this season a total of 19 NBA teams had one-to-one affiliations with D-League clubs. Those NBA organizations without their own affiliates were required to assign players to D-League clubs associated with other NBA franchises. D-League teams could volunteer to take on the assigned players, and if no volunteers emerged, the players were assigned at random.

This significant change from the 2014/15 season came about after the Pacers purchased the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and turned them into their one-to-one partner for the 2015/16 campaign. Other NBA teams have interest in following suit in the years ahead, and the NBA’s ultimate goal for the D-League is for all 30 NBA franchises to have their own D-League squads. You can view the complete list of D-League affiliates here.

We at Hoops Rumors are recapping the D-League-related activity for the 2015/16 campaign for each team and we’ll continue with the Sacramento Kings, whose D-League affiliate is the Reno Bighorns:

The Kings made 8 assignments for the 2015/16 season, sending two players to the D-League for a total of 98 days. Listed below are all the assignments and recalls made by Sacramento for the 2015/16 campaign:

Here’s how Sacramento’s players performed while on assignment to the D-League this season:

  • Duje Dukan: In 27 appearances Dukan averaged 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 28.9 minutes per outing. His slash line was .403/.371/.722.
  • Eric Moreland: In five appearances Moreland averaged 9.6 points, 14.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 27.0 minutes per contest. His shooting numbers were .553/.000/.286.
0 comments Hoops Rumors Originals NBA G League Sacramento Kings

Southeast Notes: Dragic, Lee, Wizards

By | at June 7, 2016 8:03 pm

The Heat went to a small-ball approach this past season out of necessity to due injuries, but the experiment may continue in 2016/17 in order to better maximize the talents of Goran Dragic, Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post writes. “[Coach] Erik [Spoelstra] did a great job putting something together that was very coherent and opened up the floor for our best players,” team executive Pat Riley said. “It’s not a secret that some things did look different after that. How he decides to play next year will be determined by what he sees in October in training camp. When you talk about uptempo basketball … your offense is only as good as what you do at the defensive end. If you want to explode out of there, then you’ve gotta make some stops and rebound the ball.”

Here’s more from the Southeast Division:

  • The Wizards held workouts today for Dorian Finney-Smith (Florida), Tim Quarterman (LSU) and Mike Tobey (Virginia), J. Michael of CSNMid-Atlantic.com relays.
  • Also working out for the Wizards today were Nathan Boothe (Toledo), David Walker (Northeastern) and Abdel Nader (Iowa State), Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops tweets.
  • Hornets swingman Courtney Lee, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, says he can see himself playing in the league for many years to come, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders relays (via Twitter). “I think I can ride it out for another seven to eight years. You can play in the league a long time if you can put the ball in from [3],” Lee, 30, said.
  • With a number of young big men on the roster, the Hornets may be best served to allow Al Jefferson to depart as an unrestricted free agent this summer and concentrate on adding outside shooting instead, Keith P. Smith of RealGM opines in his offseason preview for Charlotte.
0 comments 2016 NBA Draft Charlotte Hornets Miami Heat Washington Wizards

Atlantic Notes: Diallo, Rooks, Cobb

By | at June 7, 2016 6:41 pm

Knicks team president Phil Jackson believes the team can compete for a playoff spot next season in the Eastern Conference, Ian Begley of ESPN.com relays. When asked if it was realistic to expect New York to make the postseason in 2016/17, Jackson responded, “I think so. I think we’re getting experience. Kristaps Porzingis is still a young player; he may need another year of experience. But we have some experienced guys who can play.” The executive was also asked if the team could potentially make some noise in the postseason rather than merely settling on making it there, Jackson told the media, “Why not? I don’t know what’s so great about what’s out here in the East. We can fill that role.”

The executive also admitted that the triangle offense would need to be tweaked to account for the emphasis the league now places on three-point shooting, Begley adds. “The 3-point line has become our affection, because it means more when we make a 3-point shot. So the spacing has changed dramatically,” Jackson said. “So the triangle can still be a part of that, but it has to adapt.”

Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:

  • Ex-NBA center and former Sixers assistant Sean Rooks passed away today at the age of 46, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reports (on Twitter). The cause of death was not relayed by the scribe. Our condolences go out to Rooks’ family and friends.
  • The Nets are aggressively trying to acquire a pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders tweets. The scribe also confirms earlier reports that indicated the Knicks are pushing hard to land a pick via trade. Brooklyn has $3.4MM it can spend to purchase a pick from another team, while New York has $3.3MM remaining to use for the same purpose.
  • The Celtics have a workout scheduled on Wednesday with former Kansas big man Cheick Diallo, Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv reports (via Twitter). Diallo could be in play for Boston at pick No. 16, or if the team trades down in the first-round, though that is merely my speculation.
  • Also slated to work out for the Celtics in the near future is former Cincinnati guard Farad Cobb, Kennedy tweets. Cobb, who isn’t currently among those predicted to be selected this June by Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, had an impressive showing at the Elite Skills Training pro day, Kennedy notes.
  • Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek once again noted his preference that the team upgrade at the point guard position this summer, Begley relays (ESPN Now link). “The point guards we have, Jerian Grant is just a young player who is learning his way. He’s going to get better and better as the years go on with the experience. And Jose Calderon is on the later side of it” Hornacek said on “The Hahn and Humpty Show” on ESPN 98.7 FM. “So if we can find a point guard who, that’s the 27, 28-year-old guy who has the experience and still has a lot of juice left, sure that would make us better. And the more shooters you can get, the better also.“
0 comments 2016 NBA Draft Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers

Poll: 2016 Community Mock Draft (Pick No. 16)

By | at June 7, 2016 5:21 pm

The results of the 2016 NBA Draft lottery are in and the Sixers finally landed the elusive No. 1 overall pick after missing out the past two seasons. Now that the exact draft order is locked in, teams can begin targeting specific players who are likely to still be on the board when it is their time to choose. Drafting players is far from an exact science, and many a GM has been second-guessed for his draft night decisions. I’m willing to bet that every team executive has at least one pick that he would like a mulligan for. We at Hoops Rumors thought it would be fun to give our readers the chance to predict the results of this June’s draft, which is what we are doing with a series of polls.

We’re past the midpoint of the draft and have once again come to the Celtics, who already nabbed forward Dragan Bender at pick No. 3. Readers, you are now on the clock! Cast your vote for Boston’s pick and check back Wednesday for the results, as well as to cast your vote for who the Grizzlies will select with the No. 17 overall pick. But don’t limit yourself to a simple button click. Take to the comments section below and share your thoughts on the No. 16 overall pick and why you voted the way that you did.

Previous Selections

  1. Sixers — Ben Simmons (LSU)
  2. Lakers — Brandon Ingram (Duke)
  3. Celtics — Dragan Bender (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
  4. Suns — Jaylen Brown (California)
  5. Timberwolves — Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
  6. Pelicans — Kris Dunn (Providence)
  7. Nuggets — Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
  8. Kings — Henry Ellenson (Marquette)
  9. Raptors — Marquese Chriss (Washington)
  10. Bucks — Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
  11. Magic — Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
  12. Jazz — Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
  13. Suns — Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
  14. Bulls — Deyonta Davis (Michigan State)
  15. Nuggets — Timothe Luwawu (Mega Leks)

With the No. 16 Overall Pick, the Celtics Select...

  • Thon Maker (Australia) 18% (331)
  • Furkan Korkmaz (Anadolu Efes) 11% (199)
  • Taurean Prince (Baylor) 9% (172)
  • Brice Johnson (North Carolina) 8% (143)
  • Cheick Diallo (Kansas) 6% (119)
  • Ante Zizic (Croatia) 6% (116)
  • Wade Baldwin (Vanderbilt) 6% (110)
  • Malachi Richardson (Syracuse) 5% (94)
  • Tyler Ulis (Kentucky) 4% (75)
  • Dejounte Murray (Washington) 4% (73)
  • Malik Beasley (Florida State) 4% (70)
  • Zhou Qi (China) 4% (68)
  • Diamond Stone (Maryland) 3% (56)
  • Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame) 3% (47)
  • DeAndre Bembry (St. Joe's) 2% (45)
  • Damian Jones (Vanderbilt) 2% (42)
  • Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) 2% (34)
  • Juan Hernangomez (Spain) 1% (23)
  • Isaia Cordinier (France) 1% (10)
  • Robert Carter (Maryland) 0% (5)
  • Petr Cornelie (Le Mans) 0% (1)

Total votes: 1,833

7 comments Hoops Rumors Originals Hoops Rumors Polls

Poll: 2016 Community Mock Draft (Pick No. 15)

By | at June 6, 2016 12:43 pm

The results of the 2016 NBA Draft lottery are in and the Sixers finally landed the elusive No. 1 overall pick after missing out the past two seasons. Now that the exact draft order is locked in, teams can begin targeting specific players who are likely to still be on the board when it is their time to choose. Drafting players is far from an exact science, and many a GM has been second-guessed for his draft night decisions. I’m willing to bet that every team executive has at least one pick that he would like a mulligan for. We at Hoops Rumors thought it would be fun to give our readers the chance to predict the results of this June’s draft, which is what we intend to do with a series of polls.

We’re at the midpoint of the draft and done with the lottery selections and have once again come to the Nuggets, who already nabbed combo guard Jamal Murray at pick No. 7. Readers, you are now on the clock! Cast your vote for Denver’s pick and check back Tuesday for the results, as well as to cast your vote for who the Celtics will select with the No. 16 overall pick. But don’t limit yourself to a simple button click. Take to the comments section below and share your thoughts on the No. 15 overall pick and why you voted the way that you did.

Previous Selections

  1. Sixers — Ben Simmons (LSU)
  2. Lakers — Brandon Ingram (Duke)
  3. Celtics — Dragan Bender (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
  4. Suns — Jaylen Brown (California)
  5. Timberwolves — Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
  6. Pelicans — Kris Dunn (Providence)
  7. Nuggets — Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
  8. Kings — Henry Ellenson (Marquette)
  9. Raptors — Marquese Chriss (Washington)
  10. Bucks — Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
  11. Magic — Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
  12. Jazz — Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
  13. Suns — Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
  14. Bulls — Deyonta Davis (Michigan State)

With the No. 15 Overall Pick, the Nuggets Select...

  • Timothe Luwawu (Mega Leks) 22% (172)
  • Thon Maker (Australia) 15% (116)
  • Tyler Ulis (Kentucky) 10% (79)
  • Wade Baldwin (Vanderbilt) 10% (75)
  • Furkan Korkmaz (Anadolu Efes) 8% (62)
  • Malik Beasley (Florida State) 5% (40)
  • Malachi Richardson (Syracuse) 5% (37)
  • Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame) 4% (34)
  • Dejounte Murray (Washington) 4% (32)
  • Brice Johnson (North Carolina) 3% (27)
  • Taurean Prince (Baylor) 3% (23)
  • Diamond Stone (Maryland) 2% (16)
  • Cheick Diallo (Kansas) 2% (16)
  • Ante Zizic (Croatia) 2% (16)
  • Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) 1% (11)
  • DeAndre Bembry (St. Joe's) 1% (8)
  • Damian Jones (Vanderbilt) 1% (8)
  • Isaia Cordinier (France) 1% (5)

Total votes: 777

2 comments Hoops Rumors Originals Hoops Rumors Polls
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