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Author: Joshua Fischman

Hoops Rumors Originals: 8/19/17 – 8/26/17

By | at August 26, 2017 4:00 pm

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team compiles original content to complement our news feed. Enjoy our favorite segments and features from the past seven days:

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Northwest Notes: McDermott, Thunder, Nelson, Blazers

By | at August 26, 2017 2:45 pm

As Doug McDermott prepares for his first full season with the Thunder, he knows that he will have to improve, writes Nick Gallo of NBA.com. “I try to add something each summer because I don’t want to stay the same player,” McDermott said. “I feel like I can still get a lot better.”

McDermott will need to be a more dynamic threat. The forward must take better advantage of post-up opportunities, as he did in high school and college. “I’m just more than a spot-up shooter. I know I can move without the ball, and I think that just puts more pressure on them, and it can open up more things for everyone out there,” McDermott explained.

“The way the league is trending, it’s getting smaller with a lot of small ball and guys that can really spread the floor regardless of their position. I feel like I’m just a basketball player,” McDermott added. “I’m excited after talking with Coach Donovan. We’ve got a great facility here, and it’s a great city, too, so I plan on bouncing around a little bit, having some fun, but also coming here ready to work.”

Here’s more from the Northwest division:

  • Of all the teams trading for superstar players this offseason, the Thunder gave up the least in return, argues Berry Tramel of NewsOK.com. Tramel looks at the Paul George trade, as well as the deals involving Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler, and Kyrie Irving, and the scribe pronounces that the Thunder traded away the least value.
  • Mike Jensen of Philly.com profiles Nuggets veteran point guard Jameer Nelson, focusing on what it takes to thrive in the NBA at Nelson’s advanced age of 35 years old. Nelson’s boxing training has helped him stay in peak physical condition. “He’s in better shape than the first five years I trained him,’’ Nelson’s trainer said, adding that Nelson picked up boxing part “like it was walking.”
  • The Trail Blazers have named Jesse Ellis the new Director of Player Health and Performance. “The addition of Jesse is another step toward developing the finest health and performance staff in the NBA,” said general manager Neil Olshey.

 

2 comments Denver Nuggets Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail Blazers

Five Key Stories: 8/19/17 – 8/26/17

By | at August 26, 2017 1:30 pm

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

Kyrie Irving was traded to the Celtics for a package including all-star Isaiah Thomas. The blockbuster trade also witnessed Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick (unprotected) heading to Cleveland. Irving waived his trade kicker so the trade could be completed. The swap, which is being complicated by Thomas’ troublesome right hip, will be re-evaluated by the teams on Saturday.

This week, the Clippers hired a new general manager and two assistant GMs. Michael Winger will soon be finalized as the new GM. He had previously served as both assistant GM and team counsel for Oklahoma City. Trent Redden, now one of the Clippers’ assistant GMs, had worked in Cleveland’s front office. The other assistant GM hire is Mark Hughes, a longtime Knicks executive.

The Lakers are under investigation for tampering with Paul George. The Pacers initiated the investigation around the time of the draft. About a week later, Indiana traded George to the Thunder. According to Kurt Helin, it will be virtually impossible to prove the Lakers legitimately tampered with George unless the team left a “paper trail.” The focus of the investigation is impermissible contact between Magic Johnson and George.

"<strongAndrew Wiggins has filed paperwork to leave BDA Sports after his agent Bill Duffy negotiated his five-year, maximum salary extension for the Timberwolves. Wiggins is leaving his agent with that deal not yet agreed upon. It is expected to be worth about $148MM. Darren Wolfson says that Wiggins will likely sign with a Canadian agent who works for a major agency in the United States.

Nerlens Noel has signed a qualifying offer to remain with the Mavs. The offer is for one year and $4.1 MM. He also switched agents from Happy Walters to Rich Paul earlier in the week. Paul also represents LeBron James and John Wall, among many other NBA players.

Ten More Stories:

 

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Nerlens Noel Signs Qualifying Offer, Returning to Mavs

By | at August 26, 2017 12:20 pm

Nerlens Noel has signed a one-year, $4.2MM qualifying offer to return to the Mavericks, Chris Haynes of ESPN tweets. Having failed to find a long-term off he liked in restricted free agency, the big man is now on track to become an unrestricted free agent in 2018.Nerlens Noel vertical

On Wednesday, it was reported that Noel turned down a Mavs offer in the range of $17.5MM per year. Haynes suggests that Noel’s reported $17MM+ offer was non-existent in any form, but Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN tweets that, according to sources, the RFA did turn down a four-year, $70MM offer made on July 1. Tim McMahon of ESPN clarifies (link via Twitter) that Noel asked the Mavs for a max contract and then the four-year offer was pulled soon thereafter.

Noel appeared in 22 games for the Mavs after being traded from the 76ers, starting 12 of them and playing 22.0 MPG. In his three-season NBA career, the Kentucky product is averaging 10.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG, and 1.5 BPG. Although he’s mainly known for his defensive prowess, Noel’s career FG% is 51.1%.

While Noel accepting a one-year deal worth $4.188MM is somewhat surprising, there simply weren’t many teams left with cap room this year that could have given him a realistic offer sheet — currently, no club has more cap room than the Sixers, who weren’t about to make a bid to bring back the former lottery pick.

Earlier this week, on August 21, Noel switched agents from Happy Walters to Rich Paul. Paul didn’t have much to do for Noel this summer, but he’ll be tasked with negotiating the young center’s next deal in 2018.

Noel will have more freedom when he reaches the open market next season, though he won’t necessarily be guaranteed a massive payday — cap space isn’t expected to be quite as abundant around the NBA in 2018 as it has been the last two summers.

Having accepted his qualifying offer, Noel now must consent to any trade if the Mavs look to deal him this year. If he agrees to be traded, he would surrender his Bird rights, as Bobby Marks of ESPN notes (link via Twitter).

With today’s signing, Noel becomes the first restricted free agent to sign a qualifying offer since 2015 when Norris Cole and Matthew Dellavedova both did so. Greg Monroe is the most notable restricted free agent to sign a qualifying offer in recent years, having done so in 2014. Four 2017 RFAs now remain unsigned: Mason Plumlee (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls), JaMychal Green (Grizzlies), and Alex Len (Suns).

Luke Adams contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

13 comments Dallas Mavericks Newsstand Transactions

Knicks Notes: Houston, Hardaway, Anthony, Contract Details, Artis

By | at August 22, 2017 9:05 pm

Knicks assistant general manager Allan Houston feels that New York is on the right track, relays Bob Herzog of Newsday. Although he would not comment on whether Carmelo Anthony would be playing for the Knicks next season, Houston was effusive in his praise of his new bosses, president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry.

“Steve and Scott have been intentional in their language about what we want to be,” said Houston. “It starts with identifying what you want to be and then going out and doing it. When I was here playing, it was very exciting and we had an identity. It’s about establishing that identity again. From what I’ve seen, the players are buying into it. I think it’s the first time in a long time that’s been the case.”

Houston also spoke enthusiastically about Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks’ notable free agent signing this offseason: “I’m excited for him. People tend to forget he was 20 years old coming into this environment [as a rookie]. Everybody has to grow. Everybody has to mature. He’s developed all the way around and he’s prepared himself for this. That’s the mindset I took. You want to be valuable to your family, your community, your franchise.”

Here are other relevant details regarding the Knicks:

  •  Anthony is headed for an awkward preseason, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. The star small forward has told the Knicks that he is only willing to waive his no-trade clause for a deal with the Rockets, but the two sides have not been close on a trade. Berman writes that there is a chance that Melo will be forced to attend training camp, which will begin September 25. If Anthony holds out, it will cost him money. If he attends training camp, expect a great deal of awkwardness.
  • Bobby Marks of ESPN reports that both Knicks free agent signees Jamel Artis and Xavier Rathan-Mayes have an Exhibit 10 in their contract. This means that each player would receive a $50K bonus if he is waived and would pend 60 days with the Knicks G-League team. Unlike the protection for Nigel Hayes, the Exhibit 10 bonus doesn’t impact the Knicks cap.
  • In another story penned by Marc Berman, the writer explains how the Knicks ensured that the undrafted Artis would not get away after his impressive Summer League performance. After a forgettable first game, Artis averaged 10.1 points, while shooting over 50% in his last four contests. “I feel great about making the team,’’ Artis said. “It’s just my competitiveness. I feel I bring a lot to the game and am better than a lot of people, but I want to keep being humble. I feel I’m better than some guys that got drafted.’’
11 comments New York Knicks

Hoops Rumors Originals: 8/12/17 – 8/19/17

By | at August 19, 2017 4:00 pm

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team compiles original content to complement our news feed. This week, we were particularly productive with our original content. Enjoy our favorite segments and features from the past seven days:

0 comments Hoops Rumors Originals

Western Notes: Jackson, Harden, Muhammad, Wolves, Clippers Arena

By | at August 19, 2017 3:15 pm

Rumors of the Suns trading promising rookie Josh Jackson for Kyrie Irving should be put to rest, writes Greg Moore of AZCentral.com. Moore writes that Jackson and Devin Booker each create a sense of “awe and wonder,” making anyone who watches them dream of the future.

The Arizona-based scribe argues that the manner in which coach Earl Watson talks about Jackson comes off much more as genuine optimism for the future than big talk to boost trade value.

“I love Josh Jackson,” Watson said Monday. “Something about him is just uncommon.” Devin Booker, meanwhile, “always had that edge.” “(Those) two together are going to be great young guys who can push other guys to become better because they’re so inner competitive,” Watson said.

Watson joked in response to being asked about a rumor that Jackson had grown two inches since being drafted:  But “if he did, we love it, and even if he didn’t … let’s build the legend. Yeah, he grew. Absolutely. He’s like 7 feet now … anyone coming up against him should be intimidated by his constant growth vertically, in height, and ability to play above the rim.”

In a recent interview, Jackson addressed the trade talk, saying, “I think if that was going to happen, it would have happened by now.” However, he also said: “I’m going to make the best of whatever situation that I’m presented with. If I’m traded to China, whatever, I’m going to come out, and I’m going to be happy and just try to make the best of it.”

Here are more notes from the Western Conference:

  • James Harden is more fit and fired up than ever, writes Sam Amick of USA Today.  “I know how exciting this season is (going to be, and) I know how important it is, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I have a lot of charity (events), a lot of things going on, but when I’m in that gym that’s kind of my getaway. That’s kind of when I’m locked in,” Harden said. The Rockets‘ 2017 postseason ended with concerns over Harden’s fatigue and stamina.
  • Shabazz Muhammad may have to settle for a short-term “prove-it” deal for next season, writes Michael Rand of The Star Tribune. Heading into the offseason, coach Tom Thibodeau used the word “optimistic” when discussing re-signing Muhammad. However, in July, the wing’s rights were renounced. On Wednesday, Timberwolves signee Jamal Crawford tweeted Muhammad, “c’mon back home.”
  • The mayor of Inglewood and the four other council members unanimously approved a revised agreement with a Clippers-controlled company to shrink the four-block area where an arena could be built so homes and a church aren’t displaced, reports Nathan Fenno of The Los Angeles Times. More than a dozen citizens had raised concerns about the potential arena before the vote took place.
14 comments Houston Rockets Los Angeles Clippers Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns

Five Key Stories: 8/12/17 – 8/19/17

By | at August 19, 2017 2:15 pm

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

The NBA released its schedule for the 2017/18 season. An earlier start date and the elimination of four games in five nights for all teams highlights the changes made. The league has stretched out the regular-season schedule to allow players more rest in between games. The NBA hopes this will limit key players being rested for nationally televised matchups.

Top high school prospect Marvin Bagley has reclassified into the class of 2017. Bagley committed to Duke. He was initially set to begin his college basketball career in 2018. If the phenom declares for next year’s draft, he is expected to contend for the first overall selection.

"<strongTayshaun Prince will join the Grizzlies front office for the upcoming season. Prince is expected to soon be named special assistant to Memphis’ general manager. The veteran small forward had reportedly been mulling a possible on-court return, while also considering coaching or a front office role.

Stan Van Gundy said that tax and cap issues will not hinder the Pistons’ ability to re-sign Avery Bradley. These comments from the Pistons head coach and president come after the team traded for Bradley earlier this offseason. Bradley will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

A buyout remains possible for Dwyane Wade and the Bulls. Initially, Nick Friedell indicated that a buyout was expected to happen in the not-too-distant future. While Friedell has backed off that assertion, he still says that “nobody would be surprised” if Wade decides he wants out of Chicago and reaches a buyout agreement with the team in the next few months.

Ten More Stories

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Noah Admits Guilt Over Jackson’s Firing

By | at August 19, 2017 1:16 pm

Knicks big man Joakim Noah spoke out about his feelings of guilt regarding Phil Jackson‘s firing as team president, relays Marc Berman of The NY Post. Noah feels that his awful season in 2016/17 contributed to Jackson’s ouster.

“It’s tough, man, because I got a lot of love and respect for Phil,’’ Noah said. “He gave me an opportunity to play back home. Somebody I read all his books as a kid. I was just a big fan and still am. I have a lot of respect for him. It didn’t work out. That sucks. It’s something I have to live with. He believed in me, and I kind of let him down. That’s frustrating. He got a lot of blame that it was his fault. But we didn’t lose all those games because of Phil Jackson.’’

Noah also admitted that he lost his confidence last season and was not moving properly. He said that his drug suspension “hurt a lot of people” and that he has “to live with it the rest of his career.” 

Jackson lavished Noah with a whopping four-year, $72 million contract last offseason, but Noah’s first season at Madison Square Garden proved to be a nightmare. Jackson was fired in late June. The NBA veteran is now ready to put last season’s struggles behind him and be a model mentor to the team’s big men.

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Hoops Rumors Originals: 8/5/17 – 8/12/17

By | at August 12, 2017 3:59 pm

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team compiles original content to complement our news feed. This week, we were particularly productive with our original content. Enjoy our favorite segments and features from the past seven days:

0 comments Hoops Rumors Originals
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