Draymond Green To Miss Saturday’s Game With Toe Injury
The Warriors will be without Draymond Green for the fourth time in the team’s last six games as he will miss Saturday’s matchup against the Mavericks due to a right toe sprain, the team announced.
Head coach Steve Kerr said the team will rest Green for a little while before he returns to the court, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic (Twitter link).
“We decided to give him some time off. Don’t know how long it’ll be,” Kerr said. “The toe [sprain] is lingering.”
The ailment has kept Green out of Golden State’s recent games against the Bucks and Nets. He missed Tuesday’s game against the Hawks due to a suspension stemming from a heated verbal confrontation with teammate Kevin Durant.
Both Green and Durant have since addressed the incident and have stated their intentions to move past it as the Warriors aim for their fourth championship in five seasons.
The 28-year-old has averaged 6.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 7.2 APG for the Warriors in 13 games.
Lakers Notes: Ball, McGee, Second Superstar
For a young Lakers team still in search of its identity, second-year point guard Lonzo Ball has seen his role vary. At times, Ball has played the prototypical point guard role, setting up his teammates. Other times, the UCLA product has been more of an off-the-ball player who has also displayed an improved long-range game.
As Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times writes, Ball is still getting adjusted to the current Lakers team, playing off LeBron James.
“Just trying to find my spots on the court,” Ball said. “LeBron is very good with the ball, playmaking. So when he brings it up, (I) just try to go to the wing and get open, cut, set screens … try to do different things.”
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Through the early part of the season, Lakers center JaVale McGee is playing the best basketball of his career. He has not been a full-time starter since the 2011/12 season but his numbers across the board are career bests, Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register writes. Even while he’s scoring more points (14.1 PPG) than Al Horford and shooting better (63%) than DeAndre Jordan, McGee feels there’s room to improve. “I’m underachieving, personally,” McGee said. “People just look at me like, ‘Oh, he’s having a better season than he’s ever had.’ But no, I want more.”
- Another impact player is off the board for a Lakers team in search of a second star alongside James, as Jimmy Butler was traded to the Sixers. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report looks at the team’s remaining options for a co-star in Hollywood, with Butler, Kawhi Leonard and others having joined new teams or committed to old ones in recent months.
- Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo underwent surgery on a broken hand this week and is expected to miss four to five weeks.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Recovery Taking Longer Than Expected
Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen‘s elbow injury will keep him sidelined longer than originally expected, according to The Associated Press. Markkanen was originally expected to miss six to eight weeks with a high-grade lateral elbow sprain he suffered at the start of training camp.
The Finnish center’s return will likely occur nine to 11 weeks after the initial injury, per Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg. Markkanen is reportedly still in pain and not shooting from long range and will not return until he’s “100%.”
Entering his sophomore season, Markkanen was looking to build off a solid rookie campaign in which he averaged 15.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG in 29.7 MPG while appearing in 68 games. The 7-footer was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft.
After his initial diagnosis, Markkanen expressed optimism about his return and improving his game even while he’s sidelined.
“It’s a minor setback,” he said. “I’m just ready to get back to work. Hopefully, I can be even a little better than I am right now. You can always improve other things. I know my shot is going to be there. I’m not worried about that. Now I can work on my lefty a little bit.”
Without Markkanen and several others, the Bulls are a disappointing 4-10 after Monday’s loss to the Mavericks.
Caris LeVert Stretchred Off Court With Apparent Right Leg Injury
Nets forward Caris LeVert was stretchered off the court at Target Center with an apparent right leg injury and taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota, YES Network’s Michael Grady reports.
“Caris LeVert sustained a right leg injury during the second quarter of tonight’s game at Minnesota,” the Nets said in an update. “LeVert is being taken to a local Minneapolis hospital where he will undergo a full evaluation. Further updates will be issued as available.”
Just seconds before halftime, LeVert went for a block and landed awkwardly on his right ankle. Several Nets players were visibly crying while Timberwolves players huddled together in prayer for the Brooklyn swingman. LeVert posted 10 points, five rebounds and four assists before the injury.
The injury looked similar to the gruesome left leg injury Celtics’ forward Gordon Hayward suffered last October. Just minutes into Boston’s season opener, Hayward landed awkwardly on his left leg and suffered a dislocated and fractured left tibia. Hayward underwent surgery and missed the entire 2017/18 NBA season.
LeVert, 24, has developed into a potent two-way threat for Brooklyn this season. In 14 games this season, the Michigan product has averaged 18.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 3.7 APG for the Nets while shooting 47.3% from the floor. The first-round pick (20th overall) from the 2016 NBA draft has developed into a key piece of the Nets’ future.
LeVert does have a history of foot injuries. He suffered a stress fracture in his left foot during his stint at the University of Michigan in May 2014. LeVert re-injured the same foot in January 2015 and missed the remainder of that collegiate season. He had been expected to be a top pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
The 6’7″, 200-pound forward once again suffered a left leg injury in his final season at Michigan, missing parts of three months and eventually undergoing his third surgical procedure in 22 months. The string of left leg injuries dropped LeVert’s draft stock, but he did end up being selected in the first round by the Pacers and being sent to the Nets in a trade for Thaddeus Young.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 11/12/18
Here are Monday’s assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- The Grizzlies recalled rookie point guard Jevon Carter from the Memphis Hustle, per a tweet from Grizzlies’ PR.
- The Kings recalled rookie big man Harry Giles to their G League affiliate in Stockton, tweets James Ham of NBC Sports California.
- The Thunder announced in an email that they have recalled Abdel Nader from the Oklahoma City Blue.
Thibodeau On Butler Trade: “We Had To Be Patient”
In his first comments since the Jimmy Butler trade became official, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau addressed the organization’s decision to deal its superstar.
Speaking to reporters, including ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Thibodeau said that Minnesota pondered several offers for Butler. The Timberwolves felt the return from Philadelphia was the best of the bunch and that’s when the decision was made.
“We knew we had to be patient,” Thibodeau said. “We felt we had a few offers that were good. So once we got offers to the point where we felt good about what the offers were, we thought this was the best one for us. So we executed.”
After nearly two months of trade rumors and drama, the Timberwolves dealt Butler and center Justin Patton to Philadelphia for a package of Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick.
As we relayed earlier today, Minnesota considered trade packages from the Rockets and Pelicans before accepting the Sixers’ offer. The Nets were also reportedly involved in discussions but were not a serious suitor for the four-time All-Star.
Dillon Brooks Out Six To Eight Weeks With MCL Sprain
Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks suffered a grade II MCL sprain in the team’s Saturday victory over the Sixers, the team announced in a press release on Monday. Brooks is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
Brooks tripped over the basketball on a bounce pass attempt by Joel Embiid and his knee hyperextended. He left the game and underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed the severity of the injury.
Brooks, 22, is a key part of Memphis’ second unit. The second-round pick from 2017 NBA draft averaged 6.8 PPG and 2.1 RPG through 11 games (18.9 MPG) this season while providing a spark on defense. In 82 games (74 starts) last season, Brooks averaged 11.0 PPG and 3.1 RPG for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies also provided updates on Omri Casspi, JaMychal Green and Chandler Parsons. Casspi (knee) is nearing a full recovery and is expected to return at some point this week. Green (jaw) appeared in two games this season before undergoing surgery for a fractured jaw in late October; he’s expected to return within two weeks. Finally, Parsons (knee) is limited by the injury and another update will be issued in two weeks.
Carmelo Anthony’s Reps Exploring Possible Destinations
As Carmelo Anthony‘s stint with the Rockets appears to be nearing an end, his representatives are reportedly exploring potential landing spots if and when he hits the open market, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Earlier today, Chris Sheridan tweeted that the Sixers are “kicking the tires” on Anthony should he hit waivers. However, Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice cited a team source who “categorically denied” that Philadelphia has any interest in the 10-time All-Star.
Anthony has missed Houston’s past two games due to illness and did not make the trip with the team for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Nuggets. Wojnarowski noted that both Anthony and league officials are surprised at how quickly the separation has occurred.
Anthony, 34, has appeared in just 10 games (two starts) with the Rockets this season. He has posted career lows across the board, averaging 13.4 PPG 5.4 RPG in 29.4 minutes per game. The shooting problems that plagued Anthony with the Thunder have followed him to Houston, as he shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc.
Cutting ties with Anthony would not be a major financial loss for the Rockets as the team signed him to a veteran’s minimum contract ($1.5MM cap charge) this summer. For Anthony, however, finding another team after disappointing stints with two separate clubs in less than two seasons may prove difficult.
Wizards Waive Chasson Randle
The Wizards have waived point guard Chasson Randle, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Randle was in camp with Washington but was waived shortly before the start of the regular season. The 25-year-old did not appear in any games with the Wizards after the team re-signed him to a standard NBA contract in late October to meet roster requirements.
The Stanford University product appeared in 26 games last season with the Sixers and Knicks. He averaged 5.3 PPG and 1.3 APG in 11.5 minutes per game during his brief NBA stint.
With Randle waived, that could pave the way to the Wizards calling up Jordan McRae, tweets Candace Buckner of The Washington Post. The Wizards signed McRae, 27, to a two-way deal in September. He has appeared in 63 career NBA games, including four with Washington this season.
Whether it’s McRae or someone else, the Wizards will need to sign a 14th player to its roster within two weeks as the CBA stipulates teams cannot carry just 13 on standard deals beyond that time period.
Timberwolves Trade Jimmy Butler To Sixers
NOVEMBER 12: The Sixers and Timberwolves have issued press releases announcing that the deal is now official.
NOVEMBER 10: The Sixers have agreed to acquire Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton for Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round pick, according to Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic (Twitter links). A trade call with the league to finalize the deal has been scheduled for Monday, Charania adds (via Twitter).
Elton Brand‘s first major move as the Sixers’ general manager will allow the team to acquire a third star alongside Simmons and Embiid without having to take their chances trying to lure that sort of impact player to Philadelphia during 2019’s free agent period. It should also reduce the pressure on 2017’s first overall pick Markelle Fultz to develop into that third star.
Butler and the Sixers fully expect to reach an agreement on a long-term deal for the All-NBA swingman once he’s eligible for free agency in 2019, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Philadelphia’s plan is to have a long-term big three of Butler, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, according to Wojnarowski, who suggests (via Twitter) that only a major injury or a poor fit alongside Simmons and Embiid could diminish the Sixers’ optimism on a long-term future with Butler.
It remains to be seen how Butler will fit on and off the court in Philadelphia with the team’s two young stars after failing to make things work with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins in Minnesota, but the four-time All-Star should significantly increase the 76ers’ ceiling. Butler will provide play-making and shooting (.361 3PT% since 2016/17) on offense, and figures to replace Covington as the team’s primary perimeter stopper on defense. As for Patton, his NBA career has been derailed by foot injuries, and he’s unlikely to be a Sixer beyond this season.
Even if they re-sign Butler in 2019, the Sixers won’t necessarily be capped out quite yet, with Simmons still on his rookie deal. As ESPN’s Bobby Marks details, with cap holds for Butler and fellow free agent T.J. McConnell to consider, the team would have about $21MM in cap room next summer. If the 76ers want to clear enough room for another max player, trading Fultz would just about get them there, though Philadelphia’s cap sheet could get messy in that scenario, with an eventual max deal for Simmons also on the horizon.
For Minnesota, this trade will end a near two-month saga after Butler’s trade request went public. The week before training camps got underway, word broke that Butler had asked to be traded during a meeting with Timberwolves coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau and didn’t intend to report to camp.
When the Wolves didn’t find a trade for Butler right away, he rejoined the team, but the last five or six weeks have been rife with drama. The 29-year-old’s return to Minnesota was highlighted by a now-infamous expletive-filled rant in a preseason practice, and things hadn’t quieted down much since then. Now that the Wolves have finally resolved the situation, the team will have an opportunity to focus on a future centered around former No. 1 overall picks Towns and Wiggins.
The Timberwolves will now add Covington and Saric to that long-term core — Saric won’t be up for restricted free agency until 2020, while Covington is locked up through 2022. Both players make sense for Thibodeau, GM Scott Layden, and the Wolves, who didn’t want to take a significant step back in their roster-building process after snapping a lengthy postseason-less streak this past spring. Covington and Saric will be able to jump into the rotation immediately and should also be part of the team for years to come.
Bayless is on an expiring contract and almost certainly won’t be part of Minnesota’s future plans, as he was just included in the swap for salary-matching purposes. If the Wolves don’t plan for Bayless to have a role this season, he’ll become a buyout candidate.
Thibodeau, Layden, owner Glen Taylor, and the Timberwolves also reportedly discussed potential Butler trades with several other teams before agreeing to terms with the Sixers. The Rockets and Heat were said to be the most aggressive suitors, as Minnesota allegedly passed on a Miami offer that included Josh Richardson and a first-round pick, and also balked at a Houston offer featuring four first-round picks.
We don’t know what the protections on those Rockets’ first-rounders or the Heat first-rounder would have looked like, and the Wolves likely would have had to take on an unwanted multiyear contract in each of those proposals. Still, it will still be fascinating to see how Covington and Saric pan out in Minnesota, since we have a sense of what sort of other packages were available to the Wolves.
While Thibodeau exercised plenty of patience through the Butler saga, that patience ran out after the Timberwolves concluded their 0-5 road trip on Friday, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link). League sources told Wojnarowski that Thibodeau came to the realization Minnesota couldn’t win with Butler in such a dysfunctional environment, and told associates that the team wouldn’t play another game with Butler.
Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also report (via Twitter) that team ownership was “heavily involved” on both sides of the negotiations, with Taylor and Josh Harris of the Sixers working closely with management to finalize a deal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images. Luke Adams contributed to this post.