Grizzlies, J.B. Bickerstaff Agree To Three-Year Contract
The Grizzlies and J.B. Bickerstaff have agreed to a three-year deal that will make him the team’s permanent head coach, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Bickerstaff spent most of the 2017/18 season as the interim head coach for the Grizzlies.
Earlier today, we passed along word that the Grizzlies and Bickerstaff were engaged in discussions on a deal that would elevate him to the franchise’s full-time head coaching role. Bickerstaff assumed the interim job following the in-season dismissal of David Fizdale. However, the Grizzlies dealt with several injuries to key players, including Mike Conley, Tyreke Evans, and Chandler Parsons, falling out of playoff contention early in the year.
Memphis went 15-48 with Bickerstaff at the helm, ultimately finishing with a 22-60 record. It was the NBA’s second-worst mark in 2017/18.
Despite the Grizzlies’ poor record under Bickerstaff, the veteran coach made a strong impression on team management, writes Wojnarowski. Bickerstaff also received praise from Conley and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies’ two leading players, during the club’s end-of-season exit interviews. Conley said that Bickerstaff “deserves this job,” while Gasol praised his ability to handle adversity.
The new agreement will give Bickerstaff the opportunity to enter a season as a team’s head coach for the first time. The 39-year-old, who has also served as an assistant for the Bobcats, Timberwolves, and Rockets, has been an interim head coach twice, having also stepped into that role after Houston dismissed Kevin McHale during the 2015/16 campaign.
The Grizzlies are poised to become the first team to finalize a deal with a new permanent head coach this offseason, though the fact that they stuck with their interim coach obviously gave them a leg up in the process. No reports since the end of the regular season linked Memphis to any other candidates for the position.
Luke Adams contributed to this story. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Pacific Notes: Jordan, Clark, Looney, Curry
If he decides to turn down his player option for 2018/19, DeAndre Jordan will enter this summer as one of the league’s most intriguing free agents and will likely have no shortage of suitors. No teams can offer Jordan as much money as his current team, the Clippers, but his steady defense and elite rebounding should interest several clubs.
Frank Urbina of HoopsHype examines Jordan’s potential trip through the open market and identifies four possible destinations. Even without Chris Paul, who was traded to the Rockets last offseason, Jordan enjoyed a solid season, averaging 12.0 PPG, 15.2 RPG, and 64.5% field goal percentage to go with a career-best 1.5 APG.
Among the possible teams, Urbina lists the Clippers, their hometown rival Lakers, plus the Knicks and Kings. The Lakers enter the offseason with major cap space that can be used on multiple free agents; the Knicks may have a season-long void in the frontcourt if Enes Kanter opts out and Kristaps Porzingis‘ ACL injury recovery lingers; and the Kings are rebuilding with money to spend.
Check out more Pacific Division notes below:
- Kevon Looney has been a solid player for the Warriors, but this past October, the team elected not to pick up his player option, so he could leave as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Warriors general manager Bob Myers admitted to Marcus Thompson of The Athletic (subscription required) that in hindsight, the team should have gone a different direction. “We didn’t know. We had to go on the information we had, which is not the information we have now,” Myers said. “Maybe in that circumstance, the cap factored in as far as having to be very conscious of every dollar and saying ‘Can we replace this player? Can we afford to pay him at this number?’ When we make any decision, we’re projecting. Sometimes we project correctly. Sometimes we project incorrectly.”
- With the Warriors set for a second-round series against the Pelicans, Ian Clark – who spent two seasons in Golden State – plans to use that experience to help his current team, William Guillory of NOLA.com writes. “It’s going to be fun,” Clark said. “Being in this position to compete against them is going to be fun. Obviously I know a lot of those guys’ tendencies, and I’m trying to help as much as possible to get the win.”
- We noted earlier today that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr listed Stephen Curry as questionable for Game 1 between the Pelicans and Warriors this Saturday. Curry has been out since late March with an MCL sprain.
Knicks Notes: Kanter, Blatt, Budenholzer
Enes Kanter made an appearance in Oklahoma City for the Thunder’s first-round series against the Jazz. A former member of both the Thunder and Jazz, Kanter said he was there to support his friends and enjoy the game. The Turkish big man also addressed his opt-out, which he is likely to exercise and hit free agency this summer.
Marc Berman of the New York Post writes that Kanter’s opt-out date is on June 29, at which point his future will be clearer. Kanter enjoyed a strong season with the Knicks, averaging 14.1 PPG and 11.0 RPG as New York struggled to another poor season. Kanter said he’s unsure what his future holds but he will talk with teams this offseason. He also spoke glowingly of his time in Oklahoma City.
“Man, I don’t wanna say nothing crazy and make the New York fans sad, but this place [was] always special for me,’’ Kanter said of OKC. “It doesn’t matter — 10, 15 years from now — it’s gonna always be in my heart, because it actually was my first home, Oklahoma City. I was just outside. Everybody was yelling. I can’t tell you how often I get texted, ‘Enes! Come back! You should come back! Come back!’ Whatever. I think it just shows how nice the Thunder fans are.”
Check out more Knicks notes below:
- David Blatt met with the Knicks in Europe on Thursday, tweets Marc Berman of the New York Post. It was Blatt’s second interview with the Knicks. The former Cavaliers head coach is one of several candidates for the Knicks’ search to fill their vacant head coach position.
- As we relayed earlier today, Blatt is seeking another opportunity in the NBA as he feels he did not maximize his potential during his first stint in Cleveland.
- After Mike Budenholzer‘s mutual parting with the Hawks, general manager Travis Schlenk gave a strong endorsement for the coach and wished him well, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Budenholzer has already interviewed with the Knicks and he reportedly prefers to land the gig in New York. The Knicks are mulling over numerous candidates, but with Bundeholzer no longer employed by the Hawks, New York wouldn’t have to compensate Atlanta for his services.
Heat Notes: Johnson, Ellington, Trades, Offseason
Tyler Johnson is set to make a significant salary jump next season that will result in him making $19MM+. While an increase in salary always comes with an increase in expectations, Johnson is not concerned about it, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes.
The Heat guard would become the Heat’s second-highest paid player behind Hassan Whiteside, who expressed frustration with his diminished playing time late in the season. Miami was eliminated from the playoffs by the Sixers and Johnson played through a thumb injury that will require offseason surgery. As Winderman writes, Johnson has dealt with worse situations and he’s embracing his future.
“I feel like people already are thinking that’s what it is, anyway,” Johnson said of his possible pay increase. “They just see the number and that’s what I’m already making. So I’ve really already kind of dealt with all of that. It doesn’t really bother me at all.”
Miami is entering a unique offseason in which the roster is far from set, including Whiteside’s vocal displeasure, Dwyane Wade‘s possible retirement, and more. Johnson, with an increased salary, could quickly become a focal point on the team.
Check out more Heat notes below:
- Wayne Ellington and his standout three-point shooting are headed for free agency this offseason and he represents one of many decisions the organization will have to make. Ellington has said his desire is to return, but his salary requirements could price him out of Miami, Winderman writes in a separate story. “Of course I want to be back,” Ellington said. “I also know how the luxury tax works. I do. I do.”
- In his latest mailbag, Winderman answers several questions, most notably addressing the possibility of the Heat possibly trading Whiteside and/or Goran Dragic to create cap flexibility this offseason.
- Sean Deveney of The Sporting News delves into the Heat’s offseason and examines several decisions the organization will have to make. Among them are Whiteside’s standing with the team, a handful of impending free agents, and the progression of young players.
Southwest Notes: Green, Messina, Selden, Pelicans
Gerald Green‘s 2017/18 season changed drastically as he went from unemployed – cut by the Bucks after four preseason games – to joining the Rockets, a team he grew up rooting for. As the Rockets await their next challenge in the second round, Green is thrilled to be back in Houston and helping the team, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon writes.
“When I signed with the Rockets, I just kind of felt like that was my calling card,” Green said. “I’m going to be here. I want to help out. “I’m going to continue to keep putting [effort] in and keep helping out as many people as I can using this platform. I like to be able to do that. I like to see smiles [from the people] that you can help out. And right now, the city is still in need. It’s almost been a year, and it’s not back the same.”
Green became a lethal force off the bench, averaging 12.1 PPG and shooting from beyond the arc at a near 37% clip in 41 games. The 11-year NBA veteran continued being a helping hand for Houston against the Timberwolves, a series which the Rockets won in five games.
Check out more Southwest notes down below:
- Manu Ginobili may officially retire this offseason, which will continue to shrink a Spurs core that has been a constant in the NBA for nearly two decades. Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post looks at what could the end of an era in San Antonio with Tim Duncan‘s recent retirement, the possible departures of Ginobili and Tony Parker, and the ongoing drama with Kawhi Leonard.
- Following the death of Gregg Popovich‘s wife Erin, assistant coach Ettore Messina stepped up to coach San Antonio for Games 3 through 5. He enters the offseason as a popular candidate for numerous head coaching vacancies and his three-game cameo may have helped his chances, Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News writes.
- Michael Wallace of NBA.com examined Wayne Selden‘s season and his possible role with the Grizzlies moving forward. Selden averaged 9.3 PPG while shooting an impressive 40.2% from three-point range.
- The Pelicans are headed for a second-round clash with the Warriors, an outcome that may have seemed unlikely several months ago. William Guillory of NOLA.com looks at how the current roster was assembled.
Kerr: Stephen Curry ‘Questionable’ For Second-Round Opener
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has listed point guard Stephen Curry as questionable for the team’s Western Conference semifinals opener against the Pelicans on Saturday. Kerr spoke to reporters, including Mark Medina of The Mercury News (via Twitter), on Thursday and said Curry looked good in a full-contact practice.
“Steph practiced 100%, he did everything and looked good,” Kerr said. “I would say he’s questionable for Game 1. I think what we have to do is see how his body responds the rest of the day and put him through another practice tomorrow. I think he needs to string together a few good days. It was very positive today.”
Curry, a former two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, has been sidelined with an MCL sprain since March 23. He posted 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds against the Hawks that night before teammate JaVale McGee accidentally fell on his knee. Curry missed the remainder of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs.
In 51 regular season games, Curry averaged 26.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 5.1 RPG.
The Warriors have fared well without Curry so far, defeating the Spurs in five games in the first round of the postseason. As they prepares to face the Pelicans though, re-adding Curry to a lineup that boasts Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green would be a major boost.
Ettore Messina To Coach Spurs In Game 4
Assistant coach Ettore Messina will reprise his role from Wednesday and serve as the head coach for the Spurs for Game 4 of San Antonio’s first-round series against the Warriors tomorrow, tweets Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News.
Messina is filling in for Gregg Popovich, who is away from the team mourning the death of his wife Erin. With San Antonio down 3-0 to Golden State, it’s possible that tomorrow is the Spurs’ final game of the season. If the series resumes, it’s unclear if Popovich will take his regular seat for the remainder of the series.
Messina is reportedly a top candidate for a head coaching job this offseason and has received interest from the Hornets, who are on the lookout for Steve Clifford‘s replacement. San Antonio granted Charlotte permission to interview Messina, which will likely take place after the Spurs’ season is complete. For now, Messina’s focus will be to stave off elimination.
Luka Doncic To Enter 2018 NBA Draft
Luka Doncic of Real Madrid, a potential lottery pick, has submitted paperwork to enter the 2018 NBA Draft, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
Donic, 19, enjoyed his best season as part of Liga ACB, averaging 15.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG for Real Madrid. The Slovenian is currently playing in the EuroLeague postseason. That means Doncic’s season could potentially drift into May or June.
The early entry deadline for the 2018 NBA Draft is Sunday.
The 6’7″ guard has long intrigued NBA teams due to his versatile ability to shoot and be a playmaker. There is a real possibility that Doncic is among the top three picks in the draft, if not the first overall selection.
Atlantic Notes: Embiid, DeRozan/Lowry, Tsai, Mitchell
Joel Embiid made his on-court return for the Sixers’ Game 3 first-round series matchup against the Heat. It was Embiid’s first game since March 28, when he suffered an orbital fracture in his left eye and a concussion. To prevent further injury, Embiid sported a league-approved protective mask, which involved a lot of effort to construct, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne details.
A battery of tests was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania to make sure the mask would protect Embiid’s injured face. Shelburne writes that a “group of independent doctors from the league spent the past 10 days agonizing” about the mask and its safety. Embiid’s agent even reached out to retired NBA champion Richard Hamilton, who was famous for wearing a mask during his career.
“They [the Sixers] did everything possible,” Embiid said. “They were like throwing stuff at it to make sure it could withstand it.”
Check out more notes from the Atlantic Division:
- By their own admission, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have gone from not speaking to being the closest of the friends. As the Raptors hold a 2-1 series lead over the Wizards, the only goal their goal is to bring a championship to Canada, the duo said to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols in an in-depth interview.
- The Knicks have received some heat for passing on Donovan Mitchell in last year’s draft. Former Knick David Lee recalled Mitchell attending his annual camp in Chappaqua, New York, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
- Joe Tsai agreed to buy a 49% stake in the Nets and while he has yet to publicly comment since the purchase, the expectation is he will try to take the organization global, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “Mikhail [Prokhorov] and Joe are both committed owners and they’ll be hands-on to a certain extent,” general manager Sean Marks said. “The fact that Joe saw something that he liked in Brooklyn, saw something that he liked with the Nets organization, I think there’ll be a great partnership between the two.”
Suns Interview Igor Kokoskov For Head Coach Job
The Suns have interviewed Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov for their vacant head coach job, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Salt Lake City Tribune (Twitter link). We noted yesterday that Phoenix planned to interview Kokoskov as they continue their search.
Kokoskov has served an assistant for Utah since 2015 as part of Quin Snyder‘s staff. Before joining the Jazz, Kokoskov was an assistant coach for several teams, including the Clippers, Pistons, Suns, Cavaliers, and Magic. While Kokoskov has never been a head coach in the NBA, he does have experience coaching the Georgian and Serbian national teams.
Phoenix’s pool of candidates shrunk this week when Mike Budenholzer reportedly withdrew from consideration on Thursday. However, the Suns are still considering several names for the job. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (via Twitter) confirmed yesterday that Spurs assistant James Borrego and former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale are in consideration.
Several former NBA coaches are also reportedly in the mix, including David Fizdale, Steve Clifford, Frank Vogel, and David Blatt. Interim coach Jay Triano, who took over after the firing of Earl Watson this season, will also interview for the job.