Central Notes: Thomas, Perkins, Mirotic, Portis
After a disappointing loss to the Kings on Wednesday, the Cavaliers cannot get Isaiah Thomas back from injury soon enough, USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick writes. Cleveland acquired Thomas in the offseason trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston but Thomas has not played this season due to a hip injury.
Despite rumblings that Thomas may play this week, Amick writes that his return will likely occur against the Trail Blazers on January 2 or the following night against the Celtics. Facing his former team in his first game back would be a dramatic story but it is also possible for Thomas to play against Portland and skip the next game as he eases into playing. The 28-year-old averaged an Eastern Conference-best 28.9 PPG last season and his Cavaliers teammates see his impending return as a positive.
“I think it’ll be good in a lot of ways,” Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver said USA TODAY Sports. “You know, sometimes when we get stagnant is when we start depending on ‘Bron too much to create everything, and he can do it, but it’s hard every night for an 82-game season. To have someone else who can share that load of handling the ball and making plays for guys, I think that’ll help us out.”
Check out other Central Division news and notes below:
- Instead of retiring or accepting a coaching gig, Kendrick Perkins has willingly played for the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. Perkins, 33, is a four-time NBA finalist with over $60MM in career earnings but he still feels he can help an NBA team, Scott Patsko of Cleveland.com writes. “I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback,” Perkins, who is averaging 10.7 PPG and 8.4 RPG in Canton said. “I feel I’ve played well in the minutes I’ve played. I wanted to show that I can still put the ball in the basket. And that I can still just move and play with the speed, pick and roll. I just wanted to prove that I can actually compete.”
- The Bulls have played like a completely different team since Nikola Mirotic‘s return from a facial injury he suffered at the literal hand of teammate Bobby Portis. Their preseason fight made headlines and strained their relationship but Mirotic acknowledged that Chicago’s 9-2 record since his return has been helped by both men being professional, per ESPN’s Nick Freidell. “I think it was huge,” Mirotic said to ESPN on Wednesday. “I think it was huge because people didn’t know how we were going to act because it was a tough moment obviously for all of us, especially for me. But I think [up to now] we’ve handled it well.”
And-Ones: Ball Family, Durant, Early, Tanking
Both LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball are set to play for the Lithuanian team Vytautas Prienai starting next year and the marketing campaign behind the brothers is not far behind. The Balls’ new team has shipped jerseys of the brothers to the United States and they will be available for purchase on Amazon soon after the new year, Shams Charania of The Vertical reports.
Vytautas has shipped 500 jerseys (half for each brother) to an Amazon warehouse and more will be shipped in the first week of January. LiAngelo, 19, and LaMelo, 16, have provided branding to facilitate the marketing deal, Charania writes.
The brothers’ outspoken father, LaVar Ball, has captured headlines across the basketball world for the better part of two years, advocating for his sons and their basketball futures. Lonzo Ball is currently in his rookie season with the Lakers but his two siblings will have to pursue NBA careers differently. LaMelo was taken out of Chino Hills High School and homeschooled before signing with Vytautas; LiAngelo was enrolled in UCLA before he was arrested for shoplifting in China. Shortly after returning to the United States, LiAngelo left UCLA to pursue his professional career.
Check out other news from the basketball world below:
- Former Knicks player Cleanthony Early was traded in the G League last week, going from the Santa Cruz Warriors to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, per Nicola Lupo of Sportando. Early, 26, last appeared in the NBA during the 2015/16 season. He was averaging 13.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 2.6 APG with the Warriors at the time of the trade.
- The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report from Christmas Day’s matchup between the Warriors and Cavaliers revealed that Kevin Durant fouled LeBron James multiple times during the final possession of the game.
- While teams have found success and results from prolonged stretches of losing seasons, the entire league suffers when teams decide to tank, ESPN’s Howard Bryant writes.
Pacific Notes: Evans, Clippers, James, Dudley
It’s rare to have a rookie play like a seasoned veteran on either side of the ball but Jawun Evans‘ impact on the Clippers‘ defense has been considerable. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times writes that Evans’ presence on the court has resulted in fewer points for the opposition and head coach Doc Rivers has noticed.
“I think Jawun’s ball pressure has been great,” Rivers said. “My entire theory on defense is the more clock you can [make the offense] use before they start, the less time they have to hurt you. And what Jawun’s doing when he’s in the game, he pressures the ball and teams are starting their offense at 13 and 12 seconds. It’s tough to score on a team in 12 seconds. And so I think that’s helped as well.”
Evans, 21, has appeared in 26 games this season, averaging 5.5 PPG and 1.9 APG. The Clippers have struggled this season and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. Evans, however, has turned heads with his defensive abilities.
Below you can read up on other news out of the Pacific Division:
- The Clippers face a roster predicament with Jamil Wilson and C.J. Williams, Elliot Teaford of the Orange County Register writes. Both Winston and Williams are on two-way deals, meaning they can only spend 45 days with the Clippers. The team can sign them to NBA deals but do not have two open roster spots. “It’s going to be tough,” Rivers said. “I won’t tell you our plans, but they’re not going to be great, I can tell you that. That’s all I can tell you. You’ll see. No, we just don’t have a lot of good options. We have to play them right now because we need them, and they’re playing great.”
- Mike James, who the Suns waived last week, has cleared waivers, Scott Bordow of Arizona Republic tweets. The Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association are making a “hard push” to sign James, Marc Stein of the New York Times tweets. James, 27, averaged 10.4 PPG and 3.8 APG in 32 games for Phoenix before being waived.
- Suns’ forward Jared Dudley has embraced the role of a veteran leader for Phoenix, the 32-year-old said to James Blancarte of Basketball Insiders. Dudley has only appeared in 14 games this season and is averaging career-lows across nearly every category. However, he enjoys helping the team’s younger players.“I think that through my knowledge and wisdom that I’ve helped [the young players] out and that is something that I can continue to do,” Dudley said. “I mean every NBA team is getting younger by the year and teams are looking for vets to help out.”
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Hardaway, Theis, Holmes, Booker
After both Frank Ntilikina and Jarrett Jack were upstaged by T.J. McConnell in the Knicks‘ Christmas loss to the Sixers, head coach Jeff Hornacek wants both players to be more aggressive, Zach Braziller of the New York Post writes.
“We always tell our point guards, if someone is pressuring you, just drive right around them. Don’t wait for them to get into your body and try to make a move,” Hornacek said. “You see when he comes up to get you. That’s that change of pace, that change of speeds, when you go one way then slow down, then speed up. And that’s something that Frank will learn.”
Ntilikina and Jack combined to shoot just 2-for-13 from the field in the loss. Also, the 20-year-old Ntilikina had a rare off night on defense, a part of the young Frenchman’s game that has been lauded thus far. With Jack the incumbent starter, the Knicks do not have much depth at the position, meaning the Knicks will need consistency from both players as the team battles for playoff contention.
Check out other Atlantic Division stories below:
- Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s timetable to return from a stress injury to his left shin remains a mystery, ESPN’s Ian Begley writes. The Knicks announced on Wednesday that Hardaway has made progress — which includes on-court activities such as jumping — and that he will be evaluated weekly. The exact severity of Hardaway’s injury remains unclear but the team hopes to have their prized offseason signee back at some point in January.
- Celtics big man Daniel Theis does not like playing with a protective mask on his face but his recent performance was not impacted by the facial inconvenience, A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston writes. Theis grabbed 15 rebounds in the Celtics’ win over the Bulls last Saturday. While he maintains that the mask is bothersome, he said the current one he uses has improved his vision on the court. Theis hopes to play without the mask in three weeks.
- Derek Bodner of The Athletic (subscription required and recommended) examined the Sixers’ recent loss to the Raptors. Bodner also highlights the disappearance of Trevor Booker and Richaun Holmes in Philadelphia’s recent skid.
Marc Gasol Talks Fizdale Firing, Future With Grizzlies
Marc Gasol made himself available to several reporters following Grizzlies practice on Monday to answer any questions pertaining to him, firing of former coach David Fizdale, and his future in Memphis. In an hour-long question and answer session, Gasol said no question was off limits but he was overall vague with his answers, Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal writes.
Gasol continually reiterated that he did not push for Fizdale’s dismissal but admitted that they were not on good terms. The Grizzlies center noted that a December 18, 2016, loss to the Jazz was the beginning of the relationship deteriorating. Fizdale blamed him and Mike Conley for the loss, causing tensions to escalate, Gasol said.
“We couldn’t make it work,” Gasol said. “We both wanted what was best for the team. We just couldn’t get on the same page. Things got of control fast.”
The 32-year-old Gasol, who is in his 10th season with the Grizzlies, said that the poor relationship with Fizdale was due to both parties. Fizdale was fired on November 27 after Gasol was benched in the fourth quarter in a loss to the Nets. By that point, Gasol accepted that the relationship was beyond repair, despite an agreement made during the offseason.
“We both understood we had to keep it professional,” Gasol said. “That was the agreement. That was agreed upon at the end of last season. … I’m responsible for some of the things but not all of the things.”
Gasol said that has not asked the Grizzlies for a trade and remains confident that things can improve. Memphis currently owns the second-worst record (10-23) in the Western Conference. However, Gasol’s personal issues with Memphis go beyond the coaching staff. The Spaniard was also critical of the Grizzlies’ decision to not bringing back Zach Randolph and Tony Allen in free agency — breaking up the “core four” of Gasol, Conley, Randolph and Allen.
“I didn’t understand the why,” Gasol said of the Grizzlies not bringing back their veterans.
It is safe to say that Memphis is currently not in the hunt for a playoff spot. It is also true that Gasol, a three-time NBA All-Star, wants to win. Whether or not that happens in a Grizzlies uniform remains to be seen.
New York Notes: Hornacek, Baker, Point Guards, Allen, Russell, Okafor
The Knicks entered last season with high expectations but a midseason collapse partnered with a veteran team was the root of the team’s demise. With a younger team in place this season, head coach Jeff Hornacek does not expect the current Knicks to quit on the season if things get tough, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes.
Ball-dominant players such as Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose were not conducive to the Knicks’ offensive strategy. Free agency acquisitions Courtney Lee (who has been solid this season) and Joakim Noah did not perform to expectations. This season, however, Hornacek has a different vibe.
“Usually when you have an older team — veteran guys — and the losses start piling up guys have a tendency to go, ‘Okay, the season (is over),'” Hornacek said. “These guys are going to fight until the end of the season no matter what our record is. A lot of young guys, they know we’re working not just for this year, but for the next couple of years to get better at certain things. So there won’t be any quit in these guys.”
After back-to-back losses, the Knicks are 17-16, good for an eighth-place tie in the Eastern Conference with the Heat. Injuries to Tim Hardaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, and Enes Kanter have hindered the team at times this season. Yet, Hornacek feels the current crop is hungry and willing to compete, even through difficult circumstances.
Check out other news from the New York NBA scene below:
- The Knicks‘ uncertain point guard situation was exploited in the team’s Christmas loss to the Sixers on Monday, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Veteran Jarrett Jack went 0-for-5 from the field while rookie Frank Ntilikina struggled on both sides of the ball. Conversely, Sixers backup point guard T.J. McConnell provided Philadelphia with a major boost.
- Knicks point guard Ron Baker has taken an unconventional path to the NBA, Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders writes. Baker was not heavily recruited out of high school and needed several productive seasons at Wichita State to get on several NBA teams’ radars. Then, Baker went undrafted and had to impress the Knicks in the summer league to earn an NBA opportunity.
- Nets rookie center Jarrett Allen is trying to model his game after Rockets big man Clint Capela, Net Income at NetsDaily highlights.
- As both D’Angelo Russell (knee surgery) and Jahlil Okafor (conditioning) work to enter the Nets’ rotation, general manager Sean Marks’ remarks from last Wednesday put both men on track to return shortly after the New Year. Brian Lewis of the New York Post tweets that Russell’s 7-to-8 weeks’ timetable after November 17 surgery puts him on track to return anywhere from January 5-12; Okafor was said to be about two weeks away, putting him on schedule to enter the rotation on the Nets’ upcoming homestand.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 12/26/17
Here are the notable G-League transactions around the NBA today:
- The Hornets recalled rookie Dwayne Bacon from the organization’s G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, the team announced in a press release. In 28 games for Charlotte, Bacon has averaged 3.6 PPG and 3.1 RPG. He was acquired along with cash considerations from the Pelicans for draft rights to Frank Jackson during the 2017 NBA Draft.
- In a separate move, the Hornets assigned guard Julyan Stone to the Greensboro Swarm on Tuesday, according to a press release. Stone has appeared in four contests for the Hornets, posting totals of 1.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG and 1.8 APG. This marks Stone’s third assignment to the G League.
- The Spurs announced in a press release that guard Derrick White has been recalled from the team’s G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. White has appeared in seven games for San Antonio, averaging 1.3 PPG and 1.3 RPG.
- The Trail Blazers assigned guard C.J. Wilcox to the Santa Cruz Warriors, per a press release. After appearing in 20+ games in each of the past three seasons for the Magic and Clippers, Wilcox has yet to see NBA action in 2017/18 due to arthroscopic knee surgery. Wilcox signed a two-way deal with Portland in August.
Northwest Notes: Anthony, Crawford, Plumlee, Mitrou-Long
Carmelo Anthony‘s struggles this season have mirrored that of the Thunder: struggling to find consistency. Anthony has been primarily a ball-dominant player in his career but he has changed that approach recently, helping the Thunder in the process, Royce Young of ESPN writes.
In recent games, Anthony has hovered around the perimeter, waiting for catch-and-shoot situations. In Oklahoma City’s win over the Hawks on Friday, Anthony netted seven three-pointers, allowing Russell Westbrook to facilitate plays. Anthony admitted that he can find sustained success in that role once he gets adjusted.
“I think for me it’s just a matter of accepting that role. That’s all it is,” Anthony said. “Realizing that’s what it’s going to be, these are the type of shots I’m going to get, this is the type of offense we’re going to be running and accepting that, and working on that role. That’s something that I’ve kind of been doing over the past week, is allowing myself to accept that role and do whatever I gotta do to make this team win.”
Anthony, 33, is averaging a career-worst 17.5 PPG this season through 32 games. With Westbrook and fellow All-Star Paul George, Anthony is not required to shoulder the load the way he did in New York the past six seasons. Head coach Billy Donovan said he and the team appreciate Anthony’s willingness to change his style for the betterment of the team.
Read up on other news out of the Northwest Division:
- The Timberwolves signed three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford to be instant offense off the bench and to be a veteran presence on a young, promising team. While his minutes and production were down through the first third of the season, he is still capable of putting up points in a hurry for Minnesota, Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune writes.
- Injuries to Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic have allowed Mason Plumlee to receive more playing time and the Nuggets’ center is becoming a trusted vocal leader for the team, Gina Mizell of The Denver Post writes.
- Naz Mitrou-Long finished up a game in the G League and after a long flight home learned the Jazz were signing him to a two-way deal. As he gets the chance to suit up for Utah in the NBA, Mitrou-Long is appreciative of the opportunity, Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News writes. “I obviously don’t presume to come in here and play a substantial amount of minutes or even play at all,” he said. “If I get any opportunity, it’s going to be to learn and take advantage of it.”
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 12/24/17
Here are the G-League transactions from around the NBA today:
- The Hawks have recalled guard Tyler Dorsey and big man Mike Muscala from the organization’s G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks, the team announced in a press release. Dorsey has appeared in 10 games for the Hawks this season while Muscala has played in nine contests.
- The Wolves announced that the 18th overall pick from this year’s NBA Draft, Justin Patton, has been recalled from the team’s G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves (via Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune). Patton had been sidelined with a broken left foot to start a season before starting a G League assignment earlier this month. Patton, 20, appeared in six games with Iowa.
- The Magic have recalled center Khem Birch from their G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, the team announced (via Twitter). Birch, 25, has appeared briefly in four games for Orlando this season.
Knicks Notes: Beasley, Jack, Hardaway, Schedule
Michael Beasley has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks this season, capped off by a pair of 30+ point performances in the team’s last two victories. Less than two years ago, however, Beasley — who had solidified himself as a star in the Chinese Basketball Association — started accepting the fact that he may never play in the NBA again, Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports writes.
Beasley, still just 28 years old, said interest in him two springs ago was limited not due to his talent but issues with his maturity and questionable off-the-court incidents. A call from the Mavericks did not amount to much and it was not until the Rockets — a team Beasley said was not on his radar — agreed to take a look at him in 2016. After an impressive 20-game cameo in Houston followed by a productive season in Milwaukee last year, Beasley proved he can be a useful asset in the NBA.
“If you love to do it, do it. That’s why I play basketball,” Beasley said. “That’s why being in China was so important. When the NBA was no longer a realistic dream, basketball kept me sane. It’s ironic. You have to go halfway across the world to a place you’ve never been to find yourself.”
In 26 games (six starts) this season, the man who dubbed himself a “walking bucket” in the preseason is averaging 10.9 PPG and 4.1 RPG. It has not been an easy road back to success for the former second overall pick; having a wife and kids has changed Beasley’s priorities, which he said motivates his on-court effort.
Check out other news from the Knicks organization below:
- Much like Beasley, veteran point guard Jarrett Jack has been a welcome addition to a Knicks team currently occupying the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Jack, 34, will play in just his second Christmas Day game on Monday when the Knicks face the Sixers at Madison Square Garden. After a torn ACL in January 2016 put his career in jeopardy, Jack appreciates every game he plays in, Newsday’s Al Iannazzone writes. “Every day,” Jack said of his appreciation, “because I understand in one game, it could be taken away from you for a substantial amount of time. That’s what happened to me. I don’t take none of it for granted.”
- While he nurses a stress injury to his left leg, Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has not received enough credit for his strong play this season, his father, Tim Hardaway Sr., said to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
- Stan Van Gundy voiced a theory this week that the NBA purposely organized the Knicks schedule to include more home games than road games in the early going to help the franchise build confidence. However, an industry source tells Marc Berman of the New York Post the scheduling had to do with the Grammys being hosted at Madison Square Garden in January.