Central Notes: Oladipo, George, Nwaba, Bulls
The Pacers‘ acquisition of Victor Oladipo — along with Domantas Sabonis — in last summer’s Paul George trade was seen by many as a steal for the Thunder. Several months into the season, however, Oladipo’s play has elevated him to star status, Mark Montieth of NBA.com writes.
Through the Pacers’ first 25 games, Oladipo has posted a career-highs in PPG (24.5), RPG (5.3), field-goal percentage (.485%), and three-point shooting percentage (.444%). In his own words, Oladipo has put in all the work necessary to show that he’s a better player than he showed in his first four seasons with the Magic and Thunder.
“Y’all might be surprised,” Oladipo said. “I put in the work. I work every day. I have no limit to how hard I work. I’m trying to be great. There’s no in-between and I can’t settle for anything less.”
Oladipo, still just 25 years old, is also setting other career-highs, including a 47-point performance against the Nuggets over the weekend. The Pacers are also playing like a playoff caliber team, occupying fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 16-11 record; Oladipo has been a major reason for that.
Check out other news around the Central Division:
- George will make his first appearance as a visiting player on Wednesday when the Thunder visits the Pacers in Indiana. While George’s run with the team included plenty of success, his impending return is the subject of mixed emotions, Jim Ayello of USA Today writes. Former teammates such as Lance Stephenson and Thaddeus Young spoke glowingly of their former teammates while Myles Turner said George did not “leave on the best terms.”
- David Nwaba was a mere waiver wire acquisition by the Bulls but he has become a vital part of the team, NBA.com’s Sam Smith writes. “His skill is he goes out and plays harder than everybody else on the floor,” said Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg. As a reserve, Nwaba is averaging 8.3 PPG for the 6-20 Bulls.
- While Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic‘s violent preseason scuffle that resulted in suspensions and facial surgery captured headlines, the duo’s recent on-court competition for the Bulls has been a pleasant change of pace, Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 12/10/17
Here are Sunday’s G League assignments and recalls from across the NBA:
- The Spurs announced on Sunday that guard Derrick White has been assigned to the team’s G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. Through six games with San Antonio, White averaged 1.5 PPG and 1.5 RPG in less than eight minutes per game.
Heat Notes: Bosh, Spoelstra, Winslow
The Heat experienced some déjà vu during their game against the Nets in Mexico City on Saturday as former champion Chris Bosh was in attendance for the team’s 101-89 victory. It was a welcome sight for many of Bosh’s former teammates and coaches, including Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, Shandel Richardson of the Sun Sentinel writes.
“We’ve been in touch. He looks good,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “His family, his kids are doing well. I love CB. He’s Heat family for life but man it’s strange. You see him and it’s like you go back to 2012 just like that. You realize how fast times goes by in this league.”
Bosh has not played in nearly two seasons after his issue with blood clots was ruled career-ending following a medical review by the NBA and the players’ union earlier this year. Bosh reached a unique agreement with the Heat in July where his salary would longer count against the team’s salary cap after he was waived.
We noted last month that Bosh was “keeping his options open” regarding his future as an active player. However, given his medical complications, it remains a longshot that an NBA team will give him a chance to resume his career.
Check out other Heat news below:
- Also from the Sun Sentinel’s Shandel Richardson, Heat forward Justise Winslow has taken a demotion to the bench in stride and is finding success in that role. “I didn’t really take it as a bad thing or a good thing,” Winslow said. “For me, I just see it as an opportunity to be even more of a playmaker with that second group especially with the great spot up shooters we have in Wayne [Ellington] and Tyler [Johnson].”
- Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes that Erik Spoelstra thrives under stability with the Heat, something David Fizdale and other recently dismissed coaches have not been afforded. Spoelstra has been the head coach in Miami through the era of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Bosh, and in recent years during a rebuilding stage. He feels that teams will need patience to compete and that stability with coaches is critical.
Pacific Notes: Ball, Walton, Teodosic, Iguodala, Jackson
Outside of a few standout performances, Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball‘s first professional season has been inconsistent at best. The Lakers’ season has mirrored Ball’s inconsistency as the team is 10-15, good for 10th place in the Western Conference. If the franchise and Ball want to achieve success, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant believes the 20-year-old point guard needs to improve now.
Speaking to Chris McGee on Spectrum SportsNet’s ‘Connected With’, Bryant said that Ball and the Lakers cannot wait and plan for several years to see improvements. Instead, Ball — and several of his young teammates — needs to take initiative and improve on his own accord.
“He needs to get better now,” Bryant said (via ForTheWin’s Nick Schwartz). “Kuzma, better now. Randle, better now. Players, you want that now. We never thought, ‘OK, we’re going to win four years from now. We really thought this is our year. We’re going to get this done. We’re going to push, push, push, push, push to get better now.’ And in the process of having that impatience, you develop. If you’re just patiently going about it, you’ll never get there. For players, it’s kind of patient impatience.”
In 25 games, Ball is averaging 8.6 PPG, 7.1 APG and 6.8 RPG. However, Ball has struggled on offense, shooting .321% from the field and .246% from beyond the arc.
Check out other news from around the Pacific Division:
- In a well-written and well-crafted feature, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk dissected Luke Walton’s transition from player to assistant coach to head coach. Walton, currently in his second season as head coach of the Lakers, has learned under legend Phil Jackson, current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, and his legendary father, Bill Walton. As Youngmisuk writes, all three men have shaped the way Walton conducts himself as head coach.
- While Andre Iguodala is 33 years old, his ability to impact a game on both ends of the floor has made him invaluable to the Warriors. Head coach Steve Kerr said that, in particular, Iguodala’s defense reminds him of Scottie Pippen, Mark Medina of The Mercury News writes.
- While Clippers rookie Milos Teodosic is close to returning from a plantar fascia injury to his left foot, the team is still unsure when he will be back, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports. “He’s close, I’ll say that,” head coach Doc Rivers said. “Watching him yesterday, I just didn’t think he was ready. But he’s close. It’s a tough one.”
- Suns rookie Josh Jackson said his adjustment from college to the NBA has gone well, Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders writes.
Atlantic Notes: Ntilikina, Stauskas, Nets, Hayward, Fultz
After a surprisingly strong start to the season, Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina has seen his production waver in recent weeks. While scoring is not the 19-year-old’s calling card yet, his strong defense has slipped as well as he’s averaging nearly one less steal over the team’s past eight games (1.4) than he did through the first 12 (2.1).
Howie Kussoy of the New York Post writes that the rookie Frenchman is currently in a position where he is not always confident of what his role is. Head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged that Ntilikina is sometimes caught in between trying to be aggressive with the ball as a scorer and trying to be a playmaker.
“One of the things early was he was just looking to pass. Then we’ve tried to talk to him about being a little more aggressive, and trying to really move the ball downhill on these guys, and then I think he was maybe thinking shoot it and score,” Hornacek said. “I thought last game, the practice before that, he’s done a nice job of balancing that. Sometimes he’ll attack. Sometimes he’s looking to pass. As a young person in this league you’re trying to figure that out, ‘When are my opportunities to really attack? When is it just to make a pass?’
Through 21 games, Ntilikina is averaging 5.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.3 SPG.
Check out other news around the Atlantic Division:
- When the Nets acquired Jahlil Okafor from the Sixers earlier this week, Nik Stauskas — who the Nets also acquired in the deal — flew under the radar. Stauskas had fallen out Philadelphia’s rotation and played in just six games this season. As Bryan Fonseca of NetsDaily writes, Stauskas provides the Nets with a low-risk, high-reward option who has had some good stretches in the NBA.
- After New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio questioned the Nets’ success as a franchise after moving to Brooklyn in 2012, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the team has exceeded expectations, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes.
- Celtics president Danny Ainge confirmed that Gordon Hayward — who suffered a season-ending ankle injury on opening night — will soon ditch his walking boot as he continues to rehab, Chris Forsberg of ESPN writes. For his part, Ainge believes Hayward ” wants to come faster than anybody has from this kind of injury” (Via NBC Sports Boston).
- Sixers president Bryan Colangelo provided an update on 19-year-old Markelle Fultz, noting that the muscle imbalance in his right shoulder has progressed well. “Surface level, I would say that he’s progressing well,” Colangelo said (via Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia). “He continues to focus on the PT and strength and conditioning aspect of the return. The good news is the soreness is completely gone and the muscle imbalance is gone.” Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype writes that Philadelphia will have a hard time fitting Fultz into the rotation once he returns.
Southwest Notes: Rondo, Bickerstaff, Mavs, Grizzlies
Rajon Rondo is making his mark on the Pelicans, using his veteran presence and playmaking abilities to help the team, William Guillory of NOLA.com writes. Rondo missed the start of the season due to a sports hernia but is now drawing praise from his teammates for his teammates.
“I’ve said it many times, once Rondo is on the floor he makes the game easier for a lot of guys. He takes guys’ games to the next level,” DeMarcus Cousins said. “Since Rondo has been back, I think Jrue (Holiday) and E’Twaun (Moore)’s game has gone to the next level. Darius Miller, his game has gone to a whole other level. It’s just making the game easier for everybody.”
The Pelicans are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 13-13 record. Rondo, 31, brings NBA championship experience and one of the most respected basketball minds in the NBA. As Cousins, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and the rest of the team compete for the playoffs, Rondo is clearly establishing himself as a vital presence for the team.
Check out other news and notes from the Southwest Division:
- This season hasn’t gone smoothly for the Grizzlies as the team has endured the firing of head coach David Fizdale, a deteriorating relationship with All-Star Marc Gasol, and an 11-game losing streak, putting the team close to the Western Conference cellar. However, interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff thinks the team is trending in the right direction, Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal writes.
- Speaking of changes with the Grizzlies, the team hired former player Greg Bucker as an assistant coach, per Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal. Bucker has served as an analyst for FOX Sports and played for the Grizzlies during the 2008/09 season.
- After improved play — including recent wins over the Clippers and Nuggets — the Mavericks are starting to find their identity on both sides of the floor, Eddie Sefko of Dallas Sports Day writes.
Atlantic Notes: Beasley, Nets, Celtics, DPE, Raptors
Injuries to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis have given Michael Beasley opportunities to play more often than expected and he has been effective, Alex Squadron of the New York Post writes. In his last five games, Beasley has posted double digits in points three times, including a 30-point effort against the Rockets on November 25 and a 21-point performance against the Magic on Sunday.
“I just go out there and do what the coach asks me to do and my team needs,” Beasley said. “Stay ready, and be ready to do what I do.”
Beasley, 28, has gone from a No.2 overall pick to a traveled journeyman who can still be productive in stretches. He famously labeled himself a “walking bucket” after signing with the Knicks. While there’s no telling how long Beasley will continue to start and make an impact, head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged the importance of role players stepping up.
“We have to have everyone contribute a little bit more,” Hornacek said. “We had Beasley step into that scoring role.”
Check out other Atlantic Division notes below:
- The Nets have been aggressive in trying to expand their brand across the globe, something that has not gone unnoticed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “They’ve been to China with us, they’ve been to London and now Mexico City. I credit team president Brett Yormark, who seems particularly interested extending the Brooklyn Nets brand globally,” Silver said.
- Speaking of the Nets‘ weekend visit to Mexico to face the Thunder and Heat, the team is keeping their plan to stay hydrated and prepare for the trip mum, Lewis writes in a separate story.
- Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer examined the Raptors‘ formula to not only remaining effective but keeping the entire team involved. Toronto has constructed a roster of younger players who play with a high tempo; the Raptors also have 12 players on the team averaging at least 12 minutes per game.
- A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston writes that the Celtics may end up using their Disabled Player Exception — which they acquired after Gordon Hayward‘s season-ending ankle injury — closer to the trade deadline — if they use it at all.
Central Notes: Rose, Wade, Mirotic, Bledsoe, Terry
Derrick Rose is back training with the Cavaliers as he attempts to rehab from a nagging ankle injury and resume his basketball career. If all goes well and Rose is healthy enough for an on-court return, his role on the suddenly surging Cavs is not clear, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes.
Cleveland is in the midst of a 12-game winning streak and currently occupy second place in the Eastern Conference. Jose Calderon has settled into the starting point guard role — where Rose began the season due to Isaiah Thomas‘ injury — and the bench has been effective with Dwyane Wade a potential sixth man of the year candidate.
Fedor noted that the Cavaliers’ offense and defense have been better with Rose off the court. Injuries have taken a toll on Rose’s 29-year-old body as he is no longer the NBA Most Valuable Player-caliber talent he was with the Bulls. However, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue said Rose’s ability to score would still be a welcome addition.
“He was great. That Washington game, we had a big game in Washington and I think he had 24-25 points,” Lue said to reporters, including Fedor, during shootaround on Monday. “Just his pace, his ability to get to the basket, his speed that he plays with is great for us.”
Check out other news and notes out of the Central Division:
- Once Thomas is ready for the Cavaliers, Wade ideally wants to retain his role as a force off the bench for the team, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes. “I’m good where I’m at,” Wade said to Cleveland.com. “The problem would only be worse when Isaiah comes back, because he’s going to need his shots. Where I am now, it’s working for me and for this team.”
- Nikola Mirotic was in a good mood for the first time in a long time while speaking to reporters after his first G League practice, Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago writes. Mirotic has missed the season thus far due to facial surgery, a result of a preseason fight with Bulls teammate Bobby Portis. Both men have seemingly agreed to move past the incident and focus on the team.
- While the fit of Eric Bledsoe on a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo as the main star was questioned, the Bucks felt Bledsoe’s aggressiveness would mesh well with the Greek Freak’s athleticism, Chris Mannix of The Vertical writes.
- Bucks veteran Jason Terry has been diagnosed with a left calf strain and could miss up to two weeks, Matt Velazquez of the Journal Sentinel writes.
Heat Notes: Waiters, Adebayo, Winslow, Roster, Deadline
Dion Waiters has shown improvements to his game but Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra wants to see his guard take further steps to improve his all-around game, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel writes.
“I really like the progress he’s making,” Spoelstra said of Waiters. “I know his shooting numbers aren’t showing it right now, not necessarily his turnovers. I think those will come down. I think his shooting percentage will come up because he’s starting to understand different reads, different coverages, the responsibility of having to make plays for our basketball team.”
Waiters, 25, is enjoying another solid season in Miami after he enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. Waiters signed a four-year, $52MM deal to remain with the Heat. While the improvements are noticeable, Spoelstra added that Waiters needs to maintain his focus throughout each game and not lose focus.
“Now, the other side of that is helping him improve all the other 45 minutes of the game offensively, which he is coming a long way,” Spoelstra said.
Below you can read more news out of the Miami Heat organization:
- In his Ask Ira column, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel addressed the Heat’s decision to start both Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow. While neither man is a scoring threat, Spoelstra prefers to replace injured players with “someone who least impacts the overall rotation.” Thus, it allows the Heat to start with one lineup and gradually mix in other players throughout the game.
- In another installment of Ask Ira, Winderman breaks down the Heat roster and examines why it has been difficult for the team to achieve consistency.
- December 15 will be the first day teams can trade players who were signed during this past offseason. While the Heat have not made a December trade in their 30+ years of existence, Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel breaks down the likelihood of Miami swinging a deal and which players could be on the trading block.
Clippers Notes: Paul, Rivers, Rebuild
Chris Paul, who was traded from the Clippers to the Rockets in the offseason, is preparing for his return to Staples Center on Sunday when Houston faces the Lakers. While the atmosphere will be different, with mostly Lakers fans in attendance, Paul is still returning to the city he called home for six seasons.
While Paul plays for a different team, he still keeps in touch with former teammates, particularly Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Sam Amick of USA Today Sports writes. Jordan has been in the news as a possible trade candidate due to the Clippers’ poor play knocking the team out of playoff contention in the Western Conference. Whatever happens with Jordan’s career, Paul is clear that he will remain close friends with 29-year-old center.
“I talk to DJ just about every day,” Paul said to USA TODAY Sports. “(About) everything. Life, hoop, everything. But I talk to him just about every day. Seriously … I always wish (the Clippers) the best, but for me – DeAndre, I talk to DJ literally about every day. And Jasen Powell, who’s the head trainer, I talk to him almost every day too.”
Check out other news surrounding the Clippers below:
- Clippers’ guard Austin Rivers was fined $25,000 for swearing at a fan during the team’s Thursday night loss to the Jazz, the NBA announced on Saturday, per Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter).
- The MCL injury to Blake Griffin compounded the Clippers’ struggles and it is just the latest string in bad luck for the team, Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune writes. Current Timberwolves guard and former Clippers standout Jamal Crawford chalked up the Clippers’ rough stretches to one thing:“It was just sometimes bad timing,” he said. “I remember, just bad timing.”
- After a rash of injuries and poor play, it’s time for the Clippers to start the rebuilding process, Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders opines. Hamilton notes that the Clippers have a $119MM payroll committed and most of the team’s best players are currently injured. If the team wants to clear space and put forth a capable team, now is the time to do it, he adds.