Dante Exum To Miss Significant Time With Shoulder Injury
Dante Exum left the Jazz‘s preseason game against the Suns on Friday with a shoulder injury that overshadowed the team’s eventual 112-101 victory. The non-televised game did not provide visuals of Exum’s injury but Jazz head coach Quin Snyder said it was serious.
“If you saw his shoulder it didn’t look good,” Snyder told reporters, including Jazz radio host David Locke (Twitter link).
Atlantic Notes: Kanter, Noah, Okafor, Embiid
Enes Kanter, acquired in the deal for Carmelo Anthony, could be the Knicks‘ starting center when the season begins. The former Thunder big man has been an effective scorer and offensive rebounder but his lack of defensive ability could hurt his case, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
Kanter, 25, is in a three-man competition for the center job along with Willy Hernangomez and Joakim Noah. But there are only two people competing for the opening night job as Noah will be suspended 12 games due violating the NBA’s drug program. Kanter said he has lost 37 pounds since June to become quicker on defense and coach Jeff Hornacek — who acknowledged Kanter’s defensive shortcomings — believes his new center has shown improvements.
“The game has slowed down for him — I think he’s become better defensively on what teams are trying to do,’’ Hornacek said. “He didn’t play at Kentucky, [so] he was pretty raw his first year. Now he’s been around the league. He’s one of the best [true] centers in this league right now.’’
Kanter said he’s happy in New York and prepared for life after Oklahoma City. The Knicks open the season against the Thunder in OKC on October 19.
Check out other news around the Atlantic Division below:
- Noah understands he will likely be a bench player for most of the season but feels he can still make an impact, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes.
- Jahlil Okafor slimmed down by 20 pounds, improved his mid-range shooting, and his defense but the Sixers will likely trade their reserve center. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes that keeping Okafor, for now, is smart since he is not drawing much value on the market and can still be productive.
- Joel Embiid, who has yet to play in a preseason game, is one of the Sixers’ most valuable assets. As Bob Ford of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes, the team’s future as a winning franchise could hinge on whether or not Embiid gets healthy enough to become a fixture in the lineup.
Grizzlies Notes: Chalmers, Martin, Green
Mario Chalmers returned to game action on Monday in the Grizzlies preseason win over the Magic as he scored 19 points on seven-of-10 shooting. It was Chalmers’ first NBA game action since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the 2015/16 season, also with the Grizzlies.
Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal writes that Chalmers played with the same effectiveness he displayed for several championship-winning teams in Miami. “The injury is gone,” Chalmers said. “That was the biggest part of my rehab – finishing through contact. It just comes second nature to me now.”
Chalmers, 31, sported a new look with cornrows and a headband, which he said was inspired by former Grizzlies point guard Allen Iverson. As Chalmers tries to make a full comeback, secure a roster spot, and be effective, Head coach David Fizdale is excited for a healthy Chalmers on his roster.
“When you go through an Achilles (injury), I’m sure there are moments when you’re not sure if it’s ever going to happen again,” Fizdale said. “You know, for me to be with him his whole career, and now for me to be here to see him making his comeback is very gratifying for me. It’s an honor for me because I’m invested in (Chalmers’) life. We’ve got deep, deep roots. I’m just happy for the kid, to see him out there competing, playing in NBA games again.”
Check out additional Grizzlies news below:
- In a separate story, Tillery writes that Jarell Martin, who dropped 16 points and nabbed four rebounds in the team’s preseason win will need more performances like that if he wants to keep his roster spot.
- JaMychal Green‘s two-year with the Grizzlies signed last Wednesday is worth $8,533,33 this upcoming season and $7,866,667 next season, according to Basketball Insiders.
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, KP, Smart, Lowry, McDaniels
The Knicks and Carmelo Anthony have officially separated and the organization is moving on from their once perennial All-Star. Now is the time for the Knicks to move on from Anthony through the way the team plays the game, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek now has a retooled roster and the freedom to coach the team his way. Former team president Phil Jackson harped on the triangle offense, which affected Hornacek’s own coaching style and forced the team to run a scheme many players later admitted was uncomfortable. Thus far in training camp, Hornacek said the team is focused on playing at a quicker pace.
“We want to move the ball,’’ Hornacek said. “We’ve had plays out there that I wish I could bottle up and have these guys do it every time. We’ve had some fantastic, six, seven extra passes and a guy nails the shot. We’ll continue to harp on that. We’ll continue to encourage the guys every time that happens, make or miss, and that’s that contagious thing.”
Hornacek also said the Knicks will rely on improved defense even if the team did not necessarily acquire any defensive upgrades. While Anthony was on the roster, he was criticized for holding the ball too long and playing spotty defense. While removing the 10-time all-star will not fix the Knicks, it gives the team a chance find a game plan that works.
Read up on additional news around the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks GM Scott Perry said to MSG’s Alan Hahn (via ESPN’s Ian Begley) that does not want to put too much pressure on Kristaps Porzingis as the Latvian big man settles in as the team’s franchise player. “I never want to put that much pressure on one individual,” Perry said. “He knows that he needs every one of his teammates to help this team be successful.”
- Celtics‘ guard Marcus Smart is aware of the massive deals players around the NBA are signing but he is focused on the season and not free agency. “It’s huge; it’s crazy,” Smart said to NBC Sports Boston’s A. Sherrod Blakely. “Those guys definitely deserve it. But like I said, that’s not my focus. I can’t control what those guys are getting. I can only control what I can control.”
- After signing a massive three-year deal worth up to $100MM to remain in Toronto, Kyle Lowry said to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star his new deal will not kill his desire to be great.
- K.J. McDaniels has been productive for every team he has played for, and this season he wants to put it all together with the Raptors, Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype writes.
- While Furkan Korkmaz is likely a year away from having a major NBA impact, David Murphy of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes that the rookie has impressed Sixers officials in training camp.
Kawhi Leonard Expected To Miss Preseason
Kawhi Leonard is in a rehabilitation program for right quadriceps tendinopathy and is expected to miss the 2017 preseason, the Spurs announced in a press release on Saturday.
Leonard battled a troublesome right quad toward the end of last season and was hampered by a right ankle injury in the playoffs. Despite the injuries, the defensive specialist played in a career-high 74 regular season games averaging 25.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 1.8 SPG.
The 26-year-old came in third place for the NBA Most Valuable Player award, behind winner Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Southwest Notes: Gay, Smith, Mavericks, Pelicans, Grizzlies
Rudy Gay‘s season in Sacramento ended abruptly last season due to a torn left Achilles tendon. After declining his $14.2MM option for 2017/18, Gay signed a two-year pact with the Spurs looking to reestablish himself. Early indicators for the 31-year-old are positive, Tom Osborn of San Antonio-Express News writes.
“I think he’s going to be great,” guard Danny Green said to Osborn. “He’s going to give us that versatility of playing four smalls (because) he can play inside and out and guard bigs. Once he gets into shape and gets comfortable with that Achilles, I think he’ll be great for us.”
Gay has a career average of 18.4 PPG in 11 NBA seasons. If he can regain his pre-injury form for the Spurs, San Antonio will have another productive scorer in their lineup. A scorer that Green compared to Kevin Durant due to his ability to quickly shoot the ball.
Below are additional news tidbits around the Southwest Division:
- The Mavericks view their first-round pick, Dennis Smith Jr., as their guard of the future but taking on the lead in the backcourt may be too much in his rookie season. Eddie Sefko of Dallas Morning News writes that coach Rick Carlisle will rotate Seth Curry, Yogi Ferrell, and J.J. Barea alongside Smith in the backcourt.
- Earl K. Sneed of NBA.com writes a similar story, noting that Carlisle is considering having two point guards in the backcourt at times to play at a quicker pace.
- NOLA.com’s William Guillory hosted his latest mailbag, most notably answering one question about the Pelicans’ end of the game lineup will include Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday.
- Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal writes that Grizzlies coach David Fizdale was unhappy with the team after a recent practice. Fizdale now wants to implement a style where the team plays at an increased pace.
Central Notes: James, Smith, LaVine, Bulls
LeBron James‘ future in Cleveland is unclear beyond the upcoming season but he said to reporters during Monday’s media day that his stated intentions to finish his career with the Cavs haven’t changed, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes.
James said he will honor his current deal with the Cavaliers as he attempts to reach the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive season. James will field questions about his future for the rest of the season but he said that he will handle his fourth free agency next summer.
“And if you guys know me, I don’t know if you know me as much, but I’ve always handled it in the most businesslike way,” James said. “And I will do that with my team, and we’ll handle that in the summertime, as we always have.”
The Cavaliers enter 2017/18 with a restructured roster that no longer has Kyrie Irving but does feature recently signed Dwyane Wade, former NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose, and last season’s Eastern Conference scoring leader Isaiah Thomas. Barring a collapse the Cavaliers are favorites to return to the NBA Finals for a fourth straight season.
Read up on other news surrounding the Central Division:
- While the Cavaliers‘ signing of Wade may reduce J.R. Smith‘s playing time, the Cleveland sharpshooter is ready for the upcoming season, Spencer Davies of Basketball Insiders writes.
- Zach LaVine is making progress in his comeback from a torn ACL, staying behind after practices end to improve himself, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said that LaVine will likely not be able to take contact during practice until mid-November, per Nick Friedell of ESPN (Twitter link).
- With a younger Bulls roster in place, Denzel Valentine said he will likely see more playing time and will need to take advantage of it, Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago writes.
- NBA.com’s Sam Smith answers questions in his latest mailbag including the Bulls‘ post-Wade future, depth at point guard, and expectations from the youngsters.
Latest On Dwyane Wade Joining Cavs
The Cavaliers reached an agreement earlier today with three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade on a one-year, $2.3MM deal. Once Wade clears waivers and the signing becomes official, the veteran guard will be reunited with longtime friend, LeBron James, and have the chance to compete for his fourth NBA title.
Before the move is completed, the Cavaliers will have to make a roster move as the team is presently at the 20-man training camp limit. Dave
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reports (via Twitter) that Kendrick Perkins, who the Cavaliers officially signed on Monday, will likely be cut. Perkins, 32, did not play last season and his last NBA action was a 37-game stint with the Pelicans in 2015/16. Perkins previously suited up for Cleveland during the team’s run to the NBA Finals.
Cleveland will need to trade or waive at least one player on a guaranteed contract to accommodate Wade once rosters shrink to 15 players for the start of the regular season.
Southwest Notes: Gasol, Nowitzki, Mills, Pelicans
Despite an injury to his left ankle at Eurobasket, Grizzlies center Marc Gasol says he is healthy and prepared to start the season, Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal writes.
“My body feels really good,” Gasol said. “It was a freak accident. A guy dived for the ball and landed on my leg. It was kind of a sprain on my left ankle but it’s fine. For 15-20 minutes, I wasn’t sure if I would continue to play but it worked out great.”
In the same story, Tillery writes that Brandan Wright is in good standing with the Grizzlies after seemingly being displeased with the team following an early playoff exit last season. The team created playing time for Wright by not re-signing veteran Zach Randolph. Now, the team enters the new season with a rejuvenated confidence from two of its key assets.
Read about more happenings around the Southwest Division:
- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes 2017/18 could be Dirk Nowitzki‘s final season. However, the outspoken Cuban also feels Nowitzki may want to surpass Kobe Bryant‘s record of 20 straight seasons with one franchise, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon (Twitter link). The coming season will be Nowitzki’s 20th in Dallas.
- Pau Gasol has shed 10 pounds since last season ended and the 37-year-old is looking forward to helping the Spurs this season, Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News writes. As Gasol explains, his free agency didn’t involve “a whole lot of flirting with other teams,” since potential suitors knew he wanted to return to San Antonio.
- The Spurs re-signed Patty Mills quickly after the conclusion of last season. Mills believes the swift move was an indicator of his importance to the team, Melissa Rohlin of San Antonio Express-News writes.
- The Pelicans have DeMarcus Cousins, a slew of veterans, and a young stalwart in Anthony Davis entering the new season. Larry Holder of NOLA.com writes that the team understands it is either now or never if the team wants to win since Cousins and the veterans may be gone next year.
- Former North Carolina coach Mark Gottfried will be a scout for the Mavericks this season, per ESPN’s Jeff Goodman (Twitter link).
Bulls Re-Sign Nikola Mirotic
SEPTEMBER 26: The Bulls have officially re-signed Mirotic, the team announced today in a press release. The club’s roster count is now at 19 players, including 13 on guaranteed deals.
SEPTEMBER 24: The Bulls have agreed to re-sign Nikola Mirotic to a two-year, $27MM deal, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical. Mirotic has a right to veto any trade in the first year of his new Bulls deal, Charania adds. Mitrocic’s second year will include a team option, per Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago (Twitter link).
Mirotic, 26, has been a steady scoring presence for Chicago the last three seasons. The Montenegro native averaged 10.6 PPG and 5.5 RPG in 70 games (15 starts) for the Bulls last season. The 6’10” forward was one of the last restricted free agents on the market — with Mirotic returning to Chicago and Alex Len signing his qualifying offer in Phoenix, Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green is now the final unsigned RFA.
Earlier this week, we noted that Mirotic had not made any progress but that his qualifying offer remained on the table. Now, he has a multiyear deal that will keep him in Chicago.