Odds & Ends: Clippers, Celtics, Oden, Trail Blazers
Writing for Spurs Nation, Tim Griffin asks whether or not the Spurs should take a long, hard look at free agent Greg Oden once he recovers from his third microfracture knee surgery in 2013.
- With his team getting only one day of rest in between the first four games of their first round series against the Sixers, Doc Rivers will give his team the day off on Sunday, and most likely throughout the series, depending on how it goes, according to ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg.
- After defeating the Grizzlies in their Game 7 showdown earlier today, the Clippers are primed for a tough match-up with the Spurs, writes USA Today's J. Michael Falgoust.
- CSNNW.com's Dwight Jaynes takes a look at Paul Allen's current situation as owner of the Trail Blazers, and whether or not a possible sale could be in the near future.
Sixers Notes: Turner, Brand, Collins
Last night the Sixers fell to the Celtics in a one-point game they appeared to be in control of for most of the way. Here are a few links on the playoff's lone Cinderella team as they get ready for Game 2 on Monday night.
- Evan Turner's first half was nearly flawless last night, but in the second half he struggled. The Philadelphia Inquirer's John Mitchell writes that despite the team's loss, Turner's double-double was a serious bright spot.
- In the Chicago Tribune, Vaughn McClure writes about how now is the time for Turner to step up to the next level.
- The Washington Post's Michael Lee writes a piece about Sixers head coach Doug Collins, and how he hasn't advanced past the first round since he was with the Bulls, when Michael Jordan made "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo.
- CSNPhilly.com's John Finger explains Elton Brand's lack of minutes last night.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 5/6/12 – 5/13/12
Here's a look back at all original content produced by our team of writers over the past week.
- In a poll, Daniel Seco asks if the Lakers can defeat the Thunder in their much-awaited semi-finals match-up.
- Chuck Myron takes a look at some soon-to-be free agents playing in these playoffs who're either stepping up for a raise, or falling back to the pack.
- Zach Links gives us his weekly installment of Hoops Links, with an in-depth look around the NBA blogosphere.
- Alex Lee adds to our Prospect Profile series with a piece on Washington guard Terrence Ross.
- Luke Adams takes a look at the Raptors offseason outlook.
- A close look at the Knicks salary cap situation.
- St. John's freshman Moe Harkless is inspected in our Prospect Profile series.
- A transcript from our weekly Hoops Rumors live chat.
- A look at what the Warriors are dealing with this offseason.
- A list of the top undrafted rookies from the past year.
- Chuck Myron writes about the enigmatic Tony Wroten.
- Luke Adams details the Gilbert Arenas provision.
- Daniel Seco writes about Jeremy Lin in our Free Agent Stock Watch series.
- An offseason outlook for the Nets.
- A look at maximum salaries.
- I ask which team in these playoffs is playing the best basketball.
- I also write about Tim Duncan's situation heading into free agency.
- An offseason outlook for the Kings.
- JaVale McGee is profiled in our Free Agent Stock Watch series.
- Luke Adams takes a look at the minimum salary exception.
- Chuck Myron writes about the best second-round picks from 2011.
- Here are some changes from the old CBA to the new, current one.
- Jason Kidd is profiled in our Free Agent Stock Watch series.
Patrick Ewing To Interview With Bobcats
Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing will interview to become the Bobcats' next head coach, according to Yahoo! Sports NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski. The interview will take place once the Magic are eliminated from the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Mostly known for his playing days as center for the Knicks, the Hall of Famer has spent eight seasons as an NBA assistant coach, including the past five on Stan Van Gundy’s staff with the Magic. Last spring he interviewed with the Pistons for their head coach position, but the job was given to Lawrence Frank, former head coach of the Nets.
Sources have told Wojnarowski that Ewing is a strong candidate to become the Bobcats next head coach, even though the team is also speaking with Warriors assistant Mike Malone and former Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan. Ewing is close friends with Bobcats owner Michael Jordan, and if the team happens to win the lottery, he could make a great mentor for probable number one overall pick Anthony Davis.
Earlier today, we heard that Malone and Pacers assistant Brian Shaw were likely to be interviewed by the Bobcats for the job opening.
Poll: Which Team Is Playing The Best Basketball?
Yesterday we asked which player was having the most impressive first round, and most of you believe it’s Celtics forward Paul Pierce. Tonight we’re wondering which team is playing better team basketball? Who looks to be on the right track towards winning the championship?
Odds & Ends: Trail Blazers, Nets, Carter, Brooks
In a radio interview earlier today, Trail Blazers acting GM Chad Buchanan says his team has a "financial ceiling" in mind for restricted free agent Nicolas Batum, according to BlazersEdge.com's Ben Golliver. Portland will also be targeting "mid-tier" free agent big men this offseason.
- In a tweet, the Daily News' Stefan Bondy says Nets GM Billy King announced that Adam Morrison and Al Thornton will be working out at a free agent camp at the team's facility this month.
- The Toronto Sun's Frank Zicarelli believes it's unlikely the Mavericks will exercise the $3.1MM team option on Vince Carter's contract next season, making the guard a free agent.
- Michigan State senior forward Draymond Green says he's been told he'll be selected in the first round of this year's draft, according to Larry Lage from the Associated Press. Green has a workout scheduled with the Celtics
- With James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook all invited to participate in Team USA's training camp this July, The Oklahoman's John Rohde suggests the team take on Thunder head coach Scott Brooks as either a member of the coaching staff or a helpful observer. With three of his players all expected to compete for spots this year and in 2016, it makes sense to have Brooks on board.
- Tommy Dee from Sheridan Hoops gives us five underclassmen who've officially entered the NBA draft that could surprise some people as early as next season if they're selected late.
- In a story from today's Sacramento Bee by Tony Bizjak, it was revealed that the city of Sacramento spent $680K since September in its failed effort to build a downtown sports and entertainment arena.
- On OregonLive.com, several Trail Blazer scribes weigh in on what the team should do with J.J. Hickson.
- In an attempt to alleviate some pain caused by the patellar tendinitis he suffered through all of last season, Bucks forward Luc Mbah a Moute underwent knee surgery on Friday, according to JSOnline.com's Charles F. Gardner. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp in October.
Wojnarowski: Trail Blazers Dealing With ‘Rejection’
9:58pm: In a tweet, The Oregonian's Jason Quick says Donnie Walsh has not interviewed with the Trail Blazers, and that a former GM with a long history in the NBA was recently interviewed by owner Paul Allen.
9:30pm: Yahoo! Sports' NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski told John Canzano on Portland's 750 AM The Game radio show that the Trail Blazers are having difficulty in their search for a new general manager. Due to Portland's questionable hierarchy, and Paul Allen's looming uncertainty regarding whether or not he'll keep the team, Wojnarowski says the franchise is experiencing rejection from several current general managers who they've reached out to.
One possible candidate who's already been linked to the position is Indiana GM David Morway. According to Wojnarowski, with current team president Larry Bird expected to leave, Reggie Miller and Donnie Nelson are both in the mix to find work in the Pacers front office, overcrowding things and giving Morway incentive to leave. If they don't land Morway, the Trail Blazers could be forced to look at less experienced candidates who're currently serving in assistant roles.
Free Agent Stock Watch: Tim Duncan
Few players are more identifiable with one franchise than Tim Duncan is with the San Antonio Spurs. Now in his 15th season, the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer is still playing great basketball, averaging 15.4PPG and 9.0 RPG this season. While remaining an above average offensive option in the post, and one of the game's most intelligent, underrated defenders, Duncan is an unrestricted free agent this summer, bringing the type of experience that makes his value a difficult one to quantify on the open market.
He's making $21.3MM this season, but that number will surely go down. He's far from an elite franchise player, but is still capable of playing a major role in what would be a truly remarkable fifth championship for the Spurs—their first since 2007.
With Danny Green and Gary Neal coming off San Antonio's books, it'll be interesting to see how much money the team looks to invest in the two players who've played well above their salary this season. Boris Diaw will also become a free agent, and a player of his skill—when motivated (as he appears to be alongside Tony Parker)—could be worth another contract.
What makes this situation so intriguing is the player in question. Duncan doesn't even have an agent right now, and claims he hasn't even begun thinking about his future, but it wouldn't be a shock to see a non-tax-paying team throw a full mid-level in his direction, which could net him over $20MM over the next four years. Still, it'd be hard to imagine him leaving the one franchise he's ever known. A player of Duncan's stature doesn't appear to be in it for the money at this point. He's won four championships and is arguably one of the 10 greatest overall players the league has ever seen. There's little to prove, and less to chase. The team he currently plays for is a title contender, and should continue to find success for the next few years.
Duncan has been known to sign "team friendly" deals in the past, taking less than the maximum deal for which he was eligible after extending his contract in 2007. But to see him sign for the veteran's minimum ($1.35MM for next season) might be asking too much. Due to the fact that he remains an important part of the Spurs vaunted system, if I had to guess, the team will make re-signing Duncan a serious priority this summer.
The Spurs cap figure for next season currently stands at approximately $49.2MM. Because they own Duncan's Bird Rights, any maximum contract within the CBA's limitations is possible. But due to his age, something around two years for $20MM could be expected.
Week In Review: 4/30/12 – 5/6/12
A look back at all the NBA's big news from the past week.
- Tyson Chandler was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
- Ryan Anderson was named the league's Most Improved Player.
- James Harden and Anthony Davis were added to Team USA's 20 player pool.
- The Suns are targeting Cavaliers restricted free agent Alonzo Gee this offseason.
- Now that Aaron Brooks has returned from China, he's looking for a starting point guard job in the NBA.
- Brandon Jennings is still seeking an extension from the Bucks.
- Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is looking for a successor.
- The Trail Blazers are interested in talking to Pacers GM David Morway about becoming their general manager.
- Jason Kidd will seek a mid-level type offer and may prefer retirement to playing for the veteran's minimum.
- The Suns are very likely to match all offers for their restricted free agent center Robin Lopez.
- The Jazz are not looking to trade power forward Paul Millsap.
- Scott Skiles will return next season as head coach of the Bucks.
- Gregg Popovich was named the league's Coach of the Year.
- After spending the season in Lithuania, Sonny Weems is drawing some NBA interest.
- The Nets officially moved to Brooklyn.
- Paul Silas will not return to coach the Bobcats.
- The Wizards will again place Andray Blatche on the trading block.
Who’s Had The Most Impressive Postseason?
Now that we’re eight days into the 2012 NBA playoffs, and each team has played at least three games, we ask which player has been the most impressive? There are several big names who’ve stepped up, and some others who’ve struggled. Who’s been the best?