Northwest Notes: Aldrich, Westbrook, Plumlee, Hood
Cole Aldrich, who signed a three-year, $22MM deal with the Wolves over the summer, was brought in to be a veteran mentor to the younger guys on the team and he’s enjoying his role, as he tells Michael Rand of The StarTribune. “Well, with [Jordan Hill], myself, [Brandon Rush] and we had John Lucas earlier in the year, it’s fun to have those guys and the young guys,” Aldrich said. “The teams we were on last year, we were all on older teams, playoff teams. Being able to bring our experience from those teams to a younger group of guys has been a lot of fun.”
More from around the Northwest…
- Several of Mason Plumlee‘s teammates had adverse reactions to Sunday’s trade, Casey Holdahl of NBA.com reports. “I mean, the business sucks man,” Damian Lillard said. “You wish you could get a team together and put pieces together and you can keep it together. You wish you had the power to keep it together regardless of anything. It happens this way sometimes.” Plumlee, who was dealt to the Nuggets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic, had become an “adept playmaker” under coach Terry Stotts. “He’s [Plumlee] just a glue guy that you want on your team,” C.J. McCollum said. “He’s a guy who does things the right way, never complains and he’s getting better. He put together a nice string of 20, 25 games to where he’s getting double-doubles, making his free throws, finishing in the lane. And he’s a good guy. That’s what matters the most, he’s a good guy.”
- Kevin Durant continues to get the best of Russell Westbrook, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle writes. KD is averaging 37.7 points against OKC this season, a span in which the Warriors have gone 3-0. Despite the loss, Westbrook appeared to enjoy the home crowd’s mental warfare against Durant. “Honestly, I used to get booed in all arenas,” Westbrook said. “So, you know, the tables have turned a little bit.”
- Chris Haynes of ESPN was critical of Westbrook’s demeanor in Saturday’s rivalry game, writing: “That miniature exchange exemplified Durant’s frustration in playing alongside Westbrook for those eight years with the Thunder. It was always, “I’m coming. I’m coming.” Meanwhile, the team wasn’t going anywhere.” Whereas Westbrook pursued lofty stats, Haynes writes, Durant always prioritized winning.
- Rodney Hood, who has been out of action since February 1 due to a right knee injury, is expected to return after the All-Star break, the Jazz announced on its official website. Hood has averaged 13.7 points with 3.6 rebounds through 40 games in 2016/17.
NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 2/12/17
Here are Sunday’s D-League Assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- The Raptors recalled Bruno Caboclo, Jared Sullinger, and Fred VanVleet from their D-League affiliate, the Raptors 905, the team announced on Twitter. All three players received 27+ minutes in Raptors 905’s game against Canton on Saturday, with Jared Sullinger recording a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds).
- The Pacers assigned Rakeem Christmas to their D-League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the team announced on its official website. This maneuver should allow Christmas to receive D-League minutes on an off-day for the Pacers. Christmas has made just three NBA appearances since January 29, recording five points in that span.
Kenneth Faried, Danilo Gallinari May Sit Through All-Star Break
Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari have been out with injuries recently, and according to a report from Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post, they may not return until after the All-Star break. The Nuggets have three games – against the Cavaliers, Warriors, and Timberwolves – until the break.
Gallinari has missed Denver’s last five games with a groin injury, while Faried has been sidelined for two Denver’s last three games with a sprained ankle. Gallinari and Faried, whose injuries were categorized as “severe” by Dempsey, didn’t suit up for the Nuggets’ game in New York on Friday.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised Gallinari’s efforts in his recovery from injury.
“I give him credit,” Malone said. “We had an optional shooting (practice on Friday) and he went to the gym and was able to do a little bit more than he probably anticipated. But as with Kenneth and his ankle, we’re not going to rush those guys back. We have four more games prior to the break. If we have to use that entire time to get Gallo back for after the break to make a push, then we’ll do that. Whatever is in the best interest of the players.”
And-Ones: Christmas, Calderon, Fultz, Parker, Dolan
A right Achilles tendon rupture has brought an end to Dionte Christmas‘ season, Jonathan Tannenwald of Philly.com reports. It’s an unfortunate development for the 30-year-old, as Christmas had averaged 14.9 points with 3.2 assists in 31 games with the Delaware 87ers. Delaware’s GM, Brandon Williams, lauded Christmas’ efforts in a team statement:
“[Christmas] has been a consummate professional, positive influence on the development of our young roster, and vital to our energy and drive. We will certainly miss his leadership on the court, but are inspired by his confidence as he attacks the next steps on the road to recovery.”
Other stories from around the league-
- Bobby Marks of The Vertical profiled the Lakers, Nets, and Heat in his trade deadline series; three teams “in the rebuilding process that have limited assets.” Marks cites Jose Calderon as a buyout candidate for GM Mitch Kupchak; Calderon has previously been reported as a target for the Cavs. Trevor Booker and Brook Lopez, who are each under contract for the 2017/18 season, would provide “good value” for contending teams. While Miami’s front office have made deals in three straight trade deadlines, the Heat may be quiet come February 23. Miami has “depleted draft assets,” and appear unlikely to trade Goran Dragic or Hassan Whiteside.
- The Vertical’s writing staff released their 2017 NBA Mock Draft, with Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Jackson going to the Celtics, Suns, and Lakers, respectively. The Vertical has Malik Monk of Kentucky falling to the Knicks at #10, calling him a good fit “under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.”
- Zach LaVine and Jabari Parker‘s ACL injuries will create “tricky” rookie extension negotiations, Kevin Pelton of ESPN writes. While Parker’s value has been better established than LaVine’s entering contract discussions, Milwaukee GM John Hammond could limit risk by adding “guarantees based on games played” in Parker’s next contract.
- James Dolan and Knicks management were subject to a scathing write-up from Michael Powell of the New York Times, who criticized Dolan’s lack of accountability in their confrontation. Phil Jackson, too, was targeted by Powell: “He [Jackson] fires off obscure Twitter posts poking Anthony in one rib or another, suggesting his skills are eroding and his hoop IQ low.”
Who Should The Raptors Target At The Trade Deadline?
The current owners of the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference, there’s every reason to believe the Raptors will be active buyers at the trade deadline. But who will team president Masai Ujiri and GM Jeff Weltman target? As things currently stand, the Raptors will enter the second half with their 2015/16 rotation in place, sans Bismack Biyombo.
DeMar DeRozan has been vocal in his push for Toronto’s front office to acquire help; telling Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star “help is a great word with any team. Anybody could take help any day if it makes you better, a team better, anything.” DeMarre Carroll echoed DeRozan’s sentiments, noting that the team’s starting unit has been stretched thin amid a playoff run.
One form of help (albeit a flashy one) could come in the form of Serge Ibaka. This past week, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders indicated the Raptors as a potential “long-term fit” for Ibaka’s services. Ibaka’s in the final year of a four-year, $49MM contract, but the Magic’s asking price is believed to be high. Provided Dwane Casey and the Raptors don’t need to sell off rotation players to acquire him, Ibaka would be a considerable upgrade over Patrick Patterson and Pascal Siakam in Toronto’s frontcourt.
Josh Lewenberg of TSN doubled-down on the team’s need to pursue a trade, citing the team’s recent struggles (Toronto has gone 4-6 over their last 10 games). While the team had offseason acquisition Jared Sullinger tabbed for a starting role, the former Celtic is still working to get in shape after suffering a fractured right foot in October. The Raptors have long admired Paul Millsap‘s game, Lewenberg writes, but the Hawks appear unlikely to deal him amidst their pursuit of a four-seed.
Ryan Wolstat of the National Post cited Ibaka and Millsap as ideal fits, while throwing Taj Gibson, Trevor Booker, and Wilson Chandler in the mix as potential trade targets. While Booker isn’t a “sexy name,” compared to Ibaka or Millsap, he has quietly enjoyed a productive for the 9-44 Nets. Averaging 10 points with 8.7 rebounds, the 29-year-old Booker is in the first year of a two-year, $18.375MM pact. Booker’s “doggedness,” on each end of the court is a trait the Raptors could use, Wolstat notes.
What do you think? Which target makes the most sense for Ujiri and Weltman to pursue? What’s Toronto’s ceiling for a 2016/17 playoff run?
Central Notes: Maker, Korver, Baynes, Parker
Howard Beck of Bleacher Report profiled Thon Maker of the Bucks; the team’s “Secret Unicorn.” Maker has been used sparingly in his rookie season – reaching double-digit minutes just four times – but has earned the respect of his colleagues in practice, earning the nickname “The Sheriff,” due to his vocal and attentive nature.
The reigning #10 overall NBA draft pick, Maker hadn’t been scouted as extensively as other players in the class of ’16. The Bucks selected Maker as a sign of confidence in their ability to nurture talent, Beck writes, opting for a “high-risk, high-ceiling” asset at No. 10.
“We look at the risk as being more minimal, only because we believe in the person,” Bucks GM John Hammond said regarding Maker.
Leading up to tonight’s match-up with the Lakers, coach Jason Kidd announced Maker would replace the injured Jabari Parker in Milwaukee’s starting five.
Other goings-on around the Central…
- Kyle Korver has fit in nicely on the Cavaliers bench, Dave McMenamin of ESPN writes. Dubbed “The American Eagle” by teammates, Korver has averaged 10.4 points on 49.4% shooting from beyond the arc since being dealt to Cleveland. “Kyle is getting more and more comfortable with what we want to do offensively and defensively,” LeBron James said of his teammate. “The one by our bench that he caught that was thrown all the way over the top to our bench, and he just looked at the floor, and Glenn Robinson III was right in his face, and he still shot it? That’s just a sharpshooter right there.”
- The Pistons bench has provided a lift on each end of the court, Rod Beard of The Detroit News writes. “Any time we start getting those stops, we get out in transition and that’s where we start looking good,” Aron Baynes said. “The coaches have been making a point that we need to get better all year. The last few games the starters have been taking that message and it’s fuel for the team.” The second unit’s excellent play is much-needed, as Detroit’s starting lineup have averaged 81.2PPG, 24th in the league.
- Stephen Watson of WISN spoke with Bucks GM John Hammond, who noted “we feel comfortable with who we are,” following Parker‘s season-ending injury. While Hammond also mentioned “the trade deadline is approaching,” it appears the team does not have an immediate contingency plan to replace Parker in Kidd‘s rotation. Parker was having a career year prior to his ACL injury, averaging 20.1 points with 6.2 rebounds through 51 games. In the interim, Lakers coach Luke Walton said he expects Milwaukee to “rally around Parker’s situation,” according to Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Ramon Sessions Expected To Miss 4-6 Weeks
FEBRUARY 8: Although Sessions had hoped to avoid surgery, he went under the knife to repair his lateral meniscus tear, the Hornets announced today in a press release. According to the team, Sessions is expected to be sidelined for about four to six weeks.
FEBRUARY 3: Ramon Sessions has a meniscus tear in his left knee, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports. Sessions will miss Saturday’s game against Utah and will be reevaluated upon returning to Charlotte, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
To this point, Sessions hasn’t missed a game all season; most recently playing against the Warriors on Wednesday. Sessions’ ailment was initially reported as “knee soreness,” preventing the 30-year-old from practicing on Friday. A timetable has yet to be released for the injury, but torn meniscus injuries typically result in multi-week absences.
Now in his 10th NBA season, Sessions has averaged 6.2 points with 2.6 assists through 50 games with the Hornets.
Bucks To Control D-League Affiliate In Oshkosh
FEBRUARY 7, 1:56pm: The Bucks will own and operate a D-League franchise in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, beginning in the 2017/18 season, sources tell Charles F. Gardner of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Gardner adds that the city’s new 3,500-seat arena is expected to be ready in time for next season.
FEBRUARY 6, 6:35pm: WBAY-TV in Wisconsin has confirmed a report that the Bucks will soon make an announcement regarding an affiliate D-League team. The announcement will be made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Ted Miller writes for Action 2 News. Per Miller, Oshkosh is one of three cities vying for the Bucks’ D-League affiliate. According to a WBAY report in January, developers are hoping to begin work on a new basketball arena/entertainment complex by March.
Oshkosh mayor Steve Cummings expressed excitement at the prospect of a D-League team at a town meeting last month. “I think this will transform an area that has been blighted for years into the the crown jewel of this city,” Cummings told Nate Beck of USA Today.
The Bucks, who have used the flexible assignment rule throughout the 2016/17 season, would clearly benefit from having a D-League team in such close proximity to their arena in Wisconsin. The confirmation of a team in Oshkosh would be one step further toward each NBA team having an individual D-League affiliate.
Assuming Milwaukee’s affiliate comes to fruition, 25 of 30 NBA teams will no longer have to rely upon the flexible assignment rule. The Clippers, Nuggets, Wizards, Trail Blazers, and Pelicans are the five teams without their own D-League affiliate lined up for the 2017/18 season.
Here are the other D-League affiliate changes on the horizon:
- The Hawks will get an affiliate in Erie for the next two seasons before moving it to College Park, Georgia in 2019/20.
- The Magic, previously affiliated with Erie, will purchase and control a new D-League team in Lakeland, Florida.
- The Timberwolves will buy and control the Iowa Energy.
- The Grizzlies, previous affiliated with Iowa, will get a new D-League team in Southaven, Mississippi.
Mavericks Sign Yogi Ferrell To Two-Year Deal
FEBRUARY 7, 11:46am: The Mavs have officially signed Ferrell to a new two-year deal, the team announced today in a press release.
FEBRUARY 4, 9:28am: Bobby Marks of The Vertical sheds further light on Ferrell’s two-year deal, noting Ferrell would earn the prorated minimum of $208K this season, followed by $1.3MM in 2017/18. The Mavericks have already used their room exception and are now over the cap, limiting the team to minimum salary deals.
9:12am: Yogi Ferrell and the Mavericks will bypass a second 10-day contract, instead opting for a two-year deal, Shams Charania of The Vertical reports. Ferrell’s deal comes on the heels of a breakout 32-point performance against Portland on Friday. The deal is expected to be finalized Tuesday, when Ferrell’s 10-day contract expires.
Ferrell, who went undrafted in 2016, received his first NBA experience in Brooklyn this season, scoring 54 points over 10 games. Jeremy Lin was due to return from injury (or so the Nets thought), however, making Ferrell expendable — he was waived by the Nets in early December.
After scoring 18.7 PPG in the D-League, Ferrell signed a 10-day contract with Dallas and has run with the opportunity. Averaging 37.8 MPG through four games with the Mavs, it now appears Ferrell will be a mainstay in Rick Carlisle‘s rotation. The 23-year-old had the best game of his young career on Friday, racking up 32 points and nine three-pointers in a win over the Blazers.
The Mavs’ roster will feature 15 players on guaranteed contracts once Ferrell’s new deal is finalized.
Sixers, Pelicans Discussing Jahlil Okafor Trade
8:49 PM: League sources tell Jon Johnson of WIP (Twitter link) that the Sixers and Pelicans are searching for a third team to get involved in an Okafor deal.
4:50 PM: Keith Smith of RealGM reiterated a previous report that a trade won’t be completed today, as the two teams missed a 5 PM EST cutoff. What’s more, Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today notes that the Sixers are in no rush to trade Okafor, as multiple teams around the league are interested in him.
4:21 PM: While the trade has not been completed, its structure appears to be Alexis Ajinca and a future first round draft pick for Jahlil Okafor, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. Keith Smith of RealGM adds that the deal likely won’t be completed today, as the Sixers want to re-engage on bringing Jrue Holiday back to Philadelphia. David Aldridge of NBA.com provided a sobering view of trade talks, noting that the deal is “not imminent.”
3:39 PM: The Sixers and Pelicans are “in talks” about a Jahlil Okafor trade, according to Sam Amick of USA Today. Philadelphia would push for a first round pick from New Orleans, Amick adds. The report has been corroborated by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Marc J. Spears of ESPN shed further light on the potential deal, noting that Alexis Ajinca and a future first round pick could be sent to Philadelphia. Draft pick compensation could be a factor holding up negotiations, according to Keith Smith of RealGM; if the Pelicans give up a protected first round pick, they’d reportedly expect Philadelphia to take on Ajinca or Omer Asik‘s contract. Jahlil Okafor could fit the mold of an “offensive-minded big man” to use alongside Anthony Davis, Marc Stein of ESPN notes.
Unloading Asik’s contract has been a priority for the Pelicans, Wojnarowski reports. The Sixers are hesitant to take on Asik, who is in the second year of a five-year, $57,977,525 deal. Interestingly, Wojnarowski reports the Pelicans have discussed Brook Lopez in their pursuit of a center.
In Amick’s full report for USA Today, Okafor’s “marginalized” role is noted to have been a motivating factor for GM Bryan Colangelo, who has engaged with eight teams on the former No. 3 overall pick.