Isola’s Latest: Carmelo, Dolan, Love
Should the Knicks decide that it’s in their best interest to keep Carmelo Anthony and try to surround him with the requisite pieces needed for title contention, it’s almost a given that one plan would involve adding a big-name free agent during the summer of 2015 – when names such as Kevin Love and Rajon Rondo could hit the open market and New York would have plenty of cap room to work with. Such a plan might not be that appealing to Anthony, as rumblings indicate that the Syracuse star’s camp is only interested in what gets done this summer and not in 2015, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
Here’s a roundup of more significant points from Isola’s piece:
- By July 2015, Anthony will be 31 years old; the thought of added mileage from another NBA season without the proper reinforcements could possibly be enough to dissuade the Knicks star from committing to New York long-term,
- James Dolan would be wise to bid farewell to Carmelo this summer rather than give him five years and $127MM to stay, especially when the alternative involves clearing valuable cap space and still having a first round pick in what would most likely be a rebuilding year in 2014/15.
- As for Love, Isola hears word that the 6’10” big man’s current train of thinking involves either re-signing with the Timberwolves or heading to the Lakers once he hits free agency.
- While Rondo’s success includes a championship in Boston, Isola adds that the 28-year-old point guard’s personality, his clashes with Celtics coaches in the past, and that he played a role in Ray Allen‘s decision to leave for Miami make him a less-than-ideal fit next to Carmelo.
Odds & Ends: Knicks, Dragic, Mavericks
This summer, the Knicks will have a load of expiring 2015 contracts, including Tyson Chandler, who could be used as a pawn in a trade bid for Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (Marc Berman of the New York Post). One league source didn’t mince words when commenting about New York’s chances at dealing for the 6’10 big man, telling Berman: “They’re selling New York fans land in New Mexico.’’
Carmelo Anthony recently spoke about Love’s game, and when specifically asked about the similarities between them as stretch-fours, Anthony didn’t see a comparison: “I didn’t know we had similarities…He’s a guy who became a stretch 4 but never was a stretch 4. He worked on his shot, his 3-ball and stretching the floor and spreading the floor out. He can also go inside. He’s one helluva rebounder. He’s a big load. He’s gotten better every year since been in the league and still is.’’
Here are more miscellaneous news and notes to pass along tonight:
- Former NBA coaches George Karl, Avery Johnson, and P.J. Carlesimo weighed in on the state of the Knicks, the Warriors‘ title hopes, and who should have been moved during the trade deadline, among other topics (ESPN Insiders only).
- The Suns are poised to make their first postseason appearance since the 2009/10 season, thanks in large part to an All-Star caliber season from Goran Dragic. The 27-year-old point guard recently shared his thoughts on the season with Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, speaking with the confidence one would ideally expect from a seasoned veteran: “I’m more relaxed…I know all of the situations I’m put in and I know how the opposing teams are going to guard me. I’m just more relaxed. It feels like I’m playing basketball with my friends back home, with no pressure. I just go out there and do my job. I’ve gotten some great support from my teammates and I’m just having fun. It’s not like I’m thinking too much or anything. I’m just having fun.”
- Luol Deng and Marcin Gortat are two players that the Mavericks should go after in free agency this summer, opines Eddie Sefko of SportsDayDFW.
- Brad Stevens’ emphasis on establishing a winning culture along with the players’ continued commitment toward playing hard is proof that the Celtics haven’t given up on the season just yet, explains Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston.
Draft Notes: Pittman, Melvin, Exum
Here are a few draft-related links worth passing along tonight:
- Recent Marshall basketball standout Elijah Pittman has entered the NBDL player pool, according to Gino Pilato of DLeagueDigest.com. Pilato adds that the 6’9 forward is eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft and will look for an opportunity to impress NBA executives via a stint in the D-League.
- Former DePaul star Cleveland Melvin has been claimed from the NBDL player pool by the BayHawks, which serves as the Knicks’ D-League affiliate (Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside reports). Like Pittman, Melvin will also be eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft.
- ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla offered his thoughts on Dante Exum during a recent interview with John Ireland of ESPN 710 and surely turned a few heads (hat tip to Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders): “He reminds me of a young, 1982 circa North Carolina Michael Jordan…He’s not going to be as great, obviously, unless I’m wrong… but he kind of reminds you of a young colt that’s just about to run his first claimer race, and you’re looking at him (thinking), ‘This guy could win the Kentucky Derby someday.”
- More from Fraschilla on Exum: “He’s got great basketball instincts…He’ll drive in, and when you think he’s going to use his right hand, he’ll switch to the left hand at the last minute. He’ll take off about a half step earlier than you think he should, but then he’ll hang in the air and bank it off the glass…Getting your own shot in the league is a skill…If I had to pick today, it would be in some order of Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker and (Exum).”
- On ESPN’s Mike and Mike Show, the unquestionably outspoken Charles Barkley offered his solution to the issue of tanking: give every lottery team one ping pong ball instead of rewarding teams with the worst record (hat tip to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv).
Poll: Should Lakers Keep Brooks?
Since a very productive rookie season with the Nets a little under two years ago, MarShon Brooks has had a difficult time establishing a niche in the NBA to say the least. Following a 2011/12 campaign in which he averaged 29.4 MPG and posted 12.6 PPG, the former Providence guard saw his minutes dip to just 12.5 per game in 2012/13. After being dealt to Boston in the offseason, Brooks saw no more than 7.3 MPG in Brad Stevens’ rotation; a deal to the Warriors after 10 games with the Celtics yielded a paltry 2.1 minute average in seven contests. However, a deadline deal which sent Brooks packing for Los Angeles has brought forth a return to NBA relevance.
Coincidentally, Brooks’ Lakers debut came against Boston less than two weeks ago, and the 6’5 guard made his presence felt, scoring 14 points on 7-for-11 shooting in 23 minutes. Two nights after notching 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting in 20 minutes against Memphis, Brooks went 9-for-13 from the field en route to 23 points in 26 minutes against Sacramento. Through six games in L.A., the former first-round pick is averaging 12.6 PPG while shooting 51.8% from the field and an uncanny 88.9% from long distance. While those percentages are derived from a small sample size and will arguably move back toward the direction of his career averages sooner or later (44.2% and 32.7% respectively), it’d be difficult to dismiss his production or the idea that he is picking up where he left off in New Jersey a few years ago.
On the flip side, there are a few sobering points worth considering. For one, the Lakers aren’t remotely within playoff contention at this stage as far as this season is concerned, and one may argue that Brooks is enjoying numbers on a team without too many expectations right now. Secondly, the team has plenty of wing players to consider, including Jodie Meeks, Kent Bazemore, and Nick Young, who appears to have a mutual interest with the franchise in staying put for the long-term. Also, with ample cap space this summer and potentially in 2015 (depending on who the team adds this summer), it’s understandable to contend that a higher priority should be placed on preserving as much flexibility as possible for much more worthwhile targets, whether via free agency or trade.
Brooks is slated to hit unrestricted free agency this summer after the Celtics declined his team option for 2014/15. As it stands, the Lakers only have three guaranteed contracts on the books for next season, and will undoubtedly face an offseason of key roster decisions. Considering all this, should the Lakers re-sign Brooks after this season?
Atlantic Notes: Young, 76ers, Leslie
When the 76ers last clinched a playoff berth, they finished the lockout-shortened 2011/12 season with a 35-31 record and reached the second round before getting eliminated. The only member of that team still remaining on the roster is Thaddeus Young, who at that time started just one of 63 games but produced 12.8 PPG and 5.2 RPG in nearly 28 MPG as a reserve.
Now at 25-years-old, Young stands as the third-oldest player on the team and has started all but one game this season – posting career highs in points (17.7), steals (2.2), and field goal attempts per game (15.4). Despite that, the 15-45 Sixers are clearly in rebuilding mode and will face another offseason of significant decisions to make. Aside from the draft, Philadelphia’s biggest question mark moving forward has to do with whether or not they’ll keep their former lottery pick, says Keith Pompey of The Inquirer.
Here’s more out of the Atlantic Division tonight, including more from the above piece:
- Young tells Pompey he understands that other teams could be targeting him but insists he’s remaining focused: “Guys always talk and they always say [that at] any given time and given moment, you are auditioning for 29 other teams…I just took it as going out there and playing and focusing in and me doing the job and the task at hand…I didn’t look at it as I was auditioning or anything like that…It crosses your mind. But at the end of the day, you have to just play basketball and things will work out.”
- Philadelphia would be wise to avoid any marquee free agent who isn’t named LeBron James this summer, argues John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Daily News, who examines the paths that may lead the team back to respectability.
- In addition to severing ties with Chris Smith earlier today, it’s worth noting that the Bayhawks recently traded the D-League rights of forward C.J. Leslie, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. Leslie, who had been a top target on New York’s draft board last June, was reportedly unhappy with his role on the Knicks’ D-League affiliate.
Knicks Sign Shannon Brown To 10-Day Deal
THURSDAY, 9:34am: The Knicks have officially announced the signing (on Twitter).
TUESDAY, 8:53pm: Broussard tweets that Brown will be playing on a 10-day contract, which gives New York approximately seven games to get a good look at him.
Earlier today, New York had been labeled as a “team to watch” in the race for Jimmer Fredette (who is reportedly discussing a buyout with the Kings) in addition to Dahntay Jones and Tiny Gallon. With Brown and Earl Clark signed, the Knicks roster is now at 15.
8:45pm: The Knicks have agreed in principle to sign Shannon Brown to a 10-day contract, reports Chris Broussard of ESPN (via Twitter). This news comes shortly after ESPN New York’s Ian Begley reported that the team was showing strong interest in the former Michigan State product.
Bucks, Butler Discussing Buyout
WEDNESDAY, 8:54pm: While progress continues between Butler and the Bucks, it appears the buyout may not be complete until Thursday per C.F. Gardner of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (via Twitter).
TUESDAY, 10:47pm: The buyout is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, leaving ample time for Butler to clear waivers by Friday and retain his playoff eligibility (Marc Stein of ESPN reports). Stein also says the Heat will be at the front of the line to sign their former draft pick and that Butler is expected to verbally commit to a team before clearing waivers.
10:06pm: TNT’s David Aldridge (via Twitter) also confirms the report, adding that many around the league think the Heat will be Butler’s landing spot once he reaches a buyout. The Spurs and Thunder are also said to be interested.
5:54pm: The Bucks and Raymond Brothers, the agent of forward Caron Butler, are in the process of discussing a buyout, tweets Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times. Five days ago, we passed along that Milwaukee may have included Butler’s name in trade discussions with the Bobcats, who ultimately traded for Luke Ridnour and Gary Neal.
Butler was acquired from Phoenix last August, and although the Milwaukee native had originally been excited about his homecoming, there had been rumblings that he eventually became frustrated with his role over the course of the year. Back in September, Bucks GM John Hammond made it clear that the 6’7 swingman was brought in to be a starter and play a significant role. However, Butler had only started in 13 of 34 games this season after starting in 78 for the Clippers during 2012/13.
This year, the former UConn standout is averaging 11.0 PPG and 4.6 RPG while shooting 38.7% from the field and 36.1% from long distance. He is currently in the final season of a three-year, $24MM contract and will turn 34 next month.
Celtics, Rodrigue Beaubois In Talks About Deal
WEDNESDAY, 2:44pm: The Celtics and Beaubois are discussing a possible 10-day contract, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
TUESDAY, 11:15pm: Rodrigue Beaubois was brought in by the Celtics for a private workout on Tuesday and is said to have had a “strong showing,” reports Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Boston currently has one open roster spot, and Haynes adds that a decision to sign him or not is expected soon. Beaubois became a free agent in the offseason after the Mavericks chose not to offer him a new contract.
The 6’2 guard underwent hand surgery in March of last year to repair a fractured metacarpal in his left hand and has reportedly recovered. It’s worth noting that not only was it the third time he had the operation, but Haynes writes that it was the sole reason why the French point guard was unable to land on an NBA roster last summer.
Originally selected 25th overall by the Thunder in 2009, Beaubois was traded to Dallas and spent four seasons with the Mavs; he owns career averages of 7.1 PPG, 2.1 APG, and nearly 44% shooting overall in 15.9 MPG.
Kings Sign Orlando Johnson To 10-Day Pact
WEDNESDAY, 1:47pm: The team has officially announced the deal.
TUESDAY, 9:26pm: The Kings will sign guard Orlando Johnson to a 10-day contract tomorrow, according to Sean Cunningham of News10 Sacramento (Twitter link passed along from Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee). The 24-year-old Monterey native last played for the Pacers, averaging 2.4 PPG and 9.0 MPG in 38 games this season.
Coincidentally, Johnson had been selected by the Kings during the second round of the 2012 draft but was quickly sent to the Pacers for cash considerations on a draft day deal. Indiana waived the 6’5 guard last week in order to make their trade for Evan Turner work.
Wizards Sign Drew Gooden To 10-Day Contract
WEDNESDAY, 10:38am: The Wizards have officially announced the signing, via press release.
TUESDAY, 6:59pm: Drew Gooden has agreed to sign a 10-day contract with the Wizards, according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post. Yesterday, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported the likelihood that the Wizards would look to bring the 6’10 forward on board, and Yahoo’s Marc J. Spears said that Gooden would be in Washington D.C. today to ink a deal.
With big man Nene sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks in addition to nagging injury issues affecting Kevin Seraphin and Trevor Booker, it’s not surprising that Washington – currently at fifth place in the Eastern Conference and a game and a half out of fourth – would look to add some frontcourt help.
Gooden last played during the 2012/13 season for the Bucks, but only appeared in 16 games and was eventually amnestied in July of 2013. In 2011/12, he appeared in 56 games with 46 starts for Milwaukee, averaging 13.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and shot 43.7% from the field in 26.2 MPG.