Western Notes: Jazz, Hornacek, Lillard
Bill Oram of The Salt Lake Tribune underscores the Jazz' competitive disadvantage in having to share a D-League affiliate with four other NBA teams, considering how each team can only have so much individual expectations. He also notes that NBA teams with single affiliation hire their own coaches, provide support and direct on-court decisions, whereas the Jazz have to leave things up to the discretion of their independently owned D-League team. Should the ideal opportunity present itself, Oram mentions that Jazz president Randy Rigby would be interested in putting an expansion development league team in St. George, Utah, though that possibility still remains a dream scenario for now.
Here are some more news and notes out of the Western Conference tonight:
- Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee writes that DeMarcus Cousins is still waiting to hear from Shaq, who pledged last month that he would "make (him) the best big man in the game."
- Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek made quite an impression on the players he led during this month's summer competition, writes Matt Petersen of Suns.com. In a separate piece, Petersen, Brad Faye, and Ben York of Suns.com give their thoughts on who and what stood out for them the most this month in Las Vegas.
- Trail Blazers standout Damian Lillard reflects on his successful rookie campaign and discusses his thoughts on the team going into next year (Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld).
- Kings.com takes an in-depth look at Ben McLemore's first day in the NBA summer league (video link).
Eastern Notes: Wall, Cartier Martin, Antic
SB Nation's Tom Ziller isn't totally convinced that the Wizards need to offer a maximum contract to John Wall this summer, pointing out that at worst, he'd be no more expensive to retain as a restricted free agent one year from now. He mentions Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday as perfect examples where their respective teams were able to get good discounts by negotiating early extensions, but in Washington's case, offering a max extension now would eliminate potential negotiating leverage next summer in the event that Wall has a subpar season in 2013-14. Though Ziller understands why Wall deserves a maximum contract now, he argues that there'd be little risk and tangible potential benefit in waiting until next year to offer that type of deal.
Here are a few more news and notes out of the Eastern Conference:
- In addition to their interest in free agent center Greg Oden, the Heat are also keeping their eye on Mo Williams, says Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.
- Emiliano Carchia of Sportando passes along a report that Cartier Martin is close to a deal with Olympiacos (hat tip to Eurohoops). The 28-year-old swingman spent last season with the Wizards.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets that new Hawks addition Pero Antic had previously passed up an offer to join the Magic in 2008.
- After bringing back Kenyon Martin, the Knicks are still in the market for one more point guard and possibly another big man, notes Newsday's Al Iannazzone.
- Josh Newman of SNYNets.com reports that Brooklyn forward Tornike Shengelia will have surgery next Wednesday to repair a damaged meniscus in his left knee and will most likely miss the FIBA Eurobasket Games in September at the very least.
- With the departure of Mike Miller, Heat reserve James Jones is looking for an opportunity at an expanded role next season (NBA.com via the Associated Press).
International Notes: Colton Iverson, Mbakwe, Lawal
We'll keep track of tonight's relevant international basketball rumblings below:
- Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy tweets that Christian Eyenga and Craig Brackins have signed with Stelmet Zielona Gora of the Euroleague. Eyenga, a former first-round pick by the Cavaliers, was last seen in the NBA as a member of the Lakers during the 2011-12 season. Brackins' last stint in the NBA was with the 76ers during the 2011-12 season as well.
- 2013 second round pick Colton Iverson had reportedly reached a two-year agreement to play for Besiktas, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. However, Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe (via Twitter) cites a league source that says Iverson has not agreed in principle or signed a deal with anyone.
- Carchia also notes that undrafted prospect Trevor Mbakwe will head to Italy next season to play for Virtus Roma.
- Interestingly enough, Carchia writes that Mbakwe will replace Gani Lawal, who we've heard had been drawing NBA interest from at least four teams early in June.
Bucks Request Waivers On Gustavo Ayon
According to the Bucks' PR Twitter account, the team has requested waivers on center Gustavo Ayon. Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (via Twitter) notes that the 28-year-old big man would have been on the books for a guaranteed $1.5MM next season had he not been waived by today's deadline.
Ayon played 12 games for the Bucks last season after being dealt by the Magic, averaging 3.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and about 13 MPG in 55 total games played last year. Though Milwaukee had exercised their team option on him last month, it was seen more as a postponement on a decision regarding his contract. The Mexican native participated in three summer league games with the Bucks in Las Vegas earlier this month, averaging 6.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 19.7 MPG.
Odds & Ends: Irving, Ellis, Wolters
In his weekly roundup of topics surrounding Cleveland sports teams, Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer offers his thoughts on Andrew Bynum, the Cavaliers' depth at the big man positions, and Kyrie Irving. Regarding some belief that Tyler Zeller might not get much playing time with the addition of Bynum, the return of Anderson Varejao, and the presence of Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett, Pluto believes that the second year big man will be needed since he's skeptical of Bynum and Varejao's injury histories. You can find the rest of tonight's miscellaneous links below:
- On rumors of Irving possibly leaving Cleveland or wanting out, Pluto explains why it'd be unlikely for the young star to leave the Cavs before he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2016. Pluto also lauds the acquisition of Jarrett Jack as a player who will push Dion Waiters and Irving for playing time, while also serving as an insurance policy in case one of them gets injured.
- Eddie Sefko of SportsDayDFW writes that Monta Ellis significantly upgrades the Mavericks' talent level.
- Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel takes a more in-depth look at Nate Wolters' experience in summer league play and several positive signs moving forward for the Bucks' rookie.
- Kevin Martin is very much looking forward to teaming up with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, writes John Krawczynski of the Associated Press (via the Star Tribune), who also shares that Martin played a big role in the recruitment of Corey Brewer from free agency.
- In a conference call with Twin Cities reporters earlier today, Martin was asked if he had seriously considered a return to the Thunder for little money and a chance to win a championship, considering that their offer was significantly restricted by the luxury tax: "Always. I also feel like I found the same thing with Minnesota being younger. They've had some injuries over the years, but they're a good team, too. I made a decision and I think it's a great one. I learned from Oklahoma CIty, they're a great organization. The way KD and Russ approach the game, I think that's something I'll bring to Minnesota" (Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune).
- Bulls rookie Tony Snell loves being compared to Kawhi Leonard, notes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- ESPN's David Thorpe explains why the quality of summer league play has suffered a bit this year and assesses the performance of key second year players in Las Vegas with Kevin Arnowitz and Amin Elhassan (video links).
Eastern Notes: Damion James, Felix, Cavs
RealGM's Shams Charania notes that while Damion James has yet to speak about a training camp invite or regular season roster spot with the Heat, the 6'7 swingman may have boosted his stock after his solid play in Las Vegas over the last few weeks. James – who underwent foot surgery twice over the span of his first two season in the league – told RealGM: "Everybody knows I belong in the league…I’m completely, 100 percent healthy. It’s been a great experience for me. I really look up to the Miami Heat and I really appreciate them for letting me come and be a part of their organization. I just want to show them that I can play, show them that I can belong here.
Here's more out of the Eastern Conference tonight:
- Carrick Felix made a strong enough impression on Mike Brown that the Cavaliers coach thinks he has a good chance to make the regular season roster, writes Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer. As for other players who could have possibly earned invites to training camp, Brown mentioned Matthew Dellavedova, Cory Higgins, Jermaine Taylor, and Justin Harper.
- Wizards rookie Otto Porter did a brief interview with Hoopsworld about his experiences in summer league and what he needs to work on in preparation for training camp (video link).
- DeMar DeRozan gave his thoughts and impressions on some of his young Raptors teammates, having a full training camp to work alongside Rudy Gay, Masai Ujiri, and team's playoff chances (video link).
- Cody Zeller expounded on what he learned about the NBA game against summer competition and building chemistry with some of his teammates (video link).
- Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports tweets that Vitor Faverani's three-year deal with the Celtics is worth $6MM, which was the projected deal a few days ago.
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News questions the leadership of Knicks owner James Dolan and is skeptical about how the team will fare next season.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer discusses how the NBA's new CBA has benefitted the Bobcats.
Western Notes: Odom, Kevin Martin, Adelman
- After spending a season in Oklahoma City, Kevin Martin believes he can bring a "championship tone" to the Timberwolves' locker room next season, writes Alex M. Smith of the Pioneer Press.
- When asked if he was convinced that coach Rick Adelman would be returning to the sidelines in Minnesota, Martin replied "that's the story I've heard" (Yahoo's Marc J. Spears tweets).
- Moments after his press conference in Los Angeles, Jordan Farmar sat down with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com to discuss his return to the team that drafted him, how he's progressed since he's been overseas, and what he brings to the table now.
- Ty Lawson spoke with Hoopsworld about the Nuggets' offseason changes, giving his thoughts on the team's young players, how he'll fit with new head coach Brian Shaw, and what his expectations are for next season (video link).
- Pelicans guard Eric Gordon briefly talked to Hoopsworld about how he sees himself fitting next to Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans, saying that it's "all about getting the chemistry down" (video link).
- Doug Robinson of the Deseret News discusses how the Jazz franchise has been able to keep leaks and rumor mill discussions to a minimum.
Blazers Links: Waters, Tibbetts, Leonard
The Oregonian's Mike Tokito takes a look at Dominic Waters, who after participating in summer league play with the Trail Blazers is preparing for the next chapter in his career – whether it be in an invitation to an NBA training camp, playing in the D-League, or returning to Europe. Waters had opened some eyes at the team's four-day mini-training camp this year, earning a spot on the team's summer roster as a result of his performance. Though Waters played sparingly, assistant coach Nate Tibbetts (who led the summer team this year) had some good things to say about the NBA hopeful: “I really liked working with him because to me, as a point guard, you’re like a quarterback out there…You have to direct, and he did a really good job with that.”
Here are more links to relay along out of Portland tonight:
- In this video interview, Tibbetts offered his thoughts on the summer league performances of several young players who have guaranteed contracts with Portland next season (via Molly Blue of the Oregonian).
- Though Meyers Leonard could figure to be a backup to Robin Lopez this year, John Canzano of the Oregonian sees the former University of Illinois standout as a future NBA star and franchise center with a "barrel of upside."
- Mike Acker of the Williamette Week believes that Neil Olshey's work this summer has put the team in a flexible position to compete for a playoff spot or rebuild quickly if things don't go so well next season (hat tip to Ben Golliver of the Blazers Edge).
Clippers Not Considering Camby?
Having just agreed to terms with big man Byron Mullens, sources say that the Clippers are not looking to sign free agent Marcus Camby (LA Times' Brad Turner via Twitter). The fact that DeAndre Jordan and Ryan Hollins are also on the team's depth chart doesn't make it likely that Los Angeles would be looking to add another center at this point. Earlier this evening, we relayed a report that listed the Clippers as one of three teams considered to be the leading candidates to sign the 6'11 big man.
Camby, who was bought out by the Raptors last week, averaged 1.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 10.4 MPG in just 24 games for the Knicks last season. Just a few days ago, we heard of the former UMass star's plans to play in the NBA for two more years before moving into coaching.
Odds & Ends: Mavs, Brown, Telfair
- Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown addresses his relationship with LeBron James and his stint as coach of the Lakers in part one of an interview with Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.
- The Knicks, Heat, and Thunder have shown interest in Sebastian Telfair, HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy tweets.
- Kennedy, as part of his NBA PM piece, passes along comments from Chris Douglas-Roberts, who's confident that the Lakers will bring him to training camp for a second straight year.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York tweets that contrary to reports, the Bulls, Clippers, and Rockets are all front runners for Marcus Camby, and that the 39-year-old center is still weighing opportunities. It isn't clear as to what reports Zwerling is alluding to, as his list of frontrunners hasn't appeared to change much from this past week (with the exception of the Heat).
- The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer touches on LeBron James and Andrew Bynum and a broad spectrum of Cavs-related topics in her mailbag column.
- Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com tweets that former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr. networked with several teams in Las Vegas about potentially joining an NBA coaching staff and is optimistic about his chances.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.