GM Otis Smith On Van Gundy
In an interview with ESPN's Lisa Salters today, Magic GM Otis Smith commented on the conflict between Dwight Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy, particularly quashing the rumor that Dwight had asked him directly to fire Van Gundy.
The article also mentions Smith's assertion that Van Gundy would remain the coach for the rest of the season, but did not elaborate on whether or not Stan would remain with the organization beyond this year, adding:
"Don't have the answer for that," Smith said. "I don't have the answer to who's going to be on our roster, either."
Van Gundy conjured up a media storm on Thursday morning after publicly acknowledging that Howard had asked management to fire him. Earlier we reported that Van Gundy wants to stay and continue coaching the Magic.
Odds & Ends: Van Gundy, Villanueva, Fisher, Magic
- John Hollinger of ESPN explores the different coaching options Stan Van Gundy has if he leaves the Magic (Insider link). It is worth noting that Hollinger lists a TV gig with ESPN or TNT, the Clippers, and Wizards among several other possibilities.
- Charlie Villanueva is "dying to play," writes Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. The six-year veteran has played in just two games since returning from an ankle injury.
- While Derek Fisher hasn't shown a statistical improvement compared to his numbers with the Lakers this season, the Thunder remain hopeful that his intangibles and big-game experience will pay dividends toward the development of the team, says J. Michael Falgoust of USA Today.
- In what he considers to be a "sneakered soap opera," Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel shares his thoughts on what to expect from the Magic as they finish the rest of the season and head into the summer.
- Antoine Walker announced his retirement from the D-League, tweeted Marc J. Spears of Yahoo.
- Expected to file for retirement in June, Brad Miller briefly reflects on a storied career with Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.
- Shabazz Muhammad of Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High School is the only NBA-ready player among the participants at the Nike Hoops Summit, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo.
Free Agent Stock Watch: Steve Novak
Back in December of 2011, the Knicks were able to pry Tyson Chandler away from the world champion Mavericks after Dallas was unable to make a more lucrative and long-term contract offer to the 7'1'' center. In July, the Knicks could face a similar scenario with sharpshooting forward Steve Novak, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. This is not to imply that Novak's value is equivalent to that of a player such as Chandler or that he undoubtedly deserves to have teams clamoring to outbid each other for his services. However, his performance this season should not go unwarranted nor his impact in free agency be ignored.
In 17.6 MPG off of the bench, Novak averages 8.5 PPG while shooting a league-best 47.9% from three-point range on 5 attempted threes per game. He has hit at least four long-range shots in 13 of his 43 games as a Knick and has had some standout three-point shooting performances this year: 6-for-10 against Portland, 5-for-8 against Utah, 5-for-9 at Toronto, 4-for-5 against Dallas, 5-for-10 against Atlanta, 4-for-5 at Miami, and 4-for-7 at Boston to name a few. At 6'10'' and with a cat-quick release on his shot, Novak could arguably be among the top utility players to hit the free agent market this summer.
I would expect that that the Knicks would do everything in their power to retain their ace-shooter, however history has shown that shooting specialists can get paid handsomely. Kyle Korver, off of his third year as a member of the Utah Jazz, accepted a 3-year, 15 MM offer from the Chicago Bulls after the 2010 season in which he shot 53.6% from deep en route to 7.2 PPG in 18.3 MPG. Just half a season removed from winning the inaugural 3-point shooting competition during All-Star weekend as a member of the Miami Heat, forward Jason Kapono agreed to a four-year, 24 MM offer with the Raptors in 2007. Kapono boasted averages of 10.9 PPG while shooting 51.3% from three with the Heat during the 2006-07 season.
The Knicks, who are only armed with their mid-level exception, bi-annual exception, and the veteran's minimum this summer, will also have to handle the contract statuses of Jeremy Lin, Baron Davis, and Jared Jeffries in addition to Novak. Should New York find itself using most of their mid-level to retain Lin, they may not have enough to entice Novak to stay if he receives a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
Also, if the bi-annual exception maintains its value at around 2.18 MM this summer, other teams who possess the mid-level exception or even the mini-mid level exception of about 3 MM per year (for luxury tax-paying teams) are still in a position financially to make a better offer. Outside shooting will always be in demand in the NBA, so while there may not currently be an explicit list of teams that have Novak on their radar, it will be an intriguing development to follow in July, especially for Knicks fans.
Mark Jackson Safe In Golden State
When Mark Jackson was hired for his first-ever coaching job with Golden State last June, he certainly made waves with his comments. While working as a color analyst during the 2011 playoffs, Jackson predicted that his Warriors would qualify for the postseason during this year. Currently at .389 over 21 wins and 33 losses, the Warriors are on pace to finish with a lower winning percentage than last season, which was .439.
Although it is highly unlikely that the rookie head coach will be able to follow through on his prediction, Marcus Thompson of ContraCostaTimes.com has received assurances that Jackson's job is safe.
I don't believe that Jackson's job security hinged on whether or not he was able to lead his team to the playoffs this season. Other factors didn't necessarily work in his favor either, including the oft-injured status of Stephen Curry and management's decision to trade Monta Ellis at the deadline. Should Andrew Bogut and Curry be able to make healthy returns along with Klay Thompson continuing his development, Jackson will be better equipped to have his job performance evaluated next season.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Sixers, Knicks
The Celtics have ridden a five-game winning streak to the top of the Atlantic Division. With the Sixers trailing just one game behind as well as having an easier schedule moving forward, Boston will have to remain sharp in order to head into the playoffs with home court advantage and avoid meeting the Heat or Bulls in the first round. The upcoming week will pit the Celtics against Chicago, San Antonio, and Miami, whereas the Sixers have Miami, Toronto, and Orlando before the two division rivals meet a week from tonight.
- Doc Rivers believes that his team is still trending up at this point in the season. Peter May of ESPN Boston takes a closer look at his mindset.
- Doug Collins looked to Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand to provide more leadership after the Sixers appeared at a low point after dropping a game to the Wizards last week. Bob Cooney of Philly.com caught up with Collins after the team had responded with a victory against Atlanta.
- The injury-riddled Knicks face an uphill battle for the remaining 13 games of the season, but the team isn't making any excuses, writes Al Iannazonne of Newsday.
Draft Updates: Melo, Sullinger, Ross, Moser
We'll post today's draft-related updates here:
- Fab Melo has signed with agent Arn Tellem, which basically nixes a return to Syracuse next year (tweets Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress).
- Jared Sullinger appears undecided about whether or not to return to Ohio State next year, says Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer.
- Jeff Borzello of CBSsports.com reports that Washington sophomore Terrence Ross plans to hire an agent and will declare for the NBA draft.
- According to Matt Youmans of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, forward Mike Moser will return to UNLV for his sophomore season instead of committing to the NBA draft.
- Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog.com writes that high-school star Nerlens Noel is still undecided on where he will commit to for next year. His list is down to Georgetown, Kentucky, and Syracuse. Noel could possibly be among the headliners for the 2013 NBA draft.
Odds & Ends: Rose, Perkins, Smith
One interesting note about NCAA championship as it relates to the upcoming draft: The last time the winner had a player that would subsequently go on to become that year's number one pick was in 1988, when Danny Manning of the Kansas Jayhawks was selected first overall by the Clippers. With a win tomorrow, Kentucky's Anthony Davis (currently projected to go first among several draft boards) could have a chance at ending the 23-year streak.
Should Kentucky lose, Davis could join Derrick Rose, Greg Oden, Elton Brand, and Chris Webber as number one picks who had been on the runner-up team that season. With less than 24 hours until tip-off, here are a few interesting notes to think about from the basketball news wire:
- As per Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times, Derrick Rose's injury could be worse than initially thought.
- Kendrick Perkins' has had a profound impact on Russell Westbrook this season and can be credited for the young guard's further emergence as a special player, writes Darnell Mayberry of NewsOK.
- In an exclusive interview with Raul Barrigon of HoopsHype.com, Kenny Smith indicated that he feels he'll "inevitably be coaching someday."
- Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer provides a more in-depth look at Donald Sloan, the Cavaliers reserve guard who has begun to find minutes under Byron Scott.
- According to Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel, Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy Jr. believes that teammates' trust in each other will be key in Milwaukee's pursuit of New York for the eight and final playoff spot.
- Mavericks guard Jason Terry is alarmed by Dallas' habit of falling behind in the third quarter, only to rally in the fourth but come up short, writes Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram.
- The Toronto Sun's Richard Zussman gives a primer for tomorrow's NCAA Title game and what to expect.
Mike James Has Interest In Knicks
Ian Begley of ESPN New York writes that guard Mike James would welcome a chance to play for the Knicks, according to James' agent Brian Lee. New York is currently at the maximum roster limit and would have to waive a player in order to make room for Mike, which is why Lee isn't expecting a call from the team.
The Amityville product signed a nonguaranteed contract and two 10-day deals with the Bulls this season, and put up a notable 16 points and seven assists in 23 minutes before fouling out in a loss to the Nets on February 18th.
Week In Review: 3/26/12 – 4/1/12
- Sixers guard Louis Williams discussed his 2012/13 option.
- Earl Boykins agreed to a 10-day contract with the Rockets.
- Alan Anderson was signed by the Raptors to a 10-day contract.
- College basketball's Austin Rivers of Duke declared for the NBA draft.
- Clippers owner Donald Sterling voiced his support for head coach Vinny Del Negro.
- Ben Uzoh was signed by the Raptors to a 10-day contract.
- The Spurs signed Patrick Mills.
- The Rockets signed Malcolm Thomas to a 10-day contract. They also announced that Courtney Fortson would be signed for the rest of the season.
- Jerryd Bayless will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left oblique muscle.
- Dominic McGuire spoke about his desire to stay with the Warriors beyond this season.
- NBA commissioner David Stern shared a few thoughts on the CBA, Seattle, replay during the game, and the NCAA.
- We noted some injury updates for Amare Stoudemire, Richard Hamilton, and Eric Gordon.
- The Wizards signed Cartier Martin to a 10-day contract.
- Kirk Hinrich, an unrestricted free agent this summer, says he wouldn't mind a return to the Bulls.
- Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley closed talks with billionaire Larry Ellison regarding the sale of the team.
- Steve Nash discussed his impending free agency.
- Paul Allen denied that he was entertaining offers for the sale of the Trail Blazers.
- North Carolina's Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Kendall Marshall declared for the NBA draft.
- Jason Terry says that he would be interested in joining the Heat as a free agent.
- The Cavaliers signed Lester Hudson to a 10-day contract.
- The Nets signed Dennis Horner to a 10-day contract.
- Rasheed Wallace is unlikely to play this season.
- The Kings signed Terrence Williams for the remainder of the season.
- Fresh off of a championship run in the Chinese Basketball Association, Stephon Marbury says that he has no interest in joining the Knicks.
- The Warriors signed Mickell Gladness for the rest of the season.
Michael Jordan Remains Committed To Bobcats
Nearly a day after we heard a report that Bobcats owner Michael Jordan was contemplating selling the team, Jordan issued a statement which denied that notion (via The New York Times):
"I was disturbed to hear the false report that I intend to sell my majority interest in the Charlotte Bobcats. I am 100 percent committed to building the Bobcats into a contender and have no plans to sell the team."
At seven wins and 43 losses, the Bobcats remain the only team in the NBA that has not reached the 10-win mark this season. They are currently on pace to have their lowest season winning percentage since being introduced to the NBA during the 2004/05 season.