Pacers Sign Kyrylo Fesenko
FRIDAY, 5:23pm: The team has confirmed the signing through a release on Pacers.com.
THURSDAY, 7:04pm: The Pacers have signed center Kyrylo Fesenko for the remainder of the season, according to a tweet by Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated.
The former 38th pick of the 2007 draft last played for the Jazz during the 2010/11 season, averaging 2 PPG and 2 RPG in 8.6 MPG through 53 games. Fesenko joins the team just a day after we learned that center Jeff Foster announced his retirement.
While it is unclear of how much playing time Kyrylo will receive with around 20 games left during the regular season, the Pacers could certainly use his 7'1'', 280 lb frame in spot minutes and in practice. While Roy Hibbert at 7'2'' still remains the tallest player on the team, no one else on the Pacers roster is listed above 6'9''.
Kobe Discusses Buss, Brown, Odom
Although a high level of shock and sudden nostalgia propagated throughout the city of Los Angeles after Derek Fisher had been traded last week, Kobe Bryant acknowledged that those feelings will have to be pushed aside when the two friends face each other in Fisher's return to the Staples Center one week from tonight, and also if they meet in the playoffs:
“I’m going to demolish him. He understands that. If he switches off on me in the post, there’s going to be problems. I’m sure he’ll put an elbow right in my back, and that’s why we love each other.”
He later added, "The most disrespectful thing we could do to each other is take it easy on each other. That’s not what we’re about."
Kobe has continued to be candid with his thoughts in general during the past few days:
- Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles cited an interview with Mason and Ireland of 710 ESPN, in which Kobe called owner Jim Buss a "great guy," proclaimed that the Lakers are a "championship caliber team," and questioned those who ruled them out of contention.
- Brian Kamenetzky of ESPN also referenced the same interview, noting that Bryant supports Mike Brown along with the current coaching staff and doesn't view the topic of whether or not to start Ramon Sessions as a major issue.
- After last night's win in Dallas, Kobe came to the defense of Lamar Odom after he was booed by his own crowd at the American Airlines arena. In a post game interview, Bryant chastised the fans for booing his former teammate, calling it "stupidity" (Tim McMahon of ESPN Dallas reports).
Central Notes: Irving, Bucks, Lucas
- This article from Cleveland.com highlights Kyrie Irving's impressive performance in the fourth quarter in a recent loss to Atlanta, and follows up with a few miscellaneous Cavaliers notes.
- Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel writes about Scott Skiles approach to the Bucks' remaining season schedule.
- Although Derrick Rose has been battling injuries throughout the season, the Bulls have managed an 11-4 record without him. An instrumental part of that success can be credited to the emergence of John Lucas III as a solid contributor. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune digs deeper into Lucas' journey up to this point in the season.
- The Pistons completed last week's road trip with a disappointing 1-4 record, two losses which included coming up short to the Clippers in overtime and Ben Gordon missing a potential game winner in Denver. David Mayo of MLive.com writes more about Detroit's inability to finish games, as well as some thoughts from head coach Lawrence Frank.
- Tayshaun Prince is determined to turn things around in Detroit, writes Chris Tomasson of FS Florida.
Odds & Ends: McCants, Free Agency, Parker
- Sportando reports that former Timberwolves lottery pick Rashad McCants has reached an agreement with Piratas de Quebradillas after being released by Caciques de Humacao of the BSN, Puerto Rico's main basketball league. McCants drew some attention from the media last fall after saying he wanted to be considered the "best basketball player not in the NBA." Julius Hodge, a former Nuggets first-round pick, was also released by Caciques de Humacao.
- Tom Haberstroh of ESPN (Insider link) examines possible fits for Eastern Conference teams with regards to upcoming free agency.
- Anthony Parker of the Cavaliers will consider retirement after this season, says Lang Greene of HoopsWorld.
- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban defended the Lakers management for how they've handled their roster this season, writes Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth.
- Although Von Wafer has fallen out of Stan Van Gundy's rotation in Orlando, he remains professional and hopes to work hard enough to move up the depth chart. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld briefly explores other options Wafer may have.
Clippers, Jazz Discussing Raja Bell Trade?
WEDNESDAY, 7:47am: While some sources insist the Clippers and Jazz are discussing Bell, sources close to the Clippers deny that the team has interest, reports Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld.
TUESDAY, 11:33pm: Alex Kennedy reports that the Clippers and Jazz have discussed a deal involving shooting guard Raja Bell. (Twitter link)
In 31 starts, the 11-year veteran has averaged 6.7 PPG in 23.9 MPG and is on par with his career three-point shooting average at 40.7%. After recently clearing the air with Jazz brass following a clash with coach Tyrone Corbin, Bell looked ready to move forward and continue contributing to the team. Meanwhile, the Clippers have a record of 8 and 10 since losing Chauncey Billups to injury and are looking to replace his veteran experience at the 2-guard spot.
Bell is scheduled to make $3.4MM on the final year of his contract next season.
Warriors, Bucks Swap Ellis, Bogut In 5-Player Deal
The Warriors and Bucks have completed a deal to send Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to Golden State for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown. Both teams confirmed the move today via press release.
After this season, Ellis is owed $11MM annually over the next two seasons, with an opt-out for the second year. Udoh is still in the midst of his rookie contract that will be guaranteed until he is eligible for a team option after the 2012/13 season. Brown and his $6.7MM salary falls into the deal as an expiring contract. Bogut is still owed a total of $27MM through the end of the 2013-14 season, and Jackson has one year remaining after this season that will pay him approximately $10MM. Each side of the deal totals about $21MM in 2011/12 cap figures, so neither club is adding or reducing salary for this season.
For the Warriors, dealing Ellis gives head coach Mark Jackson the opportunity to start rookie Klay Thompson at shooting guard and him more significant minutes to develop. The deal also hinges on the health of Andrew Bogut. If he can fully recover from a broken ankle suffered earlier in the season, Bogut becomes the mainstay at center for Golden State after Jackson experimented with Andris Biedrins and Udoh in the starting lineup.
Stephen Jackson returns to the team in which he had a tumultuous exit in 2009, but with reports of unhappiness in Milwaukee due to an irreparable relationship with coach Scott Skiles, he finds himself out of that situation. According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, sources say that the Warriors do not plan to buy out Jackson's contract (Twitter link).
The deal almost certainly takes the Warriors out of the running for both Dwight Howard and this year's playoffs. However, the short-term downgrade to the roster improves Golden State's chances of keeping its 2012 first-round pick, which will head to the Jazz unless it lands in the top seven.
Milwaukee receives a dynamic and explosive combo guard in Ellis, who had been averaging 21.9 PPG, 6 APG, and 1.5 SPG in 36.9 MPG. It will be interesting to see how Skiles handles the shots between Ellis and Brandon Jennings, as the Bucks traded two players that are not currently in the rotation for Ellis' 19 FGA (Jennings currently averages 17 FGA). Udoh, formerly picked by the Warriors with the 6th overall selection in 2010, is an intriguing prospect for the Bucks moving forward. Most importantly, it may help cover up the potential loss of forward Ersan Ilyasova to free agency, who recently said that he may leave the Bucks in the offseason for whoever offers the most money. It is questionable if Brown fits in Milwaukee's long term plans, as he is due to be out for the rest of the year while recovering from a chest injury and is slated to become a free agent this summer.
The trade was first reported by Charles Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and then tweeted by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Odds & Ends: Mavericks, Hornets, Smith, Harris
- Mark Cuban doesn't see a reason why the Mavericks would be involved in the trade market right now, according to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News.
- Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reports that the Hornets are not looking to add any payroll in a deal involving Chris Kaman, which makes a deal tough. (Twitter link)
- Despite numerous reports that Josh Smith wants out of Atlanta, Hawks co-owner Bruce Levenson believes that the chances of the team receiving equal value for their star forward is very unlikely, according to an Associated Press article by the Star Tribune.
- Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune tweeted that the Jazz are not trying to move Devin Harris.
- Clippers GM Neil Olshey tells Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times that the team is not looking to trade any of their remaining assets unless it makes an "impact acquisition."
- A panel of experts from ESPNChicago.com discussed the current state of the Bulls, and all agreed that the Bulls should remain intact past the deadline.
- Jeff McDonald of Spurs Nation gives a rundown of the team's thought process as the trade deadline looms. While they may not have the trade assets to get anything major done, they could look to the waiver wire after the deadline.
- Stephen Litel of HoopsWorld offered his opinion on trade scenarios in a chat with fans.
Thompson On Jackson, Udoh, Wright
As if the acquisition of Andrew Bogut didn't make enough waves, here are some other things that the Bay Area News Group's Marcus Thompson heard regarding the Warriors organization:
- Thompson tweets that the Warriors are looking to move Stephen Jackson and are likely seeking a big man.
- Dorell Wright wanted to be part of the deal and is not happy that he wasn't included. (Twitter link)
- While the Warriors were intially reluctant to part with Ekpe Udoh, they included him in the deal after Ellis publicly vented his frustration. Udoh was seen as a necessary casualty as Milwaukee would not concede to a trade without him. (Twitter link)
Timberwolves Targeting Richardson
Jarred Rudolph of RealGM says that according to league sources, the Magic are having discussions with the Timberwolves regarding shooting guard Jason Richardson. (Twitter link)
After being drafted by the Warriors and playing in Oakland for six years, Richardson had stints in Charlotte and Phoenix before being included in the blockbuster deal that sent reunited him with Gilbert Arenas in Orlando.
Richardson had signed a four-year deal worth approximately $25MM with the Magic during the offseason.
Spurs, Jazz, Timberwolves Discussing Trade
Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld reports that the Spurs, Jazz, and Timberwolves are in talks that would see Josh Howard go to San Antonio, C.J. Miles and Jamaal Tinsley to Minnesota, and Wayne Ellington along with Danny Green to Utah.
He also writes that while no deal is imminent, talks are ongoing and it is likely that draft picks and more players are added to the deal.