Atlantic Notes: Smith, Shumpert, Celtics, Bradley
The latest news and notes from around the Atlantic Division on Sunday afternoon:
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com speculates about J.R. Smith's next contract. Smith holds a $2.9MM player option with the Knicks for the 2013/14 season, and the team would be able to offer him $5.5MM via early bird rights if he declines it. Zwerling thinks Smith could command more than that on the open market, but notes that he loves playing in New York and may be inclined to take a pay cut to stay.
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that Iman Shumpert is hoping to return to the court in one to two weeks.
- Al Iannazzone of Newsday writes that the Knicks have turned the tables on their long-standing rivalry with the Celtics and now have the upper hand in the matchup.
- Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com breaks down the improvements the Celtics have made defensively since Avery Bradley has returned to the lineup.
Mavericks Waive Douglas-Roberts, Considering James?
The Dallas Mavericks have waived Chris Douglas-Roberts, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. The guard appeared in six games for the Mavs since being called up from the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League. He averaged 2.8 PPG in those games.
MacMahon reports that the Mavericks will look to sign a player to a 10-day contract with the roster spot created by releasing Douglas-Roberts. One player the team may look at is Mike James, who played for the Bulls last season.
HoopsWorld On Roster Depth
Several writers from HoopsWorld.com have posted a new roundtable column in which they examine roster depth in the NBA. Five writers have different opinions on which team is the deepest in the league:
- Eric Pincus praises the Clippers' bench, writing that contributions from reserves such as Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes have taken pressure off stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul to play heavy minutes. He also points out that the Clippers are off to a strong start despite continued injuries to veterans Grant Hill and Chauncey Billups.
- Alex Kennedy points out that the Spurs are getting contributions from many different non-star players, singling out Gary Neal, Tiago Splitter, and Patrick Mills among the keys to their success.
- Tommy Beer writes that the Knicks are proving detractors wrong, with veterans like Jason Kidd and Marcus Camby making a positive impact instead of letting their ages be a liability. He also says that sixth man J.R. Smith has been integral to their strong play so far.
- Bill Ingram is impressed with the way the Warriors have been able to compensate for injuries to Andrew Bogut and Brandon Rush and prove themselves competitive in the Western Conference.
- Stephen Brotherston says the Celtics are deeper than last season, although he points out that their chemistry has not gelled yet.
Odds & Ends: Williams, Warriors, Magic, Roy
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Wednesday evening:
- Jazz guard Mo Williams is expected to miss six weeks following thumb surgery. It will be interesting to keep an eye on what roster moves Utah makes to account for his absence.
- Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News examines several reasons the Warriors are having such a successful season.
- John Mitchell of Philly.com writes that former Sixers big man Nikola Vucevic is beginning to realize his potential with the Magic.
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel looks at the path Ishmael Smith followed that led to his signing with the Magic.
- Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Brandon Roy is practicing with the Timberwolves but it is still unknown when he will return to the court.
- Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun writes that J.J. Hickson's stellar recent play has been a nice surprise for the Trail Blazers.
Sefko On Mavs, Mayo, Cuban, Deron
Eddie Sefko of SportsDayDFW.com answered some questions from readers on Wednesday in a live chat, and touched on a number of Mavericks topics including the team's free agency plans and possible trades. Here are the highlights:
- Sefko expects the Mavericks to be in the hunt for big-name free agents such as Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Andrew Bynum in the summer of 2013, and the pursuit of a big name will take precedence for the front office over retaining O.J. Mayo.
- Sefko trusts Mark Cuban's long-term vision for the Mavs, citing his track record of turning the team into a championship organization.
- Sefko thinks the Mavericks may search for point guard help at the deadline, naming Jose Calderon, Luke Ridnour, and Rodney Stuckey as possible targets.
- Sefko does not believe Rick Carlisle is on the hot seat in spite of the Mavs' recent struggles.
- Losing out on Deron Williams may have been a blessing in disguise for the Mavs given Williams' struggles with the Nets this season, writes Sefko.
Pacific Notes: Lakers, Curry, Evans
The Lakers and Clippers both lost on Tuesday, meaning the always-fascinating Pacific Division has been thrust back into the spotllight. Here are the latest rumblings and links from around the division:
- Kobe Bryant tells Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com that the Lakers' age is partially to blame for their recent lack of energy.
- Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News has quotes from Stephen Curry, who likes the Warriors' direction this season and praises the play of David Lee.
- Kings guard Tyreke Evans may return to action in a week, the Associated Press reports (via ESPN.com)
Knicks Updates: Amare, Sheed, Shumpert
The latest chatter around the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening:
- Ken Berger of CBSSports.com writes that Amare Stoudemire, once considered the Knicks' franchise player, is now buying into a team run by Carmelo Anthony.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the injury to Rasheed Wallace has had a major impact on the Knicks, with head coach Mike Woodson expressing the veteran's importance.
- Iman Shumpert is going through some light drills, although there is no update on when he is expected to be able to resume five-on-five activities.
International Notes: Martin, White, Oberto
The latest rumors about NBA players signing internationally on Wednesday evening:
- Sports Interactive Network Philippines is reporting that agent Sheryl Reyes has begun negotiating with representatives for former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin about possibly playing in the Philippines, although no deal is close between the sides. Martin last played in the NBA for the Clippers in 2011/12.
- Sportando reports that the agent for troubled Rockets forward Royce White will listen to offers from several European teams, and a loan arrangement with the Rockets is possible.
- Sportando also reports that former Spurs big man Fabricio Oberto, who retired from the NBA in 2010 due to heart problems, will apparently sign with Atenas de Cordoba, in his native Argentina.
Rockets Sign James Anderson, Cut Cook
WEDNESDAY, 10:30am: The Rockets have officially signed Anderson and waived Cook, the team announced today in a press release.
SUNDAY, 4:44pm: Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle tweets that Anderson's deal with the Rockets will be for three years, the third of which will be a team option. Daequan Cook is expected to be waived in order to clear a roster spot for Anderson.
2:09pm: The Houston Rockets will sign forward James Anderson today, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, via Twitter. It is not yet known whether Anderson's contract is guaranteed.
The timing of the signing is interesting, given the news earlier today that Royce White is refusing an assignment to the D-League on account of his anxiety disorder. The Rockets have previously shown no indication that they are considering waiving White, who has yet to play for the Rockets. The team has 15 players under contract, so waiving a player is necessary to sign him. Of these players, Scott Machado and Greg Smith have nonguaranteed deals, but Smith has been solid in major minutes and the Rockets have shown every indication of wanting to keep Machado. It would seem that White would be next in line to get cut, but the Rockets have yet to make an official announcement on the matter.
In 10 games with the Spurs this season, Anderson averaged 3.4 PPG and 1.4 RPG in 9.4 MPG.
Southwest Notes: Dirk, White, Hornets, Leonard
The latest news and notes from around the Southwest Division on New Year's Day:
- Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com thinks the Mavericks should start Dirk Nowitzki. They had previously been bringing him off the bench to ease his integration back into the rotation.
- Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes that the Rockets are considering suspending suspending Royce White for his recent refusal of their D-League assignment.
- Hornets coach Monty Williams understands that the development of his young players is more important that making the playoffs in the short term.
- Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News praises Kawhi Leonard's recent defensive impact for the Spurs.