Hornets Waive Alabi, Wright
John Reid of the Times-Picayune reports that the New Orleans Hornets have released center Solomon Alabi and guard Chris Wright. These moves bring the Hornets' roster down to 14, which means it appears their regular-season roster is set barring a late signing.
Alabi played briefly for the Toronto Raptors last season but spent most of the year in the D-League. Wright played in Turkey last season. Both were signed by New Orleans prior to training camp.
Southeast Notes: Heat, Magic, Bobcats
With the Miami Heat defending their title and the presence of two top-five lottery picks, Washington's Bradley Beal and Charlotte's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Southeast figures to be one of the most exciting divisions in the NBA in the 2012/13 season. Here are the latest updates from around the division on Saturday afternoon:
- Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel passes along word from various scouts on how to stop the Heat this season.
- Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel looks at the geographical distance between the Magic and their D-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls SkyForce. Robbins writes that this may impact their decision to send rookies DeQuan Jones and Kyle O'Quinn down to develop.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has a new column about the Bobcats' expectations going into this season, which include finding a point guard and maximizing the talent they acquired in the 2012 draft.
- Bonnell also wrote player capsules examining the strengths and weaknesses of every player on the Bobcats' roster.
Clippers Notes: Paul, Odom
Here are the latest updates on the Los Angeles Clippers leading up to the start of the 2012/13 season:
- Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times has a story on Chris Paul's future with the Clippers. Paul is not thinking about whether he will stay with the team beyond this season, but he is impressed with the efforts they have made to change the culture of the organization.
- Zach Harper of CBSSports.com predicts that Paul will play at a level this season that he has not reached for the last several
- NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper has an article on Lamar Odom, who is attempting to rehabilitate his reputation after a disastrous season in Dallas.
Odds & Ends: Harden, Fields, Mack, Harris
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Friday evening:
- Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that James Harden's contract situation is in danger of becoming a distraction at Thunder training camp.
- Al Iannazzone of Newsday.com catches up with former Knick Landry Fields, who is excited for a fresh start in Toronto. Fields signed a three-year, $20MM contract with the Raptors this summer.
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld.com has a feature on Shelvin Mack, who is fighting for backup point guard minutes in Wizards training camp.
- Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel talks to Bucks forward Tobias Harris, who is hoping to land a starting job this season.
Fraley On Dirk, Beaubois, Crowder, Mayo
On Friday morning, the Dallas Mavericks announced that Dirk Nowitzki had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery, which will sideline him for up to six weeks. Gerry Fraley of SportsDayDFW.com has posted several new articles outlining various aspects of this Mavs season, including how the team will move forward after Nowitzki's injury and various new members of the roster.
- Fraley and Brad Townsend write that new signees Chris Kaman and Elton Brand, as well as rookie Bernard James, are among the players who will be expected to step up in Nowitzki's absence.
- Rodrigue Beaubois sprained his right ankle on Oct. 6 in an exhibition game, but is making progress in his recovery and has begun practicing again, Fraley writes.
- Fraley says that the Mavs are impressed with the play of second-round pick Jae Crowder.
- New guards O.J. Mayo and Darren Collison are having trouble getting to the free-throw line, Fraley writes.
Pacific Notes: Crawford, Hill, Mayo
The latest notes from around the Pacific Division on Friday evening:
- Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times talks to new Clippers signee Jamal Crawford, who reveals that he worked on his shot during the offseason for the first time this summer.
- Grant Hill is excited about his first season with the Clippers, writes Mirin Fader of NBA.com.
- Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic writes that the Suns showed interest in O.J. Mayo this summer, but Mayo wanted a starting job. He eventually signed with the Mavericks.
Poll: Will Love Or Dirk Injury Have Bigger Impact?
Earlier today, the Dallas Mavericks announced that Dirk Nowitzki had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery and was expected to miss up to six weeks of the season. This comes just days after the Minnesota Timberwolves were also hit with the loss of their All-Star power forward. Kevin Love suffered a broken hand earlier this week and is likewise expected to be sidelined for around six weeks.
The Mavs and Wolves were both expected to be in the race for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. However, losing their respective best players for the start of the season would seem to put a damper on those plans. Whose injury do you believe will have a larger impact on their team?
Ingram On Beasley, Carter, Martin
Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld has a new column which covers several issues around the Western Conference. Here are the highlights:
- Michael Beasley is looking to silence doubters this season, Ingram writes. Beasley praises fellow new Suns acquisition Goran Dragic, saying the team has a good foundation for the future.
- Anthony Carter reveals that George Karl offered him a job as an assistant coach, which Carter turned down, saying he wants to play one more year. However, he is leaving the door open to join the Nuggets' front office in some capacity after the season.
- Following the news that Dirk Nowitzki will miss six weeks after having knee surgery, Ingram wonders if the Mavericks will pursue free-agent power forward Kenyon Martin.
Odds & Ends: Samuels, Blair, Mavs, Gordon
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Tuesday night:
- Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio.com says the Cavs can expect an improved Samardo Samuels this season.
- Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express News reports that the Spurs are impressed with DeJuan Blair's training camp.
- Sean Deveney of the Sporting News previews the Mavericks' season and says that their roster is constructed with future free-agent moves in mind.
- Steve Reed of the Associated Press writes (link via the Detroit Free Press) that the Bobcats are expecting Ben Gordon, acquired from the Pistons this summer, to finish games for them this season.
- Alex Raskin of HoopsWorld.com has a list of training-camp invitees with a shot at making NBA rosters this season.
Atlantic Updates: Knicks, Smith, Darko
The latest news from the Atlantic Division on Tuesday evening:
- Barbara Barker of Newsday tweets that Mike Woodson has not yet decided who will start at shooting guard for the Knicks this season, but that J.R. Smith is not in consideration.
- Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com adds (via Twitter) that Ronnie Brewer, signed this summer, is a leading candidate for the starting job.
- Rich Levine of CSNNE.com examines the impact that Darko Milicic could have on the Celtics this season.