And-Ones: Millsap, Lin, D-League
The Magic offered Paul Millsap a max contract on July 1st and the power forward told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel that Orlando’s pitch was impressive before he ultimately decided to re-sign with the Hawks.
“I was their first priority, and everything about their team was looking good at the time,” Millsap told Robbins. “It intrigued me. The presentation was great.”
Millsap, per Robbins, chose to stay in Atlanta, however, because he grew a fondness for the area and he got used to calling it home. Millsap added that his teammates and the Hawks’ coaching staff had a lot to do with his decision to re-sign because he believes Atlanta has “built something special thus far.”
Here’s more from around the basketball world:
- The non-guaranteed minimum salary of recent Wizards signee Ryan Hollins becomes fully guaranteed if the team doesn’t waive him by the end of December 27th, reports Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders in a roundup of guarantee dates. Pincus also reveals that Bryce Cotton, who signed with the Suns last month, is on a non-guaranteed contract for the minimum salary that covers just this season and wouldn’t become guaranteed until next month’s leaguewide guarantee date.
- Hawks big man Mike Muscala, previously thought to have a $473,638 partial guarantee on his $947,276 minimum salary, has no guarantee at all, Pincus shows in the same post and on Twitter.
- Jeremy Lin, who signed a two-year, $4.4MM contract with the Hornets in July, said his new team is a very good fit for his style and strengths, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle relays.
- The Mavs recalled Justin Anderson, Jeremy Evans and Salah Mejri from their D-League affiliate, the team announced in an emailed press release. Evans has appeared in 19 games with the Mavs while Anderson has played in 17 and Mejri has seen action in five.
- The Thunder assigned Josh Huestis to the D-League, the team announced. Huestis has appeared in nine games this season for the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s D-League affiliate.
- The Celtics recalled Terry Rozier and Jordan Mickey from their D-League affiliate, the team announced in an emailed press release.
Hoops Links: Bulls, Lawson, Knicks
Every Sunday, we link to some of the very best work from around the basketball blogosphere. Do you have a link to a great basketball blog post – either your own or someone else’s – that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Then you should send it to us at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s rundown…
- The Sports Quotient examines the state of the Bulls.
- The Love of Hoops details how players from France are performing in the NBA.
- Denver Stiffs revisits the Ty Lawson deal.
- Orlando Pinstriped Post details the Magic’s improved 3-point shooting.
- Posting and Toasting examines the Knicks’ pace in games.
- Sactown Royalty writes about Doug Christie’s broadcasting skills.
- Pounding the Rock breaks down the Spurs’ elite defense against 3-pointers.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Eastern Notes: Pacers, Pistons, Sixers
Paul George, viewed by many as the leader of the Pacers, misses having a veteran teammate like David West around, of the Indianapolis Star writes. West signed with the Spurs after he turned down a $12.6MM player option with the Pacers.
“I called him Uncle West,” George told Buckner, “just [his] knowledge of the game and the conversations we would have away from the game. For me being 21, 22 years old, that was stuff that stuck with me and has helped me with this unit having younger guys. A lot of stuff that I’m going through now … I was able to vent to David about. About officiating, about play calls, what’s going on out in the court. That was my person I vented to and he was the one who set me straight.”
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- After a successful rehab game in the D-League, point guard Brandon Jennings believes he has to earn a spot in the Pistons‘ rotation with backup point guard Steve Blake playing well, David Mayo of MLive.com details. Hoops Rumors’ Dana Gauruder recently profiled Jennings as a trade candidate because Jennings has an expiring contract at $8,344,497. “If I’ve got to earn my second spot, then let’s practice for it. Let’s go play for a spot. I’m with it. I’m up for it,” Jennings said.
- Reserve point guard Tony Wroten supports the Sixers‘ recent string of moves, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer relays. To recap, the Sixers hired Mike D’Antoni as an associate head coach and hired Jerry Colangelo to a front office role. “Obviously the organization is trying to help the situation,” Wroten said. “And you know, talking to guys like Kendall [Marshall] that have played for him, D’Antoni, he loved him. So I’m looking forward it. And Colangelo, I’m looking forward to changes, and things might become better.”
Western Notes: Bonner, Lakers, Gasol
Longtime Spurs power forward Matt Bonner has no plans to retire after this season as long as there is still interest in him, Jabari Young of the San Antonio News-Express relays. Bonner is 35 and re-signed with the Spurs in July for one year at the veteran’s minimum. Bonner was reportedly thinking about retirement last spring, though he said last year that he wanted to play for several more seasons. Bonner told Young that he would like to retire as a member of the Spurs, however.
“The Spurs are my first option every summer, which is terrible business on my end to put that out there,” Bonner said. “I’m not negotiating for max deals. I’m basically a vet minimum guy, unless someone out there wants to pay me a lot more money.”
Here’s more out of the Western Conference:
- Ed Davis, who signed a three-year, $20MM deal with the Blazers in July after spending last season with the Lakers, told Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders that the biggest difference between the two franchises is Portland operates with more stability and with more of a long-term plan (Twitter link).
- Lakers coach Byron Scott believes the development and performance of some of the Lakers’ core young players such as D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson will help lure free agents to the team in the future, Bill Oram of the Orange County Register relays. “They’ll see that we have three young guys that, from day one to game 82, have shown big-time improvement,” Scott said. “And if they can continue to improve that way, then the future’s pretty bright.”
- Marc Gasol told Zach Lowe of ESPN.com in a wide-ranging and entertaining Q&A that he didn’t know he would ink the new five-year max deal with the Grizzlies that he signed in July until last season was completed. “Just because I didn’t put that much time into it,” Gasol said. “You have to look at things from afar and get perspective on things. That’s when you know. So that’s what we did. We flew back, we went away from basketball for a little bit, and it just kind of happened.”
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Sixers, Nets
With the Knicks back at .500, it is evident that several of president Phil Jackson’s offseason moves are paying off and a camaraderie has formed despite nine new players on this year’s roster, Marc Berman of the New York Post details. Berman points to the Knicks’ signing of Arron Afflalo as a significant piece of the puzzle since the shooting guard has made a seamless connection with star Carmelo Anthony. The two players, of course, played together in Denver. Afflalo is such a good fit for the Knicks because he does not demand the ball, Berman adds.
“I’ve known [Anthony] for a while,’’ Afflalo said. “He’s very talented in so many ways. He makes players around him better, just by the attention he draws. For us to find a comfort zone, and making sure to stay out of his way so he can stay comfortable with his game, will only allow us to benefit playing with a player like him.’’
Here’s more on the Knicks and the Atlantic Division:
- One major difference between last season and this one seems to be Anthony’s trust in his teammates, Ian Begley of ESPN.com writes. The Knicks missed on a few of their marquee targets in the summer, but retooled with several role players, Begley adds. With that said, Anthony’s willingness to put trust in this group is an especially important aspect of the Knicks’ success, Begley notes.
- Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry applauded the Sixers‘ hiring of Mike D’Antoni as associate head coach, John Reid of The Times Picayune relays. ”He wanted to be in a situation where he thought he could help someone and not just come back in for the heck of it,” Gentry said. ”I think it’s a great situation for Philly and for Brett Brown.” Gentry was an assistant on D’Antoni’s staff with the Suns from 2003-2008.
- Nets reserve point guard Donald Sloan is in line to receive some playing time with Shane Larkin out with a concussion, Fred Kerber of the New York Post explains. The Nets signed Sloan for the minimum salary in August.
Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 12/13/15-12/20/15
In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
“ESPN has mentioned Joe Harris is being shopped. What say you folks?” — Eric
HR: Actually, it was Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal who wrote that the Cavs would like to obtain a second-round pick in exchange for Harris. As a result, Harris has been showcased in the D-League this month, moving up and down a handful of times. The Cavs are looking to move Harris because of the surprising play of Jared Cunningham and the team’s looming luxury tax bill, according to Lloyd. Harris has not played much in the league since being drafted in 2014 and, while this is just my speculation, it seems likely the Cavs will shed his fully guaranteed $845,059 salary as soon as possible since he is now looking more expendable than ever.
Do you think the Lakers will consider trading players such as Roy Hibbert and Lou Williams for picks? What kind of value do you think they hold? — Aaron
HR: Hibbert, in my opinion, has a better chance of being dealt because he is set to be a free agent after the season. Williams, on the other hand, signed a three-year, $21MM deal with the Lakers in the summer after he scored 15.5 points per game on 40.4% shooting last season in Toronto. I really think that the Lakers are committed to Williams, who could help lure more talent into the fold next season. Hibbert has helped the Lakers has a veteran mentor on a young team. While he is not the player he was a couple of years ago, Hibbert has re-established himself as a serviceable starting option in the league and there is a decent chance he could help the Lakers land a future second-round pick of sorts, in my estimation.
Can the Lakers get a first-round pick from a team for Hibbert? — Aaron
HR: I highly doubt it. Hibbert just turned 29, has experienced down seasons already and is likely past his prime. I credit him for having a decent comeback season now, but it’s just not enough to warrant exchanging a first-round pick for. That is unless, perhaps, he is part of a larger package, of course.
Southeast Notes: Oladipo, Lin, Oubre
Victor Oladipo, a former No. 2 overall pick who’ll become eligible for a rookie scale extension this summer, is playing like a first-team All-Defensive player, according to Magic coach Scott Skiles, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel relays. Oladipo is adept at guarding one-on-one, pressuring ball-handlers and contesting entry passes, Robbins explains. All of that has contributed to making the Magic a better defensive team this season, Robbins adds. Skiles moved Oladipo to the bench earlier this season, but the third-year shooting guard responded well.
Here’s more on the Southeast Division:
- Wizards coach Randy Wittman believes Drew Gooden and Nene should be able to return at some point this week, Ben Standig of CSNMidAtlantic.com relays. Nene has missed 12 straight games with a left calf strain while Gooden has missed 21 games because of a right calf strain, as Standig notes. Nene is set for free agency at season’s end.
- Wizards rookie Kelly Oubre is gaining confidence lately after scoring 18 points Wednesday and earning his first start on Saturday, J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.
com writes. Oubre must be cognizant of not allowing himself to get into foul trouble early in games going forward, Michael adds, because there is a decent chance the Wizards will look to use more of him soon. “I told him he had to play a little bit differently now than when I have put (him) in games and it’s been a cause-havoc situation,” Wittman said. “I told him he had to learn situations. We’re short-handed. You get the first one and you’ve got to be smart. It was trying to get him to understand the difference between starting and being in the position where he had been.” - While Jeremy Lin‘s numbers aren’t as eye-opening as they were during his “Linsanity” run, the point guard has added lineup flexibility for the Hornets and his turnover percentage is at a career low, Jesus Gomez of SB Nation’s Pounding the Rock details.
Heat Notes: Whiteside, Udrih, Deng
With trade talk swirling around Hassan Whiteside, Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders details the center’s rise and how he has been able to play alongside fellow big man Chris Bosh in a detailed feature. Whiteside is set to hit free agency after the season, but as Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post recently told Hoops Rumors’ Chuck Myron, Whiteside’s value is very much disproportionate to his $981K contract, and that makes him extremely difficult to trade.
Here’s more out of Miami:
- With Tyler Johnson battling a shoulder injury, Beno Udrih has received more playing time and a result has made himself fit in with the Heat, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel details. Udrih has seen more time on the court in the past week than he had previously since being acquired by Miami in a November trade, Winderman adds. Such has been the case during the point guard’s career because Udrih has been traded four times in 12 seasons, as Winderman notes.
- Luol Deng, who opted into the final season of his contract with Miami over the summer, has a tendency to go unnoticed despite his exceptional defensive skills, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post writes. It will be interesting to see how much teams value Deng’s defense, in terms of dollars, when he hits free agency, especially with him averaging a modest 10.2 points per game this season (which would be a career-low).
- There is a distinct possibility that Goran Dragic‘s success in December compared to his struggles before this month has to do with the point guard playing with more freedom and less of a structured approach,
Rockets Seriously Interested In Markieff Morris
DECEMBER 18TH, 2:16pm: The discussions about a trade that would send Morris to Houston for Brewer and Jones have been serious, and a distinct possibility exists that such a deal will happen, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com, who nonetheless points to Brewer’s ineligibility for inclusion in a deal before January 15th. Morris is nonetheless “very available,” Stein writes.
DECEMBER 15TH, 1:46pm: The Suns have talked about a deal with Houston for Corey Brewer and Terrence Jones, a source told Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops. Brewer is ineligible for inclusion in a trade until January 15th.
DECEMBER 7TH, 8:04am: The belief around the league is growing that the Suns are prepared to trade Morris, Stein writes in a full piece. Houston would likely deal away Jones in any swap that brings in Morris, sources tell Stein. Stein and Coro point to Marcus Morris calling Brandon Knight “soft” after the Suns-Pistons game last week as a potential signal of turmoil for Markieff in Phoenix. Still, after Friday’s game, one in which Markieff played but came off the bench, he seemed OK with no longer starting, as Coro noted in a separate piece.
“It’s cool,” Morris said. “Me and Coach [Jeff Hornacek] talked about it. Try to catch a rhythm with the second unit. Whatever’s good for the team is what I’m good with. It is what it is. Jon [Leuer] and Mirza [Teletovic] have been playing really well. If you ask me if I deserve it, I haven’t been playing too well. I’m with whatever the team wants.”
DECEMBER 6TH, 11:23pm: The Rockets are interested in acquiring Markieff Morris from the Suns, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports (Twitter links).
Morris received his first benching by coach’s decision since 2011/12, the power forward’s rookie season, on Sunday. Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic described Morris’ situation as “reheated.” Morris, Coro notes, did not speak with reporters Sunday. Morris issued a trade demand in August after his brother, Marcus, was shipped to the Pistons. When training camp started, however, Morris declared he wanted to be in Phoenix. All along, the Suns seemed to want to repair his hurt feelings and retain him on the roster. Still, trade rumors have swirled with the Pistons reportedly interested in acquiring his services and reuniting him with his brother. Marcus observed that he looked unhappy last month.
The Rockets have struggled this season and currently own an underwhelming 10-11 record. Despite his inconsistency this season, Morris is averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game — numbers in line with his career averages. Interestingly, the Rockets are reportedly mulling the idea of trading power forwards Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas. As Stein points out, trades will become easier after December 15th, the first day that most of the players who signed new contracts over the summer can be traded.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 12/14/15
Judging from statistics alone, Kings point guard Rajon Rondo has put himself in line for a major pay day this summer when he becomes a free agent again. Yet throughout his career, there has always been more to Rondo’s story than his unquestionable talent.
Rondo has often been labeled a polarizing figure for his locker room demeanor and questionable decisions off the court. The latest example of this actually happened on the court. Rondo fired a homophobic slur he directed at referee Bill Kennedy during a game on December 3rd. Rondo is paying for his mistake now from the media and fans. He was also suspended by the league for one game.
The poor choice of words could end up costing Rondo more than that. As Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic pointed out earlier today (Twitter link), it wasn’t exactly the best thing to do for a player set for free agency.
That leads us to today’s question: What effect will Rondo’s latest transgression have on his free agency?
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what you think. We look forward to learning about what you have to share.