Hoops Links: Knicks, Raptors, Warriors
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 …
- Big Three Sports takes a look at how the summer shaped up in the Central Division.
- The Jump Ball argues the Knicks’ offseason is hurting Kristaps Porzingis‘ growth
- Same Page Team discusses what is next after Masai Ujiri‘s deal with the Raptors.
- Brew Hoop details an addition to the Bucks’ staff.
- Golden State of Mind ranks the Warriors’ assets.
- The Dream Shake relays some all-time Yao Ming stories.
- Welcome to Loud City questions Kevin Durant‘s decision.
- All U Can Heat explains how Miami will build around Hassan Whiteside.
- Lake Show Life lists the Lakers’ worst decisions since 2010.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Hoops Links: Knicks, Raptors, Wizards
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 …
- Big Three Sports examines the summers of teams in the Atlantic Division.
- The Runner Sports cautions against the championship aspirations of the Knicks.
- Sir Charles In Charge caught up with WNBA center Imani Boyette.
- Raptors Rapture approves of Masai Ujiri‘s deal with the Raptors.
- Bullets Forever grades the winners and losers for Washington offseason.
- Silver Screen and Roll wonder if D’Angelo Russell can break out in Year 2.
- Denver Stiffs explains how the Nuggets can create more offense.
- Blog a Bull takes a deeper look at Jerry Reinsdorf’s legacy in Chicago.
- Mavs Moneyball details how the Mavs don’t have many players locked up long-term.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Eastern Notes: Stephenson, Pistons, Knicks
The Nets and unrestricted free agent Lance Stephenson have nothing going on, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). Mazzeo’s report squashes the rumors that suggested Stephenson was joining Brooklyn. Stephenson, a New York native, had made a post on Instagram with the caption, “Dreams come true,” which ignited the rumors.
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Reggie Jackson likes the moves the Pistons made this summer, which includes drafting power forward Henry Ellenson and signing Ish Smith, Jon Leuer and Boban Marjanovic, and expressed confidence that Detriot will make a deep playoff run, Brian Manzullo of the Detroit Free Press relays. “I don’t believe there necessarily is a ceiling,” Jackson said. “We can go as far as we want. But it’s really going to come from internal growth as a team. Not just in skills but mentally, as well, and being ready for the burden of the season.”
- Lance Thomas, whom the Knicks re-signed to a four-year deal in July, applauded the hiring of Jeff Hornacek as coach because the coach wants to win and wasn’t interested in just landing a job, Kristian Winfield of Elite Sports NY writes.
Hoops Links: Magic, Wall, Grizzlies
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 Hardwood Nation chronicles significant changes in a review of the Magic’s summer.
- The Jump Ball argues the time is now for the Wizards to trade John Wall.
- Grizzly Bear Blues wonders where Tony Allen fits with Memphis’ plans.
- Bright Side Of The Sun examines what once was considered the future of the Suns.
- Clips Nation provides a timeline on former first-rounder Al Thornton‘s career.
- Liberty Ballers runs down the moves that defined the Sam Hinkie era.
- Fear The Sword lists five possible point guards for the Cavs’ bench.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Western Notes: Thunder, Spurs, Lakers
Thunder lead assistant coach Adrian Griffin, who joined the team in July, has developed a reputation as a defensive-minded coach with a knack for fostering relationships with players, and his presence should impact Oklahoma City in a positive way, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman writes. Griffin served as an assistant coach on Scott Skiles‘ staff in Orlando last season and was under consideration by the Magic to replace Skiles before Frank Vogel nabbed the post.
Here’s more from around the Western Conference:
- With Tim Duncan retired, there is no better fit for Pau Gasol than the Spurs and San Antonio should benefit from the all-star’s presence on both ends of the floor, Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders writes. With Gregg Popovich, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard still on board, the addition of Gasol will likely help the Spurs legacy live on, Hamilton adds.
- Former Lakers player Jordan Farmar, who ended last season with the Grizzlies, said he has no doubt that first-year head coach Luke Walton is the best fit for the job in Los Angeles, Serena Winters of Lakers Nation relays. “He really has a high basketball IQ and understands the game,” Farmar said. “He’ll make it fun, enjoyable, easy and he’ll be on their team. It’s not going to be like a dictatorship with Luke, he’s going to lead with positive energy.”
Hoops Links: Dragic, Knicks, Mavs
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 …
- Game Day Report details how Miami reshaped its roster to play to Goran Dragic‘s strengths.
- Posting and Toasting explains how Carmelo Anthony rediscovered his love for basketball.
- Sactown Royalty runs down some rumors regarding Ricky Rubio and the Kings.
- Mavs Moneyball argues Michael Jordan should have joined the Mavs in 2003.
- PistonPowered highlights four players as keys for the Pistons.
- Lake Show Life has some early western conference record predictions.
- Blazer’s Edge believes shifting Al-Farouq Aminu from the three to the four is critical.
- Blog a Bull writes that Nikola Mirotic has a shot to play a significant role in Chicago.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Celtics Notes: Horford, Green, Brown
Isaiah Thomas has embraced the idea of sharing the spotlight in Boston with new addition Al Horford, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com writes. Thomas anticipates that there will be a learning curve as the two stars build chemistry, but he does not expect it to be a long one, Blakely adds.
“It’s only going to help. That’s what we need, other guys that can put the ball in the basket, other guys that can do a variety of different things and he’s one of those guys,” Thomas told Blakely. “The attention will go off me a little bit with having Al Horford on our team.”
Here’s more out of Boston:
- Thomas applauded all of the Celtics’ moves this summer, but especially expressed a fondness for Gerald Green‘s return to Boston because Green can guard multiple positions and shoot well, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com relays. “We need something like that,” Thomas said, referring to Green.
- Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown performed well during the Las Vegas portion of the summer league and said he had no plans to rest in the 10-week period between its conclusion and the beginning of training camp, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe writes. Brown, who plans to work with his personal trainer during that time period, added he has talked with Celtics coach Brad Stevens about the best opportunity to earn minutes, Washburn relays.
Hoops Links: Allen, Westbrook, Bucks
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 Jump Ball details what Russell Westbrook‘s extension means for the Thunder.
- Sir Charles In Charge catches up with Rio Grande Vipers assistant coach Cody Toppert.
- The Runner Sports recaps Spike Lee’s recruitment of Ray Allen.
- Raptors HQ has predictions for every month of the Raptors’ upcoming season.
- Indy Cornrows runs down highlights of the Pacers’ preseason schedule.
- Blazer’s Edge discusses the Blazers with SI.com’s Ben Golliver.
- Daily Knicks argues that New York’s bench will be its most important key for a winning season.
- Behind The Buck Pass wonders who will be the Bucks’ backup shooting guard.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Stephen Jackson Eyes Return To NBA
Stephen Jackson hasn’t played in an NBA game in more than two years, but according to a video he posted via Instagram Thursday, he expects to return for the 2016/17 season.
“I just want to let everybody know that I will be back in the NBA this year,” said Jackson, 38. “I can’t say exactly what’s going on right now, because you know, people try to run with stuff and everything’s not locked in yet, but I will be back in the NBA this year. So to everybody that’s been supporting me, praying for me, I appreciate it. The haters, I appreciate ya’ll too, because ya’ll motivated me to prove ya’ll wrong.”
Since Jackson did not offer specific details, it’s unclear how legitimate his statements are. In June, it was reported that the Warriors had shown some interest in adding Jackson to their coaching staff. It was also made clear at that time, however, Jackson wasn’t quite ready to transition to the coaching ranks.
Jackson, who announced his retirement last summer after 14 seasons has career averages of 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He last appeared on the court while with the Clippers in the 2013/14 season, where he played in only nine games and averaged 1.7 points in 11.9 minutes.
Hoops Links: Heat, Bucks, Pistons
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 …
- Big Three Sports wonders what is the worst roster Team USA could win with.
- The Hardwood Nation makes a connection between Donald Trump and the NBA.
- Brew Hoop makes the case for Giannis Antetokounmpo as an MVP candidate.
- Lake Show Life argues that staying pat is best for the Lakers.
- Clips Nation points out this has been a quiet offseason for the Clippers.
- Hot Hot Hoops details Josh Richardson‘s impact on the Heat.
- Detroit Bad Boys anticipates Stan Van Gundy‘s next move.
- Peachtree Hoops questions if the Hawks overpaid for Kent Bazemore.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.