Odds & Ends: Cavs, Varejao, Warriors, Fisher
Out in Brooklyn, the Nets are celebrating a 95-92 win over the Sixers. The Nets have kept the edge over Philly thanks in large part to the play of Joe Johnson, who had 22 points off of 8-17 shooting. For a large portion of the game, coach Avery Johnson seemed to call iso plays for the two-guard, daring the Sixers to stop it. For the most part, they were unsuccessful. Here's more from around the Association.
- Bob Finnan of The News-Herald took the Cavaliers to task for over-reliance on young players, and urges them not to trade Anderson Varejao, one of their lone veteran leaders. Varejao's name has popped up frequently in trade rumors as he turns in an extremely strong year for a non-contending team.
- The Warriors' expectations have grown exponentially thanks to their offseason moves and there are bright days ahead in Golden State, writes Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Two additions in particular have helped propel the team to an 18-10 record, according to guard Stephen Curry. “Having the same coaching staff back from last year really helps,” Curry said. “You have some familiarity with the system and day-to-day how the team is going to feel and what to expect from the coaching staff. But also bringing Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry in, and for guys to be able to contribute off the bench and a great draft class, three guys that are contributing right off the bat.”
- Although Derek Fisher only spent 24 days with the Mavericks, coach Rick Carlisle appreciates what he did for the team and commended him for his professional attitude, writes Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Wilcox, Raptors, Bynum
Here's a look at today's news out of the Atlantic..
- Celtics coach Doc Rivers announced that Chris Wilcox will be sidelined for three-to-four weeks with his thumb/wrist injury, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The C's might be forced to find a big man, but it might not happen during their current road trip.
- Rivers more or less shot down the idea of calling up Fab Melo from the D-League, Forsberg tweets. “I haven’t talked to anyone that thinks he’s ready to come up yet," said the coach.
- The Raptors are expected to be one of the most active teams between now and the deadline, and they'll try to trade Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon as a package. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld writes that they're targeting a marquee small forward, just as they did over the summer.
- Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com argues the Sixers made the right call in trading for Andrew Bynum, even if Bynum never plays for the team, since last year's squad had reached its ceiling.
Celtics Sign Jarvis Varnado
Monday 10:59am: The team has made the signing official.
Sunday 10:22pm: The Celtics found out earlier today that they'll be without Chris Wilcox for three-to-four weeks, and they wasted little time in finding reinforcements. The C's are set to sign Jarvis Varnado of the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, a league source tells Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter).
Varnado, 24, was taken with the 41st overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Mississippi State. The 6'9" power forward opted to gain some experience overseas in Italy and went to camp with Miami in 2011 and 2012. He was one of the final cuts in Miami this year and might have had a chance at grabbing one of the final roster spots if it weren't for hamstring issues.
In eight games for the Skyforce this year, Varnado has averaged 14.0 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and an eye-popping 4.4 blocks per contest. Varnado is an adept shot blocker thanks in large part to his freakish 7'4" wingspan.
D-League Notes: Joseph, Machado, Selby, Wroten
Today's D-League assignments and recalls…
- The Celtics announced they have assigned Kris Joseph to the Maine Red Claws for a fourth time this season. In his previous stints in the D-League, the 6'7" rookie has averaged 20.9 points and 6.0 rebounds over seven contests. He may be back with Boston as early as Sunday, since he expects to join the Celtics on their upcoming road trip, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com (Twitter link).
- The Rockets made their recall of Scott Machado official, according to a release from the team.
- The Grizzlies have recalled Josh Selby from the Reno Bighorns, tweets Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Selby looked sharp in his two-game D-League stint, averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds after he was assigned to Reno on Monday. Rookie Tony Wroten will likely be sent to the Bighorns in place of Selby for the next eight games, according to Tillery (Twitter link).
- The Rockets will recall Scott Machado from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers today, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). The 6'1" guard averaged 12.0 PPG and 7.1 APG for the Vipers in eleven games.
- The Nets announced that they have recalled Toko Shengelia and Tyshawn Taylor from the Springfield Armor of the D-League. The two rookies were assigned to Springfield yesterday. Neither player has seen significant playing time for the Nets this season. Taylor showed off his offensive skills last night for the Armor when he posted 32 points off of 13-28 shooting. Shengalia had a triple-double with 22 points, 12 dimes, and ten boards.
Odds & Ends: Stoudemire, World Peace, Lillard
Saturday afternoon linkage from around the Association..
- Concern about the health of Amare Stoudemire, who's set to return to the Knicks soon, led Team USA officials to pass him over for a spot on this year's Olympic team, even though the squad was short on big men, as Marc Berman of the New York Post reveals.
- Lakers forward Metta World Peace has been relegated to the bench, but he won't be asking for a trade over it, writes Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. In fact, the veteran seems to be taking it all in stride. “I just want to win, that’s our focus,” World Peace said. “I can’t speak for other players, but its all about us wining. That’s our whole purpose.”
- The Blazers' Damian Lillard remembers being considered the No. 2 point guard in the draft at one point behind the Suns Kendall Marshall, but refuses to knock the North Carolina product, writes Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.
- Brian Geltzeiler of Sheridan Hoops issued a letter of apology to Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan for his criticism of the Dwight Howard trade. At the time, it appeared that Orlando allowed themselves to be pillaged by three NBA teams, but they ultimately made the best move for the club in the long-term.
Atlantic Notes: Amare, Nets, Celtics, Brooks
The Knicks expect to have Amare Stoudemire back in action early next week and coach Mike Woodson says that they intend to plant him in the post, writes Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com. It was reported this week that the Knicks were practically looking to give Stoudemire away this summer, but after flying the Erie BayHawks to New York for the express purpose of practicing with the forward, it would appear that they are committed to him. Here’s more out of the Atlantic Division, including the cross-town rival Nets.
- MarShon Brooks has been buried on the Nets bench after a breakout rookie campaign, but the youngster says he isn’t unhappy with the franchise over it, writes Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld. Brooks scored 12.6 PPG in almost 30 minutes per game last season but is now averaging 5.3 PPG in eleven minutes per contest as he plays behind Joe Johnson.
- The Celtics‘ Leandro Barbosa is another guard who would like to see some more burn, Brigham writes. Barbosa isn’t sure why the Suns and Pacers didn’t look to bring him back this year, but he says that he was happy to join the Celtics, even if it meant seeing less time on the floor. “They called me,” Barbosa said. “They gave me the opportunity and I was very appreciative that they wanted me to be a part of this team… I knew that my game would fit with this team. I wasn’t really worried about the amount of minutes I would play.”
- Nets coach Avery Johnson says that he isn’t concerned about job security, but he is willing to point the finger at himself somewhat, writes Roderick Boone of Newsday. The coach confessed that he is the man to blame for the club’s inability to close out quarters.
Hoops Links: Suns, Jennings, Knicks, Mayo
Before there was Hack-A-Shaq, there was Hack-A-Maravich. It wasn't nearly as catchy as Hack-A-Shaq and it turns out that it wasn't as effective either. On this date in 1969, the Oregon State Beavers decided that they would get physical with LSU's "Pistol" Pete Maravich. In a dirty game filled with personal and technical fouls, Maravich set the NCAA Division I free throw record, making 30-of-31 attempts on his way to 46 points. Pistol Pete and the Tigers won, 76-68.
If you have a great blog piece that you think we should feature next week, then send it to me at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the blogosphere..
- Know Hitter attempts to make sense of the Suns.
- Bucksketball doesn't envision Brandon Jennings getting traded.
- NBA 24 7 365 is impressed with the Knicks' double pick-and-roll.
- The NBA Geek wonders if O.J. Mayo is really the most improved player in the NBA.
- The Basketball Post writes that the Thunder are about to be tested in the post-Harden era.
- Wages of Wins revists the NBA's all-time leading scorers.
- Red94 talks Greg Smith.
- SLC Dunk says size equals more money.
- Hardwood Paroxysm builds a win share hall of fame.
- Blog A Bull wonders if Chicago will be buying or selling.
- Bright Side Of The Sun has trade ideas.
- Rufus On Fire examines Kemba Walker.
- Hoops Addict looks at the woeful Wizards.
- The Brooklyn Game looks at the Nets' systemic problems.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached here.
D-League Moves: Jackson, Moultrie, Marshall
We'll round up today's D-League assignments and recalls here. Make sure to keep up with every D-League assignment and recall for the 2012/13 season with this post.
- Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson has been sent to the D-League for a second-time this season, tweets Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman. His first stint was a one-day assignment earlier this month, and he registered 20 points and 11 assists in his only game with the Tulsa 66ers. The second-year Boston College product has played a limited role for Oklahoma City this year after serving as the primary backup to Russell Westbrook for a stretch last season.
- The 76ers have assigned Arnett Moultrie to the Sioux Falls Sky Force of the D-League.
- The Suns have recalled Kendall Marshall from the Bakersfield Jam. The 12th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Marshall led the D-League with 7.6 APG while he was playing for Bakersfield.
- The Celtics announced that they have recalled forward Kris Joseph from the Maine Red Claws. Joseph, a 6’7" forward, appeared in seven games for the Red Claws this season and has posted averages of 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in 38.1 minutes per game.
- The Nets announced that forward Toko Shengelia and guard Tyshawn Taylor have been assigned to the Springfield Armor of the NBA Development League. Neither rookie has seen significant playing time with the Nets so far this season. Both players will suit up for the Armor tonight. Shengelia, a practice favorite of coach Avery Johnson, was acquired from the 76ers after being drafted 54th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Taylor, a rookie out of Kansas, has made ten appearances on the year, scoring 13 points with three steals and two assists.
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Amare, Celtics, Garnett
Items out of the Atlantic Division..
- Some have wondered how Amare Stoudemire will fit in with the Knicks' future, but a team source tells Marc Berman of the New York Post that the club brought the Erie Bayhawks to New York specifically to work out with the forward. That gesture is a sign that the Knicks are committed to Stoudemire long term in the eyes of Berman. Earlier today, we learned that the Knicks were practically looking to give Stoudemire away for free over the summer.
- Coach Mike Woodson doesn't seem to think that today's report will have an effect on Stoudemire, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. "Amare is a big piece of the New York Knicks and that's why he's still here," said the coach.
- Jim Cavan of the New York Times writes that a lower turnover rate has been a key to the Knicks' success this season.
- The Celtics need a big man who will help give Kevin Garnett and Chris Wilcox help down low, writes Rich Levine of CSNNE.com. Levine suggests that the C's can package Courtney Lee and Fab Melo for Jason Thompson of the Kings or the Blazers' J.J. Hickson.
- If the Celtics don’t show improvement on the defensive end before the trade deadline, expect team president Danny Ainge to find better complementary pieces for Garnett, writes Dan Guttenplan of WEEI.com.
- Louis Williams reflects on his years with the 76ers as he prepares to face his former team as a member of the Hawks.
- Jason Kidd believes that Deron Williams is struggling with his shooting, which is to blame for his poor recent play, and not Nets coach Avery Johnson.
Odds & Ends: Wolves, Heat, Nets, Johnson
The Timberwolves have a roster vacancy following Josh Howard's season-ending injury and they're getting flooded with calls from agents, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter). One guy who wants to be in Minnesota is Mickael Gelabale, who can opt out of his deal with Valencia on January 1st. Gelabale hasn't played in the NBA since tearing his ACL in the 2007/08 season with the Sonics. Here's more from around the league..
- Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel doesn't see the Heat and the Cavaliers teaming up for an Anderson Varejao trade. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert probably still has ill feelings towards Miami and Cleveland already owns their 2013 and 2015 first-round picks.
- Knicks guard Jason Kidd doesn't think that Nets coach Avery Johnson is to blame for Deron Williams' shooting woes, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “I don’t think it has anything to do with the coach,” Kidd said Thursday. “I think it’s just a matter of getting comfortable making shots. Also, he has new teammates. He’s got to get used to a new crew. It’s always a growing period."
- Meanwhile, Johnson told reporters that he isn't concerned about his job security and doesn't fear the worst case scenario, according to Roderick Boone of Newsday (on Twitter).
- Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal writes that freshman Kentucky center Nerlens Noel is similar to Anthony Davis, and is the current favorite to be the first pick in the 2013 draft.