Extension Candidate: Eric Maynor
With all of the hoopla surrounding the recently-inked contract extension for Serge Ibaka and the concern over whether the Thunder will have enough left over to retain James Harden, there hasn't been much talk about a new deal for point guard Eric Maynor. The former VCU star saw his season end just nine games into the season on January 7th when he tore his ACL on a drive to the basket, so he won't be dealing from a position of strength. He also doesn't have the kind of stats that scream for a sizable multi-year deal with career averages of 4.5 PPG and 3.1 APG in just over 15 minutes per contest.
However, as John Rodhe of The Oklahoman rightfully points out, the one-guard's numbers don't tell the entire story. The 25-year-old carries himself with the maturity of a much older player and plays a decidedly conservative game, especially when juxtaposed with starter Russell Westbrook. Maynor's career assist-to-turnover ratio is 3.04-to-1, a number that Rodhe notes would have ranked seventh in the league last season.
So, how much is a young point guard with a skyhigh basketball IQ but a less-than-skyhigh stat sheet worth? That's a tricky question to answer, especially when considering the financial quandry facing the Thunder. Of course, their top priority will be to keep the 2012 Sixth Man of the Year in place for the foreseeable future. Journalists and rival executives are already wondering if Sam Presti & Co. will be able to find space for Harden as they'll be pressed up against the luxury tax threshold. Maynor obviously won't command as much as the club's big four, but a multi-year commitment for a few million per season could be an indulgence that is simply to rich for their blood.
Maynor's agent Andrew Vye is keeping mum on how talks are progressing between him and the Thunder, but we can safely assume that the club won't come to the table with a solid offer until they know what the future holds for Harden. Maynor will earn just over $2.3MM this season and Rodhe suggests that locking him up could require anywhere between $14MM and $18MM over four years. With all due respect for Maynor's skillset, it's hard to imagine a club pressing the high end of that range for a backup point guard. The Thunder can probably get a deal done with an average annual value around $3.5MM – the question is, will they instead look to save some scratch and look to build a cheaper bench for the next few seasons.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Allen, Bynum, Nets
Yesterday, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony weighed in on a number of topics, including the dramatically different climate in the Atlantic Division. Anthony duly noted that the Nets improved, the Sixers upgraded their frontcourt with the addition of Andrew Bynum, and when it comes to the Celtics, "Boston is Boston." The one rival absent from the rundown was the Raptors, who are clearly looking to build for the future. Here's more out of the Atlantic..
- The Celtics' loyalty and pragmatic approach has been on full display this summer, writes Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld. Some have questioned the C's loyalty when it comes to Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus, but the club was simply outbid for Allen and Pietrus refused to sign for the veteran's minimum. While the club's commitment to their core players is commendable, Brotherston brings up a very valid comparison between the club's current approach and their unwillingness to disband the big three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish in 1987.
- The 76ers' addition of Bynum will completely change the way their offensive philosophy going forward, writes Anthony Macri of HoopsWorld. Philadelphia will now adjust from being a very perimiter-heavy team to one where their best options should all be in the low post. With Bynum commanding double teams down low, it would help the Sixers' cause if they were able to add outside shooting, Macri opines.
- Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News (via Twitter) is surprised to see that Terrence Williams can't seem to hook on with an NBA team. Bondy adds that it's even more amazing that Nets GM Billy King was able to get a first-round pick for him from the Lakers (JaJuan Johnson) in a three-team deal that turned into the pick used to draft MarShon Brooks. The Nets originally tabbed the super-athletic Williams with the eleventh pick in the 2009 draft.
- Earlier today, we checked in on the Knicks and the Nets, who already seem to be gearing up for a spirited East River rivalry.
Poll: How Many Games Will The Thunder Win?
While several teams underwent serious makeovers this summer, one elite team more or less stood pat and instead focused on keeping its successful core in tact. The Thunder re-signed Serge Ibaka to a four-year, $48MM extension and even though they appear to be hard-pressed for financial flexibility, they will now turn their attention to keeping James Harden in Oklahoma City for the long-term.
Some may say that a team that doesn't improve from one year to the next will get left behind, but it's hard to imagine that being the case for the richly-talented and young Thunder. Another year of experience under the belts of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka accounts for more of an upgrade than most clubs could ever hope for. Meanwhile, the Thunder will have to butt heads with improved conference rivals including the Nuggets, Clippers, and of course, the super-charged Lakers. All things considered, how many games do you see the Thunder winning in 2012/13?
How Many Wins For The Thunder?
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56-60 42% (275)
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61-65 30% (196)
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51-55 13% (84)
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66 or more 7% (49)
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45 or less 5% (31)
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46-50 3% (21)
Total votes: 656
Quick Hits: Kings, Kidd, Clippers, Musselman
While the Kings appeared to be Anaheim-bound last year, this offseason's relocation rumors indicate that they may be headed to Virginia Beach. Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld wonders why Seattle isn't next in line for an NBA franchise. Investor Chris Hansen has put together a plan with the city of Seattle to build a brand-new, $500MM area to house a team, but they can't break ground on the new facility until a team agrees to come. With all due respect to Virginia Beach, Brigham argues that they can't offer an arena ready to be built and a rabid fan base ready to support their team. Here's more from around the Association..
- New Knicks point guard Jason Kidd says that he hopes to be a facilitator for Amare Stoudemire in the mold of Steve Nash when the two played together in Phoenix, writes Jonah Ballow of KnicksNow.com. The Knicks signed Kidd to a three-year, $9.09MM deal after the point guard was seemingly on the verge of re-signing with the Mavericks.
- Brian Kamenetzky of ESPNLosAngeles.com (video link) examines how the Clippers might stack up against the new-look Lakers in a seven-game playoff series.
- Former Kings and Warriors coach Eric Musselman hopes to remain in charge of the Venezuelan team when the country hosts the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, according to the FIBA newswire. Musselman's two-year contract expired after the team fell in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Heat Notes: Howard, Lewis, Andersen, Pittman
News and notes out of South Beach courtesy of the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman..
- It's not yet known if Juwan Howard, who turns 40 in February, will return for a third season with the Heat, but he has been working out at AmericanAirlines Arena. Dwyane Wade suggested that Howard could return to Miami as an assistant coach. The Heat are expected to keep their coaching staff intact, but Howard could be tacked on as an extra assistant who sits behind the bench.
- While there has been a great deal of talk surrounding the idea of "position-less" basketball in Miami, Wade says that due to the team's evolution over the years, it would be foolish to assume anything about plans for 2012/13. The club's direction will have a large impact on how the newly-acquired Rashard Lewis will be used.
- In the mailbag, a reader asks if the club will be able to lure both Josh Harrellson and Chris Andersen to camp without guaranteed deals. Winderman writes that Harrellson doesn't seem likely to land a guaranteed deal but Anderson has already turned down a lucrative overseas deal and will likely will be seeking a guarantee.
- The bigger issue could be if the Heat would be willing to eat Dexter Pittman's salary to allow for multiple additions in the frontcourt. Pittman is set to earn $854K next season.
Hoops Links: Harden, Wolves, Kings, Nets
On this date in 1965, Celtics big man Bill Russell signed a contract making him the NBA's highest paid player. The pact was for $100,001, one dollar more than rival Wilt Chamberlain. The Big Dipper had just inked a three-year, $300K deal with the 76ers, prompting Russell to tell the Celtics that he would retire unless he topped that salary. Russell's threat of retirement likely didn't have much behind it as he continued to play through the 1968/69 season after capturing his eleventh NBA title.
If you have a great blog piece that you think we should feature in Hoops Links, then send it to me at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the blogosphere..
- The NBA Geek reminds us how important James Harden is to the Thunder.
- The Basketball Post looks at some familiar names joining Unicaja Malaga.
- Canis Hoopus fondly remembers the summer of Sam and Spree.
- Sactown Royalty has a plan for the Maloofs to shut down the rumor mill.
- Nets Are Scorching checks the pulse in Brooklyn.
- At The Hive wonders if Monty Williams is the right coach for the Hornets.
- SLC Dunk takes stock of the Jazz's blocking ability.
- Celtics Green talks near death experiences.
- RealGM reflects on four high school prospects that didn't live up to the hype.
- Basketbawful previews the Clippers in 2012/13.
- The Hoop Doctors applaud the Grizzlies' new owner.
- Blazer's Edge weighs in on women's hoops.
- Bucksketball plans on setting the bar low for Milwaukee.
- Stepien Rules had Ireland's biggest Cavs fan weigh in on the offseason.
- Ballin Europe breaks down some recent comments from a prominent European coach.
- Red94 wants to see LaMarcus Aldridge in Houston.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached here.
Morris Almond Signs With Serbian Team
Serbian basketball team Red Star Belgrade announced that it has signed Morris Almond to a one-year deal, according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post. Almond finished the 2011/12 year on a ten day contract with the Wizards, scoring a combined 14 points in four appearances.
The 27-year-old wasn't asked back for 2012/13 after fellow shooting guard Cartier Martin was re-signed and Bradley Beal was tabbed with the third overall pick. Almond has spent the bulk of the last three seasons in Europe and in the D-League after being drafted in the first-round by the Jazz in 2007.
Odds & Ends: Lakers, Green, Celtics, Hornets
In tonight's column, Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld wonders what the future will hold for the Lakers, who appear to be going all-in for the short-term with their current roster. Assuming the Lakers sign Dwight Howard to a new deal and have him under contract for 2014, they'll likely have to ask Kobe Bryant to take a pay cut in order to keep the core together. Some may be wondering if the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is going to do anything to prevent supercharged teams from forming in desirable markets, but Ingram notes that the tax penalties for clubs in two years will make teams think twice about having a $100MM payroll. Here's more from around the Association..
- Gerald Green has found his way back in the league after GMs around the league all but gave up on him three years ago, writes Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. Green's path took him to Russia, China, and the D-League before hooking on with the Nets last season. The forward's 12.9 PPG in 31 games for the Nets last season led to him inking a three-year, $10MM deal in July with the Pacers.
- The Celtics have hired Jay Larranaga as an assistant coach, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). Larranaga previously served as the head coach of Erie BayHawks of the D-League.
- Hornets Coach Monty Williams says that shortly after Tom Benson took over the club, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis told him he that would be around for awhile, writes John Reid of The Times Picayune. Williams and the Hornets agreed to a four-year extension over the weekend that will keep him in New Orleans through 2016.
- The Cavs announced that they have promoted Mike Gansey to director of development league operations, according to the Associated Press. In his new role, Gansey will work closely with Cavs vice president David Griffin and Canton Charge (NBA D-League) coach Alex Jensen on personnel matters.
Northwest Notes: Tolliver, Maynor, T’Wolves
The latest out of the Northwest Division..
- Even with limited cap space, the Timberwolves have not ruled out signing Anthony Tolliver, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN. Of course, team president David Kahn would need to create space to bring the big man is, as he refuses to sign for the minimum salary. Recently, we learned that Tolliver is receiving heavy interest from Greek team Panathinaikos.
- John Rohde of The Oklahoman wonders if the Thunder will sign point guard Eric Maynor to an extension. Maynor is looking for an extension to his rookie contract, but obviously hasn't received the same amount of attention as teammates Serge Ibaka (recently signed to a four-year, $48MM deal) and James Harden. Maynor saw his season end in early January this year but has shown that he is an effective backup for the lightning-quick Russell Westbrook.
- AJ Mitnick of Sheridan Hoops previews this season's European imports, including Timberwolves rookie Alexey Shved. Mitnick writes that Shved is coming into a great situation for a European transplant as he will be playing for a Euro friendly coach in Rick Adelman, alongside fellow European playmaker in Ricky Rubio, and will get to pick the brain of Brandon Roy.
Van Gundy On Rose, Bulls, Paul, Magic
Earlier today, former Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy appeared on Mike Bianchi's show on AM-740's "The Game" in Orlando to discuss a wide range of topics from around the league. Van Gundy touched on Magic CEO Alex Martins' handling of the drama that plauged the team last season and much more. Let's take a look at some of the highlights, courtesy of ESPNChicago.com's Nick Friedell..
On Derrick Rose and his future in Chicago:
"I think the interesting one coming up in the future is going to be Derrick Rose. I think Derrick Rose is a great, great representative of our league, and he's a great player. And he's got good players around him, very good players around him, but if (the Bulls) can't get another star there for him is he eventually going to look around and say, 'Hey, I've got to work this out on my own and I've got to find somehow to get somewhere else so that I will have a chance to play with another star.' The league has changed."
On the new complexion of the league and formation of superteams:
"The league has changed. It used to be the stars wanted to sort of have their own team, they certainly wanted good players around them, but now everything's changed. I think it started with the Celtics, bringing (Kevin) Garnett, (Paul) Pierce and (Ray) Allen together and everybody saw that and decided, 'Look, this is the only way we're going to win.'
On Chris Paul and whether he'll stay long-term with the Clippers:
"And so then LeBron [James] goes to Miami and Chris Paul takes off and goes to the Clippers, which isn't going to be enough for him, I don't think. And so if you're Dwight [Howard], you're looking around and saying, 'I got to get somewhere where there's more people somehow.' Either they've got to come here, which if you don't have a way to do that then you've got to go somewhere else."
On Orlando's ability to lure top free agents:
"I think they can lure free agents. Look, free agency comes down to the money, first of all. It comes down to the money. This isn't a college recruiting situation, though that a lot of times comes down to money, too. But this is (about) money. So if you've got more money than somebody else, you're going to get the guy."