Draft Notes: Miller, Henson, Moultrie, Pistons
Even as his Celtics gear up for Game Seven tonight against the Heat, we learned yesterday that head coach Doc Rivers is still helping son Austin Rivers through the draft process. If the C's want to tab the Duke standout, they'll likely have to move up on the board. Boston currently holds the No. 21 and 22 picks in the draft. Do you have the draft on your brain despite tonight's big game as well? Don't worry, we've got you covered..
- One general manager says Quincy Miller could go in the top 10, while another executive doesn't think he's a first-rounder, reports NBA.com's Scott Howard Cooper, who says the truth is somewhere in the middle. Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com has the Baylor small forward going 22nd to the Celtics in his latest mock draft.
- The itinerary for North Carolina power forward John Henson reveals he's working out for teams picking fifth through 15th, as Susan Bible of HoopsWorld writes.
Earlier updates:
Odds & Ends: Mavs, Haywood, Pacers, Pistons
When the Thunder bench starts firing in the NBA Finals, it will be a case of what could have been for the Heat, writes Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. For the Heat, Derek Fisher is the one that got away while Daequan Cook was given away. In order to create cap space in the summer of 2010, Miami sent Cook and the No. 18 pick to the Thunder for the No. 32 pick. Fisher, meanwhile, rejected the Heat that summer in order to re-up with the Lakers. More items from around the Association..
Hoops Links: Draft, Thunder, Blazers, Spurs, Suns
On this date in 1979, the New Orleans Jazz moved to Salt Lake City, thus becoming the Utah Jazz. It wasn't exactly smooth sailing for the team in the early years as they limped to a 107-221 record in their first four seasons. Of course, things would improve for the franchise over time for the club, particularly when a coach by the name of Jerry Sloan took over in December of 1988. There's also another major milestole for Utah on this date – Karl Malone earned his record 11th All-NBA First Team selection on June 8th, 1999.
Do you have a great blog piece that you think we should feature in Hoops Links? If so, send me an email at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. This week's links..
Odds & Ends: Bucks, Grizzlies, Gay, Wizards, Suns
The Bucks may be in need of a big man following their trade of Andrew Bogut to the Warriors, but Milwaukee is also taking a hard look at the guards in this year's draft, writes Charles F. Gardner of the Journal-Sentinel. While the club is expected to target size with their No. 12 pick, they could go after a guard with size at No. 42 in support of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. Marquette's Darius Johnson-Odom and Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor were among those auditioned yesterday. Here's a look at tonight's links..
Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Anthony, Nets, Humphries
Earlier this week, we learned that the Suns believe that their three biggest competitors for Steve Nash are out of the Atlantic Division: the Knicks, Nets, and Raptors. However, a piece of news today from Knicks coach Mike Woodson might indicate that they're not going to be the players for Nash that the Suns are expecting. Here's the latest from Madison Square Garden and the rest of the Atlantic..
GM Olshey To Leave Clippers, Join Blazers
9:12pm: Olshey's deal is for three years with a team option for a fourth, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. According to sources, the Clippers were willing to match the offer but Olshey ultimately decided to take the Blazers job.
7:12pm: The Clippers announced that they have mutually agreed to part ways with General Manager Neil Olshey. Olshey will now take over as the GM of the Trail Blazers, a source confirmed to David Aldridge of TNT (via Twitter).
Olshey Fallout: Canales, Blazers, Buchanan, Clips
Just days after announcing a new deal with General Manager Neil Olshey, the Clippers announced today that the two sides mutally agreed to part ways. Mere minutes later, news broke that Olshey had reached an agreement to become the next GM of the Trail Blazers. Here are the latest reactions and fallout from today's shocking news..
Southeast Notes: Magic, Bower, Wizards, Bobcats
Last night the Heat, the Southeast's division remaining representative, fell to the Celtics in Game 4 to even up their series at 2-2. LeBron James led the way for Miami with 29 points prior to fouling out and Udonis Haslem pulled down 17 boards but it wasn't enough as the C's won 93-91. Here's a look at the rest of the division..
Lakers Exercise Andrew Bynum’s Option
The Lakers have officially picked up Andrew Bynum's $16.1MM option for 2012/13, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter). The move was expected as General Manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters during his exit interview that he planned to pick up the big man's option for next season.
Wizards To Sign Randy Wittman To Two-Year Deal
MONDAY, 10:11am: The Wizards officially announced today that they'll retain Randy Wittman as head coach, according to a team release. The team didn't release terms of the contract, but according to previous reports, it will be for two years.
"We are excited to bring Randy back as head coach and give him the opportunity to build on the positive momentum that the team showed under his leadership last season," said Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld. "We were very pleased with the development of our young players and the commitment to winning he instilled despite taking over the team under difficult circumstances."