Odds & Ends: Timberwolves, Nets, Daniels
- In a Q&A with Mike Wells of IndyStar.com, Danny Granger said that he will try to take things slow through training camp after experiencing irritation in his knee this summer. He also mentioned that he would play if the Pacers were currently in the regular season, adding that the team is just being cautionary right now.
- Paul Flannery of WEEI.com provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Celtics' moves this offseason, complete with some input from coach Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge.
- Tyson Chandler told Tim Bontemps that his workouts with Hakeem Olajuwon have been going very well, says Marc Berman of the New York Post (Sulia link).
- After recently signing an extension in Boston, Keyon Dooling talked about his abrupt decision to retire from the NBA (Jessica Camerato of CSNNE reports).
- The Kamenetzky Brothers of 710 ESPN in Los Angeles took to their radio show to discuss Steve Blake's injury and the possible opportunities for Chris Duhon and Darius Morris, Kobe Bryant's ESPN ranking at number six, and Jason Terry's recent comments about the Heat and Lakers.
Agent, Scout, GM Discuss Jeff Green Contract
Over at SI.com, Sam Amick dedicated his Thursday column to addressing what he believes has been the most-discussed contract of the offseason — Jeff Green's four-year, $36MM deal with the Celtics. While I'd argue that Jeremy Lin's offer sheet with the Rockets inspired more conversation that Green's deal, it's hard not to agree that Green's contract is one of the summer's most perplexing.
Amick spoke to agent David Falk, an Eastern Conference scout, and an unnamed rival general manager about Green's deal, gaining insight into how a player who missed 2011/12 with a heart condition earned one of the offseason's biggest guarantees. The piece also includes a few details on Green's contract. Here are some of the highlights:
- According to the rival GM, Green's contract includes a handful of likely and unlikely incentives that could bring the deal to about $40MM over four years. Says the GM: "If they win a championship, it's $1.5MM. If they get to the Finals, it's $750K. If they get to the conference finals, it's a half million. They'll have success, and his deal will probably wind up being worth $10MM a year."
- Unlike Brandon Roy's deal with the T-Wolves, which provides Minnesota some insurance of Roy's knee issues resurface, Green's contract doesn't include any injury insurance for the Celtics related to the 26-year-old's heart.
- According to Falk, the Celtics' doctors "assured the team that the risk of Jeff's suffering a recurrence of his injury is probably significantly lower than the risk of a player who never had it before suffering the same kind of problem…. He's 100% cured."
- The GM on the health questions: "I don't think he's that badly overpaid at 100% health. I think it's a good contract. But throwing in the heart condition and not having an exclusion on a pre-existing condition to protect you? No matter what the doctors tell you, it's scary."
- While I'm a little skeptical about this, Falk says that if Green had simply asked him to go out and get as much money as possible, he could have ended up with an annual salary of $11-12MM, exceeding what he's earning from Boston.
- The scout pointed out that the Celtics were in a tough spot because passing on Green wouldn't have helped them — the team still wouldn't have had any cap space, and wouldn't have freed up any cap exceptions by letting Green walk.
- According to the GM, that's exactly why he dislikes trading for players in situations like Green's or Gerald Wallace's. The GM points out that Nets GM Billy King had to re-sign Wallace, having given up a high lottery pick for him, giving Wallace and his agent all the leverage. Green and the Celtics were in a similar situation.
Rajon Rondo Talks Allen, Terry, Lee, Celtics
Since Ray Allen left Boston for Miami, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has addressed the topic multiple times, taking the blame for Allen's departure. Rajon Rondo, who reportedly had a strained relationship with Allen, hadn't said much about the topic, but in a conversation with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Celtics point guard opened up about Allen and a number of other topics. Here are a few comments from Rondo, who has been in Los Angeles hosting a players-only minicamp for the Celtics:
On his relationship with Allen:
"People act like because me and Ray didn't get along or they think me and Ray didn't get along that I'm a bad person or he's a bad person. No. It's just life. If you look at your job, everyone doesn't always get along with every co-worker they work with. It's just part of life. People are blowing the Ray thing out of proportion. We had some words, but other than that it was no big deal…. There were so many rumors like I was looking Ray off. Why would I look Ray off? That doesn't make sense. He's the best shooter, so why would I look him off? People can see it how they want to. They can talk to Ray. But from my standpoint, he made his decision. I don't know why he made the decision, but he made the decision. I don't think it had anything to do with me."
On early workouts with new Celtics Jason Terry and Courtney Lee:
"The game is about tempo. We don't want to make it more complicated. It's just basketball. I am just trying to get the timing with J.T. and Courtney. That is why I wanted to get to work early, so I can know where I want them to be when I drive baseline or drive to the middle and where they like the ball."
On his role as a leader for the Celtics:
"I've kind of have taken that leadership and veteran role because I am a point guard and I have been in Doc's system. Other than [Paul Pierce], I have been here the longest. I know exactly what Doc wants, especially for me and this team. I'm trying to lead the team the best that I can."
On the Celtics' expectations in 2012/13:
"We won a championship and that's great, but I don't want to settle. I have a lot of NBA time left on my clock and I got the talent around me. Everyone can't say they can compete for a championship each year. With the talent around me now with the Celtics, it's time to obtain that goal…. There are only five teams right now that can say they can compete for a title realistically. And we're one of them."
Atlantic Rumors: King, Wright, Rondo, Terry, Rivers
We rounded up several notes from the Atlantic Division earlier today, but the news just keeps coming, so we'll dive in for more:
- Nets GM Billy King is optimistic about his roster, and he's relieved that the team can begin training camp without speculation about a major move, as with rumors linking Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard to the team the past two seasons, Newsday's Roderick Boone writes.
- We heard Dorell Wright heap praise on new teammate Andrew Bynum earlier today, and Wright also spoke about his own game to Dei Lynam of CSNPhilly.com. After a down year in his final season with Golden State made finding a new starting small forward a priority for the Warriors, Wright wants to showcase more than his three-point shooting ability for the Sixers.
- Celtics GM Danny Ainge says this year's playoffs proved Rajon Rondo is the team's best player, and Paul Flannery of WEEI.com examines whether that's indeed the case.
- Free agent signee Jason Terry, who said his "mission is to kill" the Heat and the Lakers, is fine with seeing time as the backup point guard for the Celtics, Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com writes. It appears he may have to fill that role, since Ainge doesn't expect the team will sign another ballhandler to replace Keyon Dooling.
- Forsberg also passed along Terry's comments indicating that coach Doc Rivers was an important factor in his decision to sign with the Celtics. "He's a guy that I wanted to play for," Terry said. "I played for him, it was probably 2000, 2001, in the Goodwill Games and we won a gold medal. Our relationship is pretty easy. And he was the first one to call me. When Doc calls, you answer. And I'm just happy to be here."
Eastern Notes: Nets, Bynum, Celtics, Brooks
While very few teams still have cap space available as the 2012/13 season approaches, there are a number of clubs in good position to clear a ton of money from their books next summer. Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld takes an early look at which teams have the least guaranteed money on their cap next summer and beyond, and notes that many of the teams in the best position are in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons, Bobcats, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Wizards all only have between $17MM and $22MM in guaranteed money on their caps for 2013/14, though many of those numbers will increase when rookie-contract options are exercised.
Here are a few more notes from around the Eastern Conference on a Tuesday afternoon:
- Nets GM Billy King said today that he talked to free agent point guards Steve Nash and Goran Dragic before he knew for sure whether Deron Williams would be back, tweets Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger.
- The general consensus around the NBA would suggest Dwight Howard is the league's best center, with Andrew Bynum placing second, but Dorell Wright would give the nod to his new Sixers teammate. "[Bynum]’s going to need two defenders to stop him," Wright told John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I would say he’s the best big man in the NBA right now, hands down."
- Celtics GM Danny Ainge spoke briefly to ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg about a number of topics. According to Ainge, the team doesn't expect to bring in another ball-handler to replace Keyon Dooling, preferring to let its young guys compete for that roster spot.
- Within a piece about Brook Lopez's and MarShon Brooks' futures in Brooklyn, Howard Beck of the New York Times mentions that the Hawks "pushed hard" to acquire Brooks in the deal that sent Joe Johnson to the Nets.
- Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star examines whether the Pacers really upgraded their bench over the offseason.
- In an Insider piece for ESPN.com, David Thorpe explains how the Celtics quietly had one of the NBA's best offseasons.
Doc Rivers Talks Allen, Lee, Terry, Darko
With the NBA's training camps just around the corner, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers tells Jackie MacMullan of ESPNBoston.com that he can't wait to see his team in the gym to find out if he likes his roster as much on the court as he does on paper. Rivers also discussed a number of the Celtics' summer additions and departures. Here are a few of the highlights from the conversation:
On Ray Allen's departure and the impact that Rajon Rondo had on Allen's decision:
"It's just not right to put it all on Rondo. Ray didn't leave because of Rondo. He left because of Ray. He wanted the ball more. He wanted a bunch of different things. He didn't feel loved. That doesn't make Ray a bad guy…. Sometimes guys just run their course at a place. It's probably best for all of us and for Ray that he moves on."
On adding Courtney Lee:
"I love Courtney Lee. He's a very good player. I know that sounds very simple, but it's true. He does things well. He's a good defender, a great team defender, and he shoots the ball very well. He was second best behind the 3-point line after Ray. I don't think people realize how good a shooter he is. The thing I like the most about him is he's always fit in wherever he's gone. He accepts his role and goes out and plays. That's hard to come by."
On adding Jason Terry:
"Jason is a motivated guy. He's always been that. We needed another player who could score off the dribble, who could play in the pick-and-roll. Rondo could do it, Paul [Pierce] too, and we used Ray a little, but that was one of the things he was unhappy about. He wanted us to do it more, and I just didn't think he was as good at it."
On adding Darko Milicic:
"It didn't cost us much. He has it in him, and if we can get it out of him, then great. If not, well, I'd rather take a chance on a really talented guy."
Washburn On Ujiri, Fisher, Williams, Barnes
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe caught up with Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri, who received plaudits this summer after trading for Andre Iguodala but still faces an uphill battle in a stacked Western Conference. He has more to share from around the league, and we'll hit the highlights here.
- Washburn believes free agent point guard Derek Fisher could be a consideration for the Celtics, though we heard yesterday that A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com doesn't think the team will pursue him. Boston is thin at point guard following the retirement of Keyon Dooling.
- Hawks GM Danny Ferry's decision to buy out Jordan Williams was curious, according to Washburn, who wonders why they didn't try to dangle him in a trade offer. The Globe scribe says at 6'10" and 260 pounds, with the ability to rebound and play center, Williams shouldn't remain a free agent for long. One report has linked Williams to the Knicks.
- Washburn also heard from Matt Barnes, who recently signed with the Clippers, about his experience on the other team in L.A. "I think you really learn a lot about yourself, playing for the Lakers, you are on the biggest stage in the world,” the forward said. “All eyes are always on you. You’re never supposed to miss a shot and you’re never supposed to lose. You really have to control your feelings and emotions when people try to jump on you, because they expect 82-0 and they expect titles every year. It’s not a bad tradition to live up to, but you definitely find out a lot about yourself.”
Mickael Pietrus Talking To Pair Of Teams
Free agent swingman Mickael Pietrus spoke to Alexis Boissel of the French-language website BasketSession.com and indicated that he's narrowed his choices down to two teams. He said he would have signed already, but wasn't interested in the money he was being offered, which seems to reinforce the notion that he's holding out for more than the minimum salary.
We heard from Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com earlier this week that three teams have displayed significant interest in the 6'6" 30-year-old, with two of those teams "very motivated" to complete a deal. It appears those clubs aren't the Timberwolves and the Celtics, as a pair of reports yesterday downplayed the chances of him winding up with those teams. Haynes also wrote that Pietrus has an offer from an overseas club that includes an out if he wanted to return to the NBA.
The Bucks reportedly had interest earlier this summer, but that has since waned, and with this week's signing of Marquis Daniels bringing the roster to 15 players, all of whom are on fully guaranteed contracts, it would be quite a surprise if Pietrus wound up in Milwaukee. The Raptors had internal discussions about Pietrus, but they can't offer him more than the minimum salary. The Hawks could be a possibility, since they have their $1.957MM biannual exception available and none of their three best fits at small forward have guaranteed deals, but that's just my speculation.
Pietrus, a nine-year veteran, has averaged 8.4 points and 3.1 rebounds with an 11.8 PER for his career. He was hampered by a right knee injury last season with the Celtics, when he put up 6.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG and an 8.5 PER, but after a do-over surgery this summer, he appears to feel much better, telling Boissel that his knee problems are behind him and that he is 100%.
Celtics Rumors: Fisher, Bibby, Barbosa, Pietrus
Keyon Dooling's retirement reduced the number of fully guaranteed contracts on the Celtics roster to 13. Though Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith have small partial guarantees of $237K and $25K, respectively, the team appears to have the flexibility to add another free agent. They still possess their $1.957MM biannual exception, and with Dooling retired and Avery Bradley recovering from right shoulder surgery, they could be in the market for an experienced backup to point guard Rajon Rondo. In the meantime Jason Terry will serve in that capacity, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, who believes the former Mav will make the greatest contribution of all the new Celtics this year (Twitter links). Blakely unleashed a series of tweets full of notable Celtics rumors, and we've rounded them up here:
- While Dooling will be missed, Blakely doesn't think the team will go after Derek Fisher or Mike Bibby to replace him (Twitter links).
- Leandro Barbosa and Mickael Pietrus aren't likely to join the Celtics either, Blakely says (Twitter links). Barbosa has indicated a willingness to sign for the minimum with a contender, while Pietrus expressed an interest in returning to Boston, but for the biannual exception instead of the minimum.
- Darko Milicic, who signed a guaranteed one-year minimum deal, is a worthwhile gamble given his low price, Blakely thinks (Twitter link).
- The last we heard on Bradley's recovery was that it might keep him out until mid-December. Blakely says it's possible, although not likely, that he'll be back for the regular season opener, and believes Bradley will eventually retake the starting shooting guard job from Courtney Lee. (All Twitter links).
- Amongst the team's rookies, Jared Sullinger figures to get the most playing time, Blakely tweets.
- The Celtics have "a very good shot" at a championship, but it hinges on the team's health, Blakely opines (Twitter link).
- Kenyon Martin has been linked to the Celtics recently, but he'll require more than the minimum, according to Timberwolves assistant coach Bill Bayno, who says that's why his team isn't pursuing the big man, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 radio.
Southeast Rumors: Heat, Dooling, Carter, Magic
The defending champion Heat have been in the news a lot over the summer, and today is no exception, as the agent for former Celtics guard Keyon Dooling denied a report that his client is reconsidering his decision to retire and wants to play with Miami. If that report were true, and Dooling wound up joining the Heat, it's safe to say the Boston-Miami rivalry would become the league's most intense, if it isn't already at that point. Ira Winderman points out that Udonis Haslem has already reached out to new teammate Ray Allen to smooth over any hard feelings that might have been lingering from Allen's time with the Celtics (Sulia link). While the Heat might look out of the Southeast Division for their chief rivalry, the rest of the division's teams would probably like nothing more than to score at least one win against the Heat this year. Here's the latest from the Southeast.
- Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida says he's received an email from Dooling that seconds his agent's denial of the report that he might come back (Sulia link). "No truth!'' Dooling wrote. "I will never play NBA ball again.''
Earlier updates:
- Amidst notes on the Raptors, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reveals that the Magic interviewed former Toronto head man Butch Carter for the coaching job that wound up going to Jacque Vaughn.
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, in the same report that links Dooling to the Heat, says some of the Magic's veterans, principally Al Harrington, will be on the trading block. He says the team will likely try to move Harrington at the deadline for an expiring contract, draft picks or both as it continues its rebuild.
- GM Rob Hennigan has also been retooling the Magic basketball operations department, as Schmitz writes in the same piece, having hired 23 new employees.
- HoopsWorld writers preview the Hawks, and while they conclude the team figures to be the second best in the division, Atlanta will remain in transition as GM Danny Ferry plots how to manage the financial flexibility he obtained this summer.