Stein’s Latest: Josh Smith, Boylan, Collins, Holiday
Marc Stein's final ESPN.com Weekend Dime of the season doubles as his awards ballot, and he has LeBron James winning MVP, of course. More intriguing are his selections in some of the tighter races: George Karl for Coach of the Year, Kevin Martin for Sixth Man of the Year, Tim Duncan for Defensive Player of the Year and Jrue Holiday for Most Improved Player. Stein also has plenty of news from around the league, as we round up:
- Before the season, the Hawks offered Josh Smith a three-year extension for the maximum amount, which would have been about $45MM, but Smith made it clear he wanted to hit free agency. That's no surprise, since an extension would have meant a smaller annual salary than he can sign for as a free agent, per collective bargaining agreement rules. The Hawks, wary of letting Smith walk, aggressively pursued trades, according to Stein, but wound up keeping him when an offer from the Bucks wasn't to their liking.
- Bucks GM John Hammond is publicly heaping praise on coach Jim Boylan, but Stein hears Boylan has little to no shot of retaining the job, based on the team's late-season slump.
- Doug Collins may join the Sixers front office or simply become an adviser to the team if he decides to step away from coaching.
- Justin Holiday's deal with the Sixers includes a team option for next season, and it appears the deal is partially guaranteed for $50K, becoming fully guaranteed if he's not waived by August 15th.
- The Nets also have a team option on Kris Joseph's deal for 2013/14.
- A source insists to Stein that the Jazz will retain Tyrone Corbin for the final year of his contract next season, regardless of whether the team makes the playoffs.
- Jermaine O'Neal, 34, is leaning strongly toward playing again next season. He signed a one-year, minimum-salary deal with the Suns last summer.
Nets Re-Sign Kris Joseph For Season
The Nets have signed Kris Joseph for the remainder of the season following the expiration of his 10-day contract, the team announced today in a press release. Because Joseph was released by the Celtics long before the March 1st buyout deadline, he'll be eligible to play for the Nets in the postseason.
During his first 10 games with the Nets, Joseph saw limited minutes in three of the team's five games, though he failed to record a single point, missing both of his shots from the field and a pair of free throws. Joseph, who was selected 51st overall last June by the Celtics, spent a good chunk of this season in the D-League, playing 27 games in total for the Springfield Armor and Maine Red Claws. The 24-year-old averaged 18.6 PPG in those D-League contests.
Now that they've locked up Joseph, the Nets have a full roster of 15 players on guaranteed contracts as the postseason approaches.
Odds & Ends: Mavericks, Joseph, Harris, Jordan
After failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2000, the Mavericks will be opportunistic as they look to upgrade their roster this summer, Mark Cuban tells Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com, vowing that the team will be better next year.
"We maximized for the first generation of Dirk [Nowitzki]'s golden years to win a championship," Cuban said. "So we'll do our best for his second generation of golden years and then the next generation and the next generation until he runs out of golden years."
Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NBA:
- Kris Joseph's 10-day contract with the Nets is set to expire tonight, but teammate Jerry Stackhouse tells Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald that he expects the club to retain Joseph. If Joseph re-signs with Brooklyn, it figures to be a rest-of-season contract, which would make him eligible for the postseason.
- Since being traded from the Bucks to the Magic, Tobias Harris has looked like a future star, as Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld writes. Kennedy spoke to the second-year forward, who is averaging 16.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG in 24 games with Orlando.
- Ian Thomsen of SI.com examines what the next step is for all 14 teams headed for this year's draft lottery.
- Following a D-League stint, former Knick Jerome Jordan is heading overseas to join Talk 'N Text in the Philippines, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.
Eastern Links: Randolph, Jay-Z, Maxiell, Casey
After a very productive year in China, Shavlik Randolph is playing some of the best ball of his NBA career for the Celtics, but as he tells Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, he's not about to take his current role for granted.
"I’m not the kind of player who can even think about relaxing," Randolph said. "I’m not really gifted enough or talented enough to relax and still go out there and perform. Some guys are, but I’m not. And, look, this can all change in any game. Washington played big (in Sunday’s win by the Celtics), so we needed size. Maybe that got me more time. But I’m going to be ready whatever my role is."
Here's more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Jay-Z has begun the process of selling his small share of the Nets in order to be able to become a certified NBA agent, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. According to Wojnarowski, rival agents are anxious about the rapper's ability to attract top prospects and current stars, given his cultural standing.
- With Jason Maxiell facing unrestricted free agency this summer, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press suggests that the forward has likely played his last game with the Pistons. Maxiell, an eight-year veteran, has spent his entire NBA career with the club.
- One of basketball's newest Hall-of-Famers, Gary Payton, tells Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun that he thinks it's unfair to consider Raptors head coach Dwane Casey as on the hot seat. "I think he shouldn’t be under fire, but that’s just the way business goes," Payton said. "I think he understands that and I think he’ll be fine. Give him one more year, ’til you let Rudy [Gay] be there for a whole year and see what happens."
- In his latest piece for the Sporting News, Sean Deveney names the Bucks, Hawks, and Cavaliers as a few teams that could be hunting for a new head coach this summer.
- Writing for SheridanHoops.com, Jon Pastuszek of NiuBBall.com wonders if Yi Jianlian could help a playoff-bound NBA team, listing the Celtics, Pacers, and Knicks among the potential fits.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, J.R. Smith, Nets, Collins
Depth at guard and the resurgence of Jeff Green have helped the Celtics remain relevant in the wake of Rajon Rondo's injury, as HoopsWorld's Stephen Brotherston details. Brotherston ponders the chances of a Heat-Celtics clash in the first round, and believes the Celtics would relish another playoff series with Miami. I'm inclined to believe Doc Rivers, who told reporters yesterday, including Mike Petraglia of WEEI.com, that he's not trying to match up with the Heat."Listen, I’m not that dumb," Rivers said. "I’m not the brightest guy but come on. Really, you would love to avoid anyone (like Miami)."
While we wait to find out Boston's first-round opponent, there's plenty of other news from the C's and their Atlantic Division rivals:
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com spoke to a pair of agents, an NBA executive and a longtime scout who agree that there's uncertainty surrounding this summer's market price for Knicks sixth man J.R. Smith. The soon-to-be free agent's inconsistent play and reputation as a frequent partier could hold down his value, but a strong postseason performance could help him, Zwerling writes.
- The playoffs will determine the fate of Nets interim coach P.J. Carlesimo, sources tell Marc Stein of ESPN.com, who believes the team won't hesitate to go after marquee names like Phil Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.
- The Sixers have already picked up their team option on coach Doug Collins for next season, and all indications are that the decision on whether he'll return will be left to the coach himself, Stein reports in the same piece.
- Petraglia wonders whether midseason pickup Shavlik Randolph — a veteran of four total playoff minutes — could be a postseason factor for the Celtics.
- Celtics guard Jordan Crawford clearly has little love lost for his former team. The ex-Wizard twice said, "I don't recall playing for Washington," to reporters Saturday. Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe provides detail.
Eastern Notes: Thibodeau, Pargo, Teletovic, C’s
With seven playoff spots clinched and the Bucks likely to lock their spot up as soon as this weekend, there won't be much late-season drama in the Eastern Conference. But seeding is still on the line, and a win for the Bulls tonight over the Nets would increase the likelihood of the two teams playing each other in the first round later this month. As we look forward to that game, let's check out a few notes from around the conference….
- Although he and the Bulls agreed to a contract extension way back in October, it took head coach Tom Thibodeau a while to actually sign his new contract, with multiple reports in February and March indicating that he had yet to do so. Thibodeau confirmed today, however, that he has signed the agreement, telling Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com that the delay was a non-issue.
- Jannero Pargo inked a deal yesterday to remain with the Bobcats for the rest of this season, but he'd like to stay in Charlotte beyond this year, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. It's not clear yet whether Pargo's deal with the Bobcats includes a non-guaranteed option for 2013/14, as many late-season agreements do.
- Despite spending the first few years of his career overseas before making the jump to the NBA, Nets forward Mirza Teletovic has no intention of returning to Europe, as Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes.
- One player who is heading overseas is Samardo Samuels, who was waived by the Cavaliers earlier this season. Despite reportedly drawing some interest from the Nets and others, Samuels didn't land with another NBA team, and is close to signing with Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.
- Celtics president Danny Ainge is also overseas this week, having traveled to Europe on a scouting trip, says Aris Barkas of EuroHoops.net. According to Barkas, Ainge was in Volos, Greece to watch 18-year-old prospect Giannis Adetokunbo, who is expected to enter this year's draft.
Odds & Ends: Draft, Carlesimo, Kings, Mbakwe
One general manager of a playoff-bound team tells Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio that he's happy his team won't have to deal with the draft lottery this season. While the GM stopped short of calling the 2013 draft class weak, he suggested that there won't be many immediate-impact guys, but that there could be some value picks later in the first round.
"This is the perfect draft for that type of situation — guys drafted later who go to good organizations and surprise," the GM said. "It always seem to happen whenever there’s a so-called 'bad' draft. That’s because the talent level among prospects seems to be very similar. No one’s really separated themselves."
Here are a few more Wednesday odds and ends from around the Association:
- P.J. Carlesimo and the Nets have yet to discuss a contract extension for the interim head coach, which is okay with Carlesimo, as he tells Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. "The impression from Day 1 is that when the year is over, we’ll sit down and talk," Carlesimo said. "There was no expectation (for me) given."
- Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com presents a primer on the current status of the battle between Sacramento and Seattle for the Kings. The two investments groups vying for the franchise are currently in the process of making their presentations to the NBA.
- Former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum has joined Mark Bartelstein's Priority Sports & Entertainment agency. Tannenbaum will head the agency's new Coaches, Front Office & Broadcasters division, and will oversee contract negotiations for college and professional basketball and football coaches (Twitter links via Jeff Zilgitt of USA Today).
- Lang Greene of HoopsWorld takes a look at some teams still owing significant money to players who are on the decline.
- Minnesota senior Trevor Mbakwe has signed with agent Andy Miller of ASM Sports, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (via Twitter).
Jerry Stackhouse To Retire At Season’s End?
TUESDAY, 12:57pm: Stackhouse clarified to Fred Kerber of the New York Post (Twitter link) that his plans aren't set in stone yet. While Stackhouse may end his playing career after this season, he says reports of his pending retirement are premature.
SATURDAY, 10:25am: Jerry Stackhouse is known around the league for his exceptional conditioning, which has allowed him to enjoy a long career in the NBA. However, the 38-year-old says that 2012/13 will likely be his final season, writes Chris Tomasson of FOXSportsFlorida.com. He plans to move on to the next chapter of his life, which will involve taking on a role with the player's union.
“It’s not completely sold that I don’t get the bug (to play) again,'' Stackhouse said last night. "But, really, I think this is an opportune time to kind of step to the forefront to do something with the union and try to make sure we select the right executive director.’’
For his career, Stackhouse has averaged 17 PPG for eight different teams with his most notable stints coming in Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington, and Dallas. This season, he's averaging 4.5 PPG for the Nets as a deep reserve but he had a handful of strong performances early on in the season.
Stackhouse believes his role after this season will include helping the union select an executive director and keeping players updated on the process. He'll be taking on a leadership position with the union at a time of turmoil with executive director Billy Hunter recently being ousted. After that, Stackhouse says that he would like to go the "Mark Jackson route", which would be going from broadcasting to a head coaching job in the NBA without being an assistant coach in between.
Jay-Z To Become Agent, Founds Roc Nation Sports
When the Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn last year, rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z was one of the faces of the transition. A minority owner of the Nets, Shawn Carter opened the Barclays Center with a series of concerts last fall and could be found courtside at many of the team's games this season. However, it appears he may be on his way to giving up his stake in the franchise.
Darren Rovell of ESPN.com reports that Jay-Z is planning to become a certified sports agent, first in baseball and eventually in basketball and football. The first client for Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports was revealed earlier today — through a partnership with Creative Artists Agency, Roc Nation Sports will represent New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, as Cano announced in a statement this morning. In order to represent NBA players, however, Jay-Z will be required to part with his share of the Nets.
Although the initial launch is with CAA, Roc Nation Sports will be its own company, says Rovell. It's not clear yet whether there's a timeline for Jay-Z becoming certified as an NBA agent, or which NBA players may join Roc Nation Sports.
Nets Sign Kris Joseph To 10-Day Contract
The Nets have officially signed Kris Joseph to a 10-day contract, the team announced today in a press release. Tim Bontemps of the New York Post initially reported over the weekend that the two sides had reached an agreement.
Joseph, 24, had been drafted by the Celtics in the second round of last June's draft, but was on a non-guaranteed contract, and was released in January before that deal became guaranteed. The Canadian forward subsequently joined the D-League, where he was acquired by the Nets' affiliate, the Springfield Armor. In 27 D-League games this season, Joseph has averaged 18.6 PPG, including 19.0 PPG in his 15 contests with the Armor.
The Nets had been carrying 14 players on their roster, so the team won't have to make a corresponding move to open up a spot for Joseph.