Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/31/16
We recently learned that the Pistons have interest in Ryan Anderson as a free agent this summer, but not as a trade candidate because Detroit would rather not surrender assets to acquire him. Of course, any team would prefer not to part with anything to add talent. With the Pistons, however, there may be a reason to be confident in landing Anderson, who, as a stretch-four, would likely be a significant boost for Detroit. Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy used to coach Anderson when they both were with the Magic, so they have a relationship.
Holding off on Anderson sounds ideal, but it also is the best decision for the Pistons, in my opinion, because they will have a significant amount of money to spend this summer. What’s more, it does not seem sensible to me to trade away assets for what might amount to an improvement of only a few more wins. Either way, Anderson won’t come cheaply this summer; he’ll be a veteran of eight years by then, so he’d be eligible for the middle-tier max of a projected $24.9MM.
On the other hand, the Pistons have lost five of their last eight games and are now 25-23. They would prefer to use current starter Ersan Ilyasova off the bench. Detroit is also reportedly set to target Donatas Motiejunas, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Pistons are a solid team, but they are a piece or two away from seriously contending for the championship.
That leads us to today’s shootaround topic: Should the Pistons pull the trigger on a deal now or wait to sign a power forward in the summer?
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are. We look forward to what you have to share.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/30/16
The Pelicans have been among the NBA’s most active teams in trade talks heading into the February 18th deadline. It was reported this week that New Orleans has been listening to offers for starting point guard Tyreke Evans, who is still battling the effects of arthroscopic surgery conducted on his right knee in October. Evans is signed through the 2016/17 season and will make nearly $11.7MM next year.
Evans isn’t the only Pelican on the trading block, as reports have indicated. The team has also been gauging interest for shooting guard Eric Gordon, who will miss another three to five weeks after breaking his right ring finger, and stretch forward Ryan Anderson. They are both on expiring contracts. In addition, New Orleans has been trying since December to find a taker for center Omer Asik, who signed a five-year deal worth approximately $53MM over the offseason.
It’s no surprise that the Pelicans, who have been among the league’s most disappointing teams, are active in trade discussions. Expectations were high after the team claimed a playoff spot last season, and with Anthony Davis serving as the franchise cornerstone and new coach Alvin Gentry bringing an up-tempo approach, New Orleans was expected to have a bright future.
However, injuries and other factors led to a disastrous 1-11 start before the Pelicans began a slow climb out of the Western Conference basement. They are currently 18-28, good for 12th place in the West, sitting three games behind Portland for the final playoff spot. They have won seven of their last nine games after beating Brooklyn tonight and are just two behind the Blazers in the loss column.
That brings me to tonight’s question: What moves should the Pelicans make between now and the trade deadline? Should they deal Evans, Gordon or Anderson? Is it possible to find someone willing to take on Asik’s contract? Should they go all out to grab a playoff spot this season or should they focus on the future?
Take to the comments section to voice your opinion on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/29/16
The NBA officially announced the reserves for the 2016 All-Star game, which will be played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Sunday, February 14th. The starters for both conferences were announced last week, with Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard voted to tip off the exhibition in the West and LeBron James, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Kyle Lowry slated to represent the East.
Here’s the list of the 2016 NBA All-Star game reserves:
Eastern Conference
- Chris Bosh (F) — Heat
- Jimmy Butler (G/F) — Bulls
- DeMar DeRozan (G) — Raptors
- Andre Drummond (C) — Pistons
- Paul Millsap (F) — Hawks
- Isaiah Thomas (G) — Celtics
- John Wall (G) — Wizards
Western Conference
- LaMarcus Aldridge (F) — Spurs
- DeMarcus Cousins (C) — Kings
- Anthony Davis (F) — Pelicans
- Draymond Green (F) — Warriors
- James Harden (G) — Rockets
- Chris Paul (G) — Clippers
- Klay Thompson (G) — Warriors
While the All-Star game is merely an exhibition for the fans, it is also a form of validation for many players to be named to the squad for their respective conferences. As is the case with any All-Star game roster, a number of deserving players were omitted. That segues into the topic/question that I’m posing today: Who was the biggest All-Star snub this season?
Take to the comments section to voice your opinion on whom you believe should have made the cut. But don’t just give us a name; if there’s someone you feel who should be added, that also means another player needs to be removed to accommodate the addition. Tell us who you feel that should be. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/28/16
The NBA has released the official rosters for the 2016 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge which will be held on Friday, February 12th. The league’s annual showcase of premier young talent will will pit 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world. The official rosters are listed below:
U.S. TEAM ROSTER
- Jordan Clarkson (Lakers)
- Rodney Hood (Jazz)
- Zach LaVine (Wolves)
- Nerlens Noel (Sixers)
- Jahlil Okafor (Sixers)
- Jabari Parker (Bucks)
- Elfrid Payton (Magic)
- D’Angelo Russell (Lakers)
- Marcus Smart (Celtics)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Wolves)
WORLD TEAM ROSTER
- Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets)
- Clint Capela (Rockets)
- Mario Hezonja (Magic)
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Nikola Mirotic (Bulls)
- Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets)
- Raul Neto (Jazz)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks)
- Dwight Powell (Mavs)
- Andrew Wiggins (Wolves)
Now it’s time for the topic for today: Which player NOT named to the 2016 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge was the biggest snub?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/27/16
Clippers power forward Blake Griffin suffered a fracture in his right (shooting) hand after reportedly striking team equipment manager and close friend Mathias Testi. Griffin is expected to miss approximately four to six weeks of action after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. The team is understandably displeased with Griffin, which was clearly relayed in the team’s official statement. “This conduct has no place in our organization and this incident does not represent who are as a team,” the statement read. “We are conducting a full investigation with assistance from the NBA. At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken.”
Los Angeles is currently the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 29-16 entering Wednesday night’s action, and the loss of Griffin could derail what has already been a challenging and somewhat disappointing 2015/16 campaign for the Clippers. The team can likely survive in the short-term without Griffin, though Los Angeles is currently undermanned in the frontcourt after trading fellow power forward Josh Smith to the Rockets last week. The addition of Jeff Ayres via a 10-day deal should help, but it would be unrealistic to expect Ayres to make a significant impact on the team’s fortunes.
The more important issue facing the Clippers is what to do regarding Griffin. While all the facts have not been made public regarding the incident, workplace violence isn’t acceptable regardless of the reasoning. Griffin, 26, is under contract for two more seasons after this one, though he does possess a player option worth $21,373,952 for 2017/18, the final season of his current deal. If Griffin is indeed deemed to be a detriment to the locker room after this incident, the team may decide hitting the reset button by dealing the high-flying forward is the best way forward.
Which brings me to the topic for today: In light of Blake Griffin’s recent incident, should the Clippers look to trade him?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. If you think the team should trade Griffin, where do you think he may end up, and what should Los Angeles expect to recoup in return? If you are on the other side of the argument and feel that Griffin should remain with the Clippers, let us know your reasoning for that choice. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/26/16
According to a recent report by Russia’s TASS news agency, former Cavs coach David Blatt is “priority one” for the Nets as they seek a new head coach. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders first reported that the Nets were interested in Blatt, but an article by Fred Kerber of the New York Post this past weekend relayed that Tom Thibodeau was Brooklyn’s probable top target. Team owner Mikhail Prokhorov reportedly wants to hire a GM before he hires a coach, and the team’s goal is apparently to have a GM in place before the February 18th trade deadline. Blatt has also been linked to the Lakers and Timberwolves, though both teams have publicly stated that they are committed to their current coaches.
Tony Brown has been serving as Brooklyn’s interim coach since the team fired Lionel Hollins earlier this month. It is highly unlikely that he will land the position on a long-term basis, though that is merely my speculation. Prokhorov, like TASS, is from Russia, and Blatt used to coach the Russian national team, which has received significant financial backing from Prokhorov in the past. That could give Blatt a leg up on his competitors for the position, provided he’s interested of course.
Earlier reports have linked the Nets to Luke Walton, John Calipari, Monty Williams and Chris Mullin, but Prokhorov has so far reportedly balked at Calipari’s price tag. The owner has also expressed a preference for a separate GM and coach, which isn’t the dual role that Calipari is reportedly seeking to make the jump back to the NBA. This brings me to the topic/question of the day: Which of the potential targets for the Nets listed above would be the best hire for the franchise? Why?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/25/16
It’s easy to dismiss the Sacramento Kings, given their recent track record and the volatility of their top players.
Center DeMarcus Cousins and point guard Rajon Rondo have made plenty of headlines over the years for their emotional outbursts aimed at coaches, officials and teammates. Their veteran coach, George Karl, isn’t afraid to speak his mind or criticize his players, fostering the notion that the Kings are a fragile team as presently constructed and could implode at any time.
During the first two full months of the season, the Kings seemed headed for another forgettable campaign. They entered the New Year eight games under .500 and rumors were abound that Cousins would be dealt.
Rather than rolling over and continuing another slide into oblivion, the Kings have suddenly found a winning formula and there’s a new vibe around the franchise. They have reeled off five consecutive wins and currently hold the eighth and last playoff seed in the Western Conference.
Naturally, the Kings are benefitting from the Western Conference’s general decline, with only seven of 15 teams above the .500 mark. But give the Kings some credit. Karl has them playing with fire and passion, led by the mercurial Cousins.
Cousins has posted strong numbers all season but he’s been a monster this month, averaging 32.5 points and 13.7 rebounds. Rondo is averaging 12.9 assists in January and the team has also received a big boost from rookie center Willie Cauley-Stein, who has solidified their backline defense.
The Jazz are currently the Kings’ closest pursuers for the final playoff berth, with the Nuggets, Trail Blazers and revived Pelicans also in the hunt.
This leads us to our question of the day: Will the Kings make the playoffs this season?
Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/24/16
It’s rare for a trade in late January not to be the major news of that particular day. The Rockets’ acquisition of Josh Smith in a trade with the Clippers on Friday, however, was overshadowed by David Blatt‘s firing. At 30 years old, Smith was experiencing the worst season of his career this year with the Clippers, but judging from his play Sunday, he already looks to be more inspired. Check out this Vine from the Rockets’ Twitter account, for example. Smith checked out of Sunday’s game to a standing ovation.
At an underwhelming 23-22 entering action Sunday, the Rockets have the talent to turn things around. Adding Smith, who averaged 12 points per game last season in Houston, should theoretically expedite that process. But by how much? Do the Rockets, who have played better of late, have deeper problems? Or will a familiar face provide the lift needed for a deep playoff run? At the very least, the move likely means the Rockets are seeking to upgrade this year’s team.
That leads us to today’s shootaround topic: How much will Smith help the Rockets?
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are. We look forward to what you have to share.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/23/16
Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt wasn’t out of work for 24 hours before rumors of other teams showing interest began to emerge. The Nets, Wolves and Lakers have all been linked Blatt, who was canned Friday in Cleveland despite having the Cavaliers on top of the Eastern Conference with a 30-11 record.
Blatt reached the Finals in his only full season as an NBA coach, but complaints about his style could be heard in the locker room and throughout the organization. There were rumblings that he couldn’t relate to players and that he wasn’t willing to challenge LeBron James or point out the star’s mistakes. James and his agent reportedly had been trying to get Blatt fired since last season.
Blatt’s coaching brethren have been speaking out to defend him and denigrate the Cavs’ decision. Kings coach George Karl calls it “embarrassing,” tweets Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee. Former Cavaliers coach Paul Silas says Blatt should have been allowed to hire his own assistants, tweets Marc Berman of The New York Post. Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer tells Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he hopes Blatt gets another chance to coach in the NBA. The harshest criticism has come from Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy, who said to David Mayo of MLive about the Cavs, “We have jobs, maybe, because our front offices aren’t quite as crazy as theirs, but that’s about it.”
Blatt has been successful everywhere he has gone. He won Israeli League Coach of the Year honors four times and captured the same award in the Russian Super League and the Euroleague. Coupled with his brief NBA success, there’s sure to be a job waiting for Blatt somewhere.
That brings me to the topic for today: Where do you think Blatt will be coaching next season?
Could he be the answer for Brooklyn, Minnesota or L.A.? Is there another job ready to open that Blatt might be more suited for? Or is his best option to return to Israel or Europe?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/22/16
The league officially announced the starters for the 2016 All-Star game on Thursday and Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant led all players with a total of 1,891,614 votes, in this, the final season of his career. Also named starters in the West were: Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. LeBron James, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Kyle Lowry are the starters for the Eastern Conference.
As with every season, there are a number of deserving players who won’t be on the court for the opening tip for February 14th’s exhibition. The Pelicans’ Anthony Davis took the biggest hit by not being voted in, needing a starting nod to trigger the Derrick Rose rule, which would have given Davis a salary of a projected $24.9MM instead of $20.4MM next season. The difference could amount to $25.875MM over the life of his contract, based on those same projections, though he could still invoke the rule if he earns an All-NBA nod or wins the MVP award in the spring. But Davis certainly wasn’t the only star player to miss out on being selected.
Which brings me to the topic for today: Which player not being named an All-Star starter was the biggest snub?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.