By Alex Lee |
at June 17, 2012 8:07 pm
All indications from Philadelphia are that they want to shake things up this offseason. We already know Rod Thorn is more or less out and that Lou Williams has opted out. In his chat today, ESPN's Chad Ford said that he is again hearing Andre Iguodala is being shopped. Ford mentions the Wizards or Bobcats as possible destinations with the Sixers, in return, moving up from pick fifteen. Ford mentions Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson or Andre Drummond as Sixers' targets. Here are others odds and ends from around the league on Sunday night:
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- Speaking of the 76ers, Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News says that there is plenty of interest in Lou Williams now that he has opted out and that he could sign a deal similar to teammate Thaddeus Young, who netted a five year, $43MM deal. Cooney adds that Spencer Hawes, who also opted out, could require $5-7MM per year.
- Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, as part of their NBA free agent series, evaluates Steve Nash as a fit for the Mavericks, putting the odds of a Dallas and Nash reunion at 20 percent, which seems a bit high.
- The Bucks will try to keep Brandon Jennings, who will be a restricted free agent after next year, writes Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Milwaukee GM John Hammond talked about his point guard, saying negotiations can't start until July 1: "Until then, we’re not allowed to, and that’s the reason we haven’t. I think we all understand the importance of Brandon, who he is to our organization and what he has done for us."
- If there is any question if Gregg Popovich is a factor in recruiting new players for the Spurs, not to mention keeping them happy once they get there, Buck Harvey answers it in his Stephen Jackson centric piece for the San Antonio Express-News. Harvey says Popovich's honesty won the mercurial Jackson over in his stay in San Antonio.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 15, 2012 4:29 pm
We're rounding up most of today's draft-related updates in a single post right here, but Andy Katz's latest piece for ESPN.com is packed with so many rumors that it's worth a separate look. Here's what Katz is hearing about a few teams' draft plans:
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- Katz "would be surprised" if the Celtics keep both of their first-round picks (Nos. 21 and 22).
- Although the Bobcats are shopping the second overall pick, they like their options if they remain at No. 2.
- The Rockets will probably move at least one of their two first-rounders (Nos. 14 and 16), but if they can't find a deal they like, they don't mind using the picks.
- The Jazz are looking to trade into the first round, if possible.
- The 17th overall pick is available if the Mavericks get the right offer.
- Thomas Robinson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are the lottery prospects worth keeping an eye on, since there's a good chance one of them slips to the Kings at No. 5.
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By Ryan Raroque |
at June 14, 2012 10:21 pm
A handful of tonight's coaching search updates came in the form of tweets. TNT's David Aldridge reported that Brian Shaw had an interview in Charlotte today, but was not offered the job. Yahoo's Marc Spears also confirmed that no offer was made, adding that Portland and Orlando are still on Shaw's radar. Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, who broke the news about Sloan's withdrawal from Charlotte's head coaching race, thinks the Trail Blazers have a better chance of landing Shaw than the Magic do.
We've got more on Orlando's GM search and highlights from HoopsWorld chats with Mark Nugent and Tommy Beer…
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- Ken Berger of CBS Sports tweeted that Jeff Bower will meet with the DeVos family and that the Magic are expected to hire a new GM next week.
- Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio mentions that the Trail Blazers are expected to add Victor Claver to the team next season. Claver was the team's 22nd overall selection from the 2009 NBA Draft.
- Jason Quick of The Oregonian dissects the current mindset of Portland GM Neil Olshey, who already acknowledges the pressure of a fan base that is eagerly looking for answers.
- Mark Nugent of HoopsWorld had his weekly chat with fans tonight. Nugent thinks that the Pacers will match any offer sheet for Roy Hibbert, Tyreke Evans is safe in Sacramento, and commented on hypothetical trade scenarios. Tommy Beer of HoopsWorld also exchanged thoughts with fans in a chat of his own, most notably saying that Ray Allen will most likely leave Boston and seek a $5 MM per year deal, a $7 MM per year offer sounds reasonable for Kevin Garnett, offered a few trade scenarios for Amare Stoudemire, and entertained the fans' trade ideas. Also, in case you missed it earlier, be sure to check out this afternoon's chat with our very own Luke Adams.
- Mark Deeks of Sham Sports reported (via Twitter) that the Mavericks have renounced their rights to Shan Foster.
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By Chuck Myron |
at June 13, 2012 11:02 pm
NBATV's "The Dream Team" documentary debuted tonight to mostly positive reviews from NBA writers, and hoops fans may want to savor the film and this year's summer Olympics as much as possible. Commissioner David Stern says there's a 50/50 chance that Olympic basketball will be restricted to players age 23 and younger after this year's games, writes Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com. Still, Sheridan believes discussion of such a rule will be tabled until after the 2016 games.
There's plenty going on stateside as well, with a free agent expressing a desire to return to the Knicks and more news on Dwight Howard.
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- Knicks free agent Jared Jeffries "would hate to leave New York now," as he tells Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com. He'd likely have to sign for a minimum-salary deal to remain with the team.
- Dwight Howard has postponed his summer basketball camp for children in the Orlando area, raising further speculation that he will once more seek a trade from the Magic, writes Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
- Pacers president Larry Bird and owner Herb Simon have put off a meeting scheduled for this week until next week, Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports. Bird still doesn't have a deal to remain with the organization for next season, and the expected promotion of Kevin Pritchard to general manager is contingent on Bird staying with the team.
- Jeff Green, Ronny Turiaf and Etan Thomas are all players with histories of heart trouble who could be available in free agency this summer. Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida chronicles their stories.
- Dallas Morning News columnist Kevin Sherrington chatted with readers, sharing his view that the Mavs will sign Deron Williams. No matter what happens in free agency, Sherrington says, Dirk Nowitzki is unlikely to request a trade.
- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is getting involved with efforts to build a new arena and attract an NBA team to Seattle, the Associated Press reports (via The Oregonian).
- Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald breaks down the Celtics' offseason needs position by position. Luke Adams looked at the team as part of our Offseason Outlook series earlier this month.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 12, 2012 4:50 pm
We're just hours away from Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals, and much of the coverage leading up to the series has focused on how this may be just the first of many title shots for the Thunder. However, Steve Perrin of SBNation.com doesn't necessarily see it that way, noting that the new CBA that was supposed to help small-market teams compete will work against Oklahoma City when James Harden and Serge Ibaka become free agents. The title window for the Thunder may not be as big as you'd think, at least with the current roster, says Perrin.
Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NBA, as we await tonight's opening tip….
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- Although the Early Bird rights hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, the arbitrator likely won't make his decision right away, tweets Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com. Zwerling adds that a decision will come before the free agent period begins on July 1st (Twitter link), and that the decision is expected to go against the NBPA (Twitter link). I explained yesterday why the ruling is important, particularly to the Knicks.
- A source close to Kirk Hinrich tells Zwerling that the point guard won't be willing to sign for the veteran's minimum this offseason (Twitter link).
- Tommy Thomas' contract as Deron Williams' agent expires on June 30th, at which point he'll be replaced by Jeff Schwartz, so Thomas won't be handling free agent negotiations for Williams this summer. However, Thomas tells Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that his preference would be for his longtime client to sign with the Mavericks.
- Keeping Kevin Garnett for at least one more year should be the Celtics' new Plan A, writes Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com.
- Charlie Villanueva was cut from the Dominican Republic squad for being out of shape, according to coach John Calipari. FIBA.com has the details.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 12, 2012 10:54 am
It may not be Sherlock-caliber detective work, but Tony Parker tells Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News he noticed a hint that Boris Diaw could be leaning toward re-signing with the Spurs. Diaw, who had been living in Parker's guest house, left all his belongings there when he departed San Antonio for the summer, which Parker views as a good sign. Here are a few more Tuesday morning items from out of the Southwest Division:
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By Luke Adams |
at June 11, 2012 3:34 pm
The day's biggest news so far came out of the Southwest Division, when ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported that Michael Heisley had found a buyer for the Grizzlies. While we wait to hear whether an agreement between current ownership and prospective buyer Robert Pera will be finalized, let's check in on a few more Southwest updates, including the latest Rudy Gay trade rumors….
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- Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld examines the possibility of the Grizzlies moving Gay, noting that sources close to the 25-year-old say he would welcome a trade. It was Heisley who shot down reports of Gay being on the block, but the team's financial restrictions under Heisley may have inspired the trade rumors in the first place, so it's unclear how a change in ownership would affect the situation.
- The Rockets and Mavericks are among the teams that could be interested in Gay if he's available, Ingram adds within the same piece.
- If Delonte West wants to return to the Mavericks, he'll probably have to agree to a deal not too much larger than this year's minimum-salary contract, says Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
- Tunisian big man Salah Mejri will work out for the Mavericks, reports Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.
- Danny Green of the Spurs could draw interest from the Celtics this summer, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
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By Daniel Seco |
at June 10, 2012 9:54 am
The Thunder found out on Saturday evening that they'll be taking on the Heat in the NBA Finals beginning on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. The Lakers and Spurs will look to the Thunder to continue an over decade-long trend of Western Conference dominance that began during the 1998/1999 season. With a series victory over Miami, the Thunder will bring the streak of the West winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy to four seasons in a row and 11 of the last 14 overall. Let's catch up on the latest rumors and stories making headlines from around the Western Conference…
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- There are many options for the Mavs to pursue this offseason, but signing Deron Williams makes the most sense for the franchise, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. If the Mavs are unable to acquire Williams, Sefko says the team will look to sign two-three reasonably-priced free agents a tier below the superstar level. Plan C, the most conservative approach, would have the Mavs saving money this summer and looking ahead to 2013 when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul will be free agents.
- The Denver Post's Christopher Dempsey says the Nuggets' plans this offseason depend on what type of point guard Ty Lawson wants to become moving forward. Lawson performed as more of a shooting guard during the playoffs against the Lakers while Andre Miller ran the point. Miller, an unrestricted free agent, may return to Denver but could prove to be a hindrance to Lawson's development as he begins his fourth season this fall.
- The question for Tim Duncan heading into the summer isn't whether he'll sign with the Spurs but whether he even wants to return for a 16th season, contends Jeff McDonald of Spurs Nation. The former Wake Forest star will have to determine if taking a pay cut is worth going through the grind of an 82 game season. Duncan is coming off a rejuvenated season in which he averaged 15.4 PPG and 9.0 RPG in a career-low 28.2 minutes per contest.
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By Ryan Raroque |
at June 9, 2012 10:31 pm
According to an ESPN report via The Associated Press, Eric Gordon has set a high priority on securing a long-term destination this summer as he hits free agency and still considers New Orleans a viable landing spot. The three-year veteran was seen as a key piece in the Chris Paul deal with the Clippers, but only managaged to play nine games this season while dealing with injury. With about three more weeks to go until free agency begins, here's the rest of tonight's news…
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- Although the Bucks are pretty much set in the back court, Charles F. Gardner of The Journal Sentinel explored the idea of Austin Rivers being selected 12th overall by Milwaukee. The 6'5'' combo guard played for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke this year and told reporters at the draft combine that he tries to pattern his game after Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Deron Williams, and Derrick Rose.
- Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress gives a preview of the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy. With the exception of Evan Fournier projected as first-round pick, Givony says that the assembly of talent includes a group of players who he feels are draft-eligible second round prospects.
- Eddie Sefko of SportsDay DFW began a series of articles covering ten free agents from the upcoming summer that would fit well with the Mavericks. At number 10 is Chris Kaman, a player who should be familiar playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki from their experience together on the German national team.
- Joe Freeman of The Oregonian delves into the mind of newly namedTrail Blazers GM Neil Olshey as he prepares for what he calls "one of the most important Trail Blazers drafts ever." Freeman highlighted Olshey's philosphy of drafting the best available player versus drafting according to need, also mentioning that Neil is open to the possibility of dealing the picks in order to move up or trade for an established veteran player.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer contrasts the personalities of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thomas Robinson, referring to Kidd-Gilchrist as a soft-spoken player with potential who will remind fans of Gerald Wallace and Robinson as a can't-miss prospect with a lower ceiling and a brooding personality.
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By Zachary Links |
at June 9, 2012 12:00 pm
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..
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- The spread provision in center Brendan Haywood's contract could make the Mavericks center a sweetner in trade talks, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Any team that waives Haywood can spread out the payments for the remainder of his contract until 2026, meaning that they would be on the hook for no more than $2MM per year over the next 14 years.
- Despite David Morway’s best efforts to work together, newly-minted Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard consistently went behind his back to upper management to cut him out, sources tell Yannis Koutroupis of HoopsWorld. Pritchard was apparently the catalyst behind the George Hill and Leandro Barbosa trades.
- It appears that the Pistons will have two workouts for big men, according to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com (via Twitter). The first workout will take place on Tuesday with top names like Arnett Moultrie and some less-heralded prospects like Kyle O'Quinn of Norfolk State.
- Alabama's JaMychal Green has been improving his draft stock in recent weeks, writes Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. Green was a top-20 player coming out of high school but didn't quite play up to his potential in college.
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