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Poll: Who Was The Biggest All-Star Snub?

By Eddie Scarito | at February 1, 2014 7:42 pm

With the NBA All-Stars being announced recently, it opens up the inevitable discussion as to who was left off the squad. Every year a number of deserving players don’t make the cut. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of too much talent in their conference at a particular position. But other times, there can be some real shocks. Veteran players will sometimes get the nod over rookies, just as more established stars, or All-Star game regulars, will sometimes get picked over new blood.

Everyone has a player they believe should have made the cut. Let’s take a look at eight players that didn’t make the team:

Kyle Lowry (Raptors): He’s averaging 16.8 PPG and 7.6 APG, and the Raptors are leading the Atlantic Division with a 25-21 record, which is good for third-best in the East. It’s possible that DeMar DeRozan‘s selection may have hurt Lowry’s chances. His biggest competition for a reserve spot was Kyrie Irving, who was named to the team.Irving’s numbers are 21.6 PPG, and 6.1 APG, for a bad Cavaliers squad.
DeMarcus Cousins (Kings): Cousins ranks 10th in the NBA in scoring with an average of 22.6 PPG and is sixth in rebounding at 11.6 RPG. It’s possible that his negative reputation amongst coaches played a part in him not being selected. The argument can be made his numbers are more impressive than reserve Dirk Nowitzki, who is putting up 21.8 PPG, and 6.2 RPG.
Anthony Davis (Pelicans): Davis missed out on a Western Conference All-Star berth because he’s 20 years old and his team is not very good, writes James Herbert of SB Nation.com. Davis has put up impressive stats this season, averaging 20.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG and a league-leading 3.3 BPG. His numbers compare very favorably to reserves Nowitzki and Blake Griffin, who is averaging 23.0 PPG, and 9.7 RPG. Griffin is obviously a bigger attraction, thanks to his athleticism and dunks.
Goran Dragic (Suns): Dragic is averaging 19.7 PPG and 6.1 APG for the Suns, who are one of the NBA’s biggest surprise teams. He’s also kept the Suns in the hunt after the injury to Eric Bledsoe. His biggest competition was from reserve Tony Parker, who is averaging 18.1 PPG and 6.2 APG.
Al Jefferson (Bobcats): Jefferson is averaging 19.3 PPG and 10.5 RPG, for the eighth-seeded Bobcats. His competition came from reserve Joakim Noah, who is averaging 11.7 PPG, and 11.4 RPG, for the Bulls.
Lance Stephenson (Pacers): Joe Johnson made the team with averages of 15.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG for a bad Nets team. Stephenson plays for the team with the best record in the league, and is putting up 14.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 5.4 APG. Dwyane Wade might not play, which could possibly open up a spot for Stephenson.
Mike Conley (Grizzlies): Conley is stuck in a conference with a wealth of talent at point guard. His numbers of 18.0 PPG, and 6.3 APG are comparable to Tony Parker‘s.
Arron Afflalo (Magic): Afflalo plays for a bad team, which definitely hurt his chances. His numbers of 20.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.7 APG compare well against the previously mentioned Joe Johnson‘s.

So which of these players do you think got the rawest deal in not being named to the All-Star team? There aren’t enough spots for every worthy player, but the case can be made for a number of players on this list to be on the team over their counterparts. Sound off in the comment section below with your thoughts.

Total votes: 1,605

2 comments Hoops Rumors Polls

Poll: Who Will Be The First Pick In The Draft ?

By Eddie Scarito | at January 29, 2014 8:41 pm

The upcoming 2014 NBA Draft is being touted as one of the deepest in years. Since last year, experts have been hyping the talent level of the college prospects that will be available, and team executives have been salivating over quite a few of the projected lottery picks. Unlike last year’s draft, there are a number of players that can be a true franchise changer.

Basketball is a team sport, and one player won’t get a team a championship on his own. Just ask the Cavaliers, who made the Finals in 2006/07, but were swept by the Spurs, during what would be their only appearance during LeBron James‘ tenure with the team. Even the great Michael Jordan needed the right pieces to fall into place before he led the Bulls on their incredible run.

A draft pick is simply a building block. Making the right pick might not get your team a ring, but it can be the first step in the right direction. It’s with that thought in mind we look ahead to draft night. The draft order is still in flux, as there is still half the schedule left to play, and the ping-pong balls yet to be chosen for the lottery order. In addition, team need will play a role in what player gets the honor of being the first name new commissioner Adam Silver calls. The other factor involved is whether or not all of the projected picks will declare for the draft. Top prospects like Joel Embiid and Jabari Parker have hinted that they might stay in school another year, which would alter the draft projections greatly.

Let’s examine the possibilities for the first overall pick in the draft. You can also check out the draft boards of Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider) and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress for more information on this year’s prospects.

Joel Embiid (Kansas): Embiid is a 7’0″, 240-pound center, and is 19 years-old. He is currently averaging 11.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 2.8 BPG. He is easily the most talented big man in the draft, and in addition to being a defensive presence in the middle, he is developing an offensive game to match. He has mentioned that many of the great NBA big men have stayed in school for more than one season. So it remains to be seen if he’ll stay another year to refine his game, or declare for the draft, where he’s all but assured of being a top 3 pick.
Andrew Wiggins (Kansas): Wiggins is a 6’8″, 200 pound swingman, and is 18 years-old. He was the preseason pick for the top player in the draft, but his inconsistent play has called that into question. He’s averaging 15.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 1.6 APG. Despite Wiggins’ occasional disappearing acts, such as a three point effort against Oklahoma State, he still has a ton of raw potential.
Jabari Parker (Duke): Depending on who is asked, this 6’8″, 241-pound, small forward might be the most talented player in the draft. Parker has the potential to be a stat sheet filler, and is currently averaging 18.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 1.3 APG. Parker has also hinted that he might stay in school, not just to refine his game, but also to play alongside his friend, and incoming freshman Jahlil Okafor. There is also the possibility that Parker might go on a Mormon mission after the season. Would a team picking first overall be willing to wait a full season before having his services on the court?
Dante Exum (Australia): The son of former player Cecil Exum has made it known that he’s skipping college to enter the NBA Draft. This 6-6, 188 pound 18 year-old can play either guard spot, but scouts project him to be a star at point guard. Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider) was quoted as saying: “Exum hasn’t played basketball since December and it’s probably helping his stock right now. As scouts start to become disillusioned with the players they are seeing every night, it’s easy to pine for players like Exum who left a sweet taste in the mouth the last time they played (in Exum’s case, last summer). … Strong workouts could push him all the way to the top of this draft. But more likely, he’ll fall in the 3-5 range on draft night.” Exum averaged 18.0 PPG, and 4.0 RPG in FIBA under-19 competition.
Julius Randle (Kentucky): Randle, the 6’9″, 225 pound forward isn’t as athletic as some scouts would like. Scouts also worry how his short wingspan will translate to the pro game. He’s currently averaging 16.6 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 1.7 APG. His offensive game is well above his defensive production, which means that if he has a difficult time getting his shot off against taller defenders, his value will be diminished greatly.
Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State): If Smart would have entered last year’s draft, there is a very good chance he would have been the first overall pick. His production has been inconsistent this year, and he’s losing ground as the top point guard to Exum and Tyler Ennis. Exum because of his upside and physical tools, and Ennis because of his more consistent play. Smart is no slouch though, and is averaging 17.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 4.4 APG. Smart already has an NBA body, but is seen as a “tweener” in the backcourt. His outside shot is suspect, which would limit his value if a team wanted to move him to shooting guard.
Aaron Gordon (Arizona): Gordon is a long-shot for the number one pick, but thanks to his athleticism has quite a bit of upside and potential. He’s 6’8″, 210 pounds, and has been compared to the Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried as far as NBA potential goes. His numbers are 12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 1.6 APG.
Noah Vonleh (Indiana): Vonleh, a 6’10”, 240 pound forward, is starting to move up the draft boards. Scouts like his length, and outside shot better than Randle’s, and he is statistically a better defender. His numbers are 12.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.3 BPG.
Dario Saric (Croatia): Saric is a bit of a wildcard. The word is that a number of NBA scouts and GMs will be heading overseas once the trade deadline is passed to get a better assessment of him. He’s 6’10”, 223 pounds, and has a great outside shot. He projects as a small forward in the NBA, though he could see action as a stretch-four. His numbers in Europe are 15.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.5 APG.
Tyler Ennis (Syracuse): This freshman is shooting up the draft boards. He’s 6’2″, 180 pounds, and isn’t a spectacular athlete. His value is in how steady his play is, and his excellent basketball IQ. His numbers are 12.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 5.4 APG. He’s the starting point guard on the No. 2 ranked team in the country, which speaks volumes for his maturity. He has a 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, shoots 40 percent from 3-point range, and averages 2.5 steals a game. With the premium placed on the point guard position in the NBA, he has a chance to be off the board quickly. If he continues to produce the way he has, and leads Syracuse deep into the tournament, his stock could skyrocket.

There are the top prospects in this year’s draft. Quite a bit can change between now and draft night. A hot NCAA tournament, players staying in school, as well as potential injuries, can all impact where a player is taken. Plus, if an NBA team drafts for positional need, then the order can be altered even further. So, who do you think will end up being the first overall pick? Vote below, and don’t be shy about telling us whom you picked and why in the comments section.

Who Will Be Taken First In The Draft?

Joel Embiid 33% (434)
Jabari Parker 26% (344)
Andrew Wiggins 24% (321)
Marcus Smart 6% (74)
Dante Exum 4% (51)
Julius Randle 2% (29)
Tyler Ennis 2% (22)
Dario Saric 1% (14)
None of the above 1% (12)
Aaron Gordon 1% (10)
Noah Vonleh 0% (6)

Total votes: 1,317

0 comments 2014 NBA Draft Hoops Rumors Polls

Poll: Should Knicks Trade Carmelo Anthony?

By Eddie Scarito | at January 24, 2014 10:56 pm

It would be an understatement to say the Knicks season hasn’t gone according to plan thus far. The team sits at 16-27, which is good for third place in the weak Atlantic Division. They are also currently tied for tenth in the conference with Cleveland, and two games behind the Bobcats for the eighth and final playoff spot. Even if the Knicks have a second half surge up the standings, they would be looking at a probable first-round matchup with either the Heat or the Pacers. The Knicks chances of advancing past the opening round would appear slim, given the depth and talent of those two opponents.

So the Knicks are at a crossroads, one that is vital to the team’s long-term outlook. It was only a short time ago that the Knicks traded for Carmelo Anthony. Here was the star player that they craved so badly, and even more important, he wanted to be a Knick. The Knicks had missed out on LeBron James after clearing the dead weight from their salary cap to make a run at him, and ended up with Amar’e Stoudemire instead. That rejection definitely stung the organization. So the team tore up its roster in order to make the trade with the Nuggets. After last year’s 54-28 record, with the team, and Melo, making it past the first-round of the playoffs, big things were expected this season. But the loss of some key veteran players in the offseason, a slew of injuries, and many players not meeting expectations, has Carmelo re-evaluating if he wants to remain with the team long-term.

Anthony can opt out of his deal at the end of this season and become an unrestricted free agent. It is a given that he will do so, but what isn’t so sure anymore is him re-signing with the Knicks. They own his Bird Rights, and can offer him the most money in a new deal. But many experts believe that Melo is tired of the losing, and will seek a better situation for himself. Coach Mike Woodson disagrees with that assessment, and stated, “Melo I think is on board. I know he’s on board…He’s going to be there to the bitter end if it’s a bitter end. But right now he’s going to be there. I trust he’s going to stay there. we got to make sure everybody else is on board.” Woodson though, might not be the most reliable source, as he’s been rumored to have lost the locker room, and is firmly on the hot seat as far as his job security goes.

Anthony isn’t the reason for the Knicks woes, as he’s having a very solid season. He’s currently averaging 26.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and adding 3.1 APG to those numbers. His slash line is .438/.412/.847. He’s also logging 39.2 MPG, and not receiving much help from the rest of the roster. He also just broke Bernard King‘s team single-game scoring record, dropping 62 on the Bobcats tonight. This total also eclipsed Kobe Bryant for the Madison Square Garden scoring record, which was previously 61.

So the big question is: Should the Knicks trade Carmelo Anthony? If he leaves after the season, the team gets nothing in return. This would not only set the franchise back in terms of on-court talent. It would also make the trade for him seem like a terrible deal in retrospect. The other factor to consider is if Anthony is worth re-signing to what is sure to be a max contract. He turns 30 this May, and has quite a bit of mileage on him. He’s never proven that he’s capable of leading a team on his own to a title, and the Knicks would be paying max dollars for his declining years. Re-signing Anthony would severely limit the other moves the team could make, and possibly prevent them from acquiring the pieces he would need around him to win. He wants to play with another star or two, and his salary would make it difficult for the team to accommodate that wish.

So the Knicks could decide to cut their losses and try to jump start their rebuilding process. That could be easier said than done, however. The first obstacle they will face will be finding a team that can take on his $21,388,953 salary. The Knicks would have to take back a large contract or two to make the trade work. They could trade for an expiring contract, but unless the deal was sweetened with a young player they could add to their core, or they receive a first-round draft pick, they wouldn’t gain anything by trading him. Teams may balk at that price for a player who could end up a half-season rental.

The second major issue would be finding a team that Melo would be willing to re-sign with. The Clippers, Lakers, and Bulls might fit that need. There were rumors about the Clippers having internal discussions about trading Blake Griffin for Melo, but the team dismissed them as false. The Clippers might not want to disrupt their roster in the middle of the season. They also might figure they could try and sign Anthony after the season, and not have to surrender any assets now. The Lakers don’t have much to offer outside Pau Gasol‘s expiring contract, and the Bulls could offer Carlos Boozer and another player. Neither of those last two scenarios would improve the Knicks fortunes.

It’s time for you to play general manager. After examining the situation, what would you do? Would you hold out hope that Melo will stay, either because the Knicks can offer the largest contract, or out of loyalty? Or would you try and find a taker, and hope that you could get something useful for your star? Vote below, and feel free to comment on why you made that particular choice.

Should the Knicks Trade Melo?

Yes 70% (941)
No 30% (398)

Total votes: 1,339

0 comments Hoops Rumors Polls New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony

Poll: Will Knicks Keep Woodson After 2013/14?

By Ryan Raroque | at January 23, 2014 10:07 pm

Since the 1946/47 season, the Knicks have topped the 50-win mark 13 times. Last year, Mike Woodson led New York to 54 wins, joining Jeff Van Gundy, Pat Riley, Rick Pitino, and Red Holzman as the only five head coaches in Knicks history to accomplish such a feat. The 2013/14 season offers nothing but a stark contrast in comparison to last season’s success, as Woodson’s club stands 15-27 and would have to go 35 and 5 over the remaining 40 games in order to reach 50 wins again.

Earlier in December, after a nine-game losing streak sent the Knicks to a 3-13 record over the first 16 games, Carmelo Anthony publicly admitted that he, along with a few other teammates, became worried about Woodson’s job security (Ian Begley of ESPN New York):

“Yeah, we’re worried about (Woodson’s job). But then again, we’ve got to worry about playing basketball…We can’t worry about the speculation that’s going on outside this building and we shouldn’t…And as a leader of this team, I’ll try my best not to allow that.”

Although a 6-1 record over the new year’s first seven games briefly brought the Knicks into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, the team’s recent five-game losing streak erased most, if not all of that momentum. It’s also worth noting that Anthony and co-captain Tyson Chandler publicly made comments about lack of adjustments and being “out-schemed” respectively in recent losses to the Pacers and Nets (Marc Berman of the New York Post). Though Chandler would later insist that his comments weren’t a knock on Woodson, Anthony told Ian Begley of ESPN New York: “…whatever’s happening is going to happen and it’s out of my hands and it will get dealt with.”

Whether or not those comments allude to Woodson’s job security can be left to interpretation, though it doesn’t seem that the team’s current situation is any better than it was when Anthony had been worried about the Knicks head coach in early December. With the possibility that the Knicks star exercises an early termination option this summer, it can’t be too far-fetched to wonder if New York would consider severing ties with Woodson if it meant helping their chances at retaining Anthony, especially if the Knicks missed the playoffs or suffered an embarrassing playoff exit. What are your thoughts? At this rate, do you think Mike Woodson will be retained beyond this season?

Will The Knicks Keep Mike Woodson Beyond 2013/14?

No 79% (555)
It depends on how they finish the season. 17% (122)
Yes 4% (26)

Total votes: 703

1 comment Hoops Rumors Polls New York Knicks Uncategorized Mike Woodson

Poll: Which Hawk Is Most Likely To Be Traded?

By Cray Allred | at January 22, 2014 11:19 pm

The Hawks currently sit at 22-19, good for the third seed in the East. That seeding could hold up, but they are far from secure as a playoff team. Al Horford is gone for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, and the Hawks are only five games away from the nearest non-playoff team at the moment.

The Hawks own the better pick between theirs and the Nets for this upcoming draft, with the worse of the two picks heading to the Celtics. The Nets have been turning things around of late, and that pick (obtained through the Joe Johnson trade) is looking less like a lock for the lottery with every Brooklyn win. The Hawks very well could stay afloat in the dreadful Eastern Conference and gain playoff experience for a fairly young roster, with a chance to advance against atypically weak playoff competition in the East. If they slip, though, it could become tempting to unload some talent to a contender in exchange for assets and a better shot at a premium pick for this year’s hyped draft.

Some players worth a look:

Paul Millsap: Millsap is working on one of the most tradable contracts in the league, with a modest $9.5MM cap hit each season of a short two-year deal, for a highly productive 28-year-old big man.
Jeff Teague: After expressing a desire to leave the Hawks after an extended restricted free agency, the Hawks wound up matching the Bucks’ offer sheet to secure the point guard for $32MM over four years. The Hawks are developing rookie point guard Dennis Schröder, and former Sixth Man of the Year, Louis Williams, is playing his way back from an ACL injury as a point/shooting guard combo.
Kyle Korver: Korver’s contract also stretches over four years, but the cap hit shrinks incrementally from $6.8MM this year to, eventually, $5.2 in the final year. Korver is a historically good three-point shooter, and there are usually contenders in the hunt for a scoring rotation piece as the season progresses.
Al Horford: Horford has three years and $36MM left on his contract, and is sitting out this year due to the aforementioned pectoral injury. The Hawks had also turned away all trade proposals for the center at last report.

What do you think? Will the Hawks make any significant moves before the trade deadline, or hang on to their current foundation?

Which Hawk Is Most Likely To Be Traded?

No one; they'll stand pat. 48% (745)
Paul Millsap 21% (328)
Jeff Teague 16% (256)
Kyle Korver 10% (162)
Al Horford 5% (77)

Total votes: 1,568

1 comment Atlanta Hawks Hoops Rumors Polls

Poll: Which Piston Is Most Likely To Be Traded?

By Eddie Scarito | at January 19, 2014 9:45 pm

This wasn’t the result that Joe Dumars had hoped for when he signed Josh Smith to a four-year, $54MM contract, and Brandon Jennings to a three-year, $24MM contract, last summer. The Pistons currently have a record of 17-23, are third in the Central Division, and are tied with the Nets for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. If they hold that seed and make it to the playoffs, they have a first-round meeting with either the Heat, or the Pacers to look forward to. That doesn’t bode well for a deep playoff run.

With the rest of the league trending towards smaller lineups, the Pistons went against the grain with their front court pairing of Andre Drummond (6-10), Greg Monroe (6-11), and Smith (6-9). Josh Smith’s shot selection has come under fire, and Jennings is more of a scorer at the point, than a true facilitator. Currently, the Pistons average 99.4 PPG, good for 20th in the league, while giving up 102.6 PPG, which ranks them 25th overall. The larger front court hasn’t translated into the defensive presence they had hoped for. The Pistons do average 45.1 RPG, which is good for 7th overall.

With the trade deadline less than five weeks away, and the on court results not what they hoped for, the Pistons are expected to be very active on the trade front. Some NBA insiders think the team should take a run at Rajon Rondo, if the Celtics change their minds and make him available. Detroit has a number of assets that may be of value to other teams. Here’s a quick breakdown of the four main players that they could try and use to change their make-up:

Josh Smith, 28 years-old, is playing out of position at small forward, and would be better suited to play power forward. Smith is in the first year of a 4 year, $54MM deal. He’s averaging 15.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.3 APG. His slash line is: .406/.423/.592.
Greg Monroe, 23 years-old, earning $4,086,454 MM, and set to become a restricted free agent after the season. Monroe is averaging 14.4 PPG, and 8.8 RPG. His slash line is: .503/.000/.632.
Andre Drummond is only 20 years-old, earning $2,462,400 MM this year, and set to make $2,568,360 MM next season. He also has a team option for 2015-2016, of $3,272,091 MM. Drummond’s numbers are: 12.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 1.8 BPG. His slash line is: .601/.000/.379.
Brandon Jennings, 24 years-old, and just signed to a 3 year, $24 MM deal. He’s the team’s leading scorer at 16.4 PPG, and also leads them in assists, with 8.4 APG. His slash line is: .374/.340/.781.

The Pistons can choose to stand pat, but could find themselves in a similar position next season. In addition, Monroe can leave as a restricted free agent, with the team getting nothing in return. So the Pistons have some difficult decisions to make. They could trade Monroe, and hope to get an impact player, or a first-round draft choice in return, though teams might be hesitant to deal a pick for a player they could lose after the year. Dumars could admit that signing Smith was a mistake, and attempt to deal him to a team that can let him return to his natural position, but that contract will be difficult to move. They could try and trade Jennings, similar to what they did with Brandon Knight, and attempt to upgrade at the point. Jennings’ contract isn’t unmovable, and as a young player under team control for two more years, he has value. The least likely to be moved would seem to be Drummond, who is under contract at a reasonable salary for two more seasons.

The Pistons also have other assets they could use to sweeten any potential deal. They could have a decent first-round selection this year, if they fail to make the playoffs. The Pistons keep their pick if they land in the first eight picks. If they make the playoffs, or if the pick falls between say, 9-14, then the pick goes to the Bobcats. They also have Rodney Stuckey, who is making $8.5 MM in the final year of his deal, as well as Charlie Villanueva‘s expiring $8.58 MM deal. So, let us know which of the four starters mentioned you think is most likely to leave Detroit by the February 20th trade deadline, and fill us in on your choice in the comments.

Which Piston Is Most Likely To Be Traded?

Greg Monroe 52% (720)
Josh Smith 20% (276)
None of the above. They all stay. 15% (202)
Brandon Jennings 8% (107)
Andre Drummond 5% (72)

Total votes: 1,377

Poll: Which Sixer Is Likeliest To Be Traded?

By Chuck Myron | at January 17, 2014 5:00 pm

The Sixers are clearly in rebuilding mode, with a bargain payroll and just four players making more than $3.2MM this season. One of them is Jason Richardson, who’s been out all year with injury. Philadelphia would surely like to find a taker for his albatross of a contract, but most of the trade talk around the team this season has focused on the other three: Spencer Hawes, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young.

GM Sam Hinkie is reportedly prioritizing the addition of first-round picks as he scours the market, and apparently he won’t take on a “lesser player” unless the Sixers receive such draft considerations in return. Those sorts of constraints might make it more difficult to pull off a deal, but the consensus around the league seems to indicate that Philadelphia will make a move. The Sixers have begun to more aggressively engage other teams in conversations about Young, according to Grantland’s Zach Lowe, who adds that most executives think it’s a “lock” that Hinkie will try to trade Turner. There’s been less talk about Hawes, but when the Rockets were shopping Omer Asik, they appeared to make Hawes, and not Turner or Young, their primary target.

Hawes will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, while Turner’s free agency this summer will be restricted. Young is under contract through 2015/16, as I noted when I examined his trade candidacy earlier this week. Each plays a different position with a different skill set, offering the Sixers, and other teams, an array of choices. So, let us know which of the three you think is most likely to leave Philly by the February 20th trade deadline, and elaborate on your choice in the comments.

Which Sixer Is Most Likely To Be Traded?

Evan Turner 40% (462)
Thaddeus Young 35% (397)
Spencer Hawes 18% (203)
None of the above. They're all staying put. 7% (84)

Total votes: 1,146

3 comments Hoops Rumors Polls Philadelphia 76ers Evan Turner Spencer Hawes Thaddeus Young

Poll: Where Will Andrew Bynum Sign?

By Cray Allred | at January 14, 2014 8:18 pm

Last Tuesday, Andrew Bynum was released by the Bulls on the other side of the trade that sent Luol Deng to the Cavs. While there has been buzz around many potential suitors, he still remains unsigned days after clearing waivers. The 26-year-old 7-footer had worked his way back to playing 20 MPG after losing all of last season to chronic knee injuries. The big man was reportedly prepared to be choosy with where he signed, wanting the best combination of playing status, contending opportunity, and salary available.

However, in recent days Bynum’s choices have been dwindling. Interest from the Heat and Clippers has waned. The Mavericks, who pursued Bynum as a free agent last summer before winding up with Samuel Dalembert, now seems to be a possibility with the latest comments from owner Mark Cuban. Dallas could only offer the minimum salary exception. The Heat and Clippers are contenders that could benefit from frontcourt depth, but are also already in the luxury tax, so a Bynum signing would cost them more than his contract figure. The Clippers have gotten improved play from DeAndre Jordan this year, and the Heat already have two reclamation projects on their roster in Michael Beasley and Greg Oden. The Pacers were linked to the situation, but their presumed motivation of keeping him away from the Heat would disappear if the Heat have truly moved on. The Knicks and Nets are also tax teams, but are more desperate to establish playoff position after rocky starts to the season and a rash of injuries to their frontcourt starters. The Nets are reportedly staying away from the situation, but the Knicks have shown interest.

The short-lived stint with the Cavs was considered Bynum’s shot at proving he could stay motivated and perform at a high level in order to cash in later on a more rewarding contract. Since he didn’t make it through round one of the non-guaranteed contract window, it’s possible that there aren’t any successful franchises willing to let their team become another proving ground for him. It doesn’t make sense for most teams further down the standings to take that risk, since the short-term benefit of a half-season of solid Bynum production would worsen their odds in the vaunted upcoming draft, without any guarantee of the long-term services of Bynum should he play well.

Where do you think he ends up? If and when he’s signed, where will it be?

Where Will Andrew Bynum Sign?

He will remain unsigned through this season 26% (356)
Heat 22% (301)
Mavericks 13% (186)
Knicks 11% (146)
Nets 9% (126)
Clippers 7% (96)
Other 7% (94)
Pacers 6% (79)

Total votes: 1,384

2 comments Hoops Rumors Polls Uncategorized Andrew Bynum

Poll: Will Luol Deng Remain With Cavs?

By Chuck Myron | at January 10, 2014 9:33 pm

The Cavaliers turned their experiment with Andrew Bynum into one of the game’s top perimeter defenders this week, sending the oft-injured center and three draft picks in a trade for Luol Deng. It’s a successful deal for Cleveland, opines Jim Ingraham of The News-Herald. It will become exponentially more beneficial for the Cavs if they can convince Deng, who’s in the final year of his contract, to stay, Ingraham writes.

The Cavs and Deng’s agent, Herb Rudoy, aren’t ready to discuss an extension yet, but Rudoy said those talks will happen at some point. Deng reportedly rejected a three-year, $30MM offer from the Bulls shortly before the trade, so it’ll take more than that to keep him around. A $12-13MM range seems realistic, and Rudoy has also pointed to Andre Iguodala‘s deal with the Warriors, which has an average annual value of $12MM, as comparable to the kind of contract he feels his client deserves. Deng and Rudoy are adamant that they haven’t set the price at $15MM a year, but it looks like they might come close to that.

Cleveland, by rule, can do whatever it takes to keep Deng, since the team has his Bird rights and can give him a deal for up to the max. The Cavs surely aren’t going that high, but the question might not revolve around exactly how much the team is willing to pay him.

Deng has been used to contending for championships in Chicago, and the Cavs are a long way from those kinds of aspirations. GM Chris Grant has promising young point guard Kyrie Irving as the linchpin of his rebuilding effort, but it will take much more to get into the title hunt. Deng could wind up as the most sought-after free agent this summer if he doesn’t sign an extension and if more prominent names like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony take themselves off the market. A team with legitimate championship hopes for next season could prove more attractive, even if they don’t offer quite as much money or years as the Cavs do.

Still, Cleveland has the built-in advantage of Deng’s Bird rights and nearly four months to make an impression. An extension isn’t out of the question, so Deng, who turns 29 this spring, might not even get to free agency.

Let us know what you think Deng will decide to do, and elaborate on your thoughts in the comments.

Will Luol Deng Remain With The Cavs Beyond This Season?

No 55% (647)
Yes 45% (534)

Total votes: 1,181

2 comments Cleveland Cavaliers Hoops Rumors Polls Luol Deng

Poll: What Should Knicks Do With J.R. Smith?

By Luke Adams | at January 9, 2014 2:56 pm

It’s been an ugly few months in New York for J.R. Smith, who has had little go right since signing a three-year, $17.95MM contract to remain with the Knicks. Smith has undergone knee surgery, seen his numbers slip across the board, and has been involved in incidents on and off the court, ranging from a suspension for a drug violation to a $50K fine for repeatedly trying to untie opponents’ shoelaces.

It came as no surprise then that a report yesterday indicated the Knicks were exploring the market for trade options involving Smith. The real question though is whether or not the club will actually be able to get anything in a trade for the 28-year-old — the general consensus suggests they won’t. Executives who spoke to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com about Smith jokingly proposed Shanghai or Erie as potential destinations for the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, while one exec said to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv that “only an idiot” would trade for him.

Of course, it’s very possible that the Knicks know all this already. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports indicated that the club understands there’s no market for Smith and that leaking word of the supposed trade talks represents an attempt to scare him straight.

As we’ve seen demonstrated over and over again, no NBA contract is untradable, and Smith’s salary is modest enough that I think the Knicks could find a taker. The team would likely have to take on a worse contract or throw in a sweetener to get a rotation player in any deal, but it probably could be done. Still, Smith is just a few months removed from finishing the 2012/13 season with 18.1 PPG and a 17.6 PER. It may make more sense for the Knicks to hang on to him in the hopes that he can approach that form again, rather than moving him for pennies on the dollar.

What do you think? What’s the Knicks’ best course of action for dealing with Smith?

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