Indiana Pacers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Prospect Profile: Will Barton

June 6th, 2012 at 4:30pm CST by Chuck Myron

Will Barton does not lack confidence. The University of Memphis swingman currently sits 38th on the DraftExpress.com prospect listing, but he recently told Lang Greene of HoopsWorld he believes he's the best wing player in the draft.

"If you look at stats across the board, I’m talking about every stat, every stat and you compare me to every shooting guard or even a small forward if you want to say," Barton said. "All the wings no matter which guys you choose, Kentucky, North Carolina, Washington, all those guys, I was clear cut better at every stat. Not one, not two, but every stat. Averaged the most assists, averaged the most points, averaged the most rebounds and we were winning."

If we assume by Barton's comments that he's referring to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky, Harrison Barnes of North Carolina and Terrence Ross of Washington, he's correct; Barton's per game averages from this past season of 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, as well as his 50.9% field goal percentage, are better in each category than those three players he seems to point out. They're also better than the numbers of Bradley Beal, currently No. 5 on the DraftExpress.com list. Conference USA didn't exactly provide stellar competition, ranking ninth in conference RPI according to CBSSports.com, but the league rated ahead of the Pac-12, which produced Ross, and Memphis had the 20th best strength of schedule.

The primary reason Barton's stats are downgraded is probably because the Tigers were so dependent upon him, as he was the team's leading scorer and rebounder by wide margins. Chad Ford's player evaluation on ESPN.com criticizes Barton's shot selection and streak shooting, but his 50.9% shooting seems to address that. Earlier this season, Walker Beeken of DraftExpress.com applauded Barton's improved shot selection, noting his increased willingness to attack the basket. Barton shot 34.6% from the college three-point line this year, a concern as he adjusts to the longer NBA distance, but less than a third of his shot attempts this season came from behind the arc.

A common knock on the 6'6", 175-pound Barton is his lack of strength, but that's an issue that an NBA-level weight training program can help address. He may not be able to rebound at nearly the rate he did in college even if he does bulk up, given his height, but he seems to have plenty of other attributes to make up for that. Don't be surprised if a team drafting at the end of the first round that could use a shooting guard, like the Cavs or the Pacers, scoops Barton up. It may be seen as a reach at the time, but it could wind up looking like a steal.

—–

McMillan, Shaw Vying For Magic Coaching Job

June 2nd, 2012 at 4:35pm CST by Chuck Myron

4:35pm: Brian Shaw is waiting to hear from the Magic as the Bobcats are out of the picture for him, tweets Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. Schmitz also tweets a quote from a league source who believes Shaw is the only coach capable of reaching Dwight Howard.

Odds & Ends: Pacers, Lakers, T’Wolves, Howard

May 31st, 2012 at 9:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Pacers president Larry Bird has yet to decide whether he will return to the club next season but he is apparently open to staying on if he and owner Herb Simon are on the same page. Today, Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star writes that Bird's conversation with Simon will center around the owner's willingness to spend on payroll. Predictably, point guard Deron Williams would be Bird's top target if Simon is willing to open up his wallet, but landing him would appear to be a longshot. Here's more from around the league..

Amick On Bobcats, Sloan, Magic, Walsh, Blazers

May 31st, 2012 at 8:07pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier this evening, we learned that former Lakers and Bulls coach Phil Jackson was approached with an offer from the Magic to join their front office. The basketball legend was reportedly considering the offer right up until this afternoon, when he informed Orlando that he would instead be taking another opportunity. As we anxiously await to see where the Zen Master lands, here's a look at the latest from Sam Amick of SportsIllustrated.com on other possibilities for the Magic and other news..

Pacers Notes: Bird, Gordon, Shaw, Hill

May 30th, 2012 at 12:30pm CST by Luke Adams

Since early 2012, numerous reports have surfaced suggesting Pacers president Larry Bird will step down from his position at season's end. However, based on comments made by Bird today, it sounds like the Executive of the Year is open to staying put as long as he and owner Herb Simon are on the same page, according to Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star. Here's what Bird had to say, along with a few other Pacers updates….

Blazers Moving Closer To GM Decision

May 30th, 2012 at 11:28am CST by Luke Adams

WEDNESDAY, 11:28am: Paul Allen has interviewed four GM candidates in person and is currently conducting reference checks, the Blazers owner tweeted this morning. While earlier reports suggested Portland had narrowed its search to three finalists, it appears both DiLeo and Olshey are still in the running along with Bower and Morway, assuming those are the four interviewees to whom Allen is referring.

Pacers Notes: Bird, Vogel

May 29th, 2012 at 7:45pm CST by Michael Pina

It's been a little over one week since the Heat eliminated the Pacers from the playoffs, but this rising team remains in the news. Here are a few recent items relating to the team.

Pacers head coach Frank Vogel believes the success his team had this season is only the beginning of what they'll eventually accomplish, according to The Indianapolis Star's Mike Wells. "I feel like we have more room for growth than any team that's competing for a championship right now. We're excited to get back to work at some point here soon and build on what we started," Vogel said.
Hoopsworld.com's Joel Brigham writes about where the Pacers are headed as a team, now that they've started to make a little noise.
Larry Bird will hold a press conference tomorrow at 11 AM EST to discuss this year's team, and where they're going in the future.

Categories:
Indiana Pacers

Latest On Magic GM Search

May 28th, 2012 at 11:35am CST by Luke Adams

As the Magic's search for a general manager continues, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld examines the potential candidates and shares what he's hearing on Orlando's plans. Here are some of the highlights:

Donnie Walsh may not be interested in the Magic job, and could be waiting to see if Larry Bird retires and opens up a position in the Pacers' front office.
The Pacers' current GM, David Morway, might prefer to remain in Indiana and finish what he started with the team. There's a chance Morway could be promoted to team president if Bird leaves, though his contract expires in July, so he's taking interviews and has some interest in the Magic job.
Kevin Pritchard is interested in the Magic opening, but not to the point where he's going to beg for the job, so if Orlando wants him, the team will need to move quickly.
The Magic are interested in grooming Adonal Foyle for the GM job, but his presence could make some potential candidates shy away from the position.
Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey may be Orlando's top choice, though Kyler isn't sure he'll leave San Antonio (Twitter link).
Kyler also identifies Tommy Sheppard of the Wizards, Sam Hinkie of the Rockets, Larry Harris of the Warriors, and David Griffin of the Cavs as other executives the Magic should be targeting.

Odds & Ends: Bird, Dwight, Kerr, Shaw

May 26th, 2012 at 6:30pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Tonight's matchup features a Celtics team with an experienced and playoff-tested core against a mostly young 76ers team looking further build a foundation of playoff success. This also may be the final page of a great chapter in Celtics history if Boston loses tonight, as the futures of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will be question marks this upcoming offseason. With less an hour away from tip-off in the third Game Seven of this year's playoffs, here's what we've heard from around the league:

According to a series of tweets by Mike Wells of the Indianapolis star, Pacers owner Herb Simon hopes that Larry Bird will continue to work with the franchise in some capacity if Bird decides to step down as president, and that no meeting has been arranged between the two yet.
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel believes that Dwight Howard must align himself with a winning team in order to repair his tarnished image and should therefore expand his list of preferred trade destinations. Also, Schmitz briefly discusses the idea of Steve Kerr and Brian Shaw joining the Magic as GM and head coach respectively. When recently asked about the GM vacancy, Kerr asserted that he is currently happy with his job as a TNT analyst, although the Magic are expected to still make inquiries. Shaw would accept the head coaching opportunity in a heartbeat, according to Schmitz.
Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld presents a list of this year's top-shooting free agents. Ray Allen, Jason Terry, Steve Novak, and Randy Foye were listed as some of the top unrestricted free agents who displayed solid three-point shooting percentages along with a high volume of attempts this year.
Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press writes that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is confident in the team's chances to make the playoffs next season. Taylor also said that the team is "going to try" the free agent market.

Money Time: Upcoming Free Agents In The Playoffs

May 26th, 2012 at 1:57pm CST by Chuck Myron

It's time for another look at soon-to-be free agents and their playoff performances as we put a bow on the conference semifinals with the Sixers-Celtics Game 7 tonight. You can find previous Money Time posts by clicking on the tag at the bottom of this entry or by clicking here.

Winners

Danny Green, Spurs (restricted): Last year's D-League refugee doesn't have to worry about NBA job security anymore, especially after what he's done this postseason. In San Antonio's four-game sweep of the Clippers, Green delivered on 11 of 19 three-point attempts , shot 56.3% overall, and was fourth on the team in scoring at 12.3 points per game.

Boris Diaw, Spurs: He's fit so seamlessly with the Spurs that GM R.C. Buford may regret signing Diaw to just a rest-of-the-season deal when he was bought out by the Bobcats. Diaw took over the starting power forward spot next to center Tim Duncan shortly before the playoffs, and really turned it on against the Clippers, averaging 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He had 12 rebounds in Game 1, and shot 7-for-7 for 16 points in Game 2.

Lavoy Allen, Sixers (restricted): He's forgiving about his preseason ranking as the worst player in the NBA by ESPN.com, and he didn't get down when he was benched after starting Game 1 against the Bulls. Allen has instead turned into one of the most important figures for the Sixers in their series against the Celtics, shooting 62.9% from the floor and averaging 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 23.5 minutes a game against Boston. He has a chance to make an even more profound impression with a strong performance in Game 7 tonight.

Losers

Kenyon Martin, Clippers: We'll circle back to catch up with one of the many Clippers done in by the Spurs. He averaged 1.5 blocks, but brought down fewer than three rebounds per game in that series, disconcerting for a big man even though he played just 16 MPG. He was nonexistant on offense, shooting just 40% and averaging 4.0 PPG.

Spencer Hawes, Sixers: We had him listed as a winner in a previous installment of Money Time, but he has not carried his encouraging play against the Bulls over to the second-round series with the Celtics. He's the team's eighth leading scorer, at 8.0 PPG, in the series, and has averaged just 24.3 minutes of court time. The Celtics are a poor rebounding team, but the 7'0", 245-pound Hawes is putting up just 5.5 RPG against them.

Leandro Barbosa, Pacers: The Pacers looked to him to spark the team's offense as a reserve, but Barbosa, a double-figure scorer for six of the last seven regular seasons, couldn't get it done. He shot 31.8% against the Heat, and the career 82.3% free-throw shooter went just 3-for-6 at the line. His 6'3", 176-pound frame made him a liability at shooting guard when he was defending Dwyane Wade, and as a 29-year-old who has long used his speed to his advantage, Barbosa's prospects look dim going forward.