Pacers-Heat Notes: Gordon, Granger, Wade, Riley
There's been no shortage of drama in the Heat-Pacers series, and the leadup to this afternoon's pivotal Game 4 has been no exception. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that Juwan Howard and Lance Stephenson, who directed a choking gesture at LeBron James during Game 3, had a verbal altercation 90 minutes prior to tipoff, the latest chapter in a history of animosity between the two. With Erik Spoelstra going to his fourth staring lineup in four games this series, let's check in on the rumors surrounding these playoff combatants:
- Bob Finnan of The News-Herald believes Hornets restricted free agent Eric Gordon, thought to be a Pacers target, might not get a max deal because of the knee problems he's dealt with the past two seasons. Finnan could see the Hornets and Pacers working out a sign-and-trade with Danny Granger headed to New Orleans, Gordon going to Indiana and Pacers shooting guard Paul George shifting to small forward.
- HoopsWorld's Stephen Litel argues that the Heat should try to trade Dwyane Wade if the team fails to come back to win the series.
- Shaun Powell of NBA.com says team president Pat Riley failed to stock the roster with competent role players, and that's one of the reasons Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may lose his job if he doesn't deliver a title.
Odds & Ends: Raptors, Gay, Bulls, Hibbert, Draft
Links from around the Association as the Thunder and Lakers do battle at the Staples Center…
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld looks at possible draft day trades for the Raptors. Possible targets include Rudy Gay of the Grizzlies and Luol Deng of the Bulls should they choose to restructure their roster in anticipation of Derrick Rose's return in 2013.
- You might think that a player in his contract year would be focused on building up his stats, but Pacers center Roy Hibbert isn't overly concerned with that, writes Conrad Brunner of Pacers.com.
- Matt Moore of CBSSports.com hosts a roundtable to ask if the Western Conference is still the stronger of the two.
- HoopsWorld compiled the complete history of every draft pick from No.1 all the way to No. 60.
Money Time: Upcoming Free Agents In The Playoffs
With another week of the playoffs in the books, let's check again on how soon-to-be free agents are faring in the postseason. You can catch up on the first and second installments by clicking the links. A number of players on expiring contracts are putting up impressive performances in the second round, but with size always a premium in the NBA, let's focus on three big men who are getting it done:
Winners
Kevin Garnett, Celtics: Garnett turns 36 today, but he's not atop this list because it's his birthday. It's hard to overlook his 3-for-12, nine-point, seven-turnover outing in the Celtics collapse against the Sixers last night, but Garnett's playoff renaissance has been one of the most compelling stories of the past few weeks. His 192 total points in 10 playoff games is more than anyone except Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and teammate Paul Pierce. Garnett's scoring (19.2) and rebounding (11.0) averages are his best in the playoffs since the Celtics' run to the title in 2008. He's protecting the basket, too, averaging 1.8 blocks per game. That's a figure he only exceeded once in the regular season, during his MVP year in 2003/04.
Tim Duncan, Spurs: A few weeks after his 36th birthday, Duncan can't believe how healthy he feels, and that's certainly been reflected in his play. He's led in his team in scoring with 22.0 PPG in two wins over the Clippers, while also averaging 7.5 rebounds, two steals and a block during the series. His 53% shooting for the postseason as a whole is the third-best percentage he's ever had in the playoffs, and his 25.4 PER is the fifth best of anyone on any playoff team this year. It's hard to imagine him leaving the Spurs, but he's probably earned a few extra dollars and another year or two on his next contract with his throwback performance.
Roy Hibbert, Pacers (restricted): He has exploited the Heat's weakness inside to the tune of 14.7 PPG and 13.3 RPG in three games against Miami, with three blocks a night to boot. He's pulled down 14 offensive rebounds in the series so far, and forced Miami coach Erik Spoelstra to start little-used Dexter Pittman in a vain attempt to match up with Hibbert's 7-foot-2, 278-pound size. For the playoffs as a whole, he's averaging 12.4 PPG and 11.8 RPG, and at age 25, he might be the No. 1 center on the free agent market this summer.
Losers
Ray Allen, Celtics: His 1-for-7 performance in Boston's closeout victory over the Hawks in the first round has carried over to the series against the Sixers. Allen is averaging only 9.3 points per game against Philadelphia on 29.4% shooting from behind the arc. That's not much of an improvement over his 27.8% three-point accuracy against the Hawks. Odder still is his 60% postseason free-throw shooting. He says his right ankle feels all right, but you have to wonder.
Matt Barnes, Lakers: His appearance on this list has a lot to do with Metta World Peace's return from suspension, but it never helps a free agent's case to become a forgotten man. He's played just 41 minutes so far against the Thunder, taken just seven shots, pulled down four rebounds and has more turnovers (four) than steals (three). The red flags will be flying especially high if he doesn't get much time tonight, with the Lakers playing a rare playoff back-t0-back.
Reggie Evans, Clippers: Evans, too, has seen his minutes cut drastically in the second round, but in his case there's not a clear reason why. Foul trouble might be to blame for his paltry eight minutes in Game 1, but he picked up just one foul as coach Vinny Del Negro went to him for just 11 minutes in Game 2, and his lack of playing time has contributed to an 82-66 advantage for San Antonio on the boards. Evans has seven rebounds in the series so far after bettering that total in six of the seven games against Memphis.
Roy Hibbert Talks Free Agency, Olympics, Duncan
Roy Hibbert played the best postseason game of his four-year career last night in Indiana, putting up 19 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocked shots, as the Pacers cruised to a Game Three win over the Heat. The young center is facing restricted free agency this offseason, and talked about that topic, among others, with Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida. Here are a few highlights:
On the possibility of returning to the Pacers in free agency:
"I love Indiana. They took a chance on me when they traded Jermaine O'Neal and a couple of other guys to get me with the 17th pick. This is the place that I feel I'm very loyal to."
On why he slipped to 17th overall in the 2008 draft:
"I always thought I was overlooked because I was a four-year guy [at Georgetown]. My whole motto was work, work, work, and fortunately for me it paid off… I may have slipped in the draft but I'm having the last laugh now."
On the possibility of playing for Team USA after having played for Team Jamaica in previous international competition:
"They had a rule that we didn't know about when I played with Team Jamaica that I can't play for Team USA again. We had international lawyers looking at it and they say it's very doubtful… If I knew that two years ago, I wouldn't have played for Team Jamaica, but whoever thought Dwight Howard and LaMarcus Aldridge would be hurt at my position?"
On working on his game with Spurs forward Tim Duncan:
"More than just basketball stuff, we sat down and talked and I saw how he goes about his business and his calm demeanor. He doesn't get too high or get too low. So I model my game after him. He's texted me after every game. I'm appreciative, and he's somebody that looks out for me."
Odds & Ends: Kings, Batum, Bird, Ewing, Spurs
Let's keep track of some Thursday night odds and ends here as Heat-Pacers gets underway. The Clippers will look to rebound from a dissapointing game one loss later tonight in San Antonio.
- Aaron Bruski of NBC Sports writes a piece providing great detail about the unfortunate business practices of the Maloofs with regard to the NBA franchise situation in Sacramento. Bruski says the Maloofs actions could lead the NBA to force them into selling.
- The agent of Nicolas Batum will have all the leverage in negotiations with the Blazers this summer, writes John Canzano of the Oregonian. Batum will become a restricted free agent in the offseason.
- Conrad Brunner from Pacers.com extols Larry Bird in an in depth look at the Pacers' President. In light of Wednesday's announcement that Bird won the 2012 NBA Executive of the Year award, Brunner says that the former Celtic great is as discreetly brilliant as a roster builder as he was as a player and coach. He credits Bird with changing the organizational culture by drafting wisely with middle of the first round picks and carefully managing the salary cap.
- As we mentioned yesterday, Patrick Ewing interviewed for the vacant Bobcats' job today. Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer says that Ewing, a prototypical NBA big man as a player, would be a coaching rarity should be get the job.
- According to the New York Post, Charlotte owner and Ewing friend Michael Jordan did not plan to sit in on the interview. The Post adds that the Bobcats will also interview Memphis assistant Dave Joerger on Friday and have already interviewed Michael Malone, Nate Tibbetts, Mike Dunlap, Stephen Silas and has expressed interest in Brian Shaw.
- A group of ESPN.com writers offered their take on the greatness of the San Antonio Spurs. The three popular picks for the biggest reasons for the organization's success are Tim Duncan, Greg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford, with honorable mention going to Tony Parker and owner Peter Holt. Teams should look no further than San Antonio for a blueprint on how to build a team.
Larry Bird Wins Executive Of The Year
Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird has been named the 2011/12 Executive of the Year, the NBA announced today in a press release. The award makes Bird the first person in NBA history to be named Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
"This is an honor for the Indiana Pacers, not an award for Larry Bird," said Bird. "Everyone in this franchise put in a lot of work and showed a lot of patience as we have tried to get this team to a level on and off the court the fans in Indiana can be proud of. You always believe, and hope, the players you get will fit into a plan and I’m very proud of what our guys and our coaches have accomplished so far this year."
Bird and the Pacers signed David West in the offseason, and orchestrated trades for Louis Amundson and Leandro Barbosa, while maintaining cap flexibility in the long- and short-term. Indiana finished the season third in the Eastern Conference, with a 42-24 record.
R.C. Buford of the Spurs was the runner-up in voting among NBA executives, while Clippers GM Neil Olshey finished third.
Poll: Will The Heat Beat The Pacers Without Bosh?
The Heat fell to the Pacers at home Tuesday evening by the score of 78-75 with Chris Bosh sidelined due to an abdominal muscle strain. The series, now even at one game a piece, heads to Indianapolis where the Pacers went 23-10 during the regular season and are currently 2-1 during the playoffs. Bosh, 28, had been especially strong for the Heat during the first round of the playoffs where he averaged 14.7 PPG and 6.8 RPG in just over 30 minutes per contest.
Game 2 of the series between the Heat and the Pacers saw Miami's two superstars live up to their billing with a combined 52 points and 15 rebounds in the losing effort. The Heat bench failed to shoulder any of the load as five players, including Mike Miller and Shane Battier, gave the team a total of 15 points. Ronny Turiaf, inserted into the starting lineup in the wake of Bosh's injury, struggled to provide quality minutes during his brief time on the court in which he committed more fouls (four) than points scored (three).
What do you think? Can LeBron James and Dwyane Wade elevate their level of play and get increased production from the bench to overcome the absence of Bosh to beat the Pacers?
Will The Heat Beat The Pacers Without Bosh?
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No, Pacers In 6 Games 35% (195)
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Yes, Heat In 6 Games 25% (141)
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No, Pacers In 7 Games 20% (110)
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Yes, Heat In 7 Games 11% (63)
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Yes, Heat In 5 Games 6% (31)
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No, Pacers In 5 Games 3% (14)
Total votes: 554
Odds & Ends: Hibbert, Amnesty, Hawks, Draft
The final series of the second round finally gets underway tonight, when the Clippers face the Spurs in San Antonio. While we wait for that game, and the Pacers/Heat contest before it, let's round up a few odds and ends from around the NBA….
- Roy Hibbert is in line for a big payday this summer regardless of his play in the postseason, but he could earn himself an even larger contract with a big series against Miami, says Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com.
- Stephen Litel of HoopsWorld identifies a few potential amnesty candidates, including Mike Miller, Marvin Williams, and John Salmons.
- "Uncertainty reigns supreme" for the Hawks as they approach the offseason, according to a HoopsWorld report.
- Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv shares the full list of 44 prospects participating in the draft combine in New Jersey this weekend.
- Coach Mike Krzyzewski concedes that Team USA's depth has taken a big hit, and with plenty of Olympians still in action, he'll have to hope there are no more injuries, writes Billy Witz of FOX Sports.
Lawrence On Bobcats, George Hill, Joe Johnson
Yesterday, we covered a report from Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News about the Raptors' potential interest in Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin. That wasn't Lawrence's only rumor of note this weekend though. Here are a few more items of interest from the Daily News scribe:
- The Bobcats' coaching search continues with Charlotte requesting and receiving permission to speak with Grizzlies assistant David Joerger.
- According to Lawrence, George Hill turned down a $6MM-per-year extension offer from the Pacers earlier this season. Hill will be a restricted free agent this summer, and Lawrence wonders if the Spurs, his old team, will have interest.
- Expect to hear Joe Johnson's name in trade rumors this offseason, potentially with the Knicks if Mike Woodson remains the head coach, says Lawrence. Even with about $89MM and four years remaining on Johnson's contract, it's hard to imagine the Hawks trading him in a deal for Amare Stoudemire.
Odds & Ends: Blazers, Hibbert, Bulls, Farmar
Tonight we saw the 76ers and Celtics advance to the second round in a pair of closely-contested Game 6s. Here are some links from around the Association as we wait to see if the Lakers can put the Nuggets away in Denver..
- The Blazers hope to bring former first-round picks Joel Freeland and Victor Claver on to the roster for next season, writes Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.
- The Rockets could have interest in Pacers big man Roy Hibbert as he enters restricted free agency, writes Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld. However, it seems that Indiana is prepared to match any offer that isn't unreasonable.
- When asked if the Bulls should keep their core in tact this summer, Joakim Noah responded, "I'm not the GM," tweets Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com.
- Nets guard Jordan Farmar wants to be a starter and wasn't terribly happy with his role last season, tweets Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. However, it's unlikely that Farmar will decline his $4.25MM player option.
- Most agree that the Pistons' main need in the draft is another big man to pair alongside center Greg Monroe, but team president Joe Dumars says that isn't neccessarily the case, writes Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. Ellis writes that it wouldn't be a shock to see Detroit tab a shooter like North Carolina's Harrison Barnes if they don't like any of the big men on the board.
- One Western Conference exec told Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter) that there is no way that Columbus will land an NBA franchise. Earlier today, we learned that the mayor of Columbus has informed David Stern that his city is interested in adding an NBA team.