In his exit interview with the Knicks, J.R. Smith was told by his coach that the number one thing he needed to work on was his mid-range game. According to Newsday's Al Iannazzone, the guard still doesn't know if that improved part of his offensive attack will take place in New York.
With just over three weeks remaining until draft day, ESPN.com's Fran Fraschilla (Insider link) identifies five prospects he feels are undervalued: Terrence Ross, Jared Cunningham, Andrew Nicholson, Royce White, and Moe Harkless. With a number of workouts, interviews, and trades still to come, there's plenty of time for players' stocks to fluctuate dramatically in the coming weeks, so there's no guarantee those five players will stay undervalued for long. As we count down the days until June 28th, let's check in on a few of today's other draft updates….
The Southwest Division champion Spurs resume their series vs. the Thunder tonight, looking to hold serve at home in San Antonio. As ESPN.com's John Hollinger writes, the Spurs are very familiar with this situation, having entered a Game 5 with the series tied nine times already in the Tim Duncan era. Hollinger wonders what adjustments Gregg Popovich will make tonight, speculating that the team's changes could involve the use of Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner. Here are a few more Monday updates out of the Southwest….
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Sunday night:
- John Reid of the Times-Picayune writes that new Hornets owner Tom Benson's impact is already being felt, as Saints fans are opting to buy season tickets.
- Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, currently recovering from hip surgery that has his Team USA availability in jeopardy, tweets that he's fine after being hospitalized earlier this week for a blood virus.
- Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico tweets that in addition to Steve Nash and Jason Kidd (both of whom the Bulls are said to be targeting), Nick Young and Carlos Delfino could be on Chicago's radar as well.
- Newsday's Al Iannazzone reports that Dwyane Wade expects Knicks center Tyson Chandler to start for the U.S. Olympic team this summer. Dwight Howard had been expected to start until back surgery ended his hopes of playing in London.
With the eighth, 37th, and 56th selections in this upcoming NBA Draft, the Raptors could potentially draft three rookies in addition to bringing last year's draft pick, Jonas Valanciunas, into the fold for next season. Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld spoke with GM Bryan Colangelo, who is looking to explore multiple scenarios with his second round picks. Colangelo admits that bringing in three rookies may not be the best scenario, and that he will consider packaging picks in order to move up the draft board or possibly make a second round selection with the intention of developing that prospect in Europe for a few years. Here's more of what we're hearing from around the league this evening, including an update of the Bobcats head coaching search.
The Spurs are two wins away from the NBA Finals. The Mavs are courting Deron Williams in an attempt to get back into championship contention. The Rockets want to make a splash by going after a star player this summer. The Grizzlies have been a playoff team for two years in a row. The Hornets have the No. 1 and the No. 10 picks in the draft. The Southwest Division could be the league's toughest next season, particularly if the Hornets can re-sign Eric Gordon. Here's what's happening around the Southwest now.
French guard Nando De Colo is ready to join the Spurs as his contract with Spanish team Valencia BC is up at the end of the month, according to a report from Encestando passed along by Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News. The 25-year-old combo guard was the taken by the Spurs with the 53rd pick in the 2009 draft and will play for the French team with current Spurs Tony Parker and Boris Diaw next month. More links from around the web..
Yesterday we heard that Eric Gordon would test free agency despite the Hornets winning the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. Gordon was back at it today, reiterating to John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayne his intentions to listen to offers once he is a restricted free agent on July 1.
Gordon did express some excitement about Davis, comparing his ability to catch lobs to his former teammate Blake Griffin. Gordon added, "I will still be open with my free agency to hear other opportunities. But like I said before, New Orleans has a very bright future to be a championship-caliber team soon."
With the Celtics up big in Boston, here are a few other notes from around the NBA:
With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee, and Andrew Bogut penciled into their 2012/13 starting lineup, the Warriors seem to be prioritizing a small forward to fill out their starting lineup this offseason. However, Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com argues that the Warriors have bigger needs to address. According to Steinmetz, Richard Jefferson and Dorell Wright are capable of handling the three spot, and Golden State should prioritize the acquisition of a point guard and a big body up front before pursuing a small forward.
Here are a few more Friday afternoon notes, including updates on a Celtics veteran, a former Blazer, and trade possibilities for the Sixers….
Following the Hornets' lottery win, ESPN.com's Chad Ford published his newest mock draft, which includes a handful of interesting scenarios, including Dion Waiters jumping to eighth overall and Austin Rivers slipping to 18th. With less than four weeks until draft day, Ford continues to talk to sources and visit workouts to get a better sense of how things will play out on June 28th. His latest draft blog (Insider link) explores potential options for the top 10 picks and is chock-full of interesting tidbits. Let's round up some of the highlights….