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 Chuck Myron |
at June 9, 2012 4:29 pm
The Cavs hold picks No. 4 and No. 24, but unlike other teams with two first-round draft choices, they aren't looking to trade one of them. The team seems to be zeroing in on Harrison Barnes with the fourth pick, but Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Plain Dealer says a scenario is in play that could have them leaving Barnes on the board.
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- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist probably won't be there for the Cavs at No. 4, but if the Hornets take Thomas Robinson and the Wizards go for Bradley Beal, the Kentucky small forward could be in for a reunion with high school teammate Kyrie Irving, Boyer writes. Kidd-Gilchrist, who says he wouldn't mind becoming a Cav, has been working out in Cleveland for the past month thanks to agent Rich Paul, who went to high school in the city and is close with LeBron James.
- Schmitt Boyer, in the same piece, runs down the Cavs' options with the 24th, 33rd and 34th pick, with a list including Evan Fournier, Fab Melo and Meyers Leonard.
- The joint Twitter account of Schmitt Boyer and fellow Plain Dealer scribe Jodie Valade was abuzz with a comprehensive listing of players working out for the team (All four Twitter links).
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By Zachary Links |
at June 9, 2012 3:38 pm
Even as his Celtics gear up for Game Seven tonight against the Heat, we learned yesterday that head coach Doc Rivers is still helping son Austin Rivers through the draft process. If the C's want to tab the Duke standout, they'll likely have to move up on the board. Boston currently holds the No. 21 and 22 picks in the draft. Do you have the draft on your brain despite tonight's big game as well? Don't worry, we've got you covered..
- One general manager says Quincy Miller could go in the top 10, while another executive doesn't think he's a first-rounder, reports NBA.com's Scott Howard Cooper, who says the truth is somewhere in the middle. Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com has the Baylor small forward going 22nd to the Celtics in his latest mock draft.
- The itinerary for North Carolina power forward John Henson reveals he's working out for teams picking fifth through 15th, as Susan Bible of HoopsWorld writes.
Earlier updates:
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- Mississippi State's Arnett Moultrie says that the Pistons, picking ninth, and the Hornets, at No. 10, would be the best fits for him, writes Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. When it comes to the Pistons, Moultrie believes that his game makes for a great complement to Greg Monroe.
- Ohio State center Jared Sullinger has heard a lot of criticism about his weight and conditioning, but the big man looked to be in great shape in Chicago, Ellis writes. Jim Jackson, currently working as an analyst for the Big Ten Network, believes that Sullinger's overall skill set makes up for his lack of explosive athleticism.
- Andre Drummond isn't the most PR-savvy prospect in this year's draft but the UConn product might be the best available pick at No. 5, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 8, 2012 8:42 am
Plenty of the bigger names among this year's free agent class are in their 30s, and it's that over-30 group that ESPN.com's Ric Bucher focuses on in his latest Insider piece. Bucher spoke to GMs, scouts, and personnel experts that gave him feedback on this summer's free agents, including tidbits on Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett, Jameer Nelson, and plenty more. Here are a few highlights:
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- The Suns, Blazers, and Raptors are expected to be the top suitors for Nash, with the Nets lurking as a wild card if they can't re-sign Deron Williams.
- The "prevailing wisdom" suggests that teams on the verge of playoff contention willing to overpay need not apply for Garnett. According to Bucher, KG is only interested in situations where title contention is realistic.
- One of Bucher's sources names the Jazz as a team that could make a play for Nelson.
- The Rockets could be in the mix for Andre Miller if they only retain one of Goran Dragic or Kyle Lowry.
- A source tells Bucher that Chris Kaman would "welcome the chance" to return to the Hornets and play alongside Anthony Davis.
- One source on Jason Kidd: "Hurts to say this, because I have so much respect for him, but he's run his course. This was his final chapter. He's 15 minutes a night as a backup for someone like San Antonio or Oklahoma City or maybe Brooklyn."
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By Daniel Seco |
at June 7, 2012 7:03 pm
The Hornets have enjoyed good fortune off the court this spring after struggling through the 2011/2012 season with a 21-45 record. After finding a new owner in Tom Benson, New Orleans beat the odds by winning the NBA draft lottery last week which gives the team the opportunity to rebuild its roster with the top pick come June. Let's head down to the Big Easy to catch up on the latest news and headlines surrounding the Hornets…
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- Hornets head coach Monty Williams and top prospect Anthony Davis have begun to forge a relationship as they may ultimately end up working together for years to come, writes Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports. Williams and Davis plan to eat dinner and watch the Eastern Conference Finals together on Thursday as the pair has grown close through texting. "I know they work hard every night under Coach," Davis said. "It’s a great place to play."
- John Reid of The Times Picayune says the Hornets are continuing to explore all possible options with their 10th pick as general manager Dell Demps talks with other teams about a potential trade. "Yes, we will if it makes sense,'' Demps said. "There’s been some teams that have put young guys around a top pick. Some of the other teams have put veterans around the pick. Some have been successful both ways. I think we’re just going to look at what is going to be the best for our situation.''
- While it's all but certain that Davis will be selected first overall by the Hornets, the former Kentucky star says it isn't guaranteed that New Orleans will pick him but is optimistic about his career, regardless of where he lands, reports the Associated Press (via NBA.com). "If I keep working hard, playing hard and doing what I have to do to make my team win – do what the coaches want me to do, do what the veterans want me to do – I think the sky's the limit," Davis said.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 7, 2012 3:18 pm
The Nets may be looking to find a way into the first round of this month's draft, but a number of teams are considering moving their first-rounders. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter), every club besides the Cavs that has multiple first-round picks is trying to trade one of them for a young player. The Blazers, Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Hornets all fit the bill, with two first-rounders each. Let's round up a few more of today's draft rumors….
- Teams inquiring on the 10th overall pick are being told by the Hornets that taking on a contract like Emeka Okafor's or Trevor Ariza's won't be enough to land the pick, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
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Earlier updates:
- Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld is hearing "emphatically" that Harrison Barnes will be drafted by the Cavs fourth overall (Twitter link).
- Another candidate for that No. 4 pick, Bradley Beal, says he'd "love" to play with Kyrie Irving, according to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal (Sulia link).
- Kyler adds (via Twitter) that the Bobcats are "open for business" on the No. 2 pick, and are meeting with plenty of guys expected to be drafted later in the first round.
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would love to play with the Bobcats' Kemba Walker, tweets Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
- Keith Langlois of Pistons.com tweets that John Henson has a number of workouts lined up with teams drafting in the top ten, including the Kings, Blazers, Warriors, and Pistons.
- Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com says the Trail Blazers have workouts lined up with a number of top prospects, including Jared Sullinger, Austin Rivers, Damian Lillard, and Tony Wroten (all four Twitter links).
- ESPN.com's Chad Ford identifies Lillard as one of a number of prospects that stood out at the draft combine (Twitter link).
- While the Hornets are open to moving their No. 10 pick, it would likely take a starting-caliber point guard to pry it from them, tweets Amico.
- Bradley Beal has a workout scheduled with the Bobcats, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). Beal is a candidate to be picked second overall, though Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thomas Robinson are probably better bets.
- Weber State's Damian Lillard says he's heard he could be picked as high as sixth by the Trail Blazers, tweets Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Sam Amick takes an in-depth look at the young point guard in a piece for SI.com.
- The Pistons have a number of players scheduled to come in for workouts, including Quincy Miller, Jeff Taylor, and Scott Machado (all Twitter links).
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By Michael Pina |
at June 6, 2012 8:38 pm
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.
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- The Hornets will entertain offers for the 10th pick, as long as the trade partner is willing to take back either Trevor Ariza or Emeka Okafor's contract, tweets NBA.com's Shaun Powell.
- The Bobcats may be targeting veteran free agents like Antawn Jamison and Grant Hill this offseason, according to FoxSportsOhio.com's Sam Amico. In his story, Amico also writes that the Cavaliers may go after guard Michael Redd, who spent last season with the Suns but enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
- The Oregonian's Jason Quick writes that the Trail Blazers would be wise to open up their coaching search, instead of giving the job to interim head coach Kaleb Canales. Canales went 8-15 this season after replacing Nate McMillan, who was fired.
- Courtesy of CSNNW.com, here's a clip of new Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey talking about how he plans to rebuild the team's roster.
- Deron Williams speaks to the Los Angeles Times about what it would take for him to join the Lakers next season.
- Hornets center Gustavo Ayon will have his option picked up by the team, according to his agent, Emilio Duran, who spoke to Hoopshype.com.
- According to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger, former Nets and Nuggets executive Kiki Vandeweghe could replace Neil Olshey as the Clippers general manager.
- Mercurynews.com's Tim Kawakami gives a few possible scenarios where the Warriors could get either Pau Gasol or Chris Bosh.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 5, 2012 2:38 pm
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….
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- After talking to a number of sources in the days since the draft lottery, Chad Ford checks in with a new mock draft at ESPN.com.
- Derek Page of HoopsWorld breaks down a few potential options for the Bobcats not just at No. 2, but at No. 31 as well.
- Hornets GM Dell Demps tells John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune that it's still too early to determine whether his team will draft a big man or a guard with the 10th overall pick.
- One prospect who feels like he's being undervalued is Villanova's Maalik Wayns, who tells Mike Kern of the Philadelphia Daily News that he feels he's better than some players rated ahead of him by draft experts.
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By Luke Adams |
at June 4, 2012 11:36 am
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….
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- We heard over the weekend that Spurs 2009 second-rounder Nando De Colo was prepared to join the team, with his Spanish contract expiring. De Colo's agent Wassim Boutanos spoke to Basketnews.net (translation via Sportando) and said that there's no guarantee San Antonio will have room for his client. If De Colo doesn't sign with the Spurs this summer, he'll remain in Spain and sign with a Euroleague team, according to Boutanos.
- On the heels of yesterday's report that the Mavericks may target Roy Hibbert next month, Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com explores potential options at center for the Mavs.
- The Hornets are holding a pair of workouts for draft prospects today, and John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune has the details. The first workout includes big men Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Arnett Moultrie, Meyers Leonard, and Terrence Jones. The second workout features a handful of guards, including Austin Rivers, Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Ross, and Terrell Stoglin.
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By Sean Highkin |
at June 3, 2012 10:28 pm
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.
