Jazz, Hawks, Suns, Knicks Eye Jimmer Fredette
The Jazz, Hawks, Suns and Knicks are teams with some level of interest in Jimmer Fredette, as Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net hears. The Spurs are set to waive Fredette today, as Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported. Any of those teams could claim his one-year, minimum-salary contract off waivers, though they’d have to assume responsibility for his $507,711 partial guarantee if they did. They could negotiate a contract without a guarantee if he clears waivers.
A return to Utah would be a homecoming of sorts for the former BYU star. The Jazz are already down to 15 players, but three of them are without full guarantees on their deals, so the team has flexibility. Phoenix is in a similar spot, with 15 players, including two with non-guaranteed contracts. The Hawks have 13 full guarantees, but Mike Muscala seems like a “lock” for the regular season roster, and former second-round pick Lamar Patterson, who’s seen plenty of preseason playing time, has a partially guaranteed deal. The Knicks have 13 full guarantees, but Langston Galloway appears secure for the 14th spot, and like Atlanta, they have a former second-round pick in Thanasis Antetokounmpo competing for spot No. 15.
Of course, Fredette is a former lottery pick, having gone 10th overall to the Kings in 2011. Still, he didn’t make too much impact in his rookie season, and his numbers have declined since. He shot only 18.8% from three-point range last season with the Pelicans and didn’t make a three-pointer in the preseason this month for the Spurs.
Do you think the Jazz, Hawks, Suns or Knicks make sense for Fredette? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.
Atlantic Notes: Joseph, Calderon, Rozier
Point guard Cory Joseph, who inked a four-year, $30MM deal with the Raptors this summer, has been impressing the team with his solid two-way game, Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun writes. Joseph said he wasn’t feeling any added pressure to perform up to his new deal, Wolstat notes. “I don’t know how to answer that because I don’t really base my game on what people think,” Joseph said. “I just try to get better every day. I try to maybe prove that I can play within the organization, but outside the organization, I don’t really look at that stuff.”
Joseph’s new teammate, Luis Scola, praises the reserve playmaker’s ability, and predicts good things for Joseph this season in Toronto, Wolstat adds. “He’s a good player, he’s trying to explore his game, take his game to the next level,” Scola said. “I think he’s going to have a lot of opportunities here. He’s in great shape right now, he looks very good, very confident, so, hopefully he can keep that momentum going into the season. We’re expecting a great year from him.”
Here’s more from out of the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks point guard Jose Calderon noted that there were some teams this offseason that were interested in trading for him, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com tweets. New York was reportedly trying to find a taker for the veteran this summer as the team attempted to free up cap space.
- 2015 first-rounder Terry Rozier‘s place in the Celtics‘ rotation is unclear with a number of players ahead of him on the depth chart currently, but coach Brad Stevens has noted the impact that former third-string point guard Phil Pressey had on Boston teams in recent seasons, a role that Stevens hopes the rookie can fill, Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com writes.
- While injuries have kept Arron Afflalo on the shelf for the bulk of the preseason, the Knicks are banking on his skill as a post player to help him thrive in the triangle offense this season, Begley writes in a separate piece. “Post-ups aren’t as popular of a scoring opportunity in terms of efficiency and points per possession. But we still view it as penetration,” New York coach Derek Fisher said. “The ball is still closer to the basket than it is if you’re standing out by the line. And we believe we have some guys who are good enough to force teams to make a decision on how they’re going to defend us. [We] think Arron’s good enough.“
Atlantic Notes: Johnson, Jones, Hernangomez
Amir Johnson‘s production fell off last season with the Raptors, but the Celtics regard their free agent signee as a steal, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge is enamored with his versatility and the way he can complement any of the team’s other big men, as Forsberg notes. Johnson is just as sold on his new home.
“I like the vision, I like that we are young, and I like what they did last season coming into the playoffs,” Johnson said. “I felt like they were doing their best to get better. Just talking to [Celtics president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge] and [coach Brad] Stevens, I love what they got going on here.”
See more on the Celtics amid the latest from the Atlantic Division:
- Stevens distanced himself from roster decisions, but he complemented Perry Jones III, who’s on the chopping block as the Celtics must offload at least one fully guaranteed salary to trim to the 15-man regular season roster limit within the week, relays Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. “I think the biggest thing for Perry is, Perry has a chance to be a very, very good multi-positional defender, and he’s got a chance to be a guy that can play off closeouts, make shots or post switches,” Stevens said. “So being able to do those things regularly is a huge key. But I’ve been impressed with what Perry can do, what he has done, especially in practice.”
- Knicks draft-and-stash prospect Guillermo Hernangomez wants to play for Real Madrid of Spain for many years before considering a move to the NBA, as he said to Emilio V. Escudero of ABC.es (translation via HoopsHype). An earlier report indicated that the Knicks were planning to sign him before the 2016/17 season. New York acquired the NBA rights to the 6’11” center via trade after the Sixers selected him 35th overall in June.
- The Sixers‘ rebuilding process is enduring criticism, but even though GM Sam Hinkie has presided over three offseasons, it’s still too early to judge the success of his plan because so many of the assets he’s acquired are for the future, opines Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News.
Atlantic Notes: Early, Thomas, Jones
Cleanthony Early, who struggled as a rookie last year with the Knicks, seems to be more comfortable offensively and is playing tougher defense, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Berman adds that Carmelo Anthony has helped groom the small forward into becoming a two-way force.
“[Early] looks more confident this year,’’ Anthony said, per Berman. “I think it was good for him to go through the season last year, this offseason and even right now he looks a lot more confident.’’
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- As the 16th player with a guaranteed contract added to the maximum 15-contract mix, Perry Jones has roughly a week to win a roster spot with the Celtics, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald writes. Jones did not play Friday against the Knicks, as Murphy points out. “Always keep the faith. That’s part of basketball,” Jones said. “I can’t tell you why I didn’t see the floor, that’s a question for Brad, but I just have to stay ready for the next game.”
- Isaiah Thomas is adding some creativity to his offensive repertoire and Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes that is one reason why the team acquired the point guard last year, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com relays. “First of all, I thought he’d really impact our team,” Stevens said. “I thought his ability to get into the paint would be like a shot in the arm for our team. From an efficiency standpoint, on the offensive end of the floor, both at the end of last year and through the first four preseason games, he’s just playing at such a high level; he’s such a good fit. I think that I thought he’d have a huge impact, but I think he’s probably — and my expectations were high — but I think he’s probably been at the top of those at least.”
Celtics Rumors: Jones, Sullinger, Lee, Hunter
The Celtics like Perry Jones III, but may not be able to keep him unless there’s another roster move, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com. Boston traded for the 24-year-old in July after he saw little playing time in Oklahoma City. Forsberg writes that the Celtics are impressed by Jones’ athleticism for being 6’11”, but aren’t convinced they have a spot for him. He left the team briefly last week to attend a funeral and has only played 17 preseason minutes. There have been calls to get rid of James Young instead, but Forsberg says the Celtics like his defensive development and are reluctant to part with a 20-year-old first-round pick.
There’s more out of Boston:
- Jared Sullinger is hoping for an extension, but he has been struggling to distinguish himself in a crowded frontcourt, Forsberg writes in the same story. Even after spending the offseason on a conditioning plan, Sullinger has had a flat preseason, making just three of 14 shots in his last two games. Hoops Rumors writer Will Joseph examined Sullinger’s prospects in our Extension Candidate series.
- A return to New York could be possible for David Lee when he hits free agency next summer, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. Lee, who spends much of his offseason in New York, was acquired by the Celtics in a July trade with Golden State. He hopes for more court time this season than he got with the Warriors. “Hopefully I’ll get a chance to play a little bit,’’ Lee said. “That’s different from last year. It was a strange year last year, of course, with an unbelievable ending being able to contribute to a title. It was all worth it.”
- Rookie R.J. Hunter, who is making a bid to be part of the Celtics’ rotation, got to show off his point guard skills Friday night, writes A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com. The columnist says coaches are considering a larger role for the 6’6″ Hunter, who had originally been slotted to spend much of the year on assignment with the team’s D-League franchise in Maine. Hunter said he hasn’t played point guard since middle school, but the move was necessitated by Marcus Smart‘s illness and Terry Rozier‘s aching knee.
Knicks Rumors: Lin, Anthony, O’Quinn, Seraphin
The Knicks had no interest in a reunion with Jeremy Lin, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Lin reportedly reached out to the team during his summer free agency, but said, “There was no conversation other than them telling me they weren’t interested.” Instead, he agreed to a two-year, $4.3MM deal with the Hornets, a far cry from the three-year, $25MM contract that Houston offered him in 2012 and the Knicks chose not to match. Lin says Knicks owner James Dolan hasn’t talked to him since he left town, and rarely spoke to him beforehand.
There’s more news out of New York:
- After a summer filled with rumors that he was unhappy with the Knicks’ draft and efforts in free agency, Carmelo Anthony has embraced a leadership role, writes Al Iannazzone of Newsday. Anthony said he was bothered by stories stating that he would have preferred Justise Winslow, Emmanuel Mudiay or Stanley Johnson over Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth pick, and that he was angry the team couldn’t land a star with about $30MM in cap room. “I think he’s just letting everyone know he’s accepting more leadership and expects to be held accountable,” said coach Derek Fisher.
- Kyle O’Quinn is bringing a toughness back to the Knicks that is reminiscent of the 1990s teams, according to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. The fourth-year center/forward came to New York during the summer in a sign-and trade with Orlando that landed him a four-year, $16MM contract. He hopes to create a physical presence with the Knicks. “I think that’s just the way to play basketball. There’s a loose ball, you’ve got to go get it. [It’s an] extra possession for your team. That’s just the way I play,” O’Quinn said. “It’s gotten me this far, and I want to continue.”
- The Knicks are being careful with Kevin Seraphin‘s swollen knee, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Seraphin, who signed a one-year, $2.8MM free agent deal in August, played 12 minutes in Friday’s preseason game after sitting out the previous two. “Any time a guy has history of a particular injury, you have to make it part of your plan in terms of managing that player,’’ Fisher said.
Atlantic Notes: Reed, Sixers, Antetokounmpo
Nets big man Willie Reed underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb, the team announced. Reed is one of seven Brooklyn players without a fully guaranteed deal, but the Nets would have be required pay him until he’s healthy, even if they waived him. He is expected to be out of action for a period of six to eight weeks.
Here’s more from out of the Atlantic Division:
- The Sixers’ point guard situation is unsettled, and thanks to injuries to Kendall Marshall and Tony Wroten, it is likely to remain that way after the regular season tips off, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “They are a ways away” from playing in games, coach Brett Brown said. “I feel like you always get nervous about throwing out dates. I think it would be fair to say that we are not going to see Kendall for the month of October and beyond. I hope not much further beyond. And Tony [will be sidelined] further along after that, probably not until sometime in December.“
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo maintains that he won’t accept a D-League assignment from New York if he doesn’t make the Knicks‘ regular season roster, and he hopes that another NBA team will show interest if he is waived, Marc Berman of The New York Post writes. “First off, hopefully things works out here,’’ Antetokounmpo told Berman. “If they don’t, hopefully another NBA team. That’s the first goal. And after that, we’ll see. Hopefully everything goes well. I don’t want to think about it now. I can control what I can control — being positive and optimistic.’’ The swingman’s agents have also been in contact with overseas clubs, Berman adds.
- Amir Johnson, who inked a two year, $24MM deal with the Celtics this offseason, is impressing the team’s coaching staff with his play on both ends of the court, Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders notes. “He just knows how to play both ends,” coach Brad Stevens said of Johnson. “He makes easy plays with the ball, and then on the defensive end, he makes everyone better.”
Southeast Notes: Splitter, Hardaway, Richardson
Tiago Splitter knew that the Spurs were planning a major play in free agency and says he expected that he would be traded this past summer, observes Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. Sure enough, the Spurs sent him to the Hawks, and Splitter admits that leaving San Antonio was difficult to accept at first, as McDonald relays. Spurs coach/president Gregg Popovich struggled with the decision but is optimistic it’ll work out for all involved, notes Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“It was very difficult,” Popovich said. “When someone is with you for a while you get close to the family. That’s the business side of the situation that shows its ugly head once in a while. If we wanted to add the talent that we added, you had to do something. You can’t pay everybody. Tiago being here in Atlanta is a perfect fit for both parties.”
The center says he’s since warmed to Atlanta, according to McDonald. See more on another player the Hawks brought in via trade this summer and other items from the Southeast Division:
- The Hawks traded for Tim Hardaway Jr. because he offers a combination of upside and experience and because they needed a backup shooting guard behind Kyle Korver, Vivlamore writes in a separate piece. He’s following Korver’s lead as he adjusts to Atlanta’s offense, which is quite different from the triangle he played in last season with the Knicks, as Vivlamore details.
- Justise Winslow isn’t the only Heat 2015 draftee making a strong impression in camp, as second-rounder Josh Richardson is showing his scoring touch and meshing with Justise Winslow, observes Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post. The Heat were shocked when Richardson, whom they pegged as the 24th-best prospect in the draft, slipped to No. 40, Lieser notes. “He’s a very competitive two-way player and you just don’t see those types of guys that often that really want to take on the challenge defensively,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Richardson. “He’ll guard multiple positions and stick his nose in their for loose balls. And offensively, he’s got nice poise.”
- Paul Pierce left a leadership void in Washington when he opted out of his Wizards contract and signed with the Clippers, and while trade acquisition Jared Dudley believes he can fill it in one regard, he likes John Wall‘s leadership by example so far, as J. Michael of CSN Mid-Atlantic details.
Atlantic Notes: Anthony, Robinson, Holmes, Wood
Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony issued a challenge to the team’s coaching staff to hold him accountable for any mistakes he makes on the court, and he hopes that this tactic will help make him a better player, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com writes. “Call it out in the film session so everybody can see that and hear that. By them doing that, it kind of forces me to be at the top level of my game on both ends of the court,” Anthony said. “Call it out in the film session so everybody can see that and hear that. By them doing that, it kind of forces me to be at the top level of my game on both ends of the court.”
The veteran scorer also noted that the team is taking more of a group approach to coaching this season, which is a change from last season when coach Derek Fisher was the only one calling players out for their errors, Begley adds. “It’s more of a collective unit,” Anthony continued. “… We’re just sitting down with [members of the coaching staff and video department] and sitting down with players on the team kind of going through different scenarios, different situations and just kind of wanting to be held accountable out there.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Thomas Robinson is hoping to shed the journeyman label that he has acquired and to resurrect his career with the Nets, writes Tim Bontemps of The New York Post. The combo forward also relayed that signing with Brooklyn this offseason was an easy decision for him to make, Bontemps adds. “Because they showed interest from Day One,” Robinson said. “Even at the draft, they showed heavy interest, and then the pick got swapped out. Over the years, I’ve just liked it was a new organization, and they were building something, and it’s New York. … I wanted to be here in New York. I’m glad I’m here a few years down the road, after the stuff I’ve been through. I’m more mature now than I was when I probably wanted to come here. [I want to] take advantage of all of my opportunities. I feel like I’m right back where I was getting drafted again … now it’s just time.”
- Sixers rookies Richaun Holmes and Christian Wood were afterthoughts when the team began training camp, and now both have become key figures for Philly heading into the season thanks to a run of frontcourt injuries, Bob Cooney of The Philadelphia Daily News writes.
Knicks, Lamar Odom Engaged In Recent Talks?
2:41pm: The Knicks never brought up the idea of signing Odom and made no offer, team sources tell TMZ Sports.
8:51am: Lamar Odom‘s camp and the Knicks had recent discussions about a comeback for former Lakers sixth man, his personal trainer Fareed Samad told TMZ Sports, adding that he was optimistic about Odom’s chances with New York. Odom was hospitalized Tuesday night after having been found unresponsive in a legal Nevada brothel. He’s in a coma and his heart is failing, according to a separate TMZ Sports report.
The Knicks signed Odom on the last day of the season in 2013/14 and released him before he ever saw action with the team. Phil Jackson, who coached Odom on the Lakers and had taken over as Knicks team president shortly before the Odom signing, brought him aboard in one of his first moves, but Odom never showed up to work out with the team while under contract that summer, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post (Twitter link).
Odom, who turns 36 next month, last appeared in an NBA game in the 2013 playoffs with the Clippers. Still, he’d lost 35 pounds off his 6’10” frame since the beginning of June this year in preparation for an NBA comeback attempt, Samad said to TMZ Sports.
The Knicks went to camp with 19 players on the roster, one beneath the preseason roster limit. Sasha Vujacic, a former Lakers teammate of Odom and another Jackson protege, is one of 13 with fully guaranteed deals even though he has played just two games in the NBA since 2010/11, demonstrating Jackson’s fondness for his purple-and-gold connections.
Still, Odom’s pressing health condition would appear to overshadow the notion of a return to the Knicks or any NBA team. The Jeff Schwartz client gained friends around the league amid a life marred by tragedy, as Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports details.