Sergio Rodriguez On NBA Return, Playing Overseas
Things didn't quite work out for Sergio Rodriguez during his time in the NBA and even though he's thriving once again overseas, he doesn't necessarily sound intent on trying his hand here in the states again, writes Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype. "I'm 27 with nine years as a pro player already. Everything goes very fast and I want to enjoy it," said the former Blazers guard. "I'm happy in Madrid and have two years left on my contract and the potential to win everything here or at least be in the mix. That's all I think about." Here's more from Sierra's chat with the guard who was once thought to be the future face of Portland's franchise..
Was there one moment where you lost confidence in your abilities as a player?
There have not been extended periods when I lost confidence. Of course I had down times, but not long ones. At the end of the day, I'm lucky because basketball is also my favorite hobby. There's been moments when I didn't feel too good, some during my time in the NBA or my first year in Real Madrid… But I knew things would look up eventually because I was putting in the work.
How did you feel upon your return to Europe from the NBA?
Looking back, (the NBA experience) wasn't that bad. I played 300 games, I had a blast and lived a dream… and I ended up in New York – starting for the Knicks. When I decided to return to Europe, it was Real Madrid no less, which was a big deal to me. I was going to be able to play at the Euroleague, shoot for championships and deal with the extreme pressure that comes with having to win all the time. When I left the NBA, I felt kind of empowered by the fact that I was joining Real Madrid.
Which of your three NBA stops (Portland, Sacramento, New York) was the most fun?
The three of them! I had a good time in each of the three. Of course, Portland has a bit of an advantage because it was three years there and it was kind of a family and the stars of the team were growing together at the same time. Then Sacramento was good too. Practices were very enjoyable and it was close to San Francisco. Besides, Sacramento fans are knowledgeable about basketball and one of my references as a player – Jason Williams – had played there with the Webber-led Kings, which were one of my favorite teams of all time. Then you had New York… Playing there with Tracy McGrady and in that city was a very positive experience. Maybe the timing of my arrival was not the best, though.
Knowing what you know now, would you still go to the NBA at age 20?
Yes, no doubt. My dream was to play in the NBA and I made it real and enjoyed it very much. There's a lot of players in the States fighting to be in that position, but with me it was, 'Meh, he's not playing much'. But in reality I feel fortunate that I had the career I had in the NBA. It could have been better, but it wasn't bad. Plus it helped me grow as a player. I wouldn't change anything.
Odds & Ends: Nunnally, Kirilenko, Brownlee, Rocks
D-Leaguer James Nunnally's name has come up in connection with a handful of NBA teams of late, having drawn the attention of the Spurs, Jazz, Suns and Pelicans. The Grizzlies may be most intrigued by the 6'7" swingman out of UC-Santa Barbara, as they've invited him to camp, reports Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside. Still it doesn't sound like Nunnally has accepted that invitation yet, as he'll work as scheduled out this week for Utah and New Orleans. Here's more from this afternoon in the NBA:
- An NBA investigation into Andrei Kirilenko's discount contract with the Nets has cleared the team of any wrongdoing, a source tells Fred Kerber of the New York Post. Complaints from at least one other team triggered the probe.
- The Knicks are thinking of inviting small forward Justin Brownlee to camp after watching him play for their summer league squad this year. The 25-year-old from St. John's will work out for the team this week, tweets Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Agent Burton Rocks tells Hoops Rumors that the players union has certified him and his Burton Rocks LTD firm, which boasts a dozen baseball clients, as the MLB Trade Rumors Agency Database shows. Rocks is breaking into hoops by repping former Stony Brook standout Muhammed El-Amin.
- Villanova assistant coach Billy Lange has turned down the Rockets' offer to become the head coach of their D-League affiliate, but he's considering a job with the Sixers, reports Dana O'Neil of ESPN.com.
- The Grizzlies traded for Kosta Koufos this summer, and they've coveted the former Nuggets big man for more than a year, as TNT's David Aldridge writes as he hits on a wide range of subjects for his weekly NBA.com column.
- Forbes today published its list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, and Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen leads all sports owners in net worth, notes Darren Rovell of ESPN.com.
- John Schuhmann of NBA.com examines some of the data teams will be able to use under the league's new SportVU camera deal.
Eastern Notes: Jordan, Heat, Magic, Raptors
Three Eastern Conference teams are carrying only 11 fully guaranteed deals, as I noted when I looked at how training camp rosters are shaping up for each team in the East. That means there should be plenty of intrigue ahead over the next several weeks for the Sixers, Cavaliers and Bulls as they decide how they'll look come opening night. Here's more from the East:
- Former Knicks center Jerome Jordan has reached a deal to play in Italy with Virtus Bologna, Sportando's Emiliano Carchia reports. Jordan played summer league ball for the Knicks and Pacers this year. The Knicks considered formally bringing him back to the team, but it appears the former second-round pick will instead play overseas this season.
- Chris Bosh's ability to establish himself as the Heat's second option over Dwyane Wade may be the key to convincing LeBron James to stick around, opines Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
- Maurice Harkless and Tobias Harris are two of the jewels of the Magic's rebuilding efforts, but they could wind up fighting each other for minutes this season, writes Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel.
- Doug Smith of the Toronto Star addresses a few Raptors items in his mailbag column. The team invited three players to training camp in the past few days.
Atlantic Notes: Williams, Knicks, Sixers, Guerin
The back-and-forth between the new-look Nets and the Knicks this summer has kept the tabloids afloat. After coming over to the Nets with Kevin Garnett in the mega trade with the Celtics, Paul Pierce appeared to have started the war of words by telling ESPN New York's 98.7 FM he thought it was time "the Nets start running New York."
ESPN New York's Ian Begley asked Nets point guard Deron Williams about the quote, and Williams supported his new teammate, but didn't elaborate much beyond wanting to settle the inter-city rivalry on the court.
"That's my teammate so I'm with him. Of course we want to run New York. The Knicks are our rival. I don't get into too much of the talking. We'll decide all that on the court. We have four games to play against them and then the playoffs so I'll let Paul do the talking and I'll just go out there and play."
Williams also noted that the advanced age of Nets' roster means, "Our time is now," he told Begley. "We have a short window to try to win."
Here's what else is happening around the Atlantic division on a night when most are watching the big fight…
- The New York Post, by way of Ben Golliver at Sports Illustrated, confirmed allegations by Brian Tuohy in his book, Larceny Games: Sports Gambling, Game Fixing and the FBI, that Knicks players were fixing games for their drug dealer during the 1981/82 season.
- According to the Post, the FBI has confirmed the authenticity of the documents cited by Tuohy in his book. The Knicks would not comment on the allegations.
- According to Touhy's book, the FBI "seemed to possess very credible information that three members of the New York Knicks were shaving points as a favor to their cocaine supplier."
- Newsday's Bob Herzog profiles former Knick Richie Guerin after he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend.
- Philadelphia Daily News' beat writer Bob Cooney originally said the Sixers would win 22 games this season, but now thinks it'll be closer to 18 after talking to a team higher-up (Twitter).
Hamed Haddadi Weighing NBA, Overseas Offers
Free agent center Hamed Haddadi is still looking for work for the 2013/14 season, and is currently mulling offers from teams in the NBA and China, according to Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com (via Twitter). I would guess that Haddadi's offers from CBA teams include more assurances when it comes to role and salary, whereas NBA interest may be limited to camp invites.
Haddadi, 28, has been linked primarily to the Knicks since being released by the Suns in June, with several reports indicating that New York had interest in the big man. The most recent story, earlier this month, suggested the Knicks' interest had dissipated, but that report came a couple days before Jeremy Tyler underwent foot surgery, which may have put the club back in the market for a center. Haddadi also reportedly worked out for the Pelicans.
The Grizzlies and Raptors both included Haddadi in trades prior to the deadline last season, with the five-year veteran ultimately ending up in Phoenix. He finished the year strong, averaging 4.1 PPG and 5.1 RPG in just 13.8 MPG in 17 contests for the Suns. A month ago, when I examined the remaining free agents with the best rebounding numbers, Haddadi ranked atop the list.
Carmelo Anthony Not Interested In Leaving Knicks
Carmelo Anthony strongly indicated on Wednesday night that he plans to re-sign with the Knicks rather than opt out of his contract and explore free agency after the upcoming season, writes Al Ianozzone of Newsday. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Anthony said that he came to New York in hopes of thriving on a big stage and has no plans to give up on his pursuit of a title in the Big Apple.
"I'm not going nowhere," Anthony said during the interview. "That is one of the reasons why I wanted to come here to New York, just so I could take on those pressures and those challenges. A lot of people do not like to deal with the pressure. A lot of people do not know how to deal with the challenges they face. To me, it is everyday life.''
Anthony will make $23.3MM in the 2014/15 season and can re-up with the Knicks for five years and $129MM next summer, assuming he keeps his word about not discussing his contract during the season. The Knicks can begin negotiations as early as February. Other NBA teams can only offer Anthony four years and around $95MM. Asked about Anthony's intentions a few weeks ago, J.R. Smith said that while he expects his teammate to stick around, he also expected him to do the same in Denver too before he eventually left for New York.
Knicks Sign Toure Murry
SEPTEMBER 11TH: The Knicks have officially announced (Twitter link) the signing of Murry, as well as the signing of Chris Smith, whose deal was reported last month. Both deals are fully non-guaranteed, per Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com (Twitter link).
SEPTEMBER 5TH: According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Knicks summer league standout Toure Murry has accepted a training camp invite with New York after a strong late push from the Heat. Despite Miami's efforts to bring the former D-Leaguer on board for camp, Murry is said to have wanted the opportunity to build upon his summer success with the Knicks. With 12 guaranteed contracts, two partially-guaranteed contracts (Jeremy Tyler and C.J. Leslie), and what is most likely a non-guaranteed pact for Murry, New York's roster now stands at 15.
In five games and two starts for the Knicks in the Las Vegas Summer League, the 6'5 guard averaged 7.6 PPG and 1.2 SPG in 20.8 MPG, stringing along a shooting line of .424/.333/.727. Murry also played in the NBDL during 2012/13, appearing in four games as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Back in mid-July, ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling (via Twitter) noted head coach Mike Woodson's interest in the 23-year-old point guard: "He's a guy that we've really got to keep our eyes on possibly bringing to camp."
Interestingly enough, Stein writes that the Houston native had garnered acclaim from former Knicks star and current broadcaster Walt Frazier for his hard-nosed play and defensive presence over the summer, adding that Frazier's high praise had factored into convincing Murry to try and make New York's roster.
Odds & Ends: Hamilton, LeBron, Durant, Knicks
With the offseason winding down, most of the summer's impact free agents are off the board with deals in the NBA and, occasionally, overseas. However, Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld identified five free agents still out there that can contribute to a team in 2013/14. Richard Hamilton who was waived by the Bulls in July for financial reasons, leads the list of free agents. Tyrus Thomas, Rodrigue Beaubois, Jamaal Tinsley, and Sebastian Telfair also earned mentions as players that can make a difference this season. Here's more from around the Association..
- Amin Elhassan of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd) runs down a host of arguments for why the NBA should eliminate the max contract. One major reason is that players like LeBron James are probably worth more than the top deal allowable by the collective bargaining agreement. By capping the type of deal that James can fetch, it unfairly distributes the wealth to lower-level players.
- In an interview with Italy's Gazzetta TV (video link), Thunder star Kevin Durant says that he would have liked to see Oklahoma City add guard Marco Belinelli this summer. The sharpshooter wound up signing a two-year deal with the Spurs this offseason.
- The Knicks knew they were taking a risk when they re-signed J.R. Smith to a lucrative three-year pact this offseason, argues Marc Berman of the New York Post. A slight majority of Hoops Rumors readers say Smith's three-year, $17.95MM deal wasn't a good move for the Knicks.
- Jabari Davis of HoopsWorld looks at six players on the comeback trail this season, including Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo, and, of course, Derrick Rose.
Poll: Was J.R. Smith’s New Deal A Good Idea?
The Knicks' top priority this offseason was re-signing swingman J.R. Smith to a new deal. The unrestricted free agent was garnering a good deal of interest on the open market but the Knicks and agent Leon Rose agreed to a four-year, $24.7MM deal on July 4th. Done deal, right? Not quite.
Soon after, it was revealed that Smith would have to undergo offseason knee surgery. Suddenly, what seemed like a no-brainer deal for the defending Sixth Man of the Year was no longer a slam dunk. The patellar tendon surgery and arthroscopy for a tear in the lateral meniscus of his left knee will keep Smith out for at least the first few weeks of the 2013/14 season. After the news of the surgery was disclosed, Smith and Rose got the deal amended to a three-year, $17.95MM pact, which may be a positive for the Knicks, depending on how you look at it.
Yesterday, we learned that Smith will be out even longer than expected after being suspended for a drug violation. After his knee heals up, Smith will have to be sidelined for an additional five games and given Smith's reported proclivity for partying, one has to wonder if this could be a recurring issue.
By the same token, Smith is coming off of a career year in which he averaged 18.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 2.7 APG in 33.5 minutes per game off of the bench. It's not easy to find that kind of production elsewhere, especially when you don't have cap space to work with. All things considered, is Smith's three-year, $17.95MM deal a good idea for the Knicks?
Should The Knicks Have Re-Signed Smith To A Three-Year, $17.95MM Deal?
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No 54% (320)
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Yes 46% (278)
Total votes: 598
Odds & Ends: Bucks, Kennedy, Knicks, Hunt
As we continue counting down the days until NBA training camps open, let's round up a few Friday odds and ends from around the Association….
- In an interesting piece at ESPN.com, Kevin Arnovitz speaks to Bucks executives John Hammond and David Morway about Milwaukee's aversion to tanking, and the team's "build-on-the-go" approach.
- Sportando passes along a Gazzetta di Reggio report suggesting that Italian team Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia no longer seems to be pursuing D.J. Kennedy, who is focused on landing an NBA camp invite. Justin Holiday, who was released by the Sixers earlier this summer, may be a target for the Italian club, according to the report.
- Despite the fact that Jeremy Tyler underwent foot surgery and will likely miss the next two months, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com argues (via Twitter) that the Knicks should wait to see how he heals rather than cutting him anytime soon. Begley notes that New York has made a "financial commitment" to Tyler already, though only $100K of the big man's $884K salary is guaranteed.
- Whether or not the Knicks hang on to Tyler, the team appears likely to add another big man to compete for a roster spot, tweets Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
- It's not out of the question that Gal Mekel turns out to be a better point guard for the Mavericks than Shane Larkin, according to Bryan Gutierrez of ESPNDallas.com, who gives the Mavs a grade of B for the team's signing of the Israeli guard.
- In addition to working out for the Nets, 6'10" forward Kyle Hunt will also audition for the Pacers, says Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside.
- Recent Clippers signee Brandon Davies is prepared to make an impression in camp and earn a roster spot, as he tells Eric Patten of Clippers.com.