Odds & Ends: Vucevic, Kings, Rockets, Cavs
Here are some news and notes from around the NBA on Sunday evening:
- With his Magic hosting the Mavericks, Nikola Vucevic says that the career of fellow European Dirk Nowitzki inspired his game and his confidence as he developed his game as youngster, writes Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. After being somewhat of a 76ers throw in in the Dwight Howard blockbuster, Vucevic has been a revelation in Orlando, averging 11.6 points and ranking third in the NBA in rebounding as a 22-year old.
- Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee puts the Kings move scenario into context by providing other similar examples from professional sports, including the 1994 instance where the NBA blocked the Minnesota Timberwolves from moving to New Orleans. As we have seen recently, it appears as if the NBA has sided with Kevin Johnson and the city of Sacramento over Seattle.
- Citing the team's abundance of youth, Daryl Morey says this trade deadline may very well be the first that goes by in his tenure as GM without the Rockets making a move, reports Jonathan Feigen of Ultimate Rockets. In addition to their youth, Morey understands that he must land another star to become a realistic contender – the type of star that doesn't appear to be available in the coming month.
- With the franchise committed to building through the draft, Byron Scott is not worried about the Cavaliers 10-32 start, writes Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Plain Dealer. Improved toughness and consistency, Scott says, will be the focus of the season's second half for his young team.
Odds & Ends: LeBron, Miles, Harrington
- In another article, Schmitt-Boyer extracts thoughts from C.J. Miles' former coach Tyrone Corbin about the shooting guard's solid development in Cleveland.
- In what is considered a big step in the right direction during his recovery, Al Harrington participated in 3-on-3 scrimmages with the Magic at the end of Saturday's practice (Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports).
- Rockets coach Kevin McHale, who says that he hasn't seen or spoken with Royce White in over a month, responded with "Out of sight, out of mind" when asked about the rookie forward's current status with the team, notes Ray Richardson of the Pioneer Press.
- In another article regarding the Timberwolves' newly signed wing player Mickael Gelabale, Richardson writes that the Frenchman garnered recommendations from fellow Olympic teammates Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, and Ronny Turiaf. Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune says that Gelabale looks at his opportunity at an NBA comeback as something that has been on his mind for the last five years.
- Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida delves into Vince Carter's goal of someday making it into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Odds & Ends: Union, Gay, Magic, West, Adelman
It's been quite an evening in the NBA, as a third of the nine games on the docket went to overtime. It was also a rare night when both the Wizards and Bobcats recorded wins. As we wait to find out more about trade candidates and the Suns coaching situation tomorrow, here's the rest of the news from around the Association.
- A day after the release of a report detailing abuses of power by players union executive director Billy Hunter, Nets star Deron Williams called for changes from "top to bottom" in the organization, reports Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.
- HoopsWorld's Steve Kyler says the Magic aren't interested in Rudy Gay, but wouldn't be surprised to see the team get involved in a trade that sends Gay elsewhere. Orlando's $17.8MM trade exception allows Orlando to get involved as a middleman, as Kyler points out (All Twitter links).
- In a piece that looks back on the Magic's in-season trades from years past, Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel argues that Nikola Vucevic has become the team's No. 1 trade chip and urges the front office to hold on to him.
- David West won't let his impending free agency distract him from his work with the Pacers, as HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy documents via Sulia.
- Wolves coach Rick Adelman won't be returning to the team anytime soon as he continues to tend to his ailing wife, GM David Kahn told reporters, including Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Assistant coach Terry Porter will continue to lead the team in Adelman's stead.
Bobcats ‘Aggressively’ Pursuing Rudy Gay
The Bobcats have shown committment to a slow rebuild after bottoming out with last year's 7-59 debacle, but according to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld, they're willing to depart from that strategy for the right player. Apparently, basketball president Rod Higgins and GM Rich Cho are convinced Rudy Gay is the sort of guy for whom they'd be willing to change course, as Kyler reports the Bobcats are one of multiple teams "aggressively" pursuing the Grizzlies small forward (Twitter links).
Kyler notes the 'Cats may not have enough to offer Memphis, which makes sense, since Charlotte has only won two games since November. Still, the Grizzlies would primarily be seeking salary cap relief in any deal involving Gay, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors examined earlier this week. The Bobcats would probably have to come up with some combination of draft picks and young players, and with their own likely lottery selection as well as protected first-rounders from the Pistons and Blazers, Charlotte could offer Memphis plenty of draft help. If they're willing to part with either Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, along with perhaps Ramon Sessions or Byron Mullens and a few throw-ins to make the salaries match, that might be enough for a reasonable proposal. Gay has $53.67MM remaining on his deal, including this season, so the Bobcats and just about anyone else would have to give up at least a few key components to bring him on board, as Kyler suggests via Twitter.
Of course, the Grizzlies have no shortage of suitors for Gay. Chad Ford of ESPN.com, in an Insider-only piece, today mentioned the Wizards, Clippers, Magic and Mavs as teams with interest, and other teams have been linked to him as well over the past few weeks. Ford surmises that offers for Gay will be better as the deadline approaches, but ultimately the Grizzlies are in control. It's up to CEO Jason Levien, GM Chris Wallace and the rest of the Grizzlies retooled front office to decide whether it wants to deal with Gay's luxury tax implications now or after the season, and Gay's teammates would prefer that he stays put. The Grizzlies aren't active in talks at the moment, and unless the Bobcats or another team comes up with a truly enticing offer, the Grizzlies players may get their wish of having one more shot at the title together.
Odds & Ends: Roy, Jones, Nene, PEDs
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Friday evening:
- Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes that Brandon Roy has shown no indication of thinking about retiring from the Timberwolves.
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel talks to Magic rookie DeQuan Jones about his unlikely path to the NBA.
- Aaron J. Lopez of Nuggets.com revisits the Nuggets' trade of Nene Hilario to the Wizards for JaVale McGee.
- In light of the recent steroids controversies surrounding cyclist Lance Armstrong and the Baseball Hall of Fame, HoopsHype has a new column by former D-League player Rod Benson about the relative lack of performance-enhancing drug use in the NBA.
- Larry Coon has updated his invaluable Salary Cap FAQ with a new entry on rules regarding international players and some corrections.
Magic Aggressively Exploring Trade Options
The Magic were at the center of 2012's biggest trade, the four-way deal that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers, and while they don't have the pieces to make the same sort of splash in 2013, it appears the team will continue to be active on the trade market. According to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld, Orlando has been involved in "virtually every trade scenario out there" and is aggressively exploring its options.
Orlando's activity doesn't necessarily mean the club will make a deal on or before February 21st, but the Magic have made it clear they'll entertain offers for virtually anyone on their roster, says Kyler. With a pair of expiring contracts (J.J. Redick, Josh McRoberts), a collection of productive veterans (Arron Afflalo, Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis), a few young players with upside (Nikola Vucevic, Maurice Harkless, Andrew Nicholson), a massive $17.8MM trade exception, and a slew of future draft picks, the Magic could go in a number of different directions. However, it's unlikely that they'll compromise their future cap flexibility or part with any of their young players unless they find a deal that nets them a core piece.
One player that doesn't seem to be a future long-term piece in Orlando is Rudy Gay. According to Kyler, the Magic briefly discussed the veteran forward with the Grizzlies, but backed off due to Gay's contract and a belief that he wasn't an ideal fit.
Ford On Cousins, Gortat, Gay, Celtics
Damian Lillard is the odds on favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award right now, but there's still plenty of games to be played, said Chad Ford of ESPN.com in today's chat. The Hornets' Anthony Davis is back in action and very much in the picutre while Andre Drummond can't be ruled out either. Here's more from Ford..
- There is a lot of interest around the league in DeMarcus Cousins, but from what Ford can gather, no GMs have had any success in making progress with the Kings on trade talks so far. The Kings appear to want to hold onto him, though plenty can change in the next five weeks.
- Even though the Suns are eager to make a move, Ford sees Marcin Gortat remaining with Phoenix beyond the February 21st trade deadline. It's more likely that the club parlays their draft picks into pieces that are ready to contribute more immediately.
- Ford believes that Rudy Gay is as good as gone in Memphis. The new ownership group is looking for ways to tighten their belt and moving the forward is the quickest way to accomplish that. Recent comments by coach Lionel Hollins against analytics would appear to be a shot at recent hire John Hollinger and, by extension, the thinking of the Memphis front office.
- The Suns, Wizards, Magic, and Mavericks could all be trading away their lottery picks this summer as they'll look to win sooner rather than later. However, this isn't a terribly strong draft and it's far from a seller's market.
- Danny Ainge is downplaying the trade talk surrounding the Celtics but Ford doesn't seem to be buying it. If there's a great deal out there for Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, or anyone else, Ford expects him to pull the trigger.
Odds & Ends: Mavericks, Most Improved, George
With six games on the NBA docket tonight, let's round up any odds and ends from around the Association here:
- In HoopsWorld's NBA PM column, Alex Kennedy summarizes some of the trade chatter we've heard recently from the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Raptors, Rockets, Lakers, Magic and Jazz.
- Speaking of the Mavs, despite Mark Cuban's recent bold proclamations, Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas writes that it is business as usual in Dallas. While some of the Mavs players admit that swirling rumors can be a distraction, Rick Carlisle says it has always been the norm in his time under Cuban.
- In a Yahoo Sports video, Greg Anthony and Marc J. Spears discuss the leading candidates for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, specifically mentioning Paul George, James Harden, Greivis Vasquez, Nikola Vucevic and Jrue Holiday as the current contenders.
- In the New York Times' Off The Dribble blog, Jim Cavan writes that the Pacers have been one of the few teams that has arguably benefited from losing a superstar to injury this year, citing the emergence of Paul George as a franchise player in Danny Granger's absence as the reason.
Kyler’s Latest: Kings, Gasol, Magic, Bucks, Jazz
Steve Kyler's latest piece for HoopsWorld is packed full of updates on players who could be on the move before this season's trade deadline. Kyler covers plenty of ground in his column, so let's dive right in and round up the highlights….
- The Kings' uncertain ownership situation may result in a quiet trade deadline in Sacramento. While the situation could change between now and February 21st, Kyler says that for now the team appears "frozen in terms of making deals."
- Kyler suggests it's possible the Grizzlies will explore ways of getting below the luxury tax line that don't involve trading a big contract like Rudy Gay's.
- The Lakers aren't engaged in any trade talks involving Pau Gasol, and may not seriously explore a Gasol deal unless they fall out of the playoff hunt by the deadline.
- While J.J. Redick is drawing plenty of interest, rival teams have also called the Magic about Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson. If Orlando makes a move, the club would like to include Glen Davis or Hedo Turkoglu to shed some long-term salary.
- Pointing to Andrew Bogut as an example of an injured player who was dealt last season, Kyler warns not to rule out Anderson Varejao as a trade candidate.
- The Bucks are much more inclined to move players like Beno Udrih, Drew Gooden, and Samuel Dalembert than Monta Ellis or Brandon Jennings, but those secondary pieces aren't drawing much interest.
- Al Jefferson seems more likely than Paul Millsap to re-sign with the Jazz this summer, though clubs have been in touch with the Jazz about both players.
- The Spurs "will be dealing" DeJuan Blair before the deadline, according to Kyler.
- Derrick Williams appears unlikely to be moved by the Timberwolves while Kevin Love remains sidelined with his broken hand.
- Several teams have been calling the Suns to inquire on Marcin Gortat. The Rockets are one team believed to have interest.
Trade Candidate: J.J. Redick
J.J. Redick wants to remain in Orlando, and the Magic are in no hurry to trade him. Nonetheless, GM Rob Hennigan has let Redick know multiple teams are interested in his services, and the team's losing is beginning to wear on the seventh-year veteran, who's said he'll look to sign with a contender if he's traded this season. That means Redick, in the last year of his contract, might wind up as a rental for whoever would be on the other end of a trade, but that might just be part of the plan.
Redick's $6.19MM expiring contract might be Orlando's best trade asset, and it wouldn't make much sense for a rebuilding team to commit long-term money to a 28-year-old who's started just 45 games in his career, despite how much Redick has grown on the team's new front office. He represents an opportunity for the Magic to package him with one or two of their less desirable assets, like Hedo Turkoglu and Al Harrington. The Magic would reportedly be seeking multiple draft picks in return for him, but a team in need of a shooter might be willing to bite.
The Wolves seem to have plenty of interest, and they've long coveted a shooting guard. They'd like to unload Derrick Williams in return, but the Magic aren't keen on that idea. Minnesota could wind up in the lottery again this year, and that pick could be intriguing to Orlando. The Wolves are over the cap, so they couldn't absorb Redick's salary without sending someone out. They could probably cook up a proposal around Greg Stiemsma and Dante Cunningham simply because they, like Redick, can come off the books after this season, but I don't think that would be enough for the Magic. Alexey Shved represents an intriguing prospect the Magic might want, but that's just my speculation. It would represent something of a gamble by the Wolves if they traded for Redick anyway, since it's not clear whether they're ready to contend if healthy, and Redick might not want to re-sign with Minnesota this summer.
A more logical fit might be the Thunder. They're certainly a contender, and they have the Raptors' first-round pick via the James Harden trade to dangle in front of Hennigan and company. They've been going with a shortened rotation this season after letting Daequan Cook go along with Harden. Still, even without Cook's gunning, they're 10th in the league in three-pointers made this season and third in three-point percentage, and Kevin Martin's outside game has been a major reason why. Redick, though more than just a three-point shooter, wouldn't really fit a need for Oklahoma City the way he would for the Grizzlies and Bulls, who are the only two teams behind the Timberwolves in treys made this season. Both those teams are reluctant to take on salary, which could make swinging a Redick deal tough, though it's worth noting that Redick's current contract was originally an offer sheet he signed with Chicago in 2010.
There isn't really a perfect match out there for Redick, and that's why I think he probably stays put this season. I'm not sure the Magic will re-sign him in the summer, preferring to take his contract off their books to create cap space they can either use in 2013 or down the road. Hennigan may prefer draft picks, but space and picks are usually the two most sought-after currencies for teams in Orlando's position, and I think they'd be just as content to take the space if someone isn't willing to bend over backward to give them the picks.