Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell Named Players Of The Week
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell have been named the NBA’s Western and Eastern Conference players of the week, respectively, the league announced today (via Twitter).
Jokic, the back-to-back league MVP, put up historic numbers during Denver’s 2-1 week. He averaged 36.0 points, 17.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 3.7 steals on .623/.333/.806 shooting, including 43 points (on 85% shooting), 14 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals in Wednesday’s victory over the Wizards, and an enormous 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in Sunday’s victory over Charlotte. The Nuggets are currently 18-11, tied with the Pelicans for the second-best record in the West.
Mitchell, meanwhile, led Cleveland to a 3-1 week with averages of 32.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists on an excellent .539/.425/.882 shooting slash line. For the season, he’s posting career highs in points (29.5), FG% (50.3), 3PT% (42.4) and FT% (.889) for the 20-11 Cavs, the East’s No. 3 seed.
According to the NBA (Twitter link), the other nominees in the West were Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Damian Lillard, while Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Tyler Herro were nominated in the East.
Wolves’ Jaden McDaniels Talks Season, Goals, More
As a former first-round pick in his third year, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is in the midst of an important season for his career — he’s eligible for a rookie scale extension in 2023. The rangy, versatile defender is averaging career highs in several categories thus far in 2022/23, including points (10.9), steals (1.1), blocks (1.2), FG% (52.7), 3PT% (36.9) and minutes (30.1) through 27 games.
McDaniels recently spoke to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype about a number of different topics, including how he improves defensively, who he compares himself to, the team’s goal for ’22/23, his long-term individual goals, and more. Here are a few highlights:
On the Wolves’ season thus far and his own development:
“For the team, it’s been a little up and down, but there have been certain times this season where we click, and we’re playing our best basketball. Then, there’s sometimes I feel like with KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) being down, it hurts us. Defensively, sometimes we slip. I feel like it’s going to come together. It has to work for us. That’s what we’re saying. Continue to stick with it.
“For me, I’d say staying aggressive offensively and getting to my spots while continuing to shoot the three really well. I want to continue to guard the best player on the other team and make it as tough as I can.”
“Fair expectations” for the current season after the Rudy Gobert trade over the summer:
“I feel like we’ll go to the playoffs and try and get further than we did last year. Our goal is the second or third round. Our main goal is the championship, but we’ve got to start somewhere, so I’ll say do better than we did last year for right now.”
Long-term goals for his career:
“Sometime, I’d love to be an All-Star. Right now, things I feel are accomplishable are being on the All-Defensive Team. I feel like I could be one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Then, continuing to build off that to All-Star games to being a playoff MVP and all those types of things.”
Hawks’ John Collins Expected To Return On Monday
Hawks forward John Collins is expected to return to action on Monday against Orlando, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Collins is officially listed as questionable, but it sounds like he’ll be upgraded later today. He suffered a left ankle sprain on December 2 and was expected to miss at least two weeks, so his return appears to be on schedule. He has missed eight straight games with the injury.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors for a few years, and if he performs well upon his return to the lineup, it could help facilitate a deal for Atlanta. The Jazz and Nets are among the teams that have shown some interest in the six-year veteran.
Collins is having a down season by his standards — through 22 games (31.5 MPG), he’s averaging 12.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 1.4 BPG on .484/.219/.845 shooting. For context, his career marks are 16.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 1.1 BPG on .555/.362/.783 shooting.
The Hawks went 3-5 without their starting power forward in the lineup, and are currently 15-15, the No. 8 seed in the East. Fellow starter Dejounte Murray, who has been dealing with his own left ankle sprain, appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery — he was expected to miss at least two weeks, but 11 days later he’s also listed as questionable against the Magic.
Southeast Notes: Carter, Wizards, Morris, Rozier
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. is targeting Friday for his return from a right plantar fascia strain, according to Khobi Price of The Orlando Sentinel. Carter, who hasn’t played since November 18, told Price that the injured area is “feeling a lot better.”
Carter said he and the team put together a plan several days ago for him to play in Friday’s matchup with the Spurs, which marks the start of a two-game homestand. In preparation, Carter has been scrimmaging with assistant coaches and some of his teammates.
“Since I missed so much [time] it was like 75% getting my foot back right and then the other 25% of making sure — I haven’t played in four weeks — they want to make sure I don’t go out there and tweak something because it hasn’t had that same stress,” Carter said. “Hamstrings, quads, whatever the case may be. They just want to make sure I ramp it up to the point where it might not be exactly how the game will be but it’s close enough to where my body can start to get re-acclimated and be good to go.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- It’s hard to pinpoint a single reason for the Wizards‘ losing streak, which reached 10 games with Sunday’s narrow defeat against the Lakers, writes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Injuries have been an issue, but the losing continued as Kristaps Porzingis came back Saturday and Bradley Beal returned Sunday.
- Monte Morris was surprised to learn that he had been traded to the Wizards after five years in Denver, per Mike Singer of The Denver Post. Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth admits that he went to dinner with Morris and promised him that he wouldn’t be dealt, but Booth said he couldn’t pass up the chance to acquire Kentavious Caldwell-Pope when the opportunity arose. “I was definitely shocked because I heard different things like I wasn’t going nowhere and stuff,” Morris said. “For me, that just showed me you can’t really put all your eggs in one basket nowhere. Ain’t no hard feelings towards him or nobody. I put that personal side behind me the moment they said the trade was done with. It’s just business.”
- Hornets guard Terry Rozier suffered a contusion on his right hip while diving for a loose ball Sunday night, according to Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. Rozier’s status for Monday’s game at Sacramento will be determined later today.
Northwest Notes: Jokic, Mitchell, Joe, Mann
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic put up numbers reminiscent of Wilt Chamberlain on Sunday night, but it’s concerning that Denver needed that type of production to get by the Hornets, writes Mike Singer of The Denver Post. Jokic had one of the best games of his career with 40 points, 27 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, a line that hasn’t been seen since Chamberlain did it in 1968.
Singer notes that Jokic’s efforts were needed because of the continued struggles of the team’s bench. Denver’s reserves were outscored by Charlotte’s, 46-18, and Jokic had to cut short his rest in both halves.
“Our bench wasn’t giving us anything,” coach Michael Malone said. “… When you’re coming off the bench, you have an obligation. Guys get pissed off when they come out of a game. Well, if you’re playing better, you’re not coming out of a game. Simply stated.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Donovan Mitchell is ready to face the Jazz Monday night for the first time since his trade to the Cavaliers, notes Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. Although Mitchell’s recent comments about “having fun again” angered some Utah fans, his former teammates aren’t taking offense. “I don’t really interpret it in any bad way at all,” Mike Conley said. “I think when you’re winning and you’re successful, when you have a career year and you’re playing well, you’re having fun. And I’m sure he had that same fun when we were playing really well, like we all did. So, you know, we’re all having fun now. I think everybody who’s been moving around and in different locations or the same location, we’re all having a good time, we’re all enjoying basketball.”
- The Thunder picked up a three-point specialist when they signed Isaiah Joe after the Sixers waived him in training camp, per Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Joe has claimed a rotation spot by shooting 46% from beyond the arc, and he was 5-of-8 in a career-high 23-point game Saturday night. “I’m definitely more than just a shooter,” Joe said, “and that’s gonna come out over time, but right now I just feel like this is what the team needs, and I’m going to aspire to be the best at it.”
- Thunder point guard Tre Mann is taking a positive approach toward his G League assignment, Mussatto tweets. Mann plans to focus on his catch-and-shoot game while he’s with the Oklahoma City Blue. “My mindset is do whatever I’ve gotta do to be the best player I can be,” he said. “That’s what we feel is best for me — me and the coaches. I understand it. I’m gonna go down there and get better.”
Lakers Notes: Davis Injury, LeBron, Westbrook
The Lakers haven’t issued an official statement on the status of Anthony Davis, but a weekend report indicating he will miss at least a month with an injured right foot could alter the course of their season and their approach to the trade deadline, writes Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Specialists were still evaluating Davis as of Sunday night, and coach Darvin Ham suggested the team may release more information on the injury on Monday. L.A. is 12th in the West at 13-16 and is entering a tough part of the schedule with seven of its next eight games on the road.
Davis’ injury and how it might affect management’s approach to upgrading the roster were among the topics at Sunday’s post-game press conference.
“Not a question for me,” LeBron James said. “I have no idea. When I’m playing, I show up, prepare, go to work and get my guys ready to go win a basketball game. I play the game, I’m not in the front office, so we’ll see. But I’m focused on the game and us trying to win basketball games, especially when I’m out on the floor.”
As James left the media session, Buha adds, he told a reporter, “Go ask (general manager) Rob (Pelinka) those questions.”
There’s more from Los Angeles:
- The Lakers are already facing inflated prices on the trade market as rival teams understand they’re under pressure to make a deal, reports Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. As an example, he states that the Jazz asked L.A. for a first-round pick in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic before the season began, but ultimately traded him to Detroit without getting a first-rounder in return. Pincus notes that the Lakers were “conflicted internally” about risking their future on any trade that didn’t make them an obvious contender, even before the Davis injury. If Davis is lost for an extended stretch, Pincus suggests L.A. might focus on smaller moves such as adding a free agent center (maybe DeMarcus Cousins) and seeing what it can get for Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and second-round picks.
- James’ situation is unprecedented for a player of his age and talent, per Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated. Although he’s still performing at an all-NBA level as he nears his 38th birthday, James faces the prospect of another non-playoff season.
- While Davis is sidelined, James will likely see some time at center, which was effective last season, according to Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. There will also be an increased focus on James’ pairing with Russell Westbrook, as Goon notes that with Westbrook’s move to a reserve role they have shared the court for just 17.2 minutes per game this season.
Facundo Campazzo Joins Serbian Team
Former Nuggets and Mavericks guard Facundo Campazzo is officially a member of Crvena Zvezda, writes Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. The Serbian team issued a press release to confirm the deal, which will run through the 2023/24 season and includes a third-year player option.
Real Madrid, Campazzo’s team before he came to the NBA, had an opportunity to match the offer of 1.8 million Euros for the rest of this season and 2.8 million Euros for next season, but didn’t act before last week’s deadline.
Campazzo was a star with Madrid from 2014-20, helping the team capture two EuroLeague championships and three ACB titles.
The veteran point guard signed with Denver in 2020 and appeared in 130 games over two seasons, mostly in a reserve role. After spending the entire offseason as a free agent, the 31-year-old got an opportunity with Dallas in mid-October. He played just eight games for the Mavericks, averaging 1.3 points and 1.1 assists in 6.5 minutes per night, before being waived November 29 when the team added Kemba Walker.
Kostas Antetokounmpo Signs With Fenerbahce
After clearing waivers on Sunday, Kostas Antetokounmpo has signed with Fenerbahce in Turkey for the rest of the season, according to Eurohoops.
Panathinaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv also had interest in Antetokounmpo, per Eurohoops, but Fenerbahce had an advantage because of coach Dimitris Itoudis, who also coaches the Greek national team. Fenerbahce needs help at power forward because of injuries to a pair of former NBA players, Johnathan Motley and Nemanja Bjelica.
Antetokounmpo, 25, began the season on a two-way contract with the Bulls, but was waived Friday to make room for Carlik Jones. He didn’t appear in any games after signing with Chicago shortly before the start of training camp, but averaged 11.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 12 games with the G League’s Windy City Bulls.
Antetokounmpo saw limited NBA action after being selected with the 60th pick in the 2018 draft. He got into two games during his lone season with the Mavericks and 20 combined games during two years with the Lakers.
And-Ones: Richardson, Black, Stoudemire, Durant
Malachi Richardson has signed with Poland’s Tauron GTK Gliwice, according to Sportando. Richardson was the 22nd overall pick of the 2016 draft. He also played in Poland last season with King Wilki Morskie Szczecin. Richardson hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2018/19 season.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Arkansas freshman guard Anthony Black is trending toward being a top-10 pick in the next draft, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. That’s due to his ball-handling as a big guard (6’7”), his facilitating ability, and his defensive tools and instincts. Wasserman looks at a number of college freshmen and evaluates whether their draft prospects are rising or falling.
- Former NBA All-Star and assistant coach Amar’e Stoudemire was arrested in Miami on Saturday, Fox Sports talk show host Andy Slater tweets. Stoudemire was charged with battery after he allegedly struck and slapped his daughter, according to another Slater tweet. His bond was listed at $1,500.
- Kevin Durant feels the EuroLeague is a viable option for NBA hopefuls, BasketNews relays. “I try to tell a lot of guys that they should pursue that route as well along with trying to get to the NBA,” Durant said, adding that he has a lot of respect for the EuroLeague and enjoys watching its games.
Suns Notes: Booker, Ayton, Landale, Payne, Okogie, Bridges, Johnson
Suns guard Devin Booker erupted for 58 points against New Orleans on Saturday but it’s no slam dunk that he’ll play Monday against the Lakers, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.
Booker is listed as questionable to play due to groin soreness. He recently missed two games due to hamstring tightness.
Several other prominent players are on the injury report. Deandre Ayton (left ankle sprain), who has missed the last two games, is also listed as questionable. Jock Landale (concussion protocol) and Cameron Payne (right foot strain) won’t play.
We have more on the Suns:
- Josh Okogie has continued to impress his teammates and coach with his energy and effort, Dana Scott of the Arizona Republic writes. Okogie didn’t hit a single field goal, but made seven free throws and grabbed six rebounds (four offensive) against the Pelicans on Saturday. “I thought the offensive rebounds he got were just about as impressive as any play that happened (Saturday),” coach Monty Williams said. “He just kept going, and you could see him spring off the ground. Go above everybody to get it, like I said, I have to figure out ways to get him on the floor because he helps us on both ends.” Okogie is on a veteran’s minimum deal and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
- Mikal Bridges, who is in the first season of a four-year, $90MM extension, is disappointed with his defense this season, he told Mark Medina of NBA.com. “It’s early, but I have to continue to get better and not have any lapses,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of lapses with getting beat on (backdoor) cuts. I have to stay with it. They want me scoring more, but I still have to stay locked in on the defensive end. I have to be more aggressive and physical.”
- Cameron Johnson, rehabbing from meniscus surgery performed early last month, did some shooting during Saturday’s shootaround without a knee brace, Rankin notes. “He’s looked good,” forward Torrey Craig said. “I’ve been checking him out in the weight room, watching him do things in there, and then coming out shooting with us. Obviously, a huge step.”