Amick On Warriors, Shumpert, Lillard, Kings
In his Thursday morning edition of A to Z at USA Today, Sam Amick speaks to Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob about his team's first-half success and looks into the Kings' decision to pass on Damian Lillard last June, among other topics. Let's dive right in and check out what Amick has for us….
- Asked about the possibility of making a trade to further upgrade the Warriors' lineup, Lacob tells Amick that the club is taking things one game at a time for now, and that if Andrew Bogut comes back healthy before the deadline, "it's sort of like you made a trade." Still, Golden State intends to be opportunistic, so if a potential deal arises, the team will certainly consider it.
- Lacob also praised the work of GM Bob Myers, singling out the signings of Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry as moves that have made a big impact so far.
- Lacob expects it'll be another year and a half before the Warriors "get all the approvals" for their eventual move to San Francisco.
- While the Knicks are happy to have Amare Stoudemire back in the rotation, Amick suggests Iman Shumpert is the player New York needs more right now. The young guard tells Amick that he expects to return in "January or February."
- According to Amick, one reason why the Kings drafted Thomas Robinson over Lillard at No. 5 overall last June was the front office's uncertainty about whether ownership would be willing to pony up the money for a long-term deal for Jason Thompson. While Sacramento was happy to land Robinson, who was viewed as a safe selection, there was also "strong support" for Lillard among the front office and scouting staff.
- Amick notes that the Celtics and Jazz are two teams worth keeping an eye on as the trade deadline approaches. In the past, Boston has been aggressive about adding future pieces even when the team has been winning, which it's not doing right now. As for Utah, the Jazz have a number of expiring contracts and other assets and could be sellers if they continue to play sub-.500 ball.
Knicks Updates: Amare, Sheed, Shumpert
The latest chatter around the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening:
- Ken Berger of CBSSports.com writes that Amare Stoudemire, once considered the Knicks' franchise player, is now buying into a team run by Carmelo Anthony.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the injury to Rasheed Wallace has had a major impact on the Knicks, with head coach Mike Woodson expressing the veteran's importance.
- Iman Shumpert is going through some light drills, although there is no update on when he is expected to be able to resume five-on-five activities.
Atlantic Notes: Amare, Raptors, Prigioni, Copeland
Marc Berman of the New York Post writes that Amare Stoudemire isn't quite ready to make his return for the Knicks just yet, citing that he is still "not 100 percent yet." Although he looked active during his scrimmage with the Erie Bayhawks today, Stoudemire feels that he still needs more practices and conditioning work before his return. You can find more of tonight's notable links from the Atlantic Division below:
- Coach Mike Woodson says that although Iman Shumpert took part in conditioning workouts, the young guard is still "a little ways away" with regard to his rehab (Christian Red of the New York Daily News reports).
- Considering the Raptors' recent four-game winning streak, Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun is wary of the possible challenges that Kyle Lowry and Andrea Bargnani will create for the team's current chemistry once they return from injury.
- In a brief Q&A Twitter session with followers, renown NBA capologist Larry Coon acknowledged that Knicks rookies Pablo Prigioni and Chris Copeland will be restricted free agents this summer (Twitter link).
- Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld notes that Raptors big man Ed Davis has made noticeable improvements and is beginning to progress into the talent that Toronto envisioned when they drafted him.
- Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston talks about why Jason Terry belongs in the Celtics' starting lineup.
D-League Notes: Motiejunas, Copeland, White
We'll keep track of today's D-League news right here..
- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Iman Shumpert could also head to the D-League when he's healthy again, tweets Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.
- The Rockets have recalled Donatas Motiejunas from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the team announced. The 7'0" rookie was assigned on Friday to the Vipers for the second time this season, and he averaged 23.0 points and 12.0 rebounds in two weekend contests.
- The Knicks have also assigned Chris Copeland and James White to the BayHawks so that they can practice with them in Westchester, New York, tweets Al Iannazzone of Newsday. Copeland, White, and Stoudemire will be called back up tomorrow.
- Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace told Sports 56 WHBQ that Josh Selby will return from the D-League after two games, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal (via Twitter). When Selby returns, Tony Wroten will be sent back to Reno.
- Avery Bradley said the Celtics have talked with him about a D-League stint, but he plans on traveling west with the C's on their post-Christmas trip, tweets Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
- The Knicks announced that they have assigned Amare Stoudemire to the Erie BayHawks of the Developmental League so that he can get practice reps before returning to the Knicks this weekend. Coach Mike Woodson disclosed yesterday that Stoudemire would practice with the BayHawks, but it wasn't clear if he would be formally assigned to them.
Atantic Notes: Casey, Teletovic, Meeks
The latest news and notes from around the Atlantic Division on Sunday afternoon:
- Despite rumors that Dwane Casey's job is in jeopardy, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star backs the Raptors coach and notes that perception around the league is generally optimistic about Casey and the team's future.
- Mirza Teletovic was used to being the focal point of his team in Europe, so it's been a challenge for him to adjust to being on the end of the Nets' bench this season, as Newsday's Roderick Boone chronicles.
- Mark Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer talks to Lakers guard Jodie Meeks, who reflects on the 76ers organization where he spent the first three seasons of his career as his new team prepares to play his former one.
- Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire are making progress toward returning to the Knicks.
Atlantic Notes: Raptors, Knicks, Blatche
A few notes from around the NBA's Atlantic Division.
- CBSSports.com's Zach Harper takes a long look at Nets center Andray Blatche, a big, talented player who nearly found himself out of the league after getting amnestied by the Wizards just a few months ago.
- Newsday's Al Iannazzone believes the Knicks will be an even better basketball team once Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert return from their injuries.
- The Toronto Sun's Ryan Wolstat credits the Raptors bench for producing in increased roles.
Atlantic Notes: Shumpert, Sixers, Celtics
The latest news and notes from around the Atlantic Division:
- The Knicks could use Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire in their lineup, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post.
- Jrue Holiday, who signed a four-year extension last month, is so far rewarding the confidence the Sixers showed in him, observes John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- John Rohde of the Oklahoman catches up with former Thunder guard Royal Ivey, now with the Sixers.
- Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald writes that Celtics rookie forward Jared Sullinger is motivated by his slide out of the draft lottery.
- The Boston Herald also catches up with Glen Davis, who finds Magic coach Jacque Vaughn a nice change of pace from the Celtics' Doc Rivers.
Injury Updates: Shumpert, Nash, Griffin
We don't focus a whole lot on covering day-to-day injuries at Hoops Rumors, but we do keep tabs on the more serious injuries or issues affecting star players. In those cases, a team is more likely to explore a roster move to bring in a replacement player. Here's the latest on a handful of injuries from around the league:
- Iman Shumpert tells Marc Berman of the New York Post that he's aiming for a return sometime in 2013, rather than next month. "It could be as easy as December, but I’m not aiming at December," Shumpert said. "When I feel my knee’s right, that’s when I’m going to come back. January, February, that’s the target. If you can talk to my knee, I’d love you to write what it says." While Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire are out, offseason additions Jason Kidd and Ronnie Brewer will continue to start for the Knicks.
- Although coach Mike Brown believes Steve Nash may only miss a week with the small fracture in his left leg, the Lakers aren't putting any pressure on Nash to return quickly, writes Dave McMenamin of the Los Angeles Times. Even if Nash misses a few weeks, the Lakers don't appear interested in adding another point guard, as we heard yesterday.
- Blake Griffin is playing with a burst burca sac in his right elbow, according to Dan Woike of the Orange County Register. Griffin has experienced the issue before and expects to play through it, though he concedes it's "never this bad." If Griffin were forced to miss time, the Clippers do have a spare roster spot, and a certain ex-Clipper power forward is looking for work.
Knicks Exercise Option On Iman Shumpert
The Knicks announced that they have exercised the third-year option on Iman Shumpert. The guard, entering his sophomore season, was widely expected to be retained through the 2013/14 season. The Georgia Tech product will make $1.68MM this season and 1.797MM in the third year of his deal.
Shumpert averaged 9.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG for the Knicks last season in his rookie campaign. However, the 17th overall pick in the draft went on to suffer a torn ACL in the Game 1 of first round of the playoffs against the Heat. We heard recently that Shumpert has been able to get around without the help of a brace or a limp, which would indicate that his rehab is going well. Doctors have projected that Shumpert could be back in action as soon as December or January.
New York Notes: Shumpert, Brooks
We're about 40 more days away from Brooklyn hosting their home opener against the Knicks, which should be one of the more exciting games to start the regular season. The NBA has not seen both of these teams make the post-season simultaneously since the 2003-04 playoffs, in which the regional rivals met in the first round. We've got some links to relay, including two that include young guards who could find themselves matched up against each other in a competitive cross-town rivalry for several years to come. Here's what we've heard out of New York tonight:
- Nate Taylor of the New York Times' Off the Dribble blog writes that Knicks guard Iman Shumpert has been walking without a brace or a limp, which gives some indication that his rehabilitation this summer has been progressing well.
- Ben Couch of BrooklynNets.com presents a comprehensive piece about MarShon Brooks that chronicles his journey to the NBA, the ebbs and flows of his rookie season, his experience during this year's Orlando Summer Pro League, and his preparation for a sophomore campaign with the Nets.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York talks about the dynamic duo that the Knicks have with Tyson Chandler and Marcus Camby. In a second piece, Zwerling explores the key qualities of having Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd as part of their point guard rotation.
- Nets GM Billy King, who team owner Mikhail Prokhorov believes will win GM of the year, talks about his thought process while constructing this current roster and the challenges that it entailed (Roderick Boone of Newsday reports).