Central Notes: Skiles, Pistons, Vogel
One day after the mutual decision to sever ties with the Bucks, Scott Skiles was quick to shoot down a rumor that he "hated his team." Charles F. Gardner of JS Online drew more comments from the former-Milwaukee coach, who also implied that his phone has been "blowing up" regarding opportunities but would like to enjoy some of the time off he has right now. Todd Rosiak (also of the Journal-Sentinel) explored Skiles' departure from his former players' perspective, namely Larry Sanders, Luc Mbah a Moute, rookie John Henson, and Brandon Jennings, who admitted he was a bit frustrated about how he found out about the news – from Skiles first and not the team. With that aside, here are more news and notes from the Central Division tonight:
- With four consecutive drafts in which the Pistons have taken five current rotation players, there is optimism that GM Joe Dumars and his scouts have the right mindset and wherewithal to continue building the team toward a return to prominence (Keith Langlois of Pistons.com reports).
- Fresh off agreeing to what is most likely a multi-year contract extension yesterday, Frank Vogel expressed optimism and determination in the direction of the Pacers' franchise (ESPN report via the Associated Press).
- Mike Wells of IndyStar.com briefly explores Vogel's appreciation for the assistants on his coaching staff and mentioned Dominic McGuire's task of learning the team's offense as quickly as possible.
Bucks Exercise Options On Sanders, Udoh, Harris
The Bucks have picked up a handful of contract options for 2013/14, the team announced today (Twitter link). Milwaukee exercised its fourth-year options on Larry Sanders and Ekpe Udoh, and picked up its third-year option on Tobias Harris.
Udoh, who was acquired from the Warriors in March's Andrew Bogut/Monta Ellis blockbuster, will now earn a guaranteed $4.47MM in 2013/14, while Sanders will be owed $3.05MM. Both players will be eligible for restricted free agency in the 2014 offseason, unless they sign contract extensions next summer. As for Harris, the Bucks will pay him a $1.55MM salary in 2013/14, and hold an additional team option for 2014/15, worth $2.38MM.
Be sure to check out our rookie contract option tracker to keep tabs on which 2013/14 team options have been exercised to date.
Kyler On Harrington, Thomas, Gibson, Calderon
Sources close to the Magic deny that Al Harrington was included in this month's Dwight Howard blockbuster as a throw-in, according to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. However, Kyler still believes the Magic will explore the possibility of moving Harrington and his contract before the trade deadline. Harrington has three years remaining on his deal, but the last two are only partially guaranteed, and he's still a serviceable player, so Orlando could find a taker. Here are the rest of Kyler's Thursday morning updates on players that may be on the move prior to the trade deadline:
- According to Kyler, the Bobcats are hoping new coach Mike Dunlap can reach Tyrus Thomas in a way that Paul Silas couldn't. Thomas' contract still looks like an albatross though, and the Bobcats would likely move it in a minute if they could find a taker.
- While Kyler hears a handful of teams have been in contact with Cleveland about Daniel Gibson, the Cavs deny they're shopping the guard.
- The Raptors haven't been able to find a deal they like for Jose Calderon to date, but as February's deadline approaches, the Spaniard may turn into a more viable trade chip, as his contract nears its end.
- Larry Sanders could be on the trade block for the Bucks, who acquired Samuel Dalembert and Ekpe Udoh, re-signed Ersan Ilyasova, and drafted John Henson within the last few months.
- Kevin Martin and the Rockets and Corey Maggette of the Pistons figure to be trade candidates this season, as veterans with $10MM+ expiring contracts.
- The Spurs are expected to continue trying to find a trade partner for DeJuan Blair, but his health history raises some red flags for rival clubs.
Central Links: Bulls, Skiles, Sanders
- Nick Freidell of ESPN Chicago gives an update of the current state of the Bulls, reporting that Carlos Boozer looks to be the most primed for a playoff run, going over coach Thibodeau's plan to play his starters in order to maintain the team's approach, and looking at the strides that Derrick Rose is making as he is steadily recovering from injury.
- K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune writes about Thibodeau's focus on defense and rebounding as the keys to Chicago's road success this season.
- Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel wonders if Scott Skiles is worth retaining for the Bucks as they move forward but is confidently in support of keeping John Hammond as the GM.
- Bucks forward/center Larry Sanders sounded apologetic when addressing the media after returning from a two-game suspension (Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel reports). Sanders had been ejected from a game in Indiana last week.