Odds & Ends: Scola, Grizzlies, Kobe, Telfair
It's been a relatively quiet day as far as NBA rumors and transactions go, but a year ago today, things were heating up in anticipation of a later-than-usual March 15th trade deadline. No deals were consummated on the 14th, but the Bucks and Warriors had finalized a five-player blockbuster the day before, and plenty of rumors were swirling in advance of a deadline day that saw nine more trades completed. We won't be seeing any trades happen on March 14th this year, but while we wait to see if the evening brings any more minor deals or major rumors, let's round up a few odds and ends….
- Luis Scola experienced an emotional, bittersweet return to Houston last night, eight months after being amnestied by the Rockets, as Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic details.
- Although trading Rudy Gay was viewed as a financially-motivated decision by the Grizzlies, ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh (Insider link) examines the team's performance since the deal and concludes that moving Gay may have been "addition by subtraction."
- At ESPNLosAngeles.com, Arash Markazi and Mark Saxon debate what Kobe Bryant's career holds after his current contract expires in 2014.
- Ian Thomsen of SI.com talks to Sebastian Telfair about his evolution from a hyped-up lottery pick to a solid NBA role player.
- Former NBA veterans Melvin Ely and Andres Nocioni are among the players tracked down in Max Ogden's latest "Where Are They Now?" piece for Sheridan Hoops.
Mavericks Waive Ely, Douglas-Roberts
The Mavericks have waived Melvin Ely and Chris Douglas-Roberts, the team announced via press release. The moves come on the heels of a report that team officials have convinced owner Mark Cuban to waive suspended guard Delonte West, whose roster spot Ely and Douglas-Roberts appeared to be competing for. Instead, it seems that spot will go to Eddy Curry. Ely and Douglas-Roberts, like Curry, were on non-guaranteed deals.
It's the second time Douglas-Roberts has been waived this week, as the Lakers let him go Tuesday after he averaged 4.0 points in 8.3 minutes per game over four preseason contests with L.A. Ely is a veteran of eight NBA seasons, but didn't play in the league last year, instead catching on for five games in Puerto Rico. Neither player appeared in a preseason game for the Mavs after signing Thursday.
Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com believes both will wind up with the Texas Legends, the D-League affiliate for the Mavs, as the Legends hold their rights in that league.
Mavericks Sign Ely, Douglas-Roberts
SATURDAY, 1:05pm: The Mavericks have confirmed the moves via press release.
THURSDAY, 7:51pm: Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas reports that the Mavericks have agreed to sign Melvin Ely and Chris Douglas-Roberts to non-guaranteed contracts. Both additions are expected to compete with Eddy Curry for the 15th and final roster spot.
Ely last played in the NBA during the 2010-11 season for the Nuggets, averaging 2.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, and 12.2 MPG in 30 games. He had most recently played for Brujos de Guayama of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico, where he averaged 8.0 PPG and 5.6 RPG in five games after signing with the team in March.
Douglas-Roberts was recently waived by the Lakers after appearing in four pre-season games, averaging 4.0 PPG and 45.5% shooting in 8.3 MPG.
Mavericks Notes: West, Ely, Douglas-Roberts
Eddie Sefko of SportsDay DFW relayed an announcement made by Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson on the deal reached with Eddy Curry: “We are excited to bring (him) to Dallas…He has worked extremely hard this of-season and can provide our front line with much needed depth.” While Nelson made no mention of Delonte West, Sefko maintains that the 6'3 guard is set to be waived. Here are a few more topics surrounding Dallas tonight:
- Sefko notes that West's suspension is without pay, and three resolutions to his situation could either involve a trade, a buyout agreement, or West agreeing leave without any of the salary owed to him this year. It is also mentioned that he will not be eligible to be traded until December 15th.
- The team also expects to bring in center Melvin Ely and guard/forward Chris Douglas-Roberts for tryouts.
- Chris Kaman has been dealing with a strained right calf muscle and remains doubtful for the season opener.
Minor Moves: Leslie, Jordan, Ely, Hayward
Here are today's notable international and D-League-related transactions:
- Travis Leslie has been assigned to the D-League by the Clippers, according to Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles. The Clips' second-round pick has played in just eight games this season.
- The Knicks announced that they've assigned Jerome Jordan to their D-League affiliate in Erie, tweets Zach Lowe of SI.com. The return of Josh Harrellson made the decision a no-brainer, says Marc Berman of the New York Post (on Twitter).
- Another former NBA player signed in Puerto Rico, as Melvin Ely joined Brujos de Guayama, according to Sportando. Ely, the 12th overall pick in the 2002 draft, played 12.2 MPG in 30 contests for the Nuggets last season.
- The Thunder have assigned Lazar Hayward to their D-League affiliate in Tulsa, according to the team (Twitter link). Hayward, who has appeared in 12 games for Oklahoma City this season, suffered a fractured orbital floor on his left eye last month.
- Craig Brackins has been recalled from the D-League by the 76ers, according to a team press release. The 24-year-old was assigned to the Maine Red Claws on February 7th, and averaged 18.9 points and 9.3 rebounds in seven games with the club.