Ford’s Latest: Smith, Hawes, Turner, Granger
In an earlier post, we passed along Chad Ford's report on Brandon Jennings' discontent in Milwaukee. Ford's latest Insider-only piece at ESPN.com featured plenty of additional trade notes though, so we'll round up the highlights here:
- The consensus around the NBA continues to suggest that Josh Smith is unlikely to remain with the Hawks next season, whether he leaves by trade or free agency.
- According to Ford, the 76ers have been "dangling" Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner as potential trade chips, and could be a team to watch in the Smith sweepstakes.
- The Raptors would like to acquire a backup point guard in an Andrea Bargnani deal.
- Danny Granger is probably out of the Pacers' price range over the long-term, so if he's not moved in the next week, he's a good candidate to be shopped this summer. Ford names the Clippers as a potential suitor for Granger.
- While anyone on the Suns' roster is available for the right piece, it's not entirely clear what they're looking for in return, as they've been linked to everyone from Al Jefferson to Iman Shumpert. Ford suggests that's a sign that Phoenix doesn't necessarily have a "coherent rebuilding plan."
Atlantic Notes: Johnson, Downs, Knicks, Hawes
Here are some notes from around the Atlantic Division.
- Howard Beck from the New York Times writes that Joe Johnson is looking to shed his "iso-Joe" nickname now that he's with the Nets.
- Micah Downs was one of the last players brought into the Celtics training camp not only for his size, but his athletic potential, writes CSNNE.com's A. Sherrod Blakely.
- The Sixers are expecting re-signed center Spencer Hawes to be a consistent force at the power forward position for them this year, writes CSNPhilly.com's John Finger.
- Coming off an overtime preseason victory against the Celtics, the Knicks aging backcourt duo of Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni could be an intriguing one this season, writes Newsday's Al Iannazzone.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Nets, Knicks
- Nets rookie guard Tyshawn Taylor is recovering from a strained right quad, but remains anxiously eager to prove himself to the team's coaches. The former Kansas Jayhawk also said that watching the team practice while being sidelined is helping him become acquainted with how the team is expected to run (Tim Bontempts of the New York Post writes).
- According to John N. Mitchell of Philly.com, Spencer Hawes is excited about playing power forward next to Andrew Bynum. The former Washington Huskies big man has mostly been playing center since entering the league, but believes he has the skill-set to mesh well with the former Lakers star.
- John R. Finger of CSN Philly writes about how Maalik Wayns can contribute to the 76ers with his speed and scoring ability. Dei Lynam of CSN Philly says that Dorell Wright has been impressive in camp, especially with his shooting and playmaking ability. Also, Max Rappaport of NBA.com looks at how Dorell, Jason Richardson, and Nick Young form a remarkable combination of viable outside shooters.
- Knicks point guard Raymond Felton has lost 20 pounds since leaving the Trail Blazers and currently weights 207 pounds, according to Ben Golliver of the Blazers Edge. Felton admitted that his conditioning issues to start the 2011-12 season significantly affected his play early on.
Positional Notes: Davis, Acy, Sixers
With the season right around the corner, tons of speculation surrounds positional rotations on several teams. Here are a few recent articles that shine a little light on where certain players currently stand on their team's respective depth charts.
- Terry Pluto from The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that Samardo Samuels will be fighting for a spot in the Cavaliers front court next season, but with the addition of Tyler Zeller and the return of Anderson Varejao from injury, it'll be difficult.
- The Toronto Star's Doug Smith believes that with six players in front of him, rookie Quincy Acy will have a very difficult time cracking the Raptors front court rotation.
- With the Sixers offseason addition of Andrew Bynum at center, former center Spencer Hawes will be forced into a role as the team's power forward, writes the Philadelphia Inquirer's John Mitchell.
- Kent Williams of SheridanHoops.com has a few notes worth discussing, including Glen Davis' status as the Magic's starting power forward and J.J. Barea's rapidly decreasing role with the Timberwolves.
Odds & Ends: Magic, C.J. Watson, Spencer Hawes
As we enter the NBA's dead month of September, we're now only weeks away from the Nets' unveiling of their brand-new uniforms. The release on September 28 coincides with the opening of the Barclays Center in the form of a concert by Jay-Z at the venue. One can only wonder if the minority owner will rock the new jersey during the performance.
Let's catch up with the latest news, stories and headlines from around the league…
- New Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn has an open mind heading into training with regard to how he sees the team's lineup and roster playing out, writes Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. "I have no preconceived thoughts about guys here," Vaughn said. "I have to judge these guys on what they show me. Not on past games, not on other people's opinions, but from my opinion. I will give them the opportunity to show me."
- Recently signed Nets guard C.J. Watson has spent the past week in Africa giving back to a community through basketball, writes Roderick Boone of Newsday. "It's fun," said Watson. "They already know a lot of stuff about basketball. It's just fun learning from a NBA player. Like someone told me, 'There might never be a time when I meet a NBA player ever again in my life.' So to get to actually come here and make these kids' dreams come true, it's just fun to meet with them."
- Dei Lynam of CSNPhilly.com looks at how Spencer Hawes may be able to emulate Pau Gasol while playing alongside Andrew Bynum in the Sixers' frontcourt. Head coach Doug Collins is confident in Hawes' abilities to mimic Gasol's style of play. "I want (Hawes) to play the Gasol role with Bynum,” said Collins. “Both (Hawes and Gasol) like to play out on the perimeter because they can shoot the ball and are very good passers."
Amico On Sixers, Centers, Wolves, Andersen
The Sixers are well-stocked at center, with Andrew Bynum arriving to join Spencer Hawes and Kwame Brown. Lavoy Allen could also man the position, and rookie power forward Arnett Moultrie, at 6'11", gives the team yet another big man, notes Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio. That makes the Sixers one of the few teams with size in the NBA, giving them a distinct advantage this year, Amico writes. It could also lead to some player movement, and Amico has the details:
- Philly's frontcourt bounty has some around the league believing Brown, Hawes or Allen will be available at the trading deadline, if not sooner, Amico says, adding that other teams are already preparing to gauge the Sixers' interest in a deal.
- The Wolves are in the market for a center, and though they haven't reached out to the Sixers yet, they've had exploratory discussions with other teams, Amico hears. Still, the talks have subsided in recent weeks.
- Amico hears Chris Andersen, whom the Nuggets waived using the amnesty clause last month, is open to a one-year deal. Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com reported earlier today that the Birdman has received offers from between $1.2MM and $5MM, though the high end of that range seems a stretch, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors observed.
Sixers Re-Sign Spencer Hawes
JULY 13TH: The Sixers have officially re-signed Hawes, the team confirmed today in a press release.
JULY 4TH: Spencer Hawes and the 76ers have reached an agreement on a new contract, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. The $13.1MM deal will keep the unrestricted free agent under contract in Philadelphia for two more years.
Free Agent Rumors: Mavs, Dragic, Orton, Blazers
Day 3 of NBA free agency is underway, and the July free agent period hasn't lacked for action so far. We'll use this space to track a number of updates on second- and third-tier free agents as the day continues. Here's the latest:
- The Warriors, Lakers, and Bobcats are all interested in Antawn Jamison, tweets Yahoo! Sports columnist Marc J. Spears.
- The Mavericks might clear cap space for next summer when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are unrestricted free agents, tweets Yahoo! Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski.
- Ersan Ilyasova's agent has said his client is seriously considering a "big offer" from a European club, according to HoopsHype.com.
- The Timberwolves continued negotiation with Nicolas Batum, Greg Stiemsma, and Jordan Hill on Tuesday, but no deal was reached, writes TwinCities.com's Ray Richardson.
Earlier updates:
Odds & Ends: Hawks, D-Will, Calderon, Celtics
It's been another whirlwind day of player movement in the NBA, as the Hawks agreed to two significant trades, sending Joe Johnson to the Nets and Marvin Williams to the Jazz. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld speculated that Josh Smith may be the next Hawk to go (Twitter link), but Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN.com report that Smith is excited about the moves, which would free up plenty of cap space for next summer, when Atlanta could go after Smith and other major targets. Here's news from elsewhere around the busy Association.
Amico On Lakers, Mayo, Rockets, Varejao
With the Lakers holding only the 60th pick in the draft, much of the talk surrounding the team has had to do with Pau Gasol. Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio hears much more from L.A. and shares it along with a number of tidbits from around the Association. A source tells Amico the Lakers will look to dump salary this offseason and sign Spencer Hawes, Nick Young, Kirk Hinrich and Kris Humphries. The Lakers may also look into trading for Jordan Crawford if the Wizards draft Bradley Beal tonight. Here's more from Amico: