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Articles by JD Shaw
Western Notes: Wolves, Olynyk, Gordon, Nuggets, Rockets
The Timberwolves are planning to be versatile with their playstyles this season, Chris Hine of the Star Tribune writes. To start, head coach Chris Finch mentioned it would be ideal to have Karl-Anthony Towns or Rudy Gobert on the floor at all times, but that’s not a guarantee. Minnesota will likely sport a starting lineup of D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Towns and Gobert this season.
T.J. Leaf Re-Signs In China
October 2nd 2022 at 7:38pm CST by JD Shaw Free agent big man T.J. Leaf has reached agreement on a deal with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association, according to Sportando. Leaf will return to China for the second straight season, as he played for the Guangzhou Loong Lions last year. Leaf, 25, has played four NBA seasons. His first three came with the Pacers from 2017-20, while his last stint was with the Blazers in 2020/21.
Heat Agree To Four-Year Extension With Tyler Herro
October 2nd 2022 at 5:31pm CST by JD Shaw The Heat have agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract extension with star guard Tyler Herro, his agents tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). More to come…
Rockets Signing Bruno Fernando To Four-Year Deal
October 2nd 2022 at 4:58pm CST by JD Shaw The Rockets have agreed to a four-year, $10.9MM deal with center Bruno Fernando, his agents informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Fernando was recently converted from an Exhibit 10 contract to a two-way contract, but he’ll be converted again to this multi-year deal. Houston acquired Fernando, 24, in a deal with the Celtics earlier this year. The team sent away center Daniel Theis, also receiving Dennis Schroder and Enes Freedom.
Raptors Notes: Roster Battles, Porter Jr., Young, Barnes, Birch
The battle for final roster spots in the Raptors‘ training camp is ongoing, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports tweets. Lewenberg notes that Justin Champagnie, D.J. Wilson and Josh Jackson are believed to be competing for the final roster spot, while Juancho Hernangomez and Dalano Banton will likely claim the other two. “We do a staff vote every single day, and that vote changes every single day,” head coach Nick Nurse admitted.
Heat Notes: Spoelstra, Butler, Power Forward, Martin, Haslem
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra discussed many training camp-related topics recently, including who may start at power forward, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald writes. As of now, it seems unlikely Jimmy Butler will slide down to the four. “My thing with that is I would love to be able to, at some point in Jimmy’s career, just start him at all five positions,” Spoelstra joked. “I’ve already started him at point guard. I’ve started him at his natural position, the three. I’ve started him at the two.
Nets Waive Kaiser Gates, Sign Brandon Rachal
October 1st 2022 at 1:34pm CST by JD Shaw The Nets have waived forward Kaiser Gates and signed forward Brandon Rachal, the team announced today. Brooklyn still has 20 players under contract, including two-way players Alondes Williams and David Duke, plus Exhibit 10 talents Chris Chiozza and RaiQuan Gray. Gates, 25, was likely also signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. It’s reasonable to expect he’ll play for the Nets’ G League affiliate in Long Island.
Toronto Raptors Rumors | Hoops Rumors
Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has the ability to become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he turns down his player option for the 2023/24 season. At Monday’s Media Day, he and team president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri were noncommittal about whether a contract extension will get done in the coming weeks, but both sides expressed enthusiasm about continuing the relationship, as Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca relays (Twitter links). “I’ll just say I love being a Raptor,” VanVleet said.
Western Notes: Poole, Billups, Nuggets, Rockets Original
Warriors guard Jordan Poole is confident he’ll work out an extension with the team, Marc J. Spears of ESPN tweets. Poole added he’s looking forward to progressing in talks when Golden State returns from Toyko in early October. Poole may have faith that something can be worked out, but it’s still possible the sides won’t agree to a deal. Should that happen, Poole would become a restricted free agent in 2023. The sides have until October 17 to reach an extension.
Knicks Sign Jalen Harris
The Knicks have signed free agent guard Jalen Harris, the team’s public relations department announced (via Twitter). The details of the agreement weren’t released, but it’s likely an Exhibit 10 deal designed to get Harris to play for New York’s G League affiliate. Harris, 24, was banned for one year from the NBA in July of 2021 for violating the terms of the anti-drug program. He appeared in just 13 games with the Raptors before that.
Eastern Notes: Avdija, Wizards, Hill, Middleton, Hornets
The Wizards are taking a cautious approach with Deni Avdija‘s groin injury, Josh Robbins of The Athletic tweets. Avdija suffered the injury during EuroBasket 2022. Before ramping him up, Washington wants to make sure he’s fully healed. Avdija didn’t participate in competitive portions of the Wizards’ first training camp practice on Saturday. The 21-year-old could receive a big role in the team’s rotation this season, as he averaged 8.4 points and played all 82 games in 2022/23.
Nets Sign Marcus Zegarowski
The Nets have signed guard Marcus Zegarowski, who was drafted with the No. 49 overall pick in 2021, the team announced in a press release today. The terms of the agreement weren’t released. Brooklyn also signed and waived Zegarowski roughly one week ago. Zegarowski, 24, played 92 games across three collegiate seasons at Creighton before the 2021 draft. He averaged 14.1 points per game, shooting 47% from the floor, 42% from three-point range and 77% from the free throw line.
Kemba Walker Likely To Miss Start Of Pistons' Camp Original
Veteran point guard Kemba Walker will likely be away from the Pistons as they start their training camp this week, sources told Shams Charania and James Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link). It’s unclear whether Walker is expected to miss the entire camp or only a portion of it. As Charania and Edwards note, Detroit must waive or trade a player by Oct. 17 to be at the league limit for standard roster spots entering the season.
Knicks Waive Nuni Omot, Garrison Brooks
September 25th 2022 at 4:54pm CST by JD Shaw The Knicks have waived forwards Nuni Omot and Garrison Brooks, as shared by the team’s public relations department (Twitter link). Both players were signed to Exhibit 10 deals and will head straight to club’s G League affiliate, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets. New York now has 18 players under contract. This includes Feron Hunt and Trevor Keels, who are both signed to two-way contracts. The team will open its training camp this week.
Atlantic Notes: Barnes, Udoka, Celtics, Knicks, Williams, Nets
After initially being against the Celtics‘ decision to suspend head coach Ime Udoka for the season, former NBA player Matt Barnes has since retracted those comments, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee writes. Barnes says the situation is much worse than he originally realized. “Last night, I spoke on this Ime Udoka situation without having all the facts, and I think as a part of the media, often the media speaks to something, and when they’re wrong, they won’t come out and say it,” Barnes said.
Keldon Johnson Suffers Dislocated Shoulder
September 24th 2022 at 3:13pm CST by JD Shaw Spurs forward Keldon Johnson suffered a dislocated right shoulder during open gym and has started rehabbing, the team announced on Saturday. Johnson will miss the start of the preseason schedule. However, San Antonio expects him to be ready for the start of the regular season. More to come…
Clippers Sign Juwan Morgan
September 24th 2022 at 2:30pm CST by JD Shaw The Clippers have signed free agent forward Juwan Morgan ahead of training camp, his agency Edge Sports International announced on social media (Twitter link). The exact terms of the agreement are unknown. Morgan, 25, finished last season as a member of the Celtics. He averaged 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the team’s G League affiliate in Maine.
Suns Sign Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Original
September 24th 2022 at 2:12pm CST by JD Shaw The Suns have signed free agent forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, the team announced in a press release today. Phoenix also confirmed the signing of Frank Jackson, who reportedly inked a non-guaranteed contract with the team. Luwawu-Cabarrot averaged 4.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per game with the Hawks last season. The terms of his agreement with Phoenix are unknown, but the 24-year-old carries six years of NBA experience.
Pelicans Sign Cheatham, Butler; Waive Brockington
The Pelicans have signed forwards Zylan Cheatham and John Butler ahead of training camp, the team announced in a press release today. New Orleans also decided to waive two-way guard Izaiah Brockington. Cheatham, 26, is a 6″6″ guard who played for the Pelicans’ G League affiliate last season. In 21 outings, he scored 14.0 points per game on 55% shooting from the floor and 38% shooting from distance. He signed a 10-day hardship deal last season and was a two-way player for New Orleans in 2019.
Clippers Waive Keaton Wallace
The Rockets Of Then Become The Sixers Of Now In Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and De'Anthony Melton, the dashed dreams of the 2018 Rockets have found new foundation. We're Still Waiting To See Who RJ Barrett Is Going To Be Time is on the side of these Knicks. There are many directions that RJ Barrett can take from here that would work for the team and their next steps as a franchise, and he's still just scratching the surface of those.
Nate Hinton, Cavaliers Agree To Exhibit 10 Deal
Nate Hinton has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers for training camp. Hinton is expected to compete for an open roster spot with the Cavaliers. Hinton has previously played on Two-Way deals with the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers.
Ibou Badji Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Bucks
The Rockets Of Then Become The Sixers Of Now In Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and De'Anthony Melton, the dashed dreams of the 2018 Rockets have found new foundation. We're Still Waiting To See Who RJ Barrett Is Going To Be Time is on the side of these Knicks. There are many directions that RJ Barrett can take from here that would work for the team and their next steps as a franchise, and he's still just scratching the surface of those.
Eastern Notes: Sumner, Nets, Morris, Westbrook, Heat, Celtics
Four-year NBA veteran Edmond Sumner is planning to bring grit to the Nets this season, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. Sumner signed with Brooklyn in free agency this offseason. At 6’6″, the 26-year-old established himself as a valuable player before tearing his Achilles’ last year. He averaged 7.5 points per game with the Pacers in 2020/21, shooting 40% from downtown in 53 contests. “He just doesn’t miss days, he doesn’t skip workouts,” Sumner’s trainer, Mike Robertson, said.
Community Shootaround: Best Starting Lineup
September 18th 2022 at 8:50pm CST by JD Shaw As the NBA season nears, it’s fair to wonder which team will sport the best starting lineup this season. Of course, a team’s finishing group matters more than its starting group, but that can vary on which players are having a good game — plus who the opponent is. When it comes to the best projected starting lineup, the reigning-champion Warriors have a strong case to make.
And-Ones: Rondo, Season Questions, EuroBasket Original
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo has agreed to a settlement with the woman who accused him and his girlfriend of assault and battery in 2020, according to TMZ. As the report notes, Rondo was allegedly upset at the plaintiff for parking too close to his car. The altercation happened in a parking lot outside of an apartment complex. Rondo’s girlfriend was accused of punching and causing injuries, while Rondo appeared to nudge the woman with his elbow. The 36-year-old is currently a free agent.
Spain Wins 2022 EuroBasket Original
September 18th 2022 at 5:18pm CST by JD Shaw After defeating France 88-76 in the championship game, Spain has officially won the 2022 EuroBasket, as announced on social media (Twitter link). This is the fourth time Spain has won the tournament. Spain was led by Raptors forward Juancho Hernangomez, who finished with 27 points on 9-of-11 shooting. His seven three-pointers were the second-highest mark in a EuroBasket final, trailing only Aleksander Djordjevic in 1995, according to EuroHoops.
Eastern Notes: Quickley, Grousbeck, Bucks, Cavaliers
There’s an expectation that Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley will receive an increased role to start the 2022/23 season, according to Ian Begley of SNYtv. Quickley, 23, is entering his third season and was drafted No. 25 overall by the team in 2020. He’s shown flashes of potential to start his career, but he’s shot under 40% in both of his seasons. Last year, Quickley averaged 11.3 points and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 39% from the floor and 35% from three-point range.
Knicks Sign Ryan Arcidiacono
The Knicks have signed free agent guard Ryan Arcidiacono to a contract, the team announced in a press release (Twitter link). Terms of the agreement weren’t released, but it figures to be a non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed deal ahead of training camp. Arcidiacono, 28, appeared in 10 games with the Knicks last season. He averaged 1.6 points in 7.6 minutes per game, shooting 50% from the floor.
Chris Paul Hopes To Join Ownership Group After Playing
Suns star Chris Paul is entering the 18th season of his professional career, but the 37-year-old already knows what he wants to do when his playing days are over. As relayed by Ngozi Nwanji of AfroTech (hat tip Yahoo), Paul is hoping to own an NBA team one day. “I would like to be a part of an ownership group after I’m done playing,” Paul said at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit, according to Nwanji. Paul also stated his intentions earlier this summer.
Javonte Smart, Pelicans Agree To Exhibit 10 Deal
The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to sign Javonte Smart to an Exhibit 10 deal. Smart spent last season on Two-Way contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. Smart went undrafted in 2021 out of LSU.
Jazz Sign Paris Bass To Exhibit 10 Deal Original
SEPTEMBER 14: The contract with Bass is official, the Jazz announced in a press release. AUGUST 7: 10:02pm: Utah’s agreement with Bass is an Exhibit 10 deal, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports (via Twitter). Bass will compete for a roster spot in training camp. 6:51pm: The Jazz have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent forward Paris Bass, his agent Daniel Hazan tells Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).
Western Notes: Edwards, White, Thunder, Brown, Moody
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards could face a fine or suspension for recently making a homophobic comment, Chris Hine of the Star Tribune writes. Edwards has since apologized for his remark on social media. “What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry,” Edwards wrote (Twitter link). “It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all.
And-Ones: Italy, Power Rankings, Markkanen, Tjarks Original
September 11th 2022 at 7:24pm CST by JD Shaw Italy defeated Serbia 94-86 in an upset win, eliminating two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and his team from the EuroBasket, as relayed by EuroHoops. Italy was led by Nicolo Melli and Achille Polonara, both of whom had 21 points. Jokic finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Community Shootaround: Top Remaining Free Agents
September 11th 2022 at 5:32pm CST by JD Shaw As the NBA offseason nears its end, several players who ended last season under contract with a team remain available in free agency. Training camps are set to open across the league later this month, so time is running out for those players ahead of the regular season. Teams are also still rounding out their training camp rosters by signing players to Exhibit 10, two-way and non-guaranteed deals.
Eastern Notes: Giannis, Dragic, LaVine, Celtics Original
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo did some weight training and is expected to practice on Sunday with Greece, according to EuroHoops. Antetokounmpo recently suffered a minor ankle sprain, but he seems to be proceeding without any issues. “We decided to do just an optional training session,” Greek national team assistant coach Sotiris Manolopoulos said. “We left it up to the players to come and make some shots.
Western Notes: Westbrook, Rockets, Jones, Durant, Saric
While Lakers star Russell Westbrook hasn’t asked for a trade, he remains open to the possibility, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on The Lowe Post podcast. Training camps open later this month, so Los Angeles is running out of time if it wants to deal Westbrook before the season starts. In 78 games last year, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists, shooting a respectable 44% from the floor.
Jazz Notes: Bogdanovic, Clarkson, Beasley, Sexton, Conley
The Jazz believe Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley are each worth first-round picks in a potential trade, ESPN’s Zach Lowe relays on his podcast, The Lowe Post (hat tip HoopsHype). Utah acquired Beasley as part of this offseason’s Rudy Gobert trade, while Bogdanovic and Clarkson have spent multiple seasons with the team. While all three players have value, it’s unclear if Utah will be able to net first-round picks for each.
Western Notes: Iguodala, Kuminga, Grizzlies, Rockets
After ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith relayed that Warriors guard Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t been focused, his teammate from last season, Andre Iguodala came to his defense, Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area writes. Smith heard that Kuminga’s actions and attitude have shown a lack of discipline this year. “My young fella, I’m on his head,” Iguodala said on his “Point Forward” podcast, as relayed by Rodriguez. “He took some licks from Stephen A.
Eastern Notes: Simmons, Nets' Rotation, Heat, Trade Deadline
With former All-Star guard Ben Simmons expected to return this season, John Schuhmann of NBA.com examines how he may fit with the Nets. Brooklyn acquired Simmons in a deal with the Sixers featuring James Harden last season, but he didn’t play due to health and injury concerns. The Nets will likely consider starting Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Kevin Durant and Nicolas Claxton. That places the 6’11” Simmons at power forward, playing between Durant and Claxton.
And-Ones: Korkmaz, Turkey, Popovich, France, Team USA Original
Sixers guard Furkan Korkmaz was attacked in the hallway of the locker room after being ejected in Turkey’s game against Georgia, as relayed by Semih Tuna of EuroHoops. The Turkish federation vice president, Omer Onan, is now threatening that the team will leave the Eurobasket if proper action isn’t taken.
And-Ones: Smith, BIG3, Ujiri, BAL, Mexico
Longtime NBA guard J.R. Smith believes he was blackballed from the league, as relayed by Pierce Simpson of Complex. Simpson writes it seems like Smith is mostly remembered for the mistake he made at the end of a 2018 NBA Finals game, choosing to dribble away from the rim without knowing the score. “Yeah, 100 percent,” Smith said on whether he was blackballed after that.
Southeast Notes: Curry, Hornets, Harris, Magic, Heat
Warriors guard Stephen Curry has no plans of leaving the team, but he did admit which team he’d be willing to play for if that time ever came: The Hornets. Curry made his comments when the Charlotte City Council presented him with the key to the city this week (video link). “I’ve always said I wanted to finish my career at Golden State because of how much it means and the experiences and teammates and the journey we’ve been,” Curry said.
Jodie Meeks Announces Retirement
September 3rd 2022 at 1:16pm CST by JD Shaw Veteran guard Jodie Meeks has announced he will retire after a 10-year NBA career, as relayed by Steve Drumwright at USAB.com. Meeks is currently playing for USA Basketball’s Men’s AmeriCup Team, the first and final time he’ll represent his country in the sport. “You always want to have a chance to compete in the Olympics, but obviously it’s so hard to make it in America because the talent level is so high,” Meeks said.
Jeanie Buss Discusses LeBron James' Extension, Russell Westbrook, More
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently discussed a variety of topics with Sam Amick of The Athletic, including LeBron James signing an extension with the team, how important Russell Westbrook was last season and more. James agreed to extend his deal earlier this month, while Westbrook has been at the center of trade speculation this summer.
Chet Holmgren Undergoes Successful Surgery Original
August 30th 2022 at 1:46pm CST by JD Shaw Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren underwent successful surgery to address a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, the team announced on Tuesday. As we previously relayed, Holmgren will miss the entire 2022/23 season. Holmgren, 20, was drafted second overall by Oklahoma City in June. The 7’0″ prospect has intrigued teams with his length and offensive skillset, averaging 14.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in five summer league games last month.
Pacific Notes: Ham, LeBron, Westbrook, Murray, Hightower, Warriors
Lakers coach Darvin Ham recently expressed excitement about LeBron James inking an extension with the team, as relayed by Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. James agreed to extend his deal through the 2023/24 season, owning a $50.4MM player option for the 2024/25 campaign. “It’s huge, man,” Ham acknowledged. “It’s huge. LeBron is a once-in-a-lifetime player. You only get so many players. Not even so many.
Eastern Notes: Beal, Morris, Nets, Mitchell, Claxton
For Bradley Beal, winning a championship with the Wizards would be more enjoyable since he’s faced adversity in many recent years, he told Laura Schreffler of Forbes.com. Beal has opted to stay loyal to Washington, signing a five-year, $251MM deal with the team this summer. “People always look at me like I’m crazy, but I have a huge desire to want to make it work here and win here,” Beal said. “This is the team that drafted me.
Nets Sign Yuta Watanabe Original
August 28th 2022 at 4:34pm CST by JD Shaw The Nets have signed free agent forward Yuta Watanabe, the team announced in a press release today. The terms of the agreement weren’t revealed. Watanabe, 6’8″, has played 121 NBA games across four seasons with the Grizzlies and Raptors. He appeared in 38 contests with Toronto last season, averaging 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per outing. He also shot 41% from the floor and 34% from three-point range.
Eastern Notes: Harrell, Heat, Jovic, Nets, Williams III Original
The Heat could have benefitted from signing free agent big man Montrezl Harrell this summer, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel opines in his latest “Ask Ira” mailbag. While Miami can still theoretically sign him, the team re-signed Udonis Haslem last week, meaning it only has one spot left. If the Heat were to sign a player with that final roster spot, it would dip into the luxury tax. Winderman believes Harrell’s size and energy could benefit the team.
Gary Harris Suffers Torn Meniscus
August 27th 2022 at 1:29pm CST by JD Shaw Magic guard Gary Harris has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). While it’s unclear how he sustained the injury, Harris will undergo further evaluation to determine how much time he’ll miss, Wojnarowski adds. More to come …
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