Sunday, June 30, 2013
NBA’s top 20 free agents
Courtesy of Jonathan Feigen
THE ELITE
Dwight Howard, C, Lakers
The object of the Rockets’ affections for two years, he spent his season in Los Angeles coming back from back surgery and battling a shoulder injury. With those issues presumably behind him, he is again coveted as he was after carrying the Magic to the Finals.
The object of the Rockets’ affections for two years, he spent his season in Los Angeles coming back from back surgery and battling a shoulder injury. With those issues presumably behind him, he is again coveted as he was after carrying the Magic to the Finals.
Chris Paul, G, Clippers
The Clippers have done nearly everything imaginable to empower Paul and entice him to stay long-term before owner Donald Sterling outed him as the motivation for firing Vinny Del Negro. The hiring of Doc Rivers should heal that wound with Paul considered an almost impossible get for anyone else.
The Clippers have done nearly everything imaginable to empower Paul and entice him to stay long-term before owner Donald Sterling outed him as the motivation for firing Vinny Del Negro. The hiring of Doc Rivers should heal that wound with Paul considered an almost impossible get for anyone else.
THE NEXT BEST
Andre Iguodala, F, Nuggets
Acquired in the deal that sent Dwight Howard to Los Angeles and Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia, Iguodala fit much better with the Nuggets than the previous AI (Allen Iverson) to go from Philly to Denver. The overhaul of the Nuggets front office and coaching staff, however, could make him think twice and the big money usually doesn’t go to defense-first wing players.
Acquired in the deal that sent Dwight Howard to Los Angeles and Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia, Iguodala fit much better with the Nuggets than the previous AI (Allen Iverson) to go from Philly to Denver. The overhaul of the Nuggets front office and coaching staff, however, could make him think twice and the big money usually doesn’t go to defense-first wing players.
David West, F, Pacers
West solidified his importance to the Pacers with his strong post-season play. A team ready to contend now, Indiana will look to lock up West and he will have a tough time finding a better situation than was waiting for him when he signed late as a free agent just two years ago.
West solidified his importance to the Pacers with his strong post-season play. A team ready to contend now, Indiana will look to lock up West and he will have a tough time finding a better situation than was waiting for him when he signed late as a free agent just two years ago.
Josh Smith, F, Hawks
By now, it is clear that a team that gets Smith with get some great highlight moments on both ends of the court. If he stays within his role he can be a force, but will likely expect close to max money, an offer few GMs are likely to give.
By now, it is clear that a team that gets Smith with get some great highlight moments on both ends of the court. If he stays within his role he can be a force, but will likely expect close to max money, an offer few GMs are likely to give.
Paul Millsap, F, Jazz
An underrated, versatile power forward, Millsap will do dirty work and still produce as a rebounder and scorer. He showed signs early last season of improved range. He could get offers that would exceed any the Jazz would make with Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Rudy Gobert on the roster.
An underrated, versatile power forward, Millsap will do dirty work and still produce as a rebounder and scorer. He showed signs early last season of improved range. He could get offers that would exceed any the Jazz would make with Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Rudy Gobert on the roster.
Kevin Martin, G, Thunder
The Thunder will likely move on after just one season and inconsistent play in the post-season. A reliable, proven scorer, Martin showed a willingness to come off the bench, but is unlikely to receive a contract offer equal to the deal he signed as the Kings’ star.
The Thunder will likely move on after just one season and inconsistent play in the post-season. A reliable, proven scorer, Martin showed a willingness to come off the bench, but is unlikely to receive a contract offer equal to the deal he signed as the Kings’ star.
Monta Ellis, G, Bucks
Ellis turned down a two-year, $24 million extension offer so he is certain to be looking for the contract of a franchise player. Though a gifted scorer, he is best suited for a role that does not ask him to do much else, potentially making it difficult to land a deal as good as the one he turned down.
Ellis turned down a two-year, $24 million extension offer so he is certain to be looking for the contract of a franchise player. Though a gifted scorer, he is best suited for a role that does not ask him to do much else, potentially making it difficult to land a deal as good as the one he turned down.
Al Jefferson, C, Jazz
There are not a lot of back-to-the-basket scorers at center around the league and Jefferson is close to the best. He is just 28 years old and over the knee injury that limited him last season. He showed only passing interest in defense, however, likely limiting the offers he will receive.
There are not a lot of back-to-the-basket scorers at center around the league and Jefferson is close to the best. He is just 28 years old and over the knee injury that limited him last season. He showed only passing interest in defense, however, likely limiting the offers he will receive.
Jarrett Jack, G, Golden State
Jack is coming off a breakthrough season at just the right time, becoming one of the league’s top sixth men and a key closer for the Warriors. Golden State
Jack is coming off a breakthrough season at just the right time, becoming one of the league’s top sixth men and a key closer for the Warriors. Golden State
WORTH WATCHING
Andrew Bynum, C, 76ers
The Sixers seemed ready to let Bynum walk after one season in which he never got on the court, but seemed even ready to start over when making the draft-night move to pick up Nerlens Noel and an extra pick, even at the cost of All Star Jrue Holiday.
The Sixers seemed ready to let Bynum walk after one season in which he never got on the court, but seemed even ready to start over when making the draft-night move to pick up Nerlens Noel and an extra pick, even at the cost of All Star Jrue Holiday.
Tyreke Evans, G, Kings
Evans has not progressed much since his rookie season, when he surpassed averages of 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. Though Evans is still an often explosive scorer and a restricted free agent, the Kings might be ready to move on after Ben McLemore fell to them in the draft.
Evans has not progressed much since his rookie season, when he surpassed averages of 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. Though Evans is still an often explosive scorer and a restricted free agent, the Kings might be ready to move on after Ben McLemore fell to them in the draft.
Nikola Pekovic, C, Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will work to keep Pekovic, a physical, productive center when healthy. A restricted free agent, he could draw the sort of back-loaded contract the Rockets used to sign Omer Asik last summer.
The Timberwolves will work to keep Pekovic, a physical, productive center when healthy. A restricted free agent, he could draw the sort of back-loaded contract the Rockets used to sign Omer Asik last summer.
Jeff Teague, G, Hawks
A restricted free agent, Teague will likely get a lot of interest as perhaps the second-best point guard available. An emerging talent, he could be key to Mike Budenholzer’s rebuilding in Atlanta, but will generate interest from teams with cap room to make it tough to match.
A restricted free agent, Teague will likely get a lot of interest as perhaps the second-best point guard available. An emerging talent, he could be key to Mike Budenholzer’s rebuilding in Atlanta, but will generate interest from teams with cap room to make it tough to match.
Brandon Jennings, G, Bucks
The Bucks seem more determined to match any offer Jennings receives as a restricted free agent than Ellis gets in the open market. With few point guards in free agency, Jennings could get an offer that will give the Bucks pause, especially considering his inconsistency so far.
The Bucks seem more determined to match any offer Jennings receives as a restricted free agent than Ellis gets in the open market. With few point guards in free agency, Jennings could get an offer that will give the Bucks pause, especially considering his inconsistency so far.
Tony Allen, F, Grizzlies
One of the elite defensive wings in the league, he has been a very good fit in Memphis. The Grizzlies, however, could use another wing scorer and have Tayshaun Prince under contract for two more seasons, making it difficult to bring Allen off the bench for the price he is likely to command.
One of the elite defensive wings in the league, he has been a very good fit in Memphis. The Grizzlies, however, could use another wing scorer and have Tayshaun Prince under contract for two more seasons, making it difficult to bring Allen off the bench for the price he is likely to command.
DON’T FORGET
Manu Ginobili, G, Spurs
Ginobili is almost certain to remain in San Antonio if he does not retire, but will need to take a considerable paycut from last season’s $14 million. As with all things with the Spurs, he will likely be signed with little drama.
Ginobili is almost certain to remain in San Antonio if he does not retire, but will need to take a considerable paycut from last season’s $14 million. As with all things with the Spurs, he will likely be signed with little drama.
J.R. Smith, G, Knicks
Smith seemed headed for a big payday after his breakthrough season made him the Sixth Man award winner. He disappeared in the playoffs, however, amid reports of his nightlife. He will still be coveted for an instant-offense role, but he likely won’t get the contract of a player expected to do more.
Smith seemed headed for a big payday after his breakthrough season made him the Sixth Man award winner. He disappeared in the playoffs, however, amid reports of his nightlife. He will still be coveted for an instant-offense role, but he likely won’t get the contract of a player expected to do more.
Andrei Kirilenko, F, Timberwolves
Kirilenko opted out of his contract and is unlikely to return to Minnesota. He is still a savvy, all-around performer, if not as productive as in his Utah days. He won’t get that sort of contract, but will not have trouble finding one more deal.
Kirilenko opted out of his contract and is unlikely to return to Minnesota. He is still a savvy, all-around performer, if not as productive as in his Utah days. He won’t get that sort of contract, but will not have trouble finding one more deal.
Gerald Henderson, G, Bobcats
After coming on late last season, Henderson could draw the sort of offer as a restricted free agent that will make it difficult for the Bobcats to match.
After coming on late last season, Henderson could draw the sort of offer as a restricted free agent that will make it difficult for the Bobcats to match.
NBA Q&A: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Courtesy of Steve Serby
Q: How did your dad’s criticism of you growing up affect the family?
A: He’ll get on me and like, “You’re not doing this, you’re not doing that, you’re wasting our time,” and my mom and my sister would start crying — the 11-year-old, she was probably like 6 or 7 at the time. She’ll start arguing and crying, you know, getting upset. And the 19-year-old (sister), her name is Nia, she’ll start like saying, “Dad, why are you arguing with him? Leave him alone. He’s doing the best he can.” My mom was like, “Why are you guys arguing?”, and then my dad’s like, “No, no, he’s not doing what I’m telling him to do.” And then that would just break up the family. There’d be times where I wouldn’t talk to him for like four or five straight days, ’cause it was that deep. ... And my junior year of high school, he sat up in the stands, saw I was doing everything he told me to do and he apologized, and after that, it just lifted a weight right off my shoulder.
Q: Where did he apologize?
A: On the way back home after a high school game.
Q: What had you done in the game?
A: Almost a triple double.
Q: Re-enact the scene.
A: Driving back, in the car, I’m exhausted, and then he’s like, “I’m sorry, you’re doing whatever I tell you to do. I just want to apologize. I know I’ve been hard on you, but when I see you out there you’re doing whatever I tell you to do, and I’m happy for you. You’re gonna go a long way.”
Q: Why did you feel the pressure of living up to his legacy?
A: A lot of guys that have dads that played professional in the sport that they do, don’t want to play that sport. Some guys will play another sport just so they can get away from it, make their own legacy. But you try to take advantage of that opportunity when you have a dad that, professionally, you’re playing the same sport as he is. I was really, really, really good at it at the time, my junior year, senior year of high school. know you’re gonna take criticism, you’ve been taking it all your life, so why stop? That was my mentality, “Why stop?”
Q: But if you stopped, he couldn’t criticize you.
A: It’s always something being added to your fire, and I think that’s what drives me.
Q: Is what?
A: Just criticism, and doubters, and just negativity.
Q: To prove everybody wrong?
A: Yeah.
Q: So you were driven to prove your dad wrong?
A: Yeah.
Q: And I guess you have.
A: Yup (chuckle).
Q: What did he tell you after the Knicks drafted you?
A: He was like, “Well, I can’t be seen in orange and blue.” He said, “I’m happy for you. You deserved it, take advantage of this opportunity, it only happens once. I’m happy for you that your dreams came true.”
Q: What did your mom tell you?
A: She was kinda upset because I didn’t give her a hug because I got up, and I didn’t believe what happened, and then everybody was just coming right to left and I was like, “Where’s my mom?” And she’s all the way in the back. I sat down with her for like 10 minutes and just talked about the whole situation. She’s just happy, and I’m happy for her.
Q: You cried when you were drafted?
A: Yeah, my sister was crying, so I was like, “Why are you doing that?” My little sister, she’s 11. I wasn’t crying, I was like, “Yes!” And then I looked at her and then I just broke down, ’cause she’s like one of my all time fans, my best friend, she talks to me all the time.
Q: Why are you and Nia so close?
A: Just because she’s always around me, she wants to do what I do. I play video games with her all the time. When she’s playing Xbox Kinect, I’m on there dancing with her and doing whatever I can just to stay involved with her, and she loves it.
Q: What was it like when you would go to Heat games and watch your dad play the Knicks?
A: There’s gonna be a fight. ... You already knew it was gonna be an all-out war when you were going to the game, and that’s why I wanted to go to the game so I could see it (chuckle).
Q: Did your father get into any particular brawls when you were there?
A: No, not at all, but he definitely got into people’s faces and stuff, but no like punches or anything like that.
Q: How would you describe your on-court mentality?
A: It’s not like his, his is totally different. Sometimes, when I’m in the moment, I could get to his intensity level, you could just see it in my face when I’m playing sometimes ... very, very passionate ... confidence and ... I’m just trying to go out there and give it my all while I’m playing.
Q: Describe your killer instinct?
A: When you have an opportunity to take advantage of someone do it, ’cause it might not happen again. I’m just trying to learn it from my father. ... It’s a mentality you have to have.
Q: What do you remember about those old Knicks teams?
A: They were just junkyard dogs. They had guys on their team that, when you went to the rack, you’re getting fouled, no matter how you land, no matter if you get hurt or not. It was big-boy basketball.
Q: Sounds like playing against Michigan State.
A: Yeah. Oh yeah (smile). Exactly the same.
Q: What do you know about Carmelo Anthony?
A: I know he’s from New York (chuckle) and Syracuse. ... A prolific scorer, he gets the crowd involved, and that’s what I like, he’s very, very energized when he’s playing. And once he gets going, it’s kinda hard to stop him. It’s gonna be great just to play alongside of him, and just be his teammate.
Q: Have you met coach Mike Woodson?
A: I met him when we came on our pre-draft workout here.
Q: Any first impressions?
A: He grew his beard out (smile).
Q: What kind of impact do you think you can make as a rookie?
A: I think I’ll just be a guy that could be an energy giver, not an energy drainer, play solid defense, knock down wide open shots when the ball’s passed to me, and just be an all-around type of player ... make just simple plays, don’t overdo things like I said, and just try to go out there and have fun.
Q: Tell me about your mom.
A: One definition I can give you about my mom is she made me the man who I am today. She was there when my dad wasn’t at home, he was on the road all the time playing games, so she was that mother and father figure. She would take us to school and pick us up from school and fix dinner, make sure we had clothes on our back, take us to our games, athletic events. ... She was just the ultimate mom — Supermom. So I thank her for that, and none of this would have been possible of it wasn’t for her.
Q: Are you more like your mom than your dad?
A: I’m more like my mom.
Q: How so?
A: I’m just closer with her. I mean, I can have a conversation with her for three hours, and we can talk about nothing. It’s just a comfort thing that I’ve had with her ever since I was little.
Q: How often have you been to New York City?
A: My first time in New York City was when we played here for the NIT tournament this past season. We walked around Times Square.
Q: What did you think?
A: It was awesome. It was great (chuckle).
Q: How are you going to like playing in this market?
A: It’s gonna be great. Madison Square Garden is one of **** the **** best, if not the most historical venues in sports. And to play in front of a crowd that loves their sports, it’s gonna be great, it’s gonna be insane, and that’s what you grow up to play in front of.
Q: Describe your first time playing at the Garden.
A: It was the NIT tournament against Pitt, came back and got a victory, and all I can remember is just Michigan alumni fans out the wazoo in the arena, and I know I’m home because of the Michigan alumni here, and I’m gonna be very comfortable.
Q: Why did you ask the Knicks to put Jr. on the back of your jersey?
A: . I’ve been doing that ever since college, and I think it shows a sign of respect that I’m playing behind him, and I’m following in his footsteps.
Q: Any thoughts when you see those banners up there at the practice facility?
A: Willis Reed, walking back out. ... Patrick Ewing played against my dad. ... Walt Frazier, ’cause I can’t wear his number (10) (smile). ... Another thing I don’t see is a world championship banner for our era. Want to work towards that.
Q: Why No. 5 for you?
A: That was my dad’s rookie number.
Q: Describe Michigan coach John Coach Beilein.
A: He’s definitely a teacher of the game.
Q: Did you play football?
A: I tried out football in ninth grade, my dad said stop. He didn’t want me to do it. He was scared ’cause he tore his ACL, so he just wants to make sure that I don’t do the same thing.
Q: What position did you play?
A: Wide receiver, cornerback. That’s when I was smaller at the time.
Q: Did you catch any big touchdowns?
A: I didn’t catch one on offense then, but I got an interception and I ran it back for a touchdown.
Q: Did you spike it?
A: Naw, can’t spike it.
Q: Do a dance in the end zone?
A: You can’t dance, you can’t taunt, in high school.
Q: Favorite basketball players growing up?
A: Michael Jordan, my dad, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady.
Q: Impressions of Nets first-round pick Mason Plumlee of Duke.
A: I worked out with him in Chicago this past summer. Very, very athletic ... can run the court, has an unbelievable motor ... grabs rebounds where a lot of people can’t grab ’em. ... He’s just an all-out competitor.
Q: What was your best single college moment?
A: Ohio State at home this past year. We were playing in our all-maize uniforms when they had the all-red jerseys on — aka the Ketchup and Mustard game. And it was just six out of [nine] 3s, five in the second half in a row, just trying to bring my team back [for a 76-74 overtime win].
Q: Worst single college moment — losing the NCAA championship game to Louisville?
A: Yeah, that was very, very disappointing ... and losing to Indiana at home this past year.
Q: You played in the A-Rod Classic.
A: I had 42 that game. I played so good that Rod Strickland was like, “We need you to de-commit from Michigan,” just jokingly (smile). That was the most packed high school gym I’ve seen. ... It felt like a Rucker Park kinda game.
Q: You met Alex Rodriguez at the luncheon?
A: Everybody met him, everybody got an autographed baseball.
Q: Any impressions of him?
A: I thought he was really, really tall. I thought he was like 6-5, 6-6. He looks so tall on TV. He was shorter than I thought.
Q: Superstitions?
A: I gotta eat, leave at the same time, get to the court at the same time before every game.
Q: Anything special you eat?
A: If the game goes well, then I’ll continue to eat the same thing. And if it doesn’t, I’ll switch it up.
Q: You like cartoons?
A: Yeah. “Phineas and Ferb” is my favorite cartoon. Every time I just watch it, I just laugh every time, and I normally watch it with my sisters, and some of the things that they do are creative, and it’s just fun to watch.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jordan.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Love and Basketball.”
Q: Favorite actors?
A: Will Ferrell, Will Smith, Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler.
Q: Favorite actresses?
A: Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: Sushi.
Q: Any message for Knicks fans?
A: All I know is I’m gonna give it my all. No matter how good or how bad I play, I’m gonna give 110 percent. And I’m not gonna let them down.
LaMarcus Aldridge addresses trade rumors
Veteran F LaMarcus Aldridge still has 2 years remaining on his contract and has been the subject of multiple trade rumors over the last week. Recently Aldridge sent an email to the media addressing his future.
“I haven’t demanded a trade,” Aldridge said “I’m looking forward to who we sign in free agency to make us better,”
“I haven’t demanded a trade,” Aldridge said “I’m looking forward to who we sign in free agency to make us better,”
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Unknownben gordon, Charlotte Bobcats, NBA News
Gordon to remain with Bobcats
As odd as it may sound, Bobcats G Ben Gordon will be one of the highest paid players in the NBA next season. Gordon could have opted out and become a free agent but instead he opted in and now is scheduled to earn $13.2 million during the 2013-14 NBA season.
UnknownDwight Howard, nba free agency, NBA News
Howard to decide free agency destination by July 10th
Free agent center Dwight Howard reportedly will not drag out the free agency process. Players can agree to new deals on July 1st and sign those deals on July 10th and Howard is expected to make his final decision on the 10th. Representatives from Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta will meet with Howard in Los Angeles before his final meeting with the Lakers.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Bucks to retain Jennings
The Milwaukee Bucks have extended a qualifying offer to G Brandon Jennings. This will allow the franchise to match any offer sheet he might sign with another team as a restricted free agent.
Nets not finished building
The Brooklyn Nets yesterday agreed in principle to acquire Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry from the Boston Celtics and now they are looking to outside shooting. The Nets are highly interested in signing free agent Kyle Korver. Korver, 32, shot 45.7% from beyond the arc last season for the Atlanta Hawks.
Unknowncarmelo anthony, NBA News, New York Knicks
Anthony talks shoulder
One could see that New York Knicks F Carmelo Anthony wasn't well during the playoffs last season and he battled through a small tear in his left shoulder. It was initially thought that Anthony would need the assist of a surgery to completely heal but yesterday Anthony spoke to the media and now it seems as if surgery isn't an option.
“....I don’t think surgery will be needed.”
“Much better. It feels much better. I have had about four to five weeks to let it rest and heal up,” Anthony said. “It’s not 100 percent yet but it’s much better.”
“....I don’t think surgery will be needed.”
Unknown2013 nba draft, anthony bennett
Full List of 2013 First Round Draft Picks
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers: Anthony Bennett
No. 2 Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo
No. 3 Washington Wizards: Otto Porter Jr.
No. 4 Charlotte Bobcats: Cody Zeller
No. 5 Phoenix Suns: Alex Len
No. 6 New Orleans Pelicans: Nerlens Noel
No. 7 Sacramento Kings: Ben McLemore
No. 8 Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
No. 9 Minnesota Timberwolves: Trey Burke
No. 10 Portland Trail Blazers: C.J. McCollum
No. 11 Philadelphia 76ers: Michael Carter-Williams
No. 12 Oklahoma City Thunder: Steven Adams
No. 13 Dallas Mavericks: Kelly Olynyk
No. 14 Utah Jazz: Shabazz Muhammad
No. 15 Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
No. 16 Boston Celtics: Lucas Nogueira
No. 17 Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroeder
No. 18 Atlanta Hawks: Shane Larkin
No. 19 Cleveland Cavaliers: Sergey Karasev
No. 20 Chicago Bulls: Tony Snell
No. 21 Utah Jazz: Gorgui Dieng
No. 22 Brooklyn Nets: Mason Plumlee
No. 23 Indiana Pacers: Solomon Hill
No. 24 New York Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr.
No. 25 Los Angeles Clippers: Reggie Bullock
No. 26 Minnesota Timberwolves: Andre Roberson
No. 27 Denver Nuggets: Rudy Gobert
No. 28 San Antonio Spurs: Livio Jean-Charles
No. 29 Oklahoma City Thunder: Archie Goodwin
No. 30 Phoenix Suns: Nemanja Nedovic
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