12/25-12/26 Basketball News
Christmas:
76ers beat Knicks 119-112
Mavericks beat Lakers 124-115
Celtics beat Bucks 139-118
Warriors beat Grizzlies 123-109
Nuggets beat Suns 128-125 in OT
Luka Doncic and Pascal Siakam have been named Players of the Week.
AP Top 25: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll
Louis Orr, special assistant to the head coach for Georgetown, passed away at 64 due to melanoma. Rest in Peace.
TRANSACTIONS:
The Bulls waived Kostas Antetokounmpo and his two-way contract.
The Bulls re-signed Carlik Jones of their G-League affiliate the Windy City Bulls to a two-way contract.Free agent Facundo Campazzo signed a 3 year deal with Serbian team Crvena Zvezda, 3rd year player option.
Free agent Malachi Richardson signed with Polish team Tauron GTK Gliwice.
FRONT OFFICE:
United Wholesale Mortgage CEO Mat Ishbia and his brother, Shore Capital founding partner Justin Ishbia are purchasing the Suns and Mercury for a record $4 billion. Mat will become the NBA's youngest owner at 42. Justin will serve as alternate governor.
Mat Ishbia was a national champion on Michigan State in 2000.
During the probe into Robert Sarver's tenure as Suns owner, many current and former team executives told investigators that they believed Sarver's conduct had a trickle-down effect and those who reported to him mistreated who reported to them (according to Baxter Holmes).
One longtime Suns executive who recently left the team said they went into therapy because of this trickle-down effect (per Holmes).
The investigation into the Suns found instances in which certain team executives yelled at and subjected their colleagues to embarrassment, humiliation, and intimidation in the work place, including conduct that is considered bullying by team policy (per Holmes).
There was also mistreatment of pregnant and postpartum Suns employees and other instances of retaliation (per Holmes).
The Wachtell lawyers who investigated the Suns noted that they referred misconduct by team executives to the NBA for further action. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said that their review of the organization is ongoing and will remain internal and personal (per Holmes).
Current and former Suns executives noticed that Wachtell's report noted specific accounts of alleged misconduct by CEO Jason Rowley and other Phoenix employees (per Holmes). More details: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35252911/when-others-going-held-accountable-allegations-suns-misconduct-extend-robert-sarver
Derrick Rose told Shams that he is into ownership post-playing career, and he feels like he saved enough and he wouldn't need a loan.
TRADE RUMORS:
A league executive who spoke with Eric Pincus described the annual NBA trade market: “December prices are astronomical. In January, prices are high. By February, they're fair.”
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that Jarred Vanderbilt has probably gotten as much interest as anyone else on Utah's roster.
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that one would assume the Jazz would look to trade John Collins down the line, maybe around the draft, if they got him from the Hawks.
If the Suns can get a player of John Collins' caliber to fill their hole at power forward, then they may have interest in not only trading Jae Crowder, but Cameron Johnson ahead of the trade deadline as well (according to Brett Siegel).
Many have questioned Trae Young's leadership abilities and many around the league are beginning to watch the Hawks closely in regards to the foundation of the organization showing some cracks (according to Siegel).
Right now, the Hawks are handling things internally and trying to move forward with the talent they currently have on their roster (per Siegel).
Trae Young becoming available in trade talks past this season and/or requesting a trade down the road is a possibility that some around the league have begun to think about. But, Young is fully committed to the Hawks (per Siegel).
The Bulls, Heat, and Trail Blazers have at least inquired about John Collins (according to Sean Deveney). An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that the Hawks are trying to get out of Collins' contract. What Atlanta is looking for in a Collins trade is a high-level scorer that can compliment both Dejounte Murray and Trae Young by playing off the ball, plus a 1st round pick that would come within the next few seasons (according to Siegel).
The Bulls are actively evaluating themselves and all of their trade options (according to Brett Siegel). Much of the league has close eyes on the Bulls (according to Pincus).
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that Chicago not budged off their stance on Patrick Williams which is that they're basically not even discussing him, but it would coast him to get a player like John Collins.
In addition to star DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Bulls have not shown a willingness to talk about the idea of trading Nikola Vucevic (according to Siegel).
The Lakers have coveted DeMar DeRozan (according to Pincus).
The Lakers' trade talks with the Spurs and Hornets have cooled (according to Jovan Buha).
The Lakers have interest in Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Bradley Beal in the ultimate pie-in-the-sky scenario (per Buha).
Cam Reddish has generated the most interest in the Knicks' trade discussions, and in addition to the Lakers, the Bucks, Bulls, and Trail Blazers are a few of the teams with interest in him (according to Brett Siegel).
Contenders around the league are trying to gauge the Rockets' internal temperature and contenders and playoff hopefuls have called Houston making two types of trade offers - a draft pick for a wing player, or getting unwanted money off the books (according to Kelly Iko).
The Rockets are more interested in acquiring a young player or a future 1st round pick in a Gordon trade than a late 1st round pick in the 2023 draft. If they can get that offer then they would move him now and not wait for the trade deadline. (per Iko).
In the offseason, Eric Gordon made his preference for a trade to a contender known. He has since remained professional and patient (per Iko).
The most talked about player on the Rockets from contenders is Eric Gordon and Houston is more inclined to moving him than at any point over the past two seasons (per Iko). An Eastern Conference scout who spoke with Iko said this might finally be the year for Gordon.
Next in line in terms of trade interest around the league for the Rockets is Kenyon Martin Jr. Rival teams believe that Houston will eventually move him (per Iko). The Eastern Conference scout who spoke with Iko said that teams think Martin is attainable because in a way he's a duplication to Jae'Sean Tate, who the Rockets already paid.
Kenyon Martin Jr. loves his teammates and simply wants to feel valued both from a rotational/role standpoint and a financial one (per Iko).
The Rockets have gotten a few calls about trades for players like Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate, but Houston considers both key parts of their core and aren't looking to move either. They also aren't entertaining inquires about Jalen Green or Jabari Smith (per Iko).
The Pelicans are interested in the idea of trading Jaxson Hayes and a future draft pick to bring in another win-now talent that can help them make a push for the top seed in the Western Conference (according to Siegel).
The Heat are showing a little bit of interest in trading for D'Angelo Russell (according to Darren Wolfson).
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that the Heat really like Nikola Jovic's potential.
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that Duncan Robinson needs a change of scenery and could be a dangerous floor-spacer for a team like the Hawks.
Many tend to believe that the Wizards are willing to trade Rui Hachimura now rather than agree to a long-term deal with him once he becomes a restricted free agent in the summer. He has popped up in conversations lately (according to Brett Siegel).
The Wizards are also expected to pursue trade options using their two trade exceptions of $5.2 million and $3.9 million (per Siegel.
The entire league would want to trade for OG Anunoby, and if he ever gets traded, the price and picks might almost be on par with what the Cavaliers gave the Jazz for Donovan Mitchell (according to Zach Lowe).
Many around the league believe that Kelly Oubre Jr. could wind up being a hot trade commodity given that he is on an expiring contract and having a solid season (according to Brett Siegel).
An Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Sean Deveney said that any trade the Nets would be able to do is going to cost them Joe Harris and their 2027 1st round pick.
A Western Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that the Mavericks really like Josh Green and are not talking about dealing him at this point.
FREE AGENCY:
Kyle Kuzma told Ava Wallace that he doesn't expect to sign an in-season contract extension and he intends to decline his $13.0 million player option.
A Western Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that Klay Thompson could consider leaving the Warriors in 2024 when his contract expires and that he could look to leave for the Lakers, who his father played for, and there's been talks he wants to play for the Trail Blazers - he grew up near Portland.
Another Western Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that there's a pretty strong chance that Draymond Green leaves the Warriors.
If there's no contract extension, the Pacers may choose to re-sign Myles Turner this summer (according to Eric Pincus).
The Timberwolves love Naz Reid and have been trying to sign him to a contract extension for months (according to Darren Wolfson).
BUSINESS:
There is a growing expectation around the Kings organization that GM Monte McNair has a forthcoming contract extension likely to be announced in early 2023, and the fact that it hasn't happened yet is a curiosity in league circles (according to Marc Stein).
Commissioner Adam Silver said that after the next CBA the NBA could grow and there is no doubt that expansion in Mexico will be considered. He said that Mexico City is doing everything necessary to be considered for an NBA expansion team. H/t Marc J. Spears.
Nets stash PF Aaron White signed on with agents Jamie Knox and Kevin Martin of JCK Sports (according to Guido Guida). He was the 49th pick in 2015.
RECRUITING:
2024 4 star PG-SG Jamari Phillips committed to Kansas. H/t Joe Tipton.
2024 3 star PF Matt Gilhool said that Penn State, West Virginia, Mississippi State, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Miami are pushing hard for him. H/t Dushawn London. 24/7 lists Maryland as the favorites.
2024 4 star PF-C Tyler McKinley said that Cincinnati, Xavier, Michigan State, Tennessee, Ohio State, and West Virginia are heavily involved in his recruitment. H/t Jake Weingarten.
TRANSFERS:
Dante Harris transferred from Georegtown to Virginia. H/t Joe Tipton.
Jose Perez of West Virginia had his waiver denied by the NCAA but has received an additional year of eligibility. West Virginia plans to appeal for mid-year eligibility this season (according to Jon Rothstein).
DRAFT:
G-League Ignite PG Scoot Henderson is the heavy favorite to go #2 in the draft. Scouts seemed confident he is after his 28 point game and win against projected #1 pick Victor Wembanyama in Las Vegas in October. Since then, he lit up G-League defenses. Henderson entered the season with questions about his shooting but he's flashed improved range early (according to Jonathan Wasserman).
Scouts believe that #1 and #2 in the draft are already decided (per Wasserman).
OTE SF-SG Ausar Thompson (2003)'s draft stock is top 10 with a top 5 ceiling. At the moment he's considered to be grouped in a tier with about 10-12 prospects after Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson (according to Wasserman).
Arkansas freshman SG-PG Anthony Black is trending toward the top 10 or lottery (according to Wasserman).
Alabama freshman SF Brandon Miller is a projected lottery pick with mixed evaluations (according to Wasserman).
Kansas freshman SF-SG Gradey Dick is trending toward the late lottery and the combination of his 6'8" size and convincing shooting has created a perceived high NBA floor (according to Wasserman).
Baylor freshman SG Keyone George is a lottery prospect and scouts are going to put more stock into his creation flashes, made jumpers, and passes, than his percentages and high turnover rate (according to Wasserman). Several NBA scouts have separately brought up Jaden Hardy as a point of comparison for Baylor freshman SG Keyonte George (according to Jeremy Woo).
South Carolina freshman PF GG Jackson II is a wild-card draft lottery prospect (according to Wasserman).
Duke freshman PF-C Kyle Filipowski has flipped his draft stock arrow back up given scouts' tempered expectations entering the season following his struggles through the heavily scouted Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic last spring. He s firmly in the 1st round mix, consensus top 20 at the moment. His face-up scoring versatility has been an obvious draw for NBA teams (according to Wasserman).
Illinois junior PF-C Coleman Hawkins' draft stock is rising (according to Wasserman).
Pepperdine sophomore SF-SG Maxwell Lewis is trending toward the 1st round of the draft with room to keep rising. Scouts remain eager to see Lewis face stiffer competition (according to Wasserman).
Iowa junior PF-SF Kris Murray is a potential 1st round draft pick. A poor game against Duke raised some questions about his breakout but he still has scouts' attention (according to Wasserman).
Kansas senior SF Jalen Wilson is potential 1st round draft pick. His improved shooting has led to some renewed interest in his potential to add offensive versatility to an NBA front line. His age (22) and limited explosiveness lower his perceived NBA ceiling (according to Wasserman).
Tennessee freshman SF Julian Phillips has emerged as a 1st round candidate (according to Jeremy Woo).
Duke freshman PG-SG Tyrese Proctor is re-gaining steam to a potential 1st round draft pick. Scouts remain in the process of evaluating his shot (according to Jonathan Wasserman).
Oregon freshman C Kel'el Ware is the #1 ranked NCAA center prospect and at this stage NBA teams are putting more stock into his skill set and potential trajectory and not necessarily his consistency as a 210-pound freshman on a team with two senior starting bigs (according to Wasserman).
UCLA junior SG Jaylen Clark endeared himself to scouts with a strong start to the season (according to Jeremy Woo).
Arkansas junior SG-SF Ricky Council IV's hot start is starting to look more real to NBA scouts by the week. They will monitor his jump shot percentage (according to Jonathan Wasserman).
Duke freshman C-PF Dereck Lively II's draft stock is trending downward (according to Wasserman).
Scouts are still waiting to asses the legitimacy of Illinois senior SG-SF Terrence Shannon Jr.'s improved offense and jump shot (according to Wasserman).
UCLA freshman SG-PG Amari Bailey hasn't convinced scouts that he has a sure-thing strength for the NBA. Two-way IQ and versatility are his selling points to NBA teams. The question for NBA teams is whether he has the handle, wiggle and creation to be used on the ball and if he has enough value spotting up and cutting (according to Wasserman).
OTE SG-PG Amen Thompson (2003)'s poor start from 3 is a talking point in scouting conversations (according to Wasserman).
Questions have popped up about Duke freshman SF-SG Dariq Whitehead, mostly around his low-percentage shot selection and poor touch/feel finishing drives (according to Wasserman).
There are concerns over Eastern Michigan sophomore SF-SG Emoni Bates' bad shot selection, athleticism/length for finishing and defending, and impact on winning (according to Wasserman).
OTHER:
Damian Lillard passed Clyde Drexler last Monday to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer.
Follow me on Twitter @kylecohennba.