Mark Warkentien, Thunder special assignments evaluator, passed away at 69 after complications from both heart and kidney failure. Rest in Peace.
Kenton Edelin passed away at 60 of stroke complications. Rest in Peace.
AWARDS:
Jacque Vaughn and Willie Green were named Coaches of the Month.
Paolo Banchero and Keegan Murray were named Rookies of the Month.
Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid were named Players of the Month.
Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were named Players of the Week.
TRANSACTIONS:
The Raptors waived Justin Champagnie and his 2 year deal, 2nd year non-guaranteed.
The Timberwolves had waived AJ Lawson and his two-way contract and he had rejoined the G-League team the College Park Skyhawks.
The Mavericks waived Tyler Dorsey and his two-way contract.
The Mavericks and AJ Lawson signed a two-way contract.The Pistons waived Braxton Key and his two-way contract. He re-joined the G-League team the Delaware Blue Coats.
The Pistons and Jared Rhoden of the G-League team the College Park Skyhawks signed a two-way contract.
The 76ers waived Saben Lee and his two-way contract. He rejoined the G-League team the Raptors 905.
The 76ers and Louis King of the G-League team the Rio Grande Valley Vipers signed a two-way contract.King stash Sasha Vezenkov signed a contract extension with Greek team Olympiacos through the 2024-25 season. He has a buyout worth about $1.1 million. He was the 57th pick in 2017.
TRADE RUMORS:
League-wide parity has contributed to a lack of sellers on the trade market (according to Mike Singer).
The Raptors could set the trade market (according to Michael Grange).
The Raptors would get “a s---load” if they traded Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby (per Grange).
At least for right now, it doesn't appear that the Jazz have made Mike Conley Jr. available for trade (according to Brian Windhorst).
The Bucks, Heat, and Hawks are widely regarded as the top suitors to trade for Jae Crowder (according to Marc Stein).
There was a three-team Hawks-Suns-Jazz proposal that would have sent Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to Phoenix, John Collins and assets to Utah, and Jae Crowder and players to Atlanta but the Jazz rejected it wanting more 1st round picks (according to Shams). Landry Shamet was also discussed in the trade talks. In at least one framework of the deal he would have gone to Atlanta (according to Michael Scotto).
The Jazz view Jarred Vanderbilt as worthy of a 1st round pick given his production, contract ($4.64 million next year), and age (23) (per Scotto).
The Suns rejected a trade offer for Jae Crowder from the Wizards of a package featuring Rui Hachimura. They want a certifiable starter (per Stein).
An NBA GM who spoke with Steve Bulpett said that they don't think that Jae Crowder is helping himself by sitting out and that they think a lot of teams are turned off by that. The GM who spoke with Bulpett said that Phoenix is periodically leaking all sorts of things about Crowder mostly to try to stir up some trade interest.
The Heat remain interested in Jae Crowder, but only if he is bought out, barring the Suns taking a bad contract off Miami's hands (according to Barry Jackson). An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that the Heat are looking for a roster upgrade in the form of a dirty work kind of guy like P.J. Tucker or Jae Crowder if they can get one.
The Hawks have widened the scope of their John Collins trade talks but his limited role and declining production this season, plus his contract, have made it difficult for them to find a trade partner so far (according to Stein).
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that there is a lot of trade value being placed on the Heat's 2027 1st round pick but that it's probably not enough to land John Collins.
Rival executives believe that Trae Young could be the next player on a rookie maximum contract extension to request a trade if the team doesn't make inroads come playoff time (according to Chris Haynes).
Trae Young’s father responds:
This is what sucks about pro ball these days. Although I like Kevin’s stuff, now there’ll be articles on Trae like this👇🏾…just because “rival execs” believe something! Trae doesn’t talk to other teams😂 He’s busy trying to win in Atlanta. Will this ever end?Trae Young is an elite playmaker but has shown no willingness to excel off-ball next to another shot-creator in Dejounte Murray. And he’s a small defender that gets targeted by offenses. A ton of teams already have good PGs. A genuine question: Which teams would really want Trae? https://t.co/TjL6UzVoowKevin O'Connor @KevinOConnorNBATrae Young and Landry Fields meet routinely and have a great relationship and how Fields shapes the roster around Young will be monitored closely. Fields has the green light from ownership to do what is necessary to make upgrades (per Haynes).
Anthony Davis' injury has increased the probability that the only move the Lakers make is a smaller trade featuring one 1st round pick at most, with the one exception being if a star that can grow alongside Davis over the next few years becomes available. The Lakers don't believe that there is a trade currently available that will immediately turn them into a contender, especially when factoring in AD’s injury (according to Jovan Buha).
The Lakers' most likely trade at this point is some form of a package with Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, and either their 2027 or 2029 1st round pick, likely protected, for a 3-and-D wing or combo forward that fits well next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James (per Buha).
An NBA president of basketball operations who spoke with Steve Bulpett said that the Lakers desperately need a shooter.
LeBron James has become increasingly direct about his dissatisfaction with the Lakers' struggles, intentionally mentioning both his future in the NBA and in Los Angeles. His already well-known desire for the organization to upgrade the roster has emerged since Anthony Davis' injury (per Buha).
The Lakers have been seriously considering riding out the season without making a major trade if they can't find one that would make them a realistic contender (according to Dan Woike). Los Angeles’ tilt more toward the future has been frustrating to LeBron James (per Buha).
A couple people around the league who have spoken with Howard Beck said that they believe that the Lakers front office has essentially been told not to trade their 2027 and 2029 1st round picks and that they are guarding them.
An Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Woike said that the majority of personnel people believe that the Lakers will push for a trade. One rival executive who spoke with Woike said that Los Angeles is within striking distance and has to improve and has avenues to.
Another rival executive who spoke with Woike said that Anthony Davis' injury could give the Lakers leverage in trade talks that they haven't had since the summer because they now have a very real reason to shut down talks and focus on the offseason.
There are people within the Lakers' organization very intrigued by Cam Reddish. New York is seeking a protected 1st round pick for him but their asking price is expected to eventually dip because he isn't in their rotation (per Woike).
There are still evaluators who believe in Cam Reddish's talent and think that the right teammate, say LeBron James, could unlock the potential that teams saw in him when he was a top prospect for the 2019 draft (per Woike).
Jae Crowder is in fact a name to watch for a Lakers trade (per Buha).
Alec Burks is in fact a name to watch for a Lakers trade (per Buha).
In addition to Terry Rozier, PJ Washington and Kelly Oubre Jr. are also names to watch for a Lakers trade (per Buha).
In addition to Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott, Jakob Poeltl is a name to watch for a Lakers trade (per Buha).
Eric Gordon is a name to watch for a Lakers trade (per Buha).
Teams have been calling the Heat to discuss trades centered around Bam Adebayo but anyone calling has been getting shut down immediately (according to Sean Deveney).
A GM who spoke with Steve Bulpett said that the Mavericks seem like they want to make a trade, and while the Heat and Bulls aren't in as many conversations now, they very well could be over the next few weeks.
The general sense is that asking prices around the league could dip in January once teams have a clearer handle on their future, like the Bulls (according to Dan Woike).
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that the Bulls are not going to do a full rebuild this year but could get started on it. The executive said that Chicago will not trade Zach LaVine during the season.
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that if the Bulls wanted to it would be easier to move DeMar DeRozan during the season than Zach LaVine but even that they would wait until the summer to do.
If matters with the Bulls don't improve this season, rival executives believe that it could lead DeMar DeRozan to request a trade in the offseason (according to Chris Haynes). DeRozan denied this: https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/12/demar-derozan-has-no-desire-to-make-trade-request.html
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that Zach LaVine wants to go to the Lakers and it has been pretty clear for a while now.
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Deveney said that there is nothing the Lakers could trade to the Bulls for Zach LaVine short of Anthony Davis but that Chicago would be one of the few places Davis would be OK with if he was going to leave Los Angeles. AD is from Chicago.
Zach LaVine has privately questioned his role standing amongst the franchise at times (according to KC Johnson).
Some executives around the league are drawing parallels between the unrest Zach LaVine has been showing with the Bulls to the unrest shown by Anthony Davis before he requested his way out of the Pelicans and landed with the Lakers (per Deveney). Both are Klutch Sports Group clients.
There are fans of Zach LaVine that hold prominent positions within the Mavericks organization (according to Tim MacMahon).
More details on the Bulls’ locker room dispute from Joe Cowley: https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/12/20/23520021/source-genesis-bulls-locker-dispute-zach-lavines-defense
Multiple teams are prepared to make offers to the Bulls for Alex Caruso should Chicago decide to gauge his trade market (according to Deveney). An Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that Caruso is the guy to watch in the short-term.
The Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that if the Bulls don't improve and Alex Caruso were to be dealt, about 15 teams would be interested and the Lakers would love to have him back if they had the young guys to trade for him.
The Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that some draft capital and maybe a player for Alex Caruso would suit the Bulls.
The Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that the Bulls have had trade talks about Coby White but since he's going to be a free agent a team that trades for him would have to pay him and nobody is ready to take that leap with him.
The Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that there is a lot of frustration from the Bulls veterans about Chicago sitting on the bi-annual exception and most of the MLE in free agency because they did not want to go into the luxury tax instead of going for a big. The Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Deveney said that the Bulls veterans are also wondering about Chicago not being willing to trade Patrick Williamsto the Jazz for Rudy Gobert this past offseason.
Payton Pritchard's reduced role has other teams sniffing around investigating whether he might be worth pursuing in a trade (according to Steve Bulpett).
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that the Knicks have engaged in talks with the Pacers on a potential Obi Toppin trade. The executive said that he fits in Indiana, especially if they keep Myles Turner.
A league executive who spoke with Steve Bulpett said that the Knicks would like to keep Immanuel Quickley but he sees Tyrese Maxey and thinks he's just as good but hasn't had the opportunity and he's worried New York will never commit to letting him do what he wants to do.
Before the Knicks turned it around, they at least internally talked about trading for Tobias Harris and he has some fans in the organization. Tom Thibodeau spoke highly of him. He is one name to keep an eye on (according to Ian Begley). He is from Long Island.
A Western Conference GM who spoke with Sean Deveney said that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the kind of star who could work well with Julius Randle's skill and that Randle could be easier to move now that he has put his inefficient last season behind him.
Ahead of the trade deadline, the Nuggets will be on the lookout for wing help to come off the bench. They want to get longer, more athletic, more versatile, more defensive-minded, and bigger. They have a firm belief that the defense is their difference-maker (according to Sam Amick).
Adding another player with Aaron Gordon's skillset would be the Nuggets' dream scenario (per Amick).
Some skeptics around the league might suggest that the Nuggets are destined to be a very good regular season team that bows out early int he playoffs, but internally, there's a strong sense that Nikola Jokic's brilliance demands nothing less than title contention (per Amick).
The Cavaliers are expected to seek another short-term option on the wing (according to Zach Lowe).
A few different people around the NBA who spoke with Chris Fedor said that they believe that Caris LeVert is the best trade asset the Cavaliers have because can help teams right now, is on an expiring contract, and matches the salary of a lot of players perceived to be available around the league.
D’Angelo Russell appears to have unfollowed the Timberwolves on Instagram:
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Steve Bulpett said that they think that Danny Ainge has more moves to make to try to be in the sweepstakes for French PF Victor Wembanyama (2004) in the draft.
The Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Bulpett said that the Jazz could get a lot in a trade for Jordan Clarkson, and that the only thing that Danny Ainge wants is a contract to match plus draft picks.
However, the Jazz have entered contract extension talks with Jordan Clarkson and his representatives but the situation is fluid and it could result in no deal and Clarkson opt-ing out of his $14.26 million player option after the season (according to Chris Haynes).
Rival teams have expressed trade interest in Buddy Hield during the season (according to Shams).
In addition to the Lakers, the Raptors are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for Myles Turner in recent months (according to Shams).
However, the Pacers and Myles Turner are exploring a potential new deal in contract extension negotiations. Indiana officials have discussed a renegotiation-and-extension framework with his agent at CAA, Austin Brown. It's believed talks are in the initial phase (per Shams).
Sensing blood in the waters, teams have started calling the Raptors to inquire into the availability of its core players (according to Josh Lewenberg).
Team executives who spoke with Michael Grange said that Scottie Barnes remains a highly valued prospect.
Christian Wood has petitioned for a bigger role with the Mavericks and rival teams believe that the Mavs could soon make him available for trade. They have begun monitoring what Dallas intends to do with him (according to Chris Haynes).
When asked about the possibility of a contract extension, Christian Wood told Tim MacMahon “I’m happy to be here... The vibe is good… I’m open to it.” When asked if he needs it to be for 4 years, he said “I can’t answer that,” with a laugh before walking away.
The Mavericks have started discussing a contract extension with C-PF Christian Wood (according to Marc Stein). Dallas is interested in offering Wood a 2 year maximum $36 million contract extension (per MacMahon).
However, the consistent signals emanating from the Mavericks in the early part of the season have suggested that a contract extension for Christian Wood is unlikely (per Stein).
If the Mavericks can't come to terms on a contract extension with Christian Wood, they are widely expected to explore the trade market for him before the deadline (per Stein).
There's a rising belief that Kyle Kuzma is gettable between now and the trade deadline as there's rumblings that he may not want to stay with Washington past this season (according to Stein).
However, the Wizards want to see how Kyle Kuzma continues playing with Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis going into February, and if they don't turn it around then he's going to have a marketplace. They are going to keep an open mind (according to Shams). Washington considers Kuzma a big part of their future (according to Marc Stein).
FREE AGENCY:
James Harden is seriously considering returning to the Rockets in free agency this summer if he decides against re-signing with the 76ers. Harden and his inner circle have been openly weighing Houston in recent months. Harden has maintained something of a magnetic pull to Houston, drawn to the community, lifestyle and family there (according to Woj).
The early chatter about James Harden considering a return to the Rockets dates back to before he requested a trade from the Nets, and his interest in Houston when Brooklyn learned of his waning interest was as much on Brooklyn’s radar as the 76ers. While he Harden was frustrated with Kyrie Irving's part-time status and Kevin Durant was injured in January, Harden longed for the familiarity of Houston. After one road trip to San Antonio last season, he took a detour amid the Nets' road trip to have another evening in Houston (according to Jake Fischer).
James Harden still routinely finds opportunities to spend additional time in Houston. In December, he went out with Lil Baby for the rapper's birthday after a 2OT loss at the Rockets (per Fischer).
James Harden's apparent interest in rejoining the Rockets resurfaced among league personnel during his contract negotiations on a short-term deal with the 76ers this past offseason (per Fischer).
James Harden's working relationships with Joel Embiid and Doc Rivers are closer to a work in progress than his connections with Daryl Morey and Tad Brown (per Woj).
James Harden is expected to remain a priority to re-sign for the Sixers this summer.
Scouts and GMs are searching for an answer as to why James Harden would want to return to the Rockets (according to Ric Bucher). The consensus among several scouts and GMs who spoke with Bucher was that Houston does not have enough talent that James Harden could reasonably expect to compete for a title with them. An Eastern Conference Scout who spoke with Bucher said that Harden could only reasonably expect to compete for a title w/ the Rockets if they land Victor Wembanyama in the draft but that that wouldn't explain the timing of the report.
An Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Bucher said that the conventional reason for the report of would be that Harden wants to create leverage to get what he wants to re-sign with the 76ers. The GM said that the unconventional reason for the report is Daryl Morey needing to get leverage with Sixers ownership to get Harden what he already promised him. None of the scouts or GMs who spoke with Bucher believe that anything has changed between Morey and Harden, with the Eastern Conference GM saying the affection is real.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is widely believed to be antsy to accelerate the rebuild and return to contention (according to Marc Stein). Houston is open to adding some veteran leadership (per Bucher). However, the Eastern Conference GM who spoke with Bucher said that James Harden would not be the veteran that a team would look for to mentor younger players.
People familiar with James Harden's thinking have long listed Dwyane Wade's three titles as something Harden sees ahead of his standing on the great guard rankings in NBA history (per Fischer).
Austin Reaves is for sure going to make more money than Alex Caruso, he's going to make double digits in restricted free agency this summer (according to Jovan Buha).
Andre Drummond: “I would love to play back in Detroit near the end of my career, just to close that chapter and go back home where I started.” H/t Rod Beard.
TAMPERING:
League personnel who spoke with John Hollinger said that the underlying issue with the Knicks tampering with Jalen Brunson wasn't that it was before the July 1 deadline - the only rule most executives care about is that he was still playing games.
An NBA GM who spoke with Marc Stein said that if 2nd round picks are the only punishment for tampering then nothing will ever change.
FRONT OFFICE:
Kevin Warren, Big Ten Commissioner, is a top candidate to be the next President/CEO of the Bears. He interviewed in-person for the job and is among the finalists (according to Pete Thamel).
The news of Travis Schlenk moving into a senior advisory role with the Hawks caught the rest of the league off-guard and the only certainty is that no one is buying that Schlenk abruptly decided he wanted a lifestyle change. The was inspired by the souring relationship between Schlenk and both Trae Young and Nick Ressler, director of business and basketball operations and son of team owner Tony Ressler (according to Ric Bucher).
Hawks GM Landry Fields, Nick Ressler, and Trae Young are close and committed to building around Young. The move to trade with the Spurs for Dejounte Murray was engineered by them, not Travis Schlenk (per Bucher).
The Hawks fired senior advisor Rod Higgins. He was well-respected within the organization (according to Shams).
The Hawks fired director of pro scouting Stephen Giles. He was well-respected within the organization (per Shams).
The Hawks fired vice president of player personnel Derek Pierce. He was well-respected within the organization (per Shams).
The Hawks promoted pro personnel scout Grant Liffman. He was college roommates with Landry Fields (per Bucher).
COACHING;
Head coach Nate McMillan's job status came into question across the league after his exchange with Trae Young, but he has been considered safe and the Hawks have wanted to finish out the season with him (according to Shams).
However, Nate McMillan appears to be near the end of his tenure with the Hawks after the season unless he resigns before then. He has strongly considered resigning (per Shams).
Since Landry Fields became the Hawks' lead front office executive, there have only been positive conversations with Nate McMillan about the direction of the team this season and no resignation is imminent (per Shams).
The Celtics have no plans to remove head coach Joe Mazzulla's interim tag before the season's end and he is well aware of the situation and understands he'll be coaching the entire season regardless (according to Adam Himmelsbach).
Wofford head coach Jay McAuley (forced leave of absence) resigned. Multiple players had gone to administration not wanting to play for him anymore, resulting in his forced leave of absence (according to Jeff Goodman).
Kentucky hired Tyler Ulis as a student assistant. He played for them from 2014-2016.
BUSINESS:
A lot of people around the league are willing to question the NBA's approach regarding the G-League Ignite. Given the expense, some have questioned the league's roster choices, with one asking “Why are we paying almost half a million for a two-way guy?” (according to John Hollinger).
Nobody who has spoken with Hollinger thinks the Ignite is well-coached or well-run.
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez exercised their option to purchase the next 20% of the Timberwolves and Lynx from Glen Taylor, continuing their three-step plan to assume full control of the franchises. They have until March 15 to close the second 20%, which would bring them to 40% ownership. They will then have until December 31 to purchase another 40% (according to Jon Krawczynski and Shams).
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have recruited other investors to join their Purple Buyers Holdings LLC, which joined the Timberwolves as limited partners in the summer of 2021. There had previously been speculation from the outset that Lore and Rodriguez would not be able to come up with the money to close the deal to buy the Timberwolves (per Krawczynski and Shams).
Glen Taylor has built a strong rapport with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez (per Krawczynski and Shams).
New Suns owner Mat Ishbia's record $4B purchase is for more than 50% of the team, including all of Robert Sarver's interest & a portion of the interest of the current minority owners who have sale rights. Sarver owned 30%. Sam Garvin will get the second most proceeds. Garvin said that he thinks he owned about 9% of the Suns (according to Duane Rankin).
Mat Ishbia had explored buying the Timberwolves before Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez entered the picture (according to Krawczynski and Shams).
The working presumption by many insiders is that a number of teams go for sale after the next CBA and TV deal are finalized, as valuations would likely increase. However, the Suns' record sale could speed these potential sales up and already count these factors in (according to John Hollinger).
Hornets owner Michael Jordan has been whispered about for ages as a potential seller (according to Hollinger).
The Pelicans have been mentioned by many insiders as a sale candidate but the search for a local buyer could stymie a deal (according to Hollinger).
The Pelicans' lease with the Smoothie King Center expires in 2024 but Doug Thornton, vice president of stadiums for ASM Global, said that their intention is to extend the lease. H/t Christian Clark.
There has been increased chatter about the possibility that Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is open to selling his share of the team. There is a growing possibility that the ownership structure of the Bucks changes this year as Lasry could sell his stake to co-owner Wes Edens (according to Marc Stein).
Bennedict Mathurin signed with Adidas.
Keegan Murray signed with Adidas.
Jabari Smith signed with Adidas.
Nikola Jovic signed with Adidas.
MarJon Beauchamp signed with Adidas.
Ousmane Dieng signed with Adidas.
Walker Kessler signed with Adidas.
Johnny Davis signed with Adidas.
Dalen Terry signed with Adidas.
Jalen Williams signed with Adidas.Isaiah Mobley signed with Adidas.
Blake Wesley signed with Adidas. Their 12 rookies is their largest draft class ever.Gordon Hayward signed a 5 year multi-million dollar signature shoe deal extension with Anta.
AGENTS:
Carlik Jones signed on with agent Josh Goodwin of Executive Sports Management (according to Guido Guida).
NC State sophomore SG Terquavion Smith's agent at Life Sports Agency for NIL is Todd Ramasar (according to Michael Scotto).. He was Smith's agent when he tested the draft waters.
RECRUITING:
Alabama 2023 commit 4 star SG Davin Cosby Jr. has enrolled early and will redshirt this semester. H/t Joe Tipton.
Tennessee 2023 commit 4 star SG-PG Freddie Dilione is enrolling early and redshirting this semester. H/t Travis Branham.
2023 4 star PF JT Rock, the #1 recruit in his class from South Dakota, committed to Iowa State. H/t Nick Osen of 24/7.
2024 5 star PG Elliot Cadeau, the #1 PG in his class and the #1 recruit in his class from Missouri, committed to UNC. He said that he will decide last minute after his AAU season (which ends in July) on whether to reclassify to 2023. H/t Joe Tipton.
2024 4 star C James Brown, the #1 recruit in his class from Illinois, committed to UNC. H/t Tipton.
2024 4 star SF Rob Dockery committed to Texas A&M. H/t Tipton.
2024 4 star PG Dellquan Warren committed to Rutgers. H/t Adam Finkelstein.
2024 4 star SG Nojus Indrusaitis committed to Iowa State. H/t Joe Tipton.
2024 3 star SG-PG Brandin Cummings committed to Pittsburgh. H/t Tipton.
Update: 2024 4 star SG Cam Scott, the #1 recruit in his class from South Carolina, said that he's looking at a commitment in February or March. H/t Jamie Shaw.
2024 4 star SF Amier Ali said that he'd probably like to commit around August. H/t Travis Branham.
2024 4 star PG-SG Kayvaun Mulready is down to 4 schools: Maryland, Marquette, Providence, and UConn. H/t Joe Tipton.
2024 4 star PG Tahaad Pettiford is down to 7 schools: Auburn, Kansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Seton Hall, UCLA, and UConn. H/t Tipton.
2024 4 star PG Dedan Thomas Jr., the #1 recruit in his class from Nevada, said that he has weighed the option of reclassifying to 2023 for months now and is 50-50 on it but there's still a lot of time. He said that UNLV, Houston, Gonzaga, and Florida would like him to reclassify. H/t Travis Branham.
2023 3 star C Jazz Gardner said that he is considering Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Saint Mary's, Pepperdine, TCU, Texas Tech, UC Santa Barbara, and USC. H/t Brandon Jenkins. 24/7 Crystal Ball says 100% Texas Tech (6 confidence - 1 prediction).
2024 4 star SG-PG Dontae Russo-Nance said that he's not sure whether he'll reclassify to 2023 and he is just waiting to see how this season goes. H/t Jamie Shaw.
2024 4 star PG Jase Richardson said that he will probably try to start cutting his list down in the summer, maybe toward EYBL. H/t Shaw.
2024 4 star PF-C Jacob Cofie said that Washington, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC are involved in his recruitment. H/t Brandon Jenkins.
2024 4 star SF-SG Sir Mohammed said that he's been hearing a lot from Stanford, Villanova, and Ohio State. H/t Joe Tipton. He is the son of Nazr Mohammed.
2024 3 star PG Elijah Crawford said that #SouthCarolina is recruiting him the hardest and Boston College, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Xavier are also involved in his recruitment. H/t Brandon Jenkins.
2024 3 star PF Sebastian Rancik said that he would say that he hears the most from Colorado right now and that he hears a lot from Ole Miss and Nebraska. H/t Jamie Shaw.
DRAFT:
G-League Ignite SF Leonard Miller (2003) told Michael Scotto that he plans on entering the draft with the intention of staying in this year. He compared his game to Lamar Odom.
An NBA agent who has multiple clients in the NBA and overseas who spoke with Adam Zagoria said that if he's not hurt, Victor Wembanyama will be the greatest player ever.
The agent who spoke with Zagoria said that comparisons to Bol Bol are flawed as Victor Wembanyama is dominating and has more physicality. The agent said that comparisons to Kevin Durant are much better because Wembanyama will instantly be the best rim protector in the NBA and will instantly be efficient and unstoppable on offense.
The only question some around the league have about Victor Wembanyama is whether he will able to stay healthy given his unique size and skillset and given injuries to fellow unicorn-archetypes like Chet Holmgren, Kristaps Porzingis, etc. (according to Scotto).
One NBA scout who spoke with Scotto said that you don't pass on Victor Wembanyama at #1 in the draft because of injury fears. The scout said that his shoulders and frame are better than Chet Holmgren's.
Another NBA scout who spoke with Scotto suggested that Victor Wembanyama try to emulate the body and growth of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
G-League Ignite PG Scoot Henderson (2004) would be the top prospect in any draft class without a generational talent like Victor Wembanyama (according to Scotto).
Several NBA executives and scouts who spoke with Scotto said that Scoot Henderson has drawn comparisons to Donovan Mitchell, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and John Wall.
Alabama freshman SF Brandon Miller has entered the conversation for the #3 pick in the draft due to his blistering start (according to Scotto).
Brandon Miller vaulted from outside of the top 20 prospects to top 5 consideration thanks to his hot start (per Scotto). One NBA scout who spoke with Scotto compared Miller to Paul George and said his draft range is 3-7.
There are questions about Brandon Miller's finishing at the rim but his three-point shooting, rebounding, and some defensive instincts have him as one of the most talked about freshmen in the country for the draft (according to Jamie Shaw).
An NBA scout who spoke with Scotto said that OTE SG-PG Amen Thompson (2003) is going top 5 in the draft for sure but he needs to work on his jump shot at this point in his development.
Several NBA executives and scouts who spoke with Scotto said that Villanova freshman SF-SG Cam Whitmore is viewed as a top 10 draft pick with the upside to finish the season closer to a top 5 pick range.
Multiple talent evaluators who spoke with Scotto said that Baylor freshman SG Keyonte George is currently projected as a top 10 draft pick. His free throw shooting gives talent evaluators optimism that his overall efficiency will improve over time (per Scotto).
Duke freshman SF-SG Dariq Whitehead's stock fell after he needed surgery. However, his NBA-ready size at 6'7" and 220 lbs. intrigues NBA scouts and executives and has helped him retain a lottery pick range (according to Scotto).
One NBA executive who spoke with Scotto has Iowa junior PF-SF Kris Murray penciled in as a 1st round draft pick.
The perception from last year that Alabama freshman PF Noah Clowney is not a one-and-done candidate bas begun to shift rapidly (according to Adam Finkelstein). He is firmly on draft radars (according to Jonathan Givony).
An NBA scout who spoke with Michael Scotto said that Kansas freshman SF-SG Gradey Dick is a better athlete than given credit for and compared him athletically to Donte DiVincenzo and Christian Braun.
Arkansas freshman SG-PG Anthony Black's all-around game has intrigued NBA talent evaluators with his efficiency shooting from the field (including from 3) and his defense (according to Scotto).
Oregon freshman C Kel'el Ware's fluid stroke from beyond the arc intrigues NBA talent evaluators for his future upside (according to Scotto).
Texas freshman SF Dillon Mitchell has intrigued NBA personnel with his athleticism, defensive versatility, and motor (according to Scotto).
Houston senior SG-PG Marcus Sasser intrigues NBA talent evaluators with his self-creation, shot versatility, and touch (according to Scotto).
At 6'8" and 240 lbs. Houston freshman PF Jarace Walker's NBA-ready body intrigues talent evaluators at the next level (according to Scotto).
Duke freshman C-PF Dereck Lively II remains an intriguing draft prospect in the eyes of NBA executives (according to Scotto).
OTE SF-SG Ausar Thompson (2003) has given some talent evaluators around the league optimism over his improved 3-point shooting (according to Scotto).
NBA talent evaluators are monitoring Pepperdine sophomore SF-SG Maxwell Lewis' growth this season and 3-and-D potential as a swingman at the next level (according to Scotto).
An NBA executive who spoke with Scotto said that G-League Ignite SF Leonard Miller (2003) has decent instincts and will either flame out as a talented kid who didn't figure it out, or the Ignite will help develop him and take his game to another level.
There are questions about Arkansas freshman SG-PG Nick Smith Jr.'s three-point shooting and decision-making (according to Jamie Shaw).
French SG-SF Rayan Rupert (2004), who is 6'6", has a 7'3" wingspan.
NCAA TOURNAMENT:
The NCAA Transformation Committee's final report recommended an expansion of championship tournaments to incorporate 25% of teams and the NCAA Tournament would expand to about 90 teams but individual sport oversight committees will give final approval (according to Ross Dellenger).
However, there is a belief that the NCAA Tournament is a viewed as a different entity when it comes to potential expansion for championship tournaments (according to Jon Rothstein).
The agenda for the Division 1 Board of Directors Meeting at next week's NCAA Convention does not currently include expansion for the NCAA Tournament (per Rothstein).
NCAA:
Kevin Easley of Duquesne entered the transfer portal as a grad transfer (according to Jake Weingarten).
Following his guilty plea, Dior Johnson returned to practice with Pitt and is expected to redshirt this season.
Iowa junior Patrick McCaffery is taking an indefinite leave to address anxiety.
Washington State freshman Mael Hamon-Crespin left the program due to personal reasons.
OVERSEAS:
Steve Kerr said that he is going to try and touch base with Kevin Durant about the possibility of playing for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. Durant said that he's open to it but it's too early to decide. H/t Nick Friedell.
The NBA has two separate Abu Dhabi trips in the works for NBA stars in 2023. There will likely be a preseason double aheader abroad for the Mavericks featuring games at Real Madrid and in the United Arab Emirates' capital (according to Marc Stein).
Free agent Ekpe Udoh signed with Japanese team Shimane Susanoo Magic.
Free agent Ian Clark signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the rest of the Australian NBL season.
Undrafted free agent Aaron Cook signed with Cypriot team Paralimni and signed on with Phenom Sports (according to Guido Guida).
Jeremy Lin announced via Instagram that he left the Guangzhou Loong Lions and the Chinese CBA to go back to the U.S. to rest and reset before deciding with his family what the next step is.
Sindarius Thornwell and Turksih team Frutti Extra Bursaspor mutually parted ways.
STATS:
Luka Doncic had a franchise-record and career-high 60 points, career-high 21 rebounds, and 10 assists last Tuesday for the first ever 60/20/10 game in NBA history and he became the youngest player in NBA history with a 50+ point triple-double.
Last Thursday, Luka Doncic became the player with the most points in consecutive triple-doubles in NBA history with 95 total.
Donovan Mitchell had the 1st 70+ point and 10+ assist game in NBA history Monday. He had a franchise-record and career-high 71 points, 11 ast, 8 reb, 1 blk, 4 TOs, 22-34 FG (7-15 3s), 20-25 FT in 50 minutes in the OT game.
Kevin Durant passed Tim Duncan for 15th on the NBA's all-time scoring list last Monday.
Duncan Robinson became the fastest player in NBA history with 800 career threes last Monday.
Duncan Robinson became the franchise leader in total made threes last Friday.
The Thunder scored a franchise-record in their 150-117 win over the Celtics Tuesday.
The 116 points that Kansas State scored against #6 Texas Tuesday are the most that an unranked team has ever scored in a road win over a top 10 opponent.
With Fresno State's 71-67 win over #21 New Mexico on Tuesday, there are no more unbeaten teams in college basketball.
OTHER:
Yuta Watanabe told Michael Scotto that it would be an honor to be selected for the 3-Point Contest.
When asked if the Cavaliers should retire Kyrie Irving's #2, Kevin Love told Chris Fedor they absolutely should when he retires.
Rudy Gobert has frustrated his Timberwolves teammates with his turnovers (according to Brian Windhorst).
The Lakers believe that Max Christie is a high-IQ prospect with poise and an even-keeled nature that belies his age (19) (according to Jovan Buha).
Follow me on Twitter @kylecohennba.