SBNation.com User Blog: tjarks

• Prada: Would Hibbert have stopped LeBron?

LeBron James, Tim Duncan lead All-NBA first team

tjarks — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:04:21 -0000

The NBA released the 15 members of the three All-NBA teams on Thursday. All the usual suspects were on the first and second teams, but there were a few surprises on the third:

First: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan.

Second: Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin, Marc Gasol.

Third: James Harden, Dwyane Wade, Paul George, David Lee, Dwight Howard.

Duncan, at age 37, made his first All-NBA team since 2007, which was also the last time the Spurs won a championship. He averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds on 50 percent shooting while anchoring a revitalized San Antonio defense.

Tony Parker joined Duncan on the All-NBA second team, making the Spurs one of five teams, along with the Heat, Thunder, Lakers and Clippers, to have two selections.

Marc Gasol was the only first-time selection to make the second team. James Harden, Paul George and David Lee all received their first nods on the third team.

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Daryl Morey on the best interview answers he's ever heard

tjarks — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:26:37 -0000

Best draft interview answers ever part 1: player, can you pass a drug test? [grabs table] TODAY?!?
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 22, 2013

More best answers: "anyone who is projected ahead of U that U think U R better than?" ALL OF THEM "Have you ever seen them play?" NEVER
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 22, 2013

Best answers: "When did U know there might be an issue?" I was carrying [stolen item] 4someone else-knew something up when we got 2pawn shop
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 22, 2013

More best answers: "who is your agent?" I don't have an agent. "Who is advising you?" [gives name] "Who is that?" My agent.
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 22, 2013

2013 NBA Draft big board: SB Nation's ranking of prospects

tjarks — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:36:02 -0000

There's not a lot of hype surrounding the 2013 NBA Draft class, mainly because it's a little thin at the top. However, just because there aren't any "franchise players" available doesn't mean teams can't improve themselves.

Like in any draft, there will be quality players available through the early and middle portions of the second round, at least. NBA teams are picking and choosing among the majority of the best 19- to 22-year-old players in the world. A team that can't find a quality prospect out of a planet of seven billion probably isn't looking hard enough.

The importance of drafting well has only increased with the new CBA. With luxury tax penalties now so punitive, both financially and in terms of how you can build your roster, even the richest teams need quality young players on cost-controlled contracts to fill out their roster.

In that sense, a draft like 2013, thin an the top but with a solid middle class, should benefit most of the teams in the league. After all, the 2011 draft, conducted in the shadow of the lockout, was considered one of the weakest in recent memory, and Kenneth Faried, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Chandler Parsons were all taken after the 21st pick.

Drafting is a fairly inexact science. Once you get past the top 15-20 players, the rankings become extremely fluid. None of these young men are LeBron James; they all need to be in situations where their weaknesses are minimized and they can play to their strengths.

My draft board, starting with Anthony Bennett at No. 1, doesn't align with some of the pre-draft consensus. Over the next few weeks, we'll be rolling out scouting reports that delve a little deeper into why. There is an underlying logic to it. (At least I hope.)

ALSO SEE: My first mock draft the day after the lottery.

2013 NBA Mock Draft: In top 10, beauty is in the eye of the beholder

tjarks — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:53:22 -0000

The Cavaliers beat the odds on Tuesday, becoming only the second team in the lottery era with two No. 1 overall picks in a three-year period. Unfortunately for Cleveland, there doesn't appear to be any prospect as sure a bet as Kyrie Irving was in 2011.

Nerlens Noel is widely seen as the best player available, but does he really make sense next to Tristan Thompson long-term? A 205-pound center with no post game and no jump shot isn't necessarily someone I'd rearrange my roster for, no matter how good a shot-blocker he is.

At the very least, Cleveland will explore all their options with the pick. The Cavaliers front office has a history (Dion Waiters) of thinking outside the box, so tracking (read: blindly speculating about) their deliberations over the next six weeks should be fun.

More: Jonathan Tjarks' Big Board Cleveland wins No. 1 pick again Full draft order

In my opinion, there isn't all that much difference between the top eight to ten players available, anyway. In a draft like this, beauty is in the eye of beholder.

This mock is more who I think will be taken instead of who I think should be taken, though by the end of the first round, the rankings become so fluid that it's hard to say the difference.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers -- Nerlens Noel, Kentucky

Here's my problem with Noel to Cleveland: there won't be a lot of space on the floor with Noel and Thompson upfront. Neither can force their man to leave the paint, which is bad when you have guards who attack the rim like Irving and Waiters. Down the road, that's a group less than the sum of its parts.

More: Fear The Sword on the lottery win

2. Orlando Magic -- Ben McLemore, Kansas

This is a great fit of player and team. McLemore, who is more finisher than playmaker right now, goes to a team that doesn't need him to create 15+ shots a game. Orlando gets a long-term answer at SG who can space the floor for its young frontcourt players.

3. Washington Wizards -- Otto Porter, Georgetown

Porter is a safe pick -- a local kid who fills an instant need on your roster. At the same time, that leaves you with a frontcourt of the future of Nene (30) and Emeka Okafor (30). If you have three top-three picks on your roster, it seems reasonable to make at least one of them a big man.

4. Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets -- Anthony Bennett, UNLV

The ideal scenario for Charlotte. Bennett is a 6'8, 240-pound forward who can play above the rim, knock down three-pointers and put the ball on the floor. He gets buckets, and this team really needs guys who can do that.

5. Phoenix Suns -- Alex Len, Maryland

Phoenix can take whoever they want here, since there's no one currently on their roster guaranteed to be there in two years. Len is a 7'1, 255-pound center who can make an impact on the game on both sides of the ball. A center is always a nice place to start a rebuilding effort.

DraftExpress on Trey Burke

6. New Orleans Pelicans -- Trey Burke, Michigan

Burke is one of the safest picks in this year's draft. That's a good thing for a team that drafted Austin Rivers. If Eric Gordon can live up to his max contract, the Hornets will have a nice squad.

7. Sacramento Kings -- Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA

This could change, depending on who is running things in a month. Here are the Kings last four lottery picks: Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmer Fredette and Thomas Robinson. That's a front office drafting the biggest name available, without any regard to fit.

8. Detroit Pistons -- Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse

A 6'6 PG is the best way to salvage the Brandon Knight era. Carter-Williams can cross-switch defensively and let Knight play off the ball. That could be a really fun backcourt.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Victor Oladipo, Indiana

This is a probably a little low for Oladipo, but it would be a great pick for Minnesota if it came out this way. Ricky Rubio throwing oops to Oladipo would be something. Never forget.

10. Portland Trail Blazers -- Cody Zeller, Indiana

Picks nine through 11 are right about where this draft starts to tail off, so Portland is just taking whomever falls to them. Zeller and LaMarcus Aldridge would be a really interesting frontcourt tandem, at least offensively.

11. Philadelphia 76ers -- Rudy Gobert, France

It's hard to get a feel for what direction new management will go in here. Do they go with a safe, low-ceiling pick or swing for the fences? Gobert, and his 7'9 wingspan, definitely falls into the second category.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors) -- Gorgui Dieng, Louisville

Dieng is a 23-year-old center who can play defense and knock down a mid-range jumper. Just going to throw this out there, but I suspect he is already a better basketball player than either Kendrick Perkins or Hasheem Thabeet.

13. Dallas Mavericks -- Dennis Schroeder, Germany

Schroeder has as much talent as any PG in this draft. He has a good feel for the game, great size and athleticism (6'2, 180 pounds with a 6'8 wingspan) and a three-point shot. He could talk to Dirk in German during games. It would be like their own private code.

More: Mavericks could shop No. 13

14. Utah Jazz -- C.J. McCollum, Lehigh

The Jazz have nice young players at the other four positions, so they will just take whichever PG falls to them at 14. McCollum's shooting would be a good complement to Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.

15. Milwaukee Bucks -- Sergey Karasev, Russia

Karasev, a 6'7, 205-pound wing with a great feel for the game, is one of the best shooters in the draft. He's a smart player who can fit in almost any situation, which is good considering how unsettled the Bucks future is.

16. Boston Celtics -- Tony Mitchell, North Texas

Danny Ainge has never been afraid to take risks, and someone needs to go full YOLO and take Mitchell. He is a 6'8, 235-pound forward with a 38' vertical who averaged three blocks a game and shot 34 percent from three. Just from alley-oops alone, Rajon Rondo would make him a useful player.

17. Atlanta Hawks -- Allen Crabbe, California

Crabbe is one of the most underrated players in the draft. He's a pure shooter with athleticism and size (6'6, 200 pounds with a 6'11 wingspan). He has a lot of Richard Hamilton in his game.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets) -- Mason Plumlee, Duke

Plumlee will be a solid center in the NBA for a long time. He would be a safe pick the Hawks can fit around Al Horford and whatever else they decide to do with all their cap space.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LA Lakers) -- Reggie Bullock, UNC

Whatever the Cavs do at No. 1, they should grab a three-and-D wing player at No. 19 to round out their starting five. Bullock, a 6'7, 205-pound guard who shoots 44 percent from three, is a bigger and faster version of Danny Green, another former Tar Heel.

20. Chicago Bulls -- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia

Caldwell-Pope is an athletic guard with size (6'6, 200) who can shoot threes (37 percent this season). In the draft, it's usually one or the other. That combination alone will make him a useful player in the NBA.

DraftExpress on Giannis Antetokoumpo

21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors) -- Giannis Antetokoumpo, Greece

A little reading between the lines here. Utah is comfortable with international players and they don't need any more young guys on their roster. Antetokoumpo, an 18-year-old from Greece who will stay overseas for a few seasons, has the chance to be a crazy-nice player down the road.

22. Brooklyn Nets -- Dario Saric, Croatia

Saric is a good gamble for a Brooklyn team that doesn't have many ways of upgrading their talent base. If he can develop a consistent outside shot, he will be a really good player. That's a big if though.

23. Indiana Pacers -- Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga

I could see Olynyk slipping pretty far. With a 6'9 wingspan, he doesn't have the length to play center, and I'm not sure he's quick enough to play as a four in the NBA. For one thing, T-Rex arms means he won't be able to shoot over smaller players' heads. I'd still take him over Psycho T though.

24. New York Knicks -- Erick Green, Virginia Tech

Erick Green was the ACC Player of the Year. He's an athletic 6'4, 185-pound guard who averaged 24 points and four assists a game on 48 percent shooting. He has a lot of potential as a bench scorer in the NBA. Let's not hold his bad teammates against him.

25. LA Clippers -- Kenny Kadji, Miami

The one piece the Clippers really need is a big man who can stretch the floor for Blake Griffin. Kadji is a 6'11, 245-pound center who shoots 35 percent from three. He may only do one thing, but it's a valuable thing to do.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies) -- Jackie Carmichael, Illinois State

Carmichael is one of the safest picks left on the board. He's a 6'9, 240-pound big man who can play both interior positions and step out and hit a mid-range J. He dropped 20 and nine on Louisville and 22 and nine on Wichita State this season.

27. Denver Nuggets -- Steven Adams, Pittsburgh

Adams has potential, but let's not act like he had any business going pro after what he did this season. Denver can afford to draft him with eyes wide open. Send him to the D-League and hope for the best, because he may never make it back.

28. San Antonio Spurs -- Brandon Davies, BYU

Davies is another guy I think people will come around on. He's an athletic guy with really good size (6'10, 240 pounds with a 7'1 wingspan) who can hit a mid-range J and play with his back to the basket. I could see him having a Carl Landry-like career out of the second round.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Jamaal Franklin, San Diego State

Franklin led San Diego State in points, rebounds, assists and steals this season. He'll figure out a way to help at the next level, especially on a team with as little punch on the bench as Oklahoma City. First, though, he'll need to get rid of the long-sleeve undershirt.

30. Phoenix Suns -- Shane Larkin, Miami

I like Larkin's game as much as the next guy, but he's a 5'11, 170-pound guard with a 5'10 wingspan. Even with the massive vertical, how's he ever going to guard anyone in the NBA? Larkin will be a really good backup PG, but those guys are pretty replaceable.

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Vinny Del Negro will not return as L.A. Clippers' head coach, according to report

tjarks — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:45:40 -0000

The L.A. Clippers will not bring back head coach Vinny Del Negro next season, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

With Chris Paul set to enter free agency this season, the Clippers have been doing everything they can to convince their All-Star point guard to sign with the franchise long term.

That apparently meant parting ways with Del Negro, who has been a lightning rod for criticism in spite of the team's success over the last two years.

Del Negro took over as the Clippers head coach in 2010 after a two-year stint with the Bulls. In three years in L.A., he finished with a 128-102 record, including two consecutive playoff berths.

However, their first-round loss to the Grizzlies this season may have sealed his fate. Del Negro was never tremendously popular with either the fans or the media, with concerns about his rotations and rudimentary offensive system following him from Chicago.

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Kevin Durant donates $1 million to Oklahoma disaster relief

tjarks — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:29:04 -0000

You can donate to the Red Cross via redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

One day after a devastating tornado swept through Oklahoma, Kevin Durant has pledged $1 million to help the recovery efforts in the state.

The tornado was classified as an EF4 by the National Weather Service, with winds between 166-200 miles per hour. It was one of the most powerful natural disasters in recent US history.

It killed at least 24 people in Moore, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. Seven of the victims were school children at Plaza Towers Elementary in Moore. In the last day, at least 100 people have been pulled alive from the rubble.

For more coverage on the disaster and the relief efforts, please head over to Welcome To Loud City, Crimson and Cream Machine and Cowboys Ride For Free, SB Nation's three Oklahoma-based blogs.

Those affected by the tornado can get more information on the relief effort here:

Department of Homeland Security

On Twitter @DHSJournal
On Facebook www.facebook.com/homelandsecurity

FEMA
On Twitter @FEMA
On Facebook www.facebook.com/FEMA
Blog Updates from FEMA

American Red Cross
Latest updates
On Twitter: @RedCross
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/redcross

Raptors pursue Masai Ujiri to replace Bryan Colangelo

tjarks — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:53:03 -0000

Masai Ujiri, the acclaimed Denver Nuggets general manager, is Toronto's top choice to run its basketball operations. The Raptors have received permission to interview Ujiri and will reportedly offer a big contract to try to nab him.

The Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment group has yet to make a decision on the future of Toronto Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, but there were negotiations over the weekend to bring Colangelo back in a "significant" capacity, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

More on Toronto's search: Raptors HQ

Colangelo has an option year left on his current contract, but MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke has been pushing hard to find a top executive to take command of basketball operations in Toronto. Denver Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri emerged as a top candidate, and Wojnarowski reports that MLSE is still going hard after Ujiri despite the latest negotiations with Colangelo.

Ujiri and Colangelo have history together, as Ujiri worked under Colangelo in Toronto for three seasons before moving to Denver. Ujiri was the assistant GM for two of the three seasons. If Ujiri is hired and Colangelo retained, the roles would be reversed and Ujiri would become Colangelo's boss.

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Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5, NBA Playoffs 2013: Time, TV schedule and more

tjarks — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:46 -0000

The Knicks have had their best season in over a decade, winning 54 games, an Atlantic Division title and making the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1999. However, a loss to Indiana on Thursday, which would knock them out of the second round in only five games, would color all those accomplishments.

Very little has gone right for New York this series, as it lost home-court advantage in a 102-95 loss in Game 1 and has struggled to find their game ever since. The Knicks were run off the court in Games 3 and 4 in Indiana, losing both by 11 points, as the Pacers defense suffocated their offense.

While only 8 teams have come back from a 3-1 series deficit in NBA history, the Knicks certainly have enough talent to force the series back to Indiana. The Pacers, meanwhile, don't want to play a deep series, not after the Heat advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night.

The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, with the Knicks as five-point favorites. Here's a quick look at three questions that could determine the outcome:

1) Is J.R. Smith alive?

No one has had a rougher postseason than the Sixth Man of the Year, whose play has fallen off a cliff since a one-game suspension for elbowing Jason Terry in the first round. In the last five games, Smith has averaged 13 points, four rebounds and one assist per game on 29 percent shooting.

Smith is the only Knicks player besides Carmelo Anthony who can consistently create his own shot; he'll have to be more efficient if they're going to have any chance in this series. One possible adjustment Mike Woodson could make is moving back to a small-ball lineup, since playing two big men clogs the paint and only encourages Smith to hoist fade-away jumpers instead of attacking the rim.

2) Can the Pacers avoid turning the ball over?

It's no coincidence that the only Knicks victory in this series came in Game 2, when the Pacers turned it over 21 times. In the half-court, the Indiana defense, ranked No. 1 in the NBA, has been able to shrink the floor while still running New York off the three-point line. That changed in Game 2, when the Knicks pushed the ball in transition, getting 32 fast-break points and scoring before the Pacers defense could get set.

With Roy Hibbert and David West dominating upfront, Indiana wants to slow the pace as much as possible. As a result, the key will be the offensive execution of George Hill, Lance Stephenson and Paul George, who combined for 12 turnovers in Game 2, including seven from George. If they can avoid too many live-ball turnovers, the Knicks offense will have a hard time getting back on track.

3) Will Mike Woodson go small?

Before Game 4, Woodson conceded defeat in the battle of styles between the two teams, starting both Tyson Chandler and Kenyon Martin in an attempt to match up with the Pacers big men. He also stuck with Amar'e Stoudemire, who has been ineffective since coming back in Game 3. With their season on the line, will Woodson return to the small-ball lineup that has been so successful for the Knicks all year?

One obvious tweak would be playing Chris Copeland more. Copeland, at 6'8 and 225 pounds, has the size to at least bang with West while also being able to spread the floor from the three-point line on offense. Copeland had six points on 2-for-3 shooting in Game 4, and the Knicks were plus-12 in his 10 minutes of action.

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Doc Rivers will be the Celtics coach next season

tjarks — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:52:27 -0000

Although Doc Rivers is under contract for next season, rumors about the Celtics beginning a rebuilding effort have led many to speculate about the veteran coach's future in Boston.

The Nets were one of many teams rumored to be interested in Rivers if he were made available, but Celtics GM Danny Ainge shot down the possibility on Thursday:

Danny Ainge confirms that Doc Rivers is returning next season as #celtics coach. "We've got a coach everybody would love to have."
— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) May 16, 2013

Rivers, one of the most respected coaches in the NBA, has openly speculated about stepping away at the end of the last few seasons.

Celtics Blog: The doctor is in

Now, the spotlight turns to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who have both hinted at the possibility of retirement. If they come back, will Ainge try for one more run at a championship or will he begin the process of building a younger team around Rajon Rondo?

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2013 NBA Draft: Dennis Schroeder, Giannis Antetokoumpo receive 1st-round promises

tjarks — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:22:03 -0000

While many NBA front offices are still getting familiar with this year's group of international prospects, two of the most promising -- Dennis Schroeder of Germany and Giannis Antetokoumpo of Greece -- have already received first-round guarantees, according to a report from Chad Ford of ESPN.

Both players are currently projected as mid-to-late first-round picks, but there's no way to know where exactly in the first round they've received their promises.

Schroeder, a 19-year old point guard, burst onto the scene after a strong showing at the Nike Hoop Summit. An athletic 6'1, 180-pound guard with a 6'7 wingspan, he has prototypical size and speed for the position in the NBA.

Antetokoumpo, an 18-year old small forward, has been quietly moving up draft boards for weeks, despite never playing in the United States and competing for a second-division Greek team. An athletic 6'8, 200-pound forward with a 7'3 wingspan who plays point guard for his club team, he has a ton of upside, but he's relatively unproven against high-level competition.

Schroeder may come over to the United States next season, but Antetokoumpo will likely stay overseas. His contract has already been bought by a Spanish team, which will give him the chance to play against better players as a 19-year old.

Now that both have received first-round guarantees, the question will be whether their agents shut them down and prevent other teams from getting closer looks at them.

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Clippers may bring Vinny Del Negro back

tjarks — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:47:24 -0000

The Vinny Del Negro era in Los Angeles may not be coming to an end after all, according to a report from Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein of ESPN.com.

Del Negro, whose contract expires at the end of June, had been on the hot seat for most of the season, with the Clippers' loss to the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs widely seen as the final straw.

Clips Nation: Could Eric Gordon wind up back in L.A?

However, the team's regular season success, including a franchise-record 56 wins, may have earned Del Negro another contract.

Just as important is Del Negro's reported willingness to sign a short-term deal, as Donald Sterling has not wanted to give out long-term contracts after having to pay Mike Dunleavy the remainder of his $22 million deal when he was let go in 2010.

One other NBA team has already expressed interest in Del Negro, but his main priority is staying with the Clippers.

In the end, it will probably come down to Chris Paul, who is also set to enter free agency this summer. If Paul makes a new coach part of the deal for staying in L.A., not even the Clippers are likely to stick with Del Negro.

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Vivek Ranadivé expects Kings purchase this week

tjarks — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:20:45 -0000

After the NBA's Board of Governors rejected the sale of the Sacramento Kings to Chris Hansen's Seattle-based group on Wednesday, the league will make arranging a sale between the Maloofs and the Sacramento-based group headed by local investor Vivek Ranadivé a priority.

Lawyers for the Maloofs and Ranadivé have been engaged in "serious" discussions over the last few days, including exchanging financial documents, according to a report from the Sacramento Bee.

"I have no doubt we'll get something done," Ranadivé told the paper on Wednesday.

Ziller: 8 thoughts on the Kings staying in Sacramento

However, with the way the Maloofs have handled this process over the last few years, you never know. After the Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday, George Maloof insisted that there was no pressure on them to sell.

From an on-court perspective, the NBA will want the deal done as soon as possible, since the Kings front office and coaching staff is currently in limbo while they wait for a sale to finalize.

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CBS Sports: Rick Barnes needs to recruit harder

tjarks — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:53:13 -0000

Texas basketball got a rare moment in the national spotlight on Wednesday, with an article from Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports on what's going on with the Longhorns.

Here's the kicker:

Within the state, SMU and Baylor are doing a better job on the recruiting trail. Shoot, Houston had more hype with its 2012 class. Kentucky is coming into the state and getting five-star players left and right. Oklahoma State has dipped in and nabbed Marcus Smart and Le'Bryan Nash. Duke got Rasheed Sulaimon and Matt Jones.

You might remember reading something about this a few months ago.

Jeff Goodman, another CBS Sports guy and one of the most well-connected reporters in the business, chimed in with a few more thoughts on Twitter that might interest people:

Rick Barnes is not recruiting with the same intensity as he did a few years ago when he got guys like Durant, Augustin, Avery Bradley, etc.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) May 15, 2013

And @jeffborzello is right, Baylor just gets after it in recruiting -- and so does the staff at SMU. Texas not protecting own backyard.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) May 15, 2013

@thebiglead He'd be one of many to go hard after it -- if it opens. Pastner, Buzz, maybe Shaka or even Brad.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) May 15, 2013

This business about being out-worked on the recruiting trail is the most concerning thing to me. You would think Rick knows where his bread is buttered in terms of his strengths as a coach. I wonder if he just got tired of all the stuff that comes with big-time recruiting.

But, then again, what's his other option? Does Rick think he's going to out-scheme people? Is that the new plan?

2013 NBA Draft Combine: Prospects try to make an impression

tjarks — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:11:05 -0000

The four-day event began in Chicago this Wednesday, as 60 of the top prospects are being tested, measured and interviewed by representatives of every NBA team.

With the NBA Draft just weeks away, this year's prospects will have one last chance to show why they deserve a lucrative contract and a spot on a professional roster. The 2013 NBA Draft Combine runs from May 16-17 in Chicago and will feature many of the projected top picks.

Ben McLemore, the guard out of Kansas, headlines the group of 60 players at the combine. He's out to prove that he should be the No. 1 overall pick. McLemore and the rest will be put through workouts in front of NBA scouts and media members, and will have scheduled media availability to answer any lingering questions and to give their impressions on how it all went.

While most prospects are showcasing their skills, one prime candidate for the top overall selection will not work out at all. Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel missed the last nine games of the season after tearing his ACL in a game against Florida and is still not ready to play. His rehabilitation appears to be on schedule, but his status for the start of the 2013-14 season remains uncertain.

Still, Noel's spot on a roster is pretty secure, which is more than some at the Combine could say. Guys like Ryan Kelly (Duke), Pierre Jackson (Baylor) and Reggie Bullock (North Carolina) are fighting just to prove they deserve to be selected at all. They each project to be late second-round picks at best. A couple good days in Chicago, however, could ultimately make the difference.

The complete list of guests at the 2013 NBA Draft Combine can be found below:

Steven Adams

Lorenzo Brown

Reggie Bullock

Trey Burke

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Isaiah Canaan

Jackie Carmichael

Michael Carter-Williams

Rudy Gobert

Pierre Jackson

Ryan Kelly

C.J. McCollum

Ben McLemore

Nerlens Noel

Norvel Pelle

Dennis Schroeder

James Southerland

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Stephen Curry injury update: Warriors star 'good to go' for Game 5

tjarks — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:51:28 -0000

Stephen Curry was clearly hobbled for most of the Warriors Game 4 victory over the Spurs, struggling on an ankle that he sprained toward the end of Game 3.

And with the series tied 2-2 and headed back to San Antonio for what could be a decisive Game 5, the health of Curry's ankles is one of the biggest story lines.

NBA Playbook: How the Spurs can adjust to the Warriors pick-and-roll

In a conversation with reporters on Tuesday, Curry said his ankle was feeling better, courtesy of the San Jose Mercury News:

-Q: So how does the ankle feel today?

-CURRY: I feel good. Ready to go tonight. It feels a whole lot better than it did before Game 4, so that's all I could ask for.

-Q: You said you just wanted it to feel like it did after Game 4. So it's better than that?

-CURRY: I woke up yesterday, it wasn't worse than it was before the game, which is a huge success. And then was able to capitalize on that with treatment the last day or so.

Curry's ankles have already been surgically repaired twice in his young career, magnifying the importance of every sprain and tweak to that part of the body.

He's struggled with his efficiency against the Spurs, shooting 42.5 percent from the floor in the series after a blistering 47 percent against the Nuggets in the first-round.

To pull off another upset in San Antonio, Golden State will need him to be as close to 100 percent as possible.

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• Kevin Durant's impossible shot attempts

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Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis and Bradley Beal highlight NBA All-Rookie Team

tjarks — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:16:10 -0000

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard was only the No. 6 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, but he's been the most decorated member of the 2012 draft class after his first season in the league.

Lillard was the only unanimous selection on the NBA's All-Rookie team, receiving all 58 possible points. Anthony Davis (Hornets), Bradley Beal (Wizards), Harrison Barnes (Warriors) and Dion Waiters (Cavaliers) all joined him on the first team.

Blazers Edge: Lillard to represent Portland at draft lottery

Davis, the No. 1 pick, was the only big man selected to the first team, which isn't all that surprising given the greater learning curve for young big men in the NBA.

There were more big men on the second team, which featured Andre Drummond (Pistons), Jonas Valanciunas (Raptors), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Bobcats), Kyle Singler (Pistons) and Tyler Zeller (Cavaliers).

Thirteen other rookies also received votes, with Maurice Harkless (Magic) and Alexey Shved (Timberwolves) the closest to making the cut, finishing with 14 points each, one point behind Zeller.

The most amusing vote might have come for Pablo Prigioni (Knicks), a 35-year-old Argentinian point guard who is still technically an NBA rookie.

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• How hurt is Dwyane Wade?

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• The Bulls were historically unenjoyable

NBA Draft Combine 2013: Dennis Schroeder only European prospect in attendance

tjarks — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:36:26 -0000

There will be 60 prospects on hand for the 2013 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, a four-day event which begins on Wednesday, May 15.

However, Germany's Dennis Schroeder will be the only one of those 60 not from the United States, even though this year's draft has a relatively strong group of international prospects.

The pre-draft process is more important for foreign players than for American ones, since it's much easier for NBA teams to extensively scout players in the NCAA than overseas.

As a result, franchises that aren't already familiar with the international prospects will be at a significant disadvantage, especially due to how young many of them are.

All six of the foreign players getting the most first-round buzz -- Schroeder, Rudy Gobert (France), Sergey Karasev (Russia), Dario Saric (Croatia), Giannis Adetokunbo (Greece) and Lucas Nogueira (Brazil) -- are under the age of 21.

Schroeder, who emerged as a first-round prospect after a dominant performance at the Nike Hoop Summit in April, could benefit from being the only international player measured, tested and interviewed at Chicago.

An extremely athletic 6'1, 180-pound point guard, Schroeder displayed a good feel for running the point at the Hoop Summit, as well as an impressive all-around game.

In contrast, NBA teams will have far less information on a player like Adetokunbo, an 18-year-old on a second-division team in Greece who has never played in the United States.

So while Schroeder and Adetokunbo are both extremely intriguing prospects, Adetokunbo will be far more of a shot in the dark come draft time.

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Knicks vs. Pacers: Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith to play Game 4; Iman Shumpert uncertain

tjarks — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:14:53 -0000

While both Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith will be ready to play in Game 4, the news on the injury front wasn't all good for the Knicks.

After Iman Shumpert was held out for practice on Monday due to precautionary reasons, New York had to fly in their orthopedist to examine his bruised knee on Tuesday morning, according to MSG Network's Tina Cervasio.

As a result, his status for a game that could determine the Knicks' season is up in the air. A loss on Tuesday would give the Indiana a daunting 3-1 series lead and push New York to the brink of elimination.

Posting and Toasting: The Knicks self-inflicted wounds in Game 3

Shumpert has quietly been the Knicks most effective two-way player in the series. An extremely athletic 6'5, 220-pound wing with the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions, Shumpert has given New York a somewhat unexpected boost on the offensive end as well, averaging 10 points on 45/44/83 shooting in the post-season.

If he's unable to play, it will only increase the pressure on Smith to get his offense back on track. The Sixth Man of the Year has struggled mightily ever since his suspension for elbowing Jason Terry in Game 4 of their first-round series with Boston.

To get back in the series, the Knicks will have to flip the dynamic from the first three games on Tuesday, but it looks like they may have to do so without a full line-up.

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Andrew Wiggins to announce school decision on Tuesday

tjarks — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:44:35 -0000

Andrew Wiggins, one of the most sought-after high school prospects in the last decade, will end his recruiting process on Tuesday, May 14.

Rather than holding a press conference, he will sign a letter of intent in front of friends and family.

Wiggins, a Canadian who attends high school at Huntington Prep in West Virginia, is the No. 1 player in the class of 2013. A super-athletic 6'7, 205-pound wing player, he is considered by many recruiting analysts to be the best high school prospect since LeBron James.

While he narrowed his list of finalists to four -- UNC, Kansas, Kentucky and Florida State -- months ago, he has kept which way he's leaning fairly under wraps.

If Wiggins signed with Kentucky, he would be the final piece to what many consider the best recruiting class of all-time.

A commitment to either Kansas or UNC, meanwhile, would push the school into the pre-season Top 5.

Florida State, despite lacking the basketball pedigree of his other finalists, may have the inside track. His parents, a former NBA player and an Olympic medalist, met while attending school in Tallahassee.

You can get dunked on anywhere

tjarks — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:48:50 -0000

The team work is what's really impressive.

h/t @scrimsurlane

Sacramento Kings sale: Maloofs reportedly cut new deal with Seattle group

tjarks — Sat, 11 May 2013 23:09:02 -0000

Even after the NBA's relocation committee rejected a possible move to Seattle, the drama surrounding the sale of the Sacramento Kings shows no sign of slowing down.

According to a report from Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Maloofs have agreed to a new deal with Chris Hansen's Seattle-based ownership group that would allow them to retain control of the franchise if it stays in Sacramento.

In the deal, Hansen would pay $125 million to become a minority investor, giving the cash-strapped Maloofs the money they need to continue operating the Kings.

The proposal would serve as a back-up plan in case the NBA rejected Hansen's latest proposal to move the team, in which he upped his offer to $409 million and included a $115 million relocation fee.

The NBA's relocation committee was scheduled to meet before next Tuesday's meeting of all 30 ownership groups in Dallas to discuss Hansen's offer, even before this latest twist.

It's unclear how this development will affect their decision. While no minority owner can be added without the approval of the league, the Maloofs can also not be forced sell the team.

The Maloofs have shown no interest in selling to the Sacramento-based group led by local investor Vivek Ranadive, who have been negotiating directly with David Stern and the NBA office throughout this process.

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NBA Playoffs schedule 2013: Bulls, Warriors try to protect home court

tjarks — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:54 -0000

After they easily disposed of their first-round opponents in methodical sweeps, the Heat and the Spurs were widely seen as the favorites to meet in the NBA Finals. However, the Bulls and the Warriors had other plans, stealing home court in their second-round series with shocking road wins earlier in the week.

Now, all they have to do is protect their home court to advance to the Conference Finals. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially against teams with as much talent and experience as Miami and San Antonio. On Friday, the two heavyweights will have a chance to steal home-court advantage back in two crucial Game 3s.

The road looks tougher for the Bulls, who are coming off the worst playoff defeat in franchise history, a 115-78 loss in Game 2. As a result, the biggest storyline headed into Game 3 is the health of their injured players. Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng, who would have received the defensive assignments on LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, have been out since the latter stages of their first-round series with the Nets.

Without them, as well as Derrick Rose, Chicago may not have the horses to run with Miami over a seven-game series. Their best chance may be to ugly up the game and be as physical as possible with the Heat stars, but it's unclear how much contact the referees will allow, as they had an incredibly tight whistle in Game 2, which featured nine technical fouls and two ejections.

The Warriors, in contrast, could easily be coming back to Oracle Arena, one of the toughest places to play in the NBA, with a 2-0 lead. They blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose a 129-127 2OT shootout in Game 1 before bouncing back with a dominating 100-91 win in Game 2, a contest they led practically the whole way.

The Spurs haven't had an answer for Golden State's backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who took turns shooting the lights out in San Antonio. With a raucous crowd at their back, the two Warriors stars will likely be looking for a knockout punch early in Game 3. The key for the Spurs will be keeping the game out of transition and giving themselves a chance in the fourth quarter, as Golden State's lack of experience and a consistent low-post threat has made closing out games difficult throughout the playoffs.

The Bulls game against the Heat will tip off on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, with the Warriors game against the Spurs scheduled to follow at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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NBA Draft 2013: Why Alex Len is a better prospect than Nerlens Noel

tjarks — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:20:29 -0000

There's a notable lack of hype surrounding the 2013 lottery, especially in comparison to 2012 -- when Anthony Davis was the grand prize -- and 2014, where teams are already daydreaming about Andrew Wiggins. The 2013 draft class, in contrast, doesn't have nearly as much star power. Nerlens Noel is getting the most buzz for the No. 1-overall pick and he may not even play next season while he recovers from an ACL injury.

Noel is an intriguing prospect, but in my opinion, he's not even the best center, much less the best player, available in this year's draft. Maryland sophomore Alex Len is bigger and more skilled than Noel.

Len (7'1, 255 pounds) will be one of the biggest centers in the NBA, while Noel (6'10, 230 pounds) will be one of the smallest. There's no position in the NBA where size is more important than center, since they spend so much time locked in wrestling matches for position in the paint. At least initially, Noel will have a difficult time dealing with the size of guys like Marc Gasol (7'1, 265 pounds), Roy Hibbert (7'2, 280 pounds) and Dwight Howard (6'11, 265 pounds). Even someone like Chris Kaman (7'0, 265 pounds) will be able to bulldoze him on the block fairly easily.

Noel's relatively narrow shoulders and slight build should really worry NBA teams. Len put on nearly 40 pounds of muscle between his freshman and sophomore seasons of college, but Noel's frame probably can't support that type of weight gain. In that respect, he's similar to Davis, his predecessor at Kentucky, who came into the league at 6'11 and 220 pounds. As a result, he rarely played the center position for the Hornets, who brought in Robin Lopez (7'0, 255 pounds) to handle most of the banging down low. Instead, Davis transitioned to power forward, playing on the perimeter far more than he did in college.

The difference is that Noel doesn't have the skill-set to play too far from the basket. Davis, a 6'3 high-school guard before an extremely late growth spurt, is the more fluid athlete. Just as importantly, he has more touch on his jumper. You can see that in their free throw percentages in college. While Davis shot 71 percent, an impressive number for a big man, Noel was at 53 percent, which verges on Hack-A-Shaq territory. Davis's outside shot is still developing, but he's at least a threat outside of the paint. Noel, in contrast, doesn't have to be defended when he ventures more than five feet from the rim.

Len is far more advanced offensively than Noel. Noel is fairly mechanical on the low block and wasn't much of a post-up threat in college. It takes size and skill to score with your back to the basket; at the NBA level, Noel will be lacking in both. Len is far from a finished product, but he's got a much better feel for playing with his back to the basket. At his size, all he needs to be a consistent post threat is a drop step and a face-up jumper, things he showed flashes of this season. Shooting 69 percent from the free throw line as a sophomore indicates the form is there.

Len's combination of skill and athleticism at his size makes him one of the more intriguing two-way center prospects in recent memory. Athletically, he compares favorably to Jonas Valanciunas, who's coming off an impressive, if inconsistent, rookie season for the Raptors. As a 21-year-old, Valanciunas, who isn't as skilled as Len, had per-36-minute averages of 13.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game. That type of size and athleticism translates immediately to the next level. At the very least, like Valanciunas, Len will be a catch-and-finish threat around the rim as a rookie.

Defensively, neither Noel nor Len will have much of an impact for a few seasons. It's almost impossible for a young big man to be a plus player on that end of the floor. There's no way for a 19- or 20-year-old in the NCAA to prepare for the physical demands of protecting the NBA paint, much less the mental ones. Centers are the last line of a defense; they have to be able to diagnose what the offense is trying to do and anticipate the correct play, something which takes years to develop. Marc Gasol won the Defensive Player of the Year Award at 28; Larry Sanders didn't consistently earn playing time until he was 24.

Noel is one of the best shot-blockers in recent memory, but Len is no slouch in that department, either. While he's not as explosive and doesn't play above the rim as much as Noel, he averaged 2.1 blocks a game and was on the All-ACC defensive team as a sophomore. Noel, who had 4.4 blocks and 2.1 steals a game as a freshman, has more upside as a rim protector and in terms of defending the pick-and-roll. Len doesn't have the footspeed to defend 20-plus feet away from the basket, but he won't really need to at the next level, as most NBA defenses try to keep their centers in the paint.

If the guards can't control the pace of the game or stretch the floor, there's very little a center can do on offense.

The biggest criticism of Len comes from his relative lack of production at Maryland. However, it's not all that surprising when you take a closer look at the Terps' roster. Len's two years at College Park coincided with Mark Turgeon's first two seasons as a coach, so the program was in flux for most of his time there. This season, none of Maryland's guards were good decision-makers or shooters. The Terrapins didn't have a legitimate point guard and they shot 34 percent from the college three-point line.

Kentucky, meanwhile, was hardly guaranteed an NCAA Tournament berth when Noel went down with an ACL injury. The Wildcats would have had the same problems even if Noel had stayed healthy: no point guard, no consistent outside shooting and no back-to-the-basket threat. They only won one game against an NCAA Tournament team -- at Ole Miss -- with him in the lineup. Would he still be considered a No. 1 overall pick if he had stayed healthy and they had played in the NIT? Neither Noel nor Len was in a situation where they could push their team over the top, something obscured by Noel's absence in the final month of the season.

All that said, Noel is still an impressive prospect. He's a lottery talent with a rare combination of length (7'4 wingspan), athleticism and motor. At the very least, he will have a long and effective career as a rebounding and shot-blocking specialist. And with the NBA moving away from back-to-the-basket play, his lack of bulk might not be that big of an issue as his career progresses. Noel's ceiling is probably somewhere near Sanders, whose turned himself into an elite interior defender at 6'11 and 235 pounds. The difference is that Len's ceiling, as a two-way 7'1 250-plus-pound center, is closer to Gasol and a healthy Andrew Bogut.

Of course, the great known unknown for both is their medical history. Neither Len nor Noel will be able to participate in pre-draft workouts or summer league. Noel will be out at least 9-12 months while he recovers from ACL surgery, and Len will be out 4-6 months with a stress fracture in his ankle. Considering how many centers taken in the top five have struggled to stay healthy, those are massive red flags for any NBA team. I'm not a doctor, so I have no way of knowing which one will be healthier over the next decade. That could very well determine who becomes the better player.

Len has a higher ceiling and a higher floor.

But strictly in terms of on-court potential, Len has a higher ceiling and a higher floor. If he stops developing, a reasonably-athletic 7'1, 250-pound center that can play with his back to the basket will still have a ton of value. In contrast, if Noel can't add more bulk or develop a more well-rounded offensive game, he could top out as Chris Anderson.

Ignore the pre-draft hype, which won't matter much three years from now. How differently would the two be viewed if Noel had played with knuckleheads in relative anonymity at Maryland and Len had played with future first-round picks in the national spotlight at Kentucky?

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NBA Draft 2013: Magic reportedly 'heartbroken' by Marcus Smart's decision

tjarks — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:31:19 -0000

Marcus Smart stunned many when he decided to stay in school rather than declare for the 2013 NBA Draft following his spectacular freshman season. None were more upset than the Orlando Magic, who will have the most ping-pong balls in this year's lottery.

Orlando would have taken Smart if they had won the lottery, according to ESPN's Chad Ford:

According to sources, Orlando had its heart set on Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart until he broke its heart when he decided to stay in college. While the Magic need just about everything, point guard might be their biggest area of need.

Smart's ability to run point at 6'4, 225 pounds made him one of the most intriguing prospects in college basketball this season. Few expected him to return to school after he won the Big 12 Player of the Year Award as a freshman, averaging 15 points, six rebounds and four assists on 40 percent shooting.

Orlando Pinstriped Post: How would Nerlens Noel fit with the Magic?

Without Smart in the draft, Orlando could be left with a difficult decision if they end up in the top 3. The other two point guards projected to go in the lottery -- Trey Burke, Michael Carter-Williams -- don't have Smart's upside, while the frontcourt players available -- Nerlens Noel, Anthony Bennett, Alex Len -- are all somewhat of an awkward fit with the young players they already have on their roster.

As a small-market franchise unlikely to be a free-agent destination, the Magic can ill afford to make a mistake at the top of the draft. New GM Rob Hennigan has received rave reviews for his handling of the job in the wake of Dwight Howard's decision to leave town, but the decisions he makes in the next few months could end up making or breaking his tenure in Orlando.

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Denver Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri runs away with Executive of the Year Award voting

tjarks — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:13:39 -0000

After assembling an ensemble cast that shocked most of the NBA when they finished the season with a 57-25 record, Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri was the runaway winner of the 2013 Executive of the Year Award.

Over the last few seasons, Ujiri has kept Denver near the top of the league despite the contentious departure of Carmelo Anthony. The Nuggets' success stands in sharp contrast to teams like the Cavaliers, Raptors and Hornets, who have sunk to the depths of the NBA following the departure of their franchise players.

More: Josh Kroenke expects Masai Ujiri to stay with the Denver Nuggets

The voting for this season's award speaks to the respect Ujiri has garnered in front offices around the league, as 17 different GMs received votes, but none finished anywhere near him:

Name	Team	1st-place votes	2nd-place votes	3rd-place votes	Total
Masai Ujiri	Nuggets	8	6	1	59
Gary Sacks	Clippers	3	4	1	28
Daryl Morey	Rockets	4	1	2	25
Glen Grunwald	Knicks	2	4	3	25
R.C. Buford	Spurs	4	1	1	24
Pat Riley	Heat	4	1	1	24
Bob Myers	Warriors	1	4	6	23
Sam Presti	Thunder	1	1	4	12
Danny Ferry	Hawks	1	1	--	8
Rob Hennigan	Magic	1	--	2	7
Billy King	Nets	--	2	1	7
Donnie Walsh	Pacers	--	1	4	7
Kevin O'Connor	Jazz	--	2	--	6
Jason Levien	Grizzlies	1	--	--	5
John Hammond	Bucks	--	1	1	4
Dell Demps	Pelicans	--	--	1	1
Gar Forman	Bulls	--	--	1	1

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Monta Ellis, Larry Sanders reportedly had to be separated after Game 3 loss

tjarks — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:42:15 -0000

While the Milwaukee Bucks made the playoffs this year for only the second time in seven seasons, discontent in their locker room had reached a boiling point by the end of their first-round series with the Miami Heat.

Larry Sanders and Monta Ellis had to be separated following their Game 3 loss, according to a report from Ken Berger of CBS Sports:

Sanders vented in the locker room and said in a fiery speech, "We need to start playing together as a team and stop worrying about next year. We need to stop being selfish and start worrying about right now."

Ellis "took umbrage," according to another person with knowledge of the situation. Ellis approached Sanders and squared off with him, sources said. A teammate got between the two players and separated them before the conflict became physical.

Both Ellis and Brandon Jennings are set to enter free agency this summer, and rumors about both players' future have been circling for most of the season.

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Since the two diminutive guards tend to dominate the ball, that can lead to accusations of selfishness when they take difficult shots. Their tendency to force the action has been an issue for both their entire career.

It's unclear whether ill will still exists between Ellis and Sanders, two fiery players known to play with their hearts on their sleeves, but it's an indication of the tricky dynamic facing the Bucks' front office as they look for a new coach and try to keep the franchise moving in the right direction.

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Brooklyn Nets reportedly want to speak with Doc Rivers

tjarks — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:55:01 -0000

After firing interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo in the wake of their first-round loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to make a splash as they begin their coaching search.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers has emerged as one of their top targets, according to a report from Stephen A. Smith:

"Expect the Boston Celtics to receive a call for permission to talk to Doc Rivers. Expect Brian Shaw of the Indiana Pacers to get a call. Billy King will scan the globe. I've known him for over 20 years. He's not going sit idly by."

Rivers, one of the most widely respected coaches in the NBA, has three years remaining on his contract with Boston. While he's comfortable with the Celtics, that could change if the team decides to part ways with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and begin a rebuilding process.

Nets Daily: Phil Jackson says no to coaching Nets.

However, it's unclear how much interest Rivers would have in the Brooklyn job. Not only would he be the Nets' third coach in two years, but the team has a veteran core locked in place and doesn't appear to have many ways of upgrading their talent base and living up to the expectations put in place by Brooklyn owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

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Anthony Bennett will miss 4 months following shoulder surgery

tjarks — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:49:18 -0000

UNLV freshman Anthony Bennett will have surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder, according to Bennett's agent (via Chad Ford).

More: Complete 2013 NBA Draft coverage

Bennett's recovery time, which is expected to be about four months, will prevent him from doing any pre-draft workouts and from playing in the NBA's summer league. He joins Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel and Maryland sophomore Alex Len as the latest highly touted prospect who will be on the shelf during the pre-draft process.

Bennett was expected to be a top-10 pick before the injury and that's unlikely to change, especially in a draft widely considered to be shallow at the top.

However, his inability to work out for teams could prevent him from being taken even higher, as many front offices can be swayed by an impressive performance at their facility in the weeks leading up to the draft.

An athletic 6'8, 240 combo forward, Bennett averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds on 53% shooting in his one season at UNLV.

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Luol Deng injury: Bulls forward not in Miami, out for Game 2

tjarks — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:23:01 -0000

Luol Deng will not play in Game 2 of the Chicago Bulls' second-round series with the Miami Heat, according to a report from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Deng has been in the hospital for most of the last week, missing Chicago's last three playoff games while dealing with complications from a spinal tap procedure he received.

While the Bulls have gone 2-1 in his absence, including a stunning Game 1 victory over Miami, he was expected to be a huge part of their game plan in terms of matching up with LeBron James.

The 6'9, 220-pound forward averaged 16 points, six rebounds and three assists on 43 percent shooting this season.

Without him in the lineup, Jimmy Butler and Marco Belinelli played 94 of a possible 96 minutes on the wings in Game 1.

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