SH Blog: Carlesimo says Nets have unrealistic expectations, LeBron disagrees with MJ’s scouting report

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CarlesimoIt’s always interesting to hear candid thoughts from former players or coaches about the situations of the teams they used to play for or coached.

P.J. Carlesimo, the former interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, is now an ESPN analyst. Able to share all his thoughts in an objective matter, Carlesimo had plenty to say about what level of talent the Nets really have, why it’s bad for the league to be a players league, and what it really means when headlines say a coach has “lost the locker room”. Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News has all the details:

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The Free Agency Scrapheap

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We are down to the bargain bin of free agency.

Reduced for clearance! Everything must go! Up to 90 percent off!

Yes, we know Mickael Pietrus and Derek Fisher aren’t exactly scrap heap material. Both were key players for playoff teams last season, as were Leandro Barbosa and Kenyon Martin.

But most of what is left falls into three categories: Olympians, amnesty victims and veterans too proud to take minimum deals.

There is some variety remaining at both forward spots and shooting guard but little left at center and the point.

Here’s a positional look at the 20 best available free agents.

SMALL FORWARD

MICKAEL PIETRUS: Became a victim of a money game in Boston, which is strange given that the Celtics still don’t have a true backup for Paul Pierce. Agent Bill McCandless has said Pietrus won’t play for the minimum, which may mean he is headed overseas.

JOSH HOWARD: Can still have an impact off the bench as a slasher and defender. Once a borderline knucklehead, his experience could help a young team in need of a veteran presence.

MATT BARNES: The irony here is that last season, Barnes was the best of an awful group of Lakers small forwards that included Metta World Peace, Devin Ebanks, Luke Walton and Jason Kapono. Now he is unemployed and apparently being stalked by cops. Hard to imagine his toughness and experience not being valued by any team.

ANTHONY TOLLIVER: Like Pietrus in Boston, one of the odd men out in Minnesota. There is some interest from Washington, Charlotte and Indiana, as there should be for an athletic 27-year-old combo forward with arc range.

MARTELL WEBSTER: Since he was waived by Minnesota, there has been virtually no buzz around him. That’s strange, given that he is still just 25 with good size and athleticism. Maybe it’s his haircut, one of the worst in the NBA in some time.

ALONZO GEE: Did not sign a $2.7 million qualifying offer from Cleveland, looking for a better offer that never came and never will. If he returns to the Cavaliers, he will now have to battle C.J. Miles for minutes.

TERRENCE WILLIAMS: Could be the steal of free agency – or a huge headache. When given minutes, has shown awesome skills for the 3-spot. Has also shown himself to be a clown and doesn’t seem to be in Sacramento’s plans. He needs to land where he can play rather than just deepening a bench.

POWER FORWARD

KENYON MARTIN: Still available because he wanted more than a minimum deal, based on his defense, toughness and 100 career playoff games. But he is 34 and has had two microfracture surgeries. Philadelphia, Phoenix and the LA Lakers all could use his snarl.

ANDRAY BLATCHE: Undoubtedly the most talented player with the biggest upside on this list. Also has the most work to do in rebuilding his wrecked reputation, which has him on the verge of being out of the league at age 25. Amnesty victim has $25 million coming over the next three years, so he should pick a place that will afford him minutes and the right surroundings. San Antonio has been mentioned and would be ideal.

LOUIS AMUNDSON: Always seems to be overmatched but always finds a way to contribute. Still not yet 30 and would be an ideal fourth or fifth big on any roster. He may be holding out for the mini-midlevel exception with a contender.

YI JIANLIAN: Could a 7-foot stretch-4 really be done at age 24? He averaged 15 points and 10 boards in group play in the Olympics, not a bad audition after sinking to the end of the bench in Dallas last season. If he returned to China, he would instantly become the league’s biggest homegrown star. But he wants to play in the NBA.

D.J. WHITE: His 36-minute numbers last season (12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds) were not bad. The question remains can he do it with a team other than Charlotte, which had no interest in bringing him back. Also may be hoping for a mini-midlevel deal somewhere.

CENTER

DARKO MILICIC: He has $7 million due over the next two years as part of his amnesty release. Given his size and age (27), he can be a little picky regarding minimum deals. Would be a good fit for any team with a defensive-minded starting center because he can put the ball in the hole a little.

JERMAINE O’NEAL: His experience makes him a nice addition who can back up the center and power forward spots. It is hard to believe he is just 33 because he has looked 43 at times over the last couple of years. He claims to be healthy now, but still no one is biting.

CHRIS ANDERSEN: Apparently not looking for more than the veteran’s minimum; with $9 milion due via amnesty over the next two years, that seems like smart way to continue his career. However, he also has some legal issues hanging over his head.

SHOOTING GUARD

LEANDRO BARBOSA: Led Brazil in scoring at 15 points per game through Olympic group play and probably will have plenty of offers as long as he emerges healthy, which has been an issue in the past. The Lakers and Cavaliers are said to be interested, with LA offering a chance at a title and the Cavs able to offer more money and minutes.

CARLOS DELFINO: Has always had an inflated opinion of himself, so it’s not surprising he is unsigned, especially considering he is still playing in the Olympics. Undersized for small forward and not quick enough for shooting guard but could back up both positions.

MICHAEL REDD: Nowhere near the player he was in his prime but still a dead-eye shooter who bounced back a bit last season in Phoenix. Was that due to the awesome work by the training staff of the Suns? His agent says he is taking his time picking a team, but his name has been quiet this summer.

LESTER HUDSON: Averaged nearly 13 points in 13 games with Cleveland – which let his second 10-day deal expire. Then Memphis signed him – and did not make a qualifying offer. Already 28, he is worth a one-year deal as a fifth or sixth guard.

POINT GUARD

DEREK FISHER: If he wasn’t so steadfast in wanting more than the veteran’s minimum, he would have been snapped up long ago. Even though he turns 38 this month, his postseason with the Thunder showed he has plenty left in the tank both on and off the court. Might still get an exception from a contender.

JANNERO PARGO: Not really a point guard but can handle the ball for brief stretches. Those who consider him a journeyman should note that he has played 40 playoff games – and averaged double figures in two postseasons. He has no fear of taking a big shot.

Chris Bernucca is a regular contributor to SheridanHoops.com. During the season, his columns appear Wednesday and Sunday. You can follow him on Twitter.

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SH Blog: The “23-and-under” debate rages on

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After beating Tunisia, Team USA has another tuneup coming up against Nigeria.  For a recap of all the Olympic action, check out Nick Gibson’s columns. The first wraps up what we’ve seen through two games, and the second predicts today’s winners. And, with the offseason winding down, check out who Moke Hamilton thinks were the biggest losers among NBA players during free agency. Moke will have a winners column later today.

And for all the latest news from around the NBA, start scrolling.

  • On the subject of the Olympics, here’s a couple opposing viewpoints on potential future restrictions on NBA players playing in the Games.  First, here’s USA Basketball’s Jerry Colangelo, in a Cronkite News story on KTAR.com: “NBA Commissioner David Stern and owners want to restrict players over the age of 23 from playing on the team. They are wary of the wear and tear the Olympic program has on their talent after an 82-game NBA schedule and the long playoffs that follow, arguing sending their highest-paid athletes to represent the country endangers their most valuable assets. Colangelo disagrees. ‘The game comes first, money comes second,’ he said at a team practice. ‘I’m not quite sure that’s true for all owners in sports.’ … Ultimately, the decision isn’t Colangelo’s. But he is lobbying owners not to impose the rule. He said players want to decide whether or not to play for the Olympic team. ‘They love it,’ Colangelo said. ‘I mean, it’s pretty hard to argue with something as simple as supporting the flag and representing your country.’ “
  • An opposing perspective comes from Timberwolves GM David Kahn, in a piece from Joan Niesen of Fox Sports North: “Many plans have been put forth, the most popular of which would limit the U.S. Olympic team to NBA players under the age of 23. Other proposals have been for an under-26 squad or a two-Olympics maximum. The under-23 plan has gotten the most press and perhaps the most criticism, but Kahn pointed out that much of the backlash is due to a glaring misconception. ‘The one thing that seems a little bit of a misnomer to me is under 23, I’ve seen people say this would be the last Olympics with NBA players,” Kahn said. “But if it’s under 23, that doesn’t mean there won’t be NBA players. In fact, with the way that kids now come into our sport at the age of 19 and 20, logically there will be NBA players on those rosters, too.’ … The under-23 plan appeals to Kahn because it would still allow NBA players to participate on the international stage. In fact, he said, those young players might benefit more from the exposure than their older teammates, and with the ages at which players are joining the league, plenty of 22- and 23-year-olds are already big enough stars to stir international attention as well. In fact, five of the 12 current players on Team USA would still be within the age limit under such rules.”
  • And for a player’s perspective, here’s Tyson Chandler of Team USA, who makes a very good point in an interview with Sean Deveney of the Sporting News: “It’s ridiculous,” Chandler told Sporting News. “Why would you want to do that? Because like I say, throughout the history, just about every time a player has played for the U.S. team, he comes back and had a better season. That goes around the board.”
  • Doc Rivers is placing the blame on himself for Ray Allen’s decision to leave the Celtics for the Heat, writes Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports: “Rivers told Yahoo! Sports that his decisions to relegate Allen to a sixth-man role and give point guard Rajon Rondo complete freedom with the ball and leadership were ultimately what helped lead Allen to leave Boston. … ‘People can use all the Rondo stuff – and it was there, no doubt about that – but it was me more than Rondo,’ said Rivers, who is working as an NBC analyst during the Olympics. ‘I’m the guy who gave Rondo the ball. I’m the guy who decided that Rondo needed to be more of the leader of the team. That doesn’t mean guys liked that – and Ray did not love that – because Rondo now had the ball all the time.’  The entire interview is a very good read, with some very candid comments from Rivers. Highly recommended.
  • Another lengthy coach interview, this one with the Wizards’ Randy Wittman, by Michael Lee of the Washington Post.  Again, the whole thing is a good read, but the highlight is probably this, on John Wall’s statement that he wants to be “the savior” to lead the franchise back to the playoffs: “I hope. I mean, this is a big year for John. It’s his third year. He knows the ins and outs. He’s played an 82-game schedule and a 66-game schedule that probably felt like 102 games. John knows, I think, what is expected of him. The thing I like is, he’s embraced it and I think he wants it. Now, it’s a matter of him taking that next step in his game. And he’s put a lot of hard work in thus far and I’ve been happy with what I’ve seen in what he’s been doing. You always want your leader to want to step up to the plate and make that next move. Like I said, we see it on paper we’re taking about it, but we’ve got to do it right now.”
  • The Timberwolves recently signed Brandon Roy, who is making his return to the NBA despite not having any cartilage in either knee.  He talked about returning to the game after a year off with Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: “[Roy] is optimistic his knees — they can’t be repaired, but the platelet-rich plasma therapy reduces swelling and provides pain relief — will allow him to withstand the grind of an 82-game NBA season, plus playoffs. But will he ever be great again? ‘Yeah, that’s the goal,’ Roy said. ‘That’s the whole reason I’m coming back. I told David [Kahn] when we met that I wouldn’t be coming back if I didn’t think I could reach a high level of basketball. You say great. I just call it a high level. I want to play at a high level and right now, my body is giving me all the signs that I can do that.’ “
  • Two things from Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida, via Sulia, regarding Darko Milicic: “Marc Cornstein, agent for Darko Milicic, said client giving no thought to playing overseas next season. “No,’’ Cornstein said of the free-agent big man. “He will be back in the NBA.’’ The Miami Heat remain in the mix as a team looking at Milicic. However, Cornstein said Milicic is still looking at a number of NBA teams, and there’s no timetable yet as to when he might sign.” … “That Darko Milicic is not even considering playing overseas shows how the Serbian has changed from a few years ago when he was very unhappy with the Knicks and told me in November 2009, “I think right now the only spot for me is Europe.” Milicic, though, eventually moved on to Minnesota and regained his NBA confidence. The No. 2 pick from 2003 is now determined to continue to improve his NBA career.”
  • Free agent guard Roger Mason has agreed to terms on a contract with the New Orleans Hornets, a source tells Yahoo! Sports.
    August 1, 2012 4:20 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite
    @SpearsNBAYahoo
    Marc J. Spears
  • Another note from Chris Tomasson via Sulia: “Michael Redd’s agent, Kevin Poston, said the free-agent guard is taking his time in finding a team. “I know he can still play,’’ Poston said of the often-injured 12-year veteran, a former All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. “He knows he can still play. He’s made a lot of money (in his career). What matters is the team, what matters is the coach. He’s taking his time.’’ Phoenix and Chicago had shown interest in Redd, who turns 33 Aug. 24, but apparently have backed off for now.”
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The Bernucca List – Edition 20

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We try to make The Bernucca List somewhat challenging, but last week’s edition appeared to be a bit too challenging.

Just one reader chimed in – Dylan, whose incorrect guess was followed by, “This is a tough one.”

Apparently so. For the third time in for weeks, our readers were unable to come up with the right answer, which was “Active players who have been suspended or fined for moving violations.” We thought the inclusion of Tyreke Evans, J.R. Smith and Delonte West made it somewhat easier.

Moving on, this week’s list is certainly easier but still a challenge. Find the common threads among the players listed and either Tweet me your answer or enter it in the Comments section.

Have fun!

The Bernucca List

LaMarcus Aldridge
Danny Granger
Blake Griffin
Roy Hibbert
Andre Iguodala
David Lee
Kevin Love
Tracy McGrady
Michael Redd

 

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Sixers in danger of missing playoffs after loss to Magic; Grizzlies beat Mavericks

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When the shortened season started and the Philadelphia 76ers came out blazing with a 20-9 record to lead the Atlantic Division, there was little doubt in anyone’s mind about the new direction Doug Collins and the team was headed.

They had experienced a tough playoff run against the Miami Heat the previous season, and had looked to grow from the experience.

It was, however, noted that they also had one of the easiest schedules to start the season. Looking back, they played the first 18 of their 27 games at home, and 14 of their 20 wins were against teams that are currently out of the playoff race.

Still, no one doubted whether this team would be in playoff contention come April.

Until now.

Since the hot start, Philadelphia has gone 9-17, relinquished its Atlantic Division lead, and now for the first time, is in real danger of missing the playoffs holding a measly one-game lead over the Knicks while the Bucks trail them by 1 1/2 games.

Things won’t get any easier as they play nine of their final 11 games on the road, where they are just 10-14.

Luckily, they do play some bad teams along the way, including New Jersey three times, Toronto, Cleveland and Detroit.

On Saturday night, their losing streak reached three games after a loss against the dysfunctional Magic, and changes may soon be on the way if things don’t soon improve.

From Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer: “Doug Collins has just about had enough. The 76ers coach inferred that lineup changes could take place if the team continues its floundering ways… Collins blasted his team and subsequently his starters for slow starts. Orlando took a 12-2 lead to open the game and also began the third quarter on a 15-7 run. Collins said he won’t make a change for Sunday’s game in Boston against the Celtics, but all bets are off after that. The Sixers trail the Celtics by two games in the Atlantic Division, with both teams having 11 left to play. ”I am going to give the starting unit one more time and if we start like that again, I’m going to make a change,” Collins said. “. . . They will get a chance [Sunday] but I told them we can’t keep digging holes like that.” It appears that the former starter Jodie Meeks could be getting his spot back. Meeks had 16 points off the bench. He and Lou Williams, who scored 15 off the bench, gave the Sixers energy. Collins inferred that Williams would continue to come off the bench, but he also lavished praise on Meeks, which means Evan Turner’s days as a starter could be numbered.”

The Magic, going through their own turmoil, finally managed to get a much-needed win to move within one game of the third-seeded Pacers. However, Dwight Howard’s back spasms returned and could be an issue for the remainder of the season.

From Josh Robbins of Orlando Sentinel: “This victory meant so much because the Orlando Magic had overcome so much. Injuries, a spirit-sapping losing streak and a messy spat involving Van Gundy and Dwight Howard did not stop the team from grinding out an 88-82 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers. “I told them that’s the best one of the entire season,” Van Gundy said. They had to scratch and claw for it. Howard played almost the entire second half despite back spasms, and he scored 20 points and collected a game-high 22 rebounds. Davis, who started in played of injured power forward Ryan Anderson, scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. And J.J. Redick, pushed into the starting lineup because of Hedo Turkoglu’s injury, netted 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter… The Magic desperately needed a win. They ended a five-game game losing streak and avoided their first six-game losing streak since the 2005-06 season.”

Meanwhile, a similar situation to Philadelphia’s could be unfolding for the champion Dallas Mavericks. Never mind a chance to repeat, they might not even make it back to the playoffs.

After going through various stretches of winning and losing, they are back on a losing skid, dropping three of their last four games. They have dropped to the seventh seed, hold a 1/2 game lead over Denver, and 1 1/2 games over Phoenix and Utah. Five of their remaining nine games are against teams with winning records.

From Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “The situation for the Dallas Mavericks is almost at the alarming stage. Well, actually, after Saturday’s 94-89 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum, the Mavericks are probably dialing 911 looking for answers to their relatively dire situation. Especially since they’ve lost three of the past four games and are hanging precariously at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture. It’s so bleak for the Mavericks that guard Jason Terry declared that they have no choice but to find a way to scrap for a win Tuesday at home against the lowly Sacramento Kings. ”Sacramento is a must-win,” said Terry, who scored 12 points and distributed eight assists. “You can’t drop three in a row and remain in this playoff race. ”It’s a must-win for us. Everybody should have a sense of urgency. If they don’t, they don’t care.”

The Grizzlies are hitting their stride just in the nick of time, much like last season, winning seven of their last nine games including impressive victories over division leading Lakers, Thunder and the Heat.

Rudy Gay scored a game-high 25 points for the Grizzlies, who are still acclimating Zach Randolph back into the rotation. Gilbert Arenas is also starting to make his mark off the bench, averaging 11 points on 66.7% shooting in just under 14 minutes over his last four games.

Back in the East, the division-leading Celtics bounced back from a two-game slide to defeat the Pacers, ending Indiana’s four-game winning streak.

From Mark Murphy of Boston Herald: “Finally, a pace they could live with. The Celtics shot 42.1 percent from the floor last night, Indiana was worse at 35.1 percent, and all was well again in a very unsightly way. Two nights after a loss in Chicago that Doc Rivers called the worst of the season, and one night after Indiana destroyed Oklahoma City on this same Bankers Life Fieldhouse floor, the Celtics rediscovered their defensive core in last night’s 86-72 win over the Pacers. Coupled with Philadelphia’s loss to Orlando last night, the Celtics now have a two-game lead at the top of the Atlantic Division, with a chance to boost themselves further when the Sixers visit the Garden today. Ugly was once again their beauty secret. The Celtics survived such cold performances as Brandon Bass (two points) going 0-for-6 and Kevin Garnett scoring 15 points on a 6-for-15 evening, including 2-for-8 during the first three quarters. Garnett, though, also helped break the game open with a 10-point fourth quarter. The Ray Allen bench experiment also took its first successful step. The Celtics guard subbed for starting guard Avery Bradley for the second straight game, was in the finishing unit, and ended with 19 points, including five 3-pointers.”

Elsewhere…

  • Playing without the league-leading scorer Kobe Bryant for the first time this season due to a shin injury, the Lakers lost to the Suns,125-105. It was a sigh of relief for Phoenix, as Bryant had averaged 38.6 points in the previous three games against them. Former Laker Shannon Brown led seven players in double figures with 24 points, Michael Redd added 23 points, and Steve Nash had 13 points and 11 assists. Pau Gasol had 30 points and 13 rebounds while Andrew Bynum had 23 points on 10-of-27 shooting and 18 rebounds.
  • The Clippers have won eight of their last nine games, including back-to-back victories against the Kings — the latest a 109-94 win that gave them a sweep of the three-game season series. They moved within 1/2 game of the Lakers for the Pacific Division lead and the third seed in the West. Despite missing six of nine free throws, Blake Griffin dominated with 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting, 14 rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul had 19 points, 15 assists and seven steals while Randy Foye added 25 points, including seven 3-pointers. After calling Griffin an actor and getting fined for criticizing the refs, DeMarcus Cousins shot 5-of-19 for 15 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.
  • Failing to take advantage of another matchup considered favorable, the Nuggets suffered a 112-97 defeat against the Warriors, who had lost 12 of their last 15 games. Brandon Rush led seven players in double figures with 20 points while Ty Lawson had 21 points and six assists. After losing for the fourth time against teams with losing records over the past two weeks, Denver is in danger of losing a grip of the eighth spot in the Western Conference, holding a 1/2 game lead over Phoenix and Utah.
  • After losing three of four, the Hawks have taken advantage of a light schedule in recent games to win three straight, beating the league-worst Bobcats 116-96. They now trail the Pacers by just 1/2 game for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Joe Johnson scored 18 points while Zaza Pachulia had 12 points and 16 rebounds. Charlotte has now lost 11 consecutive games.
  • The Bucks won their fourth straight game and moved to within 1/2 game of the eighth-seeded Knicks on Saturday night, defeating the Blazers 116-94. Portland trailed by three points heading into the fourth quarter, but Milwaukee blew it open by outscoring its opponent 30-11. Brandon Jennings and Beno Udrih each 21 points while Ersan Ilyasova had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
  • After suffering their worst loss of the season against the Spurs, the Hornets came out on fire to defeat the team the struggling Timberwolves 99-90. Jason Smith had a career-high 26 points on 12-of-16 shooting and 10 rebounds while standing his ground against one of the best power forwards in Kevin Love, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Kaman was nearly flawless, scoring 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting along with 10 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Minnesota has now lost a season-high five straight games, helping the cause of New Orleans which holds their first-round pick.

James Park is a regular contributor to Sheridanhoops.com. Follow him on twitter.

 

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