Friday, June 24, 2016
2016 NBA Draft Pick and Trade Results
Round 1
Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, F (LSU)
Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF (Duke)
Boston Celtics (via Nets): Jaylen Brown, SF (California)
Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender, PF (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Minnesota Timberwolves: Kris Dunn, PG (Providence)
New Orleans Pelicans: Buddy Hield, SG (Oklahoma)
Denver Nuggets (via Knicks): Jamal Murray, G (Kentucky)
Phoenix Suns (via Kings): Marquese Chriss, PF (Washington)
Toronto Raptors (via Nuggets): Jakob Poeltl, C (Utah)
Milwaukee Bucks: Thon Maker, PF (HS)
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Magic): Domantas Sabonis, PF/C (Gonzaga)
Atlanta Hawks (via Jazz): Taurean Prince, SF (Baylor)
Sacramento Kings (via Wizards and Suns): Georgios Papagiannis, C (Panathinaikos)
Chicago Bulls: Denzel Valentine, SG (Michigan State)
Denver Nuggets (via Rockets): Juan Hernangomez, F (Estudiantes)
Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Guerschon Yabusele, PF (Rouen)
Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin, G (Vanderbilt)
Detroit Pistons: Henry Ellenson, PF (Marquette)
Denver Nuggets (via Trail Blazers): Malik Beasley, SG (Florida State)
Brooklyn Nets (via Pacers): Caris LeVert, G (Michigan)
Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre’ Bembry, SF (St. Joseph’s)
Sacramento Kings (via Hornets): Malachi Richardson, G/F (Syracuse)
Boston Celtics: Ante Zizic, C (Cibona Zagreb)
Philadelphia 76ers (via Heat): Timothe Luwawu, G/F (Mega Leks)
Los Angeles Clippers: Brice Johnson, PF (North Carolina)
Philadelphia 76ers (via Thunder): Furkan Korkmaz, SG (Anadolu Efes)
Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam, PF (New Mexico State)
Sacramento Kings (via Cavaliers and Suns): Skal Labissiere, PF/C (Kentucky)
San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray, G (Washington)
Golden State Warriors: Damian Jones, C (Vanderbilt)
Round 2
Memphis Grizzlies (via 76ers and Celtics): Deyonta Davis, PF/C (Michigan State)
Los Angeles Lakers: Ivica Zubac, C (Mega Leks)
New Orleans Pelicans (via Nets and Clippers): Cheick Diallo, PF/C (Kansas)
Phoenix Suns: Tyler Ulis, PG (Kentucky)
Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves and Celtics): Rade Zagorac, SF (Mega Leks)
Milwaukee Bucks (via Pelicans): Malcolm Brogdon, SG (Virginia)
Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Chinanu Onuaku, C (Louisville)
Golden State Warriors (from Bucks): Patrick McCaw, SG (UNLV)
Los Angeles Clippers (via Nuggets and Pelicans): David Michineau, PG (Chalon)
Los Angeles Clippers (via Kings and Pelicans): Diamond Stone, C (Maryland)
Orlando Magic: Stephen Zimmerman, C (UNLV)
Brooklyn Nets (via Jazz): Isaiah Whitehead, SG (Seton Hall)
Houston Rockets: Zhou Qi, C (Xinjiang)
Atlanta Hawks (via Wizards): Isaia Cordinier, SG (Denain)
Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies): Demetrius Jackson, PG (Notre Dame)
Dallas Mavericks: A.J. Hammons, C (Purdue)
Portland Trail Blazers (via Bulls and Magic): Jake Layman, SF (Maryland)
Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Paul Zipser, SF (Bayern Muenchen)
Detroit Pistons: Michael Gbinije, G/F (Syracuse)
Indiana Pacers: Georges Niang, F (Iowa State)
Boston Celtics (via Heat): Ben Bentil, PF (Providence)
Utah Jazz (via Celtics): Joel Bolomboy, PF (Weber State)
Denver Nuggets (via Hornets): Petr Cornelie, PF (Le Mans)
Cleveland Cavaliers (via Hawks): Kay Felder, PG (Oakland)
Utah Jazz (via Clippers and Nets): Marcus Paige, PG (North Carolina)
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Thunder and Nuggets): Daniel Hamilton, SG (UConn)
Memphis Grizzlies (via Raptors): Wang Zhelin, C (Fujian)
Boston Celtics (via Cavaliers): Abdel Nader, F (Iowa State)
Sacramento Kings (via Spurs): Isaiah Cousins, SG (Oklahoma)
Utah Jazz (via Warriors): Tyrone Wallace, PG (California)
TRADES:
Official:
Magic acquire Serge Ibaka from Thunder
Magic acquire F/C Serge Ibaka.
Thunder acquire G Victor Oladipo, F Ersan Ilyasova, and draft rights to F/C Domantas Sabonis (No. 11 pick).
Suns acquire draft rights to Marquese Chriss from Kings
Suns acquire draft rights to F Marquese Chriss (No. 8 pick).
Kings acquire draft rights to C Georgios Papagiannis (No. 13 pick) and F/C Skal Labissiere (No. 28 pick), rights to Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Pistons’ 2020 second-round pick.
Grizzlies acquire draft rights to Deyonta Davis from Celtics
Grizzlies acquire draft rights to F/C Deyonta Davis (No. 31 pick) and F Rade Zagorac (No. 35 pick).
Celtics acquire Clippers’ 2019 first-round pick (includes protections).
Pelicans acquire draft rights to Cheick Diallo from Clippers
Pelicans acquire draft rights to F/C Cheick Diallo (No. 33 pick).
Clippers acquire draft rights to G David Michineau (No. 39 pick) and C Diamond Stone (No. 40 pick).
Warriors acquire draft rights to Patrick McCaw from Bucks
Warriors acquire draft rights to G Patrick McCaw (No. 38 pick).
Bucks receive $2.4MM in cash.
Nets acquire draft rights to Isaiah Whitehead from Jazz
Nets acquire draft rights to G Isaiah Whitehead (No. 42 pick).
Jazz acquire draft rights to G Marcus Paige (No. 55 pick) and cash.
Trail Blazers acquire draft rights to Jake Layman from Magic
Trail Blazers acquire draft rights to F Jake Layman (No. 47 pick).
Magic acquires a 2019 second-round pick and $1.2MM in cash.
Cavaliers acquire draft rights to Kay Felder from Hawks
Cavaliers acquire draft rights to G Kay Felder (No. 54 pick)
Hawks acquire $2.4MM in cash.
Thunder acquire draft rights to Daniel Hamilton from Nuggets
Thunder acquire draft rights to G Daniel Hamilton (No. 56 pick).
Nuggets acquire cash.
Not yet official:
Pacers to acquire Thaddeus Young from Nets
Pacers acquire F Thaddeus Young.
Nets acquire No. 20 overall pick (used to select G Caris LeVert).
Hornets to acquire Marco Belinelli from Kings
Hornets acquire G Marco Belinelli.
Kings acquire No. 22 overall pick (used to select G/F Malachi Richardson).
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Thunder, Magic trade during NBA Draft
But the big news of the night with the Magic was the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic, league sources told Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Orlando will send Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and rights to Sabonis to the Thunder.
Ibaka, 26, was the 24th pick of the 2008 NBA draft. He averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks this season.
Jaylen Brown selected by Celtics at No. 3
Lakers select Brandon Ingram at No. 2 overall
"Going into Duke I was shy, not very vocal," says Ingram. "I'll try to do my best."
76ers take Ben Simmons first overall
"I'm happy the Sixers chose me," Simmons said after he was selected. "I've been working so hard."
"I'm comfortable with the (Sixers') system, great coaches, great people."
Monday, June 20, 2016
Demps: "I still believe in our core players"
"Pro Court Report" Staff Report
NEW ORLEANS -- Dell Demps, vice president and general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans held a pre-draft press conference on Monday discussing the state of the Pelicans.
"I still believe in our core players," Demps said at thr beginning of the conference.
Demps also mentioned how the team is not going to give up.
"We are determined to bounce back," Demps said. "We have a lot of guys working hard right now."
Demps mentioned how not having small forward Quincy Pondexter last season was unhelpful.
“Last year not having Quincy, really set us back," he said.
Demps noted that some Pelicans free agents will have opportunities around thd NBA. Re-signing them must be a "win-win" for both the Pelicans and the player.
Demps opens press conference by expressing condolences to the family of Bryce Dejean-Jones, a Pelicans player who was fatally shot after breaking down the door to a Dallas apartment on May 28.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
2016 NBA Mock Draft - v1.0
Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com on May 27 released his Mock Draft for the 2016 NBA Draft.
The following is his complete mock draft.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Brandon Ingram | Duke | SF | 6-9 | 200
Philadelphia's need for scoring gives Ingram the edge over Ben Simmons in what many teams consider a close call for who goes No. 1. Ingram was smooth as a freshman, with enough ball-handling skills to create his own shot on the perimeter or play above the rim when he moves inside. Even with rough patches in his transition to college, the NBA finds it easy to envision a small forward with great size who will need to get stronger as he gets older. Ingram does not turn 19 until September, just before training camp. "You can't expect anything out of him next year," a GM said. "He's so weak it's crazy."
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Ben Simmons | LSU | PF | 6-10 | 245
While Julius Randle just averaged 10.2 rebounds in his first full season, Simmons' versatile offensive game allows him to fit almost anywhere. And if the 76ers pick Simmons, Ingram is a great fit for Los Angeles. The increased public visibility once Simmons reached college, as opposed to simply being tracked by the NBA from his native Australia to high school in Florida, was followed by the inevitable backlash. But Simmons was the consensus No. 1 at the start of the season and held the spot as his LSU one-and-done ended with the Tigers missing the NCAA tournament and saying they would not accept an invitation to one of the smaller postseason events. There are concerns about an attitude that comes across as, in the words of one GM, prima donna.
3. Boston Celtics
Dragan Bender | Israel | PF | 7-1 | 220
For all the talk about the possibility of the 76ers and/or Lakers making deals, the Celtics are probably the best candidate of all as a team pushing to get in position for a long playoff run now. The obvious need of adding outside shooting, especially behind the arc, puts Buddy Hield in the mix for the top three. But some teams think Bender has a chance to be great and one GM said he could easily see the Croatian becoming the best player in the draft in time. Bender is not Kristaps Porzingis no matter how many people want to make the comparison -- Bender is a better distributor, Porzingis has better range -- but the offense is very intriguing.
4. Phoenix Suns
Jaylen Brown | California | SF | 6-7 | 220
It's easy to see the Suns considering several different directions here. Brown has the kind of elite athleticism that translates into a great open-court player, a good rebounder for a wing and the potential to be a high-level defender, all with good size for a small forward. That package came through even as he shared time with Ivan Rabb, a possible lottery pick before deciding to return to school, and Tyrone Wallace, who should get drafted. Brown was the Pacific 12 Conference Freshman of the Year.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Buddy Hield | Oklahoma | SG | 6-4 | 215
The first pick by new head of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau could be a potential defensive standout like Kris Dunn to fit the style of new coach Tom Thibodeau. But upgrading the 3-point game is a Minnesota priority, and that's Hield. Think he'd get some open looks playing with Karl-Anthony Towns andAndrew Wiggins? One of the stars of the college game in 2015-16, Hield is a versatile and explosive threat who can score in transition or as a catch-and-shoot guy in half-court sets. He gets to the rim and creates on the perimeter, with the added benefit of four seasons in a major program and being 22 years old. In short, Hield will be one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Jakob Poeltl | Utah | C | 7-0 | 235
New Orleans has to go center somewhere this offseason, whether the draft, trade or free agency. Poeltl has the chance to put Austria on the NBA map after two seasons on the college fast track from unheralded recruit to possibly the first half of the lottery. Playing for former NBA big man Larry Krystkowiak at Utah, Poeltl showed he can be a bruising inside presence, especially on defense while appearing not only able to handle the contact but enjoying the chance to initiate it. He has been working to develop an offensive game, the area where his lack of experience most showed, but is the kind of worker who will put in the time to get better.
7. Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray | Kentucky | SG-PG | 6-5 | 200
The latest installment of the recent Canadian influx into the NBA is the 2016 version of D'Angelo Russell, lacking great athleticism while projecting as a versatile guard with good size and natural instincts as a passer but also the scoring ability to play off the ball. Murray is more shooting guard than point guard. He shot 40.8 behind the arc as part of a big second half that included 11 consecutive games with at least 20 points. His work as a ball handler needs to get much better, though -- Murray had more turnovers (84) than assists (79).
8. Sacramento Kings
Kris Dunn | Providence | PG | 6-4 | 205
The decision to return for his junior season took Dunn from possible lottery pick in 2015 to an automatic for the top 10 barring an unexpected development. Some teams talked about him as a possibility for No. 3 based on defense and maturity, but he is a very good fit in Sacramento. Even if Rajon Rondo re-signs, it's not like he will be around for many years. And if Rondo does not return, Dunn could possibly move right into the opening lineup at age 22 and more developed physically and emotionally than most from the draft class. "He's good enough to start for a good team as a rookie," an executive said.
9. Toronto Raptors
Henry Ellenson | Marquette | PF-C | 6-10 | 230
Having a lottery pick, thanks to a trade with the Knicks, while playing in a conference final is house money. The Raptors have a veteran roster that would allow Skal Labissiere or Timothe Luwawu to develop mostly behind the scenes, and general manager Masai Ujiri is a risk taker in a way that could push him to Labissiere. But Ellenson is a big man who has the mobility to handle an up-tempo system as well as the strength to play physical. That makes for the potential a very good draft follow up for the state of Wisconsin a year after Frank Kaminsky went ninth and Sam Dekkerwent 18th.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Deyonta Davis | Michigan State | PF | 6-10 |240
His college coach, Tom Izzo, raved about Davis' high ceiling, with the supporting evidence of a freshman continuing to improve while being held back by persistent foul trouble early in the season. Though not much of an offensive threat now, especially beyond the paint, Davis showed the potential to develop a perimeter game. Rebounding and blocking shots has driven the rise from late-first round in January into solid lottery territory.
11. Orlando Magic
Skal Labissiere | Kentucky | C-PF | 7-0 | 220
High-risk, high-reward. Labissiere was the second-best prospect at worst at the start of the season, and No. 1 in the eyes of some execs, and had a bad start that caused his draft stock to plummet. His skills are not the issue. "Does he love to play?" one general manager said. "That's the question." An encouraging finish to the season helped, but teams will want to see desire in the individual workouts.
12. Utah Jazz
Timothe Luwawu | Serbia | SG-SF | 6-7 | 205
Luwawu made his big move last year playing in his native France, then built on that in 2015-16 against tougher competition with a varied offensive game of scoring and passing. His size would be an asset in the backcourt, with enough athleticism that he won't be a liability on defense against smaller, quicker shooting guards. With little experience before this season other than the lesser French leagues, not even as part of the national teams at a junior level, he has had to ease concerns about the jump in competition.
13. Phoenix Suns
Marquese Chriss | Washington | PF | 6-9 | 235
Chriss surprised even himself in coming so far so fast as a freshman, using advanced athleticism and a decent perimeter game to charge up draft boards. Teams like to see a prospect trending up, and that's Chriss in a big way. But he is not a good rebounder for a power forward and he fouled out in 15 of 34 games.
14. Chicago Bulls
Furkan Korkmaz | Turkey | SG | 6-7 | 185
Korkmaz is a scoring threat beyond the 3-point line and also a talented and willing passer, a nice combination for someone with good size for a shooting guard with the chance to keep growing. He needs to add bulk more than height, but is still only 18 and could fill out in time. And if he doesn't get stronger, Korkmaz could still make a big contribution as a shooter and facilitator.
15. Denver Nuggets
Domantas Sabonis | Gonzaga | PF | 6-10 | 230
The son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis was an intriguing prospect a year ago, in the same lottery territory at 2016, before returning for his sophomore season. Domantas moves well for a big and plays hard, a combination that produces good results on the boards. He does not have much of an offensive game, especially beyond close range.
16. Boston Celtics
Denzel Valentine | Michigan State | SG | 6-6 | 225
The important part of the Final Four team in 2014-15 had a nice climb up draft boards last season with more experience and a larger role for an elite program. Valentine earned that centerpiece spot as 22-year-old senior who is smart and versatile. He shot 44.4 percent behind the arc and also easily leading the team in assists, a testament to his ability to become a secondary ball handler in the pros as well as score.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Demetrius Jackson | Notre Dame | PG | 6-1 | 195
Memphis needs depth at point guard even if Mike Conley re-signs. Jackson has speed to play in the open court, leaping ability to play above the rim and a quick first step to create an opening. The physical advantages are especially important because he does have great size. He gives Notre Dame the chance to send a point guard into the first round for the second year in a row (after Jerian Grant went 19th last June).
18. Detroit Pistons
Damian Jones | Vanderbilt | C | 7-0 | 250
Detroit needs offense in general and especially 3-point threats, but there is no obvious answer here in the land of backup big men. Jones turns 21 the week after the draft, is more developed than many others in the class and could play behind Andre Drummond. Jones has NBA size and athleticism, the makings of being able to play up in an up-tempo system or a power game and become a shot blocker. The offense needs work.
19. Denver Nuggets
Ivica Zubac | Croatia | C | 7-0 | 240
And so begins the run of draft-and-stash players with the perfect candidate, a team making its third pick of the opening round. Zubac has an opportunity to become a solid player on both ends, with a good chance he would stay in Europe at least one more season to continue to develop. He will only be 19 at the time of the draft, yet already has good size along with excellent mobility and good hands that will allow him to play in transition.
20. Indiana Pacers
Wade Baldwin IV | Vanderbilt | PG | 6-3 | 195
The improbable rise from under-the-radar college recruit to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team has taken him all the way to the edge of the lottery, and possibly into the top 14 with good workouts, after the sophomore campaign. He is a fiery, emotional leader who tries to take control, even as a freshman. With the extra attention from defenses, though, he went from 43.9 percent overall to 42.7 and from 43.9 percent behind the arc to 40.6.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Diamond Stone | Maryland | C | 6-10 | 250
Stone built a case for the teens, and was in the lottery conversation earlier in the season, despite a relatively limited role early as a part-time starter who averaged 22.6 minutes. He turned 19 on Feb. 10 and already has NBA size as a true center, while also moving well with a large frame. That is the obvious selling point. Meanwhile, his defense is improving.
22. Charlotte Hornets
Brice Johnson | North Carolina | PF | 6-10 | 230
He coasts with frustrating regularity, enough to possibly, though not likely, be the difference between first-round talent and second-round reality. He has good scoring instincts, the experience of four seasons on Tobacco Road and good height for the position along with the leaping ability that helped him win two high school state high-jump championships in South Carolina.
23. Boston Celtics
Ante Zizic | Croatia | C | 6-11 | 240
A high-energy player with nice athleticism for a big, he runs the floor well and handles the contact of playing inside. His offensive game is still limited, though. Zizic is 19, making him an ideal draft-and-stash pick for the end of the first round. With his intensity and with time, he could become a contributor for an NBA team.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Tyler Ulis | Kentucky | PG | 5-9 | 160
Yeah, the height. But Ulis is such a great leader that Kentucky's John Calipari called him the best floor general he has ever coached, a list that includes Derrick Rose, John Wall and Brandon Knight. Ulis was also third in the nation in assist-to-turnover two seasons ago and first in the SEC in 2015-16. NBA teams liked him as a freshman and then really liked him this season in an expanded role after Andrew Harrison went to the pros along with two other members of the Wildcats backcourt.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Stephen Zimmerman | UNLV | C | 7-0 | 235
Size plus the ability to play in transition plus a nice touch from the perimeter plus the potential to defend both big-man spots. It's easy to see Zimmerman moving back up, after previously being in the lottery mix. The question is whether he will convince front offices he can play a physical style as well, at least on defense and go after contact rather than rely entirely on finesse. It didn't help that his freshman season was dotted by nagging injuries, illness and a coaching change.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Juan Hernangomez | Spain | PF-SF | 6-9 | 220
The 76ers don't want a third rookie along with two possible redshirt rookies,Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, so one of the picks in the 20s is almost surely ticketed for a trade or a player to remain overseas. (If they deal No. 1, everything changes.) Hernangomez has used a season of good production to greatly help his chances of making the first round. His experience -- 20 years old now, 21 for the start of training camp -- shows. He is a good athlete who runs the floor well, plays above the rim and can score in a variety of ways. His brother Willy was the No. 35 pick by the 76ers last year and traded the same night to the Knicks.
27. Toronto Raptors
Taurean Prince | Baylor | SF | 6-7 | 215
The same player who began high school at a 5-9 guard and left as a 6-7 center has made similar strides in college, even if not on the growth chart. Prince will leave Baylor as one of the top seniors in the nation as a 3D prospect on the wing -- three-pointers and defense, although he did drop from 39.5 percent behind the arc in 2014-15 to 36.1 last season.
28. Phoenix Suns
Cheick Diallo | Kansas | PF | 6-9 | 220
The Mali native who attended high school in New York had a very choppy freshman season at Kansas, from missing two exhibitions and five games as the NCAA sorted through eligibility issues to undependable play once he was cleared. There were stretches when just staying on the court was a challenge, and he averaged 7.5 minutes. But athleticism, size and potential on defense makes him a very intriguing prospect. While it would not be a surprise if he dropped out of the first round, some team will be lured by the physical tools to invest intensive coaching and a lot of NBA D-League time.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Dejounte Murray | Washington | PG-SG | 6-5 |170
He excels in transition, whether pushing the ball himself or running the wing and staying in attack mode. That is comes through at 170 pounds is especially appealing to front offices that expect him to fill out and get stronger. Poor shooting is the problem. Murray made just 41.6 percent of his attempts overall and 28.8 percent of his 3s.
30. Golden State Warriors
Zhou Qi | China | C | 7-2 | 210
Zhou said he can make a smooth transition to the United States even if it not in a city with a large Chinese population, so ending up in the Bay Area would simply be a bonus. Similarly, it would not be a marketing move by the Warriors. (Like they need one.) Zhou needs to bulk up, but someone will probably invest a weightlifting regiment and patience around the end of the first round or the start of the second for a 7-2 prospect with agility. Chances are good Golden State, looking for cap flexibility heading into free agency, will pick a player to stay overseas, whether Zhou or someone else.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Sixers win lottery, get No. 1 pick in 2016 NBA Draft
NEW YORK (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers have won the NBA draft lottery and will have the No. 1 pick in June.
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The Los Angeles Lakers finished second Tuesday night but also felt like winners, as they would have dealt their pick to Philadelphia had they fallen out of the top three.
The Boston Celtics, with a pick dealt to them by the Brooklyn Nets, remained in the No. 3 slot.
Nobody moved up in the lottery, which sets the top three picks. The remainder of the 14 teams are slotted in the inverse order of their won-loss record.
The draft is June 23 in New York.
PCR's Draft Lottery Results:
How did your team fare in the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery?
1. Philadelphia 76ers
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn Nets)
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Sacramento Kings
9. Toronto Raptors (via New York Knicks)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns (via Washington Wizards)
14. Chicago Bulls