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custom_5: null, custom_6: null, custom_7: null, custom_8: null, custom_9: null, }, }, }; </script> <script src="https://nTSnQ69CkarphTnZh.ay.delivery/client-v2.js" async></script> <script async='async' src='https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js'></script> <script data-minify="1" async='async' src='https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/js/prebid-8.9.0.js'></script> <script> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); }); var FAILSAFE_TIMEOUT = 3300; var adUnits = [ { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-1', // hoops_rumors_sidebar1_d mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759360'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426346}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988213'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_sidebar1_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '684582465'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_sidebar1_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051654}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995294}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332398'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-5', //sidebar2_d mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 600]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759361'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426347}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988214'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_sidebar2_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '514468116'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_sidebar2_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051655}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995302}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332402'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-0', // header_d DONE ('/5067886/728x90_MLB', mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759362'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426348}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988215'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_header_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '843142536'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_header_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051653}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995292}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332397'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-2', // mlb_body1_d DONE /5067886/300x250_2_MLB mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759363'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426350}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988216'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_body1_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '638855436'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_body1_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051654}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995296}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332399'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-3', // mlb_body2_d DONE /5067886/300x250_3_MLB' mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759364'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426351}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988217'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_body2_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '394555112'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_body2_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051654}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995298}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332400'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-4', // mlb_body3_d DONE /5067886/300x250_4_MLB' mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759365'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426352}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988218'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_body3_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '429102471'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 'minutemedia', params: {org: '01gmb0c9g9bf', placementId: 'hoops_body3_d'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051654}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995300}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332401'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'xfKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] }, { code: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-6', // mlb_stickyfooter_d '/5067886/728x90_2_MLB' mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]]}}, bids: [ {bidder: 'ix', params: {siteId: '759366'}}, {bidder: 'appnexus', params: {placementId: 24426354}}, {bidder: 'sovrn', params: {tagid: '988219'}}, {bidder: 'triplelift', params: {inventoryCode: 'hoops_stickyfooter_d'}}, {bidder: 'medianet', params: {cid: '8CU6VMEF4', crid: '327484994'}}, {bidder: 'conversant', params: {site_id: '215655'}}, {bidder: 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placementId: '300x250_5_side_hoops'}}, {bidder: 'colossusssp', params: {placement_id: 1051654}}, {bidder: 'teads', params: {pageId: 183667, placementId: 198739}}, {bidder: 'openx', params: {delDomain: 'mlbtr-d.openx.net', unit: '559677126'}}, {bidder: 'rubicon', params: {accountId: 25830, siteId: 502718, zoneId: 2995306}}, {bidder: 'pubmatic', params: {publisherId: '163653', adSlot: '5332404'}}, {bidder: 'sharethrough', params: {pkey: 'fKvpktL0Q85bbom758Yxo7Vk'}} ] } ]; const customConfigObject = { "buckets": [ { "precision": 2, "min": 0.01, "max": 150, "increment": 0.01 } ] }; var pbjs = pbjs || {}; pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; !function(a9,a,p,s,t,A,g){if(a[a9])return;function q(c,r){a[a9]._Q.push([c,r])}a[a9]={init:function(){q("i",arguments)},fetchBids:function(){q("f",arguments)},setDisplayBids:function(){},targetingKeys:function(){return[]},_Q:[]};A=p.createElement(s);A.async=!0;A.src=t;g=p.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];g.parentNode.insertBefore(A,g)}("apstag",window,document,"script","//c.amazon-adsystem.com/aax2/apstag.js"); apstag.init({ pubID: 'c1d4148d-65d3-4376-9304-d2f4ee3b2c66', adServer: 'googletag' }); apstag.fetchBids({ slots: [{ slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-1', slotName: '/5067886/300x250_1_hoops_rumors', sizes: [[300, 250]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-5', slotName: '/5067886/160x600_hoops_rumors', sizes: [[300,600]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-0', slotName: '/5067886/728x90_hoops_rumors', sizes: [[728,90]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-2', slotName: '/5067886/300x250_2_hoops_rumors', sizes: [[300, 250]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-3', slotName: '/5067886/300x250_3_hoops_rumors', sizes: [[300, 250]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-4', slotName: '/5067886/300x250_4_Hoops', sizes: [[300, 250]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-6', slotName: '/5067886/728x90_2_hoops', sizes: [[728,90]] }, { slotID: 'div-gpt-ad-1680362270968-0', slotName: '/5067886/300x250_5_side_hoops', sizes: [[300, 250]] }], timeout: 1e3 }, function(bids) { googletag.cmd.push(function(){ apstag.setDisplayBids(); // googletag.pubads().refresh(); }); }); pbjs.que.push(function() { pbjs.addAdUnits(adUnits); pbjs.setConfig({ priceGranularity: customConfigObject, useBidCache: true, pubcid: { expInterval: 525600, enable: true, type: 'cookie', } }); pbjs.requestBids({ bidsBackHandler: sendAdserverRequest }); }); function sendAdserverRequest() { if (pbjs.adserverRequestSent) return; pbjs.adserverRequestSent = true; googletag.cmd.push(function() { pbjs.que.push(function() { pbjs.setTargetingForGPTAsync(); googletag.pubads().refresh(); }); }); } setTimeout(function() { sendAdserverRequest(); }, FAILSAFE_TIMEOUT); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/728x90_hoops_rumors', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/300x250_1_hoops_rumors', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-1').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/300x250_2_hoops_rumors', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-2').addService(googletag.pubads()); if ( ! document.body.className.match(/\bsingle\b/) ) { googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/300x250_3_hoops_rumors', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-3').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/300x250_4_Hoops', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-4').addService(googletag.pubads()); } googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/160x600_hoops_rumors', [300, 600], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-5').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/5067886/728x90_2_hoops', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-6').addService(googletag.pubads()); 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hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <a href="https://mlbtraderumors.com" target="_blank"> <span>Go To</span> MLB Trade Rumors </a> </div> <div class="nav-arrow nav-arrow_right hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <a href="https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/" target="_blank"> <span>Go To</span> Pro Hockey Rumors </a> </div> <div class="row mainContent"> <div id="primary" class="col-sm-8"> <div id="loadedPosts"> <article id="post-421379" class="post-list post-421379 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-newsstand category-philadelphia-76ers tag-joel-embiid"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/joel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html">Joel Embiid Admits He Needs To “Fix The Problem” With His Left Knee</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 21st, 2025 at 7:59am CST</span> by Arthur Hill </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>After shooting just 3-of-9 from the field in Thursday’s loss to Boston, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-21_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joel Embiid</a></strong> told reporters he needs to “fix the problem” in his left knee before he can become dominant again, writes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43946569/sixers-joel-embiid-not-dominant-due-ailing-left-knee">Tim Bontemps of ESPN</a>.</p> <p>The <strong>Sixers</strong>‘ nightmarish season continued as their arch rivals embarrassed them by 20 points on their home court in their sixth straight loss. Embiid was limited to 15 points in 27 minutes, and Bontemps points out that his nine shot attempts were his lowest total of the season for a game in which he wasn’t ejected or didn’t have to leave early due to injury.</p> <p><em>“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now,” </em>Embiid said. <em>“It sucks. … I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have trust when you’re not yourself.”</em></p> <p>There was hope that the week-long All-Star break might help Embiid recover from the ongoing physical issues that have limited him to 18 games this season. Embiid still hasn’t fully recovered from the lateral meniscus injury he suffered a year ago, and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/sixers-joel-embiid-may-require-another-knee-surgery.html">report</a> earlier this month indicated that he may need surgery once the season ends.</p> <p>When he has been able to play, Embiid hasn’t been near the MVP-level force he was in recent seasons. He’s averaging 24.3 PPG, which is more than 10 points lower than a year ago. His 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists are also much lower than last season, and his shooting percentages have dropped sharply to 45% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range.</p> <p>Any thought the Sixers might be giving to shutting Embiid down has to be balanced against their postseason chances. Even though they’re tied for the sixth-worst record in the league, they’re just a game and a half behind Chicago for the 10th spot and a berth in the play-in tournament. There’s still hope that they can sneak into the playoffs, and a healthier roster could make them a tough first-round opponent.</p> <p>In the meantime, the focus will be on helping Embiid manage his knee issue so he can stay on the court as much as possible.</p> <p>Embiid added that the week off helped “a little bit,” but he’s still not feeling like he normally does. However, he believes he can help the team even if he’s not 100%.</p> <p><em>“I’m not as dominant as I was a couple of months ago, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have a lot of impact on the game,” </em>Embiid said.<em> “Just me being out there, I think, helps a lot. My presence, my ability to attract double-teams, get guys more shots. It’s just tough because you know you can do so much more. But there’s no excuses. It’s just the way it is. You just have to find ways to figure it out and get better.”</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fjoel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html&text=Joel+Embiid+Admits+He+Needs+To+%E2%80%9CFix+The+Problem%E2%80%9D+With+His+Left..." title="Retweet 'Joel Embiid Admits He Needs To “Fix The Problem” With His Left Knee' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fjoel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Joel Embiid Admits He Needs To “Fix The Problem” With His Left Knee' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421379); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/joel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Joel Embiid Admits He Needs To “Fix The Problem” With His Left Knee with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like">  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-2' class='div-gpt-ad-post'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-2'); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/joel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/joel-embiid-admits-he-needs-to-fix-the-problem-with-his-left-knee.html#comments">5 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/newsstand" title="View all posts in Newsstand">Newsstand</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/philadelphia-76ers" title="View all posts in Philadelphia 76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/joel-embiid" title="View all posts in Joel Embiid">Joel Embiid</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421344" class="post-list post-421344 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-brooklyn-nets tag-cam-thomas tag-dangelo-russell tag-killian-hayes tag-tyrese-martin"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html">Nets Notes: Thomas, Martin, Hayes, Russell</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 10:58pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p><strong>Nets</strong> guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomaca02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cam Thomas</a></strong> hasn’t played since January 2, but he’s nearing a return that’s sure to help boost Brooklyn and allay their shooting woes, <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/19/sports/nets-to-get-boost-on-shooting-front-with-cam-thomas-imminent-return/">Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes</a>. Thomas was expected to play in five-on-five scrimmages on Thursday.</p> <p>“<em>We know (what) he does offensively so, there’s no question. We all know exactly what Cam Thomas is going to do when he gets back out there. I think all our offensive struggles will come to an end as soon as he steps foot out there,</em>” <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watfotr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trendon Watford</a></strong> said.</p> <p>Watford went on to say Thomas is the best pure bucket-getter he has ever played with. In 19 games this season (17 starts), the fourth-year wing has averaged 24.7 points per game while shooting 44.8% from the floor and 37.5% from three.</p> <p>“<em>It’s always a process, but I just see it as a positive. He was so impactful and so good for the group, and I always see it as a positive,</em>” head coach <strong>Jordi Fernandez</strong> said. “<em>We’ve had so many different lineups, and when you bring somebody as talented as he is, it’s just positive … we just know he’s going to make us better.</em>”</p> <p>We have more from the Atlantic Division:</p> <ul> <li>The Nets converted <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martity01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyrese Martin</a></strong> to a standard contract <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-killian-hayes-finalizing-10-day-contract.html">this week</a>. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/MikeAScotto/status/1892664342702612501">Twitter link</a>), the Nets signed Martin to a two-year, $2.83MM contract. That deal includes a team option for the 2025/26 season and a rest-of-season salary that’s slightly above the minimum. Brooklyn used a small portion of its mid-level exception to complete the signing.</li> <li>Brooklyn also added guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayeski01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Killian Hayes</a></strong> to its roster by signing him to a 10-day contract. He suited up for the team on Thursday, recording five points and three assists. Before the game, coach <strong>Jordi Fernandez</strong> commented on the signing, per Lewis (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1892710121223922024">Twitter link</a>). “<em>Having a traditional backup point guard is good for us,</em>” he said. “<em>This 10 days is important not just for him but also for us if he can do the things we’re asking him to do. But we know who he is; thats the reason we brought him in the first place.</em>” Fernandez coached Hayes in training camp before he was waived and began the year in the G League.</li> <li>Point guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/russeda01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">D’Angelo Russell</a></strong> exited Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers and was later ruled out due to a left ankle sprain, as relayed by Andscape’s Marc J. Spears (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1892764443769032835">Twitter link</a>). It’s unclear how much time he’ll miss due to the injury. Prior to the game, Cavs head coach and former Brooklyn coach <strong>Kenny Atkinson</strong> called Russell a star and was complimentary of the veteran, according to Lewis (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1892759244803289361">Twitter link</a>). “<em>He must be in the perfect place now,</em>” Atkinson said. “<em>He’s seen it all. He’s at that age where I assume he’s the alpha in that locker room. I’m a big fan of the player, big fan of the leader, big fan of the person.</em>“</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fnets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html&text=Nets+Notes%3A+Thomas%2C+Martin%2C+Hayes%2C+Russell" title="Retweet 'Nets Notes: Thomas, Martin, Hayes, Russell' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fnets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Nets Notes: Thomas, Martin, Hayes, Russell' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421344); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Nets Notes: Thomas, Martin, Hayes, Russell with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like">  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-3' class='div-gpt-ad-post'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-3'); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-notes-thomas-martin-hayes-russell.html#comments">4 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/brooklyn-nets" title="View all posts in Brooklyn Nets">Brooklyn Nets</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/cam-thomas" title="View all posts in Cam Thomas">Cam Thomas</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/dangelo-russell" title="View all posts in D'Angelo Russell">D'Angelo Russell</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/killian-hayes" title="View all posts in Killian Hayes">Killian Hayes</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/tyrese-martin" title="View all posts in Tyrese Martin">Tyrese Martin</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421331" class="post-list post-421331 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-denver-nuggets category-minnesota-timberwolves category-portland-trail-blazers tag-aaron-gordon tag-christian-braun tag-donovan-clingan tag-donte-divincenzo tag-julius-randle tag-michael-porter-jr tag-russell-westbrook"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/northwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html">Northwest Notes: Nuggets, Braun, Clingan, Randle, DiVincenzo</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 10:02pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p><strong>Nuggets</strong> guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Russell Westbrook</a></strong> hasn’t played in February, having missed seven games before the All-Star break due to a hamstring injury. As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/02/17/christian-braun-russell-westbrook-nuggets-starting-lineup/">Bennett Durando of The Denver Post writes</a>, that forced <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/braunch01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Christian Braun</a></strong> into the starting lineup, where he immediately played some of the best basketball of his career.</p> <p>In Westbrook’s absence, Braun averaged 19.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 59% from the field. However, with <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nikola Jokic</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murraja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jamal Murray</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/portemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Michael Porter Jr.</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gordoaa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Aaron Gordon</a></strong> unlikely to move to the second unit, it makes for a difficult decision with the starting lineup.</p> <p>Westbrooks has started 27 of his 48 outings in 2024/25, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in total. When Gordon missed time with injury earlier this season, Westbrook and Braun started together. However, that is seemingly not going to be the case going forward, as Braun started alongside Jokic, Murray, Porter and Gordon for Thursday’s game.</p> <p>“<em>All I’ll say is that it’s great to have options,</em>” coach <strong>Michael Malone</strong> said. “<em>We have a healthy team, and obviously, Russell Westbrook’s done great things for us. Christian Braun, this last eight-game stretch, is playing just incredible basketball. And so people say, ‘Oh, that’s a tough decision.’ I look at it the opposite way. I’m really fortunate to have a tough decision to make where you have quality players that have really impacted winning. And that’s what it comes down to. It’s never about one player. It’s about what’s best for our team.</em>”</p> <p>In a separate piece, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/02/17/christian-braun-russell-westbrook-nuggets-starting-lineup/">The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler writes</a> that Braun starting is the correct decision, pointing to his impressive net rating in trios alongside Jokic and Murray.</p> <p>We have more from the Northwest Division:</p> <ul> <li>The <strong>Nuggets</strong> have placed no restrictions on Porter, Gordon or Westbrook coming out of the All-Star break, Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/VBenedetto/status/1892731026864066788">tweets</a>. Porter had been dealing with a hamstring injury while Gordon was putting up with a calf issue.</li> <li>With <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aytonde01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Deandre Ayton</a></strong> out for at least three more weeks due to a calf strain, <strong>Trail Blazers</strong> rookie center <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clingdo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Donovan Clingan</a></strong> is slated for the starting job, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025/02/trail-blazers-donovan-clingan-steps-into-starters-role-im-definitely-ready.html">Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian writes</a>. Clingan said he’s “definitely ready” for a larger role. “<em>I think this is going to be a really awesome stretch for him just to grow up and learn and play against starting centers,</em>” head coach <strong>Chauncey Billups</strong> said. “<em>But more importantly, for him to continue to man that glass. Be a beast on the glass. Protect our rim. And he’s doing a much better job of catching and finishing and also play-making when he needs to.</em>”</li> <li><strong>Timberwolves</strong> offseason acquisitions <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randlju01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Julius Randle</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/divindo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Donte DiVincenzo</a></strong> have both been dealing with injuries, but seem to be getting at least somewhat closer to a return. Randle has been dealing with a groin injury and missed the Wolves’ eight games leading into the break. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/TimBontemps/status/1892697348674887941">Twitter link</a>), he was recently cleared for five-on-five practices. As for DiVincenzo, Bontemps <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/TimBontemps/status/1892699230524878862">adds</a> that he’s now able to participate in non-basketball activities. DiVincenzo hasn’t played since Jan. 15 because of a toe injury.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fnorthwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html&text=Northwest+Notes%3A+Nuggets%2C+Braun%2C+Clingan%2C+Randle%2C..." title="Retweet 'Northwest Notes: Nuggets, Braun, Clingan, Randle, DiVincenzo' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fnorthwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Northwest Notes: Nuggets, Braun, Clingan, Randle, DiVincenzo' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421331); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/northwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Northwest Notes: Nuggets, Braun, Clingan, Randle, DiVincenzo with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like">  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-4' class='div-gpt-ad-post'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1520443578103-4'); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/northwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/northwest-notes-nuggets-starters-braun-clingan-randle-divincenzo.html#comments">1 Comment</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/denver-nuggets" title="View all posts in Denver Nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/minnesota-timberwolves" title="View all posts in Minnesota Timberwolves">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/portland-trail-blazers" title="View all posts in Portland Trail Blazers">Portland Trail Blazers</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/aaron-gordon" title="View all posts in Aaron Gordon">Aaron Gordon</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/christian-braun" title="View all posts in Christian Braun">Christian Braun</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/donovan-clingan" title="View all posts in Donovan Clingan">Donovan Clingan</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/donte-divincenzo" title="View all posts in Donte DiVincenzo">Donte DiVincenzo</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/julius-randle" title="View all posts in Julius Randle">Julius Randle</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/michael-porter-jr" title="View all posts in Michael Porter Jr.">Michael Porter Jr.</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/russell-westbrook" title="View all posts in Russell Westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421326" class="post-list post-421326 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-los-angeles-lakers tag-lebron-james tag-luka-doncic"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/lakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html">Lakers Still Trying To Find ‘Ideal Rotation,’ Discuss Doncic’s First Games With Team</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 8:56pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>When the <strong>Lakers</strong> returned from the All-Star break on Wednesday, they did so with nearly every player on the roster available. Outside of <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/klebima01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Maxi Kleber</a></strong>, the Lakers fielded a healthy roster for pretty much the first time this season, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ocregister.com/2025/02/19/lakers-looking-to-develop-ideal-rotation-as-group-rounds-into-form/">Khobi Price of The Orange County Register writes</a>.</p> <p>In that game against Charlotte, the Lakers used a starting lineup of <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LeBron James</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luka Doncic</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reaveau01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Austin Reaves</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hachiru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Rui Hachimura</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayesja02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jaxson Hayes</a></strong>, with <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vincega01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gabe Vincent</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lenal01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Len</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/knechda01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dalton Knecht</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/finnedo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dorian Finney-Smith</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vandeja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jarred Vanderbilt</a></strong> playing as reserves. That left <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/miltosh01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shake Milton</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/morrima02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Markieff Morris</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesbr02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bronny James</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reddica01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cam Reddish</a></strong> on the outside looking in, but head coach <strong><strong>JJ Redick</strong></strong> acknowledged that the rotation is a work in progress.</p> <p>“<em>We’re still trying to develop the ideal rotation,</em>” Redick said before the game. “<em>But again, as we’ve said all year, the ideal rotation may change night to night, depending on the opponent. So a lot of guys will get their shot.</em>”</p> <p>Outside of just which players will earn regular playing time, the massive changes to the roster also open up questions about the game plan. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43931245/lakers-lebron-james-luka-doncic-say-clutch-roles-go-ways">As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin notes</a>, on Wednesday it was James, not Doncic, who got the last shot with the Lakers looking to send the game to overtime. Doncic inbounded a pass to James, who missed a game-tying three against the Hornets.</p> <p>“<em>[James] had it going, so obviously we’re going to go to him,</em>” Doncic said. “<em>I think it will go both ways. One time it’s going to be him, one time me. So I think it depends how the game is going.</em>”</p> <p>Doncic has only played three games with the Lakers, and everyone involved knows that integrating a system-changing superstar doesn’t happen overnight. In his three games, Doncic is averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.0 turnovers and 4.3 fouls.</p> <p>“<em>Obviously, it’s going to take a little time,</em>” Doncic said. “<em>Today, a lot of rustiness for my part. Started the game with like four or five turnovers. That can’t happen. So just got to play basketball the right way.</em>”</p> <p>It isn’t just a new environment that might be contributing to rust for Doncic. Those three appearances with the Lakers are his first since Christmas Day due to his calf injury.</p> <p>“<em>He still doesn’t know all the plays. He doesn’t know all the defensive coverages, all the signals and things that we’ve built since September,</em>” James said. “<em>So obviously we’re trying to fast-track it on the fly. He’s coming back from his injury. He’s getting back into form. So we’re all working through it together.</em>”</p> <p>It’s still obviously early in the process, but the Lakers acquired Doncic with an eye toward the future. He’s under contract through at least next season and holds a player option worth $48.97MM in 2026/27. He could agree to an extension before then, and by all accounts, he seems in good spirits following the trade. <a target="_blank" href="https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/inside-luka-doncics-lakers-adjustment">Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth</a> (Substack link) wrote more about Doncic’s integration.</p> <p>“<em>I’m happy to be here, man,”</em> Doncic said. “<em>This is one of the greatest clubs in the world. Just happy to be here. Obviously, I’m gonna need some time, but I’m happy to represent the Lakers.</em>“</p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Flakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html&text=Lakers+Still+Trying+To+Find+%E2%80%98Ideal+Rotation%2C%E2%80%99+Discuss+Doncic%E2%80%99s+First+Games+With..." title="Retweet 'Lakers Still Trying To Find ‘Ideal Rotation,’ Discuss Doncic’s First Games With Team' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Flakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Lakers Still Trying To Find ‘Ideal Rotation,’ Discuss Doncic’s First Games With Team' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421326); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/lakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Lakers Still Trying To Find ‘Ideal Rotation,’ Discuss Doncic’s First Games With Team with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/lakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/lakers-still-trying-to-find-ideal-rotation-discuss-luka-doncics-first-games-with-team.html#comments">22 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/los-angeles-lakers" title="View all posts in Los Angeles Lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/lebron-james" title="View all posts in LeBron James">LeBron James</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/luka-doncic" title="View all posts in Luka Doncic">Luka Doncic</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421317" class="post-list post-421317 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-miami-heat tag-kelel-ware tag-keshad-johnson tag-pelle-larsson"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/heat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html">Heat Notes: Ware, 2026 Outlook, Rotation, Playoff Push</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>In a tumultuous season that saw star forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butleji01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jimmy Butler</a></strong> dealt to the Warriors at the deadline, the <strong>Heat</strong>‘s defining positive moment from the season continues to be the development of rookie center <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wareke01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kel’el Ware</a></strong>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article300523679.html">Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald writes</a>. Not only has Ware taken significant individual strides in recent weeks, his fit with <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/adebaba01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bam Adebayo</a></strong> in the frontcourt offers a reason for optimism moving forward.</p> <p>Ware’s play has him in the top three in Rookie of the Year odds so far despite the fact that he played double-digit minutes in just two of the Heat’s first 25 games. He’s averaging 11.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 53.6% from the floor and 37.3% from deep since the New Year.</p> <p>“<em>Nightly he’s getting challenged, and these are all opportunities to grow and learn,</em>” coach <strong>Erik Spoelstra</strong> said. “<em>He has to do it on the fly. But he’s been a great student. He’s been coachable, not only by the staff but by his teammates. He wants to get it right, he wants to make an impact, he wants to help and he’s facing different challenges.</em>”</p> <p>We have more on the Heat:</p> <ul> <li>The Heat were able to position themselves decently for 2026 free agency in the Butler deal, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article299016490.html?taid=67b4ba58cc7705000111858d&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter">Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes</a>. By avoiding taking on individual salary exceeding $50MM, the Heat will still have some cap space if they hold on to/extend their young core and add cap hits for any potential first-round draft picks. While star free agents don’t usually sign into cap space, Jackson takes a look at how the Heat could create a pathway to do so in a loaded 2026 free agent class. Miami also put themselves in a strong position to make a big move this offseason, equipped with young players, large expiring salaries, and draft capital acquired from Golden State.</li> <li>Miami’s rotation will be worth monitoring going forward. <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/anderky01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kyle Anderson</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wiggian01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andrew Wiggins</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchda01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Davion Mitchell</a></strong> will all likely be factors, but it’s unclear what role each will have on a younger roster. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article300498094.html">In a piece analyzing post-All-Star questions</a>, Chiang ponders which young players will continue to emerge and considers whether <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnske10.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Keshad Johnson</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/larsspe01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Pelle Larsson</a></strong> will play more moving forward. Chiang also explores whether the Heat can avoid the play-in for the third straight year and if <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/herroty01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Herro</a></strong> can continue his All-Star production.</li> <li>The Heat’s newcomers know they need to play with a level of desperation in order to secure a playoff spot and make some noise in the postseason, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/02/20/heat-newcomers-final-stretch/">Adam Lichtenstein of South Florida’s Sun Sentinel writes</a>. “<em>I feel I needed the All-Star break just to go back and see my family, refresh and get ready for this last stretch of the season,</em>” Wiggins said. The Heat are three games behind the Pistons for sixth in the East, which would keep them out of play-in territory. Miami sits at ninth in the conference standings entering Thursday.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fheat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html&text=Heat+Notes%3A+Ware%2C+2026+Outlook%2C+Rotation%2C+Playoff..." title="Retweet 'Heat Notes: Ware, 2026 Outlook, Rotation, Playoff Push' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fheat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Heat Notes: Ware, 2026 Outlook, Rotation, Playoff Push' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421317); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/heat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Heat Notes: Ware, 2026 Outlook, Rotation, Playoff Push with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/heat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/heat-notes-ware-2026-outlook-rotation-playoff-push.html#comments">2 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/miami-heat" title="View all posts in Miami Heat">Miami Heat</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/kelel-ware" title="View all posts in Kel'el Ware">Kel'el Ware</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/keshad-johnson" title="View all posts in Keshad Johnson">Keshad Johnson</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/pelle-larsson" title="View all posts in Pelle Larsson">Pelle Larsson</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421150" class="post-list post-421150 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-cleveland-cavaliers category-new-orleans-pelicans category-newsstand category-transactions tag-brandon-boston tag-javonte-green"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/javonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html">Javonte Green Bought Out By Pelicans, Plans To Sign With Cavaliers</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 6:41pm CST</span> by Arthur Hill </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p><strong>FEBRUARY 20:</strong> The Pelicans have officially waived Green, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/javonte-green-waived-new-orleans-pelicans-roster-update-february-20-2025">according to a release from the team</a>.</p> <hr /> <p><strong><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-416835 alignright" src="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-898x1350.jpg 898w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-768x1155.jpg 768w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-1362x2048.jpg 1362w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans-900x1353.jpg 900w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/01/Javonte-Green-Pelicans.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />FEBRUARY 19: <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenja02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-19_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Javonte Green</a></strong> has reached a buyout agreement with the <strong>Pelicans</strong> and plans to sign with the <strong>Cavaliers</strong> once he clears waivers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1892372083591528637">Twitter link</a>).</p> <p>The 31-year-old swingman has appeared in 50 games this season, making 18 starts and averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per night. He’s shooting 35.2% from three-point range and will give Cleveland another veteran wing off the bench for its upcoming playoff run.</p> <p>The Cavs had a pair of open roster spots after sending two players to Atlanta to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/hawks-to-trade-deandre-hunter-to-cavaliers.html">acquire</a> <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huntede01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-19_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">De’Andre Hunter</a></strong> at the trade deadline. The team faced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/warriors-cavs-must-make-roster-additions-by-thursday.html">February 20 deadline</a> to get its roster back up to 14 players, which it will accomplish when a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/cavaliers-naeqwan-tomlin-agree-to-10-day-deal.html">10-day contract</a> with G League forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tomlina01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-19_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nae’Qwan Tomlin</a></strong> is finalized. One more opening will remain, so another move won’t be necessary to add Green, assuming he’s not claimed by another team.</p> <p>Green is making $2.4MM on the one-year deal he signed with New Orleans last summer. If he gives up any money in the buyout, it will likely be roughly what he’ll earn in Cleveland for the rest of the season on a veteran’s minimum contract.</p> <p>The Cavaliers will remain below the tax line after adding Green, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1892377527508738420">Twitter link</a>).</p> <p>The Pelicans will be down to 13 players once the move is official, and they’ll have two weeks to fill at least one roster opening. It will likely happen by giving a standard contract to two-way guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bostobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-19_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brandon Boston</a></strong>, who has been part of the rotation for most of the season.</p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fjavonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html&text=Javonte+Green+Bought+Out+By+Pelicans%2C+Plans+To+Sign+With..." title="Retweet 'Javonte Green Bought Out By Pelicans, Plans To Sign With Cavaliers' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fjavonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Javonte Green Bought Out By Pelicans, Plans To Sign With Cavaliers' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421150); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/javonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Javonte Green Bought Out By Pelicans, Plans To Sign With Cavaliers with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/javonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/javonte-green-agrees-to-buyout-with-pelicans-plans-to-sign-with-cavaliers.html#comments">15 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/cleveland-cavaliers" title="View all posts in Cleveland Cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/new-orleans-pelicans" title="View all posts in New Orleans Pelicans">New Orleans Pelicans</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/newsstand" title="View all posts in Newsstand">Newsstand</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/transactions" title="View all posts in Transactions">Transactions</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/brandon-boston" title="View all posts in Brandon Boston">Brandon Boston</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/javonte-green" title="View all posts in Javonte Green">Javonte Green</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421322" class="post-list post-421322 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-memphis-grizzlies category-newsstand category-transactions tag-johnny-davis tag-lamar-stevens"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/grizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html">Grizzlies Signing Lamar Stevens To 10-Day Contract, Waiving Johnny Davis</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 5:58pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>The <strong>Grizzlies</strong> are planning to sign forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/stevela01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lamar Stevens</a></strong> to a 10-day contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. With a full roster and needing to make room, the Grizzlies are waiving <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisjo06.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Johnny Davis</a></strong> to complete the transaction (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1892720563719643606">Twitter</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1892723208236781831">links</a>).<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-404041 alignright" src="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2024/09/Lamar-Stevens-vert-e1727369050593-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2024/09/Lamar-Stevens-vert-e1727369050593-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2024/09/Lamar-Stevens-vert-e1727369050593-900x1349.jpg 900w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2024/09/Lamar-Stevens-vert-e1727369050593-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2024/09/Lamar-Stevens-vert-e1727369050593.jpg 1003w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></p> <p>Stevens is a four-year NBA veteran who last suited up for Memphis in 2023/24. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics in September 2023 before ultimately earning a spot on the roster. At the 2024 trade deadline, Boston sent him to Memphis in exchange for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tillmxa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Xavier Tillman</a></strong>.</p> <p>The 27-year-old forward played in 19 games with the Grizzlies last year, making two starts. During that time, he averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per contest. However, the Grizzlies didn’t re-sign Stevens last summer and he hasn’t been on an NBA roster during the ’24/25 regular season until now.</p> <p>Stevens did spend training camp with the Pistons in the fall, but was waived at the end of the preseason. He has played 29 games this season with the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s G League affiliate. In the G League, Stevens has averaged 17.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.</p> <p>The Penn State product went undrafted in 2020, signing on with the Cavaliers on a two-way contract. He impressed in Cleveland, earning a promotion to a standard deal by the end of his rookie season, then went on to spend three years with the Cavs before being traded to San Antonio in the transaction that brought <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/strusma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Max Strus</a></strong> to Cleveland.</p> <p>As for Davis, the Grizzlies acquired the Wisconsin alum alongside <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/baglema01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Marvin Bagley III</a></strong> at this month’s deadline in the trade that sent <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smartma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Marcus Smart</a></strong> to Washington. The No. 10 overall pick in 2022, Davis played 112 games with Washington, averaging 3.5 points per game, but didn’t play at all for the Grizzlies before being waived.</p> <p>According to Charania, Davis is expected to receive some attention as a free agent. The 22-year-old was a high-profile draft prospect in the 2022 class but never broke through in Washington.</p> <p>Once the pair of moves are completed, the Grizzlies will be back up to a full roster, with 15 players on standard contracts (including Stevens’ 10-day deal) and three players on two-way pacts.</p> <p>If Stevens’ deal is completed by Friday, he would be eligible for five games with Memphis before his 10-day contract would expire. At that point, he would need to be re-signed to another 10-day deal or the Grizzlies could move on. If he impresses enough to stick around through his maximum of two 10-day deals, the Grizzlies would need to sign him for the rest of the season.</p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fgrizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html&text=Grizzlies+Signing+Lamar+Stevens+To+10-Day+Contract%2C+Waiving+Johnny..." title="Retweet 'Grizzlies Signing Lamar Stevens To 10-Day Contract, Waiving Johnny Davis' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fgrizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Grizzlies Signing Lamar Stevens To 10-Day Contract, Waiving Johnny Davis' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421322); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/grizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Grizzlies Signing Lamar Stevens To 10-Day Contract, Waiving Johnny Davis with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/grizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/grizzlies-signing-lamar-stevens-to-10-day-contract-waiving-johnny-davis.html#comments">3 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/memphis-grizzlies" title="View all posts in Memphis Grizzlies">Memphis Grizzlies</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/newsstand" title="View all posts in Newsstand">Newsstand</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/transactions" title="View all posts in Transactions">Transactions</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/johnny-davis" title="View all posts in Johnny Davis">Johnny Davis</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/lamar-stevens" title="View all posts in Lamar Stevens">Lamar Stevens</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421312" class="post-list post-421312 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-milwaukee-bucks tag-bobby-portis tag-jericho-sims tag-kevin-porter tag-ryan-rollins tag-tyler-smith"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html">Bucks Notes: Portis, Injuries, Playoffs, Rotation</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 5:31pm CST</span> by Tristan Tucker </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p><strong>Bucks</strong> forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/portibo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bobby Portis</a></strong> was suspended for 25 games on Thursday morning, an obvious blow to Milwaukee’s depth. The suspension will cost Portis $114,348 per game, or $2.85MM in total, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1892605578683244818">Twitter link</a>). Additionally, the Bucks receive a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/01/hoops-rumors-glossary-tax-variance.html">tax variance</a> credit worth about $1.43MM, which is 50% of Portis’s lost salary.</p> <p>That figure doesn’t come off Portis’s cap hit or the standard team salary. However, when it comes time to calculate Milwaukee’s tax bill at the end of the season, their total taxed salary will be reduced by that amount.</p> <p>Before the suspension, the Bucks had an open roster spot. It’s unclear what Milwaukee’s exact plans were with that spot, but it’s important to note that two-way player <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rolliry01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ryan Rollins</a></strong> has carved out a role for himself. Milwaukee would also be able to move Portis to the suspended list and sign an additional replacement player after he has been out for five games. Theoretically, the Bucks could fill their existing open roster spot <em>and</em> sign a replacement player.</p> <p>In 46 games this season, Portis is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. With his production out from the lineup for the next 25 games, the team could lean on deeper reserve bigs like <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simsje01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jericho Sims</a></strong> and/or <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithty02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Smith</a></strong>.</p> <p>We have more on the Bucks::</p> <ul> <li>Injury luck will play a big part in whether Milwaukee can elevate itself from merely a playoff team to a true contender, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6142746/2025/02/20/bucks-biggest-questions-health-rotations/">Eric Nehm of The Athletic writes</a>. The Bucks are outside the top 10 in both offensive and defensive ratings, which are typical indicators of contention status. If stars <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Damian Lillard</a></strong> are able to stay healthy for the rest of the season and into the playoffs after dealing with injuries during the 2024 postseason, Milwaukee could reach its potential, Nehm writes.</li> <li>The Bucks are in danger of not having home court advantage in the playoffs for the first time since 2018, when <strong>Joe Prunty</strong> was head coach. As Nehm writes in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6142746/2025/02/20/bucks-biggest-questions-health-rotations/">same piece</a>, the Bucks are a game behind the Pacers for fourth in the East, potentially setting up a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series.</li> <li>Even with Portis out, the Bucks have no shortage of depth options, leading to questions about the rotation, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6142746/2025/02/20/bucks-biggest-questions-health-rotations/">per Nehm</a>. Outside of starters Antetkounmpo, Lillard, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksan01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andre Jackson Jr.</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lopezbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brook Lopez</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a></strong>, Milwaukee has five players vying for four rotation slots. <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/princta02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Taurean Prince</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/trentga02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gary Trent Jr.</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenaj01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">A.J. Green</a></strong> seem certain to play regular minutes, leaving coach <strong>Doc Rivers</strong> to decide on whether Rollins or <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porteke02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kevin Porter Jr.</a></strong> will be the ninth man.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fbucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html&text=Bucks+Notes%3A+Portis%2C+Injuries%2C+Playoffs%2C+Rotation" title="Retweet 'Bucks Notes: Portis, Injuries, Playoffs, Rotation' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fbucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Bucks Notes: Portis, Injuries, Playoffs, Rotation' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421312); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Bucks Notes: Portis, Injuries, Playoffs, Rotation with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bucks-notes-portis-injuries-playoffs-rotation.html#comments">6 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/milwaukee-bucks" title="View all posts in Milwaukee Bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/bobby-portis" title="View all posts in Bobby Portis">Bobby Portis</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/jericho-sims" title="View all posts in Jericho Sims">Jericho Sims</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/kevin-porter" title="View all posts in Kevin Porter">Kevin Porter</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/ryan-rollins" title="View all posts in Ryan Rollins">Ryan Rollins</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/tyler-smith" title="View all posts in Tyler Smith">Tyler Smith</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421302" class="post-list post-421302 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-chicago-bulls tag-patrick-williams"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html">Bulls’ Patrick Williams Out At Least Two Weeks With Knee Injury</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 4:02pm CST</span> by Rory Maher </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>Fifth-year forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willipa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Patrick Williams</a></strong> recently received a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat a right knee injury the <strong>Bulls</strong> describe as tendinosis. He’ll miss at least two weeks, which is when he’ll be reevaluated, per the team (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/chicagobulls/status/1892638566867431930">Twitter link</a>).</p> <p>Williams was initially <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bulls-notes-ball-tanking-roster-keepers-williams.html">ruled out</a> for Thursday’s game at New York with what the Bulls called right quadriceps tendon soreness. He banged knees with a Pistons player on February 12, but was able to go through practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.</p> <p>According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/1892640329246937138">Twitter link</a>), Williams threw a towel in frustration during a timeout after experiencing the injury last week, but both he and head coach <strong>Billy Donovan</strong> downplayed the severity of the issue after the game. At the time, Williams said the knee-to-knee contact aggravated the sore tendon, but X-rays came back normal.</p> <p>It’s been a tough season on an individual level for Williams, who is averaging career-worst rates on both two-pointers (40.0%) and threes (35.1%) for an overall field goal percentage of 37.5%. The 23-year-old, who was selected No. 4 overall in 2020, missed 10 games earlier this season, and will now miss at least eight more over the next couple of weeks.</p> <p>With Williams out, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/buzelma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Matas Buzelis</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/huertke01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kevin Huerter</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/phillju01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Julian Phillips</a></strong> are among the candidates to receive more playing time.</p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fbulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html&text=Bulls%E2%80%99+Patrick+Williams+Out+At+Least+Two+Weeks+With+Knee..." title="Retweet 'Bulls’ Patrick Williams Out At Least Two Weeks With Knee Injury' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share .fvshnm','https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fbulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html'); return false" href="#" title="Share 'Bulls’ Patrick Williams Out At Least Two Weeks With Knee Injury' on Facebook"><span>Share</span></a> <span class="fvshnm">0</span></span> <span class="fvemail"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="prettysocial_email(421302); location.href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html/email'; return false" href="#" title="Send Bulls’ Patrick Williams Out At Least Two Weeks With Knee Injury with an email"><span>Send via email</span></a><span class="emailnumber">0</span></span><div class='fv_sharing_clear'></div> </div> </div> <div class="post-ft"> <div class="post-like"> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <ul class="post-meta-list"> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html">Full Story</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/bulls-patrick-williams-out-at-least-two-weeks-with-knee-injury.html#comments">11 Comments</a></li> </ul> <ul class="category-meta"> <li class="no-sep">Categories:</li><li class="first_cat"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/chicago-bulls" title="View all posts in Chicago Bulls">Chicago Bulls</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/players/patrick-williams" title="View all posts in Patrick Williams">Patrick Williams</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> <article id="post-421229" class="post-list post-421229 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-charlotte-hornets category-los-angeles-lakers category-newsstand tag-jarred-vanderbilt tag-lamelo-ball tag-lebron-james tag-luka-doncic tag-mark-williams"> <div class="post-hd"> <div class="post-heading"> <h2 class="hdg hdg_h1 hdg_mainColor"><a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/agent-lakers-shouldnt-have-failed-mark-williams-physical.html">Agent: Lakers Shouldn’t Have Failed Mark Williams’ Physical</a></h2> </div> <div class="post-author"> <span>February 20th, 2025 at 3:25pm CST</span> by Rory Maher </div> </div> <div class="post-bd"> <div class="userContent"> <p>In a statement released via Excel Sports Management (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/excelbasketball/status/1892622760691523612">Twitter link</a>), agent <strong>Jeff Schwartz</strong> pushed back on the <strong>Lakers</strong>‘ decision to fail his client’s physical.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-421305" src="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-900x1350.jpg 900w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cdn.hoopsrumors.com/files/2025/02/Mark-Williams-vert-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />The Lakers agreed to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/lakers-to-trade-dalton-knecht-to-hornets-for-mark-williams.html">trade</a> <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/knechda01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dalton Knecht</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reddica01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cam Reddish</a></strong>, their unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the <strong>Hornets</strong> for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willima07.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mark Williams</a></strong>, but later <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/mark-williams-trade-to-lakers-rescinded.html">voided</a> the trade over “multiple issues” with Williams’ physical.</p> <p>“<em>The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed <strong><strong>Mark Williams</strong></strong> on his physical. </em></p> <p>“<em>Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity</em>,” Schwartz said.</p> <p>In his first game back with the Hornets following the nixed trade, Williams recorded 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists on Wednesday in a three-point victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles. After the game, he suggested the Lakers may have had buyer’s remorse over all the assets they gave up to acquire him, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/hornets-mark-williams-questions-lakers-reason-rescinded-trade">Mark Medina of Sportskeeda</a>.</p> <p>“<em>I don’t know for them, if it was what they gave up or went into that reasoning. But I don’t think it was solely because of my physical</em>,” Williams said. “<em>I’ve been playing all year. And I think my minutes and production on the court speak for itself</em>.”</p> <p>As Medina notes, Williams missed the majority of last season with a back injury as well as the first 20 games of 2024/25 due to a left foot injury, but he has bounced back by posting some of the best numbers of his career this season, averaging 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in 24 appearances (25.2 minutes). The 23-year-old called the past few weeks “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/mark-williams-discusses-rescinded-lakers-trade.html">crazy</a>” and “tough,” but he’s happy to be back with the Hornets.</p> <p>“<em>Obviously the last two weeks have been national attention. It’s not really something that happens very often</em>,” Williams said. “<em>So I think just the rest of the way being able to show the player that I am, I feel like I’ve been doing that all year and I’ll just try to continue to do that</em>.”</p> <p>Williams (return to competition reconditioning) and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/ballla01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LaMelo Ball</a></strong> (right ankle injury management) are among several Hornets who will be sidelined for Thursday’s back-to-back against Denver, the team announced (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/HornetsPR/status/1892665641414352934">via Twitter</a>).</p> <p>For the Lakers, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luka Doncic</a></strong> (left calf injury management) and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vandeja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jarred Vanderbilt</a></strong> (right foot surgery management) will be sidelined for tonight’s back-to-back in Portland, while <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-02-20_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LeBron James</a></strong> (left foot injury management) is questionable (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/khobi_price/status/1892681089614807491">Twitter link</a> via Khobi Price of The Southern California News Group). According to NBA insider Marc Stein (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1892680795174670417">Twitter link</a>), the Lakers are “pleased” with Doncic’s recovery progress and are confident he’ll soon be able to play both ends of back-to-backs.</p> </div> </div> <div class="fv-sharing"> <div class='fv_sharing_round'> <span class="fvretweet"><a class="image" target="_blank" onclick="pretty_social_increase_number('.fvretweet .twnumber');" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2025%2F02%2Fagent-lakers-shouldnt-have-failed-mark-williams-physical.html&text=Agent%3A+Lakers+Shouldn%E2%80%99t+Have+Failed+Mark+Williams%E2%80%99..." title="Retweet 'Agent: Lakers Shouldn’t Have Failed Mark Williams’ Physical' on Twitter"><span>Retweet</span></a> <span class="twnumber">0</span></span> <span class="fvfacebook_share"><a onclick="fvfacebook_share_local('.fvfacebook_share 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