**Official NBA Offseason... Big Names switch teams, Kawhi/P13 to LAC...wtf Westbrook and CP3 traded
- Thread starter Mask
- Start date
As the most sought-after basketball player in the world after leading Toronto to its first NBA championship, Leonard is no longer the teenager who never received scholarship offers from blue-blood colleges. Times have changed, but everything about Leonard’s quiet handling of free agency has felt familiar for Hutson, one of only a few people in the world who knows what it is like to recruit, and land, Leonard. The major influences on Leonard — his mother, Kim Robertson, and uncle, Dennis Robertson — are the same now as they were in high school. “He’s going to make [his decision] on his own terms, his own time,” Hutson said. “He’s going to talk to the people important to him about it. He’s not going to be out leaking every little bit or have an announcement.”
– via Los Angeles Times
Kawhi Leonard’s recruitment was a slow process like his free-agency decision
Andrew Greif
Kawhi Leonard was a second-team All-American as a sophomore at San Diego State, which he led to the Sweet 16 in 2011. (Harry How / TNS)
As a star 6-foot-6 forward at Riverside King High in 2008, Kawhi Leonardpossessed skillet-sized hands, a 7-foot wingspan and a steely demeanor.
He also had a cellphone. He just never answered it.
That meant that on several occasions a young college assistant coach named Justin Hutson departed from San Diego State’s campus and drove to Riverside without knowing whether the recruit would even be there once he arrived. Hutson, now the head coach at Fresno State, eventually learned he could triangulate Leonard’s location by calling King’s basketball coach, security guard and counselor.
Hutson quickly realized that Leonard was unlike any other recruit he’d pursued, and not only because of his physical gifts. Leonard would be recruited on his terms.
“He was just trying to mind his own business, play basketball,” Hutson said, “and be around the people he wants to be around.”
Eleven years after his last recruitment, Leonard has caused three teams, and NBA fans in at least two countries, to go to unusual lengths to get a read on a star who is as private off the court as he is explosive on it.
While dozens of NBA players quickly agreed to deals as soon as free agency opened Sunday, Leonard’s decision is now on its fifth day. While details about other players’ leanings quickly leaked, Leonard’s preferred destination — Raptors? Clippers? Lakers? — has been shrouded in utter silence, with teams keeping quiet so as to hold true to the reserved sensibilities of Leonard.
Justin Hutson, now the coach at Fresno State, successfully recruited Kawhi Leonard to San Diego State. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images)
As the most sought-after basketball player in the world after leading Toronto to its first NBA championship, Leonard is no longer the teenager who never received scholarship offers from blue-blood colleges. Times have changed, but everything about Leonard’s quiet handling of free agency has felt familiar for Hutson, one of only a few people in the world who knows what it is like to recruit, and land, Leonard.
The major influences on Leonard — his mother, Kim Robertson, and uncle, Dennis Robertson — are the same now as they were in high school.
“He’s going to make [his decision] on his own terms, his own time,” Hutson said. “He’s going to talk to the people important to him about it. He’s not going to be out leaking every little bit or have an announcement.”
Hutson first saw Leonard during his junior year of high school, not long after he transferred to King from Canyon Springs High in his hometown of Moreno Valley. San Diego State was worried schools with bigger profiles would eventually spot him during the summer club circuit. But Hutson found Leonard to be unusually serious about basketball and loyal to those who treated his game the same.
Leonard committed during the fall of his senior season with Hutson believing the persistence of the Aztec coaches earned his respect. Except for Leonard’s official visit, Hutson doesn’t remember Leonard ever visiting San Diego State’s campus before he arrived for his freshman year. Coaches came to him — once they tracked him down. “Once I figured out it wasn’t personal he wasn’t picking up, I just had to go see him,” Hutson said. “I think he wasn’t picking up for a lot of people.
“It was a fun recruitment, but he didn’t talk a whole lot. It wasn’t hard having a conversation with him at all if you were one-on-one with him. He wasn’t going to waste words. I think there are people trying to see that now, that he does have a personality. He has a really good personality. He’s just not going to volunteer it.”
Hutson is as intrigued as anyone else about Leonard’s choice between the Raptors, Lakers and Clippers.
“I’m excited, I want to know what happens,” he said. “But I’m not going to ask him.”
He knows better. Leonard probably wouldn’t pick up, anyway.
Kawhi Leonard rose to stardom at Martin Luther King High in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
1 / 18
– via Los Angeles Times
Kawhi Leonard’s recruitment was a slow process like his free-agency decision
Andrew Greif
Kawhi Leonard was a second-team All-American as a sophomore at San Diego State, which he led to the Sweet 16 in 2011. (Harry How / TNS)
As a star 6-foot-6 forward at Riverside King High in 2008, Kawhi Leonardpossessed skillet-sized hands, a 7-foot wingspan and a steely demeanor.
He also had a cellphone. He just never answered it.
That meant that on several occasions a young college assistant coach named Justin Hutson departed from San Diego State’s campus and drove to Riverside without knowing whether the recruit would even be there once he arrived. Hutson, now the head coach at Fresno State, eventually learned he could triangulate Leonard’s location by calling King’s basketball coach, security guard and counselor.
Hutson quickly realized that Leonard was unlike any other recruit he’d pursued, and not only because of his physical gifts. Leonard would be recruited on his terms.
“He was just trying to mind his own business, play basketball,” Hutson said, “and be around the people he wants to be around.”
Eleven years after his last recruitment, Leonard has caused three teams, and NBA fans in at least two countries, to go to unusual lengths to get a read on a star who is as private off the court as he is explosive on it.
While dozens of NBA players quickly agreed to deals as soon as free agency opened Sunday, Leonard’s decision is now on its fifth day. While details about other players’ leanings quickly leaked, Leonard’s preferred destination — Raptors? Clippers? Lakers? — has been shrouded in utter silence, with teams keeping quiet so as to hold true to the reserved sensibilities of Leonard.
Justin Hutson, now the coach at Fresno State, successfully recruited Kawhi Leonard to San Diego State. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images)
As the most sought-after basketball player in the world after leading Toronto to its first NBA championship, Leonard is no longer the teenager who never received scholarship offers from blue-blood colleges. Times have changed, but everything about Leonard’s quiet handling of free agency has felt familiar for Hutson, one of only a few people in the world who knows what it is like to recruit, and land, Leonard.
The major influences on Leonard — his mother, Kim Robertson, and uncle, Dennis Robertson — are the same now as they were in high school.
“He’s going to make [his decision] on his own terms, his own time,” Hutson said. “He’s going to talk to the people important to him about it. He’s not going to be out leaking every little bit or have an announcement.”
Hutson first saw Leonard during his junior year of high school, not long after he transferred to King from Canyon Springs High in his hometown of Moreno Valley. San Diego State was worried schools with bigger profiles would eventually spot him during the summer club circuit. But Hutson found Leonard to be unusually serious about basketball and loyal to those who treated his game the same.
Leonard committed during the fall of his senior season with Hutson believing the persistence of the Aztec coaches earned his respect. Except for Leonard’s official visit, Hutson doesn’t remember Leonard ever visiting San Diego State’s campus before he arrived for his freshman year. Coaches came to him — once they tracked him down. “Once I figured out it wasn’t personal he wasn’t picking up, I just had to go see him,” Hutson said. “I think he wasn’t picking up for a lot of people.
“It was a fun recruitment, but he didn’t talk a whole lot. It wasn’t hard having a conversation with him at all if you were one-on-one with him. He wasn’t going to waste words. I think there are people trying to see that now, that he does have a personality. He has a really good personality. He’s just not going to volunteer it.”
Hutson is as intrigued as anyone else about Leonard’s choice between the Raptors, Lakers and Clippers.
“I’m excited, I want to know what happens,” he said. “But I’m not going to ask him.”
He knows better. Leonard probably wouldn’t pick up, anyway.
Kawhi Leonard rose to stardom at Martin Luther King High in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
1 / 18
Woj: Kyle Korver likely to get bought out, Lakers interested
Erik García Gundersen
3 hours ago
While Andre Iguodala looks like he will be with the Memphis Grizzlies until they can find a trade for him, the Grizzlies already shipped another potential Laker to the Phoenix Suns. However, it looks like sharpshooting veteran Kyle Korver will be on the waiver market soon enough.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that the Suns plan to buy out Korver’s partially guaranteed deal and that the 38 year old will draw interest from the Lakers, as well as championship contenders Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
It appears Suns executive James Jones is doing LeBron James and the Lakers another favor by buying out a potential rotation piece for seemingly no reason, as he did last fall with Tyson Chandler.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who have retrofitted their roster around Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, will also likely have interest in one of the greatest 3-point shooters of all time.
Korver was a monster alongside LeBron James during their last season in Cleveland together, shooting 43% on 3-pointers and being a reliable 4th quarter scorer for them throughout the season.
The biggest concern with Korver at this stage of his career is his ability to stay on the floor due to nagging injuries. He can probably only play about 20 minutes per game but those 20 minutes will be highly valuable to anybody who is lucky to land him.
Erik García Gundersen
While Andre Iguodala looks like he will be with the Memphis Grizzlies until they can find a trade for him, the Grizzlies already shipped another potential Laker to the Phoenix Suns. However, it looks like sharpshooting veteran Kyle Korver will be on the waiver market soon enough.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that the Suns plan to buy out Korver’s partially guaranteed deal and that the 38 year old will draw interest from the Lakers, as well as championship contenders Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
It appears Suns executive James Jones is doing LeBron James and the Lakers another favor by buying out a potential rotation piece for seemingly no reason, as he did last fall with Tyson Chandler.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who have retrofitted their roster around Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, will also likely have interest in one of the greatest 3-point shooters of all time.
Korver was a monster alongside LeBron James during their last season in Cleveland together, shooting 43% on 3-pointers and being a reliable 4th quarter scorer for them throughout the season.
The biggest concern with Korver at this stage of his career is his ability to stay on the floor due to nagging injuries. He can probably only play about 20 minutes per game but those 20 minutes will be highly valuable to anybody who is lucky to land him.
LeBron speaks on his iconic Nike banner coming down in Cleveland last summer
Brendan Bowers
20 hours ago
Last summer, Northeast Ohio watched as the Nike banner featuring LeBron James came tumbling down off the Sherwin Williams building in downtown Cleveland. After announcing his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, Nike decided it was time to remove the iconic banner that offered an image of James with his arms raised toward his former kingdom. This weekend, ESPN looked back at that moment on Instagram and LeBron responded.
SportsCenter’s Instagram account posted a picture of the half-removed LeBron banner with the caption, “One year ago, LeBron’s banner was taken down in Cleveland.” Shortly after, James offered the following reply.
“Billboards and banners (unless it’s a championship banner) come and go,” LeBron wrote. “But how you made them feel while it was up will live on forever!”
As a lifelong Clevelander, it’s hard to argue with LeBron’s response. The way the city felt during that 2016 NBA Finals run is something that can never be taken away. No matter how many banners or billboards come down, that moment will never escape the memory of Cleveland fans. It was LeBron James along with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and the rest of the Cavaliers who created that moment, and it will most certainly live on forever.
Brendan Bowers
20 hours ago
Last summer, Northeast Ohio watched as the Nike banner featuring LeBron James came tumbling down off the Sherwin Williams building in downtown Cleveland. After announcing his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, Nike decided it was time to remove the iconic banner that offered an image of James with his arms raised toward his former kingdom. This weekend, ESPN looked back at that moment on Instagram and LeBron responded.
SportsCenter’s Instagram account posted a picture of the half-removed LeBron banner with the caption, “One year ago, LeBron’s banner was taken down in Cleveland.” Shortly after, James offered the following reply.
“Billboards and banners (unless it’s a championship banner) come and go,” LeBron wrote. “But how you made them feel while it was up will live on forever!”
As a lifelong Clevelander, it’s hard to argue with LeBron’s response. The way the city felt during that 2016 NBA Finals run is something that can never be taken away. No matter how many banners or billboards come down, that moment will never escape the memory of Cleveland fans. It was LeBron James along with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and the rest of the Cavaliers who created that moment, and it will most certainly live on forever.
Daryl Macon trying to make the most of his fortuitous route to the NBA
Dwain Price / July 5, 2019
LAS VEGAS – Since Daryl Macon has been-here-done-that in terms of playing in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, it’s easy to see why he has been called upon to be the leader of the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league squad.
The move affords Macon an opportunity to step forth and showcase his talents.
“I’m mainly just learning how to be a leader,” Macon said. “I’ve never been one before, so I’m learning.”
Macon will put his leadership skills to action on Friday at 6 p.m. CT when the Mavs open summer league play against the Brooklyn Nets at Cox Pavilion.
So, what exactly does the Mavs want to see from Macon?
“They want to see me playing both ends of the floor, showing a lot of leadership since I’ve been here before, (and) showing the other guys the way they have to communicate,” Macon said. “That’s the main thing.”
In a way, Macon comes from the school of hard knocks. A product of Parkview High School in Little Rock, Ark., the 6-3 point guard was a junior college All-American after he averaged 23 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a freshman at Holmes Community College.
After transferring to Arkansas, Macon led the Southeastern Conference in 3-point shooting at a gaudy 43.8 percent. He also averaged 17.1 points and four assists during his senior season with the Razorbacks.
Despite all of that, Macon wasn’t drafted in the 2018 NBA Draft and actually played on the Miami Heat’s summer league team last summer before inking a two-way contract with the Mavs last July 28.
Macon only played eight games with the Mavs last year when he averaged 3.6 points in only 11.2 minutes. He spent the bulk of last season with the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, where he led them in scoring with 19 points in 41 games in 34.5 minutes per contest.
“I actually got a chance to take what I learned (with the Legends) and I got a chance to put it on display (with the Mavs),” Macon said. “It was a great opportunity and I had fun with it.”
That fortuitous route to the NBA wasn’t exactly what Macon had in mind when he left Arkansas. But he now knows the value of hard work, and the eventual payoff that comes with it.
“I learned how to work had last year,” Macon said. “I can come in and tell (my summer league teammates) from their experience, what to do and how everything goes.
“I’ve been getting a lot of hard work in. We’ve been learning. Everybody is coming together. I’m just trying to create that bond (between the players).”
A very confident player, Macon doesn’t let the fact that he’s on a two-way contract affect him mentally. Still, he would rather have some additional security on his resume.
“It’s still a game and it’s a grid,” Macon said. “I’m not satisfied with it. I want more.
“So, I just come in here and try to get better every day, and I’m just trying to find my spot in here.”
The summer league is primarily for players entering their first or second year in the NBA. That means Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson – they both just finished their rookie season – were eligible to play on this year’s summer league team for the Mavs.
But with Doncic being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, and Brunson having a very strong finishing kick during the second half of last season, the Mavs saw no need to have them play summer league basketball.
“They had a long season,” Macon said. “I wasn’t expecting them to play (this summer), but it’s another opportunity to us.
“I’m proud of those guys and what they did. It’s opening the door for us.”
Expectations are indeed high for Macon this summer. As far as the Mavs are concern?
“We might not be the most talented team,” Macon said. “But I think we’ll be the most-hardest playing team.”
Spoken like a true leader.
Dwain Price / July 5, 2019
LAS VEGAS – Since Daryl Macon has been-here-done-that in terms of playing in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, it’s easy to see why he has been called upon to be the leader of the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league squad.
The move affords Macon an opportunity to step forth and showcase his talents.
“I’m mainly just learning how to be a leader,” Macon said. “I’ve never been one before, so I’m learning.”
Macon will put his leadership skills to action on Friday at 6 p.m. CT when the Mavs open summer league play against the Brooklyn Nets at Cox Pavilion.
So, what exactly does the Mavs want to see from Macon?
“They want to see me playing both ends of the floor, showing a lot of leadership since I’ve been here before, (and) showing the other guys the way they have to communicate,” Macon said. “That’s the main thing.”
In a way, Macon comes from the school of hard knocks. A product of Parkview High School in Little Rock, Ark., the 6-3 point guard was a junior college All-American after he averaged 23 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a freshman at Holmes Community College.
After transferring to Arkansas, Macon led the Southeastern Conference in 3-point shooting at a gaudy 43.8 percent. He also averaged 17.1 points and four assists during his senior season with the Razorbacks.
Despite all of that, Macon wasn’t drafted in the 2018 NBA Draft and actually played on the Miami Heat’s summer league team last summer before inking a two-way contract with the Mavs last July 28.
Macon only played eight games with the Mavs last year when he averaged 3.6 points in only 11.2 minutes. He spent the bulk of last season with the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, where he led them in scoring with 19 points in 41 games in 34.5 minutes per contest.
“I actually got a chance to take what I learned (with the Legends) and I got a chance to put it on display (with the Mavs),” Macon said. “It was a great opportunity and I had fun with it.”
That fortuitous route to the NBA wasn’t exactly what Macon had in mind when he left Arkansas. But he now knows the value of hard work, and the eventual payoff that comes with it.
“I learned how to work had last year,” Macon said. “I can come in and tell (my summer league teammates) from their experience, what to do and how everything goes.
“I’ve been getting a lot of hard work in. We’ve been learning. Everybody is coming together. I’m just trying to create that bond (between the players).”
A very confident player, Macon doesn’t let the fact that he’s on a two-way contract affect him mentally. Still, he would rather have some additional security on his resume.
“It’s still a game and it’s a grid,” Macon said. “I’m not satisfied with it. I want more.
“So, I just come in here and try to get better every day, and I’m just trying to find my spot in here.”
The summer league is primarily for players entering their first or second year in the NBA. That means Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson – they both just finished their rookie season – were eligible to play on this year’s summer league team for the Mavs.
But with Doncic being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, and Brunson having a very strong finishing kick during the second half of last season, the Mavs saw no need to have them play summer league basketball.
“They had a long season,” Macon said. “I wasn’t expecting them to play (this summer), but it’s another opportunity to us.
“I’m proud of those guys and what they did. It’s opening the door for us.”
Expectations are indeed high for Macon this summer. As far as the Mavs are concern?
“We might not be the most talented team,” Macon said. “But I think we’ll be the most-hardest playing team.”
Spoken like a true leader.
Elfrid Payton: 'I feel we embody what New York basketball was about back in the day'
Alex KennedyJuly 4, 2019
Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, this offseason hasn’t gone exactly as planned. They failed to win the Zion Williamson sweepstakes and missed on big-name free agents including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who signed with the Knicks’ crosstown rivals (adding insult to injury).
The Knicks ended up pivoting to their back-up plan and signing low-risk, high-reward contributors with something to prove like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock and Taj Gibson.
HoopsHype talked to the latter about his free-agency experience, his decision to sign with the Knicks, his message for flustered New York fans, how he can build off last year’s success and more.
You and I talked as free agency was getting underway and I know you were hearing from a lot of teams. What was going through your head over the weekend?
Elfrid Payton: I was excited, man. I had a good number of options this year, so I was really excited. It was a little bit different from last year when I didn’t have as many [teams reaching out]. At first, I’m thinking, “Man, this is great! I have so many possibilities to choose from!” But it definitely made the decision a little bit harder initially because there were so many options and I was trying to pinpoint the best fit and the best situation for me.
Last year, I think the best thing that happened to me was that I went to the team that was the best fit for my game – the Pelicans – and I think that’s why I was able to play the way I played. I wanted to do the same thing this year and make sure I found the best situation for me. So I was excited, but it was tougher because I had to think through the different options to find the best fit.
What were the main factors that you were considering as you made your decision and why did you ultimately pick New York over the other interested teams?
EP: Playing time was a factor and it depended on the deal. I obviously don’t mind playing on a one-year deal – I did it last year and I feel like I did just fine – but when you’re in a situation where you’re on a one-year deal, you have to be able to play to showcase what you can do. If you’re on a one-year deal and you don’t play, then your hands are kind of tied, you feel me? I also looked at the coaching and playing style. Does the team like to run and get up-and-done the floor? Are there other guys who care about defense? What’s the system that they’re trying to run? Then, lastly, it’s just the overall roster and fit; do the players on that team kind of complement what I do? When I was going through the whole roster and talking to Julius [Randle], who played a big part in this, I just felt like it was a good fit.
You and Julius played well together in New Orleans too. Why do you think you guys work so well together and are you excited to team up with him again?
EP: Yeah, I’m excited to play with Julius again. I had always liked Julius from afar and really respected his game. But last year, being up close with him and being in the situation we were in last year – where we were going through all of the injuries and tough stuff and still having to produce – I got a chance to see what he does when his back is against the wall and he came through in a big way. I gained a lot of respect for him. He’s a dog. I respect anybody who’s a dog in this league. I can say the same thing about Bobby Portis. I’ve never been in war with Bobby, but I can see how he gets down, so to speak. He’s a dog. Taj Gibson? He’s a dog. When I saw those signings, [coming to the Knicks] was almost a no-brainer.
It certainly seems like New York targeted you guys because you’re all dogs who play with a lot of intensity and an us-against-the-world mentality. Do you think that was intentional and did they talk to you guys about that?
EP: That’s definitely what they were echoing in the meetings we had and when we all sat down together. That’s exactly what they were echoing.
Last season, you averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and emerged as a nightly triple-double threat. You had five-straight triple-doubles at one point, joining Michel Jordan and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to do that. How can you build off of last year’s success and get to the point where you can perform at that level even more consistently?
EP: Making sure my conditioning is at an all-time high is important. That’s one of the biggest things that I did last summer. I feel like I’ve always been in good shape, but last year I made sure I was in great shape. I think that’s the biggest thing for me because then I’m able to have that same energy night in and night out. That’s definitely something I’m going to continue to work on. Other than that, I think a lot of it is just going out there and playing with a lot of confidence. I feel like I always [enter games] with a lot of confidence, but I need to be able to keep that confidence no matter what happens. I can do this every single night. And in the right situation, I think I’ll prove that.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
You mentioned that you like how all of the pieces fit together, and this is a nice mix of young guys and veterans too. How much potential does this team have?
EP: I think we can be really good. Obviously we’ve got young pieces like RJ Barrettand Kevin Knox – guys who are up-and-comers. Then, you have younger veteran-types like me and Julius and Reggie. Then, you throw Taj in the mix, who’s a real vet and seen so much and been deep in the playoffs. It’s a good mix of guys and I think we have a chance to be something special.
What message would you give to Knicks fans who are upset right now after missing out on the big-name free agents?
EP: Just sit back and watch, man. They’ll grow to love this group of guys. It’s totally natural to feel some type of way when you miss out on guys like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but I think they’re going to grow to love this group. I feel we embody what New York basketball was about back in the day – just being grimy, tough guys who play with a chip on their shoulder and have something to prove.
You’ve played in small markets – Orlando and New Orleans – and now you’re going to playing on basketball’s biggest stage in Madison Square Garden. This is a little bit new for you; what are your thoughts on that?
EP: I think it’s a great opportunity for people to see who I really am as a player. I think a lot of people would just hear about me from a distance; they’d hear that I had a triple-double every now and then or they only knew me because of my hair (laughs). I think people are really going to get a chance to see what my game is all about and how I’ve evolved each year. It’s exciting! It’s the Mecca of Basketball!
Last year, you shot 31.4 percent from three-point range and you were knocking down 0.8 threes per game, which was a career-high. I feel like fans know about your passing, rebounding and defense, but they’re curious about how your shot is developing. How is your shot coming along and is that something you’re going to work on over the summer?
EP: Yeah, it’s something that I’ve been continuously working on, something that I’m continuing to get better at. I’ve seen progress in my shot and anyone who has watched my game has noticed the progress. I feel like it’s coming along. It’s something that I’ve tried to work on each and every year. I’m getting more and more confident and I’m shooting the ball more. And I feel like it’s only going to continue to get better. I have a coach [who believes in me]. Coach Alvin [Gentry] last year was confident in me shooting those shots and I feel like Coach [David] Fizdale will be the same way. My teammates encourage me to shoot too. It’s getting better and it’s only going to continue getting better, so I’m excited about it.
What are your thoughts on RJ Barrett? He has so much potential and it’s looking like he could become a star in this league for a long time. What do you think of his game and upside?
EP: I’m excited to see what he can do. I don’t get to watch many college games throughout the season, so it’s really tough for me to pinpoint his game and stuff like that. But from what I’m hearing, he’s very athletic and he’s a great competitor. Anytime you have someone like that who isn’t scared of anybody, who is never going to back down from someone, that always helps you on the floor. I’m excited to get in the gym with him and learn about his game and vice versa. I think when we’re out there playing, we can bring the best out of each other.
What do you think of Dennis Smith Jr. and how you guys could potentially play together or complement one another? And how much do you think you can help each other grow?
EP: I feel like good players can always figure it out. As far as I know, he has a good basketball IQ, so I think we can make it work. I’m sure he’ll be picking my brain just as much as I’ll be picking his brain, and we’ll try to figure out how to make it work. I do think he can play off-the-ball a little bit and I feel like I can play off-the-ball a bit too, especially now that I feel I’m shooting the ball better. He’s young and athletic and gets out to run and he plays good defense. I can see [us playing together]. I don’t really know the plan or how they want to do it, but in today’s game, you can definitely have two point guards out there at the same time. That’s just how the game is evolving. You need people who make plays and be able to guard multiple positions; I think he can do that and I know I can do that, so I’m excited to get in the gym with him.
I know he’s going to push me just like I’m going to push him and we’re going to get the best out of each other to help this team ultimately make the playoffs because that’s the goal. I’m excited. I feel like we have a lot of talent at every position. I think we are way deeper than people think. We have players at every position who are going to compete. People are forgetting about Mitchell Robinson too. He’s going to be in the back, blocking everything. I’m excited! I know I keep saying it, but I’m excited.
In New York, the fans and media demand a lot. If you have a bad game, there’s going to be a lot of criticism. As I mentioned, this will be your first time playing in a big market and experiencing all of that. Are you bracing yourself for that and preparing to live in a fishbowl?
EP: I feel like I’m ready for it. I have an AAU team and I try to be a big brother, a mentor, to a lot of little kids – especially in [my hometown] New Orleans. I always tell my young guys, “As soon as you figure out that the media are just regular people who are doing their job, it is easy to deal with them.” Sometimes you know what they’re trying to get – whether it’s good or bad – but you just have to take it all in stride. At the end of the day, they’re just doing their job. You may not like what they have to say, but it’s their job. And I’ve never been the kind of player who reads about himself anyway, so I don’t think it’s going to affect me. I’ll try to do my best to protect my family and tell them to take everything with a grain of salt. But I don’t read it anyway, so I think I’ll be fine.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, you had a front-row seat to the Anthony Davis drama and I know that can be difficult for a team to go through. Not only are you constantly being asked about it, but it’s natural for players to look over their shoulder and wonder if they might also be traded in some kind of blockbuster deal. What was it like having all of that drama and uncertainty around the Pelicans last season?
EP: I feel like for all of us, to a certain extent, it wasn’t as bad as the media was making it seem. AD had already told us all that there was a possibility that something might happen, so it wasn’t a shock to us. We already knew. Then, the media took it and ran with it and made it bigger than it really was. They’d ask a bunch of questions, which kind of got aggravating. But, again, I just tried to remember, “They’re just doing their job.” For us, I felt like it wasn’t that big of a deal since he had told us that he may get traded.
As for the fear that you may get traded along with him, you’re definitely going to think about that a little bit. But at the end of the day, you have to realize that you can only control what you can control. You have no real say-so in something like that if it’s going to happen. You try not to think about it, but it’s tough, especially when you’re a guy who’s on an expiring contract and things like that. It may go through your head at times, but you can’t really control that.
The only thing that was crazy was how they were like, “He needs to play in this game, but then he can miss the next game. And, when he does play, he’s only going to play 20 minutes…” That was the wildest thing for me and it’s what aggravated me the most about the entire situation. This is probably my first time saying this, but having him play some games and then miss some games and then only play 20 minutes in some games, that was hard. It’s hard to find a rhythm. And this is his job, something that he loves to do, and you’re taking it away from him. To me, it was almost like they were just teasing the guy by putting him out there for 20 minutes and then pulling him. That was the weirdest thing about the situation. I understand trying to protect your asset, but I feel like they should’ve just been able to sit him down for the whole time. You might as well play him for real or don’t play him at all, you know? I know the NBA got involved too. But that was the only thing that was aggravating because it was hard to get into a rhythm. It was hard for him and the players who were playing behind him. They were like, “Oh, I’m starting tonight?! Wait, no, I’m not starting tonight.” It was just weird.
Even though New York didn’t sign a superstar this summer, the Knicks are always going to be a franchise that pursues big-name free agents. Now that the dust is settling a bit, we’re starting to learn that Spencer Dinwiddie and others played a big role in recruiting Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn. Would you be willing to help the Knicks recruit star players?
EP: For sure! I definitely would, especially if I feel like they could help us. I’m all about winning. However they want to do it – if they feel like [pursuing stars] is the best way – I’m with it. I’m all about helping the team, so if they want me recruit anyone, I’m for sure down. One hundred percent.
Alex KennedyJuly 4, 2019
Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, this offseason hasn’t gone exactly as planned. They failed to win the Zion Williamson sweepstakes and missed on big-name free agents including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who signed with the Knicks’ crosstown rivals (adding insult to injury).
The Knicks ended up pivoting to their back-up plan and signing low-risk, high-reward contributors with something to prove like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock and Taj Gibson.
HoopsHype talked to the latter about his free-agency experience, his decision to sign with the Knicks, his message for flustered New York fans, how he can build off last year’s success and more.
You and I talked as free agency was getting underway and I know you were hearing from a lot of teams. What was going through your head over the weekend?
Elfrid Payton: I was excited, man. I had a good number of options this year, so I was really excited. It was a little bit different from last year when I didn’t have as many [teams reaching out]. At first, I’m thinking, “Man, this is great! I have so many possibilities to choose from!” But it definitely made the decision a little bit harder initially because there were so many options and I was trying to pinpoint the best fit and the best situation for me.
Last year, I think the best thing that happened to me was that I went to the team that was the best fit for my game – the Pelicans – and I think that’s why I was able to play the way I played. I wanted to do the same thing this year and make sure I found the best situation for me. So I was excited, but it was tougher because I had to think through the different options to find the best fit.
What were the main factors that you were considering as you made your decision and why did you ultimately pick New York over the other interested teams?
EP: Playing time was a factor and it depended on the deal. I obviously don’t mind playing on a one-year deal – I did it last year and I feel like I did just fine – but when you’re in a situation where you’re on a one-year deal, you have to be able to play to showcase what you can do. If you’re on a one-year deal and you don’t play, then your hands are kind of tied, you feel me? I also looked at the coaching and playing style. Does the team like to run and get up-and-done the floor? Are there other guys who care about defense? What’s the system that they’re trying to run? Then, lastly, it’s just the overall roster and fit; do the players on that team kind of complement what I do? When I was going through the whole roster and talking to Julius [Randle], who played a big part in this, I just felt like it was a good fit.
You and Julius played well together in New Orleans too. Why do you think you guys work so well together and are you excited to team up with him again?
EP: Yeah, I’m excited to play with Julius again. I had always liked Julius from afar and really respected his game. But last year, being up close with him and being in the situation we were in last year – where we were going through all of the injuries and tough stuff and still having to produce – I got a chance to see what he does when his back is against the wall and he came through in a big way. I gained a lot of respect for him. He’s a dog. I respect anybody who’s a dog in this league. I can say the same thing about Bobby Portis. I’ve never been in war with Bobby, but I can see how he gets down, so to speak. He’s a dog. Taj Gibson? He’s a dog. When I saw those signings, [coming to the Knicks] was almost a no-brainer.
It certainly seems like New York targeted you guys because you’re all dogs who play with a lot of intensity and an us-against-the-world mentality. Do you think that was intentional and did they talk to you guys about that?
EP: That’s definitely what they were echoing in the meetings we had and when we all sat down together. That’s exactly what they were echoing.
Last season, you averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and emerged as a nightly triple-double threat. You had five-straight triple-doubles at one point, joining Michel Jordan and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to do that. How can you build off of last year’s success and get to the point where you can perform at that level even more consistently?
EP: Making sure my conditioning is at an all-time high is important. That’s one of the biggest things that I did last summer. I feel like I’ve always been in good shape, but last year I made sure I was in great shape. I think that’s the biggest thing for me because then I’m able to have that same energy night in and night out. That’s definitely something I’m going to continue to work on. Other than that, I think a lot of it is just going out there and playing with a lot of confidence. I feel like I always [enter games] with a lot of confidence, but I need to be able to keep that confidence no matter what happens. I can do this every single night. And in the right situation, I think I’ll prove that.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
You mentioned that you like how all of the pieces fit together, and this is a nice mix of young guys and veterans too. How much potential does this team have?
EP: I think we can be really good. Obviously we’ve got young pieces like RJ Barrettand Kevin Knox – guys who are up-and-comers. Then, you have younger veteran-types like me and Julius and Reggie. Then, you throw Taj in the mix, who’s a real vet and seen so much and been deep in the playoffs. It’s a good mix of guys and I think we have a chance to be something special.
What message would you give to Knicks fans who are upset right now after missing out on the big-name free agents?
EP: Just sit back and watch, man. They’ll grow to love this group of guys. It’s totally natural to feel some type of way when you miss out on guys like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but I think they’re going to grow to love this group. I feel we embody what New York basketball was about back in the day – just being grimy, tough guys who play with a chip on their shoulder and have something to prove.
You’ve played in small markets – Orlando and New Orleans – and now you’re going to playing on basketball’s biggest stage in Madison Square Garden. This is a little bit new for you; what are your thoughts on that?
EP: I think it’s a great opportunity for people to see who I really am as a player. I think a lot of people would just hear about me from a distance; they’d hear that I had a triple-double every now and then or they only knew me because of my hair (laughs). I think people are really going to get a chance to see what my game is all about and how I’ve evolved each year. It’s exciting! It’s the Mecca of Basketball!
Last year, you shot 31.4 percent from three-point range and you were knocking down 0.8 threes per game, which was a career-high. I feel like fans know about your passing, rebounding and defense, but they’re curious about how your shot is developing. How is your shot coming along and is that something you’re going to work on over the summer?
EP: Yeah, it’s something that I’ve been continuously working on, something that I’m continuing to get better at. I’ve seen progress in my shot and anyone who has watched my game has noticed the progress. I feel like it’s coming along. It’s something that I’ve tried to work on each and every year. I’m getting more and more confident and I’m shooting the ball more. And I feel like it’s only going to continue to get better. I have a coach [who believes in me]. Coach Alvin [Gentry] last year was confident in me shooting those shots and I feel like Coach [David] Fizdale will be the same way. My teammates encourage me to shoot too. It’s getting better and it’s only going to continue getting better, so I’m excited about it.
What are your thoughts on RJ Barrett? He has so much potential and it’s looking like he could become a star in this league for a long time. What do you think of his game and upside?
EP: I’m excited to see what he can do. I don’t get to watch many college games throughout the season, so it’s really tough for me to pinpoint his game and stuff like that. But from what I’m hearing, he’s very athletic and he’s a great competitor. Anytime you have someone like that who isn’t scared of anybody, who is never going to back down from someone, that always helps you on the floor. I’m excited to get in the gym with him and learn about his game and vice versa. I think when we’re out there playing, we can bring the best out of each other.
What do you think of Dennis Smith Jr. and how you guys could potentially play together or complement one another? And how much do you think you can help each other grow?
EP: I feel like good players can always figure it out. As far as I know, he has a good basketball IQ, so I think we can make it work. I’m sure he’ll be picking my brain just as much as I’ll be picking his brain, and we’ll try to figure out how to make it work. I do think he can play off-the-ball a little bit and I feel like I can play off-the-ball a bit too, especially now that I feel I’m shooting the ball better. He’s young and athletic and gets out to run and he plays good defense. I can see [us playing together]. I don’t really know the plan or how they want to do it, but in today’s game, you can definitely have two point guards out there at the same time. That’s just how the game is evolving. You need people who make plays and be able to guard multiple positions; I think he can do that and I know I can do that, so I’m excited to get in the gym with him.
I know he’s going to push me just like I’m going to push him and we’re going to get the best out of each other to help this team ultimately make the playoffs because that’s the goal. I’m excited. I feel like we have a lot of talent at every position. I think we are way deeper than people think. We have players at every position who are going to compete. People are forgetting about Mitchell Robinson too. He’s going to be in the back, blocking everything. I’m excited! I know I keep saying it, but I’m excited.
In New York, the fans and media demand a lot. If you have a bad game, there’s going to be a lot of criticism. As I mentioned, this will be your first time playing in a big market and experiencing all of that. Are you bracing yourself for that and preparing to live in a fishbowl?
EP: I feel like I’m ready for it. I have an AAU team and I try to be a big brother, a mentor, to a lot of little kids – especially in [my hometown] New Orleans. I always tell my young guys, “As soon as you figure out that the media are just regular people who are doing their job, it is easy to deal with them.” Sometimes you know what they’re trying to get – whether it’s good or bad – but you just have to take it all in stride. At the end of the day, they’re just doing their job. You may not like what they have to say, but it’s their job. And I’ve never been the kind of player who reads about himself anyway, so I don’t think it’s going to affect me. I’ll try to do my best to protect my family and tell them to take everything with a grain of salt. But I don’t read it anyway, so I think I’ll be fine.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, you had a front-row seat to the Anthony Davis drama and I know that can be difficult for a team to go through. Not only are you constantly being asked about it, but it’s natural for players to look over their shoulder and wonder if they might also be traded in some kind of blockbuster deal. What was it like having all of that drama and uncertainty around the Pelicans last season?
EP: I feel like for all of us, to a certain extent, it wasn’t as bad as the media was making it seem. AD had already told us all that there was a possibility that something might happen, so it wasn’t a shock to us. We already knew. Then, the media took it and ran with it and made it bigger than it really was. They’d ask a bunch of questions, which kind of got aggravating. But, again, I just tried to remember, “They’re just doing their job.” For us, I felt like it wasn’t that big of a deal since he had told us that he may get traded.
As for the fear that you may get traded along with him, you’re definitely going to think about that a little bit. But at the end of the day, you have to realize that you can only control what you can control. You have no real say-so in something like that if it’s going to happen. You try not to think about it, but it’s tough, especially when you’re a guy who’s on an expiring contract and things like that. It may go through your head at times, but you can’t really control that.
The only thing that was crazy was how they were like, “He needs to play in this game, but then he can miss the next game. And, when he does play, he’s only going to play 20 minutes…” That was the wildest thing for me and it’s what aggravated me the most about the entire situation. This is probably my first time saying this, but having him play some games and then miss some games and then only play 20 minutes in some games, that was hard. It’s hard to find a rhythm. And this is his job, something that he loves to do, and you’re taking it away from him. To me, it was almost like they were just teasing the guy by putting him out there for 20 minutes and then pulling him. That was the weirdest thing about the situation. I understand trying to protect your asset, but I feel like they should’ve just been able to sit him down for the whole time. You might as well play him for real or don’t play him at all, you know? I know the NBA got involved too. But that was the only thing that was aggravating because it was hard to get into a rhythm. It was hard for him and the players who were playing behind him. They were like, “Oh, I’m starting tonight?! Wait, no, I’m not starting tonight.” It was just weird.
Even though New York didn’t sign a superstar this summer, the Knicks are always going to be a franchise that pursues big-name free agents. Now that the dust is settling a bit, we’re starting to learn that Spencer Dinwiddie and others played a big role in recruiting Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn. Would you be willing to help the Knicks recruit star players?
EP: For sure! I definitely would, especially if I feel like they could help us. I’m all about winning. However they want to do it – if they feel like [pursuing stars] is the best way – I’m with it. I’m all about helping the team, so if they want me recruit anyone, I’m for sure down. One hundred percent.
Knicks rookie Ignas Brazdeikis looking to prove skeptics wrong
By Marc Berman
LAS VEGAS — Ignas Brazdeikis worked out with 13 teams but never for the Knicks.
His representatives couldn’t imagine the 6-foot-7 freshman forward from Michigan falling to New York and their 55th pick of the second round.
The 21-year-old from Canada never fell that far, but dropped far enough.
With Sacramento at bat at 47, the Knicks traded cash to move up. The Post has learned the payment to the Kings was $1 million.
Before the draft, the Knicks targeted two players they would move up for in the second round — and Brazdeikis was one.
“I was kind of surprised I wasn’t drafted in the first round,’’ Brazdeikis told The Post on Wednesday after the Knicks’ summer league practice. “But I’m happy with the situation I’m in. It’s a great situation for me, and I’m proud to be a Knick. I’m definitely going to prove a lot of people wrong.’’
Brazdeikis’ brashness comes through. The Knicks figured with his innate scoring ability and tenacious spirit, he would go anywhere from 25 to 40 in the draft.
Knicks brass had scouted him extensively during the season and at the Chicago combine. General manager Scott Perry, a former Wolverines assistant, had plenty of contacts in Ann Arbor.
But it was his combine ferocity that made him a big target for the Knicks.
“There was toughness and competitiveness he exhibited in those games,’’ president Steve Mills said. “Scott and I looked at each other, he’s high on the list, but I don’t think he’ll make it out of the first round. He’s physical, tough, can shoot. As our analytics guys laid it out, he should be a contributor on an NBA roster.’’
Though scouts question his defensive prowess because of a lack of quickness, he’s got the intangibles.
“He’s got a lot of fight in him,’’ one NBA personnel man said.
Former Michigan coach John Beilein, who recently made a stunning move to leave for the Cavaliers, told The Post the Knicks got a find.
RJ Barrett, the Knicks’ No. 3 pick. They were on both the 17- and 16-and-under Canadian national teams and have played together a lot longer than that.
Both grew up in the Toronto suburbs, both are lefty wings, and both are part of the Canadian basketball renaissance. The Barrett connection was another incentive to make the big play for Brazdeikis.
“We played together when we were 8 years old,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I know his game inside and out. Me and him are going to be a great duo.”
While he was never “a diehard Raptors fan,” Brazdeikis, born in Lithuania, said he was thrilled Toronto won the championship. He was at a team draft workout the night Toronto won it all.
“I wish I was there,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I’m very proud of the culture. We’ve grown a lot. Nobody really talked about Canada and basketball until recently. Me and RJ being part of that culture, it’s an amazing feeling, and we’re bringing that new vibe to New York.’’
By Marc Berman
LAS VEGAS — Ignas Brazdeikis worked out with 13 teams but never for the Knicks.
His representatives couldn’t imagine the 6-foot-7 freshman forward from Michigan falling to New York and their 55th pick of the second round.
The 21-year-old from Canada never fell that far, but dropped far enough.
With Sacramento at bat at 47, the Knicks traded cash to move up. The Post has learned the payment to the Kings was $1 million.
Before the draft, the Knicks targeted two players they would move up for in the second round — and Brazdeikis was one.
“I was kind of surprised I wasn’t drafted in the first round,’’ Brazdeikis told The Post on Wednesday after the Knicks’ summer league practice. “But I’m happy with the situation I’m in. It’s a great situation for me, and I’m proud to be a Knick. I’m definitely going to prove a lot of people wrong.’’
Brazdeikis’ brashness comes through. The Knicks figured with his innate scoring ability and tenacious spirit, he would go anywhere from 25 to 40 in the draft.
Knicks brass had scouted him extensively during the season and at the Chicago combine. General manager Scott Perry, a former Wolverines assistant, had plenty of contacts in Ann Arbor.
But it was his combine ferocity that made him a big target for the Knicks.
“There was toughness and competitiveness he exhibited in those games,’’ president Steve Mills said. “Scott and I looked at each other, he’s high on the list, but I don’t think he’ll make it out of the first round. He’s physical, tough, can shoot. As our analytics guys laid it out, he should be a contributor on an NBA roster.’’
Though scouts question his defensive prowess because of a lack of quickness, he’s got the intangibles.
“He’s got a lot of fight in him,’’ one NBA personnel man said.
Former Michigan coach John Beilein, who recently made a stunning move to leave for the Cavaliers, told The Post the Knicks got a find.
RJ Barrett, the Knicks’ No. 3 pick. They were on both the 17- and 16-and-under Canadian national teams and have played together a lot longer than that.
Both grew up in the Toronto suburbs, both are lefty wings, and both are part of the Canadian basketball renaissance. The Barrett connection was another incentive to make the big play for Brazdeikis.
“We played together when we were 8 years old,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I know his game inside and out. Me and him are going to be a great duo.”
While he was never “a diehard Raptors fan,” Brazdeikis, born in Lithuania, said he was thrilled Toronto won the championship. He was at a team draft workout the night Toronto won it all.
“I wish I was there,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I’m very proud of the culture. We’ve grown a lot. Nobody really talked about Canada and basketball until recently. Me and RJ being part of that culture, it’s an amazing feeling, and we’re bringing that new vibe to New York.’’
Kawhi Leonard would give Lakers Big Three ‘on steroids’: Jared Dudley
By Ethan Sears
You already know the Lakers would be one of the most talented teams ever should they add Kawhi Leonard to a roster already featuring Anthony Davis and LeBron James. So do the rest of the NBA’s free agents.
“It compares to the Heat, but a little bit more on steroids,” Jared Dudley said on “The Woj Pod,” hours after signing with the Lakers for the minimum. “And the reason why I say that is because you arguably have three of the top five best players.”
Dudley opined that when James was in Miami, he and Dwyane Wade were considered in the top five, but not Chris Bosh. After Leonard put together one of the best postseasons in history, the third member of a potential Lakers big three is easily in that echelon.
“AD, a year ago you could’ve argued him as being a top two or three player in the league,” Dudley said. “Kawhi Leonard this year, taking his team to winning a championship. LeBron, his accolades speak for themselves.”
Of course, the qualifier there remains that Leonard has not signed with the Lakers. Though reports peg it as likely — as do Dudley’s quotes — Leonard has proven himself hard to predict, and he could just as easily stay in Toronto, or decide to prove himself further with the Clippers.
Should he make the expected move and go to the Lakers, it would instantly install the team as title favorites after an offseason that has seen the league gain more parity.
“If the Lakers get Kawhi, then yes, you’re right there, you have all the talent,” Dudley said. “But it’s different because I’m signed for the minimum. You’re going to have minimum guys, you’re going to have to have key veterans step up in big moments and it’s not just gonna be easy if you get someone like that.”
After signing Kevin Durant, the Warriors managed to add depth because players wanted to win a championship — and took less money to do so, namely David West.
Whether players would do that for the Lakers, should Leonard sign, remains to be seen. But even so, making the right signings is vital, as the Lakers would need to build almost an entire roster.
As far as priorities go, though, until Leonard announces, it’s hard to map any of this out.
By Ethan Sears
You already know the Lakers would be one of the most talented teams ever should they add Kawhi Leonard to a roster already featuring Anthony Davis and LeBron James. So do the rest of the NBA’s free agents.
“It compares to the Heat, but a little bit more on steroids,” Jared Dudley said on “The Woj Pod,” hours after signing with the Lakers for the minimum. “And the reason why I say that is because you arguably have three of the top five best players.”
Dudley opined that when James was in Miami, he and Dwyane Wade were considered in the top five, but not Chris Bosh. After Leonard put together one of the best postseasons in history, the third member of a potential Lakers big three is easily in that echelon.
“AD, a year ago you could’ve argued him as being a top two or three player in the league,” Dudley said. “Kawhi Leonard this year, taking his team to winning a championship. LeBron, his accolades speak for themselves.”
Of course, the qualifier there remains that Leonard has not signed with the Lakers. Though reports peg it as likely — as do Dudley’s quotes — Leonard has proven himself hard to predict, and he could just as easily stay in Toronto, or decide to prove himself further with the Clippers.
Should he make the expected move and go to the Lakers, it would instantly install the team as title favorites after an offseason that has seen the league gain more parity.
“If the Lakers get Kawhi, then yes, you’re right there, you have all the talent,” Dudley said. “But it’s different because I’m signed for the minimum. You’re going to have minimum guys, you’re going to have to have key veterans step up in big moments and it’s not just gonna be easy if you get someone like that.”
After signing Kevin Durant, the Warriors managed to add depth because players wanted to win a championship — and took less money to do so, namely David West.
Whether players would do that for the Lakers, should Leonard sign, remains to be seen. But even so, making the right signings is vital, as the Lakers would need to build almost an entire roster.
As far as priorities go, though, until Leonard announces, it’s hard to map any of this out.
Jimmer Fredette hoping to turn Warriors’ summer league into NBA miracle
By Jared Schwartz
This might be Jimmer Fredette’s last NBA chance. And for the Warriors, a chance to add another shooter.
The Warriors signed Fredette, 30, to their summer league roster, giving him perhaps another chance to establish himself in the league.
“I believe I’m an NBA player, and I believe I can do great things in this league and help a team in some way. I want to give that one more opportunity, and be with my family and live here,” Fredette told Yahoo Sports last week.
“We’ll see what happens.”
After short stints with the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans and Knicks, the 10th overall pick from the 2011 draft — one pick before Klay Thompson — starred in China, earning him ample money and endorsements during three seasons with the Shanghai Sharks. Fredette scored 36 points per game last season, shooting 42% from behind the arc.
Comparatively, he has averaged six points a game on 37% shooting from three-point range during 241 career games in the NBA. Fredette’s long-distance threes at BYU earned him both the Naismith and AP Player of the Year awards and a Sweet Sixteen berth during his senior year.
With Kevin Durant and Andre Igoudala’s departures and Thompson’s ACL injury keeping him out for most of the season, Fredette’s deep-shooting ability could be a way to make the Warriors’ roster. He’s struggled in that department so far in two summer league games, shooting 1-of-7 from 3-point range while averaging 9.5 points per contest.
“They play my style of basketball, going up and down and sharing the ball,” said Fredette, who played briefly for the Suns at the end of last season. “They shoot a lot of threes and do things in transition. That fits my game and how I’ve played my whole career. That’s how I’ve made my living.”
Even if he fails to stick in Golden State, Fredette knows he’s not only trying out for them.
“I’m trying to make a team,” Fredette said. “I would love to make the Golden State Warriors and help their team as a player and a person, but there’s a lot of people watching summer league. It’s a good opportunity to play, and I’m grateful to the Warriors for giving me that chance.”
By Jared Schwartz
This might be Jimmer Fredette’s last NBA chance. And for the Warriors, a chance to add another shooter.
The Warriors signed Fredette, 30, to their summer league roster, giving him perhaps another chance to establish himself in the league.
“I believe I’m an NBA player, and I believe I can do great things in this league and help a team in some way. I want to give that one more opportunity, and be with my family and live here,” Fredette told Yahoo Sports last week.
“We’ll see what happens.”
After short stints with the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans and Knicks, the 10th overall pick from the 2011 draft — one pick before Klay Thompson — starred in China, earning him ample money and endorsements during three seasons with the Shanghai Sharks. Fredette scored 36 points per game last season, shooting 42% from behind the arc.
Comparatively, he has averaged six points a game on 37% shooting from three-point range during 241 career games in the NBA. Fredette’s long-distance threes at BYU earned him both the Naismith and AP Player of the Year awards and a Sweet Sixteen berth during his senior year.
With Kevin Durant and Andre Igoudala’s departures and Thompson’s ACL injury keeping him out for most of the season, Fredette’s deep-shooting ability could be a way to make the Warriors’ roster. He’s struggled in that department so far in two summer league games, shooting 1-of-7 from 3-point range while averaging 9.5 points per contest.
“They play my style of basketball, going up and down and sharing the ball,” said Fredette, who played briefly for the Suns at the end of last season. “They shoot a lot of threes and do things in transition. That fits my game and how I’ve played my whole career. That’s how I’ve made my living.”
Even if he fails to stick in Golden State, Fredette knows he’s not only trying out for them.
“I’m trying to make a team,” Fredette said. “I would love to make the Golden State Warriors and help their team as a player and a person, but there’s a lot of people watching summer league. It’s a good opportunity to play, and I’m grateful to the Warriors for giving me that chance.”
lil info
wow @ the background story if true
and ya even prior to reading this story...earlier today I was thinking the delayed tactic makes it more likely he’s going to the lakers...it gives toronto fans the impression he really contemplated staying and wasn’t ready to bolt from the team and to basketball fans in general it doesn’t make it look like he’s rushing to form a super team w/ LBJ...power play...oh well @ least they won’t have a bench lol
i knew about his dad being killed, that dennis was his moms brother and he looked out for KL once pops got killed
now hearing their backgrounds makes me understand the way Kawhi operates clearly
years back i did a thread about dude still driving a old tahoe,
all this shit makes since now, dude been school buy school cats
stay to your self, be quite, be the best u can be, stack ur money
joe budden alluded to his father’s background/street cred on his podcast but his dumbass thought he was still alive and fans went in on him on twitter...he eventually apologized
*edit*
he said kawhi’s pops was in prison
“He began by joking that he was going to create a documentary about “all of the crews that could kill you that y’all don’t know about.” He went on to say, “Guess who’s a killer? Kawhi’s dad…it’s a fact.” Budden said he read in five different sources that Kawhi’s father was heavily involved in some street activity.
“Dad is in jail for I think whatever,” Budden said. “I won’t get into it, I’m afraid. And the uncle is out handling the business [as Kawhi’s manager]. When you look at Kawhi and his game and his demeanor, don’t it sound right? And, then you’re happy to know that.” His co-host Rory goes online to verify what his co-host is saying. “That’s false information, Joe,” Rory says, interrupting the chatter. “His father, Mark, was shot and killed January 18, 2008, at the Compton car wash he owned. He may have been involved in something, but he is now passed away.”
“Okay, rest in peace to Kawhi’s dad,” Budden replied. “That doesn’t change my story at all. Alright, so he’s not here. But guess what? In the articles that I read before he left, he was getting busy. And to my knowledge, I think the uncle’s gettin’ busy.”
http://thesource.com/2019/05/29/joe...about-kawhi-leonards-father-releases-apology/
Last edited:
lol...idk if it’s possible but they gotta find a way to get ibaka too if the lakers get kawhi
lol...idk if it’s possible but they gotta find a way to get ibaka too if the lakers get kawhi
that aint gonna happen, fuck they having a task getting Kawhi did u see this before
VIDEO: Kawhi Leonard Turning Down Fist Bump From Norman Powell is Beyond Savage
Daniel Lubofsky06 Jun 2019
Kawhi Leonard has always been a stoic person, almost robot-like in how he operates in the public eye. Prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals, his sensors clearly malfunctioned in picking up a basic human interaction.
Whatever explanation Kawhi may have for this wouldn't make much sense. He was literally starting at Norman Powell while his fist was clearly right in front of his face.
Even upon finally realizing what was in front of him, rather than spare one second to dap up his teammate, Leonard left him eternally hanging as he motioned to the court.
The awkward interaction wound up with little bearing on the game, though. Leonard finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a 123-109 victory to help the Raptors take a 2-1 series lead.
His humor has never been intentional, but sometimes it's those who don't try that wind up producing the most laughter.
did u see this before
VIDEO: Kawhi Leonard Turning Down Fist Bump From Norman Powell is Beyond Savage
Daniel Lubofsky06 Jun 2019
Kawhi Leonard has always been a stoic person, almost robot-like in how he operates in the public eye. Prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals, his sensors clearly malfunctioned in picking up a basic human interaction.
Whatever explanation Kawhi may have for this wouldn't make much sense. He was literally starting at Norman Powell while his fist was clearly right in front of his face.
Even upon finally realizing what was in front of him, rather than spare one second to dap up his teammate, Leonard left him eternally hanging as he motioned to the court.
The awkward interaction wound up with little bearing on the game, though. Leonard finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a 123-109 victory to help the Raptors take a 2-1 series lead.
His humor has never been intentional, but sometimes it's those who don't try that wind up producing the most laughter.
ya I seen it lmao
there’s a vid of him curving drake right before a game
*edit*
my bad...dude really tried to dap him in the middle of him checking in the game LOL!
Elfrid Payton: 'I feel we embody what New York basketball was about back in the day'
Alex KennedyJuly 4, 2019
Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, this offseason hasn’t gone exactly as planned. They failed to win the Zion Williamson sweepstakes and missed on big-name free agents including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who signed with the Knicks’ crosstown rivals (adding insult to injury).
The Knicks ended up pivoting to their back-up plan and signing low-risk, high-reward contributors with something to prove like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock and Taj Gibson.
HoopsHype talked to the latter about his free-agency experience, his decision to sign with the Knicks, his message for flustered New York fans, how he can build off last year’s success and more.
You and I talked as free agency was getting underway and I know you were hearing from a lot of teams. What was going through your head over the weekend?
Elfrid Payton: I was excited, man. I had a good number of options this year, so I was really excited. It was a little bit different from last year when I didn’t have as many [teams reaching out]. At first, I’m thinking, “Man, this is great! I have so many possibilities to choose from!” But it definitely made the decision a little bit harder initially because there were so many options and I was trying to pinpoint the best fit and the best situation for me.
Last year, I think the best thing that happened to me was that I went to the team that was the best fit for my game – the Pelicans – and I think that’s why I was able to play the way I played. I wanted to do the same thing this year and make sure I found the best situation for me. So I was excited, but it was tougher because I had to think through the different options to find the best fit.
What were the main factors that you were considering as you made your decision and why did you ultimately pick New York over the other interested teams?
EP: Playing time was a factor and it depended on the deal. I obviously don’t mind playing on a one-year deal – I did it last year and I feel like I did just fine – but when you’re in a situation where you’re on a one-year deal, you have to be able to play to showcase what you can do. If you’re on a one-year deal and you don’t play, then your hands are kind of tied, you feel me? I also looked at the coaching and playing style. Does the team like to run and get up-and-done the floor? Are there other guys who care about defense? What’s the system that they’re trying to run? Then, lastly, it’s just the overall roster and fit; do the players on that team kind of complement what I do? When I was going through the whole roster and talking to Julius [Randle], who played a big part in this, I just felt like it was a good fit.
You and Julius played well together in New Orleans too. Why do you think you guys work so well together and are you excited to team up with him again?
EP: Yeah, I’m excited to play with Julius again. I had always liked Julius from afar and really respected his game. But last year, being up close with him and being in the situation we were in last year – where we were going through all of the injuries and tough stuff and still having to produce – I got a chance to see what he does when his back is against the wall and he came through in a big way. I gained a lot of respect for him. He’s a dog. I respect anybody who’s a dog in this league. I can say the same thing about Bobby Portis. I’ve never been in war with Bobby, but I can see how he gets down, so to speak. He’s a dog. Taj Gibson? He’s a dog. When I saw those signings, [coming to the Knicks] was almost a no-brainer.
It certainly seems like New York targeted you guys because you’re all dogs who play with a lot of intensity and an us-against-the-world mentality. Do you think that was intentional and did they talk to you guys about that?
EP: That’s definitely what they were echoing in the meetings we had and when we all sat down together. That’s exactly what they were echoing.
Last season, you averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and emerged as a nightly triple-double threat. You had five-straight triple-doubles at one point, joining Michel Jordan and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to do that. How can you build off of last year’s success and get to the point where you can perform at that level even more consistently?
EP: Making sure my conditioning is at an all-time high is important. That’s one of the biggest things that I did last summer. I feel like I’ve always been in good shape, but last year I made sure I was in great shape. I think that’s the biggest thing for me because then I’m able to have that same energy night in and night out. That’s definitely something I’m going to continue to work on. Other than that, I think a lot of it is just going out there and playing with a lot of confidence. I feel like I always [enter games] with a lot of confidence, but I need to be able to keep that confidence no matter what happens. I can do this every single night. And in the right situation, I think I’ll prove that.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
You mentioned that you like how all of the pieces fit together, and this is a nice mix of young guys and veterans too. How much potential does this team have?
EP: I think we can be really good. Obviously we’ve got young pieces like RJ Barrettand Kevin Knox – guys who are up-and-comers. Then, you have younger veteran-types like me and Julius and Reggie. Then, you throw Taj in the mix, who’s a real vet and seen so much and been deep in the playoffs. It’s a good mix of guys and I think we have a chance to be something special.
What message would you give to Knicks fans who are upset right now after missing out on the big-name free agents?
EP: Just sit back and watch, man. They’ll grow to love this group of guys. It’s totally natural to feel some type of way when you miss out on guys like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but I think they’re going to grow to love this group. I feel we embody what New York basketball was about back in the day – just being grimy, tough guys who play with a chip on their shoulder and have something to prove.
You’ve played in small markets – Orlando and New Orleans – and now you’re going to playing on basketball’s biggest stage in Madison Square Garden. This is a little bit new for you; what are your thoughts on that?
EP: I think it’s a great opportunity for people to see who I really am as a player. I think a lot of people would just hear about me from a distance; they’d hear that I had a triple-double every now and then or they only knew me because of my hair (laughs). I think people are really going to get a chance to see what my game is all about and how I’ve evolved each year. It’s exciting! It’s the Mecca of Basketball!
Last year, you shot 31.4 percent from three-point range and you were knocking down 0.8 threes per game, which was a career-high. I feel like fans know about your passing, rebounding and defense, but they’re curious about how your shot is developing. How is your shot coming along and is that something you’re going to work on over the summer?
EP: Yeah, it’s something that I’ve been continuously working on, something that I’m continuing to get better at. I’ve seen progress in my shot and anyone who has watched my game has noticed the progress. I feel like it’s coming along. It’s something that I’ve tried to work on each and every year. I’m getting more and more confident and I’m shooting the ball more. And I feel like it’s only going to continue to get better. I have a coach [who believes in me]. Coach Alvin [Gentry] last year was confident in me shooting those shots and I feel like Coach [David] Fizdale will be the same way. My teammates encourage me to shoot too. It’s getting better and it’s only going to continue getting better, so I’m excited about it.
What are your thoughts on RJ Barrett? He has so much potential and it’s looking like he could become a star in this league for a long time. What do you think of his game and upside?
EP: I’m excited to see what he can do. I don’t get to watch many college games throughout the season, so it’s really tough for me to pinpoint his game and stuff like that. But from what I’m hearing, he’s very athletic and he’s a great competitor. Anytime you have someone like that who isn’t scared of anybody, who is never going to back down from someone, that always helps you on the floor. I’m excited to get in the gym with him and learn about his game and vice versa. I think when we’re out there playing, we can bring the best out of each other.
What do you think of Dennis Smith Jr. and how you guys could potentially play together or complement one another? And how much do you think you can help each other grow?
EP: I feel like good players can always figure it out. As far as I know, he has a good basketball IQ, so I think we can make it work. I’m sure he’ll be picking my brain just as much as I’ll be picking his brain, and we’ll try to figure out how to make it work. I do think he can play off-the-ball a little bit and I feel like I can play off-the-ball a bit too, especially now that I feel I’m shooting the ball better. He’s young and athletic and gets out to run and he plays good defense. I can see [us playing together]. I don’t really know the plan or how they want to do it, but in today’s game, you can definitely have two point guards out there at the same time. That’s just how the game is evolving. You need people who make plays and be able to guard multiple positions; I think he can do that and I know I can do that, so I’m excited to get in the gym with him.
I know he’s going to push me just like I’m going to push him and we’re going to get the best out of each other to help this team ultimately make the playoffs because that’s the goal. I’m excited. I feel like we have a lot of talent at every position. I think we are way deeper than people think. We have players at every position who are going to compete. People are forgetting about Mitchell Robinson too. He’s going to be in the back, blocking everything. I’m excited! I know I keep saying it, but I’m excited.
In New York, the fans and media demand a lot. If you have a bad game, there’s going to be a lot of criticism. As I mentioned, this will be your first time playing in a big market and experiencing all of that. Are you bracing yourself for that and preparing to live in a fishbowl?
EP: I feel like I’m ready for it. I have an AAU team and I try to be a big brother, a mentor, to a lot of little kids – especially in [my hometown] New Orleans. I always tell my young guys, “As soon as you figure out that the media are just regular people who are doing their job, it is easy to deal with them.” Sometimes you know what they’re trying to get – whether it’s good or bad – but you just have to take it all in stride. At the end of the day, they’re just doing their job. You may not like what they have to say, but it’s their job. And I’ve never been the kind of player who reads about himself anyway, so I don’t think it’s going to affect me. I’ll try to do my best to protect my family and tell them to take everything with a grain of salt. But I don’t read it anyway, so I think I’ll be fine.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, you had a front-row seat to the Anthony Davis drama and I know that can be difficult for a team to go through. Not only are you constantly being asked about it, but it’s natural for players to look over their shoulder and wonder if they might also be traded in some kind of blockbuster deal. What was it like having all of that drama and uncertainty around the Pelicans last season?
EP: I feel like for all of us, to a certain extent, it wasn’t as bad as the media was making it seem. AD had already told us all that there was a possibility that something might happen, so it wasn’t a shock to us. We already knew. Then, the media took it and ran with it and made it bigger than it really was. They’d ask a bunch of questions, which kind of got aggravating. But, again, I just tried to remember, “They’re just doing their job.” For us, I felt like it wasn’t that big of a deal since he had told us that he may get traded.
As for the fear that you may get traded along with him, you’re definitely going to think about that a little bit. But at the end of the day, you have to realize that you can only control what you can control. You have no real say-so in something like that if it’s going to happen. You try not to think about it, but it’s tough, especially when you’re a guy who’s on an expiring contract and things like that. It may go through your head at times, but you can’t really control that.
The only thing that was crazy was how they were like, “He needs to play in this game, but then he can miss the next game. And, when he does play, he’s only going to play 20 minutes…” That was the wildest thing for me and it’s what aggravated me the most about the entire situation. This is probably my first time saying this, but having him play some games and then miss some games and then only play 20 minutes in some games, that was hard. It’s hard to find a rhythm. And this is his job, something that he loves to do, and you’re taking it away from him. To me, it was almost like they were just teasing the guy by putting him out there for 20 minutes and then pulling him. That was the weirdest thing about the situation. I understand trying to protect your asset, but I feel like they should’ve just been able to sit him down for the whole time. You might as well play him for real or don’t play him at all, you know? I know the NBA got involved too. But that was the only thing that was aggravating because it was hard to get into a rhythm. It was hard for him and the players who were playing behind him. They were like, “Oh, I’m starting tonight?! Wait, no, I’m not starting tonight.” It was just weird.
Even though New York didn’t sign a superstar this summer, the Knicks are always going to be a franchise that pursues big-name free agents. Now that the dust is settling a bit, we’re starting to learn that Spencer Dinwiddie and others played a big role in recruiting Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn. Would you be willing to help the Knicks recruit star players?
EP: For sure! I definitely would, especially if I feel like they could help us. I’m all about winning. However they want to do it – if they feel like [pursuing stars] is the best way – I’m with it. I’m all about helping the team, so if they want me recruit anyone, I’m for sure down. One hundred percent.
and then he'll get on the squad and be around management, and reality will hit
did u see this before
VIDEO: Kawhi Leonard Turning Down Fist Bump From Norman Powell is Beyond Savage
Daniel Lubofsky06 Jun 2019
Kawhi Leonard has always been a stoic person, almost robot-like in how he operates in the public eye. Prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals, his sensors clearly malfunctioned in picking up a basic human interaction.
Whatever explanation Kawhi may have for this wouldn't make much sense. He was literally starting at Norman Powell while his fist was clearly right in front of his face.
Even upon finally realizing what was in front of him, rather than spare one second to dap up his teammate, Leonard left him eternally hanging as he motioned to the court.
The awkward interaction wound up with little bearing on the game, though. Leonard finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a 123-109 victory to help the Raptors take a 2-1 series lead.
His humor has never been intentional, but sometimes it's those who don't try that wind up producing the most laughter.
That dudes different
I've seen this over a dozen times and it's still funny as shit.
When he was moving his arm Powell thought it was coming...then to just get a point that it's time to go...made it even worse
Knicks might fuck around and make the playoffs.
Jimmer Fredette hoping to turn Warriors’ summer league into NBA miracle
By Jared Schwartz
This might be Jimmer Fredette’s last NBA chance. And for the Warriors, a chance to add another shooter.
The Warriors signed Fredette, 30, to their summer league roster, giving him perhaps another chance to establish himself in the league.
“I believe I’m an NBA player, and I believe I can do great things in this league and help a team in some way. I want to give that one more opportunity, and be with my family and live here,” Fredette told Yahoo Sports last week.
“We’ll see what happens.”
After short stints with the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans and Knicks, the 10th overall pick from the 2011 draft — one pick before Klay Thompson — starred in China, earning him ample money and endorsements during three seasons with the Shanghai Sharks. Fredette scored 36 points per game last season, shooting 42% from behind the arc.
Comparatively, he has averaged six points a game on 37% shooting from three-point range during 241 career games in the NBA. Fredette’s long-distance threes at BYU earned him both the Naismith and AP Player of the Year awards and a Sweet Sixteen berth during his senior year.
With Kevin Durant and Andre Igoudala’s departures and Thompson’s ACL injury keeping him out for most of the season, Fredette’s deep-shooting ability could be a way to make the Warriors’ roster. He’s struggled in that department so far in two summer league games, shooting 1-of-7 from 3-point range while averaging 9.5 points per contest.
“They play my style of basketball, going up and down and sharing the ball,” said Fredette, who played briefly for the Suns at the end of last season. “They shoot a lot of threes and do things in transition. That fits my game and how I’ve played my whole career. That’s how I’ve made my living.”
Even if he fails to stick in Golden State, Fredette knows he’s not only trying out for them.
“I’m trying to make a team,” Fredette said. “I would love to make the Golden State Warriors and help their team as a player and a person, but there’s a lot of people watching summer league. It’s a good opportunity to play, and I’m grateful to the Warriors for giving me that chance.”
You're a day late!
...
I don't quite get this... Doesn't help that USA Today has bad links in the linked article.
When did Memphis make this change in thinking?
Crazy that he was drafted a spot ahead of Klay Thompson and 5 spots ahead of Kawhi Leonard.
Similar threads
