July 21, 2012 – NBA Blog – NBA Basketball Blog

Boston Celtics will sign Jason Collins

The Boston Celtics are set to sign veteran center Jason Collins to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal, according to league sources.

With restricted free-agent center Greg Stiemsma prepared to sign an offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves — one the Celtics appear unable to match due to salary-cap constraints — Boston has moved quickly to add a legitimate 7-footer to their frontcourt rotation.

The 33-year-old Collins, a veteran of 11 NBA seasons, gives Boston a defensive-minded big man who can give quality minutes off the bench.

— Reported by Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston

Cavs rookie Dion Waiters out of shape at summer league

As you read this, remember that I didn’t favor the Cavs selecting Dion Waiters at No. 4.

But I also know it’s premature to say this was a lousy pick because Waiters played poorly in three summer-league games, averaging 12.3 points but shooting only 30 percent from the field.

The big problem was Waiters showed up at least 10 pounds overweight and out of shape.

Smart? Nope.

But the message should be clear: Waiters needs to shape up physically and mentally. He has the arrogance you find in some East Coast playground legends. Listening to Dion Waiters, you know that he thinks Dion Waiters is the greatest player he’s ever seen.

— Reported by Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mavs sign first round pick Jared Cunningham

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed first round draft pick Jared Cunningham.

All players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft are guaranteed to receive a contract. So, this signing is standard and was expected.

Cunningham (6-4, 194) was the 24th overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was acquired by the Mavericks on June 28, 2012, along with the draft rights to the 33rd overall pick Bernard James and 34th overall pick Jae Crowder, in exchange for guard Kelenna Azubuike and the draft rights to the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Tyler Zeller.

The San Leandro, Calif. native is a member of the Mavericks Summer League Team in Las Vegas, but due to a strained hamstring he has not been able to play.

Cunningham (6-4, 194) finished his three-year career at Oregon State ranked 13th in career scoring (1,271 points), second in steals (219) and third in free throws made (427). He was named First Team All-Pac 12 as a junior when he averaged 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Juwan Howard undecided on playing next season

Juwan Howard undecided if he will play next season

Juwan Howard said Friday that he is still deciding whether he wants to return for a 19th NBA season, although the direction he’s leaning might be indicated by his being the first player back in the Heat practice gym once the title celebrations had slowed down a bit.

“I still have the itch,” Howard said while appearing at a Heat “Learn to Swim” event for children. “I still have the passion and the love for the game. More importantly, I still like staying in shape and I can’t sit on my behind. I’m still iffy as far as if I want to come back and play or not, but I’ll tell you one thing — once I decide, I want to be ready. So I am working out … ready for whatever happens.”

Howard turns 40 next Feb. 7.

— Reported by the Associated Press