Month: July 2012

Quin Snyder bows out of Orlando Magic coaching search

After leaving his assistant-coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers to accept a similar position with CSKA Moscow, Quin Snyder has notified the Orlando Magic that he is not interested in their head-coaching vacancy.

It’s unclear whether the Magic add to their list of candidates now that Snyder has decided not to pursue the job in Orlando.

The Magic’s current list of candidates are Utah Jazz assistant coach Jeff Hornacek, Phoenix Suns player development coach Lindsey Hunter, Golden State Warriors lead assistant coach Michael Malone, Indiana Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Jacque Vaughn.

— Reported by Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel

Durant still mad about losing to LeBron in Finals

Durant still mad about losing to LeBron in Finals

Kevin Durant can’t hide from the hurt this summer.

LeBron James is right there every time he steps on the basketball court now. The NBA Finals ended in Miami only about three weeks ago, with James’ victory celebration interrupted only briefly to embrace his opponent in a consoling hug.

Durant admits it bothers him coming to the gym and seeing James every day.

“It does. It does, but what can I do?” Durant said Tuesday. “He’s my teammate now. I’m a team player. I can’t let that affect this. This is bigger than that. It’s tough to lose in the finals and play the guy you’ve been going up against for five games who beat you. So me, I’m just going to get over it, still be a great teammate, come out and play hard.”

Kobe Bryant was in Durant’s shoes four years ago, having to shake off the disappointment of a finals loss to the Boston Celtics and get back out on the court for the Olympics. He said it’s normal to not want to play for a few days, but figures Durant has had enough time to get over it by now.

— Reported by the Associated Press

Hakeem Olajuwon will train Knicks big men

Mike Woodson is trying to get Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon to work with the Knicks’ big men.

Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler are supposed to train with Olajuwon later this offseason. Woodson has said he wanted Stoudemire and Chandler to improve their game in the post. Olajuwon, one of the best centers in NBA history, is known for his footwork and array of moves under the basket.

Olajuwon, whose nickname is “The Dream,” worked with LeBron James last year and the Heat superstar forward showed some of his improved post skills throughout Miami’s run to the NBA championship.

— Reported by Al Iannazzone of New York Newsday

Warriors will trade Dorell Wright to 76ers

Warriors trading Dorell Wright to 76ers

Dorell Wright is getting another chance to start over and leaving behind another team that has more salary cap space in his absence.

The Golden State Warriors agreed Tuesday to trade Wright to the Philadelphia 76ers for the rights to a player currently in Europe, a person familiar with the decision said.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because teams can’t announce any trades until the free agency moratorium ends Wednesday, said Golden State would receive Edin Bavcic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in return. The 76ers acquired Bavcic’s rights in a trade with Toronto in 2006.

The move frees up about $4 million in salary cap space for Golden State, which drafted small forwards Harrison Barnes of North Carolina seventh overall and Draymond Green of Michigan State at No. 35 two weeks ago to take Wright’s place. The Warriors now have about $8 million to spend before going into the luxury tax.

— Reported by Antonio Gonzalez of the Associated Press

Milwaukee Bucks sign rookie John Henson

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed first round draft pick John Henson to a multi-year contract, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Henson was the 14th overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft.

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

Henson (6-11, 220) joins the Bucks after a three-year career at the University of North Carolina where he averaged 10.3 points and 8.1 rebounds in 109 career games. He leaves North Carolina as the Tar Heels’ all-time leader in blocks per game (2.56 – 12th in ACC history) and ranks second in total blocks (279 – 11th in ACC). He is a two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2011, 2012), as well as a First Team All-ACC performer as a junior when he averaged 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Henson will play for the Bucks in the 2012 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Bucks have a five-game schedule, which begins Monday, July 16, at 9:30 p.m. (CT) against New Orleans.

Timberwolves expected to sign Russian guard Alexey Shved

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms on a deal with Russian guard Alexey Shved.

Shved came to the Twin Cities on Tuesday and reached agreement on a deal, but the terms were not immediately available. The person requested anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced.

Shved can play both point guard and shooting guard.

— Reported by NBA.com

Bulls declining option on Ronnie Brewer

Bulls declining option on Ronnie Brewer

The Chicago Bulls will not pick up the $4.37 million option on Ronnie Brewer for the 2012-13 season, Brewer told “The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show” on ESPN 1000 on Tuesday.

Brewer, who becomes an unrestricted free agent, indicated that a new deal could be negotiated at some point, but it’s uncertain if the Bulls will bring back Brewer with 2011 draft pick Jimmy Butler in line for more playing time.

— Reported by ESPN Chicago

Atlanta Hawks sign rookie John Jenkins

The Atlanta Hawks have signed 2012 first-round pick John Jenkins, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/GM Danny Ferry.

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

Jenkins, the 23rd overall selection from Vanderbilt, led the Southeastern Conference in scoring the last two years, averaging 19.9 points per game last season for the Commodores.  A two-time First Team All-SEC performer, Jenkins is currently participating in the Hawks’ rookie-free agent camp in Atlanta and will be in action later this week with Atlanta’s rookie team at the NBA Summer League competition in Las Vegas, NV.

Grant Hill interested in Heat, Thunder, Lakers

Grant Hill interested in Heat, Thunder, Lakers

Free agent forward Grant Hill is still considering at least two other teams–the two teams in last month’s Finals, Miami and Oklahoma City–as well as the Lakers as he decides where he’s going to play next season, according to a source with knowledge of the 39-year-old forward’s thinking.

Reports Tuesday indicated that Hill has decided either to play for the Lakers or retire. But the source strongly indicated that Hill has not limited himself to Los Angeles as he makes up his mind. The Lakers emerged as a strong favorite for Hill after they agreed to terms with the Suns last week on a sign-and-trade deal that will send Steve Nash to the Lakers after the end of the July Moratorium on the 11th for four Draft picks and $3 million. But Hill is looking at the Heat and Thunder as well.

— Reported by the NBA.com Hangtime blog

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