Month: December 2014

Grizzlies recall Jarnell Stokes from D-League

The Memphis Grizzlies recalled forward/center Jarnell Stokes from the NBA Development League’s Iowa Energy, the Grizzlies’ exclusive D-League affiliate, the team announced today. Stokes began his second assignment with Iowa on Dec. 1.

Stokes (6-9, 263) recorded 15 points and 8 rebounds in 22 minutes in his Energy regular season debut on Dec. 2 at Fort Wayne. During his first assignment in Iowa (Nov. 8-10), he posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds on Nov. 8 vs. Sioux Falls in an exhibition played in Memphis at FedExForum.

The 20-year-old has totaled eight points and seven rebounds on 3-of-3 shooting in 21 minutes through six appearances for the Grizzlies this season.

Stokes was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft after three seasons at the University of Tennessee (2011-14). The Memphis native was traded to the Grizzlies on draft night for a 2016 second round draft pick.

Alec Burks recovering from shoulder issue

The following is a medical update on Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks:

Alec Burks recovering from shoulder issue

Burks (left shoulder inflammation) will be listed as OUT for tonight’s game vs. Toronto and Friday’s game vs. Orlando while undergoing additional testing on his left shoulder. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.

The 23-year-old Burks (6-6, 211, Colorado) has appeared in 18 games (all starts) and is averaging 13.3 points and career-highs of 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33.7 minutes. The fourth-year guard was originally selected by the Jazz in the first round (12th overall selection) of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Ersan Ilyasova injury update

Ersan Ilyasova nasal fracture

Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova was inadvertently struck in the face/nasal area late in the second quarter of yesterday’s game at Cleveland. After being examined in the locker room at halftime, he was taken to the Cleveland Clinic where he underwent a CT scan that revealed a nasal fracture. He also displayed symptoms of a mild concussion. Ilyasova was held overnight for observation, released this morning, and is returning to Milwaukee.

Ilyasova will not play in tonight’s contest and is not expected to travel on the team’s next trip to Dallas (Dec. 7) and Oklahoma City (Dec. 9). Further updates will be made when appropriate.

In 19 games this season, Ilyasova is averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. Prior to last night’s game he had scored in double figures in eight straight games, averaging 15.8 points while shooting 56.0 percent from the field.

Cavs want to host 2018 All-Star weekend

Cavs want to host 2018 All-Star weekend

Hosting an All-Star weekend brings lots of attention to a city as a destination, as well as its NBA team. Not every city is cut out for the job. Ideally there’s an easy-to-navigate, hotel-filled, main central area, with an arena but also lots of event space for all the side attractions, parties, etc. And, it helps if the local team has players who are participating in the weekend, hopefully with an All-Star jersey on their back. Anyway, here’s the Cleveland Plain Dealer reporting:

Cavs want to host 2018 All-Star weekend

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have submitted a bid to host the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

Cavaliers Chief Executive Officer Len Komoroski and President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission David Gilbert both confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group that the bid has been placed.

Cleveland has gone through a transformation in recent years and is already primed to host some big-time events.

The return of LeBron James certainly helps, and in March for the first time the city will host the regional semifinals and finals of the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament. Cleveland also was awarded the Republican National Convention in 2016.

Rockets recall Clint Capela from D-League

Houston Rockets recall Clint Capela from D-League

Rockets recall Clint Capela from D-League

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team recalled center Clint Capela from Houston’s single-affiliation NBA D-League partner Rio Grande Valley.

Capela (6-10, 245, France), appeared in six games with the Vipers averaging 9.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in 14.1 minutes per game. Prior to his D-League assignment, Capela appeared in one game with the Rockets on November 6th versus San Antonio, recording three rebounds and one assist. The former Elan Chalon player out of France was selected by the Rockets 25th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.

2015 NBA All-Star jerseys

2015 NBA All-Star jerseys

The 2015 NBA All-Star jerseys were unveiled by adidas today. This for the 64th NBA All-Star Game, taking place on February 15 in New York City.

Designed by adidas, the 2015 NBA All-star jerseys pay tribute to New York City’s basketball history and unique boroughs while personifying the city’s legacy as the mecca of sports, music and fashion. The clean, timeless design is inspired by classic sports uniforms and barnstorming basketball teams from the early 20th century.

The jerseys feature a side panel of five stars, each representing New York City’s five boroughs with a unique pattern. Here are photos of the jerseys:

EAST:

WEST:

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Kevin Durant should return soon for OKC

Kevin Durant should return soon for OKC

Here’s the Oklahoman reporting on OKC Thunder star Kevin Durant, who should make his return from injury in the very near future:

Kevin Durant should return soon for OKC

Scott Brooks stopped and thought about the question before answering.

“Any lineup changes?” the coach was asked Monday.

Brooks began with an “Um” before proceeding with a pregnant pause that left all in attendance at the end of the Thunder’s practice wondering if this would be the moment he announced Kevin Durant is back.

“No,” Brooks then said, finally. “Nothing as of yet.”

The “as of yet” part left Durant’s timetable up to interpretation, and it’s looking and sounding more and more like the reigning MVP is extremely close to making his season debut, perhaps as early as Tuesday at New Orleans.

Joe Alexander named D-League Performer of Week through November 30

joe alexander

Santa Cruz Warriors forward Joe Alexander was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Monday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 30. The honor is the first of Alexander’s career.

Alexander (6-8, 220, West Virginia) averaged 26.7 points on 57 percent shooting from the floor (35-of-62) to go with 9.3 rebounds as the Warriors went 2-1 last week. He scored a season-high 35 points on Nov. 25 against the Bakersfield Jam in defeat before recording double-doubles in the team’s next two contests, both wins over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The eighth overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft, Alexander is in his second year with the Warriors. For the season, he is averaging a Warriors-best 21.4 points, good for 12th in the NBA D-League, to go with 8.6 rebounds and 29.7 minutes.

Other top performers considered include Austin’s Bryce Cotton, Bakersfield’s Elijah Millsap, Idaho’s Joel Wright, Maine’s Tim Frazier, and Texas’ Eric Griffin.