December 2014 – Page 7 – NBA Blog

Russell Westbrook doing huge things this season

Here’s the Oklahoman reporting on OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, who after an early-season injury has taken things to another level in 2014-15:

During this recent streak of unbelievable MVP-level games — a career-high nine straight of at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists — it’s Westbrook’s finesse and improved touch around the rim that’s vaulted his kamikaze style to the next level. He’s playing with a controlled chaos that’s so rare. He’s darting to the rim with that same breakneck speed, but routinely maneuvering around the basket with a smoothness we’re not used to and tossing in feathery layups with either hand. His shot selection has always been criticized. His efficiency has always been used as an argument against him. But that’s not a crutch his biggest skeptics can lean on right now. Westbrook, again, was economical with his usage on Tuesday night: 20 shots, 11 makes, 32 points (to go along with his usual seven assists, six rebounds and four steals). In his career, Westbrook is a 43 percent shooter. But this season, he’s currently at 49.5 percent. Some would suggest he’s due for a regression to the norm. But others would view this as a different, improved Westbrook — the kind of dynamic yet efficient player who can make a legit case as the league’s best player.

Jabari Parker knee injury ends his season

Jabari Parker knee injury ends his season

Milwaukee Bucks rookie forward Jabari Parker suffered a left knee injury during the third quarter of last night’s game in Phoenix. He returned to Milwaukee this afternoon to undergo an MRI that revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Parker will undergo surgery to repair the injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

This is a horrible blow to a Bucks team that is enjoying a very respectable season.

Parker was also a top favorite to win the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year award.

In 25 games this season, Parker averaged 12.3 points (2nd among rookies) and 5.5 rebounds (3rd) in 29.5 minutes per game (3rd) while helping the Bucks to a 13-12 record. He scored in double figures 17 times, including a career-best 23 points at Brooklyn on Nov. 19 that stands as the highest-scoring game by a Bucks teenager in franchise history.

The Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October/November, Parker began his career by posting double-doubles in two of his first three games (11 points and 10 rebounds on Oct. 31 vs. Philadelphia, and 13 points and 11 rebounds on Nov. 1 at Washington). In doing so, he became just the 14th player in the last 30 seasons to record multiple double-doubles within his first three career games, and the only teenager to accomplish the feat.

Sixers coach Brett Brown especially disappointed by latest loss

Here’s the Philadelphia Inquirer reporting on the 2-22 Sixers, who have such a limited roster that there’s no reason to expect them, as a group, to be competitive for all four quarters of a game:

Monday’s 105-87 setback to the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center was one game 76ers coach Brett Brown quickly wants to forget.

“Last night for me was the most disappointing home game that we’ve had in a while,” Brown said after Tuesday’s practice at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. “For the first time, I didn’t recognize us. That’s not this team at all.”

The Sixers (2-22) shot 35.5 percent from the field and 14.3 percent on three-pointers and committed 23 turnovers.

Ronny Turiaf out for season after hip surgery

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that forward/center Ronny Turiaf underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure this morning on his right hip. The operation was performed by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Turiaf will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

Turiaf played in two games this season, totaling one rebound and two assists in just over 18 minutes of action.

Bucks rookie Jabari Parker hurts knee

Milwaukee Bucks rookie Jabari Parker, who is averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season, hurt his knee Tuesday. Hopefully it’s not serious. The extent of the injury isn’t known yet. Here’s the Journal Sentinel blog reporting:

It was a happy Bucks locker room after a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Khris Middleton lifted Milwaukee to a 96-94 victory Monday night.

But the joy was mixed with sincere concern over rookie Jabari Parker, who suffered a left knee injury early in the third quarter.

Parker’s left knee buckled without contact as he made a drive in transition and he was unable to leave the floor under his own power. He was carried off the court by teammates Zaza Pachulia and Johnny O’Bryant.

“As of right now we don’t know anything. They’ll do all the tests tomorrow and we’ll be able to report something then,” Bucks coach Jason Kidd said after the game.

Jordan Farmar still trying to fully fit in with Clippers

Here’s ESPN Los Angeles reporting on backup Clippers guard Jordan Farmar:

Jordan Farmar had his best game as a Los Angeles Clipper on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him as he sat in the locker room after the game.

Farmar, who scored a season-high 15 points to go along with five assists in 23 minutes off the bench, thought nights like this would be more commonplace than aberrations when he signed a two-year, $4.2 million contract with the Clippers in the offseason.

But Farmar and the Clippers have yet to get fully comfortable with each other 24 games into the season…

Farmar’s biggest issue with the Clippers is getting inconsistent minutes and opportunities. While [head coach Doc] Rivers tells Farmar he’s going to get 20 minutes per night, Farmar has played 20 or more minutes just three times this season, including Monday’s game. On the season, he’s averaging 14.7 minutes per game, averaging 4.3 points, 1.8 assists and 1.2 rebounds. Each statistic represents a career low for the 28-year-old point guard.

Blazers center Robin Lopez breaks hand

Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez breaks hand

Here’s the Columbian reporting some rough news for the Trail Blazers:

The Trail Blazers scored another win against a Western Conference contender, even though the win came with a caveat and a cost.

Behind 21 points, a career-high 10 rebounds and six assists from Damian Lillard, the Blazers defeated a short-handed San Antonio Spurs squad 108-95 Monday at the Moda Center.

But starting center Robin Lopez left the game in the third quarter with a right hand injury and did not return. Terry Stotts said he would be out “a while” with a fractured hand.

“I haven’t seen the play,” said Lopez, with a cast covering his right hand. “I think it’s a couple of fractures.”

Sacramento Kings fire coach Michael Malone

The Sacramento Kings announced today that Michael Malone has been relieved of his head coaching duties, according to General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. Kings assistant coach Tyrone Corbin will assume head coaching responsibilities.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the franchise moving forward,” said D’Alessandro. “Michael made significant contributions to the organization on many levels and helped foster cultural changes that positively impacted our team. We’re thankful for the commitment he exhibited during his time in Sacramento and wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

In 106 games at the helm, Malone compiled a 39-67 record since taking over as head coach prior the 2013-14 campaign. The Kings enter play Tuesday with an 11-13 mark on the season (fourth in Pacific Division standings).

Sixers sign Furkan Aldemir, waive Ronald Roberts

The Philadelphia 76ers today announced they have signed power forward/center Furkan Aldemir (Fur-kahn Al-di-meer).

The native of Turkey has been playing professionally in his home country since 2007-08. He joined Galatasaray Liv Hospital in 2011 and helped them earn the Turkish Basketball League (TBL) title in 2012-13 before finishing as runner-up in 2013-14. Aldemir (6’10”, 240) was leading the TBL in rebounding with 11 per game this season, after leading the league in total rebounds in 2013-14 and earning All-Star honors in 2010 and 2012.

During EuroLeague play, Aldemir was part of the Galatasaray team that advanced to the final 16 in 2011-12 and the top eight in 2013-14.

Aldemir is also a member of the Turkish senior national team and competed in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. At the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, Aldemir averaged 15 points, a tournament-high 16 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game en route to earning All-Tournament honors.

Aldemir was originally the 53rd overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and the Sixers acquired his rights from Houston on July 13, 2013. Prior to his signing, Aldemir was one of five players (Dario Saric, Vasilije Micic, Jordan McRae and Arsalan Kazemi) playing internationally whose rights are held by the Sixers.

In a related move, the Sixers waived Ronald Roberts.

Kings fire coach Mike Malone

Sacramento Kings fire coach Mike Malone

Here’s the Sacramento Bee reporting a huge late-night Kings development:

The Kings have fired coach Michael Malone, league sources confirmed Sunday night, and will replace him with assistant coach Tyrone Corbin.

After starting the season 5-1, the Kings are 11-13 and have lost three in a row and eight of their last 10.

Star center DeMarcus Cousins has missed the last nine games because of viral meningitis. The Kings are 2-7 without him.

Malone, who went 39-67, was hired before the 2013-14 season after a group led by Vivek Ranadive purchased the franchise and vowed to keep it in Sacramento.

Malone was hired before Pete D’Alessandro came aboard as general manager. Ranadive declared Malone was the best assistant coach on the market and he had to hire him before another team did.