Month: January 2015

Jeff Teague, Kevin Durant named Players of Week through January 4

jeff teague

Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant on Monday were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 29, through Sunday, Jan. 4.

Teague led the Hawks to a 3-0 week, behind a conference-leading 23.7 ppg, and his 8.3 apg and 2.67 spg were both good for second in the conference. Teague shot .500 or better from the field in all three games, and handed out at least six assists in each contest. On Dec. 30, during a 109-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Teague scored 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, and added 11 assists, five rebounds and three steals. At 25-8 (.758), the Hawks stand alone atop the Eastern Conference.

kevin durant

Durant helped the Thunder to a 2-0 week, which included wins over the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards, behind a league-leading 39.0 ppg. He added 9.0 rpg and 4.5 apg, and ranked eighth in the West in three-point field goal percentage with a mark of .556 (10-of-18). On Dec. 31, Durant scored 44 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field and a perfect 12-of-12 effort from the foul line, as the Thunder topped the Suns 137-134 in overtime.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Dallas’ Monta Ellis, Detroit’s Andre Drummond, Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe.

Bucks rookie Damien Inglis out for season after ankle surgery

Milwaukee Bucks General Manager John Hammond announced that rookie forward Damien Inglis underwent successful surgery today on his right ankle. The surgery was performed at the Carolinas Medical Center – Mercy in Charlotte, N.C., by Dr. Robert Anderson.

Inglis is expected to miss the remainder of the season while he recovers and progresses through his rehabilitation process. A timeline for his return to basketball activity will be established at a later date.

Jabari Parker has surgery to repair ACL injury

Jabari Parker undergoes surgery to repair ACL injury

Milwaukee Bucks General Manager John Hammond announced that rookie forward Jabari Parker underwent successful surgery Monday to repair his left ACL injury. The surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York by Dr. David Altchek with Bucks orthopaedic physician Dr. Michael Gordon assisting. Parker is expected to miss the remainder of the season while he recovers and progresses through his rehabilitation process. A timeline for his return to basketball activity will be established at a later date. Parker suffered the injury in the third quarter of Milwaukee’s win at Phoenix on Dec. 15.

The second overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, Parker averaged 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.24 steals in 29.5 minutes per game in 25 contests. He was named 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.

The Duke alum scored in double figures 12 times during the month, 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. Parker wrapped up the month with a 19-point effort vs. Houston on Nov. 29 that included a 13-for-14 shooting performance from the free throw line, making him one of just five teenagers in NBA history to hit 13+ free throws in a single game (Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James are the others).

Three-team trade sends Iman Shumpert and JR Smith to Cavs, Dion Waiters to Thunder

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the New York Knicks and a protected 2015 first round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder. In exchange, the Cavs will send guard Dion Waiters to the Thunder, and Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk and its own 2019 second round pick to the Knicks. New York will also receive forward Lance Thomas from Oklahoma City.

In addition, Knicks center Samuel Dalembert has been waived.

“As our journey moves through this season, we will search for the type of players that fit the style we hope to exhibit for our fans. Our desire is to improve our ability to compete,” Knicks President Phil Jackson said. “In addition, these transactions improve our flexibility to the current roster and the salary cap for future seasons.”

“We wish Dion the best as he continues his career with the Thunder and thank him for his effort and work here with the Cavaliers. Dion is a talented player with potential ahead of him. Trades like this are always difficult to make because there are relationships and bonds built and that was the case with Dion,” said Cavaliers general manager David Griffin. “At the same time, we’re very excited to welcome Iman and J.R. to Cleveland. With their size and versatility, we think both Iman and J.R. can help our team on both ends of the court and we look forward to them joining us.”

Currently in his fourth NBA season, Shumpert has appeared in 202 games (162 starts) with the Knicks, averaging 7.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.2 minutes per game. The 6-5 guard has ranked among the NBA’s Top 20 in steals-to-turnover ratio in two of his three pro seasons (15th with 0.91 in 2011-12; fifth with 1.16 in 2013-14). He holds a .348 career three-point percentage and was an All-Rookie First Team selection in 2012. This season, Shumpert is averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.0 minutes over 24 contests (all starts).

Smith, an 11-year veteran, has played in 716 career games (173 starts) with averages of 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26.1 minutes for New Orleans, Denver and New York. The 6-6 guard is also a career .370 shooter from the three-point line and .736 from the charity stripe. He has made at least 100 three-pointers in seven of the last eight seasons and was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year following the 2012-13 season. This season, Smith is averaging 10.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 25.8 minutes through 24 games (six starts) with New York.

The pick from Oklahoma City is protected 1-18 in 2015 and 1-15 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Should the pick not convey during this period, the Thunder would send the Cavaliers its second round draft picks in 2018 and 2019.

“Dion Waiters is a player that we’ve tracked and liked since his time at Syracuse, in the NBA, and with USA Basketball. Dion provides another proven scorer that positively impacts our roster and adds depth and flexibility,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “We have a lot of respect for his toughness and competitiveness, and believe that he is a physical playmaker who will enhance the versatility of our team. We are excited to welcome Dion to Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization.”

Waiters was originally drafted by the Cavaliers with the fourth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. In 164 games (75 starts) in three seasons with the Cavs, Waiters averaged 14.3 points on .420 shooting from the field, including .328 from beyond the arc, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal in 28.1 minutes per game. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2013. Through 33 games (three starts) this season, the 6-4 guard is averaging 10.5 points, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 23.8 minutes per game.

Kirk, an undrafted rookie out of New Mexico, originally signed as a free agent by the Cavaliers on August 11 and played in five contests for Cleveland in 2014-15. Amundson, who was part of the 2014 Cavs training camp and preseason roster, appeared in 12 games for the Cavs this season.

Jazz sign Elijah Millsap to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed guard/forward Elijah Millsap of the NBA Development League’s Bakersfield Jam to a 10-day contract.  Millsap becomes the NBA’s 12th overall NBA D-League Call-Up of the 2014-15 season and the 10th different player to be called up.

Following the move, the Jazz roster now stands at 15 players.

The 27-year-old Millsap (6-6, 215, Alabama-Birmingham) appeared in 19 games (16 starts) for the Jam this season, averaging 20.6 points (12th in the D-League), 8.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.1 steals (fifth in the D-League) in 36.6 minutes per contest.  He recorded eight double-doubles, including one triple-double (26 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists vs. Rio Grande Valley on Nov. 18).  He scored in double figures on 18 occasions and recorded 20-plus points in 12 games.

Millsap attended 2014 training camp with the Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in one preseason game before being waived on Oct. 16.  He has also attended NBA training camps with the Los Angeles Lakers (2011) and Oklahoma City Thunder (2010).

Millsap has spent portions of five seasons in the NBA D-League with the Jam (2014-15), D-Fenders (2011-14) and Tulsa 66ers (2010-11), appearing in 155 career D-League games (130 starts) and owning averages of 17.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals in 32.3 minutes while earning 2012 D-League All-Star and All-NBA D-League Second Team honors, as well as being named 2013 NBA D-League All-Defensive Third Team and 2011 NBA D-League All-Rookie Second Team.  He has also played professionally with Maccabi Ashdod of the Israeli League (2013-14), the Petron Blaze Boosters of the Philippine Basketball Association (2013) and Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (2012-13).

A native of Monroe, La., Millsap played two seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette (2006-08) before transferring to University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) (2008-10). He earned All-Conference USA First Team honors following his junior season at UAB and was named the 2007 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year as a member of the Ragin’ Cajuns.  He was not selected in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Millsap becomes the 13th D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, and the second this season (Patrick Christopher).

He will wear uniform #13 for the Jazz.

Channing Frye elbow injury is not a fracture

Here’s the Orlando Sentinel reporting some relatively good news about a key member of the Magic:

Channing Frye elbow injury is not a fracture

In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the Orlando Magic needed some good news.

That welcome news arrived when X-rays of Channing Frye’s injured right elbow were examined.

The X-rays revealed no fractures, a team official said Sunday. Frye’s availability to practice and play in games will be determined on a day-to-day basis.

Frye, a 31-year-old power forward, sat out the entire second half of the Magic’s 98-90 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night because of the injury, which was labeled as a strain.

Hawks, Jeff Teague enjoying great season

Here’s the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting on the Hawks and point guard Jeff Teague, with stats through Saturday’s games:

Hawks, Jeff Teague enjoying great season

The Hawks boast the best record in the Eastern Conference and Teague directs the well-balanced offensive attack. Teague is the Hawks’ leading scorer through 33 games with an average of 17.3 points. The total is good for just 30th in the NBA. Teague has scored in double figures 22 times this season, including 16 20-point games. He is on pace to increase his scoring average in each of his six seasons.

The Hawks’ offense is all about pace and ball movement as they share the wealth better than nearly every team in the NBA. The Hawks are third in the league in assists at 25.3 per game. Their season totals include 30 games of at least 20 assists and 20 games of at least 25 assists. They have reached the 30-assist mark five times. Teague is the man directing that facet of the offense most of the time as well. He leads the team and his 10th in the league with 7.0 assists per game.

Teague has led the Hawks in scoring 10 times and in assists in 26 of his 30 games. He also adds 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals, 11th in the NBA, to his all-around totals.

Jazz cut Toure` Murry to clear roster space

Here’s the Salt Lake Tribune reporting Jazz news from Sunday:

Toure’ Murry finally got into the books Saturday night.

A day later, he’s off of the roster.

The Utah Jazz on Sunday waived the second-year combo guard, clearing a roster spot that sources say will be used to bring guard Elijah Millsap up from the D-League.

With injuries to Alec Burks, Rodney Hood and Patrick Christopher, the Jazz have been in search of help at the wing and Murry apparently was not in the team’s plans going forward.

Julius Randle will have foot surgery Tuesday

Julius Randle will have foot surgery Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers rookie forward Julius Randle will undergo surgery on Tuesday morning to replace the screw in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. The surgery will be performed by Dr. David Thordarson of the Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Center.

It was previously declared that Randle would miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season after suffering a fractured tibia of his right leg in the season opener on October 28.