January 2015 – Page 2 – NBA Blog

Kings sign Quincy Miller to second 10-day contract

Sacramento Kings sign Quincy Miller to second 10-day contract

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has signed Quincy Miller to a second 10-day contract, according to Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. Miller will be eligible to play in tonight’s contest against the Cavaliers.

Miller signed his first 10-day contract on January 17 after averaging a NBA D-League-leading 26.3 points (.522 FG%, .356 3pt%, .895 FT%), 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals and league-best 3.7 blocks in 14 games for the Reno Bighorns, Sacramento’s NBA D-League affiliate. Upon joining the Kings, Miller saw action in two contests, totaling 14 points (3-11 FG, 1-4 3pt, 7-9 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in 40 minutes off the bench.

Originally selected by Denver with the 38th overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, the 6-10, 220-pound forward posted averages of 4.5 points (.366 FG%, .702 FT%), 2.5 rebounds and 0.54 blocks in 59 games (started 16) over two seasons for the Nuggets.

DeMarcus Cousins replaces injured Kobe Bryant on 2015 West All-Star team

DeMarcus Cousins replaces injured Kobe Bryant on 2015 All-Star team

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins was named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, it was announced today by the NBA. Cousins’ selection marks the first time a Kings player will participate in an All-Star game since Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic represented Sacramento in 2004. He will become the sixth player during the Sac-era, and 23rd in franchise history to represent the Kings in the All-Star Game.

“I’m extremely excited to play in my first All-Star game,” said Cousins. “I appreciate the recognition and want to also thank my teammates and the fans for their support throughout the season. Representing the Kings and the city of Sacramento is a great honor.”

“Everyone in the Kings organization is thrilled for DeMarcus and happy that his diligence and commitment to becoming the best player he can be has been recognized,” said Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro.

“This honor is a result of the hard work and determination DeMarcus has shown throughout the season,” said Kings Head Coach Tyrone Corbin. “He dedicated himself to improving those talents that make him a special player and he is demonstrating every night how unique an athlete he is in this league.”

In his fifth NBA campaign, Cousins is averaging 23.8 points (.481 FG%, .806 FT%), 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.38 steals, 1.63 blocks and 33.8 minutes per game in 32 contests, leading the Kings in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. He was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Nov. 17-23 after registering 25.7 points (.577 FG%, .773 FT%), 16.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.71 blocks per game in leading Sacramento to a 2-1 week. Cousins appears among NBA leaders in several categories ranking fourth in double-doubles (26), fifth in scoring and third in rebounding.

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, who earned the right to coach the West squad because the Warriors clinched the best record in the conference through games played Feb. 1, will determine who replaces Bryant in the starting lineup.

Magic may be close to firing Jacque Vaughn

Magic may be close to firing Jacque Vaughn

The 15-34 Orlando Magic have the fifth worst winning percentage in the NBA so far this season, and have lost seven games in a row. Head coach Jacque Vaughn’s job may be in jeopardy. Yahoo Sports reports:

Magic may soon part ways with coach Jacque Vaughn

The Orlando Magic are close to firing coach Jacque Vaughn and a change could come soon, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

As embarrassing losses accumulate, Vaughn is rapidly running out of time to show the progress needed to make it through the next several days – never mind the fourth and final year of his contract in 2015-’16, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

“It isn’t a matter of ‘if,’ anymore, but ‘when,’” a source close to the decision-making process told Yahoo Sports about Vaughn’s fading job security.

Heat sign Tyler Johnson to second 10-day contract

Miami Heat sign Tyler Johnson to second 10-day contract

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed guard Tyler Johnson to a second 10-day contract.

Johnson, who was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the HEAT on January 12, appeared in one game with Miami totaling two points on a perfect 2-of-2 from the foul line in 1:44 minutes of action. He has appeared in 15 games (all starts) with the HEAT’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, this season averaging 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.00 steals and 34.5 minutes while shooting 48.8 percent from the field, 43.5 percent from three-point range and 80.8 percent from the foul line.

He appeared in two games with the Skyforce, after his first 10-day contract expired, posting an 18-point, 11-assist double-double on January 24 and then scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out five assists on January 27, both resulting in victories.

Bucks sign Kenyon Martin for rest of season

Milwaukee Bucks sign Kenyon Martin for rest of season

Bucks sign Kenyon Martin for remainder of season

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward/center Kenyon Martin for the remainder of the 2014-15 season, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Martin has appeared in eight games for the Bucks this season and averaged 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game. Martin signed his initial 10-day contract with the Bucks on Jan. 9, and was signed to a second 10-day deal on Jan. 19.

Pau Gasol does not miss media glare of Los Angeles

The media spotlight is a powerful thing. It is usually quite good for those who need publicity, but can also quite a distraction for others who are already well-known and would appreciate a little less attention once in a while. Such is the struggle of pro athletes who live the life we all dream of. Here’s the Los Angeles Daily News reporting:

Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls on Thursday morning talked about his emotional return to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Thursday night at Staples Center. He spoke of the memories he’ll realize once he steps onto the floor and all sorts of warm and fuzzy things.

He doesn’t miss the media scrutiny of Los Angeles, however. He made no bones about that.

“Obviously, when things were going well here, it was exceptional,” said Gasol, who spent seven seasons with the Lakers and helped them win NBA titles in 2009 and 2010. “They say L.A. and New york are two of the top cities, the best cities to win at. But they’re probably two of the tougher cities to lose and struggle because you get so much coverage that media have to create stories.”

Lakers GM says he is in contact with Steve Nash

Remember Steve Nash? Of course you do. He’s had a fantastic NBA career. But the part that many fans may have forgotten is, he’s still a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s ESPN Los Angeles reporting:

Lakers guard Steve Nash has basically been a ghost since October, when he was declared out for the season because of back injuries.

Nash hasn’t been a visible presence at games, and while Lakers coach Byron Scott said he has hoped that Nash would be around to help mentor younger players, Scott strangely added that he’s had consistent trouble reaching Nash by phone.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has a different view.

“He’s around,” Kupchak said after shootaround at the Lakers’ practice facility Thursday. “I’ve had multiple meetings with Steve. We have breakfast once a month. He will work with some of our players. He may have already started doing that. He’s not going to go out and advertise [but] he’s doing it. … As the season progresses, he’ll be more engaged.”

Nic Batum status uncertain for Friday

Here’s the Oregonian with a Trail Blazers update for a very big Friday matchup:

Nicolas Batum’s status for the Trail Blazers’ Friday night game against the hottest team in the NBA is uncertain.

Batum was a game-time decision before the Blazers visited the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, and the starting small forward did not decide to play until about an hour before tipoff, after going through a pregame shooting session. Batum, who has played with a sprained right wrist since Dec. 17, was grimacing throughout the session, but decided to play through the pain.

Spurs sign Reggie Williams to 10-day contract

Spurs sign Reggie Williams to 10-day contract

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed forward Reggie Williams of the Oklahoma City Blue to a 10-day contract.

Williams, 6-6/210, has appeared in 13 games this season for the Blue of the NBA D-League, averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.08 steals in 31.9 minutes. He has also spent time in the D-League with the Blue in 2013-14 and the Sioux Falls Skyforce in 2009-10. In 69 career D-League games, he has averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 37.7 minutes.

In the NBA, the Virginia native has suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder (2013-14), Charlotte Hornets (2011-13) and the Golden State Warriors (2009-11). In 180 total games, he has averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.7 minutes.

Williams has also played internationally for San Miguel Beerman of the Philippines (2014), Caja Laboral of Spain (2011) and JDA Dijon of France (2008-09). He played collegiately at the Virginia Military Institute (2004-08).

Williams will wear No. 55 for the Silver and Black.

Jazz sign Chris Johnson to 10-day contract

Jazz sign Chris Johnson to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed forward Chris Johnson of the NBA Development League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 10-day contract. Johnson becomes the NBA’s 24th overall NBA D-League Call-Up of the 2014-15 season and the 22nd different player to be called up.

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

The 24-year-old Johnson (6-6, 201, Dayton) appeared in 14 games (all starts) for the Vipers this season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals in 35.3 minutes per contest. He scored in double figures on 13 occasions and recorded 20-plus points in eight games, including one 30-point contest. He started the 2014-15 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 6.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 20.8 minutes while scoring in double figures twice in nine games (two starts), before being waived on Nov. 15.

Johnson has spent portions of three seasons with the 76ers (2014-15), Boston Celtics (2013-14) and Memphis Grizzlies (2012-13), appearing in 57 NBA games (two starts) and owns averages of 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game and has scored in double figures 12 times. He has also appeared in 73 D-League games (58 starts) over three seasons for Rio Grande Valley, holding averages of 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 31.4 minutes. He was a member of the Vipers’ 2013 D-League Championship team, a 2014 NBA D-League All-Star selection and was recently named to the 2015 NBA D-League Showcase Second Team.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Johnson played four seasons at Dayton (2008-12), where he earned Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team honors following his junior season and was the 2010 Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player recipient and helped lead the Flyers to a 2010 NIT championship. He was not selected in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Johnson becomes the 15th D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, and the fourth this season.

He will wear uniform #23 for the Jazz.