July 2016 – Page 12 – NBA Blog

Heat re-sign Udonis Haslem

The Miami Heat announced yesterday that they have re-signed forward Udonis Haslem.

Haslem’s career is winding down, and his role on the team at this point will likely remain very limited.

“For over a decade, Udonis has embodied what it means to wear the Miami HEAT uniform,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He has been the pillar and constant of this organization, and is a true champion in every sense of the word. We are thrilled that Udonis is back to help impart his leadership and instill the HEAT culture with his new teammates.”

Haslem, a three-time NBA Champion, has played his entire 13-year NBA career with the HEAT, appearing in 814 regular season games (498 starts) and has averaged 7.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 26.1 minutes while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 75.7 percent from the foul line. The Miami native is the franchise all-time leader in offensive, defensive and total rebounds and also ranks among the HEAT’s all-time leaders in games played (2nd), starts (2nd), minutes (2nd), double-doubles (3rd), field goals made (5th), points (6th), field goals attempted (6th), field goal percentage (6th), free throws made (8th), free throws attempted (8th), double-figure scoring efforts (8th), blocks (tied-8th), steals (10th), assists (16th) and free throw percentage (17th). Additionally, he’s the only undrafted player in NBA history to lead a franchise in total rebounds.

Trail Blazers re-sign Meyers Leonard

The Portland Trail Blazers have re-signed forward/center Meyers Leonard, it was announced yesterday by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.

“Meyers is a core member of our organization and continues to show the promise and potential we anticipated when we drafted him,” said Olshey.

Leonard averaged career-highs with 8.4 points (44.8% FG, 37.7% 3-PT76.1% FT), 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 21.9 minutes in 61 games (10 starts) in 2015-16. He missed the final 14 games of the regular season due to an injured left shoulder.

“Today is a day which is hard to describe. I’m overcome with happiness and joy,” said Leonard. “I’m thankful for the people who have remained loyal and loving in my life. This is the product of a lot of hard work and time. I feel like I have found a new gear mentally and physically and really am excited for the next four years. The future is going to be bright with this team.”

In four NBA seasons, Leonard (7-1, 255) has averaged 5.8 points (48.9% FG, 38.5% 3-PT, 81.4% FT), 4.1 rebounds 0.8 assists and 16.6 minutes in 225 games (26 starts). The Illinois native made more three-pointers last season (86) than he did through his first three seasons combined (50).

Portland selected Leonard with the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, after the forward/center played in 65 games over two collegiate seasons at Illinois.

Tim Duncan retires from NBA

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan today announced that he will retire after 19 seasons with the organization. Since drafting Duncan, the Spurs won five championships and posted a 1,072-438 regular season record, giving the team a .710 winning percentage, which is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB over the last 19 years.

Originally selected by the Spurs as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Duncan helped San Antonio reach the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons and became the only player in league history to start and win a title in three different decades. The Silver and Black won at least 50 games the last 17 seasons, the longest streak in league history, and posted at least a .600 winning percentage in each of Duncan’s 19 seasons, an all-time record for most consecutive seasons with a .600 win percentage in the four major U.S. sports.

The 40-year-old Duncan comes off of a season in which he led the NBA in Defensive RPM (5.41) and became just the third player in league history to reach 1,000 career wins, as well as the only player to reach 1,000 wins with one team. He helped the Spurs to a franchise-best 67-15 record and also became one of two players in NBA history to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks in his career (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Duncan totaled 15 All-NBA Team selections (tied for most all-time) and 15 NBA All-Defensive Team honors (most all-time), garnering both honors in the same season 15 times, the most in league history. The 1998 Rookie of the Year was named NBA MVP twice (2002, 2003) and NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003 and 2005).

In his NBA career, the 15-time All-Star appeared in a total of 1,392 games and averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.17 blocks in 34.0 minutes. He shot .506 (10,285-20,334) from the floor and .696 (5,896-8,468) from the free throw line.

The Wake Forest graduate is the Spurs all-time NBA leader in total points (26,496), rebounds (15,091), blocked shots (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392), as well as third in assists (4,225). In NBA history, Duncan is fifth all-time in double-doubles (841) and blocks, sixth in rebounding and 14th in scoring.

As the only player in NBA history to play over 9,000 career minutes in the playoffs, Duncan ranks first all-time in postseason double-doubles (164) and blocks (568), third in rebounds (2,859) and sixth in points (5,172). For his career, Duncan appeared in 251 postseason contests (second all-time) and averaged 20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 37.3 minutes while shooting .501 (1,975-3,939) from the field.

Along with teammates Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, Duncan is part of the NBA record for most wins by a trio in both the regular season (575) and postseason (126). Duncan and Gregg Popovich have the most wins by a player-coach duo in NBA history (1,001) and the Spurs forward finishes his career in San Antonio as one of just three players in NBA history, along with John Stockton and Kobe Bryant, to spend 19 seasons with one franchise.

Kings add Bob Thornton and Larry Lewis to coaching staff

The Sacramento Kings have added two members to Head Coach Dave Joerger’s staff, naming Bob Thornton an assistant coach and Larry Lewis as a player development coach.

Thornton arrives in Sacramento with more than 30 years of basketball experience as a player, coach and personnel scout, having spent the previous five seasons in Memphis alongside Joerger after four years as an advance scout for the Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-2011). His coaching resume includes two seasons as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls (2002-04) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2005-07) and as head coach for the Huntsville Flight of the NBA D-League (2001-02) and the Continental Basketball Association’s Quad City Thunder (2000-01).

Selected by the New York Knicks in the fourth round of the 1984 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles native played eight seasons in the league and three overseas in Italy before breaking into the coaching ranks as an assistant with Chapman University in 1997.

Lewis joins Sacramento’s bench after spending the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers in a similar capacity. Prior to his elevation to the Lakers, he served two seasons as an assistant coach for the L.A. D-Fenders of the D-League. In his first year as a coach after a long international playing career, Lewis helped the franchise post the best regular season record in D-League annals (38-12) and earn eight NBA call-ups. Named an assistant on the D-League Select Team in 2012, he played a central role in the D-Fenders capturing the Development Champion Award, bestowed on the team that best embodies the D-League’s goals of developing talent via call-ups and player assignments.

In addition to his experience on the sidelines, Lewis’ eclectic international playing career spanned 19 seasons and four continents, including stops in Argentina (2011), Spain (2001-11), Japan (1996-2000), Cyprus (1996), Great Britain (1993) and the Dominican Republic (1992). He also played one season in the United States Basketball League with Sarasota (1996), in the CBA with the Harrisburg Hammerheads and Rapid City Thrillers (1994-95) and for the silver medal winning Team USA in the Pan American Games (1995).

A Morehouse College alumnus, Lewis turned professional in 1992 when he was drafted by the Albany Patroons of the CBA.

Pelicans trade Luke Babbitt to Heat

The Miami Heat announced today that they have acquired Luke Babbitt from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for New Orleans’ own 2018 second-round draft pick, that Miami acquired in the Feb. 18, 2016 trade involving Jarnell Stokes, and cash considerations.

Babbitt, a 6’9”, 225-pound forward, has appeared in 263 NBA regular season games (38 starts) during his six-year career and has averaged 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 13.5 minutes while connecting on 40.7 percent from the floor, 40.3 percent from behind the three-point arc and 74.4 percent from the foul line. In three of his six NBA seasons, Babbitt has hit at least 40 percent of his three-point field goal attempts. He has yet to appear in an NBA postseason game.

Last season as a member of the Pelicans, Babbitt appeared in 47 games (13 starts) and averaged 7.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 18.0 minutes while shooting 42.2 percent from the floor, 40.3 percent from three-point range and 74.4 percent from the line. The 16th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Babbitt set single-season career highs during the 2015-16 campaign in points (327), field goals made (122) and attempted (289), free throws made (39) and attempted (50), offensive rebounds (25), defensive rebounds (123), total rebounds (148) and assists (53).

In addition to playing for the Pelicans (2013-16), Babbitt played three seasons (2010-13) with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Heat sign Wayne Ellington, James Johnson, Derrick Williams

The Miami HEAT announced today the signings of free agents Wayne Ellington, James Johnson and Derrick Williams.

Ellington, a 6’4”, 200-pound shooting guard, has appeared in 453 regular season games (112 starts) during a seven-year career and has averaged 7.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 19.6 minutes while shooting 41.1 percent from the floor, 37.6 percent from three-point range and 84.8 percent from the foul line. He has appeared in two postseason games and averaged 4.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 7.0 minutes. Last season, as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, he appeared in 76 games and averaged 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 21.3 minutes while connecting on 38.9 percent from the floor, 35.8 percent from three-point range and 85.7 percent from the line. Additionally, he set single-season career highs in three-point field goals made (96) and attempted (268), steals (48) and starts (41). He has made at least 90 treys each of the past two seasons. In addition to playing for Brooklyn last season, Ellington has also played for Minnesota (2009-12), Cleveland (2012-13), Memphis (2012-13), Dallas (2013-14) and the Los Angeles Lakers (2014-15). A former first-round draft pick of the Timberwolves in 2009 (28th overall), Ellington captured the 2015-16 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award as selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA). The honor, named after the NBA’s second commissioner, is presented annually by the PBWA to the player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community. Ellington was recognized for his efforts to curb gun violence.

Johnson, a 6’9”, 250-pound power forward, has appeared in 398 regular season games (140 starts) during a seven-year career and has averaged 6.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 18.3 minutes while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor, 26.6 percent from three-point range and 68.8 percent from the foul line. In 19 career postseason games, all off the bench, he has averaged 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 8.3 minutes while shooting 39.6 percent from the floor, 40 percent from three-point range and 47.4 percent from the foul line. Last season, as a member of the Toronto Raptors, Johnson appeared in 57 games (32 starts) and averaged 5.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 16.2 minutes while shooting 47.5 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from three-point territory and 57.4 percent from the foul line. A former first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 2009 (16th overall), Johnson has shot a combined 54.7 percent from the floor these past two seasons, including a career-high 58.9 percent during the 2014-15 season. During his career, Johnson has played for Chicago (2009-11), Toronto (2010-12 and 2014-16), Sacramento (2012-13) and Memphis (2013-14).

Williams, a 6’8”, 240-pound power forward, has appeared in 376 regular season games (101 starts) during a five-year career and has averaged 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 21.4 minutes while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor, 29.9 percent from three-point range and 71.5 percent from the foul line. The former second overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves has yet to appear in a postseason game. Last season as a member of the New York Knicks, Williams appeared in a career-high 80 games (nine starts) and averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 17.9 minutes while shooting a career-high 45 percent from the floor, 29.3 percent from three-point range and 75.8 percent from the foul line. He also set personal single-season career highs in both field goals made (194) and assists (75). During his career, Williams has played for Minnesota (2011-14), Sacramento (2013-15) and New York (2015-16).

Hornets re-sign Marvin Williams

Charlotte Hornets General Manager Rich Cho announced today that the team has re-signed forward Marvin Williams to a multi-year deal.

“Marvin Williams embodies the exact type of player we look for when building the Hornets roster,” said Cho. “He can defend multiple positions, brings versatility and improved shooting on the offensive end and is a veteran presence that our younger players look up to. We are excited to keep Marvin in Charlotte and build off last year’s success with him as a part of our team.”

Williams appeared and started in 81 games with the Hornets in 2015-16, averaging 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 block in 28.9 minutes per game. In his 11th NBA season, he posted career highs in rebounds per game (6.4), three-point field goal percentage (.402), total three-point field goals (152), three-point field goals per game (1.9), total blocks (77), blocks per game (1.0) and double-doubles (10). His 10 double-doubles were more than his total from the previous four seasons combined (eight).

Rockets sign Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon

The Houston Rockets yesterday signed free agents Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon.

Anderson’s deal is reportedly an $80 million dollar contract over four years.

Gordon’s deal is reportedly a $53 million dollar contract over four years.

Anderson (6-10, 240) was originally the 21st overall pick by New Jersey in the 2008 NBA Draft and has played eight seasons for the Nets, Orlando and most recently New Orleans. In 484 games with 159 starts, he is averaging 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, including 16.1 ppg over the past five seasons. Anderson has also shot 80.0% or better from the foul line in all eight of his seasons and 86.1% overall.

Since entering the league in 2008-09, Anderson has the 11th most 3-pointers made (980) of any player and has the sixth-most in NBA history of players listed 6-10 or taller. In 2011-12, he led the league in 3FGM and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Over the past five seasons, Anderson joins Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews and Klay Thompson as the only players to average at least 2.4 3FGM while shooting 37.5% or better from behind-the-arc.

Gordon (6-4, 215) was originally the seventh overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2008 NBA Draft and has played eight seasons for the Clippers and Hornets. For his career, Gordon has appeared in 417 games with 398 starts, while averaging 16.6 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.06 steals. He is also a career 81.4% shooter from the foul line, including 88.8% in 2015-16.

Over the past three seasons, Gordon joins Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver, J.J. Redick and Klay Thompson as the only players to average at least 2.0 3FGM while shooting 40.0% or better from behind-the-arc. Gordon has averaged at least 15.0 points in seven of his eight seasons, including a career-high 22.3 ppg with the Clippers in 2010-11.

Rockets sign James Harden to contract extension

Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander announced yesterday that the team has signed guard James Harden to a four-year contract extension that will take him through the 2019-20 season.

According to Sports Illustrated, “Harden was already under contract through the 2017–18 season on a five-year, $78 million rookie extension.”

Harden’s new extension is reportedly a $118 million dollar contract over four years.

A very efficient offensive player who is one of the league’s best players at getting to the foul line, Harden’s defensive ability and focus continues to need improvement.

Since being acquired by the Rockets in October of 2012, Harden has been selected to four straight All-Star Games and has been named to an All-NBA Team three times, including First Team in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Harden’s teams have made the playoffs in each of his seven NBA seasons and have advanced to the Conference Finals three times, including a Finals appearance in 2011-12. His teams have also never posted a losing record and have won 50-plus games four times. In 2014-15, Harden finished second in voting for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award and was named MVP at the National Basketball Players Association’s inaugural Players Awards. That season, Harden led the Rockets to their first division title since 1993-94 and their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 1996-97.

This past season, Harden averaged career highs in scoring (29.0 ppg), rebounding (6.1 rpg), and assists (7.5 apg). He became the fourth different player in NBA history to average at least 29.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in a single season, joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson. Harden also became the fourth different player to average at least 27.0 points, 7.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in multiple seasons, joining John Havlicek, James, and Robertson.

Warriors sign David West

The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent power forward David West.

West, 35, averaged 7.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 18.0 minutes in 78 regular-season games (19 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015-16. The 6-9 forward shot 54.5 percent from the field and 78.8 percent from the free throw line. In 10 playoff games during his lone season with the Spurs, he averaged 5.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.6 minutes.

A 13-year NBA veteran, West owns career averages of 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 30.6 minutes in 893 regular-season games with the New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs. Originally drafted by the Hornets with the 18th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, West spent the first eight years of his career with the Hornets and was a Western Conference All-Star in 2007 and 2008. After leaving the Hornets, he played four seasons in Indiana before joining the Spurs last season. In 83 career playoff games, West has averaged 14.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, West played collegiately for four seasons at Xavier, earning the Associated Press Player of the Year Award as a senior in 2002-03.

West will wear #3 for the Warriors.