Boston Celtics re-sign Avery Bradley

Boston Celtics re-sign Avery Bradley

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Avery Bradley to a multi-year contract.

“We see Avery as a key part of our chase of Banner 18,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “He keeps getting better and is still far from reaching his ceiling. We’re ecstatic to have him back.”

Bradley, a 6’2” guard, is coming off a breakout 2013-14 season where he recorded career-highs in points per game (14.9), rebounds per game (3.8), minutes (1855), field goals made (361), three-pointers made (79) and free throws made (90). Bradley tied a career-high for points in a game when he notched 28 points against Brooklyn on March 21. He recorded his first career double-double when he recorded 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against New York on December 8. Selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Bradley recorded his 1,000th career points in the opening game of the season against Toronto on October 30. He led the Celtics in scoring in 17 games and recorded 20 or more points in 16 contests.

Thunder sign-and-trade Thabo Sefolosha to Hawks

Thunder sign-and-trade Thabo Sefolosha to Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks completed a sign-and-trade deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder that will bring guard/forward Thabo Sefolosha to Atlanta, as well as the draft rights to Giorgos Printezis, in exchange for the draft rights to Sofoklis Schortsanitis, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ferry.

“Thabo is an unselfish, competitive and playoff-tested player, and does many things well on both sides of the ball,” Ferry said. “He also fills a need, giving us more size and depth at the wing position. He’s been a part of winning programs and will fit our culture well.”

Sefolosha, 30, played and started in 61 games last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.0 minutes (.415 FG%, .768 FT%). In his eight-year career, Sefolosha has appeared in 551 games with the Thunder and Bulls (407 starting assignments) and has averaged 5.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 23.4 minutes (.442 FG%, .348 3FG%, .746 FT%). He was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive second team in 2009-10.

He has also played in 78 playoff games, starting 67, averaging 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 19.9 minutes.

Sefolosha was originally selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 13th overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, and was traded to Chicago in exchange for the draft right to Rodney Carney, a second-round pick and cash considerations. He spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Bulls before going to the Thunder on February 19, 2009 in exchange for a first-round pick.

The native of Vevey, Switzerland has also played for Tege Riviera Basket (Switzerland), Elan Chalon (France) and Angelico Biella (Italy). He also played briefly for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey in 2011.

Printezis was originally selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round (58th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft.  He currently plays for Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece.

Atlanta acquired the draft rights to Schortsanitis from the Los Angeles Clippers on July 30, 2012 in a sign-and-trade transaction for Willie Green, after he was originally selected by the Clippers in the second round (34th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft.  He currently plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Heat officially re-sign Dwyane Wade

Heat officially re-sign Dwyane Wade

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed guard Dwyane Wade.

“Dwyane has been the franchise cornerstone for this team since the day he arrived 11 years ago,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He has shown his commitment to the HEAT many times over the course of his career and has always been willing to sacrifice in order to help build this team into a champion. This time is no different. I am ecstatic to have him back in the fold and I am confident that Dwyane, as always, will be leading this team as we look to contend for NBA Championships.”

Wade, a three-time NBA Champion, has played his entire 11-year NBA career with the HEAT, appearing in 719 regular season games (710 starts) averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.76 steals and 36.6 minutes while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. The 10-time NBA All-Star is the HEAT’s all-time leader in points (17,481), field goals made (6,276), free throws made (4,579), double-figure scoring efforts (691), assists (4,301), steals (1,262), starts, games played and minutes played (26,331). He also ranks among the HEAT’s all-time leaders in blocks (2nd, 696), double-doubles (4th, 116), total rebounds (4th, 3,605), defensive rebounds (4th, 2,669), offensive rebounds (5th, 936), field goal percentage (7th, .492) and three-point field goals made (8th, 350). Additionally, his 696 career blocks are the sixth-most by a guard in NBA history.

He appeared in 54 games (53 starts) last season and averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.46 steals and 32.9 minutes while shooting a career-high 54.5 percent from the field. He scored in double-figures 48 times, including 28 20-point games, while leading the team in steals 17 times, points and assists 13 times each and in rebounds on four occasions. He scored his 17,000th career point at New York on January 9 and earned NBA Player of the Week honors on December 22.

Wade, the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, has appeared in 152 career postseason games (all starts) and averaged 22.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.64 steals, 1.01 blocks and 38.9 minutes while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. He has appeared in 28 postseason series, the most by any player in HEAT history and his 153 career postseason blocks are the second-most by a guard in NBA playoff history. His 3,481 career postseason points are the 17th-most in NBA history, just 126 points shy from tying Wilt Chamberlain for 16th place on the league’s all-time list. Last postseason, Wade appeared in 20 games (all starts) and averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.50 steals and 34.7 minutes while shooting 50 percent from the field. He capped the 2014 postseason appearing in his fourth consecutive NBA Finals, helping Miami become just the third NBA franchise to make four-straight NBA Finals appearances.

Miami Heat sign forward James Ennis

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward James Ennis.

“We were excited to draft James a year ago and have been impressed by the growth of his game in Summer League and Puerto Rico, as well as his terrific experience in Australia, leading Perth to a championship,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “We are looking forward to the infusion of energy he will bring to our roster.”

Ennis, who was acquired by the HEAT in a draft night trade during the 2013 NBA Draft, spent last season with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian Basketball League appearing in 33 games (32 starts) and averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.42 steals and 31.7 minutes while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the foul line. He helped the team win the 2014 Australian Basketball League Championship and capped the season finishing third in MVP voting while being named Australiabasket.com’s All-Australian NBL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Import Player of the Year, First Team and All-Imports Team. Additionally, after his stint in Australia, Ennis appeared in 12 games (all starts) with Piratas de Quebradillas of the Puerto Rican National Superior Basketball League and averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.75 steals, 1.00 blocks and 33.6 minutes while shooting 47 percent from the field and 76.2 percent from the foul line.

This summer, Ennis has appeared in six Summer League games with the HEAT (all starts) and averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.33 steals while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 48.1 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. He posted a 29-point, four-rebound, two-assist game in 25:33 minutes of action while shooting 10-of-12 from the field, 7-of-8 from three-point range and a perfect 2-of-2 from the foul line in a 110-91 win against the Brooklyn Nets on July 6. He previously spent the 2013 Summer League with the HEAT, appearing in 11 games (10 starts) and averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.45 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three-point range and 76.9 percent from the foul line.

Ennis was originally drafted in the second round (50th overall) by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Miami Heat sign Luol Deng

Miami Heat sign Luol Deng

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Luol Deng.

According to multiple reports, the deal may be for two years, $20 million.

“Signing Luol Deng is one of the most important free agent signings that we have ever had in the history of the franchise,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is a proven All-Star and quintessential team player, both as a scorer, as well as an All-NBA defender. He brings the attitude of a warrior and competes every single night against the very, very best. We are thrilled to welcome him to the HEAT family.”

Deng, a 10-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 677 career NBA regular season games (631 starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 35.8 minutes while shooting 45.7 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from three-point range and 77.3 percent from the foul line. Among Chicago’s all-time franchise leaders, he ranks fourth in points, fifth in field goals made, sixth in games played and three-point field goals made and eighth in free throws made and offensive rebounds. The 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree also ranks among the Bulls all-time franchise defensive leaders, including fifth in defensive rebounds and steals, ninth in total rebounds and 10th in blocks.

The two-time NBA All-Star split the 2013-14 season between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 63 total games (all starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 35.1 minutes while shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from three-point range and 79.1 percent from the foul line. Prior to his trade to Cleveland on January 7, Deng was averaging a career-high 19.0 points per game and a career-best 3.7 assists per game. Additionally, he has appeared in 48 career postseason games (42 starts) and averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 40.3 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 74.9 percent from the foul line.

In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Deng is also involved in numerous charities, including the Luol Deng Foundation. For his philanthropic efforts, he earned the NBA’s 2013-14 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, was named the UN Refugee Agency’s 2008 Humanitarian of the Year and selected as the 2006-07 Golden Icon Best Sports Role Model. He also served as ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games and won the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award in 2007.

Deng, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, was originally selected in the first round (7th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft.

Mavericks officially add Chandler Parsons as Rockets decline to match offer

michael redd

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed forward Chandler Parsons.

According to multiple reports, the deal is for three years, $46 million.

Parsons (6-9, 227) was a restricted free agent who played the first three years of his career with the Houston Rockets. As a Rocket, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 34.5 minutes in 213 games (207 starts).

Last season, Parsons started all 74 games in which he played averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 37.6 minutes while shooting .472 from the field, .370 from three-point range and .742 the foul line.

Recently, Parsons was added to the 2014 USA Basketball Men’s National Team roster and will participate in the team’s training camp beginning July 28 in Las Vegas.

The Casselberry, Fla., native was a standout at the University of Florida. As a senior, Parsons was named the 2011 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and Associated Press honorable mention All-America. He was drafted by Houston with the 38th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Phoenix Suns waive Ish Smith

The Phoenix Suns have waived guard Ish Smith, the team announced today.

“We thank Ish Smith for his contributions to the Suns,” said President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “He played with an infectious joy. We wish him well.”

Initially acquired by the Suns from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade on Aug. 29, 2013, Smith averaged 3.7 points, 2.6 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 14.4 minutes in 70 games in his one season with the Suns.

Nets re-sign Alan Anderson

Nets re-sign Alan Anderson

The Brooklyn Nets have re-signed guard Alan Anderson to a multi-year contract, General Manager Billy King announced today.

“Alan’s versatility was a big part of our success last season,” said King. “We look forward to Alan’s continued leadership on and off the court this season.”

Last season, Anderson set single-season career highs for games played (78), games started (26) and minutes played (1,773), while averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 22.7 minutes per game. He shot .400 (194-485) from the field and .339 (84-248) from three-point range. Anderson scored in double figures 26 times, including a season-high 26 points in a season-high 46 minutes on December 20 at Philadelphia. He made his first career playoff appearance with Brooklyn this season, appearing in 12 games (two starts) versus Toronto and Miami, averaging 5.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.8 minutes per game.

The Michigan State product recently completed his fifth NBA season and first season with the Nets. In 213 career games, Anderson holds NBA averages of 8.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game. Anderson, who initially signed with Brooklyn on July 30, 2013, went undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft.

San Antonio Spurs hire Etorre Messina as an assistant coach

San Antonio Spurs hire Etorre Messina as an assistant coach

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have hired Ettore Messina as an assistant coach. A four-time Euroleague Champion and a two-time Euroleague Coach of the Year, Messina brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the bench.

“I am honored to have such an accomplished individual join our program,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. “Coach Messina is an exceptional coach, a great leader and someone we can all learn from.”

Messina joins the Spurs after spending the last two years as the head coach of the CSKA Moscow in the Russian League, his second stint with the team. Before returning to CSKA Moscow, Messina served as a coaching consultant for the L.A. Lakers in 2011-12. Prior to making the move to the NBA, Messina spent four seasons (2005-2009) at the helm of CSKA Moscow where he led the team to two Euroleague Championships (2006, 2008) and four Russian SuperLeague titles (2006-2009).

Before coaching in the Russian League, Messina served as a coach in the Italian League for over 15 years. He earned two Euroleague Championships (1998 and 2001) as well as several Italian championships with Virtus Bologna, where he had two stints as head coach (1989-1993, 1997-2002). After leaving Bologna, Messina went on to coach Benetton Treviso from 2002-2005, guiding the team to an Italian championship in 2003.

Named one of the Euroleague’s 10 Greatest All-Time Coaches in 2008, Messina has earned numerous coaching accolades throughout his career including European Coach of the Year in 1998, Euroleague Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008, and Italian Coach of the Year in 1990, 1993, 1998, 2001 and 2005.

A native of Catania, Italy, Messina also served as head coach of the senior men’s Italian national basketball team (1993-1997), where he led Italy to the silver medal at the 1997 European Championship.

Bulls use amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer

Bulls use amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer

The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has amnestied forward Carlos Boozer.

“Carlos epitomized professionalism in everything he did for the Bulls both on the court, and in the community, during his time here in Chicago,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “Over the last four seasons, Carlos’ productivity helped elevate our team to another level. I have nothing but respect for Carlos, and certainly wish him the best as he moves forward.”

According to ESPN.com, “The Bulls will still owe Boozer the $16.8 million left on his salary this season but it will not count on their salary cap. Combined with their trade of Anthony Randolph to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the Bulls will clear about $12 million in cap space. Gasol is expected to sign a three-year deal worth more than $22 million and Mirotic is expected to sign for $18 million over three years with the Bulls permitted to give him $600,000 to help pay off his buyout from Real Madrid, sources said.”

In four seasons with the Bulls, Boozer appeared in 280 games (all starts) and averaged 15.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.0 apg in 30.4 mpg and shot .491 from the field.