Inside Hoops – Page 1214 – NBA Blog

Brooklyn Nets waive Jorge Gutierrez, Chris Johnson and Adonis Thomas

It’s “get rid of extra players” time in the NBA, as teams need to trim their rosters to 15 players or less by the start of the NBA regular season, which tips off Tuesday.

And so, the Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on guard Jorge Gutierrez and forwards Chris Johnson and Adonis Thomas, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Gutierrez, who was signed to the training camp roster on September 30, appeared in five preseason games, averaging 1.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Johnson, who was also signed to the training camp roster on September 30, played in seven preseason games, averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.

Thomas, who was signed to the training camp roster on October 18, did not appear in any preseason games for the Nets.

The Nets roster now stands at 15 players.

Utah Jazz sign Jamaal Tinsley

Crafty veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley is back in the NBA.

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed Tinsley, who we assume will be making the league minimum.

Tinsley (6-3, 188, Iowa State) has appeared in 539 games (399 starts) over 10 NBA seasons with Indiana, Memphis and Utah and owns career averages of 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native re-joins Utah after having spent each of the last two seasons in a Jazz uniform, playing in a total of 103 games (33 starts) and averaging 3.6 points, 4.0 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game during that span. Tinsley saw action in 66 games (32 starts) for the Jazz during the 2012-13 season, averaging 3.5 points, 4.4 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 18.5 minutes, his highest totals in every category (other than scoring) since 2007-08. He also ranked 18th (tied) in the NBA in assists-per-turnover rate at 2.74. As a starter, Tinsley posted a 20-12 record while averaging 4.8 points, 5.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 23.8 minutes.

The former Iowa State product was originally selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the first round (27th overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft. He has twice ranked in the NBA’s Top 10 in assists (2001-02, 2002-03) and steals (2002-03, 2006-07) and was a 2002 NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection. Tinsley was also the top overall pick in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft by the Los Angeles D-Fenders and appeared in eight games before signing with the Jazz prior to the 2011-12 season.

Los Angeles Lakers waive forward Marcus Landry

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Marcus Landry, it was announced today.

Landry, a 6-7 forward out of Wisconsin, has spent time over the past three years with the Maine Red Claws and Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League and internationally with teams in Spain, China, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. During his two seasons (2010-11 and 2012-13) with the Bighorns, Landry played in 84 games (83 starts) averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 36.0 minutes.

Signing with the New York Knicks as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009, Landry played for both the Knicks and Celtics during the 2009-10 campaign averaging 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.1 minutes over 18 games.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native appeared in six preseason games for the Lakers, averaging 4.0 points and 1.2 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game.

The Lakers roster now stands at 15 players.

Bucks vs. Raptors preseason game ends early due to court conditions

The Milwaukee Bucks game vs. the Toronto Raptors earlier tonight, Oct. 25, was called by NBA referee Dan Crawford with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter due to concerns about conditions of the playing surface.

Crawford spoke with a pool reporter regarding the stoppage of the game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center:

“We (the officials) just concluded that the floor was just unplayable. We went out beforehand, because it’s under the control of the Bucks to make a decision initially. We went out initially and tested the floor and we thought the floor was OK. Once the players started slipping, we said we should end this just to make sure we have no issues later.

“They (the players) actually complained beforehand but we didn’t know what that was about. As I said, Karl (Lane) and I were out there and we thought the floor was playable. But we’re not making those instinctive moves and sharp cuts. I think they were having issues with the sharp cuts.

“There was no condensation at all. None whatsoever.

“We kept making eye contact out there and we saw the players were having issues with traction. Then when we had a few guys go down, we figured we should have a conference. And both teams wanted not to continue the game.”

Magic waive Mickell Gladness, Manny Harris, Kris Joseph, Romero Osby

The Orlando Magic have waived center Mickell Gladness, guard Manny Harris, forward Kris Joseph and forward Romero Osby, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced today. The roster now stands at 15 players.

Gladness (6-11, 220, 7/26/86) was signed as a free agent on Sep. 27. He played in three preseason games, averaging 1.3 ppg., 3.0 rpg. and 3.00 blkpg. in 12.3 minpg.

Harris (6-5, 185, 9/21/89) appeared in six preseason games, averaging 4.3 ppg. and 1.3 rpg. in 9.0 minpg. He was signed as a free agent on Sep. 27.

Joseph (6-7, 210, 12/17/88) was also signed as a free agent on Sep. 27. He played in five preseason games, averaging 5.6 ppg. and 1.8 rpg. in 11.0 minpg.

Osby (6-8, 230, 5/7/90) was selected by Orlando in the second round (51st overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft. He played in seven preseason games, averaging 5.7 ppg. and 4.0 rpg. in 15.4 minpg.

Warriors sign Andrew Bogut to contract extension

The Golden State Warriors have signed center Andrew Bogut to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced today. According to the Associated Press, the deal is for three years and $36 million, but worth up to $42 million with incentives.

“This is a great day for the Warriors and we’re very happy to know that Andrew will be our center beyond this season as we continue to progress as a team,” said General Manager Bob Myers. “Andrew possesses a wide-ranging skillset that makes him a great fit alongside the other core pieces that we have assembled on our roster. He is still just 28 years old and has established himself as one of the premier centers in the NBA. He is a leader on our team and was a key part of our success during last season’s playoff run.”

Bogut enters the 2013-14 season owning career averages of 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.58 blocks and 32.1 minutes in 440 career regular-season games over eight seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. In 32 regular-season games for the Warriors last season, he averaged 5.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.72 blocks in 24.6 minutes per contest before helping Golden State advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.

In 12 postseason games last season, the 7’0” center averaged 7.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.50 blocks, while shooting 58.2% from the field. Bogut became the first Warriors player to average double-digit rebounds in the postseason (minimum five games) since Larry Smith in 1987. He tallied career playoff-highs of 14 points and 21 rebounds in Game 6 of the First Round against the Denver Nuggets, one of his three postseason double-doubles and one of five games with 10-or-more rebounds.

“I am so happy to get this deal done and want to personally thank Bob Myers and the Warriors owners, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, for believing in me as a person and my skills on the court,” said Bogut. “I absolutely love living in the Bay Area and playing in front of our incredible fans. I’ve said all along that this is where I want to be long term and now I look forward to starting the season and working with my teammates and coaches to continue building on the foundation that we laid last year.”

Originally drafted by Milwaukee with the first overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft, Bogut had his finest NBA season in 2009-10, earning All-NBA Third Team honors after averaging a career-high 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.54 blocks per contest. After seven-plus seasons with the Bucks, the Melbourne, Australia, native was acquired by Golden State, along with Stephen Jackson, on March 13, 2012, in exchange for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown.

Thunder exercise contract options on Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones

The Oklahoma City Thunder exercised its fourth-year option on guard Reggie Jackson and third-year options on guard Jeremy Lamb and forward Perry Jones, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

In two seasons with the Thunder, Jackson has appeared in 115 games and averaged 4.5 points, 1.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game. Most recently, Jackson appeared in 11 games (nine starts) with Oklahoma City during the 2013 playoffs and posted averages of 13.9 points, 3.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per contest.

In one season with the Thunder, Lamb appeared in 23 games while recording averages of 3.1 points in 6.4 minutes per contest.

During his rookie season with Oklahoma City, Jones saw action in 38 games (one start) and averaged 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.

Suns trade Marcin Gortat, Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee, Kendall Marshall to Wizards for Emeka Okafor, draft pick

The Phoenix Suns today announced that the club has acquired center Emeka Okafor and a top-12 protected 2014 first-round pick from the Washington Wizards in exchange for center Marcin Gortat and guards Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee and Kendall Marshall.

With the addition of the top-12 protected pick from the Wizards, Phoenix now potentially possesses four first-round selections in the 2014 NBA Draft: the Suns’ own pick, Indiana’s pick (top-14 protected) and Minnesota’s pick (top-13 protected), in addition to the pick acquired from Washington.

“Marcin, Shannon and Kendall have been valuable members of the Suns family the past few years,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “We have enjoyed working with each of them and appreciate their hard work and professionalism. We wish all of them well.”

“We are excited to add another first-round pick in what is shaping up to be the best draft in a decade,” said Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough. “We now have a chance to make four first-round selections in 2014. Emeka Okafor is a solid veteran center who will help solidify our front line when and if he is able to return from injury.”

Widely regarded for his defensive toughness and high basketball IQ, Okafor adds veteran leadership to the Suns’ roster. A nine-year veteran, he did not play for the Wizards this preseason as he was out with a herniated disc in his neck. Last season, he posted 9.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 79 games for the Wizards. Okafor enters the 2013-14 season in the final year of his contract.

Okafor, the 2004-05 NBA Rookie of the Year, averaged a double-double in each of his first five NBA seasons and holds career averages of 12.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.66 blocks. The No. 2 pick of the 2004 draft, he culminated a standout collegiate career at the University of Connecticut by being named Most Outstanding Player of the 2004 Final Four after leading the Huskies to the NCAA title.

Gortat departs the Valley after emerging as one of the Western Conference’s best centers during his tenure with the Suns. The six-year veteran came to Phoenix in a trade with the Orlando Magic during the 2010-11 season and played in 182 consecutive contests after being acquired by the Suns before missing the final 21 games of the 2012-13 season. Overall, the Polish Hammer averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.47 blocks in parts of three seasons with Phoenix, and ranks fifth in Suns’ history with a .547 field goal percentage with the club.

Brown, who signed with Phoenix before the 2011-12 season, averaged double-digits in scoring in both of his two seasons with the club, a feat he had never done before signing with the Suns. During his time with the Suns, Brown averaged 10.7 points in 118 games and set a franchise record for most three-point makes in a single quarter when he drained six from long distance in the fourth quarter of a win at Charlotte last season.

Marshall played in 48 games and averaged 3.0 points and 3.0 assists as a rookie with Phoenix in the 2012-13 season. Marshall recorded at least ten assists in each of his three starts last season and became the first player since Steve Nash in 1996 to tally double-digit assists while making his first career start in a Suns uniform.

Lee came to the Suns along with the draft rights to Archie Goodwin in a trade with Golden State on June 27, 2013. Lee did not dress for the Suns’ preseason contests as he continued rehab on his right knee following surgery last January.

The Suns’ roster now stands at 14.

Warriors exercise contract options on Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli

The Golden State Warriors announced today that the team has exercised the fourth-year contract option on guard Klay Thompson and the third-year contract options on forward Harrison Barnes and center Festus Ezeli, which are all for the 2014-15 NBA season.

Thompson, 23, has appeared in all 148 games (111 starts) over two seasons with the Warriors, averaging 14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. Starting all 82 games in 2012-13, Thompson finished third in the NBA with 211 three-pointers and combined with Stephen Curry (272) to hit 483 threes, the most by a pair of teammates in NBA history. In 12 postseason contests, the 6’7” guard averaged 15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 41.3 minutes. After only two seasons with the club, Thompson ranks 10th in team history with 322 three-point field goals and seventh in three-point field goal percentage (.406).

Barnes, 21, appeared in 81 games (all starts) as a rookie in 2012-13, posting averages of 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.8 minutes and garnering First Team All-Rookie honors. In 12 playoff contests (all starts), the 6’8” forward upped his averages to 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 38.4 minutes, becoming the first rookie to averaged at least 16 points and six rebounds in the postseason (min. 10 games) since David Robinson did so for San Antonio in 1990. Including the postseason, no rookie earned more starting nods than Barnes’ 93 starts last season.

Ezeli, 24, appeared in 78 games (41 starts) in his rookie campaign in 2012-13, averaging 2.4 points and 4.0 rebounds to go with 0.95 blocks, which ranked fourth among rookies last season. His 41 starting assignments were the most by a Warriors rookie center since Joe Barry Carroll started 80 games in 1980-81. In 12 postseason appearances, the 6’11” center averaged 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.2 minutes. Ezeli is currently recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss a minimum of 6-9 months from the date of the procedure (June 12).

Under the terms of the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, the first two years of a first round draft picks’ contract are guaranteed, while the third and fourth year of the contract are the team’s option. The Warriors selected Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and selected Barnes (7th overall) and Ezeli (30th) in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft.

Timberwolves waive Lorenzo Brown and Othyus Jeffers

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has waived guards Lorenzo Brown and Othyus Jeffers. The Timberwolves roster now stands at 16 players.

Brown, 23, averaged 12.6 minutes in three preseason contests this year, averaging 4.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

Jeffers, 28, played in six preseason games with Minnesota this season, averaging 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game.