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On new Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in preseason

Via the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

The Timberwolves’ plan this offseason was to ease center Rudy Gobert back into action after he led France to a silver medal in the Eurobasket tournament.

Gobert sat out the Wolves’ first preseason game at Miami before playing in Thursday night’s 114-99 victory over the split-squad Lakers, who sat LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley in Las Vegas…

Gobert is not only the best rim protector of this generation, but he is also one of the best defensive rebounders in the league. Thursday’s game was evidence of just how much he will help the Wolves in that area too.

Gobert played only 17 minutes, but he had 12 rebounds in that time. The Lakers had a small lineup on the floor, and Gobert towered over them. He made rebounding look easier than it ever did last season for the Wolves. Offensively, Gobert had five points and three assists as he worked with guards D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards on their screen-and-roll game.

The Timberwolves are 2-0 so far this preseason.

Trail Blazers waive Wes Iwundu, Devontae Cacok and Brandon Williams

The Portland Trail Blazers have waived Wes Iwundu, Devontae Cacok and Brandon Williams.

Iwundu totaled five points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes in a preseason appearance against Maccabi Ra’anana.

Cacok played in two preseason games for the Trail Blazers and averaged 3.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 9.0 minutes per game.

In three preseason appearances, Williams averaged 8.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 2.3 assists and 1.00 steal in 15.8 minutes per game. He originally signed a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers on February 22.

Trail Blazers exercise 2023-24 team option on Keon Johnson

The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised the 2023-24 team option on the Rookie Scale contract of guard Keon Johnson, it was announced today by General Manager Joe Cronin.

Johnson, the 21st overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, was acquired by the Trail Blazers in a trade with the Clippers on February 4. He played in 37 games (12 starts) as a rookie with the Clippers and Trail Blazers in 2021-22, posting averages of 7.2 points (35.3% FG, 34.0% 3-PT, 80.4% FT), 2.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.76 steals in 18.8 minutes per game.

October 11, 2022 will officially be “Bradley Beal Day” in Washington, DC

The Council of the District of Columbia will officially declare October 11, 2022, “Bradley Beal Day.” Beal will be celebrated with a resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooke Pinto following the conclusion of the team’s Open Practice on October 11 at Capital One Arena beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Throughout his 10 years in D.C., Beal has been a presence in the D.C. community and was named the 2018-19 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner. As a philanthropist, role model and mentor, Beal has developed a unique and extensive relationship with Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, where he has provided students guidance and opportunity.

The three-time All-Star’s mark on the city has also been felt during the holiday season, providing turkeys to people in need and fulfilling families Christmas wish-list. He has most recently continued his community efforts with a refurbishment project for the basketball courts at Banneker Community Center in Shaw.

Beal, who signed a five-year contract extension with the Wizards this offseason, will embark on his 11th career season with the franchise in 2022-23, making him one of six active players to have played 10+ years with the same franchise and one of only two players (Wes Unseld, 13 seasons) to play 10+ seasons with the Wizards franchise. He currently ranks second all-time in points scored in franchise history (14,231), and is on pace to pass Elvin Hayes (15,551) to take over the top spot this season.

Warriors sign Anthony Lamb

The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Anthony Lamb.

Lamb, 24, has appeared in 26 games (three starts) over two seasons with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, averaging 5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 16.3 minutes per game. Lamb owns career G League averages of 15.6 points, 7.5 rebounds 4.0 assists, 1.19 blocks and 30.8 minutes over 43 games (37 starts) with the Canton Charge and Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The 6’6” forward was named the 2020-21 G League Most Improved Player.

Kings exercise team option for 2023-24 season on Davion Mitchell

The Sacramento Kings have exercised their team option for the 2023-24 season on guard Davion Mitchell, according to Kings General Manager Monte McNair.

Selected by the Kings with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Mitchell earned 2021-22 NBA Rising Stars team honors as he averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 assists while shooting .418 percent from the field. Mitchell played in 75 games (19 starts) and averaged 27.7 minutes per game during his rookie campaign.

The Hinesville, Georgia, native finished his first season ranked in the top 10 among all rookies in points (11.5 ppg, 10th), assists (4.2 apg, 5th) and minutes per game (27.7 mpg, 10th).

Warriors sign Ty Jerome

The Golden State Warriors yesterday signed guard Ty Jerome.

Jerome played in 48 games (four starts) last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 7.1 points, 2.3 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 16.7 minutes per game. Overall, the guard has appeared in 112 games (five starts) over three seasons with the Thunder and Phoenix Suns, averaging 7.1 points, 2.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game.

Raptors guard Malachi Flynn out with cheekbone fracture

Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Flynn has undergone a procedure to correct a fracture to his left cheekbone.

The injury occurred in the third quarter of Sunday’s preseason game in Edmonton vs. Utah. After examination by doctors and clearing concussion protocol, Flynn returned to the game. He underwent additional specialized imagery after his return to Toronto, which revealed a small fracture.

Flynn will wear a face shield upon his return to the court, which is anticipated before the start of the regular season.

G League: Long Island Nets acquire rights to Loudon Love

The Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, have acquired the returning player rights to Loudon Love from the Texas Legends in exchange for Long Island’s second round pick in the 2023 NBA G League Draft.

The trade is not subject to a physical.

Love (6’8”, 260) appeared in eight regular season games (all starts) with the Legends during the 2021-22 season, recording averages of 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 20.2 minutes per game. He also appeared in 14 games for Texas during the 2021 NBA G League Showcase Cup, averaging 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 blocks in 25.5 minutes per game. The Geneva, Ill., native played four collegiate seasons (2017-21) at Wright State, recording career averages of 14.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.3 minutes per game in 120 games (119 starts). Love received Horizon League Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors during his final season with the Raiders.