Inside Hoops – Page 233 – NBA Blog

Utah Jazz sign Zylan Cheatham to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz yesterday signed forward Zylan Cheatham to a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship exception.

Cheatham (6-5, 220, Arizona State) has one NBA season of experience, playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019-20, where he averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.

He joins Utah most recently from the NBA G League’s Birmingham Squadron, appearing in 13 games (all starts), averaging 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 30.6 minutes per contest. He spent the 2020-21 season with the Iowa Wolves and appeared in 34 games in 2019-20 with the Erie BayHawks.

Cavaliers and Koby Altman agree to contract extension

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Koby Altman have reached an agreement on a new long-term contract extension, it was announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts. Altman will also take on the title of President of Basketball Operations effective immediately.

“Today is a great day for the franchise and another step forward in realizing our vision that includes stability in leadership for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” said Cavaliers Chairman Dan Gilbert. “In extending Koby Altman’s contract and elevating his title to President of Basketball Operations, I have the utmost confidence in his ability and the culture he has established since taking over the basketball leadership role with our organization. Koby consistently adapts to the ever-changing landscape of the NBA and he has assembled a team whose players compliment each other’s talents both on and off the floor, in addition to a front office and coaching staff of top-notch basketball minds. I feel our organization is primed for sustainable and long-term success and that is in no small part thanks to Koby’s efforts, determination and talent. I look forward to what’s ahead for Koby and the Cavaliers.”

Per the team: Altman, who was hired as the 11th general manager in Cavaliers history on July 24, 2017, has helped transform the basketball operations department and Cavaliers roster with the signing of key free agents and acquiring draft assets and players via trade. Under Altman, the Cavaliers have made 22 total trades and 13 in-season trades, including three in-season moves that helped propel the team to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Championship in just his first season as GM. Since Altman and the Cavaliers’ 2018 NBA Finals run, he has accumulated 18 draft picks (three first round, 15 second round) and still owns all of the team’s remaining first round picks and 12 second round picks over the next seven seasons. Cleveland has also maintained roster flexibility, with 11 of their 15 current roster players at team options or non-fully guaranteed years at the end of their contract terms.

“It has been an honor and extreme privilege to represent this organization and I’m truly humbled by the confidence granted to me by our Chairman, Dan Gilbert,” said Altman. “His leadership has allowed us the freedom to incorporate our strategy and vision intended for the future of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball. This is a first-class organization with a passionate and loyal fanbase. I will forever be grateful for this continued opportunity. With Dan setting the example and providing us with amazing resources, we are building something truly special here in Northeast Ohio. We remain committed to our player development program and our players have shown incredible growth and improvement this season. Our evolving culture is driven by our players, coaches and staff, who all play a significant role in defining what it truly means to be a Cavalier and we are very excited for our future.”

Lakers sign Sekou Doumbouya to two-way contract, and waive Jay Huff

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Sekou Doumbouya to a two-way contract.

And in a related move, the Lakers requested waivers on Jay Huff.

In two games with Los Angeles this season, Doumbouya averaged 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block in 8.0 minutes per game. He has appeared in 96 career NBA games (30 starts) for the Lakers and Pistons, averaging 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.1 minutes.

Thunder sign Mamadi Diakite to 10-day contract

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed forward Mamadi Diakite to a 10-day contract, via the NBA’s COVID-Related Hardship Allowance.

Diakite (6-9, 218) appeared in two preseason games for the Thunder this season and averaged 4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.00 block in 12.2 minutes per game. He appeared in 14 games (one start) last season with the Bucks and averaged 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 10.1 minutes per contest.

The Guinea native saw action in 12 G League games (three starts) during the 2020-21 season as a member of the Lakeland Magic where he registered averages of 18.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.08 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game.

Sixers sign Charlie Brown Jr. to two-way contract

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Charlie Brown Jr. to a two-way contract.

In a related move, Philadelphia has waived Aaron Henry.

After signing a 10-day contract with the 76ers on Jan. 3, Brown appeared in two games for Philadelphia, swiping a pair of steals in each of his appearances against San Antonio and Houston.

Prior to joining the 76ers, Brown played for Dallas on a 10-day contract, playing 15 total minutes across three games. Brown also saw action in 11 NBA G League games this season with the 76ers’ affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals per contest for Delaware, and earned NBA G League Player of the Week honors for games played from Nov. 15-21.

For his career, Brown has seen action in 24 NBA games with Philadelphia, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Atlanta after going undrafted in 2019.

A Philadelphia native, Brown played his college basketball at Saint Joseph’s, where he averaged 19.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in his final season with the Hawks. Following the season, he was named to the 2018-19 All-Atlantic 10 Second Team.

Per NBA rules, teams are permitted to have a maximum of two players under two-way contracts in addition to the players under standard NBA contracts. A two-way player for the 76ers will also be eligible to provide services to the team’s G League affiliate – the Delaware Blue Coats.

Mavericks re-sign Marquese Chriss to another 10-day contract

The Dallas Mavericks have signed forward Marquese Chriss to a third 10-day contract under the COVID-related hardship allowance.

Chriss (6-9, 240) signed his first 10-day with the Mavericks on Dec. 21 and a second 10-day contract on Dec. 31. He has averaged 6.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 11.9 minutes in 10 games with Dallas, and posted a season-high 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-3 3FG) and 7 rebounds at Oklahoma City on Jan. 2

Chriss was selected by Sacramento with the eighth overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to Phoenix, where he earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in his first season. Chriss played collegiately for one season at Washington.

Utah Jazz sign Denzel Valentine to 10-day contract

The Utah Jazz have signed guard/forward Denzel Valentine a 10-day contract under the NBA’s COVID-related hardship exception.

Valentine (6-4, 220, Michigan State) joins Utah after most recently spending the 2021-22 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he appeared in 22 games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per contest.

The Lansing, Mich. native spent four seasons with Chicago (2016-21), owning averages of 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 232 games (45 starts).

Heat re-sign Kyle Guy and Chris Silva to 10-day contracts

The Miami Heat have re-signed guard Kyle Guy and forward Chris Silva to 10-day contracts using the COVID-Related Hardship Allowance.

Guy, who was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the HEAT on December 30, appeared in five games with Miami averaging 9.8 points, 2.6 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 20.3 minutes while shooting 51.4 percent from the field, 45 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. In his first game with the HEAT on 12/30 at HOU, he helped Miami to a, 120-110, win after scoring a career-tying 17 points, all off the bench, while also adding four rebounds, four assists and a career-high three steals on 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range, tying both his career highs for field goals made and three-point field goals made. Prior to joining Miami, Guy appeared in 11 G League games (10 starts) this season with the Cleveland Charge and averaged 21.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.00 steals and 35.0 minutes.

Silva, who was recently signed to a 10-day contract by the HEAT on December 31, appeared in five games with Miami averaging 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 12.3 minutes of action while shooting 61.5 percent from the field and 88.9 percent from the foul line. Earlier this season he appeared in one game with the Minnesota Timberwolves and 12 G League games with the Iowa Wolves where he averaged 15.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.00 steals and 26.1 minutes while shooting 57.3 percent from the field, leading the team in blocks and free throws made while finishing second in rebounds and field goals made.

Nuggets trade Bol Bol to Pistons for Rodney McGruder. UPDATE: TRADE NULLIFIED

UPDATE: The Detroit Pistons/Denver Nuggets trade of Rodney McGruder and draft consideration in exchange for Bol Bol has been rescinded because medical clearance was not received for all players involved.

ORIGINAL POST

The Detroit Pistons have acquired Bol Bol in a trade with the Denver Nuggets for Rodney McGruder and draft considerations.

Bol, 7-2, 220, has seen action in 53 career NBA games (two starts) with the Nuggets and averaged 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game. Drafted 44th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Miami HEAT, Bol was traded to the Nuggets on draft night and signed a two-way contract on Sept. 4, 2019. He signed a regular NBA contract on Nov. 24, 2020.

Bol played one collegiate season at the University of Oregon where he averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.7 blocks per game in 29.8 minutes.

A native of Sudan, Bol is the son of former NBA player, the late Manute Bol.

McGruder, 6-4, 205, played in 17 games for the Detroit Pistons this season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 38.6% from the field in 9.5 minutes. Over six seasons, McGruder has appeared in 251 games (118 starts) for Miami, Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit, holding averages of 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists, shooting 41.7% from the field and 33.7% from three in 20.1 minutes per game.

The 30-year-old went undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft after playing four seasons at Kansas State University. McGruder played internationally in Hungary during the 2013-14 season and then in the G League from 2014-16 before signing with the Miami Heat.

Mavericks waive JaQuori McLaughlin

The Dallas Mavericks have waived guard JaQuori McLaughlin.

McLaughlin (6-4, 190) signed a two-way contract with Dallas on Sept. 3 after going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. The rookie guard saw action in four games this season.

The Port Angeles, Washington, native finished his collegiate career at UC Santa Barbara, where he helped the Gauchos win the Big West regular season and tournament titles in his senior year. He averaged 16.0 points (.488 FG%, .408 3FG%), 3.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game en route to being named the Big West Player of the Year and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American in his final collegiate season.