Inside Hoops – Page 278 – NBA Blog

Toronto Raptors sign rookie Scottie Barnes

The Toronto Raptors announced Sunday they have signed guard-forward Scottie Barnes to a rookie scale contract. Barnes is under contract through the 2022-23 season, with two team option years to follow.

The Raptors selected Barnes fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Barnes, 6-foot-9, 227 pounds, averaged 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 24.7 minutes in 24 games as a freshman at Florida State last season. He was named ACC Freshman and Sixth Man of the Year, earned All-ACC Third Team honours and was among the 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Barnes scored a career-high 21 points in the ACC Tournament championship game against Georgia Tech.

Charlotte Hornets sign Kelly Oubre Jr.

Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Mitch Kupchak announced yesterday that the team has signed free agent Kelly Oubre Jr.

The contract is reportedly a two-year, $26 million deal.

During the 2020-21 season, Oubre averaged 15.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 30.7 minutes per game in 55 games while shooting .439% from the field with the Golden State Warriors. Over his six seasons in the NBA, Oubre has appeared in 403 career games with Golden State, Phoenix and Washington, accruing averages of 11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game with a career field goal percentage of .433%.

Per the Charlotte Observer, “the move will give the Hornets needed depth at small forward behind Gordon Hayward after their 2020-21 season crumbled in the aftermath of Hayward’s foot injury suffered April 2 in a win at the Indiana Pacers. The Hornets left that game in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings at 25-23 but went 8-16 the rest of the way with Hayward sidelined and missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.”

Oubre has played in 18 career postseason games with the Wizards during the 2017 and 2018 playoffs. He holds career averages of 7.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game in the postseason.

A New Orleans native, Oubre was originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Kansas.

Brooklyn Nets re-sign Bruce Brown

The Brooklyn Nets have re-signed guard/forward Bruce Brown.

Brown was acquired by the Nets from the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-team trade on Nov. 19, 2020. In the 2020-21 campaign, he registered averages of 8.8 points on a career-best 55.6 percent shooting from the field, a career-high 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 22.3 minutes per game across 65 games (37 starts). The 24-year-old also posted career highs in offensive rating (115.9), net rating (3.5), effective field goal percentage (57.6 percent) and double-doubles (six). Brooklyn compiled a record of 20-7 in games Brown reached double figures in and a 29-8 record (15-2 at home) in games he started. In 197 career games (136 starts) in three seasons with Brooklyn and Detroit (2018-20), Brown has recorded averages of 7.2 points on 47.1 percent shooting from the field, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23.0 minutes per contest. He’s also seen action in 16 postseason games in his career, 12 of which came in the 2021 playoffs with the Nets, where he averaged 7.9 points on 50.6 percent shooting from the field, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.1 minutes per game. The Boston native was originally selected with the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Pistons after spending two seasons (2016-18) at the University of Miami.

Three-team NBA trade sends Tristan Thompson to Kings

The Atlanta Hawks today announced the team has acquired guard Delon Wright as part of a three-team transaction with the Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings. Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando and a 2023 second round pick go to Boston, while Sacramento receives Tristan Thompson.

The second-round pick being conveyed is Portland’s own second-round pick that Atlanta had received from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a trade for Lou Williams on March 25, 2021.

“One of our priorities entering the offseason was to solidify the backup point guard spot. Delon is a consistent two-way guard who has been a part of several successful teams. We think he’s a great fit here.” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Travis Schlenk. “I’d also like to thank Bruno and Kris for their contributions to the Hawks, and I want to wish them well as they continue their careers.”

Wright appeared in 63 games (39 starts) last season with Detroit and Sacramento, averaging career-highs of 10.2 points, 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals in a career-best 27.7 minutes (.463 FG%, .372 3FG%, .802 FT%). He scored 10-or-more points 30 times and 20-or-better six times, recording double figure assists twice. Wright ranked tied for seventh in the NBA in spg.

In 334 career regular season games (62 starts) with Toronto, Memphis, Dallas, Detroit and Sacramento, the 6’5 guard has compiled 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 21.3 minutes (.453 FG%, .350 3FG%, .792 FT%). In 32 postseason contests with the Raptors and Mavericks, he’s averaged 4.4 points, 1.4 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 12.5 minutes (.467 FG%, .400 3FG%, .756 FT%).

Selected by Toronto in the first round (20th overall) of the 2015 NBA Draft, the native of Los Angeles played his final two collegiate seasons at Utah after transferring from City College of San Francisco. In 68 career games (all starts) with the Utes, he averaged 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 34.8 minutes. He was the recipient of the 2015 Bob Cousy award, given to the nation’s top point guard. Wright earned All-Pac 12 First Team and Pac 12 All-Defensive Team honors in both of his seasons with Utah.

Wright’s brother, Dorell, played 11 seasons in the NBA with Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Portland.

# TrueToAtlanta #

Sixers re-sign Danny Green

The Philadelphia 76ers yesterday re-signed Danny Green.

Per multiple reports, the contract is for two years, $20 million.

“Bringing Danny back was a top priority for our organization this offseason,” Morey said. “He has proven to be an important leader on and off the floor, and he knows what it takes to win an NBA title as a three-time champion. We are very happy that he’ll continue to remain a crucial part of the 76ers.”

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, the “New York native has a knack for complementing elite players and winning NBA titles. Green helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship. That marked his second straight NBA title and third overall. He also won it with the 2019 Toronto Raptors and 2014 San Antonio Spurs.”

This will be Green’s second season with Philadelphia after the 76ers acquired him in a trade last offseason. During his first campaign with the team, Green averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists along with a career-high-tying 1.3 steals per game. Last year, Green also shot .405 from three-point range on a career-high 6.3 attempts per contest, leading the 76ers with 175 makes from beyond the arc. His three-point percentage was top-10 in the NBA among players with at least 400 attempts.

Last season saw Green tie a career-long streak with at least one made three-pointer with 32 consecutive games from Feb. 11-April 21, 2021. Green was also the only player this past season with at least 170 makes from beyond the arc and 90 steals, which made him just the fourth player in 76ers franchise history to do so in a single season since steals were first tracked in 1973-74 (Danna Barros, Robert Covington (twice) and Kyle Korver).

Since entering the NBA, Green, a three-time NBA champion, has 1,458 made three-pointers which is 17th among active players. That mark is also good for 41st in NBA history. For his career, Green has appeared in 757 games (681 starts) over 12 seasons with Philadelphia, the L.A. Lakers, Toronto, San Antonio and Cleveland. He holds lifetime averages of 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He’s a career .401 shooter from beyond the arc and is one of 11 players in NBA history to shoot at least 40-percent on at least 3,500 attempts from three-point range.

A native Long Islander, Green was originally selected with the No. 46 overall pick by Cleveland in the 2009 NBA Draft out of North Carolina. He spent four years as a Tar Heel, earning multiple awards during his senior season, including being named to the All-ACC Third Team and ACC All-Defensive Team and helped lead the team to a national title in 2009.

LA Clippers sign Justise Winslow

The LA Clippers have signed free agent Justise Winslow, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

Winslow, 25, has appeared in 267 career games with averages of 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over six seasons with the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-6 forward played in 22 games last season for the Grizzlies, averaging 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. He has also appeared in 19 career playoff games, posting averages of 7.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. In his debut season with Miami, Winslow was named to the All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds.

Per the Los Angeles Times, Winslow “only played 11 games during the 2019-20 season because of back injuries and a concussion, and was traded to Memphis in February 2020. He couldn’t realize his vast potential with the Grizzlies either after he injured his hip in a practice during the lead-up to the league’s restart near Orlando, Fla.”

The 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Winslow played one season of college basketball at Duke, starting all 39 games. He averaged 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds during the NCAA tournament to help lead the Blue Devils to a national championship. The Houston native was a McDonald’s All-American and was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Texas in 2014.

Three-team NBA trade sends Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to Grizzlies, Jonas Valanciunas to Pelicans

The Memphis Grizzlies have acquired center Steven Adams, guard Eric Bledsoe, the draft rights to wing Ziaire Williams (the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft) and a protected 2022 first round draft pick (via Los Angeles Lakers) from the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a three-team trade also involving the Charlotte Hornets. Memphis also received from New Orleans the draft rights to guard Jared Butler (the 40th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft) for his inclusion in a trade agreed to in principle and to be completed later.

In exchange, the Grizzlies traded center Jonas Valančiūnas, the draft rights to forward Trey Murphy (the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft) and the draft rights to guard Brandon Boston (the 51st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft) to the Pelicans and traded the draft rights to Tyler Harvey (the 51st overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft) to the Hornets.

In addition, the Hornets traded guard Devonte’ Graham to the Pelicans. The Pelicans traded wing Wesley Iwundu and a protected 2022 first round pick to the Hornets.

“As we entered this offseason, we were intently focused upon improving our shooting, leadership and the overall fit of our roster,” said Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “The players that are joining us today speak directly to those areas of concern. More importantly, their strength of character as men, and teammates that are eager to be part of our larger Pelicans family will be critical as we continue building towards sustainable success.”

Adams (6-11, 265) has competed in 588 games (524 starts) and holds career averages of 9.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26.9 minutes in his eight-year NBA career with the Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder. The New Zealand native started all 58 appearances for New Orleans last season and averaged 7.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 27.7 minutes. Selected 12th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh, the 28-year-old ranks seventh in NBA history in field goal percentage (.591).

Bledsoe (6-1, 214) has appeared in 702 games (539 starts) and owns career averages of 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 28.0 minutes in his 11-year NBA career with the Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. Selected 18th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, the 31-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 29.7 minutes in 71 games (70 starts) for New Orleans last season.

Williams (6-8 ¼, 185) was named a top-10 finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award last season as a freshman at Stanford University, where he averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 27.8 minutes in 20 games. The 19-year-old California native recorded the second triple-double in program history with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on Jan. 7 vs. Washington and earned Naismith Trophy Player of the Week honors on Jan. 11.

Valančiūnas (6-11 ¼, 265) has competed in 621 games (592 starts) and holds career averages of 12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 25.6 minutes in his nine-year NBA career with the Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors. Selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the 29-year-old Lithuania native averaged 16.4 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 27.3 minutes in 151 games (148 starts) over two-plus seasons in Memphis.

Denver Nuggets sign rookie Bones Hyland

The Denver Nuggets a few days ago signed rookie guard Bones Hyland to a multi-year contract, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced. Hyland was selected by Denver with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Hyland, 6-3, 173, played two seasons and appeared in 55 games (33 starts) for Virginia Commonwealth University, averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.29 steals in 25.5 minutes. This most recent season he was named the 2020-21 A-10 Player of the Year, leading the conference in scoring (19.5 ppg) and three-pointers made per game (2.9), becoming the first sophomore in VCU history to make himself eligible for the NBA draft. Hyland set a freshman record at VCU with 63 made threes and was a 2019-20 A-10 All-Freshman team selection.

Atlanta Hawks sign rookies Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper

The Atlanta Hawks a few days ago signed rookie draft picks Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper. Cooper’s contract is a two-way contract.

Johnson, the Hawks’ first round pick (20th overall) in the 2021 NBA Draft, appeared in 13 games last season (eight starts) during his freshman season at Duke, averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 21.4 minutes (.523 FG%, .444 3FG%, .632 FT%).

In his collegiate debut on Nov. 28 vs. Coppin State, the 6’9 Johnson tallied 19 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in 35 minutes (8-8 FGs, 1-1 3FGs, 2-2 FTs). On Jan. 19 at Pitt, he put in 24 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals in 33 minutes (8-15 FGs, 1-1 3FGs, 7-10 FTs). In a Jan. 26 contest against Georgia Tech, Johnson scored 18 points on 7-11 FGs and 4-6 FTs in 24 minutes, adding six rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks.

Johnson began his high school career at Sun Prairie High School (WI), where he put in 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks, leading the Cardinals to a 25-2 mark and an appearance in the state semifinals. He spent his final two seasons at Nicolet High School (WI), averaging 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists as a senior. He is a native of Milwaukee, WI.

The 6’1 Cooper, selected by the Hawks in the second round (48th overall) of the 2021 NBA Draft, appeared in 12 games as a freshman last season at Auburn and averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 33.1 minutes. He scored in double figures in all 12 contests, including a career-best 28 points twice (Jan. 13 at Georgia and Jan. 26 vs. Missouri). He is one of two NCAA Division I freshman in the last 30 years (joining Trae Young) to average 20 points and 8 assists per game.

Cooper played his high school ball at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, where he led the team to the first state title in school history as a junior in 2018-19 and has his jersey retired. He is a former Mr. Georgia Basketball and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. He was born in Newark, NJ before moving to the Atlanta area. His sister, Te’a, plays for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

Only players with three-or-fewer years of NBA experience are permitted to sign two-way contracts. Per league rules, teams are allowed to have up to two two-way players on their roster at any given time, in addition to their 15-man regular season roster. A two-way player for the Hawks will spend time with the team’s NBA G League Affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, but can be on the Atlanta Hawks’ active list for up to 50 games during the 2021-22 regular season.

Wizards vs. Pacers August 8 summer league game postponed

The MGM Resorts NBA Summer League game scheduled for today at 8 p.m. ET between the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers has been postponed in accordance with the league’s Health and Safety Protocols.

Because of ongoing contact tracing within the Wizards, the team does not have enough available players to proceed with tonight’s game against the Pacers.