Author: Inside Hoops

InsideHoops.com has been a world leader in NBA basketball coverage for over 20 years. Read our blog, but also be sure to read our main website on www.insidehoops.com

Thunder sign rookie Terrance Ferguson

thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed rookie guard Terrance Ferguson.

Ferguson (6-7, 184), was drafted by Oklahoma City with the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, after spending last season with the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League. He averaged 4.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game and scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 13 points twice.

According to the Oklahoman, “as the 21st pick in the draft, Ferguson is guaranteed a rookie-scale salary for his first two seasons, with team options on his third and fourth years. He can make as much as 120 percent of the rookie-scale salary or as little as 80 percent. ”

The Tulsa, Okla. native, has been a member of gold-medal winning teams in three different FIBA events, going 19-0 in major competitions during his career. Ferguson averaged 7.1 points on 40.0 percent (48-of-120) shooting from the field and 33.3 percent (24-of-72) shooting from beyond the arc, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.

As a high schooler, he spent three seasons at Prime Prep Academy and played his senior season at Advanced Prep International, both based in Dallas, Texas. He played for the U.S. Junior Select Team at the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 21 points in 15 minutes. At the 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game, he recorded 10 points and three rebounds in 16 minutes.

New Indiana Pacers uniforms revealed

 

A post shared by InsideHoops.com NBA Basketball (@insidehoops) on

Here’s a Pacers news announcement:

As they prepare to begin their next 50 years, the Indiana Pacers Friday night unveiled new uniforms, a new on-court logo and a new brand platform during the River West StreetFest on the city’s Westside.

In partnership with the National Basketball Association’s new agreement with Nike as the official apparel provider, the Pacers unveiled their “Association” (white) and “Icon” (navy) uniforms.

The Pacers also displayed their new logo that features an outline of the state of Indiana as well as a new brand platform, “We Grow Basketball Here.”

“As we enter our 51st season, we wanted to create a uniform that stayed true to our traditional roots while becoming a bit more modern in the process,” said Todd Taylor, chief marketing officer for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “We believe the new uniform with both modern and traditional elements is the balance we were looking for.”

As for the new slogan and logo, Taylor remarked, “Indiana is basketball. As a state, we have a very rich history and tradition. And as the state’s NBA team, we want to nurture the continued growth of basketball – across all levels and throughout the state – to inspire the spirit and passion deeply rooted in our game.”

Pacers players, including returning starting center Myles Turner, guard Lance Stephenson, forward Glenn Robinson III, first-round draft choice T.J. Leaf and second-round selection Ike Anigbogu joined in the StreetFest festivities on the city’s near Westside. The new Pacemates squad, mascot Boomer and the Power Pack, Boom Babies and the High Octane Drum Line also performed.

Stephenson said he likes the new uniforms. “It’s a great new look for the new look Pacers,” he said. “They fit great, they feel great. I think fans are really going to like them. I like them so much I’m going to buy my own jersey.”

Turner agreed. “I think Nike did a really good job with the look of the whole uniform, from the shorts to the tops,” he said. “Aside from the look, they did their homework into making them comfortable for the players. These uniforms are going to be very popular.”

Hornets waive Briante Weber

hornets

Charlotte Hornets General Manager Rich Cho announced today that the team has waived guard Briante Weber.

Weber (6-2, 165, Virginia Commonwealth) signed two consecutive 10-day contracts with the Hornets on Feb. 27, 2017, and March 9, 2017, before signing a multi-year deal on March 19, 2017. He appeared in 13 games for the Hornets, averaging 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 12.2 minutes per game.

Nets waive Archie Goodwin

Nets waive Archie Goodwin

The Nets have requested waivers on guard Archie Goodwin.

Goodwin appeared in 12 games for Brooklyn in the 2016-17 season, recording averages of 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 15.4 minutes per game. He originally signed the first of two 10-day contracts with the Nets on March 15, 2017, before inking a multi-year contract with the team on April 4, 2017. In 165 career games with Brooklyn, New Orleans and Phoenix, the four-year NBA veteran has averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 14.5 minutes per contest.

Wizards sign John Wall to contract extension

Wizards sign John Wall to contract extension

Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed All-NBA guard John Wall to a multi-year contract extension.

“John is an exceptional talent and a cornerstone for our team – and our city,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman and Majority Owner of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. “This signing means stability for the Wizards for years to come and solidifies our commitment to drafting and then developing talent here at home. It’s John’s unique blend of skill and leadership that makes us a championship-caliber team.”

According to the Washington Post, the contract is “a four-year deal with a player option in the fourth year. The designated player veteran extension will keep him as the team’s cornerstone and pay him $170 million.”

With Wall at the helm, the Wizards won 49 games during the 2016-17 campaign (the most since the 1978-79 season), claimed the Southeast Division title (the first division title since the 1978-79 season) and returned to the playoffs, joining Cleveland as the only other team in the East to advance to the semifinals in three of the last four seasons. Along the way, he averaged career highs in scoring (23.1), field goal percentage (.451), assists (10.7) and steals (2.0), became the first player in league history to average at least 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game and joined James Harden and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a point/assist double-double during the regular season. He had the third-most double-doubles (50) among NBA guards, had the third-most games (49) with 10 or more assists and led the Eastern Conference in assists (831) for a fourth straight season (joining Isaiah Thomas from 1980-86 and Rajon Rondo from 2008-12 as one of three players to do so in league history).

Those accomplishments earned Wall All-NBA Third Team honors and his fourth straight All-Star selection. He was also tabbed the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December and was a two-time Player of the Week honoree.

“Returning to the only team I’ve known in my professional career was an easy decision for me,” said Wall. “I want to thank my family, Mr. Leonsis, Ernie Grunfeld, all of my coaches and my teammates for their amazing support over the last seven years. I understand my role as the leader of this franchise and I will continue to work hard to improve my game and make our team better. Washington, D.C., is my second home and I take seriously my efforts in the community and look forward to strengthening that bond. Our fans are amazing and I’m excited to bring them and this city continued success and a team they can be proud of.”

The Wizards selected Wall with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky. He has averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting .433 from the field and .321 from three-point range in 500 games (488 starts) in his seven seasons with the Wizards. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (4,610) and steals (870). In 31 playoff appearances, Wall holds averages of 21.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks in 38.7 minutes per game. During Washington’s 2017 postseason run, Wall averaged 27.2 points, 10.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals. He became just the eighth player in league history to average at least 25 points and 10 assists in the playoffs (minimum three games). Of those eight players, only Wall and Westbrook (2015-16) maintained those averages for more than 10 playoff games in a single postseason.

“John’s passion for winning, dedication to his teammates and commitment to the community have been on display since we drafted him seven years ago,” said Grunfeld. “He has constantly worked to improve and expand his game and has developed into an All-NBA player who has elevated our franchise and electrified our fans. We are thrilled that he will continue to lead us through the prime years of his career and look forward to watching as he solidifies his place among the greatest players in our team’s history.”

Wall joins Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Chris Paul as the only players in NBA history to average at least 17 points, eight assists and four rebounds through the first 345 games of their career. He became the sixth fastest player in NBA history (124 games) to reach the 2,000 points/1,000 assists plateau and was the fastest player (134 games) to reach 2,200 points, 1,000 assists, 600 rebounds, 200 steals and 90 blocks since steals and blocks became an official stat in the early 1970s. Wall became the first player in NBA history to record totals of at least 1,800 points, 800 assists, 150 steals and 50 blocks in a season during the 2016-17 campaign, and during the same season, was just the third player to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals since 2000-01. He is one of four players with 9,000 points and 4,500 assists through the age of 26 and is the third-youngest player ever to record a triple-double in NBA history at the age of 20 years and 65 days old (11/10/10).

Detroit Pistons have jersey sponsor

The Detroit Pistons and Flagstar Bank, the largest savings bank headquartered in Michigan and the fifth-largest bank mortgage originator in the country, are unveiling a multi-year corporate partnership deal that brands Flagstar Bank as the franchise’s first-ever jersey partner and designates it the official banking and mortgage sponsor of the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit becomes the tenth NBA team to announce a jersey partner.

“This is a dynamic partnership between two organizations committed to building a better Detroit,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “Beyond putting the Flagstar name on our Pistons jerseys, we will be partnering on an education initiative that will benefit schoolchildren in Detroit. I’m really proud that this is more than just a business and marketing initiative. It’s about working together to support the revitalization of our city.”

Flagstar Bank President and CEO Alessandro DiNello described the partnership as a win-win for two of Michigan’s most dynamic and innovative companies. “Like the Pistons, Flagstar is a community-focused Michigan organization committed to instilling pride in our region and contributing to its vitality,” said Mr. DiNello. “At Flagstar, we have a 30-year history of community involvement and investment. We’re pleased to partner with the Pistons to bring good things to the community we share.”

Flagstar Bank will have their logo prominently featured on the left front strap of official Detroit Pistons team jerseys at the start of the 2017-18 NBA season.

“Thanks to the brand exposure with the Pistons, we will have an unmatched opportunity to tell the story of Flagstar’s transformation to a full-service community bank with a thriving commercial business,” Mr. DiNello said. “And the chance to share crafted solutions Flagstar customers love with Pistons fans through co-branded credit and debit cards and checking accounts built just for them, is truly exciting.”

Flagstar’s jersey partnership coincides with the beginning of the NBA’s new partnership with Nike, who will provide all uniforms and apparel for the club also beginning with the 2017-18 season. Nike used advanced technology to design a refined version of the Nike Aeroswift basketball uniform with significant changes to weight, fit and construction. A tailored chassis provides precision fit to ensure supreme comfort for the athlete and a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester to remove moisture, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms. Built with finishing details that enable freedom of movement, the Nike Aeroswift uniform features relocated armhole, neck and side seams, modified hemlines on the bottom of the jersey and shorts, and an altered back shoulder for a vastly improved fit.

Lakers sign Tyler Ennis

Lakers sign Tyler Ennis

The Lakers have signed guard Tyler Ennis, General Manager Rob Pelinka announced today.

Ennis appeared in 22 games (two starts) for the Lakers last season, averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 17.8 minutes. In seven games played in April (two starts), Ennis scored in double-figures four times, tallying 11.3 points, 3.6 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 27.7 minutes.

Formerly the 18th overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, Ennis owns career averages of 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 132 games with the Suns, Bucks, Rockets and Lakers.

Pelicans and Saints name shared training facility

Today, the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans (NBA), along with partner Ochsner Health System, announced that they have agreed to a long-term partnership for the naming rights to the teams’ official training facilities. Now officially known as the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, it is the only facility in all of North American sports that houses both an NFL training and an NBA training base of operations.

“This is a very special announcement for us,” said Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson. “Ochsner has been a great partner for a long time, and to see the growth they’ve undergone in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. We look forward to a long continued partnership together.”

The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is just the latest venture between the Saints, Pelicans and Ochsner Health System. Ochsner has been a corporate partner of both the Saints and Pelicans for nearly 10 years, and Saints and Pelicans Owners Tom and Gayle Benson have a long and proud history as ardent supporters of Ochsner and the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center. The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center offers state-of-the-art cancer services for not only Louisiana residents, but also for patients that travel from all over the world to take advantage of the most advanced, compassionate cancer care available in the region. It is just one of the many extraordinary medical care services and facilities that thrive under the Ochsner umbrella.

“The naming signals a commitment from Ochsner, the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans to use the Ochsner Sports Performance Center to improve health and wellness across the state,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Ochsner Health System. “While the Ochsner Sports Performance Center has been a hub for both basketball-and-football-themed community outreach programs and events annually including initiatives sponsored by both the Saints and Pelicans youth programs and community relations outreach programs, together the partners plan to do more. Dedicated events meant to provide education along with health screenings for the community will be geared toward not only catching diseases like cancer early, but also helping people more effectively manage chronic disease.”

Saints and Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha stated, “Ochsner’s innovative, forward-thinking, patient-first medical teams and facilities are unsurpassed, and their focus on not only treating, but also preventing injuries will translate into a very beneficial partnership. In addition, Ochsner’s community commitment is so closely aligned to that of both the Saints and the Pelicans that this makes Ochsner the perfect partner to further our collective goals and programs.”

“This is an opportunity to offer the same level of high-quality care and the proactive approach to wellness that we provide to our professional athletes and make it more accessible to athletes of all ages and all skill levels,” said David Gaines, Chief Executive Officer – System Retail Services & Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Ochsner Health System. “Together, we will enhance the existing Saints and Pelicans youth and community relations outreach programs portfolio so we can change the conversation and support the movement towards a healthier future.”

The Ochsner Sports Performance Center sits on a 19.5-acre campus on Airline Drive in Metairie, La. located in Jefferson Parish. The main football facility of The Ochsner Sports Performance Center totals 77,504 square feet which includes locker rooms, physical therapy and treatment areas, doctor offices, a multi-media studio, an organizational museum and operations and administrative offices.

In addition, there is a 75,000 square foot modernized indoor practice facility, which soars to 78 feet and allows the Saints to maintain regular practice schedules throughout the year. The indoor practice facility is also home to a 20,000 square foot workout gym, a modern full-service cafeteria, as well as an auxiliary nutritional station that adjoins the player gym.

The outdoor football practice fields at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, where the Saints will hold training camp this summer, amasses four acres of perfectly maintained grass practice fields used through the football season, while an additional 53,000 square feet of AstroTurf serves as a general practice and mixed-use area.

On the basketball side, the Pelicans relocated to the brand new, state-of-the-art Ochsner Performance Center practice facility prior to the start of the 2013-2014 season. The $16 million, 50,000 square foot practice facility houses a 39,000 square foot practice area that features two full-sized basketball courts, offices for coaches and basketball operations staff and a team theatre for film review and game planning. The building also includes a 12,000 square foot area where the Pelicans’ locker room, players’ lounge, the latest in physical therapy and medical treatment technologies, a cafeteria, barber shop, equipment room, meeting rooms, and a multi-media studio are located.

Rockets re-sign Troy Williams

rockets

The Rockets have re-signed forward Troy Williams.

The team originally signed Williams to a 10-day contract on March 10, before securing him for the remainder of 2016-17.

In six games with three starts as a Rocket, Williams averaged 9.7 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 50.0% from the floor and 38.1% from 3-point range. He had a career-high 21 points while shooting 6-of-9 from behind-the-arc in his Rockets debut at Phoenix on April 2.

Williams was eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft following his junior season at Indiana University and signed as a free agent with Memphis. He appeared in 24 games with 13 starts for the Grizzlies prior to joining Houston.

The 22-year-old also spent time in the NBA Development League this past season and won the D-League Slam Dunk Contest held during NBA All-Star Weekend. At the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2017 in Las Vegas, Williams ranked fifth in scoring among all players with 22.0 ppg.