Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Jazz trade Bojan Bogdanovic to Pistons for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee

The Utah Jazz have acquired center/forward Kelly Olynyk, guard Saben Lee and cash considerations in a trade with the Detroit Pistons for forward Bojan Bogdanović.

Bogdanović, 6-7, 226, averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.9 minutes per game with the Jazz last season. He’s averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists over the last three seasons in Utah while shooting 45% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Bogdanović has also made 150-plus 3-pointers in each of his last five seasons.

Drafted 31st overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Bogdanović played professionally overseas before coming to the NBA in 2014. In 603 career NBA games, he’s averaged 15.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists with Brooklyn, Washington, Indiana and Utah.

Born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bogdanović began his professional career in Europe, most notably, with Real Madrid in Spain and Fenerbahce in Turkey. He helped lead Fenerbahce to a Turkish Cup win in 2013 and a Turkish Supercup and Turkish League championship in 2014.

Olynyk (6-11, 240, Gonzaga) is entering his 10th NBA season, having appeared in 610 games (166 starts) with Boston (2013-17), Miami (2017-21), Houston (2020-21), and Detroit (2021-22), owning career averages of 10.1 points on 47.6 percent from the field, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 22.0 minutes per contest. A native of Kamloops, British Columbia, spent last season with the Pistons, playing in 40 games (one start), averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 boards, and 2.8 assists in 19.1 minutes. Following his first professional season in 2013-14, Olynyk was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

The 31-year-old was a three-year collegiate player at Gonzaga (2009-13), where during his senior season, he averaged 17.8 points on 62.9 percent shooting, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 26.4 minutes per contest, garnering 2012-13 Consensus All-America First Team, All-WCC First Team, and WCC Player of the Year honors. He has represented the Canadian Men’s National Team in multiple events since 2010.

Lee (6-2, 183, Vanderbilt) is entering his third NBA season, having spent two seasons with Detroit, owning career averages of 5.6 points, 3.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 85 games (seven starts). Originally drafted with the 38th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Jazz, he was traded to Detroit on Draft Night. In 2021-22 he appeared in 19 games with the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League, averaging 24.0 points, 7.2 assists, 4.8 boards, and 2.3 steals in 36.8 minutes per game, earning 2021-22 All-NBA G League Second Team honors.

Lakers sign Dwayne Bacon and Matt Ryan

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Dwayne Bacon and forward Matt Ryan.

The deals are likely non-guaranteed contracts, for training camp.

During the 2020-21 season, Bacon (6’6”, 221) appeared in all 72 games (50 starts) for the Orlando Magic, averaging 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. Across four seasons with Orlando (2020-21) and Charlotte (2017-20), Bacon has averaged 7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.4 minutes.

Ryan (6’7”, 215) appeared in 30 regular season G League games (20 starts) last season for Grand Rapids and Maine, recording 19.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 41.5 percent from 3-point range. Ryan appeared in one game for the Boston Celtics last season, tallying three points and one steal in five minutes.

Pelicans sign CJ McCollum to contract extension

The New Orleans Pelicans and guard CJ McCollum have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced today.

Per The Advocate, “the Pelicans are signing McCollum to a two-year, $64 million extension, which will keep him under contract through the 2025-26 season. McCollum already was owed $33.3 million in 2022-23 and $35.8 million in 2023-24. Tacking on two years to his deal ensures that McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are all under contract with the Pelicans for the next three seasons.”

McCollum, 6-3, 190, who was acquired by New Orleans in a mid-season trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, appeared in 62 games (all starts) during the 2021-22 season, averaging 22.1 points, 5.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 34.6 minutes per game. In 26 games as a Pelican, McCollum averaged 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.8 minutes per game while shooting .493 from the floor and .394 from deep. In the Pelicans’ first round playoff series with Phoenix, McCollum started all six games and averaged 22.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 39.0 minutes per game.

The nine-year veteran has appeared in 590 games (493 starts) with Portland and New Orleans, averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals in 31.6 minutes, while shooting .455 from the floor, .396 from three-point range and .810 from the free throw stripe. McCollum has also appeared in 63 games (53 starts) over nine postseasons with Portland and New Orleans. He holds playoff averages of 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 0.8 steals in 35.4 minutes per game, while shooting .434 from the floor, .377 from beyond the arc and .763 from the free throw line.

Timberwolves add PJ Dozier to training camp

The Minnesota Timberwolves today finalized the team’s 2022-23 Training Camp roster by signing guard PJ Dozier. The team’s roster stands at 20 players.

Dozier, 6-6, spent the last three seasons with the Denver Nuggets where he averaged 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 97 games (six starts). In five seasons in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics and Nuggets, Dozier has tallied 671 points, 318 rebounds and 189 assists throughout 105 career games (six starts).

Sixers forward P.J. Tucker cleared to play after recent knee surgery

Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee.

He’s been cleared for on-court work and will participate in training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.

Per the Philly Voice, “based on conversations with people around the team this offseason — and Doc Rivers’ own assertions to kick off media day — Tucker is going to play a critical, multi-faceted role for the Sixers in 2022-23. In addition to the minutes he’s expected to play at forward, Tucker will be part of the plan at backup center behind Joel Embiid, one of several players who will factor into their gameplan when the MVP candidate is off of the floor.”

And per the Philadelphia Inquirer in early July, “Tucker, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound power forward, averaged just 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this past season for the Miami Heat. But he shot a career-best 41.5% from beyond the three-point line.”

Sacramento Kings basketball operations promotions and staff additions

Today, the Sacramento Kings announced staff promotions and new hires ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Alvin Gentry has been named Vice President of Basketball Engagement. Mark Toyoda has been elevated to Senior Director of Basketball Administration. Melanie Stocking has been promoted to Senior Director of Team Operations. Saagar Sarin has been promoted to Director of Pro Personnel. Aram Palamoudian has been promoted to Basketball Operations Coordinator.

Jas Randhawa has been promoted to Senior Director of Athlete Health Joel Noland has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer, Zac Howe has been elevated to Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Rachel Mack has been promoted to Performance Chef & Nutritionist, and Avery Jacobs has been promoted to Media Relations Coordinator.

The Kings also announced the following staff additions: Samantha Lord (Basketball Administration Coordinator), Scott Layden (Scout), Devin Green (Scout), Cory Kennedy (Director of Performance), Nicholas Taylor (Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach), Crystal Lee (Assistant Athletic Trainer), Shannon Malone (Director of Media Relations), Michael Martinez (Manager of Media Relations), Olivia Gordon (Basketball Operations Intern), Sam Longwood (Coaching Associate), Shane Lawal (Player Development Associate), Damarious Borden (Performance Culinary Intern).

2022-23 Clippers training camp roster

The LA Clippers have announced their 2022-23 Training Camp roster.

Following Media Day today, the Clippers will travel to Las Vegas for practice. The Clippers will then head to Seattle to play two preseason games against Maccabi Ra’anana on Friday, September 30, and the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, October 3, at Climate Pledge Arena.

Below is the 2022 Clippers’ Training Camp roster:

NO. PLAYER POS HT WT BIRTHDATE PRIOR TO NBA/HOME COUNTRY YRS

33 Nicolas Batum F 6’8″ 230 12/14/1988 Le Mans / France 14

4 Brandon Boston Jr. G 6’6″ 188 11/28/2001 Kentucky / USA 1

9 Moses Brown C 7’2” 245 10/13/1999 UCLA / USA 3

7 Amir Coffey F/G 6’7″ 210 6/17/1997 Minnesota / USA 3

23 Robert Covington F 6’7” 209 12/14/1990 Tennessee State / USA 9

00 Michael Devoe G 6’4” 183 12/17/1999 Georgia Tech / USA R

25 Moussa Diabaté (2W) F/C 6’11” 210 1/21/2002 Michigan / France R

13 Paul George F 6’8″ 220 5/2/1990 Fresno State / USA 12

1 Reggie Jackson G 6’2″ 208 4/16/1990 Boston College / USA 11

5 Luke Kennard G 6’5″ 206 6/24/1996 Duke / USA 5

2 Kawhi Leonard F 6’7″ 225 6/29/1991 San Diego State / USA 10

14 Terance Mann F/G 6’5″ 215 10/18/1996 Florida State/ USA 3

15 Xavier Moon G 6’2” 165 1/2/1995 Morehead State / USA 1

16 Juwan Morgan F 6’7” 232 4/17/1997 Indiana / USA 4

8 Marcus Morris Sr. F 6’8″ 218 9/2/1989 Kansas / USA 11

24 Norman Powell G 6’3” 215 5/25/1993 UCLA / USA 7

0 Jason Preston G 6’3″ 181 8/10/1999 Ohio / USA R

11 John Wall G 6’3″ 210 9/6/1990 Kentucky / USA 10

12 Lucas Williamson G 6’4” 205 1/28/1999 Loyola Chicago / USA R

40 Ivica Zubac C 7’0″ 240 3/18/1997 Mega Leks (Serbia) / Croatia 6

Pistons sign Jules Bernard and Stanley Umude to Exhibit 10 contracts

The Detroit Pistons announced today the team’s 2022-23 training camp roster including the signing of Jules Bernard and Stanley Umude to Exhibit 10 contracts.

Below is the Pistons 2022-23 Training Camp Roster:

NO POS NAME HT WT DOB PRIOR TO NBA/COUNTRY YRS

35 F/C Marvin Bagley III 6-11 235 3/14/99 Duke/USA 4

24 G Jules Bernard 6-6 205 1/21/00 UCLA/USA R

41 G/F Saddiq Bey 6-8 215 4/9/99 Villanova/USA 2

27 G Buddy Boeheim 6-6 195 11/11/99 Syracuse/USA R

5 G Alec Burks 6-6 214 7/20/91 Colorado/USA 11

2 G/F Cade Cunningham 6-6 220 9/25/01 Oklahoma State/USA 1

6 G/F Hamidou Diallo 6-5 202 7/31/98 Kentucky/USA 4

0 C Jalen Duren 6-10 250 11/18/03 Memphis/USA R

7 G Killian Hayes 6-5 216 7/27/01 France 2

23 G Jaden Ivey 6-4 200 2/13/02 Purdue/USA R

18 G Cory Joseph 6-3 200 8/20/91 Texas/Canada 11

8 F Braxton Key 6-8 230 2/14/97 Virginia/USA 1

20 F Kevin Knox II 6-7 215 8/11/99 Kentucky/USA 4

12 F Isaiah Livers 6-7 230 7/27/98 Michigan/USA 1

17 G Rodney McGruder 6-4 205 7/29/91 Kansas State/USA 6

9 C Nerlens Noel 6-11 220 4/10/94 Kentucky/USA 8

28 C Isaiah Stewart 6-9 250 5/22/01 Washington/USA 2

14 G Stanley Umude 6-6 210 4/12/99 Arkansas/USA R

* G Kemba Walker 6-0 184 5/8/90 Connecticut/USA 11

*- Not with team

Cavaliers add Jamorko Pickett, Sharife Cooper, Nate Hinton and Mamadi Diakite to training camp

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forwards Mamadi Diakite and Jamorko Pickett as well as guards Nate Hinton and Sharife Cooper to their 2022 training camp roster, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Diakite (6-9, 224) played in 13 games (three starts) for Oklahoma City last season, averaging 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 14.5 minutes. Diakite also won an NBA championship during the 2020-21 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. The third year forward went undrafted in 2020 after a four-year collegiate career at the University of Virginia (2016-2020), winning an NCAA National Championship in 2019.

Pickett (6-9, 206) played in 13 games for the Detroit Pistons last season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.5 minutes as well as 31 games (30 starts) for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League, averaging 14.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 32.8 minutes. Pickett spent four years at Georgetown University (2017-2021) and recently played for the Cavaliers at the 2022 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Hinton (6-5, 210) has appeared in 23 NBA games over two seasons with Dallas and Indiana. He also appeared in 33 games (32 starts) last season for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA G League, averaging 18.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 steals in 37.2 minutes and played two seasons collegiately at the University of Houston (2018-2020).

Cooper (6-1, 180) appeared in 13 games last season for the Atlanta Hawks and 22 regular season games (20 starts) for the College Park Skyhawks, NBA G League affiliate of the Hawks. With the Skyhawks, Cooper averaged 17.1 points and 7.3 assists in 30.7 minutes. Cooper played one season collegiately (2020-21) at Auburn University, averaging 20.2 points, 8.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 33.3 minutes, becoming one of two Division I freshman in the last 30 years (Trae Young) to average at least 20 points and eight assists per game.

Pistons health updates on Alec Burks, Kevin Knox and Nerlens Noel

The Detroit Pistons announced today the following player health updates as the team enters training camp.

Alec Burks is expected to miss the start of training camp while he continues rehabilitation for a navicular fracture. His status will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

Kevin Knox II (right gastroc strain) and Nerlens Noel (reconditioning/plantar faciitis) will see limited participation at the beginning of training camp as they rehab and work towards full participation.