Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Pistons sign Kevin Knox, and re-sign Rodney McGruder

The Detroit Pistons have signed forward Kevin Knox and re-signed guard Rodney McGruder.

Knox, 6-7, 215, suited up for the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in 2021-22, totaling 3.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.4 minutes over 30 games. Knox played in two games for the Hawks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, recording double-digit scoring in both outings while shooting .636 from the floor and .600 from distance in postseason action.

The Phoenix native was traded on Jan. 13 of this previous season from New York to Atlanta after spending three-plus NBA seasons with the Knicks. In his rookie campaign with New York in 2018-19, Knox tallied clips of 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 28.8 minutes through 75 games (57 starts). He holds career averages of 7.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.9 minutes over 212 NBA games (61 starts).

Drafted ninth overall by New York in the 2018 NBA Draft, Knox played collegiately for one season at Kentucky where he earned SEC Rookie of the Year while being named to the SEC All-Freshman and All-SEC Tournament First Team in 2017-18.

McGruder, 6-4, 205, has averaged 5.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 14.1 minutes through 67 games (four starts) for Detroit from 2020-22. McGruder holds shooting clips of .458 from the field and .406 from 3-point range while with the Pistons over the last two seasons. His 3-point shooting percentage marks the fifth-highest in Pistons history by a player with a minimum of 150 3-point attempts. The six-year NBA veteran was originally acquired by Detroit from the L.A. Clippers via a three-team trade also involving the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 19, 2020.

Following a four-year career at Kansas State where he was selected to All-Big 12 teams three times, McGruder made his NBA debut for the Miami HEAT on Oct. 26, 2016. He went on to play three seasons for Miami before suiting up for the Clippers for the 2019-20 campaign. He has posted career averages of 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 19.8 minutes over 285 NBA games (120 starts) and has played in nine NBA Playoff contests across two playoff appearances, one with each of his former teams.

NBA legend Bill Russell passes away at age 88

BOSTON CELTICS TEAM STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF BILL RUSSELL

To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was.

Bill was a champion unlike any other in the history of team sports – an 11-time NBA champion, including winning eight consecutive titles, a five-time MVP, an Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s first Black head coach.

Bill Russell‘s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from the relentless pursuit of excellence, to the celebration of team rewards over individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court.

Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.

STATEMENT FROM WYC GROUSBECK, STEVE PAGLIUCA AND THE BOSTON CELTICS OWNERSHIP GROUP

Bill embodied character and commitment and he was truly one of the finest people to ever live. He will be remembered forever and deservedly so.

STATEMENT FROM NBA COMMISSIONER ADAM SILVER

“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports. The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.

“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

“For nearly 35 years since Bill completed his trailblazing career as the league’s first Black head coach, we were fortunate to see him at every major NBA event, including the NBA Finals, where he presented the Bill Russell Trophy to the Finals MVP.

“I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and his many friends.”

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Per ESPN.com, “a five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star, Russell was an uncanny shot blocker who revolutionized NBA defensive concepts. He finished with 21,620 career rebounds — an average of 22.5 per game — and led the league in rebounding four times. He had 51 rebounds in one game and 49 in two others and posted 12 straight seasons with 1,000 or more rebounds. Russell also averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 assists per game over his career.”

Timberwolves sign Eric Paschall to a two-way contract

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed forward Eric Paschall to a two-way contract.

Paschall, 6-6, spent last season with the Utah Jazz where he averaged 5.8 points on 48.5% shooting and 1.8 rebounds per game in 58 games (three starts). During his rookie campaign with the Golden State Warriors in 2019-20, he saw action in 60 games (26 starts) and averaged a career-best 14.0 points on 49.7% shooting, a career-high 4.6 rebounds and a career-best 2.1 assists. He was named to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie team following his play during his first season. In three seasons with the Jazz and Warriors, Paschall has tallied 1,552 points and 509 rebounds.

The North Tarrytown, N.Y. native spent his final three collegiate seasons at Villanova after beginning his career at Fordham University, winning the National Championship with the Wildcats in the 2017-18 season. Paschall ended his college career with averages of 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Paschall was originally selected by the Warriors with the 41st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Per the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “the Wolves used their first two-way slot to sign guard A.J. Lawson, who spent last season with Atlanta’s G-League team.”

Raptors sign Juancho Hernangomez

The Toronto Raptors have signed forward Juancho Hernangόmez.

Hernangόmez, 6-foot-9, 214 pounds, averaged 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 11.1 minutes in 40 appearances (nine starts) last season with Boston, San Antonio and Utah. He shot .415 (44-106) from the field, including .348 (24-69) from three-point range. Hernangόmez scored in double figures three times last year (all with the Jazz), highlighted by a season-best 22 points on April 10 at Portland.

A native of Madrid, Spain, Hernangόmez was picked 15th overall by Denver in the 2016 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 15.7 minutes in 297 games (66 starts) with Denver, Minnesota, Boston, San Antonio and Utah. Through six seasons, he is shooting .428 (542-1265) from the field and has posted nine double-doubles. Prior to his time in the NBA, Hernangόmez played professionally in Spain for three seasons with Estudiantes (2013-16).

Lakers sign Jay Huff

The Los Angeles Lakers yesterday signed Jay Huff.

Huff appeared in 28 regular season games (all starts) for the South Bay Lakers last season, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 blocks while shooting 64.1 percent from the field. He appeared in four games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season.

Sixers re-sign James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-signed 10-time All-Star and 13-year NBA veteran James Harden.

“Today, I’m celebrating alongside Sixers fans everywhere as we announce that James Harden – former MVP, 10-time All-Star and three-time scoring champion – has re-signed with the team,” Managing Partner Josh Harris said. “James stands out as an elite playmaker and feared scorer, and his commitment to the team reflects his dedication to bring a championship to this city. We recognize that winning a title is no easy feat, but I’m proud of the work our organization has done this offseason and look forward to the season ahead.”

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden “agreed to a two-year, $68.6 million deal to return to the 76ers, a league source confirmed. Harden will make $33 million during the 2022-23 season. The deal also includes a $35.6 million player option for 2023-24, allowing Harden to potentially enter free agency again next summer.”

Acquired by the 76ers as part of a five-player trade with the Nets on Feb. 10, 2022, Harden averaged 22.0 points (.410 FG, .330 3FG, .877 FT), 7.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 37.2 minutes in 65 games played (all starts) between Brooklyn and Philadelphia in 2021-22. The 13-year veteran was one of two NBA players to tally at least 1,400 points, 500 rebounds, and 600 assists this past season, making him the fifth player in league history to accomplish that feat three times (Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook).

Also per the Inquirer, “the agreement comes less than a month after Harden declined his $47.4 million player option for the coming season, which allowed the Sixers to bolster their depth and toughness during free agency by signing veteran forward P.J. Tucker with the full mid-level exception and forward Danuel House with the biannual exception.”

Philadelphia starting lineups featured a league-best 20.2 net rating after Harden’s arrival to the team.

“This is where I want to be. This is where I want to win, and I think we have the pieces to accomplish that goal,” Harden said. “From my first day with the 76ers organization, the team and the fans have helped me feel at home here in Philadelphia. I’m excited to build off of last season and I can’t wait to get out on the court with the guys and start this journey.”

Harden posted totals of 442 points, 149 rebounds and 220 assists in his 21 games with the 76ers. He is the only player in league history to reach such totals within their first 21 outings with a new team. He also did so with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21.

This past season, Harden surpassed Hall of Famer Reggie Miller and moved into third place all-time in made three-pointers. He also posted 11 triple-doubles last season, which were the third-most in the NBA. For his career, Harden has the eighth-most triple-doubles in league history with 69.

“I couldn’t be happier with James’ decision to commit to our organization. Over the last two years we have taken major steps toward our ultimate goal of becoming champions,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “James shares our drive to win a title, and he believes being a 76er gives him the best opportunity to do that. Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve our goal.”

All told, Harden has appeared in 942 games (728 starts) with Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Houston and Oklahoma City and holds averages of 24.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

“James Harden is one of the greatest players in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer. His mission is to win an NBA title and we’re thrilled that he will continue that journey here in Philadelphia. He is one of the best scorers and passers to ever play, and his knowledge of the game allows him to dissect defenses and make everyone around him better,” Morey said. “James’ commitment to winning continues to resonate throughout our organization, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible in his partnership with Joel and this talented roster. This is an exciting time for our franchise.”

Prior to last season with the Nets and 76ers, Harden spent parts of nine seasons (2012-21) with the Rockets. During that time, Harden was named the 2017-18 NBA MVP after leading the NBA in points per game (30.4) and finishing third in assists (8.8). He was also among the top-three vote-getters for the award each season from 2016-20. Harden ended his Houston career as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers (2,029), free throws (5,554) and assists (4,796) while ranking second in team history with 18,365 total points and third with 1,087 steals.

Harden, a three-time NBA scoring champion (2018-20) and NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2011-12), is one of four players in league history to have at least three seasons averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. The only other players to do so more than once are Russell Westbrook (five times) and Hall of Famers Magic Johnson (three times) and Oscar Robertson (five times). His 36.1 points per game average in 2018-19 was the second-highest by any player since the start of the 1970-71 season, behind only Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s average of 37.1 in 1986-87.

A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Harden helped lead the 76ers to their fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

Timberwolves sign A.J. Lawson to a two-way contract

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed guard A.J. Lawson to a two-way contract.

Lawson, 22, most recently played for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 NBA Summer League where he averaged a team-high 15.6 points on 51.9% from the field including 50.0% from three and 6.0 rebounds per game. The 6-6 guard played 10 games (all starts) this past summer for the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Basketball League (CBL) and averaged 16.5 points on 44.3% shooting and 5.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game.

The Toronto native saw action in 33 games (26 starts) for the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League last season and averaged 11.8 points on 48.1% shooting and 6.3 rebounds. Lawson played three seasons at the University of South Carolina where he totaled 1,153 points, 325 rebounds and 167 assists in 81 games (80 starts).

Utah Jazz sign Simone Fontecchio

The Utah Jazz have signed forward Simone Fontecchio.

Fontecchio (6-7, 200, Italy) joins the Jazz after most recently playing for Baskonia of the Liga ACB in Spain in 2021-22. He appeared in 70 games (53 starts) in the ACB and EuroLeague last season, owning averages of 11.8 points on 45.2 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three, along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 26.0 minutes per contest.

A native of Pescara, Italy, Fontecchio began his professional career in 2012-13 with Virtus Bologna of the Lega A in Italy. He was with Virtus Bologna from 2012-17, going on to play with Milan of the Lega A from 2016-19, with stints with Vanoli Cremona in 2017-18, along with experience with Reggio Emilia in 2019-20 and ALBA Berlin of the German Bundesliga in 2020-21. He was named the Italian Lega A Best Under-22 Player following the 2014-15 season with Virtus Bologna.

The 26-year-old has represented the Senior Italian National Team in multiple events, including the 2017 European World Cup Qualifiers, the 2020 EuroBasket Qualifiers, the 2021 Olympic Qualifiers, the 2021 Olympic Games and the 2021 European World Cup Qualifiers. During the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, he saw action in four contests, averaging 19.3 points on 52.7 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 30.2 minutes per game.

Houston Rockets re-sign Bruno Fernando

The Houston Rockets have re-signed center Bruno Fernando.

The Rockets acquired Fernando as part of a trade with Boston on Feb. 10, 2022. He appeared in 10 games over the remainder of the season for Houston while averaging 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game. In a combined 30 games for the Rockets and Celtics last season, Fernando averaged 20.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes played.

Fernando scored in double-figures in four of his 10 games as a Rocket, while recording two double-doubles. He shot 70.7% from the floor for Houston, including 8-of-8 in 23 minutes of play vs. Dallas on March 11. Fernando was originally the 34th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft following his sophomore season at the University of Maryland and spent his first two seasons with Atlanta

Washington Wizards hire James Posey as an assistant coach

The Washington Wizards have hired James Posey as an assistant coach.

“We are excited to add James to our staff, as he brings championship experience both as a player and coach,” said Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. “As one of the toughest defenders in the league and a clutch shooter during his NBA tenure, we will be able to lean on his playing and coaching experiences to help the development of our players.”

Posey comes to Washington after spending the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach for the University of Virginia Women’s Basketball team under Hall of Famer Tina Thompson. Prior to his time at Virginia, Posey spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he was apart of the staff that captured the 2016 NBA title while becoming the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. During his tenure with the Cavaliers, the team made four consecutive Finals appearances from 2015-18.

A two-time NBA Champion as a player, Posey appeared in 864 games (479 starts) and averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game with Nuggets, the New Orleans Hornets, Heat, Grizzlies, Celtics, Rockets and Pacers. Posey was a key contributor for the 2006 Heat and 2008 Celtics championship teams. He averaged a career-high 13.7 points per game during the 03-04 season with the Grizzlies.

A native of Cleveland, OH, Posey played collegiately at Xavier University where he was named 1998 Atlantic-10 Championship’s Most Outstanding Player and 1999 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year.