NBA News Blog – Page 841 – NBA Blog

Atlanta Hawks expected to add DeMarre Carroll

The Hawks waived DeShawn Stevenson Friday, according to a league source, in a move that clears the way for the team to announce the signing DeMarre Carroll. The forward agreed to terms with the nearly almost a month ago. The official signing of Carroll could come within the next day or two.

Carroll agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract on July 5th, the same day the team agreed to a deal with his Jazz teammate Paul Millsap. The delay in signing was for salary cap reasons as the Hawks rebuilt much of their roster this offseason. The Hawks were retaining Bird rights for several of their unrestricted free agents. However, Anthony Tolliver remains the only player that has not signed elsewhere or had his rights renounced.

Carroll, 6-foot-8, was selected in the first round (No. 27 overall) by the Grizzlies in the 2009 NBA draft out of Missouri.

Reported by Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (Blog)

Hawks hire Jim Thomas as an assistant coach

The Atlanta Hawks have named Jim Thomas as an assistant coach, Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer announced today.

Most recently a college scout for the Oklahoma City Thunder for the last four years, Thomas was previously with the New York Knicks (scout, 2005-07), Indiana University (assistant coach, 2001-04), and Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach (1996-99) and scout (1994-96).

“We’re pleased to add Jim to our coaching staff,” Budenholzer said. “He’s been a part of a number of successful programs, and his coaching and playing experience will blend well with our group.”

Selected in the second round (40th overall) of the 1983 NBA Draft by the Pacers, the 52-year-old Thomas appeared in 161 games over four seasons with Indiana, the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota, averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 20.9 minutes (.471 FG%, .763 FT%). He also spent time playing in the Continental Basketball Association, World Basketball League and with Baloncesto Murcia in Spain.

Thomas played collegiately at Indiana from 1979-83, where he was the starting shooting guard on the Hoosiers’ 1981 National Championship team. He was also a 10th round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 1983 NFL Draft as a defensive back. He grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Sacramento Kings hire Corliss Williamson as an assistant coach

The Sacramento Kings announced today the organization has named Corliss Williamson as an assistant coach, joining Brendan Malone, Dee Brown, Chris Jent, and Micah Nori on Head Coach Michael Malone’s staff.

Williamson, a 12-year NBA veteran, joins the Kings coaching staff after spending the last three seasons as the men’s basketball coach at the University of Central Arkansas. His coaching career includes three years at Arkansas Baptist College, two as an assistant before serving as head coach during the 2009-10 season.

Known as “Big Nasty,” Williamson played two stints with the Kings (1995-96 – 1999-00 and 2004-05 – 2006-07), averaging 10.8 points (.492 FG%, .683 FT%), 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 22.9 minutes per game in 466 career contests in Sacramento. Renowned by teammates, coaches and fans for his gritty style of play, leadership abilities and consummate professionalism, Williamson also remains among the team’s most charitable players in franchise history and the only two-time recipient of the annual Oscar Robertson Triple Double Award bestowed on the Kings player who best exemplifies excellence on and off the court.

Considered one of the greatest players in Arkansas state history, he enjoyed a storied collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, helping guide the Razorbacks to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1993 and an NCAA Championship a year later—earning Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament honors after leading the school to a 76-72 win over Duke. His stellar play again fueled the Razorbacks to a repeat appearance in the NCAA final in 1995. The following June, Sacramento tabbed Williamson with the 13th overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft.

After playing his first five NBA seasons in Sacramento, Williamson was traded by the Kings to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Doug Christie on Sept. 29, 2000. He spent half the season with the Raptors before being dealt to Detroit, where he would ultimately earn a Sixth Man of the Year award (2001-02) and an NBA championship (2004). En route to helping lead the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title, Williamson joined an elite list of players to win both an NCAA title and NBA championship.

Williamson would eventually play two more seasons in a second tenure with the Kings after being traded to Sacramento in 2005. He retired in September of 2007 among the all-time leaders in Sacramento era annals, ranking fourth in games played (466), seventh in field goals made (1,995), eighth in field goals attempted (4,057), ninth in free throws attempted (1,513), and 10th in points (5,026) and minutes (10,671).

Chris Copeland out 6-8 weeks after knee surgery

The Indiana Pacers announced Friday that forward Chris Copeland underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a loose body. The surgery was performed Friday morning at the Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital.

Recovery time is estimated at six to eight weeks and Copeland is expected to be ready for the start of the 2013 training camp.

OKC Thunder hire Robert Pack and Mike Terpstra as assistant coaches

The Oklahoma City Thunder has named Robert Pack and Mike Terpstra as assistant coaches, it was announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. They join Rex Kalamian, Mark Bryant and Brian Keefe on Head Coach Scott Brooks’ bench.

“We’re excited to add Robert and Mike to our coaching staff for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach Scott Brooks. “These additions bring diverse backgrounds to our group that will help the further development of our players.”

Pack joins the Thunder after spending the previous three seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers where he served as the head coach for the Clippers’ entry in the 2012 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Prior to that, he spent one season on the New Orleans Hornets bench.

A 13-year NBA veteran, Pack owns career averages of 8.9 points, 4.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 552 with games with the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, New Jersey Nets and Washington Wizards. He also played one season overseas with BC Kauno Zalgiris in Lithuania.

He enjoyed a standout collegiate career at USC, ranking fourth on the Trojans all-time assists list (319) in just two seasons, while becoming just the fourth player in school history to record back-to-back 100 assist seasons. In two seasons, he averaged 13.4 points and 5.6 assists per game.

Terpstra brings over 20 years of experience to Oklahoma City after working in various capacities at the college, junior college and high school levels, with additional experience in the NBA Development League and the CBA. After spending the 2005-06 season as an assistant coach/director of player development with the Idaho Stampede of the CBA, he spent one season working with the coaching staff of the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Development League.

Prior to his time with the Stampede and 14ers, Terpstra served as head coach at his alma mater, Northwest Nazarene University, in Nampa, Idaho during the 2004-05 season. He also served as the head coach of California State Stanislaus from 2000-03. During a three-year stint as the head coach of Modesto Junior College from 1997-00, Terpstra compiled a 60-36 record.

Following his college playing career at Northwest Nazarene where he was named team MVP in his junior and senior seasons, Terpstra played professionally in Turkey, England and Australia.

Boston Celtics waive Shavlik Randolph

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have waived forward Shavlik Randolph.

Randolph, a 6’10” forward, played in 16 games for the Celtics during the 2012-13 season averaging 4.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game. He also appeared in one game for the Celtics during the playoffs recording three rebounds in three minutes of action. Randolph recorded a career-high of 16 points against Cleveland on April 5 and tied a career-high with 13 rebounds against Atlanta on March 29.

Toronto Raptors sign Austin Daye

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have signed free-agent forward Austin Daye.

Daye, 6-foot-11, 200 pounds, has appeared in 237 regular-season games (24 starts) with Detroit and Memphis averaging 5.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 15.4 minutes. He is shooting .356 (152-427) from three-point range. Daye posted career bests of 28 points versus Miami on January 25, 2012 and 11 rebounds at Atlanta on December 26, 2012.

In 55 outings last season, Daye contributed 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting .418 (41-98) from beyond the arc. He appeared in four postseason contests with the Grizzlies, totaling seven points in 20 minutes.

A first-round pick (15th overall) by Detroit in the 2009 NBA Draft, Daye was dealt by the Pistons to the Grizzlies on January 30, 2013, as part of the three-team deal that brought Rudy Gay to Toronto.

A native of Mission Viejo, California, Daye played two seasons at Gonzaga and was named honorable mention All-West Coast Conference as a freshman and sophomore.

Washington Wizards sign John Wall to contract extension

The Washington Wizards have agreed to a contract extension with guard John Wall, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today. The Associated Press reports that “two people familiar with the deal say it’s a max deal, worth about $80 million over five years.”

“Since drafting John with the first overall pick, we have been impressed with his maturation, hard work and commitment to our franchise,” said Monumental Sports and Entertainment Founder, Chairman, Majority Owner and CEO Ted Leonsis. “He is the cornerstone of our team, and we have clearly expressed our desire to build around him well before making it official by re-signing him today. We are extremely confident in his leadership abilities and are excited to see the continued improvement of the team.”

According to the Associated Press, “If Wall hadn’t been able to reach an agreement with the Wizards this offseason, he would have become an unrestricted free agent in 2014. With Wall and a pair of players chosen with the No. 3 overall picks in the past two drafts – shooting guard Bradley Beal and small forward Otto Porter – the Wizards are hoping they will be more competitive.”

Wall was originally selected by Washington with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 16.9 points, 8.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 35.8 minutes per game in 184 career games (172 starts). Those numbers place him with Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Chris Paul as the only players in NBA history who have averaged or are currently averaging at least 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds for their career. He is also one of only four players in NBA history (Johnson, Paul and Damon Stoudamire) to average at least 16.5 points, 7.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals over the first three years of their career.

“I am both proud and humbled by the belief that the Wizards organization, the fans and my teammates have shown in me since I arrived here three years ago,” said Wall. “I can promise all of them that I will repay that belief by representing the city of Washington and doing everything I can to get this team back where it belongs.”

Wall, who recently returned from his second consecutive summer as part of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team mini-camp, is also the fastest player (134 games) in NBA history to reach 2,200 points, 1,000 assists, 600 rebounds, 200 steals and 90 blocks (since steals and blocks became an official stat) and is the fastest active player to reach 900 career assists (111 games).

“John’s talent, ability and athleticism are unquestioned, but he is also a special player in terms of his will to win, unselfishness and ability to make his teammates better,” said Grunfeld. “The impact he has in all of those areas was evident last season and we look forward to both him and the team reaching new levels of success together.”

Last season, Wall averaged a career-high 18.5 points, a team-leading 7.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 32.7 minutes per game in 49 games (42 starts) after missing the first 33 games of the season due to a stress injury in his left patella. He joined LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the only three players in the NBA last season to average at least 22.0 points, 7.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals from March 1 through the end of the season. Wall was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played March 11-17 after averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game while shooting .617 from the field, .800 from three-point range and .857 from the line while leading the Wizards to a 3-1 record. He scored a career-high 47 points vs. Memphis on March 25 and became the first player in NBA history to average at least 24 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, two steals, shoot at least .600 from the field, .800 from three-point range and .850 from the line in a four-game span.

USA Basketball headquarters will relocate to Tempe, Arizona

USA Basketball today officially announced that it has agreed to relocate to Tempe, Arizona, as part of a $350 million development project. USA Place, LLC, has been selected to develop a new national headquarters and training center for USA Basketball on a 10.5-acre site located next to Arizona State University’s Tempe campus on land owned by ASU at the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive.

In addition to the USA Basketball headquarters and training center, USA Place will also include a 4,500-seat event center, as well as a 330-room Omni Hotel and 30,000-square-foot conference center, 500 luxury apartments, 160,000 square feet of retail and up to 200,000 square feet of office space, including the new home for Arizona Interscholastic Association events.

USA Basketball’s Board of Directors approved the relocate at a Board meeting on July 25.The $350 million mixed-use commercial development plan is subject to Tempe City Council and Arizona Board of Regents final approval of development agreements.

“This is an exciting and an incredible opportunity that offers nothing but positives for USA Basketball,” said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. “USA Place will offer USA Basketball an excellent site for the development of its office headquarters, a training center and event center that will provide the organization with a first-class site for hosting junior level events and will allow USA Basketball to continue to evolve.

“The new USA Basketball headquarters and training center will be first-class, state of art facilities, something I know we will be very proud of.”

Milwaukee Bucks sign guard Gary Neal

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed free agent Gary Neal (6-4, 210), General Manager John Hammond announced today. According to USA Today, it is a two-year deal worth nearly $3 million per season.

The 28-year-old guard has played three seasons in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs (2010-13), where he averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 21.4 minutes per game over his career. His .865 free throw percentage (64-74) during 2012-13 was a career and team high. In the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Neal and Danny Green became the first two teammates to make at least six 3-pointers in the same Finals game. That 6-for-10 effort from behind the arc on June 11 vs. Miami was a career postseason high for him.

Neal played overseas in Italy, Spain and Turkey for three seasons prior to joining the NBA. Undrafted, he was a member of the Spurs 2010 Summer League team before earning a permanent spot on San Antonio’s roster. The Towson University product made an immediate impact during his first year, becoming just the second undrafted rookie in NBA history to earn All-Rookie First Team honors. He was also selected to play on the Rookie team in the 2011 Rookie Challenge during All-Star Weekend, becoming just the sixth undrafted rookie in NBA history to participate in that event. Additionally, Neal broke San Antonio’s rookie record for 3-point field goal percentage (.419) and 3-point field goals made (129).