Category: NBA Teams

NBA teams blog

J.R. Smith struggling badly with shot so far this season

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting on Knicks guard J.R. Smith. The team played Friday, losing a close battle in Denver to the Nuggets:

JR Smith

Smith scored 11 points but shot just 1-for-7 from 3-point range as he struggles to rediscover his stroke following summertime knee surgery and a five-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy.

Smith, last season’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year, is shooting a career-low 32.8 percent from the floor, and even worse from beyond the arc (28.6 percent). The Knicks are 1-9 since he returned from suspension entering Sunday’s game against New Orleans at the Garden.

“My jumper just hasn’t been there,” Smith said. “That’s situations where I got to make my teammates better, get guys open shots and keep driving to the hole. But one thing, I’m not going to stop shooting.”

Asked if his surgically repaired left knee has affected his shooting stroke and his overall play, Smith admitted: “Somewhat, but it’s all right, I’m still playing…It’s taking time. I’m not one to make excuses, but I got to play better. If it’s hurting that bad, then I shouldn’t be playing. I’m out there and I’m going to try to give it all I got.”

Coach Cheeks says Brandon Jennings is still developing as a point guard

Here’s the Detroit Free Press on guard Brandon Jennings:

Brandon Jennings still developing as a point guard

It’s too early, said the former point guard — too early to decide whether Brandon Jennings will eventually figure out how to play the most demanding of NBA positions.

“It takes a certain amount of time for a guy to do that,” said Jennings’ coach, Mo Cheeks. “He’s still young, still figuring out the position.”

The Pistons point guard is 24, which, by today’s NBA standards, isn’t terribly young. What Cheeks is talking about, however, is that Jennings hasn’t been asked to play point guard before in any traditional manner. Cheeks was raised that way. Jennings was not.

Cheeks knew where everyone on the floor was supposed to be — or supposed to be going. When they weren’t, he told them. Jennings is trying to learn that now, after a life of seeking out space to shoot.

Jeremy Lamb stepping up for OKC Thunder

With star sixth men of the past gone from the Oklahoma City Thunder, there’s been opportunity for supporting cast players to step up. And Jeremy Lamb has been doing just that. Here’s the Oklahoman reporting:

Jeremy Lamb stepping up for OKC Thunder

On this current five-game run, Lamb is averaging 10.8 points in 22.4 minutes. But more importantly, he has done it efficiently, shooting nearly 55 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point territory.

“He’s getting better,” Kevin Durant said of Lamb. “Experience is the best teacher. He’s going to take his bumps and bruises, but he’s a smart, smart player.”

And a pretty good defensive one, too, if given the right matchup.

He uses his rare athleticism (38-inch vertical) and length (6-foot-11 wingspan) to bother shooters and harass scorers.

Chicago Bulls need big things from Kirk Hinrich this season

With Derrick Rose out for the season and Jimmy Butler still banged up, the Chicago Bulls need very solid production from Kirk Hinrich. Here’s the Chicago Tribune reporting:

kirk hinrich

Hinrich sat out 22 times last season with injuries to his right hip, left knee, right elbow and right foot. Entering Saturday, his fifth start, he was averaging 29.1 minutes per game.

“It’s just being ready from the jump,” Hinrich said. “But other than that, I approach my job the same.”

Asked if Hinrich can handle an increased role, coach Tom Thibodeau was non-committal.

“We’ll see what he can handle,” Thibodeau said. “He looks good right now. He has to continue to work.”

Thibodeau left no doubt on how he feels Hinrich has played thus far this season.

Should Cavs give Anthony Bennett a spot in starting lineup?

Here’s the Akron Beacon Journal, being interesting and creative about the Cleveland Cavaliers:

The top overall pick in the draft is shooting 22 percent. His 10 turnovers equal his 10 baskets. He has shot as many 3-pointers (17) as Alonzo Gee in less than half as many minutes. He has only made three of them.

The first 16 games have been a disaster for Anthony Bennett. Entering Saturday’s home game against the Chicago Bulls, Bennett played fewer minutes and scored fewer points than undrafted rookie Matthew Dellavedova and equaled C.J. Miles’ turnover total in 80 less minutes. Nothing the Cavs have tried thus far with Bennett has worked.

So here’s an idea…

Start him.

Crazier yet, start him at small forward, a position where he has hardly ever practiced in his life.

At this point, what do the Cavs have to lose? Another game?

Dallas Mavericks assign Ricky Ledo to D-League

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have assigned Ricky Ledo to the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League.

Ledo (6-7, 200) has seen action in six games for the Mavericks and holds averages of 1.2 points and 2.6 minutes per game.

Ledo will join the Legends and be available for tonight’s game when they take on the Tulsa 66ers at 7:00 pm CT at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco.

Lakers waive forward Elias Harris

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Elias Harris, it was announced today.

Harris appeared in two games for the Lakers this season, tallying a rebound, an assist and a steal in 11 minutes. The two-time All-West Coast Conference Team selection out of Gonzaga University started all five games for the Lakers’ 2013 Summer League team in Las Vegas, averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 27.0 minutes.

The Lakers roster now stands at 14 players.

Jason Kidd fined $50,000 for intentionally spilling drink on court

The Brooklyn Nets haven’t learned to win just yet this NBA season, but at least new head coach Jason Kidd has found a new way to keep things interesting. Here’s the New York Post reporting:

jason kidd

Not only did “Cupgate” fail to get the Nets a win, it’s also going to cost Jason Kidd some cash.

The NBA announced Thursday night it had fined Kidd $50,000 for intentionally spilling his cup of soda late in Wednesday’s 99-94 loss to the Lakers in Brooklyn.

Because Kidd was caught on camera telling Tyshawn Taylor to “hit me” just before the player bumped into him, it isn’t surprising the league would choose to crack down on the Nets coach.

Kidd’s antics came with 8.2 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s loss, and as Lakers guard Jodie Meeks was preparing to shoot the second of two free throws with the Lakers leading 96-94.

As Taylor exited the court as part of an offense-defense substitution with Mirza Teletovic, Kidd — who was holding a cup of soda with ice in it — clearly said “hit me” as Taylor walked toward him.