Clippers re-sign center Mason Plumlee

The LA Clippers have re-signed center Mason Plumlee, announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations.

“Mason made an immediate imprint last season with his playmaking, finishing and feel for the game,” said Frank. “He is a selfless, dependable teammate who consistently excels in his role. We’re grateful to have him back.”

Plumlee, 33, appeared in 23 games for the Clippers after a midseason acquisition from the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 7.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. The 7-foot center set career-highs last season in total points (857), rebounds (700) and FG% (68.0).

Originally selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Plumlee has appeared in 740 games with the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Hornets and Clippers, averaging 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 59.5% from the field. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native has also appeared in 65 career playoff games and was named to the 2013-14 All-Rookie First Team.

Hornets trade Mason Plumlee to Clippers for Reggie Jackson

The LA Clippers this past Thursday acquired Mason Plumlee in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Reggie Jackson and a second-round draft pick, announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations.

“Mason will help fortify our center position with his energy and playmaking ability,” said Frank. “He is an impressive passer with great vision. Our team will enjoy playing with him.”

Plumlee, 32, appeared in 56 games for the Hornets this season, averaging 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Originally selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Plumlee has appeared in 717 games with the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Hornets, averaging 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 59.2% from the field. The 7-foot-0 center has also appeared in 60 career playoff games and was named to the 2013-14 All-Rookie First Team.

“Reggie has played a vital role in many of our finest moments,” said Frank. “Two years ago, he helped lead us to our first conference finals, and last season, he helped carry us when we were hampered by injuries. He made a lot of fans here, and a lot of friends. His name and his smile will always hold a special place in this organization’s heart.”

Jackson, 32, appeared in 52 games (38 starts) for the Clippers this season, averaging 10.9 points, 3.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 25.7 minutes. The 6-foot-2 guard holds career averages of 12.9 points, 4.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 755 appearances across 12 NBA seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons and Clippers. In his four seasons with the Clippers, Jackson ranks seventh in franchise history in total made three-pointers (392). Born in Pordenone, Italy, Jackson also appeared in 31 playoff games with the Clippers, averaging 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.1% from three.

Pistons trade Mason Plumlee to Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have acquired Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to JT Thor in a trade with the Detroit Pistons. In exchange, Charlotte sent the draft rights of Balsa Koprivica to the Pistons.

An eight-year veteran, Plumlee averaged 10.4 points, a career-high 9.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 26.8 minutes per game in 56 games during the 2020-21 season. Last season, Plumlee recorded a triple-double vs. New Orleans on Feb. 14 and at Toronto on Mar. 3 as he was just one of four centers to post multiple triple-doubles.

The former Duke product has appeared in 588 career regular season games, averaging 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22.1 minutes per game with Brooklyn, Portland, Denver and Detroit. During his career, Plumlee has also played in 60 career postseason contests, accruing averages of 3.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 14.9 minutes per game.

Thor, the 37th pick out of Auburn in the 2021 NBA draft, averaged 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in minutes per game, making 27 appearances during his lone season with the Tigers. He recorded 37 blocks during the 2020-21 season, which ranked eighth in the SEC and second among all SEC freshmen as he averaged 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game in 18 conference games.

Koprivica, the 57th pick out of Florida State, averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game in his sophomore season with the Seminoles. The 7-1 center played two seasons at Florida State and is a native of Belgrade, Serbia.

Some Nuggets 2020 NBA draft thoughts

The 2020 NBA draft is just 15 days away. Here’s the Denver Post with some thoughts:

After what Jamal Murray just did in Orlando, point guard is about the last place the Nuggets need to upgrade in this month’s draft.

Murray’s rise coupled with Monte Morris’ steady play as a backup gives Denver a backcourt tandem that only a handful of teams can rival. But this year’s draft process, the most prolonged in NBA history, could be wonky. It’s been months since teams were able to see live competition from prospects, and in-person evaluations have been limited.

Not to mention, the Nuggets could throw potential need right out the window with the No. 22 pick on Nov. 18. If an elite point guard somehow slipped to their range, the Nuggets aren’t above drafting talent and then sorting out the rest later. In fact, there’s an argument to be made that talent should be prioritized over fit if Denver stays at No. 22.

As for Nuggets free agency, the team’s key guards are all signed at least through next season. Same with star center Nikola Jokic. But forward Jerami Grant has the option to enter free agency, while the contracts of Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee are up.

Considering the Nuggets’ spot in the first round, they’re more likely to land a good backup guard in the draft than a starting forward. Those frontcourt holes will likely need to be filled in free agency.

Nuggets re-sign Mason Plumlee

Nuggets re-sign Mason Plumlee

The Denver Nuggets have re-signed center Mason Plumlee, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced today.

Acquired in a trade with Portland on February 13th, Plumlee, 6-11, 245, appeared in 27 games for Denver in 2016-17, averaging 9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.10 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game.

Over four seasons, Plumlee has appeared in 315 career games (213 starts) for Brooklyn, Portland and Denver, averaging 9.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23.0 minutes per game.

The Duke University product also won a Gold Medal alongside Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried at the FIBA World Cup with Team USA in 2014. The Indiana native was drafted by Brooklyn with the 22nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.