2021-22 Playoffs vs Dallas

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Luka Dončić is scheduled for an MRI exam today to determine the severity of his left calf strain and likely recovery timetable. Dallas opens the playoffs Saturday against Utah at 1 PM ET; Dončić was hurt in Sunday’s regular season finale. More from me: marcstein.Substack.com
– via Twitter TheSteinLine (https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine)

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: There’s initial optimism that Dallas star Luka Doncic hasn’t suffered a significant injury, (https://*********.com/social/) source tells ESPN. Team is calling it a strained left calf.
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)





Callie Caplan: Jalen Brunson on Luka Doncic: “For some reason I feel like he’ll be ready to go, knowing the competitor he is.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter CallieCaplan (https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan)

[Xiao Yao You]

The source said Vivek Ranadive and Brandon Williams were driving forces behind the decision to draft Marvin Bagley III over Luka Doncic in 2018, but there was consensus within the organization because Bagley was a “modern-day big who could run the floor with De’Aaron Fox.” (https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article260250635.html) The source said the Kings nearly acquired Jordan Clarkson from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade involving Yogi Ferrell, but they didn’t act fast enough due to Ranadive’s involvement. Instead, the Cavaliers traded Clarkson to the Utah Jazz, where he would become the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, in exchange for Dante Exum and two future second-round draft picks.

– via Sacramento Bee (https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article260250635.html)




:cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Longtime Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers center Wayne Cooper died on Monday, (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-nuggets-trail-blazers-center-wayne-cooper-dies-at-65-035947539.html) the Nuggets announced. He was 65.
– via Ryan Young @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-nuggets-trail-blazers-center-wayne-cooper-dies-at-65-035947539.html)




Mark Kiszla: Wayne Cooper was gentle giant. In NBA galaxy long ago, he took cub reporter under wing. Wrote playoff diary for Post in ’85. After L to Lakers during WCF, was knock at my hotel room door. “Is it too late to re-write?” Coop asked. “Thought of better way to start it.” (http://twitter.com/markkiszla/status/1513717419826728961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1513717419826728961%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fformer-nuggets-trail-blazers-center-wayne-cooper-dies-at-65-035947539.html) RIP, Coop.
– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/markkiszla/status/1513717419826728961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1513717419826728961%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fformer-nuggets-trail-blazers-center-wayne-cooper-dies-at-65-035947539.html)






Marc J. Spears: Crushed to hear that Wayne Cooper has passed. Amazing giant of a man literally and figuratively who had a respectable career as a player and a front office executive. (https://*********.com/social/) No ego. Great Louisiana people who cared about others. Brilliant. Will miss him dearly.
– via Twitter MarcJSpears (https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears)

[Xiao Yao You]

Dwain Price: Spencer Dinwiddie on on if Luka will play in Game 1 of the series against the Jazz: “I haven’t gotten any indication that he won’t be, so I’m preparing as if he will be. (https://*********.com/social/) They haven’t told us anything. They haven’t said be ready.”
– via Twitter DwainPrice (https://twitter.com/DwainPrice)

[Xiao Yao You]

Maxi Kleber hasn’t played in a game since April 1 due to right ankle soreness, but after going through a full practice on Wednesday, he pronounced himself “100% better.” (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/04/13/maxi-kleber-ankle-returns-to-full-practice-pronounces-himself-100-better/) That isn’t exactly the same as saying he is 100% healthy, but judging from Kleber’s smile and confident expression, it’s safe to say he is in a much better place physically than he’d been at any point in the last seven weeks.
– via Brad Townsend @ Dallas Morning News (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/04/13/maxi-kleber-ankle-returns-to-full-practice-pronounces-himself-100-better/)




As he noted Wednesday, he would like to think he still contributed in other areas, especially as a screen-setter on offense and as Dallas’ best rim protector. He was asked whether the ankle issue affected his shooting. “Hard to tell,” he said. “Obviously when your ankle hurts you shift maybe a little bit more to one side and lean over, which you shouldn’t do. (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/04/13/maxi-kleber-ankle-returns-to-full-practice-pronounces-himself-100-better/) But then again you should still be able to make some shots.”
– via Brad Townsend @ Dallas Morning News (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/04/13/maxi-kleber-ankle-returns-to-full-practice-pronounces-himself-100-better/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Mavericks star Luka Doncic is expected to miss Game 1 vs. Jazz on Saturday night due to strained calf, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium .
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)

[Xiao Yao You]

A Jazz first-round exit could increase the chances of combo guard Donovan Mitchell asking for a trade out of Salt Lake City, though it’s hardly a given, (https://nypost.com/2022/04/14/how-can-the-knicks-realize-their-donovan-mitchell-dream/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons) according to NBA sources.

– via Marc Berman @ New York Post (https://nypost.com/2022/04/14/how-can-the-knicks-realize-their-donovan-mitchell-dream/?utm_source=twitter_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons)




you lose it's time to look in the mirror not run away :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

The Quin Snyder thing is interesting, just because Quin and Rob Pelinka have a friendship and relationship dating back many years. (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2z0IISctnXGU8LS6DLKNUe) And you feel like if there was a coach who Rob would kind of get out of the way for… it would be Quinn.
– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2z0IISctnXGU8LS6DLKNUe)

[Xiao Yao You]

Those in the league with knowledge of the situation expect Toronto’s Nick Nurse, Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers and Utah’s Quin Snyder to be candidates should they become available. Former Portland coach Terry Stotts, former Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks, former Lakers coach Mike Brown and Utah assistant Alex Jensen also might be considered. (https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-04-17/lakers-coaching-search-rob-pelinka-jeanie-buss-past-problems) Same for Juwan Howard, who interviewed in 2019, although sources told The Times that his intention is to continue coaching Michigan, where two of his sons play.

– via Dan Woike, Broderick Turner @ Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-04-17/lakers-coaching-search-rob-pelinka-jeanie-buss-past-problems)



cotm!

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim MacMahon: There’s a strong Knicks contingent — including William Wesley and Allan Houston — in Dallas to scout Game 1 of the Jazz-Mavericks series (https://*********.com/social/).

– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)



as long as the Jazz get Barrett!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/17/rudy-gobert-portland-trail-blazers/


This deal would see the Blazers add a second All-Star next to Lillard, cementing a new duo moving forward in Portland. And for the Jazz, this would be their chance to start fresh.



fresh = tank :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Rylan Stiles: Sam Presti confirmed Josh Giddey and Aleksej Pokusevski will play in Utah’s Summer League (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter Rylan_Stiles (https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles)

[Xiao Yao You]

Portland State basketball legend Freeman Williams has died at the age of 65. (https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2022/04/portland-state-basketball-legend-freeman-williams-has-died-at-the-age-of-65.html) Freeman, who played from 1974-1978, was one of the most dominant athletes in the history of PSU athletics. The 6-foot-4 guard remains the second all-time leading scorer in Division I history behind Pete Maravich at 3,249 points with an average of 30.7.

– via Aaron Fentress @ Oregonian (https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2022/04/portland-state-basketball-legend-freeman-williams-has-died-at-the-age-of-65.html)




part of the Dominique trade I believe

[Xiao Yao You]

Jordan Schultz: #Mavs superstar Luka Doncic is “making progress, but not likely to play” Game 3 versus the #Jazz, (https://*********.com/social/) per source.
– via Twitter Schultz_Report (https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report)

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Mavs coach Jason Kidd says Luka Doncic playing in Thursday’s Game 3 at Utah is “just a matter of how he feels tomorrow.” (https://*********.com/social/) More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com
– via Twitter TheSteinLine (https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine)




Tim MacMahon: Luka Doncic: “I don’t know if I’m going to be 100 percent. I think that’s tough right now. But if I’m ready and there’s no risk of [aggravating the] injury, I’ll be out there.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)






Callie Caplan: Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic: “He’s doing the work that the medical staff has asked him to do, and there hasn’t been any setback. He feels great, so I think he just continues to come in with that good attitude that at some point, he’ll get that green light to play.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter CallieCaplan (https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan)







Callie Caplan: Luka Doncic: “Today and yesterday I did a little bit. We shouldn’t rush anything, but step by step, I think I’m improving a lot, and I’m getting better.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter CallieCaplan (https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan)

[El Kabong]

Missing a wide open 3 seemed like an appropriate way to end the season.

Gonna be moves made, Ownership seems all in on Mitchell, though judging from his post game comments he's inching closer and closer to wanting out. Rudy will be sent packing even though he's the one that actually wants to stay.

Don't think they can play Conley and Mitchell together in the back court. Exposed defensively too much. Need to move Mitchell to the 1 and get a longer, more athletic guard to put next to him. Not much talk on trading Bogey, but I'm sure you could get something decent for him and give more minutes to House, Hermangomez and Paschall at the 3/4 spots.

5 spot is tricky if they trade Gobert. Whiteside won't sign for the minimum again and Azibuke showed some improvement, but is raw and injury prone still.

[Xiao Yao You]

Missing a wide open 3 seemed like an appropriate way to end the season.

Gonna be moves made, Ownership seems all in on Mitchell, though judging from his post game comments he's inching closer and closer to wanting out. Rudy will be sent packing even though he's the one that actually wants to stay.

Don't think they can play Conley and Mitchell together in the back court. Exposed defensively too much. Need to move Mitchell to the 1 and get a longer, more athletic guard to put next to him. Not much talk on trading Bogey, but I'm sure you could get something decent for him and give more minutes to House, Hermangomez and Paschall at the 3/4 spots.

5 spot is tricky if they trade Gobert. Whiteside won't sign for the minimum again and Azibuke showed some improvement, but is raw and injury prone still.

If they are really stupid enough to get rid of their franchise player all of the older guys have to go as well. They aren't winning without Gobert. It's time to tank if you choose that route.

If Mitchell wants out good riddance. He's been awful since the all star break. Get as much as you can for him(unlike the Deron Williams trade) ideally throwing in Gay's contract. Clarkson had a good playoff so hopefully someone wants his crappy ass. New head coach. Move Bojan to 6th man where he can concentrate on the one thing he does, score. Reload which we know they can do with Gobert because they've done it before.

I like Juancho and House. Ideally Juancho your backup 4 and they get a real starter there again. Paschall is more of an end of the bench energy guy than an everyday rotation player in my mind. O'Neale can move back to the wing where he belongs. Butler will be good and Nickeil and Forrest have potential still too. Get a vet for insurance against Udoka's ankle. Really hard to predict without knowing what Mitchell is thinking

[Xiao Yao You]

how did Dante play down under this year?

[El Kabong]

how did Dante play down under this year?

Exum? He's been playing in Spain this year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Exum? He's been playing in Spain this year.

I thought he went back to Australia.

[El Kabong]

I thought he went back to Australia.

He came back briefly and I think had planned to suit up for the SEM Phoenix cause he's a part owner of the team, but then got an offer to play for Barcelona cause they had an injury to cover.