Trade Rumors

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
about 7 minutes ago
Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are now on the trade block.



bob



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https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2019/01/nba-trade-rumors-2019-boston-celtics-could-reap-benefits-of-memphis-grizzlies-dealing-marc-gasol-and-mike-conley.html



NBA Trade Rumors 2019: Boston Celtics could reap benefits of Memphis Grizzlies dealing Marc Gasol and Mike Conley
Updated Jan 22, 7:53 PM; Posted Jan 22, 7:53 PM




Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and guard Mike Conley (11) high-five in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) (Brandon Dill)




By Tom Westerholm | twesterh@masslive.com




The Boston Celtics got a bit of good news on Tuesday: According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies are listening to offers on their two stars, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

The Grizzlies, of course, owe the Celtics their 2019 first-round pick top-eight protected, followed by a top-six protection in 2020 that converts to unprotected in 2021. If the Grizzlies get rid of Conley and Gasol, whom they reportedly have never shopped before this, they would go through an extended rebuild that would likely take them through the 2021 draft (and probably beyond).

A few quick notes:

- Gasol and Conley might not be particularly valuable trade chips, due to a few circumstances. Gasol is 33-years-old and would only really be valuable to a team hoping to compete for a championship now (most of whom have little cap space), and Conley has a massive max contract that runs through 2021.

- The timing makes a lot of sense. The Grizzlies have struggled immensely for an extended period of time and are unlikely to make the playoffs this year. They would do well to start building their team around Jaren Jackson Jr., who has shown a lot of promise in somewhat limited minutes.

- Per Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies are willing to hold on to both Conley and Gasol if they don’t get the desired package in return (which reportedly includes young talent, draft picks and salary cap relief).


- The Celtics would likely be looking at the Grizzlies’ pick as a trade chip, most notably for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis if he becomes available this offseason. Adding a high lottery pick like the Memphis selection to their trade package would increase its value immensely (and might help them keep other valuable assets out of the deal).

- In the event no trade for Davis happens, the Celtics would be well stocked for the future -- slotting in a 2020 or 2021 prospect alongside Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and others would give the Celtics a powerful young core.

If nothing else, the presence of Conley and Gasol could make the NBA trade deadline a little more entertaining.


bob
MY NOTE: If either one of those two players are traded Memphis will likely take a hit this year and they will remain below the threshold they need to achieve for us to get their draft pick this year. It could also hurt them next year if they get so young they cannot compete at a high level without veterans to steady them. IF either of these players get traded that is good news for us, in my opinion, since I think they are due for a rebuild and we will gain if their rebuild is multi-year.


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Memphis legitimately stinks and has lousy talent on their roster.
It seems like they are now determined to keep their pick for the 2019 and 2020 drafts.
If they add two top picks along with JJJ and whatever assets they can receive in Conley and Gasol trades, this seems like a good strategy for Memphis.
Even if Gasol opts in for the 2019-20 season, he won't be a factor for Boston's 2021 draft pick because Gasol's contract ends in June of 2020.
Gasol is not the same player he was a couple of years ago due to having less mobility.

Most of us expected Sacramento to be one of the top 2 or 3 worst teams this season. They are a playoff contender.
It's just way too early to project how Memphis 2020-21 season will turn out for Boston's 2021 draft pick from Memphis.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers exploring 'other options' to fill void left by Lonzo Ball



By: Christian Rivas | 12 hours ago


The Los Angeles Lakers need help at the point guard position and they’re apparently willing to look outside of their current roster to get help.

According to Lakers head coach Luke Walton, team president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka are exploring “other options and possibilities” to fill the void left by Lonzo Ball at the point guard position.

“I love our team,” Walton told reporters on Monday. “I know Rob and Magic are working, looking for other options and possibilities. What that is, I don’t know, and if we don’t do anything that’s fine too. We go out there with our guys that have been here working their tails off for us all year long.”

But what exactly does that mean?

The Lakers could look to add a third string point guard through free agency, but the options that are still on the market aren’t going to move the needle for them a ton. That would also involve them waiving someone on the roster, which they’re reportedly not super keen on doing.

Another other option would be to add a third string point guard via trade, but that would involve them trading away a key rotation player or a player on a rookie contract for someone that will see little-to-no playing time once Ball returns.

The most likely — and arguably best — scenario for them going forward would be trying to snag a point guard in a bigger trade at the deadline. For example, trading Lance Stephenson for DJ Augustin wouldn’t make much sense for the Lakers, but trading for Terrence Ross and getting Augustin as part of that package might.

That being said, a change might not even be necessary. The Lakers have enough playmaking on their roster between Rajon Rondo, who is expected to return on Thursday, and LeBron James to survive this stretch of games without Ball.

Could they do something? Anything is possible, but right now it’s not absolutely necessary for them to do so. Hopefully it doesn’t get to that point.


bob



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https://hoopshype.com/2019/01/23/nba-trade-rumors-kanter-parker-love-lopez-dennis-smith/



NBA trade rumor rankings: Dennis Smith drama nearing resolution?



By: Frank Urbina | January 23, 2019



We are now at part six of our trade-rumor rankings series, where HoopsHype ranks players based on the amount of times they’ve been mentioned in our Trade Rumors Page over the prior 14 days.

The Feb. 7 trade deadline is now just over two weeks away, and with the fast approaching deadline, things are getting steamy on the rumor mill.

In this edition, we have a former No. 2 pick, a one-time NBA champion, a veteran big man who could be a solid reserve on any contender, a scoring/rebounding beast and a player many expected to be a certain Texan franchise’s cornerstone for years to come.

Without further ado, let’s break down which five players have been mentioned most in trade rumors over the last two weeks.


5. JABARI PARKER, CHICAGO BULLS
The latest on the Jabari Parker trade front has tied the Chicago Bulls forward with two teams – the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans – while also cautioning that a deal isn’t imminent.

Regardless, according to the Chicago Tribune’s KC Johnson, the Bulls will continue to shop Parker over the coming weeks:


K.C. Johnson

@KCJHoop
It should be noted that the Bulls still will shop Robin Lopez and Jabari Parker in advance of the Feb. 7 trade deadline, even with news of Wendell Carter Jr. injury and likely surgery. If they find deals, Cristiano Felicio or small lineup always can be used.

95
1:46 PM - Jan 18, 2019


Regarding New York as a potential landing spot for Parker, reports have stated that a deal could include Enes Kanter, the Knicks’ double-double machine who has fallen out of the rotation due to the team’s ongoing youth movement, but that a third team would be needed to make that happen, since the Bulls also have no need for a 26-year-old impending free agent in the midst of his prime (via the New York Daily News):

“Defense remains an issue for Kanter but his skillset — top-level rebounding and inside scoring — is such that he can help a playoff team off the bench. The Knicks are actively trying to deal the 26-year-old international, who is coping with a very public and emotionally taxing battle with the Turkish government. Kanter has an $18 million expiring contract that could be a vehicle to acquiring an asset (draft pick, young player), which is the Knicks’ preference. However, the market has not been robust. There had been preliminary discussions involving the Knicks taking back Jabari Parker, but there needed to be a third team to take Kanter.”

Despite Parker’s inefficient production and large contract (worth $40 million over two years), the fact that the second year of his deal contains a team option, as well as Parker’s age (he’s still just 23), could make him appealing for a rebuilding team willing to take a half-season gamble on the talented scorer.


4. KEVIN LOVE, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Things have been mostly quiet surrounding Kevin Love over recent weeks, mostly because the All-Star big man doesn’t appear close to a return from the toe injury that has sidelined him since October.

Even so, former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin believes the team could be open to fielding offers for the floor-spacing power forward ahead of February’s trade deadline:


ESPN Cleveland
@ESPNCleveland
While it's unlikely because he's hurt, Griff thinks the Cavs could still field offers for Love at the trade deadline. With his current contract, Griff said they "bought optionality."

13
9:39 AM - Jan 18, 2019


And the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Chris Fedor reports that teams have called the Cavs to find out about Love’s availability. Even so, he doesn’t think Love ends up getting moved:

“Who are the next Cavaliers to get moved? Chris Fedor: This is the question that so many are asking. So let’s start here: There’s interest from other teams in All-Star power forward Kevin Love. Sources tell me that the Cavs have received calls about him. It’s the same thing that typically happens with him around this time of year. He’s used to it. As I’ve written numerous times, it will take close to the perfect deal for the Cavs to pull the trigger.”

Although Love doesn’t make sense on the Cavaliers with the way their roster is presently constructed, his age (he’ll be 31 next season), the extra mileage on him from all those Finals runs and the enormity of his contract extension (four years and $120 million) are going to make him awfully tough to trade.

At least without attaching assets to a potential deal.

We’ll see if Cleveland actually tries to trade their lone All-Star prior to Feb. 7, but for now, it doesn’t look all that likely.


3. ROBIN LOPEZ, CHICAGO BULLS
Like with Parker, the Chicago Bulls will go all out to try and find a trade partner for Robin Lopez prior to the deadline.

There’s a good chance if that doesn’t happen, Chicago will just buy the veteran big man out in order to let him find a new home, more than likely one where he’ll be able to participate in the playoffs. Nevertheless, for now, the Bulls’ priority is to find a trade for Lopez.

At least, that’s according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley:

“The Bulls aren’t looking to play hardball with Robin Lopez as much as they are just trying to conduct smart business. So while there was a Yahoo Sports report out late Sunday night that stated the Bulls were refusing to negotiate a buyout with their veteran center so that he could possibly join the Golden State Warriors, looking to trade Lopez before the Feb. 7 trade deadline has been atop their priority list for the last few months and will stay there.”

Rather than lose Lopez for nothing, it makes sense why Chicago would rather trade him and get an asset back in return. But is any team really going to be willing to give up a valued asset for the nearly 31-year-old center?

Probably not, unless the Bulls really value protected second-round picks.

The team that’s been tied most closely with Lopez have been the Golden State Warriors, though with DeMarcus Cousins looking solid in his return and Kevon Looney still contributing at a decent level, there’s a chance the reigning champs have less interest today than they did a few weeks ago.

Either way, it’s going to be tough for Chicago to land anything valuable in return for Lopez, so look for this saga to end with a buyout after Feb. 7.


2. ENES KANTER, NEW YORK KNICKS
As previously mentioned, Kanter’s name has popped up in trade rumors recently in connection with the also-available Parker.

It appears that if the Knicks and Bulls can find a third team to take on Kanter – look out for the Sacramento Kings here – we could see a deal come to fruition.

Other reports state that New York, smartly, doesn’t want to add long-term money to their books, but since Parker’s deal has a team option on next season, he wouldn’t qualify as long-term money.

Kanter had recently been told by head coach David Fizdale that he would fall third in the team’s center rotation, behind Luke Kornet and rookie Mitchell Robinson, which Kanter was none too happy with (via ESPN):

“Kanter said Monday that he hadn’t requested a trade. ‘I love it here but in the end, I want to play basketball. I miss playing basketball, man,’ Kanter said. ‘And I would let [Knicks general manager] Scott [Perry] and my agent [Mark Bartelstein] handle that stuff.’ … New York Knicks center Enes Kanter doesn’t agree with head coach David Fizdale’s decision to remove him from the rotation. ‘I was very disappointed. There was nothing to be happy about, so I’m not happy and I definitely don’t agree with the decision, of course,’ Kanter said after the Knicks’ 127-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.”

So although Kanter didn’t flat out request a way out of New York, it would be healthiest for both parties to find a peaceful resolution prior to the upcoming trade deadline.

Whether they’re able to or not remains to be seen, but plenty of playoff-caliber teams could use Kanter’s low-post scoring and ability to gobble up rebounds, so expect business to pick up here over the coming weeks.


1. DENNIS SMITH, DALLAS MAVERICKS
At one point, Dennis Smith took a hiatus from the Dallas Mavericks, claiming sickness, while the team seriously considered whether they should trade the second-year point guard. It seemed his days in Dallas could be numbered, but the two sides seem to have worked things out (at least for now).

Since then, things have cleared up a bit, with Smith rejoining the team and even starting last night’s game for the Mavs.

Overall, this is probably the best possible outcome for both parties. There’s just no way the Mavericks would have found equal value for Smith with how low his stock currently is; and for the young ball-handler, playing for an elite head coach like Rick Carlisle, and alongside Luka Doncic, is a pretty great place to develop – at least if they can all get on the same page, which, granted, may not be all that easy. Consider the following, from ESPN:

“The Mavs have been adamant that they won’t trade Smith unless they get good value in return and have not received any offers they consider tempting,sources said. Smith’s frustration, according to sources, stems from his diminished role with rookie star Luka Doncic emerging as Dallas’ primary playmaker and friction with Carlisle.”

So was Smith’s return a last ditch effort to work things out with the team? Or was it a way for Dallas to raise his value before putting him back on the block?

At least we won’t have to wait long to find out. After all, the trade deadline is right around the corner.


bob
MY NOTE: 1 guard and 4 bigs. Teams are trying to unload their bigs, especially old school bigs. Smith is being shopped only because of the spectacular debut of Luka Doncic.


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Also Smith has played spectacularly poorly. His athleticism has not ovrrcome his piss poor shot making. Almost historically poor.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nba-rumors-celtics-likely-standing-175651171.html



NBA Rumors: Celtics likely standing pat at NBA trade deadline



Darren Hartwell, NBC Sports Boston
22 hours ago



The No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference just lost its star player in Victor Oladipo. The Boston Celtics have won five in a row.

Time to strike while the iron is hot, right? The Celtics should swing a blockbuster trade ahead of the Feb. 7 deadline and go all-in on an NBA title ... right?

Not so fast.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge isn't likely to make a notable move in the coming two weeks, NBC Sports' Tom Haberstroh reported Friday in his column on the impact of Oladipo's injury.

"With Oladipo sidelined and the Pacers likely to slide back to the middle of the pack, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics could be less thirsty for a blockbuster move at the deadline. Why give up assets if you can move up organically? The Celtics could float Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown on the trade market, but league sources tell NBCSports.com they are likely to sit tight and hope both bounce back to last season's levels. With the chances of a midseason Anthony Davis trade lessening by the day, the Celtics have good reason to hold pat."


Rozier and Brown are logical trade candidates, as both have felt the squeeze of Boston's roster logjam this season. Brown is playing nearly five fewer minutes per game than he did last season and 7.5 percent worse from 3-point range, while Rozier is back to averaging single digits in points (8.7 per game) in a backup role to Kyrie Irving.

But if the Indiana Pacers falter without Oladipo, the door will be open for the No. 5 seed Celtics to at least earn home court in the first round with a top-four seed. And Ainge may prefer to keep Rozier and Brown as potential trade pieces for Davis this offseason.

Boston could make a minor trade or explore the buyout market to tweak its roster slightly for the home stretch. Don't expect fireworks before Feb. 7, though.



bob


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Not too surprised about this.

Look for them to sign a player that gets bought out.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Seeking to Add Second Star Next to LeBron James Before Deadline


Sports Illustrated
Scooby Axson
Sports Illustrated
Jan 25, 2019, 3:31 AM



NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Seeking to Add Second Star Next to LeBron James Before Deadline



By the time the NBA trade deadline comes on Feb. 7, most teams will have less than 25 games left before the regular season ends.

That means playoff bound teams will look around the league to see if they can pick up an extra piece that is needed to make a run at the title.

For those who are bound for the lottery, this is also a crucial time, as they may look to shed salary for cap space flexibility or pick up picks for June's draft.

One team that has already been in the rumor mill is the Memphis Grizzlies, who have put longtime mainstays Mike Conley and Marc Gasol on the trading block.

Check out the latest news and rumors around the league below.

• The Lakers are looking to add another star next to LeBron James, even if it means parting ways with players like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma or Brandon Ingram. Los Angeles could pursue three-point shooters with expiring deals. (Bill Oram, The Athletic)

• The Knicks actively seeking trades for either Tim Hardaway Jr. or swingman Courtney Lee. Center Enes Kanter is also on the trading block. (Marc Stein, New York Times)

• The NBA grants the Washington Wizards an $8.6M Disabled Player Exception for loss of guard John Wall. The Wizards have until March 11 to use the exception. (Shams Charania, The Athletic)

• The Cavaliers can officially trade Kevin Love, as a sixth-month restriction on dealing him is lifted. (Chris Fedor, Cleveland Plain Dealer)

• The Magic have not shown they are willing to trade Aaron Gordon, but Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross are intriguing pieces as both are in the final year of their deals. (Josh Robbins, The Athletic)

• The Clippers inquired about Bulls center Brook Lopez, but the team will approach trade deadline as both buyer and seller. (Jovan Buha, The Athletic)

• The Jazz have expressed interest in Grizzlies guard Mike Conley and Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (Tony Jones, The Athletic)

• Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said his team will listen to trade offers. (Chris Kirschner, The Athletic)


bob
MY NOTE:  Hardaway is a streak shooter, lights out when on, but is getting paid $17.3M/year.  Kevin Love is injured AND makes $24M/year.  Terrence Ross makes $10M/year and is an UFA next year, an expiring contract.  That might have value to Danny if he wants to free up salary cap next season, but he'd have to give up guaranteed contracts for that to make sense and that leaves Rozier and Morris out.  So, who? Atlanta is "willing to listen to trade offers" (Translation:  PLEASE!!!  HELP ME!! HELP!! ME!!).   As far as the Lakers go there is little to no chance of them getting anybody of substantive quality unless Kuzma is included.  I do not see Ball or Ingram moving the needle.  The problem, as far as gaining veteran quality goes, is that all three of those players are on cheap rookie contracts, while a veteran will have a much more expensive contract.  It will be hard to make the salary $ work.



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Aww. Poor Lakers. Poor Lebron.

The writer Hartwell is an idiot, he should know Jaylen’s game has been on the upswing and how valuable a player he is to this team even if he is coming off the bench, plus he still has huge upside going forward. We need Jaylen and he’s not going anywhere.

here's one that may be worth looking at!!


The representative for Milwaukee Bucks center Thon Maker has told management that he’d prefer the franchise find a trade to a team that would provide a larger role for the former lottery pick, league sources told ESPN. – via ESPN
Top Rumors, Agents, Mike George, Trade, Thon Maker, Milwaukee Bucks

As Maker’s playing time has diminished under new coach Mike Budenholzer in the Bucks’ surge to the NBA’s best record, agent Mike George and Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst have discussed trade scenarios in recent weeks that would potentially make sense for both the player and team, league sources said.


The Bucks are under no obligation to trade Maker, but the organization has discussed possible deals with rival teams ahead of the February 7 trade deadline, sources said. – via ESPN


___________________________________________________________


Yabusele and maybe our own first rounder next year?

the salarys work and Maker is under contract next year as well.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/makerth01.html


Makers per 36 min numbers are 14.4pt, 8.4 reb and 1.6 blocks not great, but he is a legit seven footer.

Rambone would be thrilled.

cowens/oldschool wrote:The writer Hartwell is an idiot, he should know Jaylen’s game has been on the upswing and how valuable a player he is to this team even if he is coming off the bench, plus he still has huge upside going forward. We need Jaylen and he’s not going anywhere.

Interesting you bring this up. I was going to also comment on it. Hartwell completely ignores trends.

Brown is back on track and has been playing very well throughout January. He is making the deep ball again, getting to the rim and has a midrange game developing. He remains a very valuable player and I do not see him being moved in some minor deal.

I do not seeing Boston moving any 1st round picks until the AD situation is resolved. I do like the deal you proposed for Maker.

Jalen Rose and Pierce also talk GSW and Boston.





bob



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Smith has improved both his shooting average as well as his 3 point average this year. 44% from field and 36% from 3 point range which are both significantly better than last year. Everything else balances out to what he did last year. Playing a minute or two less. I would trade Rozier for him in a heartbeat.

His assists 3.9 to turnover 3.1 ratio is horrible. His points, assists, and rebounds per game are significantly lower this year but his minutes, despite Luka, are about the same. Yes, his shooting % is up somewhat, but nothing to write home about. Dennis Smith has not made a good transition to pro ball for someone drafted so high. He is not a good decision maker nor point guard, but he is uber athletic.

tardust wrote:Smith has improved both his shooting average as well as his 3 point average this year. 44% from field and 36% from 3 point range which are both significantly better than last year.   Everything else balances out to what he did last year.  Playing a minute or two less.  I would trade Rozier for him in a heartbeat.

I think that could make sense as well.

I'm not sure the salary's are close enough, but some places say Boston has a trade exception still from the Nader trade. If so that could work with Rozier for Dennis Smith.

Smith is under contract fro one more year, with a team option around $5M the year after.

Since both players are somewhat comparable, that deal would make sense for Danny .

then we'd just have Irving, Morris and Theis as FA's next season to deal with.

Hi,
Now the first step is done: AD won't sign extension and wants to be traded! (per AWoj)

AK

sinus007,

Do the Lakers really have a legit shot at him? Danny still has all the necessary gold, right? Pels just have to wait to the summer for the best deal/our deal. Can Danny preempt now and say if you wait, this is what we would propose or does he have to sit silent on the sidelines until the end of the season? Lakers could scrap something together now, but you would think with the best deal coming from the Celtics and LeBron now injury prone, they would all wait things out. I think LAL will look/act the most desperate and put something out there this week. Gotta love Magic. He HATES the Celtics!! They know if it goes to the summer, they will lose AD to us. Unfortunately they will have to gut the team to get him. We have the heat, though. A virtual smorgasbord o' fun to select from! LAL has (s)crap. I guess it will depend on how desperate Pels management is and how contentious the existing relationship is now between AD and Pels and how it progresses/digresses over the next few months, if it goes that far.

The Celtics have to be on AD and Pels radar and at the top of the list. Is there anyone else in the league that can offer what we've got potentially?

db

dbrown4 wrote:sinus007,

Do the Lakers really have a legit shot at him?  Danny still has all the necessary gold, right?  Pels just have to wait to the summer for the best deal/our deal.  Can Danny preempt now and say if you wait, this is what we would propose or does he have to sit silent on the sidelines until the end of the season?  Lakers could scrap something together now, but you would think with the best deal coming from the Celtics and LeBron now injury prone, they would all wait things out.  I think LAL will look/act the most desperate and put something out there this week.  Gotta love Magic.  He HATES the Celtics!!  They know if it goes to the summer, they will lose AD to us.  Unfortunately they will have to gut the team to get him.  We have the heat, though.  A virtual smorgasbord o' fun to select from!  LAL has (s)crap.  I guess it will depend on how desperate Pels management is and how contentious the existing relationship is now between AD and Pels and how it progresses/digresses over the next few months, if it goes that far.

The Celtics have to be on AD and Pels radar and at the top of the list.  Is there anyone else in the league that can offer what we've got potentially?          

db

Dbrown4,
I'm not aware of any rules that'd prohibit Danny talking to Pels now. Also, if they are talking Pels would be pointing which players they want Danny to pick in the draft.
As for Lakers vs Celtics, Magic has advantage of extra 10 days and Paul Rich. We shall see.

AK

Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
about 45 minutes ago
The NBA trade deadline is February 7. Who do the Celtics play that night? The Lakers, maybe their primary competition in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. NBA schedule gods strike again.

Well in that case February 8th can't get here fast enough!! Pels need to sit. No real advantage of trying to rebuild team mid-season. ESPECIALLY with the Lakers!!

db

worcester wrote:His assists 3.9 to turnover 3.1 ratio is horrible. His points, assists, and rebounds per game are significantly lower this year but his minutes, despite Luka, are about the same. Yes, his shooting % is up somewhat, but nothing to write home about. Dennis Smith has not made a good transition to pro ball for someone drafted so high. He is not a good decision maker nor point guard, but he is uber athletic.

You do realize that his shot attempts are down 3.7 shots per game (due to Luka) and his points are only down 2.3 points per game. So if he hits one more shot out of basically 4 tries he scores basically the same point total. Thats not really anything to write bad about either considering he isn't handling the ball near as much. I would say he is better than Rozier in decision making and yes I believe he is also more athletic. I believe he also gives us a extra year to make a decision on a player. (Rozier) So basically your main point is the turnovers. Fair enough.

I am pretty sure I have seen Smith more than anyone on this board and I feel pretty good saying he is a better player than Scary Terry. It is pretty much a non issue anyway. The Mavs aren't going to give up Smith for Terry anyway.