Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard returning this season: No one knows

Ohm Youngmisuk: Asked if Kawhi Leonard could return this season, Lawrence Frank says “no one knows” and “we don’t even breach that” thought. He says Kawhi has a detailed plan and team will wait until when his body is ready and doctors clear him. …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says all Clippers are good to go for camp besides Kawhi Leonard (ACL), Jason Preston (foot) and Serge Ibaka (limited due to back). – 4:36 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank says beside Kawhi (ACL), a limited Serge (back) and, now, Jason Preston (foot), everyone is good to go for training camp. – 4:35 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says Paul George is ready for the challenge with Kawhi Leonard out. On PG’s state of mind entering camp and how he has overcome adversity like admitting depression in bubble, Frank says PG showed “great strength” with his vulnerability and that helped his teammates – 4:28 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked if Kawhi Leonard could return this season, Lawrence Frank says “no one knows” and “we don’t even breach that” thought. He says Kawhi has a detailed plan and team will wait until when his body is ready and doctors clear him. – 4:13 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank reiterates that Kawhi Leonard has significant rehab after ACL surgery and that “it’s going to take time.” He says the focus will be his recovery and that “Kawhi is very much engaged day to day with his teammates, coaching staff and front office talking about team.” – 4:10 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank’s offseason priorities:
1: Bring Kawhi back
2: Bring core back (Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka)
3: Improve roster – 4:05 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
“Priority No. 1” Lawrence Frank says, was re-signing Kawhi.
Makes sense.
“It’s great validation … says a lot about his teammates, Ty and the coaching staff and where we’re at and where we’re trying to go.” – 4:04 PM

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Ballmer admits he has often thought of what could’ve been if Leonard hadn’t gotten hurt. “It was painful,” Ballmer said. “Painful for Kawhi, painful for our team, painful for me and, most importantly, painful for our fans. But yeah, we gave it a go. We gave it a good go. We managed to push past Utah, even without Kawhi. “I was proud of our guys. We were within a whisker or two of taking care of business in the Western Conference finals, even without Kawhi. We’ll see when we get him back, but we basically have most of the same team back for next year. … I remain optimistic.” -via ESPN / September 17, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo on knee injury: I’m still hurting but I’ll be OK

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis Antetokounmpo on his hyperextended knee injury: “It wasn’t a miracle. If you work hard, you don’t drink, don’t smoke, you work hard for 8-9 years. I shouldn’t have played in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. I was in a lot of …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo on COSMOTE TV: “Don’t call me champ. If you hear only compliments, you relax and this is something I don’t want” – 2:14 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
new Open Floor w/ special guest @Jeremy Woo!
—rounding out the Top 100
—durant vs. giannis vs. lebron
—was trae young too high?
—was zach lavine too low? (h/t @SBN_Ricky)
—will zion make us look like idiots 6 months from now?
subscribe and listen here! link.chtbl.com/open-floor?sid…10:27 AM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
ESPN’s top 5 players for the 2021-2022 season:
5. Stephen Curry
4. Luka Doncic
3. LeBron James
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
1. Kevin Durant
👍 or👎 on the top 5 players?
#NBATwitter #NBArank pic.twitter.com/EjKWrEZOYU8:26 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@LoriNickel 🦌
Lori has covered Giannis from the beginning in Milwaukee and we got together to discuss his incredible journey so far. This was a really fun chat that you can also now catch on YouTube!
🎙️ linktr.ee/LockedOnBucks
📺 youtu.be/AEqnsg16v_c pic.twitter.com/OCa40TUIXW8:00 AM

Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
How much more can Giannis improve and how much does the Ben Simmons situation impact the East?
Joined @Kane Pitman on the latest @lockedonbucks …with video
youtu.be/xdaVmNJ8yB49:34 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@Justin Garcia 🦌
How much improvement does Giannis have left? How will his game evolve next? How does the Ben Simmons situation impact Milwaukee?
🎙️ linktr.ee/LockedOnBucks
📺 youtu.be/xdaVmNJ8yB4 pic.twitter.com/DEu4yO53B18:00 AM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@Justin Garcia 🦌
How much improvement does Giannis have left? How will his game evolve next? How does the Ben Simmons situation impact Milwaukee?
YouTube 📺 youtu.be/xdaVmNJ8yB4 pic.twitter.com/8phfbnZFnq12:44 AM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Some completely random thoughts:
– The Nets are somehow underrated. Yes they’re the title favorites. But what if they’re 70-win good? I get the wait and see approach… but they could be transcendent.
– Giannis as the greatest power forward ever chatter should start… very soon. – 9:32 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Now at @TheAthletic:
Took a look at some of the Bucks lineups I’m interested to see this season.
Two-PG looks, Giannis Antetokounmpo at center and more. theathletic.com/2840550/2021/0…10:09 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@Frank Madden 🦌
Giannis is just 26. His trophy cabinet is filling and QUICKLY. We discussed his building legacy in our YouTube DEBUT!
Subscribe, rate, share!
🎙️ linktr.ee/LockedOnBucks
📺 youtube.com/channel/UCUuy2… pic.twitter.com/HIHO9pPeB88:00 AM

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Jim Owczarski: As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s easy to forget he suffered that scary-looking knee injury in the Eastern Conference Finals. #Bucks GM Jon Horst said the Finals MVP needs no offseason procedures: “He’s fine. Can’t explain it, but he’s fine.” -via Twitter @JimOwczarski / July 30, 2021

Rival teams believe Sixers reconciliation with Ben Simmons an attempt to gain trade leverage

Skeptical teams observing the Sixers believe that the interest in reconciling with Simmons stems more from their hope to recoup a bit more trade leverage than the infinitesimal amount they currently possess rather than a genuine attempt to mend the …

Skeptical teams observing the Sixers believe that the interest in reconciling with Simmons stems more from their hope to recoup a bit more trade leverage than the infinitesimal amount they currently possess rather than a genuine attempt to mend the relationship. Whatever the motivations are for trying to coax Simmons back to the squad, withholding a large seven-figure sum after a few missed practices does not sound like the wisest olive branch to extend.

Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
On BRING IT IN @David Thorpe and @jarodhector on Ben Simmons as an actual human being truehoop.com/p/bring-it-in-… Really recommend taking a minute to read David’s free story “Healing Ben Simmons” truehoop.com/p/healing-ben-… pic.twitter.com/xIHf2ivzcY2:18 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Quiet final week of the NBA offseason? Yeah, right.
The latest in Philly, Minnesota and more all feature in my This Week In Basketball column freshly sent to inboxes worldwide: marcstein.substack.com/p/weekend-dime…
Sign up to get all the Ben Simmons coverage direct: marcstein.substack.com1:40 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Sam Presti emphasizes that the Thunder won’t take any shortcuts in this rebuilding process.
In other words, go ahead and trash your Karl-Anthony Towns and Ben Simmons trade machine results. – 11:21 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Could Celtics get involved in potential Ben Simmons trade as a third team? | Winning Plays w/ @Rich Levine powered by @BetUS_Official pscp.tv/w/dBvCGHR3LTIw…8:30 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
How the Suns could get involved in Ben Simmons trade talks as a third party – bit.ly/3o0RDH9 via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/60gPrntAWS8:02 PM

Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
How much is too much for Ben Simmons? That’s one of the many complicated questions #Cavs are asking when it comes to a potential trade
cleveland.com/cavs/2021/09/s…4:56 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
On today’s episode of The Bell Ringer, I welcome @Nick_Friar with me to dissect the Ben Simmons trade drama as well as look at some proposals centered around him #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/23/bel… via @SixersWire4:48 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: Here’s what the #Sixers really hope for regarding Ben Simmons (for subscribers): bit.ly/3kxb2gD pic.twitter.com/CLLW8PR2fl3:30 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – John Wall for Ben Simmons? Why trade could work but probably won’t ift.tt/3u6Vtzw3:18 PM
Austin Kent @AustinKent
Gilbert Arenas knows what’s up. I don’t think that you force this EXACT system in Philly, but I do think there’s a ton of room for optimization and growth with Ben Simmons. Probably elsewhere.
(Just now have to ALSO fix the confidence issues) pic.twitter.com/tI6L2nBz513:02 PM

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Though it doesn’t look good right now, the Sixers continue to insist that their preferred outcome at this point is to bring Simmons back and try to work through this. Embiid has publicly stumped for Simmons and privately insisted they can turn this around if they simply get him back in the gym and around the team. Rivers does not believe this will be an issue in the locker room, using an example from his own playing days to show these situations can be rectified. “The San Antonio Spurs traded Sean Elliott,” Rivers said. “You remember that? Traded him to Detroit, he failed the physical, didn’t want to come back, came back and they won the championship the next year, so these things can happen.” -via Philly Voice / September 23, 2021
“That may be where he’s at today, that may not be where he’s at tomorrow. You just don’t know, and that’s why we got to keep communicating and see where we can take this,” Rivers said. “He has four years left on his contract, it’s in our hands…once we get him back in the fold, then we can get to work. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t have an expectation. Because I don’t know where we would go. That will happen if it happens, but right now Ben is still part of this team, and I’m gonna focus on that part of it.” -via Philly Voice / September 23, 2021
The Sixers would be best served if Simmons and Paul rethink their plans, though Simmons “is clearly aware of sanctions available to the organization to fine and suspend him, including withholding of salary,” according to Wojnarowski. An NBA source said Wednesday that Simmons initially asked for a trade at the draft combine in Chicago “right after” the end of the 2020-21 season. The Game 7 home loss to the Hawks occurred on June 20, with the combine running from June 21-27. -via Bucks County Courier Times / September 23, 2021

Raptors confident there will be more trade possibilities for Goran Dragic

The Raptors are both intent on being as competitive as they can this season and confident that more appealing trade possibilities involving Dragić will materialize after the season begins, once a potential trade partner’s need for proven playmaking …

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The Mavericks remain confident Dragic will end up on the roster one way or another. I won’t rehash the mechanics of how he could end up here or why Toronto hasn’t budged as of yet, but you can re-read my conversation with Blake Murphy last month. -via The Athletic / September 8, 2021
Mavericks fans have expressed concern on social media that Dallas is done with roster-maneuvering. The potential acquisition of Goran Dragic from Toronto remains a possibility, though sources say that possibility is far from imminent. Dallas also reportedly has joined New Orleans in registering interest in Chicago restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen. -via Dallas Morning News / August 12, 2021

Lakers worked out veteran wing James Ennis for roster spot

Jovan Buha: Free agent James Ennis worked out for the Lakers this week, sources tell @The Athletic. As Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said on Thursday, the team is looking to fill its 14th roster spot …

Jovan Buha: Free agent James Ennis worked out for the Lakers this week, sources tell @The Athletic. As Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said on Thursday, the team is looking to fill its 14th roster spot by training camp next Tuesday.

Source: Twitter @jovanbuha

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Free agent James Ennis worked out for the Lakers this week, sources tell @The Athletic.
As Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said on Thursday, the team is looking to fill its 14th roster spot by training camp next Tuesday. – 1:04 PM
James Ennis @JamesDa_Truth
I go hard because my heart still in it!! 💯 – 10:45 PM

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With teams and players able to negotiate free-agent deals beginning on Monday at 6:00pm ET, the 31-year-old will enter the new league year as a coveted three-and-D wing. “I’ve been in the league for a while,” Ennis told Hoops Rumors in a phone interview this week. “I’m in the league for a reason, obviously. Good vet, a good locker room guy, good teammate all-around. I just want to win. That’s my biggest thing.” -via Hoops Rumors / July 31, 2021

Nuggets to sign Davon Reed

JD Shaw: The Nuggets are signing free agent guard Davon Reed to a training camp deal, agent Josh Beauregard-Bell of @Octagon told @HoopsRumors. Reed holds NBA experience with both the Suns and Pacers. Source: Twitter @JShawNBA What’s the buzz on …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The Nuggets are signing free agent guard Davon Reed to a training camp deal, agent Josh Beauregard-Bell of @Octagon told @HoopsRumors. Reed holds NBA experience with both the Suns and Pacers. – 1:36 PM

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Avery Bradley agrees to deal with Warriors

Shams Charania: Free agent Avery Bradley has agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell me and @Anthony Slater. Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What’s the buzz on Twitter? Shams Charania @ ShamsCharania Free agent Avery Bradley has …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Free agent Avery Bradley has agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell me and @Anthony Slater. – 2:18 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Before the start of training camp, the Warriors will reportedly be working out free agent guards Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook and Isaiah Thomas. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/20/rep…4:00 PM

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Marc J. Spears: Warriors are working out free agent guards Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley & ex-Warrior Quinn Cook among others this week, sources told @TheUndefeated. Warriors would like to sign a big man & 2 guards for camp. Workouts will include 5-on-5 games with a diverse group of free agents. -via Twitter @MarcJSpears / September 20, 2021

Warriors signing veteran guard Langston Galloway

Shams Charania: The Golden State Warriors are signing free agent guard Langston Galloway to a training camp deal, sources tell me and @Anthony Slater. Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What’s the buzz on Twitter? Ira Winderman @ IraHeatBeat NBA free …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
NBA free agents: As camp rosters fill, free-agent market has all but dried up. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Langston Galloway, Garrison Mathews among latest signings around league. pic.twitter.com/TNHW3ZlNgJ12:50 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
The Golden State Warriors are signing free agent guard Langston Galloway to a training camp deal, sources tell me and @Anthony Slater. – 12:36 PM

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In other words, Galloway has already exceeded all objective expectations with seven NBA seasons complete and over $30 million in contracts. But he’s also eager for the next step — an expanded role after serving as an end-of-rotation reserve on the Suns, with the possibility of adding NBA champion to his free agency resume. -via New York Daily News / July 6, 2021
“I’m optimistic. I played this year. Not many minutes as I want to. But I’m very optimistic because I know how efficient I was when I was out there,” Galloway told the Daily News before Game 1 against the Bucks. “I did what I needed to do and I helped out when the team needed, when somebody was out or got an injury. They just needed another body to go out there and make plays.” -via New York Daily News / July 6, 2021
Galloway’s shooting has improved such that he’s shifted to two-guard in his last two stops, largely playing off the ball. But he now desires to climb out of that pigeonhole. “I’m looking at my career and am like, ‘Alright, maybe I need to showcase and show teams I can play point guard, too,” he said. “So that’s my biggest focus, just showing teams and proving to teams I can be effective with that.” -via New York Daily News / July 6, 2021

Manu Ginobili returning to San Antonio as special advisor

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Manu Ginobili is returning to the San Antonio Spurs as a special advisor to basketball operations. Ginobili will take on a player-centric role that’s focused on the development of players on and off the court. …

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Manu Ginobili is returning to the San Antonio Spurs as a special advisor to basketball operations. Ginobili will take on a player-centric role that’s focused on the development of players on and off the court.
Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Manu Ginobili to join Spurs as special advisor to basketball operations sportando.basketball/en/manu-ginobi…12:09 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Spurs have just officially named Manu Ginobili as a special advisor in basketball operations … one of 15 additions or promotions (all listed below) for the organization.
More NBA goodness coming soon today here: marcstein.substack.com pic.twitter.com/Hy58u5K8g312:08 PM

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Manu wants to keep his return low key, so no interviews or hoopla of any sort. In fact, the news came in a press release that detailed many other staff “additions and promotions.” The news about Manu wasn’t mentioned until the third paragraph. – 12:07 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
In a series of promotions announced today by the Spurs, here’s an interesting one: Manu Ginobili has been named Special Advisor to Basketball Operations. – 12:05 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Manu Ginobili is back with the Spurs, the club just announced. His role will be special advisor to basketball operations, meaning he will help the players with their development on and off the court. – 12:04 PM
Michael De Leon @mdeleon
Via @SpursPR
“In the Spurs front office, Manu Ginobili has been named Special Advisor to Basketball Operations” – 12:03 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
The Spurs announced 15 hires today and tucked in there, the ninth name in the press release is, oh, yeah, Manu Ginobili. Classic Spurs, man! – 12:02 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Manu Ginobili is returning to the San Antonio Spurs as a special advisor to basketball operations. Ginobili will take on a player-centric role that’s focused on the development of players on and off the court. – 11:54 AM

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Celtics signing Garrison Mathews

Shams Charania: Free agent guard Garrison Mathews is signing a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Mathews spent his first two NBA seasons with Wizards and played 64 games (24 starts) in …

Shams Charania: Free agent guard Garrison Mathews is signing a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Mathews spent his first two NBA seasons with Wizards and played 64 games (24 starts) in 2020-21.

Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Hearing from multiple sources that Boston’s recent camp invites, Ryan Arcidiacono and Garrison Mathews, have a real shot at making the Celtics final 15-man roster. One source said “It’s not a lock that the roster is done either. Brad is still doing some tinkering.” – 9:59 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
League sources tell MassLive that Garrison Mathews will have opportunity to compete for 15-man roster spot and/or a two-way deal in Celtics camp. Also a closer look at roster crunch in camp looming masslive.com/celtics/2021/0…9:46 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Free agent guard Garrison Mathews is signing a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Mathews spent his first two NBA seasons with Wizards and played 64 games (24 starts) in 2020-21. – 9:07 AM

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Sources say former first-round pick Denzel Valentine is interested in coming to Cleveland. Garrison Matthews remains a possibility. -via Cleveland Plain Dealer / September 8, 2021
Fred Katz: Sources: The Wizards are rescinding Garrison Mathews’ qualifying offer, which will make Mathews an unrestricted free agent. The 24-year-old Mathews shot 38 percent from 3-point range last year and started 24 games as a two-way player. -via Twitter @FredKatz / August 5, 2021