Per Yahoo! Sports, with talks for Andre Drummond falling through between the Hawks and the Pistons, Atlanta could be targeting Steven Adams.
With the trade deadline fast approaching on February 6, teams are having to make final decisions about which players they’re in on and which players they’re not.
For the Atlanta Hawks, they’ve decided they’re officially out on Andre Drummond.
So what does a failed trade between the Hawks and the Detroit Pistons have to do with the Oklahoma City Thunder?
Well, without Andre Drummond in the middle, the Hawks are still in need of a center.
And as it turns out, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports, the Thunder’s Steven Adams could be the player they’re looking at to fill the void.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams is also on the Hawks’ radar and talks could potentially pick up steam as the deadline looms, sources said.
As noted by Jordan Green of Sporting News, Adams’ contract could make negotiations somewhat tricky, but the Hawks have the personnel at the price that could make it work.
In terms of trade mechanics, Adams is on the books for $25.8 million this season and $27.5 million in 2020-21, so it would be a challenge for most teams to land him. Fortunately for the Hawks, they have multiple expiring contracts (Chandler Parsons at $25.1 million, Evan Turner at $18.6 million, Allen Crabbe at $18.5 million) and could offer a first-round pick acquired from the Nets or one of their own selections.
Adams’ scoring is slightly down this year after averaging 13.9 points per game in each of the last two seasons.
However, without Russell Westbrook to compete with on the glass, this year Adams is pulling down a career-best 10.0 rebounds per game.
The Boston Celtics drop a game to a hungrier Detroit Pistons outfit after a poor-shooting night by Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart.
The Detroit Pistons came out to play on a night the Boston Celtics were content to mail it in, and the Motor City franchise secured itself an unlikely win as a result.
A breakout performance by Pistons rookie Sekou Doumbouya coupled with poor shooting from both Kemba Walker (2-of-11 from deep and 7-of-19 overall) and Marcus Smart (1-of-9 overall and 1-of-4 from three) was simply too much for a lethargic Celtics squad.
Boston allowed the Pistons to shoot 60.3 % from the floor, which, when combined with the poor shooting night from the starting backcourt, kept the contest close until late in the third quarter.
Detroit began the final frame with a 17-5 run that effectively put the game out of reach, and Smart would get himself ejected in the quarter’s final moments contesting a call after getting tangled up with Pistons point guard Derrick Rose.
Brad Stevens asked if he was limiting #Celtics players’ minutes due to tomorrow’s game in Milwaukee:
“I wasn’t trying to rest for tomorrow. I was trying to win tonight. We had a hole at the wing (Tatum) and I was doing my best to try to fill that”
The Pistons were led by Doumbouya with 24 points, with Rose adding 22 more plus 6 assists.
Andre Drummond logged 13 points and as many boards, while Markieff Morris and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk chipped in 23 and 21 off the bench respectively.
The Celtics saw Gordon Hayward lead the team with 25 points and 7 boards on 11-of-15 shooting, and Jaylen Brown seems to have left behind his own slump after logging 24 points and 12 rebounds on 10-of-16 shooting, but their efficiency wasn’t enough to offset their teammate’s inaccuracy vs. Detroit.
The Boston Celtics next take on the Milwaukee Bucks on the road Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8pm ET.
After helping the New Orleans Pelicans to a win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday, Lonzo Ball joked about his poor shooting night.
Lonzo Ball had an uncharacteristically active night as a shooter on Monday against the Detroit Pistons, putting up 23 shots in an overtime win. The nearly two dozen shot attempts are the second-most in his career and only the third time in his career he’s attempted at least 20 shots.
While it was an active night, it wasn’t necessarily an efficient night as he finished with just seven makes, going 4-of-14 from two-point territory. Despite that, he nearly finished with a triple-double, finishing just one assist shy of his second-consecutive triple-double.
“I knew I was going to have to put them up tonight. I would have a liked to make a little bit more than I made. I got to go to (Brandon Ingram’s) camp tomorrow. But we got the win. That’s all that matters.”
Ball was right that the Pelicans needed a more aggressive version of himself on the night. He was also right that he struggled mightily in those extra shot attempts.
In the end, it was an effective enough strategy as the Pelicans earned the win. It was a situation Ball was put in by circumstance of having so many teammates and fellow starters out due to injury.
The NBA Hall of Famer knew that it was only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Lakers star would come for his records.
Earlier this week, as it seems happens basically every other game, LeBron James passed another Hall of Famer in the NBA’s All-Time record books. On Monday, it was the All-Time assists leaderboard that he moved up, passing NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas.
When asked about LeBron passing him for No. 8 on the NBA’s All-Time assist leaderboard, Thomas was full of praise for James, who he says “made the game better,” according to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy.com.
“LeBron James has made our game better,” Thomas told me via text message this morning. “I am truly happy for him! He is a gifted passer and scorer, a very rare combination to see in a player. I hope he continues to raise the bar.”
Thomas was part of the iconic Detroit Pistons squads of the late 1980s and early 1990s that won two championships and went to three straight NBA Finals. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and is currently an analyst on NBA TV.
We are getting closer to a point in the NCAA and international seasons to get a better idea of what the 2020 NBA Draft class may look like.
We are getting closer to a point in the NCAA and international seasons to get a better idea of what the 2020 NBA Draft class may look like.
Midway through the campaign, it is nearly impossible to predict early entrant decisions. But as the board begins to materialize with a more clear indication of who could be a legitimate help to NBA teams next season, it is worth it to revisit a full mock draft factoring in where each team will be selecting.
Note that some highly-rated freshmen (e.g. Florida’s Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann, Florida State’s Patrick Williams, LSU’s Trendon Watford, Kentucky’s Kahlil Whitney as well as Duke’s Wendell Moore and Matthew Hurt) were not included because of their disappointing first-year campaigns. As such, they are likely to return to school for a sophomore season and improve their draft stock to where it once was.
Typically, selecting the best player available was the biggest factor though team fit was also carefully considered.
All stats are updated through January 14, 2020. The draft order is set via Tankathon on January 15, 2020.
1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: LaMelo Ball, Illawarra Hawks
(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
Guard, 6-foot-7, 18 years old
This is a draft where the No. 1 pick might not be selected in that position in prior classes. While there may not be a unanimous selection at this point in the season like Zion Williamson was last season, the youngest Ball brother arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in this class. He was nearly putting up a triple-double each appearance against professional basketball players in the NBL, scoring 17.1 points with 7.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. He was not as accurate on his jumper as originally expected but he has also not a player who lacks confidence; expect him to keep shooting those and his three will develop over time. With his size and versatility on offense, he makes the most sense in the pole spot and his size would also allow him to guard bigger opponents, making him an option for nearly any team in the league even one as stacked as Golden State.
2. ATLANTA HAWKS: Anthony Edwards, Georgia
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Wing, 6-foot-5, 18 years old
Under head coach Tom Crean, the Georgia freshman has been a standout prospect. He is averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during his first collegiate season. But a lot of his output has been helped by his high usage rate. He is shooting just 28.1 percent on jump shots in a set offense, per Synergy, and is shooting just 24.6 percent off the dribble. He is also taking too many shots from deep midrange, shooting 25.8 percent on these looks. Fortunately, Edwards has been an above-average defender and is averaging 1.4 steals per game. The young star can stay in his hometown for this pick, too.
3. NEW YORK KNICKS: Killian Hayes, Ratiopharm Ulm
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Guard, 6-foot-5, 18 years old
Hayes has exceptional court vision and instincts as well as a true point guard mentality to create opportunities for his teammates. He is averaging 17.2 points and 8.3 assists per 36 minutes while facing professional talent in the Euroleague. He is also capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and many of his own buckets have been unassisted. As noted by Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman, the prospect is shooting 153-of-178 (85.9 percent) on free throws since the start of his 2018-19 campaign. Hayes has a very natural shooting stroke and is someone whose hype should continue to grow.
4. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Big, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
The player who has helped his draft stock the most is Okongwu, who is putting up 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He has 32 dunks so far this season, which ranks sixth-best among all NCAA players and can be one of the more immediately impactful lob threats in the NBA. The big man is 13-for-18 (72.2 percent) when rolling to the basket in pick-and-roll sets, which shows how he can fit into a pro scheme. On the defensive end, his block percentage (10.7 percent) trails just one player in college basketball this year. He would play a fantastic two-man game with Darius Garland and he can help their frontcourt depth with the likely departure of Kevin Love.
5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: RJ Hampton, New Zealand Breakers
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Guard, 6-foot-5, 19 years old
The Washington Wizards are far from being close to a winning franchise but they do have extraordinary talent on the wing with Bradley Beal. If they add to that by selecting Hampton, who can develop under the leadership of Beal, the fans can sell some hope to a franchise that has gotten a taste of it with the impressive play of Rui Hachimura during his rookie campaign thus far. Like Hachimura, however, Hampton will need some time to develop.
6. DETROIT PISTONS: Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Guard, 6-foot-5, 20 years old
The Iowa State sophomore is one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory. He is producing 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game so far this season. The guard has been a solid shooter, connecting on 41.3 percent of his attempts from three-point range. His assist rate (39.1 percent) ranks Top 5 among all underclassmen in the NBA. Haliburton also fits the bill as perhaps the lengthiest guard in this draft class, measured with a 7-foot wingspan. As a defender, the guard is averaging 2.6 steals per game and his steal rate (4.0 percent) ranks third-best in the Big 12. He seems like a perfect point guard of the future for the rebuilding Pistons, who don’t have much of a direction.
7. CHICAGO BULLS: James Wiseman, USA
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Big, 7-foot-1, 19 years old
The biggest reason why Wiseman is this high on draft boards is that he was the No. 1 overall player on RSCI, which combines all of the top high school rankings in the country. The other biggest factor is his massive size, notably his 7-foot-6 wingspan. While it will be hard to see what else he is able to add to his game while he is away from the NCAA following an incredibly brief stint with the Memphis Tigers, he can be an appealing development project. Much like Edwards in New York, the bright lights of Chicago would be an awesome way for Wiseman to start his professional career.
8. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: Isaac Okoro, Auburn
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old
The hyperathletic freshman wing has shown a nice mix of offensive and defensive upside for his undefeated Auburn team, averaging 13.2 points with 4.5 rebounds per game. His jump shot is still a work in progress but he is finishing well near the basket, connecting on 65-for-88 (73.9 percent) for looks within five feet of the basket. As a defender, he is elite guarding the perimeter and has also averaged 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. They need a strong defender alongside their young backcourt and after hitting well on the PJ Washington selection, this could be another fantastic pick.
9. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Obi Toppin, Dayton
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Forward, 6-foot-9, 22 years old
The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be a team likely defined by Zion Williamson for years to come. Much like Williamson, Toppin is a high-flyer who currently leads the NCAA in dunks with 3.2 per game. But he won’t clog the paint from the dunker spot as he is averaging 2.6 three-point shot attempts per game. When determining potential fits for the Pelicans, it is worth considering their ability in transition offense because of their schemes. As such, it is important to note Toppin is 27-for-38 (71.1 percent) on these opportunities.
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Vernon Carey, Duke
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Big, 6-foot-10, 18 years old
The Kings could continue their tradition of drafting big men from Duke by adding Carey to the mix. He would join Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles as former Blue Devils in the frontcourt for Sacramento. Carey has been an elite college basketball player, averaging 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He leads all freshmen in defensive rebound percentage (28.0 percent), ranks Top 5 among freshmen in total dunks (24) and Top 10 in block percentage (7.8 percent) as well. If he eventually adds a more constant three-pointer to his arsenal, he could be a starter in the NBA very soon.
11. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Nico Mannion, Arizona
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Guard, 6-foot-3, 19 years old
Mannion is averaging 14.4 points and 6.3 assists per game, already an elite distributor at the NCAA level. He is a high-level scorer and passes well out of the pick-and-roll and his assist rate (36.5 percent) currently ranks as third-best among freshman so far this season. His assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3) is a good indication of his instincts. While he may be too young for a starting role next season, he is someone who projects in the first unit for a long time.
12. PHOENIX SUNS: Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Forward, 6-foot-9, 19 years old
After the absence of Wiseman, the Memphis Tigers have turned to Achiuwa as the face of their team under Penny Hardaway. He has responded well and his defensive rebound percentage (25.4 percent) leads the American Athletic Conference. As a defender, his block percentage (7.4 percent) ranks third-best in the conference as well. He has turned it on as a scorer lately but he would not be leaned on as the primary option for a team with Devin Booker leading the charge.
13. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos B
Forward, 7-foot, 18 years old
One of the most fascinating, underrated prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft is currently playing in the Greek HEBA A2 league. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Pokusevski has the ability to play a bit bigger than his already impressive 7-foot frame. He is averaging 16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.4 three-pointers per 36 minutes. The Serbian-born prospect has also connected on 32.6 percent from three-point range. As a defender, his size has helped him secure 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes as well. Portland could play him in several different places but could provide his most value as a necessary help on the wing.
14. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Josh Green, Arizona
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Wing, 6-foot-6, 19 years old
The Arizona freshman was a fantastic scorer on the AAU circuit playing for West Coast Elite, averaging 20.2 points per game. This season, he has put up 12.9 points per game for the Wildcats. Green has also grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game, which has allowed him to be an interesting option operating as the ball handler in a transition offense. Green is currently averaging 1.35 points per possession on these opportunities, per Synergy, which ranks in the 95th percentile. He also has a 6-foot-10 wingspan, which will help him a lot on the defensive side of the ball.
The Detroit Pistons visit TD Garden Wednesday evening as the Boston Celtics look to take care of business at home ahead of a meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks Jan. 16.
The 27-11 Boston Celtics aim for another three-game winning streak against the 14-27 Detroit Pistons, on a three-game losing streak of their own this Wednesday at TD Garden at 7pm ET.
Despite being in a four-way tie with the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards for ninth place in the East, rumbles that the franchise is pivoting to a rebuild are reflected in the team’s recent record, having won just three of their last 10 contests.
Second-place Boston, on the other hand, seems to be emerging out of a funk which took hold of the team around the start of the new year, the Celtics having won six of their last 10 games.
The Celtics will be playing without center Robert Williams III (hip) as he continues to recuperate, and he may be joined by big man Daniel Theis, who is listed as ‘questionable’ due to right knee soreness.
There is a chance forward Jayson Tatum sits as well, listed as ‘probable’ with the same issue the German center has been dealing with.
With the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks playing Boston the following evening, it wouldn’t be out of the question to give the Duke product a night to rest.
Tatum is currently the only Celtic who has not missed a game this season.
Detroit is without All-NBA forward Blake Griffin due to knee issues driving the pivot to a rebuild, and shooting guard Luke Kennard (knee) will also sit.
Center Christian Wood (right knee soreness), shooting guard Khyri Thomas (foot) and point guard Reggie Jackson (back) may also miss the tilt.
Boston has both a talent and health advantage in this contest, which is reflected by average online sportsbook spreads of -10.5 for the Celtics.
Detroit’s likeliest path to a win would simply be a return to the malaise haunting the Celtics slow starts earlier in the month, with Boston’s mind being on the looming showdown with the Bucks.
As long as the Celtics can stay focused on this game, a win should be forthcoming.
Lonzo Ball led the New Orleans Pelicans to a big road win against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Lonzo Ball had one of his more interesting games of the season in Detroit on Monday. With the Pelicans down four of their five regular starters not even including Zion Williamson, Ball was moved into a leadership role by necessity on the night.
The result was Ball finishing with a season-high 23 field goal attempts including nine from range. Ball was not his normally efficient self but still finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in the overtime win.
While one game offensive, defensive and net ratings are often full of extra noise, the Pelicans did have a 12.6 net rating in 46 minutes with him on the court and a -25.0 net rating in the six minutes he was off the court.
Ball also came up with some big plays in the extra session, finishing with five points and four rebounds in overtime. With New Orleans fighting for a playoff spot, the win was particularly important and continued a string of impressive wins in recent weeks as the team trends back toward .500 on the year.
After a big win on the road on Monday against the Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor had high praise for Lonzo Ball.
With four of the five regular starters out injured on Monday, Lonzo Ball was thrust into an unfamiliar role as a leader in Detroit. While he was not particularly efficient on the night, he embraced the role as New Orleans earned an overtime win over the Pistons,
Jahlil Okafor was particularly big in the win, finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win. During his on-court interview after the game, though, Okafor noted how important Ball was on the night and how important he’s been this season.
“It was amazing. He’s so easy to play with. He’s such a good player. He makes everybody’s life easier. We’re very fortunate to have him.”
Ball played 46 minutes on the night, a career-high in minutes played in a game. His 23 shots were a team-high on the night. Likewise, his 131 touches were far and away the most of any player in the game.
More than just statistics, the Pelicans needed Ball as an offensive initiator. Ball played the final 9:31 of the fourth quarter and was vital. In the 2:29 he didn’t play to start the quarter, the offense failed to score and squandered a big lead.
It was a sign of development from Ball as he continues his progression as an NBA point guard. Ball controlled the game despite not scoring in the fourth quarter and helped the Pelicans to a big win.
Vastly undermanned, the New Orleans Pelicans hung on to force overtime in Detroit on Monday before controlling the extra session to win 117-110 over the Pistons.
Vastly undermanned, the New Orleans Pelicans hung on to force overtime in Detroit on Monday before controlling the extra session to win 117-110 over the Pistons.
The Good: Overtime
There’s a lot of things that could be the good takeaway tonight but it’s the overtime session that takes the cake. After collapsing in the fourth quarter, seeing its lead crumble and managing just 13 points total. Fortunately, Derrick Rose’s game-winner at the end of regulation bounced long and the sides went to overtime.
And after its putrid offensive showing in the fourth, the Pelicans scored 15 points in the overtime to close out a huge road win. Nicolo Melli made some big plays and hit some big shots as did Lonzo Ball. In the end, that was enough to earn the victory.
Honorable Mentions: Jahlil Okafor, Frank Jackson, Melli’s overtime
The Bad: Turnovers
On top of the fourth quarter being horrible, the Pistons were largely only in the game due to miscues by the Pelicans. New Orleans finished with 19 turnovers that Detroit turned into 29 points, outscoring the Pelicans by 19 points in points off turnovers.
Turnovers have been a problem throughout the year. On Monday, it was a little more explanatory with so many players in unfamiliar positions but doesn’t make it any more acceptable.
The Ball: Inefficient but important
A look at the stat line would show a largely inefficient night for Ball. Despite again flirting with his second triple-double of the day with 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, Ball shot just 7-of-23 from the field and turned the ball over seven times.
However, like the rest of his teammates, Ball was in a different role than normal. As the lone regular starter on the night, Ball was leaned upon more heavily than normal. But he came up with some big plays down the stretch and did enough to help the Pelicans to the win which is all that matters at the end of the day.
The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons with a chance to get back into the playoff race in the Western Conference.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons
When: Monday, Jan. 13, 7:00 p.m ET
Where: Smoothie King Center
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans
After being blown out on the road on Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans end their road trip on Monday with a chance for a bounceback win in Detroit. The Pistons are a side plummeting quickly, having won just three of their last 14 games.
As the Pelicans continue to battle back into the playoff race, the good news is that the rest of the bottom of the Western Conference has done nothing to separate itself. New Orleans remains four games back of the eighth seed.
In Detroit, the Pelicans have another opportunity to take a step back into the playoff race again. In the last meeting between the two sides, a Derrick Rose jumper late was the difference. But since that game, Detroit has ranked last in the league in defensive effective field goal percentage, per Cleaning the Glass. Likewise, the team is last in the defensive rating since that game and 29th in net rating.
