NBA | J.R. Smith to start for Knicks vs. Atlanta

Latest Headlines

J.R. Smith to start for Knicks vs. Atlanta

J.R. Smith will move into the Knicks' starting lineup on Saturday, joining Pablo Prigioni, Iman Shumpert, Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani.

Kenyon Martin's absence with a strained abdomen inspired the change, which Mike Woodson hopes will spark Smith's scoring. In three starts this season he's averaging 11.3 points with 2.0 triples, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, but he's also shooting 25 percent from the field.

Source: Alan Hahn on Twitter

Sat, Dec 14, 2013 05:56:00 PM

Woj: Hawks eyeing Luka Doncic at No. 3

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, "Luka Doncic has moved to forefront of Atlanta's internal conversation on the third overall pick."

NBA decision makers seem to be split when it comes to Doncic, as some have him as the top prospect and others may not even have him in their top 3-5. In terms of fantasy, the Hawks would be a great landing spot for Doncic because they could slowly build their offense around him for years to come. If Doncic is off the board, Wojnarowski adds that the Hawks will consider Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marvin Bagley (if the Kings pass on Bagley at No. 2).

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter

Jun 19 - 9:31 PM

LeBron James not enamored with Houston

LeBron James reportedly does not want to play in Houston next season.

The Rockets still haven't had an opportunity to make their pitch to James, but according to Steven A. Smith, Chris Paul has begun telling people that he doesn't anticipate James landing in Houston and that he'd prefer to play in Los Angeles. The Lakers could realistically land Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and King James this summer, which would surround James with the sort of star power necessary to combat Golden State. There's still a lot that can happen here, but right now, the Lakers look like the early favorites in the James sweepstakes.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Jun 19 - 3:53 PM

Rudy Gay opts out of deal with San Antonio

Rudy Gay has declined to pick up his player option for the 2018-19 season with San Antonio.

Gay will be leaving $8.8 million on the table in hopes of inking a long-term deal at a similar salary, although there won't be many teams with ample cap space this summer, so Gay's wallet could be taking a hit here. He wasn't all that impressive with the Spurs this past season with averages of just 11.5 points, 5.1 boards and 1.3 assists per contest, so regardless of the name across his jersey, he won't be worth targeting in most fantasy hoops leagues.

Source: Chris Haynes on Twitter

Jun 18 - 1:43 PM

Jamal Crawford declines player option w/ MIN

Jamal Crawford has declined to pick up his player option worth $4.5 million with the Timberwolves for the 2018-19 season.

Crawford will hit the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent, but it could be tough for him to command that sort of salary after putting in averages of just 10.3 points, 1.3 triples and 2.3 assists per game on 41.5% shooting during his 2017-18 campaign. However, it's plausible that the 38-year-old veteran might be opting out of this deal in order to sign for the veteran's minimum on a championship caliber squad.

Source: Shams Charania on Twitter

Jun 18 - 12:39 PM

Report: Lonzo Ball a 'constant' in LBJ talks

Lonzo Ball has been "the one constant" on a potential piece to go to Cleveland in a LeBron James sign-and-trade deal, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com.

That makes sense for the Lakers because the Spurs are reportedly not likely to deal for him. Ball is still recovering from his PRP treatment in his knee, but he should be ready to roll for training camp. Expect plenty of LaVar Ball talk in the coming weeks.

Source: ESPN LA on Twitter

Jun 16 - 9:04 PM

DeMarcus Cousins progressing to pool work

DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) has progressed to training in a pool and running on a treadmill.

He's moving along quite nicely from his Achilles tear back on Jan. 26. His injury is basically uncharted territory for a man his size in this age of modern medicine, so it could affect his chances on a long-term deal. Regardless, things are looking up for Cousins to be close to full strength before the calendar turns to 2019.

Source: DeMarcus Cousins on Twitter

Jun 16 - 3:25 PM

Report: Cavs view Nance as foundational piece

The Cavs have expressed to Larry Nance that they view him as a "foundational piece," according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.

The report adds that there is "a ton" of interest to discuss an extension with Nance. The 25-year-old forward is eligible for a rookie-scale contract, and the Cavs could lean on him as they likely rebuild their roster. If Kevin Love is traded, Nance would become a potential mid-round target in fantasy.

Source: Cleveland.com

Jun 15 - 8:11 PM

ESPN: Knicks 'very impressed' with Kevin Knox

Some members of the Knicks organization came away "very impressed" by Kentucky's Kevin Knox after his performance in a group workout on Saturday, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com.

According to the report, Knox competed with Miles Bridges, and the Knicks asked about Knox's availability after the draft. Knox is suddenly rising up draft boards as the second youngest player in the draft. The 6'9" forward could certainly be an option for the Knicks at No. 9, and he would be on the fantasy radar on that shallow roster.

Source: ESPN.com

Jun 15 - 3:18 PM

ESPN: Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio

Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio and would prefer to be traded to the Lakers, according to Chris Haynes and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports is reporting the same info. It's clear that Kawhi and his camp wanted to make sure they got their point across. Per Shams, "Leonard has grown uncomfortable with the Spurs and is ready for a move." Leonard, who only appeared in nine games last season due to a debilitating quad injury and can opt out of his contract next summer, was reportedly set to meet with Gregg Popovich in New York this week. We can expect plenty of developments between now and the draft, but it appears Leonard may have played his last game as a Spur.

Source: Chris Haynes on Twitter

Jun 15 - 1:22 PM

Report: Jaren Jackson Jr. to workout for Mavs

Michigan State F Jaren Jackson Jr. will have a workout with the Mavs this week, according to Yahoo's Jordan Schultz.

JJJ has 3-point range while boasting the length, size and athleticism to protect the rim, so he's obviously turning heads as the draft approaches. He reportedly had a "monster" workout for the Suns, with GM Ryan McDonough calling him "one of the more underrated players in this draft. He recently worked out for the Hawks, who have the No. 3 pick, but maybe there's a chance he slides to the Mavs at No. 5.

Source: Jordan Schultz on Twitter

Jun 13 - 9:56 PM

Jonathon Simmons had wrist surgery in April

Magic spokesman Joel Glass revealed on Wednesday that Jonathon Simmons underwent right wrist surgery on April 24.

Simmons sat out the final 12 games of the 2017-18 season due to what the Magic labeled a "right wrist contusion," but after visiting a hand specialist and getting an MRI after the conclusion of the season, it was concluded that surgical intervention was necessary. The Magic still haven't offered an official timetable for Simmons, but he has until late-September to get himself right for training camp.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Jun 13 - 1:31 PM