Before hosting the Bulls tonight, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle talked about the offseason loss of Jalen Smith in free agency, tweets Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. He said the organization was hoping to keep Smith, but couldn’t compete with the offer he got from Chicago. “We wanted him back but we were limited as to how much we could pay him,” Carlisle said. “… He had a … [Read more...] about Rick Carlisle Laments The Loss Of Jalen Smith In Free Agency
Central Notes: Atkinson, Cavaliers, Ivey, Mathurin
After finishing 22nd in the NBA in pace last season, the Cavaliers are playing at the sixth-fastest pace so far this season, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, who notes that coaches and scouts around the league are praising new head coach Kenny Atkinson for embracing the strengths of his players while implementing his preferred style. “It’s exactly the way Kenny wants to … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Atkinson, Cavaliers, Ivey, Mathurin
Trade Rumors: Collins, Hachimura, Knecht, Johnson, Kings, Nets
Big man John Collins is having a strong season for the Jazz, averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, with career highs in assists (2.5) and steals (1.1) per game, as well as three-point percentage (43.8%). While Collins’ contract – which includes a $26.58MM salary this season and a 2025/26 player option worth the same amount, will limit his value on the trade market, … [Read more...] about Trade Rumors: Collins, Hachimura, Knecht, Johnson, Kings, Nets
Central Notes: Cavs, Garland, Vucevic, Giannis, Bucks, Johnson
With a 31-4 mark, the Cavaliers are tied for the fifth-best start in league history through 35 games. However, they’re not chasing regular season records. Guard Darius Garland told Joe Vardon of The Athletic that his main focus is how well they do in the postseason. “I really don’t think it will (ever) become important (to chase regular season history),” Garland said. “We all … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Cavs, Garland, Vucevic, Giannis, Bucks, Johnson
Stein’s Latest: Johnson, Vucevic, Poeltl, Brown, Olynyk, Ball
The Nets have already dealt Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Could forward Cameron Johnson be next? Citing league sources, Marc Stein reports on his latest Substack post that the Pacers are a team to watch in terms of Johnson’s next destination. Brooklyn is looking to clear as much salary as possible for the offseason and Johnson is in the second year of a … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Johnson, Vucevic, Poeltl, Brown, Olynyk, Ball