RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Carmelo Has Partially Torn Labrum

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:53:35 EDT

Carmelo Anthony has a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Anthony may need surgery to repair the injury, which he played 12 playoff games with.

The New York Knicks are hopeful that Anthony can avoid surgery with rest over the next three to four weeks.

Anthony originally injured his shoulder on April 14th and re-injured it in Game 5 of the first round against the Boston Celtics.

Anthony would likely need three to four months of recovery if he undergoes surgery.

Krzyzewski To Remain Head Coach Of USA Basketball

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:40:24 EDT

Mike Krzyzewski has decided to remain as head coach of USA Basketball through the 2016 Olympics in Rio, according to a source.

A formal announcement is expected by the end of the week.

Krzyzewski has a 62-1 record with USA Basketball.

Jerry Colangelo has stayed confident since the end of the 2012 Olympics that he could persuade Krzyzewski to return. 

Mavericks Looking To Trade 13th Overall Pick To Clear Cap Space For Howard

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:15:53 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to trade the 13th overall pick in order to clear additional cap space to pursue Dwight Howard, according to sources.

The 13th overall pick has a cap hold of $1,655,300.

The Mavericks' future first rounder was traded to the Lakers in the Lamar Odom deal and is top-20 protected through 2017.

Jackson Laughed When Informed Of Lakers' Decision To Hire D'Antoni

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:43 EDT

When Phil Jackson received a phone call from Mitch Kupchak late on Sunday, Nov. 11 that the Los Angeles Lakers had decided to hire Mike D'Antoni to replace Mike Brown as head coach, he had an amused reaction.

"I laughed," Jackson said on Wednesday. "It was humorous to me when Mitch said that we think that Mike is a better coach for this group of guys."

Jackson had been prepared to tell Kupchak that he was interested in coaching the Lakers again.

Jackson believes the move to hire D'Antoni was made to cater to Steve Nash.

"I think it didn't happen because there was some concern how are we going to move in the right direction for this ballclub," Jackson said. "When Mitch gave me the call close to midnight on Sunday night right before I was going to give them an answer Monday morning and said, 'We've made a choice. We're going to hire Mike D'Antoni. We think he's the best coach for this group of guys.' My answer was, 'For Steve Nash, yes, I agree but for Dwight Howard, I'm not so sure.'

"In the process of thinking about how they could best use the team I think they thought first and foremost about Steve Nash and how Steve Nash was going to fit inside of an offensive system that I coach. ... I think that was a concern for them."

Jackson felt that his system would have allowed Pau Gasol and Howard to have a similar type of success as Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Jackson claims to not be interested in coaching, but does seek a front office position in the NBA.

"I don't see myself coaching again, I really don't," Jackson said. "When I discussed this with Jeanie Buss, she said make sure you tell them that Jeanie still thinks you can coach even though you might say you're not going to coach again. Jeanie still thinks I can coach but I'm not going to go there."

Suns Targeting Athleticism, Perimeter Shooting

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:05:23 EDT

The Phoenix Suns will pick fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, their highest selection since 1987 when they selected Armen Gilliam at No. 2 after David Robinson went to the San Antonio Spurs.

The draft is considered very flat, which benefits the Suns at No. 5 more than certain seasons in the past.

“The guy who goes there might not be much different, or any different, than guys who go in the top three,” McDonough said.

The Suns will be the first team from the Western Conference selecting in this draft.

“I think generally we need to get more athletic,” Ryan McDonough said. “I think we need more shooting. My philosophy is always to draft the best available player. There are some good pieces in place here. But at the same time, we won 25 games here, so we need to get better across the board.”

Oladipo Emerging As GM's Favorite Player In Draft

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:10:41 EDT

Victor Oladipo appears to be the most popular player in the 2013 NBA Draft for general managers, even if he isn't on top of draft boards.

"Oladipo is the guy that GMs love in this draft," wrote Chad Ford. "May be the only one. I've talked to 14 or 15 who tell me he's their favorite player. Almost zero downside and still significant upside. Not sure he's a fit in Cleveland or Washington -- but Orlando and Phoenix both look like strong fits. (Trey) Burke may be a bigger need (for Orlando), but Oladipo might be the better player long-term."

Oladipo was a first team All-American in his junior season at Indiana.

Suns Receive Permission To Interview J.B. Bickerstaff, Clifford

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:05:04 EDT

The Phoenix Suns have received permission to interview J.B. Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford for their head coaching vacancy.

Bickerstaff is currently an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, while Clifford is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Suns fired Alvin Gentry after a 13-28 finish and Lindsey Hunter finished the season on an interim basis.

Smart, Gordon Headline USA's U19 Roster

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:15:18 EDT

USA Basketball has announced its 2013 U19 World Championship roster, which will be held in Prague.

Ryan Arcidiacono, Villanova
Bryce Alford, UCLA
Brandon Ashley, Arizona
Robert Carter, Georgia Tech
Damyean Dotson, Oregon
Kris Dunnn, Providence
Javan Felix, Texas
Michael Frazier, Florida
Marcus Georges-Hunt, Georgia Tech
Shaq Goodwin, Memphis
Aaron Gordon, Arizona
Jerami Grant, Syracuse
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
Ronade' Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
Jahlil Okafor, undecided
Rodney Purvis, UConn
James Robinson, Pitt
Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State
Jarnell Stokes, Tennessee
Rasheed Sulaimon, Duke
Devin Thomas, Wake Forest
Mike Tobey, Virginia
Nigel Williams-Goss, Washington
Justise Winslow, undecided 

Kupchak Denies Discussing D'Antoni With Howard

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:17:42 EDT

Mitch Kupchak denied a report that indicated his exit interview conversation with Dwight Howard included the impending free agent venting about Mike D'Antoni.

Howard met with Kupchak privately after also meeting with both he and D'Antoni. 

"To be honest with you, I wouldn’t let it go there anyway," said Kupchak about letting a player dictate the Lakers' coaching situation. 

Kupchak has worked to gain the trust of Howard during the 12-13 season, which he has by all accounts.

"I'm not saying they don't have differences like with any coach or any player," said Kupchak. "I don't think it's anything that goes beyond." 

D.J. Stephens Records 46-Inch Vertical

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:59:34 EDT

D.J. Stephens has recorded a 46-inch vertical leap during a workout on Wednesday hosted by the Brooklyn Nets, according to a Tweet from ESPN's Chad Ford.

Stephens averaged 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his senior season at Memphis, his first in which he received significant minutes. Stephens was also named Conference-USA Defensive Player of the Year.

Stephens has developed a reputation as a dunk artist due to his immense leaping ability.

Cavaliers Win Lottery; Magic, Wizards In Top-3

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:52:23 EDT

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday in Times Square with the Cleveland Cavaliers winning for the second time in three years and third time in ten years. The Washington Wizards moved up from the eighth slot to draft third.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Phoenix Suns
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Toronto Raptors
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz

Phil Handy Hired By Cavaliers As Assistant Coach

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:33:50 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Phil Handy as an assistant coach.

Handy was previously a player development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavaliers hired Mike Brown as head coach this offseason.

Howard Deciding Between Lakers, Rockets

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:47 EDT

Dwight Howard is currently torn between re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and joining the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Howard's displeasure with Mike D'Antoni became known on Tuesday in a report from ESPN. During his exit interview with Mitch Kupchak, Howard reportedly said that he was frustrated with how D'Antoni used him and that he wasn't treated like a team leader the way he did with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

Near the end of the regular season, all signs had pointed toward Howard re-signing with the Lakers.

Durant Donates $1M To Tornado Relief Efforts

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:27:49 EDT

Kevin Durant has donated $1 million to relief efforts following tornadoes in the Oklahoma City region.

"As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see," said Durant. "I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It's unfortunate. We're going to come together as a city like we always do and we're going to bounce back."

Durant was in Minneapolis and hopes to return to Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

"Just to get to the hospital, see some kids," Durant said. "Something. Just something to give some hope. Playing for the Thunder, we mean so much to the state. So many people support us and I just want to go back and support those people."

The American Red Cross said the gift from The Durant Family Foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. The Thunder also announced a $1 million donation, as did the NBA and players' union.

Clippers Won't Renew Vinny Del Negro's Contract

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:16 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have fired Vinny Del Negro, according to a source.

Del Negro has been with the Clippers since the 10-11 season.

The Clippers are believed to be interested in Lionel Hollins and Mike Malone.

Donald Sterling was known as a supporter of Del Negro, but a decision had been made to do everything possible to increase their chances of re-signing Chris Paul.

Sources say Paul wanted a coaching change for the Clippers.

"This was a difficult decision, but we feel this is the best decision for our franchise moving forward," said Gary Sacks in a statement.

A league source tells ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that the situation for Del Negro changed when it appeared as though Sterling may be nearing a new deal with him.

"Once it became a reality that (Sterling) might keep him everyone with a phone got to Donald," said a source.

NBA Has Lowest Rated Conference Final Opener Since 2007 In Spurs/Grizzlies

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:35:15 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 on Sunday drew a 3.9 overnight rating on ABC Sunday afternoon.

That is down 41 percent from the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics Game 1 on ESPN last season and down 26 percent from the Oklahoma City Thunder/Dallas Mavericks Game 1 on ESPN in 2011.

The game ranks as the lowest rated conference final opener since 2007 when the Cleveland Cavaliers/Detroit Pistons drew a 3.5 on TNT.

San Antonio is the 36th larget market, while Memphis ranks 49th.

The NBA hopes to soon negotiate new television contracts with their national partners. While the league is generally seen to be on the rise, the new collective bargaining agreement favors parity and incoming commissioner, Adam Silver, has made it an expected touchstone of his regime to continue that trend.

Raptors Willing To Offer Masai Ujiri $2M Per Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:26:35 EDT

Masai Ujiri has been identified as the Toronto Raptors' top target to replace Bryan Colangelo as general manager.

The Raptors could offer Ujiri a salary in excess of $2 million to leave the Denver Nuggets.

Ujiri is reportedly earning approximately $500,000 in the final season of his contract with the Nuggets. The Nuggets, however, are confident that they will be able to retain Ujiri.

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:16 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing David West this offseason.

The Clippers will have to entice West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

West played with Chris Paul as members of the New Orleans Hornets.

The Indiana Pacers will be able to pay West more money to re-sign.

Shumpert To Play On Knicks' Summer League Team

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:25 EDT

Iman Shumpert will play in the Vegas Summer League this offseason for the first time.

Shumpert missed last season due to rehab for his torn ACL, while the lockout cancelled the Summer League during his rookie season.

“They want to see me be more decisive offensively, which I already knew, but that would be big for me to work on this summer…and come in for training camp ready to do that,” Shumpert said.

Carmelo Hopes Knicks Re-Sign J.R. Smith

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:54:46 EDT

Carmelo Anthony would like the New York Knicks to re-sign J.R. Smith this offseason.

“Without a doubt,” Anthony said Monday when asked about Smith. “J.R. is a special player. To me, and to everybody on this team, he’s made a huge step forward as a basketball player. We look forward to that, for him to come out and be focused, the way he was focused this season, win the Sixth Man of the Year, help us to win another division title, helping us to win 50-plus games. He was a big help to this team and I definitely would love him back here.”

The Knicks could be trumped by a rival team with more cap space since they can only offer the early Bird exception beginning at $4.9 million per season.

Police Received Tony Parker Death Threat During Game 1

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:51:54 EDT

A death threat was made against Tony Parker with five minutes left in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday in Game 1.

The Bexar County Sheriff is investigating a 911 call played on Sunday in which threatened Parker.

Security was immediately increased but it was determined there was no immediate threat.

Parker was escorted to his home by deputies.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms He Won't Coach Next Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:46:07 EDT

Stan Van Gundy appeared on The David Baumann Radio Show on Tuesday morning in Orlando and confirmed he will not coach next season.

“As you get down the road more and the longer you are out, the harder it is to get back in and that was certainly a difficult part of the decision process for me because it’s certainly something that I miss and don’t want to close the door on for the rest of my life, but, it is not right now anyway, in the best interest of my family, so it won’t be next year,” said Van Gundy.

Van Gundy has not interviewed with any teams, though he has been contacted.

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams known to have interest in Van Gundy.

“I sort of laugh a little bit on jobs I supposedly interviewed for. I don’t know who those sources are. I certainly have had inquiries from people, but no job offers and I have not interviewed anywhere.”

Van Gundy was also asked about an ESPN report indicating Dwight Howard's frustration with Mike D'Antoni.

“When Dwight has a private meeting with Mitch Kupchak, I don’t know who the source would be… other than Mitch Kupchak," said Van Gundy. "My guess is Mitch is not the source and Dwight is not the source.

“I know through my own history and even some things written about what I was supposedly doing this Spring, that quite honestly, I think a lot of times these writers just sit down, make up a story, claim there’s a source and put it out there. I hate to say that, but there’s no other explanation.”

Two Men Assaulted After Taking Photo Of Damian Lillard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:27:53 EDT

Damian Lillard is being accused of standing by while his entourage beat up two brothers in Portland's Old Town district on Saturday morning.

Jermaine Ulinwa said that he took a photo of Lillard with his cell phone after he spotted him walking toward a parking lot.

“So I took a picture. And so Damian Lillard was upset that I took his picture, so when he turned around he's like, "Did you just take my picture?" said Ulinwa.

“And his entourage just turned around too and they're like, ‘Did you just take a picture of Damian Lillard?’ ... and I said 'Yeah, I did.' And so I saw that he was clearly upset, they were upset and I was like, 'Can I apologize to him? I'll go up right now and apologize to him,'” the brother said.

Philip Ulinwa says he was punched and kicked repeatedly, enough to break his nose and require stitches in his lip.

"I'm getting hit from behind, I'm trying to fight the guy in front, trying to defend myself and there's guys trying to hold me down," said Ulinwa. 

Lillard was recently named the 2012-13 NBA Rookie of the Year.

“Damian Lillard basically instigated it, because he actually looked like he was going to go up to my brother and start fighting him. And since he did that, the rest of the guys started getting riled up too and like they thought it was okay to just start fighting out of nowhere,” said Phil Ulinwa.

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

“What we do know for certain at this point is Damian Lillard is not a suspect in this incident at all," said Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson. "Police did talk to him there. He remained at the scene. What we don’t know is if these people were actually associated with him or people standing in a group or hangers on. We're not really sure yet." 

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:37 EDT

The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

Dwight Expressed Frustrations With D'Antoni To Kupchak

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:58 EDT

Dwight Howard expressed to Mitch Kupchak during his exit interview that he was frustrated by how Mike D'Antoni used him during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.

Howard also felt marginalized by D'Antoni, feeling he looked to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions.

D'Antoni elected not to retain Chuck Person on his coaching staff, who is a confidant of Howard. Furthermore, Steve Clifford has become a head coaching candidate for several NBA vacancies. Clifford was with Howard for five seasons with the Orlando Magic.

One source described the potential departure of Clifford, coupled with the loss of Person as "removing the buffers," between Howard and D'Antoni, "which is a bad thing."

Howard has been careful not to make public comments after what happened last season with Stan Van Gundy, but the situation with D'Antoni doesn't appear to be irreparable.

"It's not a, 'It's me or Mike,' situation for Dwight," said a source.

Howard is a free agent and can sign a five-year, $118 million contract with the Lakers, or up to a four-year, $87.6 million deal with a rival team that has cap space.

Colangelo's Tenure As Raptors' GM Over, Will Represent Club At Lottery

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:34:58 EDT

The Toronto Raptors will announce on Tuesday that Bryan Colangelo's tenure as chief decision-maker of basketball operations is over, but sources say he will remain with the franchise in a corporate role.

Colangelo has always been viewed as loyal to the organization and it appears as though new MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke and ownership will honor that.

Colangelo will coincidentally represent the Raptors at the lottery on Tuesday.

MLSE has hired a search firm to narrow a list of candidates, though Ed Stefanski will likely guide the front office until a new GM is hired.

Tarik Black Chooses To Transfer To Kansas

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:12:54 EDT

Tarik Black has decided to transfer to Kansas.

Black also was considering Duke and Oregon before choosing the Jayhawks.

Black will be eligible to play immediately after graduating this year.

Kansas lost all three starters from their frontcourt, giving Black the opportunity to have a huge impact.

Warriors Willing To Pay Tax Next Season, No Longer Searching For Blockbuster Move

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:18 EDT

The Golden State Warriors have never paid the luxury tax, but their strong showing in the 2013 NBA Playoffs further confirms the new ownership's willingness to consider it.

"When you start from a place of winning, you may venture into the tax if it does help you win and it’s worth it," said Bob Myers. "But you have to be smart about it, you have to be prudent about it.

"But we’ve shown last year–I can tell you, it was a decision we made with Carl Landry, with his signing, and re-acquiring Brandon Rush. Do we want to go into the tax? And the dialogue our front office had with our ownership was, 'Are you comfortable going into the tax? And we cannot promise that we’ll be able to get out of the tax.'

"And ownership answered in the affirmative. “Go, if you think Cal Landry and Brandon Rush are going to be important to this team, go get ‘em.”

"I imagine it’ll be the same directive this summer."

The Warriors also have appeared to move beyond the desire to make a major franchise altering move. Golden State pursued a trade for Chris Paul in December of 2011.

"I think a sense desperation has passed," said Myers.

"I think that–whereas when you’re trying to do anything to get over the hump you do sometimes chase things that may be difficult to acquire. Whereas now, doesn’t mean we’re satisfied, it doesn’t mean we think our work is through, but we can be prudent and patient with opportunities as they come along."

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:39:54 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have no interest in pursuing Dwight Howard this offseason, according to sources.

The Clippers have been reported as a possible destination, albeit a longshot, to end up with Howard.

The Clippers do not have cap space to sign Howard while also re-signing Chris Paul, which would have forced them to complete several complicated deals in order to acquire him.

Petrie Preparing For Kings' Draft, Hasn't Heard From Ranadive's Group

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:01:05 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have been sold to Vivek Ranadive, which makes the status of Geoff Petrie as basketball president an unknown.

Petrie is preparing for the 2013 NBA Draft as though he will still be the Kings' decision-maker. Petrie is signed through the end of June.

"I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anybody yet (from Ranadive's group)," said Petrie. "But my understanding is the sale probably won't officially close for a couple more weeks. How that plays into communication, I really don't know at this point."

The Kings need a point guard and also must plan a strategy for Tyreke Evans' restricted free agency.

"You're closing in on some planning, just structural, ownership-driven involvement that will have to happen in a much more compressed time frame here," Petrie said.

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:17:02 EDT

Get all the latest news and happenings from around the NBA with RealGM's Basketball Wiretap.