RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Hibbert, Duncan Share Scouting Reports On Common Opponents

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:56:26 EDT

Roy Hibbert shed light on his friendship with Tim Duncan.

"I met him when I was a kid — in 2001 during the NBA All-Star Game in D.C.," Hibbert said. "I actually had a chance to meet him, and he actually remembers that moment. So that was pretty fun. We talk, text, share, like, scouting reports on other teams and things like that. I sent him mine for the Heat. Just a friendship."

Hibbert and Duncan share reports though not to the extent that it could give one a potential over the other.

"To tell the truth, when we compete against each other, we have respect," Hibbert said. "We're friends off the court. But on the court, he's trying to go at [me] and I'm trying to go at [him]. We've gotta make sure our teams win. But I learn from him, and — you know, he's the best, so I don't know if he picks anything up from me. But I definitely learn from him."

Pacers Declare Re-Signing David West As Top Priority For Offseason

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:10:42 EDT

Donnie Walsh and Kevin Pritchard declared that re-signing David West will be their top priority for the 2013-14 offseason.

“We want him back as much as you can want anyone back,” Walsh said. “We think he’s one of the anchors of the team.”

Added Pritchard: “(West) knows we’re in a great position moving forward. He’s priority No. 1 and come July 1 (the start of free agency) we’ll have a lot of conversations.”

West has stated his desire to return to the Pacers.

“I’m not (expletive) dumb,” West said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere. This is my team. These are my guys.”

Larry Bird Uninterested In Kings' Job

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:34:24 EDT

Larry Bird has informed the Sacramento Kings that he is no longer interested in a front office position with the franchise.

Bird is considering a return to the Indiana Pacers after taking a sabbatical this season.

The Kings have already interviewed Chris Wallace, Travis Schlenk, David Morway, Mike Dunleavy and Chris Mullin, among others.

Kenny Smith will also speak with Vivek Ranadive about a position with the Kings, while Chris Webber has also expressed interest in a personnel job.

Nuggets Receive Permission To Talk To Brian Shaw, Lionel Hollins

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:34:25 EDT

The Denver Nuggets have received permission to interview Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins for their head coaching vacancy.

The Nuggets are likely to interview a small group of candidates, based on previous reports.

Pete D'Alessandro remains a top candidate for the team’s general manager vacancy.

Walsh Unsure If Bird's Returning To Pacers

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:32:56 EDT

Donnie Walsh has no idea if Larry Bird will return as president of the Indiana Pacers.

Walsh spoke with Bird shortly before the playoffs began and didn't glean anything about his plans.

“I told him he should come back, but he didn't really give me an answer, so I said that's the last time I was going to ask,” Walsh said. “And it was.”

The Sacramento Kings are interested in Bird leading their front office. Should Bird take the job, he would face a rebuilding job even greater than the one he spearheaded with the Pacers.

“It takes a lot of courage to go do it the first time,” Walsh said. “Do you want to do it again and rebuild the team? It won't be fun. It's not fun. And you're going to lose (for awhile).”

Walsh is willing to resume retirement if Bird returns to the Pacers front office.

“The only way I'd come back is if (Bird) would say, 'I need you to help me with this,' or something like that,” Walsh said. “I know I could do that. In that role you can call people in the league and find out a lot of things. You're not the GM or the president.”

Nets Receive Permission To Pursue Brian Shaw

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:01:43 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have received permission from the Indiana Pacers to interview Brian Shaw.

Shaw has emerged as the Nets' top target.

Billy King is expected to speak with Shaw in the coming days and a formal offer could be forthcoming.

King has done extensive due diligence on Shaw over the past few weeks.

Shaw was a popular choice to replace Phil Jackson as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011.

TNT Has Largest Audience In History With Game 7

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:04:13 EDT

TNT's coverage of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals drew a record 11.5 million viewers.

The game between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers was the largest audience in TNT's 29-year history of broadcasting the NBA.

Locally, the game averaged a 31.7 rating in Miami, but just 21.9 in Indianapolis.

Roy Hibbert expressed frustration with the national media following Game 6, saying "Y'all (expletive) don't watch us play."

The NBA will soon begin renegotiating national television contracts.

Nets Identify Brian Shaw As Lead Coaching Candidate

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:55:43 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have identified Brian Shaw as a leading candidate to become their next head coach.

Shaw is currently an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers.

Shaw has been a strong candidate for several head coaching vacancies in recent seasons.

David West: 'I Can't See Myself' Leaving Pacers

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:22:22 EDT

David West will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he has been adamant that he wants to return to the Indiana Pacers.

After the Pacers' season-ending loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, West reiterated his plans.

"This is my group," West said. "These are my guys. I can't see myself going anywhere else."

West averaged 17.1 points and 7.7 rebounds this season.

Paul George Hoping For Max Contract

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:33:51 EDT

Paul George will become eligible for a contract extension this offseason and would become a restricted free agent in the 2014 offseason if a deal with the Indiana Pacers is reached.

“I would hope," George said when asked about getting a maximum contract. “I would hope. Max guys get the job done at this time (the playoffs).’’

George said he is clearly focusing on the playoffs at this point.

“I haven’t really put my mind to that right now,’’ said George. “I really want to focus on what’s at the plate now."

Roy Hibbert Fined $75K For Postgame Language

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:55:22 EDT

Roy Hibbert has been fined $75,000 for using inappropriate and vulgar language after the Indiana Pacers' Game 6 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday night.

Hibbert made a gay slur and used an expletive in response to a question regarding his candidacy as the Defensive Player of the Year.

"While Roy has issued an apology, which is no doubt sincere, a fine is necessary to reinforce that such offensive comments will not be tolerated by the NBA," David Stern said in a statement.

Hibbert apologized for his comments on Sunday.

Roy Hibbert Apologizes For Using Gay Slur

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:11:23 EDT

After responding to a question about his defense by saying "no homo," Roy Hibbert apologized on Sunday for using the gay slur.

"I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the postgame press conference after our victory over Miami Saturday night," Hibbert said in a statement. "They were disrespectful and offensive and not a reflection of my personal views. I used a slang term that is not appropriate in any setting, private or public, and the language I used definitely has no place in a public forum, especially over live television. I apologize to those who I have offended, to our fans and to the Pacers’ organization. I sincerely have deep regret over my choice of words last night."

Hibbert had a dominant effort in the Indiana Pacers' Game 6 win over the Heat, dropping 24 points and 11 rebounds.

He also had a rant about reporters who failed to vote him as the Defensive Player of the Year.

Source: Hawks May Consider Signing David West

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:50:47 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks may consider signing David West this summer, according to a source.

The Hawks are projected to have enough salary cap room this summer to sign two max free agents.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies have also been mentioned as potential suitors for West, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Chris Andersen Suspended By NBA For Game 6 Of ECF

Fri, 31 May 2013 19:43:31 EDT

Chris Andersen has been suspended one game for his physical altercation with Tyler Hansbrough in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, the NBA announced on Friday.

Andersen will miss Game 6 on Saturday.

The incident -- in which Andersen shoved Hansbrough and escalated the altercation -- also was upgraded to a flagrant foul two.

Hansbrough was given a technical foul on the play but had it rescinded on Friday.

Andersen has established himself as a vital part of the Heat's bench.

David West Wants To Re-Sign With Pacers

Fri, 31 May 2013 11:24:10 EDT

David West wants to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

“Yeah,’’ West said after the Pacers fell behind 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals. “I love what we’ve been able to accomplish in the lockout season (of 2011-12) and this full season. And I just pretty much love how this group has grown together since I’ve been there.’’

West has not yet engaged in talks with Indiana officials about re-signing.

“I don’t think we can officially,’’ said West of the free agency period starting July 1. “But these guys know that I’m with them (for the future).’’

LeBron, West, Stephenson Receive $5,000 Fines

Thu, 30 May 2013 10:44:14 EDT

The NBA has issued fines of $5,000 to LeBron James, David West and Lance Stephenson for violating its anti-flopping policy.

James and West were penalized for the same play in Game 4.

Stephenson was fined for exaggerating contact after an elbow from Ray Allen.

LeBron Believes He's Not A Flopper, Sees Advantages In It

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:29:43 EDT

LeBron James has denied he is a flopper, but he believes that it is a useful strategy.

"Some guys have been doing it for years, just trying to get an advantage," James said on Monday. "Any way you can get an advantage over the opponent to help your team win, so be it."

The Miami Heat, especially James, and the Indiana Pacers appear to have opposite views on flopping.

"I think it's well documented. I'm not for flopping," Frank Vogel said.

"It happens," Dwyane Wade said. "We would have no NBA possibly if they got rid of all the flopping."

Vogel: Miami Has Toughest Offense To Prepare For In NBA

Tue, 28 May 2013 11:35:50 EDT

The Indiana Pacers had one of the NBA's best defenses during the regular season, but struggled to contain the Miami Heat in Game 3 on that end of the floor.

“It’s probably the most difficult offense to prepare for in the NBA,” Frank Vogel said. “That’s the challenge we have ahead of us. I have great confidence in our ability to make up for the areas we were lacking in (Sunday).”

Udonis Haslem helped the Heat space the court by hitting from the mid-range.

“When they have us spread out, it’s a little harder to contain, especially when they go small (and) have five guys at the 3-point line,” David West said. “Basically it opens the free throw line all the way down to the baseline. For us, we have to stay the course, rely on our ability to make teams shoot contested 2-point shots. We have to contain the dribble a little bit better and we can’t overreact.”

Hibbert Credits MMA Training For Improved Conditioning

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:43:09 EDT

Roy Hibbert has become a vastly improved player since coming into the NBA, at least partially due to his conditioning. 

Hibbert has added MMA training into his offseason routine over the past few years.

"It pushed me to my limit sometimes," said Hibbert. "We used to break things up, where we'd have 30 minutes of mitts, just punching. And then we'd do like a Cross Fit workout, where I may have to run on the treadmill, do some Burpees, do some pushups, do some ropes, do some wall getups, stuff like that. Or, like, get on the ground, and have to get up with somebody on top of you. It's just mentally fatiguing, and it strengthens you a lot more. Last game [Game 2], I'm, at the free-throw line, and I'm obviously tired, and I hear fans in the Miami section saying, 'Hey, Roy, you're bending over, you're looking tired, looking tired.' I'm like, this is nothing compared to what I did during the summer. During Game 6 of the Knicks series, I'm exhausted. I'm bending down in the timeout, 20-second timeout, basically on the ground. I'm exhausted. And the next play out, I get that block. It's just trying to be resilient. We need to get further. So that's what was on my mind."

James Southerland To Workout For Eight Teams

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:12:55 EDT

James Southerland has scheduled eight visits over the next few weeks.

Southerland will work out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

"He's visiting a bunch of teams," Southerland's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "He's going to be very, very busy."

Southerland worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.

Raptors Request Permission To Interview Kevin Pritchard

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:34:28 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have requested permission to interview Kevin Pritchard for their general manager opening, according to sources.

The Indiana Pacers do not want to allow interviews until the season ends. They are currently down 1-0 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

One of the possibilities that the Raptors have identified is teaming Pritchard with Oklahoma City assistant GM Troy Weaver.

Hibbert: I Need To Start Talking Up More

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:38:45 EDT

Frank Vogel decided to leave Roy Hibbert on the bench in two key defensive plays late in the Indiana Pacers' overtime loss to the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Hibbert is one of the NBA's best rim protectors, but struggles to defend the perimeter. Vogel was concerned that guarding Chris Bosh on the perimeter would negate Hibbert's usefulness at the basket. Nevertheless, the Pacers would surely prefer to be beat on a jumper than a LeBron James' layup.

"I've grown as a player, this is my fifth year and maybe I need to start talking up more," Hibbert told Yahoo! Sports. "They pay me [max-contract money] for a reason.

"I didn't say anything, and I wish I did. From now on, I need to speak up."

Vogel admitted after the game that he will almost certainly not make the same mistake again in the series.

"I would say we'll probably have him in next time," Vogel said.

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.

George Hill Starts Game 6

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:53:18 EDT

George Hill has been cleared to play and will start for the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 against the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he doesn't expect Hill, who suffered a concussion on Tuesday night and missed Thursday's Game 5, to be limited.

The team released the following statement about 90 minutes prior to the tip:

Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers' medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA's Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA's Concussion Policy.  

During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA's Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers' team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight's game.

Gani Lawal Intrigues NBA Teams After Breakout Season In Italy

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:15:10 EDT

After a breakout season in Europe, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM.

Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too.

Lawal, the 6-foot-9 athletic, scrappy forward, had his best professional season with Italy’s Virtus Roma, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Virtus Roma has gone 20-10 this season and ranks third in the league standings.

Since leaving the Phoenix Suns organization that drafted him in the second round in 2010, Lawal, 24, has lost weight and added strength. Lawal played one game with the Suns two seasons ago and was in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp in 2011, but he was derailed by injuries and didn’t figure into a long-term plan. He was drafted after three years at Georgia Tech.

George Hill Out For Game 5 With Concussion

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:20:56 EDT

George Hill was ruled out for Game 5 by the Indiana Pacers due to a concussion suffered in Game 4.

The Pacers had kept Hill's injury quiet.

Hill believes he suffered the injury when being hit in the head by Tyson Chandler.

D.J. Augustin will start and Frank Vogel said that Paul George could even see some time at the point.

Reggie Miller Still Interested In Front Office Position With Pacers

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:29:19 EDT

Reggie Miller has been in broadcasting since retiring from the NBA, but he has been frequently mentioned as a candidate for a front office position with the Indiana Pacers.

"All the time," said Miller when asked how often he thinks about working in a front office capacity. "It would have to be the right situation (and), for me, the only situation I know is Indiana.

"Those competitive juices always flow. During the regular season, not so much because it’s only one day a week. It really picks up come the end of March and April when the playoffs are about to start and we have a lot of games. That’s when my blood starts to boil and I start to sweat a little bit more. I’m in the action because every possession means something.

"That’s when I think I could possibly do that. Again, it’ll have to be the right situation. We’ll see. I’m not going to broadcast forever. I’ll probably want to do something else in basketball, which will probably be running a team or at least helping run a team."

David West Open To Staying With Pacers

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:03:56 EDT

David West will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason but has not given free agency much thought. Even so, the Indiana Pacers want to keep West and believe they can afford him.

“I’ll address that at the end of the season and focus on finishing this year as best as possible,” West said Saturday after contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds to the Pacers’ 82-71 victory over New York at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. “But I love it here, love this group of guys, this environment, love the core group that we have. This group only has room to get better.”

West has established himself as the Pacers' veteran leader and integral starting power forward. The Pacers have $49 million committed in player salaries for next season.

“This group, the mix of young guys that we have," West said, "and obviously the character of these guys, what these guys are, it fits me, so …"

Lance Stephenson Credits Brian Shaw For Third-Year Improvement

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:28:20 EDT

 Lance Stephenson credited Brian Shaw for improving his jump shot.

Stephenson shot 33 percent from behind the arc this season after going a combined 4-for-35 in his first two years in the league.

“He’s motivated me,” Stephenson said after practice earlier this week. “My first two years, I couldn’t hit [any] threes. [But] by playing with him in a little 3-point game and getting with him and giving me the confidence to knock down big shots, he helped me a lot with the confidence in my jump shot.”

Stephenson’s scoring average jumped from 2.5 in 2011-12 to 8.8 this season.

Hibbert Believes He's NBA's Best Defensive Center

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:27:20 EDT

Roy Hibbert believes he’s the best defensive center in the NBA.

“Yes,” Hibbert said, when posed the question of whether he ranks atop the league’s big men in that category.

Hibbert sits second among qualified centers in block percentage, which doesn’t reveal the number of shots a properly positioned defender alters altogether.

“He's the best in the league at earning no-calls at the rim,” Frank Vogel said earlier in the Pacers’ series against the New York Knicks. “That's where he's grown the most over the last four years. We know the way to beat the Knicks is to make plays without fouling them. You have to make plays on the ball without fouling. That's the goal.”

Hibbert honed that skill in summer workouts with Vogel after his first couple of seasons in the NBA.

“Those types of concepts were things I worked with Roy on,” Vogel said. “Put the back of your hands on the front of the rim. Don't go outside the paint to give help. If you're in the charge circle and not on the ground, you can earn a no-call.”

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