RealGM Basketball Wiretap

35 Players Invited To D-League Elite Mini Camp

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:57:24 EDT

The NBA D-League will hold its fourth annual Elite Mini Camp on Monday and Tuesday in Chicago.

The event gives front offices the opportunity to evaluate D-League players with the possibility of offering Summer League or training camp invites.

This year’s event is highlighted by 10 players with NBA experience, including seven who were NBA Draft selections: Keith Benson (Erie BayHawks), Justin Harper (Idaho Stampede), Darington Hobson (Santa Cruz Warriors), Lester Hudson (Austin Toros), Josh Selby (Maine Red Claws), Jermaine Taylor (Maine Red Claws), and Kyle Weaver (Canton Charge). Other NBA veterans attending the camp include Mickell Gladness (Santa Cruz Warriors), Cory Higgins (Erie BayHawks), and Edwin Ubiles.

Three members of the 2013 NBA D-League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Chris Daniels, Chris Johnson and Toure Murry, round out the 35-player field.

Mark Madsen To Become Head Coach Of D-Fenders

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:35:24 EDT

Mark Madsen is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League, according to sources.

Madsen recently completed his first season as an assistant coach at Stanford.

Madsen was previously an assistant coach for the Utah Flash for the D-League for two seasons.

Reggie Theus coached the D-Fenders last season and left for Cal State Northridge.

D-League MVP Goudelock Was Borrowing Money From Girlfriend Before Returning To Lakers

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:18:52 EDT

Andrew Goudelock made $475,000 last season as a second round pick with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Goudelock was cut by the Lakers before the season opener this season and went on to play in the D-League, ultimately winning MVP honors.

The Lakers signed Goudelock for the final two games of the regular season and playoffs following Kobe Bryant's season-ending injury.

“I’m broke,” Goudelock said. “I’m cool. Nobody would know that I’m broke. I just come here with a smile on my face.” 

Goudelock averaged 21.4 points in the D-League and is now starting for the Lakers int he playoffs.

“This business just keeps getting crazier,” Goudelock said. “I wouldn’t think I’d be here two weeks ago. Nothing happens the way it’s supposed to happen. This is a great opportunity, going from the D-League a week and a half ago to starting in the playoffs. It shows you the nature of the business.” 

Goudelock was living paycheck to paycheck after finishing up his rookie salary. 

“I was so broke I had to borrow money,” he said. “I’ve had the same girlfriend since college, and I had to call her to give me money and she’s still in college, but I didn’t have any other choice. I didn’t want to call my parents. I’m too old for that. Some days I couldn’t even eat, and she sent me money. It’s definitely an experience I’m going to tell my kids about.” 

Goudelock made about $1,200 every two weeks while he was in the D-League, while his per diem was $40.

76ers To Have D-League Franchise In Newark

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:35:43 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will have a D-League franchise based in Newark, Delaware, according to sources.

The affiliate won't be an expansion as it will be the relocation of a dormant franchise.

The 76ers will join the likes of the Thunder, Rockets and Spurs to have a single franchise D-League affiliate.

Andrew Goudelock Named D-League MVP

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:57:33 EDT

Andrew Goudelock has been named the 2013 NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player, as voted by the NBA D-League’s 16 head coaches, for his efforts as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Sioux Falls Skyforce. 

Goudelock (6-3, 200, College of Charleston) played in 37 games, all starts, for the Vipers this season, averaging 21.4 points to go with 5.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 36.7 minutes, while leading the team in scoring 16 times.  Selected to play in the 2013 NBA D-League All-Star Game, Goudelock was traded in January to Rio Grande Valley from the Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he played in 14 games. 

In all, Goudelock appeared in 52 regular season NBA D-League games, averaging 21.1 points, good for third best in the NBA D-League, to go with 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 37.1 minutes. 

Dwayne Jones To Sign With Warriors

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:48:15 EDT

Texas Legends center Dwayne Jones will sign with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for the remainder of the season, agent Joel Bell told RealGM.

Jones was on a flight Wednesday afternoon to sign his contract and is eligible to play in the playoffs.

A 29-year-old, 6-foot-11 center, Jones will give the Warriors additional size on the front line heading into a likely playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets’ strong, athletic frontcourt. Andrew Bogut has dealt with injuries throughout the season, forcing Mark Jackson to give rookie Festus Ezeli 41 starts at center.

Jones had a five-year NBA career starting in 2005 with the Boston Celtics, and he ultimately was on three other teams – including playing parts of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Finals season in 2007. He has career averages of 1.3 points and 2.3 rebounds.

Willie Reed To Sign With Grizzlies For Rest Of Season

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:11:37 EDT

Springfield Armor forward Willie Reed will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday for the rest of the season, agent Joel Bell told RealGM on Sunday afternoon.

Reed averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks for Springfield this season, posting 12 double-doubles in 48 games. At 6-foot-10, Reed will bolster what’s already a big, physical Grizzlies frontcourt.

Future terms of Reed’s contract with the Grizzlies are still being worked out, Bell said. Reed is expected to be available by Wednesday night’s home game against the Utah Jazz and will be eligible for the playoffs.

Reed, 22, played two seasons at St. Louis before going undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft.

Warriors Assign Scott Machado To D-League

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:10:37 EDT

The Golden State Warriors have assigned Scott Machado to their D-League affiliate, Santa Cruz.

Machado was signed by the Warriors to a 10-day contract on Sunday. 

Machado appeared in 10 games for Santa Cruz prior to his call-up, averaging 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 15.0 minutes.

Suns Assign Diante Garrett To Jam

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 04:54:35 EDT

The Phoenix Suns have assigned guard Diante Garrett to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Garrett will spend his second stint in Bakersfield after he was originally assigned to the Jam on Jan. 10, where he averaged 15.1 points, 7.4 assists and 1.7 steals while appearing in seven games for the Jam (five starts). During his seven-game assignment, the Jam compiled a 6-1 (.857) record, including a season-best six-game win streak.

Lakers Recall Morris, Sacre From D-League

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:13:01 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled Darius Morris and Robert Sacre from the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League.

Morris and Sacre were both assigned to the D-Fenders on Wednesday and started in that day's game against the Canton Charge, helping the team overcome a 25-point second half deficit in a 114-109 victory in El Segundo. Sacre posted 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 31 minutes, while Morris tallied nine points, nine assists, six rebounds and a steal in 34 minutes.

76ers To Call Up Justin Holiday From D-League

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:07:10 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will call up Justin Holiday from the Idaho Stampede of the NBA D-League, according to a source.

Holiday is the brother of 76ers star Jrue Holiday.

Justin Holiday is averaging 17.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for Idaho this season.

Nets Set To Call Up Kris Joseph From D-League

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:13:59 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets will call up Kris Joseph from the Springfield Armor, the team’s D-League affiliate.

Joseph, a 6-foot-7 wing player, out of Syracuse, averaged 19.4 points in 14 games with the Armor this season.

Clippers Sign Maalik Wayns For Rest Of Season

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:12:25 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have signed Maalik Wayns for the remainder of the season.

Wayns has appeared in three games for the Clippers, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 assists.

Morey Questions Royce White's Plan To Skip D-League Playoffs

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:56:53 EDT

Daryl Morey expects Royce White to play the remaining four regular-season games with the Rio Grande Vipers before a decision is reached about him playing in the playoffs.

“We’ll see where it goes from there,” Morey said. “The plan is to play it by ear. See what the best plan is at that point when we reach the end.”

White said on Wednesday that a plan for him to leave the Vipers at the end of the regular season has been in place for several weeks, citing the “hectic” schedule of the D-League playoffs.

Hornets Expected To Sign Terrel Harris For Remainder Of Season

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:03:36 EDT

The New Orleans Hornets are expected to sign Terrel Harris for the remainder of the season after his second 10-day contract expires.

Harris has played in six games for the Hornets, averaging 0.7 points.

Harris has played for two NBA teams after leaving Oklahoma State in 2009.

Jazz Sign Jerel McNeal To 10-Day Contract

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:55:07 EDT

The Utah Jazz have signed Jerel McNeal on a 10-day contract.

McNeal had been playing for the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League.

"For me, it's just really exciting and just humbling to be able to come from where I just came from," McNeal said, "and today, this morning, be in an NBA locker room. It means a lot to me."

McNeal, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard out of Marquette, went undrafted in 2009.

Royce White Does Not Plan To Play In D-League Playoffs

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:42:31 EDT

Royce White has no plans to play in the D-League playoffs.

White returned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Tuesday and scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out six assists in a 104-94 win over Tulsa.

“I’ll be here until the end of the regular season,” White said after the game. “The playoff schedule and how hectic it is in the D-League probably ain’t going be the best thing for me. Going to the playoffs, I want them to have a team that’s going to stick together.”

White chose not to answer questions about why he left the Vipers last week.

Shengelia, Taylor Recalled By Nets

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:59:48 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have recalled forward Tornike Shengelia and guard Tyshawn Taylor from the Springfield Armor of the NBA Development League.

Shengelia and Taylor have played 10 and eight games, respectively, for the Armor.

Both players will be available for the Nets on Thursday.

Jazz Sign Jerel McNeal To 10-Day Contract

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:30:21 EDT

The Utah Jazz announced Wednesday that the team has signed guard Jerel McNeal of the NBA Development League’s Bakersfield Jam to a 10-day contract.

McNeal has averaged 18.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 44 games this season for Bakersfield.

The Jazz had an open roster spot after deciding not to keep Travis Leslie and waiving Raja Bell.

Royce White Returns To Houston's D-League Affiliate

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:08:03 EDT

Five days after he left the team, Royce White has returned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

White announced on Twitter that he had returned to the D-League affiliate and that a "miscommunication" with the Rockets had been cleared up. He said last week that he left the team and returned to Houston on the advice of a team doctor.

The Rockets have had no comment on the matter.

Goudelock, Mitchell Named D-League Players Of The Week

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:47:19 EDT

Rio Grande Valley’s Andrew Goudelock and Fort Wayne’s Tony Mitchell have been named NBA Development League Co-Performers of the Week for games played March 18 – March 24. This is the second time Mitchell has received Performer of the Week honors this season.

Goudelock (6-3, 200, College of Charleston) led the Vipers to a 3-0 week averaging 26.3 points on 60 percent shooting from the field to go with 5.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds.  He scored a season-high 41 points on 16-of-23 shooting on March 24 in a 116-107 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, which helped Rio Grande Valley clinch a playoff berth. In 31 games for Rio Grande Valley this season he is averaging 20.8 points, 5.9 assists 4.3 rebounds and 37.3 minutes.

Mitchell (6-6, 216, Alabama) finished the week averaging 34.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 46 percent from the floor.  On March 22 he connected on a game-tying three-pointer as time expired in double overtime, then nailed a game-winning jumpshot in triple overtime to lock down a 106-104 victory over Austin. Mitchell finished with a game-high 47 points, the second highest total in the league this season. 

Spurs Assign Aron Baynes To D-League

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:04:40 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs have announced that they have assigned center Aron Baynes to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League.

Baynes, who is making his fourth stint with the Toros this season, has appeared in five games for Austin, averaging 15.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in 24.6 minutes.

In 11 games for the Spurs this season, Baynes has averaged 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.6 minutes.

Thunder Reassign Jones, Liggins, Orton To D-League

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:20:00 EDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder have reassigned Perry Jones, DeAndre Liggins and Daniel Orton to the Tulsa 66ers, the Thunder’s NBA Development League affiliate. 

Jones has appeared in 34 games for Oklahoma City this season averaging 2.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 6.9 minutes. In his previous stints with Tulsa, Jones averaged 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 32.5 minutes in 14 games.  

Liggins has played in 36 games this season for Oklahoma City, averaging 1.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 7.5 minutes.  During his previous assignments to Tulsa, he appeared in 13 games, averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 34.2 minutes. 

Orton has appeared in eight games for the Thunder this season, averaging 2.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.9 minutes.  He has played in 24 games on assignment in Tulsa, averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 28.5 minutes. 

Mavericks Won't Keep Chris Wright, Will Sign Justin Dentmon

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:49:59 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks have decided not to give Chris Wright a second 10-day contract.

The Mavericks will next sign Justin Dentmon to a 10-day from their D-League affiliate, sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.

Wright appeared in three games for the Mavs, playing a total of four minutes. 

"He's been an inspirational figure to a lot of people," Rick Carlisle said. "He's an NBA-caliber player. There's no doubt about that. You do what he's doing -- playing a professional sport with MS -- that's going to be something that a lot of people pay attention to. It shows his motivation, his determination, but it also shows the progress that's been made in that area. 

"It's going to give people hope. That's a great thing."

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:17:03 EDT

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