The Knicks get an athletic big in round 2, not bad.
Official 2018 NBA Offseason Thread: free agency starts 7/1 - Summer League action is here!
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I figured that who you were talking about. I didn't understand last year Pacers taking Ike Anibogu with his knee problem, wished he stayed another year at UCLA but cant hate on young men going for their dreams@IMDATDUDE , my bad, I called T.J. his bros name. See.
He's cool, but we had Myles. We'll see if he can crack the rotation. I'll just watch and see.
WTF
What's up with the Nets selecting these Red Curtain Eastern Block Cacs?
The Moscow Nets.
It's like we drafted the same player twice
The owner is a Russian Oligarc remember lol
Lakers picked another CAC? 
The ignored scandal hanging over the NBA draft
By Ethan Sears
One day prior to the NBA draft, Miles Bridges spoke to reporters for about 20 minutes in Midtown Manhattan. The three letters that upended college basketball this season — with Bridges smack dab in the middle of it — never came up. And why would they?
The NBA, teams and media alike, have little reason to care about the FBI’s investigation of college basketball, Christian Dawkins or $470.05 worth of benefits that were given to Bridges, according to documents obtained by Yahoo. Ditto for any of the other benefits those same documents show were given to any other player who soon will be drafted and sign a contract for millions of dollars.
For everyone outside the NCAA, paying athletes when they provide millions of dollars in revenue is the norm.
But college basketball isn’t about to engineer change of its own — at least when it comes to paying players. The NCAA’s Commission on College Basketball, chaired by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, instead asked for more modest reformsto a recruiting process that has turned the notion of amateurism into a running joke. It may be the NBA that upends recruiting, in its own way.
According to ESPN, the league sent teams a memo Friday that, while not mentioning the one-and-done rule by name, said eligibility rules for the draft could change as soon as 2021. In other words, high schoolers may soon be allowed to forgo college and jump straight to the NBA.
“I probably would’ve gone out of high school,” Michael Porter Jr. said. “I think I was ready out of high school to make that jump.”
Porter, whose back injury tripped up his lone season at Missouri, hurting his draft stock in the process, was the most direct of everyone asked the question. But most said they would have at least explored the option, had it been available to them.
Bridges stayed for a second year at Michigan State in lieu of becoming a possible lottery pick in the 2017 draft. He thinks he still would have gone to college if the one-and-done rule hadn’t existed, knowing his talent was raw two years ago. Ask if that sentiment is the norm, though, and he gives an honest assessment.
“Nah, a lot of players would come straight out of high school,” Bridges said. “Definitely, they would come out of high school.”
That refrain is echoed by Wendell Carter, Kevin Knox and Porter, three more former five-star prospects, all of whom went one-and-done and two of whom — Carter and Knox — were named in those documents as having received impermissible benefits.
compared the NCAA to slavery and the prison system. “… The format of college basketball would definitely change.”
As to how though, Carter’s guess is as good as yours.
By Ethan Sears
One day prior to the NBA draft, Miles Bridges spoke to reporters for about 20 minutes in Midtown Manhattan. The three letters that upended college basketball this season — with Bridges smack dab in the middle of it — never came up. And why would they?
The NBA, teams and media alike, have little reason to care about the FBI’s investigation of college basketball, Christian Dawkins or $470.05 worth of benefits that were given to Bridges, according to documents obtained by Yahoo. Ditto for any of the other benefits those same documents show were given to any other player who soon will be drafted and sign a contract for millions of dollars.
For everyone outside the NCAA, paying athletes when they provide millions of dollars in revenue is the norm.
But college basketball isn’t about to engineer change of its own — at least when it comes to paying players. The NCAA’s Commission on College Basketball, chaired by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, instead asked for more modest reformsto a recruiting process that has turned the notion of amateurism into a running joke. It may be the NBA that upends recruiting, in its own way.
According to ESPN, the league sent teams a memo Friday that, while not mentioning the one-and-done rule by name, said eligibility rules for the draft could change as soon as 2021. In other words, high schoolers may soon be allowed to forgo college and jump straight to the NBA.
“I probably would’ve gone out of high school,” Michael Porter Jr. said. “I think I was ready out of high school to make that jump.”
Porter, whose back injury tripped up his lone season at Missouri, hurting his draft stock in the process, was the most direct of everyone asked the question. But most said they would have at least explored the option, had it been available to them.
Bridges stayed for a second year at Michigan State in lieu of becoming a possible lottery pick in the 2017 draft. He thinks he still would have gone to college if the one-and-done rule hadn’t existed, knowing his talent was raw two years ago. Ask if that sentiment is the norm, though, and he gives an honest assessment.
“Nah, a lot of players would come straight out of high school,” Bridges said. “Definitely, they would come out of high school.”
That refrain is echoed by Wendell Carter, Kevin Knox and Porter, three more former five-star prospects, all of whom went one-and-done and two of whom — Carter and Knox — were named in those documents as having received impermissible benefits.
compared the NCAA to slavery and the prison system. “… The format of college basketball would definitely change.”
As to how though, Carter’s guess is as good as yours.
This is a shocking Kevin Love report
By Jake Nisse
In the last year, the Cavaliers have shipped off Kyrie Irving, Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Iman Shumpert, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose, just to name a few.
Yet the one cog who has lived on the trade block for his four-year tenure is somehow still around. And, maybe for the first time, appearing safe.
It looks like Kevin Love won’t join that game of musical chairs, as the Cavaliers are not actively shopping their power forward, according to ESPN, ahead of Thursday’s draft. The report states that the team wants to keep Love regardless of LeBron James’ decision to stay or leave Cleveland.
Love’s meshing with James has been a constant storyline since the two made their way to Cleveland in 2014. He was supposed to be shipped off for Paul George last summer in a trade that fell through. This offseason, he’s been rumored to be packaged with the Cavs’ No. 8 pick for a star to lure James to stay — which the Cavaliers are trying to extinguish.
The team’s reignited, uh, love for the five-time All-Star comes on the back of its worst season with James and Love.
The Cavaliers won the fewest number of regular-season games (50) this season in that stretch, and also failed to win an NBA Finals game for the first time since James came back. But amid a disappointing team effort, Love shined.
The former Timberwolves big man shot the highest percentage from the field of his Cavs stay (46 percent) and averaged 17.6 points per contest. Love, 29, has two years and nearly $50 million left on his contract.
And now, it seems the Cavs finally want him to stick around.
“Anything is possible,” Love said of his future after the Finals. “People have been saying that for the past four years. I knew that question would come. But I like to be here. I’ve always said that. Always wanted to win here.”
By Jake Nisse
In the last year, the Cavaliers have shipped off Kyrie Irving, Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Iman Shumpert, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose, just to name a few.
Yet the one cog who has lived on the trade block for his four-year tenure is somehow still around. And, maybe for the first time, appearing safe.
It looks like Kevin Love won’t join that game of musical chairs, as the Cavaliers are not actively shopping their power forward, according to ESPN, ahead of Thursday’s draft. The report states that the team wants to keep Love regardless of LeBron James’ decision to stay or leave Cleveland.
Love’s meshing with James has been a constant storyline since the two made their way to Cleveland in 2014. He was supposed to be shipped off for Paul George last summer in a trade that fell through. This offseason, he’s been rumored to be packaged with the Cavs’ No. 8 pick for a star to lure James to stay — which the Cavaliers are trying to extinguish.
The team’s reignited, uh, love for the five-time All-Star comes on the back of its worst season with James and Love.
The Cavaliers won the fewest number of regular-season games (50) this season in that stretch, and also failed to win an NBA Finals game for the first time since James came back. But amid a disappointing team effort, Love shined.
The former Timberwolves big man shot the highest percentage from the field of his Cavs stay (46 percent) and averaged 17.6 points per contest. Love, 29, has two years and nearly $50 million left on his contract.
And now, it seems the Cavs finally want him to stick around.
“Anything is possible,” Love said of his future after the Finals. “People have been saying that for the past four years. I knew that question would come. But I like to be here. I’ve always said that. Always wanted to win here.”
Cavaliers’ pick makes early LeBron James pitch
By Hannah Withiam
If LeBron James has any reason to stay with the Cavaliers, their first-round pick Thursday night thinks it should be him.
Collin Sexton, the Alabama guard Cleveland selected with the No. 8 pick of the NBA draft, made his pitch to James just minutes into his Cavaliers career.
“LeBron, let’s do it,” Sexton said in his post-draft interview. “I see you only needed a few extra pieces. Let’s go back to the Finals. Let’s do it.”
Despite Cleveland’s pleas, James is expected to opt out of his contract and enter free agency this summer. The Lakers are the early favorite, and other teams have begun making their cases, with the July 1 start date nearing.
Sexton, an explosive 19-year-old guard who averaged 19.2 points per game as a freshman, hopes his arrival will change that narrative.
By Hannah Withiam
If LeBron James has any reason to stay with the Cavaliers, their first-round pick Thursday night thinks it should be him.
Collin Sexton, the Alabama guard Cleveland selected with the No. 8 pick of the NBA draft, made his pitch to James just minutes into his Cavaliers career.
“LeBron, let’s do it,” Sexton said in his post-draft interview. “I see you only needed a few extra pieces. Let’s go back to the Finals. Let’s do it.”
Despite Cleveland’s pleas, James is expected to opt out of his contract and enter free agency this summer. The Lakers are the early favorite, and other teams have begun making their cases, with the July 1 start date nearing.
Sexton, an explosive 19-year-old guard who averaged 19.2 points per game as a freshman, hopes his arrival will change that narrative.
Breaking down the first-round picks in the NBA draft
By Zach Braziller
The Post’s Zach Braziller breaks down the first-round picks in the 2018 NBA Draft:
1. Suns
Deandre Ayton
C, Arizona
The 7-foot-1, 250-pound Adonis has the body of a gladiator and the motor to match, potentially giving the Suns one of the premier young inside-out duos in Ayton and high-scoring guard Devin Booker.
2. Kings
Marvin Bagley III
F, Duke
The Kings are making progress — this year they took a healthy Duke player after picking Harry Giles last year. The offensively gifted Bagley will make an immediate impact with the ball in his hands, but leaves a lot to be desired on the other end of the floor for defense-allergic Sacramento.
3. Mavericks (from Hawks)
Luka Doncic
G, Slovenia
Somehow, after becoming the youngest MVP of the EuroLeague and leading Real Madrid to the title, his stock has not risen. The Kings and Hawks, who traded his rights to the Mavericks, will regret passing on this dynamic 6-foot-7 playmaker.
4. Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.
F, Michigan State
The 6-foot-11 raw yet uber-talented specimen needs time to develop as the youngest player among the top prospects in the draft, and he’ll get it with the rebuilding Grizzlies, learning behind veteran Marc Gasol.
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Mikal BridgesGetty Images
10. Suns (from 76ers)
Mikal Bridges
F, Villanova
The “3 and D” dynamo goes from his hometown team that his mother works for — and is a title contender — to the forever-rebuilding Suns. Draft night isn’t magical for everyone.
11. Clippers (from Hornets)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
G, Kentucky
Like Trae Young, Gilgeous-Alexander played his way from off the NBA radar prior to the season into the first round by producing on the floor and making his teammates better, qualities that translate at any level.
12. Hornets (from Clippers)
Miles Bridges
F, Michigan State
He can score in and out, but positional and defensive concerns dropped him out of the top 10. A grinder, Bridges won’t get outworked, and gives the needed Hornets needed offensive punch in the frontcourt.
13. Clippers
Jerome Robinson
G, Boston College
The big guard from Boston College rose as fast at Michael Porter Jr. fell, going from a borderline first-round pick into the lottery, where he will join Gilgeous-Alexander in the Clippers’ backcourt youth movement.
14. Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr.
F, Missouri
Once considered the best player in this draft before back issues limited him to three games at Missouri, Porter will have an anvil-sized chip on his shoulder after falling all the way to the end of the lottery.
15. Wizards
Troy Brown Jr.
F, Oregon
There is versatility and projection that may lead to production down the road, but the one-and-done wing’s one year in college didn’t scream going this early.
By Zach Braziller
The Post’s Zach Braziller breaks down the first-round picks in the 2018 NBA Draft:
1. Suns
Deandre Ayton
C, Arizona
The 7-foot-1, 250-pound Adonis has the body of a gladiator and the motor to match, potentially giving the Suns one of the premier young inside-out duos in Ayton and high-scoring guard Devin Booker.
2. Kings
Marvin Bagley III
F, Duke
The Kings are making progress — this year they took a healthy Duke player after picking Harry Giles last year. The offensively gifted Bagley will make an immediate impact with the ball in his hands, but leaves a lot to be desired on the other end of the floor for defense-allergic Sacramento.
3. Mavericks (from Hawks)
Luka Doncic
G, Slovenia
Somehow, after becoming the youngest MVP of the EuroLeague and leading Real Madrid to the title, his stock has not risen. The Kings and Hawks, who traded his rights to the Mavericks, will regret passing on this dynamic 6-foot-7 playmaker.
4. Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.
F, Michigan State
The 6-foot-11 raw yet uber-talented specimen needs time to develop as the youngest player among the top prospects in the draft, and he’ll get it with the rebuilding Grizzlies, learning behind veteran Marc Gasol.
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Mikal BridgesGetty Images
10. Suns (from 76ers)
Mikal Bridges
F, Villanova
The “3 and D” dynamo goes from his hometown team that his mother works for — and is a title contender — to the forever-rebuilding Suns. Draft night isn’t magical for everyone.
11. Clippers (from Hornets)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
G, Kentucky
Like Trae Young, Gilgeous-Alexander played his way from off the NBA radar prior to the season into the first round by producing on the floor and making his teammates better, qualities that translate at any level.
12. Hornets (from Clippers)
Miles Bridges
F, Michigan State
He can score in and out, but positional and defensive concerns dropped him out of the top 10. A grinder, Bridges won’t get outworked, and gives the needed Hornets needed offensive punch in the frontcourt.
13. Clippers
Jerome Robinson
G, Boston College
The big guard from Boston College rose as fast at Michael Porter Jr. fell, going from a borderline first-round pick into the lottery, where he will join Gilgeous-Alexander in the Clippers’ backcourt youth movement.
14. Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr.
F, Missouri
Once considered the best player in this draft before back issues limited him to three games at Missouri, Porter will have an anvil-sized chip on his shoulder after falling all the way to the end of the lottery.
15. Wizards
Troy Brown Jr.
F, Oregon
There is versatility and projection that may lead to production down the road, but the one-and-done wing’s one year in college didn’t scream going this early.
Celtics were first to show "high level of interest" in Donte DiVincenzo
"I think Danny Ainge might have been the first guy I talked to about Donte," he said. "They saw something in him really early. They liked his competitiveness and his ability to shoot the ball."
Wright went along to explain that the Celtics questioned DiVincenzo's defensive ability, but that they really liked him nonetheless. Boston owns the 27th pick in the NBA Draft this Thursday, and could consider taking the former Wildcat if he is available.
DiVincenzo averaged 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in his redshirt-sophomore season. He shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three point range, leading the Wildcats to their second NCAA National Championship in three years.
It is possible the Celtics won't be able to select DiVincenzo with the 27th pick with the way his draft stock has risen, but Ainge has plenty of future draft picks to consider a move up in the draft if he has deemed DiVincenzo "his guy."
"I think Danny Ainge might have been the first guy I talked to about Donte," he said. "They saw something in him really early. They liked his competitiveness and his ability to shoot the ball."
Wright went along to explain that the Celtics questioned DiVincenzo's defensive ability, but that they really liked him nonetheless. Boston owns the 27th pick in the NBA Draft this Thursday, and could consider taking the former Wildcat if he is available.
DiVincenzo averaged 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in his redshirt-sophomore season. He shot 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three point range, leading the Wildcats to their second NCAA National Championship in three years.
It is possible the Celtics won't be able to select DiVincenzo with the 27th pick with the way his draft stock has risen, but Ainge has plenty of future draft picks to consider a move up in the draft if he has deemed DiVincenzo "his guy."
Gatta have a mark madsen cac to dance at the paradeLakers picked another CAC?
Oh Sixers that's fucked up.They traded the boy already?
Philly fans are NOT happy about this.
Yeah that was fucked up...
GM Altman: Cavs, LeBron have 'a good dialogue'
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Nearly one week before LeBron Jamesmust inform the Cleveland Cavaliers whether he intends to pick up the option on his contract with the Cavs for next season, Cleveland general manager Koby Altman said he and James' camp have already established a "good dialogue."
"We continue to have good dialogue with his management team," Altman said Thursday after the Cavs drafted Alabama point guard Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick. "I think LeBron has more than earned the right to approach his contracts the way he does. He's done that before, so this is nothing new for us.
"We want to respect his space during this process, and I continue to have really good dialogue with his management team as he goes through that process. That's probably all I can say at this point regarding him, but we don't take him for granted. We love him, this city loves him. He means the world to us and this franchise."
Cleveland went into the draft without knowing James' intentions for next season; he has spent this week on a family vacation, multiple sources told ESPN. James has until midnight on June 29 to pick up the option or choose to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Altman was asked whether James would have the patience to play alongside a 19-year-old rookie point guard in 2018-19, which will be James' 16th season in the league.
"That's a great question," Altman said. "He went through it this year a little bit with some of our young guys, especially in the playoffs. What's amazing, he talks about this all the time -- the best teacher is experience. And our guys, our young guys, got some really good experience this year. And while it wasn't consistent throughout the playoffs, each guy picked that [up], had their moments. And we went through two Game 7s and got to a Finals, and that experience is a huge teacher for those guys.
"So that experience is amazing for them and their confidence level as they approach next year. And then Collin, we got to get there with experience as well. But like he says, experience is the best teacher, and we gave those guys a great experience over 30 games and into the playoffs and into the Finals, and what does that mean for us moving forward, I think it's all really positive."
Altman was also asked whether he felt as if the Cavs are capable of positioning themselves to beat the Golden State Warriors should they get back to the NBA Finals for a fifth straight year with James next June.
"I think there's two things to that: One, the Finals hurt us so much because we were competitive in that Finals," Altman said. "That was what hurt. Because we were more competitive, I think, this year than we were a year ago when we came back from Golden State having lost by a combined 40 points or something like that [in Games 1 and 2]. We were really competitive in this series, and to come away how we came away just really hurt, because I thought we were really in a couple of those games and could've swung the series either way.
"That being said, we need to get better to beat one of the all-time great teams in the history of the game, with their talent level and what they put together. Dan Gilbert will spare no expense and is committed to winning championships. That is our goal. We did not meet that goal, but we have to keep doing better, and we have to invest in player development. We have to get better with our youth, and then we have to explore opportunities to add and try to improve our talent level as well. That's my job, and we are certainly trying to attack that as we speak, for sure."
Altman also put James' impressive 15th season, which coincided with Altman's first as the GM, officially in the rearview mirror with a summation of appreciation.
"LeBron James played 82 games this season," Altman said. "He played every game into the postseason. It was remarkable, historical. He gave his heart and soul, die-hard energy, commitment to this team, to this franchise, to the city, to Northeast Ohio. And I like I said, it was an historical year and probably one of the best postseason runs of all time and very, very fortunate to have him here, and what he gave to this franchise this year was nothing short of remarkable."
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Nearly one week before LeBron Jamesmust inform the Cleveland Cavaliers whether he intends to pick up the option on his contract with the Cavs for next season, Cleveland general manager Koby Altman said he and James' camp have already established a "good dialogue."
"We continue to have good dialogue with his management team," Altman said Thursday after the Cavs drafted Alabama point guard Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick. "I think LeBron has more than earned the right to approach his contracts the way he does. He's done that before, so this is nothing new for us.
"We want to respect his space during this process, and I continue to have really good dialogue with his management team as he goes through that process. That's probably all I can say at this point regarding him, but we don't take him for granted. We love him, this city loves him. He means the world to us and this franchise."
Cleveland went into the draft without knowing James' intentions for next season; he has spent this week on a family vacation, multiple sources told ESPN. James has until midnight on June 29 to pick up the option or choose to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Altman was asked whether James would have the patience to play alongside a 19-year-old rookie point guard in 2018-19, which will be James' 16th season in the league.
"That's a great question," Altman said. "He went through it this year a little bit with some of our young guys, especially in the playoffs. What's amazing, he talks about this all the time -- the best teacher is experience. And our guys, our young guys, got some really good experience this year. And while it wasn't consistent throughout the playoffs, each guy picked that [up], had their moments. And we went through two Game 7s and got to a Finals, and that experience is a huge teacher for those guys.
"So that experience is amazing for them and their confidence level as they approach next year. And then Collin, we got to get there with experience as well. But like he says, experience is the best teacher, and we gave those guys a great experience over 30 games and into the playoffs and into the Finals, and what does that mean for us moving forward, I think it's all really positive."
Altman was also asked whether he felt as if the Cavs are capable of positioning themselves to beat the Golden State Warriors should they get back to the NBA Finals for a fifth straight year with James next June.
"I think there's two things to that: One, the Finals hurt us so much because we were competitive in that Finals," Altman said. "That was what hurt. Because we were more competitive, I think, this year than we were a year ago when we came back from Golden State having lost by a combined 40 points or something like that [in Games 1 and 2]. We were really competitive in this series, and to come away how we came away just really hurt, because I thought we were really in a couple of those games and could've swung the series either way.
"That being said, we need to get better to beat one of the all-time great teams in the history of the game, with their talent level and what they put together. Dan Gilbert will spare no expense and is committed to winning championships. That is our goal. We did not meet that goal, but we have to keep doing better, and we have to invest in player development. We have to get better with our youth, and then we have to explore opportunities to add and try to improve our talent level as well. That's my job, and we are certainly trying to attack that as we speak, for sure."
Altman also put James' impressive 15th season, which coincided with Altman's first as the GM, officially in the rearview mirror with a summation of appreciation.
"LeBron James played 82 games this season," Altman said. "He played every game into the postseason. It was remarkable, historical. He gave his heart and soul, die-hard energy, commitment to this team, to this franchise, to the city, to Northeast Ohio. And I like I said, it was an historical year and probably one of the best postseason runs of all time and very, very fortunate to have him here, and what he gave to this franchise this year was nothing short of remarkable."
After the expected start, trades shake up first round of NBA draft
By Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle
June 21, 2018 Updated: June 21, 2018 9:58pm
Photo: Kevin Hagen, FRE / Associated Press
Arizona center DeAndre Ayton’s night wasn’t as suspenseful as other players’ evenings. He was No. 1.
The NBA draft Thursday began as expected, but while the Rockets waited for the first round to end for their part of the draft to take shape, it did not take long for the intrigue to arrive.
The Suns opened the draft by making center DeAndre Ayton their first-ever No. 1 overall pick, a selection that seemed certain since the Suns won the draft lottery.
“Having my name called to be the first pick for the Phoenix Suns was mind-blowing,” Ayton said. “Having all that confidence and leading up to that point when I saw Adam Silver came out, I was just waiting for my name, and when he called it, my mind went blank. I just got up there and enjoyed the moment, and I saw the reaction on my mom’s face. It was just priceless.”
The Kings might have been tempted by other options, but they made a pick widely expected, taking Duke power forward Marvin Bagley III with the second pick.
With that, the deal-making began, with one move bringing potential to impact the Rockets next month when free agency begins.
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Rockets
Luka Doncic, the Slovenian teen that was at 19 years old the youngest EuroLeague MVP for Real Madrid, went third as expected. But the Hawks and Mavericks agreed to a deal in which the Mavericks moved up from fifth to grab him, sending a 2019 first-round pick, heavily protected, to the Hawks to move up enough to get the player they wanted.
“I've been talking to Dallas a lot,” Doncic said. “They really wanted me, and they were very, very nice.
“Honestly, it’s like a dream. It’s like a dream. I’ve been dreaming about being a EuroLeague champion, being a European team champion, being drafted. All this year has been like a dream.”
The Hawks made the move based on being able to land their preference, Oklahoma guard Trae Young. Once the Grizzlies took Jaren Jackson Jr., the power forward from Michigan State, the Hawks grabbed Young and will have an extra first-round pick next year, provided it does not fall in the top five, according to reports.
The Mavericks considered Doncic, long considered a prospect worthy of the first pick, worth the investment, making him their highest draft-night acquisition since Jason Kidd was the second pick in 1994.
Doncic was drafted earlier than any European guard, becoming the seventh international player taken in the top five with only Yao Ming, Andrea Bargnani and Darko Milicic going earlier.
The Hawks’ determination to take Young dropped Texas center Mo Bamba to the Magic with the sixth pick.
The Mavericks’ move to get Doncic instead of Bamba could impact the Rockets, with the Mavericks expected to be in the market for a center with Rockets’ Clint Capela to be a restricted free agent with skills that would fit exceedingly well with Doncic’s passing.
When asked about the Mavericks’ need for a center, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle pointed to the start of free-agent recruiting, telling media in Dallas, “July 1 is right around the corner, bro. We’ll address it.”
With that, the next mystery to be solved became when Michael Porter Jr. would be selected, with Porter Jr. considered a top talent, but with concerns after his back surgery as a Missouri freshman.
Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr. went to the Bulls with Alabama’s Collin Sexton going to the Cavaliers, giving them the point guard prospect they have needed. New York fans called for Porter, but there was no surprise with the choice of Kentucky’s Kevin Knox or the customary reflex response of Knicks fans to boo.
After Villanova’s Mikal Bridges stayed in Philadelphia, where his mother is a 76ers employee before the next trade came through, but that led to one of the other stunners of the first round.
When Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith was taken by the Suns with the 16th pick, Smith was dealt along with the 2021 first-round pick acquired from the Miami Heat to send Bridges to Phoenix.
The player taken after Bridges had been dealt.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 11th, with the Clippers moving up one spot to get him with the Hornets’ pick, sending a pair of second-round picks to Charlotte before the Hornets took Miles Bridges of Michigan State with the 12th pick.
That put the Clippers back on the clock with their own pick with the Clippers grabbing another guard, Boston College’s Jerome Robinson.
By then, teams willing to gamble on Porter, had to be considering what they would spend to move up. The Nuggets, however, ended the lottery by choosing Porter.
“The teams at the very, very top of the draft told me last week I was their guy, they were going to take me,” Porter said, citing the Kings, Mavericks and Grizzlies. “Then the hip episode happened, and then doctors got involved and they got scared.
“So once one team gets scared, a lot of them get scared. And that’s what caused the drop.”
With that, the draft settled in with few surprises, other than the unexpectedly long wait for Texas A&M’s Robert Williams before he finally went to the Celtics with the 27th pick.
By Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle
June 21, 2018 Updated: June 21, 2018 9:58pm
Photo: Kevin Hagen, FRE / Associated Press
Arizona center DeAndre Ayton’s night wasn’t as suspenseful as other players’ evenings. He was No. 1.
The NBA draft Thursday began as expected, but while the Rockets waited for the first round to end for their part of the draft to take shape, it did not take long for the intrigue to arrive.
The Suns opened the draft by making center DeAndre Ayton their first-ever No. 1 overall pick, a selection that seemed certain since the Suns won the draft lottery.
“Having my name called to be the first pick for the Phoenix Suns was mind-blowing,” Ayton said. “Having all that confidence and leading up to that point when I saw Adam Silver came out, I was just waiting for my name, and when he called it, my mind went blank. I just got up there and enjoyed the moment, and I saw the reaction on my mom’s face. It was just priceless.”
The Kings might have been tempted by other options, but they made a pick widely expected, taking Duke power forward Marvin Bagley III with the second pick.
With that, the deal-making began, with one move bringing potential to impact the Rockets next month when free agency begins.
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Luka Doncic, the Slovenian teen that was at 19 years old the youngest EuroLeague MVP for Real Madrid, went third as expected. But the Hawks and Mavericks agreed to a deal in which the Mavericks moved up from fifth to grab him, sending a 2019 first-round pick, heavily protected, to the Hawks to move up enough to get the player they wanted.
“I've been talking to Dallas a lot,” Doncic said. “They really wanted me, and they were very, very nice.
“Honestly, it’s like a dream. It’s like a dream. I’ve been dreaming about being a EuroLeague champion, being a European team champion, being drafted. All this year has been like a dream.”
The Hawks made the move based on being able to land their preference, Oklahoma guard Trae Young. Once the Grizzlies took Jaren Jackson Jr., the power forward from Michigan State, the Hawks grabbed Young and will have an extra first-round pick next year, provided it does not fall in the top five, according to reports.
The Mavericks considered Doncic, long considered a prospect worthy of the first pick, worth the investment, making him their highest draft-night acquisition since Jason Kidd was the second pick in 1994.
Doncic was drafted earlier than any European guard, becoming the seventh international player taken in the top five with only Yao Ming, Andrea Bargnani and Darko Milicic going earlier.
The Hawks’ determination to take Young dropped Texas center Mo Bamba to the Magic with the sixth pick.
The Mavericks’ move to get Doncic instead of Bamba could impact the Rockets, with the Mavericks expected to be in the market for a center with Rockets’ Clint Capela to be a restricted free agent with skills that would fit exceedingly well with Doncic’s passing.
When asked about the Mavericks’ need for a center, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle pointed to the start of free-agent recruiting, telling media in Dallas, “July 1 is right around the corner, bro. We’ll address it.”
With that, the next mystery to be solved became when Michael Porter Jr. would be selected, with Porter Jr. considered a top talent, but with concerns after his back surgery as a Missouri freshman.
Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr. went to the Bulls with Alabama’s Collin Sexton going to the Cavaliers, giving them the point guard prospect they have needed. New York fans called for Porter, but there was no surprise with the choice of Kentucky’s Kevin Knox or the customary reflex response of Knicks fans to boo.
After Villanova’s Mikal Bridges stayed in Philadelphia, where his mother is a 76ers employee before the next trade came through, but that led to one of the other stunners of the first round.
When Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith was taken by the Suns with the 16th pick, Smith was dealt along with the 2021 first-round pick acquired from the Miami Heat to send Bridges to Phoenix.
The player taken after Bridges had been dealt.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 11th, with the Clippers moving up one spot to get him with the Hornets’ pick, sending a pair of second-round picks to Charlotte before the Hornets took Miles Bridges of Michigan State with the 12th pick.
That put the Clippers back on the clock with their own pick with the Clippers grabbing another guard, Boston College’s Jerome Robinson.
By then, teams willing to gamble on Porter, had to be considering what they would spend to move up. The Nuggets, however, ended the lottery by choosing Porter.
“The teams at the very, very top of the draft told me last week I was their guy, they were going to take me,” Porter said, citing the Kings, Mavericks and Grizzlies. “Then the hip episode happened, and then doctors got involved and they got scared.
“So once one team gets scared, a lot of them get scared. And that’s what caused the drop.”
With that, the draft settled in with few surprises, other than the unexpectedly long wait for Texas A&M’s Robert Williams before he finally went to the Celtics with the 27th pick.
Presti: Thunder keeping lines of communication open with George
Thunder GM Sam Presti says the team is keeping lines of communication open with Paul George.
JUNE 22, 2018
While he can opt out of the final year of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 1 and become an unrestricted free agent, if Paul George decides to do so and leaves OKC after one season it won’t be because of a lack of communication.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said the team has kept a continued line of communication with George, whom OKC acquired in a trade with the Indiana Pacers last summer.
“Paul and his representation, we built a relationship built on transparency, trust and collaboration,” Presti said at his post-draft news conference. “I’m happy to say that that’s continued during the period of time that the season ended to now, which I think speaks a great deal about Paul George and just who he is as a guy. It’s just how he operates. Things don’t change.”
While George, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard and the possibility of them joining new teams is dominating the NBA rumor mill to this point, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported in his weekly newsletter that whispers around the league are increasing “for the idea that Oklahoma City can really convince George to stay” and that “it has reached the point that potential contract scenarios are starting to circulate.”
Stein also wrote that “more than one” NBA team has floated the idea that they “expect George to strongly consider a two-year deal with the Thunder at $30.3 million next seasons and $32.7 million in 2019-20,” the second year being a player option for George.
For his part, Presti is “looking forward to the opportunity to sit down and have a more specific conversation” with George when possible.
George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals in 36.6 minutes in 79 games, shooting 43.0 percent from the field, including 40.1 percent from deep in his first season with the Thunder.
He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee May 9 and is slated to return to offseason basketball activities before July 4.
JUNE 22, 2018
While he can opt out of the final year of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 1 and become an unrestricted free agent, if Paul George decides to do so and leaves OKC after one season it won’t be because of a lack of communication.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said the team has kept a continued line of communication with George, whom OKC acquired in a trade with the Indiana Pacers last summer.
“Paul and his representation, we built a relationship built on transparency, trust and collaboration,” Presti said at his post-draft news conference. “I’m happy to say that that’s continued during the period of time that the season ended to now, which I think speaks a great deal about Paul George and just who he is as a guy. It’s just how he operates. Things don’t change.”
While George, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard and the possibility of them joining new teams is dominating the NBA rumor mill to this point, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported in his weekly newsletter that whispers around the league are increasing “for the idea that Oklahoma City can really convince George to stay” and that “it has reached the point that potential contract scenarios are starting to circulate.”
Stein also wrote that “more than one” NBA team has floated the idea that they “expect George to strongly consider a two-year deal with the Thunder at $30.3 million next seasons and $32.7 million in 2019-20,” the second year being a player option for George.
For his part, Presti is “looking forward to the opportunity to sit down and have a more specific conversation” with George when possible.
George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals in 36.6 minutes in 79 games, shooting 43.0 percent from the field, including 40.1 percent from deep in his first season with the Thunder.
He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee May 9 and is slated to return to offseason basketball activities before July 4.
LaVar Ball 'not concerned' about Lakers trade rumors around Lonzo Ball
By Josh Martin 19 minutes ago Follow @JoshMartinNBA
LaVar Ball was busy overseeing the Junior Basketball Association’s inaugural opening night at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California on Thursday. But the Big Baller Brand CEO did take a moment to field some questions, including one about recent trade rumors concerning Lonzo Ball’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers in the event that the likes of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard head to Southern California this summer.
“I’m not concerned about none of that,” LaVar said. “If they trade him, trade him. It’s not a big deal to me.”
For the Ballfather, the issue isn’t whether his eldest son will stick with the Purple and Gold, but rather when and where he will be able to join forces with LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball in the NBA.
“My boys all wanna play in the NBA,” he continued. “And like I said, they all going to link up together at some time.”
That persistent prophecy looks less likely after the 2018 draft, during which Gelo was not picked. Between the middle brother’s long and winding road and Melo’s two-year wait to leap into the league, there are plenty of obstacles that could prevent a Chino Hills High School reunion in the Association.
For now, though, LaVar doesn’t seem keen to trouble himself with any of the noise, especially those peeps pertaining to Zo’s future with his favorite team.
By Josh Martin 19 minutes ago Follow @JoshMartinNBA
LaVar Ball was busy overseeing the Junior Basketball Association’s inaugural opening night at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California on Thursday. But the Big Baller Brand CEO did take a moment to field some questions, including one about recent trade rumors concerning Lonzo Ball’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers in the event that the likes of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard head to Southern California this summer.
“I’m not concerned about none of that,” LaVar said. “If they trade him, trade him. It’s not a big deal to me.”
For the Ballfather, the issue isn’t whether his eldest son will stick with the Purple and Gold, but rather when and where he will be able to join forces with LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball in the NBA.
“My boys all wanna play in the NBA,” he continued. “And like I said, they all going to link up together at some time.”
That persistent prophecy looks less likely after the 2018 draft, during which Gelo was not picked. Between the middle brother’s long and winding road and Melo’s two-year wait to leap into the league, there are plenty of obstacles that could prevent a Chino Hills High School reunion in the Association.
For now, though, LaVar doesn’t seem keen to trouble himself with any of the noise, especially those peeps pertaining to Zo’s future with his favorite team.
Expecting a lot from the Heat this summer? Pat Riley explains why it could be a quiet offseason. Here’s what Riley had to say …
June 22, 2018
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra at Miami Heat training camp at FAU in Boca Raton in September. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)
MIAMI — After a quiet draft night that included no Heat picks, Pat Riley walked to the AmericanAirlines Arena press conference room shortly after midnight Friday morning and spoke to the media for 16 minutes.
As usual, Riley had a lot to say. Here’s an overview of his comments …
* There were opportunities for the Heat to make a draft night move to get a pick, but they decided it wasn’t worth it. Riley said: “When you get into the second round, it’s like a lottery, it’s like a game of Monopoly, it’s not worth it. We feel like some of the players that were picked in the second round, and very good players, we already have a couple of [summer-league] players we know are going to sign after July 1, at least one.”
* While Justise Winslow was reportedly made available in trade discussions on draft night, Riley said that no Heat players (including Winslow) were offered in trades.
* Riley was non-committal when asked if the Heat would guarantee Rodney McGruder’s 2018-19 contract to bring him back next season. The Heat have until June 29 to guarantee his $1.5 million contract. “We have tight roster spots, so we’ll let you know with whatever options we have,” Riley said. “But we love Rodney, we love Rodney.”
* Riley was also non-committal when asked if the Heat would extend a qualifying offer to two-way contract player Derrick Walton Jr. after doing so with Derrick Jones Jr. last week. The Heat have until June 29 to extend the qualifying offer.
* Has Riley had any conversations with Dwyane Wade, who is contemplating retirement, recently? “I haven’t talked to Dwyane,” he said. “I’ve talked to his agent. I think now over the next nine days between now and July the 1st, now we can focus on all these things. We’ve shared texts. He’s communicated on a regular basis with a lot of people in the organization, but nothing has been decided with Dwyane. We want to have Dwyane back obviously, but there’s been no discussion about next year.”
* Riley on the status of the offseason intervention he suggested with Hassan Whiteside and Erik Spoelstra: “Two months ago I said that and there has been movement. I think you need to let a season sort of end and then you need to let how the season ended, which was, you know the season ended on a negative note. Not just for our players, they were disappointed, our coaches were disappointed. Any time you lose in the first round there’s a lot of emotion. Whatever happened then was two months ago, you move on and you make the best of it. I think that’s where we are right now.
“I expect a lot out of Hassan contrary to what people might think about us trading him. We haven’t offered him to anybody really, to be honest with you. So, you go through an emotional period with a player and you deal with it and you come back and you work things out.”
* Riley said there will be an offer on the table for Udonis Haslem to return next season. “Absolutely,” he said. “Both Udonis and Dwyane are, they’ve been together forever and they also deserve the respect to sit and wait on this thing. And so there’s no rush. Besides, he’s becoming a entrepreneur. I can’t even talk to him anymore. I can invest with him, but I can’t get in touch with him.”
* With the Heat capped out and close to the luxury-tax line, will this be a quiet summer for them? “We’re up against the tax,” Riley said. “We all know what the accounting situation is with us. So, when you’re a free agent player like we have been since 2006, 2010. You go after Kevin Durant, it was a long shot and we always thought big. You go after [Gordon] Hayward, we’ve always thought big. As soon as it didn’t happen with Hayward, we went right to Plan B and I think that’s where we are. We look at this as maybe a two-year run. We’re a playoff team, we’re a playoff contender. How are we going to improve? It’s going to be from within or the possibility of some transaction that might happen. It’s not going to be easy. But to answer your question, I think yes this could be – not a passive summer – but it might not be the kind of summer that you may think that something big can happen from that standpoint.”
* Riley said the Heat still hope to re-sign impending free agent Wayne Ellington this summer. “There’s no doubt that we want to keep him,” Riley said. “We’re going to try to find a way to do that. But we’re up against the tax. I think if you add up the numbers, you know what that means. But we’re going to do everything we can do to try to keep him. I know he would like to be here. I know we’d like to have him back.”
* Don’t expect the Heat to be part of any midnight meetings at the start of free agency this year. “I don’t know if there’s going to be any midnight meetings,” Riley said. “This might not be the year for us to do that. But we will plan. We’re already planning for the future like we did 2006 for 2010 and 2010, as soon as LeBron left, we were in it with Durant, we were in it for Hayward. I don’t think we’re going to be in it that way because we can’t. We don’t have the cap space and we’re up against the tax, so we have to do some other things in reversing that direction.”
* Dion Waiters recently underwent a CT scan on his surgically-repaired left ankle and the results were positive. But the Heat are still unsure if he will be available for the start of the training camp.
* Riley on the sports hernia James Johnson played through this past season: “A lot of players play with that. There are different injuries. I can’t speak as a practitioner, as a doctor, but groin injuries, the same injury that Chris Bosh had during the playoffs, Dion had his first year here and missed some time with it. James Johnson is as tough a player and person and mentally tough, physically tough. He plays through things all the time. I’m glad he was able to get it fixed. I do believe he will definitely be ready for training camp.”
June 22, 2018
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra at Miami Heat training camp at FAU in Boca Raton in September. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)
MIAMI — After a quiet draft night that included no Heat picks, Pat Riley walked to the AmericanAirlines Arena press conference room shortly after midnight Friday morning and spoke to the media for 16 minutes.
As usual, Riley had a lot to say. Here’s an overview of his comments …
* There were opportunities for the Heat to make a draft night move to get a pick, but they decided it wasn’t worth it. Riley said: “When you get into the second round, it’s like a lottery, it’s like a game of Monopoly, it’s not worth it. We feel like some of the players that were picked in the second round, and very good players, we already have a couple of [summer-league] players we know are going to sign after July 1, at least one.”
* While Justise Winslow was reportedly made available in trade discussions on draft night, Riley said that no Heat players (including Winslow) were offered in trades.
* Riley was non-committal when asked if the Heat would guarantee Rodney McGruder’s 2018-19 contract to bring him back next season. The Heat have until June 29 to guarantee his $1.5 million contract. “We have tight roster spots, so we’ll let you know with whatever options we have,” Riley said. “But we love Rodney, we love Rodney.”
* Riley was also non-committal when asked if the Heat would extend a qualifying offer to two-way contract player Derrick Walton Jr. after doing so with Derrick Jones Jr. last week. The Heat have until June 29 to extend the qualifying offer.
* Has Riley had any conversations with Dwyane Wade, who is contemplating retirement, recently? “I haven’t talked to Dwyane,” he said. “I’ve talked to his agent. I think now over the next nine days between now and July the 1st, now we can focus on all these things. We’ve shared texts. He’s communicated on a regular basis with a lot of people in the organization, but nothing has been decided with Dwyane. We want to have Dwyane back obviously, but there’s been no discussion about next year.”
* Riley on the status of the offseason intervention he suggested with Hassan Whiteside and Erik Spoelstra: “Two months ago I said that and there has been movement. I think you need to let a season sort of end and then you need to let how the season ended, which was, you know the season ended on a negative note. Not just for our players, they were disappointed, our coaches were disappointed. Any time you lose in the first round there’s a lot of emotion. Whatever happened then was two months ago, you move on and you make the best of it. I think that’s where we are right now.
“I expect a lot out of Hassan contrary to what people might think about us trading him. We haven’t offered him to anybody really, to be honest with you. So, you go through an emotional period with a player and you deal with it and you come back and you work things out.”
* Riley said there will be an offer on the table for Udonis Haslem to return next season. “Absolutely,” he said. “Both Udonis and Dwyane are, they’ve been together forever and they also deserve the respect to sit and wait on this thing. And so there’s no rush. Besides, he’s becoming a entrepreneur. I can’t even talk to him anymore. I can invest with him, but I can’t get in touch with him.”
* With the Heat capped out and close to the luxury-tax line, will this be a quiet summer for them? “We’re up against the tax,” Riley said. “We all know what the accounting situation is with us. So, when you’re a free agent player like we have been since 2006, 2010. You go after Kevin Durant, it was a long shot and we always thought big. You go after [Gordon] Hayward, we’ve always thought big. As soon as it didn’t happen with Hayward, we went right to Plan B and I think that’s where we are. We look at this as maybe a two-year run. We’re a playoff team, we’re a playoff contender. How are we going to improve? It’s going to be from within or the possibility of some transaction that might happen. It’s not going to be easy. But to answer your question, I think yes this could be – not a passive summer – but it might not be the kind of summer that you may think that something big can happen from that standpoint.”
* Riley said the Heat still hope to re-sign impending free agent Wayne Ellington this summer. “There’s no doubt that we want to keep him,” Riley said. “We’re going to try to find a way to do that. But we’re up against the tax. I think if you add up the numbers, you know what that means. But we’re going to do everything we can do to try to keep him. I know he would like to be here. I know we’d like to have him back.”
* Don’t expect the Heat to be part of any midnight meetings at the start of free agency this year. “I don’t know if there’s going to be any midnight meetings,” Riley said. “This might not be the year for us to do that. But we will plan. We’re already planning for the future like we did 2006 for 2010 and 2010, as soon as LeBron left, we were in it with Durant, we were in it for Hayward. I don’t think we’re going to be in it that way because we can’t. We don’t have the cap space and we’re up against the tax, so we have to do some other things in reversing that direction.”
* Dion Waiters recently underwent a CT scan on his surgically-repaired left ankle and the results were positive. But the Heat are still unsure if he will be available for the start of the training camp.
* Riley on the sports hernia James Johnson played through this past season: “A lot of players play with that. There are different injuries. I can’t speak as a practitioner, as a doctor, but groin injuries, the same injury that Chris Bosh had during the playoffs, Dion had his first year here and missed some time with it. James Johnson is as tough a player and person and mentally tough, physically tough. He plays through things all the time. I’m glad he was able to get it fixed. I do believe he will definitely be ready for training camp.”
Their dad should be covered more than Lavar Ball. Hell with an empty nest I may send my son to live with the Holiday's. They should have a special or reality show "Happy Holiday's"
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She handing in her 2 week notice at 9:00 A.M. and will be interviewing with Phoenix suns or WNBA team in 5 4 3 2...
BecauE they went to a real basketball school in UCLA and not norf carols
In the end it was a smart move, fuck the fans. Needed another 1st round pick to try and get a free agent
Raja Bell: LeBron, Kawhi could be teammates with Cavs
LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard could end up being teammates in Cleveland, according to Raja Bell.
JUNE 21, 2018
There have been rumors aplenty of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonardbecoming teammates as new members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, according to one former NBA player and Cavaliers front-office member, they could indeed end up being teammates… in Cleveland.
Now with CBS Sports, Raja Bellbelieves the two All-Star forwards could actually be working toward becoming teammates with the Cavaliers.
“Yeah I do. My question is if whether Kawhi is going to come off that demand and go to the Lakers…If he’s only going to sign with the Lakers that’s a rental for them,” Bell, the former Director of Player Administration for the Cavaliers, said. “But I do think if he’s had these conversations with LeBron which I imagine he’s had. If he figures out a way to get to Cleveland then LeBron stays in Cleveland.”
Bell says James is in search of another star player to join him in Cleveland with Kevin Love.
“LeBron is looking for another piece,” Bell said. “You put LeBron, Kawhi, (and) you don’t have to get rid of Kevin Love in that package you’re back in the thick of things.”
JUNE 21, 2018
There have been rumors aplenty of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonardbecoming teammates as new members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, according to one former NBA player and Cavaliers front-office member, they could indeed end up being teammates… in Cleveland.
Now with CBS Sports, Raja Bellbelieves the two All-Star forwards could actually be working toward becoming teammates with the Cavaliers.
“Yeah I do. My question is if whether Kawhi is going to come off that demand and go to the Lakers…If he’s only going to sign with the Lakers that’s a rental for them,” Bell, the former Director of Player Administration for the Cavaliers, said. “But I do think if he’s had these conversations with LeBron which I imagine he’s had. If he figures out a way to get to Cleveland then LeBron stays in Cleveland.”
Bell says James is in search of another star player to join him in Cleveland with Kevin Love.
“LeBron is looking for another piece,” Bell said. “You put LeBron, Kawhi, (and) you don’t have to get rid of Kevin Love in that package you’re back in the thick of things.”