Around the League: Week 8 12/15-12/21

[carey]

Nationally televised games this week.

Monday: LA Lakers @ Indiana 9:00 EST NBATv
Tuesday: Golden State @ Memphis 8:00 EST ESPN, OKC @ Sacramento 10:30 EST ESPN
Wednesday: Brooklyn @ Toronto 8:00 EST ESPN, Houston @ Denver 10:30 EST ESPN
Thursday: NY @ Chicago 8:00 EST TNT, OKC @ Golden State 10:30 EST TNT
Friday: Portland @ San Antonio 8:00 EST ESPN, OKC @ LA Lakers 10:30 EST ESPN
Saturday: No games.
Sunday: Detroit @ Brooklyn 6:00 EST NBATv

NBA News.

Hornets already looking to trade Stephenson: LINK
Nets players wonder if they play better without Brook Lopez: LINK
Remember that Nets fan that got kicked out of MSG? Well he killed himself. LINK
Kings fire their coach which is kind of surprising: LINK

[Mori Chu]

Remember that Nets fan that got kicked out of MSG? Well he killed himself. LINK

[Ring_Wanted]

Speaking about the Kings and Josh Smith trades, get this: https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/544479698924105728 'Detroit didn't like the offers'. Wow. Beggars and choosers, you say?

[Ring_Wanted]

Oh, and George Karl sounds as the replacement to Malone, according to CBS ports. Vinni Del Negro too, per Woj.

[ShelC]

Some mentions about Mullin taking over as well. Guess he feels like if those other guys can do it, why not him?

[Shabazz]

https://twitter.com/JeffZillgitt/status/544572056558645248 Bah.

[Ring_Wanted]

Makes sense for him as that's the only way to achieve a sign and trade next summer to a team of his liking if it's over the cap.

Too bad for us, he could have been a good target.

[Shabazz]

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2 ... um=twitter

This column contradicts that tweet and mentions us as a possible destination.

[carey]

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2 ... um=twitter

This column contradicts that tweet and mentions us as a possible destination.

Everyone realizes that we have no money to re-sign him if we trade for him right? Trade means losing bird rights, no bird rights means we can not go over our own cap to sign him. With the Morris' extension kicking in and with Goran's cap hold being around $11.25Mil after he opts out in June there will be like maybe $5Mil available for FAs depending on where we draft.

[Ring_Wanted]

Depending on who is sent out, we could have enough to make a real offer.

[Shabazz]

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2 ... um=twitter

This column contradicts that tweet and mentions us as a possible destination.

Everyone realizes that we have no money to re-sign him if we trade for him right? Trade means losing bird rights, no bird rights means we can not go over our own cap to sign him. With the Morris' extension kicking in and with Goran's cap hold being around $11.25Mil after he opts out in June there will be like maybe $5Mil available for FAs depending on where we draft.

Yes. Which is why I wouldn't be willing to offer more than Plumlee and the Minny pick. He's a rental (unless we clear the space to re-sign him), but if we're trying to make the playoffs this year he's a good option to explore.

Another player that might be available that's worth looking in to - Mason Plumlee. I'd be pushing this idea harder if I wasn't so sick of all the brother stuff.

[carey]

Depending on who is sent out, we could have enough to make a real offer.

Not really, no. We'd have to send out a number of assets for no return in order to have space to sign Monroe who I don't even see as much of an upgrade over Markieff. Yeah, he's a bit better, but not enough to divest ourselves of anything significant.

[Ring_Wanted]

Depending on who is sent out, we could have enough to make a real offer.

Not really, no. We'd have to send out a number of assets for no return in order to have space to sign Monroe who I don't even see as much of an upgrade over Markieff. Yeah, he's a bit better, but not enough to divest ourselves of anything significant.

It's easier than you are implying. IT and PJ, for instance, are scheduled to make 12.5M combined next season. Without them, you are looking at a 10 man roster at around 50M. Assume the cap raises the same it did last season, 3M, and it ends up around $66M.

Enough to add cap holds from picks and still offer Monroe a substantial amount, if not the max altogether.

About his fit I believe it's worth a try. Before the season started I was not really into Monroe, but Len's high post skills could work really well with him, and he is a clear upgrade on the boards.

If we were to add Monroe, I'd consider seriously putting Kieff back on the bench with his brother and running a High-low post offense with Len-Monroe.

[Ring_Wanted]

Robin Lopez is injuried. Broken hand. Got milk?

Anyway, let's see how Aldridge and the Blazers fare without their bodyguard and anchor.

[ShelC]

They still have Kaman, who's no slouch. As long as he can give them 25mpg, they'll be solid. And Leonard has looked pretty good this year as well. They have some nice depth.

[carey]

This Kings story is just weird: LINK

4 disappointing offseason signings now eligible to be traded: LINK (Guess who is No. 2.)

McBob to miss the season: LINK

D.A.'s morning tip! This one is largely about the Wiz: LINK

[Ring_Wanted]

They still have Kaman, who's no slouch. As long as he can give them 25mpg, they'll be solid. And Leonard has looked pretty good this year as well. They have some nice depth.

Kaman is skilled on offense but he is not a defensive presence for Aldridge, and Meyers has been basically ignored so far other than one game. He could finally put his physical gifts to use, but until he proves he belongs, the Blazers are going to suffer. The blow to the Blazers is real although I think the top8 in the west is basically set now that the Thunder are back and the Suns, Pelicans and Nuggets didn't take advantage of their injuries.

[Mori Chu]

Chris Kaman is indeed a slouch.

[Shabazz]

Per Marc Stein, Jabari Parker tore his ACL. Out for the season.

I had a feeling when I watched it that's what it was. Brutal. Tough to see it happen to anyone, but he seems like a good kid.

[Gladiator]

Yeah, that sucks about Parker. Following on from Randle, it's been a tough year for the rookie class