NBA Rumors Round-Up
NBA Rumors: Mavericks Searching For Point Guard Help
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated04 Dec 2023
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With Rondo likely out for an extrended period of time, #Mavs owner Mark Cuban said he's looking to sign a player to a 10-day contract.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) February 5, 2015
Mark Cuban said Rajon Rondo did not suffer a concussion during his collision last Saturday with teammate Richard Jefferson.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) February 5, 2015
Via Twitter
The Mavericks currently have 14 players under contract, so they can call someone up from the D-League or sign a player whose season is completed in the Chinese Basketball Association whenever they want. However, that spot has presumably been left vacant for backup center prospect Jermaine O’Neal, who the Mavericks have been recruiting to spot Tyson Chandler for an extended period now. O’Neal is currently recovering from a knee operation, though, meaning the Mavericks could probably fit in a 10-day contract or two before he’s ready to go. Ideally, Rondo will be ready to return around then.
Rondo’s acclimation to the Mavericks has been tough at times, and being out for an extended period is only going to delay the chemistry-building process further. For a natural point guard like Rondo, getting a feel for his teammates tendencies and preferences is vital, especially as he gets set to enter free agency with hopes of netting a max contract offer.
At 33-18 after Wednesday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Mavericks are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs are nipping at their heels though and playing much better basketball. As far as just making the playoffs is concerned, though, they appear to be in pretty good shape six game lead on the ninth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans.
Steve Kerr says the NBA has asked him what guard he's picking to start in the All-Star game beside Curry. Kerr said no decision yet.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) February 5, 2015
Kerr said the NBA gave him no exact timetable so he'll wait on a decision for now.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) February 5, 2015
Via Twitter
In terms of production, and votes, Houston Rockets guard James Harden is the easy choice to take Kobe Bryant’s spot in the starting lineup. However, the decision is up to Kerr, and he could very easily opt to start his own player Klay Thompson instead. He could justify it by saying it’s a chemistry (or defense) based decision since coaches often opt to play teammates together during All-Star games. Plus, Thomas is not undeserving of the honor by any means. Harden may have the better case, but don’t be shocked at all if Thompson gets the nod instead. After all, it’d mean a lot to Thompson and be a real sign of loyalty from his first year head coach. It won’t sit well with Harden, but making him happy isn’t anywhere near as high on Kerr’s priority list as keeping Thompson is.
“I would certainly expect him before the playoffs ,” Dr. Lowe said in an interview with FOX26 Sports. “I hope we have quite a few games before the playoffs.
“I really expect him to recover and play again this season.”
Dr. Lowe said the goal of the injection is to help Howard recover faster.
He said there is nothing structurally wrong with Howard’s knee.
Via Mark Berman of My Fox Houston
Lowe was the doctor who operated on Howard, giving him an injection of bone marrow. As of right now, Howard is expected to be re-evaluated in a month and no official timetable other than that has been set. Howard has been troubled by the knee throughout the season and being years removed from the last time he advanced past the first round, understands that he needs to be at full strength come playoff time. The Rockets have proven to be very capable in his absence, so there’s no need for him to rush back. He can afford to let the knee heal, and hopefully come back at full strength with enough time to shake off the rust before the postseason begins.
