NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Buzz Throughout the League
July has come and gone and there is still buzz throughout the NBA concerning some notable free agents.
Whether teams are looking for an experienced forward or a productive guard who is seeking a more advanced role on the hardwood, there is still some decent talent out on the market.
Contenders as well as bottom-feeders are still seeking to complete their rosters this summer. Here's a look at the latest rumors throughout the Association, complete with analysis.
Where Will Antawn Jamison Sign?
Antawn Jamison still doesn't have a team.
But that may have more to do with the 37-year-old than anything else.
Jamison has received interest in the summer from the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats according to DeAntae Prince of Sporting News, but he's taking the decision-making process very seriously as his career winds down.
Jamison said, via the report:
"I think last year, getting the opportunity to play for the Lakers and their organization, I really jumped into it. Didn't really view my options, but this year I really want to make sure I'm going to the right situation, where I have a good rapport with the coaching staff and also with management I'm able to communicate and get an understanding of what they want from me.
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Jamison played in less than 22 minutes per game under coach Mike D'Antoni last season, the worst mark of his career. This was despite shooting 46 percent from the floor and 36 percent from beyond the arc. He reportedly made it no secret that his playing time bothered him with the Lakers, but he said he didn't want to create more drama in what was a tumultuous ride for the organization in 2012-13.
Jamison believes he still has a couple of solid seasons left in the NBA. He's a two-time All-Star and a former Sixth Man of the Year.
Will Beno Udrih Join the Knicks?
Interestingly enough despite being one of the better backup point guards on the market this summer, free agent Beno Udrih hasn't received much attention throughout the NBA.
In the beginning of July, Sean Deveney of Sporting News noted:
Now, with Udrih still not coming to a deal, the New York Knicks are reportedly urging him to sign with the team for the veteran's minimum, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com:
The big issue for Udrih is his playing time, which may be why it has taken so long for him to sign with someone. He averaged 27 minutes per game after being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Orlando Magic last season, but still wasn't satisfied with his role.
Udrih played well last season when given more minutes by the Magic. He averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 40 percent from the floor.
The last time he received extensive minutes was in 2010-11 with the Sacramento Kings. During which he averaged 13.7 points, 4.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 50 percent from the floor, 36 percent from downtown and 86 percent from the free-throw line.
So, you can see why Udrih believes he deserves more playing time.
Also, for the most part, Udrih has also been a pretty good defender the past couple of seasons.
It's going to be interesting to see if New York can convince the 31-year-old to sign this summer.
Knicks Interested in Center Hamed Haddadi?
The Knicks are currently looking for depth behind center Tyson Chandler.
Hamed Haddadi, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns last season, could be that man according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday:
Haddadi has plenty of limitations out on the court, which is why he's never averaged more than 14 minutes per game with any team, but there two things he is especially good for: rebounding and defending big men. He can also convert easy buckets at the rim.
Haddadi had such a high PER with the Grizzlies in his first four seasons in the league because the Grizzlies simply put him in the best position to succeed. They didn't ask him to go out and guard stretch-4s or mobile big men, they didn't ask him to finish in transition and they kept him near the paint on both ends of the floor.
So, the Grizzlies have proven that Haddadi can be an asset in some respect. In particular, he's an outstanding rebounder. He ranked seventh in total rebounding rate among all centers who played in at least 14 games in 2011-12, per Hoopdata.com. He wouldn't be a bad addition to the Knicks' roster if used properly.
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