NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova and More
The 2014-15 NBA season is in full swing, and every team is beginning to set out on the long and arduous journey through the regular season in hopes of earning a coveted spot in the playoffs. Rest assured, plenty will change between now and then.
Alterations are already being made to some teams across the Association. Some changes are favorable, as squads improve via trades or free-agent signings. Unfortunately, others aren't so lucky, as roster shifts must be made due to injuries and suspensions.
There are already rumors of such alterations surfacing from trusted sources around the Web. Some of these changes may only set a team back for a short amount of time; however, others could have season-long implications. Here's a look at three of the most recent intriguing pieces of information to pop up on the Internet.
J.R. Smith Suspension
New York Knicks point guard J.R. Smith was suspended for one game without pay for hitting Washington Wizards guard Glen Rice in the groin, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com. Smith struck Rice after some contact between the two players near the top of the key.
Apparently, there will be an appeal filed by the National Basketball Players Association in regard to the suspension, according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck:
This may be a difficult appeal to win, as the video doesn't exactly have clear evidence one way or the other. The hit may have been incidental; however, the video evidence also can't rule out the fact that the strike may have been intentional.
As they say in the NFL, the call on the field stands due to inconclusive evidence.
Smith is averaging 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game coming off the bench for the Knicks this season.
Matthew Dellavedova Shelved
A bit of bad news surfaced for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday evening. Dellavedova injured his left knee Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. While the Cavaliers have yet to release any information, Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, via The Plain Dealer, relayed the guard's updated status:
"Doctors in Salt Lake City have diagnosed Cavaliers backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova with a Grade II MCL sprain in his left knee, league sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group.
We have been informed that he could miss up to six weeks. The Cavaliers will get Dellavedova checked out in Cleveland before they release any information.
The sources spoke on the conditions of anonymity due to the team having yet to make an official announcement.
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Dellavedova performed well in his three games this season. He's averaging 2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He has great range from behind the arc and is a good facilitator. This lob to Tristan Thompson showcases what he brings to the table:
The guard position lacks a bit of depth in Cleveland, and Dellavedova's absence will certainly shake things up for the next month or so.
John Lucas III Garnering Interest
Lucas, a 31-year-old veteran point guard, received plenty of interest before the season began. However, he's remained out of action so far this season in an effort to await a longer-term deal from an NBA franchise. Well, according to Shams Charania of RealGM, he may not have to wait much longer.
Charania wrote that Lucas could be returning to the Chicago Bulls later this season. Here's what Lucas' agent, Bernie Lee, had to say:
"John has received interest from different teams, but to say he has declined any formal offers would be inaccurate. John is in a situation, after a crazy summer, of trying to make the right decision versus any decision, but he is willing to prove himself as requested. John owes a tremendous amount of his value in the NBA to the opportunity Chicago's front office gave him there initially.
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Rejoining the Bulls would make sense due to Lucas' familiarity and past success with the team. He played in Chicago from 2010 through 2012, playing in 49 games during the 2011-12 season and averaging a career-high 7.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game coming off the bench.
The Bulls are off to a nice start this season, but with the oft-injured Derrick Rose in the fold, it never hurts to have some depth at the guard position.
