NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Chris Bosh, Nerlens Noel and 2017 Draft Plans
NBA rumors have ramped up on all levels. Teams have discussed draft plans, players hope to cash in on the free-agent market and one may return to the league after missing the previous season.
In a league with an increasing emphasis on wing players with shooting range, how much should a team pay for a big man with scoring abilities restricted primarily to the paint? The Dallas Mavericks acquired Nerlens Noel at the 2017 trade deadline but potentially face pushback in an attempt to retain the restricted free agent.
Most Philadelphia 76ers fans have the team taking a forward, Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum, but the organization could be looking in another direction.
What's the latest on a player returning to action, free agency and draft plans for the summer?
Chris Bosh Pushing for a Return
At 33 years old, Chris Bosh isn't ready to officially retire, but his blood clot condition could force him in that direction.
Bosh, his former team (the Miami Heat) and the league's player association came to terms on an agreement that would allow the club to clear the 11-time All-Star off its books while he moves on with his career, per ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst.
"Under the current rules, if he were to return and play more than 25 games for another team, his salary cap hit would return to the Heat's books and they would potentially face luxury tax penalties.
Under the new CBA, a panel of doctors selected by the league and the association would determine whether a player with a potentially life-threatening medical condition would be cleared to play."
The new collective bargaining agreement regulations on players with life-threatening conditions took Bosh's situation into consideration. Now, what does that mean for the talented big man?
Regardless of Bosh's desire to play, an NBA team has to be willing to take a chance on him. A club would have to feel comfortable with putting the 33-year-old husband and father of five in harm's way. NBA.com reporter David Aldridge polled personnel executives. There's interest in the two-time champion, but the decision ultimately rests with league doctors.
"The majority of front office people who gave their (anonymous, obviously) thoughts on Bosh believed that while there would be interest in him, it would be hard for any team to go after him because it would be so hard to find a doctor who would pass him on a physical," said Aldridge.
When it comes to protecting a life or allowing an already decorated basketball career to continue, physicians will likely err on the side of caution. Bosh seems eager to play again, but the chances look slim at this point.
Nerlens Noel Headed for a Big Payday
In today's league, you want a two-way player on the wing who can shoot with efficiency and defend on the other end. At 6'11", Noel has developed into a proven rim protector, but he's a liability further away from the basket.
There's a reason the Sixers kept faith in Joel Embiid and dealt Noel. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2014 draft shot 42 percent of his field goals at 25-29 feet from the basket. The soon-to-be restricted free agent attempted 70 percent of his shots less than five feet away from the hoop.
Despite the restrictions, Noel will garner interest on the market as a restricted free agent, per Scout.com writer Mike Fisher.
"A source from another NBA team (not the Mavs) tells me that there will be 'multiple' clubs willing to pay Noel his max once he hits the restricted-free-agent market on July 1," Fisher said.
Fisher points out Noel could sign a four-year, $108 million max deal with another team, and the Mavericks would have an opportunity to match the offer. The 23-year-old certainly has upside. However, paying more than $20 million per year for a developing center without a mid-range shot and averaging 10 points per game over three seasons seems a bit steep. The market will put Dallas in a tough position.
Philadelphia 76ers Interested in De'Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith
Sixers fans are convinced the team will select Jackson or Tatum. However, New York Daily News reporter Stefan Bondy revealed two other options at the No. 3 overall spot in the upcoming draft:
De'Aaron Fox at No. 3 would probably anger the Sacramento Kings, who desperately need a quality point guard, at No. 5. Furthermore, fans would probably wonder why the team should select a distributor with ball-dominant forward Ben Simmons on the mend.
Dennis Smith projects as a more versatile scorer compared to Fox, and the North Carolina State product averaged more assists. Nonetheless, no one questions the Kentucky standout's effort and potential upside.
Fox and Smith may gain traction in Philadelphia, but one has to wonder about their potential fits with Simmons as the primary facilitator. Either prospect would have to develop as an off-ball guard when sharing the court with the 2016 No. 1 overall pick.
The Sixers can approach the draft in a variety of ways. At the very least, they're set to pick up another quality pick. Trusting the process should eventually pay off in the win column with a young, talented nucleus.
Stats provided by NBA.com and Basketball Reference unless otherwise noted.
