Fadeaway Friday: Chasson Randle and Quincy Acy sign 10-day contracts

This week, there were two guys who signed 10-day contracts from the NBA Development League. Point guard Chasson Randle signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers after being with the Westchester Knicks and power forward Quincy Acy signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets after being with the Texas Legends. I will provide a quick breakdown of transactions.

                                               (Chasson Randle. Credit: dleague.nba.com) 

Chasson Randle is a 6'2" 185 pound guard out of Stanford who has bounced around a little bit following his collegiate career. During this season with the Westchester Knicks, Randle has averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.2% from the field, 40.2% from 3-point range, and 82.5% from the foul line. Randle has always been a good shooter, but due to being a bit undersized and being more of a combo guard than a true point guard, he's struggled to find a home in the NBA.

Chasson Randle has taken advantage of the D-League, using it to showcase his skills and refine his craft. His decision to sign in the D-League has paid off by getting a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and now he looks to prove his worth by signing a second 10-day contract and sticking with the 76ers for the rest of the season.

The reason the 76ers signed Chasson Randle is due to their lack of depth at the point guard position. Jerryd Bayless is out for the season due to wrist surgery and neither T.J. McConnell or Sergio Rodríguez are exactly "lighting it up." The 76ers could use another point guard on their roster, which means there are good odds Chasson Randle gets some minutes at the point guard spot. If he performs well, I could see him staying in Philly for the rest of the season.

                                         (Quincy Acy. Credit: dleague.nba.com) 

Quincy Acy is a 6'7", 240 pound power forward in his 5th year in the NBA out of Baylor. Acy has proven himself to be a quality rebounder in the NBA, averaging 8.4 rebounds per 36 minutes of action. Acy is a banger in the post and is very physical, overcoming his lack of height to still make his presence known in the paint.

The Brooklyn Nets rank 11th in rebounding and so by adding Quincy Acy, they are aiming to get even better in this department. What Acy will provide is toughness down low and one more big body to wreak havoc inside. In some respects, signing Quincy Acy doesn't make a whole lot of sense since where they need more bodies is in the backcourt. Isaiah Whitehead is dealing with a sprained left knee and Jeremy Lin is dealing with a strained hamstring. One would think that if the Nets were looking to sign somebody to a 10-day contract, they would have tried to sign a guard.

All the same, when you are 8-31, you really could get better in every aspect of the game and so in that sense, adding a veteran big guy like Quincy Acy that can crash the boards, play defense, and be a good practice player makes sense. Due to having a healthy front court, it's hard to see Quincy Acy cracking the rotation, but if he can prove himself to be a good practice player that pushes their big men and makes them better, he could warrant a second-day contract.

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Wednesday Windmill: The Derrick Rose situation is just another sign of New York Knicks dysfunction

Dysfunction seems to follow the New York Knicks wherever they go. On Monday night, Derrick Rose went A.W.A.L., not showing up for the Knicks' home game against the Pelicans and nobody in the Knicks organization had an immediate answer for his whereabouts after the game. Knicks president Phil Jackson didn't talk to the media after the game or provide any sort of explanation for what had happened to Derrick Rose, leaving Knicks players and head coach Jeff Hornacek to answer difficult questions that they really didn't have answers to. This whole situation is just another sign of incompetency and ineptitude in New York. Sadly, having a player seemingly vanish is just the kind of thing that would happen to the New York Knicks.

What's an especially bad look in all of this is that it was Joakim Noah that broke the news that Derrick Rose was ok, not Phil Jackson or team owner James Dolan. While it is true that Derrick Rose should have alerted somebody in the Knicks organization that he wasn't going to be present for Monday's game, Phil Jackson or James Dolan should have been the ones to address the Derrick Rose matter head on, not putting their players and head coach in an awkward situation.

                                          (Credit: Image via NBATV on YouTube. Click here for video) 

It appears as though the Knicks' dysfunction in the front office is leading to dysfunction on the court. The Knicks have lost 9 of their last 10 games and are now 17-22 overall, which makes them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Despite having some quality players in Carmelo Anthony (21.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game), Derrick Rose (17.3 points and 4.5 assists), and Kristaps Porzingis (19.8 points and 7.6 rebounds), this Knicks team is not able to gel and one has to wonder how much of that has to do with having a front office that isn't in very good communication with its players or coaching staff. In addition, there have been reports that Derrick Rose may not be getting along well with head coach Jeff Hornacek, so it appears as though the dysfunction truly is extending onto the court.

The sad thing with the New York Knicks is that they have their priorities all out of whack. They should be focusing on building around Kristaps Porzingis and making him the center of attention, but instead, they are dealing with all of this Derrick Rose drama and trying to do all they can to keep Carmelo Anthony happy. Honestly, I don't expect that to change so long as they have the same yahoos in charge. The Knicks really need a change of ownership and a brand new front office to take the franchise in a different direction. Phil Jackson isn't the answer and James Dolan sure as hell isn't the answer, either. New ownership needs to take over in order for this team to become contenders again. It's that simple.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: The Utah Jazz are playing elite defense in the paint

                                       (Credit: Chris Smoove on YouTube. Click here for video) 

The Utah Jazz are currently tied for 5th place in the Western Conference at 24-16 with the Memphis Grizzlies, proving themselves to be one of the most competitive teams in the NBA. The Jazz have won 6 of their last 10 games and are coming off of a 100-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier today.

Currently ranked 26th in points per game (98.4) and 27th in assists (18.9), the Jazz are clearly not winning games because of their offense. Though to be clear, Gordon Hayward is doing his part on offense, putting up 22.0 points per game on 45.0% shooting from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range while guys like George Hill (18.5 points per game) and Rodney Hood (13.5 points per game) are also finding success at putting the ball in the basket.

The Jazz have guys who can shoot the ball, but defense is definitely their calling card. The Jazz rank 1st in opponents points per game (94.9), 1st in opponent field goal percentage (42.9%), 5th in opponents second chance points (11.8 second chance points per game), and 1st in overall team defensive rating (101.4). They are also middle of the pack in rebounding, so they're doing a good job at controlling the boards. But, more than anything, they are just making it very difficult for opponents to score, which at the end of the day is what defense is all about.

The anchor of this Utah Jazz defense is Rudy Gobert, who is averaging 12.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Rudy Gobert is an elite defensive presence in the paint due to his length, quickness, and freakish athleticism. Gobert is doing a fantastic job at protecting the rim, making it very difficult for opponents to score inside.

In addition to Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors is doing a stellar job at controlling the paint, averaging 8.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Favors is proving to be a solid presence down low to accompany Gobert. As far as perimeter defense is concerned, the Jazz aren't as good, ranking 15th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage (35.7%), but they are still solid. George Hill is averaging 1.1 steals per game while Gordon Hayward averages 1.0 steals per game, making them a solid perimeter defending duo.

But, what really is making this Utah Jazz team dangerous is their interior defense. Together, Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors guard the paint as if their very lives depend on it. They are really doing a stellar job at forcing teams to take difficult shots inside, which leads to easy baskets in transition on the other end.

At this point of the season, all I can say about the Utah Jazz is that provided they can get fully healthy, they should able to win a playoff series this year. Derrick Favors, George Hill, Dante Exum, and Alec Burks have all missed games due to injury, but with everybody now getting back to full strength, this team appears capable of climbing up the Western Conference standings and living up to the preseason hype.

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Note: This blog post also appears on my Utah Jazz blog. utahjazz406.blogspot.com. Click here to check it out. 

Skyhook Sunday: The Indiana Pacers are starting to find their groove

One of the hottest teams in the NBA is the Indiana Pacers, who have won five straight games with wins over the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks. At 20-18 the Pacers find themselves in the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference and right in the mix to get home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The man who is primarily responsible for this five game winning streak is none other than Paul George, who is averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on the season. He's had two 30+ point games during this five game winning streak and nothing less than 19 points in any of the games. He's flat out balling right now and the Pacers are winning games as a result.

If there's one other player who deserves credit for the Pacers' new found success, it's their center Myles Turner, who is in his second year out of Texas. Turner is averaging 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, going off for 25 points and 15 rebounds against the Nets and 23 points and 12 rebounds against the Magic. Myles Turner is stepping up and playing big down low, which is huge given the ups and downs of Al Jefferson. "Big Al" was supposed to be the guy who provided consistent post presence down low for the Pacers, but instead it has been Myles Turner.

What's scary about this Pacers team is that in addition to Paul George and Myles Turner, they have other quality pieces like Al Jefferson, Jeff Teague, and Monta Ellis. Even C.J. Miles can get the hot hand from time to time. This Pacers team has a lot of talent and weapons that they can go to. It's just a matter of everybody getting on the same page and playing consistently. Right now, the only consistent players on this Pacers team are Paul George and Myles Turner. If the Pacers want to win a series and actually do some damage in the playoffs, guys like Al Jefferson, Jeff Teague, and Monta Ellis are going to have to step up and provide more consistent production.

The good new for the Pacers is that it's early in the season and they still have plenty of time to put it all together. If this team continues to get better and find their groove, they could be a team to watch out for in the Eastern Conference playoffs. I'm not saying they're championship contenders, but they could give the Cleveland  Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors a scare given the right conditions. It's just a matter of getting all the parts to work together.

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Saturday Slam: Adding Kyle Korver makes the Cleveland Cavaliers very dangerous

                                     (Credit: Atlanta Hawks YouTube Channel. Click here for video) 

By far the biggest news of the week in the NBA is the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Mo Williams, Mike Dunleavy, Jr., a protected first round pick, and cash. For the Atlanta Hawks, this is clearly a sign that they are looking to rebuild and free up as much cap space as possible. Mo Williams hasn't played all season due to a knee injury while Mike Dunleavy, Jr. is averaging 4.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. This move is all about the future for the Atlanta Hawks, who are starting to waive the white flag for the season amid rumors that they may also trade Paul Millsap.

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this is all about fortifying their bench as much as possible in hopes of making another deep run to the NBA Finals. With J.R. Smith going out for 3+ months due to thumb surgery, the Cavaliers felt the need to make a move for another sharpshooter, making Kyle Korver an ideal target.

Even though he is in his 14th season in the NBA, Kyle Korver is still very good at what he does best, which is shooting. He is averaging 9.5 points per game on 44.1% shooting from the field, 40.9% shooting from beyond the arc, and 88.9% shooting from the foul line. In a league that gives much more attention to the three-point shooting of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver is quietly continuing to be one of the top shooters the NBA has ever seen.

As far as what this move means for the Cavaliers, it has both short-term and long-term effects. From a short-term standpoint, Kyle Korver helps fill the void left by J.R. Smith, who while erratic and kind of crazy, is still one who can put up points in bunches. With Kyle Korver on board, the Cavaliers should worry a lot less about how they will survive without their three-point barraging wild man.

As far as long-term effects go, this just gives the Cavaliers one more three-point shooter to combat a Golden State Warriors team that is filled with great shooters. Even though the playoffs haven't started and won't start until April, the Cavaliers are already thinking about June as they should. Hell, the Warriors have been thinking about June since July when they went out and got Kevin Durant, so perhaps the Cavaliers are a little bit late to the party in terms of making big moves for June!

The Cavaliers know that against the Golden State Warriors, should they meet in the NBA Finals, they'll need all the weapons they can get from an offensive standpoint. By adding Kyle Korver, the Cavaliers get another guy who can cause problems from beyond the arc and help them keep up with the Warriors' lights out shooting. Plus, maybe the Cavaliers were hearing that Kyle Korver was on the market and feared that the Warriors may make a move for him. This move could be as much about playing keep away from the Warriors as it is about improving their roster.

When looking at this trade from both a short-term and long-term perspective, it is clear that this is a fabulous move by the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are getting a player who can help them put up points while J.R. Smith is out and also give them more depth and shooting for the playoffs. LeBron James has to be delighted to have a guy like Kyle Korver around. If I am giving this trade a grade, I'm giving it an A+ for the Cavaliers and a C+ for the Hawks. This move absolutely makes the Cavaliers a much more dangerous team while as for the Hawks, I'm still not convinced blowing up their team is the right move.

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Fadeaway Friday: Quinn Cook has the Canton Charge heating up

The Canton Charge are the hottest team in the NBA Development League right now, having won five straight games to get themselves a winning record (11-8). The player who has been leading the charge for the Charge is Quinn Cook, a 6'2", 175 pound guard in his second year out of Duke. During this winning streak, Cook has averaged 28.8 points on 50-108 (46.3%) shooting from the field, shooting pretty efficiently and doing a good job at carrying the scoring load.

In terms of whether or not this will lead to a 10-day contract for Quinn Cook remains to be seen, but if he keeps putting up numbers like this, odds are good he'll get a 10-day contract at some point in the season. One of the things that is important to understand is that while he is playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers' D-League affiliate, he is not actually property of the Cavaliers. This means he is free to sign with any NBA team that is interested in his services.

                                        (Credit: NBA D-League on YouTube. Click here for source) 

It is my personal belief that Quinn Cook is definitely in the mix to sign a 10-day contract, but due to his lack of size, it's hard to see him sticking with an NBA team for the rest of the season. Typically, guys who don't immediately stick in the NBA after their rookie seasons have a tough time finding a permanent home in the NBA. That's just the nature of the league. However, guys who can score and shoot like Quinn Cook definitely catch the eye of NBA scouts and give themselves a shot at getting signed.

As far as the Canton Charge are concerned, they are really benefiting from Quinn Cook's stellar shooting. His hot hand has got them right back in the D-League playoff mix. While Duke fans would obviously love to see their guy get another shot in the NBA, they better enjoy watching their guy heat up and carry a team on his back.

Going forward, the Canton Charge have a lot more work to do. They've clawed back into the playoff conversation and now they have to stay here and gain more ground. So long as Quinn Cook plays like he has been and other guys find ways to step up, the Charge could very well sneak into the D-League playoffs. They are certainly a team to keep an eye on.

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Wednesday Windmill: The Atlanta Hawks would be crazy to trade Paul Millsap

                                          (Credit: Ketih Allison. Click here for source) 

At 18-16, the Atlanta Hawks are 5^th in the Eastern Conference, battling for a top-four seed and home court advantage in the playoffs. They’ve won 3 straight games and are coming off of a 114-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs in overtime at home. In short, things are looking good for the Hawks at the moment.

At the same time, their leading scorer Paul Millsap (17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game) is frequently being mentioned in trade rumors. It’s not like there’ve been a few whispers of him possibly being moved. This is out in the open. On New Year’s Day, Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN both reported that Paul Millsap could be traded in advance of the trade deadline due to the impending player option on his contract, which he’ll be able to exercise this summer.

Due to this player option, Paul Millsap could theoretically be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, but it’s no guarantee that he’ll exercise his option. Even if he does exercise his option, he could do so as a means to re-upping with the Hawks for more cash. So, the possibility of him hitting the free agent market doesn’t necessarily indicate that he’ll choose to leave Atlanta.

If there’s any indication that he won’t choose to bail on Atlanta, his words to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution seem to be pretty solid proof that he wants to remain a member of the Atlanta Hawks: “Everybody knows where my heart is and where I want to be. That would be here [Atlanta], yes.”  

Unless the Atlanta Hawks are utterly convinced that Paul Millsap would hop on the first steamboat out of Atlanta if given the chance, they need to seriously think about whether or not they want to really trade him. Paul Millsap is one of the top forwards in the NBA and by trading him, they’ll essentially be heading for rebuilding mode. I could understand making such a move if the Hawks were below .500 and struggling to make the playoffs, but as a team that could get home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, looking to pull the plug and rebuild feels a bit premature.

The Hawks brought in Dwight Howard as a complimentary piece to Paul Millsap down low and they also have a quality young point guard in Dennis Schröder, who is averaging 17.5 points and 6.3 assists per game. In addition to Howard and Schröder, the Hawks have other quality pieces around Paul Millsap as well like Tim Hardaway, Jr., Kyle Korver, and Tiago Splitter, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

The bottom line is that the Hawks have a quality team with Paul Millsap as their centerpiece, which means there’s really no reason to blow the whole team off the map. While they aren’t a championship contending team, they are still a competitive team that is growing and getting better. I understand that sometimes you need to have a championship or bust type of approach as an NBA franchise, but I see no reason to have such an attitude when you are in the mix to get home court advantage in an opening round playoff series.

With that all being said, it sounds like the Atlanta Hawks are determined to find a home for Paul Millsap, which means that there will be a lot of teams bidding for his services at the trade deadline.

As far as possible trade partners go, the Boston Celtics are an obvious team that could be willing to make a move. If you read my blog last week, you’d know that I think the Boston Celtics are in need of a trade to really threaten the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Boston Celtics added Paul Millsap to the fold and reunited him with Al Horford, they could really be cooking with gas.

Other teams that come to mind are the Philadelphia 76ers, who might be shopping Nerlens Noel, the Phoenix Suns, who might be shopping Eric Bledsoe, and maybe even the Utah Jazz, who Paul Millsap had great success with for many years. The Utah Jazz made the mistake of letting Paul Millsap go and so they could right that wrong by maybe trading away Derrick Favors to get him.

The only issue with making a move for Paul Millsap for the Utah Jazz (22-14) is that they are playing really good ball with their current roster and in order to get him, they would have to part with some pieces that they probably don’t want to part with. All the same, given Paul Millsap’s success in Utah and how much he liked the area, the Utah Jazz wouldn’t be crazy to at least entertain the possibility of bringing him back into the fold. 

If I can be totally honest, I don’t like the idea of Paul Millsap having to once again move on to a new city. He’s a really good dude and has played worthy of being a franchise player in both Utah and Atlanta, two teams that historically don’t contend for championships very often. The Jazz and Hawks are lucky they’ve had Paul Millsap both as a basketball player and as a citizen in their community.

Like I said, the Hawks would be crazy to trade Paul Millsap since they won’t get that same level of production in return and in addition, they’ll be heading in the direction of the NBA Draft Lottery. It makes no sense to me why you would trade a guy like Paul Millsap when he’s got your team in the thick of a playoff race, but perhaps that’s why I’m a sports journalist and not an NBA general manager.

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