Bobby Marks: Nets roster heading to Orlando Chris Chiozza Tyler Johnson Caris LeVert Garrett Temple Jeremiah Martin Justin Anderson Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Joe Harris Dzanan Musa Rodions Kurucs Jarrett Allen Substitute 1 Substitute 2 Substitute 3
Rodions Kurucs Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: F
Born: 02/05/98
Height: 6-9 / 2.06
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $1,699,236
Born: 02/05/98
Height: 6-9 / 2.06
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $1,699,236
Anthony Puccio: With Wilson Chandler opting out, we might have seen the last of him in a Nets uniform. Until then, Nets are extremely thin at the PF spot entering Orlando. Taurean Prince started the 4 most of the year. Rodions Kurucs was an afterthought. Opportunity for both.
VEF Riga guard Arturs Kurucs has entered the 2020 NBA Draft per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. He’s the younger brother of Brooklyn Nets forward Rodions Kurucs A shooting guard standing at 6’3″, the 20-year-old Kurucs had a productive run with Riga before the season hiatus. The Latvian player averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 30.4 minutes over 14 games in the Basketball Champions League.
That’s Dzanan Musa. The youngest player on the Nets’ roster is 13 hours away from his native country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Well, 13 hours away if he could fly home, which he clearly can’t with COVID-19 running rampant. He, along with fellow European players Rodions Kurucs and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, are stuck stateside for the foreseeable future. “I had a conversation with the three of those guys [Tuesday] night together. They are coping, and their families are coping with this. But that’s really difficult,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said. “Their families are completely separated. They’re not in the same time zone, they’re in completely different countries, and obviously there is a travel ban in place. So, these guys cannot go home.
Alex Schiffer: Kenny Atkinson does not expect Wilson Chandler’s personal issue to be long-term. Expects him back quickly. Adds that there is no surgery date yet for Kyrie Irving. Likely to see Rodions Kurucs tonight with no Chandler.
As one of the returnees on a team with eight newcomers, Kurucs was passed on the depth chart by multiple players until he recently found his stride. After such a promising rookie season in which he averaged 8.9 points per game on 45 percent shooting, Kurucs is averaging 4.3 points on 46 percent shooting this year. He still has the second-half of the year to prevent a sophomore slump, but given the Nets’ depth at forward and uncertainty surrounding his court case — he’s facing multiple domestic violence-related charges stemming from a September arrest — it’s hard not to wonder about his long-term future with the organization.
Kurucs, who appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court wearing a blue plaid suit, stayed mum as his lawyer told the judge he’d received a “significant amount” of materials from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office after 5 p.m. Tuesday — which gave him no time to review what he received.
“I’m not liking what I see with Rodi’s development. And that’s where, he was a huge part for what I saw of the future. (Taurean) Prince kind of took a little bit of that. And then, I’m glad they started Jarrett Allen there because his growth for them next year is crucial for them. “….They knew Durant wasn’t going to play this year. So development (of young players) is still crucial (this season).
Teams monitoring Rodions Kurucs
After starting 46 games and averaging 8.5 PPG last year, Kurucs has been an afterthought this season, shuttling back and forth from the G League. Over the summer, Kurucs was arrested following domestic violence allegations in a case that remains ongoing. Approaching the deadline, sources say that at least two NBA teams are spending resources to conduct a full background check on Kurucs to see if he is a worthwhile trade target.
Brooklyn Nets forward Rodions Kurucs appeared before a judge on Tuesday morning for a third hearing in his domestic violence case in which he is accused of choking his girlfriend during an argument at the couple’s apartment this past summer.
He was the first defendant called to appear before Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Kerry Ward, and he seemed to wince as a court officer mangled the pronunciation of his name as he announced it to a full courtroom. “Oh, that’s bad,” Kurucs muttered as he stood to walk to the front of the courtroom.
Alex Spiro, Kurucs’ lawyer, and a prosecutor discussed with Ward the evidence that has been presented in the case. His side noted that there are no recordings of 911 calls associated with the alleged domestic violence incident, nor are there associated photos or witnesses. “Sir, I want to remind you that the order of protection remains in effect … do you understand?” Ward said to Kurucs as the hearing ended. “Yes,” he replied.
Nets Daily: From NetsPR The Brooklyn Nets have recalled Rodions Kurucs from their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, following today’s game. Kurucs totaled 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes for Long Island vs. Windy City.
Anthony Puccio: The Brooklyn Nets have assigned Rodions Kurucs to their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, ahead of Long Island’s game vs. Windy City today.
His lawyer has denied any wrongdoing by his client, and Kurucs allegedly threatened to kill himself during the June 27 incident with his girlfriend. But when asked if he felt the case was weighing on the young forward’s psyche and hindering his performance, Atkinson said no. “I don’t think so,” Atkinson told The Post. “It’s not part of the conversation. I think his sanctuary right now is the basketball court. He’s practiced well, he’s engaged with his teammates; I see it. It’s more about the change in role and a young player having to deal with the different role.”
Anthony Puccio: The Brooklyn Nets have assigned Nicolas Claxton, Rodions Kurucs and Dzanan Musa to their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, for today’s practice.
Brooklyn Nets forward Rodions Kurucs made a brief city court appearance in his domestic violence case Monday, just two days before his team’s home opener. The 6-foot-9 NBA star arrived in Brooklyn court dressed in a dark suit and stayed mum as he was ordered back to court Nov. 19. Kurucs, 21 — whose team will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Nets’ home opener Wednesday — is accused of assaulting his 32-year-old live-in girlfriend June 27 in their Gowanus, Brooklyn, apartment.
Anthony Puccio: Sean Marks on Rodions Kurucs: “I told him we’re here to support him… We’re here for you, your family.”
Early indications suggest that Kurucs doesn’t intend to cut a plea deal but rather seek dismissal of the charges. Kurucs’s attorney, Alex Spiro, tells Sports Illustrated that the allegations against his client are bogus and stem from a bad breakup in the relationship.
“The former couple flew away together arm in arm in the days that followed the alleged incident,” Spiro insists. “Only after an unfortunate breakup did these claims appear – claims that the misdemeanor hearing today revealed were backed by no photographs or objective medical facts.”
Kurucs must also contend with the potential immigration ramifications of the charges. Sports Illustrated has confirmed that Kurucs is playing in the NBA on a work visa. He is thus neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident (green card). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security enjoys substantial discretion to seek the deportation of non-citizens who are convicted of violent crimes. Likewise, the agency can ensure that once the person leaves the U.S., he or she is deemed inadmissible to re-enter. Fortunately for Kurucs, he faces misdemeanor charges—and not felony charges.
Stefan Bondy: Nets statement on Rodions Kurucs’ arrest: pic.twitter.com/7DsbcYiAON
A Brooklyn Nets player was arrested Tuesday for choking his girlfriend in his Brooklyn apartment during an argument that went out of control, police sources said. Rodions Kurucs, 21, was busted for attacking his then-girlfriend on June 27 just before 8 p.m. in his apartment on Bond St. near First St. in Carroll Gardens. Police sources said a verbal argument spiraled out of control.
Kurucs allegedly screamed, “I am going to kill myself!” He allegedly put his hand around the woman’s throat and choked her, then forced her to march to his bed. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward allegedly pushed her on the bed, slapped her in the face twice, bit her lip and then picked her up and tossed her on the bed hard enough to hurt her ribs, the sources said.
She also suffered bruising to her ribs and face, according to prosecutor Wilfredo Cotto during the arraignment. Cotto said there are no pictures of her injuries, and noted the then-couple went to Las Vegas the next day. He said the couple dated for nine months, but have since broken up.
Bobby Marks: The Eric Paschall contract in Golden State is the 2nd highest (behind Rodions Kurucs last year-$4.78M) in guaranteed money for a player picked in the 40’s. Paschall is guaranteed $4.2M-cap hit of $898K, $1.5M and $1.8M. GSW used part of the $5.7M tax ML to sign him.
Rodions Kurucs is a 21-year-old Net who grew up in Latvia idolizing Durant. His reaction was about what one would expect. “KD is my favorite player. What do you want? Of course I’m excited,” Kurucs said after the Nets’ first summer league practice. “KD is my favorite player. How do you think I feel? Of course I feel great. He is my teammate, and I will have a lot of things to learn from him.”
Greg Logan: #Nets aren’t supposed to mention names of free agents until signings become official Saturday, but when I asked @Rodions Kurucs about coming changes, he couldn’t help himself: “KD is my favorite player; what do you want? Of course I’m excited. I have a lot of things to learn from him.”
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But that doesn’t mean Rodions Kurucs isn’t investing some sweat equity this offseason to earn every minute he can next season. From working out while in Europe this month to playing in Las Vegas Summer League next month, the Latvian forward is determined to stay in the mix. “I’m planning to play Summer League,” Kurucs, 21, told The Post. “My focus this summer is just working on my game, my all-around game, my handle, my shot, defense, rebounding, physicality for sure. Everything, basically, because I will need them next season.”
So far the Nets have added Jeff Peterson and Andy Birdsong as assistant general managers and have several other positions to fill. Brooklyn Nets assistant coach: Fleming, who worked primarily with Rodions Kurucs, left to join the Chicago Bulls as their lead assistant coach. Currently, there are four coaches who could move to the front of the bench alongside Kenny Atkinson, Jacque Vaughn and Bret Brielmaier. 1. Adam Harrington: Assistant coach / director of player development. Since the beginning of the Marks and Atkinson era, development has been an emphasis for the organization, which Harrington embodies.
Anthony Puccio: Rodions Kurucs is available for tonight’s game vs. Milwaukee.
Brian Lewis: Rodions Kurucs (right knee contusion) is doubtful tomorrow vs. the #Bucks, while Allen Crabbe (sore right knee) is out. #Nets
Anthony Puccio: “He’s not afraid of anybody.” – Kenny Atkinson on Rodions Kurucs
Brian Lewis: #Nets rookie @RODIONS1 on fellow Latvian Kristaps Porzingis going from the #Knicks to the #Mavericks: “I think it will be a better situation for him. He’ll have good teammates there and I think he will be happy there.” #nyk
It’s hard to know how high Kurucs’s ceiling is. He has been as good as his limited role allows him to be as a rookie. There is plenty of room to grow. He has one of the lower 3-point rates on the Nets roster, and he might develop into a player who can shoot 3s off movement, a really unusual skill for a guy with his size and speed. Kurucs is in the 59th percentile of scorers leaguewide coming around screens off the ball, albeit in a very limited number of attempts (18), per Synergy. Creating for others is probably farther away, since he so aggressively looks for his own shot that he rarely makes plays on the move. He can also improve physically. He has a frame that should allow him to put on weight without losing athleticism, now that he’s in an NBA strength-and-conditioning program. A 20-year-old who can already contribute on both ends of the floor before tapping into his athletic upside has the chance to be really good at 25.
Brian Lewis: Atkinson on taking Kurucs out of the lineup when Allen Crabbe returns: “He’s making it hard. That’s not going to be an easy decision. We’ll look at it hard…I like that defensive versatility & that size. He keeps playing like this it’s going to be tough to take him out.” #Nets
Anthony Puccio: “I’m just playing basketball. I was hungry, I didn’t play (in) three years, now I’m enjoying it.” – Rodions Kurucs on why he’s playing so well
Anthony Puccio: The Brooklyn Nets have defeated the Phoenix Suns, 111-103. They have won 8 of their last 9 and stand at 16-19 on the season. – Spencer Dinwiddie: 24 points, 7 assists – D’Angelo Russell: 18 points, 8 assists – Rodions Kurucs: 16 points, career-high 10 rebounds
