Time will tell what happens with the coaching job left vacant when Brett Brown was fired on Aug. 24. However, league sources said questions about the Sixers’ first-office structure have concerned some qualified would-be candidates. They were also concerned that Embiid’s close relationship with ownership would have an impact on a coach’s authority. Another concern was Embiid and Ben Simmons being empowered to think they have a hand in the coaching hire. The sources also wonder who’s actually in charge, even though the Sixers keep saying it’s Brand.
Time will tell what happens with the coaching job left …
September 16, 2021 | 1:03 pm EDT Update
Hawks signing Jahlil Okafor
Shams Charania: Free agent center Jahlil Okafor is signing a non-guaranteed deal with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
Cameron Oliver back to the NBA
The Cairns Taipans have announced that high-flying import Cameron Oliver will not be returning to the NBL this season, and instead accept an Exhibit 10 contract in California. The club originally signed Oliver with the intentions of providing him with a pathway to a higher level and are thrilled that he is one step closer to the NBA. After a stellar debut with the Taipans, Oliver committed to a new two-year deal in 2020. His second season with the club was cut short due to family reasons, which the club accepted and provided him with a release to return home to the US. He received a 10-day contract with the Houston Rockets towards the end of the 2020-21 NBA season and in August suited up for the Golden State Warriors at Summer League.
“This is such a positive outcome. Cam said that he has never felt this close to his NBA dream, and this is exactly what we want. It speaks volumes of the Taipans organisation because they took a chance on him and look where he is now,” said Coach Forde. “I came into this role knowing that Cam was on the fringe of the NBA – so we have been diligently planning for this possibility and it’s fortunate it’s at this time, during the pre-season. We’ve been prepared for all scenarios but now we can progress forward with certainty. “I’m so happy for him, the team are extremely proud of him and now we get to move forward, sign another talented player and focus on winning a Championship for Cairns.”
Garza, who was the 52nd overall pick, was named to the All-Summer League second team after averaging 15 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one blocked shot in five games with the Pistons. He finished off his stay in Las Vegas with his best game, recording 21 points and 15 rebounds. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Pistons are expected to convert Garza’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal prior to the start of the season. Detroit would then have an open two-way spot they could use to sign an additional player.
Scott Agness: The Pacers have applied for the NBA’s Disabled Player Exception, league source told @FieldhouseFiles. It would allow them to add another player after guard Edmond Sumner had surgery this week to repair a torn left Achilles.
What is your take on the Zach LaVine FA rumors in 2022? How realistic is it for the Celtics financially and roster wise? Thanks, Jeff. Brian Robb: LaVine is a name that has been floated for a little bit as a potential target for Boston if Bradley Beal elects to stay put in Washington. His age and position do line up fairly well among Boston’s current group, however, there are some significant obstacles in any pursuit of the shooting guard during the next year.
A potential Celtics free agent target could be Chicago’s Zach LaVine, who is entering the final year of his contract. He will have to prove he can lead the Bulls to the playoffs before a contract extension. LaVine changed representation recently and signed with Klutch Sports, which is usually the move for players who want to maximize their free agent potential. LaVine, 26, just coming off helping Team USA to the gold medal, will ask for a maximum contract in the open market. The Olympic experience may have enhanced LaVine’s value because he was asked to be a three-and-D player, sparking the Americans with his full-court defense and ability to run the floor. In the case that Bradley Beal decides to stay in Washington, LaVine could be the Celtics’ No. 1 target. The Bulls, who added DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball in the offseason, have full intentions to be a factor in the Eastern Conference .
What trade value would Schroeder have at the deadline for a contending team? C’s will be good this season, so probably won’t happen, but would Schroeder command a protected 1st or good young player? — Mr. Positive. Brian Robb: I think that either of those returns would probably be a very best-case scenario. The good news for Boston when it comes to Schroder’s trade value is that his contract is very cheap so it would be very easy for a team to add him without going over their budget. The problem for Brad Stevens is that Schroder does not have any Bird Rights after signing a one-year deal. That means any team that trades for him will need to use their own cap space to re-sign him. Most playoff teams are capped out for next summer already so that should limit a potential return in the event the Celtics decide to move on. If some team gets desperate, perhaps a late first-round pick could be in play but a couple of second-round picks and/or an unproven young player with promise seems more likely if Schroder has a good first half of the year and Boston wants to move on.
