With the summer holidays in full swing and local competition, the NBL scheduled to kick off on Friday January 15th, lets take a quick look at what’s happening Stateside with Melbourne’s most famous Basketball player, NBA star Ben Simmons.
The NBA Season is again roaring along with some very exciting stuff, not the least of which was Lebron’s impossible corner 3 pointer.
But what’s happening with Ben Simmons? Read all about it here…
‘Connect the dots’: 76ers in hot water after Simmons skips town, develops mystery injury
Ben Simmons has caused the Sixers a bit of a headache
The Philadelphia 76ers have been fined $25,000 ($A32,000) after Ben Simmons reportedly skipped town without the team’s knowledge. Simmons was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s (AEDT) game against the Denver Nuggets with a knee injury, but the NBA was not informed of the development in requisite time.
The Sixers barely had enough players to field a team even before Simmons’ withdrawal after Seth Curry returned a positive COVID-19 diagnosis during the game against the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Yahoo Sports, while the rest of the team returned to their hotel in New York following the Nets game and Curry’s positive test, Simmons left the New York area and got a driver to take him back to Philadelphia.
This was done without the team’s knowledge and he was made to return to New York when his absence was discovered.
Yahoo’s NBA writer Vincent Goodwill told the Posted Up podcast: “What I have gathered was that Ben Simmons left New York that evening. He left New York and went back to Philadelphia, you know, apparently probably hired a driver from a service. I don’t think Ben Simmons was out here in a regular old, you know, Hyundai Sonata or nothing like that, you know what I’m saying? On the car service, I believe it was probably something reputable.
“The team clearly found out. Here’s the one thing that we do know. Because of the restaurant protocols and everything else, there’s certain restaurants and places that you can’t go to. There are no restaurants in New York City that are approved. So if a team is staying in New York City, they have to stay there. Apparently, Ben Simmons said, nah, I’m out. I’m headed out. Got a driver, went back to Philly.
“I believe the team found out, and I believe team security, as you know, you know, team security knows these things. They’re like the CIA. Ben Simmons has to come back. And magically, or however you want to say it, he winds up on the injury report the next day, you know, not playing. Now who knows how you want to connect the dots.”
Coach Doc Rivers said it was not a deliberate ploy from Simmons and a mistake that he quickly corrected.
“Obviously, that night we were all in disarray, a bunch of guys were ordering cars, because we all did think we could go back home,” he said, per the Philly Inquirer.
“Ben was on his way, I called him and told him he couldn’t because of league protocols, and he just turned around and came back. I don’t read, so I heard, but the way it sounded was like it was some kind of bad thing and it wasn’t, it was just the way it was.”
“We didn’t know anything. At the time, even I was ordering a car. We didn’t know what we could do the next day, we thought we could leave and get tested at home. Then we were told we could not do that. So, after that game it was, it was a lot of different moving parts going on at the same time.”
Rivers revealed Simmons had knee stiffness in the Brooklyn game amid concerns surrounding the fact he was not included on the injury report leading up to the game.
“Ben in the Brooklyn game had some knee stiffness, and so we almost probably knew after the game that he wouldn’t play tonight,” Rivers said. “And then Joel started complaining about his back over the last, he started yesterday. And we didn’t know if he was playing or not. But honestly, with the minutes we would have to ask, it would be insane to play him.”
Here in Victoria local competition is gradually returning to a semblance of normality but as yet there has not been a full return. There are still limits regarding spectators, venue limits and face masks.
Victoria was gifted an early Christmas present on Sunday the 20th of December when the Southside Flyers won the WNBL Grand Final in Townsville at the Townsville Stadium. Formerly known as the Dandenong Rangers, the team re a genuine Melbourne icon and it’s pleasing to see them carry off the major Trophy. You can read about it here…
Southside Flyers Are Your WNBL20 Champions!
Your Southside Flyers are the 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL Champions!
After a tense first three quarters our Southsiders overwhelmed the hometown Townsville Fire in the fourth, running out 99-82 victors in a superb team performance. Leilani Mitchell took home the Grand Final MVP and Rachel Sporn Medal for the Flyers after a brilliant individual game including 31 points, 5 assists and 5 3PM!
All in all, the perfect result after an incredible season #FlyersFamily. Thank you to all of our corporate partners, members, staff and fans for your incredible support during a crazy WNBL season in Queensland, it was anything but a normal campagin but we all pulled together to help our Southsiders over the line and we’re now all CHAMPIONS!
They were on a redemption mission this entire 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season but they had the pressure of expectations too and the Jayco Southside Flyers have realised their potential with a 99-82 Grand Final victory over the JCU Townsville Fire on Sunday.
As the old Dandenong Rangers, the club won championships in 2004, 2005 and 2012 but it has been a long wait since with a name change to the Southside Flyers along the way.
Since that last title, there was Grand Final losses in 2017 and earlier in 2020, preliminary final defeats in 2013 and 2014, and semi-final exits in 2015 and 2016.
But that was all put behind them as they claimed the championship with the 17-point win in front of a full house at Townsville Stadium.
The Flyers now win the championship on the back of a nine-game winning streak and they did have to overcome an early deficit against the young and excited Fire team playing in front of their home fans.
Southside also only had Liz Cambage for three minutes in the first half as she picked up two early fouls. But it was Leilani Mitchell who put the Flyers on top with 21 points and five three-pointers in the first half alone.
Cambage then came on to deliver 12 points in the third quarter and among plenty more big shots, Bec Cole produced some dagger threes in the fourth quarter to help the Flyers end up triumphant for the WNBL season spent in Far North Queensland.
Mitchell was named Grand Final MVP as she became a WNBL champion for the third time. She finished the afternoon with 31 points, five assists and four rebounds including going 5/7 from beyond the arc.
Bec Cole won her first WNBL championship and was instrumental in the result with 22 points, five steals and three assists while Cambage still put up 14 points and five rebounds in only 15 minutes to win her first title since 2011 with the Melbourne Boomers.
Cole couldn’t hide what the result meant to everyone involved straight afterwards.
“It feels like I’ve been waiting 20 years to do this and I’m just so proud to do it with these girls, representing Southside Flyers and have our family and sponsors here. I’m pretty speechless,” Cole said.
“It means the world. It means that in 2020 with all the blood, sweat and tears that we went through down in Victoria was worth it all. We are so emotional, and it just shows this creates friendships and memories to last a lifetime.”
Inspirational captain Jenna O’Hea overcame a knee injury to lead the Flyers to the title and had five points and five rebounds to celebrate her third WNBL title.
“It’s a little bit indescribable right now, it’s been a long time between drinks to win a championship and we got so close last season,” O’Hea said.
“Until today 2020 has been a roller coaster for everyone so to finish this way with this group of girls, there’s no better feeling.”
Steph Blicavs also won her third championship and had eight points while Sara Blicavs earned her second ring with seven points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Rachel Jarry is now a two-time WNBL champion and had six points and three rebounds with Aimie Clydesdale also winning for a second time with four points, three boards and three assists.
Rebecca Pizzey scored two points and won a championship for the first time as did Monique Conti, Taylah Giliam and Saraid Taylor.
Townsville started the Grand Final strongly to lead 8-2 but Southside responded with the next eight points as the first half became one of runs for both sides.
Mitchell, though, was the difference and went on to hit five three-pointers for the first half which helped the Flyers to the 48-46 advantage at the main break.
Cambage then came out possessed in the third quarter with eight quick points and 12 for the term as the Flyers’ lead grew to 10. Cole kept the advantage in double figures to start the fourth and by the time she nailed another with 2:50 to go, the lead was 19, and still 17 by the buzzer.
Chris Pike is a freelance contributor to WNBL.basketball
Nellakir would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, contractors, suppliers and friends a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At last things are returning to, well, a new kind of normal, and now indoor competition sport is back!
For Indoor Sports such as Basketball and Netball there are some very specific requirements. The peak bodies in both sports have provided guidelines for participants to assist in ensuring a smooth return for all who enjoy competing indoors on a premium sports floor.
Here are the links from both Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria to assist you…
GUIDELINES FOR ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS – INDOOR VENUES
GROUP LIMITS – ALL AGES
Indoor contact and non-contact sport permitted for all agesPlay with the number of people required, plus coaches, umpires and essential support personnel.For training, maximum of 50 people in each space, plus a coach and essential support personnel.A netball court is considered a space/zone.Where the venue has multiple courts, more than one group can be accommodated. Groups of no more than 50 people should gather in any space, and subject to the one person per four square metre rule. No cap on the number of people permitted in the venue, however this is subject to the one person per four square metre rule.
ACTIVITY
Collect and maintain a record of attendance for all participants, essential support personnel and spectators, including first name, phone number and date and time of each session. Click here to download QR Codes resourceAllow 10-minutes between each session to limit groups crossing over or mingling. Everyone should carry a face mask. Click here to download face mask resourceAll non-participants, including coaches and scorers, should wear a face mask where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Click here to download face mask resourceEnsure all participants are registered Netball Victoria members.Participation is optional and at the individual’s discretion.EQUIPMENT Minimise the use of shared equipment.Equipment should be cleaned and sanitised between each session.Each group should provide their own set of bibs.Each group should provide their own first aid kit with sufficient supply of gloves and sanitiser.
Basketball Victoria is pleased to announce further easing of restrictions regarding indoor basketball for participants and spectators across Victoria following the Premier’s announcement on Sunday 6 December.
Announced as part of the Victorian Government’s move to “CovidSafe Summer”, further information on how this affects sport and leisure is also available via the Sport and Recreation Victoria website.
Basketball Victoria has made the following updates in line with our Return to Sport Guidelines based on DHHS Restricted Activity Directions, effective as of Sunday 6 December at 11.59pm.
Basketball associations and clubs can operate under the COVID-Safe (previously known as Green-100) category of Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines, subject to the following:
Activities permitted at this level must follow a 1 person per 4 square metre density quotient, social distancing rules apply.
Signage must state the number of people permitted inside
Wipes, sanitiser / disinfectant must be supplied for use by patrons
Attendance record keeping is required (QR codes are highly encouraged)
Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVID-Safe Plan online.
Face masks are not required for players, referees and coaches during games.
Masks are recommended for all others in attendance.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Sunday 6 December at 11:59pm
VICTORIA WIDE
ALL AGES:
COVID-Safe (previously known as Green-100) – Indoor/Outdoor (contact or non-contact) Competition and/or Training.
For an explanation on what COVID-Safe (previously known as Green-100) means in practice, click here for our updated Return to Sport Guidelines.
QR Code Reporting
Basketball Victoria recommends the use of QR codes for all patrons to ensure sufficient attendance records are maintained over the coming months as we return to sport.
The Victorian Government has launched a new and free QR Code Service which will help venues and businesses to keep records of visitors. To use the service, you only need to register the venue or business, download and print a poster containing a Victorian Government QR Code, and display it prominently.
In addition, a PlayHQ COVID report is available for players, coaches and team managers who participate on a given day/night and are tagged into electronic scoring if a case arises. If required, please lodge a support ticket via https://support.playhq.com/ Basketball Victoria Participant Licence
As previously noted, the Basketball Victoria participation licence is not season or association specific and allows individuals to play as many times as they want across the state in a 365-day period. We are extending all active licences for individuals for the duration of the period that basketball was/is unable to be played in Victoria due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As you would be aware, in addition to competition management and insurance, individual participant fees (the Basketball Victoria Licence) cover a range of essential services and programs which we are and will continue to deliver.
Note: A detailed explanation of the 365 Day Licence can be found here.
However, as always, we will consider requests for individual refunds to those participants who are experiencing extreme hardship at any time (the individual must contact their club or association who then escalates to Basketball Victoria via a Support Ticket).
For Clubs, Associations and Venues, Basketball Victoria also offers a separate link here for such bodies.
Return to Sport Updates for Associations and Clubs
Return to Sport Update – 7 December
Basketball Victoria is pleased to announce further easing of restrictions regarding indoor basketball for participants and spectators across Victoria following the Premier’s announcement on Sunday 6 December.
Announced as part of the Victorian Government’s move to “CovidSafe Summer”, further information on how this affects sport and leisure is also available via the Sport and Recreation Victoria website.
Basketball Victoria has made the following updates in line with our Return to Sport Guidelines based on DHHS Restricted Activity Directions, effective as of Sunday 6 December at 11.59pm.
Basketball associations and clubs can operate under the COVID-Safe (previously known as Green-100) category of Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines, subject to the following:
Activities permitted at this level must follow a 1 person per 4 square metre density quotient, social distancing rules apply.
Signage must state the number of people permitted inside
Wipes, sanitiser / disinfectant must be supplied for use by patrons
Attendance record keeping is required (QR codes are highly encouraged)
Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVID-Safe Plan online.
Face masks are not required for players, referees and coaches during games.
Masks are recommended for all others in attendance.
For Nellakir this is a busy period of the year with many facilities taking advantage of the Holiday break to undertake Annual Cyclical Maintenance on their valuable Sports Floors. Timber Sports Flooring does require regular attention and tasks such as re-surfacing, Linemarking, repairs and refitting must be attended to at least once a year. This applies to multipurpose timber flooring in Schools, Sports Stadiums and Community Leisure Centres.
A competitive functioning playing surface in the basis for all indoor sports. premium Sprung Timber Sports Flooring systems are not unlike musical instruments, they require proper maintenance and care – and regular ‘tuning’ – by expert and experienced technicians.
Nellakir are the exclusive agents for ASF/Horner and can provide a range of options for new Timber Sports Flooring installations from ASF/Horner. You can view them here. The Nellakir team can advise you on which application is most suitable for your requirements.
Now more than ever it’s critically important to support Australian Industry and utilise certified Australian products. Rather than remitting monies offshore to support foreign suppliers, Nellakir utilise Australian Timber exclusively in all of its installations wherever possible.
Nellakir are the exclusive agent for ASF/Horner Sports Flooring Systems. ASF/Horner have supplied premium Timber Sports Flooring in Australia and globally now for over a century. Worldwide, Horner Flooring is the oldest name in Hardwood Flooring. In Australia the ASF/Horner Sprung Timber Sports Flooring is almost totally and predominantly selected Australian Hardwoods.
All timbers selected carry Australian Forestry Standard certification for Forest Management providing a Chain of Custody that ensures the standard is maintained in over 10.2 million hectares of Australian Forest. Australian timber means Australian jobs and employment right through the supply chain.
Most Government projects in Victoria and Tasmania specify the use of Australian Hardwoods and require permission to substitute exceptions. Nellakir maintain the use of Australian Hardwoods on all Sports Flooring installed by Nellakir. Australian Hardwood Sports Flooring is readily available so there is little or no reason to substitute foreign timbers on any project. Timber is harvested from sustainable plantations. Forestry Certification in Australia is administered through the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture.
When next you bounce a ball on the Timber Sports Flooring at your local Sports Stadium, make sure it’s actually Australian Timber. If it’s built by Nellakir and installed, maintained and cleaned to a professional schedule it will certainly be an ASF/Horner selected premium Australian Hardwood floor. Buy Australian – It’s the right thing to do.
For a free no-obligation quotation on all Sports Flooring requirements – annual maintenance, expert repairs and of course complete replacements and installations, call Nellakir now on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt reply.
In Season 2020 of the Chemist Warehouse WNBL, the games are being played in a North Queensland Hub. Eight teams from all over Australia are currently competing for the national Championship.
Teams include:
Townsville Fire
University of Canberra Capitals
Melbourne Booomers
Adelaide Lightning
Sydney Uni Flames
Bendigo Spirit
Perth Lynx
Southside Flyers
It’s a huge change for both players, coaches, team support staff and supporters. But for most it’s proving to be a very positive experience. Here is an article from the WNBL website…
Life in the Hub with Jade Melbourne
During the 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season, avid followers of the league’s digital and social media channels will get to enjoy insights and interviews with leading women’s basketball reporter and broadcaster, Megan Hustwaite.
With thanks to the league’s naming-rights partner, Chemist Warehouse, Megan is based in the North Queensland hub and is bringing fans along for the journey with a series of feature interviews.
In Part 3 of “Life in the Hub”, Megan catches up with University of Canberra Capitals rising star Jade Melbourne.
Jade Melbourne is having the time of her life The UC Capitals teen sensation is six games into her Chemist Warehouse WNBL career, has earned a spot in the starting line up and even top scored for her side against perennial finalist Deakin Melbourne Boomers in Mackay last week.
The 18-year old guard from regional Victoria, with the wide grin, cheeky giggle and perfect country manners, has just completed her year 12 exams and is loving every minute in the Far North Queensland WNBL hub.
“I’m absolutely loving it. I’m super fortunate to be in such a good team, staying in a pretty cool hotel and I’m just loving playing basketball to be honest,’’ she said.
“It’s unbelievable.”
Just like Melbourne’s lightning quick rise to prominence.
A phone call from Caps coach Paul Goriss and an invite to Canberra pre-season training quickly lead to a contract and packing for six weeks away in the hub.
Weeks later, Melbourne earned a spot in the starting five for the season-opener against Adelaide Lightning.
“I was in the starting group at training and started in a practice game against Sydney. Goz (coach Paul Goriss) called me into his room and told me he was going to start me against Adelaide and I was like ‘oh!’.
“It was crazy and a cool feeling. To hear that I’d be starting in my first WNBL game I was nervous, excited all in one. I’m just loving it.”
In just her fourth game, Melbourne scored a game-high 20 points in Round 2 as the Caps disposed of the Melbourne Boomers.
She already averages 10.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists and has scored in double figures four times including 14 points against the Villawood Properties Bendigo Spirit and Jayco Southside Flyers plus 12 on the JCU Townsville Fire.
“It was pretty cool (top scoring in her fourth game). I’m just super fortunate I play in such a great team,’’ Melbourne added.
“In our team, there’s so many players who can light it up on any night and I was just able to find some gaps in that game. Everyone has confidence in me which has given me confidence as well. I’m trying to make the most of those opportunities.”
Melbourne is enjoying life in the hub, the Caps are currently in Cairns after launching their campaign in Mackay. She says its like tournament play, similar to competing in last year’s Under-18 Australian Junior National championships for victorious Victoria.
“I’m learning new things every day,’’ she said.
“Everyone is willing to help and share their knowledge. They (Caps) have won two championships in a row, so I’m making the most of every training, every video session, playing every second or third day, staying in hotels with the girls, I’m just soaking it all up.”
Goriss first saw Melbourne last year training at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence at the AIS in Canberra.
“Being in Canberra I get to see those (CoE) girls, pop in and have a look. Jade’s improved greatly in the past 12 months,’’ he said.
“I was taken back by how much she’s improved physically, her game, skill wise and when the opportunity came up for us to have a development spot I worked with (CoE coach and Caps assistant coach) Kristen Veal, Basketball Australia and the CoE to see if we could get her on a contract before she goes to college and what that would look like around finishing year 12.”
Goriss has coached some of Australia’s best young male and female talent throughout his career and believes Melbourne’s potential is limitless.
“Jade’s an exciting player, I think she’s a future Opal. She has the skill level, the game, toughness – she’s just fearless. She has all the attributes of being an international player.”
Melbourne aspired to play in the WNBL and now wants a championship. Her goals are as big and exciting as her future.
“Ever since primary school I’ve wanted to play in the WNBA and play at an Olympics for the Opals. I’m working hard every day to try and achieve those goals and hopefully one day I can make it happen,’’ she said.
Following the season in North Queensland, and hopefully championship success, Melbourne will return to Traralgon in Victorian for Christmas and a long-awaited reunion with parents Brett and Sharon, and her two younger sisters.
“I’ll get to see the family for the first time in May, it will be good to see everyone and have some downtime.”
‘Life In the Hub’ by Megan Hustwaite thanks to WNBL naming-rights partner, Chemist Warehouse
Stadiums completed by Nellakir include the State Basketball Centre, Wantirna, Bendigo Stadium, Eagle Stadium, Casey Stadium and many more.
For premium service and thorough annual maintenance and scheduled professional court cleaning, call Nellakir now on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt reply. Schedule a free no-obligation inspection by our trained technicians and ensure an absolutely premium playing surface for all levels of competition as restrictions are eased and competition resumes.
Nellakir – Champion floors for present and future champions.
It’s the off season for the NBA and the NBL, the Super Netball is in recess and local competition is just re-commencing, so we thought it a good opportunity to share some all-time action. this week we feature “The Top Ten NBA Dunks of All Time”. Sit back, relax and be amazed!
Of course, real on-court action is entirely dependent on the provision of a premium playing surface. From the humble beginnings in fruit packing sheds and church halls, to the blacktop courts of New York City and Philadelphia, the real preferred playing surface has always been timber – Sprung Timber Sports Flooring.
Timber Sports Flooring provides give and bounce in a way that asphalt and concrete simply can’t – which is why all premier league games worldwide are now played on FIBA approved Timber Sports Flooring.
In Victoria, the State Government has funded multipurpose timber sports flooring in all new schools, both primary and secondary. As well many older schools have also been provided with such multipurpose facilities.
In addition, both Federal and State Governments have funded Community and Regional Indoor Sports Stadiums with FIBA approved Sports Flooring, enabling high level competitions.
Essentially this means that community participation in sports like Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and Gymnastics has increased exponentially over the last 20 years, with participation in both Basketball and Netball representing the fastest growing sports in Australia.
You can depend on and trust Nellakir. With over a quarter of a century experience, they’re the right team to assist you with your Timber Sports Flooring. Call now. (That number again? 03 94676126)
Nellakir – champion flooring for Present and Future champions. They’re simply the best.
For the Under 18’s in Victoria, Outdoor Competition is back on the table in Metro Melbourne and Regional Victoria. It’s only a matter of time before indoor competition begins again. Now is the time to make sure your Court Surface indoors is in premium shape along with your stadium’s portable seating.
Nellakir are the leading professionals in Victoria and Tasmania in Sprung Timber Sports Flooring – Installation, maintenance and scheduled programmed cleaning of all Sports Flooring.
Meanwhile the movement in NBA ranks has started post play-offs. Here’s an article to give some insight into the possible moves…
Trades to Get Every Eliminated Playoff Team to 2021 NBA Finals
Losing an NBA playoff series is never fun, and wound licking only provides so much relief.
But never fear, fans of the 14 teams dispatched from the 2020 postseason, we have discovered your club’s path to the 2021 Finals. It will take a trade to get there, and in some cases, it must be a pretty gargantuan change.
Since we’re free to focus on a one-year window, we’re also more willing to put top assets into trades than teams might actually be, but even then, we aren’t just giving top picks and prospects away. It’s just that if the potential prize is a championship, there are certain sacrifices clubs should be willing to make.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics receive: Myles Turner, Jeremy Lamb, Doug McDermott
The Al Horford-less Celtics had a functional collection of 5s until they didn’t. Once Bam Adebayo stood in their path in the Eastern Conference Finals, their lack of serviceable size became a fatal flaw.
Turner could help correct it. He’s not only a major defensive deterrent at the rim (career 2.6 blocks per 36 minutes), and he moves well enough to handle most perimeter switches. He also doesn’t gunk up the offensive spacing, since he’s a career 35.7 percent shooter from distance.
He’s not a star, but the Shamrocks are covered in that department by Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the latter two of whom are still working toward their peaks. Boston just needs more role players Brad Stevens can trust, and the club would get three back in this exchange. A sniper like McDermott is always useful, and Lamb could scratch an itch for second-team scoring whenever he’s recovered from a torn ACL.
The Pacers do this deal for two reasons. First, they’re ready to finally move away from the double-big lineup and hand the frontcourt keys to Domantas Sabonis. Second, they want to build a big winner ahead of Victor Oladipo’s journey to free agency and see Hayward, a former All-Star who hails from the Circle City, as their vehicle to get there. If Hayward is fully healthy, Indy gets the best player in the deal, plus two first-round picks.
Brooklyn’s search for a third star could take it several different directions—or none at all, if you share Kevin Durant’s belief that LeVert can handle the role—but Beal is the ultimate target.
He has the three-ball to prevent teams from overcrowding Durant and Kyrie Irving and the potency to power the attack on his own whenever needed. Since Beal won’t have to do everything on offense, he could have the energy to reverse his recent decline on defense, too. Basically, he’s the best-case scenario of LeVert and more, and Beal is only a year older.
The Wizards decide they’ve played hard ball long enough and pounce on a package with both present and future assets. Competing for a playoff berth is not out of the question with LeVert, Allen and Temple—whose $5 million team option must be picked up for this to work—alongside John Wall next season. Then, the two firsts and possibly early second all brighten the club’s long-term outlook, which should be the organization’s biggest focus.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks receive: Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Jalen Brunson, No. 18 pick, No. 31 pick (via GSW)
The Mavs might have a championship-quality duo in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but they need a third star to push them into full-fledged title contention. The problem is they don’t have the richest asset collection to use in their star search. They can only trade the No. 18 pick on draft night, and after that they can’t move another first-rounder until 2025.
They need a discounted star in other words, and maybe Gobert’s future uncertainty has lowered Utah’s trade demands. The 7-footer is approaching his final season under contract, and the Jazz might not want to break the bank (he is supermax eligible) to keep him. He’s already 28 years old, and his offensive limitations aren’t going away.
But the Mavs and their most efficient offense in NBA history can work around Gobert’s limits. They have enough shooting to keep the runway clear for Gobert to crush lobs on the back end of pick-and-rolls with Doncic. Gobert, in turn, could get their 18th-ranked defense where it needs to be for them to contend.
Kleber increases Utah’s versatility as a stretch 5 who can defend away from the basket. Hardaway either shares the spark-plug role with Jordan Clarkson or takes control of it if Clarkson departs in free agency. Brunson addresses a quietly pressing need for a backup point guard. The picks can either bring new prospects to town or be used in separate transactions for more immediate assistance.
Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets receive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Michael Porter Jr., Monte Morris, No. 22 pick (via HOU)
Rocking the boat on the heels of a Western Conference Finals appearance might seem excessive, but the Nuggets seem one piece shy of a true championship threat. Rather than waiting for Porter to become that player, they could flip the young scorer for Gilgeous-Alexander, who might be the ideal backcourt mate for Jamal Murray.
Gilgeous-Alexander blends primary-option scoring with versatile, disruptive defense, high-level distributing and off-the-dribble attacking. He can play within a system and complement the likes of Murray and Nikola Jokic or divert from it to relieve some of the pressure on the Nuggets’ stars.
Adding Gilgeous-Alexander potentially sets up Denver’s Big Three and positions it for sustained success. He’s just 22 years old, so the idea of joining him with the 25-year-old Jokic and 23-year-old Murray should terrify the Nuggets’ aging competition in the West.
The Thunder take the calculated risk of betting that Porter’s ceiling stretches even higher than Gilgeous-Alexander’s. It’s a gamble given how accomplished SGA already is, but it would hardly be an outlandish wager. If Porter hits his full potential, he could be basketball’s next matchup nightmare as an athletic, 6’10” three-level scorer.
The upside is too great for the Thunder to overlook, and they also bring back a rock-solid 25-year-old floor general in Morris and yet another first-round pick.
Orlando Magic receive: Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Ben McLemore, 2022 first-round pick (top-five protected), 2024 second-round pick, 2024 second-round pick (via GSW)
The Rockets are light on needle-movers beyond James Harden, so they need help to make an impact deal, Here, they receive it in the form of the Magic being desperate for offense and potentially ready to accept that it just isn’t working with Aaron Gordon.
If this deal is on the table—and if Tilman Fertitta wouldn’t recoil at the idea of elevating next season’s payroll—the Rockets should pounce in a hurry. Even if Gordon and Aminu aren’t the most reliable shooters, they can hit enough threes to not destroy the offensive spacing, and they could fit right into a switch-heavy defensive scheme.
Barring a major systematic change for the post-Mike D’Antoni Rockets, Gordon and Aminu should get all of their minutes as small-ball 4s and 5s. Gordon, in particular, could be a position change away from finally putting all the pieces together and proving why he was the fourth player taken in 2014. He should be a dynamic pick-and-roll screener with his explosive finishing at the basket and ability to find (and feed) open teammates.
The Magic, meanwhile, decide they’d rather not pay Gordon or Aminu when Jonathan Isaac, Nikola Vucevic, Mo Bamba and Chuma Okeke can handle all the 4 and 5 minutes. Instead, Orlando gets busy trying to fix its 23rd-ranked offense. If Eric Gordon can ever stay healthy, he can be a dynamic scorer, shooter and off-the-dribble creator. House and McLemore buy this offense some breathing room by scratching an itch for more spot-up sniping.
The Pacers already started the shake-up process with the dismissal of coach Nate McMillan, and that could be the first of several dominoes to drop.
Their interest in Mike D’Antoni, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, signals a willingness to retool the roster. The small-ball enthusiast has little use for a frontcourt featuring Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Goga Bitadze, so splitting with at least one of the three seems inevitable.
This deal not only helps balance Indiana’s roster, but it also brings back a two-way difference-maker in Jrue Holiday. He’s a two-time All-Defensive selection who is serviceable or better at everything on offense. That makes him an easy fit with any kind of supporting cast, and in the Circle City, he could form a do-it-all perimeter trio with Victor Oladipo and Malcolm Brogdon, giving Sabonis a bounty of impact receivers.
The Pelicans swap out the 30-year-old Holiday for players who better fit the time lines of Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. Turner, 24, is a near ideal frontcourt partner for Williamson with his floor-spacing and rim protection. Aaron Holiday, 24 on Sept. 30, gives the offense another off-the-dribble scoring threat. McDermott, 28, keeps defenses honest as a career 41.2 percent three-point shooter.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Derrick Rose
Detroit Pistons receive: Landry Shamet, Mfiondu Kabengele, 2022 second-round pick
This isn’t time for the Clippers to panic. Despite all the (deserved) heat they’ve taken for blowing a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the second round, this is still one of the league’s heavyweight title contenders. L.A. finished the season fourth in winning percentage and second in net efficiency rating.
But this isn’t the time to practice patience, either. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can enter free agency next offseason, and even if they stick around, it’s not like their primes will last indefinitely. Leonard’s 30th birthday is coming next June, and George is already on the wrong side of his.
L.A. needs to aggressively attack its deficiencies, and adding an actual floor general like Rose could be the key to unlock this offense’s full potential. Bring his 18.1 points and 5.6 assists to town, and defenses can no longer overload on Leonard and George. Rose may not be a top-shelf focal point anymore, but he’d be incredibly hard to handle as the Clippers’ third option.
The Pistons’ decision to keep Rose at the deadline may have torpedoed their chances of bringing back a first-round pick, but this isn’t a bad haul. Shamet is a 23-year-old sharpshooter with some off-the-dribble wiggle, and 23-year-old Kabengele offers an intriguing blend of length, athleticism, shot-blocking and some outside shooting. And on the off chance Leonard and George leave next summer, that 2022 second-rounder could be an early one.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Chris Paul
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Eric Bledsoe, Ersan Ilyasova, Donte DiVincenzo, Robin Lopez, D.J. Wilson, 2024 first-round pick (top-five protected)
This seems like the most obvious move of the season, at least from Milwaukee’s standpoint. The offense has stalled out in back-to-back postseasons, and the Bucks have extinguished their margin for error. Barring a supermax commitment from Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, the two-time reigning MVP will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
The time for Milwaukee to make an all-in move is now, even if The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm are hearing a CP3 pursuit is “highly unlikely.” Hopefully that’s posturing, because if you sketched out the Bucks’ needs list, you’d end up drawing a picture of Paul—or at least Alfonso Ribeiro.
“Rival executives expect the Bucks to prioritize acquiring a playmaker and more shooting in the offseason to retool the roster around Antetokounmpo,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania wrote.
Paul has the second-highest career assist percentage in NBA history (45.6) and a 37.0 career three-point percentage. If the Bucks are after table-setting and splashing, it’s check and check with this deal.
The Thunder accept the inevitability of their rebuild and do well to get out of Paul’s remaining contract ($41.4 million next season, $44.2 million player option for 2021-22) without taking any bad money back. In fact, they get two assets in DiVincenzo and the pick (which would convey two years after Milwaukee sends a protected first to Cleveland), add a 24-year-old wild card in Wilson and potentially prepare for future trades if contenders take a liking to the incoming veterans.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Victor Oladipo
Indiana Pacers receive: Dennis Schroder, Darius Bazley, Terrance Ferguson, No. 25 pick (via DEN)
Between last summer’s trades of Paul George and Russell Westbrook and this offseason’s parting of ways with former coach Billy Donovan, all signs are pointing to the Thunder needing and embracing a full-scale rebuild. But since our focus has narrowed to chasing next season’s crown, OKC instead cashes in a few assets to reunite with Oladipo and foster his return to stardom.
His first stint in the Sooner State was wholly unremarkable, as he never found his niche with Westbrook and was traded for George after just one season. But Oladipo found his All-Star form in Indiana, and he’d find better fitting backcourt mates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chris Paul in a move back to Oklahoma.
Oladipo, Paul and Gilgeous-Alexander all do a little (or, in some cases, a lot) of everything at both ends of the floor, so the on-court bond should be easily formed. They can run offense, spot up, create shots, attack the basket and defend multiple positions. It’s a souped-up, bigger version of the Schroder-Paul-Gilgeous-Alexander trio, which blitzed opponents by 28.6 points per 100 possessions this season.
The Pacers, meanwhile, decide they’d rather not cover the costs of Oladipo’s next contract, so they flip him for pieces who can help now and later. Schroder is the best incoming player for next season, but Bazley is the real needle-mover beyond. The 20-year-old is raw, but there are flashes of do-it-all brilliance from the athletic forward.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic receive: Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards receive: Evan Fournier, Jonathan Isaac, No. 15 pick
Orlando needs an offensive focal point, and Beal is on a short list of the league’s very best.
The 27-year-old scoring guard has almost perpetually increased his production ever since arriving in the District as the No. 3 pick in 2012. Most recently, he became just the 12th player ever to average 30 points and six assists. The rest of the list is populated by current and future Hall of Famers.
Beal and Nikola Vucevic could work two-man magic together, and Beal’s long-range shooting would help open the floor for Markelle Fultz’s drives and Aaron Gordon’s rim runs. If the Magic maintain their 11th-ranked defense while Beal launches the offense into the top 10, they could finally have their two-way formula for a title.
The Wizards won’t move Beal for anything but an elite prospect, and Isaac fits the bill. The 6’11”, 230-pounder is practically a top-five defense by himself, as his length and athleticism lets him blanket scorers of all sizes and styles. Once Fournier picks up his $17.2 million player option, he matches money in this deal and helps replace some of Beal’s shooting and scoring.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Chris Paul
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Al Horford, Matisse Thybulle, Zhaire Smith, 2022 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
Perhaps it will prove impossible to correct Philly’s roster imbalance without sacrificing either Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons, but the Sixers aren’t competing for next year’s title without them. They also aren’t contending without addressing series deficiencies in shooting and shot-creating.
Enter CP3. The Point God would scratch several of this squad’s biggest itches and answer some of its half-court questions that have plagued recent playoff runs.
“He would get the ball to Joel Embiid in his preferred spots,” The Athletic’s Rich Hofmann wrote. “He can spot up off the ball and make threes, which is key around Embiid and Simmons. And perhaps most importantly, he could take the Jimmy Butler role at the end of games.”
There aren’t many teams who would give up multiple assets to get Paul, since he’s a 35-year-old with $85.6 million headed his way over the next two seasons. But if he’s the missing piece of the Sixers’ championship puzzle, the trade and the contract all become small prices to pay.
The Thunder pounce on the chance to snag another long-limbed, athletic defender in Thybulle, who offers more shooting upside than their typical stopper. They also bet on their developmental staff to bring the best out of the 21-year-old Smith, and they throw another future first onto the pile. Finally, they add Horford in the hopes of getting him back on track and flipping him to a win-now shopper at some point.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers receive: CJ McCollum, Gary Trent Jr., No. 16 pick
The championship-or-bust scale isn’t often affixed to the Trail Blazers (not by anyone outside the organization, at least), but that should be how they evaluate themselves. With Damian Lillard’s 30th birthday behind him, they only have so many cracks at the crown left before their superstar ages out of his prime.
That increased urgency could be what finally convinces Portland to split up the defensively problematic combo of Lillard and McCollum, especially if it means bringing back a dynamic talent like Simmons. Even if it takes coach Terry Stotts a bit to find the right distribution of touches, Simmons could shine as a Swiss Army knife defender, transition attacker and pick-and-roll partner for Lillard.
Portland wouldn’t be the favorite entering next season, but it would certainly rank among the heavyweight class of contenders. It would have two stars on the top and potentially a wealth of depth behind them, assuming health for Zach Collins and Rodney Hood, possible re-signings of Carmelo Anthony and Hassan Whiteside, and the chance for Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little to either crack the rotation or be traded for players who will.
Philly admits that its roster is broken beyond repair, so it stomachs the gut punch of trading away Simmons on the hope that McCollum’s creation and Trent’s shooting can position Joel Embiid to thrive. The 16th pick is either a way to lengthen the rotation or an asset to help chase win-now talent.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors receive: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs receive: Norman Powell, Terence Davis, No. 29 pick
The Raptors won’t add money to their future ledger this offseason so they can make their ambitious run at Giannis Antetokounmpo next summer.
Luckily, Aldridge is approaching the final year of his contract. Not to mention, this exchange actually increases Toronto’s buying power, since Davis and the pick help incentivize the Spurs to take on the remainder of Powell’s contract ($10.9 million next season with an $11.6 million player option for 2021-22).
With finances effectively removed from the equation, Toronto doesn’t have to worry about Aldridge’s declining production or fight with Father Time. The Raptors just need him to stay above water next season, when he’d team with Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry and perhaps a re-signed Fred VanVleet to keep this club among the league’s elite at both ends.
The Spurs shift their focus forward but stop short of demolishing their win-now competitiveness. Powell plugs in as a three-and-D swingman for as long as the Alamo City wants him around, and Davis offers two-way versatility that will make him an easy fit with this young nucleus.
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz receive: Chris Paul
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Mike Conley, 2021 second-round pick (via GSW), 2023 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s ongoing ascension, the Jazz are trending the wrong direction. A Western Conference semifinalist in 2017 and 2018, Utah has now been knocked out of the opening round each of the past two years.
Granted, the Jazz had to blow a 3-1 lead to do it this year and did so while playing without Bojan Bogdanovic, but they can’t just count on their returning roster to lengthen their postseason stay. They were only ninth in net efficiency during the regular season, a significant drop from fourth the year prior. This was also Conley’s first season in Salt Lake City, and while he played his best ball in the bubble, he rarely looked like the difference-maker they still need.
Paul could be that player.
He’d be a dream pick-and-roll partner for Rudy Gobert, who’s already a 72nd percentile pick-and-roll screener without him. Paul’s ability to run offense (career 9.5 assists against 2.4 turnovers) and make long-range looks (37.0 percent) would both make life easier on Mitchell and the supporting cast. Paul could even play a part in re-establishing the Jazz as a defensive powerhouse after they finished just 13th in efficiency on that end.
The Thunder go from owing $85.6 million to the 35-year-old Paul to being on the hook for just $34.5 million to the 32-year-old Conley. More importantly, they put two more picks onto the road map that will eventually guide them through this rebuild, although the first-rounder could take some time to get there, as the Jazz owe the Grizzlies a protected pick either in 2021 or beyond.
With Monday the 20th of October’s Victorian Government’s announcements, the pathway to return to competition has been laid out for Victorian Basketball and Netball competitions. Indoor games are still yet to recommence with social distancing still an issue. However, there is definite light at the end of the tunnel and this time, it’s not that of an oncoming train.
Here are the latest press releases from both Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria on resumption of play post Covid 19 lockdown.
Basketball Victoria – Return to Sport Updates for Participants
Return to Sport Update – as of Tuesday 27 October
Return to Basketball and Current Restrictions
The announcement on Monday 26 October by the Victorian Government is good news for a step towards a COVID-Normal life for Victorians and some easing of restrictions for basketball across Victoria.
Unfortunately, due to basketball being classified as an indoor and “contact sport” (i.e. a sport that is unable to be played at a social distancing length of 1.5m between each participant) by the Victorian Government, basketball competition indoors is still subject to being part of the Last Step of the COVID Roadmap.
Please note: ‘non-contact’ means a sport capable of being played with a distance of 1.5m – basketball competition is classified as a ‘contact’ sport.
RESTRICTIONS:
From 11:59pm Tuesday 27 October
Metropolitan Melbourne
FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:
ORANGE-20 – Outdoor (contact) Competition and/or Training
ORANGE-20 = 10 players maximum per team / 20 players maximum per court space
Note:
Coaches, Officials, Team Managers and Scorers are in addition to the 20 players per court Each child is limited to one parent, guardian or carer only, where the child requires parental supervision.
FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:
RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only
Regional Victoria
FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:
ORANGE-20 – Indoor Non-Contact Training or Outdoor (contact) Competition / Training
FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:
RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only
From 11:59pm Sunday 8 November
VICTORIA WIDE
FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:
ORANGE-20 – Outdoor (contact) Competition and/or Training
ORANGE-20 – Indoor (non-contact) training only
FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:
RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only
We will continue to advocate to Government and other stakeholders on behalf of the basketball community to ensure the quickest and safest possible return of competition basketball across the state.
Basketball Victoria Participant Licence
As previously noted, the Basketball Victoria participation licence is not season or association specific and allows individuals to play as many times as they want across the state in a 365-day period. We are extending all active licences for individuals for the duration of the period that basketball was/is unable to be played in Victoria due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As you would be aware, in addition to competition management and insurance, individual participant fees (the Basketball Victoria Licence) cover a range of essential services and programs which we are and will continue to deliver.
Note: A detailed explanation of the 365 Day Licence can be found here.
However, as always, we will consider requests for individual refunds to those participants who are experiencing extreme hardship at any time (the individual must contact their club or association who then escalates to Basketball Victoria via a Support Ticket).
Refunds
Generally speaking, BV’s licence fee is not refundable, as per our terms of registration and we are extending the BV licences as per above. However, we can consider requests for refunds in certain cases. We are in a unique situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and we understand any significant economic or health related impact.
The process/conditions for individual refunds are as follows:
Individual refund requests need to come through via the club (if applicable) to the association (as per the correct communication channel including club requests) via http://support.playhq.com Senior Domestic need to request via the association who then lodges support ticket The player needs to have played fewer than 3 games Player’s registration to the season in question needs to be marked as cancelled A valid reason needs to be provided BV needs confirmation in writing that the association and/or club has refunded any fees that were paid to them before BV considers the request for refund of the BV licence fee Bank details provided for an approved refund to be processed.
Under no circumstance should associations or clubs refund the Basketball Victoria licence fee to individuals. Please refer to the BV refund process.
Mental Health and Support Resources
Remember to look after yourself and others during this time, and always ask for help if you need it. If you are struggling the following services are available:
National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080 For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000). Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800
Metropolitan Melbourne, we finally have the green light for community netball! At 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October Metropolitan Melbourne will move to Step Three. This will include the return of outdoor junior netball competitions and programs and non-contact training for adults at outdoor venues.
The 25km limit will remain until 8 November which means some members will still be limited by the travel restrictions.
For regional Victoria, people 18 years and younger can continue to participate in netball competitions and programs. Adults continue with non-contact training at outdoor venues. Indoor venues may open for non-contact sport only, for people aged 18 years and under.
Meanwhile the Nellakir team continue to install new courts under the Victorian Schools Building Authority program. Sports Flooring at Rockbank North Primary School, Truganina South East Primary School and Thoroughbred Primary School near Somerville is now being completed.
All Sports Flooring currently being installed utilise the ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems for sprung timber flooring, providing excellent competitive premium surfaces. Nellakir are the exclusive agents in Victoria and Tasmania for all ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems. All ASF Horner systems are FIBA approved and utilise Australian Hardwood Timbers.
For all your Sprung Timber Flooring needs please contact Nellakir on 03 9467 6126 to arrange a free, no obligation quotation. Whether it’s full Construction and Installation, Annual Maintenance or simply programmed scheduled professional cleaning of all court surfaces, call Nellakir. That number again 03 9467 6126. Or leave your details here for a prompt response.
