NBA Daily Links: 9.29.15

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“There are things I have wanted so long that I would only consent to have them if I could keep wanting them.”

–Robert Brault

================================

NBA:

Abundance of questions surround start of season

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/david_aldridge/09/28/morning-tip-early-questions-for-2015-16-ty-lawson-with-rockets-qa-caron-butler/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt3c

 

The good, bad and interesting from media day

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2573136-nba-media-day-2015-16-the-good-the-bad-and-the-interesting

 

Undrafted FAs to watch in camps

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2573015-7-undrafted-free-agents-to-watch-in-2015-16-nba-training-camp

 

Craig Sager plans to work opening night

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/09/28/craig-sager-plans-to-work-opening-night/

 

76ERS:

Okafor, Noel finally join forces

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20150929_Noel__Okafor_join_forces_for_first_time_on_Tuesday.html

 

Okafor and Noel are biggest attractions

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20150929_Jahlil_Okafor__Nerlens_Noel_are_Sixers__biggest_attractions.html

 

Wroten out to prove he’s Sixers point guard of the future

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20150929_Wroten_out_to_show_he_s_Sixers_point_guard_of_future.html

 

Brett Brown, Jay Wright bond on Mideast trip

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20150929_Towering_dilemma__Jay_Wright_talks_Okafor_and_Noel_with_Brett_Brown.html

 

Sixers release Kazemi’s rights

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Sixers-release-Kazemis-rights-.html

 

BUCKS:

Bucks media day filled with excitement

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-media-day-filled-with-excitement-b99585493z1-329864341.html

 

Bucks hire Rod Thorn as consultant

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-hire-longtime-nba-executive-rod-thorn-as-consultant-b99585936z1-329821961.html

http://nypost.com/2015/09/28/jason-kidds-bucks-swoop-in-grab-nets-retired-exec/

 

Bucks owners see Jason Kidd growing in job

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/329862501.html

 

Parker returns healthy and ready for action

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-jabari-parker-returns-healthy-and-ready-for-action-b99585495z1-329864681.html

 

BULLS:

Derrick Rose’s professed focus on free agency bad form for Bulls leader

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-derrick-rose-free-agency-haugh-spt-0929-20150928-column.html

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/995712/derrick-rose-makes-clear-priority-list-starts-free-agency-two-years

 

Rose says he’ll use civil suit as fuel for new season

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-derrick-rose-media-day-20150928-story.html

 

Dunleavy says no timeframe for return from back surgery

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-mike-dunleavy-taj-gibson-bits-spt-0929-20150928-story.html

 

CAVALIERS:

Tristan Thompson, Cavs fail to reach agreement on contract

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13761200/tristan-thompson-cleveland-cavaliers-fail-reach-agreement-contract

 

Kyrie Irving focused on health

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13764252/kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-looking-ways-stay-healthy

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/09/theres_no_timetable_for_a_kyri.html#incart_river

 

Blatt taking business approach to season

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13763058/cleveland-cavaliers-coach-david-blatt-taking-businesslike-approach-new-season

 

Mozgov: I will be ready for the opener

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_cavaliers_timofey_mo_2.html#incart_river

 

Kevin Love feels good

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_cavaliers_forward_ke_5.html#incart_big-photo

 

LeBron: I’ll take all the pain that comes with competing for a championship

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/09/lebron_james_cavaliers_finals.html#incart_big-photo

 

CELTICS:

Isaiah Thomas scores some attention

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2015/09/bulpett_isaiah_thomas_scores_some_attention

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-this-is-isaiah-thomas-time-to-shine/

 

Stevens to Olynyk: G’oh Canada

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2015/09/celtics_notebook_stevens_to_olynyk_g_oh_canada

 

How Evan Turner got his hoops mojo back

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4720438/how-evan-turner-got-his-hoops-mojo-back

 

CLIPPERS:

JJ Redick has cried at every wedding he’s attended, including a girl he didn’t know

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-j-j-redick-has-cried-at-every-wedding-20150928-story.html

 

Doc says Blake Griffin’s jumper looks better than ever

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-doc-rivers-blake-griffin-jumper-20150928-story.html

 

GRIZZLIES:

Griz think pieces are in place

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/griz-think-key-pieces-in-place-20967372-56c3-5152-e053-0100007f48a8-329864841.html

 

Griz mark 15 years in Memphis

http://www.commercialappeal.com/columnists/geoff-calkins/geoff-calkins-griz-mark-15-years-in-memphis-20d1b5d0-1de0-18e0-e053-0100007f7240-329861461.html

 

Joerger says no complacency at camp

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/grizzlies-joerger-says-training-camp-no-place-for-complacency-20d1b5d0-1de4-18e0-e053-0100007f7240-329835821.html

 

Griz confident their old-school, inside-out style can prevail

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Grizzlies-confident-their-old-school-inside-out-style-can-prevail-329808251.html

 

HAWKS:

Hawks nearing camp deal with Kazemi

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-nearing-training-camp-deal-with-kazemi/nnqQg/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Scott speaks publicly for first time since arrest

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/scott-speaks-publically-for-first-time-since-drug-/nnqGy/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Sefolosha returns

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/sefolosha-returns-as-hawks-have-spot-in-starting-l/nnqKT/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Hawks will take a step back, but how big?

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/9/28/9209887/atlanta-hawks-preview-2015-al-horford-kyle-korver

 

HEAT:

Heat camp preview

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/21363/camp-preview-whats-in-store-for-the-heat

 

Hassan Whiteside the center of attention on eve of Heat training camp

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article36887679.html

 

Heat and Wade enter season of great unknown

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article36864120.html

 

Goran Dragic is key to Heat’s attack

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-hyde-heat-media-day-column-0929-20150928-column.html

 

Heat finally hoping to cash in on fantasy-five starting lineup

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-starting-lineup-s092815-story.html

 

Spoelstra talks expectations, continuity

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-training-camp-s092815-story.html

 

HORNETS:

Hornets offer Lamb chance to showcase skills, make fresh start

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article36809142.html

 

JAZZ:

Utah’s rising stars eye postseason return

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002457-155/utah-jazzs-rising-stars-eye-postseason

 

Hayward seeks to be a closer

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3002459-155/hayward-seeks-to-be-a-closer

 

Joe Ingles once again to fill all-purpose role

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002361-155/utah-jazz-joe-ingles-once-again

 

Quin Snyder sticking to big picture view

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002312-155/kragthorpe-jazzs-quin-snyder-sticking-to

 

It’s now or never for Trey Burke

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637817/Brad-Rock-Its-now-or-never-for-Trey-Burke-as-starting-Jazz-guard.html

 

KINGS:

Cousins, Karl say their relationship is solid

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article36880635.html

 

KNICKS:

Even if Knicks hit perfect storm, how good can they be?

http://nypost.com/2015/09/28/even-if-knicks-hit-perfect-storm-how-good-can-they-be/

 

‘Phil Jackson is a good thing’ – Knicks ready for hands-on prez

http://nypost.com/2015/09/28/phil-jackson-is-a-good-thing-knicks-ready-for-hands-on-prez/

 

Optimism reigns at Knicks preseason event

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/sports/basketball/optimism-reigns-at-knicks-preseason-event.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=EA09B87A88428BDF5824308DA348E018&gwt=pay

 

‘Coach’ Jackson will be over Fisher’s shoulder

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/isola-coach-jackson-knick-coach-shoulder-article-1.2377337

 

Melo wants to take Porzingis under his wing

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/melo-knicks-rookie-porzingis-wing-article-1.2377526

 

LAKERS:

Kobe Bryant coy about this being his last season

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-media-day-live-updates-20150928-story.html

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/13766215/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-not-made-retirement-decision

 

Kobe curious about Lakers season ahead

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-curious-lakers-season-ahead-20150928-story.html

 

Russell eager to show progression since summer league

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-dangelo-russell-eager-show-progress-20150928-story.html

 

Rotation battles ahead

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-rotation-battles-lakers-training-camp-20150928-story.html

 

Will Scott emphasis wins or growth?

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25320835/lakers-gm-kupchak-trusts-byron-scott-to-balance-wins-and-development

 

MAGIC:

New Magic mantra: No more excuses

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-no-excuses-0929-20150928-story.html

 

Fournier is receptive to the possibility of a contract extension

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-0929-20150928-story.html

 

MAVERICKS:

Mavs are going to be patient with Matthews, even if it takes until Christmas

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/20150928-carlisle-mavericks-are-going-to-be-patient-with-matthews-even-if-it-takes-until-christmas.ece

 

Dirk discusses DeAndre’s diss, retirement, other matters

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20150928-on-eve-of-his-18th-training-camp-dirk-nowitzki-discusses-deandre-jordan-s-summer-diss-of-mavs-retirement-and-other-matters.ece

 

Mavs duo might not be able to play in opener

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article36884217.html

 

Mavs know they have a lot to prove

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article36889623.html

 

Deron wants to fight off doubts

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/13765603/deron-williams-dallas-mavericks-acknowledges-battling-confidence-crisis

 

NETS:

Shane Larkin out to show Phil Jackson “tiny hands” aren’t an issue

http://nypost.com/2015/09/28/shane-larkin-out-to-show-phil-jackson-tiny-hands-arent-issue/

 

Deron Williams still haunts Nets, even 1,000 miles away

http://nypost.com/2015/09/28/deron-williams-still-haunts-nets-even-1000-miles-away/

 

Joe Johnson surprised that Deron Williams wanted to leave

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/joe-johnson-surprised-that-deron-williams-wanted-to-leave-that-badly-1.10901419

 

Nets will go with youth movement as camp begins

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-go-with-youth-movement-as-training-camp-begins-1.10894438

 

NUGGETS:

Nuggets list of season goals begins with improvement

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_28890532/denver-nuggets-list-season-goals-begins-improvement

 

Mudiay denies saying he was pleased to avoid being Knicks pick

http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2015/09/28/nuggets-mudiay-knicks-nba/13296/

 

Mudiay anxious to get started

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/09/28/mudiay-nuggets.ap/

 

PACERS:

Vogel won’t ‘waste’ Paul George’s defensive skills

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/insider/2015/09/28/vogel-wont-waste-paul-georges-defensive-skills/72997192/

 

Paul George: I want to be the MVP this year

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/09/28/paul-george-want-mvp-year/72973810/

 

Is Myles Turner better than we think?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2015/09/28/doyel-pacers-rookie-myles-turner-better-than-we-think/72989202/

 

Paul George plans on having the last laugh

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/09/28/paul-georges-plans-mvp-top-3-seed-east-keep-proving-people-wrong/72578138/

 

George Hill plans on keeping his hair blond all season

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25320687/pacers-george-hill-is-planning-on-keeping-hair-blond-all-season

 

PELICANS:

Tyreke Evans set to play primarily at point guard

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/09/new_orleans_pelicans_tyreke_ev_9.html#incart_river

 

Anthony Davis confident Pelicans have ability to take much bigger step this season

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/09/anthony_davis_confident_pelica.html#incart_river

 

Gentry excited about start of new season

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/09/alvin_gentry_eager_for_trainin.html#incart_river

 

PISTONS:

Drummond mum on contract status

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/09/28/detroit-pistons-andre-drummond/72998438/

 

Defense to be priority during camp

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/09/28/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy/72965348/

 

RAPTORS:

Anthony Bennett returns home, looking to revive career

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/sports/basketball/former-top-pick-anthony-bennett-returns-home-looking-to-revive-his-career.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=EC1076FE4B68BD335842D4F1E2CB9284&gwt=pay

 

Lowry fit and fueled for a rebound

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/09/28/lowry-fit-and-fueled-for-a-rebound-arthur.html

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/09/28/svelte-kyle-lowry-impressive-at-raptors-media-day

 

Raptors share how they spent the summer

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/09/28/raptors-share-how-they-spent-summer-to-prepare-for-upcoming-season.html

 

ROCKETS:

Rockets pin growth on Lawson

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/shaun_powell/09/28/30-teams-30-days-houston-rockets/index.html

 

Terrence Jones says he enters season a more mature player

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/terrence-jones-says-he-enters-season-as-a-more-mature-player/

 

Jason Terry says he’s got plenty left in the tank

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/jason-terry-says-hes-got-plenty-left-in-his-tank/

 

Beverley ready to get back on the court

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/pat-beverley-ready-to-get-back-on-court-with-rockets/

 

Capela looks all grown up

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/clint-capela-looks-all-grown-up-in-his-second-year-with-rockets/

 

Trevor Ariza: Knock on wood for healthy season

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/trevor-ariza-knock-on-wood-for-a-healthy-season/

 

No timetable for Motiejunas to return to action

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/09/no-timetable-for-donatas-motiejunas-to-return-to-action/

 

SPURS:

Manu vows to savor season

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Ginobili-vows-to-savor-season-6535763.php

 

Long road begins for reloaded Spurs

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Long-road-begins-for-the-reloaded-Spurs-6535601.php

 

Spurs will evolve as their coach has before

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/columnists/buck_harvey/article/Spurs-will-evolve-as-their-coach-has-before-6532427.php

 

Why David West gave back $11 million to join the Spurs

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-david-west-gave-back–11-million-to-join-the-spurs-195800859.html

 

SUNS:

Offseason roster moves look to help target areas

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/09/28/phoenix-suns-roster-moves-look-help-target-areas/73007336/

 

Markieff Morris must turn the page

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/09/28/bickley-suns-markieff-morris-must-turn-page/72996676/

 

THUNDER:

Billy Donovan an interesting mix of youth and experience

http://newsok.com/tramel-billy-donovan-an-interesting-mix-of-youth-and-experience/article/5450010

 

Teammates says KD’s optimism and determination are on display

http://newsok.com/teammates-say-kevin-durants-optimism-and-determination-are-on-display/article/5450005

 

Durant on free agency: I’m not looking for people to lobby me

http://newsok.com/thunder-notebook-kevin-durant-on-free-agency-fan-reaction-im-not-looking-for-people-to-lobby-me/article/5450007

 

Core four prepares for massive season with changes all around them

http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-core-four-prepares-for-massive-season-with-changes-all-around-them/article/5450004?nextArticle=1

 

Kanter had tough three days waiting for Thunder to match Blazers

http://newsok.com/enes-kanter-had-tough-three-days-waiting-for-thunder-to-match-blazers/article/5449964

 

TIMBERWOLVES:

Wolves have plenty of questions as they open camp

http://www.startribune.com/wolves-have-plenty-of-questions-on-eve-of-opening-training-camp/329871581/

 

Graybeards come together to mentor young pups

http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_28892330/timberwolves-three-graybeards-come-together-mentor-teams-young

 

Rubio close to returning, Pekovic not so much

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28891789/timberwolves-ricky-rubio-close-returning-nikola-pekovic-not

 

TRAIL BLAZERS:

McCollum, Leonard embracing bigger opportunities

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/09/cj_mccollum_meyers_leonard_trail_blazers_media_day.html#incart_river

 

Blazers look for new building blocks in season of transition

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/09/trail_blazers_enter_season_of_transition_searching.html#incart_river

 

Moe Harkless and Cliff Alexander are the type of story and player for which we fall

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/09/trail_blazers_unexpected_story_lines_the_eye-openi.html#incart_river

 

WARRIORS:

Barnes says contract talks are going well

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Harrison-Barnes-says-contract-extension-talks-6535800.php

 

Bogut calls Jerryd Hayne the feel-good story of the year

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Andrew-Bogut-calls-Jerryd-Hayne-the-feel-good-6535742.php

 

Draymond says he’ll use the next month to get into tip-top shape

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Draymond-Green-says-he-ll-use-next-month-to-get-6535679.php

 

Klay Thompson says Warriors are kind of addicted to winning

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Klay-Thompson-says-Warriors-are-kind-of-6535625.php

 

Warriors make loud statement with quiet summer

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25319458/offseason-report-warriors-make-loud-statement-with-quiet-summer

 

WIZARDS:

Wizards built their roster around John Wall, now need an identity

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards-continue-to-build-their-roster-around-john-wall/2015/09/28/240d16f4-662b-11e5-9223-70cb36460919_story.html

 

Wizards aiming to win big while playing small

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-open-training-camp-aiming-to-win-big-while-playing-small/2015/09/28/173f693a-662c-11e5-9223-70cb36460919_story.html

 

John Wall surprised a group that helps homeless children by donating $400K

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/09/28/john-wall-surprised-a-group-that-helps-homeless-children-by-showing-up-donating-400000/

 

Jared Dudley says he could be back for opener

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/09/28/jared-dudley-says-he-could-be-back-in-time-for-the-wizards-season-opener/

 

Wall intent on starting from clean slate

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13765327/john-wall-washington-wizards-intent-starting-clean-slate

 

Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.