NBA Daily Links: 10.2.15

October 2, 2015 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

-Buddha

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

NBA:

David Stern: Time has come for legal sports betting

http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-nba-commissioner-time-has-come-for-legal-sports-betting-1.1423270

Michael Jordan believes Jordan brand is stronger than NBA career

http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/1920424/michael-jordan-believes-jordan-brand-stronger-nba-career/

Vantage: Don’t believe the NBA/SportVU contested shot metric

http://www.vantagesports.com/story/Vg1ZYyMAALIAoMzK/dont-believe-the-nbasportvus-contested-shot-metric

Road map to Finals for all teams

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2573873-road-map-to-the-2016-nba-finals-for-all-30-teams

NBA power rankings

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/25323077/nba-power-rankings-rockets-jump-into-top-five-blazers-bottom-out

NBA prospects who are out of time

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2573329-nba-prospects-who-are-out-of-time-in-2015-16

76ERS:

Sixers owner Josh Harris happy with progress

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Sixers-owner-happy-with-process–wants-to-avoid-shortcuts.html

Wood making early impression

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Undrafted-Wood-making-early-impression.html

Landry hopes to teach young Sixers a thing or two

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151001_Journeyman_Landry_hopes_to_teach_young_Sixers_a_thing_or_two.html

BUCKS:

Giannis looking to expand perimeter game

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-looking-to-expand-his-perimeter-game-b99588254z1-330342121.html

Mayo rejoins team, goes through practice smoothly

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/330294091.html

BULLS:

Portis is bringing energy to practice

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bobby-portis-energy-bulls-bits-spt-1002-20151001-story.html

Butler out to make himself better, and his teammates too

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-jimmy-butler-vocal-leader-bulls-spt-1002-20151001-story.html

Rose’s return to at least watching practice is on hold

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1004121/derrick-roses-return-least-watching-practice-hold

The thorns in Hoiberg’s Rose

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-09-30/fred-hoiberg-chicago-bulls-derrick-rose-tom-thibodeau-free-agency-injury-out-hurt-surgery

CAVALIERS:

David Griffin: We fully expect Tristan Thompson to be in camp tomorrow

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_general_ma_7.html#incart_social_feature

LeBron, Blatt reasons for optimism

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/lebron_james_david_blatt_yes_h.html#incart_river

Varejao stepping lively in return

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/1146/anderson-varejao-stepping-lively-in-return

LeBron’s friends are seeing success too

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/post/_/id/13782831/lebron-james-friends-seeing-success-too

Smith on Blatt: I’d run through a brick wall for him

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/01/cleveland-cavaliers-jr-smith-david-blatt-brick-wall

CELTICS:

Brad Stevens on Isaiah Thomas: ‘Unbelievable’ start to camp

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4720466/brad-stevens-on-isaiah-thomas-unbelievable-start-to-camp

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/celtics_insider/2015/10/brad_stevens_celtics_isaiah_thomas_has_been_unbelievable

Lee brings veteran leadership to Celtics

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-lee-brings-veteran-leadership-to-celtics/

Celtics want Isaiah Thomas to adjust on the fly this season

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/01/celtics-want-isaiah-thomas-adjust-fly-this-season/VVuoLyp8sh7O9wWwnUvaCO/story.html

RJ Hunter has a shot with Celtics

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/01/onhoop/p1X90Jn4Es2XHg0IlVmxZP/story.html

Celtics build up defense

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

CLIPPERS:

It might be a small world for the Clippers

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-small-ball-20151002-story.html

Chris Paul Q&A

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/01/chris-paul-clippers-cp3-jordan-brand-michael-jordan-blake-griffin-doc-rivers

GRIZZLIES:

Joerger hasn’t given up tweaking Griz offense

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/joerger-hasnt-given-up-on-tweaking-griz-offense-20c5f184-5df2-663a-e053-0100007fe1c4-330348151.html

Tony Allen talks about fatherhood, Twitter, more

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Grizzlies-Tony-Allen-talks-about-fatherhood-Twitter-and-more-330273681.html

HAWKS:

Moving without the ball is next step for Teague

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/moving-without-ball-is-next-step-for-teague/nnr7F/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

HEAT:

Ennis starts anew after forgettable Summer League

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article37247736.html

Rookies Winslow, Richardson step up defensively

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-justise-winslow-s100115-story.html

HORNETS:

Tyler Hansbrough might need to extend shooting range to extend career

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article37248309.html

JAZZ:

All grown up, Gordon Hayward takes the game (and all his games) seriously

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3015880-155/utah-jazz-all-grown-up-gordon

Quin Snyder trying to prioritize areas of focus

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3015470-155/utah-jazz-quin-snyder-trying-to

Burke determined to display consistency, confidence in return to starting lineup

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638058/Utah-Jazz-Burke-determined-to-display-consistency-confidence-in-return-to-starting-lineup.html

The Jazz and small ball

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/little-giants-utahs-bigsmall-conundrum/

KINGS:

Ben McLemore brings new look to camp – hopes to make over game too

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article37160673.html

KNICKS:

Porzingis tweaks knee

http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/kristaps-porzingis-tweaks-knee-under-pressure-of-knicks-camp/

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-rookie-kristaps-porzingis-tweaks-knee-practice-article-1.2381842

Carmelo: I lead in my own way

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork/knicks/post/_/id/63074/carmelo-i-lead-in-my-own-way

LAKERS:

D’Angelo Russell injures foot

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-training-camp-day-3-htmlstory.html

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/01/lakers-dangelo-russell-injury-bone-bruise-foot

Nick Young says he’s learned from struggles

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-hawaii-20151001-story.html

D’Angelo Russell already has Kobe’s trust

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150930/lakers-dangelo-russell-already-has-kobe-bryants-trust

MAGIC:

Melvin Ejim is taking a chance as he pursues NBA dream with Magic

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-melvin-ejim-1002-20151001-story.html

Vucevic sits out practice with strained shoulder

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1002-20151001-story.html

The Magic are ready to stop rebuilding and start winning

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/10/1/9345245/orlando-magic-preview-nba-2015-scott-skiles

Does Skiles have enough Magic?

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/10/01/51q-is-scott-skiles-typical-player-development-enough-to-satisfy-magic/

Tyler Harvey opting for D-League over Magic’s required tender

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/10/01/second-rounder-tyler-harvey-opting-for-d-league-over-magics-required-tender/

MAVERICKS:

Carlisle gives breather to undermanned Mavs

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151001-townsend-carlisle-gives-breather-to-undermanned-mavs.ece

Social media helps coach find spot on Mavs staff

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article37265436.html

NETS:

Nets forced to relive college nightmares and triumphs

http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/nets-forced-to-relive-college-nightmares-and-triumphs/

Prokhorov brings some interesting workouts to camp

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/mikhail-prokhorov-brings-workouts-nets-training-camp-article-1.2381524

Bargnani motivated to stay healthy for Nets

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/andrea-bargnani-motivated-to-stay-healthy-for-nets-1.10913958

NUGGETS:

Faried’s attitude on upswing thanks to new coach

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_28904174/farieds-attitude-upswing-thanks-new-coach-malone

PACERS:

It’s offense before defense in practice for new-look Pacers

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/10/01/s-offense-before-defense-practice-new-look-pacers/73153094/

PELICANS:

AD’s next task is to make Pelicans contenders

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/10/1/9238929/new-orleans-pelicans-preview-2015-anthony-davis

Eric Gordon motivated to thrive this season

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/eric_gordon_motivated_to_thriv.html#incart_river

Jrue Holiday says surgically repaired right leg has been pain-free since June

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/jrue_holiday_says_his_surgical.html#incart_river

PISTONS:

Hilliard trying to find his NBA niche

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/01/darrun-hilliard-detroit-pistons/73146532/

Drummond slowly growing into leadership role

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/01/andre-drummond-detroit-pistons/73156020/

Johnson looks like he knows what he’s doing

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/01/detroit-pistons-stanley-johnson-training-camp/73132550/

RAPTORS:

Raptors prospect Powell willing to outwait his doubters

http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2015/10/01/raptors-prospect-powell-willing-to-outwait-his-doubters.html

Valanciunas still working on new techniques

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/09/30/raptors-valanciunas-still-working-on-new-techniques

ROCKETS:

Terrence Jones slowed by rib injury

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/terrence-jones-slowed-by-rib-injury/

Pat Beverley glad to be back on the court

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/pat-beverley-glad-to-be-back-on-the-court/

Rockets doing away with two-a-days

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/rockets-doing-away-with-two-a-days/

UFC champ Daniel Cormier pays a visit to the Rockets

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/ufc-champ-daniel-cormier-pays-a-visit-to-the-rockets-his-favorite-nba-team/

James Harden gets a voice with Adidas

http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-rockets/post/_/id/1126/james-harden-gets-a-voice-with-adidas

SPURS:

Looking back at Pop’s beginning

http://grantland.com/features/nba-gregg-popovich-san-antonio-spurs-history-coach-division-three-pomona-pitzer-college-sagehens/

Mills happy to shoulder more playing time

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Mills-happy-to-shoulder-more-playing-time-6541144.php

Jimmer Q&A

http://espn.go.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/9287/jimmer-fredette-qa-enjoying-green-light-from-spurs

SUNS:

Bledsoe aims for new level of play

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/10/01/phoenix-suns-eric-bledsoe-aims-new-level-play/73162560/

Suns gets glimpse of Navy SEALs training

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/10/01/phoenix-suns-get-glimpse-navy-seals-training/73180360/

THUNDER:

How the Thunder, Enes Kanter are working on the defense

http://newsok.com/how-the-thunder-enes-kanter-are-working-on-the-defense/article/5450474

Donovan praises cerebral Russell Westbrook

http://newsok.com/thunder-notebook-billy-donovan-praises-cerebral-russell-westbrook/article/5450680

Durant partnering with KC-based AAU basketball program

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nba/article37199427.html

TIMBERWOLVES:

Timberwolves’ problem at center: They’re actually power forwards

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_28907823/timberwolves-problem-at-center-theyre-actually-power-forwards

Cancer battle on-going for Saunders

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/10/01/report-cancer-battle-ongoing-for-timberwolves-saunders/?ls=iref:nbahpts

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Al-Farouq Aminu eagerly awaits birth of first child

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/10/trail_blazers_al-farouq_aminu_eagerly_awaits_birth.html#incart_river

Who can help Damian Lillard?

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-09-30/damian-lillard-portland-trail-blazers-rebuild-meyers-leonard-cj-mccollum

WARRIORS:

Kerr leave team to rehab bad back; Walton takes over

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-coach-Kerr-leaves-team-to-rehab-bad-6544272.php

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13788228/golden-state-warriors-coach-steve-kerr-taking-leave-absence-following-back-surgery

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/steve-kerr-s-injured-back-forces-leave-of-absence-from-warriors-223218076.html

Speights worked out with a boxer in offseason

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Marreese-Speights-worked-out-with-a-6541963.php

Warriors will wear championship jerseys in opener

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25324432/warriors-will-wear-special-nba-championship-jerseys-in-season-opener

WIZARDS:

Alan Anderson visits surgeon in New York

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/10/01/alan-anderson-misses-wizards-practice-to-visit-surgeon-in-new-york-randy-wittman-reacts-to-new-nba-replay-rules/

Oubre opens camp willing to be ‘little brother’

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/10/01/kelly-oubre-jr-opens-wizards-training-camp-willing-to-be-little-brother/

John Wall: I want to be in MVP conversation

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-john-wall-talks-mvp-goal-kevin-durant-recruitment-championship-washington-wizards/

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.