This is not the normal insider for today. It has not been posted yet. This was posted so I thought I would put it here.
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Dream is real for seven overlooked rookies
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Updated: October 23
9:48 AM ET
Everyone loves an underdog.
Meet Britton Johnsen, Theron Smith, Marquis Daniels, Linton Johnson, Matt Carroll, Kirk Penney and Carl English -- seven NBA rookies who are about to do the impossible.
After being passed over 58 straight times on draft night -- these seven individuals are on the verge of making an opening night NBA roster.
Miracles still do happen.
Johnsen, a former McDonald's All-American, saw his college career derailed by an LDS mission and numerous injuries. NBA scouts loved him, but just didn't have the body of information on him to make an informed decision.
"If he doesn't break his hand and get mono, he probably gets drafted," Magic coach Doc Rivers told the Orlando Sentinel. "Maybe we got a break. . . Britton just knows how to play."
How impressive has Johnsen been? He was in the Magic starting lineup Wednesday night. That will stop once everyone on the Magic get healthy, but Johnsen knows he's in a raw situation.
"My expectation was to just try and somehow make this team," Johnsen told Florida Today. "I just want to get a uniform and I'm still trying as hard as I can."
"I always knew deep down inside that I could play in this league," Johnsen said. "I know what I'm good at and what I'm not. Being 6-10 and somewhat athletic, I never doubted that I could play in this league."
Smith was in a similar boat. A knee injury suffered in the summer before his senior season limited him to just three games for Ball State last season. The season before that, Smith ranked second in the NCAA with 23 double-doubles and averaged 19.6 ppg and 10.8 rpg.
Like Johnsen, Smith impressed everyone with a solid performance in the Chicago pre-draft camp, but questions about his knee and his position hurt his chances of getting drafted. The Grizzlies invited Smith to play on their summer league team and were blown away. They signed him to a guaranteed deal before the summer league had ended.
"He's a smart, athletic player with an NBA body and plenty of power," Grizzlies president Jerry West told Insider. "He just fell through the cracks. I'm glad he did. I think he could really turn into a player in this league."
Daniels, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Auburn, led the SEC in steals and ranked second in scoring (18.4 ppg), fifth in field goal percentage and 10th in assists his senior season.
In seven preseason games, and just 15.9 mpg, he's averaged more points than Dallas teammates Steve Nash, Raef LaFrentz, Eduardo Najera, Shawn Bradley and Danny Fortson.
At times, Daniels has outplayed the Mavs' first-round pick, Josh Howard. Coach Don Nelson is gushing about Daniels' work ethic and versatility.
"The kid keeps getting better all the time," he said. Nelson said Howard and Daniels don't play like rookies.
"They're more than holding their own," Nelson said during training camp. "They're making it hard for people to score."
It's Daniels' work ethic, combined with the athleticism, that seems to have made the difference for him in Big D.
"Both of those guys are going to be good basketball players for us," Nelson said earlier this month. "They're a little more athletic and can get to the basket. It's not just fresh legs. We had fresh legs with some other rookies, but they didn't have the work ethic, and they weren't as easy to work with. These guys are like sponges. They soak up everything the coaches give them. They're intelligent young guys with skills and great attitude."
Carroll, Penney and English were all veteran college players as well who were overlooked on draft night but are now fighting for roster positions. The Knicks are trying to pull off a trade to clear room for Carroll. English is fighting Jamison Brewer and Omar Cook for the 15th spot on the Pacers roster. And Penney is battling with Quincy Lewis for the T-Wolves' last spot.
But no one is more of a long shot that the Bulls' Linton Johnson. Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Tulane, wasn't even invited to any of the NBA pre-draft camps. Johnson averaged just nine ppg and 6.5 rpg his senior season. His name isn't even listed in the 2003 NBA Draft guide.
However, his play has been so solid that it appears increasingly likely that the Bulls are going to dump a two-year veteran, Trenton Hassell, to make room for Johnson.
Johnson's athleticism, hustle and defense have won over coach Bill Cartwright. On Tuesday night, he called on Johnson to shut down Vince Carter and was pleased with the result.
"He's a competitive dude," Cartwright said.
"I understand what's at stake," Johnson said. "But at the same time, you have to stay poised. You can't let pressure interrupt your focus. In college [at Tulane], I was much more of a scorer. Here, I'm just an energy guy -- rebound, play defense."
While none of these seven are candidates for Rookie of the Year, nor are they likely to become anything other than role players in the NBA, you've got to love their story.
Around the League
Jamal Crawford for Othella Harrington? What is Scott Layden smoking? Reports out of both New York and Chicago had the Bulls trying to acquire Harrington this week. Talks, however, reportedly broke down when Layden, bless his heart, insisted on Crawford.
HarringtonI know that GMs are always throwing crap out there and hoping someone is stupid enough to agree to a trade. And, as Celtics and Warriors fans can attest to, sometimes a gullible GM bites at the bait.
But Crawford for Harrington? The same Harrington the Knicks are reportedly considering waiving. The same Crawford who is the Bulls' top assist man and second-leading scorer? Why didn't Layden just get John Paxson to throw in Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler for Shandon Anderson and Clarence Weatherspoon while he was at it?
Now you know why things rarely, if ever, get done in New York. I wouldn't trade Lonny Baxter for Harrington. Seriously.
Is Danny Ainge done dealing? "I don't anticipate anything before the start of the season," Ainge told the Boston Globe. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying."
BattieThree days after Insider reported that the Celtics were shopping Tony Battie, the Globe reported that the Celtics have been talking with the Raptors for a while about a trade including Battie. The deal, according to the report, would've likely included Antonio Davis. Of course, Davis makes about $7 million more than Battie, meaning Eric Williams and at least one other player would've had to have been involved.
With Raef LaFrentz in the fold, the Celtics have no use for Davis. The last thing they need is to add another bad contract (Davis has three years and $37 million left on his deal). However, a deal with the Raptors is probably doable.
What about Mo Peterson, Michael Bradley and Jerome Williams for Battie and Williams? The move gives the Celtics a couple of young players to build around and Williams, a hustle, chemistry guy who Ainge should love. Williams does have a long-term deal, but at least he's not making max-type money.
If the Celtics really want cap space, Peterson, Bradley and Chris Jeffries for Battie works under the cap.
The Blazers signed former Heat center Vladimir Stepania to a contract on Wednesday. How's this for a ringing endorsement from his new coach?
"You wouldn't do jumping jacks over him because he is not that kind of player," coach Mo Cheeks told the Oregonian. "I mean, there was a reason he was sitting out (as a free agent) for that long. But he is a guy who rebounds and who can make a 15-footer and he has been around. I don't think he will stand out right away, but he is a 7-footer, and you can't make up for height. And he can rebound and that's exactly what we need."
Teams have until today to waive any players they don't want on their opening night roster. Final rosters are due on Monday, but a player takes 48 hours to clear waivers. Since weekends don't count, it's got to happen today or they'll technically be on.
This is the time of year when cuts get pretty tough. Magic guard Jeryl Sasser will be kicked to the curb today. Perhaps this is the time to remind everyone that the Magic passed on Tony Parker and Jamaal Tinsley to draft Sasser in the first round of the 2001 draft.
Other significant cuts? The Bulls are expected to say goodbye to guard Trenton Hassell. The Sixers dumped Sam Clancy. The Clips waived Tremaine Fowlkes. Nuggets guard Vincent Yarbrough is expected to be let go. Former Pistons center Mikki Moore got cut from the Sonics on Tuesday.
-----------------------------------
Dream is real for seven overlooked rookies
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Updated: October 23
9:48 AM ET
Everyone loves an underdog.
Meet Britton Johnsen, Theron Smith, Marquis Daniels, Linton Johnson, Matt Carroll, Kirk Penney and Carl English -- seven NBA rookies who are about to do the impossible.
After being passed over 58 straight times on draft night -- these seven individuals are on the verge of making an opening night NBA roster.
Miracles still do happen.
Johnsen, a former McDonald's All-American, saw his college career derailed by an LDS mission and numerous injuries. NBA scouts loved him, but just didn't have the body of information on him to make an informed decision.
"If he doesn't break his hand and get mono, he probably gets drafted," Magic coach Doc Rivers told the Orlando Sentinel. "Maybe we got a break. . . Britton just knows how to play."
How impressive has Johnsen been? He was in the Magic starting lineup Wednesday night. That will stop once everyone on the Magic get healthy, but Johnsen knows he's in a raw situation.
"My expectation was to just try and somehow make this team," Johnsen told Florida Today. "I just want to get a uniform and I'm still trying as hard as I can."
"I always knew deep down inside that I could play in this league," Johnsen said. "I know what I'm good at and what I'm not. Being 6-10 and somewhat athletic, I never doubted that I could play in this league."
Smith was in a similar boat. A knee injury suffered in the summer before his senior season limited him to just three games for Ball State last season. The season before that, Smith ranked second in the NCAA with 23 double-doubles and averaged 19.6 ppg and 10.8 rpg.
Like Johnsen, Smith impressed everyone with a solid performance in the Chicago pre-draft camp, but questions about his knee and his position hurt his chances of getting drafted. The Grizzlies invited Smith to play on their summer league team and were blown away. They signed him to a guaranteed deal before the summer league had ended.
"He's a smart, athletic player with an NBA body and plenty of power," Grizzlies president Jerry West told Insider. "He just fell through the cracks. I'm glad he did. I think he could really turn into a player in this league."
Daniels, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Auburn, led the SEC in steals and ranked second in scoring (18.4 ppg), fifth in field goal percentage and 10th in assists his senior season.
In seven preseason games, and just 15.9 mpg, he's averaged more points than Dallas teammates Steve Nash, Raef LaFrentz, Eduardo Najera, Shawn Bradley and Danny Fortson.
At times, Daniels has outplayed the Mavs' first-round pick, Josh Howard. Coach Don Nelson is gushing about Daniels' work ethic and versatility.
"The kid keeps getting better all the time," he said. Nelson said Howard and Daniels don't play like rookies.
"They're more than holding their own," Nelson said during training camp. "They're making it hard for people to score."
It's Daniels' work ethic, combined with the athleticism, that seems to have made the difference for him in Big D.
"Both of those guys are going to be good basketball players for us," Nelson said earlier this month. "They're a little more athletic and can get to the basket. It's not just fresh legs. We had fresh legs with some other rookies, but they didn't have the work ethic, and they weren't as easy to work with. These guys are like sponges. They soak up everything the coaches give them. They're intelligent young guys with skills and great attitude."
Carroll, Penney and English were all veteran college players as well who were overlooked on draft night but are now fighting for roster positions. The Knicks are trying to pull off a trade to clear room for Carroll. English is fighting Jamison Brewer and Omar Cook for the 15th spot on the Pacers roster. And Penney is battling with Quincy Lewis for the T-Wolves' last spot.
But no one is more of a long shot that the Bulls' Linton Johnson. Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Tulane, wasn't even invited to any of the NBA pre-draft camps. Johnson averaged just nine ppg and 6.5 rpg his senior season. His name isn't even listed in the 2003 NBA Draft guide.
However, his play has been so solid that it appears increasingly likely that the Bulls are going to dump a two-year veteran, Trenton Hassell, to make room for Johnson.
Johnson's athleticism, hustle and defense have won over coach Bill Cartwright. On Tuesday night, he called on Johnson to shut down Vince Carter and was pleased with the result.
"He's a competitive dude," Cartwright said.
"I understand what's at stake," Johnson said. "But at the same time, you have to stay poised. You can't let pressure interrupt your focus. In college [at Tulane], I was much more of a scorer. Here, I'm just an energy guy -- rebound, play defense."
While none of these seven are candidates for Rookie of the Year, nor are they likely to become anything other than role players in the NBA, you've got to love their story.
Around the League
Jamal Crawford for Othella Harrington? What is Scott Layden smoking? Reports out of both New York and Chicago had the Bulls trying to acquire Harrington this week. Talks, however, reportedly broke down when Layden, bless his heart, insisted on Crawford.
HarringtonI know that GMs are always throwing crap out there and hoping someone is stupid enough to agree to a trade. And, as Celtics and Warriors fans can attest to, sometimes a gullible GM bites at the bait.
But Crawford for Harrington? The same Harrington the Knicks are reportedly considering waiving. The same Crawford who is the Bulls' top assist man and second-leading scorer? Why didn't Layden just get John Paxson to throw in Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler for Shandon Anderson and Clarence Weatherspoon while he was at it?
Now you know why things rarely, if ever, get done in New York. I wouldn't trade Lonny Baxter for Harrington. Seriously.
Is Danny Ainge done dealing? "I don't anticipate anything before the start of the season," Ainge told the Boston Globe. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying."
BattieThree days after Insider reported that the Celtics were shopping Tony Battie, the Globe reported that the Celtics have been talking with the Raptors for a while about a trade including Battie. The deal, according to the report, would've likely included Antonio Davis. Of course, Davis makes about $7 million more than Battie, meaning Eric Williams and at least one other player would've had to have been involved.
With Raef LaFrentz in the fold, the Celtics have no use for Davis. The last thing they need is to add another bad contract (Davis has three years and $37 million left on his deal). However, a deal with the Raptors is probably doable.
What about Mo Peterson, Michael Bradley and Jerome Williams for Battie and Williams? The move gives the Celtics a couple of young players to build around and Williams, a hustle, chemistry guy who Ainge should love. Williams does have a long-term deal, but at least he's not making max-type money.
If the Celtics really want cap space, Peterson, Bradley and Chris Jeffries for Battie works under the cap.
The Blazers signed former Heat center Vladimir Stepania to a contract on Wednesday. How's this for a ringing endorsement from his new coach?
"You wouldn't do jumping jacks over him because he is not that kind of player," coach Mo Cheeks told the Oregonian. "I mean, there was a reason he was sitting out (as a free agent) for that long. But he is a guy who rebounds and who can make a 15-footer and he has been around. I don't think he will stand out right away, but he is a 7-footer, and you can't make up for height. And he can rebound and that's exactly what we need."
Teams have until today to waive any players they don't want on their opening night roster. Final rosters are due on Monday, but a player takes 48 hours to clear waivers. Since weekends don't count, it's got to happen today or they'll technically be on.
This is the time of year when cuts get pretty tough. Magic guard Jeryl Sasser will be kicked to the curb today. Perhaps this is the time to remind everyone that the Magic passed on Tony Parker and Jamaal Tinsley to draft Sasser in the first round of the 2001 draft.
Other significant cuts? The Bulls are expected to say goodbye to guard Trenton Hassell. The Sixers dumped Sam Clancy. The Clips waived Tremaine Fowlkes. Nuggets guard Vincent Yarbrough is expected to be let go. Former Pistons center Mikki Moore got cut from the Sonics on Tuesday.
