Tag: new york knicks

The Latest on NBA Teams That Have Opted in/Out of Potential G League Bubble

Since news emerged of a potential Atlanta-based G League bubble, reports have been filtering out over which teams will participate. Along with others that will choose to opt-out.

Jared Weiss of The Athletic started proceedings by reporting that the Boston Celtics (Maine Red Claws) were among those expected to not participate.

Hoops Rumors reporter JD Shaw then put forward the Los Angeles Lakers (South Bay Lakers), Miami Heat (Sioux Falls Skyforce), and Detroit Pistons (Grand Rapids Drive) as being the others.

Texas Legends' Mid-Season Report (Sort of)
(Image/Suad Bejtovic Photography)

More Teams Opt-in, and Opt-Out:

Shaw has since stated that the Dallas Mavericks (Texas Legends) have “indicated plans of opting out”. Additionally, he has suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers (Canton Charge) and Indiana Pacers (Fort Wayne Mad Ants) are planning on playing. As well as the Toronto Raptors (Raptors 905) and Philadelphia 76ers (Delaware Blue Coats).

Adam Zagoria has added that at least 12 NBA teams are expected to participate in an Atlanta-based G League bubble. Including both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. With some teams considering the option of combining to form one team.

According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans are discussing a potential merge for the G League bubble. Which will include their affiliate teams, the Capital City Go-Go and Erie BayHawks.

Furthermore, Ridiculous Upside have provided further clarification. Reporting that Los Angeles Clippers (Agua Caliente Clippers), Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC Blue), San Antonio Spurs (Austin Spurs), Utah Jazz (Salt Lake City Stars), Golden State Warriors (Santa Cruz Warriors), and Orlando Magic (Lakeland Magic) all plan to take part.

In addition, Ridiculous Upside have suggested that the Sacramento Kings (Stockton Kings), Phoenix Suns (Northern Arizona Suns). Atlanta Hawks (College Park Skyhawks), and Chicago Bulls (Windy City Bulls) will all be opting out of a G League bubble.

It was initially thought that the new G League Ignite team for elite prospects were set to participate. However, in media availability last week Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw said that their schedule at the moment is “fluid”.

Shaw did go onto say that they do expect to face-off against G League competition at some point. In the same media availability, Ignite prospect Jalen Green stated that he was “itching to play”.

NBA teams will reportedly be subject to a $500,000 entry fee for a G League bubble. That will be a minimum of 12 games in duration. Possibly 15-16 games, plus a playoff tournament.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

Including on Twitter Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Skal Labissière Signs with Westchester Knicks

The former 1st round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Skal Labissière, has joined the New York Knicks’ G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

The towering forward has signed an Exhibit 10 deal, alongside former Boston Celtics 1st round pick James Young. Such a deal is essentially a training camp contract that provides Labissière with a financial incentive (between $5,000-50,000) to commit to the Knicks’ G League franchise.

Having last played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2019-20 campaign, Labissière joins a large Kentucky contingent within the Knicks organization.

Former Wildcats currently on the New York and Westchester Knicks’ roster include Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and Kevin Knox. Along with Nerlens Noel, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, James Young, and assistant coach Kenny Payne.

Player Profile:

Listed at 6-foot-10, Labissière is a mobile big man, capable of playing both the Power Forward and Center positions. Still only 24-years-old, there’s a significant amount of untapped potential left in his game that the Knicks will look to unlock.

At one point considered a consensus lottery pick, the young forward’s career was disrupted by injuries that threw doubt into his ability to withstand the rigors of an NBA season.

This led to the Haitian forward free-falling in the 2016 draft. Eventually being selected 28th by the Phoenix Suns. His draft rights were then traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night.

Blessed with length and athleticism, Labissière has all the characteristics to be the perfect modern-day big man. Coming out of high school, he had it all.

An advanced offensive game that had scouts drooling. Elite length and rebounding ability that would be easily transferable to the professional ranks. An ability to step out to the 3-point line and an NBA-ready body.

Upon arriving in Kentucky, Labissière started his college career strong but it went downhill, quickly. Never seeming to find his groove, he had a lackluster season. Which along with injury concerns, led to his draft stock plummeting.

With nothing but time on his side, there is still room for Labissière to turn things around, however.

Trail Blazers Stint and Future With the Knicks:

Skal Labissière’s most recent stop in the NBA came in the 2019-20 season with the Damian Lillard-led, Portland Trailblazers. Where he played in 33 games, starting 1. In those games, he posted averages of 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, in 17.2 minutes per contest.

Labissière and James Young will bring additional NBA experience to a G League team that is already well-renowned for producing numerous NBA caliber players. With Ivan Rabb, Kenny Wooten, Ignas Brazdeikis, and Kadeem Allen all having had stints in the NBA.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

Including on Twitter Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

New York Knicks Hire Maine Red Claws Head Coach Darren Erman

On November 24, Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Maine Red Claws Head Coach, Darren Erman, will be joining the New York Knicks.

Erman is set to join Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staff in New York, marking his return to the NBA after 2 years. Between 2015-18, Erman worked under Alvin Gentry with the New Orleans Pelicans.

For the 2019-20 season, the defensive specialist was named the Head Coach of the Maine Red Claws. The G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. In his single season with the franchise, he drastically improved the Red Claws’ record to 28-14. From the previous season’s record, 19-31.

Maine had the 4th-best record in the entire G League, sitting 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and were set to make postseason noise. Before the league suspension hit.

Being led by a defensive minded coach, the Red Claws were 7th in the league in defensive rating (105.8). Coupled with a 110.4 offensive rating, Erman’s team had a net rating of 4.6 (3rd), league-wide. In addition, Maine hit 591 3-pointers, which was good for the 3rd-most in the G League.

Previously, Erman worked with the Boston Celtics (2008-10), under Doc Rivers. Before joining the Golden State Warriors for a 4-year stint (2010-14), alongside Mark Jackson.

For the 2014-15 season, Erman rejoined the Celtics as Director of Player Scouting. Which led to his spell in New Orleans between 2015-18, and ultimately with the Red Claws for the 2019-20 campaign.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

Including on Twitter Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.