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Adam Aaronson: Daryl Morey says Jared McCain's thumb injury "couldn't have been more flukey" and says the team is still working with doctors to figure out when he'll be back.
Adam Aaronson: Daryl Morey says the team is hungry to show the city what it can do again, and last season wasn't one they could be proud of. "We want the city to be proud of us every day." Morey says he sees the excitement in the city over the Eagles + Phillies and wants to be back in those talks.
Should the Lakers’ accomplishment be looked at with skepticism, like Morey suggests? Sam Amick: Absolutely not. As someone who spent eight weeks inside the bubble, I can personally (and strongly) attest that the experience was mentally taxing in ways that are hard to explain unless you were there. So while I get the physically-based argument that the Lakers, and LeBron in particular, benefited from the lack of travel and increased rest time during that title run, I would counter that they handled the psychological aspect of the challenge far better than any of their counterparts (see: the LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, etc.). That key factor, one that will always make this title even more impressive in my mind, should not be forgotten.
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However, upon seeing the reaction to that quote, Morey reached out to ClutchPoints to clear the air. “I'm frustrated,” Morey said over the phone Wednesday afternoon. “Of course, I respect that title. I defend it to people all the time. It's the thing I want the most.”
Daryl Morey: Had the Rockets won the title, I absolutely would have celebrated it as legitimate, knowing the immense effort and resilience required. Yet, everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn’t truly hold up as a genuine championship. Perhaps the lasting legacy of the NBA bubble is that the NBA should be proud of its leadership at both the beginning and end of the pandemic, even though the champion will forever be marked by an asterisk.
Morey referred to an eventual solution with Grimes as the last piece of business the Sixers needed to get settled this summer. He was not willing to divulge many details about the team's ongoing negotiations with Grimes, other than... negotiations remain ongoing. "We hope to work things out," Morey said. "I don't have more detail."
Kendrick Perkins: Then the Rockets reach out. Daryl Morey calls me: “Hey Perk, James [Harden] wants you on the bench. We got a vet minimum for you in Houston, your hometown.” I turned it down because I’d already given my word to Dell. Thought it was the right thing to do. Then they sign Nene. As soon as I turned it down, next thing I know—they sign Nene. Summer goes on. I’m watching other guys sign deals. I don’t hear from Dell Demps. I contact him in August: “Hey D, what we doing?” He calls me and says, “Yeah, after rethinking some things, we think it’s best to let the young guys roll and not bring you back.” I’m like, “What the f***?” I cussed his ass out on the phone. Hung up. Truth is—I had no more options. That year, I was out of the league. No job. You possibly cost me a championship. I turned down actual offers. The Rockets contacted me the first week of free agency: “We got a vet minimum for you. Stay in Houston.” Next year? Nothing. No job.
Keith Pompey: The #Sixers have signed Trendon Watford to his two-year, $5.3 million contract. Here’s what Daryl Morey had to say about the power forward: “Trendon is a young, dynamic player with a unique skillset who fits nicely with what we’re trying to accomplish on both sides of the ball. His size and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions, while his handle and passing showcase his playmaking ability. He is a valued addition to our roster and I’m excited to welcome him to Philadelphia.”
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Michael Scotto: Update: Philadelphia 76ers have a second-year team option on their two-year deal with Trendon Watford, sources told @hoopshype Daryl Morey: “Trendon is a young, dynamic player with a unique skillset who fits nicely with what we’re trying to accomplish on both sides of the ball.”
Adam Aaronson: Daryl Morey says Nick Nurse has been “unbelievable” during this process, mentioning Nurse’s experience running teams before he was an NBA head coach. Says all of Maxey/George/Embiid wanted to come to Edgecombe’s workout, but only Maxey could get to it. Says Maxey/VJ got along.
Adam Aaronson: Morey: “I think we’ll have one of the best backcourts in the league.” Mentions the recent trend of multi-guard lineups thriving in the playoffs, but highlights the importance of Joel Embiid being available to protect the rim for a team that plays those (smaller) guards.
Austin Krell: Joel Embiid is "very engaged" and attacking rehab. He had a meeting with Dr. Glashow this week and everything is going as expected. He's on track to be ready right around camp, Morey says.