For the last several days, there have been rumors the Bucks were seriously exploring the possibility of moving back from their No. 10 position in Thursday night’s NBA draft.
Ersan Ilyasova
Bucks general manager John Hammond conceded he’s had on-going discussions with several teams but declined to go into details. There has been widespread speculation the Bucks have had in-depth talks with the Houston Rockets, who have two first-round picks — Nos. 24 and 23 — and are desperately trying to move up in an attempt to select a much-needed center.
But it appears discussions between the Bucks and Rockets involve more than just exchanging picks. The scuttlebutt is both teams are receptive to swapping players as well.
Inside Hoops
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Josh Smith
The Hawks have begun exploring a trade involving Josh Smith, according to sources.
Smith, meanwhile, has privately told friends that the Celtics, Nets, Rockets and Magic are his preferred teams should Atlanta ultimately decide to trade him.
Smith has not requested a trade.
“The relationship has run its course,” said a league source with knowledge of the dynamic.
Real GM
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Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale is a Hall of Fame player who won three NBA championships with Boston, a longtime former executive for Minnesota and twice a fill-in coach for the Timberwolves.
Now he will take on a new challenge: coaching the Houston Rockets full time. McHale was hired to lead the Rockets on Wednesday, where he will begin a season as an NBA coach for the first time.
After several days of speculation and reports that he was taking the job, the Rockets made it official that McHale will take over for Rick Adelman, who left the team days after his fourth season in Houston.
ESPN.com
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Kevin McHale
After a month-long search and long sessions debating the merits of three finalists, the Rockets offered Kevin McHale their head coaching position on Friday.
McHale was chosen over Boston assistant Lawrence Frank and Dallas assistant Dwane Casey after meeting with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander on Wednesday to complete the interview process.
Though McHale is more celebrated as a Hall of Fame player who among other things inspired Rick Pitino’s rant about the inability to recapture the Boston glory days than as a coach, the Rockets were drawn to his apparent abilities as a leader and motivator.
Real GM
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Yao Ming
Rockets center Yao Ming said his rehab remains on schedule, and X-rays taken Wednesday “showed good news.”
He has not worn the protective boot for a few months and is able to do light jogging and weight lifting.
The next doctor’s visit is planned for later this summer, although Yao said there was not yet an exact date.
“We’ll know more in August or September,” he said.
Based on his past injury history, Yao was cautious not to put any timetable on a possible return.
“All I can do right now is what I’m supposed to do everyday,” he said. “You never know what happens tomorrow.”
Real GM
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The Rockets had decided they would choose Rick Adelman’s successor even before the team and the coach had agreed to part ways.
Houston Rockets
Adelman could have remained the Rockets’ head coach, but was told that the Rockets had decided to hire his successor and put him on Adelman’s coaching staff if he remained, according to two individuals with knowledge of the talks.
Though Adelman and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey came together on several issues, Morey wanted Adelman to mentor a successor that Morey and Rockets owner Leslie Alexander would have chosen and put on Adelman’s staff. Adelman was unwilling to make the changes necessary to his staff, arguing in favor of assistants.
Chron.com
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Mike Woodson
According to a report out of Houston, the Rockets have contacted former Hawks head coach Mike Woodson.
During his six-year stint as the Hawks head coach Atlanta became just the seventh team in NBA history to win more games than the previous year for five straight seasons, including three straight playoff appearances.
Woodson, who played for the Rockets from 1988-1991 and still owns a home in Katy, Texas, was not available for comment on Wednesday.
However, on Tuesday Woodson told FOX 26 Sports he hoped he would have the opportunity to meet with Rockets officials about their job. “I have big-time interest in it, I mean absolutely,” Woodson said on Tuesday. “It’s a young team that I think has room for growth.”
FanNation
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Rick Adelman
Rick Adelman will not return as head coach of the Houston Rockets. Adelman and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey failed to reach agreement on how they would continue to work together.
In four seasons with the Rockets, Adelman had a 193-135 record, the best winning percentage (.588) in franchise history. He moved to eighth in NBA history in career coaching wins with 945.
Adelman, 64, had expressed ambivalence about remaining in coaching, but said last week that he has not lost his desire to coach. He had been openly frustrated with decision-making during last season that led to a trio of trades over his objections that seemed designed to aid future seasons.
Real GM
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Shane Battier
The Grizzlies and Rockets have entered serious discussions on a proposed deal that would sent Battier to Memphis for young center Hasheem Thabeet.
The deal appears to hinge on Memphis including a first-round pick to re-acquire Battier, who the team traded for Rudy Gay in 2006. The Grizzlies may try to enlist a third team to avoid dealing their own future selection.
The Grizzlies’ own first-round pick is owned by the Jazz, but it is lottery-protected.
Real GM
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Courtney Lee
The Bulls are still working to acquire Courtney Lee from the Rockets.
According to sources, Chicago has offered Houston a first-round pick for the swingman.
Currently, the Rockets are determined to add size and want Omer Asik in any deal with the Bulls for Lee.
Chicago acquired Miami’s first-round pick from Toronto in a trade involving James Johnson on Tuesday night.
Real GM
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