Mavericks
Klay Thompson told reporters he sees no ceiling for the Dallas Mavericks this season, saying the club can win a championship if it stays healthy and gets Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. “There’s no reason we can’t be the highest-rated defensive team in the NBA,” the veteran guard said, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. “In my experience, what helps to win is having a roster full of two-way players. We have that.”
Head coach Jason Kidd echoed the optimism after the first week of training camp, noting to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal that the current group “talks a little bit more, and that’s good. The communication was good, guys are in, and the competition—everybody’s pushing each other.” Kidd singled out forward Naji Marshall as a camp standout, praising his consistency at both ends of the floor.
Knicks
New York must trim salary to remain under the NBA’s second-apron hard cap if it intends to keep Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, both on non-guaranteed deals. Ian Begley of SNY.tv reports the Knicks expect to keep both veterans, provided they stay healthy through camp.
Backup guard Miles McBride has drawn trade interest around the league, but the Knicks have shut down talks so far, according to Begley, valuing his production, age and team-friendly contract. Second-year wing Pacome Dadiet is viewed as a more likely trade chip. Dadiet unexpectedly started a preseason game when OG Anunoby was out but failed to impress; head coach Mike Brown later downplayed the idea that the start signaled a regular-season rotation spot.
Wizards
Khris Middleton, the most experienced player on Washington’s youthful roster, said he is embracing a mentoring role. “These guys are eager to play, and that’s what basketball players want to be around, people that are energetic, happy about playing basketball,” Middleton told Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “I just want to help guide them on their way.” He added that he aims to advise without “overstepping,” mirroring the approach his own veteran teammates once used with him.
Source: Hoops Wire
