Dinwiddie, Butler Attract European Suitors; Jazz Owner Backs Rebuild; Gafford Doubtful for Mavs Opener
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Free-agent backcourt targets overseas
Recently waived point guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Jared Butler are drawing interest from European clubs, according to Marc Stein. Multiple teams have contacted Dinwiddie, though Turkish power Anadolu Efes is reportedly not among them. Butler is nearing an agreement with Serbian side Crvena Zvezda, while rivals KK Partizan and Olympiacos have also shown interest.
Charlotte released Dinwiddie last Thursday despite a fully guaranteed one-year deal signed earlier in the offseason. Phoenix waived Butler the following day, even after the guard posted 35 points and nine assists in a standout preseason appearance.
Jazz owner remains patient amid slide
Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith told The Athletic he is committed to the franchise’s long-term plan despite a drop in victories from 52 to 17 since he purchased the team in 2020. “I think (president of basketball operations) Austin (Ainge) is a star. I think (head coach) Will (Hardy) is a star,” Smith said, highlighting the organization’s draft capital and flexibility.
Smith cited the development of Walker Kessler and rookie Taylor Hendricks while stressing that “winning happens rarely” and the club must “hit on these picks and keep growing the guys.”
Mavericks opener injury report
Daniel Gafford is unlikely to appear in Dallas’s season opener Wednesday as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him for the entire preseason, Dallas Hoops Journal reported. The center has returned to basketball activities but is not expected to suit up.
Undrafted rookie guard Ryan Nembhard is projected to make his NBA debut after earning a two-way contract off a strong preseason showing. “He’s steady and understands how to play the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said.
Forward P.J. Washington added that he is comfortable starting or coming off the bench, emphasizing that his only priority is winning.
Source: Hoops Wire
