Biyombo Emerges as Mentor in San Antonio; Contract Clock Ticks for Daniels; Harper Returns to Boston on Two-Way Deal
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San Antonio, Atlanta and Boston — A veteran center’s leadership, a looming contract deadline and a two-way comeback headline Monday’s NBA notes.
Spurs
Bismack Biyombo’s influence on the rebuilding Spurs extends past his shot-blocking. The 32-year-old, signed last February after San Antonio traded Zach Collins to Chicago, has become a vocal guide for a roster built around young talent.
“It’s a great group of young guys just to be around and help them out,” Biyombo said following a recent preseason contest. “When you enjoy what you do, you can’t call it work.”
Biyombo originally arrived as a presumed backup but moved into the starting lineup when Victor Wembanyama’s season ended because of a blood-clot condition. He re-upped this summer on an Exhibit 9 deal and again secured a spot. Forward Julian Champagnie called the center “very selfless,” noting his constant on-court guidance.
Hawks
Extension negotiations between the Hawks and guard Dyson Daniels appear likely to continue beyond Monday’s rookie-scale deadline. League executives told The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer that few extensions exceeding $25 million annually are expected under the NBA’s new apron rules.
Daniels, 21, is reportedly targeting a package comparable to last year’s five-year, $150 million agreements signed by teammates Jalen Johnson and Orlando’s Jalen Suggs. Atlanta’s front office, however, may allow the Australian guard to enter restricted free agency next July if no deal is reached.
Agent Daniel Moldovan, who also represents Josh Giddey, handled a similar scenario when Giddey reached free agency before settling on a shorter contract with Chicago. Fischer added that Daniels could encounter a stronger market than Giddey faced.
Celtics
Persistence rewarded Ron Harper Jr. with a two-way contract from the Celtics nearly a year after Boston waived him in training camp. The 6-foot-6 guard spent most of last season with the G League’s Maine Celtics before Detroit offered a two-way deal in January.
Upon becoming a free agent this summer, Harper quickly accepted Boston’s invitation to return. “Last training camp I was really grateful because I learned a lot,” he said. “Being around a championship team helped me get the two-way in Detroit. So when the opportunity came to come back here, I jumped on it.”
Harper impressed during preseason action and is expected to split time between Boston and Maine while focusing on decision-making, defense and perimeter shooting.
Source: Hoops Wire
