CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 10: Dallas Mavericks Guard Kemba Walker (34) brings the ball up court during ... [+] a NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls on December 10, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Dallas Mavericks announced Friday that they waived veteran point guard and former four-time All-Star Kemba Walker. Dallas signed Walker to a rest-of-season contract on November 29, 2022. He appeared in nine games with the Mavericks.
Although his opportunities were limited, he scored a season-high 32 points with five rebounds and seven assists when he got a chance to start and play significant minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, with Walker gone, the Mavericks have an open roster spot and a need for another ball handler.
“Kemba did everything we asked,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told the media Friday. “He’s an incredible pro, a vet in that locker room. There’s no telling that our paths could probably pass here in the future with a 10-day [contract].
“As of right now, we look at having that roster spot open—flexibility. Maybe there’s someone else out there that we may take a look at first before revisiting bringing Kemba back.”
While the door is still open for Walker’s return, it’s apparent that the Mavericks waived him for financial reasons. His $1.39 million contract would have become guaranteed on Saturday. As it is, he walks away, having earned $684,712, according to Spotrac.
Walker showed some potential, given his years of experience. However, his lingering knee issues have hobbled him since he arrived in Dallas. The four-game stretch in which he averaged 24.8 minutes, including 42 minutes against the Cavaliers, may have been more than his knee could handle.
Dallas brought in Walker, and Facundo Campazzo before him, to address a glaring roster need that went unaddressed during the offseason: an additional point guard to run the team’s bench unit. It is something that has tormented the team all season.
After the botched attempt to re-sign Jalen Brunson, subsequently watching him leave for the New York Knicks and getting nothing in return, the Mavericks have been grasping at straws, trying to find a suitable replacement.
Opening a roster spot allows Dallas’ pursuit anew, returning the Mavericks to square one. Given the team’s need for bodies, three key rotation players—Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Green and Maxi Kleber—are out with injuries; the Mavericks may not have the luxury of targeting a point guard for a 10-day contract.
Still, a backup point guard is in high demand. Until they fill that role, rookie Jaden Hardy and two-way player McKinley Wright IV could see more opportunities.
Doyle Rader, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/doylerader/2023/01/07/mavericks-search-for-a-backup-point-guard-returns-to-square-one-after-waiving-kemba-walker/
By: Doyle Rader, Contributor
Title: Mavericks’ Search For A Backup Point Guard Returns To Square One After Waiving Kemba Walker
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/doylerader/2023/01/07/mavericks-search-for-a-backup-point-guard-returns-to-square-one-after-waiving-kemba-walker/
Published Date: 01-07-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NBA mean by waived?
The NBA refers to "waived", which means that a team has released a player. This can happen for any number of reasons, including salary cap concerns or disciplinary action. A player who is waived becomes an unrestricted agent and can sign for any team in the league. The player is not eligible to participate in the playoffs if they were waived after March 1, 2001.
When did Bill Russell pass away?
"The great ones always play when it is most important." Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. Legends die when they stop playing.
But, for those few minutes, the greatest player in basketball gave us a glimpse to his greatness.
Russell was born on February 24, 1934 and died on July 31, 20,22. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell has five MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections and was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a brilliant leader and defender who revolutionized basketball with his passion for winning.
He turned the Celtics into one of the most successful dynasties in sports, from a weak team to one that was exemplary. He was unselfish and a strong competitor who encouraged his teammates to achieve their full potential.
Russell inspired many generations of coaches and players. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Bill Russell. You will always be remembered as one the greatest basketball players.
How much does a NBA ref earn?
Referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA), are paid competitive salaries to perform their officiating duties. The average NBA referee earns between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. This scale of pay can vary depending on the experience of referees. More experienced referees will earn higher salaries. Refs who work in the playoffs or Finals earn even higher salaries than referees who take on additional roles, such as training new refs or working in the video review center. Some NBA referees receive royalties or endorsements from media outlets and television broadcasts. All in all, being an NBA referee is a lucrative job that can provide a stable source of income if one is willing to put in the necessary work and dedication.
Apart from a salary, NBA referees receive retirement plans and health insurance. Referees are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make critical calls that can affect a game's outcome. Referees may also be eligible for subsidised accommodation, meals, as well as travel to away games. This can provide additional peace of mind as referees work in pursuit of perfection on the court.
Referees in the NBA make a good living for their dedication and hard work, especially since they enforce rules during one of most popular sports in the world. While it can be exhausting, the job offers referees a rewarding opportunity to make an impact on basketball.
What is a NBA "Hybrid" contract?
The NBA offers players a hybrid contract that allows them to pay higher salaries than they otherwise would be able to. The contract includes a portion that is added to the team’s salary cap. The remainder is paid to the players as a bonus. This allows teams to offer larger salaries while still being able to comply with league salary restrictions. Players are also more likely to sign with teams that offer higher salaries while still being able to comply with league salary restrictions.
What is a technical foul vs. a flagrant foul in the NBA?
A technical foul in the NBA refers to unsportsmanlike conduct, such as fighting with officials and excessive celebration. A technical foul gives you one free throw and the opposing team takes possession of the ball.
A flagrant foul refers to a player who makes abusive or violent contact against another player. It can result in two free shots for the opposing side and possession of a ball. Flagrant one and flagrant two are the two types of flagrant fouls. Flagrant one does not cause an ejection and is considered less severe than Flagrant 2.
Any illegal contact between two players is a personal foul. This is often called illegal hand-checking or pushing an opponent. Personal fouls can result in the loss of possession of the ball and free throw attempts for the opposing side. Personal fouls, though, do not necessarily signify unsportsmanlike conduct, as opposed to flagrant fouls and technical fouls.
In the NBA, any foul can result in free throws or possession of ball for the opposing teams. The difference between a technical foul and a flagrant or personal foul lies in the intent behind them and the severity of contact committed.
Statistics
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
sbnation.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
sports.yahoo.com
- Yahoo Mail, Search & Weather
- NBA Finals Game 1 receives the lowest audience in recorded ratings history
bleacherreport.com
How To
How does the NBA All-Star Game choose its players?
A combination of fan, media and current player voting chooses the 24 players selected to compete in the NBA All-Star Game. Fans account for 50 percent of the vote, while the media and current players each account for 25 percent. Each vote counts as one and all three groups must submit their ballots simultaneously. The players are selected from each conference by position (two guards, two forwards and one center). The NBA Commissioner will pick a replacement for any player who becomes incapacitated or injured due to other reasons. The All-Star Game will see the players compete against one another in a pre-determined format. The team with the highest points total at the end after four quarters wins is declared the winner. Each year, the charity foundation that awarded the win team receives an additional donation.
Additionally, the most valuable player in the game receives a special award. The All-Star Game, which brings together the best talents of both conferences each year is one of the most anticipated events in NBA basketball. Fans can watch their favorite players play against one another and find out who wins. The All-Star Game is a showcase for some the most exciting players within the NBA and it is something that fans look forward too every year. The NBA All-Star Game promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent and entertainment with its unique selection process.
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