News: ESPN reports that Pacers point guard George Hill missed Game 5 against the Knicks because of a concussion. There's no definite timetable for his return. Under the guidelines of the NBA's concussion protocol, it seems highly unlikely Hill returns in time for Game 6 on Saturday against the Knicks. He may not be back for Game 7 on Monday, either, if it is necessary. Hill was diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday afternoon -- about three hours before tipoff of Game 5. He will need to go through a lengthy series of tests before he returns to the floor. Per the NBA's concussion policy, which was implemented at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, Hill first needs to show that he is symptom-free.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Hill's status, and hopefully he can return for Game 6 and doesn't have any concussion issues moving forward. When healthy and active, Hill is a quality Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Celtics forward Kevin Garnett has two years left on his contract but is considering retirement. He turns 37 Sunday. “I don’t think I have the answers that Kevin will want,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. “So I’ve got to figure there’s a lot to do [before we talk], and I think there’s a lot of questions in Kevin’s mind, as there is every year, to determine whether he’s coming back.I’m not ready to answer everything that he will want to know.”
Analysis: Garnett had another productive year, averaging 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 78.6 percent from the foul line. He will likely return if the Celtics keep Paul Pierce, but that's just speculation. Keep an eye on what happens with the Celtics, and if Garnett is back consider him a solid No. 2 Fantasy center worth a mid-round pick.
News: The Boston Globe reports the Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Paul Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason.Pierce struggled mightily during the playoffs, and Ainge was asked whether the longtime Celtic was injured. “Paul’s always battling little things,” said Ainge. “I think Paul’s healthy, but he played so hard and carried such a heavy load. Paul had a terrific year this year, but in the playoffs, New York did a good job of taking away his strengths and taking advantage of some of our weaknesses. But I thought Paul had a terrific year.”
Analysis: This report makes it seems as though Pierce could be gone, but we'd be surprised if that happens. That said, the Celtics do need to start rebuilding at some point. Keep an eye on what happens with Pierce and where he ends up. He would remain a quality starting option in all leagues no matter where he plays, but we'd like him best if he returned to Boston.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that the plantar fasciitis in center Joakim Noah’s right foot could require surgery, but that Noah would try rehabilitation first. “That hasn’t been determined,’’ Thibodeau said of Noah undergoing surgery. “Obviously, we’d like to avoid the surgery. He has responded a lot better. He has found something that has worked. "We want him to get completely healthy That will be the focus, getting him back to 100 percent. He needs some rest, as most of the guys do."
Analysis: We hope whatever Noah decides to do with his foot will get him back to being 100 percent for the start of next season. When healthy and active, Noah is an elite Fantasy center in the majority of leagues. He is worth drafting as early as Round 3 or 4 in most formats.
News: The Racine Journal-Times reports that Bucks guard J.J. Redick could be departing this summer. Redick loved Orlando, and was very upset when he was traded. It's not likely that he would return to the Magic, considering their rebuilding condition, but he'll finally be in a position to make his own choices for his career. Redick could want to sign with a contender for less money, or an up-and-coming team for more. Redick averaged 12 points and three assists on just 40 percent shooting in Milwaukee after averaging 15 points and four assists per game with Orlando before the trade deadline.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Redick ends up, and hopefully he lands with a team where he can get playing time and post quality stats. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick in the majority of leagues depending on where he signs.
News: The New York Post reports that Knicks center Tyson Chandler hurt his back and knee with a late tumble Thursday night against the Pacers and left the court in the final minute for the locker room. He said he’s sore, but will play Saturday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Indiana. “I probably won’t get the best night’s sleep," Chandler said.
Analysis: We hope Chandler can play against the Pacers and that he doesn't have any issues going forward with his back or knee. When healthy and active, Chandler is a solid Fantasy center in the majority of leagues.
News: The San Antonio Express-News reports that Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard's knee is a "storyline for the next round" after San Antonio beat Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. The Spurs will next face Memphis in the conference finals. The report says the knee is bothering him and "mild cause for concern."
Analysis: We expect Leonard to play against the Grizzlies in the next round, but keep an eye on what develops with his knee. When healthy and active, Leonard is a developing Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: The Contra Costa Times reports that guard Jarrett Jack would like to return to the Warriors next season. Golden State was eliminated from the playoffs by San Antonio in the Western Conference semifinals. “Usually before I would do any media, I would make sure I was dressed a certain way," he said. "I brought one of my best suits. But looking down at this jersey, it’s just a sense of pride I don’t think I’ve ever felt as a professional. … Nothing in my closet is better than what I have on now.” His future with the Warriors is uncertain. Jack, who made $5 million this season, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ success as the backup point guard and the late-game ball-handler. So much so, Golden State reached out for extension talks back in January, but Jack declined before talks could get going so he could focus on the season.
Analysis: Based on his performance with the Warriors, Jack is expected to get several opportunities and lots of money on the free agent market. Whether he takes the more lucrative offer elsewhere, or whether the Warriors make a competitive offer to keep him, that will all be figured out this summer. But Jack was never more clear about for whom he wants to play: Golden State. Keep an eye on where he ends up next season. He should remain a late-round flier no matter where he signs.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Kurt Thomas is undecided about whether to regain his title as the NBA’s oldest player next season. “Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it,” the former Knick said. “I’m just concentrating on getting healthy.” Thomas is recovering from right foot surgery and is two weeks from being off crutches. The 40-year-old is a free agent after the Knicks released him last month in order to add a player to the postseason roster. “I definitely miss being around the guys,” Thomas said over the telephone from his home in Dallas. “I miss being a part of the playoffs. And I just miss being around basketball. I love the game.”
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Thomas heading into next season, but even if he plays somewhere he would have minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: After being held scoreless in Game 4, Bulls guard Nate Robinson bounced back in Wednesday's elimination game against the Heat. Unfortunately, despite scoring 21 points on 6 of 15 shooting, Robinson's season came to a close in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Robinson added six rebounds and five rebounds, while turning the ball over four times in 47 minutes, in a 94-91 loss. He finished the postseason averaging 16.3 points per game in 12 contests.
Analysis: Robinson had his finest regular season since 2008-09, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists in just 25.4 minutes per game. Robinson has clearly grown as a player, and he enters free agency at a good time. Coming off a successful year in the Bulls' elite defense will help his value on the market as well. Robinson is unlikely to get a starting role, but an increase in minutes would not be terribly surprising coming off his postseason successes. Robinson should be worth targeting in the mid-to-late rounds on Draft Day in most Fantasy formats.
