With the 2020-21 NBA regular season rolling right along as we head into March, it’s time to get the news scoop on what’s going on around the league’s landscape. Let’s get started in the City of Brotherly Love where the Philadelphia 76ers could be looking to increase their online betting chances of winning the Eastern Conference crown at the very least. Right now, they have +450 odds to win the conference.
Oladipo to Philly?
The Sixers are atop the Eastern Conference standings, a half-game in front of Brooklyn’s Big Three. A new rumor says Philly could be in pursuit of veteran shooting guard Victor Oladipo, particularly after he reportedly turned down a two-year offer from Houston last week.
Oladipo will be an unrestricted free agent after the season is over and the Rockets can’t afford to lose him for nothing. Moving Oladipo prior to the March 25 trade deadline would enable Houston to get something in return for someone they’re almost certainly going to lose after the season is over anyway. Oladipo would join Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris to give the 76ers four all-star caliber performers — and the edge of Brooklyn if you ask me.
Oh Ricky, You So Fine
Sure, veteran point guard Ricky Rubio never turned out to be the massive superstar that Minnesota hoped he’d become when they drafted him with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, but has carved out a solid, 10-year career. After spending his first six seasons in Minnesota, Rubio suited up for Utah for two more and Phoenix for one. Now, back with his original team, Rubio has seen a little bit of everything and he spoke on Minnesota’s situation this week.
“I don’t feel like this is building something,” Rubio said. “It’s hard. You always have to take positive things and of course we want to get better, but at one point we got to start wanting to change something, and it’s not happening.”
Minnesota is 7-28 and has shown no signs they will become competitive at any point in the near future.
Hawks Fire Lloyd
With the team going an uninspiring 14-20 to date, the Atlanta Hawks decided to fire head coach Lloyd Pierce on Monday. The former Philadelphia 76ers’ assistant went 63-120 in two plus seasons. Atlanta made a bunch of off-season moves to upgrade their roster and improve their chances for postseason success, but nothing has worked so far — hence, Lloyd’s dismissal.
Hawks Name McMillan Interim Head Coach
A former head coach with the Supersonics, Blazers and Pacers, Hawks assistant Nate McMillan is set to take on Atlanta’s job as the interim head coach. McMillan was wary about accepting the position his good friend Pierce, had been dismissed from.
Dinwiddie On The Move?
Spencer Dinwiddie might be out for the 2020-21 season with a torn ACL, but a new rumor says the Brooklyn Nets could be trying to move the all-star before the trade deadline in order to acquire some future assets. Dinwiddie is owed $11.4 million this year and has a $12.3 million player option next season. Last season, Dinwiddie averaged 20.8 points and 6.8 assists per game during the 2019-20 season.
Lowry To Philly Or LA?
After paying Fred VanVleet big money this past offseason, the Toronto Raptors are looking to move veteran point guard Kyle Lowry. Rumors say the six-time all-star and one-time champion could be headed to his hometown 76ers or across the country to suit up for the LA Clippers. Stay tuned.
PJ Tucker Is In Demand
Rumors are flying fast and furious surrounding Houston Rockets veteran forward P.J. Tucker. According to multiple sources, a bunch of teams are hot and heavy after the do-it-all Tucker including the Jazz, Clippers and Nets.
Out With The Old and In With…
Veteran power forwards Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge are both reportedly being shopped around by the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs respectively. Both aging frontcourt veterans are no longer the same players they used to be, but could help boost a contender with experience off the bench. Stay tuned as Griffin, a six-time all-star and Aldridge, a five-time all-star, could both be on the move in short order. You can bet on which team he may go to in our NBA special props.
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