With the NBA Draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, this is the time of the year when there shouldn’t be much going on in the basketball world. However, the nature of the game has changed to the point where persistent rumors and trade talks make for little down time. That was certainly the case this week with news that the Golden State Warriors might not be done adding to their roster just yet. Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the NBA.
Warriors Could Sign Okafor
Emaka Okafor hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2012-13 season but he has been working hard to get back in shape with the intention of making a return sometime this season. The former No. 2 overall pick was forced to step away from the game because of a herniated disc found in his neck area but four years later he is almost ready to make a comeback. A number of teams have expressed interest in Okafor’s services with the Warriors at the top of that list. General manager Bob Myers stated that the team is interested in signing Okafor at some point as Golden State will likely try to add to an already loaded roster once again.
Gay Could Be On His Way To Miami
The Sacramento Kings and Rudy Gay could soon part ways with rumors that both sides are unhappy with their current situation. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Gay has openly said he wants the team to trade him with the Miami Heat at the top of the list of teams he would like to play for next season. Vlade Divac has yet to comment on the matter but there is no doubt he will listen to the Heat’s offer in order to try to receive proper compensation for Gay. Miami might not have the trade assets to acquire Gay at this point so it will be very interesting to see how things play out over the next couple of weeks and if a deal eventually gets done.
Fisher Wants To Make A Comeback
According to multiple reports, Derek Fisher wants to make a comeback to the NBA. The speculation was fueled by the fact that Fisher posted a video to his Facebook account with the caption “imnotdoneyet.” The question that some people are asking is whether or not he was referring to coaching or playing. If it’s coaching, that’s understandable as he’s fairly young in that realm. If it’s playing, some people are wondering why he wants to come back. When it comes to a guy like Ray Allen, it makes sense because maybe he wants to protect his three-point records (from Steph Curry) or maybe he wants another ring. For Fisher, he wouldn’t have much more than a bench role and remember that he’s already collected five championship rings; he’s not lacking in that department.
Fisher is reportedly exploring his options and it will be very interesting to see if he ends up signing with a contending team. It would be like having another coach on the floor and he’s a veteran point guard that could still provide a spark off the bench.
Jackson Could Join The Knicks
Stephen Jackson is another former player that wants to make a comeback but is it worth it for him? The 38-year-old has been out of the league since being waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 but he expressed his desire to join the New York Knicks after they reloaded with some considerable offseason additions. It’s hard to project what Jackson would bring to the table for the Knicks at this point in his career – especially considering he averaged just 1.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 11.9 minutes over nine games with the Clippers back in 2013-14. However, with an emphasis on adding veteran talent at a low price point to fill out rosters across the NBA, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jackson made his NBA return at some point this season regardless of whether or not it is with the Knicks. There are worse players that could be signed.
