Warriors Targeting Bulls' Robin Lopez?

Robin Lopez could find himself competing for a championship this season. The Golden State Warriors are interested in acquiring the Chicago Bulls center, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

In the wake of Damian Jones’ pectoral tear—a potentially season-ending injury—the Warriors are in need of a big man. Jones will undergo surgery to repair the torn left pectoral muscle he suffered in Saturday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons. He started at center in 22 of the 24 games he played in this season, averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17 minutes per contest.

Lopez’s minutes have been scaled back this season with the Bulls rebuilding and focusing on playing the team’s younger guys. The 7-foot Lopez, 30, could use a change of scenery. He is a free agent at season’s end, making him an appealing trade option. The Bulls could simply just buy out Lopez's contract, freeing him to sign with the team of his choice.

The Warriors are reportedly interested in Robin Lopez. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

While Lopez has not seen significant playing action, he was praised earlier in the season for his “professionalism” and was called a “great mentor and great example” to the Bulls' young players by Fred Hoiberg, the now former Bulls coach who was fired on Monday.

Lopez could beef up the Warriors’ front-line, which is still awaiting the debut of four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who signed with Golden State in the offseason.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that Cousins is “making strides” and is practicing fully with the team. Previous reports have suggested that Cousins could return in late-December or January. Given that he is practicing regularly, that seems like an accurate timeline.

The Warriors recalled Marcus Derrickson from the G-League to add help in the frontcourt, but he is more of a power forward/4. With Draymond Green currently injured, Kevin Looney has been thrust into the starting center role for the Warriors with Jordan Bell and Jonas Jerebko getting minutes at the 5 off the bench. But Green, Looney, Bell and Jerebko aren't true 5's and are all better suited at the 4.

Lopez would provide the Warriors with a legitimate center. He could be useful in the interim and see decent minutes—at least until Cousins regains his health.

Fred Hoiberg on Hot Seat?

As the injury-riddled Chicago Bulls begin to regain their health, the pressure lies on head coach Fred Hoiberg to win more and better develop his young players. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Hoiberg will soon be “coaching for his job” and his performance over the next month will be critical in determining if he lasts the remainder of the season.

The Bulls (5-19) have the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. Injuries have decimated them this season. Second-year forward Lauri Markkanen made his season debut on Saturday night after dealing with a sprained right elbow. Starting point guard Kris Dunn, currently dealing with a knee injury, has appeared in just one game. Forward Bobby Portis played in only four games before hurting his knee. Dunn and Portis are expected to be cleared for contact practices in the next week, signaling they will return to game action at some point in December.

Hoiberg is in the fourth season of his five-year, $25 million contract and holds a 115-155 mark since taking over the coaching duties. He made one playoff appearance in 2017. His contract is fully guaranteed, which means he will be paid in full even if he gets canned early. Cowley notes that the Bulls owed Tom Thibodeau $9 million when he was fired, so money might not even factor into the decision of owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

Fred Hoiberg is reportedly coaching for his job. (Getty Images)

While Chicago’s front office will take into account wins and losses in its evaluation, development of the young core players will be deemed most important, according to Cowley. The Bulls are rebuilding, so judging Hoiberg’s performance solely on wins (or lack thereof) would be unfair. The growth of rookie Wendell Carter Jr., Markkanen, Dunn and Zach LaVine—who is currently having an All-Star caliber season—will be assessed heavily by the Bulls' front office when determining if Hoiberg is the right man for the job.

Reinsdorf will have the final say in Hoiberg’s future. But he will gather input from general manager Gar Forman and VP of basketball operations John Paxson. Assuming the Bulls actually get healthy this month, Hoiberg needs to immediately demonstrate to the front office that he can be a part of the franchise’s turnaround—or else he could be axed before the calendar flips to 2019.

NBA Summer Forecast: 2015-16 Eastern Conference Standings

 1. Cleveland Cavaliers

   Players added

Via draft:

Forward Cedi Osman (No. 31)
Forward Sir'Dominic Pointer (No. 53)

Via free agency:

Guard Mo Williams (from Hornets)
Forward Richard Jefferson (from Mavs)

Players Lost*

Via free agency:
Center Kendrick Perkins (to Pelicans)

Via trade:
Center Brendan Haywood (to Trail Blazers, who waived him)
Guard/Forward Mike Miller (to Trail Blazers, who waived him)

Via retirement:

Forward Shawn Marion

2. Chicago Bulls

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Bobby Portis (No. 22)

Players Lost

3. Toronto Raptors

Players Added

Via draft:

Guard Delon Wright (No. 20)
Guard Norman Powell (No. 46)

Via free agency:

Forward DeMarre Carroll (from Hawks)

Forward/Center Luis Scola (from Pacers)

Guard Cory Joseph (from Spurs)

Forward/Center Bismack Biyombo (from Hornets)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Forward Amir Johnson (to Celtics)

Guard Lou Williams (to Lakers)
Forward Tyler Hansbrough (to Hornets)

Via trade:

Guard Greivis Vasquez (to Bucks)

Forward/Center Tomislav Zubcic (to Thunder)

4. Miami Heat

Players Added

Via draft:

Guard/Forward Justise Winslow (No. 10)

Guard/Forward Josh Richardson (No. 40)

Via free agency:

Forward/Center Amar'e Stoudemire (from Mavs)
Forward Gerald Green (from Suns)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Forward Michael Beasley 

Via trade:
Guard Shabazz Napier (to Magic)
Guard Zoran Dragic (to Celtics)

5. Atlanta Hawks

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Marcus Eriksson (No. 50)

Forward/Center Dimitrios Agravanis (No. 59)

Via free agency:

Guard Justin Holiday (from Warriors)

Via trade:

Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (from Knicks)

Center Tiago Splitter (from Spurs)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Center Pero Antic (to Fenerbahce, Turkey)

Forward DeMarre Carroll (to Raptors)
Forward John Jenkins (to Mavs)

Waived:

Forward Austin Daye

6. Milwaukee Bucks

Players Added

Via draft:

Guard Rashad Vaughn (No. 17)

Via free agency:

Forward/Center Greg Monroe (from Pistons)
Forward Chris Copeland (from Pacers)

Via trade:

Guard Greivis Vasquez (from Raptors)

Players Lost

Via trade:
Forward Jared Dudley (to Wizards)

Forward Ersan Ilyasova (to Detroit)

Center Zaza Pachulia (to Mavs)

7. Washington Wizards

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Kelly Oubre (No. 15)

Forward Aaron White (No. 49)

Via free agency:

Guard/Forward Alan Anderson (from Nets)

Guard Gary Neal (from Wolves)

Via trade:
Forward Jared Dudley (from Bucks)

Players Lost

Via free agency: 

Forward Paul Pierce (to Clippers)

Forward Rasual Butler

Forward/Center Kevin Seraphin (to Knicks)

Guard Will Bynum

8. Indiana Pacers

Players Added

Via draft:

Center Myles Turner (No. 11)
Forward Rakeem Christmas (No. 36; acquired from Cavs in trade on July 23)

Guard Joseph Young (No. 43)

Via free agency:

Guard Monta Ellis (from Mavs)

Forward/Center Jordan Hill (from Lakers)

Via trade:

Chase Budinger (from Wolves)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Guard C.J. Watson (to Magic)

Forward/Center Luis Scola (to Raptors)

Forward David West (to Spurs)
Forward Chris Copeland (to Bucks)

Via trade:

Center Roy Hibbert (to Lakers)

Forward Damjan Rudez (to Wolves)

9. Boston Celtics

Players Added

Via draft:

Guard Terry Rozier (No. 16)

Guard R.J. Hunter (No. 28)

Forward Jordan Mickey (No. 33)

Guard Marcus Thornton (No. 45) (plans to play in Australia this season)

Via free agency:

Forward Amir Johnson (from Raptors)

Via trade:

Forward Perry Jones (from Thunder)

Forward David Lee (from Warriors)
Guard Zoran Dragic (from Heat)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Forward Luigi Datome (to Fenerbahce Ulker, Turkey)

Forward Brandon Bass (to Lakers)

Via trade:

Forward Gerald Wallace (to Warriors)

Waived:

Guard Phil Pressey (signed with Trail Blazers)

10. Detroit Pistons

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Stanley Johnson (No. 8)

Guard Darrun Hilliard (No. 38)

Via free agency:

Forward Aron Baynes (from Spurs)

Via trade:

Guard/Forward Reggie Bullock (from Suns)

Guard Steve Blake (from Nets (from Blazers))

Forward Danny Granger (from Suns)

Forward Ersan Ilyasova (from Bucks)

Forward Marcus Morris (from Suns)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Forward/Center Greg Monroe (to Bucks)

Forward Tayshaun Prince

Guard John Lucas III

Via trade:

Guard/Forward Caron Butler (to Bucks, who waived him; Butler signed with Kings)

Forward Shawne Williams (to Bucks, who waived him)

Forward Quincy Miller (to Nets)

11. Charlotte Hornets

Players Added

Via draft: 

Forward Frank Kaminsky (No. 9)

Via free agency:

Guard/Forward Aaron Harrison (undrafted free agent)
Guard Jeremy Lin (from Lakers)
Forward Tyler Hansbrough (from Raptors)

Via trade: 

Forward Matt Barnes (from Clippers)

Forward Nicolas Batum (from Blazers)

Forward/Center Spencer Hawes (from Clippers)

Guard Jeremy Lamb (from Thunder)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Guard Mo Williams (to Cavaliers)
Forward Jeffrey Taylor (to Real Madrid, Spain)

Via trade:

Forward Matt Barnes (to Grizzlies)

Guard/Forward Gerald Henderson (to Blazers)

Guard/Forward Lance Stephenson (to Clippers)

Forward Noah Vonleh (to Blazers)

12. Brooklyn Nets

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (No. 23)
Forward/Center Chris McCullough (No. 29)

Forward Juan Pablo Vaulet (No. 39)

Via free agency:

Center Andrea Bargnani (from Knicks)

Guard Wayne Ellington (from Lakers)

Guard Shane Larkin (from Knicks)

Forward Thomas Robinson (from 76ers)

Via trade:

Forward Quincy Miller (from Pistons)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Guard/Forward Alan Anderson (to Wizards)

Forward Mirza Teletovic (to Suns)

Via trade:

Center Mason Plumlee (to Blazers)

Waived:

Guard Darius Morris

Forward Cory Jefferson

Guard Deron Williams (signed with Mavs)

13. New York Knicks

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward/Center Kristaps Porzingis (No. 4)

Guard Jerian Grant (No. 19)

Center Guillermo Hernangomez (No. 35)

Via free agency:

Guard Arron Afflalo (from Blazers)

Center Robin Lopez (from Blazers)

Forward Derrick Williams (from Kings)
Center Kevin Seraphin (from Wizards) 

Via trade:

Forward Kyle O'Quinn (from Magic)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Center Cole Aldrich (to Clippers)

Guard Shane Larkin (to Nets)

Forward/Center Jason Smith (to Magic)

Center Andrea Bargnani (to Nets)

Forward Quincy Acy (to Kings)

Guard Alexey Shved (BC Khimki, Russia)
Center Samuel Dalembert (to Mavs)

Via trade:

Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (to Hawks)

14. Orlando Magic

Players Added

Via draft:

Forward Mario Hezonja (No. 5)
Guard Tyler Harvey (No. 51)

Via free agency:

Forward/Center Jason Smith (from Knicks)

Guard C.J. Watson (from Pacers)

Via trade:

Guard Shabazz Napier (from Heat)

Players Lost

Via trade:

Forward Maurice Harkless (to Blazers)
Forward Kyle O'Quinn (to Knicks)

Waived:

Guard Ben Gordon

15. Philadelphia 76ers

Players Added

Via draft:

Center Jahlil Okafor (No. 3)

Forward Richaun Holmes (No. 37)

Forward J.P. Tokoto (No. 58)

Via trade:

Forward Carl Landry (from Kings)

Guard Nik Stauskas (from Kings)

Forward/Center Jason Thompson (from Kings)

Players Lost

Via free agency:

Forward Thomas Robinson(to Nets)

Forward Luc Mbah a Moute (to Kings)

*As of 8/4/15, Tristan Thompson (restricted) and J.R. Smith remain free agents. Thompson is widely expected to re-sign with the Cavs and Smith—who (foolishly) declined his $6.4 million player option—is likely to return to the Cavs as well, provided he takes a pay cut. 

Paul Pierce Moves into Fourth on All-Time Three-Point List as Wizards Beat Bulls

            Paul Pierce added another accolade in his Hall of Fame-bound career, passing Jason Kidd for fourth place on the NBA’s all-time three-point field goal list in Washington’s 105-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Pierce, who scored a team-high 22 points on 7 of 12 shooting, surpassed Kidd with a fourth-quarter trey that helped seal a critical road victory for Washington.

Paul Pierce hits 1,989th career 3-pointer in win, moving past Jason Kidd for 4th on NBA’s all-time leaderboard. pic.twitter.com/ej6Nsg7f4L
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 15, 2015

Paul Pierce passes Jason Kidd to move into 4th place on NBA's all-time 3-pt FG list. Pierce has 1,989 career threes. pic.twitter.com/SP7Yt9XQmX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 15, 2015

After beating the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, the Wizards took out another one of the NBA’s elite teams—defeating the Bulls at the United Center for the fifth straight time, including last season’s first-round playoff series.

            A dark horse MVP candidate, John Wall posted 21 points with nine assists. Scoring 10 points in the final quarter, Wall was able to push Washington past Chicago for the second time in six days, despite a season-high 32 points from Derrick Rose.

            Each member of the Wizards starting lineup scored in double figures. Bradley Beal totaled 17 points and six assists. Nene Hilario had 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Marcin Gortat chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds.

            Pierce connected on all five of his shots from two-point range and went 6-6 from the free-throw line in the win. The longtime Boston Celtic made two of seven from behind the arc, giving him 1,989 three-pointers in his career.

            The Wizards host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as Pierce will square off against his former team of one season for the first time.

NBA Summer Forecast: 2014-15 Eastern Conference Standings

      With LeBron James returning home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the balance of power has shifted dramatically in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs, who missed the playoffs in each of the four years James spent in Miami, will be the favorites to seize the East in the regular season--especially after acquiring Kevin Love in a blockbuster trade.
         The 25-year-old widely regarded as the NBA's top 'stretch four', Love is coming off a career-year, in which he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Adding Love to a team already with Kyrie Irving and the best player in the NBA in James, the Cavs undoubtedly boast the most talented star trio in the league.

        Could a Central Division foe--specifically the Chicago Bulls--prevent the Cavs from landing the top spot in the conference? Will the Bulls' signing of Pau Gasol be enough to snatch the top-seed? 

        Don't forget about the Washington Wizards, who are now the favorites to win the Southeast--a division the Heat dominated the past four seasons. The Wizards signed future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, who delivered in the clutch for the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round playoff series victory over the Toronto Raptors. The Wizards also bolstered their bench by adding DeJuan Blair and Kris Humphries via free agency. 

          You can't sleep on the Raptors, either, after the club retained all of its core players from last year's Atlantic Division-champion roster. 

            So, how will the East stack up 1-15 in the upcoming year? I forecast the 2014-2015 standings below. 

1.     Cleveland Cavaliers

Key additions: LeBron James, Kevin Love (Via 3-Way Trade with Timberwolves & 76ers), Mike Miller, Joe Harris (R), James Jones, Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion

Subtractions: Spencer Hawes (Clippers), Luol Deng (Heat), C.J. Miles (Pacers), Jarrett Jack & Tyler Zeller (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Nets), Anthony Bennett (Via 3-Way Trade with Timberwolves & 76ers) 

2.     Chicago Bulls 

 Key additions: Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott (R), Nikola Mirotic (R-Spain), Aaron Brooks, E'Twaun Moore

Subtractions: Carlos Boozer (Via Amnesty clause--signed with Lakers), D.J. Augustin (Pistons), Jimmer Fredette (Pelicans)

3.     Washington Wizards 

 Key additions: Paul Pierce, Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair

Subtractions: Trevor Ariza (Rockets), Trevor Booker (Jazz)

4.     Toronto Raptors 

 Key additions: James Johnson, Bruno Caboclo (R), Lou Williams (Via Trade with Hawks)

Subtractions: John Salmons (Via Trade with Hawks), Steve Novak (Via Trade with Jazz)

5.     Miami Heat

 Key additions: Luol Deng, Danny Granger, Josh McRoberts, Shabazz Napier (R)

Subtractions: LeBron James (Cavaliers), James Jones (Cavaliers), Ray Allen

6.     Charlotte Hornets 

 Key additions: Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams, P.J. Hairston (R), Brian Roberts

Subtractions: Josh McRoberts (Heat), Anthony Tolliver (Suns), Luke Ridnour (Magic), Brendan Haywood (Cavs)

7.     New York Knicks

 Key Additions: Jose Calderon, Shane Larkin & Samuel Dalembert (Via Trade with Mavs), Travis Outlaw & Quincy Acy (Via Trade with Kings), Jason Smith

Subtractions: Tyson Chandler & Raymond Felton (Via Trade with Mavs), Jeremy Tyler & Wayne Ellington (Via Trade with Kings)

8.     Atlanta Hawks 

 Key additions: Thabo Sefolosha, Kent Bazemore, Adreian Payne (R)

Subtractions: Lou Williams (Via Trade with Raptors), Cartier Martin (Pistons), Gustavo Ayon, Elton Brand

9.   Brooklyn Nets

 Key additions: Jarrett Jack (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Cavs)

 Subtractions: Paul Pierce (Wizards), Shaun Livingston (Warriors), Andray Blatche, Marcus Thornton (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Cavs) 

10.     Indiana Pacers

Key additions: C.J. Miles, Damjan Rudez (R- Europe), Rodney Stuckey

Subtractions: Lance Stephenson (Hornets), Evan Turner (Celtics)

*Paul George likely out for season after breaking leg during USA Basketball Showcase

11.   Detroit Pistons

 Key additions: Jodie Meeks, Cartier Martin, D.J. Augustin, Caron Butler

 Subtractions: Chauncey Billups, Rodney Stuckey (Pacers)

12.   Boston Celtics

 Key additions: Marcus Smart (R), James Young (R), Evan Turner, Marcus Thornton & Tyler Zeller (Via 3-Way Trade with Nets and Cavs)

 Subtractions: Kris Humphries (Wizards), Jerryd Bayless (Bucks)

13.   Milwaukee Bucks 

 Key additions: Jabari Parker (R), Jerryd Bayless, Kendall Marshall

 Subtractions: Jeff Adrien (Rockets), Ramon Sessions

14.   Orlando Magic

 Key additions: Aaron Gordon (R), Elfrid Payton (R), Luke Ridnour, Ben Gordon, Channing Frye, Evan Fournier (Via Trade with Nuggets)

Subtractions: Jameer Nelson (Mavs), Aaron Afflalo (Via Trade with Nuggets), E'Twaun Moore (Bulls)

15.   Philadelphia 76ers

 Key additions: Joel Embiid (R), Dario Saric (R), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute & Alexey Shved (Via 3-Way Trade with Cavs and Timberwolves)

 Subtractions: Thaddeus Young (Via 3-Way Trade with Cavs and Timberwolves)