Hornets
Since Phoenix acquired Nick Richards from Charlotte earlier this month, the focus has largely been on the big man’s impact in the desert. However, the trade has also benefited the Hornets, with veteran swingman Josh Okogie emerging as a valuable contributor.
According to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, Okogie has quickly made his mark, posting season-highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Portland. He’s also tallied 11 steals in his first four games, boasting a remarkable +28.0 net rating in just 83 minutes on the court.
Hornets coach Charles Lee has praised Okogie’s leadership, noting, “He just has a great feel for the league, the game, what the game asks of you, the competitiveness. He’s already added a vocal element to our team, which I think we can definitely use.”
Lee added, “When you have a young team… it’s nice when their teammates speak up.”
With Okogie on a pseudo-expiring contract (his $7.75MM salary for next season is non-guaranteed), the Hornets could look to flip him at next week’s trade deadline. However, Okogie has fit in well and sounds open to staying in Charlotte.
“It’s been fun,” Okogie said. “It’s a good group with a lot of energy, plays free, plays loose, and just likes to have fun. It’s kind of refreshing to go out there and just play as hard as I can.”
Basically, the Hornets may have found a hidden gem in Okogie, whether he’s a long-term piece or a trade asset.
76ers
Guerschon Yabusele‘s minimum-salary deal with the Sixers has turned out to be a big win, as the 29-year-old is contributing solid numbers — 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with a 39.4% 3PT rate. Philadelphia has expressed admiration for the French forward, with Marc Stein of The Stein Line noting the team “loves” him.
However, retaining Yabusele beyond this season might be challenging. The Sixers only hold his Non-Bird rights, limiting their ability to offer more than 20% above his current minimum salary without using another cap exception.
As a result, Philadelphia may face a tough decision at the trade deadline, especially with Yabusele drawing interest from multiple playoff teams. With the Sixers struggling at 17-27 and above the tax line, they may consider moving Yabusele to avoid risking losing him for nothing.
Additionally, veteran Eric Gordon, who has been red-hot from three-point range, is also attracting trade offers.
Stein reports that the Sixers are taking their time, looking to see how the next week unfolds before making any final trade deadline decisions.
Warriors
Stephen Curry is battling a right thumb injury, but the Warriors superstar refuses to let it be an excuse for his recent struggles with shooting. In a loss to the Lakers on Saturday, Curry missed all eight of his second-half field goal attempts, and he’s averaging just 16.5 points over his last four games.
Despite the discomfort, Curry remains determined to push through.
“It sucks, but it’s not an excuse for anything,” Curry told reporters. “Got to play through it. I went 8-for-8 with it [against the Sixers]. It’s just something that has been lingering to the point that it gets hit every once in a while.
“It’s one of those things. It is almost gone, and then it gets knocked again. I will deal with it, but it shouldn’t bother me like it did (Saturday).”
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