2017-18 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 8)

Trades
Nets get: Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskus, 2019 2nd round pick (Knicks); Sixers get: Trevor Booker. Sixers have been itching to dump Okafor and were looking to get back a wily veteran to bolster their bench--score! The  clearly never liked Okafor, clearly weren't going to build around Stauskus and have clearly moved on from the Hinkie fetish for 2nd round picks. Booker gives them an adult to throw in with the youngsters, a level headed force to increase efficiency. The Nets get to take a low cost look at two young players that still have room to grow and time to shine. With Reddick getting the big minutes, Stauskus had pretty much disappeared in the Sixer rotation. And while Okafor isn't quite the top tier talent you're hoping for in a top five pick, I think he still has great offensive upside and should get plenty of playing time in Brooklyn. And the buzz is the Nets have picked up that fetish for 2nd round picks and are eager to get their hands on that leftover Knick pick.


Waivings/Signings/Retirings
Nets waived Sean Kilpatrick. Came on the heels of the Booker trade, guess they needed the roster spot.

Suns waived Derrick Jones Jr. Derrick, we hardly knew ye.

Hawks waived Nicolas Brussino. Derrick, we hardly knew Nicolas.

Suns sign Mike James to 1 yr deal (terms undisclosed) and Danuel House (2-way deal). James is not much of a scorer but he's a solid ball handler and could develop into a top tier 2nd string PG. House didn't hook on with the Wizards but gets a new angle on the G-League.

Matt Barnes officially announced his retirement. (Still, I believe, the only answer to the trivia question: Who is the only player to play for all four California teams (Clippers, Lakers, Kings, Warriors)? And if I'm not mistaken he played for the Warriors, Clippers and Kings more than once)


Injuries
Hornets Head Coach Steve Clifford is on a leave of absence to address personal health issues; there is no timetable for his return. Stephen Silas will be the interim Head Coach. I have no idea what the illness is or how dire it could be. While I certainly hope Coach Cliff gets well, is Silas auditioning for the Hornets job for 2018-19?

Devin Booker (Suns) has a strainer left groin. I believe he is expected to return Christmas Day. 

Cody Zeller (Hornets) has torn meniscus in left knee and is out indefinitely.

Alex Ajinca (Pelicans) had surgery on right knee and is out indefinitely.


Debuts
5 debuts this week, up to 86 over all. Kadeem Allen (Celtics), Monte Morris (Nuggets), London Parrantes (Cavs), Johnathon Motley (Mavs), Jamel Artis (Magic).

2017-18 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 7)

Injuries
Blake Griffin (Clippers) is out indefinitely with a sprained MCL. The Clippers have already suffered more injuries than normal but....uh....this one's 'normal'. Griffin started the season hot, gonna be tough for Dekker, et al, to replace him.

Terrence Ross (Magic) is out indefinitely with a fractured right leg. Not sure if he'll be back by the trade deadline, gotta figure that's the best use of Ross for the Magic.

Iman Shumpert (Cavs) had surgery on his left knee, out indefinitely. Lebron's already doing everything for the Cavs so I guess this is just some more to throw on his workload.

John Collins (Hawks) is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. He was just starting to hit his stride in his rookie year, hope this doesn't keep him out too long.


Debuts
Up to 81 debuts in the NBA now. The latest: Vince Hunter (Grizzlies)