The Bulls doctor was a little confused, and he couldn't figure out what was wrong with Ball's knee that was causing the pain after all these years of work. Ball said he still can't run, while the ball daddy said his son's knee problem is caused by nerve fragments, which will not affect his career, and there is no specific timetable for his return.
Bulls management was already well aware that Ball would not be able to play for the team this season, so they looked for a point guard in free agency, eventually agreeing with Chicago kid Beverley.
After confirming the signing of Beverley, the Bulls officially announced Lonzo Ball's reimbursement for this season. Bauer has about $42 million left in 2 years on his contract. Some US media said that the Bulls' patience with Ball has run out and may choose to trade it this summer.
Not long ago, the NBA Analysis Network also suggested that the Rockets offer Ball after the end of this season, Porter Jr. can be used as a chip, and a win-win situation can be achieved by trading for one. Porter Jr., who is good at cutting points, could become a super sixth man with the Bulls, while Ball could serve as the Rockets' starting point guard next season after recovering fit.
However, many Rockets fans in the United States rejected Ball the glass man, who averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game before the injury. They said that 1-for-1 loss, Porter Jr. can still be used to play shooting guard, the contract is more reasonable, Ball's attendance is too low, no matter how strong he is, what is the use if he can't play?
Although Porter Jr.'s performance as the Rockets' starting point guard was not satisfactory, Stone still decided to keep him. Kevin Porter Jr. and the Rockets agreed to a four-year, $82.5 million early contract extension, with $15.86 million in the first year as full guaranteed, the second year with a partially guaranteed annual salary, a third year with no guarantee on the contract, and a fourth year with no guarantee plus a team option.
Porter Jr. is more efficient off the ball, reliable in receiving and shooting three-pointers, and there is still room for improvement in defense, and Harden appreciates the young Houston player.
Ball has the advantage of playing 1.98 meters as a point guard, he can organize and defend, and he has practiced reliable three-point shooting before the injury, averaging 3.1 three-pointers per game, and shooting 42% from the outside, which is really quality and quantity. However, as fans feared, Ball was too easily injured.
Previously, the US media "Bleachers" repeatedly recommended Magic backup point guard RJ Hampton to the Rockets, suggesting that he be traded.
Hampton, who was born in Texas and celebrated his 22nd birthday two weeks ago, has taken former Rockets cornerstone Harden as his idol in hopes of becoming a great dual-guard guard. Hampton, like Rockets Prince Green, did not go to college, choosing to play in the NBL league.
Hampton has good athleticism, has speed and bounce, can hold the ball to force breakthroughs to score, and is good at playing offensive and defensive conversions. Hampton has some ability off the ball, he can catch and shoot, he also has a relatively good passing vision, and quickly finds teammates in open space in the offense. Hampton can defend three positions, and although inexperienced, it is quite hard. Experts have compared Hampton to Dent-Exum, who spent time with the Rockets and is a well-known glass man in the league like Ball.
Hampton, who was drafted No. 24 in 2020, didn't have many opportunities with the Nuggets, but improved after coming to the Magic, and his shooting slowly improved. Hampton shot 44 percent overall this season and 43 percent and 50 percent from three-point range in the bottom corner. Hampton still has some potential to tap, but the Magic have Fultz and Suggs, and naturally don't have a place for him.
Shams confirmed early in the morning that the Magic will cut guard RJ Hampton, Rockets opportunity? However, Hampton has no intention of joining Houston. According to ESPN's revelations, RJ Hampton is expected to sign with the Pistons after the clarification period.
Although the Pistons have not done much better than the Rockets this season, there is the famous coach Kathy, and the Houston head coach is Silas who can only throw the pot.