NBA Notes: Cavs, James Harden, Mavericks, Khris Middleton, Hawks

Cavaliers

For the Cavaliers, the addition of James Harden hasn’t rocked the boat. It’s steadied it.

“They are two guys that are hungry to take that next step,” coach Kenny Atkinson said of Harden and Donovan Mitchell, via ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “They’ve kind of hit it off. Been seamless, really. Two guys that are so passionate about the game. They’re both hoop junkies.

“Usually when you have that kind of synergy it goes well. With them, I haven’t seen any misunderstandings or ‘You should have went there.’ They’ve been pretty locked in on the court and off the court. Couldn’t have gotten better so far.”

The only speed bump has been health. Mitchell is set to miss his fourth straight game with a groin strain. Harden continues to play through a fractured right thumb.

Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen says Harden’s arrival has lifted everyone.

“The confidence is renewed,” Allen said. “When big changes happen like that, your view shifts. You have more confidence in yourself. … I’m just finding my rhythm. People pass me the ball, Kenny is drawing plays for me, things are just clicking.”

As for how long Harden plans to keep going?

“I know it’s coming soon. Hopefully, later than soon, but it’s reality,” he said. “Everybody has to go through this at some point. … Just trying to continue to keep my body in shape and play well. … We’ll see what happens in the next few years. Take it one game at a time and cherish the moments.”

Mavericks

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was pleased that Khris Middleton chose not to pursue a buyout.

“It’s great,” Kidd said, per Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “Khris is a vet. He’s already had some impact with us, on and off the floor. For him to be able to stay, it’s great. We’ll try not to play him 40 minutes a night, but his ability as a vet to score and to lead is something that’s needed in that locker room, so we’re happy he stayed.”

Dallas did part ways with Tyus Jones, then promoted rookie Ryan Nembhard to a standard deal.

“It feels great,” Nembhard said. “I’m looking forward to building on this. … They showed a lot of love.”

Hawks

The Hawks are signing rookie guard Keshon Gilbert to a two-way contract, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Gilbert averaged 13.7 points and 5.5 assists in the G League and briefly appeared in three NBA games earlier this season.

Atlanta’s 18-man roster will be full once the deal is official.