NBA Notes: Spurs, Bismack Biyombo, Hawks, Dyson Daniels, Celtics

Spurs

Bismack Biyombo’s impact on the Spurs goes well beyond rebounds and rim protection.

As Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News detailed, the veteran center has become a steady voice for a young roster still learning the league’s rhythm.

“It’s a great group of young guys just to be around and help them out,” Biyombo said after a recent preseason game. “When you enjoy what you do, you can’t call it work. And I enjoy working with good people.”

The 32-year-old was out of the league last February when the Spurs called after trading Zach Collins to Chicago.

He arrived expecting to back up, but soon found himself starting after Victor Wembanyama’s season ended due to a blood clot issue.

Biyombo re-signed on an Exhibit 9 deal this summer — and once again earned his way onto the roster.

“He’s very selfless,” Julian Champagnie said. “He goes out there with the young guys, teaches them, directs traffic — that’s really valuable.”

The Spurs view Biyombo as a mentor who sets the tone for their locker room as much as their defense.

Hawks

Extension talks for Hawks guard Dyson Daniels may stretch well past Monday’s deadline.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, league executives expect few rookie-scale extensions above $25 million annually this cycle due to the league’s new apron rules.

Daniels is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the five-year, $150 million extensions signed last year by teammate Jalen Johnson and Orlando’s Jalen Suggs.

But Fischer reports Atlanta’s front office appears willing to let the 21-year-old test restricted free agency next summer if the sides can’t find common ground.

Daniels’ agent, Daniel Moldovan, also represents Josh Giddey — who had a long standoff with Chicago in restricted free agency before ultimately agreeing to a shorter deal.

Fischer notes Daniels may enter a stronger market than Giddey faced, setting up a potentially high-stakes summer for the young guard.

Celtics

For Ron Harper Jr., persistence paid off. As Souichi Terada of MassLive writes, Harper’s new two-way contract with the Celtics was a year in the making.

After being waived by Boston last fall, Harper spent much of last season with the Maine Celtics before Detroit offered him a two-way deal in January.

When he became a free agent this summer, Boston quickly reached out about bringing him back.

“Last training camp I was really grateful because I learned a lot,” Harper said. “Being around a championship team — that experience helped me get the two-way in Detroit.

“So when the opportunity came to come back here, I jumped on it.”

The 6-foot-6 guard impressed in preseason and is expected to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate.

“They emphasized decision-making, defending, and hitting threes,” Harper said. “If I can perfect those things, it’ll carve out my role perfectly.”