Player Notes

Vasquez is scheduled to undergo a cleanup procedure on both of his ankles, True Hoop reports. He could miss three-to-four months to fully recover from the procedure.
Recommendation: Vasquez is in a precarious position with the Pelicans. He was the starting point guard when healthy this season, but the team drafted Austin Rivers with the 10th pick in last year's draft, and Rivers believes his best position is point guard. Depending on the Pelicans' plans next season, Vasquez's inability to practice and improve for the better part of the off-season could open the door for Rivers to claim the starting point guard role next season. Vasquez is under contract with the Pelicans for at least one more season, and the team can extend him a qualifying offer in 2014-15 to keep his free agency restricted.

Smith has fluid build in his left knee that may have contributed to his poor shooting performance in the playoffs, the NY Post reports.
Recommendation: Smith is supposed to get the fluid drained from his in the near future, and he should be fine after that. Everything in the Post's report suggests that draining the knee and resting it for a short period of time should relieve any stiffness or swelling. Smith is expected to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has said he wants to remain a Knick, but it'd be somewhat surprising if Smith isn't able to spin his Sixth Man of the Year Award into a decent long-term contract.

Duncan blocked four shots in Tuesday's Game 2 against the Grizzlies to become the first player in NBA history to record 500 blocks in the playoffs, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Recommendation: Duncan has played in 202 playoff games in his career. He's the all-time leader in blocks in the playoffs and is coming off one of his best seasons blocking shots in his career. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this milestone is the fact that it's merely an extra bullet point added to Duncan's illustrious resume.

Landry is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Recommendation: Landry saw his role squeezed as the season went on until he was playing just 20 minutes in the playoffs. Though he's a decent offensive option, Landry lacks the defensive presence to justify playing starter minutes in the NBA. His option is for $4 million, but the lure in opting out of his final year is the ability to sign a multi-year at what may be a slightly reduced yearly salary. Landry's departure would open up more minutes for Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green next season.

James intends to opt into his player option with the Heat for next season, Fox Sports reports.
Recommendation: James averaged just six minutes of action in the 38 games he appeared in with the Heat this season and has mostly become a forgotten man on the team's deep roster. If Mike Miller is released, as has been discussed as a very real possibility, and Ray Allen decides to retire or opt out of his contract, Jones could find himself playing a larger role next season.

Prigioni noted that he would like to stay in the NBA next season, but his future with the Knicks is unclear at this point, the New York Post reports.
Recommendation: For Prigioni to return with the Knicks, the team would have to match an offer from another team, considering he is a restricted free agent. It is unclear whether or not the Knicks will do this. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his rookie season.

George scored a team-high 27 points (7-of-16 FG, 3-of-6 3Pt, 10-of-11 FT) with four rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in 47 minutes Wednesday night in Indiana's overtime loss to Miami in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Recommendation: George had just two points at halftime, but got engaged offensively in the second half and hit a last-second three-pointer to send the game into overtime. In addition to his work offensively, George was tasked defensively with guarding LeBron James.

Howard noted that his back and shoulder feel better since he has been resting them.
Recommendation: Howard will have all summer to rest his various injuries. He was able to play through a torn labrum this season. In addition to the labrum tear, he also has an injured back. It is likely that he will spend time resting to allow for these injuries to heal. This is certainly much better than going in for surgery.

White is unlikely to return with New York next season, ESPN New York reports.
Recommendation: White's agent, William McCandless, noted that White values his playing time, which was certainly lacking in New York. He started 16 games and averaged only 7.6 minutes and 2.2 points per game. White has a team option next season for about $1 million. The Knicks will have to reach a decision on what to do with him by June 30. If they do not choose to accept the team option, he will become an unrestricted free agent. If White is looking to make the most money, he may have to return to his previous career path and play for an international team. McCandless noted that there has been plenty of interest by international teams already and that White would not hesitate to go to these teams.

Anthony underwent an MRI that revealed he's been suffering from a small left shoulder tear that may require surgery, the New York Daily News reports.
Recommendation: Anthony first aggravated the shoulder injury near the tail end of the Knicks' first-round series against the Celtics, which may explain his relatively wretched string of shooting performances during the Round 2 series loss to the Pacers. In any case, if such a procedure is required, it wouldn't seem likely to jeopardize Anthony's chances of being ready to play for the regular season.

Wade (knee) played 41 minutes Wednesday night in Miami's overtime win over Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Recommendation: Wade's knee injury was a daily soap opera leading up the first game of the series, but he was able to go for a playoff-high in playing time. He finished with 19 points (9-of-15 FG), six rebounds, five assists, three steals and one blocked shot. Game 2 is set for Friday night.

West (calf) played 41 minutes Wednesday night in Indiana's overtime loss to Miami in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Recommendation: West had missed some practice time leading up to the series with a strained calf, but was ready to go Wednesday. The only thing that slowed him down was foul trouble, but he managed to score 26 points with five rebounds in the loss.

Williams has yet to be charged in the firearm incident he's been implicated in due to the prosecutors needing extra time to complete their investigation, Mass Live reports.
Recommendation: Williams has admitted to police that he pulled his gun but says he did so out of fear for his well-being. The Celtics gave Williams a multi-year contract this season, but there are several qualifiers that would allow them to cut him without paying the entirety of the contract as all of it is not guaranteed. The Celtics don't appear in any rush to make a decision regarding Williams' future on their roster, but if this issue with the police turns into a distraction, he'll likely be released.

Beal (leg) is weeks away from commencing basketball activities, CSN Washington reports.
Recommendation: Beal has passed his six week period devoid of any basketball activities but intends to have another X-ray performed on the stress fracture in his left tibia in a few weeks. If it has healed, he will then begin his rehab, which will include lifting weights and basketball activities. Despite enduring numerous injuries during his rookie season, he only missed 26 contests, an impressive number considering the severity of some of them. At the moment, he is being prudent with the concern that held him out for the final eight games of the regular season, which should give him plenty of time to be ready for the Las Vegas Summer League in July.

Villanueva picked up his $8.5-million contract option with the Pistons for the 2013-14 season, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Recommendation: Villanueva has long stated his plans to opt in to the final year of his contract, so this news comes as little surprise. Despite this news, there's no guarantee Villanueva will suit up for the Pistons next season, as the team will likely explore trade options or could opt to use the amnesty clause to waive the veteran forward.

Hansbrough scored 10 points with six rebounds and one steal in 12 minutes Wednesday night in Indiana's overtime loss to Miami in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Recommendation: Hansbrough was needed for some early minutes and gave the Pacers a boost when David West picked up three fouls in the first half.

Kanter's recovery from April's surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder is going well, but he may not receive clearance to take the court until August, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Recommendation: Thus, Kanter will definitely miss the Orlando Summer League, which takes place from July 7-12. However, he was unlikely to have participated, even if fully healthy, according to his agent. The impending free agency of both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap could result in Kanter earning a starting gig with the Jazz, but the offseason will have to hash itself out before that is determined.

Parker will have a precautionary MRI on his left calf Thursday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Recommendation: The examination is nothing to worry about, as the Spurs' medical staff is monitoring the progress of Parker's recovery from the ailment. In the five outings since the injury arose, he has averaged 18 points (on 39.8 percent shooting), 9.6 assists, three rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 37.2 minutes. If the injury is affecting him, he is not showing it in any discernible fashion.

Andersen scored 16 points on 7-of-7 shooting with five rebounds and three blocked shots in 18 minutes Wednesday night in Miami's overtime win over Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Recommendation: The Birdman brought a lot of hustle and defense to the game, but also had some key buckets in what was his playoff high in minutes and points.