Dizzy Yet? Claws Make Moves

With the home opener looming Friday night in Portland (8PM vs. Springfield, Portland Expo, sold out), the Maine Red Claws have made a number of roster moves since the preseason game. Players were cut by the team, some were assigned, and the Charlotte Bobcats made their first assignment of the season.

Only one of the recent roster moves was the result of an NBA assignment; most were independent actions by the Red Claws. The day of the preseason game Scooter McFadgon was waived, so Maine fans never saw the 6'5" shooting guard in action. Mike Williams, signed through tryouts, was activated for the preseason game. 

The following day, Blair and Clement were waived. Clement, a Maine native and a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, was a fan favorite in the preseason. In that game he only played 4:35 with 2 points and 1 rebound. Tyrelle Blair, a Boston College graduate, played 15:15 in the preseason game with 2 points and 5 rebounds.

After the Claws returned from their Dakotas road trip, the Charlotte Bobcats assigned Frenchman Alexis Ajinca, a 7-foot center, to the team. His first appearance will be in tomorrow's home opener. Last year Ajinca appeared in 11 D-League games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. 

Finally, the Claws gained a few players with NBA experience. On Monday, the Claws acquired Trey Gilder, recently of the Memphis Grizzlies, dropping Gary Ervin to make room. Gilder, a 6’9" forward from Northwestern State, had seen little playing time in the NBA. Then on Tuesday, the Claws acquired Mario West, a 6’5" swingman who’s seen NBA time with the Atlanta Hawks, sending Stanley Thomas packing. 

Dizzy yet? We can only hope the roster settles somewhat as the season continues. So here’s your summary of moves made since the preseason game:

IN: Mario West, Trey Gilder, Mike Williams

OUT: Scooter McFadgon, Tyrelle Blair, Matt Clement, Gary Ervin and Stanley Thomas

ASSIGNED: Alexis Ajinca, from the Charlotte Bobcats

You can watch tomorrow's home opener (and all D-League games) for free online at http://www.nba.com/dleague.