After seven years as an assistant for the Mavericks, overseeing the development of franchise star Luka Doncic and others, first-year head coach Jamahl Mosley is among contrasting surroundings in Orlando this term. Having traded away their best players, there are seemingly no expectations but that doesn’t concern him with an ambitious group at his disposal. Continue reading
Tag: Western Conference
Phoenix licked their Finals wounds, but now signals time for more work
All-Star guard Devin Booker had the uneviable task of travelling with two newly-crowned NBA champions en route to the Tokyo Olympics, his head coach Monty Williams was in reflective mood after watching the Bucks blast back from 2-0 down while star PG Chris Paul shunned other offers to agree an expensive extension in the desert. So, what’s next for the Suns? Continue reading
NBA news round-up: Shock Timberwolves sacking, Bulls contract extensions and more
With NBA practices starting next week ahead of the new season on October 3, there has been brief news updates aplenty across the league’s 30 teams. Players, coaching staff and front offices are making moves hoping to get incrementally better in a field of fine margins…
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New home: Lauri Markkanen joins Cleveland Cavaliers in three-team sign-and-trade
In a three-team trade that has left critics with multiple questions, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Chicago’s wantaway RFA PF Lauri Markkanen. They send PF/C Larry Nance Jr to the Portland Trail Blazers, while small forward Derrick Jones Jr will depart Rip City for the Bulls, alongside two future draft picks (2022 first, 2023 second-round). Is this a good move all-round? Continue reading
Veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick to bypass training camp, assessing options
After an abrupt and messy departure from New Orleans saw him traded to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline last season, veteran shooting guard JJ Redick revealed he wouldn’t be participating in training camp on his own podcast – so will likely bide his time waiting for the right opportunity before agreeing terms with a team at some stage for the 2021-22 season. Continue reading
Warriors, Nets interested in signing Paul Millsap; Klay Thompson injury update
After four seasons with the Denver Nuggets, veteran power forward Paul Millsap is expected to agree terms to join the fourth NBA team of his 15-year career this offseason and remains an available free agent. Golden State and Brooklyn have both been linked with the 36-year-old, while an update on five-time All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson’s status has been issued. Continue reading
No Kemba? No problem for Celtics’ second-year guard Payton Pritchard
Ahead of the new season, Boston are outsiders to emerge from an Eastern Conference boasting the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, a determined Brooklyn Nets team stacked with an All-Star trio as well as Philadelphia – who agreed new terms on a max contract extension with MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid earlier today. Second-year PG Pritchard wants to bridge that gap. Continue reading
Spurs coach Becky Hammon hopes it’ll be normal for women to get NBA jobs
Entering her eighth season as an NBA assistant coach with Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, already interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs, the 44-year-old – who played 15 years in the WNBA – still awaits a first opportunity to be the first woman to lead a NBA team after being a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers job, which went to Chauncey Billups this past offseason. Continue reading
Multiple NBA teams targeting wantaway Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen was tipped to be a future All-Star after an impressive first two NBA seasons. If that’s still to be the case, the Finnish power forward will do it away from Illinois as multiple teams – Boston and Dallas among them – are keeping a close eye on his deteriorating situation. Continue reading
Lakers agree trade deal for Wizards’ Russell Westbrook, featuring three-player package
After a disappointing playoff campaign, the Lakers have again been bold as they try to return top of the NBA food chain once more with this trade. But amid questions over the perennial All-Star guard’s fit in Southern California, is Russell Westbrook the answer to their problems? Continue reading
Even after everything, 76ers’ high asking price for Ben Simmons isn’t a surprise
Even after everything – including a forgettable postseason – the 76ers have a high asking price for any interested suitors looking to take advantage of Ben Simmons’ situation in Philadelphia. Considering he’s a three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive team selection and only turned 25 last week, this latest news update on his future shouldn’t be surprising despite his struggles. Continue reading
Bucks 106-98 Suns: Giannis’ iconic 50-piece carries Milwaukee to first title since 1971
Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a seven-point deficit early after half-time to surge back ahead of a spirited but inefficient Phoenix Suns effort. Clinching their first NBA title for 50 years with a raucous Game 6 home atmosphere to savour, Mike Budenholzer’s men did it the hard way.
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