Stage set for Warriors-Rockets matchup with major play-in ramifications
The Golden State Warriors have a chance to secure a play-in spot by beating the Houston Rockets, effectively creating a significant lead in the standings.
The rivalry and tension between the Warriors and Rockets adds an extra layer of intensity and motivation for both teams in their upcoming game. [ more ]
Report: Celtics are expected to lose three assistant coaches to Ime Udoka, Rockets
Celtics Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles, and Mike Moser are expected to follow Udoka to Houston.Three assistant coaches on Joe Mazzulla's staff are expected to leave the Celtics for the Houston Rockets, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.The Houston Rockets' head coach is Ime Udoka, who was suspended by the Celtics for multiple team policy violations before he and the team parted ways.
It took decades to challenge the hierarchical notion that the best player always gets the last shot.Michael Jordan helped change that through the auspices of John Paxson and then Steve Kerr.LeBron James was criticized often for looking for the best percentage shot in late-game situations even if it wasn't his.
The best free agent at every position for the Washington Wizards
Under the new leadership of Michael Winger and co, the Washington Wizards are likely to be more aggressive this offseason according to reports.Whether this means going all-in with their current roster or if they plan on pitching trades featuring Bradley Beal to every team is still unknown.It's likely though that the Wiz are looking to aim for contention as they already have a versatile 'core four' of Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Kristaps Porzingis, and Daniel Gafford.
Bucks reportedly set to fill head coach vacancy with Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin | CBC Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to make Adrian Griffin their head coach after he spent the last five seasons as a Toronto Raptors assistant, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because the deal was still being completed.
As Celtics fall in 0-2 hole, here's what NBA history says about their chances of coming back
Celtics It's been done before, but history isn't on the Celtics' side after losing the first two games at home in the Eastern Conference finals.The Celtics are in a spot that teams historically have struggled to overcome.After losing Friday's Game 2, the Celtics trail the Heat, 0-2, in the Eastern Conference finals.
Fans of the N.B.A. are about to take a break from praying that a wild, off-balance 3-pointer goes in and instead turn to praying that a particular envelope happens to contain the logo of their favorite team.The N.B.A. draft lottery may seem an odd spectacle, but it can affect the future of franchises for years to come.
Chicago Bulls ditch Dalen Terry in The Athletic's 2022 NBA Re-Draft
If you were to coax the truth out of any member of the Chicago Bulls front office, I think most would confess that Dalen Terry's rookie season had much in common with several other players on the roster, in that it was a disappointment.Although the Bulls were once again in need of depth at the wing this season, the former Arizona Wildcat made only 38 appearances and averaged just 5.6 minutes per game when he did manage to get on the court.
Knicks file protest with NBA, hope for replay against Rockets
The New York Knicks have filed a protest with the NBA regarding their loss to the Houston Rockets.
The foul call on Jalen Brunson leading to Aaron Holiday's winning free throws was acknowledged as incorrectly called by the NBA's L2M report and crew chief Ed Malloy. [ more ]
Woj: Celtics Locker Room 'Never Got Over Ime Udoka's Dismissal as Head Coach'
Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images Some members of the Boston Celtics are reportedly still upset with how the team handled former head coach Ime Udoka.Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals as a first-year head coach last season.However, the team suspended him in September for the entire 2022-23 season after an investigation "found multiple violations of team policies."
Just how good has Avdija been the past five games?
If there's a silver lining to this moribund Wizards season it's the possible emergence of Deni Avdija as more than an end of the rotation specialist.There will be caveats and "tap the brakes" warnings in this article, which I'll get to later.But first, let's look at what he's done the past week.
Note: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links, Schneps Media may earn a commission.By Pat Pickens, Associated Press Posted on March 29, 2023 Brooklyn Nets' Mikal Bridges (1) shoots over Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in New York.
Austin Reaves' ascent from undrafted player to Team USA representative has included a number of items marked off the checklist along the way.While there are no written rules on the requirements to be Him, as Reaves has declared himself, having a signature shoe feels like a pretty strong start.Check that one off the list.
Celtics reportedly hire Charles Lee to join coaching staff. Here are 5 things to know about the Celtics' new lead assistant.
Celtics Lee was a coach on the Bucks' staff for the last five seasons, helping them win a title in 2021.The Celtics are adding another name that might be notable to NBA fans to their coaching staff.Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee will join Joe Mazzulla's coaching staff with the Celtics, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday.
Boston Celtics' Sam Cassell hiring a good omen for Banner 18 pursuit
The Boston Celtics had some surprisingly positive news during the NBA Finals this weekend as they announced the hiring of former guard Sam Cassell to join Joe Mazzulla's staff.Cassell is a solid get for the Celtics considering he has been an assistant for more than a decade and has championship experience.
Sam Cassell to reportedly join Joe Mazzulla's Celtics coaching staff
Celtics Cassell won three NBA championships as a player, including one with the Celtics in 2008.It didn't take very long for the Celtics to add to Joe Mazzulla's coaching staff.According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Boston is adding Sam Cassell as an assistant coach, with the former point guard bringing some much-needed experience on the C's bench.
Desiring key Boston Celtics returns the main theme of Brad Stevens presser
Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens spoke to the media following the team's seven-game elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, and he gave his thoughts about this season and the future status of the team.Here are the takeaways from the June 1 press conference: Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens: 'We want Jaylen to be here' Stevens wants to bring Jaylen Brown back, being adamant on bringing the core back for another year.
Joe Mazzulla having Boston Celtics coaching staff raided by spurned Rockets HC
The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn (subscription required) has reported three coaches, Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles, and Mike Moser, are leaving Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics coaching staff to join spurned former Cs head coach Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets.Udoka and Boston, of course, have an interesting relationship.
The New York Knicks have a four-game stretch ahead of them, with three home games followed by a game in Toronto.
The Knicks will face the Orlando Magic, who they lost to in their previous match, and the Houston Rockets, who have a strong defense but a struggling offense. [ more ]
Kurtenbach: Steph Curry built the Warriors dynasty. He refused to let it end in Game 7
SACRAMENTO Steph Curry built this Warriors dynasty, this one-of-a-kind winning machine.He decides when it ends.And Sunday was not the day.The smallest man on the court put the Warriors and all they have accomplished over the last decade on his back in a win-or-go-home Game 7 against the Warriors' NorCal rivals, the Kings, in Sacramento.
Kurtenbach: Game 7 is likely not win-or-go-home for the Warriors it's win-or-break-up
Everything is on the line for the Warriors on Sunday in Sacramento.Not just their season, but perhaps their dynasty as well.Game 7 isn't just win-or-go-home for the Warriors; it's win-or-break-up.No team in the NBA spends more on player salaries than the Warriors.The payoff has been championships.But if the Warriors a team that needed all 82 regular season games to claim their playoff spot in the Western Conference lose in the first round to the younger, more frugal Northern California rivals, big, bold changes will come this offseason.
Former Knicks head coach David Fizdale takes Suns assistant job; Jeff Van Gundy might coach in Dallas???
While Tom Thibodeau's name continues to be a hot topic among Knicks fans for a myriad of reasons, it was two former Knicks coaches that found themselves being in the news this week.First off, it was David Fizdale, who was recently hired by the Phoenix Suns as an assistant coach.Fizdale coached what was a pretty subpar roster during his time as a Knicks coach and went 21-83 in 104 games between 2018 and 2019.
3 Players the Raptors could target if they get a second lottery pick
The Toronto Raptors have been making headlines ever since they were eliminated from the play-in tournament.It started with the firing of Nick Nurse, who led them to a championship his first year as head coach and earned Coach of the Year honors.Following his departure, the news of potential big-time trades circled back once again since the trade deadline, with names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby potentially being dealt.
NBA mock draft: Raptors move up with crazy Pascal Siakam trade
The Toronto Raptors have been one of the hottest names in the NBA trade market, as teams are coveting names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.Those in the NBA mock draft markets often factor in big deals involving Toronto flipping one of those names for a top-five pick.The Portland Trail Blazers, owners of the No. 3 pick, have been l inked to both of those names quite regularly.
Grade the Trade: Raptors-Rockets proposal centered on No. 4 pick
The Toronto Raptors appear to be willing to make some big changes on their roster, with names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby finding themselves in the rumor mill once again.The trades are afoot, with some fans and observers eyeing a very quick rebuild.While the Portland Trail Blazers' package of Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick seems to be the preferred haul for Toronto, the idea of trading with the Houston Rockets, who own the No. 4 pick after the conclusion of another dreadful season, might hold some appeal as well.
Nick Nurse joining 76ers as coach fuels Raptors-Philly rivalry
The Toronto Raptors believed that the Nick Nurse era had run its course after a disappointing season in 2022-23, as they won just 41 games and missed the playoffs one season after they won 48 games and gave the Philadelphia 76ers everything they could handle in their postseason series.Nurse did not wait long to find his next job, however.
NBA Draft Lottery results 2023: Raptors will pick 13th on Draft Day
The ping pong balls have been picked and the envelopes opened, and as a result of the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, the Toronto Raptors will pick 13th at the 2023 NBA Draft.The Raptors, who finished a middling 41-41 this past season, had the 13th-worst odds heading into the lottery, and just a 1% chance at landing the top pick.
Potential 76ers implosion in offseason could benefit Raptors
Some might find it unfair for Toronto Raptors fans to throw stones at the Philadelphia 76ers for ending their season in embarrassing fashion.I, however, am not one of those people.This is a time for looking at the MVP in Joel Embiid and (to paraphrase David Byrne) ask ourselves, "Well, how did we get here?"
Raptors news: Surprise team eyeing Gary Trent Jr, conflicting HC reports
The Toronto Raptors are eyeing some big changes in the offseason, and that might include Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr. being discarded.The Raptors will likely try everything to bring at least one of them back, but this seems like a nearly impossible task.Trent has a skillset that is in demand around the NBA, and he could use that to parlay himself into a deal that makes him one of the most well-compensated young guards in the league.
Can the Knicks trade into the 2023 NBA Draft | amNewYork
With the Dallas Mavericks getting the 10th pick in last night's NBA Draft lottery, the New York Knicks currently do not have a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.The Knicks traded their own first-round pick to Portland as part of the Josh Hart trade but could have gotten the Mavericks' pick if it fell outside of the top 10.
Tonight's 2023 NBA draft lottery could finally close the book on the Kristaps Porziņģis trade.In January, 2019, the New York Knicks sent Porziņģis with Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee to the Dallas Mavericks for DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., a 2021 1st round draft pick, and a top-10 protected 2023 1st round draft pick.
How does the NBA Draft Lottery work? Bulls need luck on their side
Now that they've been eliminated from the play-in tournament and their 2022-23 season is officially in the books, the Chicago Bulls must now turn toward planning for the offseason if they want to experience a better fate next time around.With the draft set to take place first, now is the time to cross our fingers and pray the Bulls luck on lottery night.
When the Lakers selected Max Christie 35th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he was reportedly a no-brainer unanimous pick by the scouting department spearheaded by assistant general manager and co-owner Jesse Buss.The Michigan State product was on Buss' radar as early as 2016 as he felt that Christie embodied the skillset that would thrive in the NBA today.
Who Owns Who? Zoom on NHL owners and their portfolios: Vegas Golden Knights
The Who Owns Who series has to continue with the second Stanley Cup finalist, Vegas Golden Knights.You can check the first finalist piece if you missed it.Vegas Golden Knights were established in 2017.The team currently has a value of $965 million, making them the 16th most valuable organization in the NHL.
Joe Mazzulla will return as Celtics coach. Brad Stevens explains why.
Celtics "I thought he did a really good job with this group."Joe Mazzulla will return as head coach of the Boston Celtics next season, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said Thursday.The Celtics finished one win short of making the NBA Finals in Mazzulla's first season as coach.
Numbers and reactions from the Heat's improbable NBA Finals run
Brianna Williams, ESPNMay 29, 2023, 11:06 PM ET
The Miami Heat are heading back to the NBA Finals.Led by Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin, who both had over 20 points in Game 7, Miami knocked off the Boston Celtics, 4-3.The series wasn't short on theatrics as the Heat jumped out to a 3-0 lead, before fumbling the opportunity to sweep and allowing the Celtics to force a Game 7.
Lowe: Did the Boston Celtics actually figure something out in Game 4? Does it matter?
Zach Lowe, ESPN Senior WriterMay 25, 2023, 07:00 AM ET
At some point, it will happen.An NBA team will lose the first three games of a playoff series and win the next four.Such teams are 0-150, but someone sometime will do it.On paper -- and paper buys you precisely zero wins -- the Boston Celtics are the best candidate in history to pull off the improbable.
Report: Rockets interested in signing Austin Reaves in free agency
The Lakers are going to have a number of decisions to make in the upcoming offseason with Austin Reaves likely near or at the top of their priority list.Aside from LeBron James and Anthony Davis - and even including them at times - no Laker shined brighter than Austin Reaves.Over 16 postseason games, Reaves averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 44.3% from the 3-point line.
Washington Wizards: former All-Star duo finally reunite at charity event
Recently it was revealed that the former star duo of the Washington Wizards John Wall and Bradley Beal reunited to help benefit the Diggs All-Star Charity.A charity event hosted by the Diggs brothers of the NFL.This was revealed in a post made by the star point guard himself where he shared numerous slides featuring photos of him and his former teammate together again.
San Antonio Spurs Get the No. 1 Pick in the N.B.A. Draft Lottery
The San Antonio Spurs won the 2023 N.B.A. draft lottery on Tuesday, giving them the No. 1 pick in June's draft and the right to select the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James: the 19-year-old French star Victor Wembanyama.The No. 2 pick went to the Charlotte Hornets, the third to the Portland Trail Blazers and the fourth to the Houston Rockets.
2023 NBA Draft Lottery: How to watch, odds, Knicks potential pick, more | amNewYork
Boulogne-Levallois' Victor Wembanyama looks on during the Elite basketball match Boulogne-Levallois against JDA Dijon at the Palais de Sports Jean-Michel Geoffroy in Dijon, central France, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.On Sunday, May 7, 2023, he played before a crowd of about 15,000 fans in Paris as part of his farewell tour before coming to the NBA.
So you're saying there's a chance? Raptors have 1% shot at top pick in NBA draft | CBC Sports
The NBA draft lottery has offered teams a quick path from bad to good for nearly four decades.The stakes this year are unusually high with French phenom Victor Wembanyama the top prospect.The lottery format has undergone a few changes since the New York Knicks won the first one in 1985, when there were seven teams.
Boston Celtics vs 76ers series in the hands of Philadelphia star: Analyst
The Boston Celtics' second-round Eastern Conference series against the Sixers is not in the hands of one of their players - instead, it's dependent on the performance of Philadelphia star James Harden.Harden has had 40+ point efforts, and what do ya know, those were the Sixers' two wins thus far.Game 1 was his statement to the league that he can still be a No. 1 option, but Game 4 quite literally saw his 42nd point end up deciding the game via a game-winning 3-pointer in the second-to-last possession in overtime.
NBA rumors: Rebuilding team interested in Raptors' Fred VanVleet
The Toronto Raptors will need to figure out what to do with Fred VanVleet in the offseason, as they will likely need to give him a four-year contract worth nine figured if they want to ward off the host of contending teams and rebuilding squads taking a look at him.While his efficiency dissipated this season, and his poor performance in the clutch made him a frequent target of the most vocally irate section of the fanbase, the lack of truly elite options outside of him might prompt them to overpay against themselves and commit to him long-term.
Former Raptors coach Nick Nurse favorite for vacant Bucks job
While the Toronto Raptors search for their next coach after the firing of Nick Nurse, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a similar situation.Mike Budenhozler (who the Raptors may end up considering) was let go after the No. 1 seed Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs.With the Detroit Pistons excluding him from their final three candidates and the Houston Rockets moving quickly to snatch up Ime Udoka, Nurse is running out of options if he wants to get right back in the coaching game.
Raptors news: Reason Ime Udoka spurned Toronto revealed, Canadian becomes available
The Toronto Raptors got their offseason started off on the wrong foot, as they missed out on hiring their top Nick Nurse replacement.After weeks of Ime Udoka rumors, Toronto simply could not seal the deal and name him the next head coach.Before the Raptors even managed to curate a list of candidates, Udoka was off to the Houston Rockets.
James Harden Gives Embiid-less Sixers an Unexpected Win
The last time James Harden scored 45 points in a playoff game, it was 2015.His Houston Rockets, down three games to none in the Western Conference finals, were winning a home game for pride against the soon to be champion Golden State Warriors.On Monday night, Harden matched that career playoff high in a much more significant game.
Rumors indicate Bulls could trade for a young star in the making
There's no point in sugarcoating things any longer, this past season left a lot to be desired from the Chicago Bulls.This franchise is clearly in need of drastic change if they wish to return to their winning ways anytime soon.If recent rumors are to be believed, however, an opportunity may have just presented itself to get things back on track this summer.
3 teams that could steal Gary Trent Jr. from Raptors in free agency
The Toronto Raptors might be in the market for a cheaper shooting guard this offseason, as Gary Trent Jr. could be on the move.While he did struggle during the last few stretches of the season, Trent still provides a ton of traits that are in short supply on this team.Trent averaged 17.4 points per game while providing more turnover generation on defense and an above-average 3-point shot that teams need to respect with a great degree of earnestness.
Can the Raptors realistically trade for Rockets' Jalen Green?
The Toronto Raptors are trying to find ways to build around their young star in Scottie Barnes, while the Houston Rockets appear to be in the mood for a more complete teardown around Jalen Green.Ime Udoka is likely going to do everything in his power to turn the page on Stephen Silas.This may even include getting rid of Green himself, who was picked No. 2 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft before Barnes.
Ime Udoka takes swipe at Raptors while talking Rockets job
The Toronto Raptors have barely gotten out of the starting blocks in the 2023 offseason, and they were already dealt a major kick in the butt when Ime Udoka chose to leave them at the altar.After many expected him to join Toronto as Nick Nurse's replacement, Udoka bolted for the Houston Rockets.While there are some doubts about Toronto's direction, what is inarguable is that they are more well-equipped to win in 2023 than the Rockets, who are currently hoping the ping pong balls give them a shot at Victor Wembanyama.
The Nets were snoozing their way through an opportunity to lengthen their lead in the ongoing race with Miami for the coveted sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.Then, they finally sounded the alarm.Cameron Johnson scored 31 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, as Brooklyn used a late burst to sneak past the slumping Houston Rockets, 123-114, in front of 17,074 relieved fans at Downtown's Barclays Center.
Cameron Johnson scored 31 points as the Brooklyn Nets closed the game on a 18-4 run and handed the Houston Rockets their seventh straight loss, 123-114 on Wednesday in New York.Mikal Bridges had 27 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 20 points and 11 assists and Nic Claxton contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds for Brooklyn, which snapped a four-game home losing streak after shooting 9 of 11 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter.
After slow start, Nets bounce back with much-needed win vs. Rockets
If this is what an expedited jelling process looks like, the Nets need a new overnight delivery service.Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said ahead of tip-off against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday that the team has done everything - from spending more time together in the locker room to taking advantage of additional practice days - to fast track chemistry for a starting lineup that was assembled at the trade deadline.
Day'Ron Sharpe emerging as true backup center for Nets
Day'Ron Sharpe is playing his best basketball.The second-year big man out of North Carolina and No. 29 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has broken into head coach Jacque Vaughn's Nets rotation - a pleasant development for a young player who had been glued to the bench earlier in the season.Entering Wednesday night's matchup against the Houston Rockets, Sharpe had appeared in 41 of 75 possible games in Brooklyn.
GAME PREVIEW: Miami Heat aim to steal a win inside Madison Square Garden
Game Story: The 40-36 Miami Heat are headed for yet another critical matchup on the road against the 43-33 New York Knicks inside MSG.Miami is currently 3 games behind New York for the 5th seed, and if there's any sort of slim chance of snagging that 5th spot before the season ends, this is a game that the Heat have to win to make that possible.