NBA rumors

17 September 2020

17/09/2020 17:00

Kings Name Monte McNair General Manager

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has hired Monte McNair as General Manager. In this role, McNair will be responsible for all decisions made in the Kings basketball operations department and serve as the team’s top basketball executive reporting to the owner and chairman. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Monte is one of the NBA’s top basketball minds who has played an instrumental role in building several winning teams in Houston,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “I am excited to bring his extensive experience and vision onboard to lead our basketball operations department, and it is my pleasure to welcome Monte and his family to Sacramento.”

“I am thrilled to join the Kings organization and honored to shape the franchise’s bright future for the team’s loyal fans,” said McNair. “I would like to thank Vivek for this opportunity and look forward to becoming a part of the Sacramento community.”

A native of Oak Park, California, McNair returns to his home state from the Houston Rockets, where he has held the title of Assistant General Manager since 2018. Prior to that, McNair led the analytic efforts of the Rockets basketball operations department where he worked closely with Houston’s coaching staff to provide on-court strategy and analysis along with opponent preparation.

During his time in Houston, the organization reached the NBA Playoffs over the course of eight consecutive seasons, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals, while amassing seven seasons with 50+ wins.

Over his 13 years with the Rockets, McNair was involved with all aspects of player evaluation, including trade, free agency and the Draft. He began his career in Houston as a Basketball Operations Senior Analyst in 2007, was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations in 2013 and became Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2016.

Before joining the Rockets, McNair worked as a sports programmer and researcher at STATS LLC. McNair played football at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.

A virtual introductory press conference will be held at a later date.

17 September 2020

17 September 2020

17/09/2020 09:24

Russell Westbrook an option for the Knicks?

Russell Westbrook could be an option for the New York Knicks, according to an Eastern Conference executive.

Per Bleacher Report, “I think we all realize that Harden and Westbrook aren’t the perfect fit for one another,” the first Eastern Conference executive said. “But I think they might just have to move forward with those two and continue to try to build the roster around them.” “The Knicks might be one of the only teams that could be a fit for Westbrook,” the executive continued. “Not sure if there are any others.

17 September 2020

16 September 2020

16/09/2020 19:39

Sacramento Kings’ to choose the new head of basketball operations this week

Denver Nuggets GM Calvin Booth comes out  from the Sacramento Kings search for a new head of basketball operations.

Kings decision on a hire is expected this week among other finalists – Minnesota’s Sachin Gupta, Houston’s Monte McNair and former Hawks GM Wes Wilcox.

16 September 2020

16/09/2020 16:23

Marc Gasol to reportedly consider a return to Europe

According to Xavier Saiso Garcia of Radio Ser Catalunya, Spanish center Marc Gasol is considering a return to Europe, for family reasons, to continue there his illustrious career. Reigning World Champion with Spain NT, Gasol is now a free agent after completing the season with the Toronto Raptors, the team with which he won the NBA title last year.

In 12 NBA seasons, Gasol has been also a three-time All-Star (2012, 2015, 2017) and a DPOY (2013), earning also an All-NBA First Team in 2015

Fonte: Radio Ser Catalunya.

16 September 2020

16/09/2020 07:58

2020 NBA Draft will be November 18

The NBA draft will be on November 18th this season.

Per ESPN, The NBA has locked in Nov. 18 for the 2020 draft , sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The previously scheduled date had been Oct. 16.
The start of free agency is expected to follow relatively soon after the draft.
Teams had significant concerns that a mid-October draft would leave them without the necessary information on future salary caps to conduct the typical draft night business of making trades, buying and selling picks, and selecting players.

Fonte: ESPN.

15 September 2020

15/09/2020 21:02

Tilman Fertitta says Daryl Morey’s job is safe: “He’ll pick the right head coach”

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said that Daryl Morey’s job is safe and that he will pick the next head coach.

“Daryl Morey’s job is safe. I’m sure he’s going to pick the right head coach. It begins and end with the general manager. That’s why you have a basketball operations team. They’ll make a recommendation to me. I’m the sign off guys. I wouldn’t know how to interview a basketball coach.”

Fonte: Jonathan Feigen.

15 September 2020

15 September 2020

15/09/2020 17:12

Raptors Sign Nurse to Contract Extension

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have signed head coach Nick Nurse to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This past season, Nurse guided the Raptors to a 53-19 record during the regular season (second best in the NBA) and set a franchise-record with a .736 winning percentage. Toronto also reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the fifth straight year.

“Our confidence in Nick just continues to grow, and part of that comes from what we’ve experienced together. The past two seasons have been unlike any other in our team’s history – first, winning our championship, and then navigating a global pandemic and committing long-term to the fight against racism and for social justice,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. “Nick has proved that he can coach on the court and lead in life, and we’re looking forward to accomplishing great things in the future.”

In his two seasons at the helm of the Raptors, Nurse has posted a 111-43 record (.721) during the regular season. In the playoffs, he has compiled a 23-12 mark (.657), while leading Toronto to its first NBA Championship in 2019. Nurse has earned Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honours three times (Jan. 2020, Oct./Nov. 2019, Nov. 2018) and coached Team Giannis at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.

“My family and I will always be appreciative of Larry Tanenbaum and MLSE ownership for this opportunity. I’m grateful to Masai, Bobby, and the players for their trust and their hard work,” Nurse said. “Toronto has been my home for the past seven years, and I look forward to it being home for many more. I’ve watched this franchise grow and reach the pinnacle, and I look forward to the challenge of helping us win another championship.”

Nurse was named the 2019-20 NBA Coach of the Year, becoming the first coach to be selected as Coach of the Year in both the NBA and the NBA G League. Highlighting Toronto’s season last year was a franchise-record 15 straight victories (Jan. 15 – Feb. 10). The winning streak was the longest in Canadian sports history (NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and CFL).

In 2018-19, the Raptors won 58 regular season games and set franchise records for points per game (114.4), assists per game (25.4), rebounds per game (45.2), and three-point field goals made (1,105). The team went 16-8 in the postseason, defeating Orlando, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Golden State en route to the Raptors’ first NBA title.

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Nurse was named the ninth head coach in Raptors history on June 14, 2018, taking the job after five years as an assistant coach with the team.

Nurse came to the NBA after several successful years in the NBA G League – where he was the only coach to lead two different teams to the league championship – Rio Grande Valley in 2013 and Iowa in 2011. For his accomplishments with the Energy, Nurse was named the 2010-11 recipient of the Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year award.

Fonte: Raptors.

15 September 2020

15/09/2020 15:36

Jeremy Lin leaves Beijing Ducks, seeks NBA return

Jeremy Lin’s career in China with Beijing Ducks, which have recently appointed Simone Pianigiani as head coach, is over.
Lin announced that he is leaving CBA after one season to chase is NBA dream where he has played several seasons winning the title in June 2019 with the Raptors.

Per CNA,Jeremy Lin said Tuesday (Sep 15) he is leaving the Beijing Ducks after one season in China and wants to return to the NBA, where he sparked the “Linsanity” craze of 2012. The 32-year-old guard, who as a Toronto Raptors player in 2019 became the first Asian-American to win an NBA championship, signed for Beijing as an unrestricted free agent last year.

“This decision has really been the hardest in my life,” Lin, who has complained about the rough-house treatment he received in the CBA, told his seven million followers in a video on the Twitter-like Weibo. “Every morning I would wake up at 4am or 5am, thinking, thinking and thinking all the time. “In the end, although Shougang (the Ducks) has treated me incredibly well … giving me everything I wanted, in the end, I feel that I still have NBA dreams. “I still have time to play (there) and I have to chase this.”

Fonte: Channel News Asia.

15 September 2020

15/09/2020 15:27

Warriors hire Shaun Livingston as Director, Players Affairs and Engagement

After Leandro Barbosa, the Golden State Warriors have hired another of their former players: Shaun Livingston.

Per The Athletic, The Golden State Warriors have hired Shaun Livingston as Director, Players Affairs and Engagement.
Livingston was waived by the Warriors last offseason as they executed a complicated sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell and he subsequently retired.
Livingston becomes the highest-ranking Black person in the front office of the Warriors since Mitch Richmond in 2008.

14 September 2020

14/09/2020 19:37

Philadelphia, Indiana and New Orleans reported as possibilities for Mike D’Antoni

There are three teams mentioned, in the last hours, as possibilities for the future of former Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, D’Antoni will be a candidate for the Philadelphia 76ers’ opening, but the Indiana Pacers are also expected to pursue him in the offseason.

As reported by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, however, there have bene “rumblings for weeks” that D’Antoni could be headed to the New Orleans Pelicans.

14 September 2020

14/09/2020 19:32

Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly frontrunner to sign Facundo Campazzo

The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to be the frontrunner to sign guard Facundo Campazzo, whether the Argentinian will ultimately leave Real Madrid to go to the NBA, as reported by Marca.

A relevant role would be played by Campazzo’s former teammate in the NT Pablo Prigioni, who’s working as an assistant coach with the Wolves. Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs are also referenced by Marca as possibilities.

Fonte: MARCA.

14 September 2020

14/09/2020 08:51

Kings interview Calvin Booth for Gm opening

The Sacramento Kings interviewed Calvin Booth for their GM opening.
Booth was recently promoted as GM of the Denver Nuggets.

Per ESPN, Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that Minnesota Timberwolves executive vice president Sachin Gupta, Houston Rockets assistant GM Monte McNair and former Atlanta Hawks GM Wes Wilcox are among those advancing to a second round of interviews with the Kings.

13 September 2020

13/09/2020 20:39

Mike D’Antoni reportedly leaving Houston Rockets after 4 years

Mike D’Antoni is informing the Houston Rockets that he does not plan on returning next season, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The ESPN reporter adds that D’Antoni will be considered among a group of candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers coaching job.
D’Antoni received his second NBA Coach of the Year award for the 2016–17 season, when he led the Rockets to a 55-27 record.

Fonte: Espn.

13 September 2020

13 September 2020

13/09/2020 12:23

Rockets reportedly have “full intention” to keep Daryl Morey

Houston Rockets governor Tilman Fertitta “fully intends” to retain Daryl Morey as general manager of the team, high-ranking sources within the team tell ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Morey signed a five-year extension with the Rockets in 2019 and is believed to be making approximately $8 million per season. His job status has been a topic of discussion in league circles since his Tweet in support of Hong Kong protesters before the start of the 19-20 season.

Fonte: Tim MacMahon.

13 September 2020

13/09/2020 11:48

Rockets’ Jeff Green, Tyson Chandler open to continue careers next season

Houston forward Jeff Green is ready to continue his career next season, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. The 34-year-old averaged 12.2 points after signing with the Rockets midway through the season.

Rockets center Tyson Chandler also told Spears that he was open to continuing his career, but it will be determined by the opportunity and the state of the world. The 37-year-old Chandler averaged 1.3 points in 26 games this season.

Fonte: Marc Spears.

13 September 2020

13/09/2020 11:26

Mike D’Antoni to consider other options despite Rockets attempt to confirm him

Mike D’Antoni has become an unrestricted free agent now that the Houston Rockets have been eliminated from the playoffs. According to ESPN, D’Antoni intends to consider his options even if the Rockets signal real interest in re-signing him. Two-time coach of the year is considered a leading candidate for the Indiana Pacers’ head coaching vacancy and he could have other options.

D’Antoni and the Rockets were unable to agree to an extension during the 2019 offseason, with former Suns and Knicks coach hopeful to continue his career for at least another four seasons.

13 September 2020

12 September 2020

12 September 2020

12/09/2020 08:51

NBA to prioritise in-market games with some fans for next season

The NBA prefers in-market games with reduced travel and some level of fans for the 20-21 season rather than the single-campus environment they created in Orlando to finish the current season, reports The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The league is aiming for a full 82-game regular season, which won’t start before December 25th. NBA will provide an announcement on next season’s structure with eight weeks notice of the final chosen start date.

Fonte: Shams Charania.

10 September 2020

10 September 2020

10 September 2020

10 September 2020

10 September 2020

10 September 2020

10/09/2020 17:17

Bucks’ Eric Bledsoe to become a potential trade candidate?

The Milwaukee Bucks may try to trade Eric Bledsoe this offseason.
Bledsoe has three-years remaining on his contract with the Bucks at $16.8MM, $18.1MM and $19.3MM.

Per The Athletic, Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe is under contract for multiple seasons and had another standout season by earning All-Defensive team honors, but he is expected to become a potential trade candidate, sources told The Athletic.

10 September 2020

10/09/2020 15:41

Chauncey Billups a candidate for Pacers head coaching job

Chauncey Billups is one of the hottest candidates for Indiana Pacers head coaching job.

Per ESPN, As the Pacers begin preliminary interviews with a number of candidates, Billups and team officials have recently engaged and are planning to talk further about the job, sources said Wednesday.
Billups, 43, fits the historical profile of past Pacers coaches Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas: NBA Finals MVPs considered generational team leaders of men — who were hired without coaching experience.
Clippers assistant Ty Lue has discussed with Billups the possibility of him joining Lue as his top assistant coach should he land a head-coaching job this offseason, sources said.

Fonte: ESPN.