With the streaking Celtics having climbed to the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference on the strength of five consecutive wins and Jayson Tatum doing 1-on-1 work, head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked on Wednesday when conversations might begin in earnest about the possibility of the star forward returning from his Achilles tear in the coming months. “It’s all up to him,” Mazzulla … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Tatum, Sixers, Kolek, Hukporti
Kerr, Spoelstra, Lue Top List Of NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is the NBA’s highest-paid head coach, with an average annual value of $17.5MM on his current contract, according to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico. Erik Spoelstra of the Heat and Tyronn Lue of the Clippers round out the top three at $15MM per year, Badenhausen adds. While Kerr is the highest earner among head coaches in the short term, his deal with … [Read more...] about Kerr, Spoelstra, Lue Top List Of NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches
Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray Named Players Of The Week
Celtics wing Jaylen Brown and Nuggets guard Jamal Murray have been named the NBA’s Players of the Week, the league announced on Monday (via Twitter). Brown won for the Eastern Conference, while Murray claimed the award in the Western Conference. Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, led Boston to an unblemished 3-0 record in games he played from December 1-7. He sat out the Dec. 4 … [Read more...] about Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray Named Players Of The Week
Celtics Notes: Hot Streak, Pritchard, Walsh, Tillman
The Celtics‘ recent hot streak has changed expectations for the team, which now appears more qualified for a top-four finish in the East than a spot in the play-in tournament, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. They’ve won nine of their last 11 games after blitzing the rival Lakers Friday night, and Washburn sees them as legitimate challengers amid an ordinary-looking … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Hot Streak, Pritchard, Walsh, Tillman
Atlantic Notes: Queta, Ingram, George, Sixers
Celtics starting center Neemias Queta will sit out for the first time this season on Wednesday when the team faces the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, Brian Robb of MassLive.com reports. Queta suffered a sprained left ankle in Sunday’s win over the Magic and did not practice on Tuesday. Queta is averaging a career-high 9.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and the Celtics … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Queta, Ingram, George, Sixers
Clippers Rumors: Zubac, Collins, Paul, Sanders, Lue, Bogdanovic
There have been “mixed signals” about whether the Clippers would seriously entertain the idea of discussing a trade involving standout center Ivica Zubac this season, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who hears that no player on the roster has generated more interest from teams around the league than Zubac. If the Clippers ultimately decide they’re willing to explore … [Read more...] about Clippers Rumors: Zubac, Collins, Paul, Sanders, Lue, Bogdanovic
Celtics Notes: Pritchard, Queta, White, Brown, Tillman
After a subpar performance in Saturday’s loss at Minnesota, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was thankful to have a chance to redeem himself the next day, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. Pritchard responded with one of his best shooting nights of the season, finishing with 42 points while connecting at 15-of-22 from the field and sinking six three-pointers in a victory … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Pritchard, Queta, White, Brown, Tillman
Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham Earn Player Of The Month Honors
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Pistons guard Cade Cunningham are the NBA’s Players of the Month for October/November, earning the honor for the Western and Eastern Conference, respectively, per an announcement from the league (Twitter link). It’s the ninth time that Jokic has won a Player of the Month award over the course of his 11-year career. He earned it in this case with … [Read more...] about Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham Earn Player Of The Month Honors
Doncic, Brunson Named Players Of Week
Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson have been named the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, according to NBA Communications (Twitter links). Doncic led the Lakers to three wins this past week while averaging 37.3 points, 10.3 assists and 8.7 rebounds. Brunson lifted the Knicks to four wins by averaging 28.8 points and 4.5 … [Read more...] about Doncic, Brunson Named Players Of Week