Hoops Rumors

Rival executives have frequently mentioned Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as an ideal trade target for the Pistons, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link), who suggests that there are a number of reasons why Markkanen and Detroit would be a logical match. As Fischer writes, the Pistons explored the market for floor-spacing big men over the summer, with Naz … [Read more...] about Eastern Notes: Pistons, Markkanen, Banchero, Donaldson, Queta

Wizards wing Kyshawn George, one of two active NBA players to represent Canada in the 2025 AmeriCup (Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller was the other), tells Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca that he “one hundred per cent” hopes to play for his home country in the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. “That’s one of my goals, to be able to be on that final team that’s going to … [Read more...] about And-Ones: K. George, Canada, 2026 Draft, Boozer, More

The Celtics held their own without injured star Jayson Tatum through the first month of the 2025/26 season and entered Friday’s game with an 8-7 record. However, hosting the lowly Nets, Boston experienced its most discouraging loss of the season, falling 113-105 to a Brooklyn club whose only two previous wins had come against Indiana and Washington. As Jay King of The Athletic … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Maxey, Embiid, Bona, Demin, Rajakovic

After missing nearly 11 months of action due to knee and thumb injuries, Sixers guard Jared McCain has looked shaky in his first three games back. Playing just 31 total minutes across those three outings, McCain has gone scoreless on 0-of-9 shooting. In the hopes of getting McCain more comfortable on the court and getting him more full-speed reps, the 76ers assigned the … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: McCain, Barlow, Walsh, Minott, Ingram

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has gotten used to contending for championships, so he wasn’t exactly eager to have a roster filled with unproven players, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. His team may be overachieving somewhat with a 6-7 start, but Mazzulla calls it more of a “fulfillment” than an “enjoyment.” “I don’t enjoy being in the position that we’re in and I don’t … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Mazzulla, Queta, Gonzalez, Kalkbrenner

The Celtics used unconventional lineups to close out Sunday’s win at Orlando, as Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez and Luka Garza all saw more fourth quarter playing time than Jaylen Brown, writes Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. All three players contributed to the 111-107 victory, but the biggest shot belonged to Walsh, who sank a three-pointer with 12.4 seconds left that gave … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Walsh, Simons, Garza, Tillman

Jaylen Brown believes the officials are making a point against him. The Celtics forward ripped the officiating after a late no-call against Utah on Monday and he felt that played a role in Boston’s loss to Orlando on Friday. “I think in the fourth quarter, I think the officials made their point,” Brown said, per Jay King of The Athletic. “So I get it. I’ll keep my mouth … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Brown, White, Walsh, Simons

The Knicks and veteran center Mitchell Robinson did not engage in any advanced discussions about a potential contract extension prior to 2025/26, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter video link), who is skeptical that a deal will come together during the regular season. Still, assuming he’s healthy, Robinson should have plenty of suitors if he hits free agency next … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Robinson, Pritchard, Barnes, Poeltl

Jared Dudley had a lengthy NBA career. As an assistant coach with the Nuggets, Dudley now finds himself in charge of Denver’s defensive schemes. His main mission is a simple one. “Coming up with a defense that protects (Nikola Jokic),” he told Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. Dudley is doing so by having Denver’s guards and wings take on more responsibilities at that end of … [Read more...] about Northwest Notes: Dudley, Jazz, Ainge, Thunder