The Nets are hiring veteran assistant coach Steve Hetzel to be part of Jordi Fernandez‘s new staff in Brooklyn, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). Hetzel was an assistant coach in Portland for the past three seasons under Chauncey Billups. Prior to his stint with the Blazers, he worked on Steve Clifford‘s staffs in both Charlotte (2014-18) and Orlando … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Hetzel, Nets, Maxey, Thibodeau, Celtics
NBAGL All-League, Defensive, Rookie Teams Announced
The NBA announced all of the major All-NBA G League teams on Thursday (All Twitter links found here), including the First Team, Second Team, Third Team, All-Defensive Team, and All-Rookie team. Several current and former NBA players are among the honorees. Here is the full list of winners for the 2023/24 season. All-NBA G League First Team: Mac McClung, G, Osceola Magic … [Read more...] about NBAGL All-League, Defensive, Rookie Teams Announced
Celtics Notes: Heat Rivalry, Brown, Porzingis, Kornet, Hauser
The Celtics got a very familiar playoff opponent when the Heat defeated Chicago Friday night, writes Khari Thompson of The Boston Globe. The teams have faced each other in three of the past four Eastern Conference finals, with Miami winning last year and in 2020 and Boston prevailing in 2022. With all the history between the two organizations, Jaylen Brown believed another … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Heat Rivalry, Brown, Porzingis, Kornet, Hauser
NBA’s Playoff Bonus Money Up 25% For 2023/24
The pool of bonus money for NBA playoff teams this season will be worth approximately $33.7MM, according to Kurt Badenhausen and Lev Akabas of Sportico, who say the figure represents a 25% increase over last year’s total playoff bonuses. The top six teams in each conference earn bonuses based on their regular season records, while the 16 playoff teams will also receive a chunk … [Read more...] about NBA’s Playoff Bonus Money Up 25% For 2023/24
And-Ones: Awards, Flagg, Celtics, Thunder, Porter
The finalists for the NBA’s seven end-of-season awards honoring the top performers of the 2023/24 season are set to be unveiled on Sunday, April 21, according to the league (Twitter link). The finalists will be revealed on NBA on TNT at 6:30 p.m. The performance awards include the Most Valuable Player, the Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Awards, Flagg, Celtics, Thunder, Porter
Hornets Notes: Curry, Bridges, Williams, Ball, Lee
Charlotte native Seth Curry was only able to suit up eight times for the Hornets after being traded to his hometown team at February’s deadline. A Grade 3 right ankle sprain ended his season early, but he anticipates resuming regular workouts soon and being fully healthy for the start of next season, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. While his $4MM salary for … [Read more...] about Hornets Notes: Curry, Bridges, Williams, Ball, Lee
And-Ones: Kawhi, Team USA, FAs, Musa, Coaches, More
With 11 of 12 roster spots reportedly locked in for USA Basketball’s 2024 Olympic roster, the program could go in a number of different directions with the 12th and final slot. The list of players in contention for that final roster spot includes plenty of big names, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports that Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is currently viewed … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Kawhi, Team USA, FAs, Musa, Coaches, More
Blake Griffin Announces Retirement
Former No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA, has announced his retirement as a player. Griffin published a post on Instagram revealing his decision. “I never really envisioned myself as the guy who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement,” Griffin wrote. “And I’m still not going to be that guy. But as I reflected on my career, … [Read more...] about Blake Griffin Announces Retirement
Atlantic Notes: Thomas, Hield, Holiday, Quickley
Third-year Nets shooting guard Cam Thomas is hoping to show the league at large that he is capable of being a two-way force in the NBA, reports C.J. Holmes of The New York Daily News. “My numbers are up there with some of the best of them, honestly,” Thomas told Holmes. “Mine are just overlooked because not that many people know me, I’m not the most vocal, talking and all that … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Thomas, Hield, Holiday, Quickley