Hoops Rumors

Celtics forward Grant Williams, formerly a vice president for the National Basketball Players Association, has been elected as the first vice president of the players’ union, per a press release. Williams will take over that role from Andre Iguodala, whose four-year term has expired following his election in 2019. Since Williams was promoted to first vice president and Kyrie … [Read more...] about And-Ones: NBPA, Dooling, A. Anderson, Officiating, Elam Ending

Head coach Joe Mazzulla had the interim tag removed by the Celtics, but star forward Jayson Tatum hopes Ime Udoka lands on his feet and revives his coaching career. He even called the suspended Udoka his favorite coach he’s played under, he told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “It’s been a tough situation for everyone involved,” Tatum said. “Whatever happened, happened. … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Tatum, Udoka, Mazzulla, Brunson, Hart, Dinwiddie, Bridges

Celtics guard Marcus Smart will return to action on Wednesday in the team’s final game before the All-Star break, as Jared Weiss of The Athletic relays (via Twitter). Smart sprained his right ankle last month in a January 21 win over Toronto. Shortly after suffering the injury, he said he hoped to be back within a week or two, but he ended up being sidelined for about … [Read more...] about Marcus Smart To Return Wednesday For Celtics

Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, and Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will participate in this weekend’s 3-point contest in addition to the All-Star Game, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). The eight-man field will be filled out by four non-All-Stars, according to Charania: Lillard’s Blazers … [Read more...] about Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard Headline 3-Point Contest Field

The Celtics chose not to trade Grant Williams but various teams are monitoring the situation and curious about his future there, Marc Stein writes in a Substack post. Williams will be a restricted free agent this summer and may seek a contract similar to what Keldon Johnson received from the Spurs — a four-year, $74MM extension. … [Read more...] about Williams’ Situation Being Monitored By Potential Suitors

The Pacers gave George Hill the option of being waived after acquiring him from the Bucks, so that he could hook onto a contender. Hill declined the offer and hopes he can stay with the franchise he played for from 2011-16 beyond this season, according to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. Hill will be a free agent this summer. “I’ve thought long and hard and I think … [Read more...] about Eastern Notes: Hill, DeRozan, LaVine, Noel, White

The Celtics‘ confidence in Sam Hauser was rewarded Sunday when he poured in 20 points while making his third career start, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Boston could have sought a replacement for Hauser or moved him out of town before the trade deadline, but the organization opted to stick with the second-year forward despite a prolonged shooting slump. Injuries to other … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Hauser, Buyout Market, Pritchard, Brown

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Celtics guard Derrick White have been named the NBA’s players of the week, the league announced (via Twitter). Gilgeous-Alexander, a first-time All-Star in 2022/23, averaged 31.3 points, 6.3 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in leading Oklahoma City to a 2-1 record last week. He posted a .571/.333/.949 shooting line in the three … [Read more...] about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Derrick White Named Players Of The Week