Tag: Charlotte Hornets

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama reacts to winning NBA Rookie of the Year

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth player in history to win the award unanimously.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama on Monday was named the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth player in history to win the award unanimously.

Wembanyama became the first player to win the award unanimously since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016. He received all 99 first-place votes from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. He is the third player from the Spurs to win, joining David Robinson (1990) and Tim Duncan (1998).

The Frenchman finished with 495 points in the final voting, topping the 295 Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren received. Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller finished in third place with 86 points.

“My goal was always to help my team as best as I could and get better as the year went on,” Wembanyama told Ernie Johnson on “NBA on TNT” on Monday. “I knew that in order to do this, I had to be individually good and dominant on the court. It was a huge thing for me and a big thing to get. It has always been really important, and I’m glad it’s finally official.”

Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals in 71 games. He led the league in blocked shots and registered the most 30-point games (11) by a rookie since Trae Young in the 2018-19 season.

The 7-footer is the first player in history to record at least 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks and 100 3-pointers in a season. He is the second rookie to lead the league in blocks (Manute Bol, 1986) and the 10th player to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Wembanyama, who is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, finished 22nd in steals. He also ranked second in defensive box plus-minus (plus-3.3), fifth in defensive win shares (4.4) and eighth in rebounds. He also had the most games with at least five blocks (24).

He explained to Kenny Smith how he improved throughout the year.

The simple stats, but also the advanced stats — everything pretty much got better. On my side, what I made big efforts on, is the playmaking, the shot selection. After the minutes restrictions I’ve had, I had to get back in good shape to play more than 30-35 minutes. The cardio, I think I’ve made huge improvements on. I’ve never gotten so much better in such a few months, so I’m really glad.

He achieved numerous other accomplishments, including becoming the youngest player in history to register a 5×5 game and recording a triple-double with blocks. He also became the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993 to record 40 points and 20 rebounds in a game.

Tabbed an “alien” by LeBron James because of his unique size and skill set, Wembanyama entered the season with tremendous expectations. He exceeded them in his first year with the Spurs and established himself as a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

He believes there is still much to improve on entering the offseason.

“There is plenty of stuff I plan on working on,” Wembanyama told O’Neal. “Physically, of course, the work is never going to be done. I’ve had my plan for months ready for all of my body. We’re going to keep discovering new ways to get better and work on my body. For basketball, there is a lot I want to work on and (head coach Gregg Popovich) Pop wants me to work on, so I’m excited.”

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Mock trade sees Spurs land Grant Williams from Hornets

Should the San Antonio Spurs trade for Grant Williams this offseason?

The San Antonio Spurs should be looking to significantly improve their roster around Victor Wembanyama this summer. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested a deal that would see the Spurs land Grant Williams in exchange for Devonte’ Graham and a lottery-protected 2025 first-round pick.

“With the Hornets knee-deep in an organizational overhaul, they should be fully focused on the future and landing the No. 1 pick would only further cement that stance,” Buckley wrote. “While Williams is young enough (25) to fit that future, he’d also be immediately expendable if Charlotte planned on taking stretch big man Alexandre Sarr first overall. And Williams’ plug-and-play ability might be coveted by San Antonio, as Victor Wembanyama already sounds eager to start winning.

“Moving Williams would give Charlotte more flexibility moving forward. He’s owed $40.9 million over the next three seasons, which isn’t outrageous but is a significant salary, especially if the Hornets wouldn’t keep him in the starting lineup. Graham, who spent his first three seasons in Buzz City, has just a partially guaranteed $12.7 million salary left on his deal. While the Hornets’ lottery protection will likely keep their 2025 first-rounder from changing hands, the pick would then convert to their second-rounders in 2026 and 2027. Those would be helpful for Charlotte if this ongoing rebuilding projection takes a while to finish.”

Having Williams’ defense and three-point shooting next to Wembanyama could help improve the Spurs on both ends of the court.

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Charlotte Hornets floated as potential Zach LaVine trade destination

Should the Charlotte Hornets trade for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine this offseason?

As the Chicago Bulls look to trade Zach LaVine this summer, it’s unclear how many teams will want to give up real assets for him. However, there will undoubtedly be some teams that show interest. Aaron Kellerstrass of Pippen Ain’t Easy suggested some potential destinations, listing the Charlotte Hornets as one of them.

“Like the Pistons, the Hornets are terrible and need to do something to excite fans who have nine toes out the door,” Kellerstrass wrote. “Like the Bulls, the Hornets will be hoping for a comeback from a Ball and would love to put another star around LaMelo and Brandon Miller.

“The Hornets are an interesting possibility, as they have moveable contracts in Davis Bertans and Grant Williams and a potential salary slot for LaVine depending on what they do with Miles Bridges. The Bulls should be looking to avoid any long-term money unless they are getting back someone who can actually play, and Bertans would at least be one expiring deal.”

Putting LaVine next to LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and the rest of the Hornets’ core could definitely improve the ceiling of Charlotte’s team.

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Grant Williams opens up on his rep, Mavs, trade to Charlotte Hornets and more

Since Grant Williams left the Boston Celtics to join the Dallas Mavericks in free agency, things have not exactly gone his way.

Since Grant Williams left the Boston Celtics to join the Dallas Mavericks in free agency, things have not exactly gone his way. The North Carolina native got traded to the team in his home city, the Charlotte Hornets, but not under the best of terms. He reportedly clashed with teammates in Dallas beforehand, and found himself accused of being a bad teammate in the press.

To get us up to speed, Williams joined a recent episode of the CLNS Media “Cedric Maxwell” podcast to talk it all over with the show’s hosts Cedric Maxwell and Josue Pavon on a recent episode.

They get into his reputation since splitting his season between Dallas and Charlotte, playing with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, and the difference between playing for former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka and Joe Mazzulla. Check it out below.

If you enjoy this pod, check out the “How Bout Them Celtics,” “First to the Floor,” and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee reportedly a Los Angeles Lakers coaching target

It is looking increasingly less likely that the Boston Celtics will have assistant coach Charles Lee on their sidelines next season.

It is looking increasingly less likely that the Boston Celtics will have assistant coach Charles Lee on their sidelines next season, with new reporting from the Athletic’s Jovan Buha suggesting another ball club is considering hiring him as head coach.

Lee, who is a candidate for the open Charlotte Hornets head coaching gig, is reportedly also a candidate for the now also-open Los Angeles Lakers coaching job recently vacated by Darvin Hamm. For this job, however, Lee is not one of the top candidates. That short list includes former NBAer and current podcaster JJ Redick, former Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer, onetime Brooklyn Nets head coach and current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson.

Per Buha, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue “would immediately become another candidate” if he were to split with his current employer, and Lee “is also an option.”

While that does not sound like the most ringing endorsement, that doesn’t mean Lee would not get the job, given his extensive experience and popular support in his current and prior coaching gigs.

One of the more popular names in coaching searches in recent seasons, even if this is not the gig he ends up taking, Celtics fans should expect one will open up soon.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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JJ Redick reportedly a ‘serious candidate’ for the Charlotte head coaching job

According to a Wednesday report from NBA insider Shams Charania, Redick could get a second interview with the Hornets for their open coaching spot.

JJ Redick might be an NBA head coach sooner rather than later.

After a Monday report that the 15-year NBA veteran interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job, NBA insider Shams Charania said on Wednesday that Redick is truly in the running for the job.

“He could have another interview soon as well,” Charania said during FanDuel’s Run It Back show. “He’s a serious candidate.”

Redick is Duke’s all-time leader in career points, single-season scoring average, career free-throw percentage, and career 3-pointers made.

“JJ Redick has a strong desire potentially to move into coaching,” Charania said. “He’s been public about that, privately I’m hearing that as well.”

Charania, who reports for The Athletic, said if the Hornets don’t select Redick, he could interview for other openings later on this offseason.

Charania also listed off Lindsey Harding, the former Duke women’s basketball star, as an assistant who interviewed with the Hornets. Harding was the first Blue Devil taken first in the WNBA Draft and the first woman to be named the NBA G-League Coach of the Year.

Brandon Miller shocks arena with dominant slam dunk, continues to impress

Former Alabama forward Brandon Miller brought jaws to the floor after making a posterizing dunk in the first half of the Hornets-Hawks game.

Alabama Crimson Tide fans are well aware of what former Tide forward Brandon Miller is able to do on the hardwood. On Wednesday night, he put his skillset to display. During the first half of the Charlotte Hornets-Atlanta Hawks game, the star rookie sent fans into a frenzy on a posterizing dunk over Hawks forward Bruno Fernando.

Miller finished the night with 27 points, three rebounds, and two assists. He also shot 9/17 from the floor and 5/11 from beyond the arc. His production helped lead the Hornets to a 115-114 victory atop the Hawks.

Unfortunately for Miller, he has not had much of a supporting cast this season. The Hornets have struggled to create a consistent rotation and have had to deal with multiple injuries this season. Needless to say, Miller has been more than dependable for the Hornets.

Miller will look to close out the season on a strong note heading into the offseason with the Hornets. Two games are remaining on the Hornets’ schedule. Those two games will come on the road against the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama basketball program and its former Alabama players in the NBA.

Former Vols’ NBA results for April 9

A look at how former Vols performed in the NBA on Tuesday.

Two former Vols competed in the NBA on Tuesday, while four did not play.

Philadelphia defeated Detroit, 120-102, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tobias Harris started at forward for the 76ers. He totaled 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and one block in 28 minutes. Harris converted 6-of-13 field goal attempts and 3-of-4 free throw attempts.

Dallas defeated Charlotte, 130-104, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Grant Williams started at center for the Hornets. He recorded 12 points, four assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes.

Milwaukee defeated Boston, 104-91, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jaden Springer did not play due to a coach’s decision for the Celtics.

Miami defeated Atlanta, 117-111 in double overtime, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Josh Richardson was inactive for the Heat.

Houston defeated Orlando, 118-106, at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Admiral Schofield was inactive for the Magic.

New York defeated Chicago, 128-117, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Julian Phillips was inactive for the Bulls.

Former Duke women’s basketball star Lindsey Harding to interview for NBA head coaching job

Lindsey Harding, the first Blue Devil taken No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft and the first woman named the NBA’s G League Coach of the Year, will interview for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job.

Former Duke women’s basketball star Lindsey Harding will interview for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching position, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Harding was named the G League Coach of the Year, the first woman to win that honor, for her work with the Stockon Kings. She led Sacramento’s G League team to the Western Conference Finals. The Kings organization granted permission for Harding to interview with the Hornets.

Should Charlotte choose Harding, she’d be the first woman to ever be named a head coach in the NBA. The Hornets are interviewing several other candidates, however, with Wojnarowski listing four other candidates who will interview for the opening.

Harding was inducted into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. She was named the National Player of the Year and the National Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2007, and the Blue Devils made the national title game in 2006.

Harding was the first Blue Devil ever taken first overall in the WNBA draft when the Phoenix Mercury selected her in 2007.

Former Vols’ NBA results for April 7

A look at how former Vols performed in the NBA on Sunday.

Three former Vols competed in the NBA on Sunday.

Oklahoma City defeated Charlotte, 121-118, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Grant Williams totaled 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block for the Hornets in 38 minutes.

He converted 7-of-10 field goal attempts, 2-of-2 three-point attempts and 3-of-4 free throw attempts.

Orlando defeated Chicago, 113-98, at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.

Admiral Schofield played one minute for the Magic and did not record any statistics, while Julian Phillips was in active for the Bulls.

Boston defeated Portland, 124-107, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Jaden Springer played one minute for the Celtics and recorded one steal.

Philadelphia defeated San Antonio, 133-126, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Tobias Harris did not play for the 76ers due to a knee injury.