Tag: Owners

Ranking NBA teams by their valuations

Check out Sportico’s NBA team valuations for the 2023-24 season.

The sports world continues to see money flooding into it. That is particularly the case with the NBA, which has seen team valuations skyrocket over recent years.

The most valuable franchise in the NBA right now, according to Sportico, is the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are merely just third on the list, behind the New York Knicks, who rank second.

Below, check out Sportico’s NBA team valuations for the 2023-24 season:

Report: NFL owners to ‘pause’ potential removal of Commanders owner Dan Snyder amid sale

Don’t expect any major Dan Snyder news at the NFL owners meetings next week.

The NFL owners meetings begin Sunday, March 26, but you shouldn’t expect any major news regarding the sale of the Washington Commanders.

Many believed the NFL had initially circled the March owners meetings as a soft deadline to wrap up the sale of the Commanders and possibly vote on a new owner. While sale talks are progressing, nothing is official.

According to Mark Maske, Liz Clarke and Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Snyder’s fellow owners are pausing any talk about potentially removing him as they await his next move.

The owners are waiting to see what occurs over the coming weeks and possibly months with Snyder’s attempt to sell the franchise, his efforts to secure indemnification against legal liability and the outcome of the league’s second investigation into him and the team, said those people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic.

Back in October, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said there was merit to potentially removing Snyder. Irsay made his comments at the NFL owners meetings, and they drew national headlines. In subsequent interviews, Irsay did not back off his comments. However, Irsay and other owners have remained quiet about Snyder since that time.

The Washington sale has heated up in recent weeks, with Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris emerging as the favorite. Harris’ additions of Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson to his bid has only strengthened his position. 

However, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos remains in the shadows. And, according to sources close to Snyder, talks of Snyder’s issues with Bezos are “overblown,” and he’d welcome a bid from Bezos. 

The NFL’s new target for the Commanders’ sale appears to be the league meetings in May.

We’ll continue to follow all updates regarding the sale of the Washington Commanders.

Report: Sean Payton ‘fears a potential power struggle’ with Broncos ownership

The Washington Post’s Mark Maske has the spiciest Sean Payton report yet, says Payton ‘fears a potential power struggle’ with a member of the Broncos ownership group:

The spiciest Sean Payton report so far comes to us from the Washington Post’s Mark Maske, who has an update on Payton’s negotiations with the Denver Broncos. Maske says Payton likes the football setup — coaching Russell Wilson, working with a talented defense — but there’s been a hitch in interviewing with the new Broncos ownership group, and that Payton “fears a potential power struggle” with one of the team’s owners.

Led by Walmart heir Rob Walton but managed day-to-day by his son-in-law Greg Penner and daughter Carrie Penner, the Broncos are owned by a group that includes Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson, former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and seven-time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton.

So which of those claimants to the throne is muscling Payton out of the job? Whoever his nemesis is, it’s clear he’d rather look for work somewhere he faces less friction and competition from a rogues’ gallery in ownership, much like he enjoyed in New Orleans. It turns out that, maybe, the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else. Sometimes you just need to water it.

Update: Payton rebuffed this report, saying that there is “Zero truth” to Maske’s claim in a rare tweet from his official Twitter account.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=121186]

Mark Cuban confirms Kemba Walker signing: We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense

Brad Townsend: Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker: “We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba …

Brad Townsend: Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker: “We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba will give J-Kidd more offensive flexibility.”

Source: Twitter @townbrad

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Mavericks reportedly plan to sign former Knicks PG Kemba Walker.
➡️ https://t.co/Gshmssmrx8 pic.twitter.com/GT9dEQYJPA – 10:48 AM

Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker:
“We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba will give J-Kidd more offensive flexibility.” – 10:45 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Souces confirm, In: Kemba Walker, 32. Out: Campazzo. Campazzo played 3 minutes in Milwaukee last night and was told afterward of his impending release.
Walker’s knee issues are well-chronicled, but the Mavs’ need for a third creator has been glaring from moment Brunson left. – 10:17 AM
Jeff Wade @SkinWade
“It’s never been basketball [performance]. It’s just been my knee. I don’t have [anything] to prove. Everybody knows what I’m about over the years, what I have done in this league.” – Kemba
Snatched from the @Marc Stein email blast. You should subscribe if you don’t already – 10:06 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Kemba Walker reportedly joining Dallas Mavericks
Via @TheCelticsWire
celticswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/28/rep… – 9:23 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
On @Adrian Wojnarowski Pod earlier this month, Kemba Walker said he was training in Florida to prepare for a bench contributor role. Walker: “I just know that I have the ability to help someone, to help a team. I know I can still play basketball at a high level.” open.spotify.com/episode/6GSId6… – 9:09 AM
Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Kemba Walker: The talent isn’t a question, it’s the knee. I previously discussed the injury with @Jared Weiss in 2020. Casey Smith and his crew are one of the best medical groups in the NBA and should be up for the challenge. theathletic.com/2235643/2020/1… – 8:48 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Source confirms Mavs’ plan to sign Kemba Walker to address the glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. @Marc Stein first – 8:47 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I think Kemba is worth a look in Dallas. I’ve got some concern with both him and Luka on the court defensively. If anything I think it could be key for the non-Luka minutes, him and Chris Wood project to be a good PnR duo. Kemba played with Wood in Charlotte in 2017 – 8:39 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker has found a new home per @Marc Stein masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 8:35 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Hornets fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see Kemba Walker play against his former team. Charlotte play Dallas in a Home/Away back to back on March 25th/26th. pic.twitter.com/35xk2xR9XJ – 8:26 AM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Mavs set to sign Kemba Walker, as @Marc Stein reported. Interested to see what Walker has left. Just has not been the same since the second half of his first season in Boston. Still has some offensive firepower but will need to defend to stay on the floor. – 8:14 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
If the Mavericks think that Kemba Walker is the answer, they’re likely not asking the right question. – 7:41 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks are nearing a deal to sign former All-Star guard Kemba Walker, league sources tell me.
Full story here via my Substack: marcstein.substack.com/p/mavericks-cl… – 6:57 AM

More on this storyline

Shams Charania: The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / November 28, 2022
The Mavericks would have to create a roster spot to sign Walker, which is most easily be done by waiving Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinean guard, who played alongside Mavericks star Luka Dončić at Real Madrid in Spain, has been used sparingly in seven games since Dallas signed Campazzo to a non-guaranteed contract just as the season was starting in mid-October. -via marcstein.substack.com / November 28, 2022
Eric Smith: Jason Kidd re: Anunoby _____ OG is playing at a high level on both ends He’s going to be talked about as defensive player of the year  I’d say he’s having an all star year -via Twitter @Eric__Smith / November 26, 2022

Joe Tsai: I met with Kyrie Irving yesterday, it’s clear he does not have hate towards Jewish people

Joe Tsai: Clara and I met with Kyrie Irving and his family yesterday. We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group. Source: Twitter @joetsai1999 …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Kyrie Irving! Bradley Beal! Every week the Lakers leak their interest in some new famous person who won’t fix their problems.
On their devotion to an antiquated model. The Lakers are so obsessed with superteams that they refuse to build a coherent one.
cbssports.com/nba/news/the-l… – 12:23 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
So…did Kyrie meet with the ADL or any leaders in the Jewish faith? The steps Kyrie was supposed to take to learn and grow are seemingly being ignored.
Just saying that Kyrie met with leaders of the organizations who profit when he plays does not signify follow through. – 12:21 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
New Lowe Post podcast: Doris Burke + I on the surging Nuggets, Jazz, + Suns, plus what’s going on in Minnesota? Plus: What are the Lakers trade options in light of recent reports, LeBron’s comments on Kyrie, more:
Apple: apple.co/3UF2CTM
Spotify: spoti.fi/3UuIpQV – 12:18 PM
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
Updates on the Kyrie situation, from Nets owner @Joe Tsai: pic.twitter.com/H8wMGWLTDR – 12:18 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Joe Tsai announces he and Clara Tsai met with Kyrie Irving and his family Thursday, that they do not believe Irving has any beliefs of hate toward Jewish people or any group, and that the Nets, Irving, NBA, NBPA will facilitate “process of forgiveness, healing and education.” – 12:16 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Nic Claxton said He’s talked to Kyrie and ‘his spirits are high’ pic.twitter.com/NYmhJVhhWk – 12:07 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Suspended guard Kyrie Irving has met with the Brooklyn Nets, NBA and NBPA “on several occasions” in recent days and the union “(looks) forward very soon to a resolution of all matters satisfactory to all parties,” @TheNBPA tells players in an email obtained by ESPN. – 11:59 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Royce O’Neale said he’s hopeful Kyrie Irving returns during the Nets’ West Coast road trip. Irving’s suspension ends at the earliest for Sunday’s game against the Lakers. O’Neale said he’s spoken to Kyrie and that Kyrie is in good spirits. – 11:55 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Are the Nets expecting Kyrie back on this trip?
“Hopefully,” Royce O’Neale said. O’Neale said he’s been in regular communication with Kyrie and he’s been in good spirits. – 11:54 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
The Kyrie-less Nets at practice before they head out on a West Coast swing starting with a back to back with the Clippers and Lakers this weekend pic.twitter.com/wXAlb0H3Km – 11:41 AM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We discuss the impact of LeBron’s groin injury for the Lakers. Plus, where LeBron has a point, and where he also misses the point, while Tweeting support for Kyrie. #FirstListen @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leb… – 11:28 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
LeBron James Tweets Kyrie Irving apologized, ‘he should be able to play’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/11/leb… – 11:26 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
ICYMI, Adam Silver: ‘No doubt’ that Kyrie Irving is not anti-Semitic #nets nypost.com/2022/11/10/ada… via @nypostsports teammate @NHLBlinn – 8:39 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
#NBA commissioner Adam Silver telling NY Times that Kyrie Irving is not a hater or anti-Semitic is a game-changer in terms of Irving’s return, which is due Sunday in L.A. against the Lakers. Silver also said conditions for Irving’s return “should not be imposed upon him.” – 5:57 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Relationship between Nike and Kyrie Irving likely over sportando.basketball/en/nike-kyrie-… – 4:36 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Adam Silver: Kyrie Irving is not antisemitic sportando.basketball/en/adam-silver… – 3:58 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Phil Knight says Kyrie Irving’s relationship with Nike likely over nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/10/phi… – 10:05 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
The day in Kyrie: Silver, LeBron, Nike all speak out. apnews.com/article/brookl… – 9:21 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
In an interview with the New York Times, NBA commish Adam Silver, while saying he doesn’t believe Kyrie Irving is anti-Semitic, said he watched the Amazon film and came away with this conclusion: pic.twitter.com/m2tFnSkEvP – 8:53 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Adam Silver says the Nets will decide when Kyrie Irving can return to the team “in consultation with the league.”
Article adds it is unclear if Kyrie will meet the team’s conditions. nytimes.com/2022/11/10/spo… – 8:19 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Here is Adam Silver refusing to say much substantial about his meeting with Kyrie. Lots of treading lightly. nytimes.com/2022/11/10/spo… – 8:13 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
NEW: In sit down, Adam Silver discusses Kyrie Irving. Says Irving isn’t antisemitic and that the criticism for the league’s delay in disciplining him “may be fair.” Also says, the Nets and league are working w/ Irving on “what remediation is appropriate.” nytimes.com/2022/11/10/spo… – 7:38 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
Adam Silver addressing a conference in Washington today, says following meeting with Kyrie Irving, that he has “no doubt that [Irving] is not antisemitic.” – 4:32 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jaylen Brown took a shot at Nike’s ethics Thursday in response to Nike founder Phil Knight’s comments on Kyrie Irving masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 4:26 PM
Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
Since LeBron is commenting on the Kyrie saga… houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/maybe-the-pe… – 3:05 PM
Israel Gutierrez @IzGutierrez
apple.co/3UoC7Cr
There is zero Kyrie debate here. – 2:15 PM
LeBron James @KingJames
💭 I told you guys that I don’t believe in sharing hurtful information. And I’ll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That’s what I think. It’s that simple. Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he’s asked to do to get back on – 1:59 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Frank Drucker has learned, that immediately after deboning carcass of Knix by 27, Nets—in example of team unity—awarded Kyrie Irving the game matzoh ball. – 1:56 PM

More on this storyline

Erik Slater: Royce O’Neale said he’s been talking with Kyrie Irving and echoed that Kyrie “is in good spirits.” Said Kyrie has been communicating with teammates through the suspension. -via Twitter @erikslater_ / November 11, 2022

Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman want to own NBA team

Kevin Durant and his agent/business partner Rich Kleiman already have their eyes on owning an NBA team one day. “For sure, a hundred percent,” Kleiman told Insider when asked if he and Durant want to get into the NBA ownership ranks. “Kevin clearly …

Kevin Durant and his agent/business partner Rich Kleiman already have their eyes on owning an NBA team one day. “For sure, a hundred percent,” Kleiman told Insider when asked if he and Durant want to get into the NBA ownership ranks. “Kevin clearly will have many opportunities to be associated with NBA teams and organizations, staying around the game his whole life. I hope I do as well. And I hope that the business we’re building puts us in a position one day to be able to have an opportunity to buy into an NBA team.”

Source: Scott Davis @ Insider.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI Friday/weekend: Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + I on Kyrie fallout, potential KD trade landscape 2.0 (if Nets ever get there), Kyrie’s career so far (HOF case), + the fantastic + fun Cavs of Cleveland:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FMlsUK
Apple: apple.co/3zJVYDv – 9:58 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
D.C. native Durant says he would like to be part of new Commanders ownership group nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/07/d-c… – 9:38 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Nets’ nonstop drama overshadowing Kevin Durant’s stellar start to 2022-23 NBA season
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/nets-… – 10:46 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kevin Durant is a lifelong fan of the Washington Commanders. He would love to be part of the next ownership group for the team if the opportunity presents itself. Like many longtime D.C. fans, he is surprised Dan Snyder is on the verge of selling. espn.com/nfl/story/_/id… – 11:07 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP standings, Nov. 6 edition*:
1. Kevin Durant: 24.4
2. DeMar DeRozan: 19.7
3. Lauri Markkanen: 18.8
4. Tyrese Maxey: 17.2
5. Karl-Anthony Towns: 16.8
6. Nikola Vucevic: 14.7
7. Paolo Banchero: 14.6
8. Anthony Edwards: 13.7
9. Tobias Harris: 13.3
10. Tyler Herro: 13.0 pic.twitter.com/WNyN5FypuM – 10:43 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Players averaging 30+ PPG that are below .500:
— Steph Curry
— Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/HhXGjSSehU – 8:32 AM

Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast Friday w/ @Bobby Marks: Kyrie fall out, the potential KD trade landscape 2.0 (if the Nets ever reach that point), and the rollicking Cleveland Cavaliers:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FMlsUK
Apple: apple.co/3zJVYDv – 8:18 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
TS% leaders among players to avg 20+ minutes on a 20+ USG%:
1. Nikola Jokić: 23.3 USG%, 71.0 TS%
Christian Wood: 26.3, 68.3
Bojan: 21.7. 67.9
Lillard: 33.0, 67.1
Sengun: 22.3, 66.3
Steph: 29.6, 66.2
Tatum: 30.2, 65.6
Durant: 33.6, 65.4
Fox: 31.6, 64.8
MPJ: 20.8, 63.7 – 1:10 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant leads #Nets rally: “We lost 3 or 4 games before that, so we just felt some pride and wanting to come out here and get some W’s. So it’s good for our character. It’s good for energy and team to fight through adversity.” #nba nypost.com/2022/11/05/kev… via @nypostsports – 12:31 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD on the win: “I just think we rallied around each other. It was a tough week for us. And it’s always good to just get back to the game. Once the ball is tipped all the bull**** goes out the window.” – 11:11 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant and the rest of the Nets were fired up to get this win.
Showed some serious fight in that late comeback. pic.twitter.com/rtRFt1pTnj – 10:22 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant: “Once the ball is tipped, all the bullsh1t goes out the window. Everybody was just waiting to get back to playing. We also lost 3 or 4 games before that, so we just felt some pride and wanted to come out here and get some W’s. So it’s good for our character.” #Nets – 10:21 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Nets were down by 12 in the fourth.
KD came in and the Nets went on a 23-7 run and won.
Elite. pic.twitter.com/EyXxWkjknL – 9:34 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD carries the Nets back for a win
They deserve a lot of credit for crawling back and closing this one. KD was pumped at final buzzer. He emphatically high-fived each of his teammates. After one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent league history — the Nets close with 2 wins. – 9:30 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Can Thomas had the chance to get the ball to Durant there. Absolutely need to make that pass. – 9:26 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Hornets essentially choosing to not guard Kevin Durant on an inbounds pass was a move. – 9:24 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
KD and Cam getting to their spots down the stretch.
And it all comes from making quick decisions. Trust the offense to flow back to you. – 9:24 PM
LeBron James @KingJames
KD ain’t right!!! KILLER 😤😤😤😤 – 9:24 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I don’t understand what role Mason Plumlee plays offensively in this lineup when they seem to go through PJ. He was just standing in the corner as if he was a floor spaced, Durant standing inside the paint ignoring him – 9:20 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The Nets look like they’re running out of gas on the second night of a back to back. They’ve scored just 23 points in the second half. The offense has stalled. KD coming back in for the final 6:30 in regulation. – 9:10 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant has scored 302 points through 10 games.
That marks the most points scored by Durant through the first 10 games of a season in his career and the most in Nets franchise history. – 8:20 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant has scored 302 points through 10 games.
That marks the most points scored by Durant through 10 games in his career and the most in Nets franchise history. – 8:09 PM
Rod Boone @rodboone
Halftime: Nets 52, #Hornets 44
Terry Rozier 16 pts, 4 rebs
Kelly Oubre 11 pts
Kevin Durant 14 pts, 3 rebs – 8:05 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant has now made 53 straight free throws (since 10/26 at Milwaukee), breaking his career mark. #Nets – 7:55 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant has set a career-long streak of 53-straight made free throws. – 7:55 PM
Kenny Beecham @KOT4Q
Bol Bol doing KD type stuff😂 – 7:06 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Same starters for Nets tonight at Charlotte:
Sumner, Harris, Durant, O’Neale and Claxton – 6:33 PM
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
Simmons is a shadow, Kyrie’s suspended, and the clock’s ticking on the next KD trade demand.
Time for Nets to admit the obvious: It’s over. Bring on the wrecking ball.
si.com/nba/2022/11/04… – 5:37 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Looks like Daniel Gafford is taking the viral Kevin Durant crossover in stride. pic.twitter.com/2fPODrJQwg – 3:02 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Milwaukee Bucks are the team to beat, and the Cavs are who we thought they were.
Welcome to the Weekend Wrap-Up: D’Angelo Russell’s struggling in Minnesota, Kevin Durant caught a body, Russ for 6MOY, and more
Let’s dig in: #NBA
trib.al/IkenVxV – 2:40 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
This is the offense we saw from the Nets last night. Simple, quick decisions. Making the easy pass, taking what the defense gives you.
Washington’s defense was awful, but teams are going to get undisciplined when KD is hot. Brooklyn took advantage and generated wide-open looks. pic.twitter.com/vhj5rjAZVn – 2:15 PM

Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Very little positive for the Wizards yesterday, but this rainbow turnaround fadeaway by Kyle Kuzma over Kevin Durant was a beauty pic.twitter.com/G0DuwzjFl3 – 1:00 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Watch Kevin Durant break Daniel Gafford’s ankles with double-crossover nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/05/wat… – 12:22 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander …
• 3rd in scoring (32.3)
• 18th in assists (6.3)
• 2nd in steals (2.4)
• 30th in blocks (1.1)
• 4th in efficiency, per NBA stats, behind Luka, Giannis and Jokic. Rounding out the top 10? Tatum, Curry, Durant, AD, Siakam. – 11:00 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
DeMar DeRozan last night:
✅ 46 PTS
✅ 5 AST
✅ 13-23 FG
✅ 20-22 FT
It’s the 59th time DeRozan has made at least 10 field goals and 10 free throws in a game.
The only active players with more such games are James Harden (115), LeBron James (103), and Kevin Durant (100). pic.twitter.com/PD7oSSEoAR – 9:51 AM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Kevin Durant last night:
✅ 28 PTS
✅ 9 REB
✅ 11 AST
Durant is the 11th player in NBA history to open a season with nine straight 25-point games (16th instance).
At 34 years old, he’s the oldest player in NBA history to do so by more than three years. pic.twitter.com/RERsl7yVZL – 9:31 AM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Sunday notes on a Saturday: Of the NBA, Kyrie, hate and hope while walking in Memphis. . . . Or Irving could have put this on his social media. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Plus: Durant, Nash, Brown, Vincent, schedule, more. – 9:02 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kevin Durant is just too SMOOTH and COLD for this 😱
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/AJBQkMUAvx – 3:37 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
A story about the actual basketball? A story about the basketball! From D.C., Kevin Durant with the highlight of the season on Daniel Gafford, Cam Thomas returned and Jacque Vaughn played super small at times. Five thoughts from a blowout win: theathletic.com/3764802/2022/1… – 11:25 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
NBA scoring leaders
1. Luka Doncic
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SGA moved ahead of KD on his day off. – 10:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked for his reaction to Kevin Durant’s crossover on Daniel Gafford, Royce O’Neale whistled. – 9:48 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Markieff Morris on Kevin Durant’s ankle-breaker on Daniel Gafford: “I’ve seen someone drop somebody, but when you go for all 4 moves, that’s crazy — but Gaff, that’s my guy.” – 9:46 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant leads #Nets‘ laugher over #Wizards amid Kyrie Irving drama nypost.com/2022/11/04/kev… via @nypostsports – 9:41 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From @BKN_NETSPR: Kevin Durant (6-of-6 FT) has now made 51 straight free throws (since 10/26 at Milwaukee), marking the second-longest streak of his career (52 straight in March 2010 with Oklahoma City). – 9:39 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets beat the Wizards 128-86. An easy win after a wild few days. Kevin Durant finishes a rebound shy of a triple-double. Cam Thomas looked good, as did Royce O’Neale and Nic Claxton. Can they make it two in a row in Charlotte tomorrow? – 9:20 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
All smiles from Kevin Durant tonight. pic.twitter.com/oCck0U2TaE – 9:20 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Final: Nets 128, Wizards 86
Durant: 28 pts, 9 reb, 11 ast
Claxton: 18 pts, 9 reb, 9/10 shooting
Thomas: 17 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast
Brooklyn blows the doors off Washington in a 42-point win. Much-needed morale boost given the events this week. – 9:19 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
The Washington Wizards fall to the Brooklyn Nets and drop to (4-5).
#NetsWorld 128
#DCAboveAll 86
The wizards shot 36.6% from the field. Brad Beal led the team with 20. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 28. – 9:19 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Final: Nets 128, Wizards 86
Brooklyn shot 55.6% fg. Durant had 28p, 9r, 11a
Beal: 20p
Porzingis: 14p, 10r
Kuzma: 19p
The Wizards are 4-5 – 9:17 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Final: Nets 128, Wizards 86
Beal: 20p, 3r, 3a
Kuzma: 19p, 5r, 2a
Durant: 28p, 9r, 11a
FG%: Nets 56%, Wizards 37%
3-pointers: Nets 14/28, Wizards 8/33 – 9:16 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
KD with no Kyrie or Simmons:
28 PTS
9 REB
11 AST
+35
W. pic.twitter.com/T6QwK6mxxD – 9:14 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant and Cam Thomas are each +35 – 9:08 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Nets will no longer chase a triple-double for Kevin Durant who sits for the final 7:42
28 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds – 9:01 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
The Nets are up by 30 with less than nine minutes left. I think it’s time to take KD out of the game please. – 8:55 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
With the Nets roster depleted somewhat, I didn’t expect to see Washington down 30. Kevin Durant is also 2 rebounds away from a triple-double w/ 28-10-8. – 8:52 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
With 28 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists early in the fourth quarter, Kevin Durant is closing in on his 17th career regular-season triple-double. – 8:52 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
The Nets lead by 30. Kevin Durant is two rebounds shy of a triple-double. – 8:51 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets lead the Wizards 96-70. Durant leads with 28 points. O’Neale has 13. Nets shooting 54 percent from the field, 50 from 3. – 8:46 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Nets have opened up a 25-point lead against the Wizards, led by Kevin Durant, who is putting on a show in his hometown. Durant has 26 points and 9 assists on 50% FG. The Nets have outscored the Wizards, 16-3, at the 6:59 mark of the 3rd quarter. #Nets #NBA #NetsWorld – 8:34 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Nets came out to play to start the 3rd, something I’ve rarely said this season.
They lead by 25 after a KD jumper. Timeout Wizards. – 8:33 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
This is the most convincing effort the Nets have given this season. The ball is moving. There are multiple defensive efforts. Kevin Durant is fired up, and the rest of the team followed suit.
Brooklyn has a 19-point lead with just under 10 minutes to go in the 3rd. – 8:29 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
It’s not easy stopping Kevin Durant on any night, but he’s been unstoppable in this game. 24 pts and 8 ast in 23 min. He’s made an incredible 51 straight FTs, so you can’t send him to the line. – 8:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant has 19 points and 8 assists in the first half in his hometown, and the Nets lead the Wizards, 69-57. Cam Thomas has 7 points and is +19 off the bench on 3-of-5 shooting. Excellent half of basketball on both ends of the floor, but can they do this again to close? – 8:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets lead the Wizards 69-57. Supporting cast has helped Kevin Durant out. Maybe most important, the Nets are taking care of the ball. Just two turnovers. That will play. – 8:08 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Halftime: Nets 69, Wizards 57
Kuzma: 16p 3r
Porzingis: 14p 4r
Durant: 19 points, 8 assists – 8:08 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Halftime: Nets 69, Wizards 57
Durant: 19p, 4r, 8a
Kuzma: 16p, 3r, 1a
Beal: 12p, 1r, 2a
Porzingis: 14p, 4r, 1a
3-pointers: Nets 9/16, Wizards 8/20 – 8:08 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Welcome home KD!
19pts, 4 reb, 8ast in the 1st half! – 8:08 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
KD with a hot 19 points at halftime. – 8:07 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Solid half for the undermanned Nets. They lead 69-57 after a KD just before the buzzer. KD has 19, O’Neale has 13 — and the Nets are shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 9/16 from beyond the arc. – 8:07 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
The Washington Wizards trail the Brooklyn Nets at halftime.
#DCAboveAll 57
#NetsWorld 69
The Wizards Big 3 leading the way in scoring with Kuzma 16, Porzingis 14 and Beal 12. Durant leads all scorers with 19. – 8:07 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
It’s 69-57 Nets over Wizards at the half. No Kyrie Irving, no Ben Simmons, but this Kevin Durant guy is pretty good. He’s got 19 pts, 8 ast and 4 reb already. – 8:07 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Wizards are almost exclusively doubling Kevin Durant and he is killing them on pass outs.
Has 7 assists nearing halftime and had the hockey assist on a swing-swing corner 3. – 8:05 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Bradley Beal just forced the Nets’ first turnover of the game with 4:35 left in the first half, he poked the ball away from Durant. The Wizards promptly gave the ball right back – 7:59 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
KD got em playing Twister!!! 😱😭
(📼 @Brooklyn Nets)
pic.twitter.com/fa4iMP7yHs – 7:50 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
1st qtr highlights for the @Brooklyn Nets:
– 0 TURNOVERS
– shot 56% FG
-Durant: 12pts, 1reb, 5ast
-O’Neale: 10pts, 2reb, 2ast
– & 👇🏾ankle breaking move by KD!
pic.twitter.com/dy6q0xW3K8 – 7:41 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant makes Daniel Gafford do a split pic.twitter.com/4TRm9QsVUX – 7:41 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
This is all going to end with Masai Ujiri trading for Kevin Durant and the Raptors winning the 2023 NBA title. – 7:40 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Daniel Gafford gets a layup after getting crossed up by KD (the crowd loooooved that) and the Nets are up 38-28 after one. Whew that was a moment from Durant – 7:39 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
KD, who is from nearby PG County, just brought the crowd in D.C. to their feet by crossing Daniel Gafford up and then dropping him. – 7:39 PM
Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
KD broke Daniel Gafford’s ankles…Dear lord! – 7:39 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD just crossed Daniel Gafford up and dropped him. The entire crowd is up on their feet here in D.C. in awe of the play. – 7:38 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Wizards 38-28. Kevin Durant has 12 points, O’Neale as 10. Nets are 4-for-8 from 3. – 7:38 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant just put Daniel Gafford on the floor. Broke his ankles as Capital One Arena erupts. #Nets – 7:38 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
This whole arena broke out in “oohhhh” after that KD move! – 7:38 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
omg Durant just pulled off an insane crossover – 7:37 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant just broke Daniel Gafford’s ankles and this place went nuts. – 7:37 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Oh no Kevin Durant did Daniel Gafford very, very dirty – 7:37 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Some dude, who I can’t tell is drunk or sober, is yelling at Kevin Durant telling him to “come home KD!” – 7:35 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Deni Avdija getting his chance to defend Kevin Durant – 7:31 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Edmond Sumner, Joe Harris, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale and Nic Claxton will start for the #Nets. It will be Sumner’s first start of the season and the 30th of his career. #Wizards – 6:35 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Starters tonight for the @Brooklyn Nets:
Sumner, Harris, Durant, O’Neale and Claxton – 6:31 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Edmond Sumner will start in place of Kyrie Irving alongside Joe Harris, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale and Nic Claxton against the Wizards tonight. #Nets #NBA #NetsWorld – 6:31 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters in DC: Sumner, Harris, Durant, O’Neale and Claxton
This will be Edmond Sumner’s first start of the season and the 30th start of his career (in his 115th game played). – 6:31 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Kevin Durant warming up. #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/wZGppwITJL – 6:13 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant is back in Washington D.C., his home area after growing up in nearby PG County, Maryland. Quite the pregame crowd for him. pic.twitter.com/RchxbKBud9 – 6:11 PM

Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Kevin Durant is in the house. Wizards-Nets tips at 7 pm on @NBCSWashington. Pregame show starts at 6:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/qehBinlRUA – 6:07 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Took this down because I was talking about Durant, but people took it to mean Kyrie. I think I misread the tweet I was quoting. My bad. pic.twitter.com/0qdSVlraSX – 5:24 PM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
With everything surrounding the Nets, how does that affect the future of Kevin Durant? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/t56DDRMT3R – 4:22 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
ESPN’s Zach Lowe: “This feels like the end for this iteration of the Brooklyn Nets. It feels unsalvageable… and if this really is the end for the Nets, their only move left… the only arrow in the quiver, is trading Kevin Durant.” – 3:16 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Re: any Kevin Durant trade this season, @Bobby Marks made a great point on the Lowe Post.
Around 34% of the league’s players become trade eligible on Dec. 15 or Jan. 15.
That’s when a deal is likeliest to happen. – 1:17 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving’s suspension coupled with Ben Simmons’ injury puts the Nets on Kevin Durant’s back and adds uncertainty to the future of the organization. Both were concerns to KD this summer. On the Nets current reality and what it means for the future: theathletic.com/3762746/2022/1… – 12:34 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
New Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + I on Kyrie’s suspension + apology — what’s next for the Nets, the revised Kevin Durant trade landscape, more. Plus a deep dive on the 6-1 Cavs, thoughts on the Raps, more:
Apple: apple.co/3zJVYDv
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FMlsUK – 12:29 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Nets GM Marks calls Irving apology “a step” to return, Durant reacts as well nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/04/net… – 12:21 PM

More on this storyline

Kleiman told Insider that, ideally, he and Durant would be hands-on owners. “I think that at whatever level we were able to do it, being hands-on with an organization is also what’s really appealing,” Kleiman said. “I’d love to be able to operate as a CEO of an NBA organization, and I’m sure Kevin would love to be able to have a hand in building, from a player and operational standpoint, being able to build a roster. But I think that that’s everyone’s dream right now in some capacity in our world.” -via Insider.com / November 7, 2022
Kleiman praised LeBron James as a trailblazer and said he and Durant have already put feelers out there. “I think if LeBron is able to get into Vegas and then you see D-Wade in Utah, I think that only probably opens up the runway even moreso for Kevin having an opportunity to do that,” Kleiman said. “And, you know, we’ve put our flags in the ground, and we have appropriate relationships, and we’re doing our behind-the-scenes due diligence.” -via Insider.com / November 7, 2022
Front office executive No. 6: “I’m assuming there’s some sort of agreement with Kevin. Like, ‘Look, if you want to move, we’ll move you. And we’re not going to move you to New Orleans and we’re not going to move you to Sacramento and we’re not going to move you to Indiana.’ So if the best Brooklyn can do is the Lakers, then if I was the Lakers, that’s what I’d be waiting on.” -via The Athletic / November 7, 2022

Shaquille O’Neal interested in potentially joining Jeff Bezos bid to buy Suns

Shaquille O’Neal ain’t down to outspend Jeff Bezos for the Phoenix Suns … but if the billionaire wants to join forces in an effort to own the NBA franchise – The Big Diesel tells TMZ Sports he’s in for that! Shaq says he initially had interest in …

Shaquille O’Neal ain’t down to outspend Jeff Bezos for the Phoenix Suns … but if the billionaire wants to join forces in an effort to own the NBA franchise — The Big Diesel tells TMZ Sports he’s in for that! Shaq says he initially had interest in buying Robert Sarver’s share of the org. after the disgraced owner announced last month he was putting it up for sale — but when he found out Bezos potentially wanted in, he was all out. Shaq explained even with his deep pockets — he’s reportedly got a net worth of around $400 MILLION — he wanted no part in competing with Bezos’ checkbook.

Source: TMZ Staff @ TMZ.com

More on this storyline

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal took to his podcast The Big Podcast with Shaq this week to talk about how he was thinking about throwing his hat in the ring to purchase the Phoenix Suns. The rumored front-runners include former Disney CEO Bob Iger, billionaire Elon Musk, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. After seeing Bezos’ name, Shaq decided to bow out completely. “I was open [to the idea of purchasing the team] until I saw the initials JB. Let me tell you something, you don’t mess with James Brown, you don’t mess with Jeff Bezos,” Shaq said candidly. “When the boys come on stage, get your a** and go. So, Jeff said he wants it and a couple of other heavy hitters said they want it. I’m not even gonna put my name in the bucket on this one.” -via Entrepeneur / September 29, 2022
But O’Neal, who has admitted to cheating on ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal, made it clear that he had no intention of lecturing Udoka for his actions. “I’m going to stop this conversation,” O’Neal said on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” “I was a serial cheater. It would be crazy and blasphemous for me to stand here and say, ‘Boom, boom, bam.’ I cannot do that. I know these guys personally. I know they’re going through a lot, because I’ve been through a lot,” the retired athlete said. -via BasketNews / September 29, 2022
“I’m never the guy that’s going to get up here because of my platform and fake it,” he revealed. “I did it. I was the best at it. I’m not proud of it. I lost my family doing it and I lost valuable and important years with my children for doing it. So, I refuse to get up here and be like ‘You shouldn’t do this, you shouldn’t have done that,” he continued. “I’m not that guy. I’m real with the situation.” -via BasketNews / September 29, 2022

Chris Paul wants to own an NBA team after retiring

During a sit-down interview at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit, Chris Paul revealed that once he retires, he wants to own an NBA team. “I would like to be a part of an ownership group after I’m done playing,” the Phoenix Suns star …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Had a thought… Chris Paul was on the Clippers during the Donald Sterling debacle. Now he’s on the Suns during the Robert Sarver saga.
Former President on the NBPA Executive Committee — How does he respond if this lingers into training camp/preseason? – 4:41 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On Chris Paul, Jahm Najafi, PayPal, and the first dominoes that could lead to real consequences for Suns owner Robert Sarver: bit.ly/3RShsVQ – 3:11 PM
Chris Paul @CP3
It’s #NationalBlackVoterDay — a day all about recognizing our power and making our voices heard! I’m teaming up with @MichelleObama, @BET, and @WhenWeAllVote to make sure YOU are ready to cast your ballot. Head to https://t.co/ZQr0YOmvws to check your voter registration status ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/YQmBB8T0U4 – 2:19 PM

Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver faces growing backlash; NBA suspension draws reactions from LeBron James, Chris Paul, Jahm Najafi, PayPal, former Sacramento Kings play-by-play announcer Grant Napear and more.
sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 1:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
LeBron James and Chris Paul tweeted, Jahm Najafi spoke up and PayPal is pulling out. These are just first steps, but the dominoes are lining up for more dire consequences for Robert Sarver: https://t.co/1gFEhOSqeK pic.twitter.com/JL8JDDw7al – 12:31 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Robert Sarver investigation posts:
What’s next for Phoenix #Suns https://t.co/bQs6CQvJ8u
Adam Silver on Sarver-Sterling https://t.co/0AhR2RmY0s
NBPA calls out Sarver’s ‘actions’ https://t.co/wECh7rPZ2v
Chris Paul ‘horrified’ with investigation results https://t.co/9h4TPr3Msh pic.twitter.com/ld20TGodXZ – 2:17 PM

Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
On Chris Paul’s role within the Robert Sarver developments, and where this story can evolve from here.
@Amin Elhassan joins me live on @getcallin now: callin.com/live/can-the-n… – 1:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
First Jamal Crawford.
Then LeBron James
Now Chris Paul has taken to Twitter in reaction to the findings in the Robert Sarver investigation. #Suns https://t.co/JDotivYtIA pic.twitter.com/gVwKZeBbUc – 10:22 AM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James, Chris Paul call out NBA over Robert Sarver punishment: ‘Our league definitely got this wrong’
cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 9:19 AM
Austin Burton @Amaar_206
‘Horrible Bosses 3’ starring Chris Paul
#NBA #SportsMovies pic.twitter.com/PTAStqKfHa – 11:10 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns All-Star Chris Paul ‘horrified and disappointed’ with Robert Sarver investigation results azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:51 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Suns’ Chris Paul releases statement on Sarver, ‘the sanctions fell short’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/14/sun… – 10:21 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
LeBron and CP3 both understand 1) the power of their voices and 2) the need to address the Sarver investigation now and not wait for Media Day.
I’ve said it before and will keep saying the league is lucky to have those two. – 9:25 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Point God has risen – 9:19 PM
Chris Paul @CP3
Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated. – 9:18 PM

More on this storyline

Chris Paul: Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated. I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected. -via Twitter @CP3 / September 15, 2022
Marc Stein: One senses, though, that this saga is far from over. Public pressure on Sarver, as well as the NBA regarding Sarver, has come nowhere close to Sterling levels — presumably because there is no TMZ recording, as with Sterling, of Sarver’s misdeeds. Yet that climate could change. We’re less than two weeks away from Suns Media Day on Sept. 26, which is the latest we will start hearing frequent questions posed to Chris Paul and other Phoenix players, as well as Coach Monty Williams, about Sarver’s ongoing operational control of the Suns. It really shouldn’t fall on them to make up for punishment this light, but the reality is that how players and Suns staffers — and, of course, sponsors — react will have a significant influence on what happens next in terms of a potential external push to urge Sarver to sell the team. -via marcstein.substack.com / September 14, 2022

Jason Kidd on Jalen Brunson: I’m happy he got paid

Jason Kidd, a triple-double threat every time he took the court during his 19-season NBA career, which included seven seasons with the Nets and one with the Knicks, took satisfaction in Jalen Brunson’s deal. “The biggest thing is I’m happy he got …

Jason Kidd, a triple-double threat every time he took the court during his 19-season NBA career, which included seven seasons with the Nets and one with the Knicks, took satisfaction in Jalen Brunson’s deal. “The biggest thing is I’m happy he got paid,’’ Kidd said on the “All the Smoke’’ podcast. “He helped us. I know [Mavericks owner Mark] Cuban doesn’t like this, but I love when I can get a player get paid.’’

Source: Marc Berman @ New York Post

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
As Cuban simmers, Jason Kidd happy he helped Jalen Brunson get #Knicks payday #NBA nypost.com/2022/09/13/jas… – 5:54 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
#Knicks swingman RJ Barrett already jelling with Jalen Brunson: ‘Gravitate toward him’ #NBA nypost.com/2022/09/12/kni… – 9:30 PM
Jalen Brunson @jalenbrunson1
I’m staying calm but we look valid right now – 2:21 PM

More on this storyline

“I tell a player on the first day of camp, ‘Tell me what you want,’ ” said Kidd, who was the runner-up when the Knicks hired Tom Thibodeau as head coach in July 2020. “Everyone wants shots. Everyone wants minutes. But that’s not the truth. They want to get paid and want to play. Cool. I can help you do that. The other part of that is I’m going to ask for a couple of things. Trust, communicate and play hard. If you ask Brunson, he will tell you he listened [to me] and good things happened. I just want to put people in position to be successful.’’ -via New York Post / September 13, 2022
During an interview with USA Today’s Sports Seriously, Brunson revealed that opinion and talked about what it was like to play with Doncic over the last few years. “It wasn’t really difficult (to play alongside him) because you knew what it was. Luka is such a great talent. He can do anything on the court,” said Brunson. “I think, for me, I kind of figured out how to play with him because he’s so dominant. He knows how to play the game, he knows how to help his team win. I truly loved playing with him because we were in a position to win every night, because of him. “I’ve said this numerous times and I’ll continue to say it until I speak it into existence; That dude is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” -via Sports Illustrated / September 12, 2022
“I’m not being negative about those guys,’’ Van Gundy said. “Randle made an All-Star team, Barrett they hope continues to become a more efficient player. Jalen is in that category of fringe All-Star. “That being said, if you’re going to make a significant jump in the Eastern Conference — when you have [Boston’s Jayson] Tatum, [Jaylen] Brown, [Brooklyn’s Kevin] Durant, [Milwaukee’s Giannis] Antetokounmpo , [Miami’s Jimmy] Butler, and [James] Harden and [Joel] Embiid in Philly, you need a top-20 player in the league. That’s what you build around. They’re still searching for that.” -via New York Post / September 7, 2022
“Some guys become leaders, and some guys are born leaders,” Murphy said. “Cade Cunningham is a born leader, he’s a connector. He does everything by example and he’s also able to communicate and teach guys on the fly as well. You have guys like Magic Johnson, Jason Kidd, Mark Jackson, some guys that when they hit the floor, guys just follow. -via Detroit Free Press / September 9, 2022
Head of the Slovenian national team and a new Mavericks player-development assistant this season, Milic, the NBA’s first Slovenian player, has a long history with Doncic and Dallas coach Jason Kidd that will continue with major title pursuits during the EuroBasket knockout rounds this week and through the upcoming NBA season. In a 1-on-1 interview with The Dallas Morning News during the EuroBasket group stage, Milic, 45, reflected on memories of Doncic as a young hooping prodigy and explained how he plans to take a personal, close, flexible approach to Doncic’s development in Dallas. “More pressure, it is more him smiling,” Milic said. “Sometimes he enjoys the pressure, he enjoys the game. This is the thing you’re born [with]. You can build the muscle. You can learn to shoot, but if you don’t have this inside, it’s pretty tough.” -via Dallas Morning News / September 8, 2022

Stephen Curry regrets not boycotting Clippers game after Donald Sterling scandal

Curry repeatedly agonized over a moment he wishes he could take back. In 2014, the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was exposed as a vile racist in recordings published by TMZ, in the middle of the upstart Warriors’ playoff series against …

Curry repeatedly agonized over a moment he wishes he could take back. In 2014, the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was exposed as a vile racist in recordings published by TMZ, in the middle of the upstart Warriors’ playoff series against them. Curry privately discussed a unified player response with the Clippers star Chris Paul, twice, because Curry and his teammates wanted to walk off the court after the jump ball. But the Warriors ultimately deferred to their opponents’ protest of choice — the Clippers wore warmup shirts with the logo inside out, then discarded them at center court — and to the league commissioner’s lifetime ban of Sterling. “One of my biggest regrets is not boycotting the game,” Curry told me. “That was a moment to leverage beyond anything we probably could have said.”

Source: Matt Sullivan @ Rolling Stone

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Stephen Curry said that the Warriors had internal talks this summer about acquiring Kevin Durant, who ultimately stayed with the Brooklyn Nets. sfchronicle.com/sports/warrior… – 12:51 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Steph Curry signed off on a Golden State Warriors trade for Kevin Durant: ‘Hell, Yeah’ I Would Have Played With Kevin Durant Again
nj.com/nets/2022/09/s… – 11:06 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Stephen Curry says ‘Hell, yeah’ Warriors considered Durant trade nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/12/ste… – 10:01 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Stephen Curry says Warriors considered idea of a blockbuster trade to bring Kevin Durant back sportando.basketball/en/stephen-cur… – 8:56 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Forget Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and the others…
🇮🇹 Nicolo Melli is the best player in the world for Gianmarco Pozzecco 😅💪
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/08RSl32T6Y – 5:02 AM

Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Warriors Wire celebrates the brilliance of Stephen Curry with a photo gallery of his 50-point games. warriorswire.usatoday.com/gallery/stephe… – 4:01 AM
Kerith Burke @KerithBurke
Steph Curry told @sullduggery he loves KD. I know anything KD is kindling for the same ol’ discourse but it feels meaningful to see Steph say this. File it away in the “players are people” folder. pic.twitter.com/Kw78XonYsN – 9:19 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Bugrahan Curry or Stephen Tuncer?
20 points / 6-6 3P with 10 minutes remaining. The game of his life! #BizBirlikteyiz #EuroBasket #TURFRA – 7:16 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Stephen Curry agrees with Draymond Green: 2022 title was ‘definitely the most special’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/09/ste… – 3:01 PM

More on this storyline

At 34, Stephen Curry is “absolutely” committed to winning the title again this year. But the game isn’t his only focus. Curry has raised his profile as a businessman, a humanitarian, and — slowly but surely — an activist and more vocal political leader. Look into his kaleidoscopic stare as he considers his status in the history books, and you begin to believe Curry when he declares that he can eventually “have as much influence” as Michael Jordan. And while the notoriously apolitical Jordan once said that “Republicans buy sneakers, too,” Curry has already put his brand on the line by clashing with Trump, endorsing Joe Biden, and marching for racial justice. Now, Curry is grappling with how he might expand the meaning of influence, and wondering what the fuck he is gonna say next. -via Rolling Stone / September 12, 2022
Stephen Curry rise has interlaced directly with historic racism, bigotry, and political chaos — with American protest and athlete activism not seen since the Sixties. And yet Curry has remained a reluctant culture warrior. He analyzes political issues like an opponent’s defense, studying “where the loopholes are, where the missteps are,” maneuvering to say less and, as Obama taught him, do more. “The current events of the Trump era, I don’t wake up and say, ‘I wanna go at that conversation,’ ” Curry, who has 75 million followers, tells me. Fans and the media, though, have come to expect the liberal NBA’s superstars to respond to CNN headlines. “Some of this stuff falls on your doorstep and people want a perspective or comment, and sometimes you cough that up unsolicited.” Which hasn’t always gone so well for him. “I think I probably need to do the work of looking back at the last 10 or 12 years.” -via Rolling Stone / September 12, 2022
In one of five interviews, Curry revealed that he and the Warriors legitimately discussed whether and how to blow up the roster of the defending NBA champions this summer for a reunion with Durant, who dramatically split from Golden State in 2019 for the Brooklyn Nets following back-to-back titles. -via Rolling Stone / September 11, 2022