While trade speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo has picked up again this month, a number of rival executives around the NBA believe there may not be resolution on the Bucks star until the offseason, writes Sam Amick of The Athletic. The outlook on Antetokounmpo could change if he makes an explicit trade request ahead of the February 5 deadline, Amick acknowledges, but … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Giannis, Bucks, Cavs, Pistons, Duren
And-Ones: Front Offices, I. Mobley, NBA Europe, Quaintance
The Thunder are coming off a championship and are just the third team in NBA history to open a season with at least 23 wins in their first 24 games, so it comes as no surprise that general manager Sam Presti came out on top in The Athletic’s annual poll on the league’s best front offices. A group of The Athletic’s NBA writers asked 36 executives around the NBA to rank their top … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Front Offices, I. Mobley, NBA Europe, Quaintance
Central Notes: Stewart, Antetokounmpo, Pacers, Cavaliers
Isaiah Stewart has become an elite defender off the bench for the Pistons over the last few years, and his teammates and coaching staff are making sure people know it. “He’s the best defensive center in the league and it’s not close,” coach JB Bickerstaff said, as relayed by Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II (via Twitter). “And I think it’s time that everybody who watches … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Stewart, Antetokounmpo, Pacers, Cavaliers
Central Notes: Bulls Injuries, Cavs, Mathews, Furphy
The Bulls got good news on guard Coby White on Wednesday after he experienced some tightness in his left calf earlier in the week. White missed Wednesday’s game vs. Brooklyn, but said his MRI results were clean and that he’s considered day-to-day, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link). White hopes to return to action on Friday vs. Indiana, Johnson adds, … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Bulls Injuries, Cavs, Mathews, Furphy
Siegel’s Latest: H. Jones, Poole, Pacers, Warriors, Cavs, Heat
The Pelicans have long signaled that forward Herbert Jones is off limits in trade talks, and that stance didn’t change when Joe Dumars was hired to run the front office in the spring, writes Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. However, according to Siegel, with the Pelicans off to a miserable 3-20 start to the season and Dumars seemingly becoming more open to the idea of major … [Read more...] about Siegel’s Latest: H. Jones, Poole, Pacers, Warriors, Cavs, Heat