This week, the Basketball Hall of Fame inducted twelve new members in a star-studded 2013 class. Sonics guard Gary Payton dished and smack-talked his way into the Hall along with former Nets and Knicks great Bernard King. The induction of Rick Pitino capped an unbelievable week for the coach, who captured the National Championship and saw his son, Richard, named as the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As if that wasn't enough, Pitino's horse Goldencents is headed to the Kentucky Derby in May after winning the Santa Anita Derby. Here's more from the week that was in hoops..
- Kobe Bryant suffered an Achilles tendon tear, ending his season and putting him on the shelf for at least a significant portion of the 2013/14 season. With an extra roster spot, the Lakers signed Andrew Goudelock.
- There has been discord between Stephen Jackson and the Spurs and it finally came to a head this week when the veteran was cut loose.
- Bucks guard Monta Ellis is likely to opt out of his deal rather than make $11MM in Milwaukee next season.
- Louisville's Gorgui Dieng is leaving college on a high note and going pro. Michigan's Trey Burke will also take advantage of a soft draft class. To keep up on all early entrants, check out our running list.
- J.J. Hickson and the Blazers are probably heading in different directions.
- The tug-of-war between Sacramento and Seattle continues. Meanwhile, Sacramento's group had some shuffling.
- The Bulls won't sign Nikola Mirotic until 2014.
- Kevin Love is going to have his knee scoped.
- The Pistons might be planning to part ways with Joe Dumars.
- The Thunder, Hawks, and Bulls may pursue Nolan Smith.
- Nerlens Noel could become Jay-Z's first NBA client.
- Chauncey Billups isn't considering retirement.
- Mark Cuban wants to keep Vince Carter for the long-term.
- Rick Adelman, however, is thinking about walking away.
- Brandon Roy plans to continue his playing career.
- Jason Collins would like to return to the Celtics.
- The Bulls signed Malcolm Thomas to a two-year deal.
- The Knicks signed James Singleton and cut Kurt Thomas loose.
- Lionel Hollins doesn't think his fate is tied to the playoffs.
- The Knicks are eyeing free agent bigs.
- Omri Casspi wants to return to the Cavs.
- The Nets signed Kris Joseph for the rest of the year.