In case you missed any of this past week’s biggest stories from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.
The Lakers’ disappointing start is turning up the heat on coach Luke Walton. Team president Magic Johnson “admonished” Walton for the team’s poor performance and delivered a message that improvement is necessary. The front office is counting on a trip to the playoffs after signing LeBron James and a group of veterans over the summer.
The Cavaliers’ Tyronn Lue became the first coach to be fired this season. He was dismissed for the team’s 0-6 start and a dispute with GM Koby Altman about who should be getting playing time. Larry Drew has taken over, but he describes himself as the “voice of the team,” rather than an interim coach as he tries to work out a more permanent arrangement.
Cleveland lost star forward Kevin Love for at least six weeks after surgery on his left foot. Love had missed four straight games with a toe injury before the decision was made to operate. Sam Dekker has taken over his starting spot.
The news wasn’t all bad this week in Cleveland, which learned it will be the host city for the 2022 All-Star Game. It will mark the first time the Cavs have hosted the game since 1997.
Jimmy Butler made headlines again when he opted to sit out Wednesday’s game because of “general soreness.” There was speculation that he might be planning an extended absence to force the Timberwolves’ hands on his trade request, but he was back in the lineup Friday in Golden State.
Here are 10 more notable headlines from last week:
- Wizards’ management pledged its full support to coach Scott Brooks despite a disastrous start to the season.
- Frustrated over losing and reduced playing time, veteran guard J.R. Smith said he would welcome a trade out of Cleveland.
- The NBA plans to start its schedule a week later next season. The 2019 FIBA World Cup was a factor in the decision.
- The Wizards filled their 14th roster spot by signing guard Chasson Randle. Washington had been carrying 13 players since the start of the season and was facing a deadline to add a player.
- Wednesday was the deadline for rookie scale option decisions, and although most were picked up, a few significant players had theirs declined and are headed to free agency.
- The Grizzlies waived third-year guard Andrew Harrison, who had fallen out of the rotation. His contract was non-guaranteed.
- Rick Pitino is hoping to return to the NBA after being dismissed from Louisville in the wake of an FBI investigation.
- Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that the team probably can’t count on having DeMarcus Cousins for more than one season.
- In New Orleans, Anthony Davis expressed hope that Cousins can return to the Pelicans.
- Former Rockets guard Bobby Brown signed a deal to play in Montenegro.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
An article has come out since Kerr said that (Bing Sports) that the Warriors GM said if Cousins wants to come back, they’ll bring him back.
Googled this. It’s on NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, and Bleacher Report. Comes from GM Bob Meyers.
Why would they say otherwise? It will be about money, not wants.
Magic should get Lue on the phone.