Atlantic Notes: Kurucs, Atkinson, Vaughn, Walker

Rodions Kurucs came to the NBA as a small forward but is now being used as a backup center by the depleted Nets, Brian Lewis of the New York Post notes. DeAndre Jordan skipped the Orlando restart after testing positive for the coronavirus, leaving Jarrett Allen as the lone true center on the roster.

“I don’t think it’s going to be my position going forward, but I’m definitely making the best out of it,” said Kurucs, whose rookie contract is guaranteed through next season. Substitute player Donta Hall could also see some work as a backup for the Nets.

We have more from Atlantic Division:

  • Kenny Atkinson isn’t considered the frontrunner for the Knicks coaching job, but Jarrett Allen gives the former Nets head man a ringing endorsement, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes. “I came into the Nets and we weren’t making our mark in the NBA and you could see every year I was with him, and every year he coached us we kept getting better and better,” Allen said. “And the players under him kept developing and developing, and bringing us more confidence. So whatever team he goes to, they’re going to get a hell of a coach.”
  • The Nets’ Jacques Vaughn is in a tricky spot as an interim coach hoping he’ll get the full-time gig. He’s focused on getting the most of his shorthanded team but says he’s learned a lot since flopping as Magic coach during a 2-1/2 year stint, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated“I’ve definitely transitioned and understand and have a better grasp of today’s player, today surroundings,” he said. “It’s just the maturation of being a young coach.”
  • Celtics point guard Kemba Walker indicated that he’s “trending upwards” while working out with the team as he recovers from left knee soreness, the team’s PR department tweets“It was really fun to get out there with my teammates,” he said. “The knee feels good. I’m trending upwards.”
View Comments (8)