Trae Young Eager To Continue Working With Quin Snyder
Trae Young has faith in head coach Quin Snyder and that makes it very unlikely the Hawks would be willing to deal their star guard, as Jeff Schultz of The Athletic details.
Young praised Snyder after Atlanta was eliminated from the postseason by the Celtics on Thursday night.
“I mean, Quin is the future,” Young said. “I believe with him here this city is going to win a championship.”
Snyder took the Hawks job in late February after the organization parting ways with Nate McMillan. Young’s clashes with his previous head coach were part of the reason for the in-season change.
Atlanta finished the regular season with a .500 record under the former Jazz coach. The Hawks defeated Miami in the play-in tournament, then took the Celtics to six games, including a Game 5 win in Boston. Young hit the decisive 3-pointer in that contest.
Young, who has four years remaining on his max extension, averaged 29.2 points and 10.2 assists in the series.
“We could’ve not even have made the playoffs,” Young said. “It could’ve been worse. We have to focus on the future now. We can’t worry about the past and all that went on throughout the season, all the nonsense and stuff. In moments we showed what we can do with Quin as our coach.”
Snyder plans to spent time during the offseason with Young in preparation for his first full season as the franchise’s head coach.
“He and I have talked about this summer and connecting and getting better,” Snyder said. “Trae’s gifted and he can get better, he wants to get better and I’m going to try to help him get better.”
Pacific Notes: Westbrook, Plumlee, Gordon, James, Kings, Ayton
Russell Westbrook is welcome to return to the Clippers, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said on Thursday. Westbrook is headed to unrestricted free agency and the Clippers were not only impressed with the veteran guard on the court but off it as well.
“He brings a great energy and spirit to the team, around the building,” the Clippers exec told Law Murray of The Athletic and other media members.
The Clippers are also interested in retaining Mason Plumlee and Eric Gordon, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, though it seems unlikely the Clippers will guarantee the $20.9MM remaining on Gordon’s contract.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- LeBron James vows he’ll play better on his home court when the Lakers try to close out the Grizzlies again in Game 6 on Friday night, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “Just got to be better,” James said. “It starts with me. (Wednesday) I was not very good at all. My defense was pretty good. Offensively, I was not really good. So, we all got to do a better job helping one another.”
- It’s time for the Kings to show the same resiliency the Warriors displayed over the last three games, Jason Jones of The Athletic writes. Golden State has erased a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 series lead, heading into Friday’s showdown. Guard Davion Mitchell acknowledges Sacramento has to play with more determination. “We have to have the same mindset coming in. I mean, that’s a really good team, especially at home,” he said. “We have to punch them in the mouth first.”
- The Suns matched Indiana’s offer sheet to retain Deandre Ayton. Now, their center will play a pivotal role in their second-round series when they face the Nuggets and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Ayton is eager for the challenge, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “It’s going to be fun,” he said. “They’re the best. Suns basketball, we want to compete and beat the best. That’s what we’re looking forward to. We know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a great series where mano play against mano.”
Jae Crowder Surprised By Lack Of Usage
Jae Crowder was baffled by his lack of playing time as the top-seeded Bucks lost 4-1 in the first-round series against the Heat, Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. However, he’s still interested in re-signing with the organization.
While Jimmy Butler carved up the Bucks’ defense, Crowder played only 18 seconds in Game 5. He didn’t play at all in Game 4 and averaged 13.6 minutes in the first three games.
“I’ve never been in a situation like that,” Crowder said. “Eleven years. Check my résumé. I’ve been playing. I’ve always been playing. I’m very confused as to why I was brought here. I don’t know my purpose here and why I was brought here.”
In his walk year, Crowder chose to sit out until the Suns traded him. His situation was one of the big storylines during the first half of the season until the Bucks acquired him at the trade deadline.
Crowder expected to play major minutes during the postseason due to his playoff experience, defensive prowess and perimeter shooting. Instead, his role vanished during the series.
“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that, DNPs,” he said. “I haven’t had them in my career so why start now?”
Yet, Crowder won’t rule out re-signing with Milwaukee this summer. He enjoys being around his current teammates.
“I would (return), because in the locker room it’s a great group of guys who puts work first and we have fun after that,” he said. “I can work in that type of environment and I really do appreciate my teammates for welcoming me. From day one it’s just been love from that side. But that’s a conversation that has to be had.”
Cavs Notes: Mitchell, Next Season, LeVert, Garland, Wing Upgrades
The Cavaliers traded for Donovan Mitchell to make them a true contender. Mitchell felt personally responsible for the team’s 4-1 series loss to the Knicks, according to Kelsey Russo of The Athletic.
“I don’t feel like I was the player I needed to be for this group,” Mitchell said. “That’s what’s gonna keep me up at night. I’ve done it all year. You know what I mean? So I just didn’t deliver like I expected myself to, my teammates and everybody expects me to. And like I said, I take that upon myself, man, like I gotta be better.”
Mitchell averaged 23.2 points — five below his season average — and shot 43.3 percent and 28.9 on 3-point attempts in the series.
We have more on the Cavs:
- This year’s playoff flop puts immense pressure on the team to get deeper into the postseason next year, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic opines. Even though Mitchell is signed through the 2025/26 season, he can opt out in the summer of 2025. If the Cavs can’t get a long-term commitment from Mitchell after next season, they may need to trade him, Lloyd writes. They also don’t have many assets to upgrade the roster.
- Caris LeVert is headed to free agency but he “absolutely” wants to re-sign, Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweets. LeVert averaged 18 points in the last four games of the series.
- Darius Garland learned some lessons during the series, Fedor writes at Cleveland.com. Garland’s eyes were opened by the different tempo and intensity in the playoffs. “The pace is just so fast, it’s just coming to you really quick,” Garland said. “It’s a lot to process. Go back and watch this film, see what we did wrong. Trying to learn from it as much as I can. It hurts, but we know what it feels like. We know how playoff basketball is. We know the physicality of it. We know the mental aspect of it. It’s going to make us work hard and we’re going to remember this feeling.”
- How can the Cavs upgrade at the wing? Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype explores that topic in his offseason primer. They could target Josh Richardson, Jalen McDaniels or Kelly Oubre with their mid-level exception. They could also try to trade for a forward with the MLE since the new CBA allows it to be used as a trade exception. Potential targets in that case could include Royce O’Neale, Reggie Bullock or Alec Burks.
Bucks Notes: Antetokounmpo, Collapse, Middleton, Roster
How will Giannis Antetokounmpo approach the offseason? This September, the Bucks superstar could add two years and approximately $113MM to his current contract. He is signed through the 2025/26 season but can opt out in the summer of 2025.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst doubts Antetokounmpo will add on to his current deal this offseason, as RealGM relays.
“I think it is unlikely Giannis extends his contract this summer,” Windhorst said. “He does have two years left, but with everything that’s going on with the team and considering there’s new ownership that makes it very difficult. And the Bucks are heading into the repeater tax. This is what happens to teams who are contenders year after year and they spend. Everything on this team is about to get more expensive.”
We have more on the Bucks:
- There were a multitude of reasons why the Eastern Conference’s top seed collapsed in the first round, as Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel details. Turnovers were a problem all season and the half-court offense had a tendency to stagnate. The Bucks also had trouble making free throws and, at times, allowed energetic opponents to get second-chance opportunities. Miami was the perfect opponent to exploit those weaknesses, Owczarski adds.
- Khris Middleton‘s status will be a major offseason question. Middleton can opt out and became a free agent if he chooses to leave over $40MM on the table. Despite an injury-plagued season, Middleton could do that, since he’s seeking one more big long-term contract before he retires. He’ll have some suitors if chooses that path, according to Matt Moore of Action Network.
- Don’t expect major changes to the roster, John Hollinger of The Athletic opines. Hollinger believes the Bucks will have to return with the same core group, due to their salary cap situation and lack of future first-round picks.
Nuggets Notes: Murray, Porter Jr., Title Run, Jokic
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are healthy this postseason and that makes the Nuggets much more dangerous, Pat Graham of The Associated Press writes. Murray, who missed last season due to a knee injury, finished off the Timberwolves in Game 5 with 35 points. Porter, who has been plagued by back issues in prior seasons, had a 25-point performance in Game 3.
“It was good to be back in the playoffs and just be playing at a high level along with Jamal,” Porter said. “It’s a good feeling.”
We have more on the Nuggets:
- Murray was irritated by the chatter surrounding Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the way he was blanketing Denver’s star guard, Mike Singer of the Denver Post writes. He made a statement with his Game 5 eruption. “He was our best player this series,” said Nikola Jokic, citing Murray’s energy, shot-making and leadership.
- Can Denver go all the way with the current group? Tony Jones of The Athletic explores that question, suggesting that the Nuggets’ biggest concern is their defense – particularly against the Suns’ superstars in the second-round series – and the need for a steady No. 3 offensive option to emerge.
- Jokic earned a bonus with the team reaching the second round, Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. He’ll collect an extra $568,966 as a result of the Nuggets winning a series.
Raptors Taking Broad Approach To Head Coaching Search
The Raptors have been granted permission to interviews a number of prominent assistant coaches for their head coaching job, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Toronto parted ways with Nick Nurse, who coached them to a championship, after the season. The Warriors‘ Kenny Atkinson, Bucks‘ Charles Lee, Suns‘ Kevin Young, Spurs‘ Mitch Johnson, Kings‘ Jordi Fernandez, Grizzlies‘ Darko Rajakovic and Heat‘s Chris Quinn are among the assistant they plan to interview. However, that list could expand.
Lee is one of the top candidates for the Pistons’ head coaching vacancy. Atkinson, of course, was previously the Nets’ head coach.
The Raptors will also look at ex-NBA head coaches, as well as NCAA and WNBA coaches. Regarding the latter, they have gained permission to speak with former Spurs assistant and current Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon. She led the Aces to last year’s WNBA championship.
As previously reported, they are also expected to interview current assistant coach Adrian Griffin.
Grizzlies Notes: Kennard, Bane, Jenkins, Game 5 Win
Luke Kennard‘s health could be a key element in the Grizzlies’ aim to win their series against the Lakers after trailing 3-1. Kennard injured his left shoulder in the second half of Game 5 but he provided an optimistic update after Memphis’ win. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“I just got a stinger out there,” Kennard said. “Getting it looked at (Thursday), trying to find out a little more, but it’s all good right now.”
With Dillon Brooks struggling with his shot and the Lakers sagging off him, Kennard has proved to be a better offensive option, Joe Vardon of The Athletic notes. He’s shooting 50 percent on 3-pointers and 52 percent overall in this series.
“Luke is one of the best shooters in the league,” Ja Morant said. “Obviously that opens up a lot of space on the floor and we just play off that.”
We have more on the Grizzlies:
- Desmond Bane racked up 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in Game 5 and made a de facto guarantee that the Grizzlies will win Game 6 on the Lakers’ home floor, Tim MacMahon of ESPN relays. “We got to come with the right edge and the right road mentality, but I said it out there and I’ll say it again,” Bane said. “We’re going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA.”
- While there’s no indication he’ll be replaced if the team flops in the first round, coach Taylor Jenkins is under pressure to show he can be successful in the postseason. Cole and Mark Giann0tto of the Commercial Appeal examine that topic.
- In a subscriber-only story, Chris Herrinigton of the Daily Memphian examines how the Game 5 victory could propel Memphis the rest of the series, including the fact that Morant and Bane are hot offensively at the same time.
Central Notes: Antetokounmpo, Pistons, Cunningham, White
Giannis Antetokounmpo “pushed himself to exhaustion” and required a postgame IV after the Bucks’ Game 4 loss to Miami, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports (video link). That’s one of the reasons why Antetokounmpo, who returned from a back injury suffered in Game 1, didn’t speak to the media afterward. He’s listed as probable to play in Game 5 on Wednesday, Eric Nehm of The Athletic tweets.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pistons are still conducting first-round Zoom interviews with head coaching candidates this week, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press tweets. Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee, former Connecticut and Overtime Elite coach Kevin Ollie and Pelicans assistant Jarron Collins are reportedly meeting again with the team’s brass this week on follow-up interviews. However, the Pistons don’t appear to be in any rush to name a replacement for Dwane Casey, who accepted a front office job.
- Even if the Pistons slide to the fifth pick in the lottery, the return of Cade Cunningham next season will guarantee a much more competitive team, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com opines. GM Troy Weaver notes that stars like Blake Griffin and Joel Embiid dealt with major injuries early in their careers and wound up better for it. “It propelled them. I think the same thing will happen with Cade,” he said. “He won’t have a problem fitting in at all. I expect him to be full blast when it’s time.”
- Bulls guard Coby White showed improvement at both ends of the floor this season as he enters restricted free agency, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes. White has gotten better with his play-making, decision-making and finishing at the rim. Defensively, opponents no longer hunted for his matchup. White will seek a suitor willing to give him an expanded role.
Pelicans Notes: Valanciunas, McCollum, Murphy
If the Pelicans decide to shake things up this summer, Jonas Valanciunas could be on the move, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes. Valanciunas will have an expiring $15.435MM contract next season and the Pelicans’ coaching staff showed a lack of trust in the veteran center during high-leverage moments, Clark observes. He averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
We have more on the Pelicans:
- The fact that CJ McCollum played 37 games with a torn ligament in the thumb of his shooting hand shouldn’t be overlooked, Rod Walker of the Times-Picayune opines. By doing so, McCollum displayed the importance of leading by example, a role he embraces both on and off the court. Despite the injury, McCollum averaged 20.9 points and 5.7 assists in 75 games this season.
- The growth of Trey Murphy in his second season was one of the few bright spots for the franchise in 2022/23, Clark writes in a separate story. Murphy raised his scoring average from 5.4 points per game as a rookie to 14.5 PPG this season. He has developed into a prolific shooter, averaging 48.4% from the field overall, 40.6% on 3-point attempts and 90.5% from the free throw line.
- In case you missed it, top executive David Griffin said he didn’t anticipate making “huge moves” this offseason.