Jason Kidd Speaks On Knicks’ Offseason Pursuit
Ahead of the first matchup between the two teams this season, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke about the Knicks‘ public desire to interview him for their head coach vacancy this summer, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic.
Kidd confirmed the summer reporting that Dallas denied the Knicks’ request to interview him, but added that it wouldn’t have mattered either way.
“I was never thinking about leaving Dallas,” Kidd said. “Understanding that we have a lot of work here to be done. I’m all in to be able to do that. I was drafted here. I have won here. I love the city. I love the fans. It never crossed my mind to leave Dallas.”
Reports during the Knicks’ coaching search suggested that there was mutual interest between Kidd and New York, which was the Hall of Fame point guard’s final stop in his playing career. However, that interest ultimately didn’t lead anywhere, as Kidd ended up signing a multi-year extension with the Mavs a month after the Knicks hired Mike Brown.
That’s not to say that Kidd didn’t appreciate the pursuit, though.
“I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted,” Kidd said. “That was a nice touch.”
This is the fifth season Kidd has spent as the head coach of the Mavs. He holds a record of 183-160 in that time, with a run to the NBA Finals in 2024 standing out as the high point of his tenure in Dallas.
Central Notes: Atkinson, Antetokounmpo, Turner, Cunningham
Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson had a strong reaction to the news that Cleveland had been fined $100K for violating the league’s player participation policy, Chris Fedor writes for Cleveland.com.
“I think my number one job is to continue to protect the health of our players,” Atkinson said. “So [it’s] kind of that simple. I think that Miami game, we came home at 3:30 in the morning, so you have to anticipate sometimes too, what the schedule looks like. We have those discussions, we make decisions. I’ll rock with that decision.”
The player participation policy was changed prior to the 2023/24 season in an attempt to address what the NBA felt was an issue of star players resting despite being otherwise healthy. Stars under the policy are defined as players who have made an All-Star or All-NBA game within the past three years.
[RELATED: NBA Stars Affected By Player Participation Policy In 2025/26]
The Cavaliers violated the policy last Wednesday by resting both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, though Atkinson disagrees with the message the NBA’s fine sends.
“We win that game too,” Atkinson said. “So, to me, you throw that on top of it and it’s like, wait a second, are you discrediting the guys that played that night? Is that a weird way to look at it? We’re in a competitive environment here. So, on top of it, we helped develop guys and we won the game and then we get penalized for it.”
Atkinson said that while he understands the policy, he doesn’t plan to change his approach moving forward.
We have more from around the Central Division:
- The Bucks have struggled to maintain leads with Giannis Antetokounmpo off the floor, a trend that will be put to the test with the news that the star forward will miss at least the next week or two, writes Eric Nehm for The Athletic. Nehm notes that the Bucks this season have outscored opponents by 7.6 points per 100 possessions with Antetokounmpo on the floor, but have been outscored by 12.8 points per 100 possessions when he’s not playing. According to Nehm, the team will have to lean heavily on early-season breakout guard Ryan Rollins, who has led Milwaukee in scoring in games Antetokounmpo has missed. “It doesn’t look good right now,” coach Doc Rivers said. “We got [Kevin Porter Jr.] out and Giannis out. That’s not great for our team, but we’re either going to find somebody or find something to run that will pay dividends later, and that’s the stretch we’re about to go through.”
- The news of Antetokounmpo’s injury is also a blow to the budding chemistry between the Bucks‘ newly formed partnership between the two-time MVP and Myles Turner. Grant Afseth of RG.org writes that the addition of Turner has given the Bucks a chance to bridge the past iterations of the team to its future. That connection started on the court, but extends to how they support each other in terms of the mental side of the game, which was evident when the team visited Indiana for the first time following Turner’s Pacers exit. “To be able to come here in Indiana, all-time leading block leader, to be booed… he might not say it, but it kind of hurt,” Antetokounmpo said. “We are here to pick him up, tell him how much we love him and respect him. We understand how much he gave for the team Indiana and how much he’s willing to give for Milwaukee.”
- As the Pistons have gotten off to one of the hottest starts in the league, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been particularly impressed by star Cade Cunningham‘s demeanor and relationships with his teammates, regardless of whether the team is having success or piling up losses like it did earlier in his career, writes The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson. “He could’ve been pissed off. He could’ve been frustrated. He could’ve blamed everybody else, but never once did you hear him do that. The only thing he ever did was put his head down, go to work and accept responsibility,” Bickerstaff said. “I marvel at a guy that age, who is able to handle his teammates the way he does. (He’s) a guy who very easily could separate himself from the group, but he never does. He’s always the one pulling people together. He doesn’t want to be treated any differently. He can eat without taking food off your plate. There’s nothing better than that from your superstar.”
Kevin Porter Jr. On Track For Early December Return
Kevin Porter Jr. is ramping up his right knee meniscus rehabilitation and is on pace to hit the Bucks‘ previously reported timeline of early December, reports The Athletic’s Eric Nehm (Twitter link).
“Yeah, I think right on track,” head coach Doc Rivers said on Wednesday. “He looks good. He ran skeleton today and he looked good.”
Rivers said that Porter’s energy has been much improved since returning to the court, per Nehm (Twitter link). Porter, when informed of Rivers’ assessment, discussed the injury and its impact on him.
“This is my first surgery ever,” Porter said. “So, two weeks (ago), (on) Monday, that was when I woke up and everything like that, couldn’t walk. I was on crutches for the first time, so of course, I’m human, so my energy is going to be a little low. But being back, being able to walk, being able to sleep regular, just live by my daily routines again is definitely uplifting.”
Porter also spoke about the work he’s been doing as part of his ramp-up, as Nehm relays (via Twitter).
“Just stationary shots, moving shots,” he said. “I did a lot of moving today. Today was the best day, I would say, as far as movement and cardio and things like that, but I think now I’m at the place where I’m trying to get my body back active.”
After signing a new two-year, $10.5MM contract with Milwaukee over the summer, Porter has played just one game this season, scoring 10 points in nine minutes. The Bucks have gotten out to an 8-7 start to begin the year.
Kelly Oubre To Miss At Least Two Weeks With LCL Sprain
Kelly Oubre Jr. has been diagnosed with an LCL sprain in his left knee and will miss at least the next two weeks before being reevaluated by the Sixers, reports Tony Jones of The Athletic (via Twitter).
The fact that Oubre had sustained a lateral collateral ligament injury had been previously reported, but the severity of the ailment wasn’t known until now. According to Jones (Twitter link), there was concern that the injury would be more significant, so the relatively short timeline comes as something of a relief for the team.
Oubre missed the Sixers’ game on Monday, a win against the Clippers, after leaving Friday’s contest against the Pistons after just 15 minutes.
Oubre is in the midst of his highest scoring season since 2022/23, averaging 16.8 points in a career-high 34.8 minutes per game.
The Sixers have dealt with a series of injuries already this season, but recently welcomed Paul George back into the rotation following his recovery from offseason knee surgery. Trendon Watford has been one of the primary players stepping up in the absence of the team’s forwards, averaging a career-high 21.3 minutes per game while shooting 41.7% on three-pointers, also a career high.
Paul George Expected To Make Season Debut Monday
Nov. 17: George is expected to make his season debut tonight, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.
Nov. 16: Paul George has been upgraded to questionable for the Sixers‘ game against the Clippers on Monday, relays Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports (via Twitter).
George has missed the team’s first 12 games as he looks to return from offseason knee surgery, and this marks the first time he has been listed as questionable.
Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported earlier in the day that George was a full participant in the Sixers’ Sunday practice, as was Joel Embiid.
George, in his 16th year, is looking to bounce back from his least productive season since 2011/12, his first with the Sixers. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on .430/.358/.814 shooting splits in ’24/25.
The Sixers have gone 7-5 in George’s absence, despite Embiid appearing in just six games. Trendon Watford, who was a limited participant in today’s practice, is among the players who has filled in for George — Watford has started the past four games and is averaging 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest.
Knicks Notes: Towns, Shamet, Brown, Brunson
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 of his 39 points in the Knicks’ win against the Heat in the first half, and in doing so, provided a reminder of his ability to function as the team’s top offensive option with Jalen Brunson currently out with an ankle sprain, writes Jared Schwartz of the New York Post.
Towns had a relatively quiet second half against the Heat’s swarming double teams, but his first-half heroics set the tone for the team to capitalize against Miami’s defense. At the same time, his willingness to step back allowed reserves Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Josh Hart to lead the way against a defense tilted to stop Towns.
“I wanted to do my best to pick up the offense that [Brunson] gives our team,” Towns said. “And in the first half, I did a good job of that. In the second half, I wasn’t trying to force it. I’ve had those days, so I was just letting the game come to me and Landry Shamet is a big reason [for that].”
We have more from the Knicks:
- Shamet racked up a career-high 36 points as he helped the Knicks take down the Heat for the team’s first win of the NBA Cup. His increased prominence in the rotation is a reward for being willing to fight for a roster spot on a non-guaranteed deal this fall, Schwartz writes. “This is where I wanted to be,” Shamet said. “With the year we had last year, this group of guys, this locker room, this city, these fans, all of it, I only wanted to be here, to be honest. I’m glad it worked out.” Shamet has started three games and seems to be head coach Mike Brown‘s preferred starter when Mitchell Robinson is out. “Is he shooting the pull-up, which he can make, or is he getting to the rim and dunking on you?” Brown said. “You could see that on film last year, and so I was definitely a fan of his.”
- Brown was disappointed with the Knicks’ lack of focus against the Magic on Wednesday, telling reporters that the team was too focused on the referees and not enough on the game, Schwartz writes in a separate article. “The thing that I was most disappointed in was in the first half, everything that happened on the court, we blamed the officials,” Brown said. “And that was disappointing to see because we were the culprits of a lot of stuff that happened out on the floor.” The Knicks cut down on the complaining last game, and Towns has mentioned before that not getting distracted by perceived bad calls is a point of emphasis for him.
- Brown and Towns credited assistant coach Rick Brunson with Towns’ success in the win against the Heat, Schwartz writes. “Rick Brunson was the first one to say it,” Brown said. “He was like, ‘Hey, keep playing through KAT. Keep playing through KAT. Keep playing through KAT.”
Patrick Beverley Arrested Friday On Assault Charges
Patrick Beverley was arrested on Friday in Texas and charged with assault of a family/household member, per TMZ Sports.
According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office, a “family violence incident” between relatives resulted in deputies being sent to the home. Beverley was booked and had a bond set at $40K, which he posted.
“Please don’t believe everything you see on the internet. Hope all is well,” Beverley tweeted on Friday night.
“Patrick Beverley has no criminal record. He cares deeply about his little sister — a young lady, a minor,” Beverley’s lawyer said in a statement sent to TMZ. “Given that, when he unexpectedly found her alone in the home with an 18-year-old man in the middle of the night, he was understandably concerned, as any brother would be about his sister. However, we don’t believe what followed happened the way it’s been described, and we look forward to the opportunity to address that in court.”
Jenna West of The Athletic writes that the investigation remains ongoing and that the police have not released additional details.
Beverley spent 12 seasons in the NBA and appeared in 666 regular season games, but has been out of the league since 2023/24. He spent part of last season with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel.
Terry Taylor Signs With Brisbane Bullets
Terry Taylor has agreed to a rest-of-season deal with the Brisbane Bullets of Australia’s National Basketball League, reports ESPN’s Olgun Uluc (via Twitter).
Taylor played six scoreless minutes for the Kings last season, but spent the majority of the season with Sacramento’s G League affiliate, where he averaged 13.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
The 6’5″ forward went unselected in the 2021 draft and experienced success with the Pacers in his rookie year, averaging 9.6 points and 5.2 rebounds over 33 games. He appeared in 31 contests for Indiana and Chicago in 2022/23, then spent the following season with the Bulls before his brief stint with Sacramento on a 10-day contract last season.
He will now head to Australia to join the 5-9 Bullets as they look to push for an NBL playoff spot.
Anthony Davis To Be Re-Evaluated In 7-10 Days
Anthony Davis will remain out for at least the next week due to his left calf strain, the Mavericks announced (via Twitter).
The team stated that the latest reevaluation of Davis’ injury showed good progress, but that he will be examined again in seven-to-10 days, with further updates to come.
“He wants to play. He’s doing everything to get back,” head coach Jason Kidd said, per Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter). “For AD, I’m not trying to speak for him but he wants to be out there to help us. but this gives him seven-to-10 days to get better, and hopefully in seven-to-10 days he’s back on the floor.”
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has reportedly been involved in the decision-making process on Davis’ return timeline, having pushed for a cautious approach in order to reduce the risk of aggravating the injury or making it worse.
Davis has appeared in five games for the Mavs this season, during which time Dallas went 2-3. He is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per night.
Davis has missed the last eight games after leaving the team’s October 29 win against the Pacers after six minutes of play. The Mavs currently hold the fifth-worst record in the league at 3-10.
Injury Notes: Mavs Bigs, Curry, Reaves, Coulibaly, Nets
The Mavericks have been shorthanded in the frontcourt as of late, and that will likely continue for at least another game. According to Christian Clark of The Athletic (Twitter link), Anthony Davis is listed by the team as doubtful for Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies, while Dereck Lively II will remain out for a sixth straight game.
Davis has missed the Mavs’ past three games after exiting the October 29 matchup against the Pacers in the first quarter. Prior to that, he was averaging 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per night, though Dallas was off to a slow start, with a 1-3 record in the full games he played.
Lively has only played three games this season and averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He’s averaging a career-low 17.0 minutes per contest in the early going, despite starting all three games.
The Mavs are currently tied for the worst record in the Western Conference at 2-6.
We have more news on injuries around the league:
- Stephen Curry will miss the Warriors‘ NBA Cup opener on Friday against the Nuggets due to an illness sustained on the team’s recent road trip, reports Anthony Slater for ESPN. Slater writes that Curry began feeling symptomatic heading into the team’s matchup with the Suns on Tuesday, and admitted post-game that he felt drained in the second half. Curry will not travel with the team, but instead will stay in the Bay Area and prepare for Sunday’s game against the Pacers. Draymond Green, who has a rib contusion, is listed as probable, while Jimmy Butler is questionable due to a lower back strain. Kerr said that both players are hopeful to suit up against Denver after sitting out Wednesday in Sacramento.
- Lakers‘ coach JJ Redick says that Austin Reaves is “TBD” for the team’s next game on Saturday against the Hawks, reports Dave McMenamin (via Twitter). The club is being cautious as Reaves looks to return from a groin injury. McMenamin notes that Reaves tested the injury prior to Wednesday’s contest with the Spurs, but the medical staff ultimately decided to keep him sidelined.
- Wizards‘ third-year wing Bilal Coulibaly is listed as out for Friday’s game against the Cavs, notes Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Coulibaly, who missed the team’s first four games while recovering from thumb surgery, exited the contest on Wednesday with lower left leg tightness. Robbins adds that Khris Middleton is available to play after missing the previous two games.
- The Nets will be missing Cam Thomas against the Pistons on Friday after he suffered a left hamstring injury, writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post (Twitter link). Rookies Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf are also out while on assignment with the team’s G League affiliate, though Drake Powell has been upgraded to questionable from his ankle injury. Terance Mann, who is dealing with left shoulder soreness, is probable to play.