NBA G League Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Atlantic Notes: Andonian, Sixers, Knicks

August 19th, 2025 at 7:46pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Ariana Andonian will be named the general manager of the Sixers‘ NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype tweets.

Andonian is already the Sixers’ VP of player personnel, a position she has held since last September. She was previously the Grizzlies’ director of player personnel and a scouting coordinator for the Rockets. She graduated from USC in 2015 and received her MBA from Duke in 2020.

We have more from the Atlantic Division:

How can the Sixers regain relevance in the Eastern Conference chase? According to Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, they must treat oft-injured stars Joel Embiid and Paul George with kid gloves. He suggests plenty of load management, including no back-to-backs for either one and even some road trip “vacations.” Hayes calculates there should be at least 17 games in which neither is available and believes both of them should play sparingly until around the trade deadline.
The Knicks won’t begin training camp until Sept. 24 but The Athletic’s James Edwards III offers up his depth chart surprises, rotations and starting lineup changes. Edwards believes Mitchell Robinson should start in the middle with Josh Hart serving as the sixth man. Edwards rounds out the second unit with Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti.
In case you missed it, the Raptors are making general manager Bobby Webster their full-time head of basketball operations. Get all the details here.

Spurs Hire Jacob Chance To Coach G League Team

August 19th, 2025 at 4:35pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Spurs have hired Jacob Chance as the head coach for their NBA G League affiliate in Austin, the team announced in a press release. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype first reported the news (Twitter link).

Just 31, Chance has an extensive background coaching in Australia. He was on the NBL’s Perth Wildcats staff when they won four titles. He then moved to the Tasmania JackJumpers as an associate head coach under Scott Roth before joining Melbourne United’s staff. Chance has also made his mark as an assistant for the Australian national team under former head coach Brian Goorjian.

He served as the national team’s head coach during a qualifying window in February.

“All the way through, it was even more than I imagined,” Goorjian told ESPN’s Olgun Uluc. “He’s just elite in all aspects, the film aspect of it, on the floor with the individuals, understanding offensive and defensive schemes. Just an unbelievable feel for that. He had a unique ability to get players to buy in. You had guys like Joe Ingles and Patty Mills – two guys he didn’t have a background with – and he did a great job of being really good on his feet and building those relationships, and had good feel about what to say, when to go there, and when to back off. Those seniors guys are not gonna come near you if you’re not competent. They were attracted to him.

“As I walked away from the Boomers, my advice to Basketball Australia for the window stuff is that Chancey can do this; you’re identifying something that’s really talented, and you’re gonna get rewarded for it. I’ve been around; I think the world of him.”

Australia’s Matt Nielsen was Austin’s former head coach and is currently on the Spurs’ staff.

“To go back and work with Matty, who essentially got me into the industry… in 2015, to come full circle and be back with him and hopefully be around him in this first little bit of time with the Spurs, it was hard to say no to,” Chance said. “He’s a good friend, a big-time mentor, and excited to get to work with him again.”

Will Scott To Become Kings’ G League Coach

August 18th, 2025 at 9:30pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Kings are hiring Will Scott as head coach for their NBA G League team in Stockton, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype tweets.

Scott had been an associate head coach for Stockton. He has also worked as a head video coordinator and a player development coach with the NBA’s Kings. He previously spent eight years with the Lakers, including three as their head video coordinator, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.

Scott will replace Quinton Crawford, who left the Kings in late May to become an assistant coach under Chauncey Billups with the Trail Blazers. He led Stockton to a 22-12 record last season in his only season as its head coach.

Paul Jesperson To Coach Suns’ G League Affiliate

August 18th, 2025 at 12:49pm CST by Luke Adams

The Suns have named Paul Jesperson the head coach of their G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, the team announced today in a press release.

“Paul is ready to take this next step in his career as he moves into the role of head coach,” Valley Suns GM Brendan Sabean said in a statement. “His background and experience complement our vision to utilize the G League as a lifeline of development for Suns and Valley Suns players. He’s a natural fit for the job and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he can make as head coach.”

Jesperson was an assistant on the Valley Suns’ bench last season, so on one hand, the move looks like a fairly straightforward internal promotion. However, it happened in a roundabout way.

A report in May stated that the Kings had reached an agreement with Jesperson to make him their head of player development, and when Sacramento officially announced Doug Christie‘s staff a few weeks later, Jesperson was named to that position. However, earlier this month, reporting indicated that D.J. Ham had agreed to become the Kings’ head of player development after Jesperson stepped away from the team.

We now know that Jesperson left that new position in Sacramento in order to rejoin the Valley Suns. He’ll replace former head coach John Little, who was named an assistant under new Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott.

Jesperson, who played college basketball at Virginia and Northern Iowa before briefly spending time in the G League and in Europe, worked for the Hawks and the Oklahoma Sooners before joining Phoenix’s NBAGL team as an assistant last season.

Central Notes: Green, Kell-Abrams, Portis, Giannis

August 16th, 2025 at 3:50pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Javonte Green fits right into the Pistons’ identity after establishing a reputation as a hard-nosed defender with versatility, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes.

The Pistons signed Green to a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract, filling the 14th spot on the 15-man roster. He’ll compete for minutes at the wing positions and could also be utilized as an undersized power forward. Green is a superior rebounder and shot-blocker for his size.

On the offensive end, Green’s dynamic athleticism stands out, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press notes. He will add another above-the-rim threat that already has a few in the rotation.

Green’s minimum-salary deal would pay him $2,874,436 if he earns the full amount. For now, the contract is partially guaranteed for $925K, tweets Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Here’s more from the Central Division:

The Cavaliers are hiring Eli Kell-Abrams as the head coach of their NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, Scotto tweets. Kell-Abrams spent the past two seasons as a video coordinator for the Trail Blazers. He has also had stints with the Sixers and Heat organizations.
While there’s still speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future, Bucks teammate Bobby Portis doubts the superstar will ask the front office for a trade. Portis made his comments during an interview with ESPN Milwaukee (hat tip to Josue Pavon of ClutchPoints). “I talk to Giannis all the time. That’s my teammate,” Portis said. “Giannis bleeds green. That’s all I can say.” Portis also believes Milwaukee is still a true contender in the East, feeling recent postseason flops have been due to injuries. “I mean, what’s wrong with our team? Why can’t we do it this year? The only thing wrong with us is people being hurt,” he said. “We win the championship. 2022 came in and we go down. We lose Game 7 to Boston. 2023, first round, Giannis tries to dunk on K. Love, comes down, hurts his back. We don’t have big fella. 2024, Giannis hurts his leg against the Celtics in the regular season and then, doesn’t play another game. Then, coming back this year, we haven’t been really healthy. I don’t make excuses but that’s just what the tables was for us.” A video link to the interview can be found here.
The Bulls are reportedly turning down trade inquiries involving Coby White. Get the info here.

Western Notes: Topic, Beal, Abdelfattah, Holsopple

August 12th, 2025 at 6:05pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Nikola Topic, a 2024 lottery pick, spent his entire first season in the NBA rehabbing a partially torn ACL in his left knee that required surgery. The Thunder guard took some positives from his long road to recovery, he told Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

“I didn’t play a basketball game for a very long time, and that was really hard,” Topic said. “But as you go through that process, you learn something about yourself that you didn’t know you had. … I took positives from it and learned from it.”

Topic returned to action during the Summer League. He averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 27.3 minutes per game in five appearances.

“I feel more confident,” Topic said. “Going into a game, sleeping before a game and just everything about it, I feel way more confident.”

Here’s more from the Western Conference:

Bradley Beal‘s primary motivation to sign with the Clippers was the opportunity to join another contender. “I need a ring. I want one bad. I feel like I’ve got a new life of rejuvenation, for sure, a new hunger. I’m excited about the opportunity, new city, a new environment but a hungry environment, too,” he told KMOV’s Tamar Sher (video link). After getting bought out by the Suns, Beal signed a two-year, $11MM contract with a player option.
The Timberwolves are hiring Mahmoud Abdelfattah as head coach of their NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype tweets. Abdelfattah will also be an assistant coach for USA Basketball’s AmeriCup Qualifying Team. He was previously the head coach of Australia’s Sydney Kings.
The Lakers are hiring Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach, Marc Stein of The Stein Line tweets. As the Mavericks’ athletic performance director, Holsopple was named as the NBA’s top strength and conditioning coach in March 2021.

Nuggets’ G League Affiliate Makes Several Leadership Changes

August 6th, 2025 at 4:06pm CST by Rory Maher

Former NBA forward Ryan Bowen, who has been an assistant coach with the Nuggets for the past decade (and 12 seasons overall), will be the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s NBA G League affiliate announced in a press release.

“Ryan brings a championship mindset, years of experience, and a deep connection to the Nuggets system,” said Gold president Steve Jbara. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to Grand Rapids and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on our players and our community.”

Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reported last month that Bowen would be transitioning to the new job. He will replace another former NBA veteran, Andre Miller, who coached the Gold for the past three seasons. According to Durando’s source, Miller is “leaving on his own terms to pursue other coaching opportunities.”

The press release also announced three additional changes to Denver’s organization:

Longtime scout and assistant coach Chad Iske has been named the Gold’s general manager, as first reported by Durando. Iske will also be the Nuggets’ vice president of pro personnel.
Nihal Kolur, who has been a basketball operations associate with the Nuggets since 2022, will be the Gold’s assistant GM and the Nuggets’ director of strategy. Kolur specializes in the CBA, salary cap and roster building.
Matthew Tynes has been named the Gold’s director of operations and scouting. Tynes has been a basketball operations assistant for the past two years.

Jazz Notes: Sexton, Kessler, Collins, Higgins, Maluach

June 18th, 2025 at 6:59pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Currently armed with four picks in this year’s draft (Nos. 5, 21, 43, and 53), the Jazz appear to be exploring the possibility of being active on the trade market before or during next week’s event. On Thursday’s installment of the Locked On Jazz podcast, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune unpacks a few trade scenarios that Utah’s brass has at least discussed.

Larsen suggests that the Jazz have had preliminary conversations with the Lakers about the idea of a Walker Kessler or John Collins trade, the Mavericks about a potential Collin Sexton deal, and the Sixers regarding a possible trade up for the No. 3 pick, among other potential discussions.

A deal for that Philadelphia pick could come at a steep price.

“I do think it’s true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to No. 5 potentially if they can get off the Paul George deal,” Larsen said. “That may not make sense given how long that contract is and how I think Paul George was [last year]. I don’t think the Jazz are going to take that offer, but do think that’s an offer that’s been presented.”

While the Jazz have had real discussions about each of those scenarios, Larsen clarifies (via Twitter) that they haven’t “gotten into the serious stages” and he’s not sure how many of those negotiations are ongoing.

There’s more out of Utah:

The Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, have officially announced (Twitter link) that Rick Higgins will serve as the club’s sixth head coach. Higgins had most recently been a Jazz assistant coach under Will Hardy for the past two years. “I’m looking forward to taking on this opportunity to lead the Stars and continuing within the Jazz organization,” Higgins stated in a team press release. “The Stars play a critical role in the development structure of the Jazz and I plan to continue to build on the team’s successes, preparing players for the next level.”
Back in the lottery for a third straight season and under the stewardship of new team president Austin Ainge, the Jazz face several big decisions this offseason, as Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron details in his preview of Utah’s summer (Substack link). The Jazz are currently $23MM below the league’s luxury tax. Gozlan observes that Utah could try to package together its two first-round draft picks this year, or could look to offload some of the surplus of future picks they possess through 2032. Gozlan notes that the Jazz could also consider the idea of trading star forward Lauri Markkanen, despite a 2024 contract extension.
Ahead of this year’s draft, the Jazz recently worked out one-and-done Duke center Khaman Maluach, sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic (via Twitter). Kessler, of course, is the club’s incumbent starter at the position, but Maluach boasts intriguing upside. The 7’2″ big man is one of the best-regarded prospects this year and considered a probable top-10 selection. Across 39 healthy games for the Blue Devils in 2024/25, the 18-year-old averaged 8.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 1.3 BPG.

Warriors Notes: Curry, Wilson, Kerr, Offseason Outlook

June 18th, 2025 at 12:40pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Dell Curry, father of Stephen Curry, has good news for Warriors fans — his son is not even considering retirement.

“He still loves the game,” Dell Curry told DJ Siddiqi of RG.org. “He’s a competitive guy. He wants to win another title, so we’re not even close to that window yet. But when the time comes, I think he’ll make the right decision.”

Stephen Curry is signed through the 2026/27 season, when he’ll be 39. His father believes he can go even longer than that.

“Absolutely, just because he can shoot the basketball, and he’s going to require attention,” Dell Curry said. “Even if you put him in the corner at 40, 41 years old, you have to guard him. That means that he’s creating space for other guys around him. If you can shoot the basketball, there’s a team that can use you in today’s NBA. But if you’re Steph Curry, I think you’re going to be able to play until you say, ‘I’m done.’”

We have more on the Warriors:

They are promoting head video coordinator, Lainn Wilson, as the new head coach of their NBA G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, Marc Stein tweets. Nick Kerr, son of head coach Steve Kerr, has coached Santa Cruz the last two seasons. He’ll be returning to the Warriors’ NBA coaching staff, according to Stein.
In his preview of the Warriors’ offseason, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith says they’ve already made their big splash by acquiring Jimmy Butler during the season and signing him to an extension. The front office’s focus should be to find enough depth to complement the veteran-led group, according to Smith, who adds that the team could use an established backup ball-handler and more frontcourt depth, particularly if Jonathan Kuminga isn’t retained.
Regarding that latter point, the Bulls and Heat have been linked to Kuminga as potential sign-and-trade partners. Get the details here.

Coaching Notes: Blazers, Herscu, Suns, Carroll, Silas, Fizdale, Tibaldi

June 10th, 2025 at 2:26pm CST by Luke Adams

The Rip City Remix – Portland’s G League affiliate – has announced that Jonah Herscu will be the team’s new head coach for the 2025/26 season, confirming the news in a press release after it was first reported by Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report (Twitter link).

Herscu has spent the past three season as an assistant for the Trail Blazers on Chauncey Billups‘ staff and coached Portland’s Summer League teams in 2023 and 2024. He previously worked for the Kings and Lakers.

Herscu will replace Sergi Oliva, Portland’s assistant general manager, who coached the Remix for one year in 2023/24 in an effort to implement new developmental strategies for the organization. Oliva’s stint in that role was always expected to last for just one season.

According to today’s announcement, Eli Kell-Abrams will also be moving from the Blazers to the Remix and will be Herscu’s lead assistant after spending the past two seasons as Portland’s head video coordinator.

Here are a few more coaching-related updates from around the NBA:

After Jake Fischer reported last week that DeMarre Carroll was viewed as a candidate to join the Suns as an assistant on Jordan Ott‘s staff, John Gambadoro of Arizona Spots 98.7 (Twitter link) confirms that plan remains on track. Gambadoro, who says Carroll will likely be the “No. 3” assistant in Phoenix, notes the former NBA forward played in Brooklyn when Ott was on the staff and has since coached with him in Los Angeles and Cleveland.
Gambadoro also says he expects Phoenix to hire a former NBA head coach as Ott’s lead assistant. Stephen Silas is believed to be under consideration, while David Fizdale and the Suns appear likely to part ways, per Gambadoro (Twitter links).
Bryan Tibaldi, who has spent the past several years with the Cavaliers, has been hired as an assistant coach by the Providence Friars, per a press release from the school. Tibaldi was an assistant under Kenny Atkinson last season after serving as a player development/video assistant from 2021-24.