Adrian Griffin Expected To Interview For Raptors’ Job
Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin is expected to interview for the team’s head coaching position, Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT tweets.
Griffin remains on the Raptors’ staff, though the organization parted ways with Nick Nurse at the end of the season. Griffin interviewed for the Rockets’ head coaching job but Houston reached an agreement with former Celtics coach Ime Udoka on Monday.
[RELATED: 2023 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker]
Griffin is also rumored to be a candidate for the Pistons’ head coaching position. Griffin filled in for Nurse during a game in February when Nurse dealt with a family matter. He hoped the experience would help him eventually land a top job.
“It’s something I’d like to pursue in the future as far as being a head coach so this is good practice for me,” he said after that game.
Nets Notes: Offseason Approach, Simmons, Bridges, Johnson, Draft Picks
Nets general manager Sean Marks says the changes he’ll make this offseason will be designed to make the roster bigger and meaner, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The team ranked among the league’s worst in overall rebound percentage and defensive rebounding percentage.
“Without a doubt we need to make some changes in terms of adding some size. I think (coach Jacque Vaughn) said it (Saturday) night, add a little nastiness,” Marks said. “Without a doubt we need to make some changes. Add a little bit of the Brooklyn grit that we’ve talked about for sort of six years.”
We have more on the Nets:
- In the same Lewis story, Marks remarked that he anticipates Ben Simmons to be 100 percent physically “probably by September 1st.” Marks has stated he doesn’t believe Simmons will require another back surgery. Marks also expressed confidence that Mikal Bridges can be the No. 1 scoring option going forward. “Regarding Mikal, I think he’s proven to a lot of people that his role can continue to get better and better and bigger and bigger, so I think I would be pretty silly to be up here and limit him and say he cannot be something,” Marks said. “I think that a few people have had their eyes opened to what he can do.”
- Re-signing restricted free agent Cameron Johnson is a high priority for Marks, Lewis writes in a separate story. Johnson, who was acquired in the Kevin Durant blockbuster, is not only a crucial piece on the court but a popular locker room presence. “Everybody sees what he delivers on the court, but when you see him in the locker room, it’s certainly refreshing to be around, and hopefully he’s here,” Marks said. “But he’s going to have decisions to make, so at the right time, we will certainly be having those discussions with him and his agent, and we hope that Cam will be back. He’s a big priority for us, there’s no question.”
- Thanks to dealing their superstars, the Nets have plenty of draft capital. Will they use it to pursue another star like Damian Lillard in a blockbuster deal? Perhaps, but Marks isn’t committed to that approach, Lewis writes. “That could happen, but at the same time, I don’t think we’re in any hurry. We’re not going to be pushed to make changes just for the sake of making changes.”
- Speaking of those draft picks, the Nets own the 21st and 22nd selections in the first round this June but some of the future first-rounders they acquired could eventually land higher. That potential scenario entices Marks, Alex Schiffer of The Athletic notes. “That’s one of the exciting things for us going forward, knowing that there’s only three other teams in the league that have more first-round picks than us from now until 2030.” he said. “So, that’s part of the pathway, right? This group has shown an ability to to draft well, and the coaches have shown an ability to really develop players well. So for me, looking forward to that is exciting.”
Lauri Markkanen Wins Most Improved Player Award
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, the league announced.
In his sixth season, Markkanen thrived in an expanded role after being included in the Donovan Mitchell blockbuster deal between Utah and Cleveland. Markkanen averaged 25.6 points per game on 49.9% shooting and 1.9 assists per game, all career highs. He also shot 87.5% from the free throw line and snared 8.6 rebounds per contest in 66 starts and received a start in the All-Star Game.
Last season, Markkanen averaged 14.8 PPG on 44.5% shooting, 5.7 RPG and 1.3 APG in 61 starts with the Cavaliers. Prior to this season, Markkanen’s career high in scoring average was 18.7 PPG during his second of four seasons with Chicago.
Markkanen topped the other finalists, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, for the award. Markkanen received 69 of the 100 first-place votes and 430 points. Gilgeous-Alexander wound up second with 24 first-place votes and 289 points. Brunson was a distant third with four first-place votes and 91 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished fourth in the league in scoring (31.4 PPG) as the Thunder made the play-in tournament. During his All-Star season, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 51% from the field and 90.5% from the foul line. He also averaged 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists in his fifth NBA season. He averaged 24.5 points last season.
Brunson lifted the Knicks into the playoffs with a stellar season after leaving the Mavericks as a free agent. In his fifth season, he averaged 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per night while making 41.6% of his 3-point attempts, posting career bests in each category. Last season, he averaged 16.3 PPG and 4.8 APG.
Mikal Bridges, Tyrese Haliburton and Trey Murphy III each picked up one first-place vote, finishing fourth, sixth, and seventh, respectively.
Fifth-place finisher Nic Claxton, Kevon Looney, De’Aaron Fox, Austin Reaves, Jaren Jackson Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Malik Monk all received at least one vote.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Play In Game 4
5:33pm: Antetokounmpo will play tonight, according to Budenholzer, Eric Nehm of The Athletic tweets.
9:59am: The Bucks will have Giannis Antetokounmpo for Monday’s Game 4 in Miami, assuming there are no last-minute setbacks, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. Antetokounmpo was able to participate in this morning’s shootaround with his teammates (Twitter link from Jamal Collier of ESPN).
The two-time MVP sat out Games 2 and 3 with a lower-back contusion he suffered in the series opener. The teams split those two contests, with the Bucks winning big on Wednesday and the Heat rebounding with a blowout Saturday night to take a 2-1 series lead.
Antetokounmpo had been listed as questionable for tonight, just as he was for the past two games. Coach Mike Budenholzer said Giannis was able to do some individual work on Sunday before the team’s film session.
Hawks’ Dejounte Murray Suspended For Game 5 On Tuesday
The league has suspended Hawks guard Dejounte Murray one game without pay for making inappropriate contact with a game official, the league’s communications department tweets. He will serve his suspension in Game 5 on Tuesday.
Murray also verbally abused the official at the conclusion of the Hawks’ 129-121 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.
It’s possible Murray will miss the final game of Atlanta’s season, as the Hawks trailing 3-1 in the series and facing elimination as they head back to Boston.
Murray will lose $93,622 for the suspension, Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. Bogdan Bogdanovic, AJ Griffin and Saddiq Bey could all see more action in his absence.
Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II Among Final Draft Early Entrants
Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II was among the players who declared for the 2023 NBA draft ahead of Sunday’s deadline, a source tells Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s unclear if Holmes will be maintaining his remaining college eligibility or going pro outright.
In 34 games as a sophomore in 2022/23, Holmes averaged 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Flyers. He is currently ranked No. 65 on ESPN’s big board, making him perhaps a borderline second-round pick.
Senegalese center Ousmane N’Diaye, who plays for a third division Spanish team (Grupo Eleyco Baskonia), and Spanish small forward Michael Caicedo, who plays for Covirán Granada of Spain’s top league (Liga ACB), have also entered the draft (Twitter links courtesy of Sigma Sports and Global Scouting). N’Diaye is ranked No. 59 on ESPN’s list, while Caicedo is No. 86.
Another possible second-rounder, Spanish point guard Juan Nunez, decided not to declare for the draft, according to Givony (Twitter link). The 18-year-old, who is ranked No. 60 on ESPN’s board, plays for German club Ratiopharm Ulm and is considered a talented passer. He could improve his stock and possibly be a first-round pick next year, Givony adds.
Here are a few more players who entered the draft before yesterday’s deadline:
- Miami (FL) junior forward Norchad Omier declared while maintaining his eligibility (Twitter link via the team).
- Forward David Okwera of Australia’s NBL (Twitter link via Jon Chepkevich of RookieScale.com).
- Mexican forward Gael Bonilla of the Mexico City Capitanes (Twitter link via Enrique Garay).
- Michigan State sophomore guard Jaden Akins declared while maintaining his eligibility (Instagram link).
- Croatian centers (and twin brothers) Tomislav Ivisic and Zvonimir Ivisic of SC Derby Podgorica (Twitter link via agent Misko Raznatovic).
De’Aaron Fox Doubtful For Game 5 After Fracturing Finger
Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox has sustained a fractured index finger on his left hand, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports that Fox is expected to officially be listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s Game 5 against Golden State (Twitter link).
The injury is believed to have occurred in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Game 4, Charania adds (via Twitter). Anthony Slater of The Athletic provides a video (Twitter link) of the play, where Fox’s finger appears to be unintentionally clipped by Kevon Looney when Fox casually shot a layup after a foul had already been called on Jordan Poole.
Although Fox will be listed as doubtful, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN hears the Kings are hopeful their All-Star guard will be able to play through the injury Tuesday (Twitter link). Fox apparently broke the tip of his finger and will need to wear a protective covering if he suits up, according to Wojnarowski.
The Kings finally snapped their record-long playoff streak and got off to a 2-0 start against the defending champions, only for the Warriors to respond with two straight wins at home to even the series at two games apiece. Fox was Sacramento’s leading scorer during the regular season and is averaging 31.5 points, 6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.5 steals on .447/.342/.700 shooting in his first four playoff games (38.5 MPG).
Unfortunately, Fox is far from the first player to be injured this postseason. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Herro, Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid and Victor Oladipo, among others, as players who have suffered injuries of varying severity.
If the 25-year-old is unable to suit up for the pivotal Game 5, fellow guards Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk are candidates for more playing time. Reserve guard Terence Davis could see some action as well after playing just 13 combined minutes in his two appearances in the series.
Grizzlies Notes: Brooks, Free Agency, Tillman
Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks is playing on an expiring $11.4MM contract in 2022/23, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer if he doesn’t sign an extension. Will Memphis bring him back for ’23/24?
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted on the Hoop Collective podcast that the Grizzlies have already tried to upgrade from Brooks, having made unsuccessful trade deadline pitches to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges and Toronto for OG Anunoby. MacMahon suggested Memphis might call the Nets about Dorian Finney-Smith if the team chooses not to re-sign Brooks (hat tip to RealGM).
“I don’t know if Dillon Brooks is on this team after this (Lakers) series,” MacMahon said. “We’ll see if the Grizzlies can come back and win it. I certainly don’t know if he’s on this team after free agency this summer, but the problem is if he’s not, who’s guarding all the best players? All the stars on the other teams?”
“If they’re letting Dillon Brooks go, they absolutely have to get a really, really, really good defensive wing player. They can let him go in free agency, they just have to figure out how to replace him. Trust me, they’ve put a lot of thought into that.”
Here’s more on the Grizzlies:
- Damichael Cole and Mark Giannotto of The Memphis Commercial Appeal believe it’s looking unlikely that the Grizzlies will re-sign Brooks unless he turns things around in a major way for the rest of the playoffs. Although he is a very good defensive player, Brooks’ shooting has been a liability against the Lakers — through three games (23.5 MPG), he’s posting just a .325/.250/.600 shooting line while averaging more shots (13.3) than points (11.3).
- Brooks was ejected in the third quarter of Game 3 after hitting LeBron James in the groin while going for a steal, but he won’t be suspended for Monday’s Game 4, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
- Brooks, 27, believes being labeled as a “villain” is why he received a flagrant foul 2 for the incident, according to MacMahon of ESPN. “The media making me a villain, the fans making me a villain and then that just creates a whole different persona on me,” Brooks said. “So now you think I intended to hit LeBron James in the nuts. I’m playing basketball. I’m a basketball player. So if I intended — and that’s whatever is in the flagrant 2 category — if you think I did that, that means you think I’m that type of person.”
- One of the primary reasons the Grizzlies were able to win Game 2 is third-year big man Xavier Tillman (22 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 13 rebounds) outplayed Lakers star Anthony Davis (13 points on 4-of-14 shooting, nine rebounds, five blocks). Tillman’s journey this season has been an eventful one, as Cole writes for The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Tillman played in summer league and then spent time with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate to open the year. However, injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke have opened up minutes in the middle, and Tillman has taken advantage of his opportunity, Cole notes. “I think it’s a true sign of a winner,” Jenkins said. “It’s a true sign of a pro, and that’s why we love (Tillman), a guy who always stays ready. He wants to impact winning in whatever his role is going to be.” The Grizzlies hold a $1.93MM team option for ’23/24 on Tillman, who will be extension-eligible this offseason.
Charles Lee, Kevin Ollie, Jarron Collins To Get Second Interviews With Pistons
The Pistons are moving on to the second round of interviews in their search for a new head coach, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee, former Connecticut and Overtime Elite coach Kevin Ollie and Pelicans assistant Jarron Collins will all meet with team officials again this week, sources tell Wojnarowski.
All three were recently identified as early frontrunners in the process by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Marc Stein previously stated that Lee and Ollie were considered favorites of general manager Troy Weaver, while Edwards said Collins had a “stellar” first interview with the organization.
The Pistons have been without a coach since Dwane Casey announced after the end of the regular season that he will transition into a front office role.
Heat Notes: Oladipo, Roster, Highsmith, D. Robinson
Heat guard Victor Oladipo expects to have surgery later this week on his torn left patellar tendon, sources tell Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Although this will be Oladipo’s third major surgical procedure in roughly four years, doctors believe he’ll be able to make a full recovery and he plans to continue his basketball career, Chiang adds.
Oladipo will travel to New York to have the operation performed by Dr. Jonathan Glashow, who handled the second surgery on the quadriceps tendon in Oladipo’s right knee two years ago. Glashow anticipates a six-month recovery process, according to Chiang, although an official timeline won’t be established until the operation is complete. If all goes well with Oladipo’s rehab, he could return to action early in the 2023/24 season.
Chiang notes that Oladipo wasn’t in Miami’s rotation at the end of the season, but coach Erik Spoelstra turned to him after Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game 1 of the playoffs. Oladipo played 26 minutes in Game 2, scoring 15 points, and had eight points in 19 minutes before getting hurt Saturday.
“This year and last year, he worked his way back to be healthy and back in it,” Spoelstra said. “But all those times where he was just rehabbing and not available to play, those can be very frustrating times. But you’d never see that on his face, he was always with a positive attitude and a smile.”
There’s more from Miami:
- The injuries to Oladipo and Herro, along with the back spasms that have sidelined Nikola Jovic, leave the Heat with just 12 available players, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. NBA rules prevent teams from adding replacements in the postseason as long as they have at least nine players who are capable of taking the court. “The next guy’s going to have to step up,” said Kyle Lowry, who has been listed as questionable for each game in the series due to an ongoing struggle with knee soreness. “And we understand that we’ll get more minutes from Gabe (Vincent) and more minutes from myself, Caleb (Martin).”
- Haywood Highsmith could be part of the rotation if Spoelstra wants to use more than eight players, Winderman notes in a separate piece. With Udonis Haslem not a realistic option, Winderman states that Spoelstra’s only choices are Highsmith, Cody Zeller and Omer Yurtseven.
- Duncan Robinson has excelled since Herro’s injury, leading the team with 10 made three-pointers while shooting a sizzling 76.9% from beyond the arc in the first three games of the series, Chiang adds in another Miami Herald story. It’s a gratifying conclusion to a season that saw Robinson move in and out of the rotation and miss 20 games due to finger surgery. “Some ups and downs just personally and as a group, as well,” he said. “And that’s the beautiful thing about this time of the year, you just got to commit everything you can to try to help us win.”