Celtics star Jayson Tatum grew up as a huge admirer of Kobe Bryant, so he was excited about the chance to join the Lakers in the 2017 draft, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. However, Tatum never got a tryout with L.A., which held the second overall pick, even though he was one considered one of the draft’s top prospects following a stellar freshman season at … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Tatum, Mazzulla, Porzingis, Trade Priority
And-Ones: MVP Race, Redick, Birch, Obst
Nikola Jokic has a commanding lead in ESPN’s first straw poll of the season on the MVP race, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The Nuggets center captured 57 first-place votes among the 100 ballots, giving him 827 total points. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came in second with 24 first-place votes and 678 points, followed by Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo, who topped 19 … [Read more...] about And-Ones: MVP Race, Redick, Birch, Obst
Pacific Notes: James, Harden, Harkless, Fox, Schröder
LeBron James enters Thursday just 10 minutes from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most total minutes played in regular season NBA history after having passed him in total minutes (playoffs included) last year. He’s likely to set the regular season record against the Kings. James discussed the achievement with The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick. “I just think it’s just … [Read more...] about Pacific Notes: James, Harden, Harkless, Fox, Schröder
Fischer: Valanicunas Among Several Centers On Trade Block
Jonas Valanciunas of the Wizards may be the most “attainable” and desirable trade candidate among centers this season, but he’s certainly not the only big man who could be on the move prior to the February 6 deadline, league sources tell Jake Fischer (Substack link via The Stein Line). According to Fischer, several teams are looking for help in the middle, including the Lakers, … [Read more...] about Fischer: Valanicunas Among Several Centers On Trade Block
Clippers Notes: Leonard, Jones, Mann
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has yet to make his season debut due to a right knee injury. After participating in the non-contact portions of practices last week, the 33-year-old forward was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, including contact drills, according to head coach Tyronn Lue (Twitter link via Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times). While it’s obviously a … [Read more...] about Clippers Notes: Leonard, Jones, Mann