Inside Hoops – Page 116 – NBA Blog

Paul George injured with sprained right knee

L.A. Clippers forward Paul George underwent imaging today that revealed a sprained right knee.

The team says he will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.

Within the Clippers, the update was taken with a measure of optimism. Still, the timing means the Clippers will navigate the rest of the regular season — nine games remain — without George, who leads the team in scoring, assists and steals. And there is no guarantee he will be back for the postseason — assuming the Clippers reach it.

The regular season ends April 9. The play-in tournament featuring teams the finish seventh through 10th in the Western Conference begins within days. The first round of the playoffs is expected to begin the weekend of April 15.

Jaylen Brown discusses his Celtics future

If you’re looking for a guarantee that Jaylen Brown and the Celtics will stick together for many years to come, prepare to be disappointed. Via Boston.com:

Jaylen Brown sent some Celtics fans into a panic with candid comments about his future in Boston earlier this week.

The 26-year-old wing, who will become a free agent in 2024, was noncommittal when asked during an interview with The Ringer about his plans once his contract expires.

“I don’t know. As long as I’m needed. It’s not up to me,” Brown said. “We’ll see how they feel about me over time and I feel about them over time. Hopefully, whatever it is, it makes sense. But I will stay where I’m wanted. I will stay where I’m needed and treated correct.”

This is no big deal. It’s too soon to worry. But keep this in the back of your mind once summer of 2023 free agency begins. And move it towards the front of your mind as the 2023-24 season progresses.

For additional quotes that paint a fuller picture, click that link above.

Hornets sign Nick Richards to multi-year contract extension

The Charlotte Hornets have signed center Nick Richards to a multi-year contract extension.

Per multiple reports, the extension is for three years, $15 million.

In 58 games (five starts) this season, Richards is averaging career highs in points (7.9), rebounds (6.1), blocks (1.1) and minutes per game (18.2). For his career, Richards has appeared in 126 games (10 starts), recording 5.0 points (62.9 FG%) and 3.6 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game.

Per ESPN.com, “Richards, a player development revelation under Charlotte coach Steve Clifford, was extension eligible until June 30.”

The Hornets acquired Richards, who was originally selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft, via a draft night trade in exchange for a 2024 second-round draft pick. Richards signed a multi-year contract with the Hornets on Nov. 30, 2020.

Richards played three seasons (2017-20) at the University of Kentucky, averaging 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 18.2 minutes per game across 105 contests (70 starts). As a junior in 2019-20, he posted 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game to lead the Wildcats to a regular-season SEC championship.

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado remain out

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today the following medical updates:

Recent medical imaging on Jose Alvarado, who has missed the last 10 games due to a stress reaction in his right tibia, showed incremental improvement. He will continue his rehabilitation process and will be re-examined in 2-3 weeks.

Following re-evaluation on his right hamstring strain, Zion Williamson has been cleared to return to on-court activities. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Karl-Anthony Towns appears close to return for Timberwolves

Is Karl-Anthony Towns set to return from injury for the Minnesota Timberwolves? Maybe. Via the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Towns hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain Nov. 29. Edwards has missed the last two contests with an ankle sprain suffered Friday in Chicago.

But Towns has been ramping up his activity of late and Edwards’ injury was not as serious as initially feared, so a Wednesday return, while surprising, also seemed plausible.

But Timberwolves coach Chris Finch poured a little cold water on the idea during his radio interview Tuesday with WCCO host Chad Hartman. Hartman directly asked Finch if he expected both Towns and Edwards to play against the Hawks.

“I do not,” Finch said. “They’re both in evaluation periods and they’re definitely on separate timelines. Whether those timelines end up coming together at the same point, I’m not sure. They’re very different.”

Both players were listed as questionable for Wednesday’s contest on the injury report released Tuesday afternoon by the team.

Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks suspended one game for receiving 18th technical foul of season

Memphis Grizzlies guard-forward Dillon Brooks has been suspended one game without pay for receiving his 18th technical foul of the 2022-23 season, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

Under NBA rules, a player or coach is automatically suspended without pay for one game once he receives his 16th technical foul during a regular season. For every two additional technical fouls received during that regular season, the player or coach will be automatically suspended without pay for an additional game.

Brooks received his most recent technical foul with 7:26 remaining in the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 112-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on March 20 at FedExForum.

Brooks will serve his suspension March 22 when the Grizzlies play host to the Houston Rockets at FedExForum.

Knicks legend Willis Reed has passed away

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Willis Reed

“Willis Reed was the ultimate team player and consummate leader. My earliest and fondest memories of NBA basketball are of watching Willis, who embodied the winning spirit that defined the New York Knicks’ championship teams in the early 1970s. He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of sports. As a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP and member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Willis was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency. Following his playing career, Willis mentored the next generation as a coach, team executive and proud HBCU alumnus. We send our deepest condolences to Willis’ wife, Gail, his family and his many friends and fans.”

NBPA Statement on the Passing of Willis Reed

“The NBPA is mourning the passing of our brother, Willis Reed. Willis will always be a legend of our game, leaving an incredible legacy of achievement as the backbone and Captain of the New York Knicks during his 10-year playing career. While his contributions on the court generated great success on an individual and team basis, his work ethic, commitment, and dedication to his craft were a model for future generations of players. He was a true professional in every sense of the word. We send our condolences to Willis’ family, friends, and the entire Knicks organization during this time.”

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Ja Morant close to a return for Grizzlies

The Grizzlies should have Ja Morant back in action any day now. Via the Memphis Commercial Appeal:

Ja Morant addressed his Memphis Grizzlies teammates and coaches Monday after serving an eight-game suspension.

Since the Grizzlies didn’t having a morning shootaround, Morant took part in a playgroup, which is when the team gets low-minute players and assistant coaches to simulate game action through five-on-five play.

“Trying to get as much full-court action as possible, that was the main goal,” head coach Taylor Jenkins said.

The Grizzlies are “hopeful” that Morant can return Wednesday, Jenkins said. Memphis will practice Tuesday, where Morant will get his first work with the full team ahead of Wednesday’s home game vs. the Rockets.

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Robert Williams set to return to action for Celtics

Via the Boston Herald:

Robert Williams was removed from the Celtics’ injury report on Monday, meaning he’s set to return to the lineup for Tuesday night’s game at the Kings after an eight-game absence due to a left hamstring strain. With 10 games left in the regular season before the playoffs, the final stretch will be critical for Williams as he regains his form and helps get the Celtics’ defense right in preparation for their championship pursuit.

Kawhi Leonard speaks on recent Clippers wins

Via the LA Times:

Inside the Clippers’ locker room Sunday night in Portland following a victory over the Trail Blazers, a fifth win in their past six games to move within a half-game of fourth place in the Western Conference standings, there was a feeling — of cautious optimism.

“I think we were starting to jell a little bit more, like I said, just experience playing with each other,” Leonard said ahead of home games against eighth-place Oklahoma City (35-36) on Tuesday and Thursday. “You get new guys coming in, there’s different colors you’re seeing, different coaches’ voices, different schemes, it’s totally different, different city.

“So I think once those guys settled in and was able to see what we’re doing I think things started to change, but we still got to get better. It’s a lot of things, a lot of mistakes that we’re making at times but we just got to clean that up a little bit and see if we can just keep making leaps.”