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The NBA today announced the LA Clippers have been fined $25,000 for violating league injury reporting rules. The Clippers failed to disclose an accurate game availability status for guard Brandon Boston Jr. and forward Moussa Diabate prior to the Clippers game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 30 at Crypto.com Arena.
The Clippers listed Boston Jr. and Diabate as unavailable (due to an assignment in the NBA G League) but both players ultimately played in the game.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today issued the following statement:
“Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive antisemitic material. While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize. I will be meeting with Kyrie in person in the next week to discuss this situation.”
JOINT STATEMENT FROM KYRIE IRVING, THE BROOKLYN NETS, AND THE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE
The events of the past week have sparked many emotions within the Nets organization, our Brooklyn community, and the nation. The public discourse that followed has brought greater awareness to the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge and we recognize that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.
To promote education within our community, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities. The Nets and Kyrie Irving will work with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual. This is an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” said Kyrie Irving. “I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
“There is no room for antisemitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to create animosity and hate,” said Sam Zussman, Chief Executive Officer of BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. “Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our prior statements into practice because actions speak louder than words.”
“At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – whatever, whoever, or wherever the source – as we work toward a world without hate.”
As in past years, the Brooklyn Nets will continue to support and participate in Shine A Light, an ongoing initiative dedicated to spotlighting modern day antisemitism.
Additionally, to ensure a sustainable and meaningful impact in driving awareness and education on the important topics of hatred based on race, ethnicity, and religion, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and the teams’ affiliated organizations will host a series of community conversations at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, in partnership with ADL and other national civil rights organizations as well as local community associations.
InsideHoops.com Reaction: Nice big step here from multiple parties. Collectively, a positive effort. And the large financial donations, assuming they go to organizations that do fight antisemitism, are very generous and an impressive gesture. One issue: What Kyrie said above isn’t really an actual apology. Taking responsibility for doing something just means “yeah, I did that.” Doesn’t mean you’re sorry for doing it. I ordered a pizza earlier, and guess what? I take responsibility for ordering that pizza. As for specifics about the film’s rabid, hardcore antisemitism (it promoted Holocaust denial, presented Adolf Hitler as a source worth listening to, and other disgusting things), Kyrie seems intentionally vague. Hitler hated Black people. Yet Kyrie watched a film that plugged Hitler, and his “free thinker” brain kept rolling with it? No alarm in his head went off? And despite a long-time history of making questionable decisions (Earth is round, Kyrie), he is still, as of tonight, a vice president in the NBA Players Union.
The San Antonio Spurs have signed forward Jordan Hall.
Hall, 6-8/220, appeared in four preseason games this year for the Spurs before being waived on Oct. 24. Prior to signing a two-way contract with San Antonio on Aug. 11, the 20-year-old forward suited up for the Spurs Summer League team and averaged 3.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists over five games in Las Vegas. Hall spent his sophomore campaign last season at Saint Joseph’s, where he averaged 14.1 points, 5.8 assists and 1.23 steals on his way to being named to the All-Big 5 First Team.
Despite being in a rebuilding phase, the Spurs are off to a 5-2 start this season, though they on average over the seven games have been outscored 0.6 points per game by opponents.
The Spurs roster now stands at 17 players.
The Brooklyn Nets and Head Coach Steve Nash have agreed to part ways, the team announced Tuesday.
A decision regarding the team’s next head coach will be made in the near future.
“We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons,” said General Manager Sean Marks. “Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure. Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time. We wish Steve, Lilla and their family all the best in the future.”
Via the New York Post:
From Kevin Durant asking for his firing, to Kyrie Irving refusing to get vaccinated to most recently, Irving’s retweet of an anti-Semitic film and subsequent lack of discipline, Nash seemed overwhelmed and unable to handle his star players.
Nash, the team’s coach since 2020, was the subject of a request for termination from Durant over the summer. The star forward also requested general manager Sean Marks be let go. But the situation was said to have been smoothed over, as Durant withdrew his trade request when it became clear that no other team could match what the Nets were asking for him.
Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai said, “I’ve gotten to know Steve during his time in Brooklyn, and he is not one to shy away from challenges. My admiration and respect for him grew over time as he brought hard work and positive attitude to our organization every day, even in periods of exceptional storm surrounding the team. Clara and I want to thank Steve, Lilla and their family for making this extraordinary commitment. We began this journey as colleagues, we part as friends.”
More from the Post:
“Zero. There was zero input from any of the players on this,” Marks said. “This was a decision that we didn’t need that. Steve and I didn’t need that. Obviously I’ve talked to Joe [Tsai] about this, but the players were not consulted. They were told ahead of time that this was the direction we were going to [Tuesday], but I don’t think we needed that input right now.”
Marks insisted Nash and the coaches had done a good job through the summer, and claimed the players were putting in the work. But with the Nets just a game clear of last place in the East, Marks had no choice but to concede: “It just wasn’t panning out on the court. And whether it was a voice in the locker room, a change needed, I can list the distractions.”
The Detroit Pistons on Monday, October 31 signed forward Bojan Bogdanović to a contract extension.
Bogdanović was acquired from the Utah Jazz on September 22, 2022. In seven games this season, he’s averaging a team and career-high 22.7 points per game while shooting 53% from the field and 51% from 3-point range.
Last season, Bogdanović, 6-7, 226, averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.9 minutes per game with the Jazz. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists over the previous three seasons in Utah while shooting 45% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
Drafted 31st overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Bogdanović played professionally overseas before coming to the NBA in 2014.
Born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bogdanović began his professional career in Europe, most notably, with Real Madrid in Spain and Fenerbahce in Turkey. He helped lead Fenerbahce to a Turkish Cup win in 2013 and a Turkish Supercup and Turkish League championship in 2014.
Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II was reevaluated by Dr. William C. Meyers at The Vincera Institute in Philadelphia on Monday.
Payton has been cleared to increase conditioning and on court activity in preparation to return to play.
Payton will miss Wednesday’s game vs. Memphis and the upcoming six-game road trip at which a timeline for return to game action will be determined.
The Dallas Mavericks have assigned guard Jaden Hardy to the Texas Legends of the NBA G League.
Hardy (6-4, 198) has played 10 minutes in two games with the Mavericks this season, posting two rebounds and one assist. The rookie will be with the Legends through their back-to-back at the Austin Spurs on Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5.
The Utah Jazz have named Quincy Lewis, the team’s 1999 first round draft selection, as their first-ever director of alumni relations. In this newly created position, Lewis will lead the team’s alumni programming and initiatives across the organization and in the community.
“Our organization has a deep appreciation for the many players who have helped build our franchise,” said Jazz General Manager Justin Zanik. “Throughout the process of finding the best candidate for this position, it was clear that Quincy was the perfect fit. His experience as a former Jazzman combined with his knowledge of the business of basketball makes him uniquely suited to lead our alumni relations program.”
Selected by the Jazz with the 19th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, Lewis spent three seasons in Utah (1999-2002), appearing in 145 games and averaging 3.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game. He also played one season with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2003-04) and had a six-year stint internationally playing with Maccabi Tel Aviv (2002-03), Lucentum Alicante (2003-05, 2006-07), Olympiacos (2005-06), and Bilbao Basket (2007-09).
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to return to the Jazz organization and the state of Utah in this new role,” said Lewis. “Getting drafted by the franchise and spending three years here was a dream come true. The chance to come back and be part of the team in a different capacity brings things full circle. I’m looking forward to working with former players and to grow and strengthen their connections with not only the team but also the community at large.”
The Little Rock, Ark., native played four collegiate seasons at the University of Minnesota (1995-99), appearing in 127 career games, averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 boards, and 1.5 assists. As a senior in 1998-99, he averaged 23.1 points per game, earning the Big Ten Conference’s scoring title and All-American recognition.
After retiring from professional basketball, Lewis moved into collegiate administration at his alma mater, where he held various roles primarily within development and alumni relations. Lewis also spent a decade as a pregame, halftime, and post-game analyst for Fox Sports North, providing commentary for Minnesota Timberwolves games.
The Philadelphia 76ers have exercised the fourth-year contract option for Tyrese Maxey and the third-year contract option for Jaden Springer, both set to take effect for the 2023-24 season.
Maxey, now in his third professional season, holds career averages of 13.7 points (.480 FG, .403 3FG), 2.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 26.9 minutes in 143 games (89 starts). The Texas native played in 75 games (74 starts) in his second NBA season in 2021-22, upping his scoring average from 8.0 to 17.5 while shooting .485 from the floor. His points-per-game increase ranked as the largest among second-year players last season, while his .427 mark from three-point range was third in the NBA. A 2022 Rising Stars selection, Maxey reached the 20-point mark on 25 occasions, including five games of 30-plus points.
Originally selected by the 76ers with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Maxey, 21, has averaged 22.6 points on .504 shooting (.468 3FG), 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven games (all starts) this season. He set career highs in both points (44) and three-point field goals (nine) at Toronto on Oct. 28, becoming just the second player in 76ers franchise history to tally 40-plus points prior to the age of 22 (Iverson, five times).
Springer, 20, has tallied seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in four career appearances for the 76ers. The No. 28 overall selection of the 2021 NBA Draft has competed in 19 career G League games (18 starts) for the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 26.8 minutes per contest. Springer helped lead Delaware to its second consecutive appearance in the G League Finals.
Named to the 2021-22 Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team during his lone collegiate season at Tennessee, Springer led the Volunteers in scoring (12.5 ppg), three-point percentage (.435 3FG), and free throws made (81). His .810 free throw percentage ranked ninth in the SEC and represents the highest-ever mark by a Tennessee freshman with at least 100 attempts.