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Sacramento Kings hire Rex Kalamian as assistant coach

The Sacramento Kings announced today that Rex Kalamian has been named Assistant Coach.

“I’m excited to add Rex’s experience and perspective to the team,” said Kings Head Coach Luke Walton. “His nearly 30 years in the league will benefit our group and I look forward to working with him.”

Kalamian returns to the Kings after serving as assistant coach from 2007 to 2009. He joins from the Los Angeles Clippers (2018-20), where the team amassed a 97-57 (.629) regular season record during his tenure on Doc Rivers’ staff. Prior to Los Angeles, Kalamian spent three seasons with the Toronto Raptors, serving as the top assistant for Dwane Casey. He helped lead Toronto to a 166-80 (.675) regular season record, the NBA’s third-best over that span, in addition to 2016 Eastern Conference Finals and second round playoff berths in 2017 and 2018.

From 2009-15, he worked with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as the team posted a 316-160 (.664) regular season record, reaching three Western Conference Finals and making one NBA Finals appearance. Before his first stint in Sacramento, Kalamian also coached with Minnesota (2005-07), Denver (2004-05) and the Clippers (1995-2003). He previously served as a scout for Philadelphia (2003-04) and the Clippers (1992-95) before being promoted to assistant coach.

Prior to the NBA, Kalamian worked for two seasons as an assistant at his former school, East Los Angeles College. A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, Kalamian earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Heat free agent forward Jae Crowder definitely feels at home in Miami

Heat forward Jae Crowder is a free agent, but he definitely feels at home in Miami. Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

Jae Crowder made no mention of a hometown discount when it comes to his impending free agency, but the forward who helped lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals has left no doubt about his adopted hometown.

From the moment he began preparing for his NBA entry in the 2012 draft, Crowder made South Florida his base of operation and stressed in a recent interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel that that has not changed.

“My pre-draft workouts, and everything, my agent, he lives in Boca,” the 30-year-old veteran said. “So I stayed in Florida, I stayed in Miami. At the time I was training, I was training in Miami. So I would travel to these cities, where home for me was Miami, because I wanted to be close to my agent and my dad lived in Florida, at the time, as well.”

Crowder’s agent is Boca Raton-based Glenn Schwartzman. His father is former NBA player Corey Crowder.

Other key Heat free agents include veteran guard Goran Dragic and center Meyers Leonard. Forward-center Kelly Olynyk has a player option.

It’s tough to predict what any free agent will do this offseason until salary cap info becomes official. But there’s a good chance Olynyk might elect to remain with the Heat.

Toronto Raptors played their first game in the NBA 25 years ago today

When did the Toronto Raptors play their first game in the NBA? Exactly 25 years ago today. Here’s the Toronto Sun on it:

Tuesday is a big day worldwide, with the most anticipated U.S. election in years taking place. North of the border, it’s also a day to reflect on an important sporting anniversary.

For 25 years earlier — Nov. 3, 1995 — the NBA officially arrived in Canada, with the Toronto Raptors taking on the New Jersey Nets at SkyDome.

The Raptors won 94-79, with former all-star Alvin Robertson starring with 30 points and future rookie-of-the-year Damon Stoudamire turning the negative opinions of fans — who had booed him on draft night — around by notching his first of 86 double-doubles with Toronto.

Sporting white, pin-striped jerseys adorned in the front with a large red dinosaur, the Raptors showed more than 33,000 fans what the best professional basketball players in the world could do. Well, kind of. It was a far different era for hoops. The play was more rugged, three-pointers were largely an after-thought (the teams combined for five treys on just 19 attempts), and defence was prioritized and emphasized through the rules of the day. The Nets shot a putrid 33% from the field overall and committed 29 turnovers against only 15 assists.

Up next for the Raptors is the NBA draft, though their only first-round pick is No. 29.

The start date for free agency hasn’t been decided by the NBA yet. But when it begins, key Raptors Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol will be in search of new deals.

Some Nuggets 2020 NBA draft thoughts

The 2020 NBA draft is just 15 days away. Here’s the Denver Post with some thoughts:

After what Jamal Murray just did in Orlando, point guard is about the last place the Nuggets need to upgrade in this month’s draft.

Murray’s rise coupled with Monte Morris’ steady play as a backup gives Denver a backcourt tandem that only a handful of teams can rival. But this year’s draft process, the most prolonged in NBA history, could be wonky. It’s been months since teams were able to see live competition from prospects, and in-person evaluations have been limited.

Not to mention, the Nuggets could throw potential need right out the window with the No. 22 pick on Nov. 18. If an elite point guard somehow slipped to their range, the Nuggets aren’t above drafting talent and then sorting out the rest later. In fact, there’s an argument to be made that talent should be prioritized over fit if Denver stays at No. 22.

As for Nuggets free agency, the team’s key guards are all signed at least through next season. Same with star center Nikola Jokic. But forward Jerami Grant has the option to enter free agency, while the contracts of Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee are up.

Considering the Nuggets’ spot in the first round, they’re more likely to land a good backup guard in the draft than a starting forward. Those frontcourt holes will likely need to be filled in free agency.

Raptors reportedly ponder using Newark as temporary home for 2020-21 NBA season

A big obstacle facing the world during the coronavirus pandemic is travel. This goes for individual situations, like people working from home instead of having to commute to an office. It also goes for entire team situations in sports, where the less travel, the better.

While the city of Toronto is a pretty quick flight to New York City, Philadelphia, Boston or Washington D.C., a luxury bus ride from, say, Newark, New Jersey is both cheaper and safer. So will the Raptors play in Toronto in 2020-21, or temporarily relocate? Here’s the New York Daily News:

The Raptors have spoken to the operators of the Prudential Center about using their 19,500-seat arena, according to a source. It’s one of a few options for Masai Ujiri’s squad, and a preference for the NBA because of its close proximity to all of Toronto’s division foes.

The Raptors have also discussed playing in Tampa Bay or Nashville or as tenants in another NBA team’s arena, according to a source. Kansas City pitched its T-Mobile Center. Louisville was floated and reportedly shot down. There’s been speculation about the team moving over the border to Buffalo, just like the Toronto Blue Jays during the last MLB season. While some of those destinations offer a warmer climate, none can match the geographical sense of The Rock.

The Raptors playing in Newark sounds like a great idea. Perhaps some other teams might consider a relocation as well. But the Raptors are the most obvious candidate.

Golden State Warriors reveal ‘Oakland Forever’ City Edition uniforms

The Golden State Warriors today unveiled Oakland Forever, presented by Rakuten, the team’s new on-court City Edition jerseys for the upcoming NBA season.

Per the team:

The jerseys celebrate the team’s 47 seasons in Oakland by focusing on one of the most iconic and beloved moments in franchise history, the We Believe era.

Inspired by the uniforms worn by the team from 1997-2010, the new City Edition jerseys feature Oakland across the front of the uniform, where the team played its home games from 1972-1996 and 1997-2019. The era included the celebrated We Believe playoff run in 2007, when the Warriors became the first eight-seed to defeat a one-seed in a best-of-seven playoff series with a 4-2 upset over the Dallas Mavericks.

“Oakland is and forever will be part of this franchise’s identity,” said Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts. “The Oakland Forever campaign, in partnership with Rakuten, will deepen our ties and impact in Oakland through a dedicated focus on community efforts, advancing educational equity, and providing safe access to health and wellness resources.”

Philadelphia 76ers hire Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations

Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris announced today that the team has named Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations. Morey joins the organization after 14 seasons with the Houston Rockets, 13 of which were spent as general manager. With Morey as general manager, Houston compiled a 640-400 (.615) record, the second-best of any NBA team during that span. Among executives with at least 1,000 games of experience, Morey’s record stands as the fifth-best in league history; a top-five that also includes the likes of R.C. Buford and Jerry West.

Between 2007-20, Morey’s teams never had a losing season, winning 50-plus games eight times and qualifying for the postseason on 10 occasions. The Rockets’ eight straight playoff appearances, including multiple trips to the Western Conference Finals, represent the longest streak in the NBA.

In addition, the team announced that General Manager Elton Brand has signed a multi-year contract extension.

“Daryl Morey is one of the very best front-office executives in the NBA and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Philadelphia as the 76ers President of Basketball Operations,” Harris said. “Talent like Daryl rarely becomes available so we moved quickly and aggressively to bring him here. He has an extraordinary track record of success in this league as an innovator, visionary and leader, and I believe he significantly improves our chances of delivering a championship caliber team to our fans. This offseason, we made it our mission to make this organization better and stronger. By hiring a tremendous front-office leader in Daryl and championship coach in Doc, as well as extending Elton, we’re proud of what we’ve assembled. I’m excited for their leadership and look forward to continuing to build a team this city and our fans can be proud of.”

Over the years, Morey played a part in bringing several All-Star-caliber players to Houston through trades and free agency, including James Harden, Kyle Lowry, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. In 2017-18, Morey earned Executive of the Year honors, while Harden was named MVP, following a franchise best 65-17 regular season.

“Thank you to Josh Harris for the trust he has placed in me to lead the 76ers. I am humbled by the challenge and will work tirelessly to win the hearts of Philadelphia’s legendary fans,” Morey said. “The opportunity to work again with Doc Rivers, Elton Brand, and a stacked roster that is ready to win made this a can’t miss opportunity.”

Prior to joining the Rockets as assistant general manager in 2006, Morey served three years as SVP Operations for the Boston Celtics. Originally from Ohio, Morey is a graduate of Northwestern University and also holds an MBA from MIT where he serves as the co-chair of the school’s annual Sports Analytics Conference.

“I appreciate the confidence Josh Harris and this organization have shown in me with this extension,” Brand said. “From the moment I arrived in Philadelphia, my goal has been to find a way to bring a championship to this city and our fans. I love this city, I love our fans and I will do whatever it takes to help this franchise succeed. This offseason, this organization has added two of the most respected and accomplished leaders in the NBA – Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations and Doc Rivers as Head Coach – and I’m excited to work and grow with this group.”

Brand was named general manager on Sept. 20, 2018 and has spent the past two seasons in his current role. Under Brand, the 76ers have compiled a 94-61 (.606) regular-season record and twice qualified for the postseason.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel reflects on the NBA bubble championship experience

Nothing has been normal for most of 2020. But in the Disney NBA bubble, basketball was played. The rules were the same. The court was the usual size. A full playoffs were played. And the Lakers won the championship.

Here’s the OC Register:

There are trinkets to remind him: the Ace of Spades champagne bottle which doused the Lakers’ locker room; the championship T-shirts and hats that were drenched; the Kobe Bryant pin and the Coaches for Racial Justice pin that were attached to his polo daily.

Frank Vogel also kept his thermometer and pulse oximeter – two pieces of equipment used daily in the NBA bubble that remind him why all of those games were played at Disney World in the first place.

“For something that had never been done before, it was done on a gold-standard level,” Vogel said recently. “To me, that was the most incredible thing about the bubble: getting that buy-in from 99 percent of the staff and players. There are things you come away with when you leave, like you felt there was a security blanket when you were there.”

While the championship-winning head coach of the Lakers hoped to have some safe travel in his offseason plans, some of the most rewarding moments since leaving the bubble have been mundane, everyday life. After 95 days away from his family, Vogel said one of the things he missed the most was driving his two daughters to soccer practice.

Up next in the NBA is a November 6 deadline for either the NBA or the Players Union to terminate the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, should either side wish to do that. And then the 2020 NBA draft, on Wednesday, November 18. Both dates had been rescheduled.

NBA and Players Union extend deadline to terminate CBA

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today that they have agreed to push back to November 6 the date by which either party may notify the other of an intention to terminate the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The deadline had previously been today.

If either party provides notice by November 6, the CBA will terminate by December 14, unless the parties agree otherwise.

Houston Rockets hire Stephen Silas as new head coach

The Houston Rockets today named Stephen Silas the 14th head coach in franchise history. Silas spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach on Rick Carlisle’s staff in Dallas, helping guide the Mavericks to the highest offensive rating in NBA history in 2019-20.

“This is an opportunity that was well-earned and long overdue for Coach Silas and we’re thrilled to have him as head coach,” said Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta. “Stephen is a basketball lifer who is highly regarded around the league. Our basketball operations leaders Rafael Stone and Eli Witus, along with Tad Brown and Patrick Fertitta, conducted an extensive search of many worthy candidates, but in the end we knew Stephen was the right person for the job. I know Stephen cannot wait to get to work and I hope Rockets fans are as excited as I am for the upcoming season.”

“The success Coach Silas had with Dallas last season reinforced the notion that he is more than ready to lead his own team,” said Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone. “The strengths of our core players are a great fit for Coach Silas’ system and ideology and I’m looking forward to working with him to find ways we can continue to improve our roster.”

“I’d like to thank Mr. Fertitta and Rafael for this tremendous opportunity as well as all of the mentors I’ve had over the years, especially my dad, Paul,” said Silas. “Basketball has been a huge part of my life since the day I was born and this is the moment I’ve strived for. I’ve been fortunate to have coached some great players over the course of my career and am excited to work with this incredibly talented team as we build upon the success they have established.”

The 2019-20 season marked Silas’ 19th as an assistant coach in the NBA. His first stint as an assistant came with the original Charlotte Hornets in 2000-01 after being promoted from scout. At the time, Silas was the youngest assistant coach in the league at 27.

Silas joined the Mavericks in 2018-19 and was tasked with helping improve the team’s offense. Dallas averaged 15.1 3-pointers made this past season, marking the most by any team in NBA history besides the Rockets. The Mavericks shot 36.7% from behind the arc, which is the highest percentage by any team which averaged at least 14.0 3FGM in league history. Dallas also ranked second in the league in fewest turnovers (12.7 per game) and tied for third in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.94).

Prior to joining Dallas, Silas spent eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, including as their associate head coach during the 2017-18 season. As a member of Steve Clifford’s staff in 2015-16, Silas helped the Hornets to their highest win total in 14 seasons.

Silas spent four-and-a-half seasons as an assistant with Golden State from 2006-10 and worked with Hall of Fame coach and offensive guru Don Nelson. Silas was also on his father Paul Silas’ staff in Cleveland during LeBron James’ first two seasons in 2003-04 and 2004-05.

In addition to his NBA experience, Silas has coached at camps and clinics around the world to help promote the league and the game of basketball. Upon graduation from Brown University in 1996, where he played four seasons for the Bears basketball team, Silas spent three years as the assistant executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.