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Nets add Mike D’Antoni, Amar’e Stoudemire and Ime Udoka to coaching staff

The Brooklyn Nets announced today the hiring of Mike D’Antoni and Ime Udoka as assistant coaches and Amar’e Stoudemire as a player development assistant. They join assistant coach Jacque Vaughn, assistant coach/director of player development Adam Harrington, assistant coach Jordan Ott, assistant coach/player development Tiago Splitter and player development coordinator Ryan Forehan-Kelly on Head Coach Steve Nash’s staff.

“We’ve assembled an experienced staff of high-character individuals with varied backgrounds, both on and off the court, that will help create a solid foundation for me and our players,” said Nash. “When I set out to build this staff, I wanted to put together a committed group that would connect with our players and help put them in the best position to succeed as a team. With coaching and playing experience at the highest level and a deep background in player development, I’m confident that we’ve put the right people in place to lead us forward.”

D’Antoni has amassed a record of 672-527 (.560 winning percentage) across 16 seasons as a head coach with Denver (1998-99), Phoenix (2003-08), New York (2008-12), L.A. Lakers (2012-14) and Houston (2016-20). He is one of just nine coaches in NBA history to be named Coach of the Year multiple times, earning his first award in 2005 after leading Phoenix to a franchise-record-tying 62 wins, and securing his second Coach of the Year honor in 2017 with Houston. D’Antoni has led his teams to the playoffs 10 times, including three trips to the Western Conference Finals (2005 and 2006 with Phoenix and 2018 with Houston). He also previously served as an assistant coach with Denver (1997-98), Portland (2000-01) and Phoenix (2002-03), as well as associate head coach with Philadelphia (2015-16).

A native of Mullens, W.Va., D’Antoni was selected with the 20th overall pick in the second round of the 1973 NBA Draft by the Kansas City-Omaha Kings. He spent time with Kansas City-Omaha (1973-75) and San Antonio (1976-77) in the NBA and the Spirits of St. Louis (1975-76) in the ABA before embarking on a 13-year career (1977-90) with Olimpia Milano in Lega Basket Serie A in Italy. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, D’Antoni captured five league championships, two EuroLeague titles and was named one of the 50 Greatest Contributors in EuroLeague history in 2008. D’Antoni also began his coaching career in Italy, leading Olimpia Milano for four seasons (1990-94) and Benetton Basket for three seasons (1994-97) before being hired by the Nuggets as an assistant coach.

Udoka joins the Nets after serving as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019-20 season. Prior to working in Philadelphia, Udoka spent the first seven seasons (2012-19) of his coaching career as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, helping lead San Antonio to the 2014 NBA Championship. Udoka has been a part of coaching staffs that have made playoff appearances in each of his eight seasons on the sideline.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, the Portland, Ore., native played professionally for 12 years (2000-12) in the NBA, NBA G League, International Basketball Association and United States Basketball League, as well as with teams in France and Spain. He appeared in 316 NBA games across parts of seven seasons with the L.A. Lakers (2004), New York (2006), Portland (2006-07), San Antonio (2007-09 and 2010-11) and Sacramento (2009-10), recording averages of 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 18.1 minutes per game. Udoka was named the NBA G League’s Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award winner in 2006, while also earning All-NBA G League First Team honors in the same season. He also represented Nigeria in international competition, earning bronze medals in 2005 and 2011 at the African Championships. Udoka began his collegiate career at Utah State University Eastern (1995-97) and spent a year (1997-98) at the University of San Francisco before finishing at Portland State (1999-00).

Stoudemire begins his coaching career after concluding a decorated 18-year playing career, including 14 NBA seasons (2002-16). In 846 career NBA games (696 starts) with Phoenix (2002-10), New York (2010-15), Dallas (2015) and Miami (2015-16), Stoudemire recorded averages of 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks in 31.0 minutes per game. He was a six-time All-Star (2005, 2007-11), five-time All-NBA selection and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2003. Stoudemire also helped lead his teams to 10 playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals with the Suns (2005 and 2010), and registered career playoff averages of 18.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30.7 minutes per contest across 78 games (62 starts).

After his final NBA season in Miami, Stoudemire finished his playing career in Israel and China, earning two Israeli League championships with Hapoel Jerusalem (2017) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (2020). The Lake Wales, Fla., native began his professional career after being selected by Phoenix with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft out of Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, Fla.

Vaughn is in his fifth season as an assistant coach with the Nets. During the 2019-20 season, Vaughn also served as the team’s head coach for a 10-game stint, compiling a 7-3 regular season record and guiding the Nets through their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. He previously spent two-plus seasons (2012-15) as head coach of the Orlando Magic and was an assistant coach for two seasons (2010-12) and a pro scout for one season (2015-16) with the San Antonio Spurs.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, the Los Angeles native enjoyed a 12-year playing career in the NBA after being selected with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. In 776 career games with the Jazz (1997-2001), Hawks (2001-02, 2003-04), Magic (2002-03), Nets (2004-06) and Spurs (2006-09), Vaughn recorded averages of 4.5 points and 2.5 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. The Kansas graduate made nine playoff appearances in his 12 NBA seasons and was a member of the 2007 NBA champion Spurs.

Harrington begins his fifth season with the Nets as assistant coach and director of player development. Prior to beginning his coaching career in Brooklyn, Harrington served as a shooting coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2014-15 season.

The Bernardston, Mass., native played professionally for eight years (2002-10), including spending time with the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets in the 2002-03 season. Harrington also played for teams in the NBA G League, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Israel and Poland. Before embarking on his professional career, Harrington played collegiately at North Carolina State (1998-99) and Auburn (2000-02).

Ott enters his fifth season as an assistant coach in Brooklyn. Previously, he spent three seasons (2013-16) as the video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks. Prior to joining the Hawks, Ott served in the same capacity with the Michigan State men’s basketball program for five seasons (2008-13) under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo.

Ott received his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Penn State in 2006 while serving as a student manager with the men’s basketball program and earned his master’s degree in athletic administration from Michigan State in 2008. The McConnelsburg, Pa., native also served as an assistant coach with the Dominican Republic national team in the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

Splitter begins his second season as assistant coach/player development and his third season overall with the Nets after serving as a pro scout with added responsibilities related to on-court development in the 2018-19 season.

A seven-year NBA veteran, Splitter joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2010-11 season after being drafted by the franchise with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. The native of Brazil played five seasons in San Antonio, helping the Spurs win an NBA championship in 2014, before completing the final two seasons of his NBA career in Atlanta (2015-16) and Philadelphia (2016-17). Splitter embarked on an 11-year international career in 1999 and played mostly in Spain for Baskonia. He helped lead the team to numerous titles while earning All-EuroLeague honors on three occasions. As a member of the Brazilian national team, Splitter won gold medals in the FIBA AmeriCup, the Pan American Games and the South American Championships.

Forehan-Kelly enters his fifth season with the Nets and his second as the team’s player development coordinator. Forehan-Kelly previously served in a variety of roles within the organization, including associate head coach of the Long Island Nets (2018-19), assistant coach with Long Island (2017-18) and video seasonal assistant with Brooklyn (2016-17).

Prior to joining the Nets, Forehan-Kelly played professionally for 13 years on teams in Japan, Venezuela, China, France and Italy, along with playing two seasons (2008-10) in the NBA G League with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, now the South Bay Lakers. The Long Beach, Calif., native played four years (1998-2002) at the University of California, Berkeley.

Detroit Pistons G League affiliate team to be named as Motor City Cruise

The Detroit Pistons announced today the name and logo for their new NBA G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. Detroit’s newest professional franchise will play its games on the campus of Wayne State University starting with the 2021-22 season.

The new NBA G League club’s moniker pays homage to the region’s automotive history and love for the open road. The logo, unveiled this morning, incorporates the iconic red basketball from the traditional Pistons brand. The colors – red, white, blue and gray – and lettering align with the Pistons’ current font and color scheme. The new mark also features firing tail pipes that are symbolic of classic muscle cars and serve as a nod to the Pistons brand from the early 2000’s.

Dylan Martin of Grandville, MI, was the winner of the fan naming contest completed in August and was the first of 10 individuals to submit the name Motor City Cruise. He wins four courtside season tickets and a VIP package for the inaugural season. The other nine who submitted the name will receive two season tickets and prize packs.

Pistons owner Tom Gores made the decision to involve fans in the naming of the new NBA G League franchise as an opportunity to engage the community and create excitement for Detroit’s newest team.

“After considering many clever submissions, we are excited to announce the Motor City Cruise as the next professional sports franchise for the city of Detroit,” said Mr. Gores. “We wanted Pistons fans to help us with the naming process and engage with our new brand from the beginning. Our new G League team will create an affordable entertainment option in Detroit and also play an important role in our player development goals.

“We thank those who took time to offer suggestions.”

The Detroit Pistons and the NBA G League announced in July that the Pistons purchased the G League’s Northern Arizona Suns affiliate from the Phoenix Suns.

Utah Jazz being sold to technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith

Gail Miller, owner and chair of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies (LHM Group), and the Miller family today announced they have entered into definitive agreements to sell a majority interest in the Utah Jazz and other sports and entertainment properties to technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith, co-founder of Utah-based Qualtrics.

Included in the pending transaction are the Utah Jazz, Vivint Arena, the National Basketball Association (NBA) G League Salt Lake City Stars, and management of the Triple-A baseball affiliate Salt Lake Bees.

Smith has been a strong corporate partner of the Utah Jazz for many years and was co-creator of the “5 For The Fight” jersey patch, the first philanthropic jersey patch in the history of North American professional sports. 5 For The Fight has raised over $25 million since the patch partnership was announced just three years ago.

“I have known Ryan for several years and admire the values by which he and his wife Ashley live their lives,” said Gail Miller. “They have such love for and a connection to Utah and this team. Because of our friendship and several high-level conversations over the years, Ryan recently approached our organization to inquire about the possibility of purchasing the Utah Jazz and some of our other sports and entertainment properties. After much soul searching, lengthy discussions and extensive evaluations of our long-term goals, my family and I decided this was the right time to pass our responsibility and cherished stewardship of 35 years to Ryan and Ashley, who share our values and are committed to keeping the team in Utah. We have every confidence they will continue the work we have undertaken and move the team to the next level. Our family remains invested in the success of the Utah Jazz and these businesses, and we will retain a minority interest.”

Upon closing of the transaction, Smith will become the NBA Governor of the Utah Jazz and its affiliates, and he will have final decision-making authority for all business and basketball operations related to the team and other assets included in this transaction. Steve Starks, in addition to his role as chief executive officer for the LHM Group, will be an advisor.

“The Miller family has had an unbelievable impact on countless people through the Utah Jazz and the other organizations they run,” said Smith. “We all owe a great debt to the Miller family for the amazing stewardship they have had over this asset for the past 35 years. My wife and I are absolutely humbled and excited about the opportunity to take the team forward far into the future – especially with the greatest fans in the NBA. The Utah Jazz, the state of Utah, and its capital city are the beneficiaries of the Millers’ tremendous love, generosity and investment. We look forward to building upon their lifelong work.”

“When Larry and I purchased the first half of the Utah Jazz in 1985, we could not comprehend the experiences we would have or the journey we would share with the Utah Jazz family, especially the players and coaches,” said Miller. “We have also appreciated our relationships within the NBA and especially our friendships with both Commissioner Stern and Commissioner Silver. Our passionate fans and their unrelenting commitment to the Jazz have been the energy that has propelled us forward, and I sincerely thank them. I also want to acknowledge and thank our dedicated employees who are the backbone of our operations and who show up day after day to create the ultimate guest experience. They are the best! We have cherished our stewardship of the Utah Jazz and the unifying influence it has been to the citizens of our state. We are also grateful for the broadcast properties, the newly renovated arena and the practice facility as supporting venues.

“Much attention has been given in recent years to my putting the team in a legacy trust. This was done in connection with my estate plan and with the objective of assuring our loyal Jazz fans that the team would remain in Utah. I am fully persuaded that with this sale, the objectives of the trust will be honored, and the new owners have made the same commitment to keep the team in Utah. This transaction will unlock opportunities that will allow us to continue our stewardship in ways not possible until now. Our mission is and will continue to be to Enrich Lives.”

The closing is subject to approval by the NBA Board of Governors and is expected to take place by the end of the year. Smith plans to acquire The Zone Sports Network from the Miller family subject to the parties entering into a separate agreement and separate approvals.

Larry H. Miller Dealerships, Larry H. Miller Real Estate, Prestige Financial Services, Salt Lake Bees, and Megaplex Theatres will remain part of the LHM Group.

Charlotte Hornets reportedly targeting James Wiseman in NBA Draft

The 2020 NBA draft is three weeks from Wednesday. Here’s the Charlotte Observer with a report on a player the Hornets hope to land:

The Hornets are highly interested in selecting former Memphis center James Wiseman in the Nov. 18 draft, two NBA sources with knowledge of the situation told The Observer.

Those sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to represent their teams publicly. Both sources work for teams with top-10 draft picks.

Those sources said they believe the Hornets — who hold the third overall pick — would consider trading up if it would secure Wiseman, who played just three college games at Memphis before opting out of his freshman season and turning pro.

One of those sources said he views Georgia guard Anthony Edwards as the Hornets’ backup plan if Wiseman isn’t available to Charlotte.

Wiseman is an intriguing player and a top prospect who could go as high as first overall.

Warriors add Shaun Livingston to Community Foundation Board

The Warriors Community Foundation has named Shaun Livingston to the Foundation’s Board, it was announced today. In this role, Livingston will be part of the Foundation’s Grants Committee, working to expand the portfolio of non-profits that the Board serves in Alameda and San Francisco Counties. Additionally, he will assist the Foundation in furthering educational equity and producing measurable improvements in the well-being and educational attainment of students in the San Francisco and Oakland Unified School Districts.

“Shaun’s experience as a former player will add an incredible amount of perspective and insight to the Warriors Community Foundation,” said Warriors Community Foundation President of the Board Nicole Lacob. “He is an exceptional ambassador for the Bay Area community, as evidenced by his contributions during his NBA playing career and ongoing participation in the community. We are thrilled to have him on our team.”

Livingston, a 14-year NBA veteran, was recently named Director of Player Affairs and Engagement with the Warriors in September reporting directly to President of Basketball Operations / General Manager Bob Myers. In this role, Livingston provides player counsel and career advice while helping to guide team programs toward player needs and development. A 14-year NBA veteran, Livingston spent five seasons as a player with the Warriors from 2014-19, helping the franchise to five consecutive NBA Finals appearances and three NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018).

The Warriors Community Foundation recently announced its annual grant recipients for 2020-21, a $1.825 million total contribution to Bay Area non-profits, which marks the highest single-season contribution in Foundation history. The $1.825 million contribution adds to the over $24 million awarded to Bay Area non-profits since the Foundation’s inception in 2012.

Warriors Community Foundation Board Members include: Nicole Lacob, President of the Board; Marty Glick, Secretary; Bob Myers; Brandon Schneider; David Kelly; Dianne Taube; Ebony Beckwith; Greg Adams; Jason Chang; Jeff Miller; Jessica Dodson; Joe Lacob; Karen Miller; Kathy Scially; Molly Lacob and Rick Welts.

Which Kings players are free agents this NBA offseason?

The Sacramento Kings finished the shortened 2020-21 NBA season with a 31-41 record, placing them 12th in the Western conference. Here’s the Sacramento Bee with a quick free agency overview:

The Kings will have a number of personnel decisions to make when free agency begins. Kent Bazemore, Harry Giles III, Alex Len and Yogi Ferrell will be unrestricted free agents. Bogdan Bogdanovic will be a restricted free agent. Nemanja Bjelica’s $7.2 million salary will become fully guaranteed if he is not waived before the start of free agency.

The Kings were led in scoring last season by De’Aaron Fox at 21.1 points per game, Buddy Hield at 19.2 ppg, Bogdan Bogdanovic at 15.1 ppg, Harrison Barnes at 14.5 ppg, Marvin Bagley III, who played just 13 games, at 14.2 ppg, and Richaun Holmes at 12.3 ppg.

Clippers reportedly close to hiring Kenny Atkinson, Larry Drew and Dan Craig as assistant coaches

New Clippers head coach is reportedly close to filling out his staff of assistants. Here’s the Los Angeles Times:

Tyronn Lue’s first coaching staff with the Clippers is taking shape, with the team nearing agreements with several key assistants.

Miami assistant Dan Craig, former Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson and Larry Drew, a former head coach who most recently served on Lue’s Cleveland staff, have committed to join the Clippers as assistants, though their hiring is not yet official because deals have not been finalized, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

Additionally Chauncey Billups, a former All-Star guard and close friend of Lue who most recently worked as a television analyst for the team, is considering whether to join.

Sixers have issues to solve heading into next NBA season

The Sixers’ story remains the same right now as it did heading into last season: a talented roster with flawed chemistry and some work to do should they aim to advance far in the playoffs. Here’s the Philly Voice:

While Doc Rivers brings credibility to the coach’s chair and front office changes should help out a beleaguered front office, they still have the same fundamental problems that caused them to unravel last season. The Al Horford problem is still waiting to be solved, and while Tobias Harris played his best basketball under Rivers in L.A., he did so in an ecosystem where he was the focal point, surrounded by excellent spacing he’ll likely never see here.

Another critical factor — the further we get into the careers of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the less likely it seems either player is poised for a leap from talented All-Star to a title-winning leader. Embiid regressed on several fronts last season, openly unhappy with how the team had changed around him, and while Simmons’ defensive progress is hard to argue, his offensive shortcomings continue to hang over the team, with no significant change in sight.

New head coach Rivers has some compelling challenges ahead of him.

Heat assistant coach Dan Craig will reportedly take job with Clippers

The new Clippers coaching staff is starting to come together, as new head coach Tyronn Lue picks his assistants. Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

For the second time in as many offseasons, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will be altering his coaching staff, with an NBA source confirming Monday to the South Florida Sun Sentinel that assistant Dan Craig will be joining Tyronn Lue’s coaching staff with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Craig, 38, who had filled in for Spoelstra when the Heat coach left in recent seasons for the births of his two sons, has spent the past 17 seasons with the Heat, including the past four alongside Spoelstra on the Heat bench.

Among the leading candidates for Craig’s spot are former Heat video coordinator Eric Glass, who coached the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, this past season, and former Heat guard Anthony Carter, who was listed as a Heat player development coach the past two seasons.

The Heat and Clippers are two of the NBA’s top teams. The Heat were eliminated by the Lakers in the NBA Finals, while the Clippers were a playoff disappointment but possess one of the league’s best rosters. A coaching job with either squad is a good one these days.

Knicks draft and free agency overview

The Knicks are rebuilding. And yes, you’ve heard that one before, but it’s true. They are. As partially evidenced by the mostly short-term contracts they signed players to last offseason and the young age of the roster’s core. And changes to their coaching staff and front office. Here’s the New York Post reviewing their situation this NBA offseason:

Of their 15-man roster, the Knicks have only seven players guaranteed under contract for next season.

Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, Theo Pinson and Reggie Bullock either have a team option or non-guaranteed deals that have to soon be enforced for next season. Damyean Dotson and Mo Harkless are outright free agents. Only Bullock has a strong chance of returning.

The Knicks will have three draft picks on Nov. 18, including a lottery pick at No. 8. Those rookies will come into camp with no summer-league action and possibly not even more than one preseason game under their belts.

If the Knicks don’t bring back any of the team-option/non-guaranteed guys, they will have $48 million in cap room if the NBA decides to use last year’s number of $109 million because of revenue losses.

With all the uncertainty facing the entire world right now, both in and outside of sports, and the very good chance that free agency is sped up drastically this year, it’s likely that many players with options in their contracts will elect to stick with their current teams. A good guess is that there’s less free agency movement this offseason than usual. Which may make it tougher for rebuilding teams to suddenly make big changes in 2020.