Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Houston Rockets hire Julian Duncan as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer

The Houston Rockets today announced they have hired Julian Duncan as their Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer. He most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In addition to directing the team’s marketing, promotional, and branding efforts, Duncan will also oversee fan experience, digital content, retail, and community engagement.

“Julian has a proven track record for brand innovation and leadership.” said Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr. “We believe Julian’s impact will resonate not only within our organization and fanbase, but throughout the Houston community.”

“As a native Houstonian, it is a dream come true to have the opportunity to come back home and join the Rockets,” said Duncan. “I am excited to be part of an organization with such a rich history and to help build upon a brand that is endeared by Rockets fans across the globe.”

Duncan played football at Rice University while double-majoring in Sport Management and English. He earned an MBA from Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business in 2006.

Following a stint as a player in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League, Duncan returned to Houston as a business analyst in the energy field. He later joined Nike’s Marketing Development Program and became their Global Brand Director. During his time at Nike and later Under Armour, Duncan’s work promoted the brands of numerous athletes and cultural icons, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Serena Williams, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Along with a collection of global CMOs, Duncan serves on the steering committee and advisory board for Adweek’s Brandweek platform, whose mission is to catalyze the growth and development of marketeers worldwide through event experiences, online and print engagement, mentorship, and training.

Washington Wizards name Wes Unseld Jr. new head coach

The Washington Wizards have named Wes Unseld Jr. as the franchise’s new head coach. Unseld Jr. becomes the 25th head coach in the organization’s history.

“Wes is one of the most highly-regarded assistant coaches in the NBA and clearly separated himself from the large and diverse group of candidates we considered,” said Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard. “His strong record as an in-game tactician along with his attention to detail on both sides of the ball combined with his reputation for player development and outstanding character during his 20+ years of coaching left no doubt that he was the best choice to guide our team to the next level.”

Unseld Jr. comes to Washington after spending the past six seasons in Denver, including this past season as the Nuggets’ associate head coach. Under his guidance, the Nuggets finished fifth in the West in opponents points per game during the 2020-21 season and 11th overall in defensive rating (while finishing sixth overall in offensive rating). During his six seasons in Denver, the Nuggets finished at least 10 games over .500 four times (including a 54-win season in 2018-19) and have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons.

“I want to thank Tommy and Mr. Leonsis for the opportunity to lead this talented team both on and off the court and to continue moving the franchise in a positive direction,” said Unseld Jr. “Becoming a head coach in the NBA is a goal that I have pursued my entire adult life and to have that dream realized by coming full circle back to Washington is truly special. I look forward to representing the DMV, connecting with our fans and establishing a new standard for Wizards basketball.”

Unseld Jr. was instrumental in both developing Nikola Jokic into the lowest-drafted MVP in NBA history and the year-to-year improvement of Jamal Murray as one of the top young guards in the NBA. He also helped develop several mid-first round and second round picks into important contributors during his time in Denver.

“Tommy was very thorough during our search and the intelligence, information and recommendations he had gathered on Wes were exceeded by how impressive his preparation and planning were during the interview process,” said Monumental Sports and Entertainment CEO and Washington Wizards Governor Ted Leonsis. “We are excited to bring him on board and see those attributes in action with our players and in the community with our fans.”

Prior to joining the Nuggets, he spent two seasons (2012-14) as an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic (where he worked with Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo during the early stages of their careers) and one season (2011-12) with the Golden State Warriors (where he worked with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson during the early stages of their careers).

Unseld Jr. returns to Washington after beginning his career with the Wizards as an advance/pro scout in 1997. He would continue in that role through 2005, while also serving as an advance scout for the Mystics for three seasons (which included a stint as an assistant coach in the 1998 season), before being promoted to assistant coach for the Wizards in 2005. During his six seasons on the Wizards bench, Unseld Jr. was instrumental in game planning and player development and was largely credited with the success of the Wizards’ offensive game plans, with the team posting four consecutive playoff appearances (2005-08) and three straight top 10 offensive finishes (2004-07).

Unseld Jr. played collegiately at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and played high school basketball at Loyola High School in Towson, MD. He is the son of franchise legend/Hall-of-Famer Wes Unseld Sr., the greatest player in franchise history and one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.

Pacers hire Lloyd Pierce, Ronald Nored, Mike Weinar and Jenny Boucek as assistant coaches

The Indiana Pacers have hired Lloyd Pierce, Ronald Nored, Mike Weinar and Jenny Boucek as assistant coaches for Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s staff.

Pierce joins the Pacers after being head coach of the Atlanta Hawks for the past two and a half seasons. Pierce is currently working with Team USA as part of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team coaching staff as an assistant coach that will soon head to Japan for the 2021 Olympic Games. Prior to his time with the Hawks, Pierce spent time in assistant coaching roles with the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Before he coached in the NBA, Pierce was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Santa Clara University, from 2002-07, and played four seasons at Santa Clara.

Nored returns to the state of Indiana after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets. Prior to his time with the Hornets, Nored was the head coach of the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League for two seasons and spent time with both the Boston Celtics and their G League affiliate, the then-Maine Red Claws. Nored started his coaching career in Indiana at Brownsburg High School. Nored played collegiately at Butler University and was a part of the team that reached back-to-back National Championship games in 2010 and 2011. While at Butler, he was a two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year.

Weinar joins the Pacers after 13 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, four as an assistant coach. Weinar was on staff as part of the Mavericks 2011 NBA Championship team. Prior to joining the Mavericks, Weinar worked with the University of Florida men’s basketball program. Originally from Urbana, Illinois, Weinar earned his master’s degree in sport management and his bachelor’s degree in sport science from Florida.

Boucek joins the Pacers after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to her time with the Mavericks, Boucek was a player development coach with the Sacramento Kings, becoming just the third woman to coach in the NBA. Prior to joining the Kings, she spent two decades coaching professionally in the WNBA, including tenures as the head coach of the Seattle Storm (2015-17) and the Sacramento Monarchs (2007-09). Boucek was involved in the WNBA since its inaugural season in 1997 when she played for the Cleveland Rockers. Following a career-ending injury in 1998, she began her coaching career. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, she played collegiately at the University of Virginia from 1992-96 and was a two-time GTE All-American, two-time ACC selection and two-time defensive player of the year.

USA Basketball exhibition game vs. Australia scheduled for July 16 has been canceled

Out of an abundance of caution, the USA Basketball Men’s National Team exhibition game versus the Australian Men’s National Team scheduled for Friday, July 16, in Las Vegas has been canceled because of health and safety protocols.

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team exhibition game versus Australia’s Women’s National Team will be played as scheduled on July 16, 11:30 a.m. (PDT) at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The USA men’s and women’s national teams will conclude their exhibition schedule on July 18 when the USA women take on Nigeria at 2:30 p.m. (PDT) and the USA men will follow playing Spain in a 6:00 p.m. (PDT) tipoff.

Team USA guard Bradley Beal will no longer play in 2021 Tokyo Olympics

USA Basketball Men’s National Team guard Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), who was placed under USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols Wednesday, will remain in health and safety protocols and will be unable to participate in the July 23 through August 8 Tokyo Olympic Games. A roster replacement will be named at a later time.

Beal was named to the U.S. Olympic Mens Basketball Team on June 28, and participated in the USA Basketball National Team’s training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas. Starting in the USA’s first three USA exhibition games, Beal averaged 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while playing 29.0 minutes a game.

Out of an abundance of caution, USA Basketball Men’s National Team member Jerami Grant has been placed under USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols, USA Basketball announced Thursday afternoon.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard undergoes ACL surgery

L.A. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard underwent surgery today to repair a partial tear of his right anterior cruciate ligament.

Via the Los Angeles Times:

Leonard underwent surgery Tuesday to repair what the Clippers described as a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the all-NBA forward’s right knee, an injury that sidelined Leonard during the final eight games of the Clippers’ season and casts some doubt over his potential availability for the start of next season.

As part of its announcement, the team said that there is no timetable for Leonard’s return. Training camp is scheduled to begin in late September.

The surgery comes less than three weeks before Leonard must inform the team whether he intends to pick up the player option for the final year of his contract, which is worth $36 million next season — with the possibility of then signing an extension. Or, he can decline it and become an unrestricted free agent. As such, he could re-sign with the team for a deal that, at its maximum, could last four years and be worth more than $176 million.

Orlando Magic hire Jamahl Mosley as new head coach

Jamahl Mosley has been named head coach of the Orlando Magic, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Mosley becomes the 15th head coach in franchise history.

“We would like to welcome Jamahl and his family to the Magic family,” said Weltman. “Within the NBA coaching community, Jamahl is considered a rising star. His coaching path is rooted in player development. He is a communicator and connector, and we look forward to him leading our group.”

Mosley comes to Orlando after spending the previous seven seasons (2014-21) as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. While on the coaching staff, the Mavericks reached the NBA Playoffs four times. He has also served as the head coach on the Mavericks summer league team that competed in Las Vegas.

Prior to joining the Mavericks, Mosley spent four seasons (2010-14) as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before joining the Cavaliers, Mosley spent five seasons (2005-10) with the Denver Nuggets. His tenure began in player development and advance scouting, before becoming an assistant coach for his last three seasons (2007-10) with the franchise. The Nuggets reached the playoffs, winning 50 games or more, each of his final three years. They won the Northwest division twice and earned a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2009.

Mosley was a four-year letterman at the University of Colorado (1997-2001), where he is one of 33 players in school history to score more than 1,000 points. Following his collegiate career, he played four seasons of professional basketball overseas, including two years for the Victoria Titans (Australia), one year with Baloncesto Leon (Spain) and one year in Korea.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mosley was named an assistant coach for the 2021 USA Select Team and served as an assistant coach at the 2018 USA Basketball Men’s National Team mini-camp. He has also participated in Basketball Without Borders in Africa on several occasions.

Nets hire David Vanterpool as an assistant coach

The Brooklyn Nets have named David Vanterpool as an assistant coach on Head Coach Steve Nash’s staff.

Vanterpool comes to Brooklyn after serving the past two seasons (2019-21) as the associate head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the previous seven seasons (2012-19) as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. Additionally, Vanterpool spent two years (2010-12) in the Oklahoma City Thunder front office as director of pro personnel. Prior to beginning his NBA coaching career, Vanterpool spent three years (2007-10) as an assistant coach with CSKA Moscow, helping lead the team to three Russian League championships and the 2008 EuroLeague title. Vanterpool also previously served as an assistant coach with the Canadian Men’s National Team.

Vanterpool spent part of one NBA season (2000-01) with the Washington Wizards during a 12-year professional career in which he played in Italy, China, Russia, the Continental Basketball Association and the American Basketball Association. As a member of CSKA Moscow, Vanterpool won a EuroLeague title in 2006 and was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2003-04 while playing for Italian champion Montepaschi Siena. He also won the 2000 CBA Championship with the Yakima Sun Kings. Vanterpool played collegiately for four years (1991-95) at St. Bonaventure University, where he was named First Team Atlantic-10 and is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

No longer interim, Nate McMillan now the full-time Atlanta Hawks head coach

The Atlanta Hawks today announced the hiring of Nate McMillan as the franchise’s 14th full-time head coach.

“The incredible job Nate did after taking over this season made this an easy decision,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Travis Schlenk. “We were able to see how gifted a tactician, motivator and leader he is first-hand and the high level of respect and trust he earned from our players made securing him as our head coach our top priority.”

“I would like to thank Tony, Jami and Travis for putting their faith in me and giving me the opportunity to serve as head coach. I am truly blessed to be able to lead this special group into the future,” McMillan said. “I believe what we accomplished this season is just the beginning of what we can achieve if we stay connected and committed to each other.”

Named Atlanta’s interim head coach on March 1, 2021, McMillan, 56, led the Hawks to a 27-11 (.711) record over the remainder of the regular season, winning his first eight contests. Including postseason games, the Hawks recorded a 37-19 mark (.661) under McMillan’s guidance.

After leading the club to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, McMillan and the Hawks topped the fourth-seeded New York Knicks in the First Round, 4-1, and took out the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the Conference Semifinals, 4-3. The Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in Atlanta history, before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

McMillan became the third coach in the last 40 years to lead his team to the Conference Finals after taking over in-season (Pat Riley twice, ’82 Lakers and ’06 Heat; Tyronn Lue, ’16 Cavaliers).

The NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for March after leading Atlanta to a 9-4 mark, McMillan became the 20th winningest coach in NBA history on Apr. 4, 2021 (673, surpassing Mike D’Antoni) when Atlanta defeated Golden State. After the 9-4 March, Atlanta went 11-6 in April and 7-1 in May. The 27-11 mark after March 1 equalled the best record in the East.

Including his time as head coach with Seattle (2000-05), Portland (2005-12), Indiana (2016-20) and the Hawks, McMillan has led his teams to a 688-599 (.535) mark in 1,287 regular season games. He also has 71 games of postseason head coaching experience.

McMillan, born Aug. 3, 1964, has a vast basketball background as a player and a coach. After playing collegiately at North Carolina State, McMillan was drafted by Seattle (30th overall) in the 1986 NBA Draft. He played his entire 12-year career with the Sonics and had his number (10) retired. He is second in franchise history in assists and steals and ranks in the top 10 in eight other categories. He was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive team twice (1994 and ’95) and led the league in steals in the 1994-95 season with 2.96 per game. In his 12 seasons with the Sonics, they reached the playoffs 11 times.

After his playing days, McMillan was a Seattle assistant coach for two years and became the interim coach in 2000. He remained the Sonics’ coach until 2005 and then became Portland’s head coach until March 2012. In 2008-09, he led the Trail Blazers to a 54-28 record, the sixth-best record in franchise history and helped the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs in three of his six seasons. McMillan also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team where he won gold medals in the 2006 FIBA World Championships, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

McMillan was also inducted into the National Junior College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001 after playing at Chowan College before transferring to North Carolina State.

Devin Booker wins 2020-21 Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award

The NBA today announced Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker as the winner of the 2020-21 Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award.

Booker, who is currently playing in the NBA Finals, was selected by fans during a 12-day public voting period as well as by an NBA executive panel for his exceptional community outreach in the greater Phoenix area over the past several months.

Per the league: “This season, Booker furthered his commitment to the Phoenix community, donating $500,000 to five Arizona community groups for their respective efforts to improve the lives of local youth and families through his Devin Booker Starting Five Initiative, which has committed a total of $2.5 million over the course of five years – $500,000 annually – to five different youth-serving nonprofits in Arizona. Known as the second Starting Five class, Arizona Autism United, Central Arizona Shelter Services, YMCA of Southern Arizona, GAP Ministries and Elevate Phoenix each received a $100,000 grant from Booker to help address critical funding needs following the pandemic and support their respective efforts to improve the lives of local youth and families. The first class — Special Olympics Arizona, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, UMOM New Day Centers and Ability 360— received their $100,000 grants in late 2019.”