NBA News Blog – Page 459 – NBA Blog

Pelicans sign Alvin Gentry to contract extension

The New Orleans Pelicans and Head Coach Alvin Gentry have agreed to a contract extension. Gentry, the Pelicans’ head coach since 2015, will now be under contract through the 2020-21 season.

Gentry in 2017-18 led the Pelicans to one of the best seasons in team history, finishing the regular season with a 48-34 record and advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals for just the second time in franchise history. The 48 regular season wins were the third highest total in franchise history.

And team success continued in the postseason, as the Pelicans swept the Trail Blazers in four games during the first round, and in doing so became first team seeded sixth or lower to sweep a first-round playoff series since the 2001 Charlotte Hornets.

The Pelicans saw a 14-win increase in 2017-18 over their 2016-17 win total, the largest jump in the Western Conference, and the second largest in the NBA behind Philadelphia (24 games).

“I am extremely thankful to Mrs. Benson and the Pelicans organization for their support and confidence in my abilities to lead this team,” said Gentry. “Since day one, they have treated me like family and have provided us with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. Mrs. Benson has been incredibly supportive of our coaching staff and players, and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an exceptional owner. I am excited for the great opportunities that are ahead for our organization and the City of New Orleans.”

Over 246 games as Pelicans head coach, Gentry has a record of 112-134 (.455).

Knicks hire Keith Smart, Jud Buechler, Pat Sullivan and Royal Ivey as assistant coaches

David Fizdale now has a coaching staff. The New York Knicks have hired Keith Smart, Jud Buechler, Pat Sullivan and Royal Ivey as assistant coaches.

“We’re thrilled to have this diverse group of high character coaches join the Knicks,” said Fizdale, who was recently named new Knicks head coach. “They are highly motivated and bring a wealth of basketball experience that will be a great fit in developing and building this team. All four coaches are tireless workers, reliable teammates and share the same intense passion to win.”

Smart most recently was an assistant coach in Memphis (2016-18) on Fizdale’s staff (later J.B. Bickerstaff). He also worked as an assistant coach in Cleveland (2000-03), Golden State (2003-11), Sacramento (2011-12) and Miami (2014-16).

Also, Smart served as head coach for Cleveland (2002-03), Golden State (2010-11) and Sacramento (2011-13), posting a 93-170 (.354) record.

Previously, he was the head coach of Fort Wayne (CBA) from 1997-99, following a professional playing career in San Antonio (two games), the Philippines, World Basketball League, CBA, Venezuela and France. He was originally selected by Golden State in the second round (41st overall) of the 1988 NBA Draft following a two-year collegiate career at Indiana University. As a Hoosier, he earned the Most Outstanding Player of the 1987 Final Four after hitting the game-winning shot against Syracuse in the National Championship Game.

Buechler spent the past two seasons as a player development coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and was also the head coach of their 2017 Summer League team that won the championship in Las Vegas. A three-time NBA Champion (1996-98) with the Bulls, Buechler was originally selected by Seattle in the second round (38th overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft, following a four-year career at University of Arizona. He posted career averages of 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 720 games over 12 seasons with New Jersey, San Antonio, Golden State, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix and Orlando.

Ivey spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for Oklahoma City after beginning his coaching career as a player development coach with their G League affiliate, Oklahoma City Blue (2014-16). Born in Harlem, NY he was originally selected by Atlanta in the second round (37th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft after a four-year career at University of Texas. He appeared in 492 games, recording averages of 3.3 points and 1.1 rebounds over 10 seasons with Atlanta, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Oklahoma City. He played his high school basketball at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School (Queens) and Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ).

Sullivan spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers after serving in the same capacity with Washington (2013-16), Detroit (2008-11) and New Jersey (2005-08). He began his NBA coaching career in 2004-05 as an assistant coach/video coordinator for the Pistons, who went on to win the NBA Championship that season. Previously, he worked in the college ranks as an assistant coach for North Carolina-Wilmington’s women’s team (2001-03) and at his alma matter University of North Carolina (1997-2000). The Bogota, NJ-native played four seasons for the Tar Heels, reaching the Final Four three times (1991, 93, 95).

Rodney Hood will play more, starting in NBA Finals Game 3

The Cavs have a logjam on the bench in the backcourt, with multiple options. Because LeBron James handles the passing that a point guard would typically handle, the team’s biggest need from both starting and backup guards is good outside shooting, and defense. According to ESPN.com, the Cavs will now give Rodney Hood more of a shot:

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue says he will switch up his rotation in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday by giving minutes to seldom-used wing Rodney Hood against the Golden State Warriors.

“We’re going to give Rodney a chance,” Lue said Tuesday. “He’ll get a shot, and see how he does. He’s been working, staying ready. So we’ll see.”

Hood was the Cavs’ starting shooting guard in their playoff opener — a 98-80 loss to the Indiana Pacers — and has seen his role diminish dramatically since then, going from a bench player to receiving six DNP-CDs in Cleveland’s past 10 games…

He had much more success during the regular season for the Cavs, including a seven-game stretch from late March through early April when Hood averaged 13.9 points on 49.3 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3 with 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

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Hornets name Chris Kroeger new radio play-by-play broadcaster

The Charlotte Hornets have named Chris Kroeger the team’s new radio play-by-play broadcaster.

A Charlotte native and local sports radio talk show host, Kroeger hosted the show “Prime Time” on Hornets flagship station WFNZ these past four years.

He has also been a member of the team’s radio broadcasts for the past three seasons, working as the pregame show host and sideline reporter.

Kroeger is taking the place of Steve Martin, whose legendary career ended in retirement after the 2017-18 season. Martin’s NBA broadcasting career lasted 30 years.

“We are thrilled to have Chris join the Charlotte Hornets on a full-time basis as our new radio play-by-play broadcaster,” said Hornets President and Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “Chris is a very talented broadcaster who brings a wide array of skills to our organization, while also being extremely passionate and knowledgeable about both our team and the NBA. He has cultivated a tremendous audience at WFNZ – one that shares his enthusiasm about Hornets basketball – and his joining our team only strengthens our relationship with our flagship station. I know the fans of Charlotte are looking forward to his expanded role as the new ‘voice of the Hornets.’”

“As someone that grew up in Charlotte, my earliest and greatest memories as a sports fan came at the Charlotte Coliseum and watching the Hornets,” said Kroeger. “Steve Martin narrated so many of those memories on radio and television. It truly is the opportunity of a lifetime to be his successor and to broadcast a new era of Hornets basketball for the next generation of fans. I can’t thank WFNZ enough for allowing me to build and connect with Charlotte sports fans over the last few years and I’m excited to continue to grow that relationship with the Hornets.”

“We’re excited to see Chris grow with one of our finest partners,” said Matt Hanlon, Vice President, Market Manager for Entercom Charlotte. “There’s no one more qualified and passionate to represent the Hornets.”

Entering the 2017-18 season, the Hornets and WFNZ agreed to a new multi-year deal for WFNZ to continue as the team’s flagship radio station.

Utah Jazz coaching staff update

The Utah Jazz announced today an update to its coaching staff with Antonio Lang being promoted to the front of the bench starting in the 2018-19 season.

Known for his keen player development ability, Lang concluded his fourth year with the Jazz in 2017-18, following back-to-back Western Conference Semifinals appearances. One of Head Coach Quin Snyder’s original hires in the summer of 2014, Lang has an array of domestic and international experience as both a player and coach.

Prior to joining the Jazz, he served as head coach of the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins in Japan’s National Basketball League (NBL). Lang coached the Dolphins for four seasons, guiding them to the 2014 playoffs and previously served as an assistant coach with the franchise from 2006-10.

A member of the winningest graduating class in NCAA history, Lang played four seasons for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University from 1990-94, appearing in three Final Fours and winning back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. Lang was then selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 29th overall pick of the 1994 NBA Draft, and enjoyed a six-year NBA career with Phoenix, Cleveland, Miami, Toronto and Philadelphia. He also played professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA), Continental Basketball Association (CBA), International Basketball League (IBL) as well as time overseas in the Philippines and Japan. Lang is fluent in Japanese.

Klay Thompson dealing with sprained ankle

The Warriors were without Andre Iguodala in NBA Finals Game 1 and may be without him in Game 2. But now Klay Thompson is questionable for Sunday’s Game 2 with a banged-up ankle. Here’s Cleveland.com reporting:

Warriors All-Star Klay Thompson suffered a high left ankle sprain in Game 1 of the Finals and said he plans to play in Game 2 Sunday.

The Warriors are officially calling him “questionable.”

Thompson was injured in the first quarter of Golden State’s 124-114 win when JR Smith fell into his leg diving for a steal. He limped to the locker room and returned to the game for the start of the second quarter and finished with 24 points and five 3s.

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Tristan Thompson fined, has flagrant foul downgraded

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been fined $25,000 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection and for shoving the basketball in the face of Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 2.6 seconds remaining in overtime of the Warriors’ 124-114 win over the Cavaliers on Thursday, May 31 at Oracle Arena.

Thompson’s Flagrant 2, which was assessed for his actions in contesting a jump shot by Warriors guard Shaun Livingston, was downgraded to a Flagrant 1 upon league office review. The foul occurred directly prior to Thompson’s interaction with Green.

So, no fear of suspension for Thompson for NBA Finals Game 2 Sunday night in Oakland.

Sixers give Brett Brown a contract extension

The Philadelphia 76ers and Head Coach Brett Brown have agreed to a contract extension. Brown, the Sixers’ head coach since 2013, will now be under contract through the 2021-22 season.

“Brett has done a terrific job over the past several years building and cultivating a program, but the substantially positive growth in the win column these past two seasons has proven he is the right man to continue leading this team in our quest for an NBA championship,” said Colangelo. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Brett, his family and the organization to be moving forward for several years to come.”

During Brown’s time as head coach, the Sixers have increased their win total by 42 games since the start of the 2015-16 season, a run that tied Boston (2006-08) for the largest turnaround within a three-year span in NBA history.

“Brett has done a remarkable job in helping build a family-like culture centered around player development, work ethic and a commitment to long-term winning. We made incredible strides this past season with 52 wins and a playoff run,” said Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris. “With a dynamic young core and opportunities to further strengthen our team, the 76ers are well-positioned for the future and we’re thrilled to reach this agreement with Brett to continue as our head coach.”

“Brett’s commitment to player development and culture-building is exceptional. With this contract extension, we look forward to the 76ers’ continued growth under his leadership. He has helped develop some of the NBA’s brightest young stars, and we’re excited for what awaits as we continue to add to this talented roster,” said Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner David Blitzer.

The 76ers finished the 2017-18 season with a record of 52-30, good for third place in the Eastern Conference. The third-place finish was their best since finishing first in 2000-01 and marked the team’s first postseason appearance since 2012.

Brown, the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for March/April, guided the 76ers to 16 straight wins to end the season, which set an NBA record for the longest winning streak by a team heading in the playoffs. The 16-game winning streak is a single-season team record.

“I am especially grateful to my coaching staff and my players,” said Brown. “It takes a village. I feel a tremendous responsibility to owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer to help grow and lead our program. They have treated my family and me with integrity and care. They are great owners to work for. The city of Philadelphia deserves a parade and this evolution is all that is on my mind. I am excited to partner with Bryan Colangelo and Scott O’Neil to continuously strive for this elusive goal.”

Philadelphia posted an Eastern Conference-best 27.1 assists per game, a mark topped only by the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors (29.3). It was the 76ers’ best such mark in a single season since posting 27.6 per contest in 1981-82.

From March 16-April 1, the 76ers posted at least 30 assists in nine straight games. The nine-game streak was a franchise record and is tied for the third-longest such streak in league history.

With an overall defensive rating of 102.0, the 76ers ranked third in the NBA and second in the Eastern Conference. The only teams with lower defensive ratings than Philadelphia, were Boston (101.5) and Utah (101.6), which both qualified for the NBA Playoffs. Anchoring the defense were NBA All-Defensive selections forward Robert Covington (First Team) and center Joel Embiid (Second Team).

Covington, Embiid, forward Dario Šarić, guard JJ Redick and guard-forward Ben Simmons made up the team’s most frequently-used starting lineup, which held a record of 32-15 in its 47 games together. This lineup outscored its opponents by a league-leading 269 points on the season. No other five-man lineup outscored its opponents by more than 169 points.

Kevin Love cleared for NBA Finals Game 1

Some good news was released by the Cavs today. Kevin Love has completed the NBA’s Concussion Return to Play Program and will be available to play tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

According to ESPN.com, “Love was still in the league’s concussion protocol as of Wednesday afternoon. He was injured during a head-to-head collision with Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.”

The Cavs and Warriors begin their 2018 Finals series tonight in Oakland.

The Warriors continue to be without Andre Iguodala, but are otherwise healthy.

Gordon Hayward and Aron Baynes undergo surgery

Celtics forward Gordon Hayward today underwent successful surgery to remove the plate and screws that were implanted following the broken fibula he suffered on October 17. Hayward’s ankle and fibula are both structurally sound, and the removal of the plate and screws was necessary as they were causing irritation to his peroneal tendons. He is scheduled to return to basketball activities in six to eight weeks, and is expected to be at full strength for the start of training camp.

Additionally, Celtics center Aron Baynesbunderwent successful nasal septoplasty surgery for a nasal fracture he suffered during Game 6 of Boston’s Eastern Conference Finals series against Cleveland. Baynes is expected to return to basketball activities in two to four weeks.