Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Magic sign Trevelin Queen and Brandon Williams

The Orlando Magic have signed free agents Trevelin Queen and Brandon Williams.

Queen (6’6”, 190, 2/25/97) played in seven games last season (2022-23) with Indiana, averaging 3.0 ppg. and 2.4 rpg. in 10.0 minpg. He also appeared in 24 games (15 starts) with Fort Wayne of the NBA G League, averaging 22.6 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 4.5 apg. and 2.13 stlpg. in 34.3 minpg.

Not drafted by an NBA franchise, Queen has played in 17 career NBA regular season games with Houston and Indiana, averaging 3.8 ppg. and 1.9 rpg. in 8.5 minpg. He has also played in 58 career NBA G League regular season games (40 starts) with Rio Grande Valley and Fort Wayne, averaging 20.2 ppg., 5.5 rpg., 3.9 apg. and 2.24 stlpg. in 30.8 minpg. During the 2021-22 season, Queen was named NBA G League Most Valuable Player and led Rio Grande Valley to the 2022 NBA G League championship, also earning NBA G League Finals MVP honors.

Queen played in 51 career games during two seasons (2018-20) at New Mexico State, averaging 10.5 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 2.1 apg. and 1.37 stlpg. in 21.5 minpg. He was named WAC Tournament Most Valuable Player in 2019 and earned Second Team All-WAC honors in 2019-20.

Queen will wear #12 with the Orlando Magic.

Williams (6’2”, 190, 11/22/99) played in 27 games (25 starts) last season with College Park of the NBA G League, averaging 19.8 ppg., 5.9 apg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.22 stlpg. in 31.6 minpg., while shooting .361 (43-119) from three-point range.

Undrafted by an NBA franchise, Williams has played in 24 career NBA regular season games (16 starts) with Portland, averaging 12.9 ppg., 3.9 apg., 3.1 rpg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 26.7 minpg. He has also appeared in 40 career NBA G League games (36 starts) with Westchester and College Park, averaging 20.7 ppg., 6.0 apg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.08 stlpg. in 32.1 minpg., while shooting .361 (70-194) from three-point range.

Williams played in 26 games (21 starts) during his freshman season at the University of Arizona (2018-19), averaging 11.4 ppg., 3.4 apg. and 2.8 rpg. in 28.2 minpg. He was an Honorable Mention selection for the 2018-19 Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.

Williams will wear #11 with the Orlando Magic.

Hawks sign guard Trent Forrest to two-way contract

The Atlanta Hawks have signed guard Trent Forrest to a two-way contract.

Forrest spent last season as a two-way player with the Hawks, appearing in 23 games (three starts) and averaging 2.3 points, 1.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 12.0 minutes.

In his three-year career (including time with Utah from 2020-22), the 6-4 guard has averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 11.9 minutes, playing in 113 games (nine starting assignments).

After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Forrest signed a two-way contract with the Jazz prior to the start of the 2020-21 season, and then again before the 2021-22 campaign. He signed a standard NBA contract on April 10, 2022.

A product of Florda State, Forrest appeared in 137 games (69 starts) over his four-year collegiate career, tallying 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 25.4 minutes (.462 FG%, .748 FT%). He finished his Seminole career as the all-time winningest player in program history with 104 wins, ranked third in total steals (224) and games played (137), while ranking fifth in total assists (455) and 10th in free throws made (336). The Chipley, Florida, native was selected to the 2019-20 All-ACC Second Team and All-ACC Defensive Team, while garnering All-ACC Academic Team honors in each year at Florida State (2017-20).

Cavs bring back Tristan Thompson

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Tristan Thompson, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.

“Tristan embodies every trait we want as part of our team culture, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his experience and character back into our franchise,” said Altman. “His impact both on and off the court is immeasurable, and his history with our team adds a layer of familiarity, leadership and physicality that will undoubtedly make a positive impact with our younger players. An integral part of our four consecutive NBA Finals trips and an NBA Championship in 2016, Tristan represented the organization with the utmost charm and professionalism during his nine seasons in Northeast Ohio. We are thrilled to reunite with Tristan and welcome him and his family back to the Cavaliers family.”

Thompson (6-9, 254) played a vital role during the Cavaliers’ four straight NBA Finals appearances from 2015-2018, including the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship in 2016. He returns to Cleveland, where he spent his first nine NBA seasons (2011-2020), appearing in 619 regular season games (429 starts) with averages of 9.4 points on .518 shooting from the field and 8.7 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per contest. Selected by the Cavaliers as the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and at the time was the highest drafted Canadian-born player in league history, Thompson still ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in offensive rebounds (second, 2,115), total rebounds (third, 5,393), defensive rebounds (fifth, 3,278), blocks (sixth, 447), games played (seventh, 619) and minutes (eighth, 17,373). His 447 consecutive regular season games played from Feb. 10, 2012 to April 4, 2017 remains the longest streak in Cavaliers history. Additionally, Thompson holds the franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a single season with 306 in 2012-13.

The 12-year NBA veteran center last played for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he appeared in six playoff games during the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Over his career, Thompson has played in 730 regular season games (478 starts) for Cleveland, Boston, Sacramento, Indiana and Chicago with averages of 9.0 points on .519 shooting from the field and 8.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per contest. An All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2011-12, the University of Texas product has averaged at least 8.0 rebounds on eight occasions, including back-to-back campaigns averaging a double-double for Cleveland during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. With 5,839 points and 5,393 rebounds with the Cavaliers, Thompson is one of only four players in franchise history to accumulate at least 5,000 points and 5,000 rebounds, joining LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Brad Daugherty.

Thompson, who started all 21 postseason games during the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title run, has played in 94 playoff games (70 starts) over his career, averaging 7.1 points on .562 shooting from the field and 7.8 rebounds in 26.9 minutes. Thompson is also the Cavaliers’ all-time postseason leader in offensive rebounds (287) and ranks second in franchise playoff history in total rebounds (666), third in defensive rebounds (379), third in games played (78), fourth in blocked shots (63), ninth in points scored (598) and ninth in field goals made (224).

76ers sign David Duke Jr.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed David Duke Jr.

Duke Jr. appeared in 23 games with the Brooklyn Nets last season as a two-way signee, averaging 3.7 points (46.2% FG) and 1.3 rebounds in 9.9 minutes. He posted season highs in points (15), rebounds (eight), and steals (three), while dishing out a career-best four assists against the 76ers on April 9.

Across his two professional seasons, both with the Nets from 2021-23, the Providence, R.I. native has produced 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 12.6 minutes in 45 NBA games.

The 23-year-old has also appeared in 35 career regular season games (all starts) for Brooklyn’s NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, posting averages of 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals. He led the team and ranked fourth across the G league with 23.0 points in 22 games last season, finishing third in the 2022-23 Kia NBA G League Most Valuable Player award voting.

Team USA finishes 4th in 2023 FIBA World Cup

The United States conceded an overtime thriller to Canada, falling 127-118 in the third-place game at the FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila, Philippines. The U.S. finished the tournament in fourth-place.

Starting Out: The United States used its third starting lineup of the tournament: Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Walker Kessler. Paolo Banchero, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. did not play due to illness.

Worth Noting: With today’s 127-118 overtime loss, the falls to 7-1 all-time vs. Canada in the FIBA Men’s World Cup. The U.S. is now 3-1 in third-place games at this event. A total of 245 points were scored tonight, making it the second-highest scoring game ever in the FIBA World Cup (251 points, Brazil and China, 1978).

100+ Club: With tonight’s 118 points scored, the U.S. averaged 104.5 points per game during the FIBA Men’s World Cup. Only twice before a team ended a World Cup tournament with 100+ points per game in the 21st century – the USA in 2006 (103.6 ppg) and also in 2014 (104.6 ppg).

Leading the Way: With his 24 points today, Edwards led the U.S. in scoring for the fifth time this tournament and ninth time this summer. He ends the tournament as the team’s leading scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game. He joins Kevin Durant (2010, five games) and Paul Pierce (2022, four games) as USA players to have scored more than 20 points in 4+ games at the World Cup.

Double-Digit Scorers: The U.S. had six double-digit scorers on Sunday afternoon, marking the sixth time this tournament that the U.S. had at least four double-digit scorers. In addition to Edwards, Austin Reaves (23), Bridges (19), Bobby Portis Jr. (14), Brunson (13) and Josh Hart (10) scored in double figures on Sunday afternoon.

With the Assist: Tyrese Haliburton led the U.S. with seven assists on Sunday afternoon to total 45 assists in the World Cup, the most for a USA player in a single tournament over the last 30 years (Chris Paul, 44, 2006).

Bridges Ends Strong: Bridges notched 19 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer with less than a second left. Bridges averaged over 18 points in the USA’s final four games of the World Cup after averaging 8.9 points per game in the first four games. Bridges also led the U.S. in rebounds on Sunday afternoon with nine—one board shy of a double-double.

Reaves Shines: Reaves scored a total of 110 points off the bench, the most of any substitute player in the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup.

Lakers sign Scotty Pippen Jr., Vincent Valerio-Bodon, Damion Baugh and Bryce Hamilton

The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Vincent Valerio-Bodon and guards Damion Baugh, Bryce Hamilton and Scotty Pippen Jr., it was announced today.

The deals are likely non-guaranteed, and for training camp purposes.

Valerio-Bodon (6’9”, 200) most recently appeared in 30 games (all starts) for Sopron KC of the Hungarian NBIA during the 2022-23 season, averaging 8.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 25.7 minutes per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from 3-point range and 87.9 percent from the free-throw line. The 22-year-old previously played for DEAC of the Hungarian NBIA in 2021-22, appearing in 28 games (24 starts) and averaging of 5.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. Valerio-Bodon saw action in one game for the Boston Celtics at 2023 NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas, recording 13 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one block in 25 minutes.

Baugh (6’4”, 194) begins his professional career after spending the past four seasons at TCU (2021-23) and the University of Memphis (2019-21). Collegiately, the Tennessee native appeared in 117 career games (88 starts), registering averages of 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.8 minutes. In his final season as a Horned Frog, Baugh appeared in 29 games (all starts) and averaged 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 35.0 minutes per game, earning him All-Big 12 Second Team honors. He concluded the season ranked third in the conference in total assists (169) and 13th in the NCAA in assists per game (5.8).

Hamilton (6’4”, 205) appeared in 29 regular season games (27 starts) as a rookie last season for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 28.2 minutes per game. The Pasadena, Calif., native played four collegiate seasons at UNLV (2018-22), appearing in 119 games (69 starts) and averaging 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 26.0 minutes per contest. His career-high 21.8 points per game average as a senior led all conference players. Hamilton earned a spot on three consecutive All-Mountain West conference teams, including two first team selections in 2019-20 and 2021-22.

As a rookie in 2022-23, Pippen Jr. (6’1”, 185) suited up in 19 NBA G League regular season games (four starts) for South Bay, posting averages of 21.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 27.9 minutes per game. The 22-year-old was selected to participate in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend and was named NBA G League Player of the Week on Dec. 19. Additionally, he appeared in six games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 2.3 points in 5.3 minutes. In three collegiate seasons (2019-22) at Vanderbilt University, he appeared in 90 games (89 starts) and averaged 17.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 31.6 minutes. Pippen Jr. earned All-SEC First Team honors following his sophomore and junior campaigns.

Lakers sign Christian Wood

The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward/center Christian Wood, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Wood (6’10”, 223) most recently appeared in 67 games (17 starts) with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022-23 season, averaging 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks in 25.9 minutes per game, while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from 3-point range. Last season, the California native notched 12 double-doubles and scored in double figures in 54 games, including 25 contests scoring 20 or more points. Wood blocked at least one shot in 42 games last season, including 17 games with multiple rejections and two games in which he swatted a season-best five shots.

Per the LA Times, it’s “a two-year deal with a player option for the second year. Wood will make the veteran’s minimum, which for him is $2.7 million this season. In terms of talent versus cost, it’s an absolute bargain. The 6-foot-10, soon-to-be 28-year-old Wood is one of only a handful of players in the NBA with his size and skills. Last season, only six players 6-10 or taller made at least 37% of their three-points shots while taking more than 250 attempts. Wood was one of them — along with Lauri Markkanen, Brook Lopez, Kristaps Porzingis, Bobby Portis and Michael Porter Jr.”

Across seven NBA seasons with Dallas, Houston (2020-22), Detroit (2019-20), New Orleans (2018-19), Milwaukee (2018-19), Charlotte (2016-17) and Philadelphia (2015-16), the 27-year-old has appeared in 289 career games (139 starts), posting averages of 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 24.2 minutes per contest, while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Wood played two collegiate seasons (2013-15) at UNLV, appearing in 63 total games (34 starts) and averaging 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game.

Nets sign Harry Giles III

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent forward/center Harry Giles III.

Giles III (6’10”, 229) has logged 142 career games (17 starts) over three NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings (2018-20) and Portland Trail Blazers (2020-21). He holds career averages of 5.9 points on 51.1 percent shooting from the floor, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 12.9 minutes per contest. He also made his lone career playoff appearance in 2021 with Portland during a first round series against Denver. The 25-year-old most recently played in three NBA G League Showcase Cup games in 2021 for the Ontario Clippers, averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game. Giles III was originally selected by the Trail Blazers with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft before being traded to the Kings on draft night. The Winston-Salem, N.C., native played in 26 games (six starts) during one season (2016-17) at Duke University, where he averaged 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per contest and helped lead the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament Championship.

Sixers announce coaching staff for 2023-24 NBA season

The Philadelphia 76ers today announced the team’s coaching staff under Head Coach Nick Nurse. Bryan Gates, Bobby Jackson, Rico Hines, Matt Brase, Coby Karl, Mike Longabardi and Doug West will serve as assistant coaches.

John Corbacio (Assistant Coach/Head Video Coordinator), Fabulous Flournoy (Assistant Coach/Player Development) and Jason Love (Assistant Coach/Player Development) also join Nurse’s staff, while TJ DiLeo, Terrel Harris, Toure’ Murry and Reggie Redding will serve as player development associate coaches. Kareem Thawer is the team’s assistant video coordinator.

In addition to his duties as a 76ers assistant coach, Mike Longabardi will serve as the head coach of Philadelphia’s NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. Delaware captured the 2022-23 G League championship and 2021 G League Showcase Cup championship under Karl, who joins the 76ers’ bench this season.

“Assembling a great staff with a rich collection of experience was paramount on my to-do list this summer,” Nurse said. “I’m proud to have built many relationships in our league that have led me to feel as confident as I am in every member of this group. I can’t wait to get to work as we embark on our journey toward an NBA title.”