Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Atlanta Hawks announce additions within Athletic Performance Team

The Atlanta Hawks today announced several additions within the Athletic Performance Team, including Director of Integrative Health Ray Chow, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Paddy Hogben, Upper Extremity Specialist Mojca “Mo” Herman, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Isaiah West, Assistant Physical Therapist Javan Francis and Performance Coach, Basketball Systems Nick Gibson. Director of Athletic Training Scottie Parker enters his 10th season with the organization, Assistant Athletic Trainer John Dusel returns for his sixth season, and Assistant Athletic Trainer Takahiro Uchida begins his fourth season.

Chow comes to Atlanta following 27 years as a massage therapist and assistant athletic trainer with the Toronto Raptors, where he also assisted with player strength and conditioning as well as nutrition. He served under every team president and general manager in Raptors history, including during the franchise’s 2019 NBA Championship season. A native of Myanmar, Chow graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master’s in Molecular Biology and from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy.

Parker came to the Hawks as assistant athletic trainer in 2014 before he was named head athletic trainer in 2017. Prior to joining the Hawks, Parker worked with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was part of the athletic training staff for the 2014 Super Bowl champions. Parker is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) by the National Athletic Trainers Association, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He graduated from University of Northwestern – St. Paul (MN) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Coaching. He earned his Master’s from California Baptist University in Athletic Training.

Hogben, originally from England, served as lead athletic development coach with the Geelong Football Club (Australian rules football) since 2020 after two years as lead performance specialist with P3 Peak Performance Project. He also has experience in professional rugby as strength and conditioning coach with Saracens RFC, Bedford Blues and with Bath Rugby. Hogben is a graduate of the University of Bath with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science and holds a Master’s from the University of Bedfordshire.

Herman has worked in private practice and sports medicine for the past 20 years. For the last four years, she has owned and operated Pro Rehab with MO, specializing exclusively in elite and professional athletes. Herman has been a therapist consultant to NBA athletes since 2008. She is the past president of the American Society of Hand Therapists and a former elite collegiate and Olympic swimmer. Herman is a Certified Hand Therapist who graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science and Master’s of Arts, both in Occupational Therapy.

Dusel originally joined the Hawks in 2018 following two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, finishing as the team’s assistant athletic trainer. He also has experience with Cressey Sports Performance. Dusel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of New England and a Master’s from East Tennessee State University in Sport Science.

Uchida, a native of Japan, came to the Hawks as a seasonal assistant athletic trainer in 2020 before a promotion to assistant athletic trainer in 2021. He has prior experience with the Los Angeles Rams, Stanford University and University of Hawaii at Manoa. Uchida owns a Bachelor of Science from Lindenwood University and a Master’s in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa.

West joins the Hawks from NBA Academy Africa (Senegal), where he served as athletic performance coach for the last three years. West previously worked for Healthy Baller Speed and Performance Center, The St. James, Cressey Sports Performance and the Washington Mystics. West earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from George Mason University.

Francis has worked the last four years at P3 Peak Performance Project as a sports biomechanist. From 2021-23, he also served as a graduate research assistant at the Georgia State University Biomechanics Laboratory. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Claflin University, Francis moved onto Georgia State, earning a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Gibson rejoins the Hawks, where he was basketball operations coordinator from 2013-15. Most recently, he’s worked as director of basketball at P3 Sport Science in Atlanta for the last three years. Prior to that, he coached internationally with the Sichuan Blue Whales and Shenzhen Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association. Gibson also served as player development director for the Tunisian National Team during the 2021 Olympic Qualifiers and AfroBasket, where Tunisia took home the Gold Medal. Gibson is a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s in Broadcast and Digital Journalism.

Hornets reveal new Classic Edition uniform for 2023-24 season

The Charlotte Hornets today unveiled a new Classic Edition uniform to be worn during the 2023-24 season in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the franchise’s inaugural 1988-89 campaign. With a teal silhouette featuring multi-colored double pinstripes, the 2023-24 Hornets Classic Edition uniform echoes the second-generation Hornets uniforms from 1997-2002.

“We’re pleased to introduce a new Classic Edition uniform to be worn as part of our celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Charlotte Hornets inaugural season,” said Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “Throughout our history, the Hornets have been recognized for fashionable uniform designs, and we know our fans will be excited to see the look that our team wore from 1997-2002 back on the court in Charlotte.”

The jersey features the classic Hornets font for the “Charlotte” wordmark on the chest, the player’s name on the back and the number on both sides. Along with the multi-colored double pinstripes in royal blue, light blue, purple and green, the design includes a crossover v-neck, along with purple striped side panels on both the jersey and shorts. The shorts are highlighted by a Classic Hornets logo on the left thigh. Like all Hornets uniforms, the jersey features the logo of Nike’s Jordan Brand on the right chest.

The Hornets are expected to wear the Classic Edition uniforms for eight home games this season, during which the evolution of the franchise from 1988 to the present and on into the future will be celebrated as part of the 35th Anniversary. The schedule of games and a special ticket package will be unveiled in early September.

Trail Blazers sign center Moses Brown

The Portland Trail Blazers yesterday signed center Moses Brown.

A two-way player for the Trail Blazers during the 2019-20 season, Brown returns to Portland after averaging 4.3 points on 63.5 percent from the field and 3.9 rebounds in 36 games for the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 campaign. The UCLA alum has accrued career averages of 5.5 points (57.1% FG), 5.2 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 128 games (39 starts) for six teams; Portland (2019-20), Oklahoma City (2020-21), Dallas (2021-22), Cleveland (2021-22), LA Clippers (2022-23) and Brooklyn (2022-23).

Thunder sign Olivier Sarr to two-way contract

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed forward/center Olivier Sarr to a Two-Way Contract.

Sarr (6-11, 240) appeared in 12 games (seven starts) last season for the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, and averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.42 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game. During the 2022-23 season, Sarr saw action in nine games (one start) for the Thunder and averaged 4.0 points on 50.0 percent shooting to go along with 3.4 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game.

Thunder sign guard Lindy Waters III to Two-Way Contract

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed guard Lindy Waters III to a Two-Way Contract.

In two seasons with the Thunder, Waters III appeared in 66 games (one start) and averaged 6.3 points on 36.0 percent 3-point shooting to go along with 2.2 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game. Additionally, Waters III saw action in 29 games (26 starts) with the Oklahoma City Blue over the past two seasons and averaged 13.7 points on 42.7 percent 3-point shooting, 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 29.8 minutes per game.

Mavericks sign forward Derrick Jones Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks have signed forward Derrick Jones Jr.

Jones (6-6, 210) holds career averages of 6.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 18.7 minutes in 344 games (97 starts) with Phoenix, Miami, Portland and Chicago. Over 22 career postseason games, including 15 played during the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals in 2020, he has averaged 2.0 points in 7.5 minutes.

“We are excited to welcome Derrick to Dallas,” said Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. “Derrick has always showcased a team-first approach with his ability to adapt his game to complement his teammates. His versatility on both ends of the floor will allow us to utilize his skillset and athleticism in a variety of different lineups.”

The seven-year veteran won the AT&T Slam Dunk contest at NBA All-Star in 2020, and his block percentage of 3.7 ranked 16th in the league during the 2020-21 season. Jones went undrafted in 2016 before signing with the Suns. He saw time in the G League in 2016-17 and 2017-18 with both the Northern Arizona Suns and Sioux Falls Skyforce, and averaged 16.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks and 30.2 minutes across both seasons.

Jones played one year at UNLV in 2015-16 and averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30 games (15 starts). He finished the season as the Runnin’ Rebels’ second-leading scorer, and he scored in double figures 18 times, including five games with at least 20 points.

He will wear No. 55 for the Mavericks.

2023-24 NBA regular season and tournament dates

The 2023-24 NBA regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 24 and will end on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

The 2023 In-Season Tournament starts Friday, Nov. 3 and culminates with the Championship on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament for the playoffs will take place from Tuesday, April 16 through Friday, April 19.

The 2024 NBA Playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 20.

The 2024 NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, June 6.

Miami Heat make a series of roster moves

The Miami Heat made a series of roster moves today.

The team signed center Brandon McCoy, forward Drew Peterson, forward Cole Swider, forward Justin Champagnie, guard Alondes Williams and guard Caleb Daniels.

Following these transactions, the Heat then waived McCoy and signed Jamal Cain to a Two-Way Contract.

Peterson appeared in four NBA2K24 Summer League games (all starts) with the HEAT in Las Vegas and averaged 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.50 steals while shooting 46.7 percent from the field, a team-high 47.1 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. He spent last season at USC where he was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team after leading the team in rebounds, assists, starts and minutes while finishing second in points, scoring average, blocks, field goals made, three-point field goals made and free throws made.

Swider split last season between the Los Angeles Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He appeared in 27 regular season games (19 starts) with South Bay and averaged 17.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 28.7 minutes while shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from three-point range and 83.8 percent from the foul line, helping the team to a playoff berth. He also appeared in seven games with the Los Angeles Lakers, totaling nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Champagnie split last season between the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and the HEAT’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He appeared in 23 regular season games (15 starts) with the Skyforce and averaged 18.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 31.3 minutes while shooting 52 percent from the field, leading the team in total rebounds. He also appeared in five NBA games, two with the Celtics and three with the Raptors.

Williams split last season between the Brooklyn Nets and their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. He appeared in 24 regular season games (12 starts) with Long Island and averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.21 steals and 27.6 minutes while shooting 51.3 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range and 71.9 percent from the foul line. He also appeared in one game with the Brooklyn Nets, grabbing a rebound in 5:16 minutes of action in a, 136-133, win at Indiana on December 10.

Daniels appeared in four NBA2K24 Summer League games with the HEAT in Las Vegas and averaged 4.8 points and 1.0 rebounds while shooting 41.2 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. He spent last season at Villanova where he led the team in assists, three-point field goals made, minutes, games played and starts while earning the BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award.

Cain, who was previously signed by the HEAT on July 15, 2022, split last season between the HEAT and Miami’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He appeared in 15 regular season games (all starts) with the Skyforce and averaged 22.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.33 steals and 33.5 minutes while shooting 54.9 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range and 81.8 percent from the foul line, helping the team to the Western Conference Finals. Cain also appeared in 15 games with the HEAT last season averaging 4.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.4 minutes of action.

2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers preseason game schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers have announced their four-game preseason schedule ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The schedule begins when the 76ers travel to Boston on Sunday, Oct. 8 to face the Celtics with tipoff set for 6 p.m. ET.

Philadelphia then returns home to face Boston for its second preseason game on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at The Center at 7 p.m. ET.

The third game of the slate takes the 76ers to Brooklyn on Monday, Oct. 16 for a 7:30 p.m. ET game against the Nets.

That will be followed by the final exhibition which will come on Friday, Oct. 20 when Philadelphia welcomes the Atlanta Hawks for a 7 p.m. ET game at The Center.

OKC Thunder 2023-24 preseason game schedule

The Oklahoma City Thunder has announced its complete 2023 preseason schedule today. The Thunder will play five games, including one international game and three games in the state of Oklahoma.

The Thunder opens the preseason at home with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Oct. 9 before traveling to Montreal to participate in the NBA Canada Series against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Oct. 12. The team then travels to Charlotte for a meeting with the Hornets on Sunday, Oct. 15 before returning to Oklahoma to play the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Paycom Center and the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Oct. 19 at BOK Center for its 14th annual preseason game in Tulsa.