Category: NBA Teams

NBA teams blog

Pelicans guard DiDi Louzada suspended 25 games by NBA

New Orleans Pelicans guard DiDi Louzada has been suspended without pay for twenty-five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Drostanolone and Testosterone, it was announced today by the NBA.

Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin: “On behalf of the New Orleans Pelicans organization, we were disappointed to learn that Didi Louzada violated the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. After speaking with Didi, we are confident that he understands the full gravity of the situation and regrets the decisions that led to the suspension. We fully support Didi on and off the court as he learns and grows from this experience.”

And per a statement that was sent to ESPN.com: “When I was in Brazil during the offseason, I consulted a nutritionist who recommended I take some vitamins and supplements,” Louzada said… “Because she has a history of working with professional athletes, I would never have imagined that any of those substances would be banned or could be contaminated. Once I learned of the positive test, I immediately cooperated completely with the league and union to help all of us understand what exactly occurred… I would never knowingly take anything that violates NBA rules. I accept my responsibility in this situation. I deeply regret that this happened and I apologize to my team, my teammates, and Pelicans fans for this mistake.”

Louzada’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.

Ricky Rubio wins Offseason NBA Cares Community Assist Award

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio has received the Offseason NBA Cares Community Assist Award. This in recognition of his continued efforts to improve the lives of children and families, particularly those impacted by cancer, prior to the 2021-22 NBA season.

This is the fifth year the NBA and Kaiser Permanente have presented the offseason award to a player for his impactful work from the end of the regular season to the start of the following season.

“I’m honored to receive the NBA Cares Offseason Community Assist award,” said Rubio. “There are a lot of NBA players making a difference in their communities and I’m fortunate to be chosen. Since I started playing basketball, I have always thought about how to leverage sports and community. I tossed around the idea of starting a foundation until the decision to act became more personal and clear: my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2012 and in one of my last conversations with her, I promised that I would do everything in my power to help others.”

In April, Rubio launched “I Am Ready,” a virtual program to ease these experiences for pediatric cancer patients undergoing radiation treatments. The program, which will be delivered to 1,000 youth patients in the United States during the 2021-22 NBA season, features Rubio guiding the children on what to expect as well as through a workout to reduce their fear and anxiety for treatment.

In September, in partnership with Funidació “laCaixa”, Rubio announced the construction of a new therapeutic rehabilitation area at Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona to increase the number of children and adolescents the hospital can serve by nearly 40 percent.

During the same month, the Ricky Rubio Foundation also funded a week-long stay for a family navigating cancer at Dreams Village, which aims to have a positive impact on patient recovery.

Throughout the offseason, Rubio provided additional support for local organizations and the next generation of players. In May, he continued his #OneMonthOneCause campaign, a program that showcases and provides contributions to local non-profits, by selecting Minneapolis-based A Breath Of Hope.

In Spain, Rubio also launched the Community Team of Masnou, which uses basketball to teach life lessons to young people, and hosted the eighth year of Camp Ricky Rubio in El Collel. Through programs and resources, Rubio’s contributions totaled more than $200,000.

Lakers sign Chaundee Brown Jr., waive Sekou Doumbouya

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Chaundee Brown Jr. to a two-way contract.

And in a related move, the Lakers have waived forward Sekou Doumbouya.

In one game with the South Bay Lakers this season, Brown Jr. tallied 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. He appeared in five preseason games for Los Angeles, averaging 7.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.1 minutes.

Zion Williamson medical update

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been cleared to participate in contact drills, beginning with 1-on-1 workouts and progressively working towards full team workouts.

Williamson, who underwent imaging on his fractured right foot on Thursday (Nov. 11), was medically cleared by Dr. Richard Ferkel of Southern California Orthopedic Institute and Dr. Scott Montgomery of Ochsner Health. Williamson will undergo further medical imaging on November 24, which will determine his availability for full team workouts.

The Pelicans are 2-13 so far this season, which is the second worst record in the Western conference, ahead of the 1-3 Houston Rockets.

Their leading scorers so far in 2021-22 are Brandon Ingram at 25.0 points per game in just eight of 15 games played, Jonas Valanciunas at 19.4 ppg, Devonte’ Graham at 15.6 ppg, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 15.0 ppg.

Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley out with elbow injury

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie forward Evan Mobley left Monday night’s game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse against Boston in the third quarter with a right elbow injury and did not return to action.

Initial examination postgame and an MRI administered today at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health confirmed a right elbow sprain.

Mobley will now undergo a period of treatment and rehabilitation and his return to play will be approximately 2-4 weeks.

The Cavs are 9-6 so far this season, which is the 5th best record in the Eastern conference.

Their leading scorers so far in 2021-22 are Darius Garland at 16.8 points per game, Collin Sexton at 16.0 ppg, and Ricky Rubio, Mobley and Jarrett Allen who are all scoring between 14-15 ppg.

Mobley is averaging 14.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.6 bpg. He’s an early leader along all rookies in the league.

Charlotte Hornets promote Buzz Peterson, Larry Jordan and David Duquette within basketball operations department

Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Mitch Kupchak announced today the following promotions within the team’s basketball operations department: Buzz Peterson to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations & Assistant General Manager, Larry Jordan to Vice President of Player Personnel and David Duquette to Assistant General Manager.

“The promotions for Buzz, Larry and David are very well deserved as all three of them possess a wide array of talent, experience and basketball knowledge,” said Kupchak. “They have all played an integral part in our team building process since I arrived in Charlotte. I’m excited to continue to work with them in the future as we build around our young, talented core of players and look to take the next step in our growth as a team.”

Peterson is in his 10th season with the Hornets, having served the past four seasons as Assistant General Manager. He has been involved in all aspects of the team’s basketball operations, including professional and collegiate scouting, draft preparations, player acquisitions, G League operations and salary cap management. During his tenure with the Hornets, Peterson has also served as a Senior Advisor of Basketball Operations, Director of Player Personnel and a scout. Prior to the NBA, Peterson held college head coaching positions at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Coastal Carolina University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Tulsa and Appalachian State University (twice), compiling an overall coaching record of 267-227.

In his 10th season with the organization, Jordan has spent the prior seven seasons as the team’s Director of Player Personnel. Jordan’s responsibilities include scouting college, G League and NBA games to identify and evaluate players, as well as providing results and analyses to assist in building and improving the roster for both the Hornets and its G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Additionally, he oversees the team’s scouting department. Previously, Jordan spent two years with the organization as Director of Special Projects, working closely with various departments across the organization.

Duquette enters his 11th season with the Hornets, having served as Director of Basketball Strategy/Team Counsel for the previous three seasons. Among the variety of basketball operations matters he oversees, Duquette advises on the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, salary cap management and player contracts. During his time in Charlotte, Duquette has also served as Director of Basketball Affairs and a Basketball Operations Assistant. Before joining Charlotte, Duquette started his NBA career as an intern and later a Basketball Operations Assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Timberwolves assign Leandro Bolmaro and Nathan Knight to G League

The Minnesota Timberwolves have assigned guard Leandro Bolmaro and transferred two-way forward Nathan Knight to the Iowa Wolves, the team’s NBA G League affiliate.

Bolmaro has appeared in five contests for the Timberwolves, has scored a total of five points and grabbed four rebounds.

In three games with the Timberwolves, Knight has totaled four points and two rebounds.

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter out with wrist injury that requires surgery

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter suffered a right wrist injury during the Hawks’ game at Golden State on Nov. 8.

An MRI taken at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex revealed a tendon injury that will require surgery.

He is expected to return in approximately eight weeks.

Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “this is not Hunter’s first injury that will keep him out long-term, as he struggled with swelling and soreness in his right knee for much of last season, playing in 23 regular-season games. He played in the Hawks’ first-round playoff series vs. the Knicks before undergoing meniscus surgery in June, missing the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals.”

Sixers assistant coach Dave Joerger steps away from team for cancer treatment

STATEMENT FROM PHILADELPHIA 76ERS ASSISTANT COACH DAVE JOERGER

I will be stepping away from the bench, effective immediately, as I was recently diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer. I will take this time to focus on my health and I look forward to rejoining the team once I’ve completed the treatment process.

Over the last few months, I learned the importance of self-evaluation and care, early detection and annual medical exams. I know I will beat this diagnosis with the help of my world-class medical team at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health, under the direction of Dr. David M. Cognetti, Dr. Voichita Bar Ad and Dr. Jennifer Johnson. I would like to thank the entire medical team and support staff at Jefferson Health for their extraordinary care. I would also like to acknowledge Josh Harris, David Blitzer, Doc Rivers, Daryl Morey, Elton Brand and the entire 76ers organization. Their unwavering support has allowed me to concentrate all of my efforts towards beating cancer. Most importantly, thank you to my wife Kimberly and my loving family who continue to provide me with strength.

The game of basketball has given me so much, highlighted by the extended support system and lifelong friendships I have been able to form. I look forward to using my platform to continue to raise awareness and help support the fight against cancer.

STATEMENT FROM PHILADELPHIA 76ERS HEAD COACH DOC RIVERS

Dave is not only one of the most talented and respected coaches in the NBA, but he’s a great friend, colleague, husband and father. The same positivity, enthusiasm and grit that have made him a successful coach will also carry him through his fight against cancer. I know I speak for everyone at the 76ers when I say, “Get well soon, we love you and we’ll be with you throughout this entire process. Your battle is our battle.”

STATEMENT FROM PHILADELPHIA 76ERS MANAGING PARTNER JOSH HARRIS

Since he arrived in Philadelphia last year, Dave has been more than a great coach. He’s a well-respected leader who has become a trusted member of the 76ers family. He has our full support as he focuses on his health. We know he’ll approach the coming months with the same determination that has made him one of the NBA’s top coaches, and we’ll be by his side every step of the way.

Evan Fournier discusses the Knicks offense

Here’s Knicks forward Evan Fournier discussing the Knicks offense, via the New York Daily News:

“We started really well, shooting the ball well, sharing the ball, et cetera,” Fournier said Friday. “Now it’s not as good. So are we playing not as well because we are missing shots or are we missing shots because we aren’t sharing the ball? It’s always that question that you’ve got to ask yourself. In my opinion, it’s because we aren’t getting good shots and we aren’t working the defense well enough.”

In their last eight games leading up to Friday, the Knicks were tied for last in assists with the miserable Rockets and Thunder. Overall, they were 22nd in assists and 26th in assist percentage, which contrasts their high ranking (6th) in points per game…

“The main difference between the second unit and the first one is ball movement, body movement,” Fournier said. “At times it feels like we’re very stagnant. And we have to find that rhythm that we had early on, those first five games of the season. So just make sure we share the ball. Sometimes you pass the ball just to pass the ball and the rhythm is going to come back. Once we all touch the ball, you get a good rhythm, you get better shots. And then we all feel good. I think that’s the main thing going forward.”

The Knicks are on the road tonight, in Charlotte to face the Hornets (6-7).