Zion Williamson was limited to just 30 games last season for health reasons, while Trey Murphy‘s year came to an early end due to shoulder surgery. So it was a very encouraging sign for the Pelicans that Williamson (15 points) and Murphy (18 points) were their leading scorers in their preseason opener. New Orleans became the first NBA team to play a game in Australia, winning … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Zion, Bey, Alvarado, DSJ, Spurs
Southwest Notes: DFS, Eason, Bey, Spurs, Wemby, Prosper
Confirming previous reporting, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka acknowledged on Wednesday to reporters, including Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required), that newly added forward Dorian Finney-Smith will “probably not” be ready for the start of the season as he recovers from June ankle surgery. According to Udoka, Finney-Smith hasn’t yet been cleared for … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: DFS, Eason, Bey, Spurs, Wemby, Prosper
Pelicans Notes: Peavy, Camp Vibe, Queen, Poole, Barnes
The Pelicans have a pair of lottery picks in training camp but don’t sleep on their second-rounder. Wing Micah Peavy has made a strong impression on head coach Willie Green during the first week of camp, team website reporter Jim Eichenhofer writes. “He may be flying under the radar (in terms of media and fan interest), but not in practices,” Green said. “He’s standing out … [Read more...] about Pelicans Notes: Peavy, Camp Vibe, Queen, Poole, Barnes
Pelicans Notes: Williamson, Looney, Poole
Zion Williamson is getting some tough love from executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and that’s just fine with the talented Pelicans forward, according to Brett Martel of The Associated Press. “He’s going to hold me accountable, and as he holds me accountable, he’s going to give me a lot of responsibility as well, which I’m excited for,” Williamson said. … [Read more...] about Pelicans Notes: Williamson, Looney, Poole
And-Ones: ESPN Survey, S. Cash, Bargain FAs, More
A panel of 20 coaches, executives, and scouts around the NBA polled by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps overwhelmingly picked Nuggets center Nikola Jokic as the current best player in the NBA, with Jokic receiving 19 votes while Lakers guard Luka Doncic earned the last one. However, the predictions for 2025/26 MVP were more divided — Jokic leads the way with seven votes, but Thunder guard … [Read more...] about And-Ones: ESPN Survey, S. Cash, Bargain FAs, More