Would it mean something to you if the Kings showed you some sort of appreciation, i.e., video tribute, when you play in Sacramento for the first time next season? A Kings source said to expect that. DeMarcus Cousins: I kind of expect it. The city was always great to me. The fans were always great to me. So I kind of expect it. It wouldn’t be a surprise. What would you tell Pelicans fans nervous about your future plans with the franchise? (Cousins can be a free agent in 2018.) DeMarcus Cousins: I’m more just excited about the moment. We’re all living in the moment right now. That’s all we can do. But as far as my [situation], I’m going to do what is best for me at the end of the day.
Would it mean something to you if the Kings showed you …
May 17, 2022 | 12:27 pm EDT Update
Derrick Favors opts in for 2022-23
Shams Charania: Oklahoma City Thunder center Derrick Favors has opted into his $10.2 million player option for the 2022-23 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
Dane Moore: With the NBA lottery tonight and draft conversations heating up, Sachin Gupta remains in charge of the Timberwolves front office while, sources say, new ownership remains focused on hiring a “top 5” president of basketball operations to work with Gupta in the front office.
Sergio Scariolo decided to address the rumors circling around, since his team secured a spot in Euroleague, that he won’t be able to lead both Segafredo Virtus Bologna and Spain simultaneously, especially during the national team windows. However, the coach clearly stated that his contract with Virtus allows him to coach Spain and he will be continuing on both benches. “I don’t know where certain gossip comes from, and I don’t usually comment on gossip but anyway, and even for once, it’s worth clarifying that: My contract with Virtus explicitly provides in writing that I can participate in the windows of the national team. And my contract with the Spanish Basketball Federation does not foresee any type of exit and that contract extends until the end of the 2024 Olympic Games,” Scariolo said and took Igor Kokoskov as an example of how doable it actually is if all sides commit.
May 17, 2022 | 10:41 am EDT Update
What was the thought process with not adding a big entering the trade deadline, and how have you seen the team adjust toward not having a traditional center? Myers: The league is realizing that size is really important, but it’s more about positional size than size at the center spot. We didn’t have a great option available to us. Secondly, I was under the impression we would have James Wiseman. He was trending well. We thought he’d be back, ready to go and help us with that vertical space. That didn’t happen and his rehab hit a bump in the road post deadline. That put us in a tough spot, and the market was pretty dry. We had to march forward. Size still matters. But Looney’s been an unbelievable, steadfast guy that often gets overlooked. When we need to go bigger, Draymond and Looney have shown they can do it. They’re capable. They’re not 7-feet tall, but they’re versatile, switchable and very smart. We found a way. We’ll see if it keeps working and if we continue to win.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Fresno State 7-footer Orlando Robinson will stay in the 2022 NBA Draft and hire an agent, sources tell ESPN. He averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds as a junior. Robinson is in Chicago for the Draft Combine this week.
The Knicks need a true point guard and the draft is light in that department. The best point guard available didn’t play in college — Dyson Daniels of the G-League Ignite. Another fascinating prospect is Memphis one-and-done center Jalen Duren, but sources believe he’ll be too much of a project for Thibodeau to sign off on.
David Hardisty: If you think Paolo Banchero will go #1, there’s some money to be made in Vegas right now. Current odds for the top pick of the 2022 NBA Draft: Jabari Smith, Jr. +100 Chet Holmgren +135 Paolo Banchero +420 Jaden Ivey +3500 Shaedon Sharpe +6500
