Nicolo Melli already had his flight booked to the Bahamas when he found out he needed to tweak those plans. As the Pelicans wrapped up their final shootaround before the All-Star break Thursday, executive vice president David Griffin informed the Italian forward he’d been chosen as an injury replacement in the Rising Stars Game. At first, Melli thought he was kidding. “I thought he was messing with me,” Melli said. “We always make fun of each other for different reasons. Everybody knew I was excited to go on vacation. I was waiting for this day. I thought he was joking.”
Nicolo Melli already had his flight booked to the Baham…
June 21, 2021 | 8:26 pm EDT Update
Chris Paul remains out for Game 2
Kellan Olson: Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) is listed as out on the Suns’ injury report for Game 2. No Marcus Morris on there for the Clippers.
Marcus Marris not listed on injury report
Ohm Youngmisuk: Marcus Morris is not on the latest injury report for the Clippers but Ty Lue did say he was uncertain about Morris’ knee.
Marc Stein: The Clippers have officially ruled Kawhi Leonard (right knee sprain) out of Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference finals in Phoenix.
Mark Medina: Clippers coach Ty Lue on Kawhi Leonard’s progress with rehab: “I really don’t know. I just get the updates that he’s out today. I just move on from there. I don’t want to question ‘When’s he coming back, or how long? Is he playing tomorrow? Is he playing tonight?’ Okay. Move on.”
Dwight Jaynes: While two candidates have been widely known as finalists for the Trail Blazers’ coaching job, NBA sources confirm they are not the only finalists. And knowing Neil Olshey, there may be a secret candidate out there who will surprise us all by getting the job.
Jeff Goodman: North Carolina big man Armando Bacot will return to Chapel Hill and withdraw from the NBA Draft process, he told @Stadium.
June 21, 2021 | 7:41 pm EDT Update
Luke Kennard: I'm one of the best shooters of the league
Law Murray: Kennard: “I feel like I’m one of the best shooters in the league. For me, it’s just creating space, creating separation.”
Mirjam Swanson: Luke Kennard on Marcus’ role defensively: “He’s a physical defender, and that’s what we need, especially this late in the playoffs. Hopefully he’s good to go and we’ll see what he can do. But we definitely need him out there.”
