“I am honored and excited to coach this talented group of players in New Orleans,” said Van Gundy. “This opportunity was one that I was really attracted to due in large part to David Griffin’s record of putting together highly competitive, talented teams in a great family atmosphere. When I got into the interview process and had a chance to meet with Mrs. Benson, Dennis Lauscha, Griff, Trajan Langdon, Swin Cash and the Pelicans front office, it became clear how committed and invested they are to winning. My wife Kim and I want to thank Mrs. Benson, along with Griff, Trajan, Swin and the front office for welcoming our family and entrusting me to lead this team. We look forward to working with this great organization and getting involved in the New Orleans community.”
“I am honored and excited to coach this talented grou…
July 5, 2022 | 2:13 pm EDT Update
Pat McAfee: “There’s no traction on any type of a Lakers deal for Kyrie Irving & I’m not sure we’re gonna see that take place” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive
Pat McAfee: “The Nets aren’t gonna move Kevin Durant until their price is met.. this process could take a while” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive
Pat McAfee: “Zion Williamson was ecstatic to sign this new contract to stay in New Orleans.. this is a deal he wanted to get done” ~ @ShamsCharania ATTA BABY ZION #PMSLive
JD Shaw: The Raptors signed Thaddeus Young to a two-year, $16.3 million extension that comes with a $1 million partial guarantee next season. It also includes incentives. His salary becomes fully guaranteed if he isn’t waived on or before June 30.
To appeal for her freedom, Griner wrote a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden, which was delivered July 4. Griner’s wife, Cherelle, said they’ve not yet heard from Biden. Below, you can read excerpts of the WNBA star’s powerful words (via ESPN): “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
July 5, 2022 | 1:05 pm EDT Update
Michael Scotto: Sources: The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Taurean Prince to a two-year, $16.7 million extension, which includes player incentive bonuses and is fully non-guaranteed for the 2023-24 season, @HoopsHype has learned.
Jason Anderson: Sacramento Kings summer league coach Jordi Fernandez told me he believes rookie Keegan Murray is “more of a 4/3 than a 3/4” at this point, but the Kings believe he can play either position as he gets more comfortable guarding ballhandlers in the pick-and-roll.
Broussard spoke on FOX Sports 1’s “First Things First” about the possibility of Kevin Durant being traded to the Raptors. He said he does not think Durant would want to play in Toronto because there is too much racism in the city. Broussard mentioned how the Raptors have struggled to retain star players and said playing in Toronto is “a different situation than African Americans are used to being in.” Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who played for the Raptors during the 2019-20 season, strongly disagrees. He tweeted on Tuesday that he felt nothing but love from the people of Toronto while he was there.
