In the videos — which began being widely shared Monday night — a smiling Irving is dancing with his sister Asia on a confetti-covered floor and clapping as she blows out candles. If the video is found to be recent, that behavior could be a breach of the league’s coronavirus protocols. The league’s COVID-19 guidelines forbid players from going to clubs, bars and lounges. They also ban attending social gatherings of more than 15 people.
In the videos -- which began being widely shared Monday…
July 28, 2021 | 5:37 pm EDT Update
Ben Simmons to Miami appearing unlikely
Sam Amick: As a follow-up to today’s column, a source with knowledge of Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons landscape is very much downplaying the Miami possibility. Also, as a sidenote, Simmons or his camp has not made any specific requests regarding possible landing spots.
Nuggets optimistic on re-signing Will Barton
While Monte Morris will likely start the season as the team’s starting point guard, P.J. Dozier is currently the team’s only shooting guard. That may change once free agency begins, as there’s growing optimism a deal between the Nuggets and Will Barton can be reached, according to a source, but as of Thursday, Denver’s backcourt is thin.
The Nuggets are comfortable with their position at No. 26, a league source told The Denver Post, because of the surplus of talent expected to be there from the late teens until their pick arrives.
It’s not a stretch to think that the Nets could have also beaten Atlanta and Phoenix, if only Durant’s big toe hadn’t prevented them from getting the chance. “Maybe we could have won it, but we didn’t and so now we have to look forward to next season,” Nash said. “There are 30 teams in the NBA and only one can win the title. Our goal is to be that one team.”
As it is, the Las Vegas oddsmakers have already installed the Nets as the heavy favorites for next season – assuming, unlike this season, that their three superstars stay healthy when the playoffs roll around next spring. “We welcome that pressure of being the favorite,” Nash said. “We embrace it. It wouldn’t be as much fun if we didn’t have all that pressure on us.”
When D’Antoni applied for but didn’t get several open NBA jobs last summer, Nash offered him a job as his top assistant. D’Antoni took it, and NBA fans were treated to the rare sight of a former star player now the boss of his former coach. “Mike was a huge help to me this year,” Nash said. “It’s one thing to play for an NBA team. It’s a very different thing to coach an NBA team. Mike had all the coaching wisdom and experience that I lacked. He helped me create an environment where everyone feels challenged and rewarded.”
Mark your calendars, Chicago Bulls fans. The team has now finalized its 2021 Summer League and preseason schedules ahead of the 2021-22 regular season. The preseason slate features four contests, three at home and one on the road: Tuesday, Oct. 5: vs. Cavaliers (7 pm CT) Friday, Oct. 8: vs. Pelicans (7 pm CT) Sunday, Oct. 10: at Cavaliers (6 pm CT) Friday, Oct. 15: vs. Grizzlies (7 pm CT)
July 28, 2021 | 5:20 pm EDT Update
Knicks trying to move up into lottery targeting Chris Duarte
Chad Ford: Hearing from several sources that the Knicks are aggressively trying to move up into the lottery. Oregon’s Chris Duarte is the target. Charlotte and Indiana the two teams most open to moving down. Just unclear what it will cost the Knicks. 19 & 21, I’m told, isn’t enough.
