Viewership numbers overall have been seen as a resounding success by the Suns’ organization. The matchup between Ty Jerome and Josh Okogie (Suns vs Timberwolves) reached 3.1 million viewers on Twitter, while Mikal Bridges vs. Matisse Thybulle as the Suns vs 76ers hit 2 million, as did Miami Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson (as the Oklahoma City Thunder) facing Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (as the Suns). The Suns’ Twitch account, which was created only a month ago, now sits at over 448,000 total views with just under 7,000 followers.
Storyline: NBA 2K Ratings
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Viewership numbers overall have been seen as a resounding success by the Suns’ organization. The matchup between Ty Jerome and Josh Okogie (Suns vs Timberwolves) reached 3.1 million viewers on Twitter, while Mikal Bridges vs. Matisse Thybulle as the Suns vs 76ers hit 2 million, as did Miami Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson (as the Oklahoma City Thunder) facing Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (as the Suns). The Suns’ Twitch account, which was created only a month ago, now sits at over 448,000 total views with just under 7,000 followers.
Royce O’Neale: Dang my 2k rating still at 73 ๐คฆ๐พโโ๏ธ thatโs wild๐๐๐๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ How I get that up lol @Ronnie 2K @NBA2K
Fair Game: @SHAQ’s reaction to finding out he’s the only player to have ever received a 100 rating in @NBA2K is priceless CC: @KristineLeahy
Salman Ali: Russell Westbrook on being given a 90 rating on NBA 2K20: “To me, it doesn’t mean sh*t”. pic.twitter.com/4Z6hacFb0r
De’Aaron Fox: Damn @NBA2K my dunking that bad??? ๐
Alex Kennedy: These are the highest-rated teams in NBA 2K20: 1. Los Angeles Clippers (78.69) 2. Los Angeles Lakers (78.27) 3. Utah Jazz (78.17) 4. Denver Nuggets (78.08) 5. Golden State Warriors (77.71)
Jake Layman: First Look ๐ธ๐บ#2KRating pic.twitter.com/W5fyRMu7cs
Romeo Langford: GMMU @nba2k @ronnie2k #2krating
Daniel Gafford: Iโm speechless right now. Never thought this would happen. I appreciate @Ronnie2K @NBA2K #2KRatings. Yโall made my dreams come true ๐ญ๐
Tomer Azarly: #Clippers’ Montrezl Harrell gets an 83 rating in NBA 2K20. He’s rated one point behind #Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma and #Hawks’ John Collins. That’s…interesting. Montrezl Harrell: Itโs a f****** joke but itโs ok ๐๐๐
Bobby Portis: Appreciate the first look @NBA2K ! Need to get that rating up though @Ronnie2K #UNDERDOG #2K20
Ryan Ward: Kyle Kuzmaโs (@Kyle Kuzma) rating for #NBA2K20 has been released. Kuz comes in with a rating of 84 this year. Did @NBA2K get it right? Too high? Too low? #Lakers pic.twitter.com/8DqEKSvYsQ
Tobias Harris: I don’t know what makes me more upset the rating or the jersey ๐ฉ๐คฆ๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐ฉ @NBA2K @Ronnie2K @BobanMarjanovic
Steve Noah: Ricky Rubio NBA 2K20 player rating
Here you go ๐ฆ @SacramentoKings #2KRatings
NBA 2K20: First look at former MVP of the league D-Rose๐น Thoughts on his rating? #2KRatings
NBA 2K20: Next Class: Top 5 Rookies #2KRatings
Unlike a number of players, Lillard seemed indifferent when asked about his ranking — he doesn’t play as himself on the game anyway — though he did managed to get in a little jab at the developers nonetheless. “It’s fine, I never really cared,” said Lillard. “I don’t understand why people get mad about what the rating is. A lot of people that come up with the game, they probably can’t even shoot.”
Harrison Wind: NBA 2K ratings are out. Top-12: 1. LeBron – 97. 2. Kawhi – 97. 3. Giannis – 96. 4. Durant – 96. 5. Harden – 96. 6. Curry – 95. 7. Davis – 94. 8. George – 93. 9. Lillard – 92. 10. Embiid – 91. 11. Kyrie – 91. 12. Jokic – 90. Discuss…
Ryan Ward: The 3 highest-rated players in #NBA2K20 aren’t much of a surprise… #2KRatings
Morris likewise used to play a lot of NBA 2k, but veered away from the franchise about three years ago, by his recollection. He had two pressing issues with the game: his rating and his appearance. โIโve been on there, I didnโt have my beard,โ Morris said. โI didnโt have none of that. And I just wasnโt feeling it because I look at these other players, theyโve got everything. Theyโve got all their [facial hair and accessories] done. Theyโve got guys that havenโt played an NBA game coming in at [an] 80-something [rating] and Iโm a fucking 77. And I done been in there eight years putting in work every year. So I just feel disrespected. So I donโt play it. โI averaged 14 [points per game] for the last three years. Thereโs no way Iโm a 77 and dudes who average less than me are in the 80s. I donโt respect it. So I canโt play it.โ
โI came back less this year than I was last year. How does that even make sense?โ Morris said. โWe went to the Conference Finals. I had a great season. How do I come back less? So I canโt deal with them. โFuck them. I ainโt reaching out. I donโt feel like I should have to. I put in a lot of work.โ
โHow am I not in the top-100? Youโve got guys like [Nikola Mirotic, who was ranked 50th],โ Morris said, stumbling over the New Orleans forwardโs name. โ[Al-Farouq] Aminu (ESPNโs 100th-ranked player) and them guys, how am I not over them? You know what Iโm saying? I would just like respect.โ
Enes Kanter: This is why l play @EASPORTS
Bobby Portis: My official @NBA2K screenshot! I told @Ronnie 2K that he gotta have my nappy fro on the game when it comes out though lol…what yโall think? #NBA2K19 pic.twitter.com/lB68gwYGiL
Will Barton: Underrated but Never Faded @NBA2K @Ronnie2K #NBA2K19
What would you rate yourself? Will Barton: 80 at minimum
Taurean Prince: And there we have it world ๐@NBA2K @Ronnie2K #NBA2K19
Jaren Jackson Jr.: โผ๏ธ๐โผ๏ธ๐โผ๏ธ @Ronnie 2K #NBA2K19 momma Iโm in 2K pic.twitter.com/BD3nMVOWFl
Dzanan Musa: Hey @Ronnie 2K whatโs my 2K rating? ๐๐ค #NBA2K19
Isaiah Canaan: Blessed to be apart @NBA2K & Big Ups to @Ronnie2K Off Injury I Canโt Complain lol What do you guys think?? #Gamer #Nice
Tony Bradley: ๐ค๐พ@NBA2K @Ronnie 2K #NBA2k19
Spencer Dinwiddie: Ima 79. But they say my clutch rating is Top5 lol @NBA2K @Ronnie2K
E’Twaun Moore: @PelicansNBA going to be the team to rock with in #NBA2K19 this year!Got to get that rating โฌ๏ธ@Ronnie2K @NBA2K
Sirius XM NBA: Mo Bambaโs reaction when Kevin Knox told him his #NBALive19 rating was 81: โFor real?! Iโm about to start playing Live.โ #PaniniNBARookie @PaniniAmerica @NBA @Sirius XM NBA pic.twitter.com/kRkXUN2xOH
Trae Young: My whole life Iโve been underrated…. this ainโt nothing new๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐๐ #KeepThatSameEnergy
After his stellar first year, Kuzma told NBA 2Kโs Ronnie Singh that he was expecting a bump when NBA 2K19 releases. โI think it should be at least an 80,โ Kuzma said in a video. Kuzma got his wish โ or at least the bare minimum of it โ because Singh told him that when 2K19 drops, Kuzma will be an 80 overall, something the star sophomore forward says heโll โfor sureโ use as motivation. โBut hey, an 80โs an 80,โ Kuzma added, although his body language and tone in the video were that of a child trying to talk themselves into socks being a cool birthday present when they expected a Nintendo Switch:
Chris Grenham: Jaylen Brown said that he plays Fifa and not 2K, but as soon as the 2K ratings came out, Kyrie called him and asked how he felt. “I was like Kyrie, I do not give a fuck about no 2K rating. (Kyrie) was like ‘bro they played you’ (laughs).” via @CJMcCollum @Schultz_Report
Josh Richardson: Donโt shoot the messenger though okay i didnโt make the rating
Josh Richardson: pic.twitter.com/4vVkIBjd6N
Josh Richardson: Hey, itโs better than 67 lol
Ronnie 2K: One of my favorite things of the year… Shouting out all @nba players who want to know their @NBA2K rating for #NBA2K19. Reply to this tweet or DM me ๐ If youโre a fan and want your favorite players rating, tweet them to let them know itโs time! pic.twitter.com/h72XVUrJJF
Giannis Antetokounmpo: I see you @NBA2K!! A 94 is okay but I want more ๐ค๐ฅ #NBA2K19 #StayFreaky
Karl-Anthony Towns: 91? I donโt blame you @NBA2K, I blame @ronnie2k!
LeBron James: Man those white uniforms ainโt so bad/fresh and that rating ainโt so bad either for such an old head! ๐คฃ๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ๐๐พ #NBA2K19๐ฅ #KingJames๐ #StriveForGreatness๐ #RWTW๐
#JamesGang๐
DeMarcus Cousins: I’ll take it but I’m bout to show y’all something this year ๐๐พ @NBA2K #NBA2K19
Kyle Kuzma: 2k rating is disrespectful. Yโall will learn though ๐ช๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
NBA 2K19: 9โฃ4โฃfor @kawhileonard. Who won the trade? #NBA2K19
NBA 2K19: 8โฃ9โฃ New team, same rating @DeMar_DeRozan. You already know who’s coming next ๐ #NBA2K19
Ben Simmons: An 87 @Ronnie2K? I’m comin for y’all @NBA2K #NBA2K19
Donovan Mitchell: 2 questions @NBA2K What’s my dunk rating? And who else is an 87 this year ๐ค ๐ pic.twitter.com/TGbs1Fvrez
NBA 2K19: A rating fit for a King ๐ฅ A 98 overall for our 20th Anniversary Edition Cover athlete @KingJames. What do you think?
Devin Booker: They sayin I need Pink Diamond.. Cmon Ronnie!!!๐ twitter.com/ronnie2k/statuโฆ
Singh no longer has such anonymity. When an NBA player wants his rating, he must hit up @Ronnie2K. According to Singh, two days before the game’s release, 214 players had tweeted about their initial ratings. That’s nearly half of the 450 players in the league. The game’s manufacturer didn’t have to spend a dime for the promotion. “Most other brands would struggle to have that kind of [advertising],” Singh said. “I mean, they’d have to pay considerably to have that kind of impact. We’re doing it based on relationships and a passion for a really great video game.”
When Washington Wizards guard John Wall caught wind of his 90 rating, he tweeted at Singh: “u a joke !!” The two publicly debated about Wall’s previous ratings until Singh tweeted a GIF of a dancing salt shaker, poking fun at the four-time all-star for being upset. Wall blocked him. “John was not serious,” Singh said. “It was funny, him and I were DMing the whole time that was happening. It’s slightly orchestrated, you know. … I didn’t know he was going to say ‘u a joke,’ but that was perfect. That was exactly what we needed to kind of fuel the thirst about these ratings.”
Paul Kim: what do you think Melo’s real ranking should be?? Damian Lillard: Honestly don’t give a damn bout a ranking. They usually wrong at every level.
While at the event, Danny had a chance to talk about the much-hyped game, and revealed he is not much of a gamer as well as a player who doesn’t fret over his rating. โIโm not a big gamer, I do play but Iโm not a guy who worries about the rating. As long as they put me in the game โ I know that they put me in better than I am in real life. So if they can put me in the game where I can shoot it pretty well, and play defense then I am happy. Itโs always fun and interesting to watch.”
Ingram received a 76 rating in the game, which some believed was too low. In an interview with Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet, Ingram disagreed saying it couldโve been even lower considering the season he had last year: โI canโt control it, I know itโs just a game. Of course with the season I had this year I couldโve expected it even lower. I know what Iโm capable of and a lot of guys, especially my fans, know what Iโm capable of and thatโs why they were mad at it, but itโs kind of based off how the season went this year.โ
While EuroLeague players will be absent from NBA 2K18, fans of the game will be able to continue playing as Milos Teodosic since he now belongs to the NBA world as an LA Clipper. ฮccoding to 2KRating, in 2K18, the Serbian guard is rated 77. Heโs tied with Jayson Tatum as the third highest-rated rookie after Markelle Fulz (Philadelphia 76ers) and Lonzo Ball (LA Clippers).
Mike Conley: Apparently my 87 rating gets you every bucket, pass, crossover, and great hair ๐ @NBA2K @Ronnie 2K #justsayin #tunnelvision
Trey Lyles: That Denver looking good on me!! @Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook
Clevis Murray: #Celtics: Marcus Smart will be a 79 overall in #NBA2K18.
Clevis Murray: #Sixers: Jahlil Okafor will be a 73 overall in #NBA2K18.
Clevis Murray: Ben Simmons will be a 79 overall in #NBA2K18.
Clevis Murray: Cavs: Jae Crowder will be an 80 overall in #NBA2K18. J.R. Smith will be a 75 with an A- 3-point rating.
Now, though, the full list of NBA 2K18 ratings for the Atlanta Hawks seems to be available and there are some interesting takeaways from the list. The full list is below and, if nothing else, it can serve as a starting point for all kinds of arguments. Dennis Schrรถder – 79, Dewayne Dedmon – 77, Ersan Ilyasova – 75, Taurean Prince – 75, Kent Bazemore – 74, Marco Belinelli – 74, Malcolm Delaney – 74, Mike Muscala – 74
Yogi Ferrell: Like I’m playin for the Mavericks @nba2k @ronnie2k #nba2k18 #2KFirstLook pic.twitter.com/6SKhUjlbC3
NBA 2K 2K18: .@KingJames leads the list of the Top 10 highest rated SFs in #NBA2K18! Rudy Gay: Crock of BS. Wait till this season.
Montrezl Harrell: S/o to @Ronnie 2K got my rating but it’s over for everyone ๐ค๐ an wrong jersey number 5
2K Sports recently provided DeAndre’ Bembry with his NBA 2K18 rating, a 69 overall. Bembry is now the third Hawk to reveal his rating, as John Collins revealed that he is a 73 and Dewayne Dedmon that he is a 77.
Eric Gordon: Who’s ready for the new #NBA2k18 @Ronnie2k @NBA2k #NBA2k18 #2kFirstLook
TJ Leaf: 2K!!! What does everyone think? @Ronnie 2K @NBA2K #2Kfirstlook #NBA2K18 pic.twitter.com/44zEk3fqbx
Quincy Pondexter: I needed a good laugh today.. well here it is @Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook my knee durability better be a 99 tho
Caris LeVert: Hmm idk what y’all think??๐ค@Ronnie 2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook pic.twitter.com/UDRTuH7lUQ
NBA2K: Happy Birthday to @NBA2K family, @kobebryant! Dominate with Kobe on the All-Time @Lakers squad in #NBA2K18!
Pascal Siakam: Aye let’s get it๐ฅ!! Need to get that up tho! #doingitforyou๐๐พ #humblehustle๐๐พ๐๐พShoutout @ronnie2k @nba2k #2kfirstlook #nba2k18
Malachi Richardson: Let’s work ! What you guys think !?@Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook
Jordan Clarkson: FOR THE FANS GOODLOOKS @Ronnie2K @NBA2K FOR MY #2KFirstLook #NBA2K18
Shelvin Mack: My guy @Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 #2KFirstLook
Marreese Speights: Thanks my guy ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐๐พ@Ronnie2K @NBA2K #NBA2K18 @OrlandoMagic #tms
Jared Dudley: HUGE shoutout to my guy @Ronnie2K and the whole @NBA2K family on my exclusive pic ๐ฅ Congrats on your guys success ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
Richaun Holmesโ: I appreciate it @Ronnie2K #ToTheGym
At one point during the wedding reception, Wesley Matthews found out that his overall rating in NBA 2K18 is an 83. Singh estimates that there were about 40 NBA players at the wedding and reception, including Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Kent Bazemore, Andrew Bogut and Devin Harris among others. Matthewsโ 83 rating and how the 2K staff comes up with these numbers became a hot topic among the players in attendance. โI was at Harrison Barnesโ wedding and a major point of contention was Wesleyโs rating,โ Singh said. โHe found out that he was an 83 overall and he got pretty upset about it. He kept talking to Rick Carlisle about it. Well, Rick was the MC of Harrisonโs reception. It got to the point that during the reception, in front of about 40 NBA players, Rick gets on the mic and says, โRonnie, we have to address this rating thing right now. You need to come up here.โ
โSo during the reception, Iโm up there in front of these 40 NBA players explaining why the ratings are the way they are and how theyโre determined. And Iโm thinking, โThis guy is in the middle of celebrating his wedding!โ Harrisonโs wife was probably like, โIโm going to murder Ronnie after this reception.โ (laughs) Theyโre both amazing people โ just a great couple โ but I just kept thinking, โThis is not the proper place for this!โ But Rick orchestrated it, so unfortunately I had to participate.โ
July 13, 2020 | 11:39 am EDT Update
Emiliano Carchia: Isaiah Hartenstein is among the big men offered to FC Barcelona, a source told @Emiliano Carchia. The German/American big has played 51 games in the NBA for the Rockets in the past two seasons (3.1ppg and 2.7rpg). Hartenstein has been offered also to Chinese teams for next year.
Rivers: If he was in an era 10 years ago, Boban would be a big-time player. Heโs just in an era where heโs 10 years too late. And heโs still in the league doing his thing, but make no mistake about it, if he was in 2003, 2006, Boban would be a force to be reckoned with. Van Gundy: Iโve always wondered if I, you know, shouldโve played him more. You get so concerned with the defensive end of the floor, but with what he can do offensively, Iโm not sure we wouldnโt have been better off playing him more and dealing with whatever defensive problems came up.
Van Gundy: The guy gets no privacy, yet the way he responds to people is so good and with such generosity and such kindness to people. You would think at some point you would get really, really tired of it, and he may, but he certainly never shows that and I never even heard him convey that. Itโs genuine. Heโs not out there faking it, and then walking around saying, โIโm really tired of this s— with everybody bugging me.โ I think he genuinely enjoys being around people.
Kaminsky: The first time I ever played against Boban, we were playing in San Antonio. Tyler Hansbrough was on my team at the time. โฆ And Boban checks into the game, and heโs standing next to him at the free-throw line, and Iโm trying to talk to him, but Tylerโs standing there staring up at him, like, This is the biggest guy Iโve ever seen in my life. Literally, thereโs a video, Iโm standing on that side of the lane trying to get his attention, heโs just standing there, like, [Kaminsky pauses, leans back, looks upwards, mouth agape, miming what Hansbrough looked like].
The leagueโs first crack at sponsored entertainment for the players fell flat. On Saturday night, the NBA brought in three disc jockeys to spin records at poolside parties at each of the three Disney hotels housing players. Almost no one showed. โThe first time I heard about the DJ thing was (Sunday),โ Davis said. โDwight (Howard) told me he was the only one there. I think, quite frankly, a lot of guys didnโt know about it. I know the NBA is trying to make this as comfortable as possible and as relaxing as possible for us, and just make everyone feel as home as possible.โ
Another African American senior league executive, speaking anonymously, asked why Eversley didnโt get interviewed for the top job. โWith all due respect, I am delighted that Marc Eversley is the GM of the Bulls,โ the league executive said. โBut why wasnโt Marc Eversley interviewed to be the president of basketball operations? Why was there no one of color interviewed for that position? You mean to tell me that there was nobody in the mind of the leadership of the Bulls qualified to take on that job as president? Or was it just that they donโt know anybody? โSo the question Iโm asking is what took them so long. Somebody needs to ask the question. That question needs to be asked more and more league-wide.โ
As in any industry, connectivity is imperative, and often times cultural perspective can get ignored. But that perspective is pivotal in every aspect of NBA business, from scouting to coaching to negotiations. โItโs a relationship business,โ the Western Conference exec said. โYouโve got to have relationships with the players and coaches. For all of us to be connected in some form or fashion it only bodes well. There should be no separation. Everyone should be working together to push the franchise forward and win.โ
Pocius went on to play for Real Madrid and Galatasaray โ a team in Istanbul โ with two more stints with Zalgiris Kaunas sandwiched in between. Seven years into his playing carer, Pocius initially had no intention of stopping. However, his body had a different idea. โSince I played at Duke, I had had seven surgeries,โ Pocius said. โIt took a toll on my body and I was in this cycle of getting injured, having surgery, trying rehab, all to come back and then have it happen all over again โฆ I was reaching a point where I wasnโt enjoying basketball as much as I used to. I was a gym rat and I loved the gym, and it wasnโt fun being there anymore.โ
Connelly looked at Pocius and said, โWell, if you just want to retire and come join us, weโll make that happen.โ Pocius thought it was a joke. And at that time, retiring seemed far-fetched. But after he made the decision to stop playing Pocius reached out to Connelly to see if the offer was still on the table. โI flew out to Las Vegas for Summer League and I met with Tim and all the other guys and one thing led to another,โ Pocius said. โIโm truly happy that I decided to retire when I did.โ
Marc Berman: Dennis Smith Jr. is kicking off the Knicks virtual kids summer camps today as club trying to keep children engaged in basketball. Will be three times a week for next month. Free and will feature current players and alumni. Annual Knicks summer kid camps were cancelled. Great job.
July 13, 2020 | 9:17 am EDT Update
Alex Poythress joined Zenit Saint-Petersburg on a one-year deal, the Russian club announced on Monday. Eurohoops previously reported on the deal between the two parties. โI am very pleased to join Zenit, an organization that plans to make a breakthrough in EuroLeague this season,โ he noted upon signing per the official site of his new team, โI heard a lot of amazing things about Saint-Petersburg and canโt wait to join the team.โ
Donatas Urbonas: Jock Landale is another promising Zalgiris player, who is actively pursuing the NBA opportunity, per sources. I’m hearing that Zalgiris plans the next season as if Landale will opt-out of his contract, which is also till 2021.
Emiliano Carchia: I can confirm that Thomas Walkup is considering opting out of his contract for NBA opportunity. But Zalgiris is confident he will stay under contract due to late free agency in the NBA that could complicate playersโ plans
Jose Juan Barea: Thanks for the hard work @nba. Youโre doing an amazing job making us as comfortable as possible during these strange times. Great hotels and food, plus we get @Dallas Mavericks basketball back. Donโt listen to the negativity. We appreciate all you are doing to get us back on the court!
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies forward: “I’m an only child, so this is nothing new, being by yourself. A lot of people, if you have brothers, man, it probably feels a little weird. If you have families, if you have kids, it’s probably a little weird. But I’m doing my thing.”
Evan Fournier, Magic guard: “It kind of feels like when I was back in high school where you have everything together. So you have where we stay at, our rooms, then we have the lunch area, dinner and the practice facility is like right there. Everything is close. There’s a little bit of that Olympic Village kind of a feeling, so I’d say that’s what it feels like.”
Three weeks ahead of the NBAโs planned resumption of the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World Resort, the leagueโs Global Innovation Group is considering several scenarios for next season, including one that would begin in March and run through October 2021. An internal planning document obtained by Morning Consult outlines four scheduling scenarios the league is considering for next season, including one in which it would push the start of next season back to March if there is a path to a coronavirus vaccine or therapeutic treatment that increases the likelihood that its teams could host fans in their home arenas over the course of an 82-game schedule.
The document spells out a wide variety of โleversโ the league could pull in developing its plans for next season depending on the state of the pandemic. These include holding a play-in tournament for the playoffs, playing with the timing of a potential All-Star Game, rolling schedule releases, increasing game density, building in buffers for canceled or rescheduled games and potentially using alternate sites like neutral markets or practice and G League facilities. One plan, which is contingent on an improving COVID-19 situation, would essentially involve the league putting on a traditional 82-game regular season, just bumped back from its usual October start date. It would feature a traditional schedule release and standard matchups (16 games against divisional opponents, 36 nondivisional intraconference games and 30 interconference games).
It was a rumor seemingly out of the blue as no reports had previously come out of Ballโs camp. And though it is near impossible to verify, Jermaine Jackson, LaMelo Ballโs manager, seemed to indicate the report was not true on Instagram.
โRon Adams is our resident โ is oenophile correct?โKerr asked on this weekโs โHoops, Adjacentโ podcast. โIn fact, when I interviewed Ron to come aboard with the Warriors in 2014, my assistant Nick UโRen and I took Ron out to dinner to interview him. We ordered a bottle of wine. It was an Italian restaurant. They didnโt have any California Pinots, which is what we were looking for. And the waiter said, โYou know, if you want, Iโll bring you kind of the Italian version of a Pinot.โ We said great. โSo he brings back the wine, he opens it up, he gives Ron the taste โ you know, how you swish it around (in your mouth)? Well, Ron became the first person Iโve ever been to dinner with who sent the wine back. On a job interview!โ
The Detroit opportunity comes with a pretty dismal short-term outlook, but it also could be more promising in the longer term. Sources tell me owner Tom Gores has been willing to spend money on the things fans donโt see (staff, scouting, training resources) that make life a lot easier for a rebuilding team. Additionally, the team is at a pretty clear transition point for Weaver to put his stamp on the team. The post-Blake Griffin-trade delusions of grandeur have been replaced by the grim acknowledgment that this team needs to rebuild and it could take a while.
Front Office Sports: 76ers rookie @MatisseThybulle launched a new YouTube channel where he is documenting his experience inside the NBA’s bubble through vlogs he is shooting and editing himself. He’s already up to 8.9k subscribers in less than 4 hours and has caught the attention of Casey Neistat.
July 13, 2020 | 9:15 am EDT Update
Alex Poythress joined Zenit Saint-Petersburg on a one-year deal, the Russian club announced on Monday. Eurohoops previously reported on the deal between the two parties. โI am very pleased to join Zenit, an organization that plans to make a breakthrough in EuroLeague this season,โ he noted upon signing per the official site of his new team, โI heard a lot of amazing things about Saint-Petersburg and canโt wait to join the team.โ
Donatas Urbonas: Jock Landale is another promising Zalgiris player, who is actively pursuing the NBA opportunity, per sources. I’m hearing that Zalgiris plans the next season as if Landale will opt-out of his contract, which is also till 2021.
Emiliano Carchia: I can confirm that Thomas Walkup is considering opting out of his contract for NBA opportunity. But Zalgiris is confident he will stay under contract due to late free agency in the NBA that could complicate playersโ plans
Jose Juan Barea: Thanks for the hard work @nba. Youโre doing an amazing job making us as comfortable as possible during these strange times. Great hotels and food, plus we get @Dallas Mavericks basketball back. Donโt listen to the negativity. We appreciate all you are doing to get us back on the court!
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies forward: “I’m an only child, so this is nothing new, being by yourself. A lot of people, if you have brothers, man, it probably feels a little weird. If you have families, if you have kids, it’s probably a little weird. But I’m doing my thing.”
Evan Fournier, Magic guard: “It kind of feels like when I was back in high school where you have everything together. So you have where we stay at, our rooms, then we have the lunch area, dinner and the practice facility is like right there. Everything is close. There’s a little bit of that Olympic Village kind of a feeling, so I’d say that’s what it feels like.”
Three weeks ahead of the NBAโs planned resumption of the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World Resort, the leagueโs Global Innovation Group is considering several scenarios for next season, including one that would begin in March and run through October 2021. An internal planning document obtained by Morning Consult outlines four scheduling scenarios the league is considering for next season, including one in which it would push the start of next season back to March if there is a path to a coronavirus vaccine or therapeutic treatment that increases the likelihood that its teams could host fans in their home arenas over the course of an 82-game schedule.
The document spells out a wide variety of โleversโ the league could pull in developing its plans for next season depending on the state of the pandemic. These include holding a play-in tournament for the playoffs, playing with the timing of a potential All-Star Game, rolling schedule releases, increasing game density, building in buffers for canceled or rescheduled games and potentially using alternate sites like neutral markets or practice and G League facilities. One plan, which is contingent on an improving COVID-19 situation, would essentially involve the league putting on a traditional 82-game regular season, just bumped back from its usual October start date. It would feature a traditional schedule release and standard matchups (16 games against divisional opponents, 36 nondivisional intraconference games and 30 interconference games).
It was a rumor seemingly out of the blue as no reports had previously come out of Ballโs camp. And though it is near impossible to verify, Jermaine Jackson, LaMelo Ballโs manager, seemed to indicate the report was not true on Instagram.
โRon Adams is our resident โ is oenophile correct?โKerr asked on this weekโs โHoops, Adjacentโ podcast. โIn fact, when I interviewed Ron to come aboard with the Warriors in 2014, my assistant Nick UโRen and I took Ron out to dinner to interview him. We ordered a bottle of wine. It was an Italian restaurant. They didnโt have any California Pinots, which is what we were looking for. And the waiter said, โYou know, if you want, Iโll bring you kind of the Italian version of a Pinot.โ We said great. โSo he brings back the wine, he opens it up, he gives Ron the taste โ you know, how you swish it around (in your mouth)? Well, Ron became the first person Iโve ever been to dinner with who sent the wine back. On a job interview!โ
The Detroit opportunity comes with a pretty dismal short-term outlook, but it also could be more promising in the longer term. Sources tell me owner Tom Gores has been willing to spend money on the things fans donโt see (staff, scouting, training resources) that make life a lot easier for a rebuilding team. Additionally, the team is at a pretty clear transition point for Weaver to put his stamp on the team. The post-Blake Griffin-trade delusions of grandeur have been replaced by the grim acknowledgment that this team needs to rebuild and it could take a while.
Front Office Sports: 76ers rookie @MatisseThybulle launched a new YouTube channel where he is documenting his experience inside the NBA’s bubble through vlogs he is shooting and editing himself. He’s already up to 8.9k subscribers in less than 4 hours and has caught the attention of Casey Neistat.
July 13, 2020 | 2:18 am EDT Update
Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic has still not arrived in Orlando as of late Sunday, Malone told reporters on a video conference call. โWeโre still kind of working around all the details of getting him here,โ Malone said. โNo real update, but I know that his arrival should be happening relatively soon.โ
The sky-high potential of Nuggets rookie Bol Bol is inching closer to reality with his healthy return to team practices in Orlando. โHeโs special and super talented,โ center Mason Plumlee said. โI can speak to certain skills that he has, but heโs a welcomed addition. Heโs had a great attitude from the time that we had back in Denver and then down here.โ
Malone would not confirm if Bol, 20, will be available to play when seeding games begin Aug. 1 against the Miami Heat. But itโs clear the Nuggets remain extremely bullish about his future. โTo see (Bol) out there playing and doing things a lot of people canโt do is really remarkable,โ Malone said. โHe is extremely talented and skilled. You cannot teach 7-foot-2, you cannot teach a 7-foot-9 wingspan, and the soft touch that he has. Heโs getting stronger, heโs getting healthier, and right now itโs good to see him compete against some of the other players that we have down here.
Callie Caplan: Luka on the vibe of living in the bubble: “For me, it’s like some European championship. Every team is in the same hotel. … I’m used to that. We’re going to be together a lot, so it’s not bad.”
Callie Caplan: Boban Marjanovic on life in the NBA’s bubble: “Nothing weird so far. Food so far is good, I never complain. Room is good. Bed is great. I think I sleep better here than my bed at home.”
Irving spoke with his sister Asia in an Instagram live chat to discuss the latest Kyrie 6 colorway that she designed. Irving is well-aware that critics and NBA fans have been making fun of him for his eye-brow raising antics. But for him, what matters most is what heโs been doing over the past decade for the basketball community and society. โItโs about on the court, look at my resume, look at the classics, look at my art,โ he said. โI created it for going on 10-plus years now. Donโt play with me. Donโt play with what I do on a day in and day out basis to provide and go out there and create.โ
Anthony Davis says he will keep his last name stitched on the back of his jersey for the NBA restart in Orlando, Florida, rather than replace it with a social justice message. “I think the name Davis is something that I try to represent every time I try to step on the floor, my family,” he said during a video conference call with reporters Sunday.
“I didn’t know what to decide: Should I have a social justice message or should I have my last name there? I just think my last name is something that is very important to me,” he said. “Also social justice as well. But just holding my family name and representing the name on the back to go through this process and my name and people who’ve been with me through my entire career to help me get to this point. While still kind of bringing up things that we can do for social injustice.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, 285 of the expected 350 eligible NBA players had picked a social justice message to put on their jerseys, while 17 had opted to continue to use their names, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts told ESPN’s The Undefeated.
