This morning, the league announced that new Nets head coach Jason Kidd will be suspended for the first two games of the 2013/14 season after pleading guilty to DWI charges. The move was expected and GM Billy King issued a statement saying, "The decision is consistent with what the league has done in the past and we look forward to Jason leading our team versus Orlando and the rest of the year." Here's more from the Atlantic Division..
- Forward Royce White did not travel with the Sixers on their trip to Europe, a source tells Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News (on Twitter). White, who suffers from a well-documented anxiety disorder that includes a fear of flying, was "given a pass" by the team. The Sixers acquired White from the Rockets this summer along with the rights to Furkan Aldemir.
- Raptors coach Dwane Casey says that he doesn't have a preference between Carlos Morais, Julyan Stone, or Chris Wright for the club's final roster spot, writes Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. Casey did say that the decision will be based on much more than talent as he's looking for someone with solid energy.
- Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com looks at the pros and cons of starting defending Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith. The recently re-signed Knicks guard could shine with additional minutes, but he'd also cut into Iman Shumpert's time on the floor. Shumpert is one of the team's top defenders and is used to bottle up opposing guard/wing players.
- Offseason acquisition Metta World Peace says the Knicks have to play as smart as the 1973 team to win a championship in 2013, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post.
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