The Warriors have let the WNBA know that they’re interested in taking over a franchise, a day after the Los Angeles Sparks’ ownership ceased operations, writes Michelle Smith of ESPNW. “Our ownership group has maintained their interest in operating a WNBA team in the Bay Area since acquiring the Warriors three years ago,” Warriors team spokesman Raymond Ridder said. “We’ve had exploratory conversations relating to this topic with the WNBA on several occasions since 2010, including most recently regarding the Los Angeles franchise. At this point, our dialogue remains in the exploratory stage as we evaluate the complexities of any such acquisition now or in the future.”
A few other notes around the Pacific Division.
- The Suns, rookie GM Ryan McDonough, and Coach of the Month Jeff Hornacek are exceeding expectations, writes Jan Hubbard of Sheridan Hoops. While many thought the Suns would be one of the teams tanking for the first overall draft pick, it appears the Suns will now pursue rebuilding through other means. Hubbard believes the Suns will be able to continue being successful this season without hurting their chances at being successful in the near future. Hubbard believes the Suns holding six first-round picks and max cap space will allow them to successfully rebuild in the near future.
- Former Lakers and Suns player Shannon Brown is continuing to talk to NBA teams but according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo, he is becoming more engaged with offers in China. (Twitter Link) Brown hasn’t played in the NBA this season since being traded in October from the Suns to the Wizards and then waived shortly thereafter.
- The Kings have recalled Hamady N’Diaye from their D-League affiliate after assigning him yesterday. This is the second time the Kings have sent N’Diaye to the D-League for only a day. N’Diaye has appeared in 14 games for the Kings this season, averaging 5.3 minutes in those appearances.
- Although it appeared all was going well for Derrick Williams during the seven games he started for the Kings, things have gone downhill since he has been sent to the bench. Williams started the seven games following his trade from the Timberwolves but was benched shortly after the Kings acquired Rudy Gay from the Raptors. According to James Ham of Cowbell Kingdom, Kings’ coach Michael Malone thinks Williams has been the player affected the most by the Gay trade. Malone has informed Williams, though, to keep his head up and that there is currently no pressure on him.
Zach Links and Charlie Adams contributed to this post.