In case you missed any of this past week’s top stories from around the league, we have you covered with our Week in Review. Below are the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.
Spurs All-Star Kawhi Leonard will not return to the team this season, missing the remainder of the postseason with the intent of fully rehabilitating his injured right quadriceps. Appearing in just nine games this season, Leonard has not played since January 13, and continues to be absent from the team during his rehab.
In great news for the G League, its players will be receiving a significant salary increase next season. All G League contracts for 2018/19 will pay $35K, in addition to housing costs and insurance benefits. The league had been paying $26K or $19K this season and previously, depending on a player’s classification.
In very sad news, Erin Popovich, the wife of Spurs head coach Greg Popovich, passed away after having battled an illness for an extended time. Said Spurs GM RC Buford, “We mourn the loss of Erin. She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humor to all of us.” Greg and Erin were married for 40 years and had two children and two grandchildren together.
Luka Doncic of Real Madrid, a potential No. 1 overall pick, has submitted paperwork to enter the 2018 NBA Draft. Donic, 19, averaged 15.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG for Real Madrid this season and is currently still participating in the EuroLeague postseason.
There is a lot of news and rumors coming out of the head coaching searches for six NBA franchises – the Suns, Knicks, Grizzlies, Magic, Bucks, and Hornets. Luckily, you can find every story and update with our 2018 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker.
Here are 8 more headlines from last week:
- The Clippers are planning on being active if a trade market for Leonard materializes this summer.
- Not to be outdone, the Lakers also plan to trade for Leonard if he becomes available.
- Duke big man Wendell Carter Jr. is entering the 2018 NBA Draft.
- The NBA’s preseason salary cap projections for next season have not changed.
- Texas Tech freshman Zhaire Smith has declared his intention to enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
- Timberwolves rookie center Justin Patton is done for the season after undergoing a second surgery on his left foot.
- Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy and owner Tom Gores will meet this week to discuss Van Gundy’s future with the team.
- UVA’s De’Andre Hunter, a potential first-round pick, will return to school for his sophomore year.