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.
The Warriors waived offseason acquisition Omri Casspi and, as anticipated, signed former two-way player Quinn Cook to a two-year deal. Cook, who has filled in admirably for the Warriors while Stephen Curry is out with injury, will likely play a significant role for Golden State in its first round series against San Antonio. His minimum-salary contract for next season is fully guaranteed.
Grizzlies majority owner Robert Pera will retain his controlling interest in the franchise after buying out minority stakeholders Steve Kaplan and Daniel Straus. Pera shared his decision in an open letter to Grizzlies MVP Season Ticket Members. Of particular relevance to the team, Pera’s decision to retain control could improve J.B. Bickerstaff’s chances of being retained as head coach, something for which stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have already advocated.
The Knicks fired Jeff Hornacek. Team management first informed Hornacek of its decision upon returning to New York on Wednesday night following the Knicks’ win in Cleveland. In two seasons with the franchise, Hornacek led the Knicks to a 60-104 record (.366), missing the playoffs in consecutive years. Some early potential candidates to replace Hornacek include Mark Jackson, David Blatt, David Fizdale, Doc Rivers, Jeff Van Gundy, and Jerry Stackhouse.
The Magic fired Frank Vogel. Vogel was hired just two years ago but found himself on the hot seat after Orlando overhauled its front office during the 2017 offseason. Vogel compiled a 250-181 record (.580) with five playoff appearances during six years as the head coach of the Pacers but he was unable to replicate that success for the Magic, going 54-110 mark (.329) during his tenure in Orlando.
The Hornets fired Steve Clifford. Unlike Hornacek and Vogel, Clifford was the NBA’s seventh-longest-tenured head coach before being relieved of his duties, having been hired in 2013. He led the franchise to a 196-214 record (.478) during his five years, with the team making the playoffs twice. Luckily for Clifford, he remains well regarded in coaching circles, and it may not take him much time to find a new job elsewhere.
Here are 10 more headlines from last week:
- The Cavaliers signed forward Okaro White to a rest-of-season contract.
- Before firing Clifford, the Hornets hired new president of basketball operations and GM Mitch Kupchak.
- The Clippers signed swingman C.J. Williams to a three-year deal through the 2019/20 season.
- Kentucky point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sign with an agent and enter this summer’s NBA Draft.
- Villanova forward Mikal Bridges will also forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the draft.
- Dirk Nowitzki will return for a 21st year in the NBA, confirming that he will play during the 2018/19 season.
- Villanova point guard Jalen Brunson will join teammate Bridges and enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
- Vince Carter also plans to return for his 21st year in NBA next season.
- Wizards guard Jodie Meeks has been suspended 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program.
- The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery odds have been finalized.