If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
Joe Johnson returned to the NBA, agreeing to sign a partially guaranteed one-year deal with the Pistons. The 38-year-old sat out all of last season, but talk of a comeback was sparked by a dominant performance in the BIG3, where he earned MVP honors and led his team to the title. The Sixers, Bucks and Nets were also reportedly interested.
Team USA failed to medal at the World Cup and had its 58-game international winning streak snapped by France. The Americans also lost to Serbia and settled for a seventh-place finish. However, they did qualify for a spot in next year’s Olympics.
Shaun Livingston, who played an important reserve role for the Warriors during their five straight trips to the NBA Finals, announced his retirement. Livingston was able to overcome a severe knee injury in his third NBA season and put together a 15-year NBA career.
The Lakers petitioned the league for a disabled player exception to replace injured center DeMarcus Cousins. If granted, L.A. would have $1.75MM — half of Cousins’ $3.5MM salary — that could be used any time through March 10.
Kevin Durant discussed the free agency process, plus his experiences with the Warriors and Thunder, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Durant revealed that he didn’t talk to anyone from the Nets’ organization before deciding to sign with Brooklym
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from the past week:
- Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball, vowed to remember which players reneged on World Cup commitments when the Olympic team is formed next year.
- Donovan Mitchell, who was among the bright spots for the American team in China, expressed interest in participating in the Olympics.
- The Nets may have increased interest in Carmelo Anthony after losing Johnson to Detroit.
- The Heat exercised their fourth-year option on Bam Adebayo‘s rookie contract.
- The Grizzlies have no intention of negotiating a buyout with Andre Iguodala before camp.
- New Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said the team isn’t considering any trades involving Bradley Beal.
- Owner Tilman Fertitta admitted that the Rockets have a limited championship window, saying that if they don’t win the title in the next three to four years, it probably won’t happen for the next 10.
- David Stern looked back on his time as NBA commissioner and said he has “no regrets” from his 30 years in office.
- The league announced that Sixers forward Mike Scott won’t be disciplined for reported scuffles with Eagles fans during the NFL team’s opening game.
- Michael Jordan is selling a portion of his ownership stake in the Hornets, but will retain control over the team.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
The Rockets championship window isn’t really limited to 3-4 years. Obviously that will be their best opportunity, but Harden just turned 30 so four years from now he will still have at least another great year or two left in him.