The Timberwolves are fuming over how the NBA handled the discipline for Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns, which stems from a mid-game scuffle between the two superstars last week, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Minnesota has expressed disapproval of the league’s decision to suspend both Embiid and Towns two games for multiple reasons, as noted by Krawczynski.
Firstly, team officials believe Embiid was the instigator of the scuffle, leading to Towns’ involvement. The franchise also touched on Embiid’s decision to leave the game with a bang upon his ejection, shadow-boxing and firing up the Philadelphia crowd while Towns exited the floor quietly.
And the last issue, one discussed heavily by fans across the league, relates to the league’s decision not to penalize Ben Simmons for his involvement in the altercation. Simmons was seen with his arms wrapped around the neck of Towns, causing many to believe he was attempting a rear-naked choke. The league ultimately viewed Simmons as a peacemaker.
“While we are disappointed in the league’s decision, we understand the magnitude of this unfortunate incident,” Wolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas said, according to Krawczynski. “The NBA is highly competitive and last night was a reflection of that. We support Karl and will move forward together as a group.”
Here are some other odds and ends from around the basketball world:
- The shaky starts from both the Nets and Warriors show Kevin Durant‘s tremendous on-court value even more, as detailed by Frank Isola of The Athletic. Golden State lost Durant in free agency this summer, with the 10-time All-Star choosing to take his talents to Brooklyn on a multi-year deal. Durant is expected to miss the rest of the 2019/20 season as he rehabs from a torn Achilles’ tendon, with the Nets currently struggling at 2-4.
- Free agent guard Dwight Buycks has agreed to a new deal with the Shenzhen Leopards in China, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. Buycks averaged 20.5 points with the team last season.
- Jonathon Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN.com discuss the early contenders for the 2020 NBA Draft, including which prospects have the best chances of being selected in the lottery. ESPN revealed its early mock draft for the event last week, with 7-foot-1 center James Wiseman currently projected as the No. 1 overall pick.
NBA 2020 mock
1. Wizards —-Cole Anthony—-PG
2. Cavs—-Anthony Edwards——SG
3. Thunder—-James Wiseman—-C
4. Hornets—-Isaiah Stewart—-C/PF
5. Knicks—-LaMelo Ball——PG
6. Griz (Celtics)—-Precious Achiuwa—-PF/SF
7. Bulls—-Deni Avdija—-SF
Wizards eventually trade Beal and rebuild and tank this year and take Coke Anthony as it’s future PG. Cavs get Edwards who is a solid SG who would pair awesome with Garland. Thunder continue its rebuild by getting Wiseman who is a beast and suits SGA. Hornets have a few holes but chose to take a big man who loves the paint. Knicks take Ball, extremely talented passer and shooter, also has good size. Celtics take Precious, who has Avery high ceiling. Bulls take a really really good SF to replace Porter
Wizards can’t trade Beal until the summer
Sorry that’s true didn’t realise. Still think they will end up near the bottom of the standings and have a top pick.
Another 7th pick for my bulls..?? I dont think so.my bulls will get big chance to get 1st pick.they are suck and will finish at 30th seed overall.
dont see how the nets “shaky start” shows KD’s on court value considering we have nothing to compare that to. for all we know KD could’ve been healthy this year and they still couldve gotten off to a slow start, especially considering that it’s been proven repeatedly that new teams need time to mesh. i’d also say the warriors slow start has just as much to do with klay and now curry’s injuries as it does durant’s departure
Shows that when a max slot is hurt for the whole year it’s hard to win. No new news here
A peace maker would have held his own player back. He had KAT in a headlock. NBA looks stupid.
I expect to see many players employing the peacemaker hold in the future.