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:
Nets guard Kyrie Irving missed his first trip back to Boston because of a shoulder injury, then responded on Instagram to derisive chants from Celtics fans. “It happens all the time and Tonight just shows how Sports/Entertainment will always be ignorant and obtrusive,” Irving wrote. “It’s one big SHOW that means very little in the real world.”
Zach LaVine had a meeting with Bulls coach Jim Boylen to discuss a perceived lack of trust. The clash came after LaVine was pulled from a game early after a couple of defensive mistakes.
Carmelo Anthony continues to impress since signing with the Trail Blazers last week and said he never intended for this season to be a farewell tour. Playing on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, Anthony is averaging 17.7 PPG as Portland has turned its season around with three straight wins.
The Magic were successful in their petition to the NBA to have the remaining $16.7MM of Timofey Mozgov‘s salary removed from their books. The 33-year-old underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in January.
The NCAA upheld a 12-game suspension for potential No. 1 pick James Wiseman. The Memphis center will also have to make a donation of $11.5K, which is the amount his family received as moving expenses from coach Penny Hardaway.
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from around the basketball world this week:
- Celtics guard Kemba Walker recovered quickly after a scary collision last Friday in Denver. He missed one game with a sprained neck, but returned to score 39 points on Wednesday.
- Thunder swingman Hamidou Diallo will miss some time after suffering a hyperextension sprain in his right elbow. The team plans to re-evaluate him in four to six weeks.
- C.J. Miles could be lost to the Wizards for the rest of the season because of damaged ligaments in his left wrist. He will see a specialist Monday to determine if surgery will be necessary.
- Khris Middleton returned to the Bucks‘ lineup ahead of schedule after suffering a left thigh contusion.
- Josh Hart apologized to the Lakers and some of his former teammates for comments he made on his podcast. Hart said the statements were made in jest and he didn’t expect them to air.
- An ESPN report suggests the Mavericks may be among the teams that will try to trade for Andre Iguodala. Dallas could use a defensive specialist like Iguodala to complement its high-powered offense.
- Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge wishes he had handled last season differently. Ainge recognizes that the talent didn’t fit together and the season wasn’t enjoyable for coach Brad Stevens.
- Kevin Love discussed the persistent rumors that the Cavaliers might trade him to a contender, even though he’s only in the second season of a four-year extension. Love said he will try to help his young teammates as long as he is in Cleveland.
- Jabari Parker would be willing to consider returning to the Bucks when he hits the open market again. Parker’s two-year deal with the Hawks includes a player option for next season.
- Alex Poythress, who was on a two-way deal with the Hawks last year, reached an agreement to play in Turkey.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
That’s a lot of hooch!