Cavaliers Rumors

Eastern Trade Rumors: Cavs, Schröder, Beal, Dinwiddie, Burks, Magic

Before acquiring Caris LeVert from Indiana, the Cavaliers talked to the Clippers about a possible deal involving Luke Kennard, according to reports from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

Meanwhile, Jared Weiss of The Athletic suggests the Cavaliers may not be done dealing yet, writing that they remain in the mix for Celtics guard Dennis Schröder. A Cleveland offer for Schröder would likely include a draft pick and two players from a group that includes Ed Davis, Dylan Windler, and Kevin Pangos, says Weiss.

Even as the Cavs remain in the market for more backcourt help, it doesn’t appear likely they’re prepared to move on from injured guard Collin Sexton. According to Scotto, teams have called to inquire on Sexton, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, but Cleveland would prefer to keep him.

Here are a few more trade rumors from around the Eastern Conference:

  • There’s still no indication the Wizards will do anything this week with Bradley Beal, who is getting his injured wrist evaluated, writes ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The team still wants to keep him long-term and hasn’t heard anything from Beal that indicates he’s not committed to the franchise, sources tell ESPN.
  • The Wizards have, however, continued to communicate their interest in trading their other starting guard, Spencer Dinwiddie, says Fischer. According to Fischer, it’s unclear what sort of market exists for Dinwiddie, who is having a poor season in D.C.
  • As the Knicks continue their attempts to move a veteran or two, they’ve exhibited interest in acquiring players on expiring contracts, says Windhorst. Among the vets being shopped by New York, Alec Burks has generated the most interest, Fischer reports.
  • According to Fischer, league personnel think the Magic will end up trading Terrence Ross in a deal similar to the Evan Fournier move from a year ago, which netted them a pair of second-round picks. Fischer adds that Gary Harris is considered a buyout candidate if he’s not traded at the deadline.

Cavs Notes: LeVert, Trade Talks, Okoro, Draft Pick

The Cavaliers and Pacers began to engage in exploratory discussions about Caris LeVert shortly after Ricky Rubio tore his ACL, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, who notes that the Cavs’ deadline priorities likely would’ve looked different if Rubio’s injury hadn’t occurred.

Before officially acquiring LeVert, the Cavaliers looked into a series of other options, per Fedor, inquiring on Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo, Rockets guard Eric Gordon, Spurs guard Derrick White, Kings sharpshooter Buddy Hield, and Magic wings Terrence Ross and Gary Harris.

Cleveland didn’t move forward on any of those players for a variety of reasons. For instance, the Bucks didn’t want to help a team they might have to face in the playoffs, while the Cavs didn’t want to part with a first-round pick for Gordon or with a combination of picks and young players for White, says Fedor.

Ultimately, the Cavs decided LeVert was the right fit at the right price, satisfying their goal of improving in the short term without losing sight of their long-term goals. LeVert is only under contract through 2022/23 for now, but if things go well in Cleveland, he could become the next piece of the team’s core, Fedor writes.

Here’s more on the Cavs:

  • Sources tell Fedor that the Cavaliers will continue to seek upgrades around the margins in advance of Thursday’s trade deadline. Cleveland controls San Antonio’s 2022 second-rounder and would prefer to keep it, but that pick has drawn plenty of interest, says Fedor.
  • The Pacers expressed interest in Isaac Okoro during their negotiations with the Cavaliers, but Cleveland didn’t want to part with the former lottery pick, sources tell Fedor. The Cavs’ willingness to include Houston’s 2022 second-rounder in their package helped bring the deal across the finish line, since that pick was viewed as something close to a first-rounder.
  • Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised head of basketball operations Koby Altman for the moves he has made to help turn the Cavs around, as Fedor relays. “When you look at the deals that he’s made, he has made us much better basketball team through his aggressiveness and seeking value where others may not see, but having the idea of how this one impacts the next,” Bickerstaff said. “The proof is there. You look at guys like Jarrett (Allen) and what he’s been able to do for this team and that’s a credit to Koby for making sure we got involved in what Brooklyn was trying to do. It wasn’t just Koby being singularly focused on something. He put himself in position with other teams as well and that speaks to the communication, his reputation, and being able to have those conversations with other teams.”
  • Sam Vecenie of The Athletic and John Hollinger of The Athletic view the LeVert trade as a win-win for the Cavaliers and Pacers, since Cleveland looks like an ideal fit for the swingman and Indiana got a good return for him.
  • The first-round pick the Cavaliers traded to Indiana in the deal is top-14 protected in 2022 and again in 2023, per RealGM. In the unlikely event that the pick lands in the lottery both years, the Pacers would instead receive Cleveland’s 2025 second-round pick and the Lakers’ 2026 second-rounder.

Pacers Trade Caris LeVert To Cavaliers

FEBRUARY 7: The Cavaliers have officially acquired LeVert from the Pacers, the team announced today in a press release. The full terms of the deal are outlined below.

“We are very excited to add a dynamic young player of this caliber and experience,” Altman said in a statement. “Caris LeVert fits uniquely into our culture and his Ohio roots brings an immediate connection to our community. We look forward to seeing what type of impact he can make on this roster. We also want to send our best wishes to Ricky Rubio and his family. Ricky has been the consummate professional and his leadership both on and off the court was invaluable and we respect everything he brought to this franchise.”


FEBRUARY 6: The Cavaliers are acquiring Caris LeVert and Miami’s 2022 second-round pick from the Pacers in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Cleveland’s 2022 lottery-protected first-round pick, Houston’s 2022 second-round pick, and Utah’s 2027 second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (all Twitter links).

LeVert is in Cleveland ahead of Sunday’s game between the Pacers and Cavs and was discussing the trade with Cleveland’s president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic (via Twitter). Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed to reporters that the terms of the trade have been agreed to in principle, Vardon tweets.

LeVert, a native of Columbus, is excited to return home to Ohio and join the rising Cavaliers, Wojnarowski reports (via Twitter). LeVert will be eligible for an extension this summer. He’s making $17.5MM this season and $18.8MM in 2022/23.

Rubio, who unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in his left knee at the end of December and is out for the season, was involved for salary-matching purposes. He’s on an expiring $17.8MM contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The disabled player exception the Cavaliers received after Rubio’s injury, which is worth $8.9MM, will be voided upon completion of the trade, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks tweets.

Cleveland has been scouring the trade market for guard help after season-ending injuries to Rubio and Collin Sexton, who suffered a torn MCL in November which required surgery. The Cavs were later granted a disabled player exception for Sexton, which they still hold. It’s worth $3.17MM, half of Sexton’s salary this season. They previously made a minor trade to acquire Rajon Rondo from the Lakers, but were still in pursuit of a younger player who could play a bigger role.

The Cavs had been rumored to be interested in LeVert for weeks, but one recent report said they were resistant to Indiana’s high asking price. Obviously the Cavs value LeVert highly to give up their protected 2022 first-round pick and Houston’s second-rounder, which figures to be in the early 30s.

LeVert, 27, is averaging 18.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 4.4 APG on .447/.323/.760 shooting through 39 games this season (31.1 MPG). His last outing in a Pacers uniform was a stellar one, putting up 42 points, five rebounds, and eight assists on 19-26 shooting in Indiana’s 122-115 loss to Chicago Friday.

For the Pacers, it’s a significant haul for a player with one additional year remaining on his contract. Although LeVert is a talented shot creator and scorer, he has his share of weaknesses. He’s more of a shoot-first, pass-second type of player and isn’t a great shooter. He’s also a subpar defender. Apparently the Cavaliers think they will be able to cover some of LeVert’s defensive limitations with their third-ranked defense, anchored by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

It will be interesting to see if the Pacers continue to make deals ahead of the February 10 trade deadline. They are reportedly willing to listen to offers for several players, including Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb.

The Cavs currently hold a 32-21 record, fourth in the East, while the Pacers are 19-35, 13th in the East.

Evan Mobley Faces The Teams That Passed On Him, Collin Sexton Signs With Klutch

  • Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley got to face the two teams that passed on him in the draft, the Pistons and Rockets, over the past week, notes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Mobley averaged 23.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in the two games and posted a double-double in the first half at Houston. “We were extremely fortunate to end up with Evan,” coach J.B Bickerstaff said. “That’s not a knock on the other two guys that went before him. I think this rookie class is going to be one of those classes that we talk about for a long time. But we were fortunate to get our guy, one that fit exactly with what we were trying to do. We’ve seen the impact he has had on us so far.”
  • Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, who will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, has signed with Klutch Sports, the agency tweeted.

Allen Responds To Snub With Career Game

  • The Cavaliers feel Jarrett Allen deserved a spot on the All-Star team. Allen wasn’t chosen as an All-Star reserve and he responded with a career-high 29 points and 22 rebounds against Charlotte on Friday. “I think Jarrett got snubbed,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said to Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “You look at what he’s done over the year and there’s no real way to justify him not making it. It’s difficult because there are a lot of talented players out there, but if we respect winning the way we say we respect winning, there’s no way that Jarrett Allen doesn’t make the All-Star team. I’ll speak on his behalf. We’re extremely disappointed that he didn’t make it.”

Injury Notes: LaVine, White, Harden, Garland, Hayward, More

Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine has been suffering through back spasms recently, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic relays. LaVine was noticeably wincing during Chicago’s 127-120 overtime defeat to Toronto on Thursday. Center Nikola Vučević says the team appreciates LaVine’s commitment to winning despite not being fully healthy.

It tells us a lot about Zach playing through back spasms,” Vučević said. “It’s not easy. It limits you a lot. You just don’t have that freedom of movement, especially in the back. It’s a big, important part of your body, especially when you play basketball. I’m sure it was bothering him a lot, especially on the offensive end trying to score and be aggressive.

But it speaks a lot about his commitment to winning and to this team trying to still be out there. Even him not being 100 percent helps us a lot, so we appreciate him being out there.”

Coach Billy Donovan told reporters, including K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link), that the Bulls are hopeful LaVine will return Sunday after sitting out Friday on the second game of a back-to-back. However, Donovan also said that LaVine is still battling the knee soreness that sidelined him for a handful of games last month.

Here are some more injury updates from around the NBA:

  • LaVine wasn’t the only Bulls player absent from Friday’s 122-115 win at Indiana, as Coby White also missed the game due to a groin strain, Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago tweets. Donovan said White has had lingering discomfort in the groin, but it was aggravated against Toronto.
  • Nets coach Steve Nash said James Harden was held out of Brooklyn’s 125-102 blowout loss at Utah on Friday for precautionary reasons, per Nick Friedell of ESPN (via Twitter). The team is giving Harden a couple extra days rest to ensure his hamstring is feeling better. Nash doesn’t think Harden will need an MRI and is hopeful he’ll return to action Sunday at Denver. Rudy Gay exited the game early for the Jazz with right knee soreness and didn’t return to the court, Tony Jones of The Athletic tweets.
  • Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, recently named an All-Star for the first time, missed his third consecutive game Friday at Charlotte with lower back soreness, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. Gordon Hayward returned to action for the Hornets in the team’s 102-101 loss after missing the past two weeks due to COVID-19, Boone notes.
  • Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony will likely be out Saturday vs. New York, providing extra rest before the team re-evaluates his strained right hamstring next week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets. LeBron James is also doubtful for the contest against the Knicks with knee swelling, per Marc Berman of The New York Post (Twitter link).
  • Heat center Omer Yurtseven has cleared the health and safety protocols and is available for Saturday’s game at Charlotte, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports (via Twitter).
  • Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 draft, missed his second straight game for the Pistons Friday with a hip pointer, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com tweets. Coach Dwane Casey said the injury isn’t considered serious, but the team is being cautious with its rising star. The Pistons fell to the Celtics, 102-93.
  • Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon missed his second consecutive game Friday with hamstring tightness, per Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports (Twitter link). The Nuggets lost to the Pelicans without Gordon, 113-105.

2021/22 Rising Stars Team Rosters

As we previously relayed, the NBA announced a new format for its Rising Stars event at All-Star weekend, which will take place on Friday, February 18. The event will feature four seven-player teams competing in a three-game tournament (two semifinals and a final).

The player pool is comprised of 12 NBA rookies, 12 sophomores, and four players from the G League Ignite, while the games will be played to a target score: 50 points in the semifinals and 25 points in the final, in honor of the league’s 75th anniversary season.

The rosters were announced on February 1, but now the four honorary coaches (75th anniversary team members Rick Barry, Isiah Thomas, Gary Payton and James Worthy) have selected their seven-man teams, per our JD Shaw (Twitter link). Here are the rosters:

Team Barry:

Team Isiah:

Team Payton:

Team Worthy:

James Ham of ESPN 1320 and The Kings Beat provides (via Twitter) the full draft results.

The top 10, in order, were: Edwards, Mobley, Ball, Anthony, Giddey, Barnes, Cunningham, Bey, Bane, and Wagner. It’s worth noting that Worthy and Anthony both went to the University of North Carolina, so Anthony’s selection at No. 4 is less surprising given that context.

What do you think of the teams? Who do you think will come out on top? Head to the comments section and let us know your thoughts!

2022 NBA Trade Deadline Preview: Central Division

With the NBA’s February 10 trade deadline around the corner, we’re taking a closer look at all 30 teams, breaking down their potential plans for the deadline and identifying their most likely trade candidates. We’re focusing today on the Central Division.


Chicago Bulls

Trade deadline goals:

After acquiring Nikola Vucevic at last season’s deadline, the Bulls completed sign-and-trade deals for DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball in the offseason, signaling they were prepared to go all-in to contend. Those moves have paid off, as Chicago currently controls the No. 1 seed in the East with a 32-19 record.

However, injuries have put a damper on the Bulls’ success. Young forward Patrick Williams will miss most, if not all, of the season after undergoing wrist surgery in October. And Ball, Alex Caruso, and Derrick Jones are all sidelined with various ailments that have projected recovery timelines of at least six-to-eight weeks.

Chicago’s health problems have complicated the team’s plans at the deadline. Does it make sense to continue the all-in push this season with no guarantee that the rotation will be 100% healthy this spring? If so, what’s the greatest area of need? Do the Bulls need a forward to help make up for the losses of Williams and Jones, or has the backcourt become a more pressing concern with Ball and Caruso unavailable?

For now, there’s no reason to believe Ball and Caruso won’t be back for the playoffs, but the same can’t necessarily be said of Williams, whose relative inexperience is another factor that must be considered as the team weighs its top deadline priorities. While the Bulls could certainly look to add another guard (they’ve been linked to Dennis Schröder), I expect power forward to be the prime position of concern.

Top trade candidates:

Coby White was drafted by the Bulls’ previous front office regime and hadn’t established himself as a foundational player entering this season, so he was viewed a couple months ago as one of the team’s clearest trade candidates.

However, White has taken advantage of a series of backcourt absences and has played some of the best basketball in his career in recent weeks, raising doubts about whether Chicago can actually afford to part with him. I think he could still be on the move in the right deal, but the odds of him being dealt have decreased significantly.

A team laser-focused on winning a championship in the short term would likely be open to trading Williams for a healthier and more playoff-tested veteran, but the Bulls have signaled they’re not eager to discuss the former No. 4 overall pick, who was the first player drafted by president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas. Even if Williams doesn’t end up contributing much this season, the Bulls still love his long-term potential and won’t sacrifice him in any deal that doesn’t substantially improve their title chances.

If White and Williams are off the table, the Bulls may be limited to shopping the likes of Jones, Troy Brown, Marko Simonovic, and a handful of reserves. The team has traded away two of its future first-round picks, reducing the number of draft assets it could use to sweeten its offers, but does control Portland’s lottery-protected 2022 first-rounder. That’s probably the pick trade partners will be after in any negotiations with the Bulls.


Cleveland Cavaliers

Trade deadline goals:

For the first time since LeBron James was a Cavalier, we’re approaching a trade deadline wondering what moves Cleveland can make to increase its odds of making a deep playoff run that spring, rather than what moves the club will make to improve its long-term outlook.

The Cavaliers’ jumbo frontcourt has been a massive success, and with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen locked into their respective roles, the team doesn’t need to add reinforcements up front. However, Cleveland has been in the market for help on the wing since last summer, and season-ending injuries to Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton have the club eyeing potential backcourt upgrades as well.

Caris LeVert, Terrence Ross, Eric Gordon, and Dennis Schröder are among the players who have been cited as possible deadline targets for the Cavs.

While Cleveland will do its best to add one of those players or another veteran who can play a rotation role, it doesn’t sound like the team is eager to sacrifice valuable assets for the future. According to one recent report, the Cavs are trying to upgrade their roster using a couple second-round picks instead of parting with a first-rounder.

Top trade candidates:

Until he tore his ACL, Rubio looked like a candidate for a contract extension, not a trade. But his $17.8MM expiring contract now makes him Cleveland’s best salary-matching piece in a bigger deal.

While it’s obvious the Cavs are willing to move Rubio, it remains unclear what the plan is for their other injured guard. Sexton will be a restricted free agent this summer, and his knee surgery means the Cavs may be able to sign him to a much more team-friendly deal than they initially expected. He’d have value as a trade chip, but I expect Cleveland will try to avoid moving him if possible.

Kevin Love had been on the trade block for years entering this season, but was never dealt because no other teams wanted his oversized contract. I expect another trade deadline to come and go without Love changing teams, but his situation has changed — he’s having a nice bounce-back season and is thriving in a reserve role, providing far more value to the Cavs in that role than he would in a trade.

Dylan Windler, Kevin Pangos, and a handful of other bench players could be had, but won’t have much value. Unless they’re willing to move Sexton or Cedi Osman, the Cavs’ ability to upgrade their roster may ultimately come down to what kinds of draft picks they put in their offers. Second-round picks will be enough for certain trade targets, but a first-rounder would open up more doors.


Detroit Pistons

Trade deadline goals:

The Pistons’ 12-39 record is the NBA’s second-worst mark. They’re not contending for a playoff spot this season, and given how competitive the East has gotten, they may not be in the mix for a postseason berth in 2023 either.

With that in mind, Detroit will be taking the long view as the February 10 deadline approaches. I expect the club to focus on adding more draft picks and taking fliers on young players who may have fallen out of favor with their current teams, such as Marvin Bagley III.

While it’s possible the Pistons could make a move for someone who could contribute right away, it would only make sense to do so if that player is controllable for several years — either on a long-term contract or as a pending restricted free agent whose Bird rights Detroit would acquire in any trade.

Top trade candidates:

Jerami Grant is one of this winter’s top trade candidates, and the Pistons appear to be in good position to extract a significant return for the veteran forward. There are several contending teams in the market for an impact two-way player, and Grant is under contract beyond this season, making him an appealing target.

Still, there’s no guarantee the Pistons will move Grant. A number of his potential suitors – such as the Lakers and Jazz – aren’t armed with the sort of draft picks and young prospects Detroit would want, which may limit the team’s ability to create a bidding war.

Rumors that Grant will want a prominent offensive role and a four-year, $112MM extension (the maximum he could get prior to free agency) from his new team may also make some clubs nervous.

If Grant stays put, it could be a pretty quiet deadline for the Pistons. They have other players they’d certainly be open to dealing – Cory Joseph, Josh Jackson, and Rodney McGruder, among others – but none of them are nearly as valuable as Grant.


Indiana Pacers

Trade deadline goals:

The 2021/22 trade rumor season unofficially got underway when a report nearly two months ago stated the Pacers were open to a roster shakeup and were making Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Caris LeVert available with the intent to be active.

While that story made it sound like there could be a fire sale in Indiana, subsequent reporting made it clear that’s probably not in the cards.

Pacers owner Herb Simon, who is 87 years old, has never been on board with a full-scale rebuild and is unlikely to sign off on one now, even though the case could be made that the time is right — at 19-34, the club seems to be bottoming out this season without intentionally tanking.

Unless Simon has a change of heart, our working assumption is that Indiana will be open to making a big deal or two that reshapes the roster without significantly pushing back the timeline for contention. The 2017 Paul George trade is a good point of reference — when they dealt George, the Pacers got back Sabonis and Victor Oladipo, not a collection of draft picks. That blueprint is the one they’ll probably want to follow if they move Sabonis, Turner, and/or LeVert.

Top trade candidates:

Sabonis and Turner are the most exciting trade candidates on the block for the Pacers, but LeVert and Justin Holiday are probably the ones who are more likely to be dealt.

Indiana’s asking price for Sabonis is said to be very high, and Turner’s lingering foot injury muddles his trade value. It’s certainly not out of the question that one of the centers will be on the move, but I don’t get the sense the odds are better than 50/50 at this point.

Outside of Sabonis, Turner, LeVert, and Holiday, the Pacers don’t really have any trade candidates that will move the needle for teams. Malcolm Brogdon isn’t eligible to be traded this season, T.J. McConnell and T.J. Warren are injured, and rookies Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson are believed to be off the table.


Milwaukee Bucks

Trade deadline goals:

The Bucks brought back most of their key contributors from last season’s championship roster, but they’ve clearly missed a pair of veterans this season: P.J. Tucker and Brook Lopez.

Milwaukee let Tucker walk in free agency, bringing in Semi Ojeleye on a minimum-salary contract in the hopes that he could play a similar role at a much lower price. That gamble hasn’t paid off. Ojeleye isn’t enough of a threat from beyond the three-point line to warrant much defensive attention, and while Ojeleye is a solid enough defender, Tucker was better. If the Bucks can find a way to acquire a versatile, defensive-minded forward who can be this year’s Tucker, they’ll jump at the opportunity.

As for Lopez, he’s still on the roster, but hasn’t played since the season opener due to back problems. He’s an important rim-protector for Milwaukee on defense and – like Tucker – hits just enough three-pointers to create problems for defenses that want to focus on the Bucks’ stars. Lopez’s return timeline remains unclear, but the Bucks will likely try to acquire at least a backup for him, if not an outright replacement.

Top trade candidates:

With Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen playing well on the wing, it will be interesting to see if the Bucks move Donte DiVincenzo at the deadline. They got by without him in last year’s postseason and for most of the first half this season, and he’ll be a restricted free agent at season’s end.

DiVincenzo has reportedly drawn “considerable” trade interest and looks like the best and most obvious trade chip for a Milwaukee team that has traded away several future draft picks.

Jordan Nwora is another restricted-free-agent-to-be who would have positive value if the Bucks made him available. Veterans like Ojeleye, George Hill, and Rodney Hood could also be attached to certain deals, but won’t draw much – if any – interest on their own.

Garland, VanVleet Make All-Star Team For First Time

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland and Raptors guard Fred VanVleet were chosen for the All-Star Game for the first time in their respective careers. They were named, along with a handful of other players, to the Eastern Conference All-Star reserve pool on Thursday, per the NBA (Twitter link).

Garland is averaging 19.8 PPG and 8.2 APG for the surprising Cavaliers. VanVleet has posted averages of 21.5 PPG and 7.0 APG this season.

The list of Eastern Conference reserves also includes the Nets’ James Harden, the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, the Bulls’ Zach LaVine, the Bucks’ Khris Middleton and the Heat‘s Jimmy Butler. The reserves were chosen by the league’s coaches.

Garland will be playing in front of his home fans in Cleveland on February 20.

The pool of Eastern Conference starters was announced a week ago. Sixers center Joel Embiid, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nets forward Kevin Durant are the frontcourt starters, while the backcourt players in the starter pool are DeMar DeRozan (Bulls) and Trae Young (Hawks).

J.B. Bickerstaff Named East's Coach Of The Month

  • The Suns‘ 13-1 performance in January earned head coach Monty Williams his second Coach of the Month nod of 2021/22, the NBA announced on Wednesday (via Twitter). Williams was also named the Western Conference’s Coach of the Month for October/November. J.B. Bickerstaff, whose Cavaliers had an 11-4 month, was the East’s Coach of the Month for January.
  • Hall-of-Famer Bill Fitch, a two-time Coach of the Year, has passed away at age 89, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein (Twitter link). Fitch coached the Cavaliers, Celtics, Rockets, Nets, and Clippers from 1970-98, winning a title with Boston in 1981.