3 hours agoThe Atlanta Hawks currently own the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft, and it happens to be one that there isn't many consensus picks from top to bottom. Alex Sarr has been talked about the most for the No. 1 selection, but it sounds like that could change after a recent Dan Hurley interview. As he talked about his decision to not go the Los Angeles Lakers, he explained that he spoke to Quin Snyder (head coach of the Atlanta Hawks), and said that they really like UConn big man Donovan Clingan. Most mock drafts have him somewhere around third to seventh, but there haven't been any standout prospects that are a surefire choice at first overall. Clingan could provide solid defense and rebounding while they move on from either
Clint Capela or
Onyeka Okongwu.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Matt Norlander - CBS Sports
3 hours agoThe Los Angeles Clippers are in the market for a new assistant coach after Dan Craig left for the Chicago Bulls. One name on their list is none other than former head coach and broadcaster, Jeff Van Gundy. This year, since he was let go by ESPN, he has served as a consultant for the NBA Finals-leading Boston Celtics. The last time Van Gundy was on the sidelines was the 2006-07 season with the Houston Rockets. He boasts an NBA coaching record of 430-318 in the regular season and 44-44 in the playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks attempted to hire Van Gundy last offseason but ended up unsuccessful. The Clippers, on the other hand, believe they have a good chance to bring him on board.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein
3 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell is one of the bigger dominoes in this coming offseason landscape. At first, there were hesitations and worries around the league that Mitchell would not stay in Cleveland. Now, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, there's a "league-wide expectation" that Mitchell and the Cavs are going to agree on an extension that could pay him up to $208 million. On top of that, Fischer reports that the team isn't looking to trade any of their core four players which includes Mitchell,
Darius Garland,
Jarrett Allen, and
Evan Mobley.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Jake Fischer - Yahoo Sports
3 hours agoBrooklyn Nets guard
Dennis Schroder reiterated to his hometown reporters that he wanted to remain with the team. The veteran guard said, "I'd definitely like to stick around for the long haul. My agent and I feel like the Nets liked how I contributed." In 29 games with the Nets this season, Schroder averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 threes per game while shooting .424/.412/.797. Brooklyn has a lot of question marks heading into the offseason with point guard being a very big one.
Ben Simmons hasn't been healthy,
Dennis Smith Jr. isn't under contract, and
Cam Thomas hasn't fit the point guard mold that well. Schroder knows they could make moves for a star player, but he'd like to bring more leadership to the team past this season.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Brian Lewis - New York Post
18 hours agoAccording to Fox 40's Sean Cunningham, citing league sources, Sacramento Kings forward
Sasha Vezenkov plans to finish the contract he agreed to with the team last offseason. Mihalis Stefanou of EuroHoops.net reported Vezenkov wanted out of Sacramento while indicating the 28-year-old was considering heading back overseas. However, Cunningham denied the report's validity, with a league executive calling it "off base." The 2023 EuroLeague MVP averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep in the 2023-24 campaign. It's likely teams will inquire about a possible trade this offseason. But with the Kings' roster not set in stone for 2024-25, Vezenkov carving out a meaningful role in Sacramento isn't out of the question.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Sean Cunningham
19 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard
Luka Doncic (chest) is probable for Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Boston on Friday night. He has a thoracic contusion, resulting in several pain-killing injections ahead of Game 3 on Wednesday night. But the Mavs are just one loss away from losing the series, so there's basically no chance he won't be on the floor. Doncic has averaged 29.7 points, 9.0 boards, 6.0 assists, and 2.3 steals in the series' first three games, making him worthy of DFS roster consideration.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
19 hours agoAccording to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Boston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (leg) might play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Dallas Mavericks. He suffered a dislocated posterior Tibialis in Game 2 on Sunday and wasn't available for Game 3. But the 28-year-old, who was initially believed to miss the rest of the Postseason, has a chance of suiting up for Game 4. However, Porzingis is also dealing with swelling, so the C's may play it safe and keep him off the floor, considering the team is just one win away from an NBA title. For now, he's officially questionable. But if Porzingis can't play,
Al Horford, who had eight points, five boards, two steals, and one block on Wednesday, will likely stay with the first five.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
1 day agoDallas Mavericks guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. was back in the rotation in Wednesday's Game 3 loss against the Celtics but had a miserable outing. After not earning a single second of action in Game 2, Hardaway Jr. saw 19 minutes but finished scoreless with 0-for-5 shooting and ended up with a game-worst minus-16 rating. Hardaway Jr. was among the league's most prolific bench performers during the regular season, but he's had a rough ride throughout the playoffs. The 32-year-old sniper, who is Dallas' third-highest-paid player, has seen his scoring average drop from 14.4 points to 3.8 points due to 27.6 percent shooting from downtown. He has hit 34 percent overall from the field in the playoffs, and it wouldn't be surprising if Wednesday's game ends up being Hardaway Jr.'s last appearance in the 2024 Finals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoDallas Mavericks center
Dereck Lively II sparked back into life in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Boston on Wednesday, producing an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench in 30 minutes. The 20-year-old rookie became the youngest player ever with double-digit rebounds in an NBA Finals game. Lively II wrapped up his line with two assists and one steal, shooting 5-for-6 from the field. The young center now boasts three double-doubles for the 2024 postseason. He played a big part in Dallas' fourth-quarter comeback effort on Wednesday, which should secure Lively II a big role in Friday's elimination game.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoDallas Mavericks point guard
Luka Doncic hit an unwanted milestone in Wednesday's Game 3 loss to the Celtics, fouling out for the first time in his postseason career. Playing in his 51st playoff contest, Doncic picked up two quick fouls in crunch time and was forced to sit out the final 4:12 of action. He finished with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal. Following a very strong shooting performance in Game 2, the Slovenian superstar was limited to 11-for-27 shooting and hit only one of his seven attempts from behind the arc. A more efficient performance will be needed from him for Dallas to survive Friday's Game 4.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoDallas Mavericks guard
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points on 13-for-28 shooting in Wednesday's Game 3 loss to Boston. After amassing only 28 points across the first two games of the Finals, Irving had by far his best performance of the series, but the Mavericks still couldn't get a win on the board. Irving's efforts included a 4-for-6 record with the three-ball, three rebounds, and two assists. Dallas is now in huge trouble, as no team in NBA history has managed to win a playoff series from a 3-0 deficit. The team will be facing elimination in Game 4 on Friday, and we can expect to see Irving put in a big effort to help the team extend the series.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoBoston Celtics guard
Derrick White had another busy night in the office against Dallas in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, notching 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to help the team to a 106-99 victory. He finished with 4-for-10 shooting, recording his only makes from behind the arc with nine attempts. White has been immense at both ends of the floor for Boston in the Finals and should continue to play a large role in the team's success. The 29-year-old has averaged 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals in three games against the Mavericks.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoBoston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown had one of the best postseason performances of his career in Wednesday's Game 3 against the Mavericks, amassing 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and a block in a 106-99 win. While
Jayson Tatum continues to struggle with his shooting in the Finals, Brown had his third straight effort with 50-plus percent shooting from the field, hitting 12-for-22, although he only managed to go 2-for-9 with the three-ball. The J's became the first Celtics duo to each record at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a Finals game. And after jumping to a 3-0 lead, it now appears to be only a matter of time before Boston closes out the series.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoBoston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum saw his shooting woes continue in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals against Dallas, but he posted a team-high 31 points in a 106-99 victory. The Celtics star has shot 35.9 percent in the Finals, and he finished Wednesday's contest with an 11-for-26 effort, hitting 4-for-13 from deep. However, Tatum played a complete game, adding playmaking and rebounding to his scoring. He recorded six boards and five dimes with one steal. Tatum has been limited to 21.7 points per game in the Finals, but he's also had 8.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists to help the team grab a 3-0 series lead.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoAccording to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, citing league executives, teams around the NBA are "backing off" from trying to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland. Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman recently indicated the team isn't looking to trade the 24-year-old. Yet, it may not be possible, especially Cleveland hopes to sign
Donovan Mitchell to an extension. Garland averaged 18.0 points and shot 37.1% from behind the arc last season, both down from the 2022-23 campaign. He was also limited to 57 games because of injury. However, Garland figures to be a viable fantasy asset in 2024-25, regardless of where he ends up.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brian Windhorst
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