Новости за 17.02.2023

Brian Windhorst: I think the Lakers are definitely kicking the tires there and looking on Kevin Love.
Source: YouTube

Ben Golliver: TNT’s Charles Barkley: “Y’all baby these dudes so much today. They don’t want to play back-to-back games. Every time a fan says something, they get them tossed. If they’re not happy, they want to get traded. It’s going to come to a head in the next CBA.”
Source: Twitter @BenGolliver

As The Athletic reported Thursday, LA received permission to speak to Russell Westbrook and talks have started among franchise officials. In that meeting, the two parties communicated what Westbrook’s role could be. Westbrook is set to meet with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in the near future as he continues to mull over his options prior to the March 1 playoff eligibility waiver deadline. George already took the extra step prior to the Clippers meeting with Westbrook to publicly vouch for his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate. Читать дальше...

“It’s been a blessing to have him,” Riley told the Miami Herlad. “I go back to [Alonzo Mourning] and Zo was a franchise face and then Dwyane [Wade] along with Udonis [Haslem], and now I look at Bam Adebayo the same way because of longevity. I see Bam here, I hope, for his whole career.”
Source: Peter Dewey @ Heat Nation

Kevin Love approached the team and asked for a buyout, Windhorst added. “I don’t think they were thrilled to hear this, but I don’t think they intended to change what was working,” he said. “So now they gotta work this out. I do think there’s interest in him.” Two or three teams called Windhorst once the news broke, seeking background information on Love. He added that the Heat are “very interested,” but that given the Heat are a potential playoff opponent, the Cavs could possibly try to “negotiate... Читать дальше...

NBA Central: Gilbert Arenas says Russell Westbrook has the ability to impact teams like Golden State, Philly, Boston, Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix “This man alone changes who wins the championship this year” (Via @fuboSports ) pic.twitter.com/8Axm5j6TLV
Source: Twitter @TheNBACentral

Not many foresaw Walker Kessler being this good this fast. For much of the public, he was almost an afterthought in the Gobert trade. But, he’s emerged as a big piece to Utah’s future, someone the Jazz are counting on as they forge ahead in their rebuild. And the development is there. It’s clear Kessler is a significantly better player now than he was at the beginning of the season. “As far as a ceiling goes, I don’t really see one for Walker,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy told The Athletic. “There’s... Читать дальше...

Michael Singer: Bones Hyland had a lot to say about his exit, but says he’ll always have a lot of love for Denver. He said after the trade, Jamal Murray sent him a long, thoughtful message. Said they’re good. pic.twitter.com/J92ppZpBef
Source: Twitter @msinger

“I remember going back and watching all his highlights. ‘Come Fly With Me.’ ‘Michael Jordan Playground.’ Obviously, every kid watched ‘Space Jam.’ He was the idol of all idols,” Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine said. “I don’t think anybody can touch his legacy or his greatness. “For me in my books, I always have MJ as the best player ever because without him, there’s nobody coming after him. He inspired us. “I’ve said a couple times, he’s almost like a mythological creature. He almost didn’t exist. Some of his stats... Читать дальше...

The fallout from the NBA’s trade deadline continues with several former All-Stars considering new destinations, such as Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook.

Cody Westerlund: As #Bulls rank 24th in offensive efficiency at All-Star break, Zach LaVine was asked if the struggles on that end perplexed him. He admitted “something isn’t working” and wished Bulls would have an identity to rely upon, regardless of injuries, like some other teams.
Source: Twitter

Zach Lowe and Chris Herring spoke their peace on the latest Lowe Post Podcast. Lowe in particular had some realistic critiques regarding Portland failing to make a convincing splash that could position another star next to Damian Lillard and salvage the season: If you are serious about building a contender now, next season, two seasons from now, around Damian Lillard, you have to investigate what you could get for Simons or Sharpe. You have to. Otherwise you’re just banking on hope and luck, which sometimes hope and luck hit... Читать дальше...

NBA on ESPN: Chris Paul passes Michael Jordan for third place on the all-time steals list 😤 pic.twitter.com/uIX4BYJ8b0
Source: Twitter @ESPNNBA

Eric Nehm: Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s right wrist sprain: “I think the initial reports were hopeful. The x-ray was clean. And he’s got a sprain. I think we’ll see how he feels tomorrow, see how he feels the next few days and continue to evaluate it.”
Source: Twitter @eric_nehm

Retired NBA player-turned-TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal took former Los Angeles Lakers big man Dwight Howard to task for having an underwhelming season while playing overseas. “They (Dwight Howard’s team) have a losing record,” said O’Neal. “Somebody sent me they have a losing record. I ain’t losing to nobody in Taiwan how about that. How do you have a losing record in Taiwan? Come on now. You can’t have no losing record in Taiwan.”
Source: Erikas Polockas @ TalkBasket

The Los Angeles Clippers (32-28) play against the Phoenix Suns (32-27) at Footprint Center

Eric Nehm: Update: Giannis Antetokounmpo is OUT for the remainder of tonight’s game with a right wrist sprain.
Source: Twitter @eric_nehm

Clutch Points: “Keep an eye on the Suns as a contender for Kevin Love.” 🗣️ @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/UkCdH2Oj8y
Source: Twitter @ClutchPointsApp

The Washington Wizards (28-30) play against the Minnesota Timberwolves (31-30) at Target Center

The Milwaukee Bucks (41-17) play against the Chicago Bulls (26-33) at United Center

Aaron J. Fentress: Blazers just announced that Anfernee Simons has a grade 2 ankle sprain and will be reevaluated after the all-star break. Not good news at all. Justise Winslow suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain on December 21. He hasn’t played since. pic.twitter.com/RFsy2wSYzs
Source: Twitter @AaronJFentress

And now, after Dallas traded with the Nets for Kyrie Irving this month, Luka Doncic may have the dynamic partner he has been missing as he has tried to lift the Mavericks to their first championship since 2011. He’s slowly stepping into the spotlight, opening up about how he got to this point — and where he wants to go. “I’d rather have the championship than M.V.P.,” he said, “but if you win an M.V.P., it’s amazing, too.”
Source: Jonathan Abrams @ New York Times

Clutch Points: “I was upset that we couldn’t finish. I thought we had some good momentum… It was a blow to our team.” Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s trade request pic.twitter.com/xMidFSU8eL
Source: Twitter @ClutchPointsApp

Marc J. Spears: Kevin Durant says he hopes to be playing soon after the NBA All-Star Break.
Source: Twitter @MarcJSpears

Gerald Bourguet: Kevin Durant on why the Nets fell short with him, Kyrie Irving and James Harden: “It was amazing basketball…for 17 games though.”
Source: Twitter @GeraldBourguet