Stan Van Gundy was critical of both the NCAA and the NBA's one-and-done rule that prohibits American-born basketball players from entering the NBA directly from high school.

“People that were against (players) coming out (of high school) made a lot of excuses, but I think a lot of it was racist," said Van Gundy. "I’ve never heard anybody go up in arms about (minor-league baseball or hockey)."

Van Gundy's comments came in response to allegations that money was funneled to college basketball players with the assistance of several coaches.

“The NCAA is one of the worst organizations – maybe the worst organization – in sports. They certainly don’t care about the athlete.”

Avery Bradley is out with a sports hernia.

Bradley missed Thursday's game at Golden State and is also expected to miss Friday's game.

"We are concerned," Doc Rivers said. "We've got to go through the right stuff and make sure he's in a good place with his health. I think we're going to send him to a doctor and let him check and see."

Bradley has dealt with groin issues throughout the season, which is his last before free agency.

Reggie Jackson is entering the next stage of his rehabilitation this week in preparation for a return from a Grade 3 right ankle sprain suffered December 26th.

Jackson has been cleared to begin light running, shooting and continued ankle strengthening exercises. The Pistons medical staff will monitor progress throughout the week in anticipation of beginning an escalation process towards resuming normal basketball activities.

No timeframe has been set for a return to practice or game action.

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded James Ennis to the Detroit Pistons for Brice Johnson and a second round pick.

The Pistons also pursued a similar trade for Dante Cunningham.

The Chicago Bulls have agreed to trade Jameer Nelson to the Detroit Pistons for Willie Reed. The Bulls will also be able to swap second round picks with the Pistons in 2022.

Nelson will reunite with Stan Van Gundy.

The Bulls acquired Nelson last week in the Nikola Mirotic trade.

After Nelson was waived by the Nuggets in October, he signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans. Nelson averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 43 games this season with the Pelicans.

The New York Knicks remain the NBA's most valuable franchise for the third straight season, according to Forbes' annual report.

The Knicks are valued at $3.6 billion, which is an increase of nine percent from 2017.

The Los Angeles Lakers rank second at $3.3 billion, an increase of 10 percent.

The Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics round out the top-5.

The average NBA franchise is now worth a record $1.65 billion, up 22% over last year, and more than triple the figure of five years ago. 

Every NBA team is valued at $1 billion or more for the first time in league history.

“Investor interest in the NBA is enormous right now,” said Forbes’ senior editor Kurt Badenhausen, “thanks to the league’s strong current economic environment, as well as the international growth prospects, which are the best of any major U.S. sports league.”

1. Knicks: $3.6 billion (+9%)
2. Lakers: $3.3 billion (+10%)
3. Warriors: $3.1 billion (+19%)
4. Bulls: $2.6 billion (+4%)
5. Celtics: $2.5 billion (+14%)
6. Nets: $2.3 billion (+28%)
7. Rockets: $2.2 billion (+33%)
8. Clippers: $2.15 billion (+7%)
9. Mavericks: $1.9 billion (+31%)
10. Heat: $1.7 billion (+26%)
11. Spurs: $1.55 billion (+32%)
12. Raptors: $1.4 billion (+24%)
13. Kings: $1.375 billion (+28%)
14. Wizards: $1.35 billion (+35%)
15. Cavaliers: $1.325 billion (+10%)
16. Blazers: $1.3 billion (+24%)
17. Suns: $1.28 billion (+16%)
18. Thunder: $1.25 billion (+22%)
19. Magic: $1.225 billion (+33%)
20. Jazz: $1.2 billion (+32%)
21. 76ers: $1.18 billion (+48%)
22. Pacers: $1.175 billion (+34%)
23. Hawks: $1.15 billion (+30%)
24. Nuggets: $1.125 billion (+26%)
25. Pistons: $1.1 billion (+22%)
26. Bucks: $1.075 billion (+37%)
27. Wolves: $1.06 billion (+38%)
28. Hornets: $1.05 billion (+35%)
29. Grizzlies: $1.025 billion (+30%)
30. Pelicans: $1 billion (+33%)

Willie Reed of the Detroit Pistons has been suspended for six games without pay as a result of a domestic violence incident involving his wife.

The incident occurred on Aug. 5, 2017, in Miami, after which Reed was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense. On Oct. 16, 2017, Reed entered into a pretrial diversion program to resolve the criminal charge against him. 

The NBA conducted its own investigation into this matter, reviewing all available materials and interviewing the parties involved. The NBA also consulted with a group of domestic violence experts who provide the league with guidance in such cases.

Andre Drummond and James Harden have been named the NBA's Players of the Week.

Drummond led the Pistons to a 3-0 record by averaging 19.3 points (64% FG), 19.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 2.7 blocks in 34.0 minutes per game. He recorded three double-doubles, including two 20-point/20-rebound games and shot better than 70% from the field in two-of-three games.  Drummond recorded 23 points, 20 rebounds, four steals and four blocks vs. Miami (2/3) to become the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon (12/22/89) to post such numbers in a game.

Harden averaged 34.7 points, 10.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game last week.

The Utah Jazz have received interest on Rodney Hood from the Thunder, Bulls and Pistons.

The Nuggets and Magic have shown a passing interest in Hood.

Hood will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

The Jazz would like a first round pick for Hood.

The San Antonio Spurs have interest in trading for Stanley Johnson and Willy Hernangomez.

San Antonio assistant general manager Brian Wright held the same position with the Pistons when they drafted Johnson.

Hernangomez has been mentioned in trade rumors this season as the Knicks have excess depth at center.