March 2019 Basketball Wiretap

Donovan Mitchell On Swapping Jerseys With Ja Morant: 'I'm A Fan'

Nov 30, 2019 7:14 PM

Donovan Mitchell complimented Ja Morant's game following the Utah Jazz's 103-94 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, swapping jerseys with the point guard after the game.

Mitchell finished the game with 20 points, while Morant had 13. 

“I’m a fan. I told him that. ... Seeing that as a rookie — a guy that wants to come in and take those shots and be able to make those plays, it’s huge," said Mitchell.

Morant was recently diagnosed with back spasms and will be out on a week-to-week basis. 

David Cobb/Memphis Commercial Appeal

Tags: Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Dion Waiters Returns To Heat Practice, Apologizes For Plane Incident

Nov 30, 2019 6:31 PM

Dion Waiters made his return to Miami Heat practice and apologized for his role in an airplane incident.

Waiters was suspended 10 games by the Heat due to a panic attack from consuming a THC-infused edible.

"I would like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, basketball staff, the fans and the entire organization for the incident that happened on the team plane. I was wrong and take responsibility for what happened and am sorry for what it put everyone through," said Waiters.

It is not yet known when Waiters will make his season debut for the Heat.

ESPN

Tags: Dion Waiters, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Luka Doncic Averages 30-Point Triple-Double In November After Tying Career-High

Nov 30, 2019 1:47 PM

Luka Doncic tied a career-high with 42 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 120-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, becoming the third player in league history to average a 30-point triple-double over one calendar month.

Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 10.4 assists in 15 games over November. 

Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook are the only other two players to accomplish the feat.

“I’ve learned over my many years not to take anything for granted. He’s just an exceptional player. Exceptional person. Exceptionally tough. You don’t find that combination in 20-year-old guys coming into the NBA very often," said Rick Carlisle of Doncic.

David Brandt/The Associated Press

Tags: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Anthony Davis After 10th Straight Lakers Win: 'Our Goal Is To Add Another Banner Here'

Nov 30, 2019 12:35 PM

Anthony Davis and LeBron James said that the Los Angeles Lakers had higher aspirations following a 125-103 win over the Washington Wizards, their 10th straight in a row.

It is the longest Lakers winning streak since the 2009-10 season.

"To be a part of a franchise like this is definitely amazing. I just want to leave my mark here and just keep it going. Obviously, our goal is to add another banner here. It's something we feel like we can do, and if we do that, to be a part of that would be nothing but great," said Davis, who had 26 points and 13 rebounds.

James echoed Davis' statement about having a championship mentality.

"We have championship aspirations, but at the end of the day, that's not what's here right now. What's right now is our next opponent, and that's Dallas. And they're very good. And we want to continue to get better and better and have championship mindset every time we step on the floor," added James.

Ohm Youngmisuk/ESPN

Tags: Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker Commit To Canada National Team

Nov 28, 2019 3:05 AM

Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all announced their commitment on social media to the Canadian national team for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer.

Canada last made the Olympics for basketball in 2000.

Victoria will host a qualifying tournament in late June, with Canada going against China, Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey and Uruguay for a place in the Tokyo Olympics.

FIBA

Tags: Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Magic Granted Tax Relief On Timofey Mozgov Contract

Nov 28, 2019 2:59 AM

The Orlando Magic were granted tax relief for the remaining $16.7 million of Timofey Mozgov's contract, league sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Magic acquired Mozgov in July 2018, though Mozgov never played a game for the team and was waived last summer.

The Magic are now $7.8 million under the tax threshold according to ESPN.

ESPN

Tags: Timofey Mozgov, Orlando Magic, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
LeBron James Credits Spurs Defensive Scheme In 2007 For Shooting Improvement

Nov 26, 2019 2:51 AM

LeBron James told Spectrum Sports that playing against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals forced him to improve his jumper.

"Because of the Spurs, in a lot of my early years, [they are] part of the reason why my jump shot is a lot better today. My first Finals appearance in '07 they went under on everything and I didn't shoot the ball, I wasn't comfortable with shooting the ball at that point in time in my career. So I give a lot of thanks to their scheme, a lot of thanks to a lot of other teams that I went against," said James.

James made his remarks after scoring 33 points in a 114-104 win over the Spurs on Monday night. The game also featured James moving into 18th place in all-time 3-pointers made.

Frank Vogel said that James will continue to make teams pay with 3's for going under on pick-and-rolls.

"We're going to keep the action moving and keep making the extra pass until it's open. We have open looks, this team is going to knock them down. LeBron was being played under on pick-and-rolls. He knows he's got the extra green light to load them up over the top. He's a deep shooter on our team and he made some big ones down the stretch, the whole second half, really."


Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Tags: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Raptors Plan Tribute To Canadian National Team Players To Celebrate RJ Barrett Homecoming

Nov 26, 2019 2:39 AM

The Toronto Raptors are planning to pay tribute to Canada's national team to celebrate RJ Barrett's return to the hometown city, league sources told Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Barrett's Knicks play the Raptors on Wednesday night.

Barrett grew up in Toronto, and his father is currently the general manager of the Canadian national team.

Barrett is expected to receive a warm ovation at AirCanada Centre.

“He will be received at a very high level,. He’s got a very strong brand in Canada because of his father and the way he carries himself. He wraps himself around the flag. They’ll be cheering for him," said Joe Raso, a NBA scout based in Canada. 

Marc Berman/New York Post

Tags: R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Timberwolves Move Jeff Teague To Bench, Start Jarrett Culver At Point Guard

Nov 26, 2019 3:08 AM

The Minnesota Timberwolves moved Jeff Teague to the bench, with Jarrett Culver starting at point guard.

Ryan Saunders and Teague discussed the move over the weekend, sources told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Teague was open to the idea due to Andrew Wiggins initiating most of the offense in the starting lineup.

Wiggins was listed as the starting point guard for the Wolves' 125-113 win over the Hawks.

Saunders confirmed Monday night that Teague introduced the idea of coming off the bench.

Jon Krawczynski/The Athletic

Tags: Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Luka Doncic Following 41-Point Performance: 'For Me, It's Making The Playoffs Still'

Nov 25, 2019 12:45 AM

Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis preached patience following the Dallas Mavericks' 137-123 win over the Houston Rockets.

Doncic finished with 41 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Doncic is averaging 29.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.7 assists on the season.

"For me, it's making the playoffs still. It's a long season. It's only been one month. We didn't make the playoffs yet, so we've just got to keep going right now," said Doncic.

Porzingis echoed Doncic's statement about the long season.

"We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. The season is long. ... It's time together, it's chemistry, making sure that everybody is on the same page. A lot of stuff happens that you guys never find out about inside the locker room between players and stuff like that. We've got to make sure all that stuff is right. Also, the relationship between coaches and players, that's got to be there. I've seen when it goes south. Right now, we're in a great place, and we want to keep it going," added Pozingis.


Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Tags: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Frank Vogel: Lakers Will 'Talk To The League' About How LeBron James Is Getting Officiated

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Jimmy Butler On Sixers Reunion: 'Obviously, Something Happened'

Michael Lee/The Athletic

Zach LaVine After Hitting 13 3's: 'Hopefully This Is That Turning Point For Us'

ESPN

Damian Lillard To Make Return Tonight Against Cavs

Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

Patrick Beverley Fined $5,000 For Flopping

Shams Charania/The Athletic

LeBron James On Anthony Davis: 'We Want Him To Take More 3s'

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Zach LaVine On Jim Boylen: 'It's Hard To Trust Someone Who Doesn't Trust You'

Vincent Goodwill/Yahoo! Sports

Steve Kerr: Basketball Players Who Grew Up Playing Soccer 'Are Better Passers'

Gary Peterson/The Mercury News

Russell Westbrook's Brother Escorted From Arena After Post-Game Confrontation With Montrezl Harrell

Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

Carmelo Anthony's Trainer Says He Was 'Extremely Receptive' To Updating Game

Ian Begley/SNY

Rick Carlisle After Luka Doncic Triple-Double: 'He's A Very Special Player On A Special Roll'

Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Carmelo Anthony After Blazers Debut: 'The Physicality Of The Game Has Changed'

Andrew Lopez/ESPN

David Fizdale Says He Receives Vote Of Confidence From James Dolan 'Every Game'

Ian Begley/SNY

D'Angelo Russell On Choosing Warriors Over Timberwolves: 'The Weather Is Way Better'

Chris Hine/Star Tribune

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'I Definitely Want To Be One Of The Best Players To Ever Play'

Eric Woodyard/ESPN

Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles Will Not Receive Championship Rings From Raptors

Mike Ganter/Toronto Sun

Terry Rozier On Last Summer's Free Agency: Knicks Were 'One Of My First Options'

Marc Berman/New York Post

Spencer Dinwiddie After Scoring 20 Points In 4th Quarter: 'I'm Not Kyrie'

Eric Woodyard/ESPN

Fred VanVleet Signs Sneaker Deal With AND1

Nick DePaula/ESPN

Malik Monk After Game-Winning 3 Against Pistons: 'I've Been Waiting For My Moment'

Rick Bonnell/Charlotte Observer