In other news, Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience issues with his knee, with doctors puzzled by his slow rehabilitation.
Here’s the latest news from around the NBA as of Sept. 28th, 2022.
Stephen A. Smith calls out Kevin Durant for his NBA media day comments
Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant answered many questions about his offseason trade request during NBA media day. Durant said he requested a trade because he wanted to be somewhere stable, where he could build a championship culture. Many, including his co-star Kyrie Irving, were understanding of Durant’s comments.
However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith disagreed. On a recent episode of “First Take,” Smith criticized Durant for his lack of leadership in holding his teammates accountable.
The Nets’ organization has done much of what Durant has requested since he signed with the team in 2019. However, Durant and his teammates’ lack of availability has made it challenging for the team to develop any chemistry.
Last season, Durant played in 55 games for the Nets. Irving played in 29, primarily due to remaining unvaccinated. All-Star Ben Simmons hasn’t played since being acquired in February.
Durant also touched on the team’s constant roster turnover during media day.
Lonzo Ball continues to deal with knee issues, says doctors are puzzled about his delayed rehabilitation
It was recently announced that Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball would undergo an “arthroscopic debridement” of his left knee. The Bulls said he would be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks. Ball has since talked about the severity of the injury to members of the team’s media.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, Ball also said he can’t run or jump yet.
This is troubling news for the Chicago Bulls. The team started fast last season before injuries slowed them down. They finished as the sixth seed. They lost in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bulls are led by Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. This group should help them compete in the Eastern Conference.
But without Ball, they lack a true point guard. In 35 games for Chicago last season, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from three.
Former NBA champion expects big things from Zion Williamson
After missing last season with a broken foot, New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward Zion Williamson is set to return this season. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has big expectations for Williamson to take the Pelicans to the next level.
Zion Williamson is among the league’s most exciting players. Williamson made the All-Star team in his second season after averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on 61.1% shooting.
However, his health has been an issue for him. He has played in 85 total games through three seasons.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans finished as the eighth seed, making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Their young core, led by All-Star forward Brandon Ingram and veteran guard CJ McCollum, may take the next step. Williamson could make them a real threat in the Western Conference.
Former NBA champion is focused on his role with the LA Lakers and believes they can win the championship
The LA Lakers have had significant roster turnover this offseason. Most notably, they decided to emphasize adding youth and athleticism over veterans. According to Lakers Daily’s Kyle Goon, former NBA champion Juan Toscano-Anderson has some big goals this season.
Toscano-Anderson has developed a reputation as an athletic, defensive-minded, hustle player in his three years with the Golden State Warriors. He has career averages of 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on 52.3% shooting. He played 13.6 minutes per game for the Warriors last season and didn’t have much of a role during their playoff run.
NBA analyst remarks on the apathetic atmosphere at Phoenix Suns media day
After coming off a disappointing early playoff loss and an offseason filled with turmoil, the Phoenix Suns may not be ready for the season.
On ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast, NBA analyst Brian Windhorst spoke about the tense funeral-like atmosphere he experienced at the Suns’ media day.
The Suns dominated last season, finishing with a league-best and franchise-record 64 wins. They were seen as the favorites to win the 2022 NBA championship. However, they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round after losing Game 7 123-90 at home.
The Suns experienced an offseason filled with uncertainty. Big man Deandre Ayton signed a four-year, $133 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. However, the Suns matched the offer sheet. The Suns also tried to trade for Kevin Durant.
They then had to deal with owner Robert Sarver’s workplace misconduct scandal and his eventual decision to sell the team.
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