Tag: NBA

Terrence Shannon picked in NBA Draft after not guilty verdict

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University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr hile testifying during his trial Thursday June 13, 2024. He was picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 in the NBA Draft. (Chris Conde/The Lawrence Journal-World via AP)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves did some extra digging into Terrence Shannon Jr. before the NBA draft.

They found plenty of sources vouching for his character, bolstering their confidence in a dynamic player whose final season at Illinois was overshadowed by a rape charge he was recently exonerated of.

“The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at Texas Tech. Talk to the coaches at Illinois. They don’t say good things. They say amazing things,” Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Wednesday night after taking Shannon with the 27th overall pick in the first round. “Obviously he was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation, and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood — we just think he brings toughness.”

READ: Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

Shannon was found not guilty two weeks ago after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict. He was accused of sexual assault last September during a visit to Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks.

Connelly said the Timberwolves “did a ton” of background work on Shannon with an interest in his experience, fortitude and scoring ability from anywhere on the court.

“Oftentimes, the minute you’re accused you’re found guilty. Thankfully he went the legal process. He chose to go to trial because he knew he did nothing wrong,” Connelly said. “I just think it’s a shame he went through that, and I think it’s a testament to who he is as a kid and his ability to play through a really tough distraction.”

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who turns 24 next month, can play both guard positions. He started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Illinois, leading the Illini to the Elite Elight in the NCAA Tournament before a loss to eventual national champion Connecticut. Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press and was the Big Ten Tournament MVP for his performance in March at Target Center in Minneapolis, where he’ll now have his home games as a pro.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

“I think he’s a three-position defender. I think he’s an unbelievably competitive guy. He’s got size. Another downhill guy who’s going to play with pace,” Connelly said.



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The Timberwolves were elated to get Shannon as a complement to Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, whom they jumped in to trade for at No. 8 overall through a trade with San Antonio. The Western Conference runners-up could not have had a more productive draft night, considering they’re in no position to enhance the roster through trades or free agency with their salary-cap situation and desire to keep the core of the team together.

“You don’t take those two guys thinking how they’re going to match up together, but our challenge was to try to play a little bit faster in our second unit,” Connelly said, “and I think we got two of the fastest and most athletic and aggressive guys in the draft.”

Bronny James not picked in NBA Draft Round 1, now Round 2 awaits

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Bronny James talks to media during the 2024 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NEW YORK— Bronny James’ draft night has likely arrived.

The son of career scoring leader LeBron James was not selected in the first round Wednesday in the NBA draft, and now will wait to see if he’s picked in the second round when selections resume Thursday afternoon.

The pick that might be most logical for Bronny James: 55th overall, a selection that just happens to be held by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that LeBron James — who is widely expected to become a free agent next week — has played for since 2018.

READ: Bronny James ‘grateful’ to have NBA dream in reach after health scare

The James family has been in New York this week, though it isn’t known if Bronny James will appear at the second round of the draft.

Bronny James played one year of college basketball at Southern California and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season. He played in 25 games, missing the start of the season after needing a procedure last year to fix what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect, which was found after he went into cardiac arrest during a summer workout.

A panel of doctors cleared Bronny James for NBA play last month.

LIST: 2024 NBA Rookie Draft first round picks

Bronny — who was listed at 6-foot-4 on USC’s roster but measured at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches at the combine — may be the most talked-about second-round prospect in draft history, because of the family name. His father, a four-time NBA champion, will be entering his 22nd NBA season this fall.

If Bronny James plays in the NBA next season, he and LeBron James would be the first father-son duo in the league simultaneously as players. There have been about 100 instances in NBA history of players joining the league after their fathers played, but none at the same time.



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2024 NBA Draft first-round picks

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Zaccharie Risacher, second from left, and Alex Sarr, fourth from left, both of France, stand on stage with, from left, Ron Holland, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night in New York.

1. Atlanta Hawks — Zaccharie Risacher, forward, 6-9, 215, JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France)

Scouting report: A developing player with two-way potential. Has guard skills and showed catch-and-shoot ability after making 39% of 3-pointers between league and Eurocup play. Turned 19 in April and must get stronger. Averaged 0.9 assists and 1.6 turnovers to highlight a need to improve as a playmaker.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher second straight from France picked No. 1 in NBA Draft

2. Washington Wizards — Alex Sarr, center, 7-0, 224, Perth (Australia)

Scouting report: Has athleticism, mobility and length offering upside as a shot blocker, switchable defender and rim-running lob threat. Grew up in France but spent two seasons with Overtime Elite developmental program in Atlanta, then played in Australian-based National Basketball League. Ranked among NBL leaders in blocks (1.5) despite averaging just 17.3 minutes. Has 7-4 wingspan. Must add strength and improve outside shot (29% on 3-pointers).

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn) — Reed Sheppard, guard, 6-2, 182, Kentucky

Scouting report: The shooting stroke stands out. He hit 52.1% of 3s last year and 83% of his free throws. Elite potential as a catch-and-shoot threat. Averaged 4.5 assists to show potential for both guards spots. Uncertain how he’ll match up with bigger guards, particularly off the ball.

4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, guard, 6-6, 210, UConn

Scouting report: A combo guard with size and ability to overpower smaller defenders. Big potential as a defender and playmaker. Accepted complementary role in Huskies’ run to a second straight NCAA title despite his touted-recruit status. Must improve outside shot (26.7% on 3s).

5. Detroit Pistons — Ron Holland II, forward, 6-7, 197, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Offers versatility with floor-running ability to attack the rim. Has 6-11 wingspan and defensive upside. Made 24% of 3s. Had 42 turnovers against 45 assists in injury-shortened season. Turns 19 in July. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

6. Charlotte Hornets — Tidjane Salaun, forward, 6-9, 217, Cholet (France)

Scouting report: A fluid athlete with a nearly 7-2 wingspan. Offers long-term potential to stretch defenses and harass smaller perimeter players. Still honing outside shot (32% on 3s last season). Turns 19 in August.

7. Portland Trail Blazers — Donovan Clingan, center, 7-2, 282, UConn

Scouting report: Imposing rim-protecting force (7-7 wingspan) and floor-running finisher for two-time reigning NCAA champs. Averaged 2.5 blocks in just 22.6 minutes. Value highlighted in Illinois going 0 for 19 in Clingan-challenged shots in NCAA Elite Eight. Unclear how well he’d handle switches to defend in space. Poor free-throw shooter (55.8% career).

8. San Antonio (from Toronto) — Rob Dillingham, guard, 6-1, 164, Kentucky

Scouting report: Shows potential as a scoring playmaker after one college season. Averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists. Shot 44.4% on 3s while attempting 4.5 per game. Turns 20 in January. Needs to add strength to undersized frame.

9. Memphis Grizzlies — Zach Edey, center, 7-4, 299, Purdue

Scouting report: Two-time AP men’s national player of the year. Led Boilermakers to NCAA final in April after leading nation in scoring (25.2) and ranking second in rebounding (12.2). Massive presence with 7-11 wingspan. Defensive mobility a question.

10. Utah Jazz — Cody Williams, forward, 6-7, 178, Colorado

Scouting report: Versatile wing shot 55.2% overall and 41.5% from 3-point range in his lone season. Has 7-1 wingspan but needs to get stronger. Must improve as a rebounder (3.0), highlighted by grabbing three rebounds in 64 minutes across three NCAA Tournament games. McDonald’s All-American and program’s first five-star recruit in more than two decades.

11. Chicago Bulls — Matas Buzelis, forward, 6-9, 197 pounds, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Exploits matchups, scoring over smaller defenders and driving past bigger ones. Can attack off the dribble or score on stepbacks. Averaged 2.1 blocks with a 6-10 wingspan. Shot just 27.3% on 3s. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston) — Nikola Topic, guard, 6-6, 203, KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Scouting report: Has size and playmaking ability at the point. Has vision to set up teammates with the capability of creating his own shot, attacking the paint and finishing at the rim. Outside shot needs work. Health concerns remain after two knee injuries.

13. Sacramento Kings — Devin Carter, guard, 6-2, 193, Providence

Scouting report: Boosted scoring (19.7) and 3-point shooting (.377) last season. Tied for best max vertical leap (42 inches) and standing vertical (35) at the combine. Spent two years with Providence after transferring from South Carolina.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State via Boston and Memphis) — Carlton “Bub” Carrington, guard, 6-4, 195, Pittsburgh

Scouting report: Averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists as one-and-done floor leader with all-around potential. Had an opening-night triple-double. Must improve outside shot (32% on 3s).

15. Miami Heat — Kel’el Ware, center, 7-0, 230, Indiana

Scouting report: Oregon transfer averaged 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds as an every-game starter for the Hoosiers. Made 17 of 40 3s (.425). Has 7-5 wingspan and tested well in agility at the combine. Must improve at the foul line (63.4% last year). Turned 20 in April.

16. Philadelphia 76ers — Jared McCain, guard, 6-2, 203, Duke

Scouting report: One-and-done player who rapidly became the Blue Devils’ toughest competitor. Made 41% of 3s and 89% of free throws. Had two 30-point showings in the NCAA Tournament.

17. Los Angeles Lakers — Dalton Knecht, guard, 6-5, 212, Tennessee

Dalton Knecht NBA Draft Los Angeles Lakers

Dalton Knecht poses for photos on the red carpet before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Big scorer in off-the-bounce and catch-and-shoot scenarios. First-team AP All-American who averaged 21.7 points and shot 39.7% from behind the arc. Active player who tested well at the combine in agility. Uncertainty about his athleticism and mobility defensively. Turned 23 in April.

READ: NBA: Lakers add Dalton Knecht, Pacific teams pick veteran players

18. Orlando Magic — Tristan da Silva, forward, 6-8, 217, Colorado

Scouting report: Veteran scorer from Germany with 98 career starts. Averaged 15.9 points while shooting 39.5% on 3s in a leading role the past two years. Turned 23 last month.

19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana) — Ja’Kobe Walter, guard, 6-4, 198, Baylor

Scouting report: One-and-done prospect who fearlessly launched from behind the arc. Took 57% of his shots there and had 13 games with at least three made 3s, but shot just 34% on those.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers — Jaylon Tyson, forward, 6-6, 218, California

Scouting report: Took a big leap offensively after going from Texas to Texas Tech and finally Cal last season. Averaged 19.6 points last season, up from 10.7 the previous year. Made 37.8% of 3s over the past two seasons.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee) — Yves Missi, center, 6-11, 229, Baylor

Scouting report: Bouncy, raw prospect from Cameroon. Flashed athleticism as a lob threat (61.4% shooting) and shot blocker (1.5 per game) in lone college season. Turned 20 last month.

22. Phoenix Suns — DaRon Holmes II, forward/center, 6-9, 236, Dayton

Scouting report: Atlantic 10 co-player and defensive player of the year. Averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over last two seasons. Expanded range last year (38.6% on 3s). Averaged 2.1 blocks over three-year career with 7-1 wingspan.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans) — AJ Johnson, guard, 6-4, 167, Illawara (Australia)

Scouting report: Former Texas recruit bypassed college to play in the Australian-based National Basketball League. Averaged 2.9 points in 7.7 minutes. Has length but a slight frame.

24. New York Knicks (from Dallas) — Kyshawn George, forward, 6-7, 209, Miami

Scouting report: Offers long-term potential as a shooter with size. Hit 40.8% of 3s in lone college season but did little inside the arc (28 of 81 made shots, 34.6%).

25. New York Knicks — Pacome Dadiet, forward, 6-8, 217, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Scouting report: A developing player from France with potential as a rim finisher with 3-point range. Projects as a versatile defender. Turns 19 in July.

26. Washington Wizards (from LA Clippers via Dallas and Oklahoma City) — Dillon Jones, guard, 6-5, 237, Weber State

Scouting report: A scorer with a strong frame. Averaged 20.8 points and 5.2 assists. An elite rebounder by averaging 10.5 boards over his last three seasons. Shot just 32% from 3-point range over his four-year career.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves — Terrence Shannon Jr., guard, 6-6, 219, Illinois

Scouting report: AP third-team All-American last year as nation’s No. 3 scorer (23.0). Downhill attacker who shot 36% on 3s. Texas Tech transfer who blossomed as a scorer in two seasons with Illinois. Recently found not guilty on a rape charge to resolve a legal case closely watched by scouts.

28. Denver Nuggets — Ryan Dunn, forward, 6-6, 214, Virginia

Ryan Dunn NBA Draft

Ryan Dunn, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 28th by the Denver Nuggets during the first round of the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Massive defensive potential with nearly 7-2 wingspan. Can protect the rim (2.3 blocks) or the perimeter. Offensive game is a question.

29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City via Toronto and Indiana) — Isaiah Collier, guard, 6-3, 205, USC

Scouting report: Can attack the rim with strong frame and quickness. Averaged 16.3 points and 4.3 assists as a one-and-done floor leader. Averaged 3.3 turnovers for a 15-18 team.

30. Boston Celtics — Baylor Scheierman, guard/forward, 6-6, 202, Creighton



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Scouting report: South Dakota State transfer averaged 15.5 points, made 197 3-pointers and shot 37.3% on 3s in two seasons with Bluejays. Lacks elite athleticism and must develop defensively.

France’s Risacher chosen by Hawks with top pick in NBA Draft

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National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with French basketball player Zaccharie Risacher (R) during Round One of the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on June 26, 2024. Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft. (AFP)

 

NEW YORK – France’s Zaccharie Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old forward, who stands 6-foot-9 (2.06m), was the second Frenchman in a row to be chosen number one after Victor Wembanyama was taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the top pick last year.

“It’s a blessing, you know,” Risacher said. “So exciting. There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say but it’s definitely special.

“For three years, what I have been through, and my family is here — I’m so happy. This is amazing.”

Risacher helped spark JL Bourg to this year’s EuroCup final, which was won by Paris Basketball.

He became the second-youngest player to be named the EuroCup Rising Star and last month was named the French league’s 2023-24 Best Young Player after averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22 minutes a game for JL Bourg.

Another Frenchman, 19-year-old 7-foot (2.13m) center Alexandre Sarr, was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards.

Sarr played last season for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League.

After two seasons with Real Madrid’s youth team, Sarr moved to the United States for two seasons and then spent the 2023-24 campaign with Perth, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 17 minutes a game.

“Everywhere I played it just built me for this moment,” Sarr said. “It’s so special.”Sarr’s 25-year-old brother Olivier is a center with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

“He shared a lot with me. Everything I’ve learned is through him,” Sarr said. “He gave me all his knowledge. It’s truly special to have someone like him in my corner.”

It marks only the third time in NBA history that the top two picks in the draft have not had US college experience.

The sky is the limit for talented French rookies after “Wemby” went on to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year and led the league in blocked shots last season.

The Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference last season at 36-46 and lost to Chicago in a play-in game.

Washington had the second-worst record in the NBA last season at 15-67.

Houston, with the third selection, took University of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, whose parents were both standouts for the same school, his father a US national college champion.

“I’m super excited. This is awesome. Unbelievable,” Sheppard said. “I’m super thankful.”

Sheppard, who turned 20 on Monday, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals a game. Led US college players with 52.1% shooting from 3-point range

Castle joins ‘Wemby’

With the fourth pick, San Antonio selected 19-year-old guard Stephon Castle of US national college champion Connecticut. He had 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game for the Huskies last season.

“I learned how to win so I’m coming in with that mindset,” Sheppard said. “To have a teammate like (Wembanyama) next to you, I feel like it opens up the floor so much for you to go and expand your game. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, was seen as a possible selection but more likely to go in the second round, which will be conducted on Thursday.

James, a 19-year-old guard for Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 25 games last season.



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Los Angeles Lakers 39-year-old superstar LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, has said he would like to play alongside his son next season.

NBA draft could be ‘special’ night for France

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Zaccharie Risacher from France, who played for JL Bourg basketball club, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

NEW YORK — Alex Sarr was born in France and spent last season playing in Australia. Zaccharie Risacher was born in Spain and is coming off a breakout season in France.

The next step in their global basketball journey is the NBA, with one of them potentially heading to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

“We grew up together, competing against each other, and now we are here in New York for the draft and it’s one day to realize our dream, you know?” Risacher said Tuesday. “So this is special.”

It’s a special time for France, which could have the No. 1 pick for a second straight season after Victor Wembanyama went to San Antonio last year amid enormous expectations and lived up to the hype in a Rookie of the Year season.

READ: French Zaccharie Risacher has best odds to be NBA draft top pick

Neither Sarr, Risacher (pronounced Ree-zah-shay) nor anyone else will arrive with that type of promise, part of the reason the 2024 draft has long been viewed as a weak one. It’s unclear which way the Hawks will lean, or even if they are focusing on the two French players.

“For us, I feel like this is a great class, to be honest,” said Isaiah Collier, a guard from USC, where he was a teammate of LeBron James’ son, Bronny James.

“Everybody says it’s weak and everything like that, but for us I think it’s wide open because there’s a lot of good players and nobody really knows who’s at the top.”

Alexandre Sarr NBA draft

Alexandre Sarr, French professional basketball player who last played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

They will find out at the start of what this year becomes a two-night draft. The first round will be held as usual at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the second round moves Thursday to ESPN’s Seaport District studios.

Much of the speculation surrounding the Hawks’ choice since they won the draft lottery last month initially focused on Sarr, a well-traveled 7-footer from Bordeaux, France, who began his pro career in Spain with Real Madrid’s youth team. He spent two years in the U.S. playing with Overtime Elite, a developmental league, and last season was with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

He should soon be able to settle in somewhere, whether it’s back in Atlanta — where Overtime Elite is based — or Washington, Houston, San Antonio or Detroit, the teams that round out the top five spots.

“It’s been a long journey of me changing a lot of countries and now I know that I’m going to be probably in the same place for a couple of years, so it’s really exciting,” Sarr said.

His basketball existence is hard to imagine for one of the players he could be competing with for the No. 1 spot. Fellow center Donovan Clingan, who has worked out for the Hawks, has spent his entire life near his birthplace of Bristol, Connecticut, where he went to high school before helping UConn win back-to-back national championships.

“I can’t imagine traveling all over the world, just being away from your family and stuff,” Clingan said. “Just feels like his whole playing career really, ever since he was a young kid, just being on the move. So I’ve been lucky enough and blessed enough to have an opportunity to continue to stay playing in Connecticut, but I’m really excited to move away and start a new chapter.”

College teammate Stephon Castle is expected to join him in the top 10 picks, and Kentucky also could have a pair of players go early in freshmen guards Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

But that is nothing unusual for college basketball powerhouse programs. Kentucky had six players selected in both 2012 and 2015, the most in the two-round draft format that began in 1989, and the Huskies once went 2-3 in the draft with Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004.

But this is a whole new deal for France — or any country other than the U.S. If Sarr or Risacher is taken first, it would mark the first time that the draft went consecutive years without the No. 1 pick being someone who played at an American college.

They were teammates on France’s team that won a silver medal at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, with Risacher scoring 13 points in a victory over the U.S. The 6-foot-9 forward also spent two seasons in France playing for ASVEL — owned by French Hall of Famer Tony Parker — and he was a one-time teammate of Wembanyama.

Now he could be France’s next No. 1 — unless an old friend beats him out.



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“It would mean a lot,” Sarr said. “I played with Zaccharie three years in a row, I’m really close with him, so I’m really happy for him and I think it’s really special for France in general.”

NBA: Cavs hiring Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson as next coach

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FILE – Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson watches during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Feb. 1, 2020, in Washington. The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson as their new coach, a person familiar with decision told the Associated Press on Monday, June 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

CLEVELAND — Just days ahead of the NBA draft, the Cavaliers picked their coach.

Kenny Atkinson, an assistant with Golden State who helped Brooklyn rebuild before a puzzling departure, will be Cleveland’s new coach, a person familiar with decision told The Associated Press on Monday.

The Cavs have been looking for a new leader for their young team since firing J.B. Bickerstaff last month despite two straight playoff appearances and continued progress.

The sides have agreed on a deal and are working through details of Atkinson’s contract, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not discussing its search publicly.

ESPN.com was first to report Atkinson is heading to Cleveland.

READ: NBA: Bucks receive permission to interview Kenny Atkinson

It’s possible there could be a minor delay in the Cavs officially announcing Atkinson’s hire. He joined the French national team’s staff as an assistant to coach Vincent Collet late last year and is currently in Paris preparing for the Olympics.

Atkinson spent the past three seasons as Steven Kerr’s top assistant with the Warriors. In 2022, Atkinson accepted Charlotte’s coaching job but backed out a week after agreeing to a four-year contract.

Atkinson’s hiring ends an expansive search by the Cavs’ front office. Atkinson was one of at least six known candidates to interview with the team since Bickerstaff’s firing on May 23 — a week after Cleveland was eliminated from the playoffs in five games by the eventual champion Boston Celtics.

The 57-year-old Atkinson checked all the boxes in what the Cavs were looking for: head coaching experience, offensive-minded and a strong reputation for player development.

He emerged as the choice by Cleveland vice president of basketball operations Koby Altman and general manager Mike Gansey last week. Atkinson then met with team chairman Dan Gilbert, who signed off on the Cavs’ first coaching hire in five years.

READ: NBA: Kenny Atkinson spurs Hornets to stay with Warriors

Atkinson went 118-190 in his three-plus seasons with the Nets, overseeing their rise from the lower tier of the Eastern Conference to a playoff berth in 2019. It appeared he might be with Brooklyn for an extended period following the additions of superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but had a surprising split from the franchise in 2020.

Atkinson’s parting was a major surprise given the team’s growth under his guidance. After leaving, he spent one season on the Los Angeles Clippers’ staff before going to Golden State.

With the Warriors, Atkinson got to see one of the league’s best offensive players in Stephen Curry and immersed himself in a dynamic offense system he’s certain to borrow from with Cleveland.

One of the knocks on Bickerstaff was his inability to improve Cleveland’s offense. Still, he went 170-159 in the regular season while guiding the Cavs back to relevance through a rebuild that began in 2018 when LeBron James left as a free agent.

Bickerstaff, who replaced John Beilein midway through the 2019-20 season, kept Cleveland among the top teams in the East this season despite a slew of injuries and Cleveland advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs without James on its roster for the first time since 1994.

Atkinson, who got his NBA coaching start as an assistant on Mike D’Antoni’s staff with the New York Knicks in 2008, has some connections on the Cavs after working with center Jarrett Allen and forward Caris LeVert while in Brooklyn.

Hiring a new coach was the first priority in a pivotal summer for the Cavs. Next is getting All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to accept a long-term contract extension, this week’s draft (Cleveland has the No. 20 overall pick) and perhaps retooling the roster with trades and in free agency.

After the Cavs were knocked out of the playoffs, Altman said the team needed a coach who could bring new ideas and a fresh approach to get the most from the team’s core of players — Mitchell, Allen, guard Darius Garland and forward Evan Mobley.



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Atkinson will get the next shot.

NBA draft: International prospects beyond France

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FILE – Red Star’s Nikola Topic, right, drives to the basket during the Euroleague basketball match between Red Star and Partizan, in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 4, 2024. AP Photo, File)

France isn’t the only country producing top prospects for the NBA — it just sort of seems that way.

Victor Wembanyama was the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft a year ago and went on to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Two more Frenchmen — Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher — are projected top picks Wednesday night in the draft. Tidjane Salaun is another potential lottery pick from France, and Pacome Dadiet could go late in the first round.

But the international pool extends beyond France. Other prospects include Nikola Topic and Nikola Djurisic of Serbia, Bobi Klintman of Sweden, Juan Nunez of Spain and Ulrich Chomche of Cameroon.

READ: NBA: Hawks GM taking trade calls but plans to keep top pick

Here’s a closer look:

Nikola Topic (Serbia)

The 6-foot-6 point guard has a partially torn ACL but is still projected to be a first-round pick. He doesn’t turn 19 until August. He was projected as a top-five prospect early in the 2023-24 season following his performance with Belgrade club Mega — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ’s old team. Topic made a midseason move back to his original club Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) to play alongside one of his idols, Milos Teodosic, and to get some meaningful minutes in the Euroleague. But he missed time with a left knee injury — before the ACL issue that came later.

“I’m working on my rehab with the knee injury, and that’s the main focus right now,” Topic said in a video call with reporters on June 4 from the NBA’s pre-draft camp in Treviso, Italy. “After that, I’ll work on basketball. … I’ve been doing (the) weight room. It’s not 100% healed. I haven’t started running or practicing with (the) basketball. The focus is on my rehab, on my knee and on my body mainly.”

In the latest AP NBA mock draft, Topic is projected to be selected 15th. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting — as he shot around 30% last season. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game in an injury-shortened season.

Nikola Djurisic (Serbia)

The 6-7 small forward has logged major minutes the past two years as a starter with Mega, where he was teammates with Topic for part of last season. The 20-year-old Djurisic improved his 3-point shooting this season but still shot just 30.5% overall — and 33.6% in 30 Adriatic League games. He averaged 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.2 turnovers.

In an interview with the Indiana Pacers when he visited there for a pre-draft workout, the 209-pound Djurisic said he is trying to show that he is a “three-level scorer, can defend multiple positions, can switch 1 to 4.” He says he’s “definitely a creator” on the floor “who cares about finding open teammates.” He’s projected as a second-round pick.

READ: Bronny James is staying in the NBA draft, agent announces

Bobi Klintman (Sweden)

The 21-year-old Swede played this past season in Australia as part of the National Basketball League’s “ Next Stars ” program. A versatile 6-foot-9 forward, Klintman shot 36% from 3-point range in 23 NBL games for the Cairns Taipans while averaging 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The 212-pound Klintman played one season at Wake Forest and withdrew from last year’s draft. The AP mock draft predicts Klintman going toward the end of the first round.

Juan Nunez (Spain)

After developing through Real Madrid’s youth system, the 6-4 point guard played with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany the past two seasons. The lefthander shot 31.9% from 3-point range in both of his seasons there.

The 20-year-old Nunez has shown improvement. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 turnovers in 2023-24 and in 15 Eurocup games he upped those numbers to 10.8 points, 5.7 assists and shot 35% from beyond the arc. A crafty pick-and-roll playmaker, the 205-pound Nunez lacks explosiveness. He’s not an elite defender but can be disruptive on that end of the floor. Nunez shot only 60.7% from the free throw line last season. Most mock drafts predict Nunez as a second-round pick, which could make a draft-and-stash candidate.

Ulrich Chomche (Cameroon)

The 6-10 center is trying to become the first NBA Academy student-athlete to go directly to an NBA team. The 232-pound Chomche just barely qualifies for this draft — he turns 19 on Dec. 30.



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He has played in two seasons of the Basketball Africa League. Chomche was preparing for a third season but withdrew when he received an invitation to the NBA combine. In three BAL qualification games playing for the academy’s team, he averaged 13 points, nine rebounds and 2.7 blocks. His game is often described as “ raw,” because of limitations on the offensive end. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he can certainly block shots and protect the rim, though. Africa academy alums Babacar Sané of Senegal and Thierry Darlan of the Central African Republic left for the G League Ignite. Sané is in the draft; Darlan had declared but withdrew.

Boston salutes Celtics’ record 18th NBA championship with parade

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Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum celebrates the team’s NBA basketball championship during a duck boat parade Friday, June 21, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

BOSTON — The Celtics entered the season vowing to turn recent playoff heartbreaks into happiness.

Eight months later, they toasted the franchise’s 18th NBA championship in what has become the signature Boston celebration, joined Friday by a huge crowd for a duck boat parade to mark the 13th championship won this century by one of the city’s franchises in the four biggest U.S. sports leagues.

The Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins have all commemorated championships by jumping aboard the duck boats — amphibious vehicles usually ridden by sightseeing tourists.

In Boston, firing up the boats for a slow cruise down city streets has become synonymous with its feeling of sports supremacy. Friday’s parade was the latest component of what has been a rolling salute to the Celtics since they finished off the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the NBA Finals on Monday night.

Starting at TD Garden, the procession lasted about 90 minutes, turning first onto Causeway Street in front of the arena, past City Hall, through Boston Common, down Boylston Street and ending at Hynes Convention Center.

READ: Celtics look to become first repeat NBA champion since 2008

Along the way, there were plenty of moments for the city to salute a franchise that just broke a tie with the rival Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in league history. Fans marked the moment by hanging on light posts, flashing homemade signs or standing on subway entrances.

“It’s unbelievable. It still doesn’t seem true. But just trying to stay in the moment,” All-Star Jayson Tatum said during a pre-parade rally at the Garden.

Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck gave fans an early treat about 90 minutes before the trade began.

He was attempting to drive to the arena with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and newly made 2024 championship banner along with his wife, Emilia Fazzalari, and their daughter.

They couldn’t get through because of traffic and barricades. So they walked a half-mile down Causeway Street, passing by a sea of fans while carrying the trophy and banner.

Inside the Garden, the rally included players and their family members, members of the Celtics organization, arena staff, season ticket holders and guests including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

After celebrating in the locker room Monday night by spraying Champagne and posing for pictures with the trophy, the team flew to Miami for a private party.

When the Celtics returned Wednesday, coach Joe Mazzulla took the party back to people, allowing fans to see the trophy up close — and in some cases touch it — while he carried it through Boston’s famed North End.

“I drove all the way from Ohio (Wednesday) because we were coming for the parade,” Celtics fan Jason Hawkins told Boston’s ABC affiliate, WCVB-TV. “I touched trophy, man. I got video of it.”

The golden basketball was on display for all to see Friday as players, flanked by Celtics personnel and members of their families, waved and interacted with fans.

The Celtics broke every huddle this season by saying, “Together.”

Jaylen Brown said Friday the theme for this year’s team was unity.

“Whatever it took for us to win, that’s what I was willing to do,” Brown said.

As much as the day was a celebration of that team-first mantra that Mazzulla championed this season, it was also the culmination of mission that stars Brown and Tatum began after each was drafted third overall — Brown in 2016 and Tatum a year later.

The duo made it to four conference finals and one NBA Finals — a loss to the Golden State Warriors in 2022 — before finally reaching the league pinnacle. Brown earned Finals MVP honors, which he said also belonged to his “partner in crime.”

While the city had to wait nearly two decades for this celebration, the Celtics are in a solid position to try to become the NBA’s first back-to-back champions since the Warriors in 2018.

All five starters — Tatum, Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis — are under contract for next season. After having secured long-term extensions with Brown, Holiday and Porzingis, the Celtics are expected to do the same with Tatum and White this summer.



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Reserve Luke Kornet didn’t let fans forget the Celtics’ history of titles, leading fans on a count from one to 18 at the end of the parade route.

Their message to the city is clear: Keep the duck boats gassed up.

Kyrie Irving sounds ready to keep chasing NBA titles in Dallas

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving pauses on the court in front of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, left, during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

DALLAS — Kyrie Irving is a year away from having the option to leave the Dallas Mavericks, and at that point would be closing in on his longest stint anywhere since asking out of Cleveland, where he was drafted, in 2017.

Yet the mercurial guard sounded as if Dallas could be his basketball home well beyond 2025 after losing the NBA Finals in five games to the Boston Celtics in his first full season with co-star Luka Doncic.

“I see an opportunity for us to really build our future in a positive manner where this is almost like a regular thing for us, and we’re competing for championships,” Irving said after Dallas’ 106-88 loss in Game 5.

Irving jilted Boston in free agency in 2019 and has been steadfastly booed by Celtics fans since then. His 3 1/2 seasons in Brooklyn were filled with mostly self-inflicted drama, to the point that he finally asked for a trade after doing the same to break away from LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

When the Mavericks acquired the eight-time All-Star at the deadline last year, Irving’s reputation around the league was in tatters. Things have changed in 16 months.

READ: Doncic, Irving can’t deliver for Mavericks in NBA Finals clincher

“From a spiritual standpoint, I think I enjoyed this journey more than any other season, just because of the redemption arc and being able to learn as much as I did about myself and my teammates and the organization and the people that I’m around,” Irving said. “It’s a lot of good people here, so it makes coming to work a lot of fun.”

Doncic’s player option is a year after Irving’s, following the 2025-26 season. And every other rotation player in the playoffs except for guard Derrick Jones Jr. is under contract next season.

The Mavericks don’t have much room to maneuver under the salary cap, but they will have the nagging question of whether a more dangerous third scoring option is the missing piece.

The 25-year-old Doncic is entering his prime in a difficult NBA Western Conference, with two trips at least to the West finals in the past three seasons.

But Dallas was a surprise team both times, and couldn’t stick around past five games. The next level would be getting this far without being a surprise, perhaps as the favorite to win the title.

Such progress might be required to keep Irving and Doncic together beyond 2025-26, or to keep Doncic in Dallas as long as retired star Dirk Nowitzki stayed — a record 21 seasons with the same franchise.

“When you have one of the best players in the world,” coach Jason Kidd said, “you should be always fighting for a championship.”

READ: NBA Finals: Kyrie Irving says Mavericks change ‘starts with me’

While Irving and Doncic had a full season, the Mavericks like to talk about having just five months together. That’s when trade-deadline additions Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington arrived and helped give Dallas a defensive mindset that became crucial to the deep playoff run.

Last fall, the talk was the full reset for Doncic and Irving. In 3 1/2 months, the talk will be of Gafford, Washington and budding 7-foot-1 star Dereck Lively II, Dallas’ rookie first-round pick, having their first training camp together.

“We did some great moves,” said Doncic, who won his first scoring title. “I would say we’ve been together for five months. We didn’t win the finals, but we did have a hell of a season.”

If the Mavericks don’t add a starter in the offseason, the 32-year-old Irving figures to be the only player older than 26 in the lineup. Lively won’t be 21 until February.

Maxi Kleber, a 32-year-old with seven seasons of NBA experience, is the other 30-something who might be in the rotation. Tim Hardaway Jr. is the same age, but he fell out of the rotation late in the season, leaving his role in doubt with one year remaining on his contract.

“We’re a young team, and so this isn’t a team when you look at do we have to replace some of the older players,” Kidd said. “We have a core, a young core at that, and so this is an exciting time to be a Mavs fan and to also be a coach for the Mavs.”

The “old guy” — Irving — sounds as if he doesn’t want to be replaced in Dallas anytime soon.



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“When you really love something, you really want to win and it doesn’t happen, how do you respond from that?” Irving asked. “I think I could tell you I’m pretty confident that we’ll be back in the gym pretty soon and getting ready for next year.”

Celtics look to become first repeat NBA champion since 2018

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, center, holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as he celebrates with center Kristaps Porzingis, left, and guard Jaylen Brown, right, after the Celtics won the NBA championship with a Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON — It took more than a decade, savvy front office and draft moves, and some free agency luck for the Celtics to ultimately build the roster that brought an end to their 16-year NBA championship drought.

But with NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown already locked up long-term and fellow All-Star Jayson Tatum set to join him in the $300 million club this summer, Boston doesn’t have nearly as much work to do this offseason to keep together a core that is set up to become the first team since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to repeat as champions.

In the euphoria of locking up the franchise’s record-breaking 18th championship, Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck gave president of basketball operations Brad Stevens a shoutout for finishing a process that began when Stevens was originally hired as Boston’s coach in 2013.

“We all watched the team the last few years. Great teams, but not quite there,” Grousbeck said. “And Brad was brilliant. We knew we needed to make changes … and he got it done.”

Moving away from longtime executive Danny Ainge — the architect of Boston’s 2008 championship Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen — in favor of the 44-year-old Stevens was bold. Now, just three years after being pulled off the sideline, Stevens has made good on the belief that ownership had in him.

READ: NBA: Brown, Tatum answer critics while leading Celtics to title

He did it by taking the war chest of draft picks Ainge left him and borrowing from the aggressiveness his predecessor was known for to immediately go to work.

It started coyly with a February 2022 trade deadline acquisition of Derrick White, a young defensive-minded reserve with San Antonio.

Then, following the loss to the Warriors in the Finals, he steered the team through the suspension and ultimate departure of coach Ime Udoka for having an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the organization.

Facing a franchise-altering moment, Stevens leaned on his gut, elevating back bench assistant Joe Mazzulla to the top job.

Then, after a conference finals loss to Miami last season, he did what was originally unthinkable by trading veteran leader Marcus Smart and reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon in separate deals that brought in 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis and defensive stalwart Jrue Holiday.

The pair turned out to be the missing links for a team that, including the playoffs, finished 80-21 this season, placing it second in team history behind only the Celtics’ 1985-86 championship team that finished 82-18.

READ: NBA: Jayson Tatum says past pain inspired Boston Celtics

It also marks the first time in seven seasons the team with the best record during the regular season went on to win the title.

Most importantly, Boston is set up to keep the current core intact for the foreseeable future.

Brown is already locked up through 2029. Tatum is eligible to sign a five-year supermax extension this summer that will be worth a record $315 million and run through 2031. White, who is set to be a free agent in 2025, can ink a four-year deal worth about $125 million this offseason.

The remaining returning starters, Holiday and Porzingis, have already been extended through 2028 and 2026, respectively.

While some tough, luxury tax decisions could be looming in a few seasons, it’s a team constructed to win now.

Brown said it’s left everyone poised to defend their title next season and beyond.



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“I think we have an opportunity. I think we definitely have a window,” he said. “We take it one day at a time. We definitely have to make sure we stay healthy. But, we’ll enjoy the summer, enjoy the moment, and then we get right back to it next year.”