The Pistons collected a road win over the Suns on Saturday and Kevin Durant gave high praise to Detroit guard Cade Cunningham, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic writes. “I think it’s his year to be an All-Star, take off and go to that next level. It’s always a joy to play against him because we compete,” Durant said. “He doesn’t treat me like the old head and take it easy on me … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Cunningham, Lillard, Toppin, Buzelis
And-Ones: Team Canada, D. Smith, 2025 Draft, Kendrick
Canadian players are still dealing with the disappointment of not winning a medal at this year’s Summer Olympics, writes Michael Grange of SportsNet. Featuring a roster loaded with NBA talent, Team Canada had a chance to reach a milestone for the nation’s basketball program. Instead, they left Paris empty handed with the realization that the next opportunity is four long years … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Team Canada, D. Smith, 2025 Draft, Kendrick
Central Notes: Bulls, Pacers, Bucks, Pistons
The Bulls registered their most impressive win of the season on Thursday in Boston, defeating the defending champion Celtics for their third consecutive victory and increasing their record on the season to 13-15. As a result of the win, Chicago is now tied with Sacramento for the 10th-worst record in the NBA. That’s notable because the Bulls will send their 2025 first-round … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Bulls, Pacers, Bucks, Pistons
Central Notes: LaVine, Lillard, Smith, Sheppard, Furphy
Zach LaVine has reinvented himself and is restoring his trade value, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic writes. Chicago has hesitated to move LaVine in seasons’ past due to either a lack of desirable assets in return or interested parties. LaVine’s play hasn’t been bad during his time with the Bulls, but his large contract (owed $44.5MM in AAV over the next two options with a … [Read more...] about Central Notes: LaVine, Lillard, Smith, Sheppard, Furphy
Central Notes: Bucks, LaVine, Reed, LeVert
Perhaps wary of the fate of the Lakers and Pacers, who both struggled in the immediate aftermath of the finale of last season’s inaugural in-season tournament, the Bucks‘ post-game celebration after winning Tuesday’s NBA Cup final was decidedly muted, writes Sam Amick of The Athletic. “The NBA puts a big tournament in front of you, and you go win that motherf—–. It’s as simple … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Bucks, LaVine, Reed, LeVert