Former NBA champion and current TNT analyst Kenny Smith is getting involved in Australia’s National Basketball League, according to a press release. Smith has been appointed as the head of the NBL’s Next Stars player initiative and will “actively recruit, develop and mentor new Next Stars players” in that role. The Next Stars initiative has served as an alternative to college … [Read more...] about And-Ones: K. Smith, NBL, Salary Cap, Ishbia, Gilbert
O’Neale’s Insertion Into Lineup Is Temporary
Suns coach Frank Vogel switched up his rotation in the team’s 124-108 win over the Clippers on Wednesday, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports. Royce O’Neale was inserted into the lineup in place of Grayson Allen, while Thaddeus Young replaced Drew Eubanks as the backup center.However, the Suns could go right back to Allen as the starter against Sacramento on Friday. … [Read more...] about O’Neale’s Insertion Into Lineup Is Temporary
Frank Vogel Says Lineup Change Possible For Playoffs
At 45-33, L.A. is a half-game behind New Orleans and a half-game ahead of Sacramento in a tight race for seedings. The Lakers trail Phoenix by a game-and-a-half for the coveted sixth spot, but they’re two games back in the loss column and will need some help to catch the Suns.Suns coach Frank Vogel indicated that he might consider replacing Grayson Allen with Royce O’Neale in … [Read more...] about Frank Vogel Says Lineup Change Possible For Playoffs
Pacific Notes: Thomas, Thompson, Kawhi, Harden, Jones
Having earned a rest-of-season commitment from the Suns, Isaiah Thomas isn’t looking to just play out this season and then call it a career. He views his comeback this spring as a “stepping stone” toward continuing his playing career beyond 2023/24, he told reporters on Tuesday (Twitter video link via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic). “I want to play two to three more … [Read more...] about Pacific Notes: Thomas, Thompson, Kawhi, Harden, Jones
O’Neale Lacks Incentive To Sign Before Free Agency
Royce O’Neale doesn’t have much of an incentive to sign an extension with the Suns prior to the summer, John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix notes (Twitter link). Right now, the Suns are limited to just a two-year, $20.5MM extension. However, Phoenix can offer him up to five years in the summer since it holds O’Neale’s Bird rights. A contract in the $13-14MM annual range for three … [Read more...] about O’Neale Lacks Incentive To Sign Before Free Agency