Tuesday, October 22
Daily Trivia: Which team won the first NBA Draft Lottery? Answer below.
NBA GMs survey released
Posted at 06:54 PM ET
The controversial and sometimes questionable general managers survey was released Tuesday, and though most predictions seemed reasonable, one vote in particular may shock some people. As Chris Sheridan writes, Kobe Bryant has lost his title as the top shooting guard. “The general managers have spoken, and boy — they’ve said a mouthful. For the first time in the 12-year history of the NBA.com survey, the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (20%) was not selected by GMs as the best player at his position, as the Houston Rockets’ James Harden (56.7%) was selected as the best shooting guard in the NBA.” The second place vote is all Bryant needs at this point. After a potentially career ending Achilles injury late last season, he’s been working hard to get back on the court. In August, ESPN predicted the Lakers to finish 12th in the Western Conference. Just last week, ESPN dropped Bryant down to 25th on its rankings for the best NBA players this upcoming season.
Wolves to pick up Williams, Rubio contract options
Posted at 06:39 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves will pick up Derrick Williams’ $6.7 million contract option for 2014-15 and do the same with Ricky Rubio’s $5 million option as well, a team source confirms to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune. The decision on Rubio’s contract before next week’s season opener is no surprise. The Williams’ decision was pretty much expected, too.
TNT pregame NBA opener set for NYC plaza
Posted at 09:56 AM ET
TNT is taking its NBA pregame studio show to New York for the opening night of the season, part of a three-day celebration. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson will broadcast live Oct. 29 from Flatiron Plaza, where there will be a basketball court, NBA 2K14 video game kiosks, and a large videoboard perched 30 feet above Broadway and Fifth Avenue for fans to watch the show, which will include live coverage of the Miami Heat’s championship ring ceremony. Celebrating its 30th year of NBA coverage, Turner Sports will begin with three straight nights of doubleheaders, including the Miami-Chicago opener that will be followed by the Lakers playing the Clippers. NBA TV will televise two games Oct. 30 before TNT has another doubleheader the following night. NBA.com via Brian Mahoney Associated Press.
Trivia Answer: The Knicks won the lottery and the right to pick Georgetown center Patrick Ewing.
NBA Rumors and News for October 21, 2013
Extension Deadline Looming For 2010 NBA Draft Class
Hayward expecting big payday; Monroe likely headed for free agency
Brett Poirier manages the Rumors and News page for Sheridan Hoops. Follow @BrettNBA