Basketball Intelligence For 12/11/24
Today's Best News And Reporting
TEAM NEWS
ATL: From France to ATL, No. 1 Pick Zaccharie Risacher is Primed to Make a Big Impact with the Hawks
Ryan Jones, Slam
CHA: The Whiteboard: Brandon Miller is making the leap
Lior Lampert, Fansided
CHI: Will Patrick Williams’ return present a dilemma for Bulls and rookie Matas Buzelis?
Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic
It’s not a comfortable topic at Bulls headquarters. The franchise lavished Williams with a five-year, $90 million contract extension this summer, but here comes the team’s raw prospect playing his way into not just the rotation but also the conversation for which forward deserves the majority of minutes moving ahead.
CLE: Max Strus practices with Cavs for first time as he closes in on season debut
Chris Fedor, Cleveland.com
DAL: Mavs Game Observations: Game 25 at Thunder [NBA Cup Special]
Iztok Franko, Diggin Basketball
DAL: What’s led to Kyrie Irving’s career year from 3? Mavs star details long-desired moment
Mike Curtis, The Dallas Morning News
DAL: Luka Doncic, Mavs see NBA Cup dreams vanish, but silver lining awaits: ‘It worked well’
Mike Curtis, The Dallas Morning News
HOU: Rockets GM Rafael Stone says they want to develop, not trade for a star: 'We do not intend to change anything'
James Herbert, CBS Sports
Stone's comments align with previous reporting on the subject. In late October, after Houston signed center Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green to contract extensions, Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that, while rival teams thought Houston was still interested in Durant and would be interested in Butler if he became available, the messaging from the Rockets was that they were unlikely to make any trade of consequence during the season. In mid-November, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Houston was telling teams it wasn't interested in trading its young players and that Tari Eason and Amen Thompson specifically were "labeled off limits."
HOU: How Ime Udoka built the Houston Rockets' new identity
Tim MacMahon, ESPN
LAL: What’s wrong with the Lakers? The biggest questions and concerns answered
Jovan Buha, The Athletic
MIA: How is Jimmy Butler having the most efficient season of his career
John Jablonka, Simply Ballin
MIA: How the Heat found another gem in Pelle Larsson
John Jablonka, All U Can Heat
MIL: Bucks head to Las Vegas for Emirates Cup semifinal after beating Magic, 114-109
Jim Owczarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MIL: How Bobby Portis Took The Bucks To Vegas
Rohit Naimpally, From The Logo
MIL: Damian Lillard is rounding into old form, and the Bucks are quietly finding their stride after ugly start
Brad Botkin, CBS Sports
MIL: Surging Bucks set eyes on NBA Cup in return to Vegas
Jamal Collier, ESPN
MIN: How Anthony Edwards built that new ‘super pretty’ jumper: ‘Make ’em respect it’
Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic
Embedded in the braggadocio is evidence of his sophistication. To be clear, Edwards can feel when his form goes awry and a miss is likely. But he’s gotten his mechanics to a point where he doesn’t feel that often.
NOP: Trade Zion Williamson and start a rebuild? Assessing Pelicans’ options
William Guillory, The Athletic
Remaining Team News, League News, WNBA News and NBA Draft continued for paid subscribers. Remember: for just $5 a month, you get full access to all the best news and reporting that we hand-curate daily for your enjoyment. Already have a subscription? Now is the perfect time to gift one to someone you know!