The Rockets’ interest in Kevin Durant has been overstated, Marc Stein reports in a Substack post. Stein wrote last month that there was a strong belief around the league that the Rockets were interested in a Durant deal. Stein hears now that Houston is determined to prioritize internal development this season, rather than looking to make a big move before the February trade … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Durant, Rockets, Cuban, Udoka, Williamson
Holiday, Sheppard Seeing More Playing Time
Rookie Reed Sheppard and veteran Aaron Holiday have earned spots in the Rockets‘ rotation by providing reliable three-point shooting, observes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Over a recent seven-game stretch, Holiday shot 45.5% from beyond the arc and Sheppard was at 38.9% as both guards are seeing more playing time. Holiday chose to re-sign with Houston in free … [Read more...] about Holiday, Sheppard Seeing More Playing Time
Warriors Become First Team To Clinch NBA Cup Quarterfinal Berth
The Warriors are now 3-0 in NBA Cup games, making them the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round of the in-season tournament. As the NBA announced late on Friday night after Golden State beat New Orleans and Dallas beat Denver (Twitter link), the Warriors have won West Group C, officially securing a quarterfinal berth for December. The 3-0 Warriors are one game … [Read more...] about Warriors Become First Team To Clinch NBA Cup Quarterfinal Berth
Western Notes: Durant, Beal, Rockets, Giannis, Marshall, Pelicans
There’s optimism that Kevin Durant will be able to return from his left calf strain at some point next week, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter video link), who suggests the Suns star could be back on the court as soon as Tuesday for an NBA Cup matchup with the Lakers. There’s also optimism that Bradley Beal, who is dealing with a left calf strain of his own, will be … [Read more...] about Western Notes: Durant, Beal, Rockets, Giannis, Marshall, Pelicans
Southwest Notes: Antetokounmpo, V. Williams, Bane, Edey, Doncic, Pelicans
Despite recent reporting indicating that rival scouts and executives view Houston as a favorite to make a big in-season splash, NBA insider Marc Stein writes at Substack that “consistent whispers” around the league point to the Rockets waiting until the offseason to buy more time to see if a big trade target shakes loose. Houston expressed interest in trading for Kevin Durant … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Antetokounmpo, V. Williams, Bane, Edey, Doncic, Pelicans