The offseason player movement should slow down with the transfer portal now closed and early NBA ...

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Early CBB top 25: Purdue's vets stand out, St. John's wins portal

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green brushed off comments made by Golden State Warriors forward Dray...

Houston Rockets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> brushed off comments made by Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> at the conclusion of Game 3.The pair got into an altercation at midcourt in which the Warriors' Green directed a gesture at the fourth-year guard that mimicked painting nails following Golden State's 104-93 victory Saturday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Draymond to Jalen Green: “GO PAINT YOUR NAILS” 💀💀💀<a href="https://t.co/WopCDarmPm">pic.twitter.com/WopCDarmPm</a>— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAMemes/status/1916344002888008079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"Just talking," Jalen Green <a href="https://x.com/clutchfans/status/1916341971536269579">told</a> reporters when asked what transpired after the game. "Steph (Curry) had a good game. The reason they won.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Just talking. (Draymond) can't really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way."The Defensive Player of the Year finalist didn't confirm that he said something to Jalen Green related to painting his nails, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/draymond-green-jalen-green-altercation/1845943/">NBC Sports' Ali Thanawalla</a>."I'm not sure what he took (umbrage) to," he said. "But it was a good win for us."Jalen Green said in a 2024 video with <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@overtime/video/7325936393874672926?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc">Overtime</a> that he started painting his nails after getting his hands tattooed. Draymond Green finished the game with seven points, eight rebounds, and four assists on 3-of-11 shots from the field. Golden State was plus-12 when he was on the court. Curry scored a game-high 36 points.Jalen Green tallied nine points and five assists on 4-of-11 shooting.The Warriors possess a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday at 10 p.m. ET.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Rockets' Green dismisses Draymond: 'Talking is his only way'

Miami Heat All-Star Tyler Herro wasn't impressed with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland ca...

Miami Heat All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> wasn't impressed with Cleveland Cavaliers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> calling out his defense after Game 2."To go to the media to talk about game plan, and this and that, kind of says a lot about him," Herro said Friday, according to the <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/04/25/heats-herro-says-i-dont-need-any-fuel-in-response-to-cavs-garland-pick-on-tyler-herro/">South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman</a>. "I'm not worried about Darius Garland. I'm worried about winning a playoff game."Herro added, "At the end of the day, it's competitive. But somebody who doesn't play defense shouldn't be talking. He don't play any defense."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Garland said Wednesday he credited the Cavs' 2-0 first-round series lead to the team's simple game plan."Pick on Tyler Herro and take care of the ball. Don't play in tight spaces and pick on their weak defenders," Garland said, according to <a href="https://x.com/RealDCunningham/status/1915241932965490749">Locked on Cavs' Danny Cunningham</a>.Cleveland's guards have been torching Miami all series. The trio of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53038" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53038">Ty Jerome</a>, and Garland is averaging a combined 71 points per game. The Cavs scored 121 points in both victories.Heat forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> defended Herro, stating the entire team takes the insult personally. "Obviously, he said what he said. We all take that personal, not only just Tyler, we all take it personal."Herro is averaging 27 points, nine more than the team's second-leading playoff scorer (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96105" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96105">Davion Mitchell</a> at 18 points). Of the four Heat players to start both contests, only Adebayo has a better defensive rating than Herro's 134.9.Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter of game one of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Herro responds to Garland's defense jab: He shouldn't be talking

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will be sidelined for Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder d...

Memphis Grizzlies star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> will be sidelined for Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hip injury, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1915853539340956034">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Friday.The Grizzlies officially listed Morant as doubtful with a hip contusion.Morant was injured late in the second quarter of Game 3 after a collision with Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382">Luguentz Dort</a>. Morant left the game and didn't return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He tallied 15 points and five assists on 6-of-11 shooting from the field prior to the injury. Memphis blew a 26-point halftime lead following Morant's exit.The Murray State product was the Grizzlies' leading scorer in the regular season, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists.Morant struggled to stay healthy, however, only appearing in 50 games due to a variety of ailments. He played through an ankle sprain in Memphis' play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks and reportedly received injections to help manage the pain.OKC took a 3-0 series lead with Thursday's 114-108 victory. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 24: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game Three of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Morant won't play in Game 4 due to hip injury

Reigning SEC Sixth Woman of the Year MiLaysia Fulwiley will play her junior season at conference ...

Reigning SEC Sixth Woman of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111389" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111389">MiLaysia Fulwiley</a> will play her junior season at conference rival LSU after transferring from South Carolina, she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DI4RpcbgjAk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">announced</a> Friday on Instagram.The 5-foot-10 guard played her first two seasons with the Gamecocks and was a key piece of the squad that won the 2024 national title.Fulwiley averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 77 career games for South Carolina. She won the SEC Tournament MVP as a freshman and is a two-time All-SEC tourney nominee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 20-year-old saw her minutes diminish and she recorded two of her four lowest minute totals in the NCAA Tournament.Fulwiley bolsters an already impressive LSU backcourt, as both Flau'Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams are returning to Baton Rouge.The Tigers went 31-6 overall and finished third in the SEC after going 12-4 in conference play. They were beaten by UCLA in the Elite Eight.

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 04: South Carolina Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (12) wit the ball during the NCAA Div I Women's Championship Final Four game between Texas Longhorns and South Carolina Gamecocks on April 4, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.

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Ex-South Carolina standout Fulwiley transferring to LSU

Alijah Arenas is out of his medically induced coma, the USC recruit's family announced in a state...

Alijah Arenas is out of his medically induced coma, the USC recruit's family announced in a statement Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1915789393672929556">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>."In a remarkable and hopeful development, Alijah Arenas has come out of his coma and has shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours," the statement said. However, he's still intubated.Arenas, 18, reportedly struck a fire hydrant and a tree while driving a Tesla Cybertruck at 4:56 a.m. Thursday. The car caught fire, and his family's statement quotes one of the people who rescued him:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote>I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn't see anything because the smoke was so thick. That's when I realized someone was inside. I tried to break the window, but it wouldn't give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out.</blockquote>The son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was taken to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Tarek_Fattal/status/1915483700806209783">Sports Illustrated's Tarek Fattal</a>. He didn't suffer any major bodily injuries.After Arenas awoke, he recalled the smoke and, writing on a piece of paper, asked if anyone else was injured in the crash, per the statement.The Cybertruck reportedly burst into flames after being removed to a towing yard.Arenas was ESPN's 13th-highest-ranked high school recruit and the third-ranked shooting guard in the class of 2025. He is the first five-star recruit to commit to USC in the Eric Musselman era.

BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 01: McDonalds High School All American Alijah Arenas (16) drives to the basket during the McDonalds Boys High School All American Game on April 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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USC recruit Alijah Arenas out of coma following car crash

Ex-Cincinnati forward Dillon Mitchell is the third former five-star recruit to transfer to St. Jo...

Ex-Cincinnati forward Dillon Mitchell is the third former five-star recruit to transfer to St. John's this offseason, <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1915058166179725642">The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a> reported Wednesday.Mitchell was the fourth-ranked recruit in the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2022/order/true">ESPN 100</a> in 2022. He played two seasons at Texas before heading to Cincinnati for his junior campaign. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 9.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in his lone season with the Bearcats.Mitchell will team up with former five-star prospects Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon, who transferred from North Carolina and Arizona State, respectively. St John's head coach Rick Pitino also landed former Providence standout Bryce Hopkins and former Stanford sharpshooter Oziyah Sellers from the portal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pitino, 72, has been adamant that he would rather use the transfer portal to build next season's roster with proven college talent instead of recruiting high school players. "We're not recruiting any high school basketball players, not this year," he said in February, according to<a href="https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/02/big-east-notebook-pitino-shuts-down-high-school-recruiting-seton-hall-hoping-for-burst-sorber-sustains-injury.html"> Adam Zagoria of NJ.com</a>.The Red Storm's only commit from outside college basketball is Austrian forward Imran Suljanovic, who played for Italian club Pallacanestro Reggiana in the Lega Basket Serie A last season.St. John's is losing Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. after he declared for the NBA draft as well as Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith, who have exhausted their eligibility.St. John's won the Big East regular-season and tournament titles in its second season under Pitino. The program was rewarded with a 2-seed in the NCAA tourney but was eliminated by 10-seed Arkansas in the Round of 32.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - FEBRUARY 25: Dillon Mitchell #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrates in the second half against the Baylor Bears at Fifth Third Arena on February 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Report: St. John's adds former 5-star recruit Mitchell from Cincinnati

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award.  The results wer...

Boston Celtics guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93845">Payton Pritchard</a> won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award.The results were announced during TNT's Tuesday night playoff coverage.Pritchard edged out Cleveland Cavaliers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53038" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53038">Ty Jerome</a> and Detroit Pistons sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44947" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44947">Malik Beasley</a>. Pritchard received 82 first-place votes, while Beasley got the second most with 13, and both Jerome and his Cavs teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> got two each.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Payton Pritchard</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>82</td>
<td>454</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malik Beasley</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>279</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ty Jerome</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>De'Andre Hunter</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Naz Reid</td>
<td> Timberwolves</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nickeil Alexander-Walker</td>
<td> Timberwolves</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Westbrook</td>
<td> Nuggets</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Caruso</td>
<td> Thunder</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The Oregon product was instrumental in Boston's second-place finish in the East. He came off the bench in 77 of his 80 games this season and averaged 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.7% from deep.Pritchard broke the NBA's single-season record for most made 3-pointers by a player off the bench with 246 treys. The 27-year-old recorded 24 games with at least 20 points, including a career-high 43-point explosion March 5 against the Portland Trail Blazers.Pritchard becomes the fourth Celtic to take home the annual Sixth Man award, following Malcolm Brogdon (2023), Bill Walton (1986), and Kevin McHale (1984 and 1985).

Boston, MA - April 4: Boston Celtics PG Payton Pritchard celebrates hitting a 3-pointer in the second quarter.

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Celtics' Pritchard wins 6th Man of the Year award

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was fined $50,000 for "directing inappropriate langua...

Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> was fined $50,000 for "directing inappropriate language and making an obscene gesture toward" a Los Angeles Lakers fan, the league announced Tuesday.The incident occurred midway through the third quarter of the T-Wolves' 117-95 victory over the Lakers in Game 1 of their first-round series.This is Edwards' seventh fine of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His six previous fines totaled $320,000. His transgressions included criticism of game officials, making obscene gestures, profanity in a postgame interview, and throwing the ball into the stands.The Timberwolves led by as many as 27 points in Game 1. Edwards tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during Round 1, Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 19, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Edwards fined $50K for lewd comment to Lakers fan

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will be available for Tuesday night's Game 2 against the Indi...

Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> will be available for Tuesday night's Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, he told <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/1914697099121209674">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>.Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.The nine-time All-Star was cleared for full-contact workouts last week and has been practicing with the team since Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lillard is no longer taking blood-thinning medication, and his quick recovery was reportedly unprecedented.Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games this season. The 34-year-old has been an elite playoff performer throughout his NBA tenure, averaging 26.1 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 37.3% from three in 65 career postseason games.Milwaukee was blown out 117-98 in Game 1 and trailed by as many as 28 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> scored a game-high 36 points but tied a season low with one assist. The rest of the starting lineup combined for 14 points.Game 2 will tip off at 7 p.m. ET.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts untucking his jersey after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Bucks 104-93 at Chase Center on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Bucks' Lillard will play in Game 2 vs. Pacers

Mark Pope has bolstered his backcourt for next season as Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen is transfe...

Mark Pope has bolstered his backcourt for next season as Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen is transferring to Kentucky, <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1914352737216504299">ESPN's Jeff Borzello reports</a> Monday.Aberdeen was a key piece to the Gators' 2025 national championship victory, tallying seven points and two rebounds in 18 minutes against Houston.The junior from Orlando averaged 7.7 points and 1.4 assists in 39 games while shooting 41.8% from the field and 35% from deep.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kentucky's backcourt will look remarkably different in 2025-26 as Jaxson Robinson, Lamont Butler, and Koby Brea have exhausted their eligibility, while the oft-injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84155">Kerr Kriisa</a> is transferring to Cincinnati. Star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103080" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103080">Otega Oweh</a> is testing for the NBA draft but could return to college.Kentucky has already received transfer commitments from Alabama's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110660">Mouhamed Dioubate</a>, Arizona State's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121786" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121786">Jayden Quaintance</a>, Pittsburgh's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110385" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110385">Jaland Lowe</a>, and Tulane's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162799" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162799">Kam Williams</a>.The Wildcats will also be adding top-25 recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.Kentucky finished sixth in the SEC after going 10-8 in conference play. The Wildcats went 24-12 overall and were eliminated by Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 27: Denzel Aberdeen #11 of the Florida Gators looks on during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Chase Center on March 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Kentucky adds Florida transfer Aberdeen

The Atlanta Hawks parted ways with general manager Landry Fields, the team announced Monday.  The...

The Atlanta Hawks parted ways with general manager Landry Fields, the team announced Monday.The Hawks promoted assistant general manager Onsi Saleh to replace Landry. He'll take over the team's day-to-day operations immediately."As we enter this pivotal offseason, we have several complex decisions ahead of us, and we are committed to providing the human and financial resources needed to ensure that we navigate these decisions with a high level of precision and foresight," owner Tony Ressler said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added: "I would genuinely like to thank Landry for his leadership during his time with us. Landry made our franchise better and left contributions that have positioned us for growth."Fields joined Atlanta in 2019 and was named general manager in 2022. The former NBA player is responsible for drafting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a> with the No. 1 overall pick last year.The Hawks finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 40-42 record, falling short of the playoffs after losing in overtime to the Miami Heat in a play-in game.Saleh will face a crucial decision regarding star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a>, who's eligible for an extension this offseason.Saleh came to the Hawks in May 2024 and previously spent time working for the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.Atlanta will also begin searching for a president of basketball operations.

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 28: General Manager Landry Fields of the Atlanta Hawks talks to the media during a press conference on June 28, 2024 at Emory Sports and Medical Complex in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Hawks dismiss GM Fields, name Saleh as replacement

Former UCF center Moustapha Thiam will be playing for Wes Miller at Cincinnati next season, the F...

Former UCF center Moustapha Thiam will be playing for Wes Miller at Cincinnati next season, the <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1914340672552771975">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a> reports.The 7-foot-2 big man averaged 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in his freshman season. He was the Big 12's leading shot-blocker, averaging 2.6 rejections per game. Houston's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110355" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110355">Joseph Tugler</a> was second in blocks at 1.9.The Bearcats have been active in the transfer portal and already picked up a number of commitments, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84155">Kerr Kriisa</a> from Kentucky, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102834" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102834">Sencire Harris</a> from West Virginia, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95548" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95548">Jalen Haynes</a> from George Mason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cincy finished 12th in its second season in the Big 12 with a 7-13 conference record and 19-16 overall record. The Bearcats missed the NCAA Tournament and finished the year as <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE">KenPom</a>'s 55th-ranked squad.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 05: Moustapha Thiam #52 of the UCF Knights reacts to a play against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half in a semifinal game of the College Basketball Crown tournament at T-Mobile Arena on April 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Knights defeated the Wildcats 104-98 in overtime.

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Report: Ex-UCF big man Thiam joins Cincinnati

Duke forward Cooper Flagg announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft on Monday.  "D...

Duke forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft on Monday."Duke has always been a dream for me, but I'm excited to announce that I'll be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft," Flagg <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DItkHJwpMwf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D">said</a> in a video on Instagram.He continued: "Today is just the beginning, but I have the brotherhood with me for life."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The projected No. 1 overall selection was a dominant force in his lone collegiate campaign. He won AP Player of the Year, the Wooden Award for Most Outstanding Player, the Naismith Player of the Year award, ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and was a consensus All-American.The 18-year-old led Duke to titles in the ACC regular season and tournament and propelled the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals in 37 games."Really proud of Cooper for the special season that he had this year," Duke head coach John Scheyer <a href="https://x.com/DukeMBB/status/1914329367875907988">said</a> in a video. "I think the accolades speak for itself ... winning every national player of the year award. His highlights, his statistics, the ways he impacted the game on both ends of the floor - really in every category - was off the charts. As good as a freshman season as a guy has had."Flagg is projected to become the sixth player from Duke to be picked first overall, joining Paolo Banchero (2022), Zion Williamson (2019), Kyrie Irving (2011), Elton Brand (1999), and Art Heyman (1963).Flagg is the second outstanding Blue Devil to declare for the draft after fellow freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268760" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268760">announced</a> last week that he'll be going pro.Teams will discover who receives the coveted top pick in this year's draft at the lottery on May 12. The two-day draft will be held June 25 and 26.The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each have a 14% chance at the No. 1 selection, per <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/pick_odds">Tankathon.com</a>.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 5: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles up court against the Houston Cougars in the first half during the Final Four round of the men's NCAA basketball tournament at Alamodome on April 5, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Duke's Flagg declares for 2025 NBA Draft

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is expected to return from deep vein thrombosis in either Ga...

Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> is expected to return from deep vein thrombosis in either Game 2 or Game 3 of the team's opening-round matchup versus the Indiana Pacers, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1913627056862314789">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reported Saturday.Lillard hasn't played since March 18 because of the issue, but he is reportedly no longer taking blood-thinning medication.Doctors informed the Bucks that Lillard's recovery was unprecedented, crediting the small size of the clot and the early detection for his rapid return, per Charania.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 34-year-old has been cleared for full-contact workouts and was at the team's practice Thursday.Lillard was averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 regular-season games for the Bucks.The Pacers will be hosts for Games 1 and 2 on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, before the series heads to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday.

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 15: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a free throw during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 15, 2025 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE .

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Report: Bucks' Lillard expected back for Game 2 or 3 of opening round

Memphis guard PJ Haggerty plans to enter the transfer portal, he told The Athletic's Tobias Bass....

Memphis guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103097" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103097">PJ Haggerty</a> plans to enter the transfer portal, he told <a href="https://x.com/tobias_bass/status/1912959986596040749">The Athletic's Tobias Bass</a>.The 6-foot-3 guard's asking price is $4 million-plus, as well as assurances that he will spend the majority of his time at point guard next season, sources told the <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1913325885664706744">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman on Friday</a>.Haggerty averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Tigers this season. He was named second-team All-American for his efforts.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haggerty began his collegiate career at TCU. He transferred to Tulsa after averaging 2.8 points with the Horned Frogs. Haggerty vastly improved, posting 21.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with the Golden Hurricane.Memphis forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84318" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84318">Dain Dainja</a> also intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1912963593924165786">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. Dainja reached first-team All-AAC this season and was named the league's Newcomer of the Year after averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.The Tigers have reached March Madness three times in the past four seasons under Penny Hardaway. They lost to No. 12 Colorado State in the first round of the tournament.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: PJ Haggerty #4 of the Memphis Tigers plays defense during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte 49ers at Dale F. Halton Arena on January 19, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Memphis' Haggerty to enter portal, reportedly wants $4M

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka inked a long-term contract extension with the orga...

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka inked a long-term contract extension with the organization, the team announced Friday.The 55-year-old will now act as the team's general manager and president of basketball operations."For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob's vision and leadership to do what's best for the Lakers organization," L.A. governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/jovanbuha/status/1913311640629678563">The Athletic's Jovan Buha</a>. "I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pelinka was hired as the organization's general manager in 2017 and was responsible for a number of key moves, including the free-agent signing of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> in 2018 and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis </a>trade in 2019. Los Angeles won the 2020 NBA title, and he was promoted to assistant vice president of basketball operations and general manager that same year.Pelinka can be credited with the blockbuster deal that brought in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> from the Dallas Mavericks at this season's trade deadline.Prior to joining the Lakers' front office, Pelinka worked as a sports agent and, most notably, managed Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.L.A. will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers secured the No. 3 seed in the West with a 50-win campaign.Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 04: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced by Rob Pelinka during a press conference on February 04, 2025 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Lakers, Pelinka agree on long-term extension

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway bolstered his team's offense with the addition of ex-McNeese St...

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway bolstered his team's offense with the addition of ex-McNeese State guard Sincere Parker, who <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIl_1RHxpnX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">announced</a> Friday that he'll play for the Tigers next season.The 6-foot-3 scorer transferred to McNeese last spring after two years at Saint Louis. He averaged 12.2 points while shooting 51.4% in his lone campaign with the Cowboys. Parker was a key piece in McNeese's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, scoring 12 points in a first-round victory over Clemson. He followed that with a 17-point performance against Purdue in the Round of 32.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He has one year of eligibility remaining.Hardaway has continuously used the portal to his advantage this offseason, picking up commitments from South Carolina's Zachary Davis, Western Kentucky's Julius Thedford, and Temple's Quante Berry. Ashton Hardaway, who began his career at Memphis before joining St. Mary's, is also expected to return to the Tigers.Memphis All-American guard PJ Haggerty entered the transfer portal but has yet to announce his next destination.In March, the Tigers won their first American Conference regular-season title since Penny Hardaway took over the program in 2018. They subsequently won their conference tourney and reached the Big Dance before losing to Colorado State in the first round.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 22: Sincere Parker #21 of the McNeese State Cowboys reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 22, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Memphis lands McNeese State transfer Parker

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic wants to re-ignite his rivalry with Minnesota Timberwolves ce...

Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> wants to re-ignite his rivalry with Minnesota Timberwolves center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>."Since I came into the league, I like to play pick-and-roll," Doncic said Thursday, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44722194/lakers-luka-doncic-relishes-chance-take-wolves-gobert">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "I like to get a center on me."Gobert's four Defensive Player of the Year nods don't bother Doncic, who is averaging 30.9 points per game through 50 playoff contests - second only to Michael Jordan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I like big games," Doncic admitted. "Playoffs is a fun time. Everybody plays 100%. It's just fun to be out there."Doncic got the better of Gobert in last season's Western Conference finals, when the Slovenian was still a member of the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 32.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 47.3% from the field and 43.4% from three. Doncic mercilessly hunted Gobert throughout the entire series, and the Frenchman only managed 26 minutes in the closeout contest and was a minus-23."He thinks that there's not a person in the world that can guard him," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "So I think he takes that seriously, that matchup in particular."The Lakers and T-Wolves tied their season series with two wins apiece. L.A. won the lone contest in which Doncic was available. Los Angeles will have home-court advantage after going 50-32 in the regular season, one win better than Minnesota's record of 49-33.Game 1 will take place Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Luka excited for Gobert matchup: 'I like to get a center on me'

The Oklahoma City Thunder feel primed for a deep playoff run as they begin their second consecuti...

The Oklahoma City Thunder feel primed for a deep playoff run as they begin their second consecutive postseason as the No. 1 seed in the West."We have a 'whatever it takes' mentality," Thunder star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> told <a href="https://athlonsports.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/uncommon-thunder-take-aim-at-perception-of-inexperience">Athlon Sports' Mark Medina</a>. "The goal is to win. However you get it done, it's a step in the right direction. It's going to look ugly at times. It's going to look pretty at times. We want to be a team that gets it done regardless."Gilgeous-Alexander added, "I've understood the game inside the game. I've understood the mental aspect of the game and how to approach every day. The skill is what everyone is after. It's fun and pretty in the summertime. You work on new things and try to put them in the game. But the mental part is what I found really sets you apart and helps you take leaps."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>OKC dominated the regular season as they put together the second-best net rating in NBA history, trailing only the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, en route to a franchise-record and league-best 68 wins."I never come into the season with any expectations," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. "I have learned with this team not to put a ceiling on them. They've shown time and time again their ability to be uncommon."Daigneault's squad hangs its hat on defense with a top-ranked 106.6 defensive rating. The Thunder are first in opponent field-goal percentage (43.6%), opponent 3-point percentage (34.2%), and opponent points in the paint (42.5).Injuries to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60051" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a> during the season didn't hamper Oklahoma City's defensive prowess."That's probably the most important thing for us as a team - that everybody is stepping into their own whenever the time calls for them," two-time All-Defensive team selection <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25024" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25024">Alex Caruso</a> said.The Thunder will have home-court advantage throughout the postseason. They're set to face the winner of Friday's play-in game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks, who eliminated Oklahoma City in the second round of the playoffs last year.Game 1 is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 23: Mark Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk during the game against the LA Clippers on March 23, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE