Boston Celtics forward Cedric Maxwell was anxiously awaiting the arrival of rookie Larry Bird in 1979. And not because Maxwell thought Bird could change the trajectory of the franchise. Rather, Maxwell thought he could show the high-profile Bird what it actually took to play in the NBA. Back then, the Celtics’ veterans would get together with […] The post Celtics legend Larry Bird ‘was that dude,’ former teammate Cedric Maxwell says appeared first on Hoops Wire.

The Portland Trail Blazers may have moved to extend head coach Chauncey Billups in part due to speculation linking him to the Phoenix Suns’ expected head coaching search, according to NBA reporter Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report. Highkin reported on social media that he had “heard a lot of chatter” suggesting Billups could be […] The post Blazers may have moved quickly on Chauncey Billups contract because of Suns speculation appeared first on Hoops Wire.

Lakers As the Lakers prepare for their opening-round matchup against the Timberwolves, coach JJ Redick said he’ll be leaning on a unique source of insight: superstar guard Luka Doncic. Doncic, who joined the Lakers this season, faced the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals last year while with the Mavericks — a firsthand perspective Redick […] The post NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Wizards, Magic, Jamahl Mosley appeared first on Hoops Wire.

Paul Pierce disagrees LeBron James will be "exposed" — " Even at 40, he's not chopped liver on defense."

Breaking down everything you need to know about the Clippers and the Denver Nuggets ahead of their first-round NBA playoff series.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Bradley Beal was upset Mike Budenholzer told him to be the “Jrue Holiday” of the Phoenix Suns.  Budenholzer coached Holiday on the Milwaukee Bucks, who won the 2021 championship against the Suns in six games.  On the Haynes Briefs Show, inside the Phoenix Suns’ turmoil and incidents that led […] The post Report: Bradley Beal was upset Mike Budenholzer told him to be ‘Jrue Holiday of Suns’ appeared first on Hoops Wire.

Chris Broussard explains why the Golden State Warriors have a good chance to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament.

Our NBA experts pick which teams make it out of the play-in tournament and which will survive the first round.

The panel of NBA betting experts break down the best bets to make heading into the NBA playoffs.

The Los Angeles Lakers All-Star hates to finish second because of his competitiveness  Leer

Firing the head coach and general manager with just three games left in the regular season might seem like an impulsive move but Denver Nuggets coach Josh Kroenke said Tuesday the split was months in the making.

Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke took accountability following the firings of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth, saying he need "to be better."

NBA legend Scottie Pippen “thought about asking” Julius Erving to present him into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.  However, Pippen ultimately went with the guy he won six championships with, NBA icon Michael Jordan.  “For the Hall of Fame ceremony, I needed to choose an official presenter, a person to stand […] The post Scottie Pippen ‘thought about asking’ Julius Erving to present him into Hall of Fame before ultimately going with Michael Jordan: ‘There really was no other choice, so what if Michael and I weren’t best friends?’ appeared first on Hoops Wire.

In Bronny James' first Lakers start, the rookie had four points on two-of-10 shooting and a plus/minus of -23. Coach JJ Redick gave LeBron's son an A+ grade for the season.