NBA

AP Basketball WriterIrving says Durant was rushed back, won't be rushed againBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Kyrie Irving says Kevin Durant wasn't ready to play in the NBA Finals. He wants his new teammate to come back to the court this time only when fully healthy.Irving put up...

AP Sports WriterKings coach Walton focused on team, not lawsuitBy JOSH DUBOWSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Sacramento Kings first-year coach Luke Walton says he is focused on his team and not worried about a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault.Walton spoke publicly Friday at Kings media day for the first...

AP Sports WriterNew Wizards GM Sheppard eyes 'development,' not win totalBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) For years, the Washington Wizards would head into a season with proclamations from players or management or ownership - if not all three - about how many wins they were hoping for or how...

G League going to 1 free throw for most foulsNEW YORK (AP) The NBA says most two- and three-shot fouls in the G League this season will be settled by taking just one free throw.A made shot will count for the two or three points. Multiple free throws...

Pelicans add Weatherspoon, Diggs to coaching staffNEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Teresa Weatherspoon and AJ Diggs as assistant coaches with a focus on player development.The club says the two new assistants have been assigned to work closely with the Pelicans' two-way players and will...

Kuzma not ready to practice with Lakers due to foot injuryEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma will be sidelined at least until mid-October with a stress reaction in his left foot.The Lakers announced the extent of Kuzma's injury Thursday before the start of training...

Shanghai gets NBA 2K League team, 1st outside North AmericaSHANGHAI (AP) The NBA 2K League is adding a team in Shanghai for the 2020 season, its first franchise outside of North America.The 2K League announced the addition Thursday. The Shanghai club will be operated by esports organization Gen.G...

Pelicans add Weatherspoon, Diggs to coaching staffNEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Teresa Weatherspoon and AJ Diggs as assistant coaches with a focus on player development.The club says the two new assistants have been assigned to work closely with the Pelicans' two-way players and will...

Grizzlies' De'Anthony Melton out 4-8 weeks with back injuryMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Memphis Grizzlies forward De'Anthony Melton will miss one to two months with what the team has described as a stress reaction in his back.The Grizzlies announced Melton's injury Thursday in a team release. Grizzlies officials said Melton...

Timberwolves add former agent Joe Branch as assistant GMMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired former player agent Joe Branch as an assistant general manager, completing their front office makeover under new president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas.The Wolves announced Wednesday the addition of Branch, who came from...

Nets' Kyrie Irving has facial fracture after getting elbowedNEW YORK (AP) Kyrie Irving is hurt before his Nets career even begins.Irving sustained a left side facial fracture after being elbowed during a pickup game, and the Nets said Wednesday the All-Star point guard is listed as day to...

AP Basketball WriterFeeling better, Magic guard Markelle Fultz has high hopesBy TIM REYNOLDSORLANDO, Fla. (AP) It was time for the last jump shot of Markelle Fultz's workout on the Orlando Magic practice court on Wednesday. He let a 3-pointer fly from the left corner, and spun around in...