NBA

Associated PressMagic hire Jeff Weltman to head basketball operationsBy TERRANCE HARRISORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Orlando Magic completed their search to fill the role of president of basketball operations.It's Toronto general manager Jeff Weltman, a veteran NBA executive but relatively unknown to the casual basketball fan.Magic President Alex Martins...

Bulls C Gafford leaves with right thumb injuryCHICAGO (AP) Chicago Bulls center Daniel Gafford left Wednesday night's game against Washington after he hurt his right thumb on a steal.Gafford's thumb was bent back after he picked off a pass by Ian Mahinmi early in the first quarter. The...

AP Sports WriterStephen Curry back in full practice mode for WarriorsBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Stephen Curry resumed full practice with contact and could play for the defending champion Golden State Warriors as soon as Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Saturday night against New Orleans.Curry looked...

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Despite being a game-time decision due to a sprained ligament in his left knee, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard was in the starting lineup Thursday night for Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. Howard was listed as questionable, and after a 15-minute workout before the game,...

AP Sports WriterVan Gundy says Drummond needs 'sense of urgency'By NOAH TRISTERAUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) Stan Van Gundy has a reputation for candor, so when he was asked to evaluate the development of star center Andre Drummond, the Detroit coach's matter-of-fact response was no surprise.''I think that he...

AP Sports WriterGolden State's Curry out with stomach flu against BlazersBy ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Stephen Curry has been ruled out of Golden State's game Sunday night against the Trail Blazers because of stomach flu.It is the first game Curry has missed this season.Coach Steve Kerr said...

AP Sports WriterCavaliers ban fan who aimed racial taunts at Spurs' MillsBy TOM WITHERSINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) The Cleveland Cavaliers have indefinitely banned a fan from their arena for making racial taunts at San Antonio's Patty Mills.Security officials reviewed videotape from Sunday's game and identified the fan sitting near...

AP Basketball WriterManu Ginobili, a 4-time champion with Spurs, retires at 41By TIM REYNOLDSManu Ginobili has played his final game, and with that a new era awaits the San Antonio Spurs.Ginobili announced his decision to retire on Monday, the 41-year-old wrapping up what he called a ''fabulous journey'' in...

AP Basketball WriterUS men's basketball enters a new world - without its starsBy BRIAN MAHONEYThe jerseys say USA, though that's about all that will be recognizable.When the U.S. men's basketball team returns to action later this month, fans might be left wondering, ''the red, white and who?''The Americans are...

AP Basketball WriterHeat suspend Dion Waiters for season opener over conductBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) Shooting guard Dion Waiters has been suspended by the Miami Heat for their season opener against Memphis on Wednesday night for what was described as ''conduct detrimental to the team.''''There were a number of...

TORONTO (AP) Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca admitted he had a hard time focusing on basketball Friday night.The Saint-Etienne, France native was worried about the safety of his family in Paris, where terrorist attacks killed at least 120 people. He didn't get confirmation they were all safe until after...

Embiid needs surgery on orbital fracture; has concussionPHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid will need surgery on an orbital fracture of his left eye and he has a concussion.There was no timetable Thursday on how long Embiid would be sidelined. The 76ers are set to play...