NBA

AP Basketball WriterKnicks hire longtime player agent Leon Rose as presidentBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Leon Rose has spent years as one of the NBA's most powerful agents.Now he will try to turn around one of its weakest franchises.The New York Knicks hired Rose as their president Monday,...

AP Sports WriterRockets put premium on experience in new coach D'AntoniBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Of all of Mike D'Antoni's strengths, the Houston Rockets valued his experience above all else.Houston introduced D'Antoni as their new coach on Wednesday with owner Leslie Alexander saying they wanted someone who could win...

AP Sports WriterButler practices again with Wolves, as opener nearsBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Jimmy Butler is still suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the opener three days away.Despite his preference to play elsewhere, signs have begun to point to him staying with the Timberwolves at least to...

Kobe Bryant again has urged Dwight Howard to play through some pain while claiming that the Los Angeles Lakers' center "worries too much" about media and fan criticism. Howard has missed the past three games because of a torn labrum in his shoulder, aggravating an injury he initially suffered earlier...

Michael Jordan: "Truly pained and plain angry”CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Michael Jordan is “deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry.”With protesters taking to the streets across the United States again Sunday, Jordan released a statement on George Floyd and the killings of black people at the hands of police.“I...

AP Sports WriterClose-knit Pacers' bond gets tested with season on the lineBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers have been winning together, losing together and fighting together all season.Now they need to demonstrate their resilience once more as they try to save their season by rebounding from an...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Chris Boucher, Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Fleet converted eight straight free throws in the final two minutes Saturday night, helping Toronto beat the Charlotte Hornets, 116-113 for the Raptors first two-game win streak of the season. Norman Powell led the Raptors with 24 points, and Boucher...

AP Sports WriterMarc Eversley joins Bulls as GM from 76ers' front officeBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) Marc Eversley gets a chance to help restore an iconic NBA franchise and set an example for the city's youth.He welcomes the opportunities.A former Nike executive who spent the past four years in...

Chicago Bulls re-sign guard Ryan ArcidiaconoCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bulls have re-signed guard Ryan Arcidiacono, giving the former Villanova standout a chance to earn a roster spot during training camp.Arcidiacono, 24, split time between Chicago and the G League last season, averaging 2 points and 1.5 assists in...

AP Sports WriterGriffin: Pelicans project Zion Williamson debut for Jan. 22By BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Zion Williamson, the top choice in last summer’s NBA draft, is scheduled to make his regular season debut for the Pelicans on Jan. 22 when New Orleans hosts the the San Antonio Spurs,...

AP Basketball WriterNBA pushes plan to reopen facilities until May 8 at earliestBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) The NBA has pushed back the possible reopening date of some team practice facilities for at least a week until May 8 at the earliest, saying Monday the extra time was needed...

Like NBA, G League also eliminates 4-game, 5-day stretchesNEW YORK (AP) Schedule changes have also come to the NBA G League.Much like their NBA counterparts, G League players will no longer endure stretches of four games in five nights. Eliminating that for the first time was a key...