Draymond Green questions whether some NBA officials are too old, need to retire

Draymond Green questions whether some NBA officials are too old, need to retire originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green didn’t mince words when discussing NBA officiating on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” raising pointed questions about accountability — and even age — among league referees.

Green’s comments came in the aftermath of coach Steve Kerr’s emotional ejection during the Warriors’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, a game that later featured a public admission from officials that a crucial call had been missed.

On his podcast, Green touched on how repeated officiating mistakes can heighten emotions when players and coaches feel they have no recourse.

“If you feel like something is blatantly happening to you over and over, it raises that level of emotion,” Green said. “You look at these situations, and it’s like, ‘Man, that was wrong for sure.’ Steve got upset — rightfully so. You can’t take the ejection back, but these things cost you real money.”

Green then addressed accountability within the league.

“I’m not allowed to be blatantly wrong over and over again in my job,” Green noted. “If I am, I’m going to lose my job. But I haven’t really seen many officials lose their jobs.”

The Warriors forward went a step further, questioning whether some referees are still physically equipped to officiate at the NBA level.

“There are officials who have been in the league way before I came in and can barely move, and they’re still officiating,” Green added. “Sometimes people get so elderly and they’re on the road — it can be dangerous for themselves and for others …There are some officials who’ve been in the league a long time and don’t move well anymore, and they just keep going. It’s not really one of those jobs where you just lose your job.”

Green connected those issues back to defending Kerr’s ejection, emphasizing that there’s always a moment where patience runs out.

“Speaking on Steve’s ejection — yeah, I thought it was rightfully so,” Green said. “Because at what point does it stop?”

For Green, the frustration is less about one call and more about how long it’s allowed to continue.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Isiah Thomas jokes he'd choke Steve Kerr if he were in Jonathan Kuminga's shoes

Isiah Thomas jokes he'd choke Steve Kerr if he were in Jonathan Kuminga's shoes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The conversation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors took an interesting turn when Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas chimed in.

Thomas, a former president of the NBA Players Association, shared his thoughts on the young forward’s situation in a recent appearance on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

The Hall of Famer credited Kuminga for maintaining his professionalism and “not blowing up” over his inconsistent role over the years, while admitting that he and a lot of NBA players would have handled the situation differently.

“I know if it was me, or any other NBA player, by now, you know, we Latrell Sprewell, we’re chokin’ in the post,” Thomas joked.

Latrell Sprewell famously attacked and threatened to kill his coach, P.J. Carlesimo, during a Warriors practice in 1997. He never played another game for Golden State and was traded to the New York Knicks after serving a 68-game suspension.

Thomas mentioned, “When you have power, you have to use your power to help the team get better,” and stressed that other players should be more outspoken if they disagree with Kuminga’s treatment.

“Now if the players are probably all aligned with it, and if they’re not aligned with it, then they need to be vocal in support of their players,” he said.

One teammate that has spoken up is veteran Draymond Green, who applauded the young forward’s professionalism amidst ongoing trade rumors on the latest episode of his podcast.

Kuminga last played on Dec. 18th against the Phoenix Suns, where he finished with two points in nine minutes. Dwindling minutes and injury uncertainty have added to his fluctuating role and increasing trade speculation.

The 23-year-old wing isn’t available to trade until Jan. 15th, and the Sacramento Kings remain one of many teams that have inquired about him. Until then, the Warriors are 11-9 without Kuminga in the lineup.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

NBA Minutes Report: How Tyler Herro's return, Jalen Duren's injury, and more impact minutes

Welcome to the Fantasy Basketball Minutes Report. Every week, I will review each team's updated minutes per game to see which players are seeing the court more or less than in previous weeks. With this information in hand, I'll try to discuss any relevant fantasy risers or fallers; players who we should be adding off waivers or removing from our teams.

The charts below are also great for exploring on your own. You can track the minutes over the last three, five, and ten games, and for the entire season, to see which trends stand out to you.

All of this data was made accessible by Kyle Bland, who is incredibly talented and also extremely generous. Be sure to follow him to check out all of his baseball data as well.

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks
Fantasy managers expected big things from Maxey, and he has delivered thus far.

Atlanta Hawks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jalen Johnson36.53636.6
Dyson Daniels36.234.935.9
Nickeil Alexander-Walker34.433.833.4
Onyeka Okongwu33.430.933.9
Zaccharie Risacher28.727.424.4
Vít Krejčí23.324.925.2
Luke Kennard21.622.719.6
Kristaps Porziņģis20.919.119.1
Mouhamed Gueye18.314.611.8

Well, it's official, Trae Young is now a member of the Washington Wizards. My colleague Kurt Helin covered the fallout from that trade, so check that out. Young has missed the last six games with a quad injury that will probably magically heal when he arrives in Washington. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a top-70 player in the last six games that Young has been out, and stands to benefit the most in a trade since he could become a starter. Onyeka Okongwu and Dyson Daniels would also continue to be top-50 players now that Young is no longer in town.

Boston Celtics

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Derrick White36.135.835.5
Payton Pritchard34.934.134.3
Jaylen Brown34.634.534.4
Anfernee Simons23.92624.2
Sam Hauser23.923.722.7
Neemias Queta23.924.624.3
Luka Garza20.921.321.6
Jordan Walsh20.61615.9
Hugo González14.315.821.6

The Celtics' situation has remained steady, and they have been much better than many expected. For fantasy purposes, the only truly relevant players are Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard. It's best not to hunt on the margins for others.

Brooklyn Nets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Michael Porter Jr.35.235.533.7
Day'Ron Sharpe30.624.721.2
Noah Clowney30.128.228.5
Egor Dëmin28.829.729.3
Terance Mann24.825.926.1
Ziaire Williams23.624.421.2
Danny Wolf23.323.822
Cam Thomas23.22221.5
Nic Claxton23.127.628.6

The Nets got both Egor Dëmin and Terance Mann back last week and have become a feistier team of late, thanks to their strong defense. They're still not a particularly good team, and really only Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton have much fantasy value. Claxton missed two games this week for personal reasons, and Day'Ron Sharpe stepped up in his absence, but it seems like Zaire Williams would be the player who gains the most playing time if/when Porter Jr. gets traded. Dëmin is also developing pretty nicely as a rookie and shooting the ball well of late.

Charlotte Hornets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Brandon Miller33.733.532.8
Miles Bridges3333.930.1
Kon Knueppel31.231.929.8
Moussa Diabaté29.528.929.4
Sion James2626.224.7
LaMelo Ball25.626.626.3
Collin Sexton22.224.321.9
PJ Hall18.818.216.6
Tidjane Salaün16.818.120.3

Ryan Kalkbrenner has now missed nine straight games, which has led Moussa Diabaté to be a top 100 player, while averaging 31 minutes a game over the last two weeks. We also saw Tidjane Salaün starting to come into his own a bit before an ankle injury caused him to miss a couple of games. This team has four intriguing young players, but I'm not sure the fit with all of them is particularly great. I'm curious to see if the Hornets make a move at the deadline.

Chicago Bulls

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Nikola Vučević34.234.231.7
Matas Buzelis32.731.126.9
Ayo Dosunmu28.926.524.2
Tre Jones27.227.425.1
Kevin Huerter26.826.724.9
Isaac Okoro25.728.424
Coby White25.425.425.3
Jalen Smith1522.820.4

The Bulls remain without Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Coby White (calf), and I discussed all the repercussions of this in a video last week. Jalen Smith has also now missed a few games with a concussion, which has led to an increase in minutes for Patrick Williams. Smith's name has also come up in trade rumors, so Williams could have more consistent playing time if that happened, especially as Zach Collins (toe) remains sidelined.

Cleveland Cavaliers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Donovan Mitchell34.133.331.9
Evan Mobley33.531.629
Darius Garland32.431.531
Jarrett Allen31.729.526.1
Sam Merrill29.326.826.7
Jaylon Tyson25.525.824.9
Craig Porter Jr.24.623.520
De'Andre Hunter23.823.924.3

On one hand, Darius Garland is starting to look healthier, which is great news for the Cavaliers. On the other hand, Max Strus (foot) was ruled out for yet another month and won't return until the middle of February at the earliest. That should continue to lead to more minutes for Dean Wade, who has supplanted De'Andre Hunter in the starting lineup, but Wade is also dealing with a minor knee contusion of his own. Jarrett Allen has been paying off his uptick in minutes and has been a top-90 player over the last two weeks, so we can hope that role continues.

Dallas Mavericks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Anthony Davis37.237.233.1
Cooper Flagg35.435.236.3
Max Christie33.331.728.2
Naji Marshall29.128.629.9
Brandon Williams24.926.324.2
P.J. Washington23.227.429.9
Klay Thompson20.921.422.4
Daniel Gafford17.620.317.8
Ryan Nembhard15.616.120.3

Except for their few season-ending injuries, the Mavericks have been pretty healthy of late. Anthony Davis continues to be rested here and there, and we do expect him to be traded, but he's been a top-60 player over the last two weeks, and he and Cooper Flagg work well with one another. Brandon Williams continues to own the starting point guard role and has been a top-100 player over the last two weeks, averaging 19 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Denver Nuggets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jamal Murray38.238.236.8
Peyton Watson36.737.334.7
Tim Hardaway Jr.3029.630.5
Christian Braun26.926.926.9
Spencer Jones26.530.730.8
Bruce Brown25.525.326.1
Jalen Pickett25.524.718.6
Zeke Nnaji24.924.616.6
Aaron Gordon22.322.322.3

We know that Nikola Jokić will miss a month due to a knee injury, and Cameron Johnson is still sidelined. However, the Nuggets have gotten back both Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun this week. I covered the fallout of that in a video.

Detroit Pistons

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Cade Cunningham3334.634.2
Isaiah Stewart31.328.325.8
Paul Reed27.320.513.2
Javonte Green26.327.322.5
Daniss Jenkins25.420.113.8
Duncan Robinson24.324.226
Ausar Thompson23.424.425.1
Ronald Holland II22.921.120.8
Jaden Ivey20.42018.8

The Pistons had been one of the healthiest teams in the league so far this season, but now they are dealing with injuries to Jalen Duren (ankle), Tobias Harris (hip), and Caris LeVert (knee).I covered the ripple effects of that in a video this week.

Golden State Warriors

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Stephen Curry3433.833.8
Jimmy Butler III3332.432.7
De'Anthony Melton24.824.422
Draymond Green24.525.423.7
Brandin Podziemski24.424.525.6
Moses Moody23.923.523.9
Gary Payton II18.215.514.1
Quinten Post17.918.217.9
Al Horford17.415.915.3

Draymond Green has been battling an ankle injury, as well as his own boredom and ejections, over the last few weeks. He remains a borderline top-100 player in fantasy basketball because he contributes a little bit across the board, but there's no "buy low" type of situation here. Other than that, this team is driven by Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, along with a collection of other players who occasionally contribute.

Houston Rockets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Amen Thompson38.537.136.9
Kevin Durant37.936.836.2
Jabari Smith Jr.37.435.734.7
Tari Eason31.829.225.2
Steven Adams30.727.924.4
Reed Sheppard22.224.426.3
Clint Capela16.115.412.5
Dorian Finney-Smith14.815.215

The Rockets lost Alperen Sengun to an ankle injury right after he was battling a calf injury. Steven Adams, who was also battling his own ankle injury, should see the biggest uptick in minutes and usage, but Jabari Smith Jr. will also be relied on more. He's been a top 100 player over the last two weeks, averaging 15 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. I covered all the ripple effects of the Sengun injury in a video this week.

Indiana Pacers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Pascal Siakam35.634.433.6
Andrew Nembhard33.832.332.1
Aaron Nesmith32.130.328.5
Micah Potter24.822.520.2
Jay Huff22.519.320.7
Ben Sheppard20.119.719.7
Bennedict Mathurin19.827.530.6
Johnny Furphy19.316.718.8
T.J. McConnell18.81817.8

The Packers are relatively healthy aside from Isaiah Jackson (concussion), who wasn't playing much anyway, and Bennedict Mathurin, who will now be sidelined for "a while" with a thumb injury. We also know the Pacers aren't trying as they look to add a top-three pick to a roster that will be getting back Tyrese Haliburton next season.

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
The Pacers, Lakers and Thunder are among the teams with lengthy injury reports at the halfway point of Week 2.

Los Angeles Clippers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Kawhi Leonard36.336.137.1
James Harden35.832.635.7
John Collins33.728.627.9
Kris Dunn31.828.229.3
Ivica Zubac28.128.125.4
Derrick Jones Jr.24.822.921.8
Kobe Sanders22.623.621
Nicolas Batum19.42123.1
Brook Lopez14.517.222.3

Just after the team got Derrick Jones Jr. back, he's now sidelined for the next six weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. James Harden has also been dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss one game, but Kawhi Leonard has been electric this season and is a top-five player in all of fantasy basketball over the last two weeks. Ivica Zubac returned over the weekend and was up to 33 minutes in his last game, so he should return to his regular role after missing five games. That pushed Brook Lopez back to the bench and cut into minutes and usage for John Collins.

Los Angeles Lakers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Luka Dončić38.237.634.9
Jake LaRavia35.936.632.6
LeBron James35.234.632.8
Marcus Smart34.132.329.9
Deandre Ayton31.52929.9
Jarred Vanderbilt23.423.623.9
Gabe Vincent18.118.118.1
Jaxson Hayes16.31818.6

Last week, we covered the injuries to Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, so little has changed for the Lakers this week. This remains a two-man team with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and LeBron in particular has really come on of late, pushing up top-20 value over the last two weeks.

Memphis Grizzlies

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jaren Jackson Jr.32.933.232.5
Cam Spencer30.425.328.3
Jaylen Wells26.728.129.3
Olivier-Maxence Prosper26.326.317.4
Santi Aldama25.628.630.3
Jock Landale24.422.422.8
GG Jackson23.221.621.4
Vince Williams Jr.22.122.122.1
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope20.32120.6
Ja Morant32.929.7

Ja Morant has missed the last three games with a calf injury, Cedric Coward has missed the last two with an ankle injury, and Brandon Clarke remains sidelined with a calf injury. Oh, and Zach Edey is still out for another week, and Ty Jerome is probably out another week or two. Did I miss anything? Morant had actually been turning the corner before the calf injury, averaging 23.5 points, 7.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over the last two weeks. The Grizzlies had lost most of those games, but that's another story. There's a chance we see this team fully healthy by the middle of this month, and that could be fun.

Miami Heat

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Bam Adebayo30.529.131.2
Davion Mitchell30.331.229.2
Tyler Herro28.628.628.6
Norman Powell28.129.431.3
Kel'el Ware27.426.727.8
Andrew Wiggins27.328.929.4
Nikola Jović26.625.925.1
Pelle Larsson22.720.323.6
Jaime Jaquez Jr.1022.528.7

Tyler Herro returned after missing 11 games with a toe injury, andI recorded a video on the fallout from that this week.We should note that Jaime Jaquez Jr. has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, so even though Herro did come back, this team is not at full strength. When they are, I think we see Nikola Jović take a hit in both his minutes and usage.

Milwaukee Bucks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Kevin Porter Jr.38.738.638.1
Ryan Rollins35.335.231.8
AJ Green3432.529.9
Giannis Antetokounmpo30.829.228.5
Myles Turner26.328.229.3
Kyle Kuzma23.423.426.3
Bobby Portis20.621.127.5
Gary Trent Jr.20.519.418.7

The Bucks are fully healthy right now (well, aside from Taurean Prince being out), so the minutes allotment of late is what we should expect going forward. It's been nice to see Ryan Rollins remain productive with both Kevin Porter Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing nearly 30 minutes a game. Rollins has remained a fringe top-50 player over the last two weeks with Giannis back. I'm still a bit confused why this team traded for Myles Turner when he is not really bringing much to the table, but that's a conversation for another time. Kyle Kuzma has seen a drop in his minutes and production with this team healthy.

Minnesota Timberwolves

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Anthony Edwards32.532.635.5
Rudy Gobert31.330.432.8
Julius Randle30.330.132.2
Jaden McDaniels29.826.828.1
Donte DiVincenzo2827.230.1
Naz Reid23.223.726
Bones Hyland16.215.117.2
Jaylen Clark14.915.913.3
Mike Conley14.31517.3

Terrance Shannon is out for a couple of weeks with a foot injury, and while that doesn't really impact the rotation, he's an intriguing young player. Everything else is pretty much status quo here, and it's interesting to see Naz Reid continue to be productive and a fringe top-100 player in fantasy leagues despite this team being fully healthy and him playing fewer minutes.

New Orleans Pelicans

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Trey Murphy III38.63735.9
Zion Williamson30.330.228.3
Jordan Poole27.227.526.1
Derik Queen26.726.326.6
Bryce McGowens26.225.625.6
Jeremiah Fears24.224.924.8
Jose Alvarado21.22120.5
Micah Peavy19.219.113.6
Yves Missi19.120.218.5

Herbert Jones missed seven games with an ankle and then returned for one game and sat out the second game in a back-to-back. We should expect him to ramp back up in the coming weeks. Trey Murphy III also had a historically good week, which I covered in a video here, but then he sat out the second game in the back-to-back as well, so Bryce McGowen got some extra usage. Saddiq Bey has missed the last four games with a hip injury, but nobody really stepped up to fill his spot. It's really just been Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Zion Williamson. Of course, Dejounte Murray could be back in a week or two, so that could make things interesting.

New York Knicks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jalen Brunson32.833.835.5
OG Anunoby32.633.434.3
Mikal Bridges31.83335.1
Miles McBride29.829.227.4
Karl-Anthony Towns29.130.230.1
Mitchell Robinson22.722.721.6
Jordan Clarkson19.819.420.8
Tyler Kolek15.81618.9
Josh Hart34.1

Josh Hart has missed seven games with an ankle injury, and, boy, does this team need him. In addition to his defense, the team has sorely lacked the toughness and grit that he brings when he's on the court. They did rebound nicely in a win over the Clippers on Wednesday, and it seems that Mike Brown has started to shorten his rotation a bit after the losing streak, which led to fewer minutes for guys like Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullarJr. We know who the studs are here, and that's unlikely to change.

Oklahoma City Thunder

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander35.732.833.6
Jalen Williams34.529.930.9
Chet Holmgren32.929.929.7
Ajay Mitchell28.226.624.8
Cason Wallace24.522.824.9
Luguentz Dort23.524.325.3
Aaron Wiggins2323.619.7
Alex Caruso22.413.917.1
Isaiah Joe1416.314.8

The Thunder are battling a CVS receipt list of injuries, but none of them seem overly serious. Isaiah Hartenstein has missed the last six games with a calf injury, Alex Caruso has missed the last two with a back injury, and Jaylin Williams has been out since December 13th with a heel injury. This team is plenty deep, so they've been able to transfer the minutes around, but, from a fantasy perspective, really only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams can be counted on regularly, with Ajay Mitchell also hanging around as a fringe top-100 player.

Orlando Magic

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Paolo Banchero34.434.634.9
Desmond Bane31.833.333.6
Anthony Black31.131.631.9
Wendell Carter Jr.30.130.230.8
Noah Penda29.122.416.7
Jase Richardson26.31717.9
Tristan da Silva24.622.724.1
Tyus Jones19.62023.1
Goga Bitadze16.717.116.6

Jalen Suggs returned last week from his hip injury and then suffered a knee injury that will keep him out indefinitely. We've already seen how the Magic disperse their minutes without Suggs, butI covered it in more detail in a video this week.We could also get Franz Wagner back this weekend, so that would be a big boost for the Magic and a big hit to Tristan da Silva's or Jase Richardson's minutes.

Philadelphia 76ers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
VJ Edgecombe39.439.737.6
Tyrese Maxey37.139.439.2
Paul George33.434.533.6
Quentin Grimes33.235.229.6
Joel Embiid32.834.433.7
Kelly Oubre Jr.20.320.320.3
Adem Bona17.116.917.8
Dominick Barlow16.718.621.5
Jared McCain15.714.720.5

Kelly Oubre Jr. returned on Wednesday for the first time since November 14th. He played just 20 minutes, but we should expect that number to rise in the coming weeks. With Oubre back, we saw Jared McCain play just 10 minutes, and Quentin Grimes was down to 26, which is a little dip from where he was previously. We should expect those three to siphon some minutes off of each other, but it will be curious to see if Oubre will supplant Dominick Barlow in the starting lineup. Grimes is the only fantasy-relevant player that Oubre would impact, but it's a situation to monitor.

Phoenix Suns

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Devin Booker33.832.432.9
Dillon Brooks30.930.530.7
Royce O'Neale29.729.229
Jordan Goodwin26.324.824.2
Collin Gillespie26.326.429
Mark Williams22.922.921.3
Oso Ighodaro22.721.823.9
Grayson Allen21.421.421.4
Ryan Dunn19.919.420.9

The Suns are inching closer to getting Jalen Green back from a hamstring injury, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into this team. Collin Gillespie has been a top 75 player in fantasy basketball over the last month, averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. It would make sense that he loses some minutes when Green returns, but it's really hard to take him off the court. Green's minutes would then have to come at the expense of Jordan Goodwin, who has been solid in a reserve role this season. Grayson Allen also returned for two games after missing 11 games with a knee injury, so the Suns have kept his minutes pretty low for now. We've also seen Dillon Brooks be a fringe top-100 fantasy player without Green on the court. It's hard to see that continuing when Green comes back and soaks up usage.

Portland Trail Blazers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Toumani Camara36.635.434.6
Deni Avdija35.635.437
Donovan Clingan32.929.130
Shaedon Sharpe3029.930.8
Caleb Love2828.428.2
Kris Murray26.926.427.7
Sidy Cissoko21.422.221.3
Robert Williams III14.916.216.9

The Blazers have been without Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant for a while now, but both of them could return this weekend. That would take away a lot of the playing time for Caleb Love and move both Siddy Cissoko and Kris Murray back into smaller roles.

Sacramento Kings

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Zach LaVine36.436.436.4
DeMar DeRozan31.731.533.5
Russell Westbrook31.728.129.3
Keegan Murray29.731.733.4
Maxime Raynaud28.130.830.6
Dennis Schröder25.325.725.2
Keon Ellis21.121.918.8
Precious Achiuwa18.71919.4
Nique Clifford17.319.522.8

Keegan Murray will be sidelined for three weeks with a back injury, and the Kings will likely remain without Domantas Sabonis for another two weeks. That will lead to increased playing time for Precious Achiuwa, but the offensive burden is going to be taken on by Zach LaVine, who returned from an ankle injury, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan. Maxime Raynaud is playing tons of minutes and is a great story, but he's not a great fantasy asset.

San Antonio Spurs

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Julian Champagnie32.93227.1
De'Aaron Fox32.933.733.4
Stephon Castle31.430.931.4
Harrison Barnes27.325.826.1
Luke Kornet26.426.124.8
Keldon Johnson26.427.324.2
Victor Wembanyama23.523.624.5
Dylan Harper20.321.320.9

Devin Vassell has missed five games with an oblique injury, which has led to Julian Champagnie getting plenty more run, including a tremendous performance against the Knicks on New Year's Eve. Victor Wembanyama is still having his minutes monitored, but he's been productive, and the Spurs are winning, so we may have to assume that continues, which is why Luke Kornet continues to see solid minutes. More minutes than Dylan Harper, who has clearly taken a backseat in the Spurs' trio of talented guards.

Toronto Raptors

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Scottie Barnes32.733.734.3
RJ Barrett32.230.228.9
Immanuel Quickley32.131.132.5
Collin Murray-Boyles29.828.125.8
Brandon Ingram26.53032
Sandro Mamukelashvili26.422.924.6
Jamal Shead18.721.221.7
Ja'Kobe Walter161920.4

We now have five games with RJ Barrett back from his knee injury, so it's clear how this Raptors' rotation is shaking out. Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Ochai Agbaji have seen their minutes decrease while Collin Murray-Boyles continues to play good minutes and has actually been a borderline top 100 fantasy player over the last two weeks. That could also be due to the Raptors being cautious with Jakob Poeltl's back. Barrett has settled in, averaging 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his five games back, and both he and Immanuel Quickley remain top-75 fantasy assets alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, who should be an All-Star.

Utah Jazz

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Lauri Markkanen38.738.637.6
Keyonte George37.437.636.7
Jusuf Nurkić31.732.430.1
Brice Sensabaugh27.330.628.2
Svi Mykhailiuk24.924.622.4
Kevin Love24.324.325.2
Isaiah Collier23.326.225.4
Walter Clayton Jr.18.921.617.9
Taylor Hendricks15.115.815.1

Not much to see with this Utah team. Ace Bailey returned after missing five games with a hip injury, but he will likely take a while to have his minutes ramped up. Jusuf Nurkić has been a real asset for the Jazz lately, and this team is feisty. I recorded a video this week covering Nurkić and also the Jazz conundrum about whether to tank or risk losing their first-round pick.

Washington Wizards

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
CJ McCollum30.23131.4
Bilal Coulibaly29.928.827.6
Bub Carrington29.327.626.9
Alex Sarr27.928.126.7
Tre Johnson25.826.825.1
Justin Champagnie21.924.623.7
Khris Middleton20.221.521.4
Corey Kispert18.318.315.9
Marvin Bagley III15.816.818.9

This Wizards situation could change drastically after the Trae Young trade. My colleague Raphielle Johnson covered all angles of that trade in an article this week.

Doug Christie's Kings job reportedly ‘safe' despite historically bad start

Doug Christie's Kings job reportedly ‘safe' despite historically bad start originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While the Kings have plenty of questions just 37 games into the 2025-26 NBA season, whether or not coach Doug Christie is on the hot seat reportedly isn’t one of them.

Despite the team’s historically bad start, Christie’s job with the Kings is “safe,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported in a story published Wednesday, citing team sources.

Sacramento has an 8-29 record — tied for worst start in franchise history with only the 2008-09 Kings and the 1958-59 Cincinnati Royals — and most recently dropped a game against the Dallas Mavericks in which they led for the majority of the 48 minutes.

Kings general manager Scott Perry and Christie have been on the same page since day one when Christie listened to Perry’s introductory press conference and said he “sounds like me.”

The first-year coach took over for Mike Brown after he was fired in December of 2024 following a 13-18 start to the 2024-25 season and went on to finish 27-24 on the year as interim head coach.

His tenure began with a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers followed by a seven-game win streak that propelled the team to 20-19 on the year.

He officially was hired as head coach in May of 2025 and, so far this season, has struggled with the assignment — not to mention questions surrounding the benching of two key players: Keon Ellis, who many consider the team’s second best defender behind Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk, who has proven to be a significant boost off the bench and has said being benched “confused” him.

Additionally, Christie and the Kings have dealt with a string of injuries to key starters with Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine all missing at least 12 games on the year.

The trio, all starters on the team’s roster, has yet to play a game together this season all while Sacramento has used 18 different starting lineups – third-most in the league.

Christie, who had plenty of ties to the team before being named head coach, has been a part of Kings history for over two decades.

The 55-year-old played for the Kings from 2000-05 under Rick Adelman and earned four NBA All-Defensive nods during that time. He then went on to work for NBC Sports California as a color analyst before finally landing on the Kings’ bench as an assistant coach in 2021.

Christie became the team’s 13th head coach since 2006 – the year Adelman was fired by Sacramento – when he was hired by Perry and owner Vivek Ranadive.

Now less than half a season through his first year at the helm, the Kings — who are the third-oldest team in the league — are still searching for an identity. While the seat may not currently be hot for Christie, if history is any indication, that could change in the near future.

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast

Draymond Green hilariously reads the texts his mom sends before Warriors games

Draymond Green hilariously reads the texts his mom sends before Warriors games originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green can live with technical fouls. Disappointing his mom? Not so much.

In the postgame press conference after the Warriors’ 120–113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Green was asked which moment in his basketball career had upset his mom the most.

The question followed Green’s recent ejection against the Utah Jazz — and came after Steve Kerr shared his mom’s candid reaction to his own ejection.

Green didn’t miss a beat before picking up his phone and reading her text messages aloud.

”When you are focused, no one can beat us,” Green read to reporters. “She texted me Monday, ‘Remember what you love and stop abusing it.’ “

“She texted me Saturday, ‘Have a great game, stay focused, love you,’ ” Green said. “And then, as I got ejected, she texted me, ‘What happened?’ I texted back, ‘no response.’ So it’s still a common thing. Every game she’s on me about not getting thrown out of games and being locked in and focused and bringing what I can bring to the basketball court without all the nonsense.”

Green added that the messages don’t stop with game-day reminders. His mom recently asked for a “heart-to-heart” conversation — one he’s been actively avoiding.

“I am very much still afraid of my mom — I don’t know if that will ever change,” Green noted. “So, I’m still ducking that heart-to-heart. I’m trying to play a few more good games before we have it. Then the conversation might change a little bit.”

Even for a four-time NBA champion, a mother’s voice still carries weight.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Why Kendrick Perkins believes Warriors organization has ‘failed' Steph Curry

Why Kendrick Perkins believes Warriors organization has ‘failed' Steph Curry originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

At 37 years old, Warriors star Steph Curry still is playing elite basketball. 

But one NBA analyst believes the team he has played with for his entire 17-year career has not done right by him. 

“Everyone has failed Steph in this organization,” ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said on “NBA Today.” “We’re talking about an all-time great… I’m talking about Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, they can’t get right.” 

After a 120-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, the Warriors improved their record to 20-18 and remained in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. It’s a less-than-ideal position for Golden State as it approaches the halfway point of the regular season. 

It’s particularly disappointing considering the improved play towards the end of last season when they acquired Jimmy Butler, a move in which would maximize Curry and the Warriors’ championship aspirations as the superstar’s window gets smaller. 

“This man is averaging 28 points on 47-percent shooting right now, damn near 40-percent from the three, and y’all can’t get right,” Perkins said. “We’re talking about a window where he’s trying to max out, meaning, to go win a championship. You didn’t trade for Jimmy Butler last year just to come in and sign him to an extension to be number eight in the Western Conference.” 

The lackluster record is a complete regression from the Warriors’ 23-8 finish to the 2024-25 NBA season after Butler’s acquisition. Time is running out to get back to their winning ways, but Golden State’s 7-3 record in their last 10 games shows some life. 

Perkins called out the organization for not being able to utilize young players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. He characterizes it as a failure of maximizing Curry’s talent. 

“And then what’s up with your player development? Why can’t Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga thrive under Steve Kerr?” Perkins posed. “They are failing Steph Curry to the max right now.” 

Moody is averaging a career-high 10.5 points in 36 games played this season. He has been inserted into a now-consistently used starting lineup, notching 25 games started so far this season. 

Kuminga’s story is different, slipping out of the rotation completely after a hot start to the season. He likely would be an asset offered by the Warriors if the team makes a move before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. 

Perhaps a big trade-acquisition for a second straight year would move the needle. But as of now, for Perkins, the Warriors are not doing enough for their elite superstar.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Did Jaylen Brown deserve a better whistle in Celtics' loss to Nuggets?

Did Jaylen Brown deserve a better whistle in Celtics' loss to Nuggets? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jaylen Brown, who’s been unafraid to speak his mind this season, vented about a lack of whistles Wednesday night after the Boston Celtics lost to the Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets at TD Garden.

Did Brown have a legitimate gripe with the officiating?

Brown was credited Wednesday night with 31 drives, which was one of his highest totals this entire season and nearly 75 percent more than his season average. But he drew just one foul off those drives, a rate of 3.2 percent. For the season, Brown is drawing 1.6 fouls on 17.8 drives per game, a rate of 9.2 percent.

Here’s a look at his season numbers on drives compared to Wednesday night:

window.addEventListener(“message”,function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var t in a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[“datawrapper-height”][t]+”px”;r.style.height=d}}});

Brown shot just three free throws — he missed a pair amid “MVP!” chants at one point in the second half — on a night when the Celtics generated just 15 free throw attempts overall. 

“They were physical and they got away with a lot,” Brown said of the Nuggets’ defense. “The refs allowed them to get away with a lot. I would have loved to get to the free-throw line a little bit more.

“I was physical. I was aggressive. I went up strong. I didn’t flop. But I kind of let the officiating get to my head a little bit. I think their defense was good, but it wasn’t great.”

Brown ranks third in the NBA in drives per game, trailing only Portland’s Deni Avdija (20.4) and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (18.1). Brown is second in drive points per game, trailing only Gilgeous-Alexander (13.5).

Feeling like he wasn’t getting a good whistle earlier this season, Brown repeatedly expressed frustration with officials. His free throws slowly climbed from 6.0 per game in October, to 7.1 per game in November, to 8.7 per game in December.

Denver’s size and physicality clearly disrupted Boston’s offensive flow multiple times Wednesday night, most notably early in the fourth quarter, when the Nuggets went on a 16-3 run over a nearly five-minute span to tear open a game that had previously been tied at 90. 

Brown struggled with ball security, turning the ball over four times on drives and seven times overall. But given his high number of credited drives, it’s easy to understand his frustration after drawing only one whistle.

ESPN outlines potential trade package that sends Trey Murphy to Warriors

ESPN outlines potential trade package that sends Trey Murphy to Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There is one name the Warriors — and certainly their fan base — could become enamored with in the coming weeks. If they haven’t already.

With the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline exactly four weeks away, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has been linked to the Warriors on numerous occasions, even dating back to the offseason when young forward Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency was in limbo.

However, the Pelicans reportedly have been reluctant to part with the 25-year-old wing and, per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson, a potential trade for Murphy could cost the Warriors three first-round picks.

So, what would a potential trade package for Murphy look like? ESPN NBA insiders constructed a potential three-team trade that would send Murphy to Golden State:

Golden State Warriors get:

– Jordan Hawkins
– Trey Murphy III

New Orleans Pelicans get:

– Jonathan Kuminga
– Moses Moody
– 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors)
– 2028 first-round pick (via Warriors, top-10 protected)
– 2030 first-round pick (via Warriors, if No. 5 to 20)

Utah Jazz get:

– Kevon Looney
– 2031 second-round pick (via Raptors)
– 2032 second-round pick (via Pelicans)
– Cash considerations

The Warriors would part with Kuminga, who already seems all but certain to be traded in the coming weeks, young guard Moses Moody and three first-round picks (one top-10 protected, one if Golden State’s selection lands within pick Nos. 5 to 20 in 2030) for Murphy and Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins.

“There is risk in this trade when considering the uncertain future of Golden State’s roster,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote. “Besides the newly acquired Murphy, there would be no current Warriors under contract when the 2028 and 2030 first-round picks sent to New Orleans get made.

“But similar to Milwaukee’s approach with [Giannis] Antetokounmpo, there is an obligation to maximize the championship window with Curry and Jimmy Butler III on the roster. And three first-rounders is too much of an offer for New Orleans to refuse, even if they have to include Murphy in the trade.”

Murphy, in his fifth NBA season, is averaging a career-high 21.3 points, 6.1 points and 3.5 assists per game on 49.5-percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent from 3-point range in 35 games this season.

Many believe that Murphy’s 3-and-D skill set is a perfect fit for Golden State, but with a potential high price tag, should the Warriors be willing to give up that much to acquire him?

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to overtime win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts to drive past Svi Mykhailiuk of the Utah Jazz
Only Luka Doncic (33.5) averages more points per game this season than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.6) [Getty Images]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 46 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to an overtime win over the Utah Jazz.

The NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player hit the shot to force overtime before helping the defending champions clinch a 129-125 victory.

Chet Holmgren added a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds as the Thunder improved to a 31-7 record and sit top of the Western Conference.

The San Antonio Spurs (26-11) are second in the West having won 107-91 at home to the fourth-placed Los Angeles Lakers (23-12).

Keldon Johnson scored 27 points as a balanced San Antonio attack overcame the individual brilliance of Luka Doncic, with Victor Wembanyama adding 16 points off the bench.

Doncic finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Lakers, who rested LeBron James after the veteran shone in Tuesday's win at New Orleans.

The Denver Nuggets (25-12) remain third in the West after claiming a 114-110 win at the Boston Celtics (23-13).

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (knee) missed his fifth straight game for Denver, for whom Peyton Watson scored a team-high 30 points while Jamal Murray added 22 and a career-high 17 assists.

The Celtics (23-13) slipped to third in the Eastern Conference as the New York Knicks won 134-111 at home to the Los Angeles Clippers (24-13) to halt a four-game losing streak.

Eastern Conference leaders Detroit are 28-9 after Isaiah Stewart scored a career-high 31 points as the Pistons won 108-93 at home to the Chicago Bulls.

Draymond Green praises Jonathan Kuminga's professionalism amid trade rumors

Draymond Green praises Jonathan Kuminga's professionalism amid trade rumors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga continues to miss game action as trade rumors involving the 23-year-old persist. 

It reasonably would be expected that a player would become visibly disgruntled in response to such a situation. But Kuminga’s veteran teammate, Draymond Green, says that it has not been the case with the young forward. 

“What I will say about JK is — I applaud JK and how he’s handled this,” Green said in the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show.” “Such a standup young man and great person and [he] will be a great player.” 

As a result of Kuminga’s offseason contract extension, he is not available to be traded until Jan. 15.  

Even with the nearing date of a probable departure, Green says Kuminga remains engaged on the bench. He shared a moment involving Kuminga and Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, in which the latter was frustrated about being pulled from the court after a short stint. 

“[Podziemski says], ‘Ah, dang. I just can’t believe they just took me,’ And JK goes, ‘You know, just adjust to it. [You’re] going to go back in. Just adjust to it. Stay ready. You’ll be good,’…” Green recounted. “…No one’s going to highlight that story, but I just wanted to talk about the person Jonathan Kuminga is.”  

“So, a guy who’s not playing, who just signed [a $48.5 million deal]… is sitting at the end of the bench telling another young guy like, ‘No, it’s fine. And here’s why, and here’s why you should move on.’” 

As Green points out, it’s a remarkable moment of poise and professionalism to stay invested in the well-being of a teammate while being in the awkward situation that Kuminga is in himself. 

“I just wanted to tell that story because oftentimes when situations aren’t going right, we start pointing fingers,” Green continued. “And it hasn’t worked as well as anyone would have liked for JK here — for himself or for the organization. It hasn’t worked on both sides. And that happens sometimes in the business that we’re in. But I wanted to point out who that guy is and his professionalism and how he’s dealing with it.” 

Green’s story helps clarify any questions about Kuminga’s morale and character. 

“So, whatever happens at the trade deadline. If Jonathan Kuminga’s moved, whoever gets Jonathan Kuminga, that’s the guy you’re getting,” Green stated. 

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Winners, Losers from the Trae Young trade to Washington

This was a win-win trade.

How big those wins are hinges on a lot of yet-to-be-determined factors — Can Atlanta use their newfound financial flexibility to land Anthony Davis or another star this offseason? Can Trae Young stay healthy and fill the role of veteran leader and mentor a young team needs? — but this is a trade that made sense for pretty much everyone involved. There aren't many losers in this deal.

Let's break down the winners and losers in this deal. We'll start by laying out the trade.

Washington receives: Trae Young
Atlanta receives: CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert

Note: There are no picks involved in this trade. While the players involved in this deal were agreed to relatively quickly, league sources told NBC Sports that part of the holdup in finalizing the trade was that both sides believed they should receive draft-pick compensation. Atlanta thought they deserved it because they were giving up the best player in the deal, an All-Star level point guard (when healthy) in his prime. Washington thought they deserved picks back for taking on the extra year (a $48.9 million player option Young is expected to pick up) of a contract that Atlanta wanted to dump. Ultimately, the sides agreed to make the trade without picks.

Winner: Washington Wizards

Washington is a winner here, not simply because they get a four-time All-Star and elite offensive player to organize and lead their young core — it's that they got him for basically nothing. McCollum is on an expiring contract and is not part of Washington's future. While Kispert is a quality, sharpshooting wing rotation player, he's not part of their core.

It's easy to envision how a healthy Young can elevate a young Wizards core: Alex Sarr will benefit from pick-and-rolls with Young (plus Young can throw a post entry pass, something the current Wizards struggle with), Tre Johnson is going to get plays run for him off ball where he can find more space and Young will find him, Kyshawn George has ball handling help, and on down the line. Young has not been healthy this season, a knee issue limiting him to 10 games (and clearly bothering his shot), but the potential is there.

THE CAVEAT: Washington is only a winner if they hold off on extending Trae Young. Part of what Young's agents were looking for in a landing spot was a team willing to talk extension, but Washington needs to see how Young fits with their young stars, then see who they get in this draft, and not extend him until the 2027 offseason. If Young fits perfectly and this all works out, they can re-sign him (not at the max, more like below $40 million a season), but if not, the Wizards need to be ready to stick with their young guys and move on.

Loser: Washington Wizards’ defense

Washington has the 29th-ranked defense in the NBA this season. Trae Young is a minus defender (to put it kindly). Washington is going to be a lot more fun to watch with Young running the show, but they are not going to stop anyone. It's going to get ugly.

Winner: Atlanta Hawks

It was time to move on.

That's why this is a win for Atlanta, it's a needed pivot to a young, long, athletic, fluid core of a team that really is the future. Jalen Johnson should be an All-Star this season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is having a breakout season and is a high-level two-way two guard, plus they have Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu and more. On top of all that, they have the Pelicans' first-round pick in this June's draft (a pick that could very well be a top-five pick). Atlanta has set itself up for the future.

This trade also gives the Hawks financial flexibility. They can use that trade for Dallas' Anthony Davis — the Hawks reportedly have been his most aggressive suitor — or they could wait until this offseason and see if they could add a star player more on the timeline of their young core (rather than a 32-year-old with an injury history). Whatever they choose, with CJ McCollum and Kristaps Porzingis coming off the books, Atlanta will have at least $32 million in cap space to reshape their roster next offseason. All that money makes it easier to turn the page.

Winner: Wizards fans

Washington has been a tough watch for a couple of years. While they have good young players like Sarr and Johnson, this team has lacked a player more casual fans could rally behind. They needed someone to sell tickets.

Trae Young sells tickets. Tray Young excites fans. Young running the Wizards offense with all that athleticism around him is going to be highly entertaining — and Wizards fans will take that.

Washington has given its fan base someone to root for. That matters.

Maybe winner: New York Knicks

Washington owes its 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks, but it is top eight protected. Before Wednesday night, that seemed irrelevant. The young Wizards were learning on the job and were destined for a high lottery seed (they sit fourth in the lottery at the time of the trade).

With an energized Trae Young running the show, could the Wizards get on a heater and start to climb up the East standings, maybe make the play-in, and end up turning over their pick to the Knicks?

Probably not. Young has been battling knee issues all season, and Washington will use that if needed. Even if Young does start playing games for them soon, don't be shocked if the Wizards shut him down with an injury with plenty of time left in the season — Washington needs more elite talent on the roster and this draft is the best way for them to get it. Save the test run with Young for next season.

Still, Knicks fans can dream.