Though the Rockets traded Wood because he no longer fit with the rebuild and to acquire a first-round pick, the Rockets are weighing keeping Marjanovic as one of the center options they are considering. They are not expected to keep other players acquired in the deal — Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown and Trey Burke.
April 19, 2024 | 9:06 pm EDT Update
LeBron James on Nikola Jokic: 'He's one of the best players to ever play this game, it's that simple'
Michael Scotto: LeBron James on Nikola Jokic: “He’s one of the best players to ever play this game. It’s that simple. He does everything. The most important thing is he changes the way his teammates think about their own play. When you’re able to inspire your teammates to play at a level that sometimes they don’t even feel like they can play at, that’s a true testament of a great one.” (🎥 @jovanbuha ) pic.twitter.com/C3pcHxZh89
Before the playoffs begin, Jokic invites his teammates over to watch the play-in games and get an early scout on who Denver’s first-round opponent will be. It’s an event that signifies the regular season is over and the playoffs are about to begin. It represents a turning of the page. It’s officially time to lock in. It’s time to win another championship.
The spread at the Joker compound that night sounded immaculate. Chicken wings, quesadillas, sliders, and other finger foods all served up by Jokic’s private chefs. Rakija, the national drink of choice in Serbia, was also flowing and poured from custom bottles engraved with the name “Jokic.” Also, the dessert. “The apple pie,” said Watson. “That was incredible.” The Nuggets then settled in to watch their future playoff opponent in action. Lakers-Pelicans was a close game throughout. Watson said one in the room was pulling for one team or the other to win, but when the Lakers went up by double-digits in the fourth quarter, some players started rooting for a Pelicans comeback. If anything, New Orleans could tire the Lakers out a little.
ClutchPoints: “Obviously, he’s [Jamal Murray] a hell of a player. In matchups against us in the past he’s been very efficient.” Lakers guard Austin Reaves discusses the defensive aspects of playing against the Nuggets 🗣 (via @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/xMZwW4ZsHq
Mike Trudell: As expected for Game 1, with LeBron and AD both probable, and the same 4 guys out. pic.twitter.com/edhvt2JkDh
April 19, 2024 | 7:35 pm EDT Update
Woj: Heat in position to use assets to acquire All-Star in summer
Barry Jackson: Woj says he believes Miami “will be in position to use the assets they have” to add an All-Star. Makes the point that players with only 1 or 2 years left on contract are in better position to force trade to Heat (as opposed to Lillard, who had four years). But that player must be willing to get down and dirty and say they’re only accepting Miami. Tough ask.
NBA on ESPN: “I think there’s going to be a lot more player movement this summer.” 👀 @wojespn on the Miami Heat and what the upcoming NBA off-season could look like ✍️ pic.twitter.com/vbwEFzgWpO
Kelly Oubre on MSG celebrity row: They got celebrities there with courtside seats just to be there and not care about the game
“The fans are pretty crazy,” laughed Oubre. “They have a really good culture of being wild and loving basketball to the root and the core of it. They call it the Mecca of basketball for a reason. The lights are super bright. They’re going to give celebrities those $100,00 free tickets just to be there and not care about the game, but that’s what they do. It’s going to be super fun and I look forward to it. It’s one of my favorite places to play.”
Harrison Wind: Aaron Gordon: “We’re here to repeat. We’re here to go back-to-back. That’s our goal. We have no other goal other than that. 16 wins.” pic.twitter.com/KkthhkMLkQ
Jovan Buha: LeBron James talks Nikola Jokic, his health, appreciating being in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/H1Xhvvxg1h