Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Evan Mobley wins 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of Year award

Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley is the recipient of the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

A four-year NBA veteran, Mobley has been named the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the first time. The 7-footer is the first player to earn the honor with the Cavaliers.

Mobley is the fifth 23-year-old to be selected as the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, joining Alvin Robertson (1985-86), Dwight Howard (2008-09), Kawhi Leonard (2014-15) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (2022-23). No player younger than 23 has ever won the award, which has been presented annually since the 1982-83 season.

In the 2024-25 regular season, Mobley ranked sixth in the NBA in blocked shots per game (1.59) and 13th in defensive rebounds per game (7.0). He contested 10.4 shots per game, the third most among players who played in at least 70% of their team’s games (58 of 82).

Opponents shot 44.5% from the field when Mobley was the closest defender, 3.2% lower than their expected percentage on those shots (47.7%). That difference was the fourth largest among the 30 players who defended at least 1,000 shots for the season.

Behind Mobley, the Cavaliers ranked eighth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.8) and third in opponents’ field goal percentage (45.4). With him on the court, Cleveland had a defensive rating of 108.6 – which would be No. 2 in the league.

Mobley won the Kia NBA Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month Award twice, for December and February. He was also named an NBA All-Star for the first time.

Overall, Mobley averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 30.5 minutes in 71 games. He helped the Cavaliers (64-18) finish with the second-best record in franchise history and earn the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

Jalen Brunson wins 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of Year award

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is the recipient of the Jerry West Trophy as winner of the 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.

The award, which was first presented in the 2022-23 season, honors the NBA player who best comes through for his teammates late in close games. A global media panel of 100 voters selected the winner based on nominations from NBA head coaches.

In the 2024-25 regular season, Brunson averaged an NBA-high 5.6 points in clutch situations, which are defined as possessions in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points. In those instances, he also led the league in field goals made (52) and ranked second in total points (156) and third in total assists (28).

Brunson shot 51.5% from the field and 84.0% from the free throw line in clutch time. In the 28 clutch games in which he played, the Knicks had a record of 17-11.

Overall, Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 7.3 assists in 35.4 minutes in 65 games this season. He ranked eighth in the NBA in both points and assists per game. Brunson was selected as an NBA All-Star for the second season in a row.

Knicks and Sixers to play two October 2025 preseason games in Abu Dhabi

The NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 will feature the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers playing preseason games on Thursday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The Knicks currently feature two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team member Mikal Bridges. Bridges and Brunson previously played in Abu Dhabi as members of the USA Basketball (USAB) Men’s National Team prior to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Towns participated in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 76ers currently feature 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid previously played in Abu Dhabi as a member of the USAB Men’s National Team prior to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 will air live in the UAE, across the Middle East and around the world, reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.

Results of 2025 NBA Play-in Tournament

2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Results

The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament took place April 15-18.

Friday, April 18

Heat 123, Hawks 114 (OT)
Grizzlies 120, Mavericks 106

Miami and Memphis advance to playoffs as No. 8 seed; Atlanta and Dallas are eliminated.

Wednesday, April 16

Heat 109, Bulls 90
Mavericks 120, Kings 106

Chicago and Sacramento are eliminated.

Tuesday, April 15

Magic 120, Hawks 90
Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116

Orlando and Golden State advance to playoffs as No. 7 seeds.

Lakers extend agreement with Rob Pelinka

The Los Angeles Lakers recently extended their agreement with Rob Pelinka, naming him President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.

“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere.”

Pelinka joined the Lakers in 2017 as General Manager and was named Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager in 2020.

Kings and GM Monte McNair agree to part ways

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team and General Manager Monte McNair are mutually parting ways.

“I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento,” said Sacramento Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

McNair joined the Kings as general manager in September 2020, overseeing basketball operations. Prior to the Kings, McNair spent 13 years with the Houston Rockets.

Per the Sacramento Bee:

McNair issued a statement on social media thanking Ranadive, players, coaches, staffers and fans.

“Five years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime,” McNair said. “I’ll always be grateful to Vivek and the entire Kings organization for taking a chance on me.

The Beam Team brought so much joy to so many. Thank you to the players, coaches, and staff who played such a vital role in creating those special moments and memories. To the Sacramento community—thank you for welcoming and embracing me and my family. We arrived as a family of four and leave as a family of six. As a California kid, this truly felt like a dream homecoming. To Kings fans—you’re simply the best. I’ll never forget the deafening roar before Game 1 or the countless other unforgettable moments we shared. There will be many more beams in the Kings’ future.”

Pelicans name Joe Dumars as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations

New Orleans Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson announced today that Joe Dumars has been named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Dumars will begin with the organization on April 21.

Dumars brings more than 30 years of experience over the course of his illustrious career as a Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and prominent team and league executive. He most recently served as Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations at the NBA league office from 2022-25, where he was responsible for overseeing all basketball operations matters, including the enforcement of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies and procedures relating to the operation of games.

“Joe’s achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion and front office executive are indisputable,” Benson said. “I have a great deal of respect for what Joe has already accomplished as a player and executive, but more importantly I admire his character and leadership. His vast experience and relationships throughout the NBA, along with his strong leadership qualities, will have a tremendous impact on our organization and our goal of winning an NBA championship. While at the league, he was involved in every aspect of basketball operations and got unparalleled perspective and knowledge of the most effective personnel, strategy and tactics throughout the league. That will benefit our team immediately as we move forward. I am delighted to welcome Joe, his wife Debbie, and their children Jordan and Aren to the Pelicans.”

“First and foremost, I want to thank Mrs. Benson for giving me the honor and privilege to lead the Pelicans basketball operations group,” said Dumars. “As a Louisiana native, this is truly a full circle moment. I grew up as a Saints fan and the first AAU basketball team I played on at 16 years old was based in New Orleans, so this opportunity is very special to me on a personal level. I look forward to being a part of the Pelicans organization, and building a team that proudly represents our fans on the court and in our community.”

Dumars added, “There is a lot of talent on this roster. My vision is to build a disciplined team that is built on toughness, smart decision-making and a no-excuses mindset. I am proud to have grown up in Louisiana and know how passionate, resilient and tough we are as a community. Our fans deserve a team that represents that spirit, and those characteristics will be the foundation of our team’s culture.”

Benson added, “As we went through this past season, I gave it a lot of careful thought and reflection relative to how we need to move this organization forward and what kind of leadership that will take. Joe was someone I was very familiar with, having dealt with him over the past few years at league meetings. My decision today was not hastily made, and not without spending valuable time talking to players, coaches and league officials. That input was critical. I am excited to get started in providing any and all of the resources, as I have done in the past to the team, to get us back to winning.”

Pelicans fire Executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin

The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, it was announced today by Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson.

“After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations,” Benson said. “This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary at this time to bring a fresh approach to our front office and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court. I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA Championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve. I am truly appreciative of David for his leadership and many contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community over the last six years. We wish David and his wife, Meredith, and their family all the best moving forward.”

Griffin was named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on April 17, 2019. Under Griffin’s leadership, the Pelicans compiled a record of 209-263 over the last six seasons which included two playoff appearances (2021-22 and 2023-24). New Orleans finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 21-61 record.

Benson added, “While our focus is a championship on the court, we are also making sure that we do the same off the court, by continuing to prioritize the fan experience, and ensuring our games are easily accessible across our entire Gulf South region on multiple convenient platforms. In addition, we are working to determine the best path forward to transform the Smoothie King Center into the best arena in the NBA. We look forward to delivering on these priorities for our fans.”

Celtics guard Jrue Holiday wins 2025 Red Auerbach Award

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday has been named the recipient of the 2025 Red Auerbach Award.

The annual award, which was presented to Holiday at midcourt by Celtics Lead Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck and Co-Owner and Managing Partner Bob Epstein, prior to Boston’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, is traditionally given to the Celtics player or coach who best exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a Celtic through exceptional performance on and off the court.

“Jrue has been key to the success of our team,” said Wyc Grousbeck. “His commitment to excellence, both in his play and leadership, sets a standard for everyone around him. He always does the right thing in the right way. He is a perfect embodiment of what it means to be a Boston Celtic—dedicated, selfless, and relentless in his pursuit of success.”

Raptors give AJ Lawson a standard NBA contract

The Toronto Raptors recently converted guard AJ Lawson’s deal to a standard NBA contract.

Lawson, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds, is averaging 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 18.6 minutes in 25 games (two starts) with the Raptors this season. He has scored in double figures 10 times, including a career-high 32 points in a victory Mar. 10 vs. Washington. Lawson became just the fourth Canadian to score 30 points in a Raptors uniform, joining teammates RJ Barrett and Chris Boucher, and Cory Joseph. Lawson originally signed a two-way contract with Toronto on Dec. 11. He has also appeared in 37 NBA G League games with Raptors 905 and Long Island, averaging 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 33.1 minutes.

A native of Brampton, Ontario, Lawson holds career averages of 5.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 10.8 minutes in 82 NBA games (two starts) with Dallas, Minnesota and Toronto. After going undrafted, Lawson spent the 2021-22 campaign with College Park in the NBA G League and played with the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League before signing a two-way contract with the Timberwolves in the summer of 2022. He played three collegiate seasons (2018-21) at South Carolina where he was named Second Team All-SEC as a junior.