Signing Donovan Mitchell to an extension was crucial to the Cavaliers’ stability, center Jarrett Allen told Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. Mitchell inked a three-year, maximum-salary extension in July. Cleveland owns the league’s best record, having improved to 17-1 with a win over Toronto on Sunday. “Donovan is a star. He’s a top-10 player in the league, some would say, and I … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Mitchell, Allen, Giannis, Lillard, Sheppard
Central Notes: Jerome, Ivey, Brown, Bulls
It’s still early in the season, but to this point, perhaps no player has boosted his stock ahead of 2025 free agency more than Ty Jerome. After signing a two-year, minimum-salary deal with the Cavaliers in 2023, Jerome was limited to just two games with the Cavaliers last season due to an ankle injury. But the 27-year-old guard has had a remarkable start to the ’24/25 campaign, … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Jerome, Ivey, Brown, Bulls
Central Notes: Green, Cunningham, P. Williams, Okafor
Always a strong outside shooter, Bucks wing A.J. Green got inconsistent playing time in his first two NBA seasons due in part to questions about his defense. However, he has taken major strides on that end of the court so far this fall, earning an increased role and praise from a superstar teammate, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “His defense is incredible,” Giannis … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Green, Cunningham, P. Williams, Okafor
Central Notes: LaVine, Cavs, Haliburton, Q. Jackson, A. Thompson
The Zach LaVine discourse during the 2024 offseason focused less on what the Bulls guard was capable of doing on the court and more on potential red flags off of it, including his injury history, his sizable contract, and his relationship with head coach Billy Donovan. Speaking to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports earlier this week, LaVine admitted it was impossible to ignore … [Read more...] about Central Notes: LaVine, Cavs, Haliburton, Q. Jackson, A. Thompson
Central Notes: Beasley, Bell, Vucevic, Lillard
If the Pistons decide to deal Malik Beasley this season, he’s done nothing but enhance his value with his sharp start. Playing on a one-year, $6MM contract he signed as a free agent, Beasley is averaging 15.4 points in 28.8 minutes per game while shooting 39.3% beyond the arc. “He’s made everybody’s job easier,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Beasley, Bell, Vucevic, Lillard