Basketball News

Everything you need to know about the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

May 25, 2021 GRAZ (Austria) – There will be tears of joy – and sadness – for 3x3's top players who have dreams on the line at the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament on May 26-30. It's almost game time for the biggest ever 3x3 event to date, so here's a refresher of the important information every 3x3 fan needs to know. Where can I watch? Make sure you are following us on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram for live updates in addition to Twitch, Facebook and YouTube where we will be broadcasting live and without geo-restrictions. The event will also get the biggest TV coverage in 3x3 history with over 30 different broadcasters in more than 100 countries worldwide. Who is competing? There are a whopping 40 teams – 20 per gender – competing in Austria. The teams made it due to being hosts, their medal finishes at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2019 or because they were the highest-ranked teams in the FIBA 3x3 Federation Ranking not yet qualified. What is at stake? You think tickets to the next Coachella will be hard to find? You ain't seen nothing because the 40 teams are fighting for jut six tickets to Tokyo – three for each gender. The winners of the women's will join the Russian Olympic Committee, China, Mongolia, and Romania, who have already qualified as the top 4 teams in the FIBA 3x3 Federation Ranking on November 1, 2019.  Serbia, the Russian Olympic Committee and China qualified as the top 3 men's teams in the FIBA 3x3 Ranking along with host Japan. But that's not quite all folks. The last entrance (per gender) to the 3x3 event of the Olympics will be awarded at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament on June 4-6 in Debrecen, Hungary. Only after this event will we know the 16 teams (8 per gender) who will make history at 3x3's Olympic debut in Tokyo on June 24-28. Who are the favorites? Not sure this is so relevant in the unpredictable game of 3x3 where on average 25% of the games are decided by just one single basket. The short time frame of 10 minutes and the 21 point-target means upsets can really happen, so don't be surprised by any result. Still, the question has been asked so we've got some contenders for you. In the men's, it's hard to go past Latvia led by real life superheroes Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis who are coming off a domination of the men's professional circuit, the World Tour late last year. The mighty USA led by World Cup 2019 MVP Robbie Hummel boast enough crazy skills to feature on America's Got Talent. With Kareem Maddox all cream around the rim, Dominque Jones aka 'Disco Domo' able to break ankles and Canyon Barry (the son of basketball legend Rick), the hoops power can score 21 quicker than chanting U-S-A. In the women's, world No.1 France – headlined by the world's top two players Laetitia Guapo and Migna Touré – deserve top billing after dominating the Women's Series 2019 but they are certainly no guarantee. The fun-loving Australia may love to groove to tunes in the bleachers but on court they are angrier than a Tasmanian Devil, while World Cup 2019 silver medalist Hungary have a one-two punch of  Dora Medgyessy and Cyesha Goree that can smack around any opponent. We've tried our best but don't hold us to these predictions. Who are the players to watch? For a comprehensive list, here are our top players in both men's and women's. To name a few, we've got former NBA player Hummel, women's hoops unicorn Satou Sabally who doubles as a global leader in social justice and  a USA women's team stacked with WNBA talent, including FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 winner Kelsey Plum. We've got Italian dynamo Rae Lin D'Alie - the 3x3 World Cup 2018 MVP - who is equally good at dropping a rhyme and hoops-mad Philippines' latest sensation Joshua Munzon will also feature in Graz. What makes this so exciting is that there will surely be some new heroes emerge – players who are right now under the radar but will leave Austria as immediate legends in their countries. Will you be entertained? There will be 94 games played in Graz over five days. Teams are placed in pools of 5, including some shocking ones. Only the two top teams in each pool will make it to the knock-out rounds on the final day of competition. Then, the 8 teams (in each gender) will play quarter-finals. The last 6 games (semi-finals and third-place games) - known as the 'Olympic Ticket' games - will all qualify directly to the Tokyo Olympics. One last 10-minute sprint to make it from the streets to the Olympics. Yes, we're excited too.   Reigning champs France win FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Voiron May 22, 2021 Just four days before the start of the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the foursome of Laetitia Guapo, newcomer Soana Lucet, Marie-Eve Paget and Migna Touré confirmed they were a force to be reckoned with as they went undefeated 5-0, including a 22-13 win in the final against Spain. Their opener against Canada (20-15) was the only W they did not get before the 10-minute limit. The number one 3x3 player in the world Laetitia Guapo scored a game-high 7 points in the final but it was her teammate Migna Touré who scored the game-winner from long range and was named MVP. The Women’s Series 2019 MVP was just on another level in Voiron. Touré shot 58% from outside the arc in five games and led all scorers with 49 points. The difference between the new Wilson ambassador and the second leading scorer Spain’s Sandra Ygueravide was as big as the difference between Ygueravide and the 22nd top scorer. It was Spain’s second final in six days at the Women’s Series following their success in Mies. Both France and Spain will be among the favorites to win the three tickets to the Tokyo Olympics, which will be available at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will take place in Graz, Austria on May 26-30. Voiron Stop Final Standings 1. France 2. Spain 3. Romania 4. Russia U25 5. Russia              6. Netherlands 7. Poland 8. Slovakia 9. Canada 10. Switzerland 11. Mongolia 12. Israel ### Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups. On 9 June 2017, 3x3 was added to the Olympic Program, starting from the Tokyo Games. Wilson is the Global Ball and Apparel Partner and Tissot the Official Timekeeper of FIBA 3x3. FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, and the Magic Sky canopy system. 2021 NBA Playoffs Tip Off This Weekend with Five Nationally-Televised First Round Games on ESPN Platforms Game Coverage Starts This Saturday with Game 1 Quadrupleheader Including Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics in Primetime on ABC Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James Begin NBA Championship Defense this Sunday on ABC ESPN to Exclusively Televise Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Final State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament Game on Friday at 9 p.m. ET Four NBA Countdown Pregame Episodes this Weekend Beginning Tonight at 8 p.m. ET The 2021 NBA Playoffs will tip off with five nationally-televised first round games on ESPN platforms this weekend. Game coverage starts on Saturday, May 22, with a Game 1 quadrupleheader spanning 11 hours across ESPN and ABC. The Brooklyn Nets – led by the trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden – will host the Boston Celtics and the duo of Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Two Curt Gowdy Media Award-winning commentators – Mike Breen and analyst Doris Burke – will provide commentary with Lisa Salters reporting. Earlier on Saturday, the defending Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler will square off with the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo at 2 p.m. on ESPN. Ryan Ruocco, analyst and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Hubie Brown and reporter Malika Andrews will provide commentary. At 4:30 p.m., the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard host the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić. Dave Pasch will call the action with analyst Richard Jefferson and reporter Jorge Sedano. Saturday’s coverage culminates at 10:30 p.m. when the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard visit the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić. Jason Benetti and analyst Vince Carter will both call their first playoff telecast with Cassidy Hubbarth reporting. Los Angeles Lakers begin title defense This Sunday, May 23, the Los Angeles Lakers – led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis – will begin their NBA Championship defense as they visit the Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul in Game 1. Mark Jones will provide commentary with analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson with Rachel Nichols reporting. All NBA games on ESPN and ABC platforms are available to stream on the ESPN App. Commentator assignments and coverage details for ESPN’s games beyond May 23 will be announced in the coming days. State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament final game ESPN will exclusively televise the final Western Conference State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday, May 21, at 9 p.m. The Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry will host the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant on ESPN. Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson and reporter Rachel Nichols will be on the call. NBA Countdown Maria Taylor will host four editions of the NBA Countdown pregame show this weekend, including a one-hour ESPN show from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday leading into the Heat vs. Bucks game. Taylor will be joined by analysts Jalen Rose and Jay Williams and ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The team will return for halftime shows throughout the day on Saturday and lead a 15-minute edition of the show prior to the Nets vs. Celtics game on ABC. NBA Countdown will return on Sunday from 3-330 p.m. on ABC preceding the Lakers vs. Suns matchup. The team will also preview the Warriors vs. Grizzlies game tonight beginning at 8 p.m. ESPN and ABC Date Time (ET) Telecast/Game Platform(s) Sat, May 22 1 p.m. NBA Countdown Presented by Mountain Dew ESPN, ESPN App   2 p.m. Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 1 ESPN, ESPN App   4:30 p.m. Dallas Mavericks vs. LA Clippers Presented by Mountain Dew Game 1 ESPN, ESPN App   8 p.m. NBA Countdown ABC, ESPN App   8:15 p.m. Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets Presented by Mountain Dew Game 1 ABC, ESPN App   10:30 p.m. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets Presented by Mountain Dew Game 1 ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes Sun, May 23 3 p.m. NBA Countdown Presented by Mountain Dew ABC, ESPN App   3:30 p.m. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Presented by Mountain Dew Game 1 ABC, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes Fri, May 28 7 p.m. New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 3 ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes   8 p.m. NBA Countdown ABC, ESPN App   8:30 p.m. Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Presented by Mountain Dew Game 3 ABC, ESPN App   9:30 p.m. LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 3 ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes Sat, May 29 TBD NBA Countdown Presented by Mountain Dew ESPN, ESPN App   TBD Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards Presented by Mountain Dew Game 3 ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes   TBD Utah Jazz vs. GSW/MEM Presented by Mountain Dew Game 3 ESPN, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes Sun, May 30 12:30 p.m. NBA Countdown Presented by Mountain Dew ABC, ESPN App   1 p.m. New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 4 ABC, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes   3:30 p.m. Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Presented by Mountain Dew Game 4 ABC, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes Fri, June 4 TBD Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards Presented by Mountain Dew Game 6 *if necessary ESPN, ESPN App   TBD New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 6* if necessary ESPN, ESPN App   TBD LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks Presented by Mountain Dew Game 6* if necessary ESPN, ESPN App   TBD Utah Jazz vs. GSW/MEM Presented by Mountain Dew Game 6* if necessary ESPN, ESPN App Sun, June 6 TBD NBA Countdown Presented by Mountain Dew ABC, ESPN App   TBD TBD Game 7 *if necessary ABC, ESPN App   TBD TBD Game 7 *if necessary ABC, ESPN App ESPN Radio Date Time (ET) Telecast/Game Commentators Sat, May 22 4 p.m. Dallas Mavericks vs. LA Clippers Game 1 Sean Kelley, P.J. Carlesimo Sun, May 23 3 p.m. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game 1 Marc Kestecher, Jon Barry Thu, May 27 7 p.m. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat Game 3 Marc Kestecher, P.J. Carlesimo Fri, May 28 8 p.m. Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Game 3 Sean Kelley, P.J. Carlesimo Sat, May 29 TBD TBD Marc Kestecher, Jon Barry Sun, May 30 3 p.m. Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 4 Sean Kelley, P.J. Carlesimo Mon, May 31 TBD TBD Marc Kestecher, Jon Barry FIBA highlights players wellness with new partner Hyperice MAY 18, 2021 MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and Hyperice, the industry leader in recovery technology and pioneer of percussion, vibration, dynamic air compression and thermal technology, have announced a new multi-year partnership today. Hyperice will be named Official Recovery Technology Supplier until 2023 across all of FIBA's top level national team basketball competitions. The partnership will cover FIBA's men's and women's Continental Cups, the U17 and U19 World Cups, as well as FIBA's flagship events, the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. This collaboration is the first time that the US brand partners with an International Sports Federation, and it highlights the importance for both FIBA and Hyperice to continue raising the standards for player recovery and wellness. Through the partnership, Hyperice aims to showcase its innovative technology across the FIBA landscape and further develop its reach with players and the wider basketball community in key international territories. The partnership will tip-off during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments this summer, where players will have real-time access to Hyperice's award-winning Hypervolt, the most powerful and advanced percussion massage device in the world, while they recover on the bench. Hyperice will conduct workshops and webinars for FIBA's National Federations to showcase the applications and benefits of its products and will make Hyperice products available to players and medical staff at various FIBA competitions. FIBA's Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, said: "We are very excited to partner with Hyperice and give our players, training and medical staff the opportunity to be supported by such a leading brand in recovery and performance technology. Our players' wellness is key and we are very pleased to be able to provide an extensive range of products that will help them improve their performance and wellbeing." "Our partnership with FIBA will introduce Hyperice recovery technologies to more basketball fans worldwide as we develop authentic storytelling and engagement opportunities with trainers, athletes and partners," said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. "Innovation is core to all we do at Hyperice, and the alignment with FIBA will help drive performance for players while amplifying our global presence specifically in Europe and Asia." The partnership was led by FIBA Marketing, an innovative strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront Sports & Media. FIBA and Hyperice announce new multi-year partnership. NBA STATEMENT   NEW YORK, May 27, 2021 – The NBA issued the following statement today:   “The return of more NBA fans to our arenas has brought great excitement and energy to the start of the playoffs, but it is critical that we all show respect for players, officials and our fellow fans.  An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.”   The NBA Fan Code of Conduct can be found here.         NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS NEW YORK, May 26, 2021 – Of the 337 players tested for COVID-19 since May 19, zero new players have returned a confirmed positive test.    Anyone who has returned a confirmed positive test, or has been identified as having been in close contact to an infected person, is isolated or quarantined until they are cleared under the rules established by the NBA and the Players Association in accordance with CDC guidance.  BSNF CREA ALIANZA CON PURBASKET La jugadora de la Selección, India Pagán, es una de las baloncelistas reconocida en las redes sociales como #SelloPURBasket. COMUNICADO DE PRENSA 19 de mayo 2021 El director de torneo del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF), Lcdo. Rafael Otero, anunció hoy que integró a la organización PURBasket como colaboradores de cara al sorteo de Nuevo Ingreso 2021.   Otero explicó que el personal de PURBasket estará colaborando en todo lo relacionado al próximo sorteo, incluyendo la recomendación y reclutamiento de jugadoras, soporte técnico, administrativo y participará en vivo el día del evento.   “Unir a la gente de PURBasket a nuestro equipo de trabajo es un ‘plus’”, expresó Otero. “Sin duda es hoy por hoy la organización de reclutamiento de baloncelistas de raíces puertorriqueñas más destacada, además de su banco de nativos”.   “La pericia de PURBasket en la identificación de talento y ser un enlace entra la Liga y las jugadoras de Nuevo Ingreso es algo sumamente positivo y nos brinda otros recursos”, agregó.   Para formar parte del Sorteo de Nuevo Ingreso 2021 la jugadora debe haber nacido en o antes del 1 de enero de 2003 en Puerto Rico. De haber nacido fuera de Puerto Rico, esta debe ser hija o nieta de una persona nacida en Puerto Rico y someter la debida documentación para evidenciarlo.   Si la jugadora no cumple la regla de elegibilidad como puertorriqueña, puede entrar al BSNF si estableció en Puerto Rico su lugar de residencia por no menos de tres (3) años anteriores al comienzo del torneo en el cual está solicitando participar.   NUEVA FECHA LÍMITE DE INSCRIPCIÓN   Por otro lado, Otero también notificó que las jugadoras ahora tendrán hasta el martes 15 de junio de 2021 para someter la hoja de inscripción con toda la documentación necesaria.   A su vez, los sorteos de Nuevo Ingreso y No Reservadas se llevarán a cabo el martes 22 de junio.   Las jugadoras interesadas en participar podrán encontrar la hoja de inscripción en la página web del organismo (www.bsnfpr.net) y en todas sus redes sociales. Para mayor información pueden escribir un correo electrónico a info@bsnfpr.net o llamar al (787) 726-1526.

 

DALLAS’ KRISTAPS PORZINGIS FINED

NEW YORK, May 25, 2021 –  The National Basketball Association has fined Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis $50,000 for violating the rule prohibiting players from going into any bar, club, lounge, or similar establishment, regardless of the player’s vaccination status, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.

 

Porzingis violated the rule when he attended a club on May 23. In consultation with medical experts, and based on all facts and circumstances, it was determined that his attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine is necessary.

 

TIES BROKEN FOR ORDER OF SELECTION IN NBA DRAFT 2021 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM

 

NEW YORK, May 25, 2021 – Six ties among teams with identical regular-season records were broken today through random drawings to determine the order of selection for NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm.

 

The drawings were conducted by NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations Kiki VanDeWeghe at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey. The tiebreaker process was overseen by Marc Dieli, a representative from the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.

 

The results of the drawings:

 

• The Oklahoma City Thunder (22-50) won a tiebreaker with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• The Chicago Bulls (31-41) won a tiebreaker with the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Sacramento and New Orleans, respectively.
• The Charlotte Hornets (33-39) won a tiebreaker with the San Antonio Spurs.
• The New York Knicks (41-31) won a tiebreaker with the Atlanta Hawks.
• The Dallas Mavericks (42-30) won a tiebreaker with the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Los Angeles and Portland, respectively.
• The LA Clippers (47-25) won a tiebreaker with the Denver Nuggets.

 

NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm will be held on Tuesday, June 22 and air live on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm will take place on Thursday, July 29.

 

Below is the order of selection for NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm and the probability of being awarded the first overall draft pick for teams in NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm.

 

2021 FIRST ROUND

 

Drawings will be conducted at NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm to determine the first four picks in NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm. The remainder of the “Lottery teams” will select in positions 5 through 14 in inverse order of their records in 2020-21 regular-season games. The teams entered in the NBA Draft Lottery and their probability of winning the Lottery are as follows:

 

Team		Record		Win%		Lottery Probability
Houston1		17-55		.236		14.0%
Detroit		20-52		.278		14.0%
Orlando		21-51		.292		14.0%
Oklahoma City		22-50		.306		11.5%
Cleveland		22-50		.306		11.5%
Minnesota2		23-49		.319		9.0%
Toronto		27-45		.375		7.5%
Chicago3		31-41		.431		4.5%
Sacramento		31-41		.431		4.5%
New Orleans		31-41		.431		4.5%
Charlotte		33-39		.458		1.8%
San Antonio		33-39		.458		1.7%
Indiana		34-38		.472		1.0%
Golden State		39-33		.542		0.5%

 

The order for the remainder of the first-round picks is as follows:

 

Team		Record		Win%
15. Washington		34-38		.472
16. Boston		36-36		.500
17. Memphis		38-34		.528
18. Miami (to Oklahoma City or Houston)4		40-32		.556
19. New York		41-31		.569
20. Atlanta		41-31		.569
21. Dallas (to New York)		42-30		.583
22. Los Angeles Lakers		42-30		.583
23. Portland (to Houston)		42-30		.583
24. Milwaukee (to Houston)		46-26		.639
25. LA Clippers		47-25		.653
26. Denver		47-25		.653
27. Brooklyn		48-24		.667
28. Philadelphia		49-23		.681
29. Phoenix		51-21		.708
30. Utah		52-20		.722

 

1 This pick may be conveyed to Oklahoma City.

2 This pick may be conveyed to Golden State.

3 This pick may be conveyed to Orlando.

4 This pick will be conveyed to Houston via Oklahoma City, the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and Phoenix or to Oklahoma City via the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.

 

2021 SECOND ROUND

 

31.		Houston (to Milwaukee)
32.		Detroit (to New York via the LA Clippers and Philadelphia)
33.		Orlando
34/35.		Cleveland (to New Orleans via Atlanta)
34/35.		Oklahoma City
36.		Minnesota (to Oklahoma City via Golden State)
37.		Toronto (to Detroit via Brooklyn)
38/39/40.		New Orleans1
38/39/40.		Sacramento
38/39/40.		Chicago2
41/42.		San Antonio
41/42.		Charlotte (to Detroit via New York)
43.		Washington (to New Orleans via Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Utah)
44.		Indiana (to Brooklyn)
45.		Boston
46.		Memphis (to Toronto via Sacramento)
47.		Golden State (to Toronto via Utah and New Orleans)
48.		Miami (to Atlanta via Sacramento and Portland)
49.		Atlanta (to Brooklyn)
50.		New York (to Philadelphia)
51.		Portland (to Memphis via Dallas, Detroit, and Cleveland)
52.		Los Angeles Lakers (to Detroit via Sacramento, Houston, and Detroit)
53.		Dallas (to New Orleans)
54.		Milwaukee (to Indiana via Houston and Cleveland)
55.		Denver (to Oklahoma City via Golden State and Philadelphia)
56.		LA Clippers (to Charlotte)
57.		Brooklyn (to Charlotte)
58.		Philadelphia (to New York)
59.		Phoenix (to Brooklyn)
60.		Utah (to Indiana)

 

[1] This pick may be conveyed to Chicago.

2 This pick may be conveyed to New Orleans.

 

Note:  Teams that finished the regular season with identical records will select in the second round in inverse order of the order in which they select in the first round. With respect to ties between Lottery teams:  since the order of selection in the first round for these sets of teams may change based on the results of the Lottery, the order of selection in the second round cannot be determined until after the Lottery is conducted (on June 22, 2021).

 

NATIONAL BASKETBALL SOCIAL JUSTICE COALITION STATEMENT ON POLICING REFORM LEGISLATION

 

NEW YORK, May 24, 2021 – On behalf of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, James Cadogan, the Coalition’s Executive Director, released the following statement:

 

“Almost exactly one year ago, George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis. Like millions around the world, NBA players, coaches, governors, officials, and staff throughout our organizations were outraged to see the horrifying and unlawful actions of the officer who pinned Mr. Floyd’s neck to the ground under his knee for 9 minutes. Mr. Floyd’s death added new fuel to the protests, marches, and urgent calls for racial justice and reform locally and nationally.

 

“Today, as this painful anniversary approaches, we have an opportunity to honor the memory of Mr. Floyd and others who have been victims of police brutality in this country by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Systemic problems demand systemic solutions. And, because police actions are governed by a diverse array of state laws and local policies, the Floyd Act takes unprecedented strides towards consistency—reforming at a federal level the practices that failed its namesake.

 

“The bill already passed with a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate where we hope it will have similar bipartisan support as it should and must. As Board Members of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, representing the NBA, the Players Association, the Coaches Association, league staff, and teams in every region of the country, we are calling on our elected representatives of both parties to work together to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the U.S. Senate now and present it to President Biden for him to sign into law this year.

 

“As members of the NBA family, we will continue to use our influence to support common-sense policy reform in our communities across the nation so that equal justice is afforded to all.”

 

***

 

National Basketball Social Justice Coalition

 

Carmelo Anthony (Portland Trail Blazers)

Avery Bradley (Houston Rockets)

Sterling Brown (Houston Rockets)

Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)

Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Micky Arison (Miami Heat Managing General Partner)

Steve Ballmer (L.A. Clippers Chairman)

Clay Bennett (Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman)

Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks Governor)

Vivek Ranadivé (Sacramento Kings Governor & Chairman)

Coach Lloyd Pierce

Coach Doc Rivers (Philadelphia 76ers)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum

 

In 2020, the NBA and NBPA formed the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, an organization that leads the NBA family’s collaborative efforts to address racial and social inequality by advocating for policy change at the national, state, and local level.

 NBA FORMS NEW AFRICA ENTITY

AND PARTNERS WITH STRATEGIC INVESTORS

 

- Helios Fairfax Partners, Yinka Folawiyo Group Chairman and CEO Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo Headline Group of African Business Leaders and NBA Legends

Investing in NBA Africa -

 

- NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng, Grant Hill, Dikembe Mutombo and Joakim Noah Also Invest in NBA Africa -

                                                                                                                        

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, May 24, 2021 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the formation of NBA Africa, a new entity that will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America.  The inaugural BAL season, featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries, is underway in Kigali, Rwanda, and the first BAL Finals will be held Sunday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. CAT / 10 a.m. ET.

 

The strategic investors include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group; and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Tope Lawani, Co-CEO of HFP and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), HFP’s investment advisor.  The investors’ expertise in a wide range of industries and established relationships with African businesses, governments and NGOs will help accelerate the NBA’s growth across the continent.  Lawani and Folawiyo will also join the NBA Africa Board of Directors, which is led by NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams and includes NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

 

The announcement was made today by Silver, Tatum, Williams, Lawani and Folawiyo, who were joined by NBA Global Ambassador and NBA Africa investor Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in advance of Africa Day, an annual worldwide commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) held on May 25.

 

In addition to Mutombo, additional investors in NBA Africa include NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill and Joakim Noah.

 

The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010.  Since then, the league’s efforts in Africa have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the launch of the BAL, and more.

 

The funding will contribute to the growth of the BAL, help expand the NBA’s presence in priority African markets and Africa’s basketball ecosystem, and deepen the league’s engagement with players and fans through initiatives such as the launch of additional NBA Academies and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families, including gender equality and economic inclusion efforts that the NBA and BAL announced in March.

 

Folawiyo, who is Nigerian, is Chairman and CEO of the Yinka Folawiyo Group, a diversified Nigerian industrial group focused on oil exploration and production, energy trading, shipping and real estate.  He is also a former director and minority shareholder of MTN Nigeria, a telecommunications company, and the chairman of Coronation Merchant Bank.  A Duke of Edinburgh World Fellow, Folawiyo is active with organizations focused on the education and promotion of young African leaders and entrepreneurs.

 

HFP is a Canadian-based investment holding company focused on public and private investments in businesses that primarily operate in Africa.  HFP was established in 2020 via a business combination between Fairfax Africa Holdings and the management company of Helios Investment Partners, Helios Holdings Limited.  HFP’s Co-CEO, Lawani, is a Nigerian businessman with more than 25 years of principal investment experience.  He serves on the boards of various listed and privately held businesses, including several leading pan-African companies.  A member of the MIT board of trustees and the Harvard Law School Dean’s Advisory Board, Lawani received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from MIT, a JD from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

 

 

Executive Quotes:

 

Yinka Folawiyo Group Chairman and CEO Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo:

“Sport has always been a unifier in Africa, and our people have always excelled in most fields, often far from home and against all odds.  This is a unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the new economy and develop the business and innovation infrastructure of sports.  I am genuinely excited to be in a group that understands this imperative alongside the powerhouse that is the NBA.  Bringing world-class know-how together with local nous has been a strong formula for successful global businesses.  We foresee this for our partnership.  This time, success will be defined not just by return on investment but by sustainable and long-term impact on the lives of our people.  That is our aim.”

 

Helios Fairfax Partners Co-CEO Tope Lawani:

“Throughout Helios’ history, we have bridged international capital and expertise to African talent and enterprise, and this is a unique opportunity for us to do so in the world of sport by partnering with the NBA, a truly best-in-class operator.  As a committed and experienced partner for businesses operating across Africa, we look forward to contributing our expertise, connectivity and market knowledge to support NBA Africa’s growth throughout the continent.”

 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver:

“Today’s announcement is the result of many years of investment and on-the-ground work to grow the game of basketball in Africa and a recognition of the enormous opportunities ahead for the NBA on the continent.  We believe that basketball can become a top sport across Africa over the next decade, and I look forward to working closely with our investors to make that goal a reality.”

 

NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams:

“The successful formation and funding of NBA Africa as a standalone entity is indicative of the rich history of the NBA in Africa, the power of the NBA’s vision for the growth of the game on the continent, and the strong commitment by our outstanding new partners to support that vision.  I’d like to thank the entire NBA Africa team, led for the last decade by Amadou Gallo Fall and John Manyo-Plange, for the work they have done to lay the foundation for the game on the continent which has made this milestone possible.”

 

NBA Global Ambassador and NBA Africa investor Dikembe Mutombo:

“This is a historic day for basketball in Africa, and I’m honored to join this special group of leaders who are committed to the continent and to using the game to improve people’s lives.  I’m fortunate to have been among the first players from Africa to make an impact in the NBA, and because of the commitment of these individuals, countless more players will have the opportunity to follow in my footsteps in the years ahead.”

Stage set for FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 Draw

MAY 21, 2020 MIAMI (United States) - The stage is set for the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 draw, which will take place on Saturday, 22nd of May in San Juan, Puerto Rico at 14:00 EST and will be broadcasted live on FIBA's Official YouTube Channel. The FIBA Women's AmeriCup will feature these ten teams from the three continental sub-regions. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela qualified for the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021, as they were the best ranked teams in the sub-zone according to the FIBA Women's World Rankings by NIKE. Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and El Salvador qualified from the Centrobasket Women's Championship in March. With the United States and Canada also joining the competition representing North America. The competition will be played from the 11th to the 19th of June 2021, in Puerto Rico. The draw will begin by selecting one team from the first pot, which will be slotted into Group A, while the remaining team from the pot will be automatically allocated into Group B, followed by a number draw from the last pot, which will define the order of the games. As per the draw principles, the only constraint is that each Group can only include a maximum of three teams from the same Sub-Zone. The ten participating teams will be divided into two groups, A and B, with five teams each and will play one game with each opponent in their group. At the end of the Group Phase, the teams placed 1st to 4th in each group shall advance to the Quarterfinals, while the two teams placed 5th in each group will participate in the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 Qualifiers. The FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 draw will feature a performance by rising star artist Mariah Angeliq. At just 21 years old, Mariah burst onto the Latin scene to become one of the most promising names in female reggaeton. With over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Mariah has reached audiences all over the world with her creativity, music and style. Due to her story, her message and her great talent, Mariah Angeliq was chosen to kick off the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 journey. The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2021 will be the 16th edition of the most elite Women's competition in the Americas. The top four finishing teams will advance to compete in one of four FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments. ###

Todo listo para el Sorteo de la FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2021 MIAMI (Estados Unidos) - El escenario está listo para el sorteo de la FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2021, que tendrá lugar el sábado 22 de mayo en San Juan (Puerto Rico), a las 14:00 EST, y será transmitido en vivo por el Canal Oficial de YouTube de FIBA. La FIBA AmeriCup Femenina contará con diez equipos de las tres subregiones continentales. Argentina, Brasil, Colombia y Venezuela se clasificaron para la FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2021 ya que fueron los equipos mejor clasificados en la subzona de Sudamérica según el Ranking Mundial Femenino FIBA presentado por NIKE. Puerto Rico, Islas Vírgenes, República Dominicana y El Salvador se clasificaron del Centrobasket Femenino disputado en marzo. Estados Unidos y Canadá también se unen a la competencia representando a América del Norte. La competición se jugará del 11 al 19 de junio de 2021, en Puerto Rico. El sorteo comenzará seleccionando un equipo del primer bote, el cual será asignado al Grupo A, mientras que el equipo restante del bote será asignado automáticamente al Grupo B, seguido por un sorteo de números del último bote, el cual definirá el orden de los juegos. Según los principios del sorteo, la única restricción es que cada Grupo sólo puede incluir un máximo de tres equipos de la misma Sub-Zona. Los diez equipos participantes se dividirán en dos grupos (A y B), con cinco equipos cada uno, y jugarán un juego con cada oponente en su grupo. Al final de la Fase de Grupo, los equipos ubicados del 1º al 4º lugar en cada grupo avanzarán a los Cuartos de Final, mientras que los dos equipos colocados 5º en cada grupo participarán de los Clasificatorios a la FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2023. El sorteo contará con la actuación de la artista Mariah Angeliq. Con solo 21 años, Mariah irrumpió en la escena latina para convertirse en uno de los nombres más prometedores del reguetón femenino. Con más de 1 millón de seguidores en Instagram y más de 12 millones de oyentes mensuales en Spotify, Mariah ha llegado a audiencias de todo el mundo con su creatividad, música y estilo. Debido a su historia, su mensaje y su gran talento, Mariah Angeliq fue elegida para iniciar el viaje  de la FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2021. La FIBA AmeriCup Femenina 2021 será la 16ª edición de la competición más importante de baloncesto femenino en las Américas. Los cuatro mejores equipos avanzarán para competir en uno de los cuatro torneos Clasificatorios para la Copa del Mundo FIBA de Baloncesto Femenino 2022.

FIVE-STAR POINT GUARD SCOOT HENDERSON SIGNS WITH NBA G LEAGUE IGNITE   – Ignite Adds Second Top 10 High School Prospect to Roster, Signing No. 7 Player in Class of 2022 –   WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 21, 2021 – Sterling “Scoot” Henderson, the top point guard in the class of 2022, has signed with NBA G League Ignite, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced today. Henderson is a consensus five-star recruit and is ranked by ESPN as the No. 7 overall prospect in the class of 2022.   “I’m so excited the G League created this platform. It is truly the best fit for me,” Henderson said. “Since I was a kid, competing at the highest level in the world has been my main goal. Becoming the youngest professional American basketball player is just icing on the cake.”   The Marietta, Ga. product led his Kell High School team to a runner-up finish this season, falling in the state championship game after posting a 22-7 record. Henderson, who is Kell’s all-time leading scorer, averaged 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists en route to claiming Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class 6A Player of the Year honors. He earned Sports Illustrated All-American and MaxPreps Junior All-America First Team honors.   Henderson, who completed his high school coursework this month and will graduate next week, becomes the first player to sign with Ignite for two seasons. He will not be eligible to be drafted into the NBA before 2023.   Henderson joins 2021 top-10 high school prospect Michael Foster Jr. (ESPN No. 7) on Ignite’s newest roster. The first-of-its-kind program, which gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training, is led by five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw and includes a mix of elite youth along with NBA and G League veterans.   PORTLAND’S DAMIAN LILLARD RECEIVES APRIL NBA CARES COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE   – NBA and Kaiser Permanente to Donate $10,000 to Special Olympics Oregon –   NEW YORK, May 21, 2021 – Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has received the April NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente in recognition of his continued efforts to empower young people across Portland, the NBA today announced.  Each month the award recognizes a player who best reflects the passion that the league and NBA players share for giving back to their communities.   Since arriving in Portland in 2012, Lillard has focused on investing in and mentoring local high school-aged youth through his RESPECT program that supports, encourages and celebrates three Portland-area high schools – McDaniel, Parkrose and Roosevelt.  This year amidst the global pandemic and the new virtual learning environment, RESPECT adjusted to maintain engagement with the students.  Lillard committed to video visits to keep in contact with participants remotely and highlighted students and teachers that exemplified the principles of the program through his social media platforms.  As schools returned to in-person learning, he provided RESPECT branded face masks for students and staff participating in the programs.   Lillard debuted a special RESPECT edition of his signature Dame7 shoe exclusively for the students in the program.  The 500 pairs produced incorporated McDaniel, Parkrose and Roosevelt school colors and featured the three RESPECT principles: Show Up, Work Hard, and Be Kind.  Lillard gifted the shoes to RESPECT’s partner schools to reward students who are living out each principle and wore the sneakers several times during the season.  In addition to RESPECT, he continued his role as ambassador for the Moda Assist Program in partnership with Moda Health and the Trail Blazers, which donates $20 per assist made during the season to fund the development of all-ability inclusive playgrounds throughout the state of Oregon.  This year, the city of Astoria has been selected to receive funds to help build an all-abilities playground and enhance their community.   The six-time NBA All-Star was presented with the award during a special virtual ceremony with league, Kaiser Permanente and Trail Blazers officials on May 19. In addition, Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will donate $10,000 on his behalf to Special Olympics Oregon.   “It’s an honor to receive the NBA Cares Community Assist Award,” said Lillard.  “From a young age, my mom and dad taught me about the value of giving back and lifting up others.  I’ve been involved with Special Olympics since high school and I’m proud to serve in my role as a Global Ambassador for the organization. Special Olympics is a deserving recipient of this donation as they continue to create a better world of acceptance and inclusion for all people."   Lillard has been a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics since 2013, but his support of the organization dates to his teenage years.  Now as a Global Ambassador, Lillard has participated in numerous Special Olympics events during NBA All-Star over the past several years, has served as an honorary coach at the Special Olympics USA Games and World Games and supports all Special Olympics social media campaigns.  With Special Olympics Oregon, Lillard has shown consistent support for the local community through hosting basketball camps and participation in fundraising events.   The NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente recognizes an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players share for giving back to their communities.  It honors the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece.  At the end of the 2020-21 regular season, the Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner will be announced.  To learn more, please visit http://www.nba.com/communityassist/. Campaign images available here   NBA DEBUTS NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN “THAT’S GAME” AHEAD OF 2021 NBA PLAYOFFS   – Golden Globe and SAG Winner Idris Elba to be Featured as the Voice of the Campaign; Oscar Winning-Producer Jon Batiste to Provide Original Soundtrack –   NEW YORK, May 21, 2021 – The NBA today unveiled “That’s Game,” its new global brand campaign, which will tip off at the start of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, May 22 and continue with the league’s upcoming 75th anniversary season highlighting pivotal moments on-court and beyond, from iconic plays in-arena to the impact players have in the community. The new campaign, created in conjunction with creative agency Translation, demonstrates how the NBA has advanced the game, grown its community and impacted culture throughout the league’s storied history.   “That’s Game” will launch with a series of four television spots narrated by Golden Globe and SAG winning actor, filmmaker, musician and activist Idris Elba set to an original composition by Oscar-winning producer Jon Batiste. Renowned Director Emmanuel Adjei (“Black is King” and “Dark Ballet”) directed the spots, which will air globally in 15 languages, with select markets featuring local celebrities as the voices of the campaign.   “‘That’s Game’ demonstrates more than just the culmination of play – it’s about the moments that have kept fans connected to the game throughout history and will continue to engage them long into the future,” said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Jhaveri. “We are excited to celebrate the incredible plays that leave us in awe and the impactful community work from players and teams, and we look forward to continuing this storytelling into the 75th anniversary season.”   “We are thrilled to partner with the NBA to create ‘That’s Game’ and help tell the story of this game's impact in culture and around the world both on and off the court” said Jason Campbell, Translation Executive Creative Director. “Every hand that contributed to this work understood that truth, and we are excited to continue unpacking its meaning long into the future."   The :60 brand spot revisits transcendent moments that have inspired communities of fans around the world, including raising a championship trophy, a draftee achieving his dream of playing in the pros, making a pregame fashion statement, elevating a social justice movement and other bigger than basketball moments. Highlights include: Washington Wizards’ Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma, and Minnesota Timberwolves’ D'Angelo Russell showing off their inimitable style. Stephen Curry and The Golden State Warriors being crowned the 2018 NBA Champions. Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and New York Knicks’ Julius Randle showing off exciting slam dunks. Eight-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter’s legendary 360 windmill dunk in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest and the Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell paying homage to Carter in the contest 18 years later. Boston Celtics’ NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown, who is on the front lines of the movement for racial equality, wearing “Liberation” on his jersey during the NBA Restart and the Orlando Magic, who have prioritized supporting youth in the central Florida community, connecting arms together at center court as the league and players advocated for social change this past year.    The first Playoff spot will continue this trend, reminding fans why NBA playoff moments are so special. The campaign will be supported across high-impact media and celebrated through a number of fan engagement activations, including:  “NBA House” – during the postseason, some of the most relevant social content creators and influencers will come together in a LA-based “NBA House” to create exciting social moments, inviting fans into the cultural epicenter of the NBA Playoffs with custom content and programming.   “Catch the Game” watch-and-win promotion - The league will host a watch-and-win promotion encouraging fans to tune in to receive a chance to win some of the most coveted NBA in-person experiences across the league’s marquee events during the final two rounds of the Playoffs, including a trip to NBA All-Star 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio and NBA Finals 2022, among other valuable prizes and experiences.  Fortnite partnership - In addition to NBA outfits for all 30 teams on sale in the Item Shop later today, beginning on May 25, Fortnite players can head to the game’s “Creative Mode” for an opportunity to visit the NBA Welcome Hub for more NBA-related experiences and content surrounding the campaign. Additionally, the Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell and the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young will share their player “locker bundles,” revealing their personal favorite items to “wear” when they play Fortnite. UnitedMasters – partnering with UnitedMasters' talented roster of artists such as Tobe Nwigwe to craft unique content supporting and defining "That's Game"   As part of the league’s ongoing social justice commitments, the “That’s Game” campaign will look to tell stories across league and team platforms around our recently announced Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion,  investments in Black communities through the NBA Foundation and advocacy for policy change through the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.   The State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament concludes tonight at 9 p.m. ET with the Memphis Grizzlies visiting the Golden State Warriors on ESPN.  The 2021 NBA Playoffs tips off tomorrow with a doubleheader on ESPN as the Miami Heat visit the Milwaukee Bucks (2 p.m. E.T.) and the LA Clippers host the Dallas Mavericks (4:30 p.m. ET).   Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Play-In Game Most-Watched NBA Telecast on ESPN Since 2019 Western Conference Finals: 5,618,000 Viewers Up 190 Percent From Single Play-In Game on ABC Last Season Peak Audience: 6,149,000 Viewers from 12:30-1 a.m. ET on ESPN Most-Watched Telecast Across All of Television in Every Key Demo   ESPN’s exclusive telecast of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game generated 5,618,000 viewers, making it the largest audience for an NBA game on ESPN since the 2019 Western Conference Finals, according to Nielsen. The telecast peaked with 6,149,000 viewers on ESPN from 12:30-1 a.m. ET.   The Lakers vs. Warriors game, part of the State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament and widely-regarded as an instant classic, was up 190 percent from the single Play-In game on ABC last season. It was the second-most watched NBA game of the 2020-21 season across all networks, only behind the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day game simulcast on ABC and ESPN. It won the night across all of television in every key sales demo.   In addition, ESPN’s early game last night, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs, delivered an average audience of 2,293,000 viewers, making it the third-most watched NBA game on ESPN of the 2020-21 season.   ESPN’s State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament coverage continues with the final Western Conference game on Friday, May 21, at 9 p.m. ET as the Golden State Warriors square off with the Memphis Grizzlies for the final spot in the Western Conference NBA Playoffs.   FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2020-21 NBA AWARDS   NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 – The NBA today announced the finalists for six awards that honor top performers for the 2020-21 regular season: NBA Coach of the Year, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player, Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and Kia NBA Sixth Man.   The three finalists for each annual award, based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, are listed in alphabetical order below:   NBA Coach of the Year   Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns   Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year   Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers       Kia NBA Most Improved Player   Jerami Grant, Detroit Pistons Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets Julius Randle, New York Knicks   Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets       Kia NBA Rookie of the Year   LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings     Kia NBA Sixth Man   Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz Derrick Rose, New York Knicks     TNT will announce the winner of each award during its coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.  Each voter’s complete ballot for each award will be posted at pr.nba.com after the announcement of all end-of-season awards.   ATLANTA’S NATE MCMILLAN FINED   NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 – Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan has been fined $25,000 for detrimental public comments asserting bias by the NBA relating to the 2020-21 Playoffs, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.   McMillan made his remarks to the media on May 19.   “NBABet” Content Initiative to Launch Friday, May 21, with Debut of New Betting-Focused NBA TV Show & Social Handles   NBA, Turner Sports & BetMGM Partner to Launch NBA TV’s First Betting-Focused Studio Show   Action Network to Produce Content, Manage @NBABet Social Media   NBA Digital today announced a new “NBABet” content initiative, which will feature the debut of a weekly NBA TV show and betting-focused content across NBA.com, the NBA App and social platforms.   As part of this multiplatform offering, the NBA, Turner Sports and BetMGM will premiere NBA TV’s first live studio show dedicated to betting-focused information and analysis – NBABet presented by BetMGM – beginning Friday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The 30-minute weekly show launches the day before the NBA Playoffs tip off and will continue through the first two rounds of the Playoffs.    Based out of WarnerMedia Studios in Atlanta, the show's quick-hitting format will feature leaguewide NBA betting analysis and breakdowns from experts across the industry.  As the presenting partner of NBABet, BetMGM’s data feed will be integrated and the latest BetMGM NBA odds will be shown throughout each show.   In the second round of the playoffs, NBA.com and the NBA App will feature a new NBABet section, which will include editorial content for fans from content partners such as Action Network, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports, among others.  The weekly show will also be available to NBA TV subscribers.   The NBA is also launching a new social media account, @NBABet, which will be programmed by The Action Network. @NBABet will engage NBA fans with video segments, highlights, analysis, insights, trends and more – all from a betting perspective.   Over the past two seasons, NBA Digital has offered NBABet Stream, an alternate betting focused telecast for NBA League Pass and NBA TV subscribers, which has featured betting focused graphics and commentary from experts from Action Network, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports.   About the NBA The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League.  The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2020-21 season featured 107 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.9 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes. About Turner Sports Turner Sports, a division of WarnerMedia, is an industry leader in the delivery of premium sports content across all platforms, widely recognized for its expansive partnerships with the NBA, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and the National Hockey League. The Turner Sports portfolio also includes Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans driving engagement and video views across all social platforms and the B/R app, with premier brands including House of Highlights, B/R Football, B/R Gridiron, B/R Kicks, B/R Betting, B/R Walk-Off, and B/R Gaming. Turner Sports co-manages NBA Digital – comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com – as well as NCAA.com and the NCAA March Madness Live suite of products. Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.  About BetMGM BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM Resorts’ U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state of the art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.betmgminc.com/. About NBA Digital NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports, including NBA TV, the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA League Pass and NBAGLEAGUE.com.   About The Action Network Launched in October 2018, The Action Network provides premium sports betting analysis, real-time odds and in-depth data and tools via its website and app. Serving millions of users across its web and app platform as well as its social handles, Action has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Business Journal and dozens of other media outlets as the leading source for news, information, and primary data in sports betting. NBA AND VIASAT TO MAKE NBA LEAGUE PASS AVAILABLE TO MILLIONS OF AIRLINE PASSENGERS WHILE IN FLIGHT   JetBlue Will be one of the First Airlines to Offer NBA League Pass to Passengers on Viasat-Equipped Aircraft Flying Around the World   NBA League Pass will be available on any route, except for flights within the U.S., Canada and China   NEW YORK and CARLSBAD, Calif., May 20, 2021 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company and leading in-flight connectivity provider to many of the world’s most recognizable airlines, today announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to make NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, available to millions of airline passengers while in flight. The partnership will provide a streaming experience in the sky, enabling airline passengers to access live and on-demand NBA games and content on their personal electronic devices at no extra cost when they register for NBA League Pass in-flight. JetBlue will be one of the first airlines to offer NBA League Pass on Viasat-equipped aircraft, with additional airlines expected to be announced.   Available during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, which will tip off Saturday, May 22, Viasat will enable access to the premium version of NBA League Pass - featuring every NBA game live and on-demand - to passengers onboard aircraft with Viasat In-flight connectivity. NBA League Pass will be available on any route, except for flights within the U.S., Canada and China; international flights to and from these three countries will also have access to the service.      “We are thrilled to provide fans around the world with the unique opportunity to experience the excitement of the NBA on their personal devices while in-flight at 35,000 feet,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Global Media Distribution and Business Operations, Matt Brabants. “By leveraging Viasat’s world-class satellite technology and global reach, we believe this partnership will transform the future of content consumption for airline passengers and allow us to engage millions of new and existing NBA fans in a whole new way.”   “We’re focused on evolving the way passengers enjoy in-flight internet by offering differentiated, premium over-the-top content and streaming experiences,” said Viasat Managing Director, Media & Mobile Applications, Dave Elliot. “We continue to explore and announce new partnerships, like the NBA. The trend to market content - and in this case, league assets - directly to customers is powerful, and offers more opportunity to drive customer acquisition through new business models that haven’t been previously offered through packaged, linear TV viewing.”   NBA League Pass provides the most comprehensive live and on-demand access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition with live stats, alternative audio and multiple viewing options. Passengers on NBA League Pass-enabled flights will be able to use the speed and efficiency of Viasat’s global satellite network to access NBA platforms, create or sign into an existing NBA account, and immediately access League Pass’s Next-Generation game viewing enhancements, including new camera angles, multiple in-language streams, celebrity influencer commentary, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics and condensed games for on-demand viewing.   Viasat serves the world’s leading airlines, elevating the passenger journey with a network that is built to support the rising data requirements of the latest internet, streaming and over-the-top trends, even at 35,000 feet. The Company currently has an international satellite network consisting of owned and partner high-capacity Ka-band satellites to deliver high-quality, fast connectivity - even in the hardest-to-reach places.    About Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat’s Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.   About the NBA The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League.  The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2020-21 season featured 107 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.9 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.   Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the overall agreement between Viasat and NBA and the offerings and benefits of the partnership, including the features, free access and availability of the service. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations, and increased competition and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.   Copyright © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS NEW YORK, May 19, 2021 – Of the 496 players tested for COVID-19 since May 12, one new player has returned a confirmed positive test.    Anyone who has returned a confirmed positive test, or has been identified as having been in close contact to an infected person, is isolated or quarantined until they are cleared under the rules established by the NBA and the Players Association in accordance with CDC guidance.  National Basketball Coaches Association Announces 2021 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award Voted Annually By 30 NBA Head Coaches   New York, May 18, 2021 — Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams is the 2021 recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced today.   The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment and hard work of NBA Head Coaches and is presented annually to a Head Coach who helps guide his players to a higher level of performance on the court and shows outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court. It honors the spirit of Mr. Goldberg, the esteemed long-time Executive Director of the NBCA, who set the standard for loyalty, integrity, love of the game, passionate representation and tireless promotion of NBA coaching. The award is unique in that it is voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams.   The depth of coaching excellence in the NBA is reflected in this year’s voting as a total of 7 Head Coaches received votes. In addition to Williams, the following also garnered votes: Scott Brooks, Michael Malone, Nate McMillan, Doc Rivers, Quin Snyder and Tom Thibodeau.   “Congratulations to Monty Williams on this most deserving recognition,” said Dallas Mavericks Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “In just two years, Monty has taken the Suns from a 19-63 team to the second-best record in the NBA this season and the Suns’ first Divisional title since 2007. To win the vote of our peers makes the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award one of the most meaningful in all of pro sports.”   Coach Williams led the Phoenix Suns to a 51-21 season, the second-best record in the NBA and their first Divisional title since 2007. The Suns were 43-13 since January 28, the NBA’s best record over that span. Phoenix also had the league’s best road record at 24-12. The Suns ranked 7th offensively and 6th defensively, one of only four teams to rank in the Top 10 in both categories. Their winning percentage of .708 is the fifth best in franchise history.   Just two years ago Coach Williams inherited a team that had finished 19-63 and tied for the second worst record in the league. The Suns won 34 games (in a total of just 73 games) in 2019-20, an improvement of 15 games. This year’s squad improved by 17 (in a total of just 72 games), making the Suns just the fifth team in NBA history to improve by 15 games or more in successive seasons. It is just the third time in 45 years that a team has jumped in the standings from the bottom two to the top two in two seasons or less. Coach Williams was named NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month for March.   “I am overjoyed to receive the Michael H. Goldberg Coach of the Year Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association,” said Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams. “I hold the utmost respect and admiration for the coaches in this league, so to be recognized by my peers is an incredible honor. Every coach in our league sacrifices a ton to make their teams and organizations better, so this is unbelievably humbling.    To be recognized in Mr. Goldberg’s honor is special. He had a unique and kind manner, and cared for all of the coaches deeply. His suspenders and bow ties were always on point.    This award is far bigger than myself and is a result of the work put in everyday by our players, coaching staff, and the entire Suns organization under the leadership of James Jones and Robert Sarver. This has been a unique year in its challenges, and I am grateful for the tremendous spirit with which our players and staff have approached each day to make this a special season – Everything Counts!   In reference to my life and career, God knocks the ball out of the park and I get to run the bases. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to coach this team, alongside this staff, for this organization – it is a get to, not a got to.   To our players and staff, I am so grateful for each one of you. I am blessed to work with you all daily. You truly have made me a better man.”   “I was very fortunate to have had Michael Goldberg as one of my mentors,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Monty Williams embodies the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Coach Williams’ hard work and devotion to his craft led to a remarkable season for the Suns. Congratulations to Coach Williams, the Suns Assistant Coaches, and the entire staff. This honor is most deserved.”   In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing NBCA foundation, he guided it during the years of the greatest growth in professional basketball. He helped gain significant benefits for NBA Coaches, including increased retirement funds and disability insurance. Prior to the NBCA, Goldberg was General Counsel of the American Basketball Association.   The prior recipients of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award are:   2020: Mike Budenholzer and Billy Donovan 2019: Mike Budenholzer 2018: Dwane Casey 2017: Mike D’Antoni and Erik Spoelstra   The NBA will announce the winner of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the NBA’s Coach of the Year during its coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.   About the NBCA: The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) is the labor association that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  Founded in 1976 by legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession.   For further information:   Contact: David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel, 212-424-0100 Ext. 28, david.fogel@nbacoaches.com or Brian McIntyre, 201-699-2696, bmcintyre48@gmail.com.   For more on the NBA Coaches Association visit: http://www.nbacoaches.com.