August 30, 2020DEBRECEN (Hungary) – Liman (SRB) won the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Debrecen Masters for the second consecutive and third time ever (2017, 2019, 2020) on August 29-30, 2020. The number one ranked 3x3 team in the world had a perfect 5-0 run in the second largest city in Hungary, which culminated with a 21-17 win in the final against Utena Uniclub (LTU). Stefan Stojacic and Aleksandar Ratkov both scored 8 in a dramatic title game. For his return to the World Tour after an injury-plagued 2019 season, the former number one player in the world Stojacic won MVP. The man known as ‘Mister Robot’ was a machine in Debrecen as he was the event's joint top scorer with 41 points in 5 games and led all players in Player Value, which measures the overall statistical contribution of each player. It was a special day for his teammate Stefan Kojic, who also became a father and will therefore never forget the day Liman won their 6th-ever Masters. Utena Uniclub was the story of the tournament, competing in their first-ever Masters and going all the way to the final as the #12 and last seed. The 27-year-old Ignas Vaitkus led the scoring charts, tied with Stojacic. In the individual contests, Rafal ‘Lipek’ Lipinski (POL) won the VITESCO Dunk Contest while Amsterdam's Arvin Slagter dominated the Tissot shoot-out contest. The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Debrecen Masters 2020 was the first FIBA official competition since FIBA suspended all its competitions due to the COVID-19 outbreak on March 13, 2020. It was the first one of 3 Masters, which will take place in Debrecen for an amazing week of 3x3. The Hungary Masters will be held on September 1-2 and the Europe Masters will follow on September 4-5. All the health and safety measures requested by local and national authorities and the Guidelines for the Return to Basketball, developed by the FIBA Medical Advisory Group (MAG) were implemented for the occasion. FINAL STANDINGS
1. Liman (SRB)
2. Utena Uniclub (LTU)
3. Riga (LAT)
4. Novi Sad (SRB)
5. Amsterdam (NED)
6. NY Harlem (USA)
7. Graz (AUT)
8. Piran (SLO)
9. Sakiai (LTU)
10. Humpolec Bernard (CZE)
11. Tallinn (EST)
12. Debrecen (HUN) ### 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. For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.
For immediate release   JOINT NBA AND NBPA STATEMENT FLORIDA, Aug. 28, 2020 – NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following joint statement today: “We had a candid, impassioned and productive conversation yesterday between NBA players, coaches and team governors regarding next steps to further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality. Among others, the attendees included player and team representatives of all 13 teams in Orlando. All parties agreed to resume NBA playoff games on Saturday, Aug. 29 with the understanding that the league together with the players will work to enact the following commitments: - The NBA and its players have agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition, with representatives from players, coaches and governors, that will be focused on a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform.
- In every city where the league franchise owns and controls the arena property, team governors will continue to work with local elections officials to convert the facility into a voting location for the 2020 general election to allow for a safe in-person voting option for communities vulnerable to COVID. If a deadline has passed, team governors will work with local elections officials to find another election-related use for the facility, including but not limited to voter registration and ballot receiving boards.
- The league will work with the players and our network partners to create and include advertising spots in each NBA playoff game dedicated to promoting greater civic engagement in national and local elections and raising awareness around voter access and opportunity.
“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community. “We look forward to the resumption of the playoffs and continuing to work together – in Orlando and in all NBA team markets – to push for meaningful and sustainable change.”
NBA STATEMENT REGARDING NBA PLAYOFF GAMES NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2020 – NBA Executive Vice President Mike Bass issued the following statement regarding NBA playoff games: “NBA playoff games for today will not be played as scheduled. We are hopeful to resume games either Friday or Saturday. There is a video conference call meeting scheduled later this afternoon between a group of NBA players and team governors representing the 13 teams in Orlando, along with representatives from the National Basketball Players Association and the league office and NBA Labor Relations Committee Chairman Michael Jordan, to discuss next steps.”
NBA PLAYOFF GAMES POSTPONED NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2020 – The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Bucks vs. Magic, Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers - have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.
MILWAUKEE’S GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO WINS
2019-20 KIA NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD – 2018-19 Kia NBA MVP Becomes the Fifth Player Named NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in a Career – NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2020 – The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named the 2019-20 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the NBA announced today. This marks the first NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award for Antetokounmpo, who finished in second place last season. Antetokounmpo, the 2018-19 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, becomes the fifth player selected as both the NBA MVP and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in a career, joining Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Kevin Garnett. The 6-11 Greek forward also joins Sidney Moncrief as the only players to win the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award with the Bucks. Moncrief played for Milwaukee when he earned the honor in both the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons, the first two seasons that the award was presented. Antetokounmpo received 75 first-place votes from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters and earned 432 total points. Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (200 points; 14 first-place votes) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (187 points; six first-place votes) finished in second and third place, respectively. Gobert was honored as the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year in each of the previous two seasons. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. The voting was conducted based on regular-season games played through March 11. The seeding games, which were played July 30 – Aug. 14 as part of the 2019-20 season restart, did not count toward voting for the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award or the league’s other traditional end-of-season awards. In games played through March 11, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the NBA’s best defensive rating as they allowed 101.6 points per 100 possessions. With Antetokounmpo on the court, Milwaukee allowed only 96.5 points per 100 possessions, the lowest defensive rating among the more than 300 players who averaged at least 15.0 minutes per game. From the beginning of the season through March 11, Milwaukee’s opponents shot an NBA-low 41.3 percent from the field. Antetokounmpo held his matchups to 36.5 percent shooting from the field, the lowest percentage among the more than 250 players who faced at least 300 shots. Antetokounmpo averaged an NBA-high 11.5 defensive rebounds in games played through March 11, highlighted by nine games with at least 15 defensive rebounds. He also averaged 1.04 steals and 1.02 blocked shots, making him one of six players to average one or more in both categories. In addition to being named the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo is a finalist for the 2019-20 Kia NBA Most Valuable Award after averaging 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists in games played through March 11 while helping Milwaukee post an NBA-best 53-12 record during that period. TNT will announce the winner of the Kia NBA MVP Award during its coverage of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. The voting results for the 2019-20 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award are below. The balloting was tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP. Complete ballots for each voter will be posted at pr.nba.com after the announcement of all end-of-season awards. VOTING RESULTS: 2019-20 KIA NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD | | | | Player (Team) | | 1st Place Votes (5 Points) | | 2nd Place Votes (3 Points) | | 3rd Place Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | | | Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) | | 75 | | 18 | | 3 | | 432 | | Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) | | 14 | | 30 | | 40 | | 200 | | Rudy Gobert (Utah) | | 6 | | 44 | | 25 | | 187 | | Ben Simmons (Philadelphia) | | 1 | | 5 | | 12 | | 32 | | Bam Adebayo (Miami) | | 2 | | 1 | | 4 | | 17 | | Patrick Beverley (LA Clippers) | | 1 | | 0 | | 2 | | 7 | | Marcus Smart (Boston) | | 0 | | 1 | | 4 | | 7 | | Andre Drummond (Cleveland) | | 1 | | 0 | | 0 | | 5 | | Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) | | 0 | | 0 | | 5 | | 5 | | Brook Lopez (Milwaukee) | | 0 | | 0 | | 4 | | 4 | | Hassan Whiteside (Portland) | | 0 | | 1 | | 0 | | 3 | | Jarrett Allen (Brooklyn) | | 0 | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | |
Below is the all-time list of recipients of the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
KIA NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNERS | | 1982-83 – Sidney Moncrief, Milwaukee 1983-84 – Sidney Moncrief, Milwaukee 1984-85 – Mark Eaton, Utah 1985-86 – Alvin Robertson, San Antonio 1986-87 – Michael Cooper, L.A. Lakers 1987-88 – Michael Jordan, Chicago 1988-89 – Mark Eaton, Utah 1989-90 – Dennis Rodman, Detroit 1990-91 – Dennis Rodman, Detroit 1991-92 – David Robinson, San Antonio 1992-93 – Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston 1993-94 – Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston 1994-95 – Dikembe Mutombo, Denver | | 1995-96 – Gary Payton, Seattle 1996-97 – Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta 1997-98 – Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta 1998-99 – Alonzo Mourning, Miami 1999-00 – Alonzo Mourning, Miami 2000-01 – Dikembe Mutombo, Philadelphia 2001-02 – Ben Wallace, Detroit 2002-03 – Ben Wallace, Detroit 2003-04 – Metta World Peace, Indiana 2004-05 – Ben Wallace, Detroit 2005-06 – Ben Wallace, Detroit 2006-07 – Marcus Camby, Denver 2007-08 – Kevin Garnett, Boston | | 2008-09 – Dwight Howard, Orlando 2009-10 – Dwight Howard, Orlando 2010-11 – Dwight Howard, Orlando 2011-12 – Tyson Chandler, New York 2012-13 – Marc Gasol, Memphis 2013-14 – Joakim Noah, Chicago 2014-15 – Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio 2015-16 – Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio 2016-17 – Draymond Green, Golden State 2017-18 – Rudy Gobert, Utah 2018-19 – Rudy Gobert, Utah 2019-20 – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee | |
About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*
NBA AND AUDIBLE TO GO BEYOND THE LAST DANCE – J.A. Adande and B.J. Armstrong to Revisit Emmy-Nominated Documentary The Last Dance and the 1997-98 NBA Champion Chicago Bulls – – 10-Part Podcast Series to Debut Aug. 31 – NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2020 – The NBA is teaming up with Audible Inc., the world’s largest provider and producer of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, to present Beyond The Last Dance. The 10-part podcast will explore additional storylines from The Last Dance, the Emmy nominated documentary series about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a sixth NBA championship in eight years that aired on ESPN earlier this year and is currently airing on Netflix. An Audible Original, Beyond the Last Dance is produced by Pushkin Industries, in association with NBA Entertainment, and will premiere exclusively on Audible.com/BeyondTheLastDance beginning Monday, Aug. 31. “The NBA is proud to team up with Audible and Pushkin Industries for Beyond The Last Dance, which marks an exciting new venture for the league,” said David Denenberg, Senior Vice President, Global Media Distribution & Business Affairs, NBA. “As we continue to reimagine our content and storytelling about our teams, players and history, Beyond The Last Dance serves as a stepping stone as we pursue new opportunities in podcasting.” Hosted by longtime sports columnist J.A. Adande, who covered the Bulls for the Chicago Sun-Times and the NBA for the Los Angeles Times and ESPN for decades, and former NBA All-Star B.J. Armstrong, a member of three NBA championship teams with the Bulls (1991-93), the 40-minute episodes will revisit the historic 1997-98 NBA season when the Bulls captured their sixth NBA title. The series will feature new interviews with former players, coaches and journalists as they provide never-before-told stories about one of the most memorable teams in NBA history. Each episode will begin with an insightful audio feature by Adande, followed by an in-depth conversation between him and Armstrong in which the pair will share first-hand stories about the Bulls and explore questions raised during the documentary about the team, the players and the legacy of one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. 
MILWAUKEE’S WILLIAMS AND ORLANDO’S ENNIS FINED NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2020 – Milwaukee Bucks forward Marvin Williams and Orlando Magic forward James Ennis have each been fined $15,000 for their roles in an on-court altercation during the Bucks’ 121-107 victory over the Magic on Aug. 22 at the Field House on the campus of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. The incident occurred with 5:39 remaining in the second quarter, when Williams and Ennis began jockeying for position and ended up shoving one another and escalating the situation. Both players received technical fouls and were ejected. To view the play, click on the following link: https://www.nba.com/video/2020/08/23/bucks-vs-magic-08/22/20
(4) Wizards District Gaming vs. (1) Raptors Uprising GC Wizards District Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, defeated Raptors Uprising GC to advance to the 2020 NBA 2K League Finals delivered by DoorDash. With their victory, Wizards District Gaming will make the franchise’s first-ever NBA 2K League Finals appearance and Raptors Uprising GC’s undefeated season comes to an end. In the two-game series sweep, Wizards District center Ryan “Dayfri” Conger, a finalist for 2020 NBA 2K League Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. 2020 NBA 2K League Draft No. 1 overall pick and point guard John “JBM” Mascone averaged 21 points and 5.5 assists. Game 1: Wizards District Gaming 70 – Raptors Uprising GC 66 Game 2: Wizards District Gaming 65 – Raptors Uprising GC 57 (3) Warriors Gaming Squad vs. (2) Jazz Gaming Warriors Gaming Squad, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, defeated Jazz Gaming to advance to the 2020 NBA 2K League Finals delivered by DoorDash. With their victory, Warriors Gaming Squad will also make their franchise NBA 2K League Finals debut. In the second semi-finals sweep of the day, Warriors Gaming Squad point guard and 2020 NBA 2K League MVP finalist Charlie “CB13” Bostwick averaged 37.5 points and 6.5 assists, and Samuel “Gradient” Salyers averaged 16.5 points and 3.5 steals on 90 percent shooting from the field. Game 1: Warriors Gaming Squad 87 – Jazz Gaming 61 Game 2: Warriors Gaming Squad 71 – Jazz Gaming 66 The 2020 NBA 2K League Finals delivered by DoorDash will take place Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET with games airing live on ESPN2, ESPN’s digital platforms, the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels, and on delay on eGG Network in Southeast Asia. Dash Radio’s Nothin’ But Net channel will also provide live coverage of the tournament. The 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash has a total prize pool of $920,000, with the NBA 2K League champions receiving $420,000 from that pool. The remaining $500,000 will be distributed among the teams that qualified for the 2020 Playoffs (second place – $150,000, third and fourth place – $75,000, fifth through eighth place – $35,000, ninth and tenth place – $30,000). For more information on the 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs and Finals delivered by DoorDash, click here. Please see the below 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash bracket: 
TORONTO’S NURSE WINS 2019-20 NBA COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
– Nurse Becomes First to Earn Coach of the Year Honors in NBA and NBA G League in a Career – NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2020 – Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has been named the 2019-20 NBA Coach of the Year, the NBA announced today. This is the first NBA Coach of the Year Award for Nurse, who is in his second season as an NBA head coach. Nurse, the 2010-11 NBA G League Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year with the Iowa Energy (now the Iowa Wolves), becomes the first coach to be selected as Coach of the Year in both the NBA and the NBA G League. Nurse received 90 first-place votes from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters and earned 470 total points. Two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks (147 points; five first-place votes) and Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder (134 points; four first-place votes) finished in second and third place, respectively. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. The voting was conducted based on regular-season games played through March 11. The seeding games, which were played July 30 – Aug. 14 as part of the season restart, did not count toward voting for the NBA Coach of the Year Award or the league’s other traditional end-of-season awards. In games played through March 11, Nurse led the Raptors (46-18, .719) to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and the third-best record in the NBA even though the team’s top five players in scoring average missed at least 11 games each. During this period, Toronto ranked second in the league in defensive rating despite a 28-game absence for starting center and 2012-13 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol and the departure of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard in the 2019 offseason. Nurse was named the NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October/November (14-4) and January (12-3). He guided the Raptors to a franchise-record 15-game winning streak Jan. 15 – Feb. 10. Under Nurse, 2018-19 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam was named an NBA All-Star for the first time and Kyle Lowry earned his sixth consecutive All-Star selection. Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell flourished with larger roles, while undrafted rookie Terence Davis II emerged as a contributor. Nurse was named the Raptors’ head coach in June 2018 after spending five seasons as an assistant coach with Toronto. As a first-year NBA head coach last season, Nurse guided the Raptors to their first NBA championship. He is the only coach to win championships in both the NBA and the NBA G League, having won titles with the Energy (2010-11) and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2012-13) in the NBA G League. Nurse receives the Red Auerbach Trophy as NBA Coach of the Year, joining Sam Mitchell (2006-07) and Dwane Casey (2017-18) as winners with the Raptors. Auerbach, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, coached the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships, including eight in a row from 1959-66. The voting results for the 2019-20 NBA Coach of the Year Award are below. The balloting was tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP. Complete ballots for each voter will be posted at pr.nba.com after the announcement of all end-of-season awards. VOTING RESULTS: 2019-20 NBA COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD | | Coach (Team) | 1st Place Votes (5 Points) | 2nd Place Votes (3 Points) | 3rd Place Votes (1 Point) | Total Points | | Nick Nurse (Toronto) | 90 | 6 | 2 | 470 | Mike Budenholzer (Milwaukee) | 5 | 37 | 11 | 147 | Billy Donovan (Oklahoma City) | 4 | 28 | 30 | 134 | Erik Spoelstra (Miami) | 0 | 13 | 15 | 54 | Frank Vogel (Los Angeles Lakers) | 0 | 6 | 18 | 36 | Taylor Jenkins (Memphis) | 0 | 6 | 11 | 29 | Nate McMillan (Indiana) | 1 | 1 | 4 | 12 | Brad Stevens (Boston) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Michael Malone (Denver) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Doc Rivers (LA Clippers) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Rick Carlisle (Dallas) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Below is the list of recipients of the NBA Coach of the Year Award. NBA COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS | 1962-63 – Harry Gallatin, St. Louis
1963-64 – Alex Hannum, San Francisco
1964-65 – Red Auerbach, Boston
1965-66 – Dolph Schayes, Philadelphia
1966-67 – Johnny Kerr, Chicago
1967-68 – Richie Guerin, St. Louis
1968-69 – Gene Shue, Baltimore
1969-70 – Red Holzman, New York
1970-71 – Dick Motta, Chicago
1971-72 – Bill Sharman, L.A. Lakers
1972-73 – Tom Heinsohn, Boston
1973-74 – Ray Scott, Detroit
1974-75 – Phil Johnson, Kansas City-Omaha
1975-76 – Bill Fitch, Cleveland
1976-77 – Tom Nissalke, Houston
1977-78 – Hubie Brown, Atlanta
1978-79 – Cotton Fitzsimmons, Kansas City
1979-80 – Bill Fitch, Boston
1980-81 – Jack McKinney, Indiana
1981-82 – Gene Shue, Washington
| 1982-83 – Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1983-84 – Frank Layden, Utah
1984-85 – Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1985-86 – Mike Fratello, Atlanta
1986-87 – Mike Schuler, Portland
1987-88 – Doug Moe, Denver
1988-89 – Cotton Fitzsimmons, Phoenix
1989-90 – Pat Riley, L.A. Lakers 1990-91 – Don Chaney, Houston
1991-92 – Don Nelson, Golden State 1992-93 – Pat Riley, New York
1993-94 – Lenny Wilkens, Atlanta
1994-95 – Del Harris, L.A. Lakers
1995-96 – Phil Jackson, Chicago
1996-97 – Pat Riley, Miami
1997-98 – Larry Bird, Indiana
1998-99 – Mike Dunleavy, Portland
1999-00 – Doc Rivers, Orlando
2000-01 – Larry Brown, Philadelphia
2001-02 – Rick Carlisle, Detroit
| 2002-03 – Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 2003-04 – Hubie Brown, Memphis 2004-05 – Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix 2005-06 – Avery Johnson, Dallas 2006-07 – Sam Mitchell, Toronto 2007-08 – Byron Scott, New Orleans 2008-09 – Mike Brown, Cleveland 2009-10 – Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City 2010-11 – Tom Thibodeau, Chicago 2011-12 – Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 2012-13 – George Karl, Denver
2013-14 – Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 2014-15 – Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta 2015-16 – Steve Kerr, Golden State 2016-17 – Mike D’Antoni, Houston 2017-18 – Dwane Casey, Toronto 2018-19 – Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee 2019-20 – Nick Nurse, Toronto |
2020 NBA DRAFT PRESENTED BY STATE FARM® EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES UPDATE NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2020 – There are currently 72 players from colleges and other educational institutions and 36 international prospects that are considered early entry candidates for the 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm®. Ninety-two collegiate players and seven international players who had declared as early entry candidates have withdrawn their names from consideration. Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the Draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing 10 days prior to the 2020 NBA Draft. The 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm will be held on Friday, October 16. Here is the list of players from colleges and other educational institutions who remain early entry candidates for the 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm: Player School Height Status Precious Achiuwa Memphis 6-9 Freshman Milan Acquaah California Baptist 6-3 Junior Ty-Shon Alexander Creighton 6-4 Junior Cole Anthony North Carolina 6-3 Freshman Brendan Bailey Marquette 6-8 Sophomore Saddiq Bey Villanova 6-8 Sophomore Tyler Bey Colorado 6-7 Junior Jermaine Bishop Norfolk State 6-1 Junior Dachon Burke Jr. Nebraska 6-4 Junior Vernon Carey Jr. Duke 6-10 Freshman Nate Darling Delaware 6-5 Junior Lamine Diane CSUN 6-7 Sophomore Devon Dotson Kansas 6-2 Sophomore Anthony Edwards Georgia 6-5 Freshman CJ Elleby Washington State 6-6 Sophomore Malik Fitts St. Mary’s 6-8 Junior Malachi Flynn San Diego State 6-1 Junior Tony Goodwin II Redemption Academy (MA) 6-6 Post-Graduate Josh Green Arizona 6-6 Freshman Ashton Hagans Kentucky 6-3 Sophomore Tyrese Haliburton Iowa State 6-5 Sophomore Josh Hall Moravian Prep (NC) 6-8 Post-Graduate Rayshaun Hammonds Georgia 6-9 Junior Jalen Harris Nevada 6-5 Junior Niven Hart Fresno State 6-5 Freshman Nate Hinton Houston 6-5 Sophomore Elijah Hughes Syracuse 6-6 Junior Isaiah Joe Arkansas 6-5 Sophomore Dakari Johnson Cape Fear CC (NC) 6-0 Freshman C.J. Jones MTSU 6-5 Junior Mason Jones Arkansas 6-5 Junior Tre Jones Duke 6-3 Sophomore Saben Lee Vanderbilt 6-2 Junior Micheal Lenoir Creating Young Minds Acad. (TX) 5-9 Post-Graduate Kira Lewis Jr. Alabama 6-3 Sophomore Nico Mannion Arizona 6-3 Freshman Naji Marshall Xavier 6-7 Junior Kenyon Martin Jr. IMG Academy (FL) 6-7 Post-Graduate Tyrese Maxey Kentucky 6-3 Freshman Jaden McDaniels Washington 6-9 Freshman Isiaha Mike SMU 6-8 Junior EJ Montgomery Kentucky 6-10 Sophomore Aaron Nesmith Vanderbilt 6-6 Sophomore Zeke Nnaji Arizona 6-11 Freshman Jordan Nwora Louisville 6-7 Junior Onyeka Okongwu USC 6-9 Freshman Isaac Okoro Auburn 6-6 Freshman Daniel Oturu Minnesota 6-10 Sophomore Reggie Perry Mississippi State 6-10 Sophomore Filip Petrusev Gonzaga 6-11 Sophomore Nate Pierre-Louis Temple 6-4 Junior Immanuel Quickley Kentucky 6-3 Sophomore Jahmi’us Ramsey Texas Tech 6-4 Freshman Paul Reed Jr. DePaul 6-9 Junior Nick Richards Kentucky 6-11 Junior Jayden Scrubb John A. Logan College (IL) 6-6 Sophomore Jalen Smith Maryland 6-10 Sophomore Cassius Stanley Duke 6-6 Freshman Isaiah Stewart Washington 6-9 Freshman Tyrell Terry Stanford 6-1 Freshman Xavier Tillman Sr. Michigan State 6-8 Junior Obi Toppin Dayton 6-9 Sophomore Jordan Tucker Butler 6-7 Junior Devin Vassell Florida State 6-6 Sophomore Nick Weatherspoon Mississippi State 6-2 Junior Kaleb Wesson Ohio State 6-9 Junior Kahlil Whitney Kentucky 6-6 Freshman Emmitt Williams LSU 6-6 Sophomore Patrick Williams Florida State 6-8 Freshman James Wiseman Memphis 7-1 Freshman Robert Woodard II Mississippi State 6-7 Sophomore Omer Yurtseven Georgetown 7-0 Junior Following is a list of international players who remain early entry candidates for the 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm: Player Team/Country of Team Height Status Deni Avdija Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) 6-8 2001 DOB Brancou Badio Barcelona (Spain) 6-3 1999 DOB Darko Bajo Split (Croatia) 6-10 1999 DOB Marek Blazevic Rytas (Lithuania) 6-10 2001 DOB Adrian Bogucki Radom (Poland) 7-1 1999 DOB Leandro Bolmaro Barcelona (Spain) 6-6 2000 DOB Henri Drell Pesaro (Italy) 6-9 2000 DOB Imru Duke Zentro Basket (Spain) 6-8 1999 DOB Michele Ebeling Kleb Ferrara (Italy) 6-9 1999 DOB Paul Eboua Pesaro (Italy) 6-8 2000 DOB Osas Ehigiator Fuenlabrada (Spain) 6-10 1999 DOB Joel Ekamba Limoges (France) 6-5 2001 DOB Miguel Gonzalez Baskonia (Spain) 6-7 1999 DOB Killian Hayes Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) 6-5 2001 DOB Sehmus Hazer Bandirma (Turkey) 6-3 1999 DOB Rokas Jokubaitis Zalgiris (Lithuania) 6-4 2000 DOB Georgios Kalaitzakis Nevezis (Lithuania) 6-8 1999 DOB Vit Krejci Zaragoza (Spain) 6-8 2000 DOB Arturs Kurucs VEF Riga (Latvia) 6-3 2000 DOB Yam Madar Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) 6-2 2000 DOB Theo Maledon ASVEL (France) 6-4 2001 DOB Karim Mane Vanier (Canada) 6-5 2000 DOB Sergi Martinez Barcelona (Spain) 6-8 1999 DOB Nikola Miskovic Mega Bemax (Serbia) 6-10 1999 DOB Aristide Mouaha Roseto (Italy) 6-3 2000 DOB Caio Pacheco Bahia Basket (Argentina) 6-3 1999 DOB Joel Parra Joventut (Spain) 6-8 2000 DOB Aleksej Pokusevski Olympiacos (Greece) 7-0 2001 DOB Sander Raieste Kalev/Cramo (Estonia) 6-9 1999 DOB Nikolaos Rogkavopoulos AEK (Greece) 6-8 2001 DOB Njegos Sikiras Fuenlabrada (Spain) 6-9 1999 DOB Marko Simonovic Mega Bemax (Serbia) 6-11 1999 DOB Mouhamed Thiam Nanterre (France) 6-9 2001 DOB Aboubacar Traore Dynasty Sports Institute (Canada) 6-4 2001 DOB Uros Trifunovic Partizan (Serbia) 6-7 2000 DOB Arnas Velicka Prienai (Lithuania) 6-4 1999 DOB Here is the list of players from colleges and other educational institutions who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm: Player School Height Status Jordyn Adams Austin Peay 6-3 Freshman Abdul Ado Mississippi State 6-11 Junior Timmy Allen Utah 6-6 Sophomore Derrick Alston Jr. Boise State 6-9 Junior Joel Ayayi Gonzaga 6-5 Sophomore Jomaru Brown Eastern Kentucky 6-2 Sophomore Marcus Burk IUPUI 6-3 Junior Jordan Burns Colgate 6-0 Junior Jared Butler Baylor 6-3 Sophomore Manny Camper Siena 6-7 Junior Marcus Carr Minnesota 6-2 Sophomore Tamenang Choh Brown 6-5 Junior Kofi Cockburn Illinois 7-0 Freshman David Collins South Florida 6-3 Junior Zach Cooks NJIT 5-9 Junior Jalen Crutcher Dayton 6-1 Junior Ryan Daly St. Joseph’s 6-5 Junior Darius Days LSU 6-6 Sophomore Dexter Dennis Wichita State 6-5 Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu Illinois 6-5 Sophomore Nojel Eastern Purdue 6-7 Junior Mason Faulkner Western Carolina 6-1 Junior LJ Figueroa St. John’s 6-6 Junior Blake Francis Richmond 6-0 Junior Hasahn French St. Louis 6-7 Junior DJ Funderburk NC State 6-10 Junior Both Gach Utah 6-6 Sophomore Alonzo Gaffney Ohio State 6-9 Freshman Luka Garza Iowa 6-11 Junior Jacob Gilyard Richmond 5-9 Junior Grant Golden Richmond 6-10 Junior Jordan Goodwin St. Louis 6-3 Junior Jayvon Graves Buffalo 6-3 Junior AJ Green Northern Iowa 6-4 Sophomore Darin Green Jr. UCF 6-4 Freshman Aaron Henry Michigan State 6-6 Sophomore Jalen Hill UCLA 6-10 Sophomore Jay Huff Virginia 7-1 Junior Feron Hunt SMU 6-8 Sophomore Chance Hunter Long Beach State 6-6 Sophomore DeJon Jarreau Houston 6-5 Junior Damien Jefferson Creighton 6-5 Junior Jalen Johnson Louisiana 6-7 Junior Andre Jones Nicholls State 6-4 Junior Herbert Jones Alabama 6-7 Junior Corey Kispert Gonzaga 6-7 Junior Kameron Langley NC A&T 6-2 Junior AJ Lawson South Carolina 6-6 Sophomore Matt Lewis James Madison 6-5 Junior Isaiah Livers Michigan 6-7 Junior Denzel Mahoney Creighton 6-5 Junior Makur Maker Pacific Academy (CA) 7-0 Post-Graduate Sandro Mamukelashvili Seton Hall 6-11 Junior Tre Mann Florida 6-4 Freshman Remy Martin Arizona State 6-0 Junior Mac McClung Georgetown 6-2 Sophomore Isaiah Miller UNCG 6-0 Junior Matt Mitchell San Diego State 6-6 Junior Andrew Nembhard Florida 6-5 Sophomore Obadiah Noel Massachusetts-Lowell 6-4 Junior Elijah Olaniyi Stony Brook 6-5 Junior John Petty Jr. Alabama 6-5 Junior Xavier Pinson Missouri 6-2 Sophomore Yves Pons Tennessee 6-6 Junior Darius Quisenberry Youngstown State 6-1 Sophomore Colbey Ross Pepperdine 6-1 Junior Fatts Russell Rhode Island 5-10 Junior Joe Saterfield Ranger CC (TX) 6-4 Freshm Aamir Simms Clemson 6-9 Junior Ja’Vonte Smart LSU 6-4 Sophomore Chris Smith UCLA 6-9 Junior Collin Smith UCF 6-11 Junior Justin Smith Indiana 6-7 Junior Mitchell Smith Missouri 6-10 Junior Stef Smith Vermont 6-1 Junior Ben Stanley Hampton 6-6 Sophomore Parker Stewart UT-Martin 6-5 Sophomore Terry Taylor Austin Peay 6-5 Junior MaCio Teague Baylor 6-3 Junior Justin Thomas Morehead State 5-11 Junior Ethan Thompson Oregon State 6-5 Junior Jeremiah Tilmon Missouri 6-10 Junior Alonzo Verge Jr. Arizona State 6-3 Junior Chris Vogt Cincinnati 7-1 Junior CJ Walker Ohio State 6-1 Junior Trendon Watford LSU 6-9 Freshman Ibi Watson Dayton 6-5 Junior Jarrod West Marshall 5-11 Junior Romello White Arizona State 6-8 Junior DeAndre Williams Evansville 6-9 Sophomore Keith Williams Cincinnati 6-5 Junior McKinley Wright IV Colorado 6-0 Junior Here is the list of international players who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm: Player Team/Country of Team Height Status Berke Atar MZT Skopje (Macedonia) 6-11 1999 DOB Philippe Bayehe Roseto (Italy) 6-9 1999 DOB Vinicius Da Silva Prat (Spain) 7-0 2001 DOB Selim Fofana Neuchatel (Switzerland) 6-3 1999 DOB Dut Mabor Roseto (Italy) 7-1 2001 DOB Yigitcan Saybir Anadolu Efes (Turkey) 6-7 1999 DOB Andrii Voinalovych Khimik (Ukraine) 6-10 1999 DOB
MINNESOTA WINS NBA DRAFT LOTTERY 2020 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM
– Order of Selection Set for NBA Draft 2020 Presented by State Farm – NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2020 – The Minnesota Timberwolves tonight won NBA Draft Lottery 2020 presented by State Farm®, which was conducted at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Timberwolves will have the first overall pick in NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct. 16. Below are the results from NBA Draft Lottery 2020 presented by State Farm: 1. Minnesota 2. Golden State 3. Charlotte 4. Chicago 5. Cleveland 6. Atlanta 7. Detroit 8. New York 9. Washington 10. Phoenix 11. San Antonio 12. Sacramento 13. New Orleans 14. Boston (from Memphis) Below is the order for the remainder of the first round and the complete second round for NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm: 15. Orlando 16. Portland 17. Minnesota (from Brooklyn via Atlanta) 18. Dallas 19. Brooklyn (from Philadelphia via LA Clippers) 20. Miami 21. Philadelphia (from Oklahoma City via Orlando and Philadelphia) 22. Denver (from Houston) 23. Utah 24. Milwaukee (from Indiana) 25. Oklahoma City (from Denver) 26. Boston 27. New York (from LA Clippers) 28. Los Angeles Lakers 29. Toronto 30. Boston (from Milwaukee via Phoenix) 2020 SECOND ROUND DRAFT CHOICE ORDER 31. Dallas (from Golden State) 32. Charlotte (from Cleveland via LA Clippers and Orlando) 33. Minnesota 34. Philadelphia (from Atlanta) 35. Sacramento (from Detroit via Phoenix) 36. Philadelphia (from New York) 37. Washington (from Chicago) 38. New York (from Charlotte) 39. New Orleans (from Washington via Milwaukee) 40. Memphis (from Phoenix) 41. San Antonio 42. New Orleans 43. Sacramento 44. Chicago (from Memphis) 45. Orlando 46. Portland 47. Boston (from Brooklyn via Charlotte, Orlando and Philadelphia) 48. Golden State (from Dallas via Philadelphia) 49. Philadelphia 50. Atlanta (from Miami via Sacramento, Cleveland and Boston) 51. Golden State (from Utah via Dallas, Detroit and Cleveland) 52. Sacramento (from Houston) 53. Oklahoma City 54. Indiana 55. Brooklyn (from Denver) 56. Charlotte (from Boston) 57. LA Clippers 58. Philadelphia (from Los Angeles Lakers via Orlando) 59. Toronto 60. New Orleans (from Milwaukee)
FIBA and East Asia Super League enter multi-year agreement to elevate club basketball in region |
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AUGUST 20, 2020BEIRUT and HONG KONG - FIBA today announced a ten-year agreement granting the East Asia Super League (EASL) FIBA Asia’s recognition and support to run an annual league for the top professional clubs in East Asia and the Philippines. EASL will launch its new premium competition in October 2021, a month after the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the continent’s premier club competition which takes place annually in September. The first two editions (2021/22 & 2022/23) of the EASL will match up the region’s top eight teams in a home-and-away group stage, culminating with a Final Four in February to determine the champion, runner-up and third-place finishers. EASL plans to expand the competition to 16 teams by 2023. The EASL matches are slated to be integrated into schedules of the participating professional leagues. “The recognition of the East Asia Super League is based on a shown commitment to developing basketball in the region, and is in line with FIBA’s club competition strategy that is to shape international club competitions,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. “EASL has demonstrated a great operational capability to organize a high-level competition for top clubs, and a strong commitment to elevate the sport of basketball in East Asia within the FIBA regulatory framework for leagues,” said FIBA Executive Director Asia Hagop Khajirian. “We are delighted to grant long-term recognition and support to the EASL as the exclusive platform of its kind in East Asia,” added Khajirian. Said EASL CEO Matt Beyer: “EASL is thrilled to receive FIBA’s support for the launch of our league. With top teams from the Greater China region, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, we are confident it will become one of the top professional basketball competitions in the world by 2025. We also look forward to aligning with FIBA’s vision to strengthen domestic clubs and league competition in East Asia with a potential fan base of over 2 billion people, which will contribute to FIBA’s global club championship ambitions.” The agreement follows EASL’s staging of four successful pre-season tournaments over the past three years, featuring elite club teams from the top leagues in Asia, including CBA (China), B.LEAGUE (Japan), KBL (South Korea), PBA (Philippines), SBL (Chinese Taipei), and ABL (Southeast Asia). EASL’s week-long The Terrific 12 tournament held in Macao in September 2019 attracted both sellout live audiences and more than 117 million viewers worldwide.  
NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT FOR TEAMS THAT DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN 2019-20 SEASON RESTART TO CONDUCT GROUP WORKOUTS IN MARKET NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2020 – The National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association announced today that they have finalized an agreement on a program for each of the eight NBA teams that did not participate in the resumption of the 2019-20 season to engage in voluntary group workouts at their team facilities while residing in a campus-like environment under controlled conditions. The agreement includes comprehensive health and safety protocols that will govern the program for the benefit of all participating players, coaches and other team staff. Scheduled to take place Sept. 14 – Oct. 6, the program will be implemented in phases. The first phase (Sept. 14-20) will consist of the continuation of voluntary individual workouts at team facilities and the commencement of daily COVID-19 testing for all players and staff planning to participate in group workouts. The second phase (Sept. 21 – Oct. 6) will consist of group training activities in market, which may include practices, skill or conditioning sessions and intra-squad scrimmages, and the continuation of daily COVID-19 testing. For this phase, each team will create its own campus-like environment in its home city. The “campus” will include the team’s facilities and private living accommodations for all participating players and team staff. To participate in group training activities, players and team staff must remain on the campus. Player participation in individual and group workouts and training activities is voluntary. In addition to players under contract with the team, each of the eight teams may also include in the program up to five players who are not currently under an NBA contract, but who were under an NBA G League contract and assigned to the team’s NBA G League affiliate during the 2019-20 season. On Saturday, Aug. 15, Blazer5 Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers, defeated 2019 NBA 2K League Champion T-Wolves Gaming to win the NBA 2K League’s third and final in-season tournament – THE TICKET powered by AT&T. With their victory, Blazer5 Gaming earned the 10th and final spot in the 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash. 2019 NBA 2K League MVP Blazer5 Gaming point guard Nidal “Mama Im Dat Man” Nasser was named tournament MVP, averaging 33.0 points and 10 assists. 2018 NBA 2K League MVP and center Dayne “OneWildWalnut” Downey added 9.2 points per game and 18 rebounds per game while veteran Stanley “MaJes7ic” LeBron added 21.8 points per game throughout the tournament. Game 1: T-Wolves Gaming 68 – Blazer5 Gaming 67 Game 2: T-Wolves Gaming 55 – Blazer5 Gaming 86 Game 3: T-Wolves Gaming 59 – Blazer5 Gaming 66 The 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash will take place Thursday, Aug. 20 and Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. ET and Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET, and culminate with the 2020 NBA 2K League Finals delivered by DoorDash on Saturday, Aug. 29 (time TBA). All Playoffs and Finals games will air live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch channel. ESPN2 will air games live Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET and Saturday, Aug. 22 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET. Select games will air live on ESPN’s digital platforms and the NBA 2K League’s YouTube channel, and on delay on eGG Network in Southeast Asia. Dash Radio’s Nothin’ But Net channel will also provide live coverage of the tournament. For more information on the 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash, click here. Please see the below 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash bracket: 
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FACEBOOK’S OCULUS BECOMES FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET PARTNER OF THE NBA, WNBA AND NBA G LEAGUE NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2020 – Oculus from Facebook, a leading virtual reality platform, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a multiyear partnership that makes Oculus an Official Marketing Partner and the first-ever Virtual Reality Headset Partner of the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and NBA G League. Oculus is tipping off the partnership this week to coincide with the start of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. As presenting partner of the NBA Rail Cam Replay on ESPN, ABC and TNT, the newly-dubbed “Oculus Front Row View” camera angle is just one of the many ways the NBA and Oculus will provide an innovative experience for fans watching games at home. Oculus will also continue to make live NBA League Pass games available in virtual reality (VR) via Oculus Venues on Oculus Quest and Oculus Go headsets. “The NBA has a strong history of using virtual reality to connect people in ways that weren’t possible before – and that’s never been more important than it is now,” said Rob Shaw, Facebook Director of Sports Media and League Partnerships. “We’re thrilled for Oculus to be an official partner of the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League and look forward to helping more fans experience the beauty of professional basketball in VR.” “This partnership furthers our ongoing commitment to engage with fans of the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League in new and innovative ways,” said Julie Morris, Vice President, Media & Business Development, NBA. “Together with Oculus, we will create new experiences for our fans while also bringing them closer to the action through Oculus’ state-of-the-art VR devices.” As an Official Marketing Partner of the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League, Oculus will become an associate partner of the NBA Draft presented by State Farm and NBA Crossover at NBA All-Star. Additionally, Oculus will become an associate partner of both the WNBA’s Believe in Women platform and the NBA G League End of Season Tournament. Oculus will also have a presence throughout both ESPN Wide World of Sports and IMG Academy as the 2019-20 NBA season and 2020 WNBA season continue in Orlando and Bradenton, Florida, with Oculus signage and Oculus Quest headset gifting to NBA and WNBA players.
TIES BROKEN FOR ORDER OF SELECTION IN NBA DRAFT 2020 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2020 – Two ties among teams with identical records were broken today through random drawings to determine the order of selection for NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm. The drawings were conducted by NBA Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer Jerome Pickett at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey. The tiebreaker process was overseen by Darrington Hobson, a representative from the accounting firm of Ernst & Young. The results of the drawings: - The Sacramento Kings (28-36 in regular-season games) won a tiebreaker with the New Orleans Pelicans.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder (44-28 in regular-season and seeding games) won a tiebreaker with the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Houston and Utah, respectively.
NBA Draft Lottery 2020 presented by State Farm will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20 and air live on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm will take place on Friday, Oct. 16. Below is the order of selection for NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm and the odds for teams in NBA Draft Lottery 2020 presented by State Farm. 2020 FIRST ROUND Drawings will be conducted at NBA Draft Lottery 2020 presented by State Farm to determine the first four picks in NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm. The remainder of the “lottery teams” will select in positions 5 through 14 in inverse order of their records in 2019-20 regular-season games played through March 11, 2020. The teams entered in the NBA Draft Lottery and their odds of winning the lottery are as follows: The order for the remainder of the first-round picks is as follows: 31. | | Golden State (to Dallas) | | 32. | | Cleveland (to Charlotte via LA Clippers via Orlando) | | 33. | | Minnesota | | 34. | | Atlanta (to Philadelphia) | | 35. | | Detroit (to Sacramento via Phoenix) | | 36. | | New York (to Philadelphia) | | 37. | | Chicago (to Washington) | | 38. | | Charlotte (to New York) | | 39. | | Washington (to New Orleans via Milwaukee) | | 40. | | Phoenix (to Memphis) | | 41. | | San Antonio | | 42/43. | | New Orleans | | 42/43. | | Sacramento | | 44. | | Memphis (to Chicago) | | 45. | | Orlando | | 46. | | Portland | | 47. | | Brooklyn (to Boston via Charlotte via Orlando via Philadelphia) | | 48. | | Dallas (to Golden State via Philadelphia) | | 49. | | Philadelphia | | 50. | | Miami (to Atlanta via Sacramento via Cleveland via Boston) | | 51. | | Utah (to Golden State via Dallas via Detroit via Cleveland) | | 52. | | Houston (to Sacramento) | | 53. | | Oklahoma City | | 54. | | Indiana | | 55. | | Denver (to Brooklyn) | | 56. | | Boston (to Charlotte) | | 57. | | LA Clippers | | 58. | | Los Angeles Lakers (to Philadelphia via Orlando) | | 59. | | Toronto | | 60. | | Milwaukee (to New Orleans) | |
Notes: - In the first round, teams that did not make the playoffs have been assigned a position in the lottery based on winning percentages in 2019-20 regular-season games played through March 11, 2020, and teams that made the playoffs have been assigned draft positions 15-30 based on combined winning percentages in 2019-20 regular-season games played through March 11, 2020, and seeding games (in both cases, teams with identical winning percentages have been assigned a position based on the results of the tiebreaker drawings).
- In the second round, teams that did not make the playoffs have been assigned draft positions 31-44 based on winning percentages in 2019-20 regular-season games played through March 11, 2020, and teams that made the playoffs have been assigned draft positions 45-60 based on combined winning percentages in 2019-20 regular-season games played through March 11, 2020 and seeding games (in both cases, teams with identical winning percentages will select in inverse order of the order in which they select in the first round).
- With respect to the winning percentage tie between New Orleans and Sacramento: The order of selection in the first round (and therefore the inverse order in the second round) will be determined by the Draft Lottery on Aug. 20, 2020.
DOORDASH BECOMES THE FIRST-EVER ON-DEMAND DELIVERY PLATFORM OF THE NBA, WNBA AND NBA 2K LEAGUE – New Partnership Tips Off This Week with Launch of DoorDash’s #PlayItForward Challenge in Support of Black-Owned Restaurants Across North America –
NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2020 – DoorDash, the nation’s leading last-mile logistics platform, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a multiyear marketing partnership that makes DoorDash the Official On-Demand Delivery Platform of the NBA, WNBA and NBA 2K League. DoorDash is tipping off the partnership today to coincide with the start of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. As the NBA’s first partner in the on-demand delivery platform category, DoorDash is launching its #PlayItForward Challenge, a new social media campaign designed to unite communities and encourage fans to support Black-owned restaurants. Ensuring greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities addresses a central goal of the 2019-20 NBA season restart, which is to find tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country. As part of the #PlayItForward Challenge, DoorDash will continue its commitment to support Black communities and donate $1, up to $100,000, to the National Urban League for every order placed from a Black-owned restaurant* on the DoorDash platform through the end of August. DoorDash will also offer $0 delivery fees** from all merchant partners in DoorDash’s program to support Black-owned businesses on DoorDash through the end of 2020. Hundreds of Black-owned, independent restaurants across the nation opted into DoorDash’s program to support Black-owned businesses and are searchable on DoorDash by keyword “Black owned”. The challenge encourages participants to use their social platforms to highlight Black-owned restaurants in their neighborhoods, while challenging followers and fans to #PlayItForward by supporting and bringing awareness to Black-owned restaurants. In partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the #PlayItForward Challenge tipped off on social media with support from more than 10 NBA Players, including Bradley Beal, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Gordon, Jrue Holiday, CJ McCollum, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Jamal Murray and Dennis Schröder. DoorDash will also become the first-ever Presenting Partner of the NBA 2K League Playoffs and Finals, executing in-game activations that will bring fans special moments and relevant experiences through custom integrations and features. The 2020 NBA 2K League Playoffs delivered by DoorDash will take place Thursday, Aug. 20 and Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. ET and Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET, and culminate with the 2020 NBA 2K League Finals delivered by DoorDash on Saturday, Aug. 29 (time TBA). All Playoffs and Finals games will air live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch channel in addition to select matches airing live on ESPN’s digital platforms and the NBA 2K League’s YouTube channel. ESPN2 will air games live Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET and Saturday, Aug. 22 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET. “Growing up in Illinois as an avid basketball fan, I have always loved the sport and the joy it brings to communities. We are so proud to be the inaugural on-demand food platform partner for the NBA, an innovative and dynamic league,” said Tony Xu, DoorDash CEO and Co-founder. “This partnership will bring together food, sports, culture and technology to create memorable experiences for fans, while at the same time advancing our shared values of diversity, access and empowering local communities.” When fans across the U.S. and Canada tune in to NBA, WNBA and NBA 2K League games from their homes, DoorDash aims to elevate the gameday experience by creating exclusive offerings throughout the partnership. DoorDash will also become an associate partner of future marquee events during NBA All-Star. “This new partnership is a timely first for us as DoorDash is uniquely positioned to amplify our efforts to engage with fans who are watching games from their homes while also stepping up to support the Black-owned businesses in their communities – a key priority and area of focus across our leagues,” said Dan Rossomondo, Senior Vice President, Head of Media & Business Development, NBA. DoorDash also launched today a new multi-platform ad campaign titled “Food Is Life” that spans TV, digital and social media. The TV spot merges the world of authentic fan footage with attention-grabbing graphics, taking consumers on a visual journey that highlights the breadth of cuisines available through DoorDash and the feelings evoked by the NBA’s greatest moments. *National Urban League donation terms: Offer valid from 8/17/20 to 8/31/20. $1 donation for every order placed at a merchant who’s opted into DoorDash’s program to support Black-owned businesses. Valid only with participating merchants with a store banner indicating their participation in this program. DoorDash will donate $1 to the National Urban League through Round It Up America®, up to $100,000. Subject to availability. $0 delivery terms: https://drd.sh/VzIGgb/ **Link to terms: https://drd.sh/VzIGgb/ Service fee still applies. Program administration and eligibility will be in DoorDash’s sole discretion. We reserve the right to amend, suspend, or terminate the program or terms at any time, including to comply with legislation or regulation of any kind. To learn more about participating in DoorDash’s program to support Black-owned businesses, including eligibility requirements, see here.
NBA ANNOUNCES 2020 PLAYOFF OFFICIALS NEW YORK, August 16, 2020 – The NBA today announced the list of 36 officials who earned spots to work the first round of the 2020 playoffs. “We congratulate this group of officials on their on-court achievements and selection to work the 2020 NBA Playoffs,” said Byron Spruell, NBA President, League Operations. “This year has required even more commitment and sacrifice from our staff due to the unique circumstances we find ourselves. Their dedication has been hugely instrumental in the success of our restart.” Playoff officials are selected by the NBA Referee Operations management team based on three specific criteria throughout the season: NBA Referee Operations graded rankings, play calling accuracy and team rankings. Officials will be evaluated after each round of the playoffs to determine future advancement in the 2020 postseason. The officials who comprise the 2020 playoff roster average more than 15 years of NBA experience and total more than 550 years of service. This year’s playoff staff has 18 officials (50%) with seven or more years of playoff experience, highlighted by Scott Foster and Tony Brothers who will be officiating in the playoffs for their 21st and 20th seasons, respectively. Referees assigned to first-round games include six with more than 100 playoff games worked: Scott Foster (188), Tony Brothers (140), James Capers, Jr. (135), Marc Davis (132), Ed Malloy (111) and Bill Kennedy (104). In addition, Aaron Smith and Dedric Taylor are making their debut as members of the playoff staff. Below is the list of officials for the 2020 NBA Playoffs: Ayotte, Blair, Brothers, Brown, Capers, Collins, Corbin, Cutler, Davis, Fitzgerald, Ford, Forte, Foster, Fraher, Jo. Goble, Guthrie, Kennedy, Kirkland, Lewis, Maddox, Malloy, Mott, Petraitis, K. Scott, M. Smith, B. Taylor, D. Taylor, Tiven, Williams, Wood, Wright, Zarba The following Officials are Alternates for the 2020 NBA Playoffs First Round: Barnaky, Buchert, Lindsay, A.Smith The NBA playoffs begin Monday, August 17. Individual game assignments for referees are posted at NBA.com/official at approximately 9 a.m. ET each game day.
PORTLAND’S LILLARD NAMED KIA NBA PLAYER OF THE SEEDING GAMES AND LEADS KIA NBA ALL-SEEDING GAMES TEAM – All-Seeding Games First Team: Lillard, Phoenix’s Booker, Dallas’ Dončić, Houston’s Harden and Indiana’s Warren – – All-Seeding Games Second Team: Milwaukee’s Antetokounmpo, LA Clippers’ Leonard, Brooklyn’s LeVert, Denver’s Porter Jr. and Dallas’ Porzingis – – Phoenix’s Williams Named NBA Coach of the Seeding Games – NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2020 – Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been named the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games and leads the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team, the NBA announced today. In addition, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has been named the NBA Coach of the Seeding Games after guiding the Suns to an 8-0 record in the seeding games. Designed to honor top performers for games played July 30 – Aug. 14, the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games, the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the NBA Coach of the Seeding Games were selected by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who have been on site covering the 2019-20 season restart at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Lillard averaged an NBA-high 37.6 points and 9.6 assists in the seeding games, leading Portland to a 6-2 record. The Trail Blazers won their final three seeding games, with Lillard scoring 51 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, tying his franchise scoring record with 61 points against the Dallas Mavericks, and finishing with 42 points and 12 assists in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets that clinched Portland’s spot in the Western Conference Play-In. The Trail Blazers will face the Memphis Grizzlies today in the Western Conference Play-In (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC). The second game of the Play-In, if necessary, will take place Sunday, Aug. 16 (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). The 2020 NBA Playoffs will begin Monday, Aug. 17 with four games on ESPN. Lillard was unanimously selected as the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games, receiving all 22 first-place votes for a total of 110 points. Phoenix guard Devin Booker (58 points) and Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren (14 points) finished in second and third place, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. Lillard, Booker (30.5 ppg, 6.0 apg in seeding games) and Warren (31.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) were voted to the NBA All-Seeding Games First Team, which also includes Dallas guard Luka Dončić (30.0 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 9.7 apg) and Houston Rockets guard James Harden (34.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 8.9 apg). Lillard, Booker and Dončić were named to the First Team on all 22 ballots for a total of 66 points, followed by Harden and Warren with 58 points each. The NBA All-Seeding Games Second Team comprises Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.8 ppg, 12.2 rpg in seeding games), LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (28.8 ppg, 4.3 apg), Brooklyn guard Caris LeVert (25.0 ppg, 6.7 apg), Denver Nuggets rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. (22.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and Dallas forward-center Kristaps Porzingis (30.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg). Antetokounmpo led the Second Team with 36 points, including eight First Team votes. The media panel voted for five players for the All-Seeding Games First Team and five players for the All-Seeding Games Second Team, choosing a total of 10 players at any position from either conference. Players were awarded three points for a First Team vote and one point for a Second Team vote. Phoenix’s Williams, who led the Suns to the NBA’s only unbeaten record in the seeding games and the franchise’s first eight-game winning streak since the 2009-10 season, was selected as the NBA Coach of the Seeding Games with 20 of 21 first-place votes (103 points). Portland’s Terry Stotts received the other first-place vote and finished in second place with 41 points, followed by Brooklyn’s Jacque Vaughn (18 points) in third place. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. The NBA previously announced the 2019-20 finalists for the Kia NBA Performance Awards and the NBA Coach of the Year. TNT will announce the award winners during its coverage of the playoffs. Voting by a media panel for those awards, in addition to the All-NBA Team, NBA All-Rookie Team and NBA All-Defensive Team, was based on games played from the start of the regular season through March 11 and did not include the seeding games. Below are the voting results for the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games, the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the NBA Coach of the Seeding Games. Complete media ballots are available at pr.nba.com. VOTING RESULTS: KIA NBA PLAYER OF THE SEEDING GAMES | | Player (Team) | | First Place Votes (5 Points) | | Second Place Votes (3 Points) | | Third Place Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | Damian Lillard (Portland) | | 22 | | 0 | | 0 | | 110 | | Devin Booker (Phoenix) | | 0 | | 19 | | 1 | | 58 | | T.J. Warren (Indiana) | | 0 | | 2 | | 8 | | 14 | | Luka Dončić (Dallas) | | 0 | | 1 | | 8 | | 11 | | James Harden (Houston) | | 0 | | 0 | | 4 | | 4 | | Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) | | 0 | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | |
VOTING RESULTS: KIA NBA ALL-SEEDING GAMES FIRST TEAM | | Player (Team) | | First Team Votes (3 Points) | | Second Team Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | Damian Lillard (Portland) | | 22 | | 0 | | 66 | | Devin Booker (Phoenix) | | 22 | | 0 | | 66 | | Luka Dončić (Dallas) | | 22 | | 0 | | 66 | | James Harden (Houston) | | 18 | | 4 | | 58 | | T.J. Warren (Indiana) | | 18 | | 4 | | 58 | |
VOTING RESULTS: KIA NBA ALL-SEEDING GAMES SECOND TEAM | | Player (Team) | | First Team Votes (3 Points) | | Second Team Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) | | 8 | | 12 | | 36 | | Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) | | 0 | | 15 | | 15 | | Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas) | | 0 | | 14 | | 14 | | Caris LeVert (Brooklyn) | | 0 | | 13 | | 13 | | Michael Porter Jr. (Denver) | | 0 | | 13 | | 13 | |
OTHER PLAYERS RECEIVING VOTES FOR KIA NBA ALL-SEEDING GAMES TEAM | | Player (Team) | | First Team Votes (3 Points) | | Second Team Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio) | | 0 | | 5 | | 5 | | Paul George (LA Clippers) | | 0 | | 5 | | 5 | | Jayson Tatum (Boston) | | 0 | | 4 | | 4 | | Nikola Jokić (Denver) | | 0 | | 4 | | 4 | | Kyle Lowry (Toronto) | | 0 | | 3 | | 3 | | LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) | | 0 | | 3 | | 3 | | Ja Morant (Memphis) | | 0 | | 2 | | 2 | | Jusuf Nurkić (Portland) | | 0 | | 2 | | 2 | | Carmelo Anthony (Portland) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | Fred VanVleet (Toronto) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | Gary Trent Jr. (Portland) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | Russell Westbrook (Houston) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | | Tobias Harris (Philadelphia) | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | |
VOTING RESULTS: NBA COACH OF THE SEEDING GAMES | | Coach (Team) | | First Place Votes (5 Points) | | Second Place Votes (3 Points) | | Third Place Votes (1 Point) | | Total Points | | Monty Williams (Phoenix) | | 20 | | 1 | | 0 | | 103 | | Terry Stotts (Portland) | | 1 | | 11 | | 3 | | 41 | | Jacque Vaughn (Brooklyn) | | 0 | | 5 | | 3 | | 18 | | Nick Nurse (Toronto) | | 0 | | 2 | | 6 | | 12 | | Gregg Popovich (San Antonio) | | 0 | | 1 | | 4 | | 7 | | Nate McMillan (Indiana) | | 0 | | 0 | | 4 | | 4 | | Michael Malone (Denver) | | 0 | | 1 | | 0 | | 3 | | Doc Rivers (LA Clippers) | | 0 | | 0 | | 1 | | 1 | |
# # #
 MILWAUKEE’S ANTETOKOUNMPO SUSPENDED NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2020 – Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been suspended one game without pay for headbutting Washington Wizards center Moritz Wagner during a stoppage in play, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. The incident, for which Antetokounmpo was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected, occurred with 8:50 remaining in the second quarter of the Bucks’ 126-113 win over the Wizards on Aug. 11 at Visa Athletic Center on the campus of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. Antetokounmpo will serve his suspension Thursday when Milwaukee faces the Memphis Grizzlies at Visa Athletic Center. To view the incident, click on the following link: http://www.nba.com/video/2020/08/12/bucks-vs-wizards-08/11/20-0
NBA TO HONOR TOP PLAYERS FROM SEEDING GAMES – Media Panel to Select the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games – NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2020 – The NBA announced today that it will name the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games to honor top performers for games played July 30 – Aug. 14 during the 2019-20 season restart at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who have been on site covering the season restart will select the Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games. The media panel will vote for five players for the All-Seeding Games First Team and five players for the All-Seeding Games Second Team, choosing a total of 10 players at any position from either conference. Each NBA team participating in the season restart is playing eight seeding games, which conclude Friday, Aug. 14. The Kia NBA All-Seeding Games Team and the Kia NBA Player of the Seeding Games will be announced Saturday, Aug. 15 before Game 1 of the Western Conference Play-In, which tips off at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Game 2 of the Play-In, if necessary, will take place Sunday, Aug. 16 at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The 2020 NBA Playoffs will begin Monday, Aug. 17. The NBA previously announced the 2019-20 finalists for the Kia NBA Performance Awards and the NBA Coach of the Year. Voting by a media panel for those awards, in addition to the All-NBA Team, NBA All-Rookie Team and NBA All-Defensive Team, was based on games played from the start of the regular season through March 11 and did not include seeding games.
| | NBA names Victor Williams CEO of NBA Africa | New Role Will Oversee League’s Business and Basketball Development Initiatives Across the Continent | NEW YORK, United States of America, August 10, 2020/ -- The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) today named Victor Williams CEO of NBA Africa, effective Aug. 17, 2020, it was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Williams, an accomplished investment banking executive with extensive experience growing businesses across the U.S. and Africa, will be based in the league’s Johannesburg office and report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.
In this newly-created role, Williams will oversee the league’s basketball and business development initiatives in Africa and will be responsible for continuing to grow the popularity of basketball and the NBA across the continent through grassroots development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and more.
For the last five years, Williams served as the Executive Head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Africa Regions for Standard Bank Group, where he oversaw the strategy, execution and financial performance for Standard Bank’s business with corporate, sovereign and institutional investor clients in 19 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. In this pan-continental role, Williams was responsible for growing a wide range of business lines across Africa, including global markets, investment banking and transactional products and services, and helped lead Standard Bank’s expansion into Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
“Adding an executive of Victor’s caliber and experience is an important step in our continued efforts to grow basketball across the continent,” said Silver. “We look forward to Victor leading NBA Africa’s operations and helping to accelerate the use of sports as an economic engine across Africa.”
“Becoming CEO of NBA Africa is a compelling opportunity to join the NBA – a widely-respected and admired, globally-oriented sports enterprise,” said Williams. “It allows me to blend my professional experience building businesses in Africa with my passion for the sport of basketball. I look forward to working with our colleagues in Johannesburg and Dakar to help grow basketball’s commercial and social impact in Africa and on the world stage.”
Williams joined Standard Bank in 2011 as Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for East Africa and subsequently led Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment banking business in Nigeria.
Previously, he worked at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was a Managing Director focused on mergers and acquisitions. In this role, he executed more than $5 billion in merger and acquisition transactions and advised senior executives and boards of directors of corporate and private equity firms on mergers, divestitures, acquisitions, joint ventures, recapitalizations and corporate defense.
Prior to Wells Fargo Securities, Williams was Vice President of Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs in New York City, where he provided strategic guidance to Fortune 500 companies in all aspects of merger and financing analysis and execution.
Williams, a dual citizen of Sierra Leone and the U.S., holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and bachelor’s degrees in applied math and economics from Brown University. He is a member of Harvard Business School’s Africa Advisory Board and has also served on the boards of publicly-listed companies and non-profit organizations in the U.S., Nigeria and Kenya. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
GOLDEN STATE’S DRAYMOND GREEN FINED NEW YORK, August 9, 2020 – The NBA announced today that it has fined Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors $50,000 for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule. The fine is in response to statements Green made as an analyst on TNT on August 7 regarding the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker. As announced prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, the NBA has adopted a stricter enforcement approach for conduct relating to tampering, salary cap circumvention, and free agency timing rules, including with respect to the rule prohibiting player-to-player tampering.
NBA REVEALS 2019-20 FINALISTS FOR KIA PERFORMANCE AWARDS AND COACH OF THE YEAR
NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2020 – The NBA today announced the finalists for six awards that honor top performers for the 2019-20 regular season: Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Sixth Man and NBA Coach of the Year. The finalists for the six annual awards, based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, are listed below in alphabetical order: Kia NBA Most Valuable Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks James Harden, Houston Rockets LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers | | | | Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans | | | | | | | | Kia NBA Most Improved Player Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans | | | | Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz | | | | | | | | Kia NBA Sixth Man Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers Dennis Schröder, Oklahoma City Thunder Lou Williams, LA Clippers | | | | NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors | |
Awards voting was based on games played from the start of the regular season through March 11 and did not include “seeding games,” which are taking place July 30 – Aug. 14 for the 22 teams participating in the season restart at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. TNT will announce the award winners during its coverage of the season restart. Complete voting results for each award will be posted at pr.nba.com. # # #
NBA REVEALS 2019-20 FINALISTS FOR KIA PERFORMANCE AWARDS AND COACH OF THE YEAR
NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2020 – The NBA today announced the finalists for six awards that honor top performers for the 2019-20 regular season: Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Sixth Man and NBA Coach of the Year. The finalists for the six annual awards, based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, are listed below in alphabetical order: Kia NBA Most Valuable Player
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks James Harden, Houston Rockets LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers | | | | Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans | | | | | | | | Kia NBA Most Improved Player Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans | | | | Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz | | | | | | | | Kia NBA Sixth Man Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers Dennis Schröder, Oklahoma City Thunder Lou Williams, LA Clippers | | | | NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors | |
Awards voting was based on games played from the start of the regular season through March 11 and did not include “seeding games,” which are taking place July 30 – Aug. 14 for the 22 teams participating in the season restart at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. TNT will announce the award winners during its coverage of the season restart. Complete voting results for each award will be posted at pr.nba.com. # # #   NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS LAUNCH FIRST-EVER NBA FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NBPA TO SUPPORT BLACK COMMUNITIES AND DRIVE GENERATIONAL CHANGE – NBA Foundation to Contribute $300 Million Towards Economic Empowerment – NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2020 – The NBA Board of Governors announced today that it will contribute $300 million in initial funding to establish the first-ever NBA Foundation dedicated to creating greater economic empowerment in the Black community. The Foundation is being launched in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association. Over the next 10 years, the 30 NBA team owners will collectively contribute $30 million annually to establish a new, leaguewide charitable foundation. Through its mission to drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement, the NBA Foundation will seek to increase access and support for high school, college-aged and career-ready Black men and women, and assist national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development in NBA markets and communities across the United States and Canada. As a public charity, the Foundation will also aim to work strategically with marketing and media partners to develop additional programming and funding sources that deepen the NBA family’s commitment to racial equality and social justice. The Foundation will focus on three critical employment transition points: obtaining a first job, securing employment following high school or college, and career advancement once employed. Through contributions, the NBA Foundation will enhance and grow the work of national and local organizations dedicated to education and employment, including through investment in youth employment and internship programs, STEM fields, job shadows and apprenticeships, development pathways outside of traditional higher education, career placement, professional mentorship, networking and specific partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “On behalf of the NBA Board of Governors, I am thrilled to announce the creation of the NBA Foundation,” said NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum. “All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada.” “The creation of this foundation is an important step in developing more opportunities for the Black community,” said NBPA President Chris Paul. “I am proud of our league and our players for their commitment to this long-term fight for equality and justice, and I know we will continue to find ways to keep pushing for meaningful institutional change." The Foundation will work directly with all 30 teams, their affiliated charitable organizations and the NBPA to support national organizations and their local affiliates as well as local grassroots organizations to facilitate sustainable programming and create change in team markets. “Given the resources and incredible platform of the NBA, we have the power to ideate, implement and support substantive policies that reflect the core principles of equality and justice we embrace,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “This Foundation will provide a framework for us to stay committed and accountable to these principles.” “We are dedicated to using the collective resources of the 30 teams, the players and the league to drive meaningful economic opportunities for Black Americans,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We believe that through focused programs in our team markets and nationally, together with clear and specific performance measures, we can advance our shared goals of creating substantial economic mobility within the Black community.” The 30 NBA teams will be members of the NBA Foundation with its eight Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the NBA Board of Governors (four board seats), players and executives from the NBPA (three board seats) and the league office (one board seat). The Foundation’s board will oversee all business affairs and provide strategic direction with respect to programming and grantmaking.
National Basketball coaches Association Announces 2020 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award Voted Annually By 30 NBA Head Coaches New York, August 3, 2020 — Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer and Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan are the 2020 recipients 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 Michael H. 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. It is unique in that it is the only award voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams. This year’s voting was based on games played from the start of the 2019-20 regular season through games played on March 11. The depth of coaching excellence in the NBA is reflected in this year’s voting as 8 Head Coaches received votes. In addition to Budenholzer and Donovan, the following Coaches also received votes: Taylor Jenkins, Nate McMillan, Nick Nurse, Erik Spoelstra, Brad Stevens and Frank Vogel. “Congratulations to Mike Budenholzer and Billy Donovan on this prestigious recognition,” said Dallas Mavericks Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “Mike led the Bucks to the best record in the league for a second straight season and Billy became just the fourth active Head Coach to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first five seasons. 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 Budenholzer guided the Bucks to the best record in the NBA (53-12) for the second year in a row. He becomes the first two-time winner of this Award. The Bucks were the NBA’s highest scoring team, averaging 118.6 points per game, and outscored opponents by a league-high average of 11.2 ppg. The 11.2 ppg differential is tied for the fifth largest margin in NBA history. Defensively, Coach Budenholzer’s team held opponents to 107.4 ppg, fifth best in the league. He won Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for December (13-2 record) and February (10-1 record). “First, congrats to Billy Donovan for the outstanding job he and his staff have done with the Oklahoma City Thunder,” said Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer. “Another great year of coaching by Billy and, again, another great year of work by all the Head Coaches in the NBA. Thank you all for your vote and support. Thank you to our dedicated players and staff in Milwaukee. The players are special, the staff is special and I’m beyond fortunate to coach this great team and for this great organization. “Celebrating the memory of Michael H. Goldberg and continuing to bring honor to his great legacy of work on behalf of all NBA Coaches gives the Award additional significant meaning. Those of us lucky enough to know and work with Michael know how much he did for the sport and for Coaches. As Michael was a terrific advocate for all of us, may we use our platform to raise awareness and speak out on the need for social justice, equality and inclusiveness in our society.” Coach Donovan led the Thunder to a 40-24 season, tied for fifth in the Western Conference. He joins Rick Carlisle, Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr as the only active Head Coaches to guide their teams to the playoffs in each of their first five seasons. From Thanksgiving through March 11, the Thunder went 34-13, the third best record in the NBA during that period. Since the start of December, Donovan’s team went 19-4 on the road, best in the NBA. Donovan coached the Thunder to wins in 16 games in which they trailed entering the fourth quarter. No other team won more than 8 such games. Donovan won Western Conference Coach of the Month for December (11-4 record). “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Coaches, they are a great group of people that I admire and respect,” said Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan. “Receiving the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award alongside such a terrific Coach like Bud makes it even more special. Individual honors to me have always been a reflection of good team dynamics, and I’m proud of the collective work that our players, coaching staff and the entire organization has put in this season. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in Orlando as we get back to basketball and using our platform for social justice.” “I was fortunate to work alongside Michael H. Goldberg during the formative years of my career,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director. “This year’s winners embody the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Both Coach Budenholzer and Coach Donovan exemplify these values on and off the court, and their tireless work ethic led to accomplished seasons for both the Bucks and Thunder. Congratulations to both Coaches and their staffs. This honor is most deserved.” The NBCA encompasses all current and former NBA Head and Assistant Coaches. In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Michael H. Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing foundation of the NBCA, 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: - 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 TNT’s coverage of the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
BOSTON’S MARCUS SMART FINED NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2020 – Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been fined $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. Smart made his comments to the media following the Celtics’ 119-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on July 31 at HP Field House on the campus of ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.
YAHOO SPORTS AND NBA BRING FUTURE OF SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT TO LIFE THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY, FANTASY AND BETTING RELATIONSHIP – RYOT to Produce Immersive, At-Home Fan Experience as Live Virtual Reality Production Partner During the NBA Restart – – Yahoo Sports to Enhance Its Distribution of NBA League Pass with Fantasy and Gaming Integrations as Official Marketing Partner of the NBA – NEW YORK, July 30, 2020 – Yahoo Sports and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are joining forces to enhance the at-home fan experience with a multiyear relationship that will make Yahoo Sports an Official Marketing Partner of the league and RYOT a live virtual reality (VR) production partner during the NBA Restart in Orlando. The relationship will also allow Yahoo Sports to engage fans through fantasy and sports betting in unprecedented ways, including the right to create sports betting content and expanding Yahoo Sports’ existing distribution of NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription product, to include gaming integrations. To bring an immersive, arena-like experience to fans, RYOT, an innovation studio, will produce live NBA games in VR and transport the physical games taking place at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex to fans at home via their Oculus devices. This next-gen content is the latest example of how VR can transform sports and entertainment by blurring the lines between virtual and physical. More than a dozen live NBA League Pass games will be distributed in VR via Oculus Venues on Oculus Quest and Oculus Go headsets beginning Friday, July 31 through Friday, Aug. 14. As part of a partnership with Oculus to power the NBA League Pass VR experience during the NBA Restart, fans can enjoy the action by purchasing a Quest headset here. For a full schedule of games available in VR, visit nba.com/vr. “RYOT’s powerful VR capabilities will deliver a truly immersive live experience at home, creating a seamless experience between the physical and digital world,” said Guru Gowrappan, CEO of Verizon Media. “NBA League Pass in VR is exactly the kind of innovative solution we love to create with our partners. Working with the NBA to redefine the fan’s experience of the game has amazing implications for the future of sports and entertainment.” “As the NBA Restart tips off this week, our expanded relationship with Yahoo Sports will offer a variety of unique ways for fans to engage with the NBA,” said Bill Koenig, NBA President, Global Content & Media Distribution. “With everything from fantasy games, sports betting integrations, gaming-focused content and NBA games in VR, there will be no shortage of opportunities to get closer to the game.” As part of the relationship, Yahoo Sports will continue to operate the exclusive seasonlong fantasy game of the NBA, create NBA-branded daily fantasy and sports betting integrations and will collaborate at marquee events including the NBA Draft presented by State Farm and NBA All-Star weekend. Yahoo Sports will also be the presenting partner of NBA Pick’Em: Playoffs Bracket Challenge and be integrated into NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and other NBA Digital assets, which are jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports.
Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Fantasy and Yahoo Sportsbook will deliver expanded NBA content throughout its platforms. This will include distribution of live, out-of-market games in NBA League Pass and opportunities to engage fans in fantasy and betting through digital overlays. The relationship will also include two shows focused on fantasy and betting to coincide with the NBA Conference Finals and NBA Finals. Game footage from the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League will also be used to create content, such as game previews and recaps, to help inform fans participating in season long fantasy, daily fantasy and sports betting.
ENHANCEMENTS TO SIDELINE BORDER, TEAM BENCHES AND OFFICIALS’ WHISTLES AMONG NEW ELEMENTS FOR 2019-20 NBA SEASON RESTART NEW YORK, July 30, 2020 – The NBA today announced new elements and enhancements to existing policies and procedures in Basketball Operations, Referee Operations and other areas for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, including a wider border around the sidelines, a revised setup for team benches and a new covering on officials’ whistles. “New elements implemented for the season restart reflect a collaboration among the league, players, coaches, referees and team staff, underscore a willingness by all parties to adapt to a challenging environment, and reinforce our commitment to the health and safety of everyone involved,” said NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell. The new elements and enhancements include: • Sideline Border: To assist with perception and visibility on the court and adjust for not having courtside fans to help define the boundaries, the border around the court has been widened to 8 inches from 2 inches. During a throw-in from out of bounds, the thrower-in may continue to step on the line but may not touch the floor over the line until the ball is released. • Team Benches: Team benches consist of multiple rows of seats (with appropriate distance between each seat) and are divided into three sections: players; coaches and team staff; and unassigned seats. The 17-seat players section is divided into three rows, with each player assigned a seat by his team. The 12-seat coaches and team staff section, slightly separated from the players section, is divided into three rows of four seats, with each person assigned a seat by his or her team. The unassigned seats section is located near the baseline and reserved only for temporary use to enable player-to-player, coach-to-player or trainer/physician-to-player communication during the game. The unassigned seats are promptly cleaned and disinfected after each use. • Timeouts: During any timeout or period break, players and coaches can huddle like normal except they must sit in or congregate around movable chairs separate and apart from the team benches. The movable chairs used during timeouts or period breaks are cleaned and disinfected after each use. • Officials’ Whistles: A cloth covering has been added to the referees’ whistles to prevent the spread of spittle. • Replay Officials: Replay officials, who make decisions on certain replay situations and facilitate the on-the-court review of others, are working on site at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida rather than at the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J. The NBA Replay Center will continue to conduct reviews in conjunction with the on-court officials. • Injury Reporting Procedures: Five hours (local time) prior to the start time of the second game of a back-to-back (instead of 1 p.m. local time) is when teams must designate a participation status (Out, Doubtful, Questionable, Probable or Available) for each player on their roster and identify a specific injury, illness or potential instance of a healthy player resting that may affect any player’s participation in the game. • Baseline Positioning: Broadcast camera operators, photographers or videographers may not be positioned on the hardwood and instead must shoot away from the floor. • Scorer’s Table: The scorer’s table is surrounded by plexiglass. • Coach’s Attire: Head coaches and assistant coaches are permitted to wear polo shirts instead of business attire. HYPERICE NAMED OFFICIAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGY PARTNER OF THE NBA – Partnership Tips Off with Launch of Custom-Designed Hyperbox, Providing Players with Access to Hyperice Hypervolt for Gametime Recovery – NEW YORK, July 30, 2020 – Hyperice, a leading recovery and performance technology brand and innovators of percussion, vibration and thermal technology, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), today announced a multiyear partnership that makes Hyperice the Official Recovery Technology Partner of the NBA. Tipping off the partnership during the NBA Restart in Orlando, Hyperice will provide NBA players with access to the custom-designed Hyperbox featuring a Hypervolt device, the world’s quietest hand-held percussive massager, which launched in 2018 to help anyone move better and recover faster. The Hyperbox was engineered to make the Hypervolt available to players while they recover on the bench. The device will be located underneath each NBA player’s seat for easy access during the season and at marquee league events, including NBA All-Star and MGM Resorts NBA Summer League. “The NBA is one of the most forward-thinking organizations in the world, and we are proud to be named its Official Recovery Technology Partner,” said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. “We share a common vision: to prioritize player health and optimize performance. Now, for the first time ever, NBA athletes will have real-time access to cutting-edge recovery technology courtside. This partnership elevates the in-game experience and raises the wellness and recovery bar for sports leagues and organizations worldwide.” “Our partnership with Hyperice furthers our commitment to optimizing player performance and recovery through innovative technology,” said Dan Rossomondo, NBA Senior Vice President, Media and Business Development. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to team up with Hyperice as the NBA season restarts and offer the benefits of Hypervolt devices to players while they recover courtside.” As part of the partnership, Hyperice will premiere its “Keep Moving” television commercial on Thursday, July 30, on TNT during the LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game, which tips off at 9 p.m. EDT. “Keep Moving” highlights Hyperice’s world-class athlete roster which includes six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin of the Detroit Pistons, Naomi Osaka, Juju Smith-Schuster and Colleen Quigley. The spot can also be viewed here. “When I invested in Hyperice back in 2011, they were a small startup that was developing products to help players enhance their recovery and improve performance,” said Blake Griffin. “The brand has made huge strides since then and has continued to evolve and innovate new technologies that we as players have all benefited from.” “Since the beginning of Hyperice, we have collaborated with NBA players and training staffs to develop technologies that would empower players to improve their performance and longevity,” said Anthony Katz, Founder and President of Hyperice. “This partnership shows our continued commitment to advancing the game for future generations.” The 2019-20 NBA season resumes Thursday. For the complete game and national television schedules for TNT, ESPN, ABC and NBA TV, visit NBA.com. 
NBA EXTENDS COMMUNITY TESTING PROGRAM AS PART OF 2019-20 SEASON RESTART IN ORLANDO NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 – The NBA announced today a new community testing program providing thousands of no-cost COVID-19 PCR tests in Orlando, Fla. and team markets nationwide. The program, which is a part of NBA Together, the league’s global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic, tipped off earlier this month and will run through August. The Health and Safety Protocols for the Resumption of the 2019-20 NBA Season, which were finalized with the National Basketball Players Association in June, included plans for several community testing programs. Public health data has made clear that the impacts of the coronavirus are most concentrated in historically marginalized communities of color where access to testing is scarce. To meet this need, the NBA collaborated with UnidosUS and the National Urban League as well as several private laboratories to identify communities most in need and provide access to no-cost testing programs in addition to communicating public health information to community members. In partnership with BioReference Laboratories, the league’s testing provider on the NBA campus in Orlando, Fla., the NBA is providing free, daily COVID-19 PCR tests at a mobile collection site at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Those interested can register for an appointment by completing a brief survey before being redirected to a scheduling tool to select a convenient date and time for the COVID-19 test. Please visit Appointments.BioReference.com/NBAOrlando to complete the survey and for additional details regarding appointments, transportation and scheduling. As part of the NBA’s community testing program, the league, Orlando Magic and Orlando Sports & Entertainment District hosted a pop-up testing event on Saturday, July 11 at the Geico Garage at the Amway Center, providing hundreds of drive-through and walk-up tests to members of surrounding communities. Earlier this month, the NBA identified Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in 29 team markets nationwide and provided additional tests funded by the NBA. In total, these programs are providing thousands of tests across the United States. The league, UnidosUS and National Urban League continue to explore additional testing programs and work together to amplify the latest global health and safety information. Since March, NBA and WNBA players, legends and coaches have filmed more than 45 PSAs to share support and tips for reducing risk and staying healthy, including recent messages about the importance of wearing face coverings, hand washing and physical distancing following the recent surge of cases around the country. To date, the PSAs have been viewed more than 65 million times across the league’s digital and social platforms. Recent PSAs from NBA and WNBA players and legends, including NBA champion Stephen Curry, NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo, WNBA champion Candace Parker and more, can be viewed at www.NBATogether.com. The NBA is also working with The Fight Is In Us, a nationwide coalition of health officials and other partners, to encourage COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma for virus research and treatments and to share the latest health and safety information and resources regarding the pandemic. The league is continuing its support of scientific research into more accessible testing through research partnerships with the Yale School of Public Health, the Mayo Clinic, and other leading research institutions. The NBA’s support of expanded access to testing with the Yale School of Public Health is focused on validating and obtaining FDA approval for a non-invasive saliva test for the coronavirus that reduces test turnaround times and costs less than current tests, which would allow the test to become widely available across many communities. In addition, the league is supporting multiple other academic and industry partners on pooled testing and rapid turnaround testing that could provide models for businesses reopening safely and for important public health uses including outbreak assessment and control. For more information about NBA Together, please visit www.NBATogether.com.
 
NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 – Of the 344 players tested for COVID-19 on the NBA campus since test results were last announced on July 20, zero have returned confirmed positive tests. The 2019-20 NBA season resumes on Thursday, July 30 as the New Orleans Pelicans meet the Utah Jazz (6:30 p.m. ET) and the Los Angeles Lakers face the LA Clippers (9 p.m. ET) in a doubleheader on TNT. # # #
ANTETOKOUNMPO, DONČIĆ, EMBIID, GOBERT, JOKIĆ, SABONIS, SIAKAM AND SIMMONS HEADLINE GLOBAL REACH OF 2019-20 NBA SEASON RESTART - 22 Teams Participating in Season Restart Feature 89 International Players from 34 Countries and Territories; All 22 Teams Feature At Least One International Player - - 88 Seeding Games Include 41 Primetime Games in Latin America and 40 Primetime Games in Europe, the Middle East and Africa - NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 – The 2019-20 NBA season restart will reach fans in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages on their televisions, computers, mobile phones and tablets, highlighting a whole new game with a more connected and immersive experience for fans. This includes the 88 “seeding games” beginning July 30 as well as behind-the-scenes coverage and interviews from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Below are international highlights of the 2019-20 NBA season restart: - The 22 teams participating in the season restart feature 89 international players from 34 countries and territories, including the record eight international 2020 NBA All-Stars: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks; Greece), Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks; Slovenia), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz; France), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets; Serbia), Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers; Lithuania)*, Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) and Ben Simmons (76ers; Australia). All 22 teams feature at least one international player, and the Mavericks have a league-high seven international players. The most-represented non-U.S. countries on the rosters of the 22 teams are Canada (15 players) and France (seven players) followed by Australia, Germany and Serbia (five players each). Embiid and Siakam are among the 22 former Basketball Without Borders (BWB) campers on season restart rosters.
- Select international players have chosen to wear social justice messages on their custom NIKE NBA team jerseys in languages other than English, including Bosnian, French Creole, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latvian, Maori, Slovenian and Spanish.
- All 88 seeding games will air outside the U.S. and Canada on NBA League Pass. The 88 seeding games include 41 games that will air in primetime in Latin America and 40 games that will air in primetime in Europe, the Middle East and Africa on the NBA’s broadcast partners in those regions and NBA League Pass, the most-ever games to air in primetime internationally in a two-week period.
- While fans won’t be physically present at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, more than 300 NBA fans each game will be invited to appear live on the “Michelob ULTRA Courtside” 17-foot video boards surrounding the court. Those fans will have the opportunity to digitally interact with each other throughout the game using Microsoft’s “Together mode” to create a virtual experience by removing fans from their individual backgrounds and bringing them together in a shared visual space that will be seen through the broadcast and in the venue. This new experience—the first to go live as a result of the NBA’s strategic alliance with Microsoft—gives participating fans the feeling of sitting next to one another at a live game without leaving the comfort and safety of their homes, while players experience their energy and support in-venue.
- Additionally, all viewers will have the ability to impact visual effects in the venue through a virtual cheering experience. Fans can digitally cheer for their team through the NBA App and NBA.com and on Twitter using team hashtags throughout the game. Virtual cheering will be reflected on the video boards in-venue with graphics and animations that capture the level of fan engagement around the world. Fans will also have the opportunity to see their videos featured through TikTok Challenges. Snapchat’s “ground segmentation” augmented reality technology will also give fans an opportunity to explore a virtual rendering of the official court in Orlando via a Lens wherever they are.
- Outside the U.S., NBA League Pass’s coverage of the seeding games will include alternate feeds with new camera angles, enhanced graphics, in-language streams and influencer commentary with a focus on areas such as pop culture and music. All 88 seeding games will be available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Fans will also have access to in-game polls and quizzes throughout play.
- The NBA’s “Whole New Game” marketing campaign will feature a series of three spots, beginning with “It’s A Whole New Game,” that will run throughout the season restart on the league’s live broadcasts, social media channels and digital platforms globally. All three spots will be translated into more than 10 languages, including Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese (subtitles only), Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai. As part of the “Whole New Game” campaign, 22 international celebrities from the world of film, fashion and sports sat down to discuss the teams participating in the season restart and their “3 Reasons to Watch” select teams. “3 Reasons to Watch” content will be aired by the league’s international broadcast partners and shared on the NBA’s social media channels globally.
- Rakuten, a global marketing partner of the NBA and the league’s exclusive distribution partner in Japan, will host online viewing events on NBA Rakuten, the one-stop destination for fans in Japan to watch NBA games and programming.
- As part of NBA Together, the league’s global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic, NBA players, legends and coaches have filmed more than 45 PSAs in nine different languages to share vital health and safety information about ways to reduce risk, proper handwashing and hygiene habits, physical distancing, wearing a facemask and staying physically and mentally fit. To date, these messages have generated more than 65 million video views across the league’s global digital and social platforms.
- The Jr. NBA Global Championship – an annual youth basketball tournament for top 13- and 14-year-old boys and girls teams from around the world – will take place this year as a virtual event that will engage nearly 3,000 youth players from Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, China, Europe & the Middle East, India, Mexico, Latin America and the U.S. The event, which tipped off last week, will culminate next month with a Jr. NBA Day of Celebration as part of the 2019-20 NBA restart at ESPN Wide World of Sports, which hosted the two previous Jr. NBA Global Championships.
Below please find additional international player storylines from the 2019-20 NBA season: - Antetokounmpo, the reigning Kia NBA MVP, ranks third in the league in both scoring (29.6 ppg) and rebounding (13.74 rpg).
- Gobert (13.71 rpg), the reigning back-to-back Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Sabonis (12.4 rpg) rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in rebounding. Gobert (69.8%) ranks second in field goal percentage.
- Dončić (14), the reigning Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, and Jokić (12) rank first and third, respectively, in triple-doubles.
- Simmons (2.13 spg) leads the NBA in steals. This season, Simmons became the third-fastest player in history to reach 25 triple-doubles, behind Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson.
- Ricky Rubio (Phoenix Suns; Spain; 8.9 apg), Dončić (8.7 apg) and Simmons (8.2 apg) rank third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in assists.
- Buddy Hield (Sacramento Kings; Bahamas) ranks second in three-pointers made with 244.
- Dennis Schröder (Oklahoma City Thunder; Germany; parent from The Gambia) has the NBA’s highest scoring average (19.0 ppg) in games played off the bench.
- Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards; Japan; parent from Benin; BWB Global 2016) leads all rookies in rebounding (6.0 rpg) and ranks fifth among rookies in scoring (13.4 ppg).
The 22 teams participating in the season restart will play eight seeding games each from July 30 – Aug. 14 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The seeding games will conclude on Aug. 14. If a play-in is required to determine the eighth playoff seed in either conference, it will take place on Aug. 15-16. The first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs will begin on Aug. 17. *Per the Pacers, Sabonis has left the NBA campus in Orlando to receive medical treatment for plantar fasciitis in his left foot. His availability to return to the campus in Orlando is yet to be determined. Further updates will be provided as necessary.
DETROIT PISTONS PURCHASE NORTHERN ARIZONA SUNS FROM PHOENIX SUNS – Team to Play During the 2021-22 NBA G League Season in Newly Constructed Arena on Campus of Wayne State University – NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 – The Detroit Pistons, the Phoenix Suns and the NBA G League today announced that the Pistons have agreed to purchase the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns. The rebranded team is expected to play in a new arena currently being constructed on the campus of Wayne State University beginning in the 2021-22 season. “I’m excited to welcome Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons as NBA G League owners,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “It’s always bittersweet for a team to relocate, and I thank Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns for their time in this league and the fans in Northern Arizona for their ongoing commitment to the team. I’m sure the fans in Detroit will welcome the team with open arms and I look forward to watching NBA G League basketball at Wayne State for seasons to come.” The Pistons current “hybrid” affiliation with the Grand Rapids Drive will continue through the 2020-21 NBA G League season. The Phoenix Suns will continue to operate the Northern Arizona Suns for the 2020-21 season. In May 2019, the Pistons announced a multi-faceted partnership with Wayne State University, including an NBA G League team to play in a new arena that the school is constructing for its men’s and women’s basketball programs less than two miles from both Little Caesars Arena and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. In addition to playing games on the school’s campus, a move that will generate revenue and usage of the new facility, the organization will work with Wayne State administrators to create programs and internship opportunities for students in fields like sports marketing, community relations, physical therapy, rehabilitation and sports and entertainment business operations. The NBA G League serves as the NBA’s developmental league preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers and front- office staff for NBA positions while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Playing with 28 teams for the 2019-20 season, the NBA G League is a proven developer of talent. A record 42 percent of NBA players to start the 2019-20 season had NBA G League experience, a number that rose to 57 percent when the season concluded on March 11.
PRINCEPAL SINGH BECOMES FIRST NBA ACADEMY GRADUATE TO SIGN WITH NBA G LEAGUE NEW YORK, July 28, 2020 – NBA Academy graduate Princepal Singh, a 6-10 forward from Punjab, India, has signed to play in the NBA G League next season, it was announced today by NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Singh, who will train and compete alongside the new G League team featuring elite youth prospects, is the first NBA Academy graduate to sign with the NBA G League and first NBA Academy India graduate to sign a professional contract. In 2017, Singh joined The NBA Academy India, an elite basketball training center in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) for the top prospects from throughout India, as part of the academy’s inaugural class of student-athletes. In November 2018, Singh transitioned to The NBA Global Academy - the league’s hub for top male and female prospects from outside the U.S. - in Canberra, Australia, where he continued his development before graduating this spring. “We are thrilled to be able to offer Princepal the opportunity to begin his professional basketball journey in the NBA G League,” said Abdur-Rahim. “We’ve long hoped that our development pathway for elite high school players would include roster spots for emerging international talent, including players who have participated in the NBA Academy program, and we’re excited to have Princepal forge this new path and develop his skills in our league.” “We are very proud of Princepal, who has worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity as he continues to be a trailblazer for the NBA Academy program and basketball in India,” said NBA Vice President, Head of International Basketball Development Troy Justice. “Playing in the NBA G League alongside some of the most talented up-and-coming players and under the tutelage of head coach Brian Shaw will allow Princepal to build on the foundation and framework he developed under an incredible staff of NBA Academy coaches in India and Australia over the last several years.” Throughout his time in the NBA Academy program, Singh participated in several high-profile international basketball events, including Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia 2018, BWB Global 2018 and the NBA Global Camp 2018. He also represented India in international competitions as part of the Indian Men’s Senior National Team. The NBA G League gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life-skills training. Singh will have the opportunity to accelerate his on-court development alongside top high school recruits from the class of 2020 Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix, Kai Sotto and Jonathan Kuminga who have signed to play in the NBA G League for the 2020-21 season. Five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw will serve as head coach of their team, which will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team.
NBA TO UNVEIL UNIQUE IN-VENUE AND BROADCAST ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2019-20 SEASON RESTART – NBA Fans to Appear Live on “Michelob ULTRA Courtside” Video Boards Surrounding the Court through Newly Unveiled Microsoft’s “Together Mode” – – Telecasts to Feature Never-Before-Seen Camera Angles and Enhanced Audio – – NBA Digital to Provide Personalized Viewing Experiences on NBA League Pass and NBA TV – NEW YORK, July 24, 2020 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a multidimensional plan for in-venue and broadcast enhancements for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, highlighting a whole new game with a more connected and immersive experience for fans. While fans won’t be physically present at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, more than 300 NBA fans each game will be invited to appear live on the “Michelob ULTRA Courtside” 17-foot video boards surrounding the court. Those fans will have the opportunity to digitally interact with each other throughout the game using Microsoft’s “Together mode” to create a virtual experience by removing fans from their individual backgrounds and bringing them together in a shared visual space that will be seen through the broadcast and in the venue. This new experience—the first to go live as a result of the NBA’s strategic alliance with Microsoft—gives participating fans the feeling of sitting next to one another at a live game without leaving the comfort and safety of their homes, while players experience their energy and support in-venue. As previously announced, Michelob ULTRA – the official beer partner of the NBA that stands for active enjoyment – is tipping off its new multiyear partnership and presenting the league’s virtual fan experience, bringing fans closer to the game. In collaboration with broadcast partners ESPN and Turner Sports, more than 30 cameras, including many in robotic form, will be repositioned closer to the court and showcase never-before-seen camera angles in places that are otherwise not accessible with fans in the arena. Microphones around the court will capture enhanced sounds from the floor, including sneaker squeaks and ball bounces. DJs and announcers will be in-venue to help replicate the sounds and experiences teams are accustomed to in-arena. Additionally, all viewers will have the ability to impact visual effects in the venue through a virtual cheering experience. Fans can digitally cheer for their team through the NBA App and NBA.com and on Twitter using team hashtags throughout the game. Virtual cheering will be reflected on the video boards in-venue with graphics and animations that capture the level of fan engagement around the world. Fans will also have the opportunity to see their videos featured through TikTok Challenges. Snapchat's “ground segmentation” augmented reality technology will also give fans an opportunity to explore a virtual rendering of the official court in Orlando via a Lens wherever they are. NBA Digital, jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports, will provide customized viewing options on NBA League Pass and NBA TV via the NBA App and NBA.com. Fans will have access to alternate feeds with new camera angles, enhanced graphics, gaming options, in-language and influencers calling the game with a focus on areas such as analytics, fashion and music. Fans will also have access to live NBA Pick’Em: Trivia for every NBA game. “Working with our broadcast and technology partners, we are excited to unveil a series of enhancements that will bring fans closer to the game and allow them to personalize their viewing experience,” said Sara Zuckert, NBA Head of Next Gen Telecast. “Our goal is to create an enjoyable and immersive experience where fans can engage with each other and maintain a sense of community as we restart the season under these unique and challenging circumstances.” “The core of our partnership with the NBA is delivering next-gen experiences for their fans on and off the court,” said Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft 365. “All of us at Microsoft can't wait to watch an NBA game again and are excited to be part of the new fan experience. We hope Together mode helps fans feel more connected and immersed in the game, and helps teams feel the energy of their fans, even when they can't be in the arena."
NBA NAMES ORIS STUART CHIEF PEOPLE AND INCLUSION OFFICER NEW YORK, July 23, 2020 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that Oris Stuart has been named the NBA’s Chief People and Inclusion Officer. Stuart, who is currently the NBA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, will begin in this newly-created role on Aug. 15 and report to NBA President, Administration Bob Criqui. As NBA Chief People and Inclusion Officer, Stuart will be responsible for leading the combined Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion groups. He will oversee diversity and inclusion strategies for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League and its teams, support the growth and development of the NBA’s global workforce, and strengthen commitments to attract, retain, develop and engage diverse talent. With a focus on people, culture, inclusion and innovation, Stuart will establish policies and expand programs to increase the representation of people of color and women in leadership roles and positions across the league. He will continue to lead the NBA’s Global Inclusion Council and efforts to grow the league’s network of Black-, women- and diverse-owned suppliers. Stuart will also work closely with senior leadership to enable, empower and develop employees in 13 U.S. and international offices. “Oris’ appointment as Chief People and Inclusion Officer is a testament to his impact on our leagues and teams over the past five years,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “His commitment to developing our employees and driving inclusion at every level of our organization make him uniquely suited for this new role.” Stuart has 20 years of experience as a business executive in diversity and inclusion issues. Prior to joining the NBA in June 2015, he spent two years as a Senior Partner with Korn Ferry, an executive search and talent management firm, where he led its Inclusion and Diversity practice. Previously, Stuart served as the Chief Executive Officer for Global Novations, the world’s leading provider of diversity and inclusion consulting and training solutions. During his tenure with Global Novations, Stuart supported clients across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, guided the expansion of the firm’s technology and consulting platforms, and led its ultimate acquisition by Korn Ferry in 2012. Stuart graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in electrical engineering and holds an MBA from Duke University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Black MBA Association and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization that empowers African-American corporate leaders to make significant and impactful contributions in the global marketplace and their communities. Today the NBA launched “It’s a Whole New Game,” the official spot for the 2019-20 NBA Restart campaign, “Whole New Game,” featuring writer, producer and actress, Issa Rae, who will bring the campaign to life for the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA Season. Aiming to uniquely reconnect fans with a reimagined NBA game, the spot reminds fans all over the world that the pure NBA basketball they know and love is unchanged. “It’s a Whole New Game,” takes place in an empty arena with Rae reflecting on the profound changes the world has been through this year, reminding fans where we left off and building anticipation for the restart of the season. The spot also features highlights of some of the most exciting moments of the 2019-20 season prior to the hiatus. “It’s a Whole New Game” – The Official Spot for the 2019-2020 NBA Restart – https://youtu.be/ysUptlXAMR8 
“It’s a Whole New Game” will be translated in more than 10 languages including Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico) and Thai. #WholeNewGame will feature a series of four spots launching throughout the remainder of the season and will run across TV, digital and social platforms. The campaign will be integrated throughout the NBA Campus in Orlando and will be an integral part of the comprehensive social media activation amplifying user-generated content on @NBA platforms.
LA NBA Y LA PLATAFORMA PARA SMART TV VIDAA ANUNCIAN ACUERDO MULTIANUAL - VIDAA Ofrecerá el NBA League Pass en Modelos de Hisense y Toshiba Iniciando la Temporada 2020-21 - NUEVA YORK, 17 de julio, 2020 – La National Basketball Association (NBA) y VIDAA USA, Inc. anunciaron hoy un acuerdo multianual para hacer que el NBA League Pass, el servicio premium de suscripción a juegos en vivo de la liga, esté disponible para su compra en todos los televisores Hisense y Toshiba a través de la plataforma de TV inteligente VIDAA. A partir de la temporada 2020-21, más de 20 millones de usuarios de televisores inteligentes habilitados con VIDAA en África, Asia-Pacífico, Europa, América Latina y Medio Oriente podrán comprar NBA League Pass y ver cientos de juegos de la NBA en vivo a través de la plataforma VIDAA. "Estoy orgulloso de habernos asociado con la NBA, ya que es una de las ligas más populares del mundo", dijo Guy Edri, vicepresidente ejecutivo de desarrollo de negocios de la plataforma VIDAA. “Nuestra misión es llevar, con solo tocar un botón, el mejor entretenimiento deportivo, tanto global como local, a los aficionados. Haremos posible la mejor experiencia para nuestros consumidores y aficionados de la NBA en todos los rincones del mundo." "Estamos entusiasmados de ofrecer el NBA League Pass a los suscriptores de VIDAA y proporcionar otra plataforma para que nuestros aficionados internacionales experimenten la emoción de la NBA", dijo Matt Brabants, vicepresidente de distribución global de medios y operaciones comerciales de la NBA. "El gran alcance y el fuerte compromiso de VIDAA para promover el NBA League Pass nos ayudarán a seguir haciendo crecer el juego en los mercados prioritarios de todo el mundo". El NBA League Pass da el acceso más completo en vivo y bajo demanda a una temporada completa de juegos de la NBA en alta definición con estadísticas en vivo, audio alternativo y múltiples opciones de visualización. Los suscriptores tendrán acceso a las mejoras de visualización de la próxima generación de League Pass, que incluyen nuevos ángulos de cámara, múltiples transmisiones en el idioma, comentarios de personajes famosos, análisis detallados y gráficos estadísticos e integración en redes sociales. Los usuarios de VIDAA tendrán la opción de comprar una variedad de paquetes de suscripción según su ubicación. En enero, VIDAA anunció el lanzamiento global de una versión completamente renovada de VIDAA, que incluye una nueva interfaz de usuario y la integración de proveedores de contenido, colocando al usuario y sus hábitos en el centro de la experiencia televisiva. La plataforma incorpora un sistema centralizado de gestión de usuarios, publicidad y facturación, que simplifica la experiencia del usuario y proporciona a los clientes una forma más directa de acceder al contenido que disfrutan. Sobre VIDAA VIDAA es un sistema operativo de TV inteligente abierto basado en Linux, actualmente utilizado en televisores Hisense. Establecido en 2014, se ha convertido, en solo seis años, en un fuerte competidor global en el espacio de la plataforma de televisión inteligente. En 2020, VIDAA presentará una interfaz de usuario completamente nueva y renovada llamada 4.0, que coloca a los usuarios y su forma de consumir contenido en el centro del diseño. VIDAA se preinstalará en los nuevos televisores Hisense, así como en los televisores inteligentes Toshiba fabricados por Hisense.
FIVE-STAR RECRUIT JONATHAN KUMINGA SIGNS WITH NBA G LEAGUE NEW YORK, July 16, 2020 – Forward Jonathan Kuminga, a top high school basketball recruit, has signed to play in the NBA G League next season, it was announced today by NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Kuminga is ranked by ESPN as the No. 4 player in the nation and the top player in New Jersey in the Class of 2020. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuminga played at The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, last season after previously attending Huntington Prep School in West Virginia and Our Savior New American School in New York. The NBA G League gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training. Kuminga will have the opportunity to accelerate his on-court development as he learns NBA-style basketball. Kuminga joins Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix and Kai Sotto as top high school recruits from the Class of 2020 who have signed to play in the NBA G League for the 2020-21 season. Five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw will serve as head coach of their team, which will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team.
WNBA’s 2020 REGULAR SEASON TIPS OFF JULY 25 WITH OPENING WEEKEND DEDICATED TO BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT – WNBA Tip-Off 2020 presented by AT&T Highlighted by Two Days of National TV Tripleheaders – – Regular-Season Schedule Will Feature at Least 64 National Telecasts Across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network – NEW YORK, July 13, 2020 – On Saturday, July 25, the WNBA will tip off with back-to-back days of national triple-header telecasts across ABC, ESPN, and CBS Sports Network. The spotlight will be focused on the league’s brightest stars as they bring women’s basketball back with an opening weekend dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement. During the opening weekend, when all 12 teams will be in action, all aspects of the game and player outfitting will be designed to affirm Black Lives Matter and honor victims of police brutality and racial violence. “As we build on the momentum for women’s sports and the WNBA from last season, we’re incredibly grateful to our broadcast partners who have shown a continued commitment to bringing the WNBA to fans across the country on their biggest platforms,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This 2020 WNBA season will truly be one unlike any other, and we’re looking forward to using our collective platform to highlight the tremendous athletes in the WNBA as well as their advocacy for social change.” The league’s 24th season will take place in Bradenton, Florida at IMG Academy, the Official Home of the 2020 WNBA season, and will include a 22-game schedule for each of its 12 teams. The schedule is highlighted by 24 national telecasts across ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, including 12 doubleheaders during the first half of the season. Additionally, CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network will offer 40 telecasts, including 11 doubleheaders and a tripleheader. This year will mark the first time that CBS will broadcast a game on the CBS Television Network, the remaining games will air on CBS Sports Network. Other games slated for NBA TV, as well as games available on WNBA League Pass, will be announced in the coming weeks. Regular-season play is currently scheduled to conclude on Saturday, Sept. 12, and be followed by a traditional playoffs and Finals format. WNBA Tip-Off 2020 presented by AT&T gets underway on July 25 with 2018 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart and the Seattle Storm meeting 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty (12 p.m. ET, ESPN). That game will be followed by a matchup of All-Star-laden teams when the Los Angeles Sparks, led by Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, tip off against Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury (3 p.m. ET, ABC). A matchup of the Indiana Fever vs. the defending champion Washington Mystics rounds out the first day of action (5 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network). Triple-header coverage on Sunday, July 26, tips off at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN) when the Connecticut Sun, which returns to the court after reaching the WNBA Finals in 2019, faces the Minnesota Lynx. The Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces will follow at 3 p.m. ET (ABC) in a rematch of teams that battled to a thrilling, last-second finish in the second round of the playoffs a year ago. A clash between the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream will then cap the day (5 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network). WNBA Tip-Off 2020 presented by AT&T also will highlight the league’s new social justice platform, The WNBA Justice Movement, with a special focus on the Black Lives Matter movement. During the national triple-header telecasts on July 25-26, team uniforms will display Breonna Taylor’s name as WNBA players raise awareness and seek justice for the women and girls who have been the forgotten victims of police brutality and racial violence. Players will individually have the option to continue to wear the placard with Breonna Taylor’s name for subsequent games. Additionally, throughout the season, players will wear warm-up shirts that display “Black Lives Matter” on the front and “Say Her Name” on the back. “Black Lives Matter” will also be prominently displayed on courts during games. “We are beyond excited to have the WNBA resuming play on our family of networks with a 24-game regular season slate,” said Carol Stiff, ESPN’s vice president of programming and acquisitions. “Our continued collaboration with the WNBA has resulted in a schedule that features every team in the league, three appearances by the reigning champion Washington Mystics and the professional debut of No. 1 draft pick Sabrina Ionescu, all further spotlighting the amazing talent that is the WNBA.” "The WNBA features some of the best basketball in the world and we look forward to another fantastic season of the WNBA on CBS Sports Network," said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports. "We are pleased to expand our partnership this season and schedule a game on CBS, as we broaden the reach, bringing the tremendous talent of the league to an even bigger audience. Our 40-game slate, offering national exposure of each game, is very strong, highlighted by young stars and legends, and we are excited to showcase them on CBS Sports." The complete 2020 regular-season schedule is available at wnba.com/schedule and the national telecast schedule is available at wnba.com/national-tv-schedule/. Highlights of the ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 Telecast Schedule - ESPN networks will present 24 regular-season telecasts during the first half of the season – including three games on ABC, six on ESPN, and 15 on ESPN2 – and up to 19 playoff games. ESPN game coverage for the second half of the season will be released at a later date.
- All ESPN telecasts during the regular season and postseason will stream live on the ESPN app.
- ABC, in addition to airing a pair of games on opening weekend, will feature Seattle vs. Phoenix on Saturday, Aug. 8 (3 p.m. ET).
- Los Angeles’ Seimone Augustus, who won four WNBA championships with Minnesota, will meet her former team for the first time on Sunday, Aug. 9 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
- ESPN will highlight four-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith and her new Phoenix teammates, when she squares off against her former team, Dallas, for the first time on Monday, Aug. 10 (7 p.m. ET).
Highlights of the CBS Sports Telecast Schedule - CBS Sports will air 40 regular-season telecasts, including one on CBS Television Network and 39 on CBS Sports Network.
- CBS Sports’ coverage will include 11 games featuring Ionescu’s Liberty squad and seven games taking place during the final week of the season.
- Dallas will appear on CBS Sports Network 10 times; Los Angeles and Seattle will each appear seven times.
- On Saturday, August 29 (4 p.m. ET, CBS Television Network), Ionescu and the Liberty will take on the Las Vegas Aces and two-time league scoring leader Angel McCoughtry.
- On Wednesday, Aug. 26 (10 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network), DeWanna Bonner, now of the Connecticut Sun, will tip off against her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, for the first time after winning two championships in 10 seasons with Phoenix.
The 2020 WNBA Season will mark the second season of the league’s multiyear marquee sponsorship with AT&T. Throughout the season, inaugural WNBA Changemaker AT&T and the WNBA will collaborate on programming to support women in sports and continue to fight for equality for all. As part of the landmark sponsorship, AT&T will be integrated into WNBA.com, the WNBA app, and WNBA social channels as well as with broadcast partners ESPN networks, CBS Sports Network and NBA TV. As a WNBA Changemaker, AT&T will be featured along with Deloitte and Nike on the newly created apron placement designated for WNBA Changemakers. Additionally, AT&T will appear on the backboards throughout the season.
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