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Basketball News
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DALLAS’ KRISTAPS PORZINGIS FINED
NEW YORK, May 25, 2021 – The National Basketball Association has fined Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis $50,000 for violating the rule prohibiting players from going into any bar, club, lounge, or similar establishment, regardless of the player’s vaccination status, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.
Porzingis violated the rule when he attended a club on May 23. In consultation with medical experts, and based on all facts and circumstances, it was determined that his attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine is necessary.
TIES BROKEN FOR ORDER OF SELECTION IN NBA DRAFT 2021 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM
NEW YORK, May 25, 2021 – Six ties among teams with identical regular-season records were broken today through random drawings to determine the order of selection for NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm.
The drawings were conducted by NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations Kiki VanDeWeghe at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey. The tiebreaker process was overseen by Marc Dieli, a representative from the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.
The results of the drawings:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder (22-50) won a tiebreaker with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- The Chicago Bulls (31-41) won a tiebreaker with the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Sacramento and New Orleans, respectively.
- The Charlotte Hornets (33-39) won a tiebreaker with the San Antonio Spurs.
- The New York Knicks (41-31) won a tiebreaker with the Atlanta Hawks.
- The Dallas Mavericks (42-30) won a tiebreaker with the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Los Angeles and Portland, respectively.
- The LA Clippers (47-25) won a tiebreaker with the Denver Nuggets.
NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm will be held on Tuesday, June 22 and air live on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm will take place on Thursday, July 29.
Below is the order of selection for NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm and the probability of being awarded the first overall draft pick for teams in NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm.
2021 FIRST ROUND
Drawings will be conducted at NBA Draft Lottery 2021 presented by State Farm to determine the first four picks in NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm. The remainder of the “Lottery teams” will select in positions 5 through 14 in inverse order of their records in 2020-21 regular-season games. The teams entered in the NBA Draft Lottery and their probability of winning the Lottery are as follows:
Team | Record | Win% | Lottery Probability | ||||
Houston1 | 17-55 | .236 | 14.0% | ||||
Detroit | 20-52 | .278 | 14.0% | ||||
Orlando | 21-51 | .292 | 14.0% | ||||
Oklahoma City | 22-50 | .306 | 11.5% | ||||
Cleveland | 22-50 | .306 | 11.5% | ||||
Minnesota2 | 23-49 | .319 | 9.0% | ||||
Toronto | 27-45 | .375 | 7.5% | ||||
Chicago3 | 31-41 | .431 | 4.5% | ||||
Sacramento | 31-41 | .431 | 4.5% | ||||
New Orleans | 31-41 | .431 | 4.5% | ||||
Charlotte | 33-39 | .458 | 1.8% | ||||
San Antonio | 33-39 | .458 | 1.7% | ||||
Indiana | 34-38 | .472 | 1.0% | ||||
Golden State | 39-33 | .542 | 0.5% |
The order for the remainder of the first-round picks is as follows:
Team | Record | Win% | |||
15. Washington | 34-38 | .472 | |||
16. Boston | 36-36 | .500 | |||
17. Memphis | 38-34 | .528 | |||
18. Miami (to Oklahoma City or Houston)4 | 40-32 | .556 | |||
19. New York | 41-31 | .569 | |||
20. Atlanta | 41-31 | .569 | |||
21. Dallas (to New York) | 42-30 | .583 | |||
22. Los Angeles Lakers | 42-30 | .583 | |||
23. Portland (to Houston) | 42-30 | .583 | |||
24. Milwaukee (to Houston) | 46-26 | .639 | |||
25. LA Clippers | 47-25 | .653 | |||
26. Denver | 47-25 | .653 | |||
27. Brooklyn | 48-24 | .667 | |||
28. Philadelphia | 49-23 | .681 | |||
29. Phoenix | 51-21 | .708 | |||
30. Utah | 52-20 | .722 |
1 This pick may be conveyed to Oklahoma City.
2 This pick may be conveyed to Golden State.
3 This pick may be conveyed to Orlando.
4 This pick will be conveyed to Houston via Oklahoma City, the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and Phoenix or to Oklahoma City via the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.
2021 SECOND ROUND
31. | Houston (to Milwaukee) | ||
32. | Detroit (to New York via the LA Clippers and Philadelphia) | ||
33. | Orlando | ||
34/35. | Cleveland (to New Orleans via Atlanta) | ||
34/35. | Oklahoma City | ||
36. | |||
37. | Toronto (to Detroit via Brooklyn) | ||
38/39/40. | New Orleans1 | ||
38/39/40. | Sacramento | ||
38/39/40. | Chicago2 | ||
41/42. | San Antonio | ||
41/42. | Charlotte (to Detroit via New York) | ||
43. | Washington (to New Orleans via Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Utah) | ||
44. | Indiana (to Brooklyn) | ||
45. | Boston | ||
46. | Memphis (to Toronto via Sacramento) | ||
47. | Golden State (to Toronto via Utah and New Orleans) | ||
48. | Miami (to Atlanta via Sacramento and Portland) | ||
49. | Atlanta (to Brooklyn) | ||
50. | New York (to Philadelphia) | ||
51. | Portland (to Memphis via Dallas, Detroit, and Cleveland) | ||
52. | Los Angeles Lakers (to Detroit via Sacramento, Houston, and Detroit) | ||
53. | Dallas (to New Orleans) | ||
54. | Milwaukee (to Indiana via Houston and Cleveland) | ||
55. | Denver (to Oklahoma City via Golden State and Philadelphia) | ||
56. | LA Clippers (to Charlotte) | ||
57. | Brooklyn (to Charlotte) | ||
58. | Philadelphia (to New York) | ||
59. | Phoenix (to Brooklyn) | ||
60. | Utah (to Indiana) |
[1] This pick may be conveyed to Chicago.
2 This pick may be conveyed to New Orleans.
Note: Teams that finished the regular season with identical records will select in the second round in inverse order of the order in which they select in the first round. With respect to ties between Lottery teams: since the order of selection in the first round for these sets of teams may change based on the results of the Lottery, the order of selection in the second round cannot be determined until after the Lottery is conducted (on June 22, 2021).
NATIONAL BASKETBALL SOCIAL JUSTICE COALITION STATEMENT ON POLICING REFORM LEGISLATION
NEW YORK, May 24, 2021 – On behalf of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, James Cadogan, the Coalition’s Executive Director, released the following statement:
“Almost exactly one year ago, George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis. Like millions around the world, NBA players, coaches, governors, officials, and staff throughout our organizations were outraged to see the horrifying and unlawful actions of the officer who pinned Mr. Floyd’s neck to the ground under his knee for 9 minutes. Mr. Floyd’s death added new fuel to the protests, marches, and urgent calls for racial justice and reform locally and nationally.
“Today, as this painful anniversary approaches, we have an opportunity to honor the memory of Mr. Floyd and others who have been victims of police brutality in this country by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Systemic problems demand systemic solutions. And, because police actions are governed by a diverse array of state laws and local policies, the Floyd Act takes unprecedented strides towards consistency—reforming at a federal level the practices that failed its namesake.
“The bill already passed with a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate where we hope it will have similar bipartisan support as it should and must. As Board Members of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, representing the NBA, the Players Association, the Coaches Association, league staff, and teams in every region of the country, we are calling on our elected representatives of both parties to work together to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the U.S. Senate now and present it to President Biden for him to sign into law this year.
“As members of the NBA family, we will continue to use our influence to support common-sense policy reform in our communities across the nation so that equal justice is afforded to all.”
***
National Basketball Social Justice Coalition
Carmelo Anthony (Portland Trail Blazers)
Avery Bradley (Houston Rockets)
Sterling Brown (Houston Rockets)
Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)
Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Micky Arison (Miami Heat Managing General Partner)
Steve Ballmer (L.A. Clippers Chairman)
Clay Bennett (Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman)
Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks Governor)
Vivek Ranadivé (Sacramento Kings Governor & Chairman)
Coach Lloyd Pierce
Coach Doc Rivers (Philadelphia 76ers)
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum
In 2020, the NBA and NBPA formed the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, an organization that leads the NBA family’s collaborative efforts to address racial and social inequality by advocating for policy change at the national, state, and local level.
NBA FORMS NEW AFRICA ENTITY
AND PARTNERS WITH STRATEGIC INVESTORS
- Helios Fairfax Partners, Yinka Folawiyo Group Chairman and CEO Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo Headline Group of African Business Leaders and NBA Legends
Investing in NBA Africa -
- NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng, Grant Hill, Dikembe Mutombo and Joakim Noah Also Invest in NBA Africa -
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, May 24, 2021 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the formation of NBA Africa, a new entity that will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America. The inaugural BAL season, featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries, is underway in Kigali, Rwanda, and the first BAL Finals will be held Sunday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. CAT / 10 a.m. ET.
The strategic investors include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group; and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Tope Lawani, Co-CEO of HFP and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), HFP’s investment advisor. The investors’ expertise in a wide range of industries and established relationships with African businesses, governments and NGOs will help accelerate the NBA’s growth across the continent. Lawani and Folawiyo will also join the NBA Africa Board of Directors, which is led by NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams and includes NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.
The announcement was made today by Silver, Tatum, Williams, Lawani and Folawiyo, who were joined by NBA Global Ambassador and NBA Africa investor Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in advance of Africa Day, an annual worldwide commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) held on May 25.
In addition to Mutombo, additional investors in NBA Africa include NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill and Joakim Noah.
The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010. Since then, the league’s efforts in Africa have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the launch of the BAL, and more.
The funding will contribute to the growth of the BAL, help expand the NBA’s presence in priority African markets and Africa’s basketball ecosystem, and deepen the league’s engagement with players and fans through initiatives such as the launch of additional NBA Academies and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families, including gender equality and economic inclusion efforts that the NBA and BAL announced in March.
Folawiyo, who is Nigerian, is Chairman and CEO of the Yinka Folawiyo Group, a diversified Nigerian industrial group focused on oil exploration and production, energy trading, shipping and real estate. He is also a former director and minority shareholder of MTN Nigeria, a telecommunications company, and the chairman of Coronation Merchant Bank. A Duke of Edinburgh World Fellow, Folawiyo is active with organizations focused on the education and promotion of young African leaders and entrepreneurs.
HFP is a Canadian-based investment holding company focused on public and private investments in businesses that primarily operate in Africa. HFP was established in 2020 via a business combination between Fairfax Africa Holdings and the management company of Helios Investment Partners, Helios Holdings Limited. HFP’s Co-CEO, Lawani, is a Nigerian businessman with more than 25 years of principal investment experience. He serves on the boards of various listed and privately held businesses, including several leading pan-African companies. A member of the MIT board of trustees and the Harvard Law School Dean’s Advisory Board, Lawani received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from MIT, a JD from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Executive Quotes:
Yinka Folawiyo Group Chairman and CEO Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo:
“Sport has always been a unifier in Africa, and our people have always excelled in most fields, often far from home and against all odds. This is a unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the new economy and develop the business and innovation infrastructure of sports. I am genuinely excited to be in a group that understands this imperative alongside the powerhouse that is the NBA. Bringing world-class know-how together with local nous has been a strong formula for successful global businesses. We foresee this for our partnership. This time, success will be defined not just by return on investment but by sustainable and long-term impact on the lives of our people. That is our aim.”
Helios Fairfax Partners Co-CEO Tope Lawani:
“Throughout Helios’ history, we have bridged international capital and expertise to African talent and enterprise, and this is a unique opportunity for us to do so in the world of sport by partnering with the NBA, a truly best-in-class operator. As a committed and experienced partner for businesses operating across Africa, we look forward to contributing our expertise, connectivity and market knowledge to support NBA Africa’s growth throughout the continent.”
“Today’s announcement is the result of many years of investment and on-the-ground work to grow the game of basketball in Africa and a recognition of the enormous opportunities ahead for the NBA on the continent. We believe that basketball can become a top sport across Africa over the next decade, and I look forward to working closely with our investors to make that goal a reality.”
NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams:
“The successful formation and funding of NBA Africa as a standalone entity is indicative of the rich history of the NBA in Africa, the power of the NBA’s vision for the growth of the game on the continent, and the strong commitment by our outstanding new partners to support that vision. I’d like to thank the entire NBA Africa team, led for the last decade by Amadou Gallo Fall and John Manyo-Plange, for the work they have done to lay the foundation for the game on the continent which has made this milestone possible.”
NBA Global Ambassador and NBA Africa investor Dikembe Mutombo:
“This is a historic day for basketball in Africa, and I’m honored to join this special group of leaders who are committed to the continent and to using the game to improve people’s lives. I’m fortunate to have been among the first players from Africa to make an impact in the NBA, and because of the commitment of these individuals, countless more players will have the opportunity to follow in my footsteps in the years ahead.”
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FIVE-STAR POINT GUARD SCOOT HENDERSON SIGNS WITH NBA G LEAGUE IGNITE
– Ignite Adds Second Top 10 High School Prospect to Roster, Signing No. 7 Player in Class of 2022 –
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 21, 2021 – Sterling “Scoot” Henderson, the top point guard in the class of 2022, has signed with NBA G League Ignite, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced today. Henderson is a consensus five-star recruit and is ranked by ESPN as the No. 7 overall prospect in the class of 2022.
“I’m so excited the G League created this platform. It is truly the best fit for me,” Henderson said. “Since I was a kid, competing at the highest level in the world has been my main goal. Becoming the youngest professional American basketball player is just icing on the cake.”
The Marietta, Ga. product led his Kell High School team to a runner-up finish this season, falling in the state championship game after posting a 22-7 record. Henderson, who is Kell’s all-time leading scorer, averaged 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists en route to claiming Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class 6A Player of the Year honors. He earned Sports Illustrated All-American and MaxPreps Junior All-America First Team honors.
Henderson, who completed his high school coursework this month and will graduate next week, becomes the first player to sign with Ignite for two seasons. He will not be eligible to be drafted into the NBA before 2023.
Henderson joins 2021 top-10 high school prospect Michael Foster Jr. (ESPN No. 7) on Ignite’s newest roster. The first-of-its-kind program, which gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training, is led by five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw and includes a mix of elite youth along with NBA and G League veterans.
PORTLAND’S DAMIAN LILLARD RECEIVES APRIL NBA CARES COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE
– NBA and Kaiser Permanente to Donate $10,000 to Special Olympics Oregon –
NEW YORK, May 21, 2021 – Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has received the April NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente in recognition of his continued efforts to empower young people across Portland, the NBA today announced. Each month the award recognizes a player who best reflects the passion that the league and NBA players share for giving back to their communities.
Since arriving in Portland in 2012, Lillard has focused on investing in and mentoring local high school-aged youth through his RESPECT program that supports, encourages and celebrates three Portland-area high schools – McDaniel, Parkrose and Roosevelt. This year amidst the global pandemic and the new virtual learning environment, RESPECT adjusted to maintain engagement with the students. Lillard committed to video visits to keep in contact with participants remotely and highlighted students and teachers that exemplified the principles of the program through his social media platforms. As schools returned to in-person learning, he provided RESPECT branded face masks for students and staff participating in the programs.
Lillard debuted a special RESPECT edition of his signature Dame7 shoe exclusively for the students in the program. The 500 pairs produced incorporated McDaniel, Parkrose and Roosevelt school colors and featured the three RESPECT principles: Show Up, Work Hard, and Be Kind. Lillard gifted the shoes to RESPECT’s partner schools to reward students who are living out each principle and wore the sneakers several times during the season. In addition to RESPECT, he continued his role as ambassador for the Moda Assist Program in partnership with Moda Health and the Trail Blazers, which donates $20 per assist made during the season to fund the development of all-ability inclusive playgrounds throughout the state of Oregon. This year, the city of Astoria has been selected to receive funds to help build an all-abilities playground and enhance their community.
The six-time NBA All-Star was presented with the award during a special virtual ceremony with league, Kaiser Permanente and Trail Blazers officials on May 19. In addition, Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will donate $10,000 on his behalf to Special Olympics Oregon.
“It’s an honor to receive the NBA Cares Community Assist Award,” said Lillard. “From a young age, my mom and dad taught me about the value of giving back and lifting up others. I’ve been involved with Special Olympics since high school and I’m proud to serve in my role as a Global Ambassador for the organization. Special Olympics is a deserving recipient of this donation as they continue to create a better world of acceptance and inclusion for all people."
Lillard has been a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics since 2013, but his support of the organization dates to his teenage years. Now as a Global Ambassador, Lillard has participated in numerous Special Olympics events during NBA All-Star over the past several years, has served as an honorary coach at the Special Olympics USA Games and World Games and supports all Special Olympics social media campaigns. With Special Olympics Oregon, Lillard has shown consistent support for the local community through hosting basketball camps and participation in fundraising events.
The NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente recognizes an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players share for giving back to their communities. It honors the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece. At the end of the 2020-21 regular season, the Season-long NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner will be announced. To learn more, please visit http://www.nba.com/ Campaign images available here
NBA DEBUTS NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN “THAT’S GAME” AHEAD OF 2021 NBA PLAYOFFS
– Golden Globe and SAG Winner Idris Elba to be Featured as the Voice of the Campaign; Oscar Winning-Producer Jon Batiste to Provide Original Soundtrack –
NEW YORK, May 21, 2021 – The NBA today unveiled “That’s Game,” its new global brand campaign, which will tip off at the start of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, May 22 and continue with the league’s upcoming 75th anniversary season highlighting pivotal moments on-court and beyond, from iconic plays in-arena to the impact players have in the community. The new campaign, created in conjunction with creative agency Translation, demonstrates how the NBA has advanced the game, grown its community and impacted culture throughout the league’s storied history.
“That’s Game” will launch with a series of four television spots narrated by Golden Globe and SAG winning actor, filmmaker, musician and activist Idris Elba set to an original composition by Oscar-winning producer Jon Batiste. Renowned Director Emmanuel Adjei (“Black is King” and “Dark Ballet”) directed the spots, which will air globally in 15 languages, with select markets featuring local celebrities as the voices of the campaign.
“‘That’s Game’ demonstrates more than just the culmination of play – it’s about the moments that have kept fans connected to the game throughout history and will continue to engage them long into the future,” said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Jhaveri. “We are excited to celebrate the incredible plays that leave us in awe and the impactful community work from players and teams, and we look forward to continuing this storytelling into the 75th anniversary season.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the NBA to create ‘That’s Game’ and help tell the story of this game's impact in culture and around the world both on and off the court” said Jason Campbell, Translation Executive Creative Director. “Every hand that contributed to this work understood that truth, and we are excited to continue unpacking its meaning long into the future."
The :60 brand spot revisits transcendent moments that have inspired communities of fans around the world, including raising a championship trophy, a draftee achieving his dream of playing in the pros, making a pregame fashion statement, elevating a social justice movement and other bigger than basketball moments. Highlights include:
The first Playoff spot will continue this trend, reminding fans why NBA playoff moments are so special. The campaign will be supported across high-impact media and celebrated through a number of fan engagement activations, including:
As part of the league’s ongoing social justice commitments, the “That’s Game” campaign will look to tell stories across league and team platforms around our recently announced Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion, investments in Black communities through the NBA Foundation and advocacy for policy change through the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.
The State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament concludes tonight at 9 p.m. ET with the Memphis Grizzlies visiting the Golden State Warriors on ESPN. The 2021 NBA Playoffs tips off tomorrow with a doubleheader on ESPN as the Miami Heat visit the Milwaukee Bucks (2 p.m. E.T.) and the LA Clippers host the Dallas Mavericks (4:30 p.m. ET).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Play-In Game Most-Watched NBA Telecast on ESPN Since 2019 Western Conference Finals: 5,618,000 Viewers
ESPN’s exclusive telecast of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game generated 5,618,000 viewers, making it the largest audience for an NBA game on ESPN since the 2019 Western Conference Finals, according to Nielsen. The telecast peaked with 6,149,000 viewers on ESPN from 12:30-1 a.m. ET.
The Lakers vs. Warriors game, part of the State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament and widely-regarded as an instant classic, was up 190 percent from the single Play-In game on ABC last season. It was the second-most watched NBA game of the 2020-21 season across all networks, only behind the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day game simulcast on ABC and ESPN. It won the night across all of television in every key sales demo.
In addition, ESPN’s early game last night, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs, delivered an average audience of 2,293,000 viewers, making it the third-most watched NBA game on ESPN of the 2020-21 season.
ESPN’s State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament coverage continues with the final Western Conference game on Friday, May 21, at 9 p.m. ET as the Golden State Warriors square off with the Memphis Grizzlies for the final spot in the Western Conference NBA Playoffs.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2020-21 NBA AWARDS NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 – The NBA today announced the finalists for six awards that honor top performers for the 2020-21 regular season: NBA Coach of the Year, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player, Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and Kia NBA Sixth Man.
The three finalists for each annual award, based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, are listed in alphabetical order below:
TNT will announce the winner of each award during its coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Each voter’s complete ballot for each award will be posted at pr.nba.com after the announcement of all end-of-season awards.
ATLANTA’S NATE MCMILLAN FINED
NEW YORK, May 20, 2021 – Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan has been fined $25,000 for detrimental public comments asserting bias by the NBA relating to the 2020-21 Playoffs, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.
McMillan made his remarks to the media on May 19.
“NBABet” Content Initiative to Launch Friday, May 21, with Debut of New Betting-Focused NBA TV Show & Social Handles
NBA, Turner Sports & BetMGM Partner to Launch NBA TV’s First Betting-Focused Studio Show
Action Network to Produce Content, Manage @NBABet Social Media
NBA Digital today announced a new “NBABet” content initiative, which will feature the debut of a weekly NBA TV show and betting-focused content across NBA.com, the NBA App and social platforms.
As part of this multiplatform offering, the NBA, Turner Sports and BetMGM will premiere NBA TV’s first live studio show dedicated to betting-focused information and analysis – NBABet presented by BetMGM – beginning Friday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The 30-minute weekly show launches the day before the NBA Playoffs tip off and will continue through the first two rounds of the Playoffs.
Based out of WarnerMedia Studios in Atlanta, the show's quick-hitting format will feature leaguewide NBA betting analysis and breakdowns from experts across the industry. As the presenting partner of NBABet, BetMGM’s data feed will be integrated and the latest BetMGM NBA odds will be shown throughout each show.
In the second round of the playoffs, NBA.com and the NBA App will feature a new NBABet section, which will include editorial content for fans from content partners such as Action Network, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports, among others. The weekly show will also be available to NBA TV subscribers.
The NBA is also launching a new social media account, @NBABet, which will be programmed by The Action Network. @NBABet will engage NBA fans with video segments, highlights, analysis, insights, trends and more – all from a betting perspective.
Over the past two seasons, NBA Digital has offered NBABet Stream, an alternate betting focused telecast for NBA League Pass and NBA TV subscribers, which has featured betting focused graphics and commentary from experts from Action Network, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports.
About the NBA About Turner Sports
About NBA Digital NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports, including NBA TV, the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA League Pass and NBAGLEAGUE.com.
About The Action Network Launched in October 2018, The Action Network provides premium sports betting analysis, real-time odds and in-depth data and tools via its website and app. Serving millions of users across its web and app platform as well as its social handles, Action has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Business Journal and dozens of other media outlets as the leading source for news, information, and primary data in sports betting. NBA AND VIASAT TO MAKE NBA LEAGUE PASS AVAILABLE TO MILLIONS OF AIRLINE PASSENGERS WHILE IN FLIGHT
JetBlue Will be one of the First Airlines to Offer NBA League Pass to Passengers on Viasat-Equipped Aircraft Flying Around the World
NBA League Pass will be available on any route, except for flights within the U.S., Canada and China
NEW YORK and CARLSBAD, Calif., May 20, 2021 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company and leading in-flight connectivity provider to many of the world’s most recognizable airlines, today announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to make NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, available to millions of airline passengers while in flight. The partnership will provide a streaming experience in the sky, enabling airline passengers to access live and on-demand NBA games and content on their personal electronic devices at no extra cost when they register for NBA League Pass in-flight. JetBlue will be one of the first airlines to offer NBA League Pass on Viasat-equipped aircraft, with additional airlines expected to be announced.
“We are thrilled to provide fans around the world with the unique opportunity to experience the excitement of the NBA on their personal devices while in-flight at 35,000 feet,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Global Media Distribution and Business Operations, Matt Brabants. “By leveraging Viasat’s world-class satellite technology and global reach, we believe this partnership will transform the future of content consumption for airline passengers and allow us to engage millions of new and existing NBA fans in a whole new way.”
“We’re focused on evolving the way passengers enjoy in-flight internet by offering differentiated, premium over-the-top content and streaming experiences,” said Viasat Managing Director, Media & Mobile Applications, Dave Elliot. “We continue to explore and announce new partnerships, like the NBA. The trend to market content - and in this case, league assets - directly to customers is powerful, and offers more opportunity to drive customer acquisition through new business models that haven’t been previously offered through packaged, linear TV viewing.”
NBA League Pass provides the most comprehensive live and on-demand access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition with live stats, alternative audio and multiple viewing options. Passengers on NBA League Pass-enabled flights will be able to use the speed and efficiency of Viasat’s global satellite network to access NBA platforms, create or sign into an existing NBA account, and immediately access League Pass’s Next-Generation game viewing enhancements, including new camera angles, multiple in-language streams, celebrity influencer commentary, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics and condensed games for on-demand viewing.
Viasat serves the world’s leading airlines, elevating the passenger journey with a network that is built to support the rising data requirements of the latest internet, streaming and over-the-top trends, even at 35,000 feet. The Company currently has an international satellite network consisting of owned and partner high-capacity Ka-band satellites to deliver high-quality, fast connectivity - even in the hardest-to-reach places.
About Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat’s Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, Linke
About the NBA The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2020-21 season featured 107 international players from 41 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.9 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.
Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the overall agreement between Viasat and NBA and the offerings and benefits of the partnership, including the features, free access and availability of the service. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations, and increased competition and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS NEW YORK, May 19, 2021 – Of the 496 players tested for COVID-19 since May 12, one new player has returned a confirmed positive test. Anyone who has returned a confirmed positive test, or has been identified as having been in close contact to an infected person, is isolated or quarantined until they are cleared under the rules established by the NBA and the Players Association in accordance with CDC guidance. National Basketball Coaches Association Announces 2021 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award Voted Annually By 30 NBA Head Coaches
New York, May 18, 2021 — Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams is the 2021 recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced today.
The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment and hard work of NBA Head Coaches and is presented annually to a Head Coach who helps guide his players to a higher level of performance on the court and shows outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court. It honors the spirit of Mr. Goldberg, the esteemed long-time Executive Director of the NBCA, who set the standard for loyalty, integrity, love of the game, passionate representation and tireless promotion of NBA coaching. The award is unique in that it is voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams.
The depth of coaching excellence in the NBA is reflected in this year’s voting as a total of 7 Head Coaches received votes. In addition to Williams, the following also garnered votes: Scott Brooks, Michael Malone, Nate McMillan, Doc Rivers, Quin Snyder and Tom Thibodeau.
“Congratulations to Monty Williams on this most deserving recognition,” said Dallas Mavericks Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “In just two years, Monty has taken the Suns from a 19-63 team to the second-best record in the NBA this season and the Suns’ first Divisional title since 2007. To win the vote of our peers makes the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award one of the most meaningful in all of pro sports.”
Coach Williams led the Phoenix Suns to a 51-21 season, the second-best record in the NBA and their first Divisional title since 2007. The Suns were 43-13 since January 28, the NBA’s best record over that span. Phoenix also had the league’s best road record at 24-12. The Suns ranked 7th offensively and 6th defensively, one of only four teams to rank in the Top 10 in both categories. Their winning percentage of .708 is the fifth best in franchise history.
Just two years ago Coach Williams inherited a team that had finished 19-63 and tied for the second worst record in the league. The Suns won 34 games (in a total of just 73 games) in 2019-20, an improvement of 15 games. This year’s squad improved by 17 (in a total of just 72 games), making the Suns just the fifth team in NBA history to improve by 15 games or more in successive seasons. It is just the third time in 45 years that a team has jumped in the standings from the bottom two to the top two in two seasons or less. Coach Williams was named NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month for March.
“I am overjoyed to receive the Michael H. Goldberg Coach of the Year Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association,” said Phoenix Suns Head Coach Monty Williams. “I hold the utmost respect and admiration for the coaches in this league, so to be recognized by my peers is an incredible honor. Every coach in our league sacrifices a ton to make their teams and organizations better, so this is unbelievably humbling.
To be recognized in Mr. Goldberg’s honor is special. He had a unique and kind manner, and cared for all of the coaches deeply. His suspenders and bow ties were always on point.
This award is far bigger than myself and is a result of the work put in everyday by our players, coaching staff, and the entire Suns organization under the leadership of James Jones and Robert Sarver. This has been a unique year in its challenges, and I am grateful for the tremendous spirit with which our players and staff have approached each day to make this a special season – Everything Counts!
In reference to my life and career, God knocks the ball out of the park and I get to run the bases. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to coach this team, alongside this staff, for this organization – it is a get to, not a got to.
To our players and staff, I am so grateful for each one of you. I am blessed to work with you all daily. You truly have made me a better man.”
“I was very fortunate to have had Michael Goldberg as one of my mentors,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Monty Williams embodies the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Coach Williams’ hard work and devotion to his craft led to a remarkable season for the Suns. Congratulations to Coach Williams, the Suns Assistant Coaches, and the entire staff. This honor is most deserved.”
In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing NBCA foundation, he guided it during the years of the greatest growth in professional basketball. He helped gain significant benefits for NBA Coaches, including increased retirement funds and disability insurance. Prior to the NBCA, Goldberg was General Counsel of the American Basketball Association.
The prior recipients of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award are:
The NBA will announce the winner of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the NBA’s Coach of the Year during its coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
About the NBCA: The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) is the labor association that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1976 by legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession.
For further information:
Contact: David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel, 212-424-0100 Ext. 28, david.fogel@nbacoaches.com or Brian McIntyre, 201-699-2696, bmcintyre48@gmail.com.
For more on the NBA Coaches Association visit: http://www.nbacoaches.com.
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