Jalen Williams
April 2026
Oklahoma City guard-forward Jalen Williams left Game 2 against Phoenix with a left hamstring injury, creating a major concern despite the Thunder taking a 2-0 series lead. Reuters confirmed the injury after the game. Williams had 19 points before exiting in the third quarter. Coach Mark Daigneault said the team will evaluate him over the coming days, with no immediate timeline given.
Keldon Johnson
April 2026
Keldon Johnson has been named the NBA’s 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year after playing all 82 games off the bench for San Antonio. He becomes only the second Spur to win the award after Manu Ginobili. Johnson averaged 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds while setting a Spurs record for points scored as a reserve in a season. He beat finalists Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the honor.
Victor Wembanyama
April 2026
Victor Wembanyama has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after falling face-first during San Antonio’s playoff loss to Portland. His status for Game 3 is uncertain and looks doubtful given the timing and protocol steps required. Wembanyama was fouled, could not brace his fall, and hit the floor with his jaw. Coach Mitch Johnson said the Spurs will follow the league process, which includes at least 48 hours of recovery before further testing and clearance.
Billy Donovan
April 2026
Billy Donovan has resigned as Chicago Bulls head coach after six seasons, choosing to step aside rather than continue under a new basketball operations structure. Donovan and the Bulls agreed it was best for the incoming front-office leadership to choose its own staff. Chicago had already fired Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, and Donovan said the decision followed extensive talks with ownership about the franchise’s future.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
April 2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, beating Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray for the Jerry West Trophy. The NBA said Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 175 clutch points and helped Oklahoma City go 20-7 in clutch games he played. The finalists were chosen by coaches, with the final vote coming from a media panel.
Victor Wembanyama
April 2026
Victor Wembanyama has won the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and, at age 22, became the youngest player ever to receive it. AP also reported that he was a unanimous winner. Wembanyama led the league in blocked shots for a third straight season and finished ahead of Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson. The win also made him only the third player, after Michael Jordan and David Robinson, to win both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year
Kevin Durant
April 2026
Kevin Durant missed Houston’s playoff opener against the Lakers because of a bruised right knee suffered in practice. The Rockets still believe it may only cost him one game. Udoka said Durant tested the knee but did not feel well enough to play because of pain and restricted movement. Scans found no structural damage, and Houston remain hopeful he can return quickly as the series continues.
Kevin Durant
April 2026
Kevin Durant missed Game 1 of Houston’s playoff series against the Lakers with a right knee injury suffered in practice. The Rockets do not believe it is a long-term problem, but they had to begin the series without their leading scorer. Ime Udoka said Durant tested the knee but could not move comfortably enough to play. Houston hopes the issue is only worth one game, and Reed Sheppard stepped into the lineup while the Lakers also continue without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Steve Kerr
April 2026
Steve Kerr says he is undecided on whether he will return as Warriors coach next season after Golden State were knocked out of the play-in tournament. He said the run may continue, but it may also be over. Kerr plans to take a week or two, then meet with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the next step. He stressed he still loves coaching, but also acknowledged that every job eventually reaches its end.
J.B. Bickerstaff
April 2026
J.B. Bickerstaff has been named the 2026 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year after leading Detroit to a 60-22 season, the best record in the Eastern Conference and one of the biggest turnarounds in franchise history. The award is voted on by fellow NBA head coaches, making it one of the most respected coaching honours in the league. Detroit also posted its first 60-win season since 2005-06, and Bickerstaff became the first coach ever to take a franchise from 60 losses to 60 wins in a two-season span.
