Off-Court & Press

Adelman Sets Tone for New Era as Nuggets Head Coach

David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

David Adelman was officially introduced as the Denver Nuggets’ new full-time head coach, emphasizing fitness, adaptability, and deeper playoff preparation after replacing Michael Malone.
Adelman, promoted after a second-round playoff exit, stressed better conditioning and openness to new ideas. He’ll also be involved in GM selection as Denver looks to raise its ceiling and strengthen bench depth behind Nikola Jokic and the core five.

Daniels Makes History with NBA All-Defensive First Team Nod

Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
2024-25 NBA Season

Dyson Daniels became the first Australian Boomer named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, capping a breakout season with three postseason awards: All-Defensive honors, Most Improved Player, and the league steals title.
Nicknamed “Great Barrier Thief,” the 6’7” guard averaged 3 steals and 14 points per game after a mid-season trade from New Orleans. His defensive instincts and effort have drawn league-wide recognition and positioned him as a core piece of Australia’s basketball future alongside Josh Giddey.

David Adelman Named Permanent Nuggets Head Coach After Playoff Run

David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

The Denver Nuggets have officially promoted David Adelman to head coach, removing his interim tag after he led the team to a Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals against top-seeded Oklahoma City. Adelman took over following the surprise firing of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with just three regular-season games remaining.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke praised Adelman’s leadership and relationship with players, especially Nikola Jokić, saying he preferred Adelman’s internal knowledge over hiring an outsider. Adelman had been Malone’s top assistant for eight years and guided the Nuggets through a turbulent yet promising postseason. Kroenke also acknowledged the team’s depth concerns and hinted at the need for offseason improvement despite limited draft capital.

NBA Fines Thunder’s Jalen Williams for Profane Shirt

Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
May 2025

The NBA fined Jalen Williams $25,000 for wearing a shirt with profane language during his postgame media appearance following OKC’s Game 7 win over Denver.
Williams wore a shirt that read “F— art, let’s dance” after scoring 24 points in the decisive win. The league issued the fine for violating media attire rules.

Michael Malone Joins ESPN for Western Conference Finals Coverage

Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets > ESPN)
May 2025

Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN’s NBA Countdown team for the Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Malone, fired by Denver just before the playoffs despite leading the team to their first NBA title in 2023, will contribute on-site alongside Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins, and Shams Charania. He replaces his coaching duties with a studio analyst role.

Phoenix Suns Face Fourth Employee Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation and Discrimination

Gene Traylor (Phoenix Suns)
May 2025

Suns director of safety Gene Traylor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging retaliation, harassment, and discrimination after flagging multiple security and reputational risks within the organization. This is the fourth such lawsuit filed by a current or former Suns employee in seven months.
Traylor alleges he was demoted after presenting internal security failures and was discouraged from taking medical leave during cancer treatment. He joins several others claiming toxic workplace conditions, despite the NBA-mandated reforms following the Robert Sarver misconduct scandal.

Draymond Green Fined $50K for Referencing Game 3 Point Spread

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Green was fined $50,000 for making a comment referencing the 5.5-point spread during Game 3 vs. the Timberwolves, which the NBA deemed as questioning officiating integrity.
After fouling out late in the game, Green was seen mouthing “5.5” on camera as the Wolves led by eight. The game ended 102-97, narrowly within the spread. This adds to Green’s record $992,000 in career fines.

Nike’s Phil Knight Rules Out Buying Trail Blazers Amid Sale Process

Portland Trail Blazers
May 2025

Nike co-founder Phil Knight has officially ruled out buying the Portland Trail Blazers, stating age and reduced interest as reasons, despite past efforts. The team is now formally up for sale per the late Paul Allen’s will.
Allen’s estate has engaged Allen & Company and Hogan Lovells to oversee the sale, aiming to fulfill the directive to channel proceeds into philanthropy. NBA and Oregon officials are urging the franchise remain in Portland.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Open to Considering Future Outside Milwaukee

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
May 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his career following the Bucks’ third straight first-round playoff exit. League sources say teams will intensify inquiries about his availability during this week’s NBA Draft Combine.
Despite being under contract through 2027-28, Antetokounmpo’s concerns over Milwaukee’s limited title window and depleted assets are fueling speculation. While the Bucks have a few free agency tools and draft options, roster-building flexibility is minimal. Internal meetings with Giannis’ camp are expected this summer.

Pat Riley Reflects on Jimmy Butler’s Exit and Miami’s Future

Pat Riley (Miami Heat), Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Pat Riley spoke for the first time since Jimmy Butler’s trade to Golden State, acknowledging Butler’s impact, the strained relationship, and Miami’s decision not to extend his contract. Riley emphasized the need for offseason changes.
Riley cited last year’s contract standoff and Butler’s public remarks as turning points. He took responsibility for the outcome, declined to apologize for rejecting the extension, and confirmed Miami will pursue roster changes after a disappointing playoff sweep.

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