Off-Court & Press

Atkinson Wins NBA Coach of the Year After Transforming Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025

In his debut season, Kenny Atkinson led the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the East, earning him NBA Coach of the Year honors. He received 59 of 100 first-place votes, surpassing former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Houston’s Ime Udoka.
Atkinson reshaped rotations to elevate Evan Mobley, reduced star workloads, and used training camp to install a faster, team-oriented style. His system produced three All-Stars and a record-setting sweep over Miami in Round 1.

Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Coach, Moves to Full-Time Front Office Role

Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025

Legendary coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the Spurs, transitioning to a full-time president of basketball operations role after health setbacks and nearly three decades on the bench.
Popovich, 76, cited the physical demands of coaching and his recent stroke as reasons for the move. Mitch Johnson, interim coach since November, will now take over permanently, continuing Popovich’s legacy with the team.

Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Coach, Stays On as Team President

Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025

NBA Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 27 seasons. He transitions to a full-time role as team president of basketball operations while Mitch Johnson is promoted to permanent head coach.
Citing the physical toll of coaching and his recovery from a mild stroke, Popovich chose to step away from the bench. He’ll remain closely involved in day-to-day franchise decisions, continuing to shape the Spurs’ future with Victor Wembanyama and the new leadership core.

Lakers’ Early Playoff Exit Leaves Bettors Empty-Handed

Los Angeles Lakers
May 2025 (NBA Playoffs)

The Lakers, the most heavily bet-on team to win the NBA Finals this season, were eliminated in the first round by the Timberwolves, dashing hopes for bettors who placed massive wagers after the Luka Doncic trade.
After their title odds shortened from 40-1 to 13-1 post-trade, sportsbooks like ESPN BET and FanDuel saw surges in Lakers bets, including a $100,000 Finals wager at 10-1. Their early exit means sportsbooks retain the bulk of that betting volume.

Redick Calls for Conditioning Overhaul After Lakers Exit

JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
May 2025 (Postseason Exit)

Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for better offseason conditioning after a 4-1 first-round loss to Minnesota, citing poor fourth-quarter performances as a key issue.
Redick said some players lacked championship-level fitness and GM Rob Pelinka highlighted the lack of size post-Doncic trade, promising to add a center. Pelinka also reaffirmed commitment to LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.

Suns Promote Brian Gregory to GM as James Jones Moves to Advisory Role

Brian Gregory (Phoenix Suns)
May 2025 (Offseason Transition)

The Phoenix Suns have promoted VP Brian Gregory to general manager, with former GM James Jones shifting to a senior advisory role as part of a broader basketball operations overhaul.
Owner Mat Ishbia praised Gregory’s scouting role in recent drafts and cited his basketball IQ as key to transforming the team. The Suns are also searching for a new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer following an 11th-place finish.

Dyson Daniels Wins NBA’s 2024–25 Most Improved Player Award

Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
April 2025

Daniels was named NBA Most Improved Player after leading the league with 229 steals and averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, showing major offensive growth while anchoring the Hawks’ defense.
After arriving in a trade from New Orleans, the 22-year-old flourished alongside Trae Young, improving his shooting to 49.3% and becoming only the fifth player to average 14+ points, 5+ rebounds, 4+ assists, and 3+ steals in a season.

Luka Doncic Funds Restoration of Vandalized Kobe & Gigi Mural

Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
April 2025

Luka Doncic donated $5,000 to fully fund the restoration of the “Mambas Forever” mural in LA, which was vandalized. The mural honors Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi.
The mural’s artist launched a GoFundMe after the vandalism; Doncic paid the full amount. He said giving back to the community is important. The act has been praised by fans and the artist.

Kings Finalize Multiyear Deal with Doug Christie as Head Coach

Sacramento Kings (Doug Christie)
April 2025

The Kings are finalizing a multiyear deal to make interim coach Doug Christie their permanent head coach after his 27-24 record since taking over in December.
Christie improved Sacramento’s clutch-time performance and offensive efficiency, though the team stumbled late in the season. He’s expected to restructure his coaching staff in the offseason.

Stephen Curry Wins NBA’s 2024-25 Teammate of the Year Award

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
April 2025

Stephen Curry was named the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, honoring his selfless play, leadership, and mentorship on and off the court.
Curry narrowly defeated Steven Adams and Jalen Brunson in player voting, earning 66 first-place votes and 1,257 points for his commitment to team values and role-model behavior.

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