Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
April 2025 (Game 1 postgame)
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the defense was good enough to win but called the offense the worst of the season after a 10-point loss to Golden State.
Udoka declined to overreact, noting five players were making playoff debuts. He stressed better shot selection and ball movement are key for Game 2 improvements.
Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm)
Declared April 19, 2025; NBA Draft set for June 25–26
Projected top-20 pick Essengue officially enters the 2025 NBA Draft. Ranked No. 17 by ESPN, he’s aiming to rise into the top 10.
The 6’10” forward impressed with elite defensive versatility, athleticism, and maturity in EuroCup and BBL play. At just 18, he’s already competed with France’s senior national team and is praised for guarding 1–5.
Rob Pelinka (Los Angeles Lakers)
Contract extension and title change announced April 19, 2025
Pelinka signs a multiyear extension and is promoted to president of basketball operations while retaining GM duties.
Pelinka has led the Lakers to four playoff appearances and an NBA title (2020) since joining in 2017. This season, he landed Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal, positioning the franchise for long-term success.
Mat Ishbia (Phoenix Suns Owner)
April 2025, following Suns’ 36-46 season and missing playoffs
Ishbia called the 2024-25 campaign “embarrassing” and “a failure,” citing poor effort, no identity, and misaligned roster decisions. Coach Mike Budenholzer was fired, and further changes are expected.
Ishbia pledged to reshape the team culture around grit, passion, and work ethic. Devin Booker remains untouchable, while Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal’s futures are uncertain amid trade speculation. The Suns will now search for their fourth coach in four seasons.
NBA officials
April 16, 2025 – Game played April 15
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed two incorrect calls and two missed calls in the final 2 minutes of Golden State’s 121-116 win over Memphis.
Wrong foul call on Brandin Podziemski and incorrect out-of-bounds ruling favored the Warriors. Missed foul on Draymond Green and offensive goaltending by Zach Edey also noted. One correct call: Memphis 5-second violation.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025
Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth last week, citing internal dysfunction and a need to “rejuvenate” the team’s energy ahead of the playoffs—despite their recent success and 2023 championship.
Kroenke said long-standing disagreements between Malone and Booth created a toxic environment. He made the move after an eight-game win streak masked deeper issues. Ben Tenzer has been named interim GM as Denver begins its playoff run as the 4th seed.
Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns)
April 2025
The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing 36–46 season and failure to make the playoffs, despite holding the NBA’s largest payroll.
Budenholzer struggled to connect with the roster, including star Devin Booker. The Suns became just the third team in history to start 8–1 and still miss the postseason. Phoenix will begin a wide-ranging coaching search and explore offseason trades involving Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal as the franchise prepares to retool around Booker.
Nico Harrison, Luka Doncic, (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
April 2025
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison doubled down on his controversial decision to trade franchise star Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, citing a long-term philosophy that “defense wins championships.”
The move, made without consulting Doncic, Mark Cuban, or Dirk Nowitzki, has been met with fan outrage and criticism. Harrison believes Davis and Irving form a “championship-caliber” core, despite injuries derailing a 39–43 season. He remains confident the team’s new defensive identity will win back trust.
Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
April 2025
Trae Young was ejected from Atlanta’s 120–95 play-in loss to Orlando after receiving two technical fouls—one for firing a pass at a referee and another for kicking the ball away, actions the NBA deemed as “making a mockery of the game.”
Frustrated with what he felt was inconsistent officiating, Young said he acted to defend teammates like Dyson Daniels. Despite leading all scorers with 28 points, his ejection came with 4:47 left and Atlanta trailing by 22. The Hawks will face the winner of Bulls vs. Heat for the No. 8 seed.
Joe Dumars (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 2025
Hall of Famer Joe Dumars is finalizing a deal to become the New Orleans Pelicans’ new president of basketball operations, replacing David Griffin after the team’s 21–61 season.
Dumars brings a championship pedigree as both player and executive, having built the 2004 Pistons title team. He will work closely with GM Bryson Graham and coach Willie Green, and address Zion Williamson’s uncertain future after years of injuries.
