Tag: NBA

De’Andre Hunter undergoes surgery for retinal detachment, expected out with update in eight weeks

De’Andre Hunter
February 2026

De’Andre Hunter was diagnosed with a retinal detachment after an earlier left-eye issue and underwent surgery, with the team expecting a full recovery and providing a medical update in roughly eight weeks. Hunter exited a February 6 game with eye trouble, was later re-evaluated, then had the procedure performed in Roseville; the injury adds to Sacramento’s hit list after recent season-ending issues elsewhere on the roster.

Pat Riley statue to be unveiled at Lakers arena, first coach honored in bronze

Pat Riley
February 2026

The Lakers will unveil a Pat Riley statue outside Crypto.com Arena, making him the first coach honored in the franchise’s statue lineup after leading the Showtime era and winning four titles as head coach. The tribute recognizes Riley’s role in shaping the Lakers’ identity in the 1980s, including multiple Finals runs, the defensive standards he demanded, and the “threepeat” legacy he popularized, placing him alongside the franchise’s most iconic figures.

Trae Young nears Wizards debut as Anthony Davis remains out and set for reevaluation

Trae Young, Anthony Davis
February 2026

Washington said Trae Young is increasing on-court work as he recovers from an MCL sprain and thigh bruise, while Anthony Davis is still not practicing after hand ligament damage and will be reevaluated in two weeks. The Wizards acquired Young and Davis in separate trades this winter. Young last played Dec. 27 and will ramp up activity before a check next week, while Davis last played Jan. 8 and recently consulted hand specialist Steven Shin in Los Angeles before continuing rehab in Washington.

Cooper Flagg ruled out at Minnesota as Mavericks extend skid and monitor midfoot sprain

Cooper Flagg
February 2026

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg will miss Dallas’ first game after the All-Star break at Minnesota due to a left midfoot sprain, after also missing the Rising Stars event and the last game before the break. Jason Kidd said Flagg is day-to-day, with an MRI confirming the injury sustained at Phoenix on Feb. 10. Dallas carried a nine-game losing streak into the break, their longest since 1998, and Flagg has been seen managing the injury during the downtime.

Warriors eye Porzingis debut vs Celtics as Curry’s knee setback clouds return

Kristaps Porzingis
February 2026

Golden State expect Kristaps Porzingis to debut against Boston, but Stephen Curry may miss additional time after being unable to take part in a live scrimmage due to a knee issue, with another MRI possible. Kerr said Curry was “not where he needed to be” and the team would reassess after more treatment, potentially consulting Dr. Rick Celebrini and considering additional imaging. Porzingis, acquired at the deadline in a deal involving Kuminga, has managed illness and Achilles tendonitis and is averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games.

Ja Morant sidelined at least two more weeks; Caldwell-Pope set for finger surgery

Ja Morant
February 2026

Memphis said Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks while rehabbing a sprained UCL in his left elbow, with discomfort still present. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will have surgery on his right pinky, with a recovery timeline to follow. Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks after continued rehab. He has played 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. Memphis kept him through the deadline but moved Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.

Kyrie Irving ACL tear ends season as Mavericks pivot to Cooper Flagg era

Kyrie Irving
February 2026

Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL and will miss the season, the first full-season absence of his 15-year career. Dallas is set to build around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg with Irving expected to stay engaged as a mentor during rehab. The injury landed amid major roster upheaval after the Doncic trade, a brief and disrupted Davis stint, and a further pivot away from that move. Dallas plans to re-center the project on Flagg, with team leadership highlighting Irving’s influence and ongoing involvement while he recovers.

Mike Conley returns to Timberwolves on minimum after being traded twice and waived

Mike Conley Jr
February 2026

Mike Conley has re-signed with Minnesota on a minimum contract after being traded to the Bulls, moved to the Hornets, then waived. The sequence made him eligible to return to the Timberwolves. Minnesota reduced its luxury tax position by moving Conley’s original salary, then brought him back cheaply, gaining cap flexibility that helped enable a separate guard acquisition. Conley’s on-court role has dipped, but he remains valued for leadership.

Nuggets coaching icon Doug Moe dies at 87 after cancer battle

Doug Moe
February 2026

Longtime coach Doug Moe has died after a long cancer battle. He coached 15 NBA seasons, won NBA Coach of the Year in 1988, and is remembered for high-scoring motion offense with the Nuggets in the 1980s. Moe’s death was confirmed via his son informing friends, with tributes noting his influence on a notable decade in Nuggets history and his distinctive bench personality and style of play.

Wembanyama’s All-Star intensity sparks renewed competitiveness debate

Victor Wembanyama
February 2026

Wembanyama drew attention for his competitive approach in the All-Star format, showing visible frustration in defeat and vowing to restore intensity to the exhibition spectacle through effort and defensive commitment. He defended possessions aggressively and played with playoff-level energy, influencing teammates to raise effort levels. His attitude reignited debate around All-Star competitiveness and reinforced his growing leadership influence within the league.

POPULAR ARTICLES