Basketball

Deandre Ayton is embracing a fresh start with the Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Center Deandre Ayton made a promise to Portland Trail Blazers fans as the team embarks on a season of uncertainty. “I bring dominance,” he said. “My name is DominAyton.

Oct 6, 2023 11:35 AM Read more >

Barnes set for bigger role playing facilitator in new Raptors offence under Rajakovic

Scottie Barnes's chance to be the point guard he's long viewed himself as might have arrived.

Oct 6, 2023 4:00 AM Read more >

Gradey Dick looking to soak up knowledge in first NBA pre-season training camp

BURNABY, B.C. — Gradey Dick is doing his best to take it all in. The Raptors' first round pick, 13th overall, from the 2023 draft is taking part in his first pre-season camp as an NBA player in Burnaby, B.C. and looking to learn.

Oct 5, 2023 4:05 PM Read more >

Joel Embiid decides to play for USA - not France - in Paris Olympics

Joel Embiid will wear red, white and blue in Paris next summer — not rouge, blanc and bleu.

Oct 5, 2023 2:46 PM Read more >

Bucks' Middleton remains limited in practice, but he's optimistic about starting the season on time

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton remains limited in practice but said Thursday he's hopeful about starting the season on time as he recovers from surgery on his right knee.

Oct 5, 2023 1:11 PM Read more >

Timberwolves top Mavericks 111-99 in NBA preseason opener in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in 17 minutes, Naz Reid added 16 and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Dallas Mavericks 111-99 in the first NBA preseason game of the year Thursday.

Oct 5, 2023 12:50 PM Read more >

Suns, Mercury owner Mat Ishbia to spend $100 million on Mercury practice facility, employee campus

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia announced on Thursday he's spending upwards of $100 million to build a dedicated practice facility for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and a downtown campus for Suns and Mercury employees.

Oct 5, 2023 11:33 AM Read more >

Otto Porter Jr. returns to Raptors healthy and looking to make impression

BURNABY, B.C. — Otto Porter Jr.'s first season as a Toronto Raptor lasted eight games. Since his season-ending surgery on his left foot on Jan. 10, 2022, the team's head coach has been replaced and iconic, veteran players have departed.

Oct 5, 2023 9:12 AM Read more >

Jrue Holiday lands in Boston, bringing 'electricity' to practice and championship goals

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics' typically straight-faced basketball boss Brad Stevens couldn’t hide his smile after watching just one practice with Jrue Holiday on the team. “We made a thousand mistakes.

Oct 4, 2023 4:24 PM Read more >

Chet Holmgren adds a 'new dynamic' to the Thunder after missing last season with a foot injury

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thunder general manager Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault are trying to control the hype about Chet Holmgren’s return, saying it’s not fair to expect too much from a player who has been out for more than a year with a foot inj

Oct 4, 2023 2:55 PM Read more >