Wednesday wasn’t short of interesting NBA news. RJ Barrett declared for the draft, LeBron James was surprised to learn of Magic Johnson’s resignation and there was even some news regarding Anthony Davis’ future plans.
Duke freshman Barrett declares for NBA draft | ESPN
Duke forward RJ Barrett announced that he will enter the NBA Draft this June following his freshman year with the Blue Devils. Barrett plans to hire an agent but has not yet chosen one.
“It was amazing to play for Coach K, play for the brotherhood,” Barrett said in a video posted to Twitter and Instagram. “It was a dream of mine to play at Duke ever since I was a young kid. It’s also a dream of mine to play in the NBA and have great success there. …
I want to thank God, my family, my coaches and everyone that has helped me reach this decision 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/z3GwdcV2ht
— Rj Barrett (@RjBarrett6) April 10, 2019
Sources: Magic exit stuns LeBron; Pelinka to stay | ESPN
Magic Johnson decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and this decision shocked LeBron James.
Thank you to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, General Manager Rob Pelinka, Coach Luke Walton, the Lakers players & the entire basketball operations staff for the tremendous opportunity to serve as the President of Basketball Operations for the @Lakers. I will always be a Laker for life.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 10, 2019
Davis has no regrets | ESPN
Anthony Davis decided to leave the New Orleans Pelicans months ago and didn’t even play frequently for the team in the second part of the season but he did acknowledge he could start next season in New Orleans, after all.
“I’m under contract still,” Davis said during an end-of-year news conference on Wednesday. “I have a year left. Obviously, it’s a possibility it could happen. I don’t have ill will towards anybody. I know that it’s a possibility that next year I could be here as well. So I can’t be mad if I’m here next year.”
Anthony Davis said he doesn’t regret asking for a trade from the Pelicans, but acknowledges there is still a possibility he could start next season in New Orleans. (via @NickFriedell)https://t.co/2a8vUM1ecu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 10, 2019
Sources: Bower gets Suns front-office VP job | ESPN
According to the sources close to ESPN, former New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons general manager Jeff Bower agreed to a deal to become the Phoenix Suns next senior vice president of basketball operations.
Jeff Bower has agreed to a deal to become the Senior VP of Basketball Operations with the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell ESPN. Bower has been to the playoffs as a GM with Detroit and New Orleans.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2019
Griffin doubtful for Pistons in win-and-in scenario | ESPN
Blake Griffin spent only 18 minutes on the floor in the win over the Phoenix Suns but the Detroit Pistons will need him in the regular season finale against the New York Knicks. Griffin is struggling with a knee injury over the past few days. The Pistons could make it to the playoffs with a defeat to the Knicks and would certainly like to have Griffin on the floor.
The Pistons list Blake Griffin as DOUBTFUL to play tonight against the Knicks. The @hornets need a Pistons loss, as well as a Charlotte win over the Magic, to get the last playoff spot.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) April 10, 2019
