Czar on Ukraine

When we last spoke with former NBA coach and NBA TV analyst Mike Fratello this spring, he was slowly trying to piece together a plan to conduct training camp for his summer job — coaching the Ukraine national team. It wasn’t easy.

FIBA World Cup

Two years ago, big man Anthony Davis was an afterthought for Team USA. Now, thanks to his quick development and a rash of absences, Davis is front and center in the team's quest for a gold medal, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Rondo, Celtics plan to stay the course despite rumors

Sources: Rondo, Celtics plan to stay the course despite rumors

Clark with champs

Free-agent forward Earl Clark, who followed up a breakthrough year with the Lakers by bouncing between the Cavaliers and Knicks last year, will be working out this week for the defending champion Spurs, a source told Sporting News.

Rondo rumors

Rumors involving Rajon Rondo are nothing new, but sources tell SN's Sean Deveney that nothing has changed when it comes to the plans of both the Celtics and their oft-discussed point guard — the focus remains on 2015.

Team USA threats

Action for Rose

Rose is ready for international competition, and his knees are fine, thank you very much. Now, he will prove it.

Team USA threats

Defections and injuries are the story of Team USA's prep work for the FIBA World Cup. SN's Sean Deveney says upset are possible upsets and lays out the biggest threats ahead of Saturday's start in Spain.

Rose back

Anderson found, forgave parents who abandoned him

GM: 'No reason' to sign and trade for Monroe, Bledsoe

Restricted free agents

Greg Monroe and Eric Bledsoe have found restricted free agency cold and unwelcoming. One GM told SN's Sean Deveney there is "no reason" to trade for Monroe or Bledsoe at this point, making their qualifying offers the best option.

For Rose and Team USA, knee pain and questions linger

Rose sits out

Derrick Rose is trying to come back from a pair of knee injuries; if he can do so, he would be a nice story line for Team USA at the World Cup. But after he missed two practices and Wednesday's exhibition, questions persist.

With shaky roster, crucial Team USA stretch starts with final cuts

Summer Conversation

Former NBA player Derek Anderson has always worn a bright smile, but for years he hid a secret about his parents, who abandoned him at an early age. He discusses it all with SN's Sean Deveney.

Team USA

USA Basketball has won its last three tournaments, and has gone 33-1 in the Krzyzewski-Colangelo era. But with pull-outs and injuries, the current team faces a steep challenge that starts with final cuts, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

With age-limit changes on deck, NBA sources provide perspective

Age limit

The NBA's players association finally has a new director, and one of the first items on her list will be how to handle a volatile age-limit issue. A variety of league sources give SN's Sean Deveney their thoughts on the issue.

Team USA roster looks to be big on little guys

Team USA's choices

The Americans have no shortage of guards, including Kyrie Irving, but a relatively short list of frontcourt options on their World Cup squad. How is the roster shaping up so far? SN's Sean Deveney offers his selections.

Remembering Jordan and the 1984 Olympic trials

Team USA 1984

It was, arguably, the greatest collection of amateur talent assembled, featuring Hall of Famers, legendary coaches and, of course, Michael Jordan. SN's Sean Deveney delves into the 1984 Olympic basketball trials.

Love rumors

The Kevin Love trade is likely to end up as a three-team deal, sources told SN's Sean Deveney.

Love's turnstile defense leaves door open for criticism

Love weakness

Kevin Love is a hot topic on the trade market. Because of that, Love assessments are prevalent. To measure his value, SN's Sean Deveney talks to league officials with no connection to the Love sweepstakes.

For Monroe and Bledsoe, restricted free-agent blues continues

Restricted free agents

Restricted free agency has a history of slow going, even for the best young prospects. For Detroit's Greg Monroe and Phoenix's Eric Bledsoe, that lesson is being driven home as their options dry up, writes SN's Sean Deveney.

Just where have all the shooting guards gone?

Shooting guards

There is a general dearth of quality shooting guards in today's NBA. And even those at the top of the position, don't play it in a traditional sense. SN's Sean Deveney talked with several former two-guards about this shift.

Improving Hornets get their man in Stephenson

Free agency

It was a tenuous recruitment, one that culminated in a late-night negotiating session here, but in the end, the Hornets got their man. They signed guard Lance Stephenson to a three-year contract worth $27 million, sources told SN's Sean Deveney.

Doc's outlook

Doc's outlook

The Clippers’ ownership situation remains in flux, which in turn has created a hassle for coach/team president Doc Rivers.

After the madness, an NBA free-agency refresher

Free agency

LeBron is in Cleveland. Melo is back in New York. And Chris Bosh is in Miami. You're sure to know about those three signings by now, so SN's Sean Deveney provided a free-agency refresher on other transactions.

Source: Hornets, Mavericks, Pacers interested in Stephenson

Anthony is a Knick, and Phil's wait till 2015 begins

Next for Knicks

Carmelo Anthony's new Knicks deal is nice, but it's about the near future. GM Phil Jackson's roster reconstruction will have to wait until 2015. SN's Sean Deveney says the team's motto is simple: Wait 'til next year.

Source: Wiggins assured he'll stay in Cleveland; Love market dwindles

Love limits

The Cavaliers are said to be willing to a deal for Kevin Love, but No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins has been assured he would not be included in any such trade, a source told Sporting News.

James decision to join Cavaliers leaves NBA scrambling

Love limits

The Cavaliers are said to be willing to a deal for Kevin Love, but No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins has been assured he would not be included in any such trade, a source told Sporting News.

James effect

LeBron James is going back to Cleveland. While that has a huge impact on the Heat and Cavaliers, the status of other NBA stars will be affected as well. The Association is scrambling, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Summer League

Eight months ago, Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker faced each other for the first time. Friday in Las Vegas, the NBA Draft's top two players take a budding rivalry to a new level. SN's Sean Deveney sets the scene.

Jackson tenure now married to Anthony, for better or worse

Knicks outlook

If Carmelo Anthony indeed decides to return to the Knicks, president Phil Jackson's tenure is married to his star player, for better or worse. Jackson's test will be his ability to build around Anthony, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

For Mavericks and Rockets, Parsons deal ends free-agent wait

Parsons pressure

The story of the offseason has been the lack of activity as teams and players wait on decisions from Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. In Texas, where Chandler Parsons has put pressure on the Rockets, the wait is over.

Cleveland risks

With 'nothing assured' from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers still make gamble.

As James closes in on next move, NBA reaps benefits

NBA moves

The NBA offseason has started slowly, as we await decisions from some of its biggest stars. The delay has fueled a seemingly endless stream of rumors and reports — which is not a bad thing for the NBA, writes Sean Deveney.

Clippers' fate

Clippers' fate

The much-awaited Sterling v. Sterling lawsuit got under way Monday in a probate court in Los Angeles.

Upheaval and uncertainty for the Heat, but with Riley on deck

SN sources: Pacers 'quietly' shopping Hibbert

Hibbert rumor

The Pacers have quietly sought out possible new landing spots for their enigmatic big man Roy Hibbert, according to multiple front-office sources.

James, Anthony lead loaded crop of free-agent small forwards

Sources: Agents, NBPA irate over stars taking possible pay cuts

Star pay cuts

The expectation has become that star players should take less money than they are worth if it benefits the team. Union officials and player agents are vexed by this stance, sources told SN's Sean Deveney.

Dragic staying put

The Suns and Goran Dragic remain committed, even as rumors swirl about a possible trade to Indiana.

Teams not so sure, but Melo still undecided, 'has got an open mind'

Even in decline, Wade tops shooting guard market

Melo back to NY?

A source with knowledge of the situation told Sporting News that Carmelo Anthony has not, in fact, made any decisions on where to play next season.

Melo-Lin redux

In welcoming Carmelo Anthony to Houston, the Rockets had a billboard of Anthony sporting No.7 on his jersey, which also happens to be the number point guard Jeremy Lin wears.

Nets coach

A little more than a year after nearly landing the Nets job, Lionel Hollins is ready to take on the position, a source told Sporting News.

Chicago done, Texas next up on the Carmelo Anthony tour

Polish Hammer returns

At long last, some news with some heft — broken on Twitter by none other than Wizards point guard John Wall.

Lowry, Bledsoe headline backup-heavy point guard field

SN sources: Gasol, Hill remain important to Lakers future

Lakers' plans

The Lakers have entered a wide-open offseason, with just three players on the roster. While free agents Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill have talked to other teams, both could be key figures in the team's plans to build a contender.

NBA free agency

The decisions of the Big Three to opt for free agency serves a dual purpose. It gives the Heat cap flexibility, but it also puts the heat on the Heat to improve the roster. And Miami is working hard to make it all happen.

Sources: Heat free-agent list to include Blake, Carter, Marion

NBA coach on Kidd: 'You can't conduct yourself that way'

Embiid and Noel: Philly's Twin Towers of the future?

Sixers' big plans

Can Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel become a new Twin Towers?

Kidd you not

Jason Kidd has tried to gain control of two franchises with zero regard for veterans already employed in those jobs. As one current NBA coach told SN, Kidd has severely violated the unwritten rules of the coaching profession.

Deals delayed

Senior blues

Draft grades

Draft grades

So LeBron James got his man, Shabazz Napier, in the NBA Draft. Questions fly as stars opt out of contracts and the Heat face a major overhaul. SN's Sean Deveney has draft grades. This week will be interesting.

NBA Draft

Deals delayed

In the march toward the 2014 NBA Draft, there was a certain expectation for large, league-altering draft-day deals. Those didn't happen on Thursday, but that doesn't mean they won't come, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

NBA Draft

After weeks of posturing, the Cavaliers finally chose to do the right thing — draft forward Andrew Wiggins with the first overall pick. Now, Wiggins will inherit the mantle once held by LeBron James in Cleveland.

Senior blues

Magic maneuver

Afflalo returns to the Nuggets in exchange for 21-year-old swingman Evan Fournier.

Rondo trade "BS"?

Rondo has not been informed of any change of plans when it comes to the Celtics' future, and he remains committed to helping Boston in its rebuilding efforts.

Dirk's plans

Mavericks forward and leading point scorer Dirk Nowitzki won't be complaining about his team's recent acquisition of Tyson Chandler — who won a title with the team in 2011.

Michigan's McGary 'all but assured' of first-round spot

Love talk: Wolves likely to target Bulls, Rockets after Melo derby

NBA Draft

Michigan's Mitch McGary sat out almost all of last season and left school before he was banned for failing a drug test, but sources tell SN's Sean Deveney he's still expected to land in the first round of the NBA draft.

Parker speaks out

Jabari Parker said there is no validity to reports that his "tanked" his workout for the Cavaliers.

Cavs coach

Ex-Cavaliers coach Mike Fratello knows a bit about new Cavs coach David Blatt.

Love plans

A divorce coming for the T-wolves and Kevin Love. But the team is prepared to wait out the draft and take advantage of the aftermath of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, a source tells SN's Sean Deveney.

Draft Rumors: Wade the biggest Heat issue; Bucks making deals?

NBA Mock Draft: Defensive need should mean Wiggins to Cleveland

Heat future

LeBron James has opted out of his contract, and Chris Bosh is expected to do the same. Dwyane Wade is the real question mark here, because he is owed $42 million and is no longer a max-quality player, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Antetokounmpo's improved shot may mean 1st-round slot

Bulls could move up for Kings' pick

Antetokounmpo's improved shot may mean 1st-round slot

The other Greek Freak

The improvement of Thanasis Antetokounmpo's outside shot could lead him into the first round.

Bulls-Kings swap?

With the potential for a core of Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony, Chicago focuses on shoring up its offense. The Bulls could move up in the draft to find complementary pieces, writes SN's Sean Deveney.

After long journey, Kane ready to honor father in draft

Embiid surgery shakes up Top 10

Cavs pick Blatt

The Cavaliers' coaching hire, Euroleague champion David Blatt, may not satisfy the likes of Kyrie Irving or LeBron James. But that's OK, Sean Deveney writes. The only person whose opinion matters is Cleveland GM David Griffin.

Kane's journey

DeAndre Kane is polished enough to help an NBA team from Day 1. As the Iowa State point guard prepares for the draft, the tragic death of his father still lingers. Kane does it all to honor the man who first put a ball in his hands.

NBA GM: 'You can't use a top 5 pick' on injured Embiid

The Baseline

Even with a back issue lingering, Joel Embiid stacked up as a possible top pick in next week's NBA Draft. But a foot injury has thrown more doubt over his stock, which has fallen out of the Top 5, one NBA GM tells SN's Sean Deveney.

James 'very likely' to stay in Miami, but for how long?

LBJ's decision, Part II

Conscious of his image and fallout from leaving Cleveland, LeBron James "very likely" will stay with the Heat, a source tells Sporting News. Now the question becomes: For how long?

After ups and downs, Smart right back where he started

NBA Draft

A year ago, Marcus Smart surprised many by returning to Oklahoma State. As the draft approaches, it appears that Smart is in a similar position — possibly headed to Orlando, where the Magic have the fourth pick.

In Miami, Finals flop throws Heat future into doubt

Heat future

After being thoroughly pulled apart by the Spurs, the Heat will now have some questions to face about the construction of their roster, beginning with whether they can still win with the Big Three, writes SN's Sean Deveney.

Sure, Duncan could retire, but why?

NBA Finals

Tim Duncan is 38, and some speculate he will walk away from the Spurs a champion. But Duncan himself remains noncommittal on the subject, and others have a pertinent question: Why would he leave this team?

For Spurs coach, lessons with Hill launched success

Chip shots

A meeting with Grant Hill 16 years ago at Duke helped bring about a long and successful career in coaching for assistant Chip Engelland, whose shooting lessons have helped propel the Spurs to the brink of this year's championship.

Mock Draft: With little time left, top 3 picks remain in flux

NBA Finals

NBA Finals

Miami's second consecutive home blowout loss not only teeters its 2014 championship hopes, but its dynastic aspirations. With Game 5 looming, big changes could and should be ahead for the Heat, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Diversity matters

Diversity matters

Elgin Baylor contined to work for Donald Sterling because he lacked options. While much has changed since Baylor first became Clippers GM, the NBA must remain vigilant in monitoring hiring practices, writes Sean Deveney.

Report: Heat mulling Melo run; Big Four could be looming

Big Four on South Beach?

The Heat are in the midst of the NBA Finals, but that has not kept them from being sucked into the rumor mill. A report has Miami considering pursuing Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, and though there would be much to be worked out, the proposal is not as crazy as it sounds.

Big week for big guys ends with off-the-charts testing

Draft Combine

NBA Draft Combine results are in, and they looked good for the power forwards and centers. SN's Sean Deveney has the big winners, and it appears this draft that will belong to Doug McDermott and the tall.

Exum draft plans

Predraft blues

NBA draft

Measurement time at the NBA Draft combine tells a tale, but the numbers are not looking good for reigning player of the year Doug McDermott. He's not alone. SN's Sean Deveney examines the figures.

Exum draft plans

Star Australian guard Dante Exum is a Lakers fan and has long been rumored to be interested in starting his NBA career in L.A. But things ever work out that smoothly, and he says he is open to playing anywhere in the league.

Dinwiddie boast

Say this for Spencer Dinwiddie as he comes back from an ACL injury suffered in January: He is confident in his ability. On the first day of the NBA's combine in Chicago, he told Sporting News that whichever team drafts him will be getting "the best PG in the draft."

Predraft blues

As Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and others opt out of the process, the NBA combine's future is in doubt. Agents are taking charge, and SN's Sean Deveney says the league can do little to prevent it.

Nets postmortem: What will happen with Garnett, Pierce?

Nets postmortem

The Nets added Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to change team culture. The veterans brought toughness, but not enough on-court production. Now we wait to see if they resurface in Brooklyn, or at all, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Sources: With Van Gundy in, Monroe out in Detroit

More Sterling fallout

In the firestorm that followed his racist remarks, from the standpoint of crisis management, Donald Sterling has done virtually nothing right.

Motown shakeup

One of Stan Van Gundy's first tasks with the Pistons will be to figure out what to do with restricted free agent Greg Monroe, league sources tell SN. The rising forward is almost certain to play elsewhere next season.

Agents on Clippers: Some players 'just won’t go there now'

Sterling fallout

Clippers owner Donald Sterling claims he is sorry for the racist diatribe that was caught on tape, but he probably won't go easily. Player agents in the league tell SN's Sean Deveney that will hurt LA during July free agency.

NBA scouts salivating over potential record Kentucky crop

The Baseline

With enticing incoming freshman and a bigger-than-usual group of returnees, Kentucky is already the talk of the college hoops world. But in NBA circles, there is just as much excitement about this group.

Deron's donut

Kobe opens up on "Jimmy Kimmel Live"

For the first time in a long time, Kobe Bryant gave a public interview, and went on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to do so.

Deron's donut

In order to keep pace with the Heat, the Nets need big things from point guard Deron Williams. Instead, in Game 2, he gave a zero-point performance, continuing uneven and unreliable play as a Net, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

NBA Mock Draft: Milwaukee could buck trend, pick Wiggins at No. 1

Pacers' lack of punch struck TNT analyst Chris Webber

In watching the Pacers, what stood out to him was the team's lack of effort.

Jackson fired

Jackson fired

Mark Jackson was let go by the Warriors on Tuesday, despite notching 51 wins. While his ability to motivate players was undeniable, his inability to form bonds within the organization was his downfall, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

NBA Playoffs

West preview

The Thunder and Trail Blazers are each armed with dynamic young players. But both teams face a worthwhile foe in the Clippers and Spurs, respectively. SN's Sean Deveney expects experience to win out in the West.

Clippers move on

Putting behind perhaps the strangest week in the history of any pro sports franchise, the Clippers were able to battle back against the Warriors in Game 7, getting win and securing their spot in the conference semis.

Firing line

Pacers stay alive

Firing line

All three made it to Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. But can the Pacers' Frank Vogel, the Thunder's Scotty Brooks and the Warriors' Mark Jackson keep their jobs? SN's Sean Deveney takes a look at how hot the seats are.

End of the line for D'Antoni

The Baseline

Mike D'Antoni has quit two of the NBA's highest-profile jobs — coaching the Knicks and Lakers. He alienated Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. SN's Sean Deveney says we are unlikely to see him on the sidelines again.

Celebrities, billionaires line up as potential Clippers owners

Silver does what Stern never could — oust Sterling

Silver's hammer

For the better part of three decades, David Stern plotted ways to rid the NBA of Donald Sterling. He failed. Now Adam Silver, following Stern as commissioner, has a solution. SN's Sean Deveney explains.

Sterling saga

Sterling saga

Controversy around racist comments allegedly made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling has engulfed both the team and the league. But as we continue to be repulsed by Sterling, Doc Rivers has emerged as a reluctant spokesman.

NBA dinosaur

NBA dinosaur

Raptors forward Amir Johnson has a place in NBA history as the last player drafted out of high school in 2005. But as Toronto moves on in its first-round series against the Nets, he continues to make his mark in much bigger ways.

The Baseline

The Baseline

Not long ago, Lance Stephenson was in line for a sizable payday. But the Pacers' collapse and rumors of a practice tussle damage his free-agent value. SN's Sean Deveney looks at what's ahead.

For Vogel and Pacers, locker room credibility remains the issue

On the hot seat

As a young and bright (and cheap) coach, the Pacers' Frank Vogel established a model other teams tried to match. But this season, his inability to get control of the Indiana locker room has proven to be a problem.

Wrigley Field at 100

Wrigley Field at 100

As Wrigley Field celebrates its 100th anniversary today, SN's Sean Deveney takes a look back at April 23, 1914, when two teams from the long-forgotten Federal League played the first game in the legendary park's history.

Melo plans

Year after playoff disappointment, Lee carries Warriors' load

NBA Playoffs

Golden State claimed homecourt advantage in their opening series against the Clippers, winning 109-103 at Staples Center. They were led by a guy who missed the bulk of the Warriors' magical playoff run last year — David Lee.

JVG backs Warriors' Jackson

Former coach and current broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy says that anyone who does not recognize the good work done by former broadcaster and current coach Mark Jackson, "just isn't paying attention."

Done-and-D-League?

Done-and-D-League?

Can the D-League solve basketball's college vs. pro riddle? A proposal is making the rounds that would raise the draft age, eliminating one-and-dones and making a paid alternative more attractive. SN's Sean Deveney expands.

D-League thriving

As it continues to expand, the once-woebegone D-League finds its niche as a player development hub, and for growing of all aspects of the game. SN's Sean Deveney examines league chief Dan Reed's incubator.

NBA Awards: Durant, James and other difficult decisions

NBA Awards

With just two days remaining in the NBA season, it now seems safe to fill out the ballot for this year’s league awards. While certain categories were easy to pick this season, some were especially difficult for SN's Sean Deveney.

Warriors' plight: Inconsistency, frustration, lessons not learned

Warriors frustration

The Warriors enter the NBA season's final weekend 18 games over .500. But with another disappointing loss to an also-ran team, SN's Sean Deveney says they are stumbling into the playoffs.

The Baseline

Veteran analyst Jim Barnett was supposed to retire from his 29-year gig after this season, but he will be back for a 30th year.

The Baseline

Veteran analyst Jim Barnett was supposed to retire from his 29-year gig with the Warriors after this season, but he will be back in some capacity for a 30th year. Which is good, because few can spin tales about the NBA quite the way Barnett does, Sean Deveney writes.

Playoff race

The NBA season heads into its final week, and for some teams, much is at stake in terms of postseason position. SN's Sean Deveney runs through tight races, judging the level of concern in each, from huge to yawn.

Will the 1996 NBA draft class go down as the best ever?

1996 Draft

Ray Allen wraps his 18th season as one of five players — including Kobe Bryant — from the 1996 draft class still on an NBA roster. The class should go down among the greatest in history, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

NBA Draft 2014: Where star prospects' status stand

Kyrie-Cavs

Kyrie-Cavs

When it comes to dealing with the shifting public perceptions that are commonplace in the NBA, 19-year veteran and fellow Duke alum Grant Hill understands what Kyrie Irving is going with in Cleveland.

Wolverine! Beverley tells SN: "I am starting to believe it a little bit"

Bouncing back

Rockets guard Patrick Beverley has shown remarkable resilience in dealing with injuries over the course of the season, and the scare over his torn meniscus has earned him a new nickname from Rockets fans. And he is on board with it.

Griffin could be your team's next head coach

Coaching prospects

Last year saw the hiring of nine NBA coaches who had never held head jobs before. Sporting News' Sean Deveney could see more of the same this year, and one name to remember: Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin.

With Pacers' problems bubbling, time for Larry Bird to get mad

Pacers struggle

The Pacers have fallen apart down the stretch of the NBA season, and the remedy could be a talking-to from the only guy with championship credentials—Larry Bird. SN's Sean Deveney explains.

Wiggins prospects

Wiggins prospects

Andrew Wiggins announced that he would be entering the 2014 NBA draft on Monday. He figures to be among the top picks, even as he deals with the knock of not being aggressive enough, SN's Sean Deveney writes.

Tournament success could mean early exodus for Harrison twins

Harrison twins

Increasingly, NBA general managers and talent evaluators feel that John Calipari will be proven wrong, and that both Harrisons will join the line of one-and-done players at Kentucky, SN's Sean Deveney writes.