NBA rumors: Lakers + D-Lo fate, LeBron retirement, Sixers plan for Harden, more
By Josh Wilson
In a rumor roundup, here’s the latest on the Lakers hope with a D’Angelo Russell contract, the Sixers and James Harden, and updates to coach’s challenges.
While we wait to find out who the Denver Nuggets will face in this year’s iteration of the NBA Finals, we have plenty of news and rumors to get to.
Remember, free agency isn’t that far off, and we could see plenty of stars changing uniforms
The challenge rule could change again next year
The coach’s challenge rule is relatively novel still, but it’s already about to get a new look. According to insight from Chris Haynes, the one-and-done aspect of the rule could make an exit.
The change that seems as if it will be voted on is whether or not coaches will be awarded a second challenge if they utilize a first challenge and it’s successful.
NBA’s Competition Committee is in serious discussions on awarding teams a second and final challenge if first challenge is ruled successful beginning with the 2023-24 season, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 26, 2023
It seems to be a logical move, and it completely changes the calculus of whether to challenge a call or not. If extremely confident, the value in an overturned call is much higher with a second call to come compared to a what it’s worth now.
It also rewards coaching staffs who can properly identify plays that were incorrectly called by referees as well as coaches that can identify when an overturned call could galvanize his team and lead to a run.
Bucks set to hire Adrian Griffin as head coach
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Milwaukee Bucks are planning to hire Adrian Griffin, an assistant for the Toronto Raptors, as their next head coach.
After Nick Nurse dropped out of the interview process, the Bucks widdled their options down to Griffin and Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, with Griffin pulling away as the late favorite.