Check out the top NBA news of the day, including the Washington Wizards’ decision to fire their president, the Brooklyn Nets decision to offer a contract extension to Atkinson and more.
Out of magic, Wizards fire Ernie Grunfeld | ESPN
The Washington Wizards announced that they fired president Ernie Grunfeld after the team failed to reach the playoffs and are sitting in the 11th position in the Eastern Conference with a 32-46 record.
“We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes,” team owner Ted Leonsis said in a news release.
The Washington Wizards have fired GM Ernie Grunfeld, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2019
Sources: Nets to extend Atkinson, coaching staff | ESPN
NBA league sources informed ESPN that the Brooklyn Nets are planning to offer a contract extension to head coach Kenny Atkinson and his coaching staff as well. Atkinson improved the team and made them playoff contenders for the first time since 2015.
Brooklyn is 39-39 at the moment with four games to go and the Nets are fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The improvement is evident as Atkinson recorded 20 wins in his first year with the Nets and had 28 last year.
ESPN Sources: Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and his staff completing contract extensions with franchise. https://t.co/gerrNm8iyI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 2, 2019
Celtics’ Ainge presents Wade with Garden parquet | ESPN
Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge commemorated Dwyane Wade’s retirement with a plaque featuring a photo and a piece of the TD Garden parquet floor from 2008. The two of them met prior to the clash between Boston and Miami, which was Wade’s final appearance at the TD Garden.
“Thank you for your amazing career and inspiration. We’ve all benefited from it,” Ainge told Wade in front of a group of media. “You’ve been a remarkable player. We’ve had some good battles.”
Celtics president Danny Ainge gifted D-Wade a piece of the 2008 TD Garden floor.
Ainge also forgave him “for messing up Rondo’s elbow.” 😅 (via @celtics) pic.twitter.com/8ml5EkDaJx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 1, 2019
OG Anunoby out for Wednesday’s game against the Nets, Danny Green is probable | Rotoworld
Even though OG Anunoby passed the initial concussion protocol tests, the Toronto Raptors continue to list him with “concussion-like symptoms” rather than a straight-up concussion. Toronto already ruled him out for the Wednesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, so Norman Powell will get more minutes on the floor.
Just landed in NYC …. I see Danny Green (thumb) is probable vs. Nets tomorrow while OG Anunoby (concussion) is out.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) April 2, 2019
the good news is that Danny Green is listed as probable for the clash with the Nets after he jammed his thumb during Monday’s win over the Orlando Magic. Luckily for him, the injury is to his non-shooting hand, so he should be fine on Wednesday.
The NBA has rescinded Russell Westbrook’s technical foul from Sunday’s game | Rotoworld
The NBA decided to rescind Russell Westbrook’s technical he earned in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, which is a is critical news for fantasy owners who are relying on their star guard during the Thunder’s final five games.
Now that you mention it, Dylan…
The NBA has rescinded Russell Westbrook’s technical foul from Sunday’s game against Dallas. He’s back to 16 for the season. https://t.co/pbGGkQdnZF
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) April 2, 2019
