NBA playoff surprise
Suns guard in virus protocols; Leonard injured
COVID-19 protocols likely to cost Phoenix Suns star guard Chris Paul.
Phoenix guard Chris Paul has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the Suns said Wednesday, and it is unclear whether he’ll be available for the start of the Western Conference Finals next week.
The Suns said Paul’s status will be evaluated again Saturday. The earliest possible start date for the finals is Sunday; that series schedule is contingent on when the other West semifinal between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers ends.
Paul has been vaccinated against COVID-19, said a person with knowledge of the situation, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of privacy concerns. And that may mean that Paul could be cleared to return more quickly than some who tested positive earlier this season before vaccines were readily available.
Clippers
Kawhi Leonard’s right knee is now a major concern. The All-NBA forward was ruled out of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals with what the Clippers are calling a sprain. A person with knowledge of the matter said Leonard will need more testing and evaluation, raising questions about his availability going forward.
“There is no timetable for his return,” the Clippers said.
Hornets
La Melo Ball thought he would become the league’s rookie of the year long before he joined the NBA. That belief became a reality as Ball’s versatility as a passer, scorer and rebounder earned the Charlotte point guard the honor despite missing 21 games with a fractured wrist.
“Honestly, way before the league when I was playing basketball and they were talking about the NBA stuff, that is when I knew when I’m a rookie that is one of the accomplishments I can get,” Ball said.
Mavericks
Dallas general manager
Donnie Nelson, instrumental in the club’s acquisitions of Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic, is leaving the organization after 24 seasons. The Mavericks said the club and Nelson agreed to part ways, with owner Mark Cuban saying the 58-year-old son of former coach Don Nelson was “instrumental to our success and helped bring a championship to Dallas.”
Wizards
Scott Brooks won’t be back with the Washington Wizards next season after general manager Tommy Sheppard announced the coach’s contract would not be extended.
Pelicans
New Orleans basketball operations chief David Griffin paused several seconds to compose himself while explaining why Stan Van Gundy is out as coach less than nine months after he was hired.
“This was something that was very, very difficult,” Griffin said, adding that the need for a new coach “revealed itself over some very open, candid conversations with a really, really good man” during the past three weeks.
“This was wrought in our philosophical difference in the way we’re going to reach the next step in our development. We don’t have time to waste.”