In case more proof was needed that the game of basketball has changed wildly in the last few years, check out the starting center for the team with the best record in the NBA — he is often nowhere near the basket.It's by design.Milwaukee's Brook Lopez hardly ever took 3-pointers in high school, or college, or his first eight seasons in the NBA. He's a 7-footer, and 7-footers were told forever to go to the low post and wait to see if someone throws you the ball. Those days are largely gone and perhaps no NBA big man has seen his job description change more than Lopez.He's taken more 3-pointers this season — 461 and counting — than any 7-footer in any NBA season. And that comes after he was 3 for 31, total, from beyond the arc in his first eight seasons as a pro, with many of those heaves coming in end-of-game or end-of-shot-clock situations."In our practice facility we have boxes out deep beyond the 3-point line, from areas we know we can get reps at," Lopez said. "Eventually, you just get... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets will play two pre-season games in October at the Saitama Super Arena, the basketball venue for next year's Tokyo Olympics.In a statement Tuesday, the NBA said it has staged 12 regular-season games in Japan, beginning in 1990 when the Utah Jazz played the Phoenix Suns. The NBA says this was the first regular-season game played outside North America by a U.S. sports league.The Rockets played two regular-season games in Japan in 1992. The Raptors will be making their first visit to Japan.Houston is led by James Harden and Chris Paul. Toronto is led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol.The Saitama Super Arena is located northwest of central Tokyo.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TOKYO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets will play two pre-season games in October at the Saitama Super Arena, the basketball venue for next year's Tokyo Olympics.In a statement Tuesday, the NBA said it has staged 12 regular-season games in Japan, beginning in 1990 when the Utah Jazz played the Phoenix Suns. The NBA says this was the first regular-season game played outside North America by a U.S. sports league.The Rockets played two regular-season games in Japan in 1992. The Raptors will be making their first visit to Japan.Houston is led by James Harden and Chris Paul. Toronto is led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol.The Saitama Super Arena is located northwest of central Tokyo.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — One way or another, the spotlight was always going to shine on the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference without LeBron James.After back-to-back losses to James' Cavaliers in the past two conference finals, his departure West to join the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to clear the path for Boston to take the reins in the East.That hasn't happened — yet.Instead of solidifying themselves as the NBA champion Golden State Warriors' chief challenger, the Celtics come out of the All-Star break still with much to figure out — and trailing Milwaukee and Toronto in the East standings."We realize that we've played well in the last month and a half," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. "Although there have been multiple days when I'm sure it hasn't felt like it."Beginning with a win over Toronto on Jan. 16, Boston won 12 of its final 15 games before the break. It also included wins over five other teams currently in position to make the playoffs. But Boston also blew an 18-point lead in a... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff says Chandler Parsons will be treated like any other player amid reports that the forward will rejoin his teammates after the All-Star break.The comments come a month after general manager Chris Wallace said Parsons had chosen to continue his rehabilitation in Los Angeles, putting his future with Memphis in doubt.Bickerstaff said Saturday at morning shoot-around that when Parsons comes back, "he's a part of the team like anybody else." Bickerstaff added, "he's still a part of the team and we'll treat him that way."Parsons, who has had knee issues, told ESPN he is "ready to get back to Memphis and help my team win any way I can."The 30-year-old forward remains on Memphis' roster after the Grizzlies made three different trades at the deadline Thursday, dealing away Marc Gasol, Garrett Temple, JaMychal Green and Shelvin Mack. Memphis also waived Omri Casspi.Parsons last played for Memphis on Oct. 22, going scoreless in just over... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff says Chandler Parsons will be treated like any other player amid reports that the forward will rejoin his teammates after the All-Star break.The comments come a month after general manager Chris Wallace said Parsons had chosen to continue his rehabilitation in Los Angeles, putting his future with Memphis in doubt.Bickerstaff said Saturday that when Parsons comes back, "he's a part of the team like anybody else." Bickerstaff added, "he's still a part of the team and we'll treat him that way."Parsons, who has had knee issues, told ESPN he is "ready to get back to Memphis and help my team win any way I can."Parsons remains on Memphis' roster following a trade deadline in which the Grizzlies dealt Marc Gasol and three other players.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The latest episode of "Survivor: NBA" was quite a cliffhanger.All kinds of intrigue. A hefty dose of griping. Some thoroughly unexpected plot twists.Now that's a reality show worth watching."They always catch me by surprise," said Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, whose team had a major role in the plotline. "There's so much going on all the time."Despite complaints from the likes of Kevin Durant and LeBron James, the league's off-the-court drama leading up to Thursday's trade deadline was a welcome respite from the long, sometimes dreary regular season — enhancing all the compelling story lines (and there are plenty) while highlighting a system that really works well for everyone.KD may choose to rip the media for its infatuation with what the future holds for him, but we're guessing the Golden State star doesn't mind cashing those checks (worth $30 million this year) or that he'll be too upset this summer when he can opt out of his contract and decide where he wants to play for a deal... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A day after trading Marc Gasol to Toronto, the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies says the franchise will retire the center's No. 33 jersey some day in the future.Owner Robert Pera issued a statement Friday morning after the franchise confirmed the trade netting Memphis a trio of players and a second-round draft pick in the 2024 draft.Pera praised Gasol as a pillar of the Grizzlies for 11 seasons and part of the core that shaped the franchise's identity on and off the court. Pera thanked Gasol , saying they look forward to one day welcoming the center back with his jersey hanging in the FedExForum rafters next to those of Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.The Grizzlies traded Gasol, 34, on Thursday at the NBA trade deadline with the center holding a $25 million option he can exercise this summer.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tobias Harris drove the lane, tossed up a runner and buried the winner in what turned out to be his final shot for the Los Angeles Clippers.His packed bags needed a new destination. Next stop, Philadelphia.The 26-year-old Harris is headed to the 76ers as part of a late-night deal that suddenly gives the team the best starting five in the Eastern Conference and stamped them as legitimate title contenders.Harris is ready for the move — he tweeted early Wednesday a GIF from the opening credits of the 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" showing Will Smith's character playing basketball.The Sixers can only hope this trade turns into a story all about how the East got flipped-turned upside down.They paid a steep price for the free agent: Sensational rookie guard Landry Shamet and four draft picks are headed to the Clippers. Philadelphia traded forwards Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala to Los Angeles, too.The Sixers also acquired center Boban Marjanovic and forward Mike... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tobias Harris drove the lane, tossed up a runner and buried the winner in what turned out to be his final shot for the Los Angeles Clippers.His packed bags needed a new destination. Next stop, Philadelphia.The 26-year-old Harris is headed to the 76ers as part of a late-night deal that suddenly gives the team the best starting five in the Eastern Conference and stamped them as legitimate title contenders.Harris is ready for the move — he tweeted early Wednesday a GIF from the opening credits of the 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" showing Will Smith's character playing basketball.The Sixers can only hope this trade turns into a story all about how the East got flipped-turned upside down.They paid a steep price for the free agent: Sensational rookie guard Landry Shamet and four draft picks are headed to the Clippers. Philadelphia traded forwards Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala to Los Angeles, too.The Sixers also acquired center Boban Marjanovic and forward Mike... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tobias Harris drove the lane, tossed up a runner and buried the winner in what turned out to be his final shot for the Los Angeles Clippers.His packed bags needed a new destination. Next stop, Philadelphia.The 26-year-old Harris is headed to the 76ers as part of a late-night deal that suddenly gives the team the best starting five in the Eastern Conference and stamped them as legitimate title contenders.Harris is ready for the move — he tweeted early Wednesday a GIF from the opening credits of the 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" showing Will Smith's character playing basketball.The Sixers can only hope this trade turns into a story all about how the East got flipped-turned upside down.They paid a steep price for the free agent: Sensational rookie guard Landry Shamet and four draft picks are headed to the Clippers. Philadelphia also traded forwards Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala to Los Angeles.A person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press the... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was a late scratch for Tuesday night's home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as trade chatter for the veteran accelerated.Gasol was not listed on Memphis' injured list earlier in the day, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff announced he would not play. Asked to elaborate on the reason for Gasol's absence, Bickerstaff declined.But shortly before Bickerstaff addressed the media in his pregame availability, The Athletic reported that the Grizzlies were in talks with the Charlotte Hornets regarding a possible trade involving Gasol.The Grizzlies told Gasol and point guard Mike Conley two weeks ago that the organization would begin listening to offers for the two longest-tenured teammates in the NBA. Conley was drafted fourth in the 2007 NBA draft, and Gasol joined the organization after he was part of a trade that sent older brother Pau to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008.Gasol is averaging 15.7 points and 8.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/NBA and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was a late scratch for Tuesday night's home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as trade chatter for the veteran accelerated.Gasol was not listed on Memphis' injured list earlier in the day, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff announced he would not play. Asked to elaborate on the reason for Gasol's absence, Bickerstaff declined.But shortly before Bickerstaff addressed the media in his pregame availability, The Athletic reported that the Grizzlies were in talks with the Charlotte Hornets regarding a possible trade involving Gasol.The Grizzlies told Gasol and point guard Mike Conley last week that the organization would begin listening to offers for the two longest-tenured teammates in the NBA. Conley was drafted fourth in the 2007 NBA draft, and Gasol joined the organization after he was part of a trade that sent older brother Pau to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008.Gasol is averaging 15.7 points and 8.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/NBA and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Marc Gasol forgot his cellphone overnight on the Grizzlies' team bus over the weekend, giving himself some stress-free time in New York."I'm like, if I get traded then so be it," Gasol said.He and Mike Conley won't be able to hide quite so easily the next few days.The NBA trade deadline is Thursday afternoon, and Memphis has told the franchise mainstays it is listening to offers for both . Conley acknowledges it will be an emotional week envisioning the end of an era."Before I would have said no, it wouldn't have been on my mind, not having been in this situation," he said. "But I'm not going to lie, it's going to creep in because you know that it's possible that one or both will be gone, and either way it'll be the last time we're playing together with him, or for the team, or whatever."The Grizzlies have fallen out of the playoff race, but teams who are in it might be interested in adding one of the respected veterans. During games or at home with the family, Gasol said... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Marc Gasol forgot his cellphone overnight on the Grizzlies' team bus over the weekend, giving himself some stress-free time in New York."I'm like, if I get traded then so be it," Gasol said.He and Mike Conley won't be able to hide quite so easily the next few days.The NBA trade deadline is Thursday afternoon, and Memphis has told the franchise mainstays it is listening to offers for both . Conley acknowledges it will be an emotional week envisioning the end of an era."Before I would have said no, it wouldn't have been on my mind, not having been in this situation," he said. "But I'm not going to lie, it's going to creep in because you know that it's possible that one or both will be gone, and either way it'll be the last time we're playing together with him, or for the team, or whatever."The Grizzlies have fallen out of the playoff race, but teams who are in it might be interested in adding one of the respected veterans. During games or at home with the family, Gasol said... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies may be ready to start rebuilding, listening to trade offers for the NBA's longest-tenured teammates.Guard Mike Conley said Grizzlies owner Robert Pera had told both he and center Marc Gasol on Tuesday that they will be mentioned in potential trade talks.Pera "called me just to make me aware that they were going to go about doing this," Conley said after Wednesday's shoot-around before their game against the Charlotte Hornets. "Outside of that, I haven't really thought about it or heard much about it."Gasol declined to share details of his conversations with the Grizzlies owner, saying he considers those private. Gasol, who can opt out of his contract this summer, says he had not asked to be traded.Conley and Gasol are the Grizzlies' remaining cornerstone players having played their entire careers with Memphis. ESPN.com reported late Tuesday afternoon that the Grizzlies were open to trading the veterans.Asked if he was surprised by the reports,... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Guard Mike Conley says Grizzlies owner Robert Pera had told both he and center Marc Gasol that they will be mentioned in potential trade talks before reports that Memphis will be listening to offers for the NBA's longest-tenured teammates.Conley said Wednesday after shoot-around that Pera called him Tuesday to alert him to the Grizzlies' intentions.Gasol declined to share details of his conversations with the Grizzlies owner, saying he considers those private. Gasol, who can opt out of his contract this summer, says he had not asked to be traded.Conley and Gasol are the Grizzlies' remaining cornerstone players having played their entire careers with Memphis. ESPN.com reported late Tuesday afternoon that the Grizzlies were open to trading the veterans.Since starting the season 12-5, Memphis has gone 7-23.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace has apologized to Memphis' fans for an apparent altercation following the team's latest loss.Wallace said Thursday that the Grizzlies had an "emotionally-charged" meeting Wednesday night after a 101-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons. It was Memphis' 10th loss in 13 games."When losing happens, obviously emotions get frayed and we're very passionate and competitive people in this game," Wallace said. "Unfortunately, we had an incident."The Athletic reported Garrett Temple and Omri Casspi were involved in an altercation . After practice Thursday, both Casspi and Temple spoke with Temple describing what happened as "brothers getting into it.""Some things were said and some things happened," Temple said. "At the end of the day we're brothers. We've known each other since we were rookies. At the end of the day, we came out of that meeting ... on the same page and we're moving on from it."Memphis now is 10th in the West after a 12-5 start... [More]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace has apologized to Memphis' fans for an apparent altercation following the team's latest loss.Wallace said Thursday that the Grizzlies had an "emotionally-charged" meeting Wednesday night after a 101-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons. It was was Memphis' 10th loss in 13 games.The Athletic reported Garrett Temple and Omri Casspi were involved in an altercation . After practice Thursday, both Casspi and Temple spoke with Temple describing what happened as "brothers getting into it ."Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff took more than 30 minutes to meet with reporters after the game, and only veterans Marc Gasol and Mike Conley were the only players in the locker room when it opened.Wallace says he was concerned at how quickly news of the incident spread and discipline will be handled internally.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies know only too well that they won't outshoot or race up and down the court with the likes of Golden State and Houston. Their version of grit 'n grind that got them to seven straight playoff berths might not work with this current roster.But Memphis still has guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies know who they are and that they need to play defense to be competitive in the loaded Western Conference."We've got to be a contrarian team, and we've had a lot of success here over the years in this grit-grind era of being a contrarian team," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said.Most of the Grizzlies' confidence stems from having Conley back from a heel injury that limited him to 12 games last season , and Conley averaged 17.1 points per game in his short stint. Gasol remains one of the NBA's top centers, and he and Conley are the NBA's longest-tenured teammates without any interruption.Memphis revamped the roster in the offseason,... [More]