Santa Clara men’s basketball took down No. 23 Gonzaga (77-76) to end a 26-game losing streak against the Bulldogs that spanned 13 years.The Charlotte Hornets and the city of Charlotte are working together to upgrade the Spectrum Center, where the Hornets play home games. The work is expected to take place over the 2024 and 2025 off-seasons and will include major renovations.
The efforts are being led by the Hornets new owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. The franchise is also planning to build a new practice facility, as well.
The Charlotte Hornets have had a rough season. Injuries have played a big part in the team’s 8-27 record. However, some good news has come on that front.
LaMelo Ball could return Friday from what has been a 20-game absence due to a severely sprained ankle. Ball was injured on November 26 and has missed a month-and-a-half of action.
Ball has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game at the San Antonio Spurs. The Hornets also upgraded Frank Ntilikina to questionable as well. Ntilikina has missed the entire season to date, after suffering a fractured leg in the preseason.
Kawhi Leonard reportedly took less than his maximum possible in his extension. That was done in hopes that it will pave the way for the LA Clippers to keep both Paul George and James Harden.
“With the conversation that I have with them about it, I think for the most part everybody is coming back,” Leonard said after the Clippers beat the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. “So, with me signing an extension, I think it gives us a chance to sign both of those players.”
George said that he and the Clippers are “working through it” on a possible extension. He ultimately said he thinks it will get done, with Leonard’s extension setting the table.
“I mean, absolutely,” George said when asked whether Leonard’s extension is a steppingstone to him staying. “You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well.”
Harden is not extension eligible after his trade to the Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency, but all signs point to Harden re-signing in LA.
The Golden State Warriors have a level of interest in trading for Pascal Siakam, according to Shams Charania on Run It Back.
“The Warriors have a level of interest in Pascal Siakam, I’m told. But right now, they need to figure out internally.
“Draymond Green is on his way back, see how he looks with Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga and this group … so right now there’s going to be a little bit of a patient approach from them,” said Charania.
Green is expected to be back sometime during the team’s upcoming four-game road trip.
It has been reported that Siakam prefers to become a free agent this summer if he’s not offered a max contract.
