BREAKING NEWS
76ers add free-agent postseason star Caleb Martin from Miami, AP source says
The Philadelphia 76ers continued to build around their star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George with the addition of free-agent forward Caleb Martin.
76ers team president Daryl Morey 'hopeful' that Embiid can return for a possible postseason run
Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey expressed optimism on Friday that reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid would return from a knee injury in time for a possible postseason run.
76ers' Daryl Morey mixes basketball with shot at Broadway in absurdist musical 'Small Ball'
Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey is the executive producer of a basketball-themed musical called “Small Ball.”.
James Harden skips 76ers practice, leaving coach Nick Nurse unsure of what comes next
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he had no explanation for why James Harden skipped practice Wednesday but planned to proceed as if the disgruntled guard will play in the preseason finale.
76ers star James Harden says he has 'lost trust' in Daryl Morey, front office
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden remained steadfast that his fractured relationship with the front office can’t be repaired.
Sixers wrap up camp in Colorado with Harden situation still up in air heading into preseason play
The Philadelphia 76ers are tuning out the noise around disgruntled guard James Harden and his trade demand.
James Harden returns to Philadelphia 76ers' training camp despite his trade request
James Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, with the disgruntled guard who had been seeking a trade back at training camp as an active participant.
Disgruntled Harden no-show at 76ers' media day, training camp status unclear after trade demand
James Harden skipped the Philadelphia 76ers’ media day and his status for training camp this week in Colorado is unclear because the franchise has yet to meet the disgruntled guard’s demand for a trade.
NBA investigating reasons behind Harden calling 76ers president Morey a liar, AP source says
A person with knowledge of the details says the NBA is investigating the reasons behind James Harden calling Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey a liar.
James Harden calls 76ers President Daryl Morey a liar and says he won't play for his team
James Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team President Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event at China.
'We've seen enough:' Nets end Big 3 idea with Harden deal
The Brooklyn Nets no longer needed to wait for Kevin Durant to get healthy, or for Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated, or for James Harden to make a decision about free agency.
Doubts over China tennis star's email raise safety concerns
A Chinese professional tennis player not seen in public since she accused a former top government official of sexual assault purportedly sent an email claiming she was safe and that the allegation was false.
After Kanter's Tibet comments, Celtics blacked out in China
Chinese broadcaster and NBA partner Tencent has deleted all references to the Boston Celtics from its platforms, in apparent response to comments Celtics center Enes Kanter made to advocate Tibetan independence.
Actor John Cena faces backlash in China over Taiwan comment
Actor John Cena has apologized to fans in China after he called Taiwan a country in a promotional interview for his upcoming film and became the latest celebrity to face the fury of Chinese nationalists.
Curry, Embiid help 76ers top Magic, clinch top seed in East
Seth Curry scored 20 points, Joel Embiid had 13 points and 11 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers clinched the top seed for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference with a 122-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
AP Interview: Morey embraces challenges of leading 76ers
Morey hasn't had to make any major moves in his first season running the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)PHILADELPHIA – Like any top NBA executive this time of the season, Daryl Morey is trying to better his roster. “I just grabbed all the Sixers,” Morey said. “Younger fans want to feel like they’re part of something,” Morey told The Associated Press in an interview this week. “Well, we happen to have the best inside players in the NBA,” Morey said.
Embiid emerges as NBA MVP front-runner for East-best 76ers
FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2021, file photo, Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid reacts after making a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Philadelphia. “The fans are always there for me when I play,” Embiid said. Ad“It’s nice to have a big guy in the MVP talk,” Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal told The Associated Press. AdHe is trying to become the first Sixer to win NBA MVP — the fans call it an MVBiid campaign — since Iverson in 2001. Nobody can guard you.’ I think that’s a big reason he’s having the season he’s having.”Morey, though, is fine with Embiid shooting from deep.
Trent, Anthony lead undermanned Portland past 76ers 121-105
Portland Trail Blazers' Rodney Hood, left, tries to dribble past Philadelphia 76ers' Seth Curry during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Philadelphia. Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points and Enes Kanter had 17 points and 18 rebounds to lead the undermanned Trail Blazers to a 121-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony had 22 points and a Trail Blazers team with four starters missing led by as many as 29 points against the top team in the East. “But on both ends of the floor, the other guys did an amazing job today.”Joel Embiid scored 37 points for the Sixers. Throw in four players already out with injuries -- including Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) and McCollum (left foot) -- and the Trail Blazers were down to nine players.
Harden sees title chance, says he'll sacrifice shots for it
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK – James Harden used his final interview in Houston to say that his team wasn't good enough. “You just add that all together, and it’s like, that’s a legit chance right there,” Harden said. General manager Daryl Morey and coach Mike D'Antoni weren't going to return and Harden didn't believe in the roster left behind. That seems OK with Harden — as long as the Nets are winning.
NBA fines 76ers' Daryl Morey $50,000 for tweet about Harden
Houston Rockets guard James Harden shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)NEW YORK – The NBA fined Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey $50,000 on Monday for a since-deleted tweet about Houston’s James Harden that violated the league’s anti-tampering rule. Typically, teams are prohibited from discussing players under contract to other teams and the NBA has warned clubs that it can be considered tampering. A tweet by Morey in 2019 led to major problems for the NBA and its relationship with China. NBA games were not shown on CCTV, China's state broadcaster, for one year after that since-deleted tweet.
'Happy about where I'm at': Westbrook discusses move to DC
“Obviously, I’m not the easiest guy to understand,” Westbrook said. Westbrook was at practice on Saturday with the Wizards, the team that sent former No. “I’m here in Washington,” Westbrook replied. “I’m all about trying to do things the right way, regardless of if anybody likes it or not,” Westbrook said. “My thing is making sure that I’m doing the right thing for the right people and impacting as many people as possible.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Ben Simmons all in on 76ers’ new buzzword: accountability
Simmons says hes 100% healthy following surgery on his left knee in August that kept him from playing in the postseason. “I mean, you can’t just come into a situation like the bubble if you guys aren’t ready and don’t have that chemistry and accountability already,” Simmons said Friday. The same team Rivers coached last season that blew a 3-1 playoff series lead in the Western Conference semis and led him to leaving Los Angeles? Simmons said accountability -- the new buzzword in Philly - starts with the players. I think Doc would say the same thing, I go out there and make plays.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
AP source: 76ers send Horford, future 1st-rounder to OKC
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers are moving on from Al Horford and will trade him and a protected future first-round pick to Oklahoma City in a major draft-night trade. The 76ers traded Horford more than a year after he was considered a ballyhooed free-agent signing away for their rival Boston Celtics. Horford was a flop in the first season of a four-year contract worth $97 million and lost his starting spot late in the season. Horford lost his starting spot late in the season and didn’t appear to fit in with the franchise moving forward under Rivers. The Sixers get major cap flexibility by taking Green with just $15 million and one more season left on his deal.
New 76ers president Morey: Embiid, Simmons can work together
Pressed on Embiid and Simmons, Morey quipped he was low on the tenure board. “I think they absolutely can work together,” Morey said, “but Doc’s been here a little longer than me. “Whatever my role needs to be, I accept that role,” Brand said. “The goal is not to shoot 3-pointers, the goal is to win,” Morey said. Or Morey and Rivers, who bring decades of sustained winning to Philly and will demand players do it their way?
AP sources: Rockets hiring Stephen Silas to replace D'Antoni
The Houston Rockets and Stephen Silas have an agreement for the Dallas assistant to replace Mike D'Antoni as coach, multiple people with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday. Silas inherits a team led by a pair of former MVPs in Harden and Russell Westbrook. The longtime NBA assistant has worked worked with elite guards before, most recently in two seasons with the Mavericks and 21-year-old sensation Luka Doncic. The nine seasons as a Charlotte assistant for Silas included time with Kemba Walker, and he was with Golden State when the Warriors drafted Stephen Curry in 2009. Paul Silas spent 16 years as a player in the NBA and another 22 as a coach.
AP sources: Morey in advanced talks to lead 76ers
Morey stepped down as GM of the Rockets earlier this month after failing to lead the franchise to the NBA Finals. The Rockets made the playoffs 10 times since Morey was hired in 2007, including the last eight seasons, for the longest active streak in the NBA. Morey and the Rockets split a little over a year after he sparked a rift between the NBA and Chinese government. Morey caused an international uproar last year when he tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Morey tweeted an image that said: “Fight For Freedom.
General manager Daryl Morey leaving Rockets on Nov. 1
FILE - This is a July 26, 2019, file photo showing Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey during an NBA basketball news conference, in Houston. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down on his own accord, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON – Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down on his own accord, a little over a year after sparking a rift between the NBA and Chinese government. Fertitta added that Morey is helping him through the transition and they'll promote vice president of basketball operations Rafael Stone to general manager. Morey worked as Houston's assistant general manager for one season under Carroll Dawson before he retired after the 2007 season and Morey was promoted to his job.
The NBA offseason begins, with 1 major question: Now what?
From China to Disney, this was an NBA season like none other — and quite probably like none ever again. The NBA offseason has officially started, the bubble at Walt Disney World is closed and the Lakers have their 17th championship. But while a difficult season is over, the difficulties the league and players face are not. The players fight against racial inequality and their quest for social justice, which were top priorities of this NBA restart, continue. And while nobody knows when the next NBA game is, the Lakers’ LeBron James began looking forward during the trophy ceremony celebrating his fourth title.
NBA returning to Chinese state television after 1-year ban
Employees watch a live broadcast of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at an NBA store in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. The NBA is returning to Chinese state television after a one-year absence. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The NBA is returning to Chinese state television after a one-year absence. “In the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival that just passed, the NBA expressed holiday blessings to Chinese fans," the China Media Group, essentially the operator of CCTV, said in a statement. NBA games have been available to Chinese fans on the streaming service Tencent, another of the league’s broadcast partners.
The bubble awaits: NBA teams set to start Disney arrivals
(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)After four months of waiting and planning, the NBA bubble is ready to be tested. The first six teams Brooklyn, Denver, Orlando, Phoenix, Utah and Washington are scheduled to arrive Tuesday at the Disney complex. Another eight teams arrive Wednesday, the last eight arrive Thursday, and with that training camps will be on the cusp of beginning. If the plan works, all teams will be at Disney for at least 5-1/2 weeks and some teams will be there for more than three months. But once the games start, theyre every other day, I think the players will be fine.
Charles Barkley tells Pence to 'shut the hell up' over criticizing NBA
(CNN) - Retired NBA superstar Charles Barkley had harsh words for Mike Pence on Thursday after the vice president accused the league of acting as a "wholly owned subsidiary" of China. The controversy has led to accusations that the NBA is prioritizing business interests over American values, but Barkley pointed out that the US and others do business in China regardless. "Vice President Pence needs to shut the hell up," Barkley said on "Inside the NBA" on TNT, which is a part of WarnerMedia, along with CNN. Earlier Thursday, Pence criticized the NBA in a speech that also chided Beijing for economic and human rights abuses. "In siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly owned subsidiary of that authoritarian regime," Pence said.
LeBron James weighs in on NBA-China dispute
CNN image(CNN) - Basketball star LeBron James has finally weighed in on the ongoing NBA-China dispute, criticizing Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey as being misinformed about the situation. The league is embroiled in a standoff with China after Morey tweeted his support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Speaking to reporters on Monday before a game in Los Angeles, James, who is known for speaking out on social justice issues, called it "a very delicate situation, a very sensitive situation." In recent weeks demonstrators have burned Chinese flags, spray painted "Hong Kong is not China" across the city, and even attacked Chinese owned-businesses. Through all of this, NBA players have stayed relatively quiet, making James one of the first to speak out on the issue.
NBA cancels media access for remainder of China trip
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images(CNN) - The NBA has canceled all media access for the remainder of its visit to China as it puts players in a "complicated" and "unfair" situation, it said. The league is embroiled in a standoff with China after the Houston Rockets' general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The announcement comes a day after CNN's Christina Macfarlane was shut down by a Houston Rockets' media officer as she tried to ask James Harden and Russell Westbrook a question about the NBA's position with China during a news conference in Tokyo. Macfarlane has since received an apology, with NBA spokesperson Mike Bass saying the incident was "inconsistent with how the NBA conducts media events." The LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are set for a rematch in Shenzhen Saturday, the last game of the NBA's pre-season tour of Asia.
Lakers and Nets warmly greeted by fans in China
A Chinese flag is seen placed on merchandise in the NBA flagship retail store on Oct. 9, 2019, in Beijing, China. The tweet, sent by Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, set off a firestorm that has dramatically affected the two teams' trip to China. All of the NBA's official Chinese partners have suspended ties with the league, and fans are likely to follow suit. A marquee preseason matchupInterest in the China games had been higher than usual for a preseason game because they feature the league's biggest star, LeBron James, and two All-Stars on new teams -- the Lakers' Anthony Davis and the Nets' Kyrie Irving. The NBA's digital and TV partners in China had already announced they would not live-stream preseason games in the country.
Trump criticizes top NBA coaches amid China controversy
CNN(CNN) - U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken for the first time about the escalating tensions between the NBA and China as he took aim at the coaches of the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. All of the NBA's official Chinese partners have now suspended ties with the league as it continues to grapple with the fallout. "But they talk badly about the United States, but when it talks about China they didn't want to say anything bad. When asked to clarify his own position on how the Chinese government is pressuring the NBA, Trump said they had to "work out their own situation." He continued: "I watched the way Kerr, Popovich, and some of the others who are pandering to China."
How one tweet snowballed into the NBA's worst nightmare
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey caused substantial damage with the NBA's growing relationship with China after he voiced his support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters. Last season, more than 600 million people watched NBA games on Chinese television networks. Nearly 500 million people in China watched NBA programming on Tencent platforms during the last season, according to the companies. Monday, Oct. 7: NBA's initial response sparks outrageThe NBA said that it recognizes that Morey's views "have deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable." Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat from Texas who is running for the party's presidential nomination in 2020, called the NBA's response "an embarrassment."
NBA fan supporting Hong Kong ejected from game
A little after the signs were taken away, I stood in my seat and chanted "Free Hong Kong" until security escorted us out." Wachs, who lived and worked in Hong Kong in his 20s, said protesters there "are seeking to preserve their democracy." "There is nothing controversial about the Hong Kong protesters demands," he said. Earlier this week, Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets, tweeted his support for the demonstrations in Hong Kong. His post, which has since been deleted, included an image that read, "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong."
All NBA's official Chinese partners suspend ties
CNN image(CNN) - All of the NBA's official Chinese partners have suspended ties with the league as it grapples with the fallout from a team manager's controversial tweet about Hong Kong. The firestorm began over the weekend, when Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong. His post, which has since been deleted, included an image that read, "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong." NBA China also lists two partners that are joint ventures between Chinese and international companies on its website. On Wednesday, Clear, a haircare brand owned by consumer goods giant Unilever, said it would suspend all ties with the NBA in China.
NBA postpones Shanghai press event amid spat with China
The NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver were initially criticized in the U.S. for not forcefully defending Morey's right to free speech. Wednesday's press conferences had been widely publicized inside China, where many were eager to hear what Lakers forward LeBron James had to say about the furor. The Lakers and the Nets are in China to play two preseason games and participate in several events with fans and the community. A Nets community event Tuesday and NBA fan night Wednesday were also canceled. Today, there are more NBA fans in China than in the US.
Houston Rockets fan arrested in China after threat to burn flag
Feng Li/Getty ImagesCHANGCHUN, China - A 25-year-old Houston Rockets fan in China threatened to burn the Chinese flag in protest of the ongoing dispute between Beijing and the NBA team, and told police to "come and arrest him." Wang was arrested shortly afterward and the case is being investigated, local police said in a statement. It is illegal to desecrate the flag in China and offenders can face up to 3 years in prison. The Rockets have been arguably the most popular NBA franchise in China since the team drafted Chinese superstar Yao Ming in 2002. Silver's response drew the ire of Chinese authorities and many angry citizens who said they would no longer support the Rockets.
China won't show NBA preseason games after Hong Kong tweet
(CNN) - China won't broadcast or stream NBA preseason games held in the country. Tencent, the NBA's exclusive digital partner in China, also said it would suspend live streaming for NBA preseason games in China. The controversy began when Morey tweeted his support for the demonstrations in Hong Kong over the weekend. His post, which has since been deleted, included an image that read, "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong." In its decision Tuesday to halt NBA broadcasts, CCTV pointed to "the response of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in Japan."
Chinese firms suspend ties with Houston Rockets over Hong Kong tweet
Scott Halleran/Getty ImagesHOUSTON - Several Chinese businesses are suspending ties with the Houston Rockets after the American basketball team's general manager expressed support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. CCTV 5, the sports channel of China's top state broadcaster, announced that it would suspend airing Houston Rockets events on television. And Tencent Sports said it would suspend live streaming for Houston Rockets games, as well as news about the team. Sponsors distanced themselves from the Houston Rockets as well. "I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China," Morey said.