The NBA changed the All-Star voting process two years ago, in part to prevent Zaza Pachulia being elected a starter.Instead, it might keep Dwyane Wade from being one — again. Luka Doncic and Derrick Rose, too.Entering the last full week of balloting, Wade would be in a good position for a farewell All-Star start under the old system, which was solely dependent on fan votes. He's running second among Eastern Conference guards, with a sizeable gap to No. 3 Kemba Walker after the second set of returns were released last week.Doncic is second among West forwards in a bid to start as a rookie, and Rose is ahead of MVP James Harden in the second spot in the West backcourt.But fan vote is now just 50 percent of the process, a change that was made after Pachulia was undeservedly nearly elected a starter through a huge overseas push in 2016. The players' vote and a media panel each account for 25 percent, and in its first year it did stop Pachulia, who would have been elected to start by fans in... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins will start immediately for coach Steve Kerr when the All-Star center makes his long-awaited Warriors debut in about a week following a lengthy recovery from surgery on a torn left Achilles tendon.Cousins has targeted Golden State's game Jan. 18 at the Clippers as his return date and first game of the season, though Kerr said it could even be sooner if all continues going well — perhaps even against his former New Orleans team at home next Wednesday."The idea is we have to give ourselves a little leeway," Kerr said Thursday. "That Clipper game is sort of the one we've targeted but we should give ourselves some leeway on either side, because we have to see how the next week goes. I suppose it's a possibility that it could be New Orleans, maybe there's a possibility it's whoever's after the Clippers ... Lakers. That's the range that we're looking at."The coaching staff has spent the past couple of weeks more intensely planning for Cousins' return and... [More]

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — As the Santa Cruz Warriors huddled after practice, Darius Morris provided a quick recap of his adventure to the Arizona desert a day earlier to interview with the Suns. Phoenix needed a point guard given Devin Booker's hamstring injury, and Morris was at least in the mix.Santa Cruz coach Aaron Miles, who so wishes he were still playing professionally, had a little fun leading the offense in Morris' absence.Just one example of life in the topsy-turvy, changing-by-the-day G League, when Golden State or another club might come calling at a moment's notice to swipe a top player for promotion to the NBA.Or, as is the case for Santa Cruz this week, send one of the NBA's best big men out on rehab assignment.Miles will have the chance to work alongside DeMarcus Cousins, assigned to Santa Cruz on Monday as he continues his rehab from left Achilles tendon surgery. Cousins' younger brother, Jaleel, is on the team, too.One moment, Miles might be setting a screen or bouncing... [More]

Vince Carter could have gone anywhere.To a contender, to chase a ring. To retirement, because he has nothing left to prove. To television, which seems like it will be his next vocation whenever his playing days end.Instead, he chose Atlanta — a young team, a rebuilding team, a team that probably has minimal chance of making the playoffs.And he's happy."I'm with a great bunch of guys," Carter said. "I enjoy helping young guys who want to learn, who are willing to be coached and let you coach them and ask questions. It's a small thing, but it's a major thing — because if you're asking questions, that means you're trying to learn and grow. And these guys are all great."He's the NBA's oldest active player, someone who turns 42 next month. When he was drafted in June 1998, neither Trae Young nor Kevin Huerter had been born yet. And they're the starting backcourt for the Hawks this season, Carter's 21st in the league, with Atlanta being the eighth team he's played with.Carter talked with Dwyane... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors center Damian Jones has been sidelined by a torn left pectoral muscle.The Warriors announced the injury on Sunday and said Jones' long-term status will be determined following a meeting with a specialist in the coming days. But he likely will be sidelined for a significant amount of time.Jones got hurt with 5.7 seconds remaining in the third quarter of a loss Saturday at Detroit.He is averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.The Warriors already are thin at center with DeMarcus Cousins still working his way back from a torn left Achilles tendon. Draymond Green, who also plays center in certain lineups, has missed 11 of the past 13 games as he deals with a toe injury.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — Draymond Green isn't apologizing for his part in a dustup with Kevin Durant that led to a one-game suspension by the Golden State Warriors.But Green vowed Thursday that the Warriors are not imploding, regardless of whatever is, or isn't happening, following the heated exchange between he and Durant in Monday night's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.Green said he and Durant have spoken and that they're "moving forward."The Warriors forward spoke on Thursday for the first time since the incident. He opened his session with reporters by saying: "I'm going to speak on this one time and one time only," and refused to take any questions about it after he was done."I think there's no secret that I am an emotional player," he said. "I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I play with that same emotion. Sometimes they get the best of me. And (if) it doesn't work to my favor I'm going to live with that."He continued by saying that the passionate way he plays the game has led him... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors don't expect Draymond Green's latest dustup with Kevin Durant to become a long-term issue for the two-time defending NBA champions.Nor do they expect the emotional Green to change after his one-game suspension by the team Tuesday.Durant said he expects to work things out with Green, saying, "I'm sure it will, we've got a long season ahead.""His presence has been a part of this team for a while, even before I got here he'd been a huge staple in this organization," Durant said. "Obviously it's definitely weird not having him around and everything that went down. But that's what happens, (stuff) happens in the NBA."Green was suspended one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team following an altercation a night earlier with Durant, though general manager Bob Myers declined to offer specifics on the All-Star forward's behavior that was considered going too far. Myers and Steve Kerr collaborated on the decision."We just felt like this... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors don't expect Draymond Green's latest dustup with Kevin Durant to become a long-term issue for the two-time defending NBA champions.Nor do they expect the emotional Green to change after his one-game suspension by the team Tuesday.Green was suspended one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team following an altercation a night earlier with Durant, though general manager Bob Myers declined to offer specifics on the All-Star forward's behavior that was considered going too far. Myers and Steve Kerr collaborated on the decision."We just felt like this rose to the level of acting the way we did," Myers said, noting of Green: "He was professional. He loves to play basketball, which is all you can ask of him."The Warriors made the announcement about four hours before they were set to host Atlanta, and the 28-year-old Green was serving the suspension against the Hawks. He wasn't at Oracle Arena and didn't immediately respond to a text... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green was suspended one game without pay by Golden State on Tuesday for conduct detrimental to the team.The Warriors made the announcement about four hours before they were set to host Atlanta, and said Green would serve the suspension against the Hawks.In the closing seconds of regulation during Monday's 121-116 overtime loss on the road to the Clippers, Green secured a rebound and, with Kevin Durant calling for the ball, instead dribbled the length of the court into traffic and lost control as the Warriors failed to get a shot off. Durant was shown on camera visibly upset immediately afterward.Then, back on the bench waiting for the extra period to begin, the two traded words and gestured with Klay Thompson seated between them and Andre Iguodala, DeMarcus Cousins and others trying to calm the situation.General manager Bob Myers and coach Steve Kerr have long supported Green's fiery nature that leads to technical fouls. Myers even... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler is in Philadelphia, and upon his arrival he immediately began talking about winning a championship."The Process" has a whole new meaning.Butler, a four-time All-Star forward, is now officially a member of the 76ers, after they and the Minnesota Timberwolves received approval from the league office Monday on the terms of the trade that was agreed to over the weekend.The deal gives Philadelphia a legitimate "Big Three," with Butler joining All-Star forward Joel Embiid and reigning rookie of the year Ben Simmons on a team that already was expected to be a major Eastern Conference contender this season. Butler flew into Philadelphia on Monday and told NBC Sports Philadelphia that fans should expect "a guy who wants to win.""We want a championship," Butler said as he signed a couple of autographs before he was driven away from the airport. "And I think the core group of guys that we have will figure out a way to get it done."Butler and Justin Patton were traded to Philadelphia... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — All-Star forward Jimmy Butler is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, after they and the Minnesota Timberwolves received approval from the league office Monday on the terms of the trade that was agreed to over the weekend.Butler and Justin Patton were traded for Philadelphia, in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Jerryd Bayless along with a 2022 second-round draft pick.Butler will be introduced by the 76ers on Tuesday and is expected to debut with his new club Wednesday at Orlando. Philadelphia is playing at Miami on Monday.The deal gives Philadelphia a legitimate "Big Three" with Butler joining All-Star forward Joel Embiid and reigning rookie of the year Ben Simmons on a team that already was expected to be a major Eastern Conference contender this season."We have a championship window that's centered around the continued progression of our talented young core, as well as our ability to add elite players who elevate our program," 76ers general manager Elton... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins isn't even playing for Golden State yet and he's been ejected from a game.Cousins was thrown out in the first quarter of the Warriors' 128-100 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night after arguing with referee Scott Foster.Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Foster told him he had already warned Cousins and Knicks center Enes Kanter about their jawing with each other. Cousins then apparently directed his talking to Foster.As play resumed following a timeout with 2:28 remaining in the period, it was announced that Cousins had been assessed a technical foul during the break, and then subsequently ejected."Cousins took exception to the ruling and during the timeout he was ejected for one technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct," Foster told a pool reporter.Cousins was tossed after just one technical instead of the standard two, with Foster saying the officials felt that was enough for a player not in the game. Asked if the ejection was because of what Cousins said, Foster replied: "More so the way of which he stated what he stated."Cousins is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He took part in his first practice with the Warriors on Thursday, but there is still no timetable for his return to action.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins isn't even playing for Golden State yet and he's been ejected from a game.Cousins was thrown out in the first quarter of the Warriors' game against the New York Knicks on Friday night.It was unclear what happened with the volatile center, who was sitting in street clothes on the Golden State bench not far from where Stephen Curry had made a 3-pointer on a shot where it appeared he may have also drawn contact.As play resumed following a timeout with 2:28 remaining in the period, it was announced that Cousins had been assessed a technical foul during the break, and then subsequently ejected.Cousins is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He took part in his first practice with the Warriors on Thursday, but there is still no timetable for his return to action.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins has taken part in practice with the Golden State Warriors for the first time, though there is still no timetable for his return to game action.Cousins joined the Warriors in their workout Thursday night in New York, where they will play the Knicks on Friday. The All-Star center's work on the court thus far had been limited to individual and 1-on-1 drills as he recovers from a ruptured left Achilles tendon.Cousins was hurt in January while playing for New Orleans and signed a one-year deal with the NBA champions in the offseason.The Warriors announced Monday that Cousins was making good progress and would soon be incorporated into certain aspects of practice, though not scrimmaging. He then took part in Golden State's game-day shootaround Wednesday before a home victory over Washington.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/tag/NBA and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Steve Kerr understands the NBA's business side, free agency and everything it takes to build a perennial winner with a star-studded roster like the one he coaches every day.He also knows the Warriors' dominance won't last forever. Kerr addressed that thought with his group on the eve of training camp. Sure, a fifth straight trip to the NBA Finals would be an incredible feat. Yet Kerr won't make that a regular topic of discussion.Instead, just enjoy the moment and cherish the process while this special team is still together."Last year I took the approach we're going stare right in the eyes of the beast and I kind of shared my experience as a player and 'Hey, I know this is going to be hard, we all know this is going to be hard,'" Kerr said. "And it was, but I don't want that to be our theme this year. You can only go with that for so long before it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."What we're trying to do is embrace the idea here we are in this moment in time and... [More]

Editors:To help you plan for the upcoming NBA season, here are some of AP's plans before games begin Oct. 16. Please contact Oscar Dixon (odixon@ap.org) with any questions. All times Eastern. This advisory will be updated and is subject to change.PRESEASONThe AP is providing a daily roundup of preseason games, leading with the top angle of the night.UPCOMING STORIES:BKN--Magic-CliffordORLANDO, Fla. — Steve Clifford is sleeping more every night now, part of his commitment to health after a huge scare last season. But he knows that taking over as coach of the Orlando Magic and starting a rebuilding job will be an enormous challenge nonetheless — no matter how much more sleep he gets. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos by 2 p.m. Oct. 8BKN--NBA Diversity-Front OfficesThe NBA usually gets high marks for its diversity efforts and is widely viewed as a leader on social issues. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes the league needs to be better, and he made his feelings... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins has progressed in his recovery from surgery for a torn left Achilles tendon and is doing light shooting and other skill work on the court and will be able to do some noncontact work as the Warriors' training camp begins.Golden State general manager Bob Myers said anyone who thinks the two-time defending champions plan to "save DeMarcus for the playoffs, I think that's inaccurate, when he can play he'll play."That doesn't mean Cousins will be pushed to return too soon. He was re-examined last week by Dr. Richard Ferkel, the surgeon who performed his procedure, and all was positive. Myers said Cousins would be evaluated again in four weeks."We won't rush him but we also won't hold him back," Myers said at Monday's media day.Cousins injured his Achilles in late January and it prematurely ended his season with the Pelicans. Before the injury, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 48 games.He said he's encouraged to be running... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins has progressed in his recovery from surgery for a torn left Achilles tendon and is doing light shooting and other skill work on the court and will be able to do some noncontact work as the Warriors' training camp begins.Golden State general manager Bob Myers said anyone who thinks the two-time defending champions plan to "save DeMarcus for the playoffs, I think that's inaccurate, when he can play he'll play."That doesn't mean Cousins will be pushed to return too soon. He was re-examined last week by Dr. Richard Ferkel, the surgeon who performed his procedure, and all was positive. Myers said Cousins would be evaluated again in four weeks."We won't rush him but we also won't hold him back," Myers said at Monday's media day.Cousins injured his Achilles in late January and it prematurely ended his season with the Pelicans. Before the injury, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 48 games.He said he's encouraged to be running... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — First, his right forearm cramped turning his arm into the shape of a V as his hand bent back, and Jordan Bell could not move it for several minutes as he sat in the bathtub as he recovered post-workout. He yelled for his girlfriend's help. The cramp briefly released, then quickly returned. Soon, his quads, calves, hamstrings, biceps, hands and feet followed suit.Then, Bell blacked out. He came to and his girlfriend got him into bed, and he doesn't remember anything but waking up there."I just got cramps everywhere, all at once," he recalled after a workout at Warriors headquarters this week. "The pain was just so much, I blacked out."It was terrifying — "very," Bell said. He realized he had pushed his body to the brink of physical exhaustion after one especially grueling mid-August day with far from enough food and fuel. He did his cycle class, weights and conditioning, then a couple hours of open gym in Los Angeles — his regular routine all summer to get ready for... [More]

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Two people familiar with the situation say free-agent center Jahlil Okafor has agreed to a two-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.The people spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced. They say the contract includes a team option in Year 2.Philadelphia made 6-foot-11 Okafor the third overall pick out of Duke in the 2015 NBA draft. But Okafor's production fell considerably last season from the nearly 15 points and six rebounds he averaged through his first two seasons with the 76ers.He appeared in only two games with Philadelphia last season before being traded to Brooklyn, where he played about 13 minutes per game as a reserve, averaging 6.4 points.Okafor joins projected starter Julius Randle among the new centers the Pelicans have acquired since DeMarcus Cousins' departure in free agency for Golden State.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports