SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Prosecutors will decide whether to charge Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri with misdemeanor battery after he was accused of shoving and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face while trying to join his team on the court to celebrate their first NBA championship.Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said Friday that investigators are reviewing footage from body cameras worn by the deputy and other officers, the stadium's surveillance video and cellphone video. He said a report will be forwarded prosecutors.After the game Thursday night in Oakland against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri tried to walk past the deputy who was checking court-access credentials, Kelly said. When the deputy stopped him, Ujiri shoved him back several feet and yelled obscenities, Kelly said."That's when our deputy goes hands-on and moves Mr. Ujiri back from the court. Mr. Ujiri made a second, more significant shove and during that shove his arm struck our deputy in the side of... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California police agency will pursue a misdemeanor battery charge against Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of shoving and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face and shouting obscenities as he tried to join his team on the court to celebrate their NBA championship.After the game Thursday in Oakland against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri tried to walk past the deputy who was checking court-access credentials, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said.When the deputy stopped him, Ujiri shoved him back several feet, Kelly said."That's when our deputy goes hands-on and moves Mr. Ujiri back from the court. Mr. Ujiri made a second, more significant shove and during that shove his arm struck our deputy in the side of the head," Kelly said.Ujiri was also accused of shouting obscenities at the deputy.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.The deputy complained... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Steve Kerr still considers Golden State an ideal fit for Kevin Durant.Whether Durant sees it that way going into free agency next month, Kerr isn't about to guess. Especially now that the two-time NBA Finals MVP is headed for what could be a yearlong recovery from surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon."Well, the injury kind of throws everything for a loop, so I have no idea what Kevin's going to do," Kerr said Friday. "I know that we all want him back, and we think this is a great situation for him and vice versa. So, hopefully we get him back and keep this thing going with the understanding that he's a free agent and we want what's best for him, and he's free to make any choice he wants. Hopefully he's back, and we will all give him any advice, any counsel that he needs. And ultimately he's going to make his own decision. He's earned that."A day after losing Game 6 of the Finals to the champion Toronto Raptors, Kerr and general manager Bob Myers braced for... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Whenever Toronto coach Nick Nurse needed inspiration this season, he merely needed to look at his office wall.Hanging there is a big photo, a finish-line shot of the 2015 Travers Stakes at historic Saratoga Race Course. There are two horses in the frame; one is Triple Crown winner and overwhelming favorite American Pharoah, the other is Keen Ice — who wasn't getting much attention from bettors and had never won on such a big stage.Keen Ice ran a perfect race that day, and knocked off the champion."I just really like the picture," Nurse said.Yes, and there's symmetry now. His Raptors ran a perfect race — and knocked off the team that had won the 2017 and 2018 NBA titles.Nurse, a 51-year-old basketball journeyman who has been a coach for 13 different teams in four countries over the last 30 years, is now the coach of the best team in the world. Unknown no more and someone who never will be anonymous again, Nurse guided the Raptors to their first NBA championship in... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities will push for a battery charge against Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of pushing and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face as he tried to get onto the court when his team won the NBA title in Oakland, a police spokesman said Friday.After the game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri was denied access to the court by the deputy because he didn't show a proper credential, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told the San Francisco Chronicle ."That's when he tried to push past our deputy, and our deputy pushed him back, and there was another push that kind of moved up and struck our deputy in the face," Kelly said.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.Deputies later took witness statements and obtained video of the incident, he said."We'll be submitting a report to the Alameda County district attorney for complaint of battery... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities will push for a battery charge against Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of pushing and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face as he tried to get onto the court when his team won the NBA title in Oakland, a police spokesman said Friday.After the game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri was denied access to the court by the deputy because he didn't show a proper credential, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told the San Francisco Chronicle ."That's when he tried to push past our deputy, and our deputy pushed him back, and there was another push that kind of moved up and struck our deputy in the face," Kelly said.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.Deputies later took witness statements and obtained video of the incident, he said."We'll be submitting a report to the Alameda County district attorney for complaint of battery... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities will push for a battery charge against Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of pushing and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face as he tried to get onto the court when his team won the NBA title in Oakland, an official said Friday.After the game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri was denied access to the court by the deputy because he didn't have a proper credential, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told the San Francisco Chronicle ."That's when he tried to push past our deputy, and our deputy pushed him back, and there was another push that kind of moved up and struck our deputy in the face," Kelly said.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.Deputies later took witness statements and obtained video of the incident, he said."We'll be submitting a report to the Alameda County district attorney for complaint of battery on an... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities will push for a battery charge against Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of pushing and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face as he tried to get onto the court when his team won the NBA title in Oakland, an official said Friday.After the game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri was denied access to the court by the deputy because he didn't have a proper credential, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told the San Francisco Chronicle ."That's when he tried to push past our deputy, and our deputy pushed him back, and there was another push that kind of moved up and struck our deputy in the face," Kelly said.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.Deputies later took witness statements and obtained video of the incident, he said."We'll be submitting a report to the Alameda County district attorney for complaint of battery on an... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Whenever Toronto coach Nick Nurse needed inspiration this season, he merely needed to look at his office wall.Hanging there is a big photo, a finish-line shot of the 2015 Travers Stakes at historic Saratoga Race Course. There are two horses in the frame; one is Triple Crown winner and overwhelming favorite American Pharoah, the other is Keen Ice — who wasn't getting much attention from bettors and had never won on such a big stage.Keen Ice ran a perfect race that day, and knocked off the champion."I just really like the picture," Nurse said.Yes, and there's symmetry now. His Raptors ran a perfect race — and knocked off the two-time NBA champions.Nurse, a 51-year-old basketball journeyman who has been a coach for 13 different teams in four countries over the last 30 years, is now the coach of the best team in the world. Unknown no more and someone who never will be anonymous again, Nurse guided the Raptors to their first NBA championship in a six-game defeat of the... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Authorities will push for a battery charge against Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri after the executive was accused of pushing and hitting a sheriff's deputy in the face as he tried to get onto the court after his team won the NBA title in Oakland, an official said Friday.After the game Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Ujiri was denied access to the court by the deputy because he didn't have a proper credential, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly told the San Francisco Chronicle ."That's when he tried to push past our deputy, and our deputy pushed him back, and there was another push that kind of moved up and struck our deputy in the face," Kelly said.Several bystanders intervened and Ujiri got onto the court without displaying any credentials, Kelly said.Deputies later took witness statements and obtained video of the incident, he said."We'll be submitting a report to the Alameda County district attorney for complaint of battery on... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Whenever Toronto coach Nick Nurse needed inspiration this season, he merely needed to look at his office wall.Hanging there is a big photo, a finish-line shot of the 2015 Travers Stakes at historic Saratoga Race Course. There are two horses in the frame; one is Triple Crown winner and overwhelming favorite American Pharoah, the other is Keen Ice — who wasn't getting much attention from bettors and had never won on such a big stage.Keen Ice ran a perfect race that day, and knocked off the champion."I just really like the picture," Nurse said.Yes, and there's symmetry now. His Raptors ran a perfect race — and knocked off the two-time NBA champions.Nurse, a 51-year-old basketball journeyman who has been a coach for 13 different teams in four countries over the last 30 years, is now the coach of the best team in the world. Unknown no more and someone who never will be anonymous again, Nurse guided the Raptors to their first NBA championship in a six-game defeat of the... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Canadian flag, soaked in beer and champagne, was waved in the Toronto locker room. Pascal Siakam wore the flag of Cameroon around his shoulders. Marc Gasol was yelling some happy phrase in Spanish.Every team that wins an NBA title calls itself "world champions."These Toronto Raptors might actually be worthy of the moniker.The new kings of the NBA are the first outside the U.S. to wear the crown. And they come from all corners of the globe.Team President Masai Ujiri was born in England and raised in Nigeria. Serge Ibaka is from the Congo. Gasol will play again for his native Spain this summer in the FIBA World Cup. Coach Nick Nurse won his first championship in Britain, where reserve OG Anunoby comes from. Even the team's superfan, Nav Bhatia, comes from India.It's a global game.It's a global team.They're the global champions."It meant a lot, just having guys from different countries and speaking different languages," Siakam said. "I think it kind of got us closer... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Canadian flag, soaked in beer and champagne, was waved in the Toronto locker room. Pascal Siakam wore the flag of Cameroon around his shoulders. Marc Gasol was yelling some happy phrase in Spanish.Every team that wins an NBA title calls itself "world champions."These Toronto Raptors might actually be worthy of such a moniker.The new kings of NBA basketball are the first outside the U.S. to wear the crown. And they come from all corners of the globe.Team President Masai Ujiri was born in England and raised in Nigeria. Serge Ibaka is from the Congo. Gasol will play again for his native Spain this summer in the FIBA World Cup. Coach Nick Nurse won his first championship in Britain, where reserve OG Anunoby comes from. Even the team's superfan, Nav Bhatia, comes from India.It's a global game.It's a global team.They're the global champions."It meant a lot, just having guys from different countries and speaking different languages," Siakam said. "I think it kind of... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Fans poured onto the streets and honked horns in Toronto and celebrated throughout Canada after the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship on Thursday night."And that's how we do it in the North," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted above a photo of him, two of his children and a dog watching the game.Thousands of spectators who jammed Jurassic Park, the fan zone outside the team's empty downtown arena, to watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals on big screens screamed in gleeful pandemonium as the final buzzer sounded on the Raptors' 114-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors.Rapper and Raptors global ambassador Drake said the team played with heart."We did this off of love," Drake said after the game. "We willed this into existence."The crowd sang Queen's "We Are the Champions" as they streamed into clogged streets. Some climbed poles and waved shirts. Car horns blared in a triumphant cacophony."What a night! I can't believe it, I can't believe it!" said Elias Edraki,... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Goran Dragic has told the Miami Heat he is exercising his $19.2 million option for next season, said a person with knowledge of the situation.Dragic spent several weeks weighing his decision, the person told The Associated Press Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because neither the guard nor the team has made any public announcement about the move.Dragic was limited to 36 games for the Heat last season, averaging 13.7 points and 4.8 assists — which are also the same averages for his 11-year career with Miami, Phoenix and Houston. He had until later in the month to decide on his option, and the move means he can now be included in trades if the Heat are so inclined. He turned 33 last month and was a 2018 All-Star.Dragic said last month, "I love Miami and would love to always be in Miami."The Heat are still waiting to hear Hassan Whiteside's decision on his $27.1 million option for next season. He is expected to accept and, like Dragic, will then be in the final year of his contract. Udonis Haslem still has not said if he will be back for a 17th season and Miami has about four more weeks to decide on the guaranteed portion of Ryan Anderson's $21.3 million contract.Miami holds the No. 13 pick in next week's NBA draft.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Three-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker said he would consider taking less money than he is eligible to make to stay with the Charlotte Hornets if that means helping them build a winning team.Because Walker was named to an All-NBA team this season, the Hornets can offer him a five-year "supermax" contract worth up to $221 million — significantly more than the five-year, $190 million deal had he not been named All-NBA.Other NBA teams can only offer a four-year deal worth $140 million when free agency begins June 30."Yeah, why not? I would take less, for sure," Walker said Thursday during his youth basketball camp at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte.The eight-year NBA veteran said the Hornets remain his first priority, but he said he's "pretty sure" he will meet with other interested teams before making a decision on his future.The 29-year-old Walker said he's eager to hear what other teams have to offer."That all factors in (to my decision) when I sit down with the... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Three-time All-Star point guard Kemba Walker says he'd be willing to work with the Hornets and take less than the "supermax" $221 million contract he's eligible to receive to re-sign with Charlotte.The Hornets can offer Walker, their all-time leading scorer, a five-year contract worth up to $221 million. Other NBA teams can only offer a four-year deal worth $140 million."Yeah, why not? I would take less, for sure," Walker said Thursday.Walker says the Hornets remain his "first priority," but he plans to meet with other interested teams before making a decision on his future.NBA free agency begins June 30.Asked if he's confident he'll be back with Charlotte, Walker says: "I have no clue. ... This is where I want to be and if it doesn't work out, it just doesn't. I'm prepared."___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Taylor Jenkins feels confident that Memphis' new front office will give him enough time to turn around the Grizzlies.Jenkins is the Grizzlies' fourth head coach since Memphis reached the 2013 Western Conference. The 34-year-old coach said Wednesday at a news conference that he learned a lot about the Grizzlies during the interview process and the front office's vision."We know there's going to be ups and downs," Jenkins said. "We're going to have our successes. We're going to have our mistakes. We want to be perfect, but we know it's going to take a team to do that, and that's what made me excited about this opportunity and there was no concern whatsoever."This is the first NBA head coaching job for Jenkins, who was Mike Budenholzer's assistant in Milwaukee this season and was with him in Atlanta for five seasons. Jenkins started in the NBA as an intern with the San Antonio front office before going into coaching with the Spurs' G League team, coaching the Toros for... [More]

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thunder All-Star Paul George has had a procedure to repair a small labrum tear in his left shoulder.A Thunder spokesman made the announcement on Tuesday.George had surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his right shoulder about a month ago. It was announced at that time that he would have the additional procedure at a later date. Both shoulders hampered him in the final two months of the season. His timetable for recovery remains the same — his status will be evaluated before the start of the upcoming season.George is a finalist for the NBA's Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. He ranked second in the league with 28 points per game and led the league with 2.21 steals per contest.___Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Pelicans basketball operations chief David Griffin said Tuesday that the timing of next week's NBA draft won't necessarily raise urgency to deal away disgruntled six-time All-Star Anthony Davis."I'm open-minded," Griffin said while introducing new front office hire Swin Cash on a conference call with reporters. "If things devolve in such a way that it's time for us to make a decision relative to Anthony Davis or any other part of the organization, we will. But we're not in a hurry to do anything and we don't feel there is a time sensitivity to anything that we're talking about — and that includes AD's desire to stay or not stay. That's not something there's a shot clock on."The Pelicans have the first overall pick in the June 20 NBA draft, when they are expected to select consensus top prospect Zion Williamson of Duke. The Pelicans could acquire additional high draft picks by dealing Davis by draft night, but also could choose to wait and trade Davis for established... [More]