TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors received the biggest championship rings in NBA history and unfurled a banner celebrating their victory in a ceremony before their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was on hand Tuesday night to honor the Raptors, who won the first title in team history with a six-game triumph over the Golden State Warriors last June.The rings each contain more than 650 diamonds, as well as 16 rubies representing the number of playoff victories required to win the title. On the face of the ring, diamonds form the Toronto skyline above the word "North" spelled out in diamonds inside a golden chevron.Afer the rings were handed out, five-time All-Star guard Kyle Lowry took the microphone to thank fans for their support, then gathered his teammates around him before leading a countdown to reveal the black, red and gold championship banner hanging above the home bench.The Raptors lost NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency.During ring presentations for the Raptors' staff, fans cheered loudly for Alex McKechnie. Toronto's Director of Sport Science was credited with creating the load management schedule that helped keep Leonard healthy during his lone season north of the border.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Steve Kerr insists he isn't ruling All-Star guard Klay Thompson out for the entire season, yet the Golden State coach cautions that Thompson's recovery from surgery July 2 for a torn ACL in his left knee is still expected to take nine to 12 months.Thompson is "moving great" according to Kerr and certainly looked it as he's back doing shooting work on the court."ACLs, generally they take nine to 12 months. Nine months takes us right to the end of the season," said Kerr, who had recently told NBC Sports Bay Area it was unlikely Thompson would play this season."I wasn't announcing anything. He's doing great with his rehab. It's still possible that he could play. I forgot with modern media that 'unlikely' is going to become on the ticker 'out for the year' and all that stuff, so probably my mistake for opening my mouth. It's not the first time I've gotten myself in trouble for doing that. It's an ACL, so if you just do your research with the history of ACLs, he had surgery... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons will begin the season without star forward Blake Griffin, whose injury issues have flared up again.The Pistons said Tuesday that Griffin would not travel for Wednesday night's game at Indiana and would continue a treatment and conditioning regimen for left hamstring and posterior knee soreness. He will be re-evaluated for a return the first week of November.Griffin was mostly healthy last season until the very end, when he was limited in the playoffs. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the offseason.Griffin averaged 35.0 minutes per game last season, his most since 2014-15, and averaged a career-high 24.5 points. Coach Dwane Casey admitted at media day that the Pistons "rode him like a cheap horse" — and suggested that they might manage his minutes a bit more conservatively going forward.First-round draft pick Sekou Doumbouya (concussion protocol) is not traveling to Indiana either, and Markieff Morris (low back tightness) is questionable. Point guard Reggie Jackson (low back tightness) is probable.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade is getting into the media business.Wade will be a regular analyst for TNT's studio coverage of the NBA on Tuesday nights alongside former Miami Heat teammate Shaquille O'Neal and Candace Parker this season. His agreement with WarnerMedia also includes other projects covering sports, lifestyles and entertainment across the company's various platforms.The three-time NBA champion will also help Turner Sports and CBS Sports cover college basketball's Final Four.Wade says he looks forward "to connecting with my fans in this new role and bringing my own perspective to the game I love."Part of Wade's agreement with WarnerMedia calls for his production company, 59th & Prairie Entertainment, to enter into a development deal for new undisclosed projects.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons will begin the season without star forward Blake Griffin, whose injury issues have flared up again.The Pistons said Tuesday that Griffin would not travel for Wednesday night's game at Indiana and would continue a treatment and conditioning regimen for left hamstring and posterior knee soreness. He will be re-evaluated for a return the first week of November.Griffin was mostly healthy last season until the very end, when he was limited in the playoffs. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the offseason.First-round draft pick Sekou Doumbouya (concussion protocol) will not travel to Indiana either, and Markieff Morris (low back tightness) is questionable. Point guard Reggie Jackson (low back tightness) is probable.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — Hip-hop isn't always blaring from the speakers in the Miami Heat practice facility these days. Pat Riley's preferred sound is Motown. Erik Spoelstra hasn't had much of a chance to sneak U2 into the mix.These days, country music seems to be most prevalent in the Heat gym.That's part of the Jimmy Butler effect. He gives the Heat a new sound — and a new look.The noted country fan makes his official Heat debut on Wednesday night when Miami opens the season at home against No. 2 overall pick Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Landing Butler was the big offseason move for the Heat, and the four-time All-Star said he already is convinced that his new team can compete."We've got some dogs," Butler said. "We've got some guys that have something to prove every single day. Not just in a game, but out here in practice. Guys that are competing, not scared of anybody in a Heat jersey, not scared of anybody that's not in a Heat jersey. That's what I love about it. You know each and every... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets coach James Borrego still isn't ready to name his entire starting five on the eve of the regular-season opener.The second-year coach says point guard Terry Rozier and center Cody Zeller will start Wednesday night when the Hornets host the Chicago Bulls. However, he isn't disclosing the other three starters.Borrego says he'll make an announcement until just before tipoff.Miles Bridges, Dwayne Bacon, Nic Batum, Marvin Williams, Malik Monk and rookie PJ Washington are all in the mix to start.Borrego says he ran with one group of five in Tuesday's closed practice, but wanted to meet with his coaching staff before making a final decision.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have signed power forward Domantas Sabonis to a four-year contract extension.Team officials completed the deal Monday, less than two hours before an NBA deadline would have allowed players with rookie contracts to become restricted free agents next summer.The Pacers did not announce financial terms of the deal though ESPN.com first reported it was worth $77 million in guaranteed money and Sabonis could make as much as $85 million with bonuses.A message was left by The Associated Press with Sabonis' agent, Greg Lawrence."I'm very excited to remain with the Pacers, this is where I wanted to be," Sabonis said in a statement. "I appreciate the organization showing their confidence in me, and I'm ready to be part of what's going to be a great year for our team."It's dramatic turnabout from last weekend when reports surfaced Sabonis soon could be on the trading block.But now the Pacers have four of this season's projected starters under contract through... [More]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Fourth-year guard Buddy Hield has agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Sacramento Kings.The team didn't provide details of the contract in announcing Hield's extension Monday and planned a news conference for Tuesday. The Kings open the season Wednesday at Phoenix.Hield started all 82 games for the Kings last season and averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. During his rookie season of 2016-17, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hield was acquired by the Kings in the trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans."Buddy has made tremendous growth each season since joining the team and we are thrilled that he will remain a King as we continue to build an exciting future here in Sacramento," general manager Vlade Divac said. "He has quickly established himself as an elite shooter in the league and is an important part of our young, dynamic core."___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

NEW YORK (AP) — Taurean Prince quickly showed the Brooklyn Nets he was worth keeping around.The Nets signed Prince to a multiyear contract extension Monday, just a few months after acquiring him in an offseason trade.Prince came to Brooklyn in a July 6 trade with Atlanta and has quickly stepped into the starting forward spot that is open while Kevin Durant recovers from surgery on his Achilles tendon. He led the Nets with 16.8 points per game during the preseason, shooting 63.2% from the field and a team-best 69.6% (16 of 23) from 3-point range.Prince averaged 11.4 points in three seasons with Atlanta. Terms of the deal for the 2016 first-round pick were not disclosed.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson will miss the start of the season after the No. 1 overall draft pick by the New Orleans Pelicans had right knee surgery, sidelining the hyped rookie for nearly two months.Williamson had his torn right lateral meniscus repaired on Monday. The club says his recovery will last six to eight weeks.The 6-foot-6, 285-pound former Duke star averaged 23.2 points in four preseason games. He missed New Orleans' final exhibition game in New York last Friday night.The 19-year-old Williamson turned pro after one season in college, during which he averaged 22.6 points and was voted to the Atlantic Coast Conference's All-Defensive Team. He also averaged 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocked shots.He was projected to start immediately at forward for New Orleans, alongside guards Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, forward Brandon Ingram and center Derrick Favors.While it remains to be seen how coach Alvin Gentry will change his rotation in Williamson's absence, it appears 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward Nicolo Melli of Italy could be in line for more playing time.Melli, who was acquired in the offseason, averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds this season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have waived veteran Joe Johnson.The Pistons announced the move Monday, setting their 15-man roster for Wednesday night's season opener at Indiana.Detroit signed Johnson last month, but the Pistons maintained that he would be competing for a roster spot, and there was no guarantee of that. The seven-time All-Star did not play in the NBA at all last season and came to Detroit after being named MVP of the BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league.Johnson appeared in four preseason games, averaging 3.8 points.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised their third-year options on contracts for Jaren Jackson Jr. and guard Grayson Allen.The Grizzlies announced the moves Monday.Jackson was the fourth overall draft pick in 2018, and he averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games to earn NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. At 19, Jackson was the second-youngest player in the NBA last season. He turned 20 last month.The Grizzlies acquired Allen in a trade with Utah that sent Mike Conley to the Jazz this summer. The 6-foot-3 Allen was the 21st overall pick in 2018 after playing four years at Duke. He averaged 5.6 point in 38 games for Utah and had a career-high 40 points against the Clippers on April 2, the second-highest scoring game by a rookie last season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics have signed forward Jaylen Brown to a contract extension, beating a Monday deadline to extend the player who has emerged as a key part of the team's future.The four-year deal could pay Brown as much as $115 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The total includes incentives, according to the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not announced."Jaylen has made tremendous strides over the last three years and has become a fantastic player for us on both ends of the court," said Danny Ainge, the team's president of basketball operations."He's a great person and hard worker who, at 22 years old, can score and defend against the best players in the NBA," Ainge said. "Jaylen is a true professional who did a great job accepting his role last season, and he is a major part of our championship goals."The third overall pick in the 2016 draft, Brown averaged 14.5 points and almost five rebounds... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Boston Celtics have signed forward Jaylen Brown to a four-year contract extension that could pay him as much as $115 million.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Monday because the deal had not yet been announced. The $115 million includes incentives, the person said.The deal was first reported by ESPN.The third overall pick in the 2016 draft, Brown has averaged 11.2 points and four rebounds in three seasons. He also played for the U.S. team in this summer's World Cup.The sides faced a 6 p.m. deadline for the agreement and beat it by several hours.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have exercised their contract options on Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr. and Kevin Knox.The options picked up Monday are on the fourth year of the contracts for Ntilikina and Smith, and the third year of Knox's deal.Ntilikina and Smith were taken one pick apart in the 2017 draft. The Knicks selected Ntilikina with the No. 8 pick and Smith went ninth to Dallas, which traded him to New York last season in the deal for Kristaps Porzingis.They are competing along with Elfrid Payton to be the Knicks' starting point guard.Knox averaged 12.8 points last season as a rookie. The Knicks drafted him with the No. 9 pick in 2018.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Mitch Kupchak doesn't see the Charlotte Hornets being major players in free agency as they attempt to build a winning franchise in the post-Kemba Walker era — at least not right away.Instead, the second-year general manager said Monday he anticipates the Hornets will construct the roster through draft picks and "savvy trades" during the season, while compiling as many assets as possible."We will not be an active player" in free agency, Kupchak said. "I think we can build a culture here and get enough assets and have a promising enough future and really attract the kind of free agent you want to spend that kind of money on — but I don't think you can do it right now."So in the meantime, the Hornets will give young players like Dwayne Bacon, Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, Devonte Graham and even rookie PJ Washington extensive playing time this season as part of their No. 1 overall goal of player development after going 39-43 last season and losing Walker, a three-time All-Star,... [More]

About a dozen NBA players gathered for a teleconference with officials in the league office this summer, making their case about what they believe is one of the biggest problems in the game.Fan behavior, they said, is getting worse.The numbers show they're right, and if that isn't troubling enough race only adds to the complexity of the issue: Most NBA players are black, and it seems like most of those in the closest seats are white. Not every incident is racially motivated, though some clearly are.After high-profile incidents involving Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, Kyle Lowry and others last season — including ones involving racist taunts — zero tolerance for abusive or hateful behavior is now to become the NBA's policy going forward. The league is changing and toughening its code of conduct for fans, especially putting those in closest proximity to the players and the court on alert that anything over the line will lead to ejections and possibly more."We've added any sexist language... [More]

About a dozen NBA players gathered for a teleconference with officials in the league office this summer, making their case about what they believe is one of the biggest problems in the game.Fan behavior, they said, is getting worse.The numbers show they're right, and if that isn't troubling enough race only adds to the complexity of the issue: Most NBA players are black, and it seems like most of those in the closest seats are white. Not every incident is racially motivated, though some clearly are.After high-profile incidents involving Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, Kyle Lowry and others last season — including ones involving racist taunts — zero tolerance for abusive or hateful behavior is now to become the NBA's policy going forward. The league is changing and toughening its code of conduct for fans, especially putting those in closest proximity to the players and the court on alert that anything over the line will lead to ejections and possibly more."We've added any sexist language... [More]

Atlanta guard Kevin Huerter saw gimmick defenses throughout high school and college. Box-and-ones, triangle-and-twos and variations thereof, they weren't exactly uncommon for opponents to try.In the NBA, they're a rarity.And Huerter says the reason is simple."I honestly just think players are too good," he said.Coaches may agree. The Toronto Raptors famously and effectively slapped a box-and-one against Golden State's Stephen Curry late in the fourth quarter of Game 2 in last season's NBA Finals, though that was in a situation where the Warriors' other elite scorers from that team — Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson — were both out of the game at the time with injuries.So in that situation, the gimmick seemed apropos.But in most situations, coaches probably wouldn't dare go with one."That worked when there wasn't Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Gimmicks are gimmicks. You go into a game, especially with us or Golden State or any of about eight teams now in... [More]