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ESPN's NBA player rankings, especially of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, have sparked debate. Analyst Stephen A. Smith, in particular, said James, at No. 6, and Durant, at No. 8, Smith are too low.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are in the news following the season-long suspension of coach Ime Udoka for violating the organization's policies. Udoka engaged in a consensual relationship with a female staff member.
Here's the latest buzz surrounding the NBA as of September 23, 2022.
Ime Udoka issues public apology following suspension
Ime Udoka won't get a chance to lead the Boston Celtics in the upcoming season. Heading into his sophomore year, Udoka finds himself in the middle of a controversy that led to the Celtics suspending him for the 2022-23 season.
Udoka had a consensual relationship with a female staff member in the organization. The Celtics made the official announcement recently. Udoka also issued an apology to the Celtics, the players, fans and his family.
"I want to apologize to our players, the fans, the Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I have no further comment."
According to multiple reports, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to take over as Boston's head coach for the new season. It will be interesting to see if the Celtics can replicate their success next campaign without Udoka, who was instrumental in their return to the finals.
NBA analyst baffled at LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s player rankings
ESPN has ranked LeBron James and Kevin Durant sixth and eighth in their latest player rankings, respectively. Popular TV personality Stephen A. Smith disapproves of their positioning. He believes the former champions deserve top five rankings. On "First Take," Smith said:
"There’s no way in hell I don’t have LeBron James and Kevin Durant out of my top 5.”
James and Durant had a tough run with their teams' last seasons. The former failed to lead the Lakers to a playoff berth. They finished with a 33-49 record and missed the play-in tournament, too. Meanwhile, Durant's Nets got swept in the first round of the playoffs against the Celtics.
That may have played a part in James and Durant falling out of the top five of several player rankings.
Ben Simmons slams Shaquille O’Neal for not reaching out to him
Ben Simmons called out NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal for not reaching out to him. Shaq has always mentioned Simmons as one of his "LSU brothers" as they both attended the university. The four-time NBA champion was one of Simmons' harshest critics for a while last season before he revealed they had a conversation with each other.
During a recent appearance on "The Old Man & The Three" podcast, Simmons sounded off on Shaq for not reaching out to him during his tough phase this past year, saying:
“He always wants to say, 'We're LSU brothers, this and that.' If you’re my LSU brother, you would have reached out by now.”
Luka Doncic doesn't need another superstar on his team
The Dallas Mavericks will continue to have to rely on Luka Doncic as their only superstar for next season. Doncic has never played with an All-Star during his young NBA career.
He managed to lead the Mavericks to a conference finals appearance last season. Many believed another superstar on the team could've seen them make the Finals next year. However, they haven't added a bonafide All-Star to their ranks. Doncic believes the current squad is capable of making a championship run. Here's what he said to ESPN:
"I think we have great players on our team. There's plenty very underrated guys that I think should be talked about more. ... I think we have a great team."
Kawhi Leonard cleared to play 5-on-5
The LA Clippers fans will be hyped up as GM Lawrence Frank recently announced franchise star Kawhi Leonard is cleared to play five-on-five drills. Leonard hasn't played since April 2021. He sustained an ACL injury in that year's playoffs.
Leonard's absence cost the Clippers a trip to the postseason last campaign. They enter the new season as one of the favorites to win the Western Conference. If Leonard stays healthy, LA could have a solid chance of making its first NBA Finals appearance.
Guess the Lakers players!
