Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said the NBA is increasingly worried about teams intentionally losing games, noting that the issue feels “more pronounced” this season despite the Play-In Tournament giving more clubs a postseason path. Speaking Tuesday, Kerr pointed to widespread injuries and early rebuilds as key reasons several franchises are already eyeing draft position.
Kerr added that franchise-changing talent at the top of the 2026 draft only heightens the temptation to chase lottery odds. He referenced stars such as Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyama as examples of players who transform organizations, while also reminding reporters that future MVPs like Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo were drafted seventh and 15th, respectively. “You still have to get lucky,” Kerr said, calling the dilemma “really tough” for both the league and its fans.
Nuggets’ Braun monitoring left ankle
Christian Braun has appeared in four straight games for Denver after missing nearly two months with a left ankle sprain, then aggravating the injury during a brief January return. The second-year guard told the Denver Post he came back too early the first time because he still couldn’t generate lift off his left leg. Braun said the primary question before this latest comeback was simple: “Can I jump and run at full speed?”
Barnes unhappy with All-Star decisions
Commissioner Adam Silver selected Brandon Ingram to replace the injured Stephen Curry in next week’s All-Star Game, a move that didn’t sit well with Harrison Barnes. The San Antonio forward argued that teammates Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox deserved stronger consideration, noting the Spurs are second in the Western Conference while “teams below us have two All-Stars.”
Hinson lands two-year two-way
Blake Hinson’s new arrangement with Utah is a two-year, two-way contract, according to cap analyst Keith Smith. The 26-year-old wing is starring in the G League, averaging 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Rip City Remix, Portland’s affiliate. Hinson signed the deal Monday and remains eligible to split time between Salt Lake City and the Jazz’s G League partner.
The Jazz, Spurs, Nuggets and Warriors all return to action later this week as the Western playoff race tightens.
Source: Hoops Rumors
