TITLE: Central Division Roundup: Atkinson Responds to Fine, Bucks Face Week Without Giannis, Turner’s Impact, Cunningham Sets Tone
SLUG: central-division-roundup-atkinson-giannis-turner-cunningham
CONTENT:
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson on Wednesday, November 19, said player health remains his top priority after the NBA fined Cleveland $100,000 for violating the league’s player-participation policy. The penalty was issued because the club rested All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and forward Evan Mobley during a recent game in Miami.
“My number one job is to protect our players’ health,” Atkinson told reporters, noting the team returned from South Florida at 3:30 a.m. and needed rest. He added that Cleveland still won the contest and used it to develop younger players, saying the organization will “rock with that decision” and has no plans to change its approach.
Under rules adopted before the 2023-24 season, any player selected to an All-Star Game or All-NBA team in the previous three years qualifies as a “star” and must be available unless injured or on an approved absence.
Bucks to Navigate at Least One Week Without Antetokounmpo
MILWAUKEE — The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for a minimum of seven days because of an undisclosed injury, The Athletic reported. Milwaukee has outscored opponents by 7.6 points per 100 possessions when the two-time MVP is on the floor this season, but is being outscored by 12.8 points per 100 possessions when he sits.
Head coach Doc Rivers said the club will lean heavily on early-season breakout guard Ryan Rollins while Antetokounmpo and guard Kevin Porter Jr. are sidelined. “We’re either going to find somebody or find something to run that will pay dividends later,” Rivers said.
Turner Boosts Frontcourt, Builds Chemistry With Giannis
Antetokounmpo’s absence also pauses the Bucks’ developing partnership between the former MVP and newly acquired center Myles Turner. Turner, the Pacers’ all-time blocks leader, was booed during Milwaukee’s first visit to Indiana after the trade. “We are here to pick him up, tell him how much we love him and respect him,” Antetokounmpo said after that game, adding that Turner’s presence helps bridge the franchise’s past and future.
Cunningham’s Leadership Drives Red-Hot Pistons
DETROIT — The Pistons’ fast start has impressed head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who praised guard Cade Cunningham for keeping teammates unified through both winning streaks and early-career struggles. “He could’ve been frustrated and blamed everybody else, but he never did,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s always the one pulling people together. He doesn’t want to be treated any differently.”
The Pistons view Cunningham’s steady demeanor as central to their emergence after several rebuilding seasons.
Source: Hoops Rumors
