Nets Secure Clowney’s Fourth Year; Pacers Await Nembhard Results; Spoelstra Encouraged Despite Heat Loss
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Brooklyn, Indianapolis and Miami — Three Eastern Conference clubs entered the weekend dealing with very different developments, from roster decisions to injury concerns and early-season tweaks.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have guaranteed forward Noah Clowney a fourth NBA season, exercising the rookie-scale option that will pay him $5.41 million in 2026-27. Clowney told the New York Post he values the vote of confidence, adding that it signals the franchise sees him “as some form of a long-term piece.”
Head coach Jordi Fernandez is planning a 10-man rotation to open the season. That approach could push rookies Nolan Traore and Drake Powell to the G League for additional minutes and development, according to the report.
Indiana Pacers
Point-guard depth remains an issue in Indiana after Andrew Nembhard exited Thursday’s double-overtime loss to the Thunder with left-shoulder soreness. Coach Rick Carlisle said Nembhard will undergo further evaluation over the weekend. “This is going to potentially present some big challenges,” Carlisle noted, as the backcourt is already dealing with multiple injuries.
Miami Heat
The Heat dropped their season opener to the Magic, but coach Erik Spoelstra found positives in the performance. He praised stretches of a quicker, more dynamic offense and said the group has “a blueprint” to build on as it gains more time together. Spoelstra acknowledged that execution still needs work but believes the foundation is in place.
Source: Hoops Wire
