TITLE: Kyshawn George shines for Wizards; Heat await clarity on Terry Rozier probe; Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez impresses in debut
SLUG: east-notes-wizards-george-heat-rozier-celtics
CONTENT:
WASHINGTON — Wizards forward Kyshawn George delivered a breakout performance Friday, pouring in a career-best 34 points on 11-for-15 shooting as Washington upset Dallas. The 23-year-old added 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks, then said he embraces the opportunity to help shape the franchise’s future. “You get to create what the Wizards are going to be for the future, and I think there’s no better space to be as a player than that,” George told the Washington Post.
Veteran guard CJ McCollum believes George can become the organization’s cornerstone. “He’s the total package … a three-level scorer,” McCollum said to The Athletic. Washington’s bench contributed 47 points, led by rookie Tre Johnson’s 17, prompting head coach Brian Keefe to praise the second unit for “changing the game.” Eleven Wizards saw action in the victory.
Heat monitoring NBA review of Rozier
The Miami Herald reports the Heat were unaware of any gambling concerns involving Terry Rozier when they acquired the guard from Charlotte in January. Rozier was arrested Thursday in a federal investigation tied to illegal sports betting. His $26.6 million salary remains on Miami’s books while the league reviews the case; Commissioner Adam Silver has not suggested the contract will be voided.
According to the Herald, the NBA noticed unusual betting patterns tied to Rozier months before the trade but did not share that information with teams. The Hornets also made no mention of an investigation when Miami sent Kyle Lowry and a future first-round pick for Rozier. The Heat learned of the probe only after it became public and are now gathering information while considering whether to seek the return of their 2027 first-round pick, which converts to an unprotected 2028 selection if Miami misses the 2027-28 postseason.
Gonzalez debuts for Celtics
In Boston, 19-year-old forward Hugo Gonzalez made his NBA debut Friday and earned crunch-time minutes guarding Knicks star Jalen Brunson. “Stepping on the floor was good, but I’m not having a great memory of this day because we lost a game we could have won,” Gonzalez said, per MassLive.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla lauded Gonzalez’s defense and toughness, noting the rookie “understands what it takes” and must now “clean up” small details. Boston’s rotation remains in flux: Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh all logged minutes, while Josh Minott did not play. Guard Anfernee Simons, recently traded from Portland to Boston, said he was “in shock” after hearing of former Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups’s arrest and called the situation “unfortunate for him and his family.”
The Celtics return to action Sunday, while the Wizards and Heat are idle until Monday as both clubs await further developments on their emerging storylines.
Source: Hoops Wire
