NBA Roundup: Paul Pierce Arrested on Suspected DUI; Team USA Staff Candidates Emerge; NBA–FIBA–EuroLeague Talks Remain Stalled
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Los Angeles — Hall of Famer Paul Pierce was taken into custody earlier this week on suspicion of driving under the influence after California Highway Patrol officers reportedly found him asleep behind the wheel of his Range Rover on U.S. Highway 101, according to The Associated Press.
Authorities said Pierce, 46, showed signs of alcohol impairment and was booked on a misdemeanor DUI charge. The 19-year NBA veteran, who won a 2008 championship with the Boston Celtics, has been working as an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports since retiring.
Early Names Surface for Spoelstra’s Team USA Staff
With Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra set to assume the top job for the next U.S. men’s national team cycle, league sources told The Athletic that Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault are under consideration for assistant roles. Both coaches are respected for player development and for guiding young, playoff-caliber rosters—qualities valued by USA Basketball.
NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague Continue Slow-Moving Talks
Representatives from the NBA, FIBA, and EuroLeague met this week to discuss a possible partnership, but progress remains limited. The EuroLeague issued a statement thanking the NBA for “constructive dialogue” yet noted that its previous collaboration proposal has not received a substantive response. Sportando reported that the NBA views the EuroLeague’s current business model as unsustainable. Further discussions are expected.
Project B Presses On Without Maverick Carter
Despite the departure of co-founder Maverick Carter, the backers of Project B say the venture is moving forward. Co-founder Grady Burnett told The Athletic that organizers will now prioritize launching a women’s league next fall before expanding to a men’s competition. “We’re going to focus on the women’s side at this point,” Burnett said.
Source: Hoops Wire
