Trail Blazers Hold Players-Only Meeting; Mitchell Steps Up for Thunder; Adelman Criticizes Nuggets’ Schedule
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Trail Blazers
Portland’s locker room closed its doors to everyone but players after Friday night’s 24-point defeat in Houston, marking the club’s first blowout loss of the season. Forward Deni Avdija said the roster felt it needed to address issues immediately. “Sometimes, we’ve got to talk with each other,” Avdija noted. “We’re like family here, and families have to say what’s on their mind.”
Thunder
Oklahoma City continues to find internal reinforcements. Guard Ajay Mitchell has averaged 16.9 points and 1.8 steals over 13 games while filling in for the injured Jalen Williams, according to The Oklahoman. Mitchell has handled primary playmaking duties when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rests and has meshed alongside the reigning MVP in closing lineups.
“He was breaking out last year before he got hurt,” center Isaiah Hartenstein said, praising head coach Mark Daigneault’s willingness to reward production. Drafted 38th overall by general manager Sam Presti, Mitchell began the season on a two-way contract before securing a standard deal in February. With Williams expected back soon, the 6-3 guard could enter both Sixth Man and Most Improved Award conversations. “Whatever the team needs, I’m gonna do it,” Mitchell said.
Nuggets
Denver head coach David Adelman voiced frustration with the NBA’s calendar after the Nuggets completed their second set of back-to-backs featuring fewer than 24 hours between tipoffs. The quick turnarounds have included extended national television windows. “If we’re talking about the betterment of the players, you have to give them time for their bodies to come back and be themselves,” Adelman told The Denver Post.
Source: Hoops Wire
