Hyland’s Resilience, Dort’s Apology, and Blazers’ Arena Funding Highlight Northwest Roundup
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Guard Bones Hyland’s path to the Timberwolves began with a 2018 house fire in Wilmington, Delaware, that claimed the lives of his grandmother and 11-month-old cousin. Hyland escaped by leaping from a second-floor window, tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee. Doctors initially doubted he would ever play again, but the future first-round pick rehabbed, earned a scholarship to VCU, and was selected in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Now in Minnesota, the 23-year-old has carved out a second-unit role. Through this season he is averaging 7.1 points and 2.5 assists in 14.7 minutes while shooting 38.8% from three-point range. “He’s one of those guys who brings joy to the game,” head coach Chris Finch said.
Thunder’s Dort Reflects on Flagrant Foul
Four days after being ejected for tripping Nikola Jokić in Denver, Thunder forward Luguentz Dort called the flagrant-2 foul “unnecessary contact that I shouldn’t have done.” Speaking to reporters, Dort acknowledged he “went over the limit” in a physical game. Asked if the apology mattered, Nuggets assistant David Adelman and players Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas each responded “no.”
Oregon Senate Advances Blazers Arena Plan
The Oregon Senate on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 1501, authorizing up to $360 million in bonds to help renovate the Trail Blazers’ Moda Center. The measure heads to the state House, but additional contributions from Portland and Multnomah County will still be required. The franchise must also negotiate a new arena lease once incoming owner Tom Dundon assumes control.
Portland Locks In Two-Way Players
Portland’s recently signed two-way contracts for guard Chris Youngblood and forward Jayson Kent span two seasons and run through the 2026-27 campaign.
Source: Hoops Rumors
