Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns and Charles Lee of the Charlotte Hornets have been recognized as the NBA’s Western and Eastern Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in January, the league announced. Phoenix finished the month 11-5, while Charlotte posted an 11-6 mark.
Other nominees in the West were Denver’s David Adelman, Minnesota’s Chris Finch and the LA Clippers’ Tyronn Lue. In the East, Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson, Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff and Boston’s Joe Mazzulla were also considered.
Early Debate for No. 1 Pick
Kansas shooting guard Darryn Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa headline the early conversation for the top selection in the upcoming NBA draft, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. In a poll of 20 NBA scouts, 12 chose Peterson as the likely No. 1 pick, while eight voted for Dybantsa.
The two prospects faced each other Saturday when BYU visited Kansas, with Dybantsa finishing with 17 points and Peterson recording 18 in the Jayhawks’ victory. Representatives from at least 17 NBA teams were in attendance.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman noted that Duke forward Cameron Boozer is also drawing serious consideration for the first overall pick, saying multiple front-office executives currently have Boozer atop their boards.
Graham Leaves Crvena Zvezda
Former NBA guard Devonte’ Graham and Serbian club Crvena Zvezda have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, Eurohoops.net reported. Graham appeared in seven EuroLeague games, averaging 3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 11.2 minutes per contest after signing with the team in August.
The 29-year-old has played 336 regular-season games in the NBA, including 171 starts, with career averages of 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Dort Changes Representation
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort has joined Klutch Sports for player representation, the agency announced. The Thunder hold an $18,222,222 club option on Dort’s contract for the 2026-27 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
