Boston, MA — Guard Payton Pritchard insists the Celtics remain focused on an NBA championship even after a cost-cutting summer that sent out Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and, most recently, Georges Niang.
“We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win a championship,” Pritchard told the Celtics Talk Podcast with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg. “It’s not even about playoffs; we have one standard in Boston and it’s to win a championship.”
Boston’s outlook grew tougher when Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles that is expected to sideline him for the season, but last year’s Sixth Man of the Year said locker-room confidence remains unchanged. “Everybody in that locker room will have the goal of competing for a championship, and we will do everything in our power necessary to go for that,” he said.
Addressing the departure of Holiday, Porzingis and Luke Kornet, Pritchard added that the moves “definitely suck,” yet he sees “a lot of opportunities across the board” for remaining players to step up.
Celtics Send Niang and Seconds to Utah
Boston traded forward Georges Niang plus two second-round picks to Utah for rookie wing RJ Luis Jr. The Jazz receive the more favorable of Boston’s or Orlando’s 2027 second and the more favorable of Boston’s or Cleveland’s 2031 second, per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. Utah used a portion of the $26.6 million trade exception created in last month’s John Collins deal to absorb Niang’s contract.
Doncic Celebrates New Lakers Deal in Las Vegas
Lakers star Luka Doncic marked his recent contract extension with a gathering in Las Vegas attended by new controlling owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss, head coach JJ Redick and several teammates, according to The Athletic. “He wants to get the best players here. He wants to win, and he knows it starts with him,” manager Lara Beth Seager said. Doncic also vowed to answer critics who questioned his leadership as Los Angeles targets deep playoff runs.
Imagem: Sam Amico via hoopswire.com
Weinar Exits Knicks Assistant Search; Jent Still in Mix
Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar has withdrawn from consideration for the Knicks’ lead assistant position, multiple outlets reported. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post and Ian Begley of SNY cited family reasons for Weinar’s decision. New York had eyed him to serve as offensive coordinator under head coach Mike Brown. Hornets assistant Chris Jent remains a candidate; he guided Charlotte to the Summer League championship last month and previously held roles with the Hawks, Lakers and Magic.
Bowen Takes Helm of Grand Rapids Gold
Former NBA forward and longtime Nuggets assistant Ryan Bowen has been named head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G League affiliate. He replaces Andre Miller, who is leaving after three seasons to pursue other coaching opportunities. “Ryan brings a championship mindset, years of experience, and a deep connection to the Nuggets system,” Gold president Steve Jbara said. Bowen spent 10 of his 12 coaching seasons in Denver and was part of the club’s 2023 NBA title staff.
Source: Hoops Wire
