Southwest Roundup: Irving’s Progress, Williamson’s Role, Borrego’s Status, Rockets’ WNBA Bid
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Dallas — Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said this week there is still no firm timetable for Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn left ACL, though the club remains encouraged by his rehabilitation. “He’s in a good place. He’s rehabbing. That’s the only update I can really give you,” Kidd told reporters. Irving, 33, suffered the injury on March 3 and had surgery on March 27; the nine-month mark arrives next weekend, leaving the door open for a possible January comeback.
Pelicans juggle Williamson’s minutes
New Orleans forward Zion Williamson has come off the bench in his first two games back from an adductor strain and did not play during the final 17 minutes of Thursday’s overtime victory against Houston. The move, coupled with the win, has been viewed as evidence the team may be experimenting with lineups that do not prioritize Williamson as its focal point.
Support builds for Borrego
With the Pelicans riding a three-game winning streak, NOLA.com columnist Rod Walker argued that executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars should remove the interim label from head coach James Borrego—or at least make him a leading candidate for the permanent job. Swingman Trey Murphy III credited Borrego for “igniting the team,” and forward Saddiq Bey praised his in-game and scouting adjustments, calling him “a great mind on both ends of the floor.”
Rockets explore WNBA acquisition
The ownership group led by Tilman Fertitta is in advanced discussions with the Connecticut Sun about purchasing the WNBA franchise and relocating it to Houston, according to ESPN. A previous tentative deal to move the Sun to Boston under a group headed by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca was effectively blocked by the league, which is now believed to favor a Houston relocation.
Durant integrates with Houston’s core
An ESPN feature detailed how veteran forward Kevin Durant has blended with the Rockets’ young duo of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, highlighting the growing chemistry between Sengun and Thompson as Houston attempts to accelerate its rebuild.
Source: Hoops Rumors
