Basketball

Paige Bueckers is No. 1 pick in WNBA draft, going to the Dallas Wings

NEW YORK (AP) — Paige Bueckers is ready for her next chapter after a whirlwind week that started with her helping UConn win its 12th national championship and ended with her becoming the WNBA's No. 1 draft pick by the Dallas Wings.

Apr 14, 2025 7:45 PM Read more >

WNBA assembles task force to help combat online hate toward players and teams

NEW YORK (AP) — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced shortly before the draft Monday that the league has assembled a dedicated task force to help combat online hate and vitriol directed toward players and teams.

Apr 14, 2025 7:18 PM Read more >

Ajsa Sivka, Hailey Van Lith, Aziaha James taken with final 3 picks in first round of the WNBA draft

NEW YORK (AP) — A look at the first-round picks in the WNBA draft, in order of selection: 1 — Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, UConn The 5-foot-11 guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, is considered a generational player. Bueckers averaged 19.

Apr 14, 2025 7:04 PM Read more >

Pelicans fire basketball operations chief David Griffin after an injury-plagued 21-61 season

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans fired basketball operations chief David Griffin on Monday, ending a six-year chapter during which the club drafted former Duke superstar Zion Williamson but still struggled to win consistently with three di

Apr 14, 2025 6:52 PM Read more >

Short turnaround: Raptors upbeat about 2025-26 season after just one rebuilding year

TORONTO — Scottie Barnes leaned back in his chair, ran his hands through his hair, looked around the room and grinned when asked about the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors. “My expectations for the team? I expect us to be really good," said Barnes.

Apr 14, 2025 2:37 PM Read more >

Denver Nuggets boss Josh Kroenke says firings of coach and GM were months in the making

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets boss Josh Kroenke said Monday that he twice balked at firing the winningest coach in franchise history and the general manager who connected the final pieces of the team's only championship puzzle before finally canning t

Apr 14, 2025 2:24 PM Read more >

Phoenix Suns fire coach Mike Budenholzer after one dismal season with high-priced roster

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with veteran coach Mike Budenholzer following one dismal season that featured a fast start before a maddening slide out of postseason contention for a high-priced roster that included Kevin Durant, Dev

Apr 14, 2025 12:35 PM Read more >

Hornets want to see franchise cornerstone point guard LaMelo Ball get stronger, stay on the floor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Head coach Charles Lee left no doubt about his offseason expectations from Charlotte Hornets cornerstone point guard LaMelo Ball. “He’s got to get stronger,” Lee said Monday following the team’s exit interviews.

Apr 14, 2025 12:02 PM Read more >

Hawks' Risacher enters play-in as the last man standing from French players to top last 2 NBA drafts

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher is the lone survivor of the influx of French players who have dominated the top of the last two NBA drafts.

Apr 14, 2025 11:35 AM Read more >

Phoenix Suns fire coach Mike Budenholzer after one dismal season with high-priced roster

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with veteran coach Mike Budenholzer following one dismal season that featured a fast start before a maddening slide out of postseason contention for a high-priced roster that included Kevin Durant, Dev

Apr 14, 2025 10:32 AM Read more >