NBA News Today: Steph Curry closer to Golden State Warriors return, LaMelo Ball 4th youngest player to reach 1,000 assists, and more
Golden State Warriors NBA superstar point guard Steph Curry is getting closer to making his return from a shoulder injury.
In other news, Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball made NBA history on Wednesday night versus Memphis.
On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of Jan. 5, 2023.
Steph Curry close to making his return
Steph Curry is set to have his injured shoulder re-evaluated on Saturday. Curry suffered a left shoulder subluxation on Dec. 14 against Indiana and has been out ever since. With his re-evaluation looming, the Warriors organization is hopeful that Curry will be able to return by next Friday against San Antonio. The game will mark the first game of the Warriors’ upcoming five-game road trip.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers spoke about Curry’s progress during a recent appearance on 95.7 The Game.
"He's working out on the court, and the two-week mark to re-evaluate him this weekend," Myers said.
"There have been no setbacks, so (Friday) would be a hope. That's what we would be shooting for, something in that range when he could be back. He's been, not contact, but out there doing all this stuff. He looks like the same guy. He's got a sleeve on his shoulder and arm," Myers continued.
Bob Myers gave a HUGE Steph Curry injury update via @SteinyGuru957 👀🙏 https://t.co/KeabLsryIp
The Warriors have gone 6-4 without Curry since his injury. They now sit at 20-19 and ninth in the Western Conference.
For more on Steph Curry's upcoming return, click here.
LaMelo Ball 4th youngest player in NBA history to reach 1000 assists
The Charlotte Hornets were blown out by the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, losing 131-107. However, one bright spot for Charlotte came when LaMelo Ball reached his 1,000th career assist during the second quarter.
In doing so, Ball became the fourth youngest player to reach the milestone, behind only NBA stars LeBron James, Stephon Marbury and Trae Young. Ball also became the youngest Hornets player to reach 1,000 assists, beating out former Hornets All-Star point guard Baron Davis.
And just like that, @MELOD1P is the 4th youngest NBA player in history to reach 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ assists
#LetsFly | @HornetsOnBally https://t.co/HMGBnBFLAl
LaMelo Ball has struggled with injuries in two of his three seasons, playing a total of just 141 career games so far. So Ball still becoming one of the fastest players to reach 1,000 assists is just a testament to the 21-year-old’s elite passing for his age.
Ball finished Wednesday’s game with 23 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and four made 3-pointers. He is now averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 4.1 3-pointers per game on 41.4% shooting through 15 games this season.
Donovan Mitchell declared best guard in Eastern Conference by NBA analyst
Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has made a strong impression in his first season with the Cavs so far. Mitchell has led Cleveland to a 25-14 record and fourth place in the Eastern Conference. He has done so while averaging a career-best 29.0 points per game on 48.7% shooting.
Mitchell’s early tenure in Cleveland was also highlighted by his historic 71-point game against Chicago earlier this week. That performance has since prompted one NBA analyst to make a bold claim about Mitchell.
During a recent episode of "The Mismatch," The Ringer’s Chris Vernon said that Donovan Mitchell has been the best guard in the entire Eastern Conference.
“When you make a deal or you attain someone, this is so far beyond the 10 out of 10 in terms of what you envisioned you might be getting. I mean, he has embraced the city, embraced the fans. He's got, like, this new lease on life,” Vernon said.
"But beyond all of that, he's been the best guard in the Eastern Conference," Vernon continued.
Mitchell’s 29.0 points per game leads all guards in the East. Meanwhile, Atlanta Hawks All-Star point guard Trae Young ranks second at 27.3 points per game. However, Young’s team is currently out of the East playoff picture. So at this point, most would probably agree with Vernon’s claim.
For more on Donovan Mitchell's strong play in Cleveland, click here.
Miami Heat will only target Jae Crowder if he becomes available on the buyout market
Phoenix Suns veteran forward Jae Crowder has sat out the entire season thus far as he awaits a trade. Crowder’s former team, the Miami Heat, have long been rumored to be a potential trade destination for him. This comes after the Heat made their last NBA Finals appearance during Crowder’s lone season with the team in 2020.
However, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Miami will likely only target Crowder if he becomes available on the buyout market.
“According to someone who has spoken to the Heat’s front office, the Heat remains interested in Jae Crowder, but only in a buyout situation, barring Phoenix shockingly taking a bad contract off Miami’s hands,” Jackson said.
The latest intel on trade talks surrounding Kyle Kuzma, John Collins, Jae Crowder, what a Myles Turner extension could look like, Yuta Watanabe’s chances for the 3-Point Contest, Leonard Miller NBA Draft news, Dwight Howard overseas and more on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumo…
Jae Crowder averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game on 39.9% shooting last season for Phoenix. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract, making $10.2 million this season. He remains a viable trade target for contenders. However, given Jackson’s report, it doesn’t look like we will see a Crowder trade happen anytime soon.
Stephen A. Smith says Philly has the best starting lineup in the NBA
The Philadelphia 76ers have finally been getting healthy lately and are trending up in a big way. The team has gone 11-2 in their last 13 games and now sits 23-14 and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Philly’s impressive play has led many to question whether the Sixers can contend in the East.
According to ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, Philly can compete with anyone in the league due to their impressive starting lineup.
During a recent episode of “NBA Countdown," Smith said that the Sixers have the best starting five in the entire NBA.
"Joel Embiid in Philly, with Tobias Harris, with (Tyrese) Maxey back, with (James) Harden? I can't ignore that," Smith said.
"I gotta say Philly because of Embiid, Harden and Maxey," Smith continued.
Stephen A Smith says the Sixers have the best starting five in the NBA. Thoughts?
#BrotherlyLove https://t.co/ll83Bmh3AX
This is certainly a bold claim from Smith. However, Philly’s starting lineup includes an MVP-caliber big man in Joel Embiid as well as an All-Star-level playmaker and scorer in James Harden. Combo guard Tyrese Maxey has also shown signs of being a rising star in the league. Plus, veteran forward Tobias Harris usually offers solid two-way play on the wing as well.
So all-in-all, there is certainly a case to be made for the Sixers having the best starting five in the NBA. However, many NBA fans will beg to differ.