NBA Rumors Roundup: Joe Tsai being urged to reconsider hiring Ime Udoka, Charlotte Hornets head coach reaches out to Steve Nash, and more - November 7, 2022
As the 2022-23 NBA regular season action carries on, rumors around the league have skyrocketed. With a significant amount of drama developing early in the NBA season, several rumors have emerged from interesting sources.
The primary content over the last 24 hours has centered around the Brooklyn Nets firing coach Steve Nash. While the Nets already have a successor in mind, some rumors have suggested that Joe Tsai should spend more time evaluating his options.
Meanwhile, Nash could already have a new job. With an NBA Eastern Conference team displaying some interest in pursuing the former Nets coach, Nash could be in for a fresh start.
Meanwhile, other NBA teams are dealing with injuries. With concerns regarding the returns rising fast, teams will hope for the best given the circumstances.
NBA News Roundup for Monday, November 7, 2022
Joe Tsai being urged to reconsider hiring Ime Udoka
With Steve Nash out of the way, the Brooklyn Nets are reported to have set their sights on Ime Udoka. While the news garnered a lot of attention, a recent rumor suggests that sources have urged Nets owner Joe Tsai to reconsider the decision.
As per NBA insider Marc Stein, "strong voices" within the Nets organization have urged Tsai to move away from hiring Udoka. This is primarily due to the tumultuous state of the organization at the moment.
Joe Tsai Being Urged Away From Nets Hiring Ime Udoka basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269288…
With Nash on the way out, the Nets are simultaneously dealing with the fallout of Irving's antisemitic tweet, among other things. Considering the baggage Udoka brings with him, which caused his suspension in Boston, the Nets may not benefit from hiring him at the moment.
Charlotte Hornets head coach reaches out to Steve Nash
Since being fired, Steve Nash has reportedly been in contact with Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford.
As per Rod Boone of "The Charlotte Observer," Clifford reached out to Nash and invited him to come up to Charlotte to spend a few days there.
"Spend a few days with us and kind of watch and give me his thoughts on things. Nobody handles issues better than he does ... we talked on the phone for awhile, and five minutes into the conversation, he's asking me about our injuries. And that's just how he is," Clifford said.
Steve Clifford Invites Steve Nash To 'Spend A Few Days' With Hornets basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269292…
Almost a week after being let go by the Brooklyn Nets, Nash finds himself in an interesting position. While there could be some speculation into Nash joining the Hornets coaching staff, nothing has been made certain as of yet.
Ty Lue mentions no timeline for return for Kawhi Leonard
The LA Clippers, meanwhile, face more issues on the superstar front heading forward as head coach Ty Lue offered an update on Kawhi Leonard's return.
As per Lue, there is no timeline for Leonard's return. After missing his seventh game this season, the Clippers superstar continues to be a no-show for the team.
The reason for him missing games was earlier reported as right knee management. While earlier sources suggested that Leonard was being kept out by Clippers staff, there are some rising concerns regarding his current state.
Ty Lue: No Time Frame For Kawhi Leonard Return basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269289…
Having missed the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season due to injury, Leonard was expected to be a huge piece when he returned to the team this year. Unfortunately, his health hasn't been up to par.
Toronto Raptors star out indefinitely
While not necessarily similar to the LA Clippers, the Toronto Raptors will also see a star player out of the rotation indefinitely. Raptors forward Pascal Siakam recently sustained an adductor injury that will see him sidelined.
Siakam sustained the injury during the game against the Dallas Mavericks. While there is no news regarding his return, he is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Pascal Siakam Out Indefinitely With Adductor Strain basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269287…
Siakam was one of the most important contributors on Toronto's roster. As a valuable piece on both ends of the floor, the Raptors will have to dig deep to make up for his absence.
Cam Johnson to miss time due to meniscus tear
The Phoenix Suns will face a similar issue as key rotational player Cam Johnson finds himself sidelined with a meniscus tear in his right knee. He is expected to undergo surgery soon and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Considering the nature of the injury, recovery time can vary. Johnson could miss anywhere between 6-8 weeks or up to several months, depending on the approach to surgery.
Suns’ forward Cameron Johnson suffers torn meniscus in right knee nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/06/sun…
Johnson had taken up the role as the starting power forward for Phoenix this season. After making huge strides in developing last season, Johnson seemed ready to contribute on a higher level.
Unfortunately, with Johnson out, the Suns will have to look at bench players, such as Torrey Craig and Dario Saric, to fulfill the role for the 2022-23 NBA season.