Barstool NBA Notebook: Iggy Trying To Return, Klay's Extension, DeAndre Jordan & The Mavs, Plus More
This is a new daily(ish) series I plan on launching with half the league in the offseason. The NBA offseason tends to be one of the more wild one at the professional level, so this will be your cheat sheet to see what’s going on. This will be everything from coaching changes and interviews, contract deals, trades, etc. We’ll avoid game recaps, but rather focus on the other aspects to the league and game. You’ll be able to find it all right here. If there’s something you want changed with this set up or any ideas, let me know @barstoolreags
Andre Iguodala trying to return for the NBA Finals
It was reported that Iguodala sprinted for the first time on Saturday and hasn’t experienced any pain in his left knee, where he suffered a bone bruise. Kerr has talked about how he’s optimistic that Iggy will return at some point in the NBA Finals and is now aiming a game 3 return. If the Warriors get Iguodala back, it’s important because he’s the one that draws the LeBron assignment. That likely saves Durant some energy to use on the offensive end and just adds to the Warriors dominance.
Doris Burke gets an extension
In what seems like a no-brainer, ESPN and Doris Burke signed a multi-year extension, where she will still be a game analyst and the sideline reporter for the NBA Finals. I don’t know if anyone has improved as much as Burke has over the last few years as an analyst. At one point it felt like she was trying too hard to be like Vitale or someone like that until she found her own voice. Now, she’s one of the absolute best analysts in the game and I wish she still did some college basketball.
Mavericks not interested in DeAndre Jordan anymore
A couple of weeks ago, it was reported that the Mavericks were interested in signing one from the group of DeAndre Jordan, Julius Randle and DeMarcus Cousins. Now, it’s being reporter that they really aren’t that interested in signing Jordan. Remember, the Mavs thought they had him signed a few years ago before it turned into a hostage situation and one of the greatest days on NBA Twitter. The Mavs also do have the No. 5 pick where they will likely be able to get Mo Bamba, so they shouldn’t have to spend a ton of money on Jordan.
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Klay Thompson now not expected to sign an extension this offseason
This isn’t a Klay is leaving Golden State thing. This is a Klay looking out for Klay thing. Klay’s father discussed how he’s likely going to wait until next offseason to sign his extension, where he’ll likely be able to get a little bit more money while still taking a discount to help the team. This is just something to monitor because all four players from the core group of Golden State will be making big time money soon and if that ever breaks them up in terms of the salary cap.
Pistons seem to have a clear top-3 favorites for coaching position
The Pistons will be advancing with Ime Udoka, Dwane Casey and John Beilein as the three favorites to fill the open head coaching position. The one name that sticks out is obviously Beilein, the head coach at Michigan. I think he’d be an awesome NBA coach, mostly because he’s not demonstrative, an offensive genius and a players type coach. However, him leaving Michigan for the Pistons would be an absolutely crazy move as he’s never been linked to an NBA job before. The hire here should just be Casey, who is somehow a bit undervalued after the playoff loss to the Cavs, but here we are.