Latest news with #ClevelandCavaliers
Reuters
10 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Report: Suns narrow coaching search to 2 Cavs assistants
June 2 - The Phoenix Suns have whittled their list of potential head coaches to two, both currently on the staff of the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN reported Monday. The finalists, per ESPN, are Cleveland associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott. Both are set to meet with a Phoenix contingent led by owner Mat Ishbia this week. The Suns are looking for a replacement for Mike Budenholzer, who was fired April 14 after his first season and a 36-46 record. The new coach will be the fourth in four seasons. NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson and his staff led the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, where they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Bryant, 39, was a guard in college at Utah and played professionally overseas before joining the Utah Jazz staff in 2012, where he remained until 2020. He was the associate head coach of the New York Knicks before joining the Cavaliers. Ott began his career as a video coordinator at Michigan State in 2008 before filling that same role under Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks. He joined the Nets as an assistant coach in 2016 and moved on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022 before Atkinson hired him in Cleveland. --Field Level Media
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Suns narrow coaching search to Cavaliers coaches Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott: Source
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their head-coaching search to two finalists, Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and Cavs assistant coach Jordan Ott, a source briefed on the matter confirmed Monday. ESPN was first to report the Bryant and Ott news. After dismissing head coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14, owner Mat Ishbia and new general manager Brian Gregory promised a thorough search that produced more than 15 candidates. Ishbia is expected to meet with Bryant and Ott this week. This will mark the franchise's fourth head coach in as many years. Advertisement Bryant and Ott just concluded their first seasons on Kenny Atkinson's staff in Cleveland, producing an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals. While neither has NBA head-coaching experience, that hasn't been a roadblock for the Phoenix front office. Coming off the most disappointing season in franchise history, the Suns want to change their identity, focusing more on defense and toughness. Bryant, 39, has worked in assistant roles with the Utah Jazz (under head coach Quin Snyder) and New York Knicks (under Tom Thibodeau). In Utah, he earned attention for his developmental work with Gordon Hayward, Paul Millsap and Donovan Mitchell. He also has worked privately with All-Star guard Damian Lillard. Ott, 40, got his NBA start working in Atlanta as video coordinator. He later worked for the Brooklyn Nets under Atkinson, Jacque Vaughn and Steve Nash, as well as for the Lakers under Darvin Ham. Like Ishbia and Gregory, Ott also has a Michigan State background, having worked in support roles under coach Tom Izzo. Last year, Ott interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets head-coach opening. Bryant and Ott advanced from Phoenix's latest round of interviews, which also included Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Dave Bliss and Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney. With a nucleus of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Phoenix had the NBA's highest payroll this season but failed to make even the Play-In Tournament, finishing 36-46. In a news conference after the season, Ishbia promised changes. Two weeks after firing Budenholzer, he promoted Gregory, a college basketball lifer who had worked as the team's vice president of player programming, to general manager. Long-time GM James Jones shifted to a senior advisory position. Advertisement The roster is also expected to change, although given Phoenix's status as a second-apron team, those moves will likely be complicated. The Suns explored moving Durant at February's trade deadline and will likely revisit those options. Beal also might be a long shot to return, but his contract (he is owed $111 million over the next two seasons and has a no-trade clause) makes for significant hurdles.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy: Russian-American Youtuber jailed in Philippines, globally unwelcome
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy , known to millions as 'VitalyzdTv,' has long been infamous for his outrageous pranks and viral stunts. But in 2025, the Russian-American YouTuber's penchant for controversy reached a breaking point, getting detained in the Philippines, rejected by both Russia and the United States, and facing a future more uncertain than ever. Born in Russia in 1992, Zdorovetskiy moved to the U.S. as a child and rose to fame with prank videos that often pushed the boundaries of legality and taste. His YouTube channel amassed over 10 million subscribers, with content ranging from fake bomb scares to pitch invasions at major sporting events. His early life was marked by odd jobs and even a brief stint in adult entertainment. Crimes and arrests Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's career has been marked by a series of high-profile arrests and criminal charges, both in the United States and abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Arrest (Brazil): In July 2014, Zdorovetskiy invaded the field during the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil. His stunt garnered global media attention and resulted in his arrest by Brazilian authorities for trespassing on the pitch during one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Live Events May 25, 2016 – Hollywood Sign Trespassing: Zdorovetskiy was arrested for trespassing after climbing onto the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as part of a video stunt. He spent about an hour vlogging from the sign before being detained by park rangers and released on bail. He faced potential fines and up to six months in county jail for the misdemeanor, as the site is closed to the public and protected by law enforcement. June 10, 2016 – NBA Finals Streaking Arrest: Just weeks later, on June 10, 2016, Zdorovetskiy was arrested again for streaking during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The high-profile stunt led to his immediate arrest for trespassing and disrupting a major sporting event. 2017 World Series Arrest (Houston, USA): On October 29, 2017, Zdorovetskiy was arrested after running onto the field at Minute Maid Park during Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, shortly after a home run by Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. He was taken into custody for trespassing and disrupting the game. 2020 – Aggravated Battery Arrest : In 2020, Zdorovetskiy was arrested for aggravated battery in Miami Beach, Florida, following an alleged unprovoked attack on a female jogger. He was booked and released on bond. This incident drew significant media attention and criticism. 2025 – Arrest and Multiple Charges in the Philippines: His most serious legal troubles began in April 2025, when he was arrested in the Philippines after livestreaming a spree of disruptive and criminal acts in Manila's Bonifacio Global City. The charges include: Harassing and attempting to kiss security guards Attempting to grab a security guard's firearm Stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan, and a tricycle Threatening to rob a woman in public Trespassing and recording people without consent Fabricating negative reviews about local businesses Vandalism, unjust vexation, burglary, theft, and alarm and scandal He faces up to 24 years in prison in the Philippines, with five separate charges that could each result in a minimum of five years if convicted. His deportation has been blocked as both Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, leaving him to face trial and potential jail time in the Philippines. Neither Russia nor America will take him The fallout from his actions has been severe. Philippine authorities declared him an 'undesirable foreign national' and sought to deport him, but both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. Russia has reportedly 'disowned' Zdorovetskiy, with officials stressing that he must face justice in the Philippines and warning Russian tourists to respect local laws. Meanwhile, as a U.S. green card holder—not a citizen—the U.S. also declined to intervene or accept his return. 'Our problem is that Russia is not accepting him, neither does the US where he is a green card holder. So we don't know where to send him,' said Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla With no country willing to claim him, Zdorovetskiy remains in detention in Manila, awaiting trial and possible imprisonment.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana Pacers Playing Fast Will Be Key to Beating OKC Thunder
Indiana Pacers Playing Fast Will Be Key to Beating OKC Thunder originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Pacers lost only four games in the postseason as they marched to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, and they will match up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, another team looking to win its first title. Advertisement The Thunder were easily the best team in the NBA in the regular season, although they had a tougher run in the postseason, taking all seven games to beat the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Still, the Thunder lost only one game to the Eastern Conference all season, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in January. According to FanDuel, the Thunder are massive favorites, with -700 odds to win the series to the Pacers' +500 odds. Still, the series hasn't started yet, and the door is far from closed on Indiana's season. Both teams boast efficient offenses, deep benches, and solid defensive play, although we can easily concede that OKC is better on that side of the ball. Still, the Pacers, with their speedy brand of basketball, have one advantage in the series. Advertisement In the postseason, the Thunder have actually played faster than the Pacers, boasting the second-fastest pace, behind only the Memphis Grizzlies. Indiana ranks third, although they do have a clear advantage in that regard. The Pacers played and easily beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, who ranked fifth and sixth in postseason pace. OKC, meanwhile, beat the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, who play much slower. The Pacers have plenty of experience in this postseason, speeding up the game and keeping up on the defensive side, and they should be able to outrun the Thunder. Unlike their earlier opponents, OKC has more depth and can stay fresher for longer, but everyone on the Pacers' bench excels while playing at a high speed, giving OKC no breaks. Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Advertisement Related: Pascal Siakam's Awkward Interaction With Indiana Reporter Goes Viral Related: How Indiana Pacers Secured First NBA Finals Appearance in 25 Years This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-NBA Star Kendrick Perkins Sends Brutal Message to Donovan Mitchell on Playoff Struggles
Ex-NBA Star Kendrick Perkins Sends Brutal Message to Donovan Mitchell on Playoff Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cleveland Cavaliers hitched their wagon to Donovan Mitchell last season when they fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff for him. Advertisement They hired Kenny Atkinson to replace him in hopes of convincing the former Utah Jazz star to sign an extension. He eventually re-upped with Cleveland and they clearly believed he was the guy who could lead them to the promised land. Less than a year later, the Cavs suffered another disappointing playoff exit and with such an expensive roster there aren't many additions that can be made. This means that unless the roster magically ascends to true championship contention, the only way forward is to retool or blow the team up and start over. May 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Mitchell is statistically one of the best playoff performers to ever play basketball, so it's hard to blame him for his teams' shortcomings in the postseason. Advertisement However, he has put himself into unwanted company by becoming one of the longest tenured stars in NBA history to never reach the conference finals. Retired NBA star Kendrick Perkins ripped into Mitchell recently, saying, 'A Donovan Mitchell-led team has never been to the conference finals.' The six-time All-Star has reached the playoffs in every year of his playing career, but the second round is the furthest he's gotten. The past few seasons have seen the pressure ratchet up on Philadelphia 76ers' superstar Joel Embiid for not making the conference in his nine-year playing career and now Mitchell is beginning to catch the same heat. Advertisement The only superstar with a longer streak is Chris Paul who finally reached the conference finals with the Houston Rockets in 2018, 13 years into his career. Some of the criticism is unfair, but when you are as great as Mitchell is and consistently have highly seeded teams, the expectation is to win on a grand scale. Until the Cavs finally break through, Mitchell will continue to be scrutinized. Related: Cavs Give Promising Update on Donovan Mitchell's Playoff Status This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
