Michael Scotto

Story: Reporting on the futures of Bucks coach Doc Rivers, Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, Pelicans coaching candidates, why the Hawks could extend Quin Snyder, Taylor Jenkins notes, and more for @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/story/sports/n…

Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins was asked if coach Brian Keefe will return next season. Dawkins replied, “Yeah, I anticipate Brian Keefe to be here.”

Hawks center Jock Landale (high right ankle sprain) will miss at least two weeks against the Knicks in the playoffs. Landale was injured by Magic center Goga Bitadze on April 1. He averaged 10.6 points on 52% from the field and 38% from 3-point range with 5.7 rebounds this season

Kawhi Leonard on the NBA’s Aspiration investigation: “I think that we're going to be in the clear, like I’ve told you before, so I'm not stressing it.”

Steve Kerr on Draymond Green: “He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s just insane what he does out there.” Steve Kerr: “For one night, we're us. We're champions again. I know that that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It’s a Play-In game. I don't care.”

Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry: “This is why Steph came back. Everybody out there who thought Steph should’ve taken the rest of the year off (bangs table). This is what he does. This is who he is. If he can compete, he’s going to compete, and it was just incredible to watch.”

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on the LaMelo Ball play that knocked Bam Adebayo out of the Play-In game: “I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans. Somebody has got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There’s no place in the game for that.”

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo suffered a lower back injury and is out for the rest of tonight’s Play-In Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Sources: The New Orleans Pelicans have several coaching candidates in mind, including interim coach James Borrego, Darvin Ham, and Kevin Ollie. Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley has admirers in New Orleans. He’d be toward the top of the list if available. hoopshype.com/story/sports/n…

I asked Doc Rivers how much longer he envisions coaching as he prepares to enter the Hall of Fame. He replied, “I won’t answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see. I’ll put it that way. I’ll let you figure it out from there. I have seven grandkids now and they’re all eight years and under, and it kills me every time I miss grandparents day with each one of them in school. It’s probably time to go see them more, so I’ll let you figure out the rest.”

The Boston Celtics and Dalano Banton have agreed to a two-year deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Banton has averaged 6.7 points in 14.3 minutes per game in five NBA seasons with the Raptors, Trail Blazers, Clippers, and Celtics. Deal negotiated by Aaron Turner of @VerusTeam.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery this afternoon in Houston.

The Golden State Warriors plan to sign Charles Bassey to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Bassey has averaged 4.2 points on 63% shooting from the field and 4.2 rebounds in 10.8 minutes during five NBA seasons combined with the 76ers, Spurs, Grizzlies, and Celtics.

The Atlanta Hawks and Tony Bradley have agreed to a deal, sources told @hoopshype. Bradley brings needed size to a Hawks frontcourt without Jock Landale. He’s averaged 4.3 points on 62% shooting and 3.8 rebounds in eight seasons with the Jazz, 76ers, Thunder, Bulls, and Pacers.

The Atlanta Hawks have waived Caleb Houstan. He shot 53.8% from the field and 52.4% from 3-point range in limited playing time during 18 games for the Hawks this season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and will be out for the remainder of the regular season.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will be out for at least the remainder of the regular season.

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. and rookie forward Danny Wolf are both out for the rest of the season coach Jordi Fernandez says.

Reporting on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, who sources say is expected to exercise his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, along with potential offseason trade candidates Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk with host @ChrisShearnYES on @YESNetwork.