ESPN Sources: Florida Atlantic 7-footer Vlad Goldin is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and signing with the Michigan Wolverines. Goldin rejoins coach Dusty May and brings his 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks to May’s deep debut recruiting class in Ann Arbor.
After a disappointing 14-68 season, the Detroit Pistons have decided to hire a new head of basketball operations (President) and will begin their search process this week, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium.
Cavs points, final 6 minutes:
Wade 2PT
Wade FT
Wade 3PT
Wade 3PT
Allen FTs
Niang 3 (Wade AST)
Wade 3PT
Garland FT
Wade putback dunk
Dean Wade outscored the Celtics 20-17 in the 4th quarter.
In the past 30 Clippers games, Kawhi Leonard has a 25-5 record while averaging:
• 26.4 PPG
• 57% FG
• 51% 3-pt FG
• 92% FT
He’s the first player to average 25 points on 55-50-90 shooting splits over any 30-game span all-time, per @Statswilliams.
The NBA is finalizing plans for the Los Angeles Clippers to host 2026 All-Star Weekend at Steve Ballmer’s new Intuit Dome, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Indianapolis/Pacers for 2024, San Francisco/Warriors for 2025, and LA/Clippers now on track for 2026.
Steelers believe Defensive-Player-of-the-Year candidate T.J. Watt suffered a sprained MCL vs. the Ravens pending further testing, per source. Watt wanted to go back into the game with the injury, but the Steelers wouldn’t allow it.
Jayden Reed, past 6 games:
• 84 total yards, TD
• 92 yards, TD
• 50 yards, TD
• 16 yards
• 65 yards, TD
• 52 yards, TD
He's one catch away from tying Sterling Sharpe's franchise record for most receptions by a rookie.
Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts – who had 10 rushing TDs in 2021, 13 rushing TDs in 2022 and has 11 rushing TDs this season – is now the first quarterback ever with at least 10 rushing TDs in three consecutive seasons.
In their first game since the trade deadline, it's worth noting that seven teams called the Broncos to inquire about the availability of standout CB Patrick Surtain II, three made offers, but Denver never considered dealing him, per team officials. Those around the organization believe he is the most talented CB they ever have been around.
Just in: The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams today, informing them that all college juniors who declare for the Draft now will be eligible to play in the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl or HBCU Legacy Bowl, per sources.
Last year, 69 juniors entered the draft but couldn’t play in an all-star game. This year they can.
A full-circle QB moment: Rams drafted Jared Goff No. 1 overall I’m 2016 and Carson Wentz went No. 2 to the Eagles.
Goff went to the Lions to replace Matthew Stafford, who replaced Goff in LA.
And now Wentz will back up Stafford in LA.
Incredible stories from the Vikings' locker room today. Josh Dobbs didn't take a single rep with the offense in practice. No snaps from Garrett Bradbury. Had never thrown passes to anyone, and didn't know most of their full names. "That's for next week," he said.