The biggest NBA news Monday may have nothing to do with actual basketball, as LeBron James reportedly will not pursue a major executive role with the National Basketball Players Association. He notified Heat teammate and NBPA secretary-treasurer James Jones of the decision after considering and researching the opportunity.
NBA news roundup: LeBron passes on NBPA presidency run, Nogueira heading to Spain
LeBron’s NBPA intentions, Nogueira’s return to Spain and more from around the NBA on Monday.
Mike Ehrmann
While he’s arguably the most influential active basketball player in the world, James’ greatness will be limited to the court for now. He’s been a vocal supporter of the union in the past, but said that he felt concerned he would be unable to properly fulfill his duties as president or vice president of the NBPA.
As the players’ union changes direction and looks for new leadership, here’s the rest of the action from the NBA.
Nogueira returning to Spain
Hawks first-round pick Lucas Nogueira will return to Spain for at least one more season before beginning his NBA career in Atlanta. GM Danny Ferry seemed in favor of the decision, which isn't surprising as "Bebe" is considered fairly raw:
“We are very encouraged by what we’ve seen from Lucas this summer. Going back to Estudiantes will allow him to continue develop while also playing meaningful minutes against very good competition. We will closely monitor his progress as he works towards his goals as a basketball player.”
Nogueira has been playing for Madrid's CB Estudiantes since 2009. Hopefully he'll be able to join fellow 2013 first-rounder Dennis Schroeder in Atlanta next summer.
Sixers hire Brett Brown
The 76ers finally ended their coaching search Monday morning, agreeing to a deal with San Antonio Spurs assistant Brett Brown. It's not a surprising hire for Philadelphia after reports surfaced that Brown received a job offer, but people around the league reportedly encouraged him to turn down the offer given the team's current state. With a rebuilding roster featuring few players ready for major roles in the league, Brown likely won't be coaching a winner for at least a couple seasons.
Rockets interested in Stephen Jackson
After a bizarre ending to 2012-13 for Stephen Jackson, he appears determined to retire on different terms. The 35-year-old has reportedly spent the summer working out and hopes to join a contender next season, with the Rockets being one possibility.
Jackson spent most of last season with the Spurs before ongoing issues with head coach Gregg Popovich reached a tipping point in April. Upset about his playing time, Jackson got into an argument with Popovich which eventually led to his release from the team before its postseason run. Now, he presumably hopes to continue his career on a lighter note.
Jordan Hill works to become Stretch 4
When Los Angeles Lakers big man Jordan Hill asked Mike D'Antoni what he'd need to do to earn more playing time in 2013-14, the coach told him to expand his offensive game and become more of a "Stretch 4." While that approach failed last season with longtime All-Star Pau Gasol, the suggestion seems to be that Hill's relative inexperience makes him a more reasonable candidate to embrace D'Antoni's teachings.
After struggling away from the basket as a shooter last season, Hill put in significant work this summer to improve. He seems excited to show he can thrive in D’Antoni’s system:
“I just want to be a stretch 4. Just try to spread the floor a little bit, just show a little range. I’ve been working on it the whole summer, trying to focus on that, on my 3-ball. It got a lot better. I’m just ready to put it all together and showcase it.”
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