NBA joins relief efforts in Australia
Nine NBA players from Australia are collaborating with their union and the NBA to raise $750,000 for relief and recovery efforts in Australia.
Players like Aron Baynes (Phoenix Suns), Jonah Bolden, and Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers), among others, are at the forefront of this initiative. The devastating fires in Australia have resulted in the loss of 2,000 homes, 25 lives, and numerous wildlife as the country struggles with wildfires.
Matthew Dellavedova expressed on Twitter, “It’s a really tough time in Australia right now but we are resilient people and stick together.”
Zion Williamson Set for NBA Debut
Zion Williamson, the first overall pick in the NBA draft, is expected to make his regular-season debut shortly after recovering from minor knee surgery. He has started practicing in five-on-five drills with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While the Pelicans have a home game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, Williamson will not be playing. The team then has four away games before returning to New Orleans on Jan. 16 against the Utah Jazz. Coach Alvin Gentry indicated that Williamson’s playing time will be limited initially. Gentry mentioned, “It’s going to be a slow process,” to bring him up to playing 30 minutes per game.
Other NBA Updates
– Center Anthony Davis declined a maximum contract extension from the Los Angeles Lakers but plans to enter free agency in the summer while intending to stay with the team.
– Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing minor knee surgery.
– The Miami Heat is set to retire guard Dwyane Wade’s jersey during a three-day ceremony in late February.
– Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid is questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Boston Celtics due to a dislocated finger.
