Anthony Davis will sit out the last four games because of back spasms. (USATSI)
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The Pelicans will rest Anthony Davis for the team's final four games because they need more pingpong balls, uh, I mean because he is injured.
Davis has missed 11 games already this season, but will sit the last four because of back spasms, the team announced Thursday. Davis will join Eric Gordon (left knee), who has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Pelicans have had a disappointing season, but Davis' progression has been a blaring bright spot. At just 21 years old, he has superstar written all over him, so naturally the team is protecting its star piece very carefully.
Gordon, though, will have arthoscropic surgery and while he's expected to make a full recovery, has had consistent injury issues. And with the Pelicans building their core around Davis, Gordon and Jrue Holiday, the team has to be concerned about getting everyone healthy and available.
But next season is now the goal, and the Pelicans have a bright future. At 32-46, they have nothing to play for anymore, except to lose and maybe increase their lottery odds to add another quality young piece. It might be too late, though: The Sixers own the Pelicans pick this season, though it's top five protected. So the Pelicans would need ot land in the top five to keep it. I'm not sure four more losses is going to help all that much.
Basketball Hot News
Spurs, Heat lead NBA teams heading overseas for preseason games next season
David Stern may be emeritus now but the NBA’s global ambitions are not — the NBA owners want those international dollars.
Meaning next preseason NBA teams are heading overseas again to spread the gospel of the NBA and the NBA announced the schedule Thursday.
First up Tony Parker, Tim Duncan (unless he retires) and the San Antonio Spurs will take on Alba Berlin in Germany Oct. 8, then travel to Istanbul, Turkey, to take on Fenerbahçe Ülker Istanbul Oct. 11. Gregg Popovich isn’t going to complain about this as much as you might imagine for a curmudgeon. For one thing, they make a fantastic Riesling in parts of Germany. Second, he likes travel. It’s sideline reporters that drive him nuts.
In a pre-Olympics showcase, the Cleveland Cavaliers will play the Miami Heat Oct. 11 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Even for the Heat’s usual standards that could be a good looking crowd — and you know they will be chanting all game.
The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings will make the NBA’s annual trip to China, playing Oct. 12 in Shanghai, then Oct. 15 in Beijing.
These are the teams of two owners really pushing to make their teams bigger international brands.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Kings experience back to our fans in China,” Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé said in a released statement. “Over 300 million Chinese men and women play basketball so there’s huge potential to connect with new and existing fans. We’ll be volunteering in the community, as well as utilizing technology and social media to share our trip with Kings fans around the world. We look forward to playing the Brooklyn Nets, who share our philosophy that basketball is the preeminent global sport of the 21st century.”
The NBA is clear and away the premier basketball league in the world and with the worldwide popularity of the sport the NBA is positioned to tap into an international market better than any other American sport. They would be foolish not to do this. Expect to see more of it, David Stern or no.
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