Mike Diamond
FILE - In this Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, file photo, then-Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, left, talks with an official during the second half of an NBA first-round playoff basketball game against the Houston Rockets, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Chicago Bulls made sweeping changes to their front office for the 2020-21 season and snagged Donovan, one of the top coaches on the market, hoping an overhaul in leadership will carry them back to respectability. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
New NBA coaches for 9 teams navigating compressed timeline

By Brett Martel Dec. 19, 2020 11:31 AM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Houston Rockets' James Harden (13) argues a call during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Harden has not reported to training camp with the Rockets and coach Stephen Silas says he did not know when the All-Star guard would arrive. The Rockets had their second workout of training camp on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, and afterward the new coach addressed the absence of the disgruntled star who reportedly wants to be traded. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Harden practices with Rockets; coach says he'll play Tuesday

By Kristie Rieken Dec. 14, 2020 03:48 PM EST

FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2020, file photo, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For NBA coaches, masks are required this season. Jackets are not. Rules for coaching attire will be relaxed by the league this year, though not as much as was the case during play at the bubble at Walt Disney World this past summer. Suit jackets or sport coats will not be required — but coaches won’t be able to wear the short-sleeved shirts that most donned for games in the bubble, either. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool, File)
NBA coaches attire: Masks are in, jackets are optional

By Tim Reynolds Dec. 08, 2020 07:55 PM EST

This combination photo shows Millie Bobby Brown, from left, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Public Enemy's Chuck D and Flavor Flav. This week's new entertainment releases include "Stranger Things" breakout star Brown getting her first starring role in the Netflix film "Enola Holmes," Neil deGrasse Tyson spreads his wisdom on Fox and Public Enemy releases "What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?" (AP Photo)
New this week: 'Enola Holmes,' Public Enemy and Bonnaroo

By The Associated Press Sep. 21, 2020 07:32 PM EDT

Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis handles the ball during the third quarter of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Toughest NBA rival is bubble, where 'every day is Wednesday'

By Brian Mahoney Aug. 21, 2020 12:51 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2020, file photo, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues for a call against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Denver. The Spurs will try to extend the longest active playoff streak in the four major pro sports without LaMarcus Aldridge and with a decent mathematical chance to sneak into the final postseason spot in the Western Conference. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Masked man: Spurs' Popovich wears face covering for game

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 23, 2020 04:20 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2020, file photo, Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook, left, dribbles next to Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore. Westbrook said Monday, July 13, 2020, that he has tested positive for coronavirus, and that he plans to eventually join his team at the restart of the NBA season. Westbrook made the revelation on social media. As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook and James Harden — neither of whom traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days. In Westbrook's case, that now seems most unlikely. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes, File)
Rockets poised to make deep playoff run after delays

By Kristie Rieken Jul. 23, 2020 03:07 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Los Angeles. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers already have just about guaranteed themselves the top two playoff seeds and face a delicate balancing act when the NBA returns to action. They must try to shake off the rust after a 4 ½-month hiatus while also staying as healthy as possible for the postseason. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Lakers' LeBron James speaks out: 'Nothing is normal in 2020'

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 20, 2020 05:48 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, March 7, 2020, file photo, Houston Rockets guard James Harden passes against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C. Harden practiced with his teammates for the first time this summer, Thursday, July 16, 2020, after arriving later than most of the Rockets for the season restart at Walt Disney World. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
James Harden, cleared to play, makes Disney practice debut

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 16, 2020 07:41 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2020, file photo, Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook, left, dribbles next to Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore. Westbrook said Monday, July 13, 2020, that he has tested positive for coronavirus, and that he plans to eventually join his team at the restart of the NBA season. Westbrook made the revelation on social media. As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook and James Harden — neither of whom traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days. In Westbrook's case, that now seems most unlikely. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes, File)
Rockets' Westbrook has virus, as NBA bubble faces first test

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 13, 2020 01:13 PM EDT

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points to his bench during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Popovich had reservations, but Spurs coach ready for restart

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 11, 2020 04:05 PM EDT

The Houston Astros play a simulated baseball game inside Minute Maid Park Thursday, July 9, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Latest: Pop keeping eye on Japan, and Olympic hopes

By The Associated Press Jul. 11, 2020 10:27 AM EDT