NBA Notes: Isaiah Mobley, Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Thunder, top front offices

International

Isaiah Mobley is headed to Israel. The older brother of Cavaliers star Evan Mobley is finalizing a deal with Hapoel Jerusalem, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.

Mobley, a 2022 second-round pick, spent parts of three seasons with Cleveland and Philadelphia before signing with Manisa Basket in Turkey this fall. The move gives him a chance to reset his career in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Spurs

Victor Wembanyama is inching closer to a return, but the Spurs are sticking to the plan. The third-year phenom has been ruled out for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Lakers, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

Wembanyama has not played since November 14 due to a calf strain, and San Antonio has stayed cautious with his progression.

Head coach Mitch Johnson said earlier in the week that the Cup game would not change anything from a medical standpoint. The Spurs want him fully right before putting him back on the floor.

Thunder

Oklahoma City keeps stacking wins and respect. Fresh off a championship and a historic 23-1 start, the Thunder front office led by Sam Presti finished first in The Athletic’s annual survey ranking the league’s best front offices.

Thirty-one of the 36 participating executives tabbed OKC at No. 1.

Boston’s Brad Stevens ranked second, followed by Houston’s Rafael Stone at No. 3, Miami’s Pat Riley at No. 4, and Indiana’s Kevin Pritchard at No. 5. All five received at least one first-place vote.

The Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Knicks, Spurs, and Warriors rounded out the top 10. Fifteen additional teams earned honorable mentions as front offices “on the rise.”

According to the poll, the Mavericks, Kings, Pelicans, Suns, and Bulls were the only teams not mentioned at all.