NBA Notes: Mavericks, Luka Doncic, Knicks, Wizards

Mavericks

Star guard Luka Doncic admitted that he’s not likely to practice fully at the start of training camp, given he just finished a run in the FIBA EuroBasket as a member of the Slovenian National Team.

“I’m probably not going to do everything (in training camp),” Doncic said, via Grant Afseth of Dallas Basketball. “We’re still trying to figure out a plan.”

Doncic is likely to be held out at least the Mavs’ first preseason game, as relayed by Tyler Watts of Fansided.

• Center/forward Christian Wood is likely to play a sixth-man role with the Mavs, with JaVale McGee starting at center, coach Jason Kidd indicated, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
• Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel will be observing Mavs practices for “a couple of days,” Kidd said, via Brad Townsend of the Dallas News.
• Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green are candidates to serve as the Mavs’ third point guard, Kidd said, via Dallas reporter Landon Thomas.

Knicks

Coach Tom Thibodeau said he stands behind the hiring of Rick Brunson as assistant coach, despite Brunson’s questionable past, per Zach Braziller of the New York Post.

Brunson faced sexual misconduct allegations years ago. He is the father of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks guard who came from the Mavericks in free agency.

“I’ve known Rick a long time. I’m very comfortable with who he is,” Thibodeau said, via Braziller. “He’s been on my staff. I’ve known him since he was in college. I feel strongly about him.” 

Thibodeau said all candidates are vetted thoroughly, reminding reporters that Brunson worked for him with the Timberwolves.

“You have to remember, he was hired in Minnesota,” Thibodeau said. “He’s here. I’m comfortable. I know who he is.” 

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson said the hiring of his dad assisted his free agency decision.

“It’s just an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Jalen Brunson said. “It’s something you only see in movies and stuff like that.” 

Wizards

Coach Wes Unseld Jr. indicated guard Delon Wright could make an impact for the Wizards defensively. Unseld is basing that off a conversation he had with Wright.

“A lot of guys will go into different metrics and numbers and he said ‘I want to make an All-Defensive team,'” Unseld said, via Chase Hughes of NBA Sports Washington. “First time I’ve ever heard that and it really stuck with me. That’s his mindset and that’s his role.”

• The Wizards waived undrafted Kentucky point guard Davion Mintz, per the NBA transactions log. Mintz very well could be headed for the Capital City Go-Go of the G League.