Atlantic Notes: | Hoops Rumors

Sixes All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey explaining his thinking behind some of his comments during a team meeting Monday, writes Tony Jones of The Athletic Philadelphia had dropped to a 2-11 record after a loss to the Heat and the former Sixers star small forward Jimmy Butler.

Maxey reportedly named All-NBA Philadelphia center Joel Embiid for tardiness problems and occasional unexcused absences.

“I wanted to say something” Maxey said. “I felt the need to do it because I wanted to share that we are better than what we have shown on the floor. A lot was said, but it is what it is. We said what we had to say and we have to find a way to move on to the rest of the season. Everyone understands what is at stake. Everyone feels the hurt.”

Despite a terrible start to their season, the Sixers reportedly do not plan to fire any head coaches Nick nurse or daily manager Daryl Morey.

Maxey, who has missed Philadelphia’s last six games, suited up along with fellow All-Stars Embiid and Paul George for the first time this season against Memphis on Wednesday.

There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:

• On Tuesday, Celtics All-Stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum helped Boston bust Cavalier‘ 15-game hitting streak to open year with beefed-up, physical defense, writes Jay King of The Athletic. “I thought they both handled the pressure and the physicality well,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “We played a bit slower, but it was more important to get to the right distance. It was more important to read our drive-and-kick. And they managed a good balance between handling the pressure, driving to attack, driving to come to the free throw line, drive to find guys.” By dropping Cleveland’s record to 15-1, the reigning champions proved that Boston remains the class of the conference for now, believes Jared Weiss of The Athletic.
• The Knicks has finally started to mesh after a shaky start to the 2024/25 season, writes Ian Begley of SNY.tv. New York is currently riding high on a three-game winning streak. “Just gelling, continuity, getting more used to each other,” new trade acquisition Karl-Anthony Towns said. “Just understanding what everybody’s going to do and how they’re going to cut and just build trust with each other.” Begley notes that head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to reiterate how much he liked the fit of the free agent guard Landry Shamet with New York. Shamet, who was signed to a training camp deal, was cut after suffering a shoulder injury during the preseason. He has rehabilitated while with New York’s Westchester NBAGL affiliate. Begley expects that if Shamet recovers, he will have a home with the Knicks.
• Birds of prey All-Star forward Scottie Barnes was cleared to participate fully in practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering an orbital bone fracture last month. Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca notes that Barnes’ eventual return could give Toronto a sense of what it has in its current core. The team intends to start five of Barnes, Grady Dick, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrettand Jakob Poeltl haven’t logged a single minute together yet this season. Barnes has missed the opportunity to provide it. Grange notes that Barnes will be on a one-minute restriction and will wear goggles when he returns, initially. “We all know how to play with each other” Barnes said. “We had some reps on it, but we couldn’t get that many because of some injuries. But now we all know how to fit in with each other, play with each other, get each other going, and we know what we all like. We’ve been at it for a while. We will get things going in time.”