World news – Popovich’s hopeful DeRozan will return on Friday

Spurs’ Dejounte Murray (05) will play Khem Birch (24) and Chasson Randle (25) from Orlando Magic on Friday, March 12th, 2021 at the AT&T Center.

Jakob Poeltl (above) and Drew Eubanks (unannounced backup) have formed a seedy center combo for the Spurs.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is hoping DeMar DeRozan will be back on the field for Friday’s game in Cleveland.

« But it is is not yet set in stone, « said Popovich in his pre-game virtual press conference from Chicago on Wednesday.

The club’s top goalscorer and distributor has missed the last four games after returning to Los Angeles for his Burying father who died last month after a long illness. The Spurs entered the Bulls game with a 2-1 record over that period.

DeRozan’s situation is part of a difficult season for the team. Aside from DeRozan’s absence, the Spurs have continued to play for significant stretches due to COVID-19 through injuries, the split from LaMarcus Aldridge, and the loss of six players, assistant coach Becky Hammon and an unnamed employee, which also resulted in a jam schedule for the second half with postponed games that need to be rescheduled.

« The general attitude is that it is damn easy for us, no matter what we have all been through, and there is no time to feel sorry for yourself or » woe to me  » « said Popovich. « Hit yourself. You move forward and find that you are better off than 99.9 percent of the people on the planet. Just do your job.

« It’s kind of a revelation that you really understand how lucky you are from hearing from so many people who are in miserable situations. »

When Spurs Center Jakob Poeltl was asked about his reaction to Larry Krystkowiak’s dismissal as a trainer by the University of Utah, he recalled the two recruitment trips Krystkowiak made to Vienna to speak to him and his parents .

« He invested a lot of time in recruiting me, » said Poeltl after the shootaround on Wednesday morning. « That was one of the main reasons I chose Utah. »

The Utes let Krystkowiak – whose nine-year NBA career began 1986-87 with one season at Spurs – after 10 seasons and a record of 183- 139 fall. Utah finished that season 12-13.

The Utes won 27 games in 2015-16 with a roster that included Poeltl and Kyle Kuzma. Poeltl averaged 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds in the second year of this season. Utah reached the Sweet Sixteen 2014-15 during Poeltl’s newcomer season when he averaged 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds. « I have many fond memories of my time in Utah, » said Poeltl. “You believed me from the start. I think I had two very solid, fun and more or less successful two years there. Lots of good memories. “

New Balance felt the power of the Fiesta-hungry Spurs fans on Monday for the release of Dejounte Murray’s TWO WXY sneakers.

The shoes developed for the Spurs Point Guard feature“ FuelCell ”technology of the brand, a rebound foam for speed. But the aesthetic was the real selling point for a city interested in aqua, pink and orange.

The colors match the team’s signature « fiesta » look, which has been around throughout the season with the launch of the Nike throwback jerseys was celebrated.

Murray announced on Instagram on Monday that the shoes were sold out in less than a day. By Tuesday, the New Balance website showed that there were only two size 12½ pairs left. The shoes were priced at $ 140 per pair.

To put the spending power of Spurs fans in perspective, there are still many pairs of TWO WXY sneakers that were developed for Oklahoma City Thunder player Darius Bazley.

According to the New Balance website, replenishment usually takes place « within a few weeks ». Limited edition styles may not be replenished.

New Balance also said the launch on Monday was the first round of releases in the TWO WXY range, with more to come later this year.

After three years as A part-time employee who mainly covered university sports, Tom Orsborn became a full-time employee with Express News in October 1985. He has been responsible for the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL since 1999, and has also overseen the Spurs, the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and a host of other events including 14 Super Bowls.