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NBA trends: Jerry Colangelo to rescue the Philadelphia 76ers?

The 76ers hired Jerry Colangelo as their new chairman of basketball operations on Dec. 7.

The 76ers hired Jerry Colangelo as their new chairman of basketball operations on Dec. 7.

(Chris Szagola / Associated Press)
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News and notes from around the NBA.

Colangelo to the rescue?

Over the last three seasons, the Philadelphia 76ers have been the worst franchise in the NBA. Sam Hinkie, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, bet everything on landing a franchise-altering draft pick — using cap space to trade for picks, instead of focusing on winning now. The results have been unimpressive, especially with center Joel Embiid, the team’s third overall pick in the 2014, missing his first two seasons with foot injuries.

On Monday, the 76ers hired Jerry Colangelo as chairman of basketball operations. Colangelo is a well-respected basketball lifer who ran the Phoenix Suns for decades. He recently helped direct the United States men’s basketball team and brings gravitas to a 76ers’ organization that needs it. Armed with cap room, a wealth of upcoming draft picks and talented young big men Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, the 76ers and Colangelo might be able to climb out of what seems like a perpetual rebuild.

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Never mind the record

Soon after hiring Colangelo, the 76ers announced they extended the contract of Coach Brett Brown through the 2018-19 season. Philadelphia won 19 games in their first season under Brown, then 18 games last season; reaching double-digit wins this season might be a lost cause. Before coming to Philadelphia, Brown wasn’t used to losing; he spent nine years in San Antonio as an assistant under Coach Gregg Popovich.

Barnes for the win

Former Clippers and Lakers forward Matt Barnes hit an odd game winner Wednesday, helping his Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Pistons in Detroit, 93-92. With his team trailing by two, Barnes grabbed a miss from Detroit forward Ersan Ilyasova with 5.7 seconds remaining, dribbled frantically to halfcourt and heaved the ball into the air before crossing the halfcourt line. Barnes let go with about three seconds on the clock, enough time for him to get a lot closer. But his shot was all net.

On Thursday, the NBA said Memphis forward Zach Randolph should have been called for a foul after making contact with Ilyasova’s arm on his errant shot attempt. The Pistons should have gotten two free-throw attempts, instead of the wild play that made Barnes the hero.

Jefferson suspension

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On Wednesday, the NBA suspended Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson for five games for violating the league’s anti-drug program. The league did not disclose the drug. A reporter asked Jefferson whether the drug was marijuana and he declined to answer.

The suspension will cost Jefferson roughly $613,000 of his $13.5-million salary for the season. Jefferson is averaging 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, his lowest production in 10 seasons. According to the collective bargaining agreement, NBA players are banned for five games on their third positive test for marijuana.

Late call

On Friday, the NBA suspended Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo for one a game after using “a derogatory and offensive term toward a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner upon his ejection.” What was odd about the punishment was the timing. The league usually issues suspensions before the team’s next game, but Rondo’s ejection occurred on Dec. 3 in a loss to Boston. He has played four games played in the interim.

Trade season

When a free agent signs with a team over the summer, they cannot be traded for the latter of 90 days or Dec. 15. The trade restriction will lift for most signees Tuesday, marking the official start of NBA trade season, which will continue until the Feb. 18 deadline.

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As a result, Lakers Lou Williams, Brandon Bass and Marcelo Huertas will be trade eligible Tuesday, but Metta World Peace, who signed on Sept. 24, cannot be traded until Dec. 24.

Keep shooting

Forward Paul George has been a force for the Indiana Pacers this season, making his case for All-NBA first-team honors. Last weekend, George scored a career-high 48 points in a 122-119 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz. George followed that up with 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 131-123 defeat Tuesday to the Golden State Warriors.

Looking ahead

Oklahoma City at Cleveland: Thursday at 5 p.m. PST. TV: TNT.

It’s the first meeting this season between former most valuable players LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Last season Durant was out 55 games because of various injuries, but the 27-year-old seems to have regained his dazzling touch and is scoring in binges as the Thunder tries to reclaim a spot near the top of the West. Meanwhile James, who is about to turn 31, still has the iron will to overpower opponents and if there is any decline in his game, you have to look pretty hard to find it.

— Barry Stavro

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