San Francisco Chronicle—In August 2014, entering his second of four seasons with the Lakers, Nick Young tweeted that that he has no tattoos on his right arm because that limb is “strictly for buckets.” It only reinforced his reputation as a gunner. For much of his 10-year NBA career, Young has prided himself — albeit, jokingly for the part — on his aversion to assists. That might have to change now that he is on a Warriors team built on making the extra pass. “I found myself passing a little bit more than normal today,” Young said Sunday after his second...

Sun Herald—LOS ANGELES–When Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton sees Luol Deng interact with the team's young players, he sees a change from last season. Deng seems to be more vocal …

Hoops Hype—STAYING: Cristiano Felicio, Jerian Grant, Zach LaVine, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic, Cameron Payne, Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine and Paul Zipser. ADDED: Ryan Arcidiacono (Austin Spurs), Antonio Blakeney (Louisiana State), Kris Dunn (Minnesota), Kay Felder (Cleveland), Justin Holiday (New York), Lauri Markkanen (Arizona), Quincy Pondexter (Chicago) and David Nwaba (LA Lakers). GONE: Jimmy Butler (Minnesota), Michael Carter-Williams (Charlotte), Isaiah Canaan, Joffrey Lauvergne (San Antonio), Anthony Morrow, Rajon Rondo (New Orleans) and Dwyane Wade (Cleveland). STRENGTHS: Young,...

The Dream Shake— He’s back, y’all. A Rockets great has returned home. In perhaps the greatest return to Houston since Trevor Ariza, Tarik Black is back. I can vividly remember the former PA voice of the Rockets, John Paul Stevenson, introduce him into games during the 2014-15 campaign. “At center, 6-9, from Kansas, #10… TAAAAAAARRRRIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKK BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK!!!!” Black had a solid career here in Houston in just 25 games. As a guy who wasn’t expected to make the roster out of camp, Black surprised many and made the team getting minutes right away as Dwight Howard’s...