Basketball

NEW YORK (AP) — The day Victor Wembanyama has dreamed of for years has arrived. The 19-year-old from France figures he was about 12 when he began thinking about being an NBA player and then being selected No.

The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade center Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics as part of a three-team trade that also includes Marcus Smart heading to the Memphis Grizzlies, two people with knowledge of the deal said Thursday morning.

If you want to be in the NBA, it helps to be, among other things, excellent at the playing of basketball. If you want to be in the NBA draft, basketball skills aren't required.

DENVER (AP) — The NBA-champion Denver Nuggets traded into the first round of the draft by acquiring the 29th overall pick from the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said.

Duke assistant coach Amile Jefferson is leaving the Blue Devils to become an assistant with the NBA's Boston Celtics, a person with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday.

The Charlotte Hornets are leaning toward keeping the pivotal No. 2 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft.

PHOENIX (AP) — New Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel on Wednesday announced his coaching staff for the coming season, which includes associate head coach Kevin Young and former NBA head coach David Fizdale.

Victor Wembanyama's NBA draft experience will be quite unlike last year's No. 1 pick. Paolo Banchero could never be certain he would be taken first. There was too much speculation that Orlando was also considering Jabari Smith Jr.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NBA All-Star weekend organizers announced Wednesday the popular Saturday night skills challenges will be held Feb. 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.

DENVER (AP) — Bruce Brown is set to become a free agent after declining his $6.8 million player option with the NBA-champion Denver Nuggets, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday.