usatoday--2020-12-16--NBA offseason grades: From Bucks to Lakers and beyond, which teams have set up themselves for succes

Matt Eppers, Mark Medina and Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

NBA offseason grades: From Bucks to Lakers and beyond, which teams have set up themselves for success?
The NBA preseason is already underway as the season gets set to start Dec. 22, with five games set for Christmas Day. The first half of the league’s slate is set, and the rest will be announced at a later date. As the coronavirus continues to ravage the country, the league constructed a schedule to reduce travel and will have strict health and safety protocols.
Despite the unusual circumstances and a 72-game season ahead, the NBA’s offseason was not a quiet one. In fact, some of its biggest news crept into the start of games with Giannis Antetokounmpo reaching a five-year, $228 million supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
Here is how USA TODAY's NBA staff has graded teach team's offseason:
ATLANTIC DIVISION: Celtics | Knicks | Nets | Raptors | 76ers
CENTRAL DIVISION: Cavaliers | Bucks | Bulls | Pacers | Pistons
SOUTHEAST DIVISION: Hawks | Heat | Hornets | Magic | Wizards
NORTHWEST DIVISION: Jazz | Nuggets | Thunder | Timberwolves | Trail Blazers
PACIFIC DIVISION: Clippers | Kings | Lakers | Suns | Warriors
SOUTHWEST DIVISION: Grizzlies | Mavericks | Pelicans | Rockets | Spurs
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Atlanta Hawks: B
The Hawks were one of the few teams with money to spend in free agency, and they shelled out big bucks to add veterans to supplement a promising young roster. Rajon Rondo (two years, $15 million), Danilo Gallinari (three years, $61.5 million) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (four years, $72 million) bring experience, positional versatility and plenty of offensive firepower. Add Kris Dunn (two years, $10 million), an elite perimeter defender, and the Hawks have built a deep and talented roster.
The biggest question will be how those veteran additions mesh with Trae Young and the rest of the young core. Gallinari and Bogdanovic could limit opportunities for developing wing players like De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish. Rondo and Dunn could make it tougher for Kevin Huerter to find minutes in the backcourt. And after acquiring center Clint Capela in February and drafting Onyeka Okongwu with the No. 6 pick, what is John Collins’ role in the frontcourt?
Ownership desperately wants to make the playoffs this season. While it’s fair to question the wisdom of accelerating the timeline for such a young team, the Hawks made bold moves that should put them in position to contend for a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in. — Matt Eppers
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Boston Celtics: B-
Yes, the Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in free agency, and regardless of Hayward’s difficult time in Boston due to injuries, it’s still difficult to replace a player who averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists and shot 50% from the field.
Boston mitigated the loss of Hayward in two ways. The Celtics signed All-Star forward Jayson Tatum to a max rookie contract extension that keeps him in Boston through at least the 2024-25 season. That’s great news for the Celtics, who have an MVP-caliber talent in Tatum.
The Hayward deal actually ended up being a sign-and-trade with Charlotte for Hayward, so the Celtics acquired a traded player exception (TPE) worth $28.5 million, meaning they absorb up to that amount in salary in trades. If the Celtics can land a quality player with that TPE, their grade could improve. Had Boston not done a sign-and-trade and not acquired a TPE, their grade would’ve been worse.
In free agency, they added frontcourt and backcourt depth, signing Tristan Thompson and Jeff Teague, and in the draft, they had three-round picks, taking Aaron Nesmith at No. 14, Payton Pritchard at No. 26 and trading the 30th pick (Desmond Bane) to Memphis. — Jeff Zillgitt
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Brooklyn Nets: B+
The Nets made a bold move, hiring Steve Nash, who had no prior coaching experience, as their head coach. It’s a tough assignment for Nash, who undoubtedly had the support of Kevin Durant. Nash also brought veteran head coach Mike D’Antoni aboard as an assistant. The two formed a great player-coach combo in Phoenix.
The Nets didn’t make any big, splashy moves in free agency, mostly because it wasn’t necessary. Durant didn’t play last season as he recovered from an Achilles injury, and Kyrie Irving played in just 20 games because of injuries. Getting those two back on the court together are, in effect, Brooklyn’s big moves.
The Nets were not active in the draft and traded their first-round pick to Detroit. As part of that three-team deal, the Nets acquired Landry Shamet. In free agency, they re-signed shooter Joe Harris, brought Tyler Johnson and landed Jeff Green.
Brooklyn has talent beyond Durant and Irving with Harris, Shamet, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen among others. It’s on Nash, Durant and Irving to make it work – and make it work quickly. — Jeff Zillgitt
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Charlotte Hornets: B-
It’s the Gordon Hayward show in Charlotte. Michael Jordan and company made the most surprising move of the offseason, acquiring Hayward in a sign-and-trade and giving the 30-year-old a four-year, $120 million contract. Coupled with the maneuvering required to complete the deal (Charlotte used the waive-and-stretch provision to spread Nicolas Batum’s $27 million salary over the next three seasons), it’s a gamble after Hayward was snakebit by injuries during three years in Boston. However, a small-market team like the Hornets knows it has to pay a premium to attract top free agents, and Hayward gets a good opportunity to jumpstart his career in Charlotte.
There also aren’t any questions about Hayward’s role with the Hornets. He is their clear-cut No. 1 scoring option. He’ll also share some ball-handling and playmaking duties with Charlotte’s other major acquisition, No. 3 overall draft pick LaMelo Ball, a 6-7 point guard with excellent vision and court savvy for a 19-year-old. As a rookie, Ball can bring immediate excitement to a middling Hornets team. Long-term, he has the potential to be a dynamic passer and playmaker with the star power to be the face of the franchise. — Matt Eppers
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Chicago Bulls: C
The Bulls made their biggest offseason moves off the floor, hiring Arturas Karnisovas as executive vice president of basketball operations and first-time general manager Marc Eversley. Karnisovas’ first major move was firing Jim Boylen as head coach and replacing him with Billy Donovan, who was let go by Oklahoma City.
On the court, the Bulls had one of the league’s quietest offseasons. Their only notable additions were signing journeyman guard Garrett Temple to a one-year deal and drafting Florida State forward Patrick Williams with the No. 4 pick. Temple is a solid defender and capable shooter with a reputation as a great teammate. His biggest contribution will be his leadership and professionalism around a young core of Zach LaVine, Coby White, Lauri Markkenen and Wendell Carter Jr. that has expectations of competing for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Williams is the newest member of that core. He’s a raw talent. He didn’t start a single game or average double figures in scoring during his one season in college and just turned 19 in August. But Williams’ combination of size, athleticism and potential defensive versatility made him an attractive wing prospect for the modern NBA. — Matt Eppers
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Cleveland Cavaliers: C
Cleveland made a couple moves to shore up a defense that had one of the league’s worst ratings last season. The Cavaliers remain in rebuilding mode, though, and did little else to boost their chances of competing for a playoff spot, while adding another promising talent to their young core.
Fifth overall pick Isaac Okoro was one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft and should be able to make an impact without scoring. His offensive game needs work, but he won’t be asked to do much in that regard as a rookie. Okoro will get the leeway to improve next to the young backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.
Letting Tristan Thompson leave in free agency was sensible, especially since the Cavs acquired rim protector JaVale McGee from the Lakers to join a frontcourt that still includes Kevin Love, Andre Drummond and Larry Nance Jr. Love ($31.2 million) and Drummond ($28.7 million) have huge salaries Cleveland would be thrilled to move. If they find a taker for either or both, the Cavs could acquire young talent and draft picks to really jump-start the rebuilding effort. — Matt Eppers
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Dallas Mavericks: B+
A team that needed size and defense on the wing added plenty of both. The Mavericks acquired Josh Richardson (6-5) and James Johnson (6-7) in trades, signed Wesley Iwundu (6-6) and drafted Arizona product Josh Green (6-6), all of whom are big, versatile defenders with long wingspans who can guard multiple positions.
The improvements on defense won’t take away from an offense that had the league’s best rating last season with burgeoning MVP candidate Luka Doncic at the helm. All the Mavs’ additions are capable shooters, and Doncic is the type of superstar playmaker who can make everyone around him better. Dallas re-signed Trey Burke, who played key crunch-time minutes in the playoffs. Second-round pick Tyrell Terry is an excellent 3-point shooter and can help mitigate the loss of Seth Curry, who was traded to Philadelphia in the deal to acquire Richardson.
The Mavs remain a bit thin in the frontcourt. They re-signed backup center Willie Cauley-Stein, but they’ll be without Kristaps Porzingis (meniscus) and Dwight Powell (Achilles) to start the season as they recover from injuries. However, Doncic’s continued ascent and their added versatility will help the Mavs weather the absences. — Matt Eppers
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Denver Nuggets: D+
After a breakout run in the bubble to the conference finals, the Nuggets took a small step backwards this offseason but should remain a contender for a top-four seed in the West.
Denver lost an important piece when Jerami Grant stunningly signed with Detroit. The Nuggets reportedly offered the same three-year, $60 million deal that Grant got from the Pistons, but Grant wanted the larger offensive role Detroit could offer. Denver will sorely miss Grant’s defensive prowess, which was key in helping overcome two 3-1 series deficits in the playoffs. They re-signed Paul Millsap and brought in JaMychal Green to help mitigate Grant’s departure.
Michael Porter Jr. will be key to the Nuggets’ fortunes this season. By not including Porter in a deal to potentially add a third star next to Nikola Jokia and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets signaled their confidence that Porter can develop into that third star. After he showed flashes of brilliance in the bubble, Denver is banking on Porter truly breaking out this season. The Nuggets made another savvy draft move, using the No. 24 pick on R.J. Hampton, who like Porter was one-time top prospect whose stock fell. — Matt Eppers
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Detroit Pistons: D+
The Pistons started the offseason with a good draft. The selected French point guard Killian Hayes at No. 7, then traded back into the first round to get Washington big man Isaiah Stewart at No. 16 and Villanova wing Saddiq Bey at No. 19. However, they followed that up with some perplexing moves in free agency that leave plenty of questions about the direction of the franchise.
Detroit’s biggest splash was signing forward Jerami Grant to a three-year, $60 million deal. While the contract number isn’t necessarily egregious for a good, young 3-and-D wing in a weak free-agent market, the Pistons are paying Grant to take on a much larger role than his previous stops in Denver and Oklahoma City. It remains to be seen if Grant can shoulder an increased offensive workload.
Even more confusing were the signings of big men Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor. Plumlee’s three-year, $25 million deal is a particularly strange overpay for a player who tops out as a serviceable backup center when Detroit could have re-signed Christian Wood, who’s only 25 and coming off a breakout second half of last season. — Matt Eppers
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Golden State Warriors: B-
The Golden State Warriors are no longer light years ahead of everyone. Instead, they have to be graded on a curve. That is what happens when you lose Klay Thompson because of a season-ending injury for a second consecutive year. The Warriors are not exactly in the position to become a title contender again even with a healthy Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as well as a developing Andrew Wiggins. Still, the Warriors played the hand they were dealt as well as anyone could.
They used their No. 2 pick on Memphis center James Wiseman, who will immediately bolster the team’s frontcourt with rim protection, athleticism and an eager mind. The Warriors used part of their $17.2 million trade exception on Kelly Oubre Jr., who will provide positional versatility and physicality as both a capable wing defender and perimeter shooter. The Warriors also added a dependable backup point guard (Brad Wanamaker) and an energetic wing that remained close friends with Curry (Kent Bazemore).
Does this mitigate Thompson’s absence? Of course not, but no one can. Could the Warriors have landed bigger targets? Sure, but they are not in a position to attract free agents on minimal contracts given Thompson’s injury. — Mark Medina
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Houston Rockets: C
Another eventful offseason brought shakeups throughout the franchise. Rafael Stone replaced Daryl Morey as general manager. Stephen Silas replaced Mike D’Antoni as head coach. John Wall replaced Russell Westbrook as James Harden’s superstar running mate. And with Harden also reportedly looking for a trade out of town, the biggest move may be yet to come.
All of it leaves the Rockets in a precarious spot with their future potentially in question.
Stone, a first-time GM, made his mark early, trading Westbrook after one up-and-down season in Houston. Westbrook was never a great fit next to Harden, but Wall is an even bigger question mark. The former Wizards star and No. 1 overall pick hasn’t played in an NBA game in nearly two years due to injuries, including a ruptured Achilles. His contract is just as big as Westbrook’s, and he’s never shown great interest in playing off the ball next to another playmaker like Harden.
Houston’s other moves came on the fringes. Free agent center Christian Wood, 25, was a promising signing. He could give the Rockets a new dynamic as a stretch big. Anything from DeMarcus Cousins on a non-guaranteed deal is a bonus. They’ll lose some defensive versatility after trading Robert Covington, though they acquired draft capital in three protected first-round picks in various deals. — Matt Eppers
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Indiana Pacers: C+
The Pacers’ offseason was marked primarily by the moves they didn’t make. They were considered the frontrunner to acquire Indianapolis native Gordon Hayward but couldn’t come to a deal on a sign-and-trade with the Celtics. The Pacers also held on to Victor Oladipo despite rumors the former All-Star was unhappy in Indiana.
Instead, the Pacers brought back a solid-if-unspectacular, playoff-ready roster largely intact. Re-signing wing Justin Holiday was a top priority even before Hayward became available, and Indiana quickly agreed on a three-year, $18 million deal to retain the 31-year-old Holiday. They re-signed backup forward JaKarr Sampson to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum and added more depth on the wing in second-round draft pick Cassius Stanley.
Trading for Hayward could have raised Indiana’s ceiling in the Eastern Conference. With first-time head coach Nate Bjorkgren taking over for Nate McMillan, the Pacers opted for continuity and improved health to compete. If Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis can return to All-Star form after overcoming injuries, Indiana has the existing talent and depth to contend for a top-six spot to avoid the play-in and potentially push for a top-four seed. — Matt Eppers
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Los Angeles Clippers: B
The Clippers did not need to make wholesale changes to their roster, even if they squandered a 3-1 series playoff lead to the Denver Nuggets. But just like in last season, the Clippers spent the offseason taking one step forward while taking two steps back. Technically, the Clippers upgraded their frontcourt by acquiring Serge Ibaka over Montrezl Harrell, who accepted a deal with the Lakers partly because the Clippers gave the vibe that they did not want him. Understandable given Ibaka’s superior defense. Still, couldn’t have the Clippers worked with Harrell on a sign-and-trade so they at least got assets in return? Couldn’t the Clippers have at least ensured Harrell would not go to their intra-city rival?
Surely the Clippers explored those avenues. And in fairness to them, the Clippers still fared well. They retained Marcus Morris. They also acquired Luke Kennard and the No. 19 pick for Landry Shamet in a three-team trade with Brooklyn and Denver. But the Clippers also unexpectedly lost JaMychal Green (to Denver) and missed on potential targets to bolster their wing depth, including Kent Bazemore (Golden State) and Torrey Craig (Milwaukee). This does not mean the Clippers’ championship hopes are dashed. But they are tougher, most notably because the Lakers upgraded their roster partly at the Clippers’ expense. — Mark Medina
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Los Angeles Lakers: A
The Lakers are already better than last season’s championship team.
They added a mix of young players (Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell) and veterans (Wesley Matthews, Marc Gasol) that all combine to offer more consistent secondary scoring and better health. Each move also offsets each roster change. No need to worry about Rajon Rondo’s absence. Schroder offers point-guard reinforcements. No need to fret about Danny Green’s departure. Matthews offers more consistent shooting and defense. No need to become concerned about losing rim protection from Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee. Gasol offers plenty of that. No need to stress about the Lakers giving up the No. 28 pick to Oklahoma City to land Schroder. They make such little impact that 27 of those past No. 28 picks have played fewer than five years, and five never played in an NBA game.
These moves will give the Lakers more flexibility with easing the workload for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are only two months removed from finishing last season with an NBA title. Though the Lakers’ fortunes still will hinge on their play, they are in a better position to ease their burden so that they are most healthy and effective come playoff time. — Mark Medina
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Memphis Grizzlies: B-
Memphis was relatively quiet in terms of roster moves, but that was by design. The Grizzlies didn’t need to make big moves to maintain their upward trajectory; they already had one of the best young cores in the league. This offseason was all about adding complementary pieces around rising stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies re-signed De’Anthony Melton to a four-year, $35 million deal after he proved to be a steady defender off the bench. TCU guard Desmond Bane, the 30th pick in the draft, was one of the best shooters in the class and has the size (6-6) and defensive potential to be a solid 3-and-D wing. Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clarke are back, and the Grizzlies hope Justise Winslow can return from injury to bolster their wing depth.
After nearly reaching the playoffs in the bubble, the Grizzlies expect to compete for a spot again this season – and not just the play-in tournament. The Western Conference is loaded again, so competition will be fierce. Even if Memphis needs another year for its core to develop together before making the playoffs, it shouldn’t be long until the Grizzlies are a regular presence in the postseason. — Matt Eppers
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Miami Heat: A
Miami was one of the big winners of the offseason, bolstering a strong roster coming off an NBA Finals appearance while leaving itself the room to potentially get even better.
The Heat retained key pieces in Goran Dragic (two years, $37.4 million) and Meyers Leonard (two years, $20 million) and secured rising star Bam Adebayo on a long-term extension (five years, up to $195 million). They added defensive depth in Avery Bradly (two years, $11.6 million) and Moe Harkless (one year, $3.6 million). And they brought back the ultimate locker room chemistry guy in 40-year-old Udonis Haslem (one year, minimum deal), all while maintaining most of their salary cap flexibility to make a move at the trade deadline or next summer.
They didn’t need any more help, but the Heat also landed one of the steals of the draft in Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa with the No. 20 pick. Achiuwa is an explosive athlete with ideal defensive versatility at 6-9 to guard in the frontcourt and on the wing. His offensive game needs to be refined, but he’ll have the space to improve next to Jimmy Butler, Dragic, Adebayo and Haslem inside the vaunted #HeatCulture. — Matt Eppers
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Milwaukee Bucks: A
Any time a team secures a two-time MVP to a long-term deal, it receives top marks for the offseason. The Bucks had one goal: sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a contract extension. After months of uncertainty, they finally achieved the goal, agreeing on a five-year, $228 million deal. Every other move made in service to reaching that deal can now be considered a win.
Giving up three first-round picks and two players to acquire Jrue Holiday was worth it now that Antetokounmpo is signed. Holiday is an excellent two-way player, and those picks are going to be in the late first round where finding an impact player is far less likely. Bogdan Bogdanovic would have been another great addition, but failing to land him in the botched signed-and-trade now doesn’t sting nearly as much.
With Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Khris Middleton set as their top three, the Bucks still have enough talent on the rest of the roster to be considered a favorite in the Eastern Conference. D.J. Augustin and Bryn Forbes were signed to add depth to the backcourt. Torrey Craig and Bobby Portis bring more defense and versatility to the wing. — Matt Eppers
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Minnesota Timberwolves: B-
The Timberwolves will be hard-pressed to compete for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference, but they appear headed in the right direction after adding another top draft pick and a couple savvy veterans to help nurture the young core.
Anthony Edwards might not go down as the best player in the 2020 draft, but he made the most sense for Minnesota with the No. 1 pick. An explosive two-guard with top-end potential as a scorer, Edwards can play on or off the ball in the backcourt next to D’Angelo Russell. He has upside as a potential lockdown defender. Minnesota also doesn’t need Edwards to be an immediate star. He can ease into his role beside Karl-Anthony Towns and Russell.
Minnesota acquired fan-favorite point guard Ricky Rubio, 30, who spent his first six seasons with the Wolves, and forward Ed Davis, 31, to bolster the youngsters with experience. They re-signed Malik Beasley to add defense on the wing.
The Wolves will likely take some more lumps this season, but if Edwards can begin to reach his potential, they might not have to wait long to get back to the postseason. — Matt Eppers
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New York Knicks: B
New Knicks general manager Leon Rose is another long-time agent who now runs an NBA team. Bob Myers did with the Golden State Warriors, and Rob Pelinka did it with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping those teams win championships. Can Rose bring success to the Knicks? He has a long way to go and is not working with the same talent as Myers and Pelinka. The Knicks haven’t made the playoff since 2013 and haven’t won more than 37 games in a season in the past seven years.
In his first major move, Rose hired Tom Thibodeau as coach, and they filled out a strong coaching staff. That’s a decent start. New York got a break in the draft as Obi Toppin fell to No. 8, giving the Knicks a rookie with top-five talent. The Knicks also acquired Immanuel Quickley at No. 25.
In free agency, the Knicks filled holes, adding Austin Rivers, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel and Elfrid Payton. But it’s not so much what happens in year one of the Rose era, it’s what happens in years two, three and four and whether Rose’s reputation as a one-time agent for high-powered CAA can bring elite players to the Knicks. — Jeff Zillgitt
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New Orleans Pelicans: B
The Pelicans are the only team trying to accumulate as many future draft picks as the Thunder, and they landed three more first-rounders and two pick swaps from the Bucks in a trade for Jrue Holiday. But while New Orleans continued to set itself up for the future, the playoffs might still be out of reach this season in a Western Conference that remains as competitive as ever.
New Orleans acquired veterans Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams in the deal involving Holiday. Bledsoe should replace most of Holiday’s production in the backcourt next to Lonzo Ball. Adams is a solid interior defender but has little versatility, making for a questionable fit next to Zion Williamson in the frontcourt. On paper, the Adams acquisition is fine, but subsequently giving him a two-year, $35 million extension is puzzling when his expiring deal could have been an asset on the trade market.
Securing Brandon Ingram to a long-term extension was a top priority, and the Pelicans quickly agreed on a five-year max deal with last season’s Most Improved Player. This season is all about further development for the Pelicans’ young players. If Ingram makes another leap and Williamson starts to reach his potential, New Orleans could push for the playoffs sooner rather than later. — Matt Eppers
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Oklahoma City Thunder: B
Sam Presti’s quest to obtain all the draft picks continued apace, with the Thunder general manager as busy as ever making more deals to add to his mountain of draft assets. Prominent veterans Chris Paul, Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder were traded. Al Horford, George Hill and Trevor Ariza were acquired, along with four first-round draft picks to give the Thunder up to 17 first-round picks through 2026.
As much as they did to further stockpile picks for the future, they did little to improve their outlook for 2020-21. After outperforming expectations last season, the Thunder won’t be very good this year, but that’s largely by design. Third-year point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should now be the unquestioned centerpiece of the team, and young players like Darius Bazley, Lu Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski, the No. 17 pick in this year’s draft, will get plenty of opportunities to play through growing pains. Horford, Hill and Ariza give Oklahoma City experience around the young pieces.
A true grade of the Thunder’s offseason won’t really be known until some of the draft picks come to pass, or they package any number of them together in a deal to acquire a star. Until then, the Thunder have put themselves in as good a position as possible to sow big rewards in the next half-decade. — Matt Eppers
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Orlando Magic: D
Orlando is one of the most inert franchises in the NBA. After two consecutive years of unspectacular low playoff seeds, the Magic did little to improve their prospects this season and may be in worse position given the moves some of their competitors made.
Short of trading one of their top players like Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon or Evan Fournier, there isn’t a clear avenue for the Magic to get drastically better, and their offseason bore that out. They signed Dwayne Bacon to a two-year deal, and while he shot 43.7% from 3-point range two seasons ago, he hardly moves the needle. Michael Carter-Williams and Gary Clark re-signed, but they top out as decent second unit rotation pieces. With D.J. Augustin’s departure, No. 15 pick Cole Anthony will get minutes at backup point guard. Anthony could be undervalued after missing time with a knee injury last season at North Carolina.
With such a stagnant roster, the Magic’s path to getting the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference is no longer guaranteed, even with the new play-in tournament. Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington are all better than last season, making things even tougher for Orlando. — Matt Eppers
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Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Daryl Morey didn’t waste time getting to work in his new job with Philadelphia. He wanted to reshape the roster and did just that, trading Al Horford (and his large contract), who didn’t fit with the 76ers’ personnel. Philadelphia needed more shooting, and in trades, Morey landed Danny Green and Seth Curry and drafted Tyrese Maxey at No. 21.
The Sixers had changes at all levels on the basketball side. The team moved on from Brett Brown and hired Doc Rivers as coach. Rivers’ role is to find a way to get the most from Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and excel with those two talented All-Stars, plus Tobias Harris and a supporting cast. The added 3-point shooting should help.
It’s been disappointing finishes the past three seasons, failing to get beyond the second round even though the franchise has championship aspirations.
Given Morey’s penchant for deal-making, he’ll continue to search for improvements to the roster. But in a short time, it was a solid offseason for the Sixers, who won’t have it easy in a tough division this season. — Jeff Zillgitt
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Phoenix Suns: A-
Just like during their time in the NBA bubble, the Phoenix Suns had a perfect record with their offseason. After winning all eight of their games in the NBA’s season restart, the Suns look like a legitimate playoff contender because of their various moves.
First, the Suns acquired All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Thunder for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a future first-round pick. Then the Suns used their No. 10 pick on Maryland sophomore forward Jalen Smith, who became one of college basketball’s best defenders and 3-point shooters. In free agency, the Suns then added more depth to their frontcourt (Jae Crowder, Damian Jones) and backcourt (E’Twaun Moore, Langston Galloway).
After toiling in dysfunction with various ownership, coaching and personnel changes, the Suns finally appear to be heading in the right direction. It already looked that way as they barely missed the playoffs after going undefeated in the bubble because of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton’s emergence. And now, the Suns put together a roster that will accelerate their growth and ease their burden. — Mark Medina
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Portland Trail Blazers: A
Portland quietly put together one of the league’s best offseasons, with president of basketball operations Neil Olshey putting on a clinic in bolstering a playoff roster without making splashy moves. Olshey added smart-fitting pieces around star guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum that should help Portland get back into the top half of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Acquiring Robert Covington from the Rockets was an excellent move that adds much-needed defensive prowess and should unlock some versatility for the Blazers. Covington can play anywhere in the frontcourt and switch on to smaller opponents on the wing, while shooting 35% from 3-point range on the other end. Derrick Jones Jr. also brings his uber-athleticism to the wing rotation.
The Blazers brought back secondary scoring in Carmelo Anthony and Rodney Hood. They made a couple of low-risk additions in Enes Kanter and Harry Giles III to play behind starting center Jusuf Nurkic, who will start the season at full health after returning in the bubble from a broken leg suffered in March 2019. — Matt Eppers
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Sacramento Kings: C+
The Sacramento Kings took care of their long-term future by securing guard De’Aaron Fox to a five-year, $163 million deal. They also collected a draft steal by plucking away Tyrese Haliburton when he was somehow still available at No. 12.
Yet, the Kings ran into a murky situation with Bogdan Bogdanovic. It remains difficult to know how to divide the blame after a possible sign-and-trade between the Milwaukee Bucks the Kings fell apart. The Kings maintained they never agreed to a deal. The NBA also has been investigating the situation.
But when the Atlanta Hawks gave Bogdanovic a four-year, $72 million shot, the Kings passed on the chance of matching the offer. It is understandable that the Kings need to clear the path for Fox and Haliburton to flourish. They also want to find a viable trade market for Buddy Hield, whose production would have decreased this season had Bogdanovic stayed on the roster. Even if a sign-and-trade with Atlanta was not possible, the Kings should have matched to retain Bogdanovic’s rights with the intention of trading him later in the season. — Mark Medina
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San Antonio Spurs: C
After their 22-year streak of playoff appearances ended, the Spurs had little flexibility to make moves in free agency when DeMar DeRozan exercised his $27.7 million option to return. DeRozan is one of several veterans with large salaries in the final year of their contracts — in addition to LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay and Patty Mills — who have San Antonio treading water as a fringe playoff contender while doing what it can to develop young talent.
Drafting Devin Vassell out of Florida State with the No. 11 pick was the type of shrewd move the Spurs are known for. Vassell projects as a prototypical 3-and-D wing with the kind of high-character reputation that San Antonio prizes as a franchise. Second-year player Keldon Johnson should also see increased minutes on the wing after appearing in just 17 games as a rookie.
The backcourt is packed, with minutes tight between veterans DeRozan and Mills and youngsters Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Lonny Walker IV. Trading DeRozan, Mills or both (or any other veteran on an expiring deal) could loosen the logjam and free up more minutes for young players to develop. — Matt Eppers
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Toronto Raptors: B
Keeping Fred VanVleet was priority A, B and C for Toronto, and the Raptors accomplished that by re-signing him to a four-year, $85 million contract. Both sides wanted to get a deal done, and it happened.
The Raptors, who were a game away from the conference finals in 2020 and won the title in 2019, lost Serge Ibaka (Los Angeles Clippers) and Marc Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers, and regained some frontcourt strength by signing Aron Baynes and Alex Len. They also retained Chris Boucher in free agency.
In the draft, the Raptors selected Malachi Flynn at No. 29.
Toronto was intent, for the most part, on running it back with Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and VanVleet while adding on the edges. The Raptors will see how the season starts and then determine what moves are necessary — try to make another deep run in the playoffs or look to trade assets such as Lowry, who is entering the final season of his three-year deal. — Jeff Zillgitt
***
Utah Jazz: B
Utah experienced little turnover and largely brought back the roster intact. After a disappointing exit from the bubble playoffs, the Jazz are banking on continuity and another year together to lift them from the middle of the playoff pack to true NBA Finals contender.
The biggest move of the offseason was agreeing with Donovan Mitchell on a five-year max extension that could be worth up to $195 million. It’s a mutually beneficial deal, giving Mitchell long-term security and ensuring the Jazz will remain competitive. If there was any question before, Mitchell now undoubtedly has the keys to the franchise.
Not as clear is the future of Rudy Gobert, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year who is also eligible for a max extension. The sides remain in negotiations, but there hasn’t been much movement on a deal. If they can’t come to agreement before the season, Gobert will become a free agent next summer. The Jazz appear to have hedged against that possibility by bringing back Derrick Favors and drafting Udoka Azubuike.
Their only other notable move was re-signing Jordan Clarkson to a four-year, $52 million. Clarkson should continue to add scoring punch off the bench. — Matt Eppers
***
Washington Wizards: C
The Wizards’ offseason took a stunning turn when they traded John Wall to the Rockets for Russell Westbrook after insisting they had no intention of dealing the former No. 1 pick. Wall has not played in almost two years because of injuries and is coming back from a ruptured Achilles. The Wizards deemed that injury history risky enough to trade a player who was beloved in the D.C. community.
Despite his own injury history and questions about the fit next to Bradley Beal, Westbrook is more of a sure thing for this season. The former MVP also reunites with former coach Scott Brooks.
Washington will have the talent around Beal and Westbrook to be one of the best offenses in the league. They re-signed 3-point sharpshooter Davis Bertans to a four-year, $80 million deal, and No. 9 pick Deni Avdija has size (6-9), range and playmaking potential on the wing. The defense won’t be great, but the Wizards will score with anyone.
Westbrook certainly raises the Wizards’ floor in the Eastern Conference. They’re firmly in line to contend for seventh or eighth, the top spots in the new play-in tournament. If Westbrook meshes well with Beal, the ceiling might be higher too, and Washington could make a push to finish above the play-in. — Matt Eppers


usatoday--2020-12-16--National Geographic shares stunning 2020 travel photos that 'remind us why we miss traveling'

For many , it 's been a year of canceled trips .
And missed experiences .
And wanderlust .
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues , photography and videography of the places we yearn to travel remind us of the world beyond quarantine and provide hope and inspiration for future travels .
To that end , National Geographic 's `` 18 Timeless Photos That Remind Us Why We Miss Traveling '' explores beautiful places to help `` inspire your future itineraries and remind you of the breathtaking scenes the world has to offer . ''
The publication asked select photographers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit after the pandemic ends .
The results were nothing short of stunning .
Whitney Johnson , vice president of visuals and immersive experiences at National Geographic , was one of the curators and told USA TODAY in a statement that the photos `` were chosen from among some of the best photographers in the world and represent some of the most memorable moments of the year . ''
Johnson added : `` In a time when travel is largely restricted , trips delayed and a passion for seeing the world put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a glimpse of all that has happened around the world in the last year , both the difficult moments and the triumphs celebrated . ''
For more of the year 's best photos , visit National Geographic 's Year In Review hub at natgeo.com/photos .

National Geographic shares stunning 2020 travel photos that 'remind us why we miss traveling'
Show Caption Hide Caption Tips to perfect your photography with iPhone and Android devices Expand your photography skills with simple tips to master exposure and composition. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
For many, it's been a year of canceled trips. And missed experiences. And wanderlust.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, photography and videography of the places we yearn to travel remind us of the world beyond quarantine and provide hope and inspiration for future travels.
To that end, National Geographic's "18 Timeless Photos That Remind Us Why We Miss Traveling" explores beautiful places to help "inspire your future itineraries and remind you of the breathtaking scenes the world has to offer."
The publication asked select photographers to share images of places they long to visit after the pandemic ends. The results were nothing short of stunning.
Whitney Johnson, vice president of visuals and immersive experiences at National Geographic, was one of the curators and told USA TODAY in a statement that the photos "were chosen from among some of the best photographers in the world and represent some of the most memorable moments of the year."
Johnson added: "In a time when travel is largely restricted, trips delayed and a passion for seeing the world put on hold, we hope these photographs provide a glimpse of all that has happened around the world in the last year, both the difficult moments and the triumphs celebrated."
For more of the year's best photos, visit National Geographic's Year In Review hub at natgeo.com/photos.


usatoday--2020-12-16--Snow days canceled because of COVID-19 online school? Not in these school districts

The biggest East Coast winter storm in years is on target to strike Wednesday and Thursday , but students in many areas might not rejoice over the forecasted 2 feet of snow the same way they once did .
That 's because snow days , those celebrated breaks from school , are melting away during a time of virtual learning in the coronavirus pandemic .
In September , New York City said the nation 's largest school district would n't have snow days .
If school buildings could n't open , students would learn remotely .
With a snowstorm bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill de Blasio said school would continue normally on Wednesday , with some students learning in person .
He promised an update if the storm were to prevent school buildings from staying open on Thursday .
In that case , he said Tuesday , students would still learn remotely .
New York is n't alone .
Education Week , a news organization covering K-12 education , surveyed principals and district leaders in November and found nationally that 39 % have converted snow days to remote learning days and another 32 % are considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give students the day off only on the first two snow days of the year .
Green Bay Schools in Wisconsin and the Salem district in Massachusetts wo n't have any snow days this year , and Omaha schools have done away with snow days permanently .
But other schools have told parents to let kids be kids .
`` Snow days are chances for on-site learners and virtual learners to just be kids by playing in the snow , baking cookies , reading books and watching a good movie , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told parents in an email in October .
“ These are times for memory-making , and we believe these types of opportunities should remain intact.
” The district , which has about 3,000 students , is in a hybrid mode of schooling , where students attend both in person and online .
Further north , in Massachusetts , Holbrook Public School District Superintendent Julie Hamilton said in an email Monday she is not getting rid of snow days .
`` Teachers in Holbrook come from over 40 other towns which could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction if those towns experience power outages , '' she said .
No more snow days after COVID-19 ?
These schools used online learning to cancel them .
Outside the nation 's capital , both Fairfax and Loudoun County Public School districts left the door open for snow days .
Students in Fairfax County are currently learning entirely remotely , with plans to return groups of students to school buildings starting in January .
Although the district has yet to finalize its snow day policy for this winter , officials wrote in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` if conditions are warranted , we do anticipate that there will be 'typical ' snow days as we have had in past years . ''
In Loudoun County , students returned to distance learning on Tuesday because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the community .
Even so , classes were canceled Wednesday with the impending storm .
Assistant Schools Superintendent Kevin Lewis told parents in an email , per ABC7 news , that public utilities affected by the weather , staff not being able to get into their classrooms to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could factor in to a decision to close .
Students are falling behind : Where 's the COVID-19 'disaster plan ' to catch them up ?

Snow days canceled because of COVID-19 online school? Not in these school districts
Show Caption Hide Caption Mid-December snow blankets New York Social media users across New York state shared video of snow-covered scenes to start their week. Accuweather
Forecasters expected 2 feet of snow this week from the biggest East Coast winter storm in years, but students in many areas might not rejoice the same way they once did.
Snow days, those celebrated breaks from school, are melting away during a time of virtual learning in the coronavirus pandemic.
In September, New York City said the nation's largest school district wouldn't have snow days. If school buildings couldn't open, students would learn remotely.
As the snowstorm bore down this week, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said school would continue normally Wednesday, with some students learning in person. He promised an update if the storm prevented school buildings from opening Thursday. In that case, he said Tuesday, students would learn remotely.
New York isn't alone. Education Week, a news organization covering K-12 education, surveyed principals and district leaders in November and found nationally that 39% converted snow days to remote learning days and 32% were considering it.
West Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut will give students the day off only on the first two snow days of the year. Green Bay schools in Wisconsin and the Salem district in Massachusetts won't have any snow days this year, and Omaha schools did away with snow days permanently.
Other schools told parents to let kids be kids.
"Snow days are chances for on-site learners and virtual learners to just be kids by playing in the snow, baking cookies, reading books and watching a good movie," New Jersey's Mahwah Township Public Schools told parents in an email in October. “These are times for memory-making, and we believe these types of opportunities should remain intact.”
The district, which has about 3,000 students, is in a hybrid mode of schooling, in which students attend both in person and online.
Absolutely LOVE this from our school district superintendent.
Sure, we could do virtual classes on snow days now, but why would we take *another* thing away from the kids?
I dunno what it says about me but this email almost made me cry pic.twitter.com/eBIbd8MrIm — Your Dad, David Teicher (@Aerocles) October 27, 2020
Outside of Philadelphia, Neshaminy School District will continue to have snow days unless they threaten to lengthen the school year, Superintendent Rob McGee has told students and parents.
"Snow days serve a number of purposes including allowing time for students, parents and staff to do essential snow day things such as dig out the driveway, dig out the neighbor's driveway, watch their younger siblings, etc., so life may return to normal the following day," McGee wrote.
Bristol Township School District's Superintendent Melanie Gehrens said snow days will be used there on the first days of major storms, depending on severity to help with snow removal and maintain "family bonding time and snow day traditions."
No more snow days after COVID-19?These schools used online learning to cancel them.
In Massachusetts, Holbrook Public School District Superintendent Julie Hamilton gave other reasons that she is not getting rid of snow days in an email Monday.
"Teachers in Holbrook come from over 40 other towns which could lead to inconsistency around our ability to run remote instruction if those towns experience power outages," she said.
Outside the nation's capital, Fairfax and Loudoun County Public School districts in Virginia left the door open for snow days.
Students in Fairfax County are learning entirely remotely, though there are plans to return groups of students to school buildings starting in January. Although the district has yet to finalize its snow day policy for this winter, officials wrote in an email that this week, "if conditions are warranted, we do anticipate that there will be 'typical' snow days as we have had in past years."
In Loudoun County, students returned to distance learning Tuesday because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the community. Even so, classes were canceled Wednesday because of the storm.
Students fall behind: Where's the COVID-19 'disaster plan' to catch them up?
Contributing: Chris English, Bucks County Courier Times


usatoday--2020-12-16--The best COVID-19 vaccine sales pitch is not 'protect others.' It's 'save yourself!'

Altruism just isn ’ t the best bet in battling the coronavirus .
At least not in today ’ s world of disinformation and misappropriated claims of “ liberty.
” To persuade the most Americans to get vaccinated the message should be : Save yourself !
It ’ s a shame that it has come to that , but I fear it has .
Haven ’ t we learned anything from our experience with masks ?
More people would be wearing masks , or would have started using them earlier , had the sales pitch been : You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message was muddled badly — first questioning whether masks serve any purpose , and then stressing that the primary value in wearing a mask was to protect others .
“ Seriously people , ” Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted on Feb. 29 , “ STOP BUYING MASKS !
They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching # Coronavirus.
” Nowadays , Adams says , “ I ’ m begging you , wear a face covering.
” It wasn ’ t until June that the World Health Organization began advising that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But even when science , the WHO and thought leaders like Dr. Anthony Fauci and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo shifted on the mask issue , they dwelt for many months about protecting the other guy .
“ You could literally kill someone because you didn ’ t want to wear a mask , ” Cuomo said last May .
“ I mean how cruel and irresponsible would that be ?
” Of course , Cuomo was correct — but his sales pitch was dead wrong .
Had he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he would have been accurate and more persuasive .
An article in The Atlantic magazine last April advised , “ Don ’ t Wear a Mask for Yourself.
” This was typical of reporting in the early months of the pandemic , when altruism was stressed .
Adams promoted masks this way in June : “ I show my patriotism by wearing a face covering in public ! ''
Maybe in different times , patriotism would have been persuasive for more Americans than self-preservation .
Then again , when the campaign against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t focus at first on the dangers of second-hand smoke .
The Surgeon General ’ s warning on cigarette packs was essentially : Don ’ t kill yourself .
Biden 's big test : Who should get the COVID vaccine next ?
Now , the nation faces a similar challenge in determining how to sell Americans on taking the coronavirus vaccine as soon as they are eligible .
And again , a good argument can be made that by getting vaccinated you help build herd immunity and everyone benefits .
As Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protection over society that protects the vulnerable .
That might be how medical science sells something , but it ’ s not how Madison Avenue would look at it .
The goal is getting the greatest number of people on board , never mind why .
A plan that “ protects the vulnerable ” just isn ’ t as compelling in today ’ s America as a strategy to save yourself .
A related strategy involves convincing people that “ everyone is doing it.
” Researchers in Japan found that most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they wanted to conform to group behavior .
You might say the “ herd ” in this case was a herd of sheep .
But in the United States , that , too , was bollixed .
Media often focused on people not wearing masks — such as crowds at Trump rallies .
While newsworthy , the images reinforced the notion that not everyone is doing it .
The most effective promotion would be to show vast gatherings where people are wearing masks .
COVID immunity:5 ways to increase trust and persuade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might be useful to show celebrities getting shots in the arm but the most compelling images will be those of ordinary folks , lining up when their turn comes , to willingly participate .
Think back to last month ’ s election .
Nothing encouraged turnout more than news footage of ordinary citizens standing in long lines for early voting .
A recent USA TODAY editorial suggested another smart tactic for getting the most Americans vaccinated — pay people to get the shot .
Sounds misguided , but it would help achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altruism for selfishness .
Show everyone is doing it .
Close the deal with cash .
That ’ s a mighty cynical Rx .
It ’ s every man for himself , because we ’ re all in this together .
Peter Funt is a writer and host of `` Candid Camera . ''

The best COVID-19 vaccine sales pitch is not 'protect others.' It's 'save yourself!' Patriotism and altruism won't sell the COVID vaccine. A self-preservation appeal is far more compelling in today's America than 'protect the vulnerable.'
Show Caption Hide Caption How the new RNA technology is used to create the COVID-19 vaccines The COVID-19 vaccine is using new technology that has never been used before in traditional vaccines. Here's how an mRNA vaccine works. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Altruism just isn’t the best bet in battling the coronavirus. At least not in today’s world of disinformation and misappropriated claims of “liberty.” To persuade the most Americans to get vaccinated the message should be: Save yourself!
It’s a shame that it has come to that, but I fear it has. Haven’t we learned anything from our experience with masks?
More people would be wearing masks, or would have started using them earlier, had the sales pitch been: You’re safer with a mask! Instead, the message was muddled badly — first questioning whether masks serve any purpose, and then stressing that the primary value in wearing a mask was to protect others.
Patriotism is not persuasive
“Seriously people,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeted on Feb. 29, “STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus.” Nowadays, Adams says, “I’m begging you, wear a face covering.” It wasn’t until June that the World Health Organization began advising that wearing a mask was a good idea.
But even when science, the WHO and thought leaders like Dr. Anthony Fauci and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo shifted on the mask issue, they dwelt for many months about protecting the other guy. “You could literally kill someone because you didn’t want to wear a mask,” Cuomo said last May. “I mean how cruel and irresponsible would that be?”
Of course, Cuomo was correct — but his sales pitch was dead wrong. Had he said, “You could literally kill yourself,” he would have been accurate and more persuasive. An article in The Atlantic magazine last April advised, “Don’t Wear a Mask for Yourself.” This was typical of reporting in the early months of the pandemic, when altruism was stressed. Adams promoted masks this way in June: “I show my patriotism by wearing a face covering in public!"
Maybe in different times, patriotism would have been persuasive for more Americans than self-preservation. Then again, when the campaign against cigarette smoking was launched, it didn’t focus at first on the dangers of second-hand smoke. The Surgeon General’s warning on cigarette packs was essentially: Don’t kill yourself.
Biden's big test: Who should get the COVID vaccine next?
Now, the nation faces a similar challenge in determining how to sell Americans on taking the coronavirus vaccine as soon as they are eligible. And again, a good argument can be made that by getting vaccinated you help build herd immunity and everyone benefits. As Fauci said recently, you create an umbrella of protection over society that protects the vulnerable.
That might be how medical science sells something, but it’s not how Madison Avenue would look at it. The goal is getting the greatest number of people on board, never mind why. A plan that “protects the vulnerable” just isn’t as compelling in today’s America as a strategy to save yourself.
Don't repeat mask mistakes
A related strategy involves convincing people that “everyone is doing it.” Researchers in Japan found that most people wearing masks during the pandemic did so because they wanted to conform to group behavior. You might say the “herd” in this case was a herd of sheep.
But in the United States, that, too, was bollixed. Media often focused on people not wearing masks — such as crowds at Trump rallies. While newsworthy, the images reinforced the notion that not everyone is doing it. The most effective promotion would be to show vast gatherings where people are wearing masks.
COVID immunity: 5 ways to increase trust and persuade Americans to get vaccinated
For vaccines, it might be useful to show celebrities getting shots in the arm but the most compelling images will be those of ordinary folks, lining up when their turn comes, to willingly participate. Think back to last month’s election. Nothing encouraged turnout more than news footage of ordinary citizens standing in long lines for early voting.
A recent USA TODAY editorial suggested another smart tactic for getting the most Americans vaccinated — pay people to get the shot. Sounds misguided, but it would help achieve the goal.
In sum: Trade altruism for selfishness. Show everyone is doing it. Close the deal with cash.
That’s a mighty cynical Rx. It’s every man for himself, because we’re all in this together.
Peter Funt is a writer and host of "Candid Camera."


usatoday--2020-12-15--Women's hospital in Pittsburgh dressed up their newborn babies as Christmas presents

Women 's hospital in Pittsburgh dressed up their newborn babies as Christmas presents UPMC Magee-Women ’ s Hospital in Pittsburgh @ @ @ @ @ crocheted costumes that made the babies look like Christmas presents .

Women's hospital in Pittsburgh dressed up their newborns as presents
UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh dressed up their newborns in crocheted costumes that made the babies look like Christmas presents.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-12-16--Politics live updates: Biden to introduce Buttigieg as incoming Transportation chief Wednesday

USA TODAY 's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden 's transition continues this week as he rolls out more of his picks for top jobs in his administration and prepares to take the oath of office Jan. 20 .
The Electoral College affirmed Biden 's win Monday , officially giving Biden enough electoral votes to defeat President Donald Trump .
Congress will count and certify the results in a joint session Jan. 6 .
Trump has cleared the way for Biden 's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition , although Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to challenge the results .
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the transition .
President-elect Joe Biden filled in his Cabinet more on Tuesday , announcing he has selected former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be his transportation secretary .
Biden said in a statement Tuesday that the Transportation Department is at the nexus of the interlocking challenges of jobs , infrastructure , equity and climate change that he has promised to address .
`` I trust Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , decency , and a bold vision , '' Biden said .
`` He will bring people together to get big things done.
” Buttigieg is scheduled to appear with Biden Wednesday for a formal announcement .
On Twitter , he called the nomination a `` tremendous opportunity – to create jobs , meet the climate challenge , and enhance equity for all . ''
Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is expected to lead Biden 's Department of Energy , according to multiple news reports .
Granholm , 61 , was attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 47th Governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011 .
She was the first woman to serve as Michigan 's governor , where she made clean energy development a hallmark of her administration .
More : President-elect Joe Biden wants to put Pete Buttigieg in charge of Transportation Department More : Joe Biden selects former Michigan Gov .
Jennifer Granholm to lead Energy Department , reports say Biden urges Georgia voters to elect senators 'who want to get something done' President-elect Joe Biden urged Georgia voters Tuesday to support Democrats in two Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` road-blocks '' against his agenda in the chamber .
“ I need two senators from this state who want to get something done , not two senators who are just going to get in the way , '' Biden told a drive-in rally where supporters cheered and honked their horns .
`` Are you ready to vote for two senators who are doers and not road-blocks ? ''
Supporters lined the street with signs that said , `` Hope Restored , '' and `` keep Georgia blue . ''
Republican Sens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in separate runoff races to hold onto their seats , with voting ending Jan. 5 .
They are being challenged by Jon Ossoff and the Rev .
Raphael Warnock , respectively .

Bart Jansen, Ledyard King and Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY

Politics live updates: Tickets to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris swearing-in ceremony to be limited
USA TODAY's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden's transition continues this week as he rolls out more of his picks for top jobs in his administration and prepares to take the oath of office Jan. 20. The Electoral College affirmed Biden's win Monday, officially giving Biden enough electoral votes to defeat President Donald Trump. Congress will count and certify the results in a joint session Jan. 6.
Trump has cleared the way for Biden's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition, although Trump has yet to formally concede the race and continues to challenge the results.
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the transition.
President-elect Joe Biden met online Wednesday with 31 governors and urged them to join his goals in the first 100 days of his administration to have everyone wear masks and to reopen most schools.
Biden has pledged to distribute 100 million vaccinations against COVID-19 during that period after taking office on Jan. 20. That would mean protecting 50 million people because everyone needs two shots. Biden acknowledged that it will take time to vaccinate more than 300 million people nationwide.
“It's going to take the federal government, and working with you guys to decide what the best way to do it,” Biden told the governors on a Zoom call. “It's going to require us to be clear with the American people about what to expect through this massive public education campaign,” and taking steps to reach underserved communities.
Also participating in the call were Jeff Zients, Biden’s COVID-19 response coordinator, and Dr. Vivek Murthy, his choice for surgeon general. Zients said Biden’s transition officials have been meeting with leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the vaccine-development team called Operation Warp Speed.
“It will be one of the greatest operational challenges our country has ever faced,” Zients said. “We're meeting with the vaccine manufacturers, the testing companies, the pharmacies, the employers, unions and civil rights leaders and many more so we can incorporate their feedback and perspective.”
But Zients said governors are on the front lines in bringing the pandemic under control.
“You're on the front lines and we need your expertise and experience to turn the tide,” Zients said.
Biden has said he’ll order people to wear masks in federal buildings and on interstate transportation such as planes, trains and buses.
If vaccinations and mask-wearing reduce the spread of the virus, Biden also urged governors to work toward reopening most schools during that period. He committed to pursue federal funding for equipment and training necessary.
“That's going to take a lot of money, but we know how to do it,” Biden said. “We do everything from ventilation to more teachers, smaller class sizes, a whole range of things.”
Biden met online a month ago with members of both parties of the National Governors Association, saying he would work hand in glove with them.
“This road is going to be long and it's going to be tough, but I want you to know this is not a one-off meeting,” Biden said.
Governors noted that it took eight months to distribute 100 million tests for the virus, but that vaccine will require reaching 330 million Americans.
Governors have sought financial aid during the economic downturn and for assistance in distributing vaccines for COVID-19. Governors were assembling lists of needs such as masks and testing equipment.
Biden has promised to provide federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard, to assist states in their response.
— Bart Jansen
Good luck getting tickets if you’re hoping to attend President-elect Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony next month.
Planners for the Jan. 20 ceremony on the Capitol’s West Front said Wednesday a limited number of tickets will be distributed because of concerns over public health and safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Traditionally, the congressional committee planning the event distributes 200,000 tickets for the official ceremony and provides ticket bundles to members of Congress to distribute to their constituents. But for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies, invitations to Congress members will be limited to themselves and one guest, similar to the audience for a State of the Union address.
“The election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris was historic, and we know that many Americans would have wanted to attend the inauguration in person,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
But, “safety must be our top priority,” Klobuchar said.
Organizers are planning more opportunities to watch the ceremony online in addition to the traditional televised broadcast, said the committee’s chairman, Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri.
Even if you can’t attend, you might be able to get your hands on an inaugural souvenir. Commemorative ticket bundles and program packets will be made available to congressional offices for distribution to constituents following the ceremonies.
– Michael Collins
President-elect Joe Biden introduced Pete Buttigieg as his choice to lead the Transportation Department because of his vision and leadership to foster economic development.
Biden said Buttigieg, a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would lead the economic recovery by restoring crumbling roads and bridges, convert vehicles to clean energy and lead “the second great railroad revolution.”
“Pete’s got a great perspective of a mayor that solves problems and brings people together,” Biden said at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. “He’s got a vision of a next-generation leader with the experience and the temperament to lead change today, to dig us out of this economic crisis.”
Buttigieg continued Biden’s priority for a diverse cabinet. He would be the first openly gay cabinet nominee to be sent to the Senate for confirmation.
Buttigieg recalled at 17 watching on television how one of former President Bill Clinton’s nominees for an ambassadorship to Luxembourg, James Hormel, was attacked in the Senate before he served as a recess appointment.
“I learned something about some of the limits that exist in this country when it comes to who is allowed to belong. But just as important, I saw how those limits could be challenged,” Buttigieg said. “Two decades later, I can’t help but think of a 17-year-old somewhere who might be watching us right now, somebody who wonders whether and where they belong in the world or even in their own family. I’m thinking about the message that today’s announcement is sending to them.”
Buttigieg said he always thought of travel as synonymous with growth, adventure and even love. He proposed to his husband Chasten at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that O’Hare isn’t romantic,” Buttigieg said.
Buttigieg served eight years as mayor before campaigning for president. He talked about rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges, and revived regional rail service. He said he also worked to increase bicycle mobility and to create infrastructure for electric vehicles.
“At its best, transportation makes the American dream possible, getting people and goods to where they need to be,” Buttigieg said. “At its worst, misguided policies and missed opportunities can reinforce racial, economic and environmental injustice.”
Buttigieg previously served as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. He graduated from Harvard University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.
– Bart Jansen
President-elect Joe Biden still plans to get the coronavirus vaccine in public, but doesn't want to cut ahead of higher-priority recipients such as health care workers.
“We’re working on that right now. I don’t want to get to the head of the line," Biden told reporters Wednesday at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. "But I want to make sure that we want to demonstrate to the American people that it’s safe to take. They’re working on that right now. When I do it, I’ll do it publicly so you all can actually witness my getting it done."
Biden on Wednesday also reaffirmed his confidence that his son Hunter Biden has done nothing wrong. Hunter Biden announced last week that the U.S. attorney in Delaware was under investigating his taxes and Republicans have called for a special counsel to be appointed.
“I am confident," Biden said.
Biden praised congressional progress on a stimulus package, but only as a down payment toward greater spending in 2021.
“The stimulus package is encouraging. It looks like they’re very, very close. It looks like there’s going to be direct cash payments," Biden said. "It’s a down payment, an important down payment on what’s going to have to be done at the end of January into February. It’s very important to get done. I compliment the bipartisan group on working together to get it done."
– Bart Jansen
President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Gina McCarthy, former Environmental Protection Agency chief under the Obama administration, to fill the newly created post of White House climate adviser, according to several media reports.
In McCarthy, 66, who has spent the past year as president and chief executive officer of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Biden has tapped a fierce advocate for policies to combat climate change.
At EPA, she was an architect of the sweeping Clean Power Plan that President Barack Obama proposed to limit carbon emissions from aging coal-fired power plants that contribute to the warming of the planet. The regulations were blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016 on a 5-4 vote before they could be enacted.
Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, commended Biden not only for creating the position of what’s being dubbed the “climate czar,” but also for picking McCarthy to fill it.
“She understands how government works,” Krupp said in a statement. “She spearheaded scientifically and legally solid actions to protect Americans from unhealthy air, dirty water, and the clear and present danger of climate change – all while navigating past climate denialism. She has all the tools and talents needed to be a great domestic climate advisor in an administration that's poised for progress.”
Biden has made combatting climate change a top priority, including rejoining the Paris climate accord, reversing Trump administration rollbacks that have benefitted the fossil fuel industry, and spending billions in developing clean energy.
He already has named former Secretary of State John Kerry a “special envoy” to work on climate change abroad. McCarthy’s role will be to promote such policies and strategies domestically.
Biden also is expected to name former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who promoted green energy development during her eight years in office, as his new Energy secretary.
– Ledyard King
Joe Biden declares 'clear victory,' Sen. Mitch McConnell congratulates him Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated president-elect Joe Biden on winning the presidency. Staff video, USA TODAY
Trump to McConnell: 'Too soon to give up' on the election
Less than a day after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden won the election, President Donald Trump — who has refused to recognize the legitimate electoral results — told the longtime senator in a tweet that it's "too soon to give up."
The Electoral College met nationwide Monday and formally awarded Biden 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232 based on the certified Nov. 3 election results, which affirmed Biden's victory.
McConnell — who previously refused to publicly admit Trump lost — said Tuesday: "The Electoral College has spoken, so today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden."
Early Wednesday, Trump directly addressed the Kentuckian in a tweet.
"Mitch, 75,000,000 VOTES, a record for a sitting President (by a lot). Too soon to give up," Trump said on Twitter. "Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!"
– Morgan Watkins
President-elect Joe Biden filled in his Cabinet more on Tuesday, announcing he has selected former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be his transportation secretary.
Biden said in a statement Tuesday that the Transportation Department is at the nexus of the interlocking challenges of jobs, infrastructure, equity and climate change that he has promised to address.
"I trust Mayor Pete to lead this work with focus, decency, and a bold vision," Biden said. "He will bring people together to get big things done.”
Buttigieg is scheduled to appear with Biden Wednesday for a formal announcement. On Twitter, he called the nomination a "tremendous opportunity – to create jobs, meet the climate challenge, and enhance equity for all."
Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is expected to lead Biden's Department of Energy, according to multiple news reports.
Granholm, 61, was attorney general of Michigan from 1999 to 2003 and the 47th Governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011. She was the first woman to serve as Michigan's governor, where she made clean energy development a hallmark of her administration.
– Bart Jansen, Savannah Behrmann and Ledyard King
More: President-elect Joe Biden wants to put Pete Buttigieg in charge of Transportation Department
More: Joe Biden selects former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to lead Energy Department, reports say
President-elect Joe Biden urged Georgia voters Tuesday to support Democrats in two Senate runoff campaigns challenging incumbent Republicans who represent "road-blocks" against his agenda in the chamber.
“I need two senators from this state who want to get something done, not two senators who are just going to get in the way," Biden told a drive-in rally where supporters cheered and honked their horns. "Are you ready to vote for two senators who are doers and not road-blocks?"
Supporters lined the street with signs that said, "Hope Restored," and "keep Georgia blue."
Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are each in separate runoff races to hold onto their seats, with voting ending Jan. 5. They are being challenged by Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock, respectively.
– Bart Jansen


usatoday--2020-12-16--Fashion magnate Peter Nygard charged in sex trafficking scheme, including minors

Federal prosecutors unsealed sex trafficking charges Tuesday against Canadian fashion magnate Peter Nygard , linking him to a suspected long-running scheme involving at least a dozen victims in the U.S. , Bahamas , Canada and other locations .
Nygard , 79 , was arrested by Canadian authorities Monday in Winnipeg at the request of U.S. officials .
For 25 years , prosecutors said , Nygard used the resources and influence of an international fashion empire to `` recruit and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims for Nygard ’ s sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of his friends and business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his associates , including his company 's employees , used `` force , fraud , and coercion '' to arrange sexual encounters for Nygard that involved minors .
`` Nygard frequently targeted women and minor-aged girls who came from disadvantaged economic backgrounds ( or ) who had a history of abuse , '' federal officials said .
`` He controlled his victims through threats , false promises of modeling opportunities and other career advancement , financial support , and by other coercive means , including constant surveillance , restrictions of movement , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Who is at risk ?
The realities of human trafficking Prosecutors asserted that Nygard `` forcibly sexually assaulted '' some victims , while others were assaulted by the executive 's associates to `` ensure their compliance '' with the sexual demands .
The nine-count indictment , which also included racketeering and prostitution charges , said Nygard hosted `` swinger '' and `` pamper parties '' at his properties in Marina del Rey , California , and the Bahamas , where he used girlfriends or other employees to recruit others for sexual encounters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minors , were drugged to force their compliance with his sexual demands , '' prosecutors said .
`` Other victims had no advance warning of Nygard ’ s interest in sexual activity before being lured to a secluded area of the property where Nygard used physical force ( or ) psychological pressure to coerce sex . ''
If you suspect someone is the victim of human trafficking , or you 're a victim of trafficking , call the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text `` BeFree '' 233733 .

Fashion magnate Peter Nygard charged in sex trafficking scheme, including minors
Show Caption Hide Caption ShowBiz Minute: Nygard, Styles, Queen Elizabeth II Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard arrested on sexual assault charges; Harry Styles postpones 2021 UK and European tour; Queen Elizabeth II attends virtual celebration of KPMG's 150th anniversary, expresses empathy for employees. (Dec. 16) AP
Federal prosecutors unsealed sex trafficking charges Tuesday against Canadian fashion magnate Peter Nygard, linking him to a suspected long-running scheme involving at least a dozen victims in the U.S., Bahamas, Canada and other locations.
Nygard, 79, was arrested by Canadian authorities Monday in Winnipeg at the request of U.S. officials.
For 25 years, prosecutors said, Nygard used the resources and influence of an international fashion empire to "recruit and maintain adult and minor-aged female victims for Nygard’s sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of his friends and business associates."
Prosecutors said Nygard and his associates, including his company's employees, used "force, fraud, and coercion" to arrange sexual encounters for Nygard that involved minors.
"Nygard frequently targeted women and minor-aged girls who came from disadvantaged economic backgrounds (or) who had a history of abuse," federal officials said. "He controlled his victims through threats, false promises of modeling opportunities and other career advancement, financial support, and by other coercive means, including constant surveillance, restrictions of movement, and physical isolation."
Myth vs. reality: Who is at risk? The realities of human trafficking
Prosecutors asserted that Nygard "forcibly sexually assaulted" some victims, while others were assaulted by the executive's associates to "ensure their compliance" with the sexual demands.
The nine-count indictment, which also included racketeering and prostitution charges, said Nygard hosted "swinger" and "pamper parties" at his properties in Marina del Rey, California, and the Bahamas, where he used girlfriends or other employees to recruit others for sexual encounters.
"Some unwilling participants, including minors, were drugged to force their compliance with his sexual demands," prosecutors said. "Other victims had no advance warning of Nygard’s interest in sexual activity before being lured to a secluded area of the property where Nygard used physical force (or) psychological pressure to coerce sex."
Nygard's attorney, Elkan Abramowitiz, declined to comment Tuesday.
If you suspect someone is the victim of human trafficking, or you're a victim of trafficking, call the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" 233733.


usatoday--2020-12-16--Bodycam video shows Phoenix police fatally shoot ex-NFL, Stanford player Ekom Udofia

Phoenix police released video showing officers shooting a former NFL player at least 10 times and deploying stun bags , pepper balls and a dog on him before he died Nov. 30 .
In a critical incident briefing posted on Monday , the Phoenix Police Department identified the man who was killed as 33-year-old Ekom Udofia , a former football player with the NFL and Stanford University .
Critical incident briefings are media packages produced by police that provide more information about a police shooting .
The briefing included body-worn camera video showing Udofia approaching police officers while they yelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , later identified as a BB gun , before they shot him multiple times .
Three officers shot at Udofia during the incident , firing at least 10 shots in total as well as several other less-lethal munitions .
Udofia later died of his injuries .
Phoenix police received a call around 2 a.m. Nov. 30 reporting that a man was behaving erratically near traffic at Indian School Road and 23rd Avenue , according to police department spokesperson Sgt .
Mercedes Fortune .
The 911 caller told dispatchers that the man appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was jumping into traffic , audio from the call shows .
Two officers responded to the area and found Udofia near the roadway with what looked like a gun , Fortune continued .
In body-worn camera video partially obscured by the police vehicle 's front doors , Udofia can be seen slowly walking toward the front bumper of the police car illuminated by its headlights .
Both officers can be seen with their guns drawn and pointed at Udofia .
Both repeatedly demand he put down his weapon .
`` Please drop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yelled .
`` Please , please do not make me shoot you ! ''
As Udofia continued to approach the car , the officer yelled , `` Dude , I got to shoot him , bro ! ''
The two officers asked him to drop the gun for at least 30 seconds before they fired their weapons , shooting at least five times .
Udofia dropped to the blacktop in front of the vehicle .
The officers continued to yell at Udofia , who was slowly rolling on the ground barefoot , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard screaming .
Other officers then arrived on the scene .
Footage shows one of them shoot Udofia , still lying on the ground , with stun bags and baton rounds .
After about six minutes , one of the four officers can be heard yelling , `` He still got that gun in his hand ? ''
Then , Fortune said , Udofia pointed his weapon at the officers from the ground .
This action can not be seen clearly in the footage .
Police then shot Udofia with live rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Udofia laid on the ground , one of the officers then shot at the back of his head and torso with multiple pepper balls and yelled , `` Move away from the gun ! ''
A police dog can be seen biting Udofia 's leg and dragging him away from his BB gun across the asphalt .
Udofia was taken to the hospital where he died , Fortune said .
Fortune identified the officers who shot Udofia as Ryan Hoffrichter , Lance Wisuri , Nathaniel Hansen and Steve Mead .
Three of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one of them was assigned to the Canine Unit of the Tactical Support Bureau .
Each of the officers had between two and 21 years of service .
None of the officers were injured .
The Phoenix Police Department will conduct both internal and criminal investigations into their actions .
Once complete , the criminal investigation will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney 's Office to determine if any of the officers should be charged in Udofia 's killing .
Law enforcement have shot at least 48 people in Maricopa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 by the Phoenix Police Department , according to The Arizona Republic 's analysis .
Udofia was from a Nigerian family in Scottsdale , Arizona .
Before playing football as a public policy major at Stanford University between 2005 and 2009 and briefly continuing on to the NFL to play with the Bengals and Saints , he was a sports star at Chaparral High School , according to people who knew him then .
“ He was smart , respectful , a team player , all the things you would want from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former head coach at Chaparral when Udofia played there .
“ I remember sitting in his parents ’ living room when Stanford was recruiting him .
They recruited his older brother , too.
” Mesa Mountain View High school assistant football coach Tony Tabor , who was defensive line coach at Chaparral when Udofia played as a nose guard , remembered how the athlete started as a sophomore on Chaparral ’ s 13-1 state championship team in 2002 .
Udofia earned All-American honors and was rated one of the best linebackers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Stanford University .
Tabor said he last saw Udofia eight years ago , when he asked him to talk to his Scottsdale Desert Mountain High School football team .
He went to Udofia ’ s birthday party that same year .
“ When I saw him eight years ago , he was the same kid I always knew , '' Tabor said .
`` Super soft-spoken .
Never swore .
He never showed hostility .
He ’ d put a helmet on the football field and chew you apart .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ d lead the devotion before a meal.
” According to court documents , Udofia had struggled with his mental health in recent years and had been arrested and placed on probation for crimes like disorderly conduct and indecent exposure .
However , records from earlier in November show that he was successfully completing his probation requirements , including finding employment and complying with the Maricopa County Mental Health Court .
`` Additionally , he does not view himself as a bad person and believes he needs more help with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court documents said .
`` His criminal history has all been mental health related and he is in a good place now . ''
Both Udofia 's former coaches had not seen Udofia for several years but were surprised and pained to hear about his death .
“ The kid was a great kid , ” Tabor said .
“ It killed me to hear that .
It was just the nicest family you ever met in your life .
I don ’ t know if something happened to him , if something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like him , contrary to the kid I knew , ” Estabrook said .
“ I would say he was going to be a successful person in life .
That would have been my prediction at the time.
” Reach the reporter at emily.wilder @ arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @ vv1lder .

Emily Wilder, Emily Wilder and Richard Obert, Arizona Republic

Bodycam video shows Phoenix police fatally shoot ex-NFL, Stanford player Ekom Udofia
Show Caption Hide Caption Bodycam shows Phoenix police shoot, kill ex-NFL player Phoenix police released edited video of officers fatally shooting former NFL player Ekom Udofia on Nov. 30. Phoenix Police Department
Phoenix police released video showing officers shooting a former NFL player at least 10 times and deploying stun bags, pepper balls and a dog on him before he died Nov. 30.
In a critical incident briefing posted on Monday, the Phoenix Police Department identified the man who was killed as 33-year-old Ekom Udofia, a former football player with the NFL and Stanford University.
Critical incident briefings are media packages produced by police that provide more information about a police shooting.
The briefing included body-worn camera video showing Udofia approaching police officers while they yelled repeatedly for him to drop his weapon, later identified as a BB gun, before they shot him multiple times.
Three officers shot at Udofia during the incident, firing at least 10 shots in total as well as several other less-lethal munitions.
Udofia later died of his injuries.
Video shows multiple rounds of bullets, stun bags, pepper balls
Phoenix police received a call around 2 a.m. Nov. 30 reporting that a man was behaving erratically near traffic at Indian School Road and 23rd Avenue, according to police department spokesperson Sgt. Mercedes Fortune.
The 911 caller told dispatchers that the man appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was jumping into traffic, audio from the call shows.
Two officers responded to the area and found Udofia near the roadway with what looked like a gun, Fortune continued.
In body-worn camera video partially obscured by the police vehicle's front doors, Udofia can be seen slowly walking toward the front bumper of the police car illuminated by its headlights.
Both officers can be seen with their guns drawn and pointed at Udofia. Both repeatedly demand he put down his weapon.
"Please drop the gun, dude!" one officer yelled. "Please, please do not make me shoot you!"
As Udofia continued to approach the car, the officer yelled, "Dude, I got to shoot him, bro!"
The two officers asked him to drop the gun for at least 30 seconds before they fired their weapons, shooting at least five times. Udofia dropped to the blacktop in front of the vehicle. The officers continued to yell at Udofia, who was slowly rolling on the ground barefoot, to throw the gun away. Udofia can be heard screaming.
Other officers then arrived on the scene. Footage shows one of them shoot Udofia, still lying on the ground, with stun bags and baton rounds.
After about six minutes, one of the four officers can be heard yelling, "He still got that gun in his hand?"
Then, Fortune said, Udofia pointed his weapon at the officers from the ground. This action cannot be seen clearly in the footage.
Police then shot Udofia with live rounds at least six more times.
As Udofia laid on the ground, one of the officers then shot at the back of his head and torso with multiple pepper balls and yelled, "Move away from the gun!"
A police dog can be seen biting Udofia's leg and dragging him away from his BB gun across the asphalt.
Udofia was taken to the hospital where he died, Fortune said.
Fortune identified the officers who shot Udofia as Ryan Hoffrichter, Lance Wisuri, Nathaniel Hansen and Steve Mead. Three of them were assigned to the Cactus Park Precinct, and one of them was assigned to the Canine Unit of the Tactical Support Bureau. Each of the officers had between two and 21 years of service.
None of the officers were injured.
The Phoenix Police Department will conduct both internal and criminal investigations into their actions. Once complete, the criminal investigation will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to determine if any of the officers should be charged in Udofia's killing.
Law enforcement have shot at least 48 people in Maricopa County in 2020, including at least 22 by the Phoenix Police Department, according to The Arizona Republic's analysis.
Scottsdale football star remembered as 'soft-spoken,' struggled with mental health
Udofia was from a Nigerian family in Scottsdale, Arizona. Before playing football as a public policy major at Stanford University between 2005 and 2009 and briefly continuing on to the NFL to play with the Bengals and Saints, he was a sports star at Chaparral High School, according to people who knew him then.
“He was smart, respectful, a team player, all the things you would want from a player,” said Ron Estabrook, former head coach at Chaparral when Udofia played there. “I remember sitting in his parents’ living room when Stanford was recruiting him. They recruited his older brother, too.”
Mesa Mountain View High school assistant football coach Tony Tabor, who was defensive line coach at Chaparral when Udofia played as a nose guard, remembered how the athlete started as a sophomore on Chaparral’s 13-1 state championship team in 2002.
Udofia earned All-American honors and was rated one of the best linebackers in the country during his high school career, according to Stanford University.
Tabor said he last saw Udofia eight years ago, when he asked him to talk to his Scottsdale Desert Mountain High School football team. He went to Udofia’s birthday party that same year.
“When I saw him eight years ago, he was the same kid I always knew," Tabor said. "Super soft-spoken. Never swore. He never showed hostility. He’d put a helmet on the football field and chew you apart. But when he was not on the field, he’d lead the devotion before a meal.”
According to court documents, Udofia had struggled with his mental health in recent years and had been arrested and placed on probation for crimes like disorderly conduct and indecent exposure. However, records from earlier in November show that he was successfully completing his probation requirements, including finding employment and complying with the Maricopa County Mental Health Court.
"Additionally, he does not view himself as a bad person and believes he needs more help with his mental health than jail time," court documents said. "His criminal history has all been mental health related and he is in a good place now."
Both Udofia's former coaches had not seen Udofia for several years but were surprised and pained to hear about his death.
“The kid was a great kid,” Tabor said. “It killed me to hear that. It was just the nicest family you ever met in your life. I don’t know if something happened to him, if something snapped."
“It was not like him, contrary to the kid I knew,” Estabrook said. “I would say he was going to be a successful person in life. That would have been my prediction at the time.”
Reach the reporter at emily.wilder@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @vv1lder.