The last Spalding basketball ever designed with the help of Kobe himself, the ball will be released in limited quantities—2,408 available globally, and just 824 in the United States.

Featuring a two-tone channel-less design—the first in Spalding’s history—and an exclusive snakeskin composite cover, the Kobe ‘Hall of Fame’ basketball tells a story with its opposite sides.

The gold half highlights the peak of Kobe’s accomplishments—the iconic image of Bryant embracing the crowd after winning his 5th championship and the Hall of Fame logo above it.

The black half focuses on Bryant’s famed Mamba Mentality by showcasing an elaborate, cross-channel black mamba snake with a gold-foil accents and Kobe’s signature.

The custom premium display box showcases Kobe’s signature, alongside his 18 All-Star nominations, 5 championship trophies, 2 Finals MVPs and regular-season MVP.

The ball will be available exclusively to MVP Members in the Spalding App for $299.99 on Monday, December 21 at 10 a.m. EST.

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos courtesy of Splading

The post Spalding To Release Limited-Edition Ball Honoring Kobe Bryant appeared first on SLAM.

In 13 episodes, Melo goes in-depth about everything he knows about the game, both mentally and physically. “It’s time we give everyone a true behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to get to the top,” Melo writes on Instagram.

In creating Through The Lens, Anthony and co-founder Alex Bazzell—a top NBA/WNBA skills coach—emphasized gender-balance among their athlete and talent packages. The platform aims to equally represent young men and women at the highest level.

In addition to Anthony and Hawks All-Star Trae Young, Through The Lens also features WNBA great Candace Parker, Lynx All-Star Napheesa Collier and 2020 WNBA No. 1 pick Sabrina Ionescu. Subscribers can also learn the secrets of top industry professionals such as Shams Charania and Cari Champion.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that’s helping set the next generation up for success by showing them that their potential on and off the court is limitless,” Melo says.

Constantly adding to his skill set, Anthony says his curiosity helped him and Bazzell choose the team of athletes for Through The Lens. Anthony wanted his 13-year-old son Kiyan to be able to learn from these players too.

Parker, a WNBA champion and MVP, was excited about the values behind the platform and the opportunity to share her actual on-court teaching and mindset.

“I am excited to be a part of a platform that not only values females in basketball but puts them as a priority,” Parker writes on Instagram.

All packages on Through The Lens showcase drills, mindsets and work ethic, as well as full-access interviews and on-court technique. For more information, visit throughthelens.com and @throughthelens on Instagram. 

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos courtesy of Josh Sobel

The post Carmelo Anthony Launches Basketball Coaching Platform appeared first on SLAM.

He might have been in the twilight of his career, but 36-year-old Dominique Wilkins could still play. During the ’95-96 season, the nine-time NBA All-Star went to Athens to hoop for the Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos.

Wilkins would go on to lead the team to the coveted EuroLeague championship that season. But it was during Greek League play that an 18-year-old forward by the name of Petros Kinis caught his attention. Standing a sturdy 6-9, he played with a confidence and swagger that belied his years.

His shot, although unconventional, was quick and pure and always seemed to find the bottom of the net. Whether he was moving off screens, spotting up or getting open in transition, his shot was almost impossible to contest.

“I was like, Whoa, this kid can play! He was a helluva shooter,” Wilkins recalls. “He was young, though, but you could see that he had potential.”

Long before he became a Greek citizen (with a Hellenized name and surname, the aforementioned Petros Kinis), before he signed with PAOK, Peja Stojakovic had dreams of making it to the NBA. Not only because he grew up idolizing the greats, including Nique, but to help provide for his refugee family. When the Yugoslav Wars broke out in 1991, 13-year-old Peja fled his town of Pozega in east Croatia along with his parents and older brother.

They had lost everything—their house, business, possessions—and struggled to make ends meet in their new home of Belgrade. But now living in the basketball mecca of Southeastern Europe, Peja quickly found out that he had a talent for the game. Standing 6-4 at age 14, Peja made the tryout for Red Star Belgrade’s junior team and went from playing twice a week to twice a day.

“I just kind of stopped fooling around with basketball and started to take it a little more seriously,” Peja said in SLAM 59. “The coaches who saw me kept encouraging me, saying I was a natural and all that. So I started playing a lot.”

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A year later, Stojakovic began playing with Red Star’s senior team. During his first pro season in ’92-93, Peja played sparingly over 39 contests but helped Red Star win its 13th national championship (and first in 21 years). By the age of 15, Peja was making good money playing basketball. Being able to provide for his family drove him to work even harder and maximize his talents.

Stojakovic turned down a contract with Red Star for a five-year deal with PAOK in the Greek League. The decision was a surprise to some, but it afforded his family the opportunity to get out of war-torn Yugoslavia during a deadly conflict that would eventually claim over 130,000 lives.

After waiting a year to obtain his Greek citizenship, Peja was activated during the ’94-95 season. In his first full season in Greece, Peja helped PAOK win the Greek Cup, placing himself firmly on the radar of NBA front offices.

“Everybody in Europe knew who Peja was, and even here [in the States] I knew,” said Vlade Divac, who was playing with the Lakers at the time, in SLAM 59. “I knew that as a young guy he had tremendous skills, and he was going to get better the more polished he got.”

The next season, PAOK signed American big men Lawrence Funderburke and Dean Garrett. Kings GM Geoff Petrie, who had drafted Funderburke in the second round a year earlier, was keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old Serbian scorer.

“I remember when the Kings were recruiting Peja, they asked me what I think about him—his work ethic, his practice habits, etc,” Funderburke says. “And I said, This kid is going to be a special player. Not only does he work hard, but he wants to be great. He doesn’t just want to play in the NBA, he wants to be a great player in the NBA.”

Divac, the late Drazen Petrovic, Toni Kukoc and Dino Radja had already proved that players from Stojakovic’s region could make an impact in the NBA. While known for being highly skilled, European players—unjustly or justly—were labeled as “soft” in NBA circles at the time.

The Greek League featured a number of former NBA stars, including Wilkins, Xavier McDaniel and Rolando Blackman, all of whom were considered anything but soft. Whenever Peja got the chance to match up against an American player, he never backed down from the challenge.

“Peja never backed down from anybody. If it was somebody that was an American, he was ready to go,” Garrett says. “He was always ready to go against that person because he looked at Americans as being the best.”

From the time he was young, Stojakovic would study film of Michael Jordan and other greats. He loved the NBA game. He undoubtedly had a lot of respect for a player like Wilkins, who had a Hall of Fame résumé. But when it was time to match up with the legend, Peja took the challenge head-on.

“[Dominique was] still able to run and jump, still had his shot, but he couldn’t keep up with Peja,” Funderburke says. “I remember his facial expressions, too, like, This kid right here can play. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, it’s just the body language.”

“I can remember Dominique during the game asking me who this kid was,” Garrett says. “Who is this kid? And I was like, Hey, this guy is pretty good.”

“He showed a lot of respect, but yeah, he did [go at me],” Wilkins remembers. “That’s the thing about real competitors. You might idolize a certain person, but at the end of the day when it’s all said and done, hey, we’re out here trying to win, we’re out here competing. So yeah, he competed.”

“He just had a lot of confidence,” Garrett says. “He shot the ball with confidence during the games, and pretty soon you start looking at this kid and you’re like, Man, he’s probably the best player on this team.” The NBA rumblings were getting louder and louder. Peja’s dream was about to become one step closer to reality.

“I knew, the way things were going, that I might have a chance to play in the NBA,” Peja said in 2002. “I knew a little about it, and of course it was a dream. But I didn’t know when it would happen.”

***

Samaki Walker. Erick Dampier. Todd Fuller. Vitaly Potapenko. Then at pick No. 13, the Hornets selected a 17-year-old kid from Lower Merion High School named Kobe Bryant. With the draft lottery finished, Peja Stojakovic was still sitting in the green room, waiting for his name to be called. Outside of the NBA war rooms that night, very few Americans knew who Peja was, much less could pronounce his name.

The pundits were pushing for the Kings to select John Wallace, who led Syracuse to the NCAA championship game a couple months prior. They touted Wallace as a known talent who could contribute in the NBA immediately. But Petrie had his mind made up on selecting the rising star from Europe. The Kings had worked out Stojakovic twice in Sacramento before the draft.

When commissioner David Stern announced Stojakovic’s name as the No. 14 overall pick, Kings fans and players alike were scratching their heads.

“We didn’t have social media back then. We couldn’t go on the computer and pull up a game and watch him play to have a feel for what he was,” says Corliss Williamson, who had just finished his rookie season with the Kings. “So in the back of your mind, you’re like, OK, what are we doing?”

Not exactly helping matters, Peja couldn’t get his hat to fit his head correctly as he walked up nervously to shake the commissioner’s hand. While he spoke good English, Peja fumbled through an interview with Craig Sager as he tried to keep his composure. And then there was word that he wouldn’t be coming over to the NBA immediately.

He couldn’t get out of his Greek contract, and Peja’s father also felt that he needed more seasoning overseas before joining the NBA. Peja, however, insisted that he wanted to play for the Kings right away.

“The owner kept making problems for me—he didn’t want any money, he just wanted me to keep playing for him,” Peja has said. “It was very frustrating for me, because I felt I was ready.”

Stuck with no other option but to play out the remaining two years on his contract, Stojakovic returned to Greece and thrived as the No. 1 option for a very good PAOK team. During the 1997-98 season, Peja scored 23.9 points per game and won Greek League MVP. He drilled a memorable three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat reigning Greek League champion Olympiacos. And he would go on to lead the EuroLeague in scoring.

Duty fulfilled to his team in Greece, Peja finally arrived in Sacramento in 1998 for a lockout-shortened rookie season. The Kings hadn’t enjoyed a winning season in 15 years, but the team had overhauled the roster, bringing in Stojakovic, Divac and Chris Webber, drafting Jason Williams and hiring Rick Adelman as head coach.

Things began to click almost immediately. “The Greatest Show on Earth” became the talk of the League, featuring a motion-heavy offense that played at a supercharged pace. But Stojakovic, who had been the man in Europe, was relegated to a bench role his first two seasons in Sacramento.

Leaning on his fellow countryman Divac for support, Peja stayed confident and made the most of his minutes. He relied on the work ethic that helped bring him to the NBA and bring his family to America. He stayed in the gym—always the first to arrive and last to leave. Quickly, it became clear that Peja was the team’s best offensive weapon and needed more playing time.

“We were playing the same position, so I’m fighting to save my job,” says Williamson with a laugh. “But I could tell that this guy was going to be special, and I was happy to have him as a teammate.”

Prior to the ’00-01 season, Petrie would trade Williamson to Toronto for Doug Christie, opening up a full-time starter role for Stojakovic. He would start every game he played that season, averaging 20.4 points and finishing second in Most Improved Player voting.

From ’01-04, Stojakovic was one of the most potent offensive players in the League. He became the only player during that span to average at least 19 points on 59 true shooting percentage for three straight seasons (no other player did it more than once). He became the first European-born player to win an All-Star competition—winning the Three-Point Contest not once, but twice. He was named an All-Star three straight seasons, and finished top-four in MVP voting in 2003-04.

He went on to finish his career as a champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Not only was Peja able to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA, he surpassed all expectations once he got there. He helped take his family from a war-torn country to a life of prosperity. And his jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Golden 1 Center.

Not bad for a kid by the name of Petros Kinis.

—

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS ’96 DRAFT

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos via Getty

The post Peja Stojakovic Beat The Odds Well Before The 1996 NBA Draft appeared first on SLAM.

The deal is for the league minimum, according to NBC Sports’ James Ham.

Whiteside, 31, began his NBA career with the Kings, who drafted him 33rd overall in the 2010 Draft. After appearing in just 19 games during his first two seasons, Whiteside was waived before the 2012-13 season.

Last season with the Blazers, Whiteside averaged 15.5 points, 13.5 boards and a League-leading 2.9 blocks in 30.0 minutes. During Portland’s first-round matchup against the Lakers, his numbers plummeted to 6.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 21.2 minutes.

The post Hassan Whiteside, Kings Agree To 1-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Clark, 26, played 24 games for Orlando last season, providing floor-spacing outside shooting while playing smart, all-around defense.

After signing a couple of 10-day contracts with the Magic in January, Clark joined the team for the remainder of the season. He filled in for an injured Aaron Gordon in the Playoffs, playing 28.8 minutes per game and shooting 34.4% from three.

The post Magic Re-Sign Gary Clark to 2-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

The Suns will be Crowder’s seventh team during his nine seasons in the NBA. This summer, the 30-year-old forward started all 21 games for the Heat in the Playoffs, averaging 12.0 points (34.2 3FG%) and 5.6 boards in 31.4 minutes.

Crowder joins Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton in Phoenix as the Suns look to make the Playoffs for the first time since 2010.

The post Jae Crowder, Suns Agree To 3-Year, $30M Deal appeared first on SLAM.

One of the steadiest backup point guards in the NBA, Augustin will provide some much-needed depth and veteran leadership for the Bucks.

With two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo entering the final year of his contract, Milwaukee is looking to make a run at the championship in 2020-21.

Augustin, 33, is entering his 13th season after playing the last four years in Orlando. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists in 24.9 minutes last season.

The post Bucks, DJ Augustin Agree To 3-Year, $21M Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Earlier this week, Chicago declined to extend a $7.1 million qualifying offer to Dunn, making him an unrestricted free agent.

A defensive specialist, Dunn is expected to be a valuable addition to an offensive-minded Hawks team, led by All-Star point guard Trae Young.

The No. 5 overall pick in 2016, Dunn averaged just 7.3 points on 25.9% shooting from three last season. His 2.0 steals per game were second in the League, and the 26-year-old was the only player in the top-10 who played fewer than 25 minutes per game.

The post Hawks Sign Kris Dunn To 2-Year, $10M Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Last season, Gill played alongside Davis Bertans‘ brother, Dairis, for Khimki of the EuroLeague. Gill averaged 9.3 points (65.6 TS%) and 4.5 boards in 19.9 minutes.

Gill played three seasons at Virginia from 2013-2016, setting a UVA record in career field-goal percentage.

The post Wizards Sign Anthony Gill to 2-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

As a junior in high school, a 16-year-old Ben Wallace spent day after day cutting hair for his friends and neighbors. He charged $3 a cut, eventually saving up enough money to attend Charles Oakley’s week-long basketball camp.

With $50 in his pocket, Ben left his 800-person town of White Hall, AL, and traveled over 100 miles west on Route 80 to Oak’s camp. While he was an impressive multi-sport athlete, Ben had never spent time in an organized basketball setting where the focus was on skill and development.

As luck would have it, Wallace would not only get a chance to meet Oakley—who just finished his fifth straight season in the NBA averaging a double-double—but Oak challenged Ben to a game of one-on-one.

“He took an interest in me,” Wallace says. “I guess he saw something in me that I really didn’t see in myself at the time. He sort of called me out in front of the camp and put me on display.”

As the 10th of 11 siblings and youngest of eight brothers, Ben didn’t back down from a challenge. Oak had at least four inches and 50 pounds on Wallace at the time, but Ben took everything Oakley threw at him. Football was Wallace’s passion, and he welcomed Oak’s bruising style of play.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS ’96 DRAFT

“He showed me how physical the game of basketball can really be,” Wallace remembers. “He showed me a way that I can bring that football nature to basketball, and I took it from there and ran with it.”

The battle of brute force had the rest of the campers in awe and disbelief. Wallace, a raw and athletic teenager, was holding his own against a 27-year-old NBA strongman. The sparks would eventually settle, but neither player could claim victory.

“It wasn’t going to be no winners,” Ben laughs. “It was going to be a fight before there was going to be a winner or loser.” 

After the camp, Wallace and Oakley exchanged numbers and kept in touch. During his senior season, Ben sustained a serious neck injury while playing football, and doctors advised him to hang up his cleats for good. So Wallace decided to direct his energy toward basketball, but his college offers were for football. He turned to Oakley for guidance, and Oak placed a call to his former coach at Virginia Union, Dave Robbins.

“I would always ask Charles, I’d say, Charles, if you run across a young fella that can play, let me know,” Robbins says. “Charles never recommended a player. Never would recommend me a player.

“So one day… I get this call, and he said, ‘Coach, I think I might have you a player.’ I always ask Charles to find me a big man, a post player. I said, ‘Well, is he a big man?’ And Charles says, ‘Well, he’s not real big, but he sure is a man.’”

According to Robbins, Ben didn’t have the SAT scores to play at Virginia Union right out of high school. So Oak called his good friend Geoff Warren who coached at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and arranged for Ben to play there.

Wallace took his game to another level at Cuyahoga. He learned how to think the game, how to be effective without the ball. After putting up gaudy numbers during his freshman season, Ben spent his summer working at one of Oakley’s car washes and honing his game against pros in the Cleveland Pro-Am. Oakley and Clippers guard Ron Harper were regulars, along with a number of overseas pros.

Word quickly got out about Wallace’s stellar play, and a number of Division I programs began vying for a commitment from Ben. He ended up signing with McNeese State but was unable to transfer because he hadn’t completed his final semester at Cuyahoga.

Persistent from the start, Virginia Union—a Division II school—became the obvious choice. Everything clicked as soon as Wallace hit campus. An instant fit with the team, Wallace led the Panthers to regular season and conference tournament titles and was named the CIAA tournament MVP.

“He came in and was an instant star,” Robbins says.

Now firmly on the NBA radar, Ben knew that scouts would be watching him carefully during his senior season. Wallace and a number of his teammates decided to stay in Richmond that summer to work on their games. Ben would lead the team through daily workouts in the weight room. At the time, Virginia Union didn’t have the wherewithal to support the players over the summer, so they pooled money and survived on pizza.

The work paid off. Wallace was transcendent, blocking shots deep into the stands and dunking the ball so hard that the basket would shake. As a senior, Wallace led Virginia Union to the NCAA Division II Final Four and was selected as a NABC Division II First Team All-American.

“I felt if you put Ben in an NBA game, he could do what he do,” says Jay Butler, Wallace’s college teammate and current coach at VUU. “He had a knack for rebounding, a knack for defending, running the floor. Those things translate to the NBA game. He just needed an opportunity.”

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS ’96 DRAFT FOR EVEN MORE GOODIES FROM THE ISSUE.

Only the Celtics invited Ben for a workout before the 1996 NBA Draft. Boston’s head coach at the time, ML Carr, insisted on playing Wallace on the perimeter during that workout because he thought Ben was too small to mix it up in the paint.

Unsurprisingly, Wallace was not selected in the draft, but that didn’t deter him. All he needed was an opportunity. He joined the Celtics for Summer League, but again, Ben’s talents didn’t shine as a wing player. With his options looking bleak, Ben spent three weeks with Italian club Viola Reggio Calabria before getting a call from Wes Unseld, who was the general manager of the Washington Bullets at the time.

An undersized center during his playing days, Unseld understood that Wallace played much bigger than his size. “When I got to camp, Wes pulled me into the office and basically told me, I got a lot of guys that can score the ball. But I need somebody who’s out there who ain’t afraid to mix it up in the paint, rebound the basketball, protect the rim, and not afraid to knock somebody on they ass if they come through the lane.”

Say no more. He put his hard hat on and earned a contract to play with the Bullets. And in true Ben Wallace fashion, he outworked his teammates into more and more playing time.

“I felt like after I had earned that spot, the rest was up to me,” Ben says. “My destiny was in my hands. I just felt like I just had to go out there every day and bring the same type of energy and bring the same type of work ethic that I brought from Day 1.”

He went from appearing in just 34 games his rookie season to appearing in 67 games and starting in 16 by his second year. By the lockout-shortened ’98-99 season, Ben had solidified himself as a key part of the rotation, playing over 26 minutes a night.

“Speak softly and carry a big stick—that was Ben Wallace,” says Ben’s teammate in Washington, Darvin Ham. “Never boasted, never bragged, never talked shit. Never did none of that. He just came to work with his lunch pail, put his hard hat on and went to work.”

The following year, Wallace was sent to Orlando, where he became a full-time starter for Doc Rivers. After a season with the Magic, Wallace was traded to Detroit. The Motor City would be his home for the next six years as his career finally took off.

Wallace became the anchor of the beloved Pistons team that won the NBA championship in 2004. Ben valiantly guarded Shaquille O’Neal one-on-one throughout much of the Finals and held his own. As a Piston, Wallace claimed four Defensive Player of the Year awards and five All-NBA selections. He’s now widely regarded as the best undrafted player ever and one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

It all started with an opportunity. Ben went to work, and the results speak for themselves.

—

SLAM PRESENTS ’96 DRAFT IS AVAILABLE NOW

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos via Getty

The post Ben Wallace Went Undrafted and Forged a Hall of Fame Career appeared first on SLAM.

The injury occurred during a pickup game in Southern Californa on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Marc Spears. Thompson needed to be helped off the court.

Thompson will be forced to miss a second consecutive season after he sat out the 2019-20 campaign with a torn ACL in his left knee. He hasn’t played in an NBA game since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

He’s expected to make a full recovery.

The Warriors had hopes of bouncing back in 2020-21 with their championship trio of Stephen Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green returning to the court.

Without Thompson, who will make $35.4 million next season, Golden State may have to temper expectations for next season.

After Wednesday’s NBA Draft, Warriors GM Bob Myers spoke to the media about how Thompson’s injury could alter the team’s roster plans. “We needed wing depth anyway,” he said.

After the news broke of Thompson’s season-ending injury, NBA and WNBA players alike took to social media to wish Thompson a speedy recovery.

Come on basketball gods this is not fair!!! @KlayThompson wishing you speedy recovery.

— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) November 19, 2020

Damn @KlayThompson prayers up for a healthy recovery

— Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) November 19, 2020

small thing to a giant https://t.co/TnYFsv6q9C

— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) November 19, 2020

Prayers up for my man @KlayThompson hate to see stuff like this! https://t.co/LmLXd4ut6T

— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson

— 13am Adebayo (@Bam1of1) November 19, 2020

Man that’s tough… get well Klay praying for you https://t.co/cx5B5fiO7c

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) November 19, 2020

Bro was looking unbelievable too smh! Speedy Recovery Bro… the game needs you @KlayThompson https://t.co/VXDrHzhUIk

— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) November 19, 2020

Praying for @KlayThompson

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 19, 2020

This is awful news! Praying for a healthy recovery https://t.co/XXR7JcKDZ6

— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) November 19, 2020

Wow. for @KlayThompson! His comeback story is going to be epic. https://t.co/ajKZkoH02g

— Danielle Robinson (@justDROB) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) November 19, 2020

Praying for @KlayThompson hoping he has a speedy recovery! Smh

— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) November 19, 2020

that sucks man. Praying for him https://t.co/o4wfqdRO0m

— Anfernee Simons (@AnferneeSimons) November 19, 2020

https://t.co/RtTvs3yUOC

— Lexie Brown (@lexiekiah_4) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson praying for you bro! God speed https://t.co/CijEaOkjJV

— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) November 19, 2020

Damn Klay

— Bria Hartley (@Breezyyy14) November 19, 2020

Never like to see a brotha go Down!!! Prayers up https://t.co/Ls2EcVDJZh

— Langston Galloway (@LangGalloway10) November 19, 2020

The post Klay Thompson Suffers Torn Achilles Tendon appeared first on SLAM.

After the Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic—sacrificing much of their depth and draft assets to do so—Lopez might have seen more minutes with the Bucks next season.

With Lopez opting out, the Bucks free up some cap space to complete a championship-caliber roster around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Lopez, 32, enters his name into the free-agent market with the hope of potentially earning another long-term deal.

The post Robin Lopez To Decline $5M Player Option appeared first on SLAM.

Parker, the No. 2 pick in the 2014 Draft, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NBA career. He played just 6 games in a Kings uniform last season as he worked his way back from a shoulder injury and testing positive for COVID-19.

Sacramento acquired Parker in the trade with the Hawks in February.

With Parker opting in to a manageable contract, the Kings could choose to keep the 25-year-old on the roster. But they could also trade Parker or waive him using the stretch provision.

The post Jabari Parker To Exercise $6.5M Player Option appeared first on SLAM.

A defensive specialist, Dunn was not part of the plans for the Bulls’ new front office lead by executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley.

The Bulls plan to fill the roster with “two-way players with an emphasis on passing and shooting,” reports Johnson.

The No. 5 overall pick in 2016, Dunn averaged just 7.3 points on 25.9% shooting from three last season. His 2.0 steals per game were second in the League, and the 26-year-old was the only player in the top-10 who played fewer than 25 minutes per game.

As an unrestricted free agent to-be, Dunn is expected to draw interest from a number of teams, including the LA Clippers, per Johnson.

The post Bulls Won’t Extend Qualifying Offer to Kris Dunn appeared first on SLAM.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley does things his own way. The documentary, Gap Year, which chronicles Bazley’s unconventional path from high school to the NBA, released on most streaming services on Tuesday. The Gap Year trailer can be viewed above.

A top-20 recruit out of Princeton (OH) High School in 2018, Bazley decomitted from Syracuse University with plans to spend a season in the G League before entering the 2019 NBA Draft. But after signing with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, Bazley ditched his G League plans in favor of training on his own for a season.

Bazley would land a “1 Million Dollar Internship” with New Balance, becoming the first basketball athlete to join the athletic brand as it relaunched in the category. Gap Year follows Bazley as he attempts to navigate a completely unique path to the League. (He would eventually be drafted 23rd overall in 2019.)

WATCH THE FULL “GAP YEAR” DOCUMENTARY

The documentary includes interviews with Bazley’s agent and Klutch Sports Group founder Rich Paul, ESPN’s Jay Williams and Jay Bilas, NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, New Balance Global Marketing Director Patrick Cassidy, rapper Dave East and more.

Gap Year was produced by UNINTERRUPTED, a division of LeBron James‘ The SpringHill Company, in association with SLAM & RTG Features, and has distribution from 1091 Pictures.

—

WATCH THE FULL “GAP YEAR” DOCUMENTARY

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

The post Watch Darius Bazley in ‘Gap Year’ Documentary appeared first on SLAM.

We compiled some of their best posts as they congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their historic win.

View this post on Instagram

We are so much stronger when our differences bring us TOGETHER rather than tear us apart!!! Congratulations to @joebiden & @kamalaharris – biggest voter turnout in American history!! Let’s keep the momentum going and shape a more inclusive and equal America

A post shared by Chris Paul (@cp3) on Nov 7, 2020 at 10:30am PST

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And she’s from Oakland. Congrats @kamalaharris

A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard) on Nov 7, 2020 at 11:01am PST

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#BidenHarris2020 @kamalaharris @joebiden

A post shared by Candace Parker (@candaceparker) on Nov 7, 2020 at 11:36am PST

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Mood

A post shared by Bradley Beal (@bradbeal3) on Nov 7, 2020 at 9:43am PST

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The post NBA, WNBA Players React To Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Winning Election appeared first on SLAM.

In an honest and candid conversation (see the video above), Korver explained how he came to better understand the Black Lives Matter movement, and described the series of events that led to the Bucks’ decision not to play in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Magic.

Following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI—a town 30 miles south of Milwaukee—players and coaches in the Bucks’ locker room were hit hard by the news. Assistant coach Darvin Ham, whose sons live in Milwaukee, entered the locker room in tears, tearing down the partitions surround the coach’s area.

“Everyone jumped up, everyone’s already on edge,” Korver recalled. “I just sat there in my chair with tears running down my face. I’m looking at my jersey that says ‘Black Lives Matter,’ and I’m just like, What are we doing?”

With the team scheduled to take the court in a matter of minutes, Bucks guard George Hill told his teammates that he wasn’t going to play. Sterling Brown, who has a pending lawsuit against the city of Milwaukee, was the next to follow. And then, the entire team decided to not play.

As one of the few White players on the team, Korver knew that his voice was needed and important. “How do I help as a White man? What do I say as a White man in this space?” Korver said. “You know what you do? You stand with the marginalized.

“And when you can, you amplify their voice, and you listen to their thoughts, and you listen to their ideas, and then you find your way to help out,” he said.

That evening, the team spoke to Blake’s parents on the phone. “We just stood around the phone and cried,” Korver said. “We were like, We don’t know exactly what the future holds, we don’t know exactly what our plan is, but we’re doing the right thing.”

Over the next few days, games across several professional sports leagues—including the WNBA, MLB and MLS—were postponed as players followed suit and protested against racial injustice. The Bucks certainly were doing the right thing.

Last night Kyle Korver explained the decision for the Milwaukee Bucks to stick together during an intense locker room meeting inside the NBA Bubble, and how it helped bring about change. pic.twitter.com/1wPi4brcyN

— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) October 27, 2020

Today, Korver is staunch ally for the oppressed, but he admits that it took a lot of time to educate himself on racial inequality in America before he could understand it.

Moving a lot during his childhood and NBA career exposed Korver to many different communities, but he never thought much about racial inequality until the Black Lives Matter movement started gaining momentum.

“I’m sitting here, and I’m trying to understand Black Lives Matter for the first time,” Korver explained. “I got a lot of White friends who are like, ‘All lives matter,’ and, ‘Blue lives matter,’ and, ‘This isn’t right; this isn’t helping.’ And I’m like, Yeah, I don’t understand it either.”

His lack of understanding on the topic set him on a path to educate himself. Korver journaled about the articles he read, poured through books on Black history in America, and listened to a number of podcasts. He had conversations with many of his Black friends and teammates.

The knowledge he gained eventually led him to on the path of creating change by speaking out against the racial injustices happening in America. And it all began with having an open mind. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” he said.

“When you admit your own shortcomings,” said Korver, “it creates this space for someone to step into and maybe admit some of their own.”

The post Kyle Korver Shares Powerful Insights on Racial Inequality in America appeared first on SLAM.

At midnight, the college hoops nostalgia brand released 11 pairs of school-specific retro mesh practice shorts in limited quantities on 19nine.com.

True to the brand’s retro roots, a glow-in-the-dark Midnight Madness t-shirt is also available. The first 75 orders receive a free sticker pack, so head to 19nine.com while supplies last!

The post 19nine Releases Limited-Edition Retro Shorts for Midnight Madness appeared first on SLAM.

Rose has one year, $7.7 million left on his team-friendly contract, making the 32-year-old a prime target for a win-now team like the Lakers.

Although they were reluctant to trade Rose before the deadline, the Pistons reportedly had interest in acquiring Flint-native Kyle Kuzma.

L.A. could be open to trading Kuzma, who will hit restricted free agency after next season. The Lakers hope to maintain enough cap space to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bradley Beal in 2021 free agency, reports Deveney.

In 50 games for the Pistons last season, Rose averaged 18.1 points (49.0 FG%) with 5.6 assists.

The post NBA GM: Derrick Rose Trade To Lakers ‘Much More Likely Now’ appeared first on SLAM.

Anthony, 36, is coming off a resurgent season with the Blazers and has recently said that he hopes to re-sign with Portland. But if Paul is traded to the Knicks, Anthony “is likely to want to follow,” per Berman.

The Knicks have been reportedly preparing initial trade offers to bring Paul to New York. Even if Paul goes elsewhere, Knicks president Leon Rose would be open to signing Anthony, reports Berman.

Anthony averaged 15.4 points and 6.1 boards as a full-time starter with the Blazers last season.

The post Report: Chris Paul Trade Could Lead To Carmelo Anthony’s Return to Knicks appeared first on SLAM.

The Raptors are the favorite to retain VanVleet, per Bondy, but he can sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. VanVleet’s stepfather, Joe Danforth, says he’s heard that the Pistons and Suns might also have interest in signing VanVleet.

The Knicks, who have plenty of cap space and a need for a starting point guard, could present an intriguing opportunity for VanVleet.

In his first season as a full-time starter in 2019-20, the 26-year-old averaged career-highs in points (17.6), assists (6.6), boards (3.8) and steals (1.9), with a league-leading 4.2 deflections per game.

The post Report: Knicks Could Target Fred VanVleet in Free Agency appeared first on SLAM.

During the six-week summer program, students were paired with mentors and industry experts to create their own music. Listen to some of the Songwriting Academy’s content here.

In the video below, Bazley, Clarkson and McLemore congratulated the All-Stars for their hard work and presented them with a pair of LG TONE Free true-wireless earbuds.

The post NBA Players Served as Advocates in ASAS’ Summer Songwriting Academy appeared first on SLAM.

SLAM Presents LEBRON is the second edition of our classic LeBron special issue, celebrating all things LeBron James following his fourth championship and first with the Los Angeles Lakers.

It includes everything from the first edition—including every LeBron SLAM cover story ever—plus 25 new pages, which feature every LeBron signature sneaker to date, an essay about Bron’s place in NBA history, a feature about how he became 2020’s voice of a generation, an explanation of why he’s the best point guard of all time (!), and more.

It’s printed on big, heavy stock paper—coffee table style, if you will—so trust us, you’ll want a copy of this one. 

The second edition of SLAM Presents LEBRON will begin to ship in mid-November (11/15/2020).

—

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS LEBRON: 2ND EDITION

The post SLAM Presents LEBRON: 2nd Edition Is Available Now appeared first on SLAM.

Lue still remains a prominent part of the Clippers‘ search, and has reportedly been the frontrunner since Doc Rivers was fired in late September. Lue has the support of prominent Rockets and Clippers players alike, per Woj and MacMahon.

Houston could be the first to make an offer to Lue, but according to ESPN, an offer likely won’t be extended until after the Rockets meet with Jeff Van Gundy this week.

The post Report: Ty Lue Has ‘Significant Momentum’ for Rockets Head Coaching Job appeared first on SLAM.

Butler, who promised Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra that he would bring a title to Miami, told reporters after the Game 6 loss that he and his teammates already want to get back to work (starting at 3:23 in the video below).

“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better. We’re going to come back. We’re going to come back. We’ll be back. That’s what we’re all saying in that locker room.

“We got guys that want to do it. We got guys that already want to get back in the gym and get to working at this thing. That’s what we do here.”

Heat guard Goran Dragic, who valiantly played 19 minutes in Game 6 with a torn plantar fascia, tweeted that he was proud of his team for leaving everything out of the court throughout the Finals.

“What we’ve built is something special,” wrote Dragic, “and we’ll be back!”

The post ‘We’ll Be Back’: Jimmy Butler, Heat Vow To Return To NBA Finals appeared first on SLAM.

Despite the accusations, Pelinka says he and Magic maintained a strong relationship after Johnson’s departure. And so, after the Lakers won the championship on Sunday, Pelinka decided to call Johnson (starting at 7:15 in the video below).

“I still have such gratitude for the two seasons I got to work with Earvin. And he’s definitely a part of tonight with his vision and working side by side. He’s an unbelievable person, and we have a great, incredibly strong relationship. He was one of the first calls tonight. Had a great talk with him.“

Pelinka added that Kobe Bryant told him never to get caught up in the criticism or praise—and instead, “be about the work.”

Of course, Pelinka’s hard work ended up paying off. “All the other stuff really doesn’t mean anything when you’re holding the trophy,” Pelinka told reporters after the game.

Following their conversation, Magic tweeted that Pelinka’s call “means the world to me.”

“I know he’s in the middle of celebrating with all of the Lakers players, coaches, and Jeanie Buss he didn’t have to,” Johnson wrote.

The post Rob Pelinka Called Magic Johnson After Lakers Won NBA Title appeared first on SLAM.

Smith Jr, who turns 23 next month, missed nearly half of last season due to injuries and the loss of his stepmother. According to Begley, some people with the Knicks would like to give Smith Jr “a legitimate chance to bounce back” after a disappointing 2019-20 season.

Smith Jr averaged just 5.5 points and was the only player to average more than 12 minutes per game (minimum 20 games) and shoot below 40 TS%.

The front office could still feel some investment in Smith, who the Knicks acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. And new head coach Tom Thibodeau was reportedly “a big fan” of Smith Jr coming out of the 2017 Draft, per Begley.

But he’ll likely have to vie for minutes with Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina, who are both under contract. Smith Jr will earn $5.7 million next season before hitting restricted free agency in 2021.

The post Report: Dennis Smith Jr Has ‘Significant Support’ Within Knicks Organization appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on “The Old Man & The Three” podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, DeRozan told a story that illustrates how dialed in LeBron gets during the Playoffs.

DeRozan’s teammate forgot a play call during the game, and James—knowing all of Toronto’s sets—told him how to properly execute the play.

“I remember, it was a play we was trying to run and one of our teammates forgot the play, and Bron told him the play. Like it was some crazy shit. We calling a play and he was like, ‘What?’ And Bron told him what our play was.

“It just shows you how locked in this dude be when it comes to winning time. You see it on both ends. That’s just a testament to who he is, why he’s been to 10 Finals, why he’s on the verge of getting his fourth ring.”

The post DeRozan: LeBron Reminded Raptors Player How To Run A Play During Game appeared first on SLAM.

They are currently 4-0 this season while wearing the uniform, which honors the late Kobe Bryant.

Per the AP‘s Tim Reynolds, the Lakers were originally scheduled to wear the uniforms in Game 7 of the Finals but decided to wear them for a potential championship-clinching Game 5. L.A. will still wear the uniforms if a Game 7 is necessary.

The Lakers have dedicated their postseason run this season to Bryant. “If we lose in those jerseys, we just feel like we let him down,” Anthony Davis told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols on the The Jump last week.

“Everybody on this team, Kobe has touched in some form or fashion,” Davis said. “We wear those jerseys with pride. We know how much he wanted for us to win this year.”

The post Lakers To Wear ‘Black Mamba’ Uniforms for Game 5 🐍 appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on the TK Show podcast with The Athletic‘s Tim Kawakami, Kerr said Golden State won’t be “reinventing the wheel” offensively with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all back to full health.

Kerr: “We’re still going to be the Warriors. We’re not going to all of a sudden turn into the Rockets and change our offense and have one guy go high pick-and-roll 70 times a game.“

That would be so you, Steve. Just do that, just do iso ball, pick-and-roll. I think that’s where your heart is with this [laughs].

Kerr: “[Laughs] I think I would resign first. We’ve got to be ourselves, and what make Steph and Klay [Thompson] the players they are is the combination of what they can do on and off ball. That’s what moves defenses.

“What makes Draymond [Green] special is his ability to distribute from either the 4 or the 5 spot—to have playmaking at that level.”

Kerr went on to say that he thinks the Warriors using Green as a facilitator has influenced other teams in the League—including the Miami Heat who use Bam Adebayo as a playmaker.

Rather than making wholesale changes on the offensive end, Kerr said that the Warriors will focus on defense. Without as many athletic wings and shot-blocking big men, Golden State will need to find new ways to stop opposing offenses.

Special Offer: Click Here To Get 15% Off NBA Store With Code NBASLAM15

The post Steve Kerr Would ‘Resign’ Before Instituting Rockets-Style Offense in Golden State appeared first on SLAM.

The Rockets are considering Atkinson among a long list of candidates, which reportedly includes Ty Lue, John Lucas II and Wes Unseld Jr.

Atkinson, who served as the Director of Player Development for the Rockets during the 2007-08 season, led the Nets to a 28-34 record last season despite numerous injuries to key players. He unexpectedly stepped down as Nets head coach after a 139-120 win over the Spurs in early March.

Last month, former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni announced that he would not return to the team after Houston lost 4-1 in the second round to the Lakers.

The post Report: Rockets Interviewed Kenny Atkinson for Head Coach appeared first on SLAM.

Bird, who will turn 40 this month, missed half of the abbreviated 22-game regular season with a bone bruise in her knee. The SLAM 228 cover subject will suit up for the Storm as they take on the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals tonight.

Making her debut at No. 4 on the list, Liberty rookie Sabrina Ionescu appeared in just 3 games this season before exiting the wubble with a Grade 3 ankle sprain. The former Oregon star and No. 1 pick in the 2020 Draft could be a face of the league for years to come.

Despite not playing since 2018, four-time WNBA champion Maya Moore appeared at No. 5 on the list. Moore, 31, decided to take off a second consecutive season to focus on reform in the American justice system.

Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne ranked No. 8 on the list despite sitting out the season due to health concerns. Delle Donne, who suffers from Lyme disease, was inexplicably denied a medical exemption from the league.

Top-10 Most Popular WNBA Jerseys:

1. Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
2. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
3. Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
4. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
5. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
6. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
7. Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
8. Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
9. Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky
10. Satou Sabally, Dallas Wings

The post Sue Bird Tops WNBA’s Most Popular Jerseys List appeared first on SLAM.

Azzi Fudd is driving home with her family through the endless cornfields of the Midwest in early July. Her body aches after having played six games in three days, but the pain is secondary to the joy of having played her first organized basketball game in four months.

As the coronavirus pandemic spread across America, seasons were prematurely ended, gyms were closed and team practices became a thing of the past. Basketball took a back seat as the country attempted to contain the deadly virus.

Considered the No. 1 prospect in the 2021 class, Azzi (pronounced A-Zee) resolved to make the most of the situation. Her parents—former hoopers themselves—spray painted a three-point line on the road outside of their house. They located safe places for outdoor workouts. They got more training equipment for their home.

“We were like, All right, we have to find the positive out of this, so what do we need to work on?” Fudd says. “Obviously, you can’t work on too many things. You need to find a few things you want to really focus and hone in on.”

She went to work on her game. Every day, she trained her post moves, floaters and three-point shot. Just as importantly, she was able to spend time strengthening her surgically repaired knee.

When SLAM first spoke to the Washington, DC, native for this story back in April of 2019, she had just become the first sophomore to be named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She led St. John’s College (DC) High School to a spot at GEICO Nationals. At the time, Elena Delle Donne told SLAM, “She’s got everyone’s attention, even in the W.”

But life always has a way of throwing obstacles at you. “I feel like it happened four, three years ago,” says the 5-11 guard. “It feels like forever ago.”

After her incredible sophomore season, Azzi was playing in a 3×3 tournament with USA Basketball when her right knee gave out. She tore both her ACL and MCL. Basketball, which had given her so much, had been temporarily taken away.

“I had to delete my Instagram because that’s all I saw when I would go on—everyone else playing,” Fudd says. “And it was me, sitting on the couch, rehabbing, trying to bend my leg when everyone else was getting to do what I wanted to do.”

During her rehab, Azzi was invited to the Mamba Sports Academy to work out with Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and the Mambas last November. “[Kobe] was like, Yo, Azzi got that red dot,” remembers Azzi’s father, Tim Fudd. “Here’s one of the top-two players in the world in my opinion, ever, saying that my daughter has a laser for a shot.”

She worked her way back on to the court in early January—still a step slow, but looking more and more like herself each game. Handle, precise. Defense, stifling. Jumper, red dot.

Just as Fudd began to catch a rhythm, the season was cut short by COVID-19. To make matters worse, two people close to Azzi—a childhood friend and grandfather-like figure from her rec center—passed away earlier this year.

Through all the pain and uncertainty, basketball has provided direction and hope. Even with the world flipped upside down, the game stays rooted.

While on the nine-hour drive home from her first tournament in months, Fudd reflects on some important lessons learned.

“Since I tore my ACL until now, it has taught me to really cherish the moment and the things and the people in my life where I am,” she says. “Don’t stay in the past and don’t be too focused on the future. Be present in the moment and value what you have.

“This year kind of hit me differently on the mental side of things. It’s made me—not just basketball—it’s made me look at life from a different perspective.”

With so much out of her control, Azzi has come to cherish the moment that she has now. As basketball slowly, cautiously returns, she’ll be locked in and laser-focused every time she steps on the court.

Red-dot sniper mode activated.

—

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM 228

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Portraits by Stephen Gosling (St. John’s jersey) and Johnnie Izquierdo (GTS Fusion jersey)

The post MOMENT TO MOMENT: Azzi Fudd Is Making The Most of Senior Season appeared first on SLAM.

Potential trades discussed within the Knicks organization have involved Julius Randle and Kevin Knox, per Macri.

Paul, 35, has two years and $85.6 million left on his contract, which was negotiated by Paul’s former agent and current Knicks president Leon Rose. Paul had a resurgent season in OKC, leading a young Thunder team to the playoffs.

The Knicks believe Paul could have a positive effect on their core group of young players, while helping build a winning culture in New York, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

The Knicks, however, are reportedly not the only organization interested in Paul. Should CP3 decide that he wants to play for a championship contender next season, New York could be out of the running.

The post Report: Knicks Preparing Trade Offer for Chris Paul appeared first on SLAM.

Commonly referred to as the “George Floyd bill,” the legislation aims to combat police misconduct, excessive force and racial bias. The bill has a low probability of being enacted into federal law, so Brown is calling on the city of Boston to adopt the bill locally.

“One thing I would like to see in Boston is the ‘George Floyd bill’ enacted,” Brown said on Sunday. “Having conversations about police, qualified immunity, and things like that, some things just need to be held accountable.

“Hopefully Boston can be a place where a tone is set, and it can be transpired in other places and other cities that need it most.”

In addition to Brown, other NBA players including Nuggets guard Monte Morris and Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have been vocal advocates for the passing of the George Floyd bill.

For more details on the George Floyd bill, check out Congress’ website.

The post Jaylen Brown Calls for Enactment of George Floyd Bill appeared first on SLAM.

Livingston, 35, will be joining the front office staff as “director of players affairs and engagement,” and is reportedly being groomed as a future general manager, per Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.

Barbosa, who was a member of the Warriors’ 2015 championship squad, will be joining Steve Kerr‘s coaching staff as a “player mentor coach.”

In a post on Instagram, Barbosa wrote, “It is a great joy to announce my return to the Golden State Warriors as a PLAYER MENTOR COACH. I have no doubts I will feel right at home, after all, it was always like that as a player and it has been that way ever since.”

The post Warriors Hire Shaun Livingston, Leandro Barbosa appeared first on SLAM.

The Clippers have been unable to close out the series, blowing second-half leads of 15- and 19-points in Games 5 and 6, respectively. Now, L.A. faces elimination with another loss on Tuesday. George says the team remains confident.

“This group is staying together. We still in the driver’s seat,” George said. “It’s not a panic mode. We got a Game 7. I like our odds with our group. We put ourselves in this position, and it’s on us to get ourselves out of it.”

George, who scored a series-high 33 points in Game 6, said his team gives a lot of credit to the Nuggets, who have battled back from a 1-3 series deficit. But he simply believes the Clippers have the upper hand.

“We have the utmost respect for them as opponents, but I like our chances,” George said. “I like our odds. I like what we have. Again, it’s on us to finish this out.”

The post Paul George: Clippers ‘Still In The Driver’s Seat’ vs Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

During a three-hour during lunch on Friday, Antetokounmpo and Bucks co-owner and governor Marc Lasry discussed the team’s disappointing end to the season, potential roster upgrades and agreed to meet again after Giannis’ vacation, per Woj.

The Bucks are expected to offer Antetokounmpo a super-max extension worth between $220 million and $250 million over five years. Antetokounmpo can either sign the extension or become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.

In the past, Milwaukee has demonstrated an unwillingness to spend into the luxury tax. Last offseason, the Bucks decided against re-signing restricted free agent Malcolm Brogdon—instead executing a sign-and-trade with the Pacers for a future first-round pick and two second-round picks.

The post Report: Bucks Willing To Spend To Improve Roster Around Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared first on SLAM.

The review could be a mere formality, as high-ranking Rockets sources recently revealed that Fertitta “fully intends to keep Morey,” per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

In October, Fertitta criticized Morey for tweeting in support of the protests in Hong Kong, saying that the Rockets “are not a political organization.”

With head coach Mike D’Antoni recently stepping down, the Rockets are expected to make “some form of overhaul” during the offseason, per Haynes.

Morey signed a five-year extension with the Rockets in 2019. Since he took the general manager job in 2007, the Rockets have not had a losing record and advanced to the playoffs 10 times.

The post Report: Daryl Morey Will Be ‘Under Review’ by Rockets Owner appeared first on SLAM.

“We all think that we’re the better team,” Butler said to the media on Saturday. “We all think that we’re supposed to be here.”

Butler’s Heat are coming off a dominant second-round series victory against the Bucks. Miami needed just five games to eliminate Milwaukee, the best regular-season team this year.

Bulter said the Heat are confident that they can win any series, regardless of who their opponent may be.

“I think that we’re a really good team. We play together. Everybody knows their role,” Butler said. “We just compete. We’re just competitors. So we’re not embracing ‘underdogs.’ I think we’re supposed to be here.”

The Heat will face off against the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday.

The post ‘We’re Not Underdogs’: Jimmy Butler Says Heat Remain Confident vs Celtics appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on “The Posecast” with James Posey and Jamieson Welsh, Allen spoke about how Booker and Beal aren’t just great shooters, but also versatile great scorers—similar to himself during his playing days.

Booker, 23, led Phoenix to an electric 8-0 run in the Bubble and finished the season averaging 26.6 points. If the Suns continue to build around its young core, Allen said, Booker should have an opportunity to win in Phoenix.

“I love what Devin Booker did in the Bubble, but I always knew that he was that type of player,” Allen said.

Beal finished second in the League with a scoring average of 30.5 ppg last season and even dropped 50 points on consecutive nights in February. Allen has long compared Beal’s game to his own, adding that at age 27, Beal hasn’t even reached his prime yet.

“He’ll be somewhere on somebody’s team—if it’s not in Washington—he’ll be helping a team win a Championship within the next 10 years.” Allen proclaimed.

The post Ray Allen Praises Devin Booker, Bradley Beal appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Durant said that the Hornets’ Devonte’ Graham, Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Mavs’ Kristaps Porzingis “are going to be some forces going forward.”

Durant admitted that he initially thought that Graham wouldn’t make it in the NBA. But Graham made a huge jump this past season, emerging as Charlotte’s full-time starting point guard. “Just to see his ascent from where he came from,” Durant said. “I didn’t think he could be in the League, to be honest.”

In this third season with the Bulls, LaVine finished 11th in the League in scoring and narrowly missed an All-Star berth. “I think he has superstar potential,” KD said of the 25-year-old.

Durant added that Porzingis also has superstar makeup because of his mobility and ability to shoot the ball with a 7-3 frame. He disputed the claim that Porzingis is soft: “He plays with some toughness and he wants to play a little bit stronger and harder,” Durant said.

The post Kevin Durant Impressed by Graham, LaVine, Porzingis appeared first on SLAM.

Previously a candidate for several front-office positions, Billups is now focused on transitioning from the broadcast booth into coaching in the NBA.

Per Woj, the Pacers are considering Billups among a long list of potential candidates, which includes:

• Dave Joerger
• Becky Hammon (Spurs)
• Will Hardy (Spurs)
• Dan Craig (Heat)
• Chris Quinn (Heat)
• Jamahl Mosley (Mavs)
• Stephen Silas (Mavs)
• Darvin Ham (Bucks)
• Charles Lee (Bucks)
• Pat Delany (Magic)
• David Vanterpool (Wolves)
• Ime Udoka (Sixers)
• Jacque Vaughn (Nets)
• Nate Tibbetts (Blazers)

If Billups lands the Pacers’ head coaching position, he would join Steve Nash as another coach was hired this offseason without having pro coaching experience.

The Pacers recently fired coach Nate McMillian after signing him to a contract extension less than a month earlier.

The post Report: Chauncey Billups Candidate For Pacers Coaching Job appeared first on SLAM.

“We kept going to [Nikola Jokic] and [Jamal Murray]. I think they’re two amazing players, so you can never get mad at that,” Porter Jr said. “But I just think to beat that team, we got to get more players involved. We got to move the ball a little bit better. We can’t be predictable against that team.”

The 22-year-old rookie scored 15 points on 5-6 shooting in the first half of Game 4, but went only 0-2 in the second half.

When asked about his scoreless second half, Porter Jr said the coaching staff didn’t run any plays for him. “I didn’t touch the ball,” he said. “[The Clippers] didn’t do anything differently (defending me).”

The Nuggets face elimination in Game 5 on Friday.

The post Michael Porter Jr: Nuggets Must ‘Get More Players Involved’ To Beat Clippers appeared first on SLAM.

With franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo hitting unrestricted free agency after next season, the Bucks are facing pressure to improve their roster after a disappointing second-round playoff exit.

According to Charania, rival executives expect the Bucks to prioritize acquiring a playmaker and three-point shooters.

Bledsoe was named to an All-Defensive Team for the second straight season but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs, averaging just 11.7 points on 38.8 percent shooting.

The 30-year-old just completed the first year of a four-year, $70 million deal with only $3.9 million guaranteed in the final year.

The post Report: Eric Bledsoe Expected To Become Potential Trade Candidate appeared first on SLAM.

“Well, I did skip the line, frankly,” Nash said. “But at the same time, I think leading an NBA team for almost two decades is pretty unique.”

Nash acknowledged that he hasn’t “grinded it out as an assistant coach like many people’s path,” but he pointed out that coaches such as Doc Rivers and Steve Kerr achieved great success without prior coaching experience.

The Hall of Famer added that he would look to build an experienced coaching staff to help him with the technical aspects of coaching in the NBA (starting at 14:49):

“Well, I did skip the line, frankly. But at the same time, I think leading an NBA team for almost two decades is pretty unique. So while I haven’t necessarily learned some of the skills that I’ll definitely seek to understand and learn as far as the technical aspects of coaching, I was never far from that.

“So to lead a team in such a unique position, to be the head of the team on the floor, to think on the fly, to manage personalities and people and skillsets and bring people together, collaborating with the coach and the coaching staff for almost two decades, it’s not like I was in a vacuum. I learned a tremendous amount during my career.“

The post Steve Nash on Nets Coaching Job: ‘I Did Skip The Line, Frankly’ appeared first on SLAM.

The fact that Alex Caruso will be more heavily relied upon could be a blessing in disguise for L.A. That’s because the 26-year-old combo guard simply has a knack for making plays when he’s on the court.

On the defensive end, the 6-5 guard puts constant pressure on the ball as he hunts for steals and deflections. Offensively, Caruso can initiate the pick and roll, has a knack for making the right pass and finishes well at the rim.

We caught up with Caruso after the Lakers’ 116-108 win over the Jazz last week, and chopped it up about the NBA restart, playing without fans, life in the bubble and his new partnership with smALL-STARS.

SLAM: The Lakers were just beginning to gear up for the playoffs when things got shut down. How difficult is it to pick up where you left off?

Alex Caruso: The restart’s been a lot of things. It’s been difficult, obviously, because of the kind of shape and the kind of form that we were in right before the break. We were getting ready to turn a corner, get ready for the playoffs and ramp it up a little bit. And then you completely shut it down, and you got to pick back up three-and-a-half months later.

It’s as much of a physical challenge as it is a mental challenge to lock back in and come back from the hiatus and be ready to go. That, for me, has probably been the biggest thing. Without the fans and the atmosphere, it’s getting yourself to a point where you’re playing how you would in a crucial game where you got some of that adrenaline and focus.

SLAM: What’s it like playing games without fans? What’s the vibe?

AC: It’s interesting, man. I said this after the Clippers game that we won a couple days ago—when the buzzer went off, it was almost a little anticlimactic. You’re used to either celebrating against all these away fans that were cheering and yelling the whole game or the jubilation of the roars of the home fans. Not having either one, it was a little weird. We didn’t really know what to do. It was one of those Ricky Bobby, put-his-hands-up-in-the-interview kind of moments where we were like, Alright, let’s go team! I think not having that atmosphere, it’s different.

SLAM: Do the virtual fans make a difference?

AC: I’m not going to lie, I don’t notice those very much. I think that’s more for the fans and more for the TV look—make it not look quite as empty as two teams and a scorers table. It’s a fun thing, but I haven’t noticed it when I’ve been playing.

SLAM: Back to the hiatus, was it difficult to stay focused during that time off?

AC: You know, there was a portion of the time probably about three weeks in—once I realized it was going to be a couple months—that I mentally took a break. Almost treated it like an offseason. And then, about a month, month and a half away from when we needed to be ready, I refocused and locked back in. I think that was easiest for me. I don’t know if everybody’s done it the same way or thought about doing it like that, but for me, it was good to get away, to reset mentally. And then, once it was time to lock back in, I was ready to go.

SLAM: Did you ever think the season could get cancelled?

AC: After they suspended the season, I didn’t put anything out the window. I kept all options on the table, and was thinking that it would be a real shame if we didn’t get a chance to finish the season, especially as hard as we worked as a team and how much success we had through the season. We wanted to play it out.

SLAM: Now that you’re in the bubble, has it been different than what you expected?

AC: You know, I’m not sure I had too lofty expectations. I came in with a clear mind, thinking I was going to make the best of whatever it was. I think it’s been better than what I expected, being able to play some golf, play a little Xbox, and communicate with my friends back home, and then hang out with the team. It’s been a little easier—and I say this, obviously, only being a couple weeks in. We’ll see how I feel in a month and a half when it’s the middle of September. But it hasn’t been as bad as I originally thought.

SLAM: So you’ve been golfing a lot?

AC: Yeah, I have. Once games started, I dialed it back a little to get a little more recovery. But when we had those couple weeks of practices, I was on the golf course a lot.

SLAM: Did you play golf before this, or did you pick it up recently?

AC: I had friends that played in high school. My dad played a little bit when I was younger. I was always out there, either hanging out with [my friends] or trying to play with my pops. But this is the first time that I’ve been able to consistently play since maybe last summer. It’s been fun. I love playing golf. It’s a good escape. It’s a good way to spend a couple hours of your day instead of maybe staring at your phone.

SLAM: Which one of your teammates plays the most golf?

AC: I’ve played probably 8-9 rounds of golf since I’ve been here, and just about all of them have been with JR [Smith]. And he’s probably played twice as much as I have. He loves golf. Me and him were talking about it the other day, talking about different guys and swings and how fun the game is. He’s a big golf fan.

SLAM: Does it get competitive between you and JR out there?

AC: Nah, we never play against each other. One, because he would beat me. Two, because it’s for the fun of the game. It’s our escape from the competition of basketball.

SLAM: What have you been playing on Xbox recently?

AC: A lot of Call of Duty recently. Maybe a little Warzone, a little Search and Destroy. Those are usually my two go-tos.

SLAM: Which teammate plays the most Call of Duty?

AC: JaVale [McGee] is probably the biggest Call of Duty fan. He has the room adjacent to mine, and sometimes I can hear him—either he’s killing somebody or somebody’s killing him because there’s some yelling going on [laughs].

SLAM: As a team with title aspirations, how do you stay locked in when so much is going on in the world?

AC: That’s part of the bubble restart challenge. It’s being mentally focused every time you step out on the court. And like I said earlier, with no fans, it makes it even a little harder to lock in and get to that level you’re so used to getting to with the adrenaline and the atmosphere that the fans bring. I think leaning on each other and reminding ourselves of what we started the year off trying to chase and our aspirations. We’re right in the [position that] we need to be.

SLAM: Tell me about your Quarantine Taco Tuesday digital short with smALL-STARS.

AC: It’s a fun little short video promoting the beginning of the smALL-STARS campaign with AD and Bron by my side. It’s launching their collectible items for the smALL-STARS campaign, and it’s a fun little humorous video of me and my teammates. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for you to see it.

SLAM: Were you surprised at how realistic the figures were?

AC: Yeah, I was. And also, I was surprised how large they are. They’re 12 inches tall. They’re the biggest NBA collectibles I’ve ever seen. I thought, initially, when they told me about these smALL-STARS, that I was going to get one and it would be about the size of a bobblehead or action figure. But it’s a small dog collectible [laughs].

SLAM: Do you think there could ever be a smALL-STARS figure of Alex Caruso in the future?

AC: We hope so. I’m crossing my fingers maybe we can get something done. If I do well enough in these videos, maybe my acting will carry me to get in to smALL-STAR.

SLAM: Do you have any acting experience? You were pretty good.

AC: [Laughs] No, man. I try to do my best and give it my all. I think the last acting gig I had, I was in a play in like 8th grade or 7th grade drama.

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos via Getty.

The post Alex Caruso Dishes on Life in the NBA Bubble appeared first on SLAM.

Some players have cited health concerns surrounding the COVID-19. Others say they will use the time to fight police brutality and racial injustice in the United States.

Below is a complete list of players who have opted out of the 2020 WNBA season.

WNBA Players Opting Out of 2020 Season

Rebecca Allen, Liberty (story)

Jessica Breland, Mercury (story)

Liz Cambage, Aces (story)

Natasha Cloud, Mystics (story)

Asia Durr, Liberty (story)

Tiffany Hayes, Dream (story)

Jonquel Jones, Sun (story)

Renee Montgomery, Dream (story)

Chiney Ogwumike, Sparks (story)

LaToya Sanders, Mystics (story)

Kristi Tolliver, Sparks (story)

Cecilia Zandalasini, Lynx (story)

The post List of WNBA Players To Opt Out of 2020 Season appeared first on SLAM.

Check out Brown’s top plays from his senior season at Vandegrift (TX) in the video above.

The post Five-Star Forward Greg Brown Is Next Up at Texas 🤘 appeared first on SLAM.

In April, Johnson announced that he’ll be attending Oak Hill Academy next season in Virginia.

The post Dior Johnson’s Top-50 Plays at Mayfair HS appeared first on SLAM.

And let’s not forget rising sophomore Jaelen House, who won four straight high school state championships while at Shadow Mountain. How far do you think the Devils will make it in the NCAA Tournament next year?

The post Josh Christopher & Arizona State: Most Entertaining Team in College Hoops? 🔱 appeared first on SLAM.

Hayes, 30, averaged a team-high 14.7 points last season. She’ll use the time away from the game to fight police brutality and racial injustice.

“Although I love playing this game, I believe there are much more important things to be thinking about in this moment,” Hayes said. “Many will not agree with my decision but I know in my heart it’s the right one.”

Hayes joins a growing list of WNBA players who will sit out the 2020 campaign. Hayes’ teammate, guard Renee Montgomery, also announced she would forgo playing in the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice initiatives.

On June 15, the WNBA announced plans for a 22-game regular season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

RELATED: Mystics’ Natasha Cloud, LaToya Sanders To Sit Out 2020 WNBA Season

The post Dream’s Tiffany Hayes To Sit Out 2020 WNBA Season appeared first on SLAM.

Kidd joins a lengthy list of candidates for the job, with Tom Thibodeau reportedly the current front runner.

Kidd has some familiarity with New York. He finished his playing career with the Knicks and quickly was hired to coach the Nets following his retirement.

The post Knicks To Interview Jason Kidd For Head Coaching Job appeared first on SLAM.

Cousins, 29, will continue rehabbing his ACL injury and prepare for a return next season. According to Charania, multiple teams had expressed interest in Cousins prior to his decision to sit out the rest of the season.

Cousins tore his left ACL in August during a workout in Las Vegas. In February, the Lakers waived Cousins in order to sign Markieff Morris.

RELATED: John Wall Pushes For Wizards To Sign DeMarcus Cousins

The post DeMarcus Cousins To Sit Out 2019-20 NBA Restart appeared first on SLAM.

Both Cloud and Sanders played key roles in leading the Mystics to their first WNBA championship last season. Cloud averaged 13.1 points and a team-high 6.1 dimes during Washington’s postseason run.

Cloud, 28, said she would use the time to fight police brutality and racial injustice.

“I have a responsibility to myself, to my community and to my future children to fight for something that is much bigger than myself and the game of basketball,” Cloud said. “I will instead continue the fight for social reform, because until Black lives matter, all lives can’t matter.”

Playing a key role off the bench for the Mystics, Sanders averaged 6.3 points and 3.4 boards in the playoffs last season. The 33-year-old said she believes the decision “is what’s best for my health and family.”

Cloud and Sanders join a growing list of WNBA players who will sit out the 2020 campaign.

On June 15, the WNBA announced plans for a 22-game regular season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

RELATED: WNBA All-Star Jonquel Jones To Sit Out 2020 Season

The post Mystics’ Natasha Cloud, LaToya Sanders To Sit Out 2020 WNBA Season appeared first on SLAM.

Jones, 26, led the Sun to Game 5 of the WNBA Finals last season. She averaged team-highs in points (17.9), boards (10.4) and blocks (1.5) during Connecticut’s playoff run.

Citing health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus as one of the reasons for her decision, Jones said she would use the time to focus on “personal, social and familial growth.”

“This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made but the resurgence and unknown aspects of COVID-19 have raised serious health concerns that I do not feel comfortable competing in,” Jones said.

In a tweet, Jones wrote, “Tough times, even tougher decisions. Huge thanks to the Sun organization for always having my back. See you next year Sun fans.”

On June 15, the WNBA announced plans for a 22-game regular season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

The post WNBA All-Star Jonquel Jones To Sit Out 2020 Season appeared first on SLAM.

While we await his decision, enjoy Kuminga’s top highlights at the Patrick (NJ) School during the 2019-20 season.

The post Jonathan Kuminga: Kentucky, Duke, Auburn, Texas Tech or G League? appeared first on SLAM.

The Atlanta-based family reminisced on their journey together—which has led to Te’a being drafted into the WNBA, Sharife ready to star at Auburn, Omar Jr up next at the prep level, and Omar Sr making ambitious moves in business.

The family spoke about the lessons that Omar Sr tried to instill in them growing up and how that has helped them achieve success today. It wasn’t always easy growing up in the Cooper household, but that was part of Omar Sr’s plan.

The post Sharife, Te’a & Omar Jr: Father’s Day With The Coopers appeared first on SLAM.

As you might expect, the list features plenty of Jalen Green and Mikey Williams, alongside hoopers like Terrence Clarke, Greg Brown, BJ Boston, Bronny James and more!

The post Best Dunks of the 2019-20 High School Season! 🔥 appeared first on SLAM.

The matchup would have been a Who’s Who of top prep talent, including Jalen Green, BJ Boston, Ziaire Williams, Amari Bailey and Nimari Burnett.

The post Sierra Canyon vs Prolific Prep: Who Would Have Won? appeared first on SLAM.

The handbook, obtained by the New York Times, prohibits a long list of activities, including: playing doubles in table tennis, using caddies on the golf course and sharing snorkels.

An anonymous tip hotline will be set up to report violations. Breaking protocol can result in a warning, fine, suspension or even dismissal from campus.

Here are some of the highlights (via the NY Times):

• No postgame showers until players are back at hotel room
• Players who leave campus without permission will be quarantined for at least 10 days upon re-entry.
• Players prohibited from spending time together in hotel rooms
• No sharing towels, clothing or deodorant
• Players urged to stop fiddling with mouth guards
• Players urged to reduce high-fives, fist bumps and hugs
• Players must throw away decks of cards after game ends
• No caddies on the golf course
• No sharing goggles or snorkels
• Teams advancing to the conference semifinals can reserve up to 17 additional hotel rooms for invited guests, who must quarantine before and after arrival.

RELATED: Kyrie Irving Plays Key Role in Conference Call Featuring 80+ NBA Players

The post NBA Issues 113-Page Handbook To Teams For Season Restart appeared first on SLAM.

Earlier this month, Griggs announced his transfer from Hightower (TX) to San Ysidro (CA). Are Williams and Griggs the best backcourt duo in Southern California?

The post Mikey Williams & Bryce Griggs: Best Backcourt in Southern California? appeared first on SLAM.

In front of a packed crowd—that included LeBron James—top recruits Emoni Bates and Bronny James went head-to-head. Bates dropped 43 points with 11 boards, while Bronny scored 12 points and drained 3 threes, per Steve Helwagen.

Bronny’s Strive For Greatness squad would go on to win in a rout, 93-73.

The game was a Who’s Who of rising stars, including Dior Johnson, Jahzare Jackson and Devontes Cobbs.

The post Bronny James vs Emoni Bates: Future Superstars Battle at EYBL 😈 appeared first on SLAM.

After losing Kelsey Plum for the 2020 season, Vegas is bringing in Bentley, 29, to help fill the void. An All-Star in 2015, Bentley averaged 9.0 points and 3.0 dimes off the bench for the Atlanta Dream last season.

In a tweet, Bentley wrote, “I give GOD all the glory for blessing me with this opportunity. Huge thank you to @LVAces”

The post Las Vegas Aces Sign Alex Bentley ♠️ appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on a recent episode of “The Tuff Juice Podcast” with Caron Butler, Wall said that he understands the motives for finishing the season, but admitted that he wouldn’t want to play in the NBA bubble.

“For me, if I was playing, I wouldn’t want to go to it, to be honest,” Wall said. “I just don’t feel like it’s safe. I just don’t feel like it is. I understand why they want to do it and what they’re trying to get to, but I wouldn’t want to.”

Wall, who’s rehabbing a ruptured Achilles, added that he wouldn’t go to Disney even if he was fully healthy.

“If I was healthy enough to play, I wouldn’t want to go play,” he said. “What am I going, just to play eight games? I’m not going for just eight games and then coming back home.”

RELATED: Damian Lillard on NBA Return: ‘A Risk That I’m Willing To Take’

The post John Wall on NBA Return: ‘I Just Don’t Feel Like It’s Safe’ appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on SportsCenter on Monday, Lillard pointed to the financial and social impact that players can have if they return to play.

“I don’t feel 100 percent comfortable, but it’s a risk that I’m willing to take,” Lillard said. “This is what we do. This is our job. This is how we take care of our families. It’s my way of providing for communities, impacting my communities.”

Lillard added that he also understands the players are questioning whether the League should return amid the protests for racial justice.

“I can only speak for myself—but I think it goes for other guys as well—we are the financial support for our families and for a lot of our community,” Lillard said. “But I think a lot of guys in the league have a point. I think Kyrie and Dwight have a point. So I understand it all.”

RELATED: Kyrie Irving Plays Key Role in Conference Call Featuring 80+ NBA Players

The post Damian Lillard on NBA Return: ‘A Risk That I’m Willing To Take’ appeared first on SLAM.

Peep the video the video above and let us know in the comments: Who plays more like Dad?

The post Bryce James Vs Kiyan Anthony: Like Father, Like Son appeared first on SLAM.

The league is finalizing a deal to make IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, the official home for training camp, games and housing during the 2020 WNBA season.

Under the current plan, teams will report to IMG Academy in early July, with regular-season action tipping off in late July. Games will be played without fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, the WNBA proposed a 22-game regular season that would tip off on July 24. An official schedule will be announced at a later date.

The WNBA is also planning to support players in launching “a bold social justice platform” to drive meaningful change.

Says WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike: “We have always been at the forefront of initiatives with strong support of #BlackLivesMatter, #SayHerName, the LGBTQ+ community, gun control, voting rights, #MeToo, mental health and the list goes on.  This is not only necessary from a humanitarian perspective, but it may be one of the biggest opportunities that this league has and will ever have.”

RELATED: WNBA Proposes Shortened Season, Beginning In July

The post WNBA Announces Plan To Begin 2020 Season appeared first on SLAM.

“I don’t support going into Orlando,” said Irving, per The Athletics‘ Shams Charania. “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. … Something smells a little fishy. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are targeted as black men every day we wake up.”

The call, which reportedly lasted 90-100 minutes, focused on “combating systemic racism, investing in black communities and sticking together through this process,” reports Yahoo’s Chris Haynes. Several players suggested that they’d be willing to sit out the remainder of the season, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While Irving made it known he was against resuming the NBA season, he said he would travel to Orlando if the players agreed it was the right decision.

“If it’s worth the risk, then let’s go and do it,” said Irving, per Haynes. “But if you’re not with it, it’s OK, too. We’ve got options for both ways. Let’s just come to a middle ground as a family.”

According to Haynes, WNBA players on the call vowed to stand united with the NBA counterparts, as they prepare for a season tipoff in July.

NBA players on Friday’s call included:

• Kyrie Irving, Nets
• Kevin Durant, Nets
• Spencer Dinwiddie, Nets
• Garrett Temple, Nets
• Chris Paul, Thunder
• Russell Westbrook, Rockets
• CJ McCollum, Blazers
• Carmelo Anthony, Blazers
• Zach Collins, Blazers
• Joel Embiid, Sixers
• Tobias Harris, Sixers
• Dwight Howard, Lakers
• Avery Bradley, Lakers
• Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
• Mike Conley, Jazz
• Malcolm Brogdon, Pacers
• Myles Turner, Pacers
• Justin Holiday, Pacers
• Al-Farouq Aminu, Magic
• Mo Bamba, Magic
• Kyle Lowry, Raptors
• Lou Williams, Clippers
• Andre Iguodala, Heat
• Rudy Gay, Spurs
• Harrison Barnes, Kings
• Mason Plumlee, Nuggets

WNBA players included:

• Tiffany Hayes, Dream
• Renee Montgomery, Dream
• Kristi Toliver, Sparks
• Natasha Cloud, Mystics

RELATED: NBA Players Planning To Take Stand Against 2019-20 Season Restart

The post Kyrie Irving Plays Key Role in Conference Call Featuring 80+ NBA Players appeared first on SLAM.

The Nets’ Kyrie Irving has reportedly been a “driving force” in organizing the call, per Beck.

Some players reportedly believe that an isolated return to play amid social unrest is “bad optics for a league comprised predominantly of black men,” according to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes.

Other players have cited additional concerns, including “family situations, the inability to leave the Disney World Resort campus, [and] the coronavirus pandemic,” reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

In response, “several high profile players” have cautioned of the negative financial impact of not playing in the Orlando bubble, reports Yahoo’s Vincent Goodwill. In the event of a new CBA negotiation, the NBPA would have little leverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, who is the Vice President of the NBPA, noted that a number of players have reached out to him with concerns about the NBA restart.

Brogdon told JJ Redick on a recent podcast that some NBA players are “super interested” in sitting out the rest of the season.

“I’ve talked to a few guys that are super interested in sitting out possibly. At the end of the day, I was actually talking to Chris Paul the other day and he said, ‘Man, this is an individual decision that every man has to make for himself.’ I think that’s exactly what it is. I think it depends on your perspective.”

Some players reportedly felt that their voices were not heard at a recent NBPA vote to approve the Board of Governors’ proposal to resume the season. They believe the best chance to have their voices heard is by organizing a unified opposition, per Rooks.

RELATED: NBA, Union Both Approve Return Plan

The post Report: NBA Players Planning To Take Stand Against 2019-20 Season Restart appeared first on SLAM.

Lamenting Trump’s lack of leadership during a moment of national crisis, Popovich called the president a “deranged idiot,” a “fool” and “destroyer.”

“If Trump had a brain, even if it was 99 percent cynical, he would come out and say something to unify people,” Popovich told The Nation on Monday. “But he doesn’t care about bringing people together. Even now. That’s how deranged he is.”

Popovich joins a long list of sports figures who have spoken out recently about the systematic racism that plagues the United States. Popovich did not mince words when it came to Trump’s mentality.

“It’s so clear what needs to be done,” Popovich added. “We need a president to come out and say simply that ‘Black Lives Matter.’ Just say those three words. But he won’t and he can’t. He can’t because it’s more important to him to mollify the small group of followers who validate his insanity.”

Fired police offer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday. Three other officers were also fired but have not been charged.

RELATED: ‘We Have Had Enough’: Michael Jordan Comments on George Floyd’s Death

The post Gregg Popovich Calls Donald Trump ‘Deranged Idiot’ Following George Floyd’s Death appeared first on SLAM.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan said in a statement on Sunday. “I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”

Jordan’s statement comes amid nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis last week.

“We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality,” Jordan wrote. “We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability.”

The police offer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday. Three other officers were also fired but have not been charged.

RELATED: THE FINAL CHAPTER: Michael Jordan’s Stint with the Wizards

The post ‘We Have Had Enough’: Michael Jordan Comments on George Floyd’s Death appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on SHOWTIME’s “All That Smoke” podcast, Richard Hamilton recalled the time when second-year guard Laron Profit effectively trash talked his way off the Wizards during a pickup game.

Jordan, who served as the Wizards’ president of basketball operations during the 2000-01 season, sent Profit to the Magic before announcing his NBA comeback.

“We used to talk trash to MJ all the time, but it was only certain things that I would say. And [Profit] would sometimes say a little bit of extra stuff that… I wouldn’t go there.

“I remember one time, we were playing in practice, and Prof might’ve hit a shot on MJ, and he was running down court. ‘Yeah, you can’t guard me with them old-ass knees.'” […]

“MJ was heated. He was heated to the point that when I went to my exit meeting, [Jordan] was like, ‘Your man, he outta here.'”

RELATED: THE FINAL CHAPTER: Michael Jordan’s Stint with the Wizards

The post Rip Hamilton: Michael Jordan Traded Wizards Player After He Talked Trash appeared first on SLAM.

In a story by ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Beal said it was an “unbelievable feeling” to know that the Nets have had internal discussions about trading for him.

“To me, I look at it as a sign of respect, that I’ve been doing good things and guys want to play with me.

“That’s an unbelievable feeling. When you hear that Kyrie and KD want you, s—, that’s amazing. At the same time, you don’t know how much there is to it, or how easy it would be to do.”

Beal, who recently stated that he wants to retire a Wizard, said he wants to see what he and a healthy John Wall can do together.

Before the hiatus, Beal got a chance to observe Wall at practice. “I was thinking, ‘Wow! He’s back. We’ve missed that,'” Beal told ESPN.

RELATED: Report: Nets Have Discussed Pursuing Bradley Beal

The post ‘An Unbelievable Feeling’: Bradley Beal Flattered by Latest Trade Rumors appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on ESPN’s “Jalen & Jacoby” show, Dame cited the Lakers’ Western Conference-leading record and LeBron’s impressive stats as reasons why he’s picking The King.

LeBron reportedly vowed to “reclaim” his throne from Antetokounmpo this season.

“If you said either one, I feel like nobody would have a problem with it. But me personally, this season, I think it’s LeBron.

“They’re the No. 1 team in the West. They’ve been consistent all year long. For him to be at the age he’s at, with the amount of miles that he has on his body, how often he’s talked about, the pressure that they put on him in every little thing that he does, and the level that he’s performing at—I feel like he’s the MVP.”

RELATED: Damian Lillard Would Sit If No. 9 Seed Blazers Don’t Have Shot At Playoffs

The post Damian Lillard Says LeBron James Should Be 2019-20 NBA MVP appeared first on SLAM.

The 31-year-old forward had his career derailed by injuries shortly after signing a four-year, $42 million deal with the Pistons in 2016.

In an Instagram post, Leuer wrote, “I still want to play, but I know deep down it’s not the right decision for my health anymore.”

The post Jon Leuer Announces Retirement From Basketball appeared first on SLAM.

The Nets reportedly want a third star to pair with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as the team prepares to make a championship run next season. In January, Irving told the media, “It’s glaring that you’re missing a big piece here.”

Beal, 26, is coming off the best statistical season of his career and has three years, $100 million left on his deal with the Wizards.

Beal recently stated that he wants to retire a Wizard, despite the team failing to make the playoffs each of the last two seasons.

In February, Beal became the first player in NBA history to score at least 50 points on consecutive days and have his team lose both games. Washington had a 5-17 record this season in games where Beal scored 40 or more points.

RELATED: Bradley Beal: ‘If I Can Control it, I Will Finish in D.C.’

The post Report: Nets Have Discussed Pursuing Bradley Beal appeared first on SLAM.

The workouts have been with one or two teammates at a time in a closed-off location. Per Charania, participating players have been tested for COVID-19 and have followed social distancing guidelines.

Some Clippers players have also held private workouts while taking the necessary safety precautions, according to Charania.

RELATED: LeBron James Received NFL Contract Offer During 2011 Lockout

The post LeBron James Held Private Workouts With Lakers Teammates appeared first on SLAM.

There may never be another season quite like Michael Jordan’s ’97-98 masterpiece. Set aside the fact that Mike won the MVP trifecta (All-Star, regular season, Finals), led the League in scoring and willed the Bulls to a sixth championship.

No, the true miracle of MJ’s ’97-98 season is that—at age 35—he played 103 total games while averaging over 39 minutes a night. That’s 4,053 minutes for those of you counting. In the 22 seasons that followed, no player age 35 and above has played more minutes in the regular season and playoffs combined. And quite frankly, no player probably ever will again.

As injuries forced key players (Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, Luc Longley) to miss significant portions of the regular season, Jordan’s burden grew astronomically. More than ever before, MJ would rely on his game-day routine to keep his body and mind strong throughout the grueling NBA season.

During an era where teams were scheduled to play four games in five nights, Mike was still able to handle huge minutes without taking a night off. And this was without the aid of the majority of modern recovery modalities, including compression leg massagers, hyperbaric chambers and cryotherapy chambers.

How exactly did he do it? Like many things about the GOAT, Jordan’s durability defies explanation. But that’s discounting the enormous amounts of prep Mike would consistently put in.

We spoke to former teammates, coaches, trainers and media members who were with Mike on a regular basis during the ’97-98 campaign to get an idea of what His Airness would do on a typical game day in Chicago. His innovative yet simple routine was perfectly tailored to help him play at an MVP level every night. Take notes.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Tim Grover would arrive at MJ’s mansion in Highland Park, IL, at least 15 minutes before their scheduled morning workout. Jordan would decide when they would begin—either at 5, 6 or 7 a.m. on a game day.

“Sometimes I would show up, and he’d be halfway done with his workout,” Grover recalls. “I’d be looking at him, like, Did I get the time wrong?” 

Even if the team had arrived in Chicago at 2 or 3 a.m. the night before, Mike would be ready to go when Grover arrived. He had already completed his warm-up routine, which included several ahead-of-their-time techniques, such as using a piece of PVC piping to roll out the bottom of his feet.

Grover and Jordan began to train with weights on game days in 1989, revolutionizing the way many players trained during the season. Designed to maintain strength in areas that get worn out during the course of the season, the workouts were done early to allow enough recovery time before the game.

Forming the Breakfast Club, Pippen and Ron Harper would join MJ at his house for the workout, which would last 45-60 minutes. During the season, they would follow the same routine and lift the same weights for the same amount of repetitions. Workouts on game days weren’t as intense as non-game days or during the offseason. But they were still intense.

“Obviously, there was a lot of trash talking, even during the workouts. That started very early,” Grover says. “It was very competitive about who lifted what and what was going on and those different things. But there were also times of silence, too, where there was nothing to be said.”

After the main portion of the workout was finished, Grover would work with Jordan individually on some injury-prevention exercises. These exercises focused on the overlooked-yet-vital areas such as his wrists, fingers, ankles and toes. Once finished, MJ would either wait for Scottie and Harp to get their individual work in with Grover, or he would go upstairs and watch SportsCenter.

A big breakfast from Michael’s personal chef was next—with just one caveat. “You only got breakfast if you finished the workout. You couldn’t just show up for breakfast,” Grover remembers.

SHOOTAROUND

MJ would make the quick, 10-minute drive from his home to the Berto Center, the Bulls’ training facility, for shootaround, which began at either 10 or 11 a.m. The Bulls almost always held a shootaround on game days during the ’97-98 season, and it lasted precisely one hour. Jordan made sure that every minute counted as the team prepared for their upcoming opponent.

If a Bulls player was caught slipping, he would feel MJ’s considerable wrath. Over the years, Jordan had earned a reputation for chewing out teammates who didn’t live up to his lofty standards. It was MJ’s method of toughening up his teammates and getting them to level up. Some could take it. Others could not. “That’s how he understands who’s weak and who’s not,” says Scott Burrell, Jordan’s former teammate.

While shootarounds weren’t intense like a Bulls practice might have been, MJ had a knack for making every situation competitive. Mike would make sure every player was locked in, knew their role and where they would get their spots. Everything boiled down to shutting down the upcoming opponent and operating the Bulls’ vaunted Triangle Offense. 

“Each shot he took in shootaround was a game-like situation where he talked trash and was laser-focused. Everybody had to be laser-focused,” says Dickey Simpkins, Jordan’s teammate that season. “That was the one thing about MJ’s leadership: You weren’t going to not be focused or not know your role or not know what we’re doing from a game plan situation.”

At the conclusion of shootaround, Michael would meet a massive scrum of media to talk about the game ahead. The intimate setting at the Berto Center provided reporters with great access to the most famous athlete in the world. MJ made sure to always be available to the media at this time, and he truly enjoyed the give and take with reporters.

Intermittent bouts of patellar or quadricep tendonitis hampered Jordan throughout the ’97-98 season, particularly when the team would go through a brutal portion of the schedule. On occasion, MJ might head to the training room for treatment after addressing the media.

“It was never terribly problematic for him, but it would flare here or there,” says Chip Schaefer, who was the Bulls’ head trainer. “Maybe if he had to play four games in five nights or something, he would get treatments for that.”

THE AFTERNOON

During the early afternoon, players would typically relax at home, take a nap and have a pre-game meal before heading to the arena. But Michael Jordan was a rare breed.

“Sometimes, he would even go out and play golf on game days. He’d sneak in a round of golf or nine holes. He was amazing,” says longtime Bulls equipment manager John Ligmanowski. “I’ve never seen anybody like him. A lot of energy. I don’t know how much he slept.”

Playing golf was more of an exception on game days, however, as Chicago often endured brutal winter weather through March. Typically, MJ would take a nap and have a pre-game meal of steak and potatoes before heading to the United Center. In contrast to his energetic demeanor, Jordan would most often listen to soft and calming music by artists like Anita Baker.

He would make sure that he was impeccably dressed for the upcoming game. MJ’s game-day fit always included a spectacular suit, nice tie, designer shoes and handkerchief in his pocket. He was going to work, and he dressed the part.

MJ would drive by himself to the arena in one of his custom sports cars. Earlier in his career, MJ had a driver to take him to the arena. Now in his 13th season with the Bulls, Mike knew all the best routes by heart and insisted on driving himself. “It was his alone time,” says Grover.

While heading down the Kennedy Expressway, Jordan would pass a 32-foot high mural of Dennis Rodman’s face painted on the side of a building. Rodman’s hair on the mural would change as often as his hair dye did, causing massive delays on the drive to the United Center.

“Every time Michael would [tease] Dennis. He’s like, Would you just leave your hair the same color? We’re all sick of stopping,” recalls former Bulls TV color analyst Tom Dore, with a laugh. “Dennis was even mad. He was tired of it.”

PREGAME

Michael would pull up to the arena at least two hours before tipoff. But most times, he wouldn’t touch a ball until the Bulls went out for layup lines 20 minutes before the game. “He had this line that he always said: ‘I’ve practiced so hard to make the game easy,’” Grover recalls.

And Jordan certainly made it look effortless. After parking his car in the loading dock, Mike would walk with his security detail to the Bulls locker room.

“He had such a smooth walk that he could have worn shorts with suspenders, he was still going to look smooth because his walk was so smooth and his game was so nice,” says Burrell. “He had the whole package. He had the wardrobe, he had the walk and the game, and just the demeanor that, I’m going to kick someone’s ass tonight.”

With his suit and tie still on, Mike would post up in the training room or adjoining doctor’s area. That was his oasis amid the chaos surrounding the game. He would relax, talk with his teammates and security guards, occasionally get treatment, take care of his tickets and, generally, just take his time. 

If Michael felt like he needed some extra work, he would hit the court typically before most players would come out. But that would be an exception. Jordan didn’t do much physical prep during pregame. 

Before many games, Michael would volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was passionate about creating life-changing moments for people with critical illnesses. “He really showed his true grace in those moments,” Schaefer says. “As great as he was an athlete, I think a lot of times, I was most impressed with how he dealt with those situations. He really had a gift for that.” 

Continuing his pre-game routine, MJ would drink a hot coffee before putting on his uniform. He would wear his blue shorts from the University of North Carolina underneath his red-and-white threads. He insisted on being the last person on the team that Schaefer taped. He’d pull a sleeve over his left elbow and left calf.

He wore a new pair of Air Jordan sneakers for each game, and according to Grover, he always laced the shoes himself. Unlike many players who double-up their socks, MJ liked to wear just a single pair during games.

After throwing on his No. 23 jersey and chewing a stick of gum, MJ and his teammates would huddle in the tunnel for their iconic “What time is it? Game time!” chant before hitting the court for layup lines.

Locked in and laser focused on leading the Bulls to victory, MJ would take all of his typical game shots—fadeaways off the block, elbow shots, threes, dribble pull-ups—to warm up. He’d get a good stretch and was ready to put a beating on his opponent.

POSTGAME

There was no better feeling for Michael Jordan than when ice was taped to his knees during the fourth quarter. With the game already decided, MJ would sit at the end of the Bulls’ bench in front of the media and bask in the impending victory.

“He would laugh and think it was so funny that he was blocking our view,” says Bulls beat writer KC Johnson. “I remember writing many times: Him icing his knees while the game was still going on was the modern day version of the Red Auerbach victory cigar.” 

Replacing fluids and icing his knees were MJ’s only recovery modalities on game day, and he would have finished before the final buzzer on many nights.

After the game, Jordan would sign his sneakers and give them away—maybe to a ball boy, a fan or even a player on the other team who had asked for his shoes. Then he would head back to the locker room to shower and change into his suit. Like many Bulls players, Jordan would put on his shoes before his slacks.

“When he would get dressed after the game, the last thing he would put on were his slacks because if you put your slacks on last, you won’t wrinkle your pants by sitting on them,” Ligmanowski remembers of the loose-fitting pants of the day.

After he was dressed to the nines, Jordan would address the media for a final time. If the team wasn’t traveling to another city that night, MJ would occasionally eat at one of his restaurants or another Chicago food establishment before doing the routine once again.

Much like the man himself, Michael Jordan’s game-day routine was straightforward and laser focused. 

—

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS JORDAN HERE

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos via Getty.

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While guesting on a recent episode of “Inside The Green Room,” Jeremy Lin recalls how a straight-faced Kobe told his teammates, “I just came by to say bye to some of you bums who are going to get traded tomorrow.”

Ironically, the Lakers didn’t make any trades before the deadline. (Starting at 19:42):

“He walks in, and everyone’s like, Ohhh. Carlos Boozer’s like, ‘Kobe, good to see you bro. We haven’t seen you in a bit. How come you came today?’

“He was just stone-faced. He was like, ‘I just came by to say bye to some of you bums who are going to get traded tomorrow.'” […]

“I remember one of my teammates was just like, ‘I lost all motivation to practice.’ It was funny because we couldn’t tell if he was serious. We couldn’t tell if he was joking.

“If I were to guess, he was probably more on the end of serious. But I don’t think he was all the way serious either because after that, people that talked to him caught up with him. So it wasn’t like hostile. But it was so him.”

RELATED: Pau Gasol Got ‘Really Emotional’ Rewatching Kobe Bryant Clinch 2010 Title

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“I called my fam, my mom, I’m like, Yo, I think I want to go to Phoenix.” Tatum said on a recent episode of SHOWTIME’s All That Smoke. “Earl Watson, he’s like, ‘You come to Phoenix, you and D-Book, two light-skinned killers, I’ma let y’all rock out.’

“I’m sitting in the car, like, This sound good. I think I want to come here,” Tatum said.

Tatum was concerned that he wouldn’t get playing time with the Celtics, who had just finished with the best record in the East and had advanced to the conference finals.

It wasn’t until Tatum received a call from Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski that he seriously considered working out for the Celtics, who were going to trade for the No. 3 pick.

“[Coach K] is like, ‘Jayson, the Celtics called, they want you to come work out. I think Brad Stevens is a great coach. It’s a great place to be. You’ll learn a lot,'” Tatum recalled. “So I’m like, Ugh, alright.”

Although Tatum had mixed feelings about the Celtics drafting him, he now acknowledges that it worked out in the end.

“Everything worked out. It was the best decision,” he said.

RELATED: Gregg Popovich: Jayson Tatum ‘Could Be Like Kawhi and Paul George’

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While joining Darryl “Truck” Bryant on Instagram Live, Kyrie said that it’s always a tough battle when he’s facing his fellow PG from the New York City metro area.

“I want that matchup. I want K-Walk,” Kyrie said. “Me and K-Walk. We have to.” (starting at 2:57):

You know all these players, so I’m going to ask you what matchups you like.

Kyrie: “You know, we never talk about this. Me and K-Walk, I want that matchup. I want K-Walk. Me and K-Walk. We have to.”

Hold up, hold up. Yo, say that one more time.

Kyrie: “Me and K-Walk, that’s my matchup. I want K-Walk. That’s my big bro. I want K-Walk, bro [laughs]. That’s my big bro.

“You know we got mutual respect, but I know everybody wants to see it—out of New York, New Jersey. Every time we play against each other it’s always a game. He gave us 40, I gave him 40. Back-and-forth, that’s just part of where we grew up.”

RELATED: Kyrie Irving Responds to Angry Taunts from Celtics Fans

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Sotto, 18, will join five-star 2020 prospects Jalen Green—who is of Filipino origin—Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix on the new G League “Select Team.” All of those players will reportedly earn six-figure salaries.

Sotto spent this past season training at The Skill Factory in Atlanta.

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“I can’t say enough about the Spaniard,” Kobe said in front of the STAPLES Center crowd. “That guy is unbelievable and just a hell of a player. We wouldn’t have won it without him.”

Ten years later, Gasol said that he got a bit choked up while rewatching the late Bryant acknowledge him after the victory. Speaking to Broderick Turner of the L.A. Times, Gasol said, “With him being gone, I got really emotional.”

“I got emotional too, especially towards the end and hearing Kobe speak when he got the MVP trophy and how he acknowledged me,” Gasol recalled. “With him being gone, I got really emotional. It just really meant a lot to me.

“It’s one of those things with time that you learn to appreciate things and value things more, what you have gone through, what you have achieved, people you have had in your life, people you have shared special things with.”

RELATED: Kobe Bryant Says ‘L.A. Didn’t Really Appreciate’ Pau Gasol

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While guesting on SHOWTIME’s “All That Smoke,” Nash described how Jordan had “a seriousness, a competitiveness and fire” that could crush an opponent (starting at 16:39):

“Playing against him, the one thing that I think that he was unlike any other player I’ve played against is that there was a real fear playing against him. I’ve never seen the League be kind of fearful of a player or have that much reverence for a player.

“No matter who has come since then… That was a different feeling when you’re playing Mike. There was such a seriousness, a competitiveness and fire in him. And there was a fear of how that was going to manifest itself potentially on any given night.”

RELATED: Shaq Says Michael Jordan Would Average 45 Points In Today’s NBA

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While appearing on ESPN’s Get Up on Friday, O’Neal said the League would be complaining about MJ being “too good.” Shaq added that he would be “too dominant” for today’s NBA to handle (starting at 0:14):

What would Michael Jordan be if he played in the game today?

Shaq: “He would average 45 [points], and the League would be complaining about two players. They’d be like, Mike is too good. And the kid down in Orlando is too dominant. What are we going to do?”

Who is the greatest player ever?

Shaq: “I’m going to have to say Michael Jordan because Michael paved the way for all the great guys that we have now. And 6-0 in the Finals without a legitimate big man. Went through a lot. Took a year off. Came back and won three in a row. He’s definitely the greatest player.”

RELATED: Shaquille O’Neal: Lakers Would ‘Easily’ Beat Michael Jordan’s Bulls

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The SLAM 225 cover star is the highest-ranked player to commit to ASU. Both Harden and Christopher hail from Lakewood, CA.

RELATED: JUST DIFFERENT: Five-Star Guard Josh Christopher Is Riding His Own

The post James Harden Gives Josh Christopher Blessing To Wear No. 13 Jersey at ASU 🔱 appeared first on SLAM.

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors believe they have the assets and flexibility to pull off a mega-deal for Giannis.

According to a league source, the Warriors have been preparing for years to make a bid for Antetokounmpo. General manager Bob Myers knows that to chart a course for long-term greatness, a team must maintain flexibility — both in terms of its roster and future assets. […]

Now, as it waits to see whether Antetokounmpo signs his extension with Milwaukee, Golden State reckons it has stockpiled enough assets to get it on the phone with Bucks general manager Jon Horst should Antetokounmpo become available.

RELATED: Steph Curry Says He Was Recruiting Giannis to Play Video Game

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The $400 million settlement clears the largest obstacle in the Clippers’ way of building a proposed $1.2 billion arena. The Clippers hope to begin construction by mid-2021.

The Clippers will continue to operate The Forum as a music venue, and expect its California-based staff to remain employees, according to team press release.

The post Clippers Complete $400 Million Purchase of The Forum in Inglewood appeared first on SLAM.

In a recent interview with The Undefeated’s Marc Spears, Parker said that he’s had discussions with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas about pursuing NBA ownership in the next “five to 10 years.”

Do you plan to move back to Lyon full time?

No, I plan on staying in the U.S. I love the U.S. I have been living here for 20 years, and I don’t mind traveling. The ultimate goal is to one day own an NBA team. I know with the OL group, we have big dreams.

If an NBA team became available for purchase, could your French group try to pursue ownership?

It’s a strong possibility. Right now, we have different objectives and goals. But in five to 10 years … I am the type of person who always dreams big. I have already had discussions with the soccer president about that.

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While guesting on a recent episode of All The Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Wall explained that the two stars compliment each other on the court, and make the Wizards a better team.

“Ain’t no John Wall without Bradley Beal. Ain’t no Bradley Beal without John Wall,” Wall said. “We make each other better” (starting at 4:54):

“You got two talented young guys, man. One guy that’s been there before. The other one that’s the franchise guy. And another guy that come in that’s just as talented, just younger. We kind of already meshed like… We both want to be stars, we both want to take game-winning shots, we both want to be talked about in the media, we both want to be all this and all that.

“But at the end of the day, they always say, Well, they don’t like each other. They downgrading each other. Ain’t no John Wall without Bradley Beal. Ain’t no Bradley Beal without John Wall. We make each other better. We compliment each other so well on the court that it works easy for us.

“So when I see the media trying to say, They don’t like each other, or he playing better without him. The team’s eating, everybody’s moving the ball, all this. Well, at the end of the day, yeah, you’re going to play better when another star player’s not out there because you get more shots. Everybody’s going to give you the ball more. Everything’s predicated around you.

“We wasn’t winning games, so it wasn’t good for us. Brad was like, Yeah, I’m getting my numbers, I’m doing this, I’m doing that. But we’re not winning games.”

RELATED: Bradley Beal: ‘We’re 1-9 When I Score 40 or Something. That’s Terrible’

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Following its 2015 premiere in New York City, The Legend of Swee’ Pea, can be purchased from video-on-demand services. And with professional sports currently on standstill, it couldn’t come at a better time.

WATCH ‘THE LEGEND OF SWEE’ PEA’ DOCUMENTARY ON ITUNES

To learn more about Daniels and his fascinating and troubled story, be sure to read former SLAM Editor-in-Chief Ben Osborne’s feature from Ish 46.

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According to the Knicks, Dolan, 64, is experiencing “little to no symptoms” and is continuing to oversee business operations while in self-isolation.

On Friday, Dolan committed to paying qualified Madison Square Garden employees through at least May 3.

He also established the MSG Relief Fund with a $1 million donation from the Madison Square Garden company that was matched by a similar contribution from the Dolan Family Foundation.

RELATED: Report: NBA Reducing Execs’ Pay By 20 Percent

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Top prospects, including Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, will take part in the draft remotely, while WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the picks live on ESPN2. Coverage will begin at 8 p.m. EST.

During the draft, the WNBA plans to honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant, Kobe Bryant and Payton Chester, who passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in January.

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With March Madness canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ll be reliving some legendary tournament moments on the days when NCAA basketball would’ve been played. Enjoy.

—

You may have forgotten about the Fighting Illini team that captured the hearts of the nation back in 2005—the team that grew from the Illinois cornfields to No. 1 in the nation. Dee Brown, in his trademark cornrows and megawatt smile, became the poster child of men’s college basketball that year. Deron Williams introduced his filthy crossover to the basketball faithful. Luther Head’s athleticism and sniper-like shooting caught the eye of NBA scouts. Featuring a three-guard starting lineup, the Illini led the nation in assists and finished second in threes.

With just one regular-season loss (after starting the season 29-0), a Big Ten championship and an average point differential of nearly 16 points, Illinois earned the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They cruised through the first several rounds before facing a tough Arizona squad in the Elite 8. Led by Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire, the Wildcats had a 15-point lead with just over four minutes left. Was the Illini’s season coming to an end?

Beginning with a Luther Head three-pointer, Illinois began to mount a furious comeback. Fans were glued to their TVs as the darlings of the tournament kicked it into another gear. The team’s heart and cajones were on full display as they got stop after stop and hit three after three.

With 48 seconds remaining, Brown stole the ball from Stoudamire and got the fastbreak layup to cut the deficit to 80-77. Pressing full court on the next possession, Illinois stole the inbounds pass and got it to Williams, who drained a three that would tie the game at 80-80.

Williams kept the hot hand in overtime, knocking down two of his game-high five treys from downtown. Despite a monster game from Frye (24 points, 11-14 FG, 12 boards, 6 blocks), Illinois held on to the lead and punched their ticket to the Final Four with a 90-89 victory.

In an era where three-point shooting wasn’t yet en vogue, the Illini shot a blistering 16-35 (45.7 percent) from outside. Williams dropped a team-high 22 points with 10 dimes. Head added 20 points with 5 treys and 4 steals. Brown scored 15 points with 7 dimes and 3 steals. And the nation’s No. 1 team continued to captivate hearts across the country.

Illinois would defeat Louisville by 15 in the Final Four, but eventually lost to a superiorly talented North Carolina team in the title game. The people’s champs during the 2004-05 season, the Fighting Illini may have been the best ever not to win a national championship.

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos via Getty.

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Charlotte led the entire game en route to defeating the Russell Westbrook-less Rockets.

Terry Rozier dropped a team-high 24 points with 6 dimes. Devonte Graham added 23 points and 6 dimes.

Jazz 111 (41-22), Pistons 105 (20-44)

Utah blew a 16-point third quarter lead, but battled back to win their fifth straight game.

Rudy Gobert double-doubled with 10 points, 12 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic added a game-high 32 points.

Nuggets 102 (42-21), Cavs 104 (18-45)

Cleveland battled back from a double-digit second quarter deficit to snap a 4-game losing streak.

Kevin Love dropped a game-high 27 points with 6 boards. Collin Sexton dropped 25 points with 6 boards and 5 dimes. Filling in for injured Darius Garland, Matthew Dellavedova dropped a career-high 14 dimes.

Hawks 101 (19-46), Grizzlies 118 (32-32)

Memphis completely dominated the game from start to finish.

Ja Morant dropped 24 points (4-4 3FG) with 6 dimes. Jonas Valanciunas added a game-high 27 points with 17 boards.

Sixers 114 (38-26), Warriors 118 (15-49)

With Stephen Curry sitting out with the flu (the ordinary illness), Golden State outscored the Sixers by 12 in the fourth quarter for the comeback victory.

Damion Lee dropped a game-high 24 points on 10-17 shooting. Marquese Chriss dropped 13 points with 10 boards, 8 dimes and 1 clutch block.

Kings 123 (28-35), Blazers 111 (28-37)

In a game with major playoff implications, Sacramento thoroughly dominated from start to finish—leading by as much as 26 points during the fourth.

Bogdan Bogdanovic dropped a game-high 27 points with 8 dimes. De’Aaron Fox added 15 points with 11 dimes.

The post Post Up: Warriors Rally To Defeat Sixers Without Stephen Curry appeared first on SLAM.

New York scored 36 points in the fourth quarter to close out the Bulls, snapping a 6-game losing streak in the process.

Mitchell Robinson dropped a career-high 23 points with 10 boards.

Chicago has lost 10 of their last 11 games.

Blazers 117 (26-35), Hawks 129 (19-43)

Atlanta put up 40 points in the second quarter and 44 points in the third to defeat the Damian Lillard-less Blazers.

Trae Young dropped a team-high 25 points with 15 dimes.

Nets 113 (26-33), Heat 116 (38-22)

Miami blew a 14-point lead with 8:25 left in the game but still managed to hold on for the dub.

Bam Adebayo dropped 16 points with 12 boards and 3 blocks. Kendrick Nunn added a team-high 21 points.

Pacers 113 (36-24), Cavs 104 (17-43)

Indiana outscored the Cavs by 9 in the fourth to pick up the road win.

Domantas Sabonis dropped 18 points with 13 boards and 9 dimes. TJ Warren added a game-high 30 points.

Lakers 88 (45-13), Grizzlies 105 (29-31)

Memphis thoroughly dominated the Lakers to snap a 5-game losing streak.

Fueled by a twitter troll’s comment, Ja Morant dropped a game-high 27 points (10-16 FG) with 14 dimes and 6 boards.

Rockets 111 (39-20), Celtics 110 (41-18) (OT)

Russell Westbrook took over in Boston to lead the Rockets to their sixth straight win.

Westbrook dropped a game-high 41 points with 8 boards, 5 dimes and 3 steals.

Magic 113 (27-33), Spurs 114 (25-33)

San Antonio blew a 15-point third quarter lead, but came away with the victory after Bryn Forbes drained a clutch three late in the game.

Filling in for injured LaMarcus Aldridge, Trey Lyles dropped a team-high 20 points with 9 boards and 4 steals.

Warriors 115 (13-47), Suns 99 (24-37)

Golden State outscored the Suns by 24 points in the second and third quarters combined to snap an 8-game losing streak.

Damion Lee dropped 20 points with 8 dimes. Eric Paschall added a team-high 25 points.

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Sacramento led the entire game until the Clippers took the lead with 8:29 left in the fourth. But the Kings battled back in crunch time to secure the dub.

Kent Bazemore dropped a team-high 23 points with 6 boards and 4 steals.

Nets 115 (26-29), Hornets 86 (19-37)

After taking a 10-point lead into halftime, Brooklyn ripped open a huge lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Hornets by 15 points in the period.

Caris LeVert dropped 17 points with 6 steals. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot added a game-high 21 points off the bench.

Mavs 107 (34-23), Hawks 11 (-1.5)

Atlanta erased a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Mavs who were without Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

John Collins dropped a game-high 35 points with 17 boards. Trae Young added 25 points and 10 dimes.

Unhappy with the calls during the game, Mark Cuban took to twitter to roast the refs. Prepare for a fine from the League.

Cavs 105 (15-41), Heat 124 (36-20)

The Heat blew out the Cavs on the night that Dwyane Wade’s No. 3 jersey went up into the rafters.

Kendrick Nunn dropped a game-high 24 points with 8 dimes.

Suns 112 (23-34), Bulls 104 (19-38)

After falling behind by 17 points late in the second quarter, Phoenix outscored the Bulls by 18 points in the second half to get the win.

Deandre Ayton dropped 28 points with 19 boards and 3 blocks. Devin Booker added a team-high 29 points.

Chicago has now lost a dismal 8 straight games.

Sixers 98 (35-22), Bucks 119 (48-8)

Milwaukee dismantled the Sixers, building a 25-point lead by the third quarter.

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a game-high 31 points with 17 boards and 8 dimes.

Rockets 120 (36-20), Jazz 110 (36-20)

Down by 4 at halftime, Houston outscored the Jazz by 19 points in the third quarter to take control of the game.

James Harden dropped a game-high 38 points with 7 dimes. Russell Westbrook added 34 points.

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Popularly referred to as the Iverson Classic, the game will be played on April 24 and will be dedicated to Kobe Bryant and Gigi Bryant. For the first time, the Iverson Classic will be held at the 76ers Fieldhouse arena in Wilmington, DE. Tickets go on sale today at IversonClassic.com.

Events will begin on Wednesday, April 22 with a Dunk Contest, Three-Point Shootout, 1-on-1 matchups and more.

The 2020 Iverson Classic will be played on Friday, April 24. Players will be divided into two teams—Loyalty and Honor—each coached by NBA legends.

Below are the 2020 Iverson Classic All-American selections:

• Marcus Bagley
• BJ Boston
• Nimari Burnett
• Terrence Clarke
• Josh Christopher
• Henry Coleman
• RJ Davis
• Josh Hall
• Dominick Harris
• Jalen Johnson
• Keon Johnson (injured)
• Caleb Love
• Makur Maker
• Karim Mane
• Adam Miller
• Evan Mobley
• Cliff Omoruyi
• Mady Sissoko
• Deivon Smith
• Jaden Springer
• DJ Steward
• Jalen Suggs
• Cam Thomas
• JT Thor
• Lance Ware
• Mark Williams
• Ziaire Williams

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Toronto took the lead halfway through the first quarter and would not trail for the rest of the game.

Fred VanVleet dropped 16 points with 9 dimes and 8 boards. Pascal Siakam added a game-high 30 points.

Toronto has now won 10 straight games. Detroit has lost 5 straight.

Bulls 118 (19-32), Nets 133 (21-26)

Kyrie Irving needed just 23 shots to drop 54 points as he led the Nets to a much-needed victory.

Putting on an inspired performance in memory of his friend and mentor Kobe Bryant, Kyrie did not miss in the first half en route to his second 50-plus point game of the season.

Mavs 121 (29-19), Rockets 128 (30-18)

Houston built an 18-point lead late in the third quarter against the Luka Doncic-less Mavs and held on for the win.

James Harden dropped a game-high 35 points with 16 boards, 6 dimes and 4 steals. Russell Westbrook added 32 points with 9 dimes and 3 steals.

Grizzlies 111 (24-25), Pelicans 139 (20-29)

New Orleans, finally with its core players healthy, blew the game open during the third quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies by 17 points.

Jrue Holiday dropped 18 points with 6 dimes and 3 steals. Zion Williamson added game-high 24 points.

Nuggets 127 (34-15), Bucks 115 (41-7)

Denver shot 22-44 from three as they snapped the Bucks’ 9-game winning streak.

Will Barton dropped a team-high 24 points (6-9 3FG) with 8 dimes and 7 boards.

Thunder 111 (30-20), Suns 107 (20-28)

Down 7 with 4:10 remaining, the Thunder battled back for another important road victory.

Chris Paul dropped 20 points with 10 dimes and 3 steals. Danilo Gallinari added a game-high 27 points.

Blazers 127 (22-27), Lakers 119 (36-11)

Portland thwarted the Lakers on an emotional night that paid tribute to fallen legend Kobe Bryant.

Damian Lillard continued his scorching hot play, dropping 23 of his game-high 48 points in the third quarter. Hassan Whiteside added 30 points with 12 boards and 5 blocks.

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