Let’s get it!

Anthony Davis (right foot) is Out At Least One Month After Suffering A Foot Injury On Friday:

According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, Antony Davis will reportedly miss at least one month after suffering an undisclosed right foot injury.

AD has been dominant this season while helping the Lakers surge to a 6-4 stretch over their last 10 contests. The Brow is averaging 27.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 59.3 percent shooting from the field and has dropped 19 30+ games with one 44-point game against the Bucks and a dominant 55-point effort against the Wizards.

Before he got hurt, AD had a three-game streak of scoring at least 30 points that were broken when he suffered his foot injury against the Nuggets.

Lakers are bracing for an indefinite absence for the Lakers star, sources say, after he sustained the right foot injury in Friday’s win over Denver. Davis has played arguably the most dominant ball of his career this season. https://t.co/WCTr2y7eNp

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2022

Devin Booker Puts Up a Historic 58-Point Effort to Beat New Orleans:

Devin Booker lifted the Suns over the Pelicans 118-114 after dropping a season-best 58 points. It was the second time this season that Book scored 50 points after he posted 51 against Chicago on Nov. 30.

He’s now the sixth-youngest player to score 12k points in his career, trailing only LeBron, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Tracy McGrady.

“Once I get it going a little bit, shooting over a hand is the right play,” Booker said per ESPN.

.@DevinBook‘s second 50-point game of the season. pic.twitter.com/CMwBniJ5Mv

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 18, 2022

Nikola Jokic Posts His 81st Career Triple-Double After Dropping 40-27-10 Against the Hornets:

Nikola Jokic (40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 dimes) f***ed around and got his fifth triple-double of the season to lead Denver to a 119-115 win over Charlotte on Sunday night.

The two-time MVP sealed the W with two game-winning free throws with 13 seconds left on the clock. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone said he didn’t know Jokic was putting up massive numbers but knew that Jokic was having “another Nikola Jokic stellar performance, efficient,” and praised Jokic for his “ability to make every one of his teammates better,” and called Joker a “generational talent.”

“To be honest, I think it’s because of our defense, and I was just in the right spot to rebound the ball,” Jokic said per ESPN. “It’s not that I was grabbing for them or whatever, chasing for them. It just happened, you know? I wish it could be every night, to be honest.”

Triple double # 8️⃣1️⃣

40-27-10

m.v.p pic.twitter.com/ljQpTIVCHl

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 19, 2022

Jordan Poole has a Career-High Night For the Ages:

Jordan Poole hung a career-high 43 points on 14-23 shooting from the field and 5-11 from beyond the arc. He also handed out six assists and scored career-best 25 points in the first half to lead the Warriors past the Raptors. The 126-110 win was the Dubs’ first win in five attempts without Stephen Curry in the lineup. ˝Golden State also snapped their three-game losing streak and are now 3-14 on the road.

“He was incredible on both sides of the ball,” Draymond Green (17 points and nine rebounds) said per Yahoo Sports. “And when you connect the game like that, things will go your way. We all know what a special talent he is. He’s been going through some growing pains. To see him come out tonight and have the game that he had – especially with Steph being down and us needing to get a win – was really huge.

“His effort on the defensive end carried over to the offensive end.”

What a night for 3️⃣.@googlecloud || Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/lKxkgmnlJz

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 19, 2022

WNBA Won’t Expand in 2024:

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Athletic that the League’s plan for franchise expansion will be delayed until at least 2025. The commission is in touch with 10 investor groups discussing potential arenas, practice facilities, season ticket markets, and potential corporate partners.

Engelbert said that a new team would need around 18-24 months to hire coaches and executives and bring on players through an expansion draft, among the many preparations it takes to build a professional basketball franchise. Although expansion is delayed, Englerbet said it’s still a part of the W’s long-term plans and reiterated that the WNBA is on a growth trajectory.

Toronto, Nashville, and the Bay Area (Oakland and San Francisco) are on the short list of expansion cities.

“I’m a big, big believer in: let’s transform the economics, and then we’ll expand, not expand and then hope that economics transform,” she said per Front Office Sports. “We want to bring new owners in that are going to be successful in standing up a franchise that can compete for a championship.”

The post NBA Weekend Recap: AD is Out, Devin Booker and Jordan Poole Put Up Season and Career Best Performances appeared first on SLAM.

All-Star guards Jamal Murray and Damian Lillard had quite the duel as the game came down to the wire, as they both scored 14 points each in the 4th.

It looked like Dame Time in Portland was coming down the stretch, with Lillard dropping 40 points on shooting 12-22 from the field (54.5 percent). Lillard hit a clutch three-pointer from the top right corner to put the Blazers up 120-118 with just 8.8 seconds remaining on the shot clock.

However, Murray seemed to have other plans.

As the Nuggets inbounded the ball on their side of the court, Murray used his crafty handling abilities to make enough space in the left corner to get a long-distance shot off over Blazers forward and former teammate Jerami Grant.

As time winded down 3, 2, 1 — Murray delivered a cold-blooded dagger that sealed the Nuggets’ victory over the Trailblazers 121-120.

“I’ve come a long way,” Murray said, per The Athletic.

Postgame, Murray spoke to AltitudeTV about his game-winning shot;

“We just wanted to get the ball in going to Jokic, he fumbled it kinda on the sideline, and he just gave it back. I realized we had a lot of time, so I didn’t have to rush my shot, got to my spot, and made it.”

Murray finished the game with 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Just another regular day in the office for the SLAM 230 cover athlete. Murray and the Nuggets look to build on the momentum from Thursday’s win as they return home to Denver to take on the Utah Jazz tomorrow.

The post Jamal Murray Spoils Dame Time With a Clutch Game-Winner Over Portland appeared first on SLAM.

However, in the final month of the year, the Joker hasn’t been able to get much-valued production from the Nuggets bench unit, who’s currently averaging the fifth most turnovers (6.2), the third-worst Plus-Minus (-3.6), and the eighth-lowest steal rate (2.3).

The dysfunction was evident Sunday night when Pelicans backup point guard Jose Alvarado erupted for 38 points on 8-11 shooting from downtown. Head coach Mike Malone has been around long enough to know he has to send a statement to his bench unit, and he started by sitting out Bones Hyland for the rest of the second half against the Pelicans.

“As I told him this morning, ‘Offensively, we need your scoring, but it’s required to give forth the same effort on both ends of the floor,’” Malone said on Hyland’s production from the bench. “I felt he competed, I felt he fought, he contested, he tried to be physical with guys. That’s all I’m ever asking for, from Bones or for anybody.”

“I felt [Bones] competed, I felt he fought, he contested, he tried to be physical with guys. That’s all I’m ever asking for. For Bones or for anybody” pic.twitter.com/dez6uBX4Tb

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 7, 2022

After the zero points against the Pels, Hyland responded against Dallas the way Malone would love to see, scoring 20 points with five assists and making those hustle plays with two steals.

Though the loss, Hyland has committed to his role and hopes to keep track of that ‘effort’ Malone eluded to.

“We’re on the same page now,” Hyland said on Malone. “I know I can guard. It’s not something that’s mind-blowing or crazy.”

THAT’S NUMBER 5 FOR BIZZY pic.twitter.com/zfGrwYKNvx

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 7, 2022

Of course, accountability has to be taken for the rest of the team, but Malone has been made appreciative of the authentic leadership of his backup point guard. Hyland’s explosive outing against the Mavs was an exposure to how he handles criticism of his play and the mentality he feels he needs to respond in.

The Nuggets still have enough time to turn things around, and there’s no secret that winning a championship takes a team effort. Finishing this month strong can be part of that journey, and answering the bench unit’s woes is the way to begin for Malone.

The post Bones Hyland Says He’s ‘on the Same Page’ as Mike Malone After Benching Against the Pelicans appeared first on SLAM.

In Friday’s loss to Boston, Porter only had seven points and four boards in 25 minutes on 30 percent shooting. Porter held himself accountable and apologized to his team, and pledged to be better on his next outing. In last night’s win over Chicago, MPJ made good on his pledge. He finished with 31 points on 68.8 percent from the field. He hit six of nine threes and was +23 in his 24 minutes. 

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“That, in and of itself, is maturity,” head coach Mike Malone said. “That, in and of itself, is ownership.”

Porter cashed jumpers from all over the court and engaged on both sides of the ball in the Nuggets’ dominant win. The Nuggets moved to 9-4 on the season, good for the second seed in the Western Conference as of today. 

When the Denver Post asked MPJ about accountability and self-growth, he said, “You gotta grow. You can’t always blame other people. Sometimes, you’re the common denominator, so I’m always trying to see what I can do to grow.”

Porter is averaging 18.0 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game through twelve games played this season. If his look in the mirror continues to reap these kinds of rewards, those stats will only improve. His next opportunity to continue his excellent play will be Wednesday night against the New York Knicks. 

The post Michael Porter Jr. Says ‘You Gotta Grow’ After Dropping Season-High 31 Points appeared first on SLAM.

Jokic stuffed the stat sheet recording his 79th career triple-double with 15 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds to lead the Denver Nuggets to victory. He passed the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, who has 78 triple-doubles in his career. 

Congrats to Nikola Jokic of the @nuggets for moving up to 6th on the All-Time TRIPLE-DOUBLES list! pic.twitter.com/njUbjnNYIT

— NBA (@NBA) November 4, 2022

Following the game, Jokic’s teammates got the game ball and signed it to give to him to take home as a souvenir. When commenting on the gesture in the postgame press conference, the Nuggets big man told the media,

“It’s nice because it’s not just my success. I can not do it without my teammates. I just want to remember one day, when I find that ball somewhere in my closet, to see who I played with.”

“It’s just not my success. I cannot do it without my teammates.”

Nikola on breaking Wilt’s record and the game ball pic.twitter.com/dBwSZutnU7

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 4, 2022

Jokic now sits sixth on the all-time triple-doubles list, trailing the fifth place LeBron James by 26 triple-doubles.

Denver will be back in action on Saturday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs.

The post Nikola Jokic Becomes the All-Time Leader in Triple-Doubles For Centers appeared first on SLAM.

Murray had a quiet eight points in the first-half of action but erupted for 16 points over the final 24 minutes. Murray ended up finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes of action.

Love seeing Jamal attack like this. Returning to form. (via @nuggets) pic.twitter.com/qMSw2t0qIx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 4, 2022

Murray was a human highlight reel last night, making all the plays and shots we had gotten accustomed to seeing him hit before he tore his ACL. At one point, he had hit a tough three-pointer and then turned around and pointed at a fan. Murray couldn’t recall who said what, but postgame, he simply said;

“I blacked out; I kind of get like that.”

TOUGH bucket by Jamal pic.twitter.com/OzqSF7kFYB

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 4, 2022

Postgame, Murray was interviewed by AltitudeTV, where he was asked what was going well for him in the fourth, to which Murray answered,

“Just made some shots, wanted to win the game, we needed a spark, and I just decided to make some shots and give us that edge.

"I just didn't want to lose the game, honestly."

Jamal's on last night's game and his performance pic.twitter.com/GkwChdCmFo

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 4, 2022

The Nuggets ended up winning the game 122-110 and improved to a 5-3 record to kick off the new season. Things can only go up from here for fans in the Mile High state as Murray and the Nuggets look to start a winning streak going versus the San Antonio Spurs Saturday.

The post Jamal Murray ‘Blacked Out’ During Explosive Second-Half Surge appeared first on SLAM.

Porter Jr. has had a tough stretch of NBA seasons so far, as yet another lower-back injury caused Porter to miss out on yet another season of action. After just signing a five-year $207 million extension with the Nuggets the previous year, many had begun to question if Porter could stay healthy.

Coach Michael Malone recently commented on Porter and said his main hope is that the Missouri product “stays healthy and gets through the season.

“The one priority for Michael is to hope that he stays healthy and gets through the season,” Malone said. “If he does that offensively, we know how gifted he is. The guy can score from all over the place. He is such a threat and weapon on the offensive end of the floor.”

In Porter’s recent preseason outing versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, Porter seemed to be clicking offensively, dropping 12 points on 5-7 shooting from the field in just 14 minutes of action. When MPJ was questioned about where he feels physically, he said he feels “really good right now.”

“I feel really good right now. I feel just as good as I have since I’ve been in the League. Still a lot of things I want to improve on, get better on, but I feel like, for now, it’s going to be steps up. Keep going up, keep going up until I keep reaching those goals, helping my team win, things like that. I kind of figured out the back thing, Lord willing. I think I kind of figured that out. So, now I can just keep growing and growing. I spent a lot of my offseason just getting back on the floor. So now, to be back where I’m on the court, I just feel like I can grow from here.”

MPJ was also asked if his confidence was back.

“It doesn’t leave me. My confidence in my game doesn’t leave me. But confidence in movement, I’m still working through all that. But I’m good. I feel really good. My balance is getting there. It’s coming along. That’s the last thing, the last pop, the last bit of explosiveness is kind of what you wait on the most. But it is getting there, for sure. Every week, every month, it’s getting better and better.”

Seeing Porter back on the basketball court after dealing with such severe and nagging injuries is genuinely remarkable. Heading into this new NBA season, Porter will also be joined by another sensational talent in Jamal Murray, who the Nuggets missed last season due to injury. With those two back, the Denver Nuggets have a huge opportunity to make a deep playoff run and possibly even win the championship.

With the Nugget’s season set to tip off tonight against the Utah Jazz, their journey begins to see if they can achieve those goals.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Opens Up About His Confidence Within His Body and Game appeared first on SLAM.

His imminent return alongside Jamal Murray and back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic has made the Nuggets a threat to win the 2023 NBA Championship. However, Nuggets Coach Mike Malone still thinks Porter Jr. has room to improve. 

“I think if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse,” Malone said. “I really feel that way. You never say the same, any of us. So for Michael, yes, he’s dealt with the injuries but understanding that for him, it’s a discipline within his offensive spacing. Get to the corner. Getting to the corner is not stopping above the break. He’s not a good; he’s a great corner three-point shooter. Well, have the discipline to get there every time.” 

Porter has averaged 14.1 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game over his four-year career. In his most productive season as a professional, the 2020-2021 campaign, Porter Jr averaged 19 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game on 54.2 percent shooting from the field and 44.5 percent shooting from the three-point line. 

Malone says the former lottery pick must also work on his off-ball awareness.

“Moving without the ball and spacing off the ball. He has the tendency, sometimes, to gravitate to the ball. Trust me, man, the ball is gonna find you. That’s the way we play.” 

Despite playing in 125 of 309 possible regular season games in his four-year career, MPJ earned a five-year contract extension last summer. The Nuggets will look for him to take another jump after he competed in only nine games last season before being sidelined by injury. 

The post Coach Mike Malone Hoping to See More ‘Discipline’ From Michael Porter Jr. appeared first on SLAM.

Despite his personal and team success in South Beach, Hardaway decided not to ask former Coach Pat Riley or Alonzo Mourning to be his presenters at this Saturday’s Hall of Fame ceremony. That honor will instead go to the figures that fostered his love for the game from before his time in Miami teaming up with Mourning and Riley.

Tim Hardaway explains bypassing Pat Riley, Alonzo Mourning as Hall of Fame presenters. https://t.co/mBJsfMaNHQ No, not a Miami Heat snub, but rather a tribute to those who were there for him at the beginning.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) September 8, 2022

Hardaway’s presenters will be Isiah Thomas (Class of 2000), his Run-TMC teammates Mitch Richmond (’14) and Chris Mullins(’11), longtime friend Yolanda Griffith (’21), and former college coach Nate Archibald (’91).

“There’s one thing I do know I want to tell you; it takes a village to raise a kid; Chicago South Side raised a kid. This is Chicago South Side. This is for them,” Hardaway said of his decision, per Ira Winderman.

“Isiah Thomas, I grew up watching him play, my basketball idol, no question, from the city of Chicago,” Hardaway explained. “Nate Archibald, my college assistant coach, came back to his alma mater and coached me [at Texas-El Paso] and helped me understand. Yolanda Griffith, we went to high school together. We graduated in the same class. And I wanted to acknowledge her as being the first before me and wanted people to understand that. She was a Hall of Famer before me, and she needs to be recognized.”

The choice to bypass Riley, Mourning, and former Coach Don Nelson was difficult. Hardaway knows it and even admitted that he “can’t even mention a lot of people that I want to mention.” As a result, Hardaway’s speech will likely not “mention a lot of people” that he wants to mention.

Instead, the UTEP two-step creator will make a point to mention critical figures during his time in Miami during his HOF media session that’ll be aired on NBA TV.

“I’m sorry, everybody can’t be there,” he said of those standing alongside on stage. “And I’ll tell you this, in my speech, I can’t even mention a lot of people that I want to mention because it’s a lot of us going up this year. So I can’t mention a lot of people I want to mention.”

Hardaway’s Hall of Fame induction class includes four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobli, two-time college Coach of the Year Bob Huggins, sixth-winningest NBA coach George Karl, and veteran NBA ref Hugh Evans. Five-time All-Star Lindsay Whalen, four-time All-Star Swin Cash, and NCAA national champion and former WNBA Coach of the Year Marianna Stanley will be inducted on the woman’s side.

Mourning will attend the HOF ceremony, as well as Coach Erik Spoelstra, GM Any Ellisburg, assistant GM Adam Simon, scouting director and former teammate Keith Askins, and multiple other Heat front office members. Rily will not be able to attend due to a scheduling conflict but heaped heavy praise on Hardaway when he was interviewed for the HOF’s event program that’ll be passed around at the ceremony.

“I had just come from New York, and we had a team that was noted for defense and things of that nature, you know, rough and tumble. I needed to get a point guard, and Tim was available,” Riley said of acquiring Hardaway for the Heat from the Warriors in 1996.

“He was not the explosive, up-and-down-the-court kind of a player. He could keep a team really organized. He was tough as nails, and we were fortunate to have him.”

Hardway’s Hall of Fame induction will begin this Saturday evening.

The post Tim Hardaway Explains Why He Didn’t Pick Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning as Hall of Fame Presenters appeared first on SLAM.

The pivot from being a professional hopper to a college student came after his former teammate, Ray Allen, a fellow avid golfer who Smith called a “great motivational speaker,” inspired Smith to challenge himself to get an education while the two were on a trip in the Dominican Republic.

“I was working like I was literally trying to make the league all over again,” Smith said per Complex. “It was fun as hell. When I got my first A in class, it was like me dunking on somebody or hitting a game-winner.”

Smith’s pivot gained more significance after his oldest daughter told him she was proud of him for going back to school, a moment that made Smith emotional.

The proud moment fulfilled a part of Smith’s purpose in pursuing a college degree. The former Sixth Man of the Year wanted to set an example for his daughters to “know they’re worth” that they can get a higher education no matter where they are in life.

“She looked at me and told me, ‘Daddy, I’m really happy you went back to school,’ I had to get up and walk away,” Smith said. “My oldest has seen it all. She’s seen the good and the bad. She’s been in the thick of it. So when she told me that, it really had me choked up.”

“It was for me but more importantly, what I’ve done was for them to understand you can… For one, you can always get your education no matter how old you are. It was also to understand your self-worth, especially for young Black women in this country.”

As J.R. Smith continues to evolve away from the game where he’s had great moments (two titles, 2013 Sixth Man of the Year) and massive blunders (Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals), Smith can move on knowing that he’s defying what people mischaracterize him as. No matter what anyone may think about the “100 percent fact” that the NBA has moved on from him, Smith has found his purpose.

The post J.R. Smith Talks Infamous Game 1 Moment and Relationship With Ray Allen appeared first on SLAM.

Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, the richest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Fifth season (2027-28) will be a player option at $60M.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

The back-to-back MVP and the Nuggets agreed to a five-year $264 million supermax contract extension. The Joker reportedly also has a player option worth $60 million for the 2027-28 season. The 27-year-old center has led the Nuggets to the playoffs each of the last four seasons, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2020.

This last season, Jokic led the Nuggets to a 48-34 record and a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference playoffs while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. missed most if not all of the season due to respective knee and back injuries. The Joker averaged 26.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 57.5 percent shooting from the field. Jokic also led the League in player efficiency for the second year in a row.

“I would like it, of course, but it’s not something that I’m deciding,” Jokic said, per Sam Amick of The Athletic when asked about winning another MVP. “I think of course if it’s offered—if (the) offer is on the table—of course, I’m going to accept it because I really like the organization and really like the people who work here.”

Amick reported that Denver was expected to offer Jokic a five-year, $254 million extension that would make him the highest-paid player in the game. Assuming Murray comes back near his top form, Porter Jr. is healthy, and Jokic continues to play at a high level, the Nuggets could be a significant playoff threat next season.

The post Nikola Jokic Signs Richest Contract in NBA History appeared first on SLAM.

Washington is finalizing a trade to acquire Denver’s Will Barton and Monte Morris for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Smith just returned to the Wizards after playing half of the season with the Hornets. If he plays one game for the Nuggets, it’ll be the record-setting 13th team he’s played for. He was a part of a trade deadline to move Montrezl Harrell to Charlotte. KCP arrived during a blockbuster trade last summer to send Russell Westbrook to the Lakers.

Barton spent the last eight seasons with the Nuggets, becoming the all-time franchise leader in made three-pointers last March. Morris spent the entirety of his career in Denver after the Nuggets drafted him 51st overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

The post REPORT: Wizards Trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Will Barton and Monte Morris appeared first on SLAM.

ESPN Sources: Denver is trading F JaMychal Green and a protected 2027 first-round pick to Oklahoma City for the No. 30 pick in this month’s NBA Draft and two future second-round picks. Nuggets have No. 21 and 30 in this draft now and Thunder has Nos. 2, 12 and 34.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 13, 2022

The Nuggets will also receive two future second-round picks. Denver now has the Nos. 21 and 30 in the Draft. The Thunder owns the Nos. 2, 12, and 34th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Green finished the 2021-22 season, averaging 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 48.6 percent shooting from the field.

The post REPORT: JaMychal Green Headed to Oklahoma City in Trade For Thunder’s No. 30 Pick appeared first on SLAM.

2021-22 All-NBA teams:

First: Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum

Second: Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan

Third: Karl-Anthony Towns, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Trae Young, Pascal Siakam

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2022

Although Jokic is the reigning MVP, he wasn’t the leading vote-getter for All-NBA First Team, Antetokounmpo was. The Greek Freak received all 100 votes for one of the forward spots on the First-Team. Jokic and Joel Embiid, who finished as runner-up for the ’21 and ’22 MVP, split votes as the First-Team center. Embiid ended up being named as the center for the Second-Team.

Antekounmpo was not only the lone unanimous All-NBA selection this season, but he also became the first player over the last 50 years to be a unanimous selection to the All-NBA First Time in four consecutive seasons, according to ESPN Stats and Information research.

Doncic became the fourth player in NBA history to earn his third First-Team selection before turning 24-years-old, joining Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, and Max Zazlofsky. Jokic, Antetokounmpo and Doncic were joined by Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker. According to the NBA, this is the first time since 1954-55 that the First-Team comprises players at least 27-years-old or younger.

Booker and Tatum earned the First-Team nod for the first time in their career. This is the first overall All-NBA selection for Booker and Tatum’s second nod. Tatum is the first Celtic to make All-NBA First-Team since Kevin Garnett did it in 2008. He’s also the youngest Celtic to earn an All-NBA First-Team selection since Larry Bird in 1980.

The Second-Team is rounded out by Stephen Curry, Ja Morant, DeMar DeRozan, and Durant. Chris Paul, Trae Young, LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, and Karl-Anthony Towns filled out the Third-Team. James picked up his record 18th All-NBA nod, placing him ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan for most All-NBA picks, and became the first player in League history to make the All-NBA in his 19th+ season.

Paul is the first guard since Bryant to make an All-NBA team in his 17th+ season.

The post Nikola Jokic Headlines 2021-2022 All-NBA Teams appeared first on SLAM.

Count Coach Doc Rivers amongst the masses, the 76ers coach advocated for his MVP candidate Joel Embiid to be the winner of the prestigious award.

“I don’t know if I could’ve done more than he did this year, play without the second-best player all year. Listen, his resume was great. I’m not taking anything away from Jokic either because he’s a hell of a player. I do think this whole analytic-drive society world is out of control at times with some of the measures that they use. Like, watch the dang game and decide is what I’ve always said.”

“But at the end of the day, if Joel had won, which I thought he should have, there would have been criticism that way if Giannis (Antetokounmpo) had won. Only one guy could win, unfortunately.”

Doc Rivers on the MVP race: “I do think this whole analytic-driven society, world is out of control at times with some of the measures that they use. Like, watch the dang game and decide is what I’ve always said.”

Full quote below. pic.twitter.com/3gWVQBvmAA

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 10, 2022

The case for Jokic is that he put together a historically great season this season without Jamal Murray (torn ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (lower back) by his side for most if not all of the regular season. Jokic finished the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58.3 percent shooting from the field. He also led the League in PER (32.8), win shares (15.2), box plus/mins (13.7), and value over replacement player (9.8).

The Joker also became the first player in NBA history to hit 2,000 points, 1,000 boards, and 500 dimes in a single season.

For Embiid, he led the Sixers (51-31) to a tie with the Bucks and Celtics for second best in the Eastern Conference while becoming the first center since Shaquille O’Neal to lead the League in scoring with 30.6 points per game. Embiid also finished fifth in rebounds (11.7) and played in a career-high 68 games this year. All without his All-Star partner in crime Ben Simmons.

Embiid has finished as the runner-up twice in a year now, both times to Jokic, who completed both seasons with historical numbers. Jokic becomes the first player since Russell Westbrook to win MVP with the sixth-best record in their conference. Brodie won the MVP after becoming the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson.

The post Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid’s MVP Snub: ‘Only One Guy Could Win, Unfortunately’ appeared first on SLAM.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive season, sources tell ESPN. A formal announcement is expected this week.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 9, 2022

The League will make a formal announcement sometime this week, according to Woj. The Joker became the 14th player in League history to win back-to-back MVPs and the first since Giannis Antetokounmpo did it in ’19 and ’20. Stephen Curry went back-to-back in ’15 and ’16.

Jokic put together a historically great season this season without Jamal Murray (torn ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (lower back) by his side for most if not all of the regular season. Jokic finished the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58.3 percent shooting from the field. He also led the League in PER (32.8), win shares (15.2), box plus/mins (13.7), and value over replacement player (9.8).

The Joker also became the first player in NBA history to hit 2,000 points, 1,000 boards, and 500 dimes in a single season.

Denver posted a 48-34 record for the year, good for sixth in the Western Conference, with Jokic guiding the Nuggets’ sixth-ranked offense in the League.

The other finalists for the MVP were Giannis Antentokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

The post REPORT: Nikola Jokic Wins Second Straight MVP appeared first on SLAM.

And to Nuggets Nation,

The best is yet to come. pic.twitter.com/OAxTbwtK3V

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 28, 2022

During his postgame press conference with assembled media, Nikola Jokic implied he would sign what will reportedly be the largest supermax extension in NBA history after finishing the season with a historic individual season that could help him win his second consecutive MVP award. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, the contract will be worth $254 million over five years.

Footwork clinic pic.twitter.com/GOZP0mT0DX

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 28, 2022

“I would like it, of course,” Jokic said per ESPN. “But it’s not something that I’m deciding. I think if [the] offer is on the table, of course, I’m going to accept it because I really like the organization, I really like the people who work here. I’m in [a] really good relationship with everybody from [the] owner to equipment manager.”

pic.twitter.com/6GodKkOoON

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 28, 2022

The reigning defending MVP became the first player in League history to register 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. Jokic also became the first to average at least 25 points, 13 rebounds, and seven dimes in a season and the first to lead his teams in all traditional stats, including field goal percentage, since steals and blocks became an official stat in 1973-74, according to ESPN.

“I mean, I never dream about it,” Jokic said of possibly becoming a back-to-back MVP. “It’s something that if it happened, it’s a great thing, of course. It’s something that probably legacy; my name is always going to be there.”

“But if I don’t get it, I’m not going to die. … It would be nice, but if it happens, happens.”

The post Nikola Jokic on Signing Supermax Extension: ‘I’m Going to Accept It’ appeared first on SLAM.

But sometimes, it can be a real positive to have a player like Stephen Curry on your team to get the job done.

11-2 run for the good guys

@NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/9WMBcIwL1M

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 28, 2022

Despite falling behind by as many as ten points in the third quarter, entering the fourth quarter on the ropes, Chef Curry led the charge with a furious scoring binge in the final period to survive the Denver Nuggets 102-98. The win closed out the series 4-1 to advance Golden State to the next round, where they wait on the winner of the Memphis Grizzlies/Minnesota Timberwolves series.

Curry welcomed himself back into the starting lineup with 30 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the field, sinking five shots from beyond the arc in 38 minutes.

30 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST

In crunch time, @StephenCurry30 delivered pic.twitter.com/QMFO918b0P

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 28, 2022

Curry scored 20 points in the second half and closed out his showcase by dribbling through nearly the entire Nuggets team Harlem Globetrotter style before his layup put the Warriors up by five with 29.9 seconds left. Then he looked into the crowd and gave his newest curtain call.

30 came up clutch in winning time.@PlayStation || Play Has No Limits pic.twitter.com/axgRnlSmMq

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 28, 2022

The Warriors superstar shared how the Warriors had to be reminded how hard it is to close out teams in the playoffs.

“I think you can see these first three quarters, we forgot what it felt like to try to close out a game,” Curry said via Yahoo Sports. “The nerves, the energy in the building … We still know how to do it, but we kind of had to grind it out. It’s a good feeling to go out there and get the win.”

Curry even found time to pass Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving for 24th place all-time on the NBA’s playoff scoring list.

Golden State waits until Sunday to start playing in the second round against the winner of the Memphis-Minnesota series.

The post Stephen Curry Catches Fire Late Closing Out the Series For Golden State appeared first on SLAM.

The Denver Nugget hung on to beat the Warriors, 126-121 to force a Game 5 on Wednesday night. Jokic was the orchestrator on offense, as usual, putting up 37 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, but it was his leadership and basketball I.Q. that was the difference.

Nikola Jokic had it rolling from tip-off, scoring 18 of the @nuggets first 23 points on his way to 37 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists to force Game 5! #MileHighBasketball

Game 5: GSW vs DEN, Wed. 10pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/ACg4mKCwkY

— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2022

Jokic, who averaged 29.3 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists over the first three games of the series, dropped 18 points in the first quarter that almost matched the Warriors entire total.

These two plays down the stretch helped sealed it for his Nuggets. First, he warned his teammates about a Warriors lob play from out of bounds that led to a turnover with just over 30 seconds left to go in the game…

Jokic called out the play from the bench #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel on ABC pic.twitter.com/e3gQkSHyas

— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2022

Then his drive and kick to Will Barton in the left corner led to the clincher off a perfect pass to send it to Game 5.

WILL W THE DAGGER TO FINISH pic.twitter.com/cuPC9anvuX

— x – Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 24, 2022

Although 143 other teams who faced a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs has never bounced back to win a series, Denver is the only team to overcome 3-1 deficits, having beaten the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers two years ago in the bubble. Jokic believes that is enough cause to have faith via ESPN.

“The odds are against us. But we’ve beaten the odds a couple of times, so why not?”

The post ‘The Odds are Against Us’: Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Game 4 Win appeared first on SLAM.

The one issue that remains is the Golden State backcourt. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole are still hot, and each was on fire in Game 3.

Steph
Klay
JP
BUCKETS. pic.twitter.com/cKcxHKYLe2

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 22, 2022

Curry and Poole each finished with 27 points apiece, and Thompson dropped 26 points on his own to cancel out a monster 37-point, 18 rebound game by Nikola Jokic to beat the Nuggets 118-113. The Warriors now lead 3-0 in their first-round series with a chance to sweep over the weekend.

The three guards have led a small ball lineup that has been the difference in this series. Each player has had their chance to shine individually and collectively throughout this series. In Game 1, Jordan Poole got rolling with a historic start. Then it was Curry who exploded in Game 2 to eclipse the playoff career 3,000 point mark while scoring a game-high 34 points in only 23 minutes.

In Game 3, all three made history. Thompson passed Ray Allen for third all-time in playoff three-pointers made. Chef Curry passed James Worthy for 26th on the playoff scoring list. As for Jordan Poole, he became the first guard since the merger to score 25 Pts on 60 percent shooting in three straight playoff games. Jerry West, Lou Hudson, and Brian Winters were the only guards to have done it in history, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole are the 3rd trio in Warriors history to each record 25 points and 50% shooting in a playoff game and the first since 1989.

1989: Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond & Terry Teagle

1958: Neil Johnston, Paul Arizin & Tom Gola pic.twitter.com/wJbmus6noh

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2022

All three became the first trio in franchise history to record 25 points on 50 percent shooting and the first to do since Chris Mullin, Mitch Redmond, and Terry Teagle did so in 1989.

“He looks like a seasoned vet,” Thompson said about Poole via Yahoo Sports. “The shots he’s been making and taking, he’s kind of been our catalyst on offense. JP, I’ve seen him put in so much work behind the scenes that he deserves this.

“I’m incredibly proud of him.”

Not only is Thompson enjoying his teammate’s play but the opportunity to be back on the floor with his teammates in general.

“So much,” he said when asked how much he missed playoff games on the road. “It’s what you dream of, it’s what you prepare for and I don’t take granted nights like these. That was a ton of fun and just a gutsy win by our squad.

“Everything I worked for the past two years has come to fruition. I’m just incredibly grateful to be here and having fun.”

Golden State will try to close out the series on Sunday.

The post Golden State Warriors Take Command Of Series With Backcourt Brilliance appeared first on SLAM.

Chase Center is ROCKIN’ after Poole’s bucket pic.twitter.com/w0JwRUn57m

— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2022

Before the series started, the young guard said he was ready to contribute in any way he could.

“As long as I’m out there being able to make an impact, help our team win, and lead us as far as we can go, I’m excited for it,” Poole said via Bleacher Report. “Whatever opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready to step up.”

His Game 1 performance showed that he is a man of his word.

Poole started in Curry’s place and put on an historical performance, scoring 30 points on an efficient 9-13 shooting from the floor, leading the Warriors to an easy 123–107 Game 1 victory. Poole scored the third more points in a playoff debut behind Wilt Chamberlain (35) and Mitch Richmond (30). His five triples were the most for a playoff debut too.

The former first-round pick also became the 35th player in League history to score 30 or more in their first playoff game. Whatever the role, Poole has proved that he can contribute in any role for the Warriors going forward. In the 12 games Curry missed due to his sprained foot, Poole averaged 25.8 points.

Poole is really like that. pic.twitter.com/XFVxxg6yuH

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 17, 2022

After the game, Poole was thankful for the support of his teammates via ESPN.

“There’s no better feeling than having the guys behind you who have already been through the fight,” Poole said.

Poole and the Warriors and the Nuggets will go at it for Round 2 on Monday.

The post Golden State Warriors Host Jordan Poole Party In Game 1 Win Over Denver appeared first on SLAM.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry (foot) is on track to make his return in Game 1 vs. Nuggets on Saturday as long as he clears team’s scrimmage today without issues, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 14, 2022

Curry’s return comes with one condition, though. The two-time MVP has to get through the team’s Thursday afternoon scrimmage without any complications.

SC39 first hurt his foot nearly a month ago, on March 17. He missed the rest of the regular season, 12 games, due to the left foot sprain he suffered against the Celtics.

Curry finished the regular season averaging 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 43.7 percent shooting from the field. 

The post REPORT: Stephen Curry On Track to Return By Game 1 appeared first on SLAM.

While there’s been optimism all season that Denver could get one or both of these guys back for the playoffs, those hopes are starting to fade. 

As first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Murray and Porter Jr. will both miss the final game of the regular season and are “unlikely” to return during the postseason. 

Despite being without these two key pieces for nearly the entire season, the Nuggets have played very well. Entering the final day of the regular season, they’re tied for the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 48-33. 

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has once again been spectacular this season, carrying Denver throughout the season as they played shorthanded.

Anytime Jokic is on the floor, Denver has a chance to win. As such, the Nuggets are a team nobody should want to play in the first round of the playoffs. 

The post Denver Nuggets Could Be Without Two Key Pieces In Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

Tucker initially played college basketball at Florida Gulf Coast and transferred to Arkansas-Little Rock after two seasons. After sitting out his junior year due to transfer rules, Tucker averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a senior. He was named to the second-team All-Sun Belt Conference and declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.

After going undrafted, Tucker signed with Wisconsin Herd and played for the Bucks’ summer league team, where he averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five games. In 16 games with the Herd, Tucker averaged 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists before eventually signing with the Utah Jazz mid-season in 2019-2020.

After stints with the Jazz and 76ers, Tucker returned to the Herd in August 2021 and averaged 12.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 13 games. In December, he would sign 10-day contracts with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets before returning to the Herd for his third stint with the team.

Yesterday the Milwaukee Bucks waived forward DeAndre’ Bembry, who recently underwent season-ending knee surgery, opening a roster spot for Tucker.

The Bucks will close out the regular season on the road as they travel to Detroit and Cleveland to prepare for postseason action.

The post REPORT: Milwaukee Bucks Sign Rayjon Tucker to Multiyear Contract. appeared first on SLAM.

NBA HISTORY

(Stat via @NBABlackburn) pic.twitter.com/hXmrp1wgKs

— x – Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 8, 2022

Joker was serenaded with “M-V-P” chants after scoring a fourth-quarter bucket to become the first player in NBA history to accumulate 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. Jokic also became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to register at last 35 points and 12 rebounds in five straight games.

We liking the headband ? The Joker always has something up this sleeve.

(via @nuggets) pic.twitter.com/Ukl8VQbqae

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 8, 2022

The only other player who’s come close to accomplishing the same combination of stats was Wilt Chamberlain during the 1967-1968 campaign when he led the League in assists but came up eight points short of 2k. However, Wilt the Stilt won his third straight MVP that season. It remains to be seen if Jokic will. He’s in a tight race for the award with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

“I mean, it’s cool,” Jokic said per NBA.com. “I like it. Hopefully, I can do it a couple of more times.”

To top off all the good news, the Nuggets (48-33) clinched their fourth straight playoff appearance after beating the Grizzlies, 122-109, led by Jokic’s 35 points, 16 rebounds, and six assist double-double performance. If they beat the Lakers on Sunday and the Jazz suffers two more losses against the Suns and Trail Blazers, the Nuggets can win the Northwest Division, their third divisional title since 2019.

Jokic has averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 boards, and 7.8 dimes per game this season while leading the Nuggets to a sixth-place finish in the always-packed Western Conference without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. by his side. When it comes to winning a second straight MVP award, Jokic says, ‘if that’s enough, it’s enough. If not, you cannot control that.”

Coach Michael Malone wasn’t so subtle with his compliments on the Nuggets’ franchise cornerstone.

“The MVP isn’t even a competition,” Malone said. “There’s other great players. I’m not saying they’re not great players. But what Nikola Jokic has done this year — with this team — everything we’ve had to go through is just incredible. He was good last year, and he’s even better this year.”

The Nuggets can still win the Northwest Division with a victory Sunday night against the Lakers and two losses by the Utah Jazz (48-32), who finish up against Phoenix (63-17) and Portland (27-53).

The post Nikola Jokic First to Hit 2k Points, 1K Rebounds, and 500 Assists appeared first on SLAM.

The 7-footer has scored a total of 232 points while shooting 70.6% from the floor over his past seven games. No player in NBA history has scored more points over a seven-game span in which they’ve shot at least 70% from the field.

Not only is Jokic scoring a ton of points, but he’s doing it efficiently. 

Over this stretch, Denver has gone 5-2 in its effort to climb the Western Conference standings. As we enter the final week of the regular season, every game counts. The Nuggets just recently moved up into the fifth seed, jumping the Utah Jazz. 

During his last seven games, Jokic has also produced 14.4 rebounds and 7.7 assists per contest. He’s once again an MVP candidate, doing whatever it takes to get his team wins down the stretch. 

With a record of 47-32, Denver has just three games remaining in the regular season. 

The post Nikola Jokic Is Making History Down The Stretch Of The Regular Season appeared first on SLAM.

San Antonio Spurs icon Manu Ginobili will be a first-ballot induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022

WNBA legend Swin Cash – a four-time All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist – will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Cash is currently part of the New Orleans Pelicans front office.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022

On the NBA and WNBA side, Spurs legend Manu Ginóbili will be inducted into HOF for his first time on the ballot. Heat and Warriors legend Tim Hardaway will also be inducted. Swin Cash, a four-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who is currently working in the front office of the Pelicans, will be inducted too.

Two longtime coaches in the NCAA and NBA will be enshrined as well. Bob Huggins, head coach of the West Virginia men’s basketball program and two-time Coach of the Year winner, and George Karl, the sixth-winningest head coach in League history, will be entering the HOF.

Finalists must receive 18-24 votes from the HOF committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The class of 2022 will be announced on Saturday during the men’s Final Four in New Orleans, with the ceremony taking place on Sept. 10.

The post REPORT: Manu Ginobli, Swin Cash Elected to 2022 Hall of Fame Class appeared first on SLAM.

With that in mind, there’s optimism that Murray has the change to get back on the court this season as he recovers from an ACL injury. Over the past several weeks, he has made strides towards getting back on the floor, increasing the amount of work he’s been able to do on the court in practice and training. 

However, Murray’s official return to action might still take more time. 

As first reported by Mike Singer of The Denver Post, Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned over the weekend that Murray is “not close” to returning to the lineup. 

Denver is set to make the playoffs and could use Murray if the team wants to make a splash. One of the best players on the team, he’s an elite creator and scorer. 

The now 25-year-old was great last season, when he averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds per contest. Murray also converted on 40.8% of his 6.6 attempts from deep through 48 games last season. 

If he’s able to come back this season, Denver will be dangerous in the playoffs. If not, the Nuggets might struggle to compete with other teams that have fully healthy rosters. 

The post Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Says Jamal Murray Is ‘Not Close’ To Returning appeared first on SLAM.

Mike Singer of the Denver Post reported that it’s a toss-up on when we will see Murray back on the court this season. His time with Grand Rapids Gold will only consist of 5-on-5 action in practice and not full gameplay.

Jamal Murray averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 48 games in 2020-21. With the Nuggets (41-28) currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference the return of the Blue Arrow would make the Nuggets a serious post-season contender.

We linked up with Jamal Murray to talk about creativity, music, mindfulness and Bruce Lee. Read his SLAM 230 cover story: https://t.co/m8J6UEeQKf pic.twitter.com/H1D6JswiAd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 23, 2020

The post REPORT: Nuggets Assign Jamal Murray to the NBA G League appeared first on SLAM.

According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, Michael Porter Jr. will head to the Nuggets G-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, to practice and scrimmage sometime this week.

Singer also reported that Porter recently underwent his first 1-on-1 contact drills since his initial injury.

Porter has been out for the Nuggets for most of the season since undergoing what was initially thought to be season-ending back surgery in November of 2021.

However, more recent reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicated that Porter and fellow superstar teammate Jamal Murray could both return to play for the Nuggets before the start of the playoffs, with Porter potentially coming back as early as mid-March.

Murray has been out since April of 2021 after suffering a torn ACL in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

Porter struggled to start the season before being removed from the team due to injury, averaging 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on 35.9% shooting and 20.8% shooting from three in the nine games he played in Denver this year. Those numbers are well below those he put up last season when he averaged 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 54.2% shooting and 44.5% shooting from distance.

Despite the absence of two of the Nuggets’ best players, Denver has had a strong season sitting sixth in the Western Conference with a record of 36-25.

The post REPORT: Micheal Porter Jr. to Scrimmage With Nuggets G-League Team appeared first on SLAM.

Per Amick, Porter is set to return by mid to late March. The Missouri product was thought to be done for the season after undergoing his third back surgery in November.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., is progressing to be cleared for on-court contact within the next week, freeing a path for him to return to the lineup sometime in March, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Story: https://t.co/kGgAmFvgZs

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 27, 2022

The 25-year-old guard has been out since April 2021, when he tore the ACL in his left knee. At the time, Murray averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game on career-best 40.8 percent shooting from distance. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the target for Murray is sometime in March as well.

Denver could potentially get back both Porter and Jamal Murray in the next month. They have the potential to be an extremely dangerous team come playoff time if they can get healthy. In a very brief sample last year, those two, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon were dominant together https://t.co/h2vNimwKEV

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 27, 2022

Denver has seemingly been optimistic about Murray and Porter coming back since early February when team president Tim Connely told Denver sports radio that both franchise cornerstones could return “in the not too distant future.”

On Wednesday, the Nuggets (36-25) will play the Trail Blazers (25-36). The return of Porter in the coming weeks could provide a big boost for a Nuggets team that’s struggled with injury but stayed afloat because of another MVP-quality season from reigning MVP Nikola Jukic.

The post REPORT: Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. On Track to Return By Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: The Denver Nuggets are planning to sign center DeMarcus Cousins to a rest-of-season contract in the coming days. Cousins’ final 10-day expired over the weekend. He’s averaged 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds with Denver, where he’s reunited with Michael Malone.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 22, 2022

Cousins averaged 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in eight games with the Nuggets. He’s signed 10-day contracts with the Bucks and Denver throughout the 2021-2022 campaign as COVID-19 has devastated the League nearly all season. In 17 games with Milwaukee, Boogie averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 boards per game, earning five starts.

The four-time All-Star has moved around the League since suffering devastating leg injuries with the Pelicans, Warriors, and Lakers, although he never donned the purple-and-gold. The 31-year-old Kentucky product has played for the Kings, Pelicans, Warriors, and the Rockets.

The post REPORT: Nuggets to Sign DeMarcus Cousins For the Rest of the Season appeared first on SLAM.

Denver Nuggets rookie Bones Hyland has been selected as an injury replacement for the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 17, 2022

Mitchell has ruled out the game due to right-hand soreness, which caused him to miss last night’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls in a 125-118 loss.

Hyland becomes the second-consecutive Nuggets player to be named to the Rising Stars after Michael Porter Jr. and Facundo Campazzo’s appearance last year in Atlanta. Appearing in 46 games in three starts, the 21-year-old from VCU is averaging 8.8 points, 2.7 boards, and 2.0 assists on 18 minutes per game. Over his last 10, he’s upped his averages to 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 40.7 percent from beyond the arc.

The 26th overall pick in 2021 ranks third amongst rookies in free-throw percentage (88.5), third in total threes (79), and 13th in points per game. Against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 15, Bones dropped a career-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, and two dimes while shooting 6-for-10 from distance, becoming just the third Nuggets player ever to post 27+ points and 6+ threes off of the bench, joining Wilson Chandler and Will Barton.

Hyland joins head coach Gary Payton’s team alongside LaMelo Ball, Scottie Barnes, Ayo Dosunmu, Chris Duarte, Scoot Henderson, and Jaden McDaniels in this year’s new format, featuring four teams of seven players.

The 2022 Clorox Rising Stars team rosters pic.twitter.com/d8d4jjpQ9s

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 4, 2022

The 2022 Rising Stars game will kick off All-Star weekend on Friday night.

The post Bones Hyland Replaces Injured Davion Mitchell in Rising Stars Game appeared first on SLAM.

Some good news coming from #Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, on @AltitudeSR, on the status of both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., saying he thinks they will physically cleared to return “hopefully in the not too distant future.”

— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) February 11, 2022

When Murray makes his way back to the court, it’ll be the first time he’s played for the Nuggets since tearing his ACL last April. Porter hasn’t played since undergoing surgery on his lower back in November.

Murray averaged 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists per game before getting injured. Porter played nine games before going under the knife and averaged 9.9 points, 6.6 boards, and 1.9 dimes per game.

The Nuggets are 30-24 under the MVP-led play of Nikola Jokic, sitting at sixth place in the always competitive Western Conference.

The post Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Close to Return appeared first on SLAM.

The Denver Nuggets are one team still involved in trade talks, and according to reports from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, guard Facundo Campazzo, and forward JaMychal Green is considered “available.”

“JaMychal Green and Facundo Campazzo are considered available for trade-in Denver,” Fischer said.

Graan and Campazzo are a pair of bench contributors for Denver, with only 11 starts combined between the two players.

Campazzo is in his second season in the NBA after spending several years in Europe with Real Madrid, playing for the Spanish club from 2014 to 2020. In his second season since joining Denver, Campazzo has averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 assists in 20.1 minutes per game.

Green is in his eighth season in the NBA but his second with the Nuggets, and he is averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. In his eight years in the League, Green has played for four teams, the Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers.

This season, the Nuggets have already gotten involved in the trade market, taking part in a three-team trade with the Spurs and Boston Celtics. The trade sent center Bol Bol and the injured P.J. Dozier to the Celtics, and the Spurs received forward Juancho Hernangomez and a Nuggets’ 2028 second-round pick. The Nuggets received guard Bryn Forbes.

The NBA trade deadline is in just a couple of days, with no trades permitted after Thursday, Feb. 10 at 3:00 p.m. EST.

The post REPORT: Nuggets Consider Facundo Campazzo and JaMychal Green Available appeared first on SLAM.

The Nuggets brought him in for a physical and a testing process with plans to sign Cousins after the Bucks waived him nearly two weeks ago.

DeMarcus Cousins will sign a 10-day contract with the Nuggets today, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/B2r6Ef222s

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 21, 2022

The Sacramento Kings’ 5th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft was signed as the Nuggets start a long stretch of road games. Denver will be on the road for six games during his tenure with the Nuggets beginning with a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, followed by a game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Before being released by Milwaukee, Cousins averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds over 17 games, including a season-high 22 points against the Dallas Mavericks.

After being considered one of the NBA’s best centers in his first six seasons in Sacramento, Boogie’s career has been ravaged by injury, forcing him to become a journeyman since being traded to the Pelicans during the 2015-16 season. After playing less than two seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans, he only played 30 games for the Golden State Warriors in 2018-19. 

Then when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, he tore his ACL in an offseason workout in Las Vegas. Since then, Cousins has had short stints with the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Bucks. 

The post REPORT: Denver Nuggets Sign DeMarcus Cousins to 10 Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Denver, Boston and San Antonio are making a three-way trade that includes Juancho Hernangomez to Spurs, Bryn Forbes to Denver, Bol Bol and PJ Dozier to Celtics, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 19, 2022

The Nuggets are sending Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier to the Celtics, while the Spurs receive Juancho Hernangomez and a 2028 second-round pick from the Nuggets, according to Woj. The second-round pick the Spurs acquired is protected Nos. 31-33, San Antonio receives $2.35 million in the trade, including $2.15 million via Boston, per ESPN.

The Celtics reportedly have no immediate plans to waive Dozier or Bol, both are out indefinitely with knee and back injuries. This offseason, Dozier will be an unrestricted free agent, and Bol will be a restricted free agent. The Celtics are saving nearly $4.3 million in salary on the deal, helping them avoid the luxury deal.

The Nuggets are hopeful Forbes can improve their three-point shooting. Forbes averages 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 41.7 percent shooting from downtown in 16.9 minutes per game. According to Second Spectrum, Bryn Forbes has been shooting 45 percent on catch-and-shoot three-pointers in the past two seasons, the fifth-best mark among 102 players with 300-plus attempts.

Per ESPN Stats and Information, Forbes ranks third in three-point accuracy over the past four seasons among players with more than 1,000 attempts.

Forbes played his first four NBA seasons with the Spurs before winning a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020-21. He signed back with the Spurs in free agency in August after declining his player option to become a free agent.

The post REPORT: Spurs Trade Bryn Forbes to Nuggets in Three-Team Deal appeared first on SLAM.

On Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Bol would be out 8-to-12 weeks to undergo surgery on his foot.

Bol was the subject of significant news last week when the Nuggets agreed to send Bol to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a second-round pick and Rodney McGruder. That trade was voided after Bol failed a physical with the Pistons upon arriving.

Charania indicated in his report that the foot injury could be the root cause of the failed physical, though he doesn’t confirm this either.

Bol was the 44th overall pick by the Nuggets in the 2019 NBA Draft out of the University of Oregon after an eye-popping start to his freshman season with the Ducks, before getting hurt after nine games. Through two and a half years in the NBA, Bol has struggled to find playing time.

Bol has played in 53 career games over the past three seasons, putting up career averages of 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. So far this season, Bol has played in 14 games for the Nuggets averaging 5.8 minutes and 2.4 points per game. As a member of the Windy City Bulls, Bol averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.

The post REPORT: Bol Bol Out for 8-12 Weeks to Undergo Foot Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

While Green was putting on a dunking exhibition against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, linked him with Phoenix Suns center Jalen Smith in the Celtics’ trade rumors on the HoopsHype podcast on Wednesday.

UNCLE JEFF TURN ME UPPPPP!!!! (via @nuggets) pic.twitter.com/ynIN2K4seX

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2022

“The Boston Celtics have expressed interest in re-acquiring forward Jeff Green, league sources told HoopsHype. Green was coached by Brad Stevens in Boston. I’ve also heard former lottery pick Aaron Nesmith and guard Dennis Schroeder are also available in Boston. They’ve made several calls doing due diligence, including to Phoenix regarding Jalen Smith’s availability.” Scotto said.

While the Denver Nuggets have shown no indication for dealing the veteran, Green could provide a scoring and rebounding punch off the bench, a role that has kept him in the NBA for years. Also, he could be a solid veteran presence in the locker room which has been an issue at times this season.

Green reportedly has a good relationship with Celtics Coach Ime Udoka when the two had success last season with the Brooklyn Nets, and he would give Boston a versatile defender. He has a player option for $4.5 million for next season.

The 35-year-old started 24 of his 36 games and averaged 10.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for Denver this season.

Leader of the slept on posters community. All hail, Uncle Jeff. pic.twitter.com/ejKfxbAjxx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2022

The post REPORT: Boston Celtics Interested In a Jeff Green Reunion Via Trade appeared first on SLAM.

The 26-year-old center being so overlooked has riled up Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. During his postgame press conference with media following the Nuggets’ 87-85 to the Clippers, the veteran coach didn’t hold back on the perceived Jokic slander.

“I think he is one of the more disrespected reigning MVPs that I can think of in terms of the attention,” Malone said per ESPN.

“But if you open up the dictionary, look up the word consistency, there’s going to be a picture of Nikola there. That’s going back to the bubble, that’s going back to a 72-game season last year, and this year we knew Jamal [Murray] was going to be out for an extended period. When you add a Michael Porter, when you add a P.J. Dozier to that [injured] list, it even becomes more incredible what he’s doing.”

As of Wednesday, Jokic is putting up 25.7 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. As far as analytics goes, Jokic holds a 112.4 offensive rating, 103.6 defensive rating and leads the League in player impact estimate. The Joker is also in the top 5 for usage, assist percentage, defensive rebound percentage, and rebound percentage.

Compared to last season when Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists on 56.6% shooting, Jokic holds even more responsibility with Murray, Porter, and Dozier out with injuries. Like no other time during his Nuggets tenure, how Jokic goes is how the Nugget will go. The Nuggets are currently sixth in the West with a 20-19 record.

A big reason Jokic hasn’t been in the MVP conversation with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Nuggets’ record. The last MVP to win without having a top-three record was 2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook. The former Thunder guard won it after averaging a triple-double, the first since Oscar Robertson did it during the 1961-1962 season but didn’t win the MVP after guiding the Cincinnati Royals to a 43-37 record.

“I mean, Nikola Jokic is not sexy,” Malone said. “He’s just not. There is nothing about Nikola — his wife might disagree. But if you are a true student of the game, a coach, someone that loves the game being played the right way, then you appreciate him at the level that he should be appreciated at.

— But if you appreciate passing, IQ, reading the game, just what he does every night from a scoring, rebounding, playmaking standpoint, and finally, I am starting to hear that he is getting a little more credit as a defender, and it is well deserved.”

The post Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: ‘One of the More Disrespected Reigning MVPs That I Can Think Of’ appeared first on SLAM.

Earning compliments for that skill is nothing new for the superstar out of Duke. After the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Brooklyn Nets, 114-108, Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups had nothing but praise for the 29-year-old guard.

“Kyrie is just, he’s a wizard, man,” Billups said per ESPN. “He’s must-see TV. I personally think, as somebody that played the position, I think Kyrie’s the most skilled player that’s ever played that position. Just straight skill. Nothing else. Just straight skill. I think he’s the best that I’ve ever seen at the position, skill-wise. So, obviously, he gives you a ton when he’s playing.”

“His shot-making is incredible,” Billups added. “He’s a better passer than people give him credit for. He’s obviously a willing teammate. He’s not just all about Kyrie. He passes the ball. He’s a champion. He brings championship pedigree to the table. I think he hit maybe the biggest shot that I ever seen in NBA Finals history, that I seen.”

In his second game back since the Nets brought him back as a part-time player, Irving put up 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in the Nets’ late loss.

Uncle Drew seemed to enjoy hearing the praise the Billups had for him postgame while also saying he respected that it came from a veteran who has accomplished as much as the ’04 Finals MVP has.

“I’m grateful for that,” Irving said. “Coming from him, a championship winner, championship point guard, and it gives me more motivation to continue to write this legacy that I have with incredible teammates. And just continue to raise the level of mastery and just leave a great blueprint for other guys to follow. I know I’m going on 30 years old, I never thought I’d really be in this league to say that — not be in this league, just be at this age where now I’m looked at as a 10-plus year career guy.”

The Nets are now 1-1 in games Irving has played this season. Although it’s a small sample size, questions remain if the Nets and Irving will build chemistry and rhythm together, with Irving only playing road games this season.

Irving and the Nets (25-14) return to action on Wednesday when they take on the Bulls (26-11).

The post Chauncey Billups Has High Praise For Kyrie Irving appeared first on SLAM.

Denver’s Bol Bol trade with Detroit has been voided, sources tell ESPN. The Pistons didn’t pass Bol on his physical with team.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2022

The Nuggets-Pistons trade is off due to Bol Bol failing the Pistons physical according to multiple reports. Had Bol been successfully moved, it would have given the seven-footer a chance to get on the court and fill the Pistons’ need for size and length while they wait for the return of Kelly Olynyk, who is still out indefinitely after suffering a sprained left knee sprain in November.

The transaction was originally reported on Monday.

The Detroit Pistons are finalizing a deal to acquire l Denver Nuggets’ F Bol Bol for Rodney McGruder and a future second-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 9, 2022

At one time, Bol Bol, who is the son of the late NBA player Manute Bol, was the 44th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Nuggets and filled with potential and a game full of intrigue. Despite being a fan favorite, he has not cracked the rotation for any consistent minutes. This season, Bol appeared in only 15 games with averages of only 2.4 points and 1.4 rebounds.

Bol’s most significant contributions were in the G-League with the Windy City Bulls, where he averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks last season.

With Bol becoming a restricted free agent this summer and with the recent signing of DeMarcus Cousins, the team decided to invest in McGruder, who provides some extra depth in the backcourt to buy more time until Jamal Murray returns from a torn ACL. McGruder is averaging 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds this season.

The post Update: Denver Nuggets Trade Bol Bol To Pistons For Rodney McGruder Voided appeared first on SLAM.

The Denver Nuggets are planning to sign free agent center DeMarcus Cousins to a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2022

Cousins had a very productive, albeit short, run with the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 17 games Boogie played with the club, he averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game. His release from the team was considered a business decision to open up a roster spot before the trade deadline. According to insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Bucks GM Jon Horst had some glowing comments about Cousins and his contributions while on the roster.

On waiving DeMarcus Cousins to open roster spot for trade deadline, Bucks GM Jon Horst tells ESPN: “We wouldn’t have been able to get through this difficult stretch of the season as successfully as we did without DeMarcus…He was so good for us and hopefully we helped him too.”

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2022

Injuries have derailed the big man’s career since being traded from the Sacramento Kings. After tearing his Achilles in New Orleans, he missed the entire 2019-20 season and a chance to play with the title-winning Los Angeles Lakers after tearing his ACL in the offseason. Since then, Cousins has played sparingly with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Bucks, as mentioned above.

If he passes a physical and finishes the testing process, he will be reuniting with his old coach from Sacramento, Mike Malone, on Tuesday when Denver takes on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post REPORT: Nuggets In Works To Sign DeMarcus Cousins To 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

3️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ career 3-pointers and counting pic.twitter.com/8Wg601gjWv

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 29, 2021

Curry set the record in the third quarter, knocking down the historic triple over Facundo Campazzo. The Baby-Faced Assasin finished the night with 23 points on 6-16 shooting from the field (5-14 from long distance). Curry has had a momentous season with the Warriors thus far, leading them to a League-best 27-7 season without fellow sniper Klay Thompson, and set the record for most three-pointers made in the regular season.

“It’s kind of a weird thought to think that for the rest of my career, for the most part, I’m pretty sure, every 3-pointer I make will be a new record,” Curry told NBCSports. “I’m just going to enjoy it. I don’t know what’s next, something like 3,333? Got to start coming up with stuff. See y’all next year for that one, probably.”

In addition to that ridiculous feat, Curry also matched one of his records by hitting a three-pointer in his 157th consecutive game. The current streak began on Dec. 1, 2018. Curry has made 3004 triples in his career and has a chance to knock down at least 400 for the second time in his career.

Curry won’t limit himself to what he’s capable of doing when it comes to creating more historical benchmarks.

“Nah, same thing when I hit 400 in a season,” Curry said. “You don’t really put limits on what can happen. Just hoop and enjoy yourself and see what happens when it’s all said and done.”

The Warriors replay the Nuggets (17-16) on Thursday.

The post Stephen Curry Knocks 3000th Career Three-Pointer Against the Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas has signed in the NBA G League and will play in the G League Showcase (Dec. 19-22) in Las Vegas, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thomas is on the NBA comeback trail.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2021

While Thomas played for Team USA, he wanted to show that he could still play in the League via NBA.com.

“My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA as soon as possible,” Thomas, 32, told The Associated Press. “This allows me to compete against other professionals, represent my country at the same time — which is an honor and a privilege — and ultimately show NBA teams that I’m back to myself and I’m 100% healthy. That’s why I chose to come here. When Team USA brought it to me, it was a no-brainer.”

LET IT FLY, ISAIAH!!

IT with the clutch shot during the @FIBAWC qualifiers. (via @USABasketball) pic.twitter.com/zsjsI6ooAI

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 29, 2021

The G League Showcase invites eight teams to play in a single-elimination tournament. The NBA usually sends scouts and executives to evaluate the players. Several players have used the tournament to get back in the NBA, which Isaiah hopes will happen to him.

The past four seasons have been tough for Isaiah Thomas since his Boston Celtics tenure that nabbed him two All-Star appearances. Since being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans. He had two workouts with the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors this past offseason with no luck.

The post REPORT: Isaiah Thomas to Play in G League Showcase to Spur Comeback appeared first on SLAM.

Congrats to Nikola Jokic of the @nuggets for moving up to 8th on the all-time TRIPLE-DOUBLES list! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/UDqElBOphs

— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2021

Joker finished the Nuggets’ 109-97 loss to the Bulls with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists.

It took Jokic 471 games to post 60 triple-double, versus the 897 it took for Larry Legend to reach 59. He is currently just two triple-doubles behind James Harden, who surpassed Bird in November and has since posted two more for a total of 62.

The post Nikola Jokic Surpasses Larry Bird to Become Eighth on All-Time Triple-Double List appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: Nuggets guard Austin Rivers has entered health and safety protocols and is expected to miss several games, including tonight’s game vs. Orlando. Another loss to the Denver lineup, now without Rivers, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2021

Rivers initially signed with the organization back in April to bolster the teams’ back-court depth. He re-signed with the Nuggets in September, agreeing to a one-year $2.4 million deal. The Nuggets, meanwhile, haven’t seen typical production from Rivers as of late, with the 29-year-old playing a limited bench role, averaging 3.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game while shooting 34.6 percent from the field.

Rivers absence is the latest health and safety protocol domino to fall, with LeBron James entering protocols yesterday before the Los Angeles Lakers matchup with the Sacramento Kings and League insider Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that Bones Hyland will join Rivers in health and safety protocols.

The removal of Rivers from the lineup for the foreseeable future only intensifies the Nuggets’ lack of bodies with P.J. Dozier suffering a torn ACL, Jamal Murray continuing to rehab his torn left ACL, and losing Michael Porter Jr. to a back surgery indefinitely.

The post REPORT: Austin Rivers Sidelined After Entering Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

Nuggets F Michael Porter Jr., will undergo a surgical procedure on his lower back and miss an indefinite period, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Bartelstein says Porter’s expected to make a full recovery; timetable on return will come after surgery.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 29, 2021

According to his agent, Mark Bartelstein, the operation will happen Wednesday, and Porter is expected to make a full recovery. League insider Shams Charania has reported that his sources said that Porter would be out for the remainder of the season. The Nuggets are reportedly taking a “big picture approach to his health” as his five-year extension begins next season.

Sources: Denver forward Michael Porter Jr. is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to back surgery. Tough blow, but with Porter’s five-year extension kicking in next season, he and the Nuggets take big-picture approach to his health.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 29, 2021

Porter will be undergoing third back surgery since 2017 when he experienced a microdiscectomy procedure of the L3 and L4 spinal disks during his freshman season at Missouri. His second came during his rookie season in 2018 when he had a “breakthrough surgery” to help alleviate his back issues.

The Nuggets are currently 9-10 and have been dealing with an injury bug with Nikola Jokic dealing with a wrist injury, Jamal Murray still rehabbing from his knee injury, and P.J. Dozier out for the season with a torn ACL.

Losers in their last six outings, the Nuggets look to right the ship Monday against the Miami Heat (13-7).

The post REPORT: Michael Porter Jr. Set For Season-Ending Lower Back Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Denver Nuggets guard P.J. Dozier is feared to have suffered an ACL tear to his left knee, sources tell ESPN. More evaluation needs to be done today, but initial imaging late Tuesday in Portland suggested a possible end to his season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 24, 2021

Dozier only played four minutes before getting his legs tangled up with Cody Zeller’s while attempting a layup in the first quarter. He finished the night with two points and two rebounds.

another Nuggets injury, Dozier just tore his ACL pic.twitter.com/bfkwMM4Xkz

— Ted Buddy (@TedBuddy8) November 24, 2021

This injury couldn’t come at a worse time for the Denver Nuggets, a team without Jamal Murray, who hasn’t suited up this season dealing with his own knee issues. Michael Porter Jr.’s back injury suffered a few weeks ago is still a significant topic of concern. Their reigning MVP center, Nikola Jokic, has not played in the Nuggets’ last three games with a wrist injury with no set timetable on his return to the lineup. 

P.J. Dozier averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds through the first 18 games of the 2021-22 season.

The post REPORT: Denver Nuggets To Lose P.J. Dozier With ACL Tear in Left Knee appeared first on SLAM.

Porter Jr. has been out since November 6 when he seemed to injure his back on a botched layup attempt against the Rockets. The incident looked to have worsened a back injury that Porter Jr. has been dealing with all season. An injury that looks like it played a role in his unexpected struggles scoring just 9.9 points and grabbing 6.6 boards per game on 21 percent shooting from deep.

“He’s 23 years old,” teammate Austin Rivers told the Denver Post recently. “He’s gotta take care of himself and get himself right physically, and that way mentally he can come to the court playing the way that we know he can play. He’s playing hurt this whole season. It’s hard to do that. Hopefully, he comes back soon because he’s a huge part of our team.”

Porter Jr. has had a long history of back injuries, going under the knife twice for back surgeries. The first time happened during his one-and-done season at Missouri that kept him out for nearly four months. The second came during his rookie season, a surgery that forced Porter to miss his entire rookie season.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone told the Denver Post Sunday after a loss to the Suns that Porter is away from the team and in Florida; League sources told the Post he was seeking more opinions on how to treat his injury aside from the reported daily treatment Porter receives to strengthen his back.

The Nuggets signed Porter to a five-year max contract in late September. At least $145 million in the max extension is guaranteed.

The Nuggets are also awaiting the return of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic from a sprained wrist, Jamal Murray from a torn ACL, and Zeke Nnaji from a sprained ankle. The next time Denver plays is Tuesday against the Trail Blazers on TNT at 10 PM.

The post REPORT: Michael Porter Jr Dealing With Nerve Issue That Could End Season appeared first on SLAM.

“It’s an ongoing thing, trying to figure out what’s going on…” Malone said according to ClutchPoints. “I’d still say that Michael’s out for the foreseeable future. We’re trying to take it one day at a time with him and see what the best way to approach getting him back healthy is.”

“There’s no doubt, regardless of his mood, we all have to support Michael, just like we support Jamal [Murray],” Malone told CBSSports. “And again, Michael could be back in a week, it could be more than that. So when I say, ‘foreseeable future,’ I’m not really sure what that means, I just know that he’s not playing tonight.”

“This is a process where we’re being very cautious, talking to doctors, getting imaging all that kind of stuff,”

Porter Jr. injured his lower back on a play during the team’s win over the Houston Rockets missing a layup. A short time later he left the game and never returned.  

Michael Porter Jr. really missed this layup pic.twitter.com/kFlZ2zvUau

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 6, 2021

Michael Porter Jr. has had a tough start to his 2021-2022 campaign, averaging just 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds on 35.9 percent shooting from the field and just 20.8 percent from three-point range. Despite that, the Nuggets (9-5) have won five straight games in a recent homestand before losing to the Mavericks (9-4), 111-101, Monday.

The high-level play of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has bought them time to figure out the severity of their young forward’s injury and the timeframe of his return but they will need a healthy Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray to be a true threat out of the Western Conference.

The post Head Coach Michael Malone on Michael Porter Jr.: ‘We’re Trying To Figure Out What’s Going On’ appeared first on SLAM.

Porter Jr. was going for an easy dunk in the first quarter during a Nuggets’ 95-94 win over the Houston Rockets (1-9) over the weekend. After gathering a loose ball near midcourt, the young forward somehow fumbled the play, readjusted for a layup, and smoked it.

Michael Porter Jr. really missed this layup pic.twitter.com/kFlZ2zvUau

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 6, 2021

Porter Jr. appeared to suffer the back injury on the play and attempted to fight through it but left for the rest of the game midway through the first quarter. The team described the injury as low back pain. An injury that held him out of practice and the next game against the Miami Heat (7-2) on Monday, according to Harrison Wind via HoopsHype.

Nuggets say Michael Porter Jr. (low back pain) is out for tomorrow vs. the Heat.

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 8, 2021

According to the Denver Post, Porter Jr. will be receiving ongoing treatment and could possibly miss the next several games as he recovers.

Porter Jr. and the Nuggets will look to be careful considering his history of back injuries dating back to his lone college basketball season at Missouri. The fourth-year forward had to sit out his entire rookie season recovering from back surgery.

The Nuggets signed Michael Porter Jr. to a five-year contract extension worth up to $207 million in the offseason. He’s struggled to start the season with averages of 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 35.9 percent from the field.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Out Indefinitely With Lower Back Pain appeared first on SLAM.

Cavaliers’ Kevin Love has entered health and safety protocols and is expected to miss several games, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Love is averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds this season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2021

This latest bout with adversity couldn’t have come at a stranger time for Love, who reportedly has no interest in a buyout despite the youth movement taking over the franchise. The Cavs are off to a 3-4 start since deciding to emphasize the development of their younger players.

That includes the decision to start seven-footer Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen next to Lauri Markkanen over Love. While coming off the bench for the first time since his second year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love has put up 9.9 points and 7.3 boards per game.

With Love set to make roughly $60 million over the next two seasons, the Cavs have yet to find a suitable partner to facilitate a trade for the five-time All-Star. It’s unclear what Cavs GM Koby Altman is asking for but the latest trade rumor came from the Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, who reported that the Denver Nuggets have “displayed trade interest” in him.

By the time Love will hit free agency in 2023, he will be turning 35 by the time and entering the 15th season of his career.

The post REPORT: Kevin Love ‘Expected to Miss Several Games’ After Entering Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

The reigning NBA MVP went down after knocking knees with Jazz center Rudy Gobert with 1:54 remaining in the second quarter. Jokic warmed up to play in the second half, but Nuggets head coach shut him down for the night.

Malone then discussed what happened in warm ups and what transpired after the game:

“I went up to Nikola as he was warming up at half time and asked him ‘How does it feel?’ He said, ‘It feels a little weak,’ so I just shut him down,” said Malone when he met with the media postgame.

“He’s far too important for this team for us to risk him being out there if he’s not feeling confident about it,” Malone added.

Nuggets teammate Monte Morris reportedly said, per the Denver Post’s Mike Singer, that Jokic “said he think he’s fine.”

Per Monte Morris on Nikola Jokic: “He said he thinks he’s fine.”

— Mike Singer (@msinger) October 27, 2021

Jokic has a few days to rest the knee before the Nuggets play the Dallas Mavericks at home on Friday night.

The post Nuggets HC Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic’s Knee Injury: ‘I Don’t Think It’s Anything Too Too Serious’ appeared first on SLAM.

The entertaining veteran last played with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2018-19 season, when he averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

After that season, Stephenson signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he played the 2019-20 season.

As he looked to make a return back to the NBA, Stephenson was among the players that entered the pool to be potentially selected in the 2021 NBA G League Draft. Taking place on Saturday, this was an opportunity for him to work his way back to the League on a G League affiliate.

As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Stephenson will play for the Denver Nuggets’ G League affiliate, Grand Rapids, this season after being selected No. 13 overall in G League draft.

This should be a great opportunity for Stephenson, who will have the chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on a contending Nuggets team later in the season.

Just 31 years old, Stephenson is a 6-foot-6 guard that brings a ton of energy to the floor. In his career, he’s averaged 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest. He’s certainly a role player at this point, but still has enough to help a team that’s looking to win now.

The post REPORT: Nuggets’ Grand Rapids Select NBA Veteran Lance Stephenson in G League Draft appeared first on SLAM.

In an interview with DNVR’s Harrison Wind, Nuggets guard Austin Rivers said that he thinks Porter Jr. is in for an All-Star season.

“I think Michael Porter Jr. will be an All-Star this season,” Rivers told DNVR. “We’re still working with him defensively. He’s putting the effort into that. But he’s going to be an All-Star. 6-10, top-2 or 3 jump shooter in basketball. It’s hard to see a guy like that who we’re going to be featuring on offense not making the All-Star game. He’s too good, man. He’s just too good.”

Rivers also took time to defend Porter from some of the criticism he has faced over the past few years.

“You should be allowed to be human. Unfortunately, in our sport, sometimes you’re not allowed to be human. You make a couple mistakes, and you’re a bad guy. It’s hard to change in the league. It takes years and years to get people to see who you are and understand the type of guy you are. It’s been a process, and I’m still working at it now, honestly.”

Rivers is clearly not the only one who believes in Porter, as the Nuggets in recent days signed him to a five-year $207 million extension, money you only give the best players in the league.

Looking at MPJ’s numbers in his first couple of seasons, it’s easy to see why he is held in such high regard. In just his second season in the NBA, he averaged 19 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting an outstanding 44.5 percent from three point range.

The Nuggets will be looking to improve on their excellent season from last year, where they finished third in the Western Conference but lost in the second round of the NBA Playoffs to the Phoenix Suns.

The post Austin Rivers Anticipates All-Star Season for Michael Porter Jr. appeared first on SLAM.

Congrats to @TarikBlack25 on signing with the @nuggets! pic.twitter.com/mdmt04kvCw

— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) September 23, 2021

Black played with Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia after joining them in January and averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds. Before playing in Russia, Black was very successful with Maccabi Tel Aviv with standout seasons in EuroLeague and Israeli League, helping the team win a championship.

Before moving to Europe, Tarik played four years with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been out of the League since the 2017-18 season with career averages of 4.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.

According to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas, Black’s contract will be an Exhibit 10 deal.

Some clarification on terms Tarik Black is returning to the NBA. The Denver Nuggets signed Black to an Exhibit 10 contract, per sources. More on @BasketNews_com

— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) September 24, 2021

The post REPORT: Denver Nuggets Sign Center Tarik Black appeared first on SLAM.

Per Wojnarowski, Porter’s deal is worth $172 million and must make an All-NBA team in order to reach the designated max criteria.

Last season, MPJ had a breakout season for the Nuggets after averaging 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.5 percent from deep in 61 games played. He got the chance to take on more responsibility with point guard Jamal Murray suffering a significant injury following the trade deadline and responded by averaging 23.9 points per game in April (21.0 points per game in May) .

It’s been well-documented that the Nuggets took a risk drafting Porter with 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

However, although he missed a significant amount of time due to his back injury, sitting out of what would have been his original rookie season, he’s routinely flashed the shooting potential that made him such an enticing prospect prior to his indoctrination into the NBA.

Now, he’s a major factor in Denver’s championship aspirations, and his extension serves to highlight his importance. Furthermore, with this agreement, the Nuggets now have their core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Porter all locked up long-term.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Agrees to 5-Year, $207 Million Max Extension with Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday morning, The NBA vet debuted his latest. memoir “Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised”, speaking on how his life was before the scoring titles, college championships and the glory that comes with being an NBA star.

He makes it his priority to tell readers that “this is not a book about basketball, its about LIFE”.

Being born and raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook Projects, he starts his story off at the age of eight.

Growing up amidst gang violence, racism and pain, Carmelo had no choice but to move to Baltimore but, sadly, this place was no better than the last. The notorious murder spree’s and crime rate’s gave birth to Baltimore’s nickname “Bodymore, Murderland”.

Thankfully, he was able to find solace in a world so cold, finally joining towson catholics basketball team where he would then become a basketball star. After leaving in 2009, he went on to join Oak Hill Academy in Virginia to play under head coach Steve Smith.

Carmelo exclaims that the book is “Raw and Honest. It’s very sentimental, and it’s coming directly from me. I’m not sugarcoating anything. I’m giving it to you as if I was in my living room, talking to family and friends about my upbringing. I’m allowing you to enter that world”.

He explains that although the things he’s seen in Baltimore made him stronger, it’s liable to stress you out. The cold world he lived in during his upbringing shaped him for different lessons and walks of life that he is now in position to experience.

“Understanding it better, knowing how to move, knowing how to make certain decisions. That’s what it did for me”.

“Where Tomorrow’s Aren’t Promised” is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.

The post Carmelo Anthony Debuts New Memoir “Where Tomorrow’s Aren’t Promised” appeared first on SLAM.

Gordon was traded to the Nuggets ahead of the 2021 NBA trade deadline, promptly finding a fit with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic the Western Conference contenders after spending the beginning of his career as the face of the Orlando Magic.

The fourth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and three-time Slam Dunk Contest participant, Gordon has become more known for his high-wire act than his proficiency as a basketball player.

However, Gordon’s defensive pressure and his diverse offensive skillset allow him to be a significant piece of the Nuggets’ rotation, as evidenced by the team winning their first seven games with him on the roster and 12 out their first 15.

Gordon has also struck up a close friendship with Denver’s youngest star, Michael Porter Jr., another player deemed to be key to the Nuggets’ championship hopes. While less of a factor than his overall fit with the club, this also likely played a part in Denver’s decision to extend Gordon’s contract, particularly with them currently working on a contract extension for MPJ.

Now approaching his eighth season in the NBA, Gordon holds career averages of 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.

The post REPORT: Aaron Gordon Agrees to Four-Year, $92 Million Extension with Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

While the 2020 NBA Champions have already made a whirlwind of moves, their search to add members to their veteran-laden roster continues with The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reporting that the Lakers are hosting a workout with free agent power forward Kenneth Faried.

Faried, better known by his nickname “The Manimal,” played eight seasons in the NBA.

The majority of his career spent with the Denver Nuggets, the energetic big man last played in the NBA in the 2018-19 season as a member of the Houston Rockets. 31-years-old, Faried has also spent some time overseas—specifically in China as a member of the Zhejiang Lions—before returning to the states to play for the Portland Trail Blazers’ Summer League team.

At his peak, Faried was a walking double-double, known for his great rebounding along with his scoring ability around the rim. Over the course of his eight-year career, Faried averaged 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game with 145 career double-doubles.

If signed by the Los Angeles Lakers, Faried cans serve as another serviceable big man in the Lakers rotation, which already features names such as Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan.

The post Veteran Forward Kenneth Faried Working Out for Lakers appeared first on SLAM.

With that in mind, Porter Jr. is eligible for an extension prior to the start of the 2021-22 season. According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, contract negotiations between the Nuggets and his agent Mark Bartelstein are going smooth and a the direction Porter Jr. is happy about. 

Last season in a breakout year, Porter Jr. averaged 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.5 percent from deep. Still just 23 years old, he’s clearly one of the most intriguing young players in the entire league. 

Especially in the modern NBA, a guy who’s able to shoot as well as Porter Jr. does at 6-foot-10 is extremely rare. If he’s able to continue to make his game more well-rounded, he truly has a superstar ceiling. 

The post Michael Porter Jr. Is Optimistic About Contract Extension With Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

In return for Gordon, Denver traded Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and a future first-round pick to Orlando. This was a move the clearly indicated they wanted him as part of their core long-term. 

With that in mind, Mike Singer of The Denver Post recently reported that the Nuggets and Gordon share optimism about a potential contract extension with a deal possibly being reaching within the next few days.

He is is eligible for a four-year, $88 million extension, but Singer reports that a deal could be for two or three years at an at $20 million to $21 million per season. 

At 25 years old, Gordon is entering the final year of his current four-year, $80 million deal as a member of the Nuggets. 

The post Nuggets, Aaron Gordon Optimistic On Extension In Near Future appeared first on SLAM.

From there, he was traded to the New York Knicks, in what was a huge deal at the time. 

Anthony recently joined All The Smoke, discussing his time with the Nuggets. He talked about how he actually never wanted to leave Denver. 

“Contrary to what anybody an every believes, I never wanted to leave Denver. I never told people that. But I never wanted to leave Denver. But it’s like they put my back against the wall,” said Anthony.

Now at age 37, Anthony is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers who will be his sixth NBA team. While his role is no longer what it once was in the League, he’s still a well-respected scorer who can raise the ceiling of a contender. 

The post Carmelo Anthony: ‘I Never Wanted To Leave Denver’ appeared first on SLAM.

For the most part, Bol Bol has taken advantage of his opportunities on the hardwood.

“We got him playing the five and the four,” assistant coach Charles Klask said earlier in August. “He’s going to kind of be our Summer League version of Nikola (Jokic) when he’s at the five. We’re going to try to play through him a lot. He’s a really good passer. He can see over the defense…He’s got a unique skillset and we’re going to try and highlight that in some different ways.”

Coast 2 coast

Bol Bol goes the length of the floor for the and-1! #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/tMCYTxVjW0

— NBA (@NBA) August 9, 2021

Bol has shown the ability to draw the whistle from the officials and has been rewarded with and-one baskets on top of it. If he can keep being consistent drawing fouls and getting to the line, it could lead to more minutes in the regular season.

Overall, the Nuggets center has looked fluid and has shown versatility and guard-like skills that put him in the spotlight as one of the top-ranked prospects in high school.

BOL BOL put on a show!

26 PTS in 24 MINS
8/12 FG (3 3PT)
9 REB, 2 BLK#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/MEiq9jgpnK

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 11, 2021

The post Bol Bol Impresses in Summer League Play appeared first on SLAM.

Up-and-coming players such as Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Devin Booker, and Nikola Jokic have continued to shine brightly, thriving in what have been perceived to be less glamorous NBA markets, while the parity amongst teams provided the thrillingly unpredictable season that fans have been clamoring for.

On top of all that, as the league’s collection of stars continues to grow, the pantheon of current all-time greats does as well. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have been joined by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in recent years.

With that said, although today’s fans have a natural inclination to try to establish who the best player in the NBA is (perhaps due to what will be a never-ending ‘GOAT’ debate), what’s become clear is that the days when that was possible—if there even has been in the post-Michael Jordan era—is gone.

There’s no sole Wilt Chamberlain that’s performing athletic feats that lead to astronomical numbers that don’t look real on paper. There’s no, as previously mentioned, sole player reminiscent of a matured Jordan whose playmaking was as masterful as his aggressive play style was menacing.

These days are a lot like the ones is Jordan’s early years, where he, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Larry Bird could have been considered equal. Or like James’ early years, with he, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan vying for the title of best player in the world.

There’s no longer one king of the court, and perhaps there may not need to be.

Instead of one face of the NBA, there are now several players deserving of the title:

King James, commander of the 10th Legion (pointed Julius Caesar reference).

King KD, basketball savant (and renowned tweeter).

King Curry of the Bay, master archer (and golfer).

King Giannis the Humble, of Greece and Nigeria.

King Kawhi, the second cyborg on this list.

The five players with a right to claim the title as best player in the league due to the combination of their abilities, impact and accomplishments.

This coregency is routinely noted by fans that would rather rank players by tiers but the idea hasn’t gained enough traction among mainstream analysts and media. If it had, the mystifying debates about the best player in the league would have given way to discourse about how this quintet has succeeded in very different ways and the different groups of people each represent.

One last thing: the Hardens, Jokics and Westbrooks also deserve praise as recent MVPs. Their crowning—their coronation as kings—occurred during their award ceremony.

Without multiple championships or MVP awards (either in the Finals or regular season), they won’t be seen in the same light as the aforementioned players.

Even still, in an empire, there are multiple kings.

[Editor’s note: In this metaphor, one may still wind up wondering who the emperor—the king of kings—is (if anybody, it would likely be LeBron, who’s also known as “the Little Emperor” in China).]

The post State of the NBA: There’s No Longer, and No Need For, One King appeared first on SLAM.

With that in mind, Barton has declined his $14.7 million player option for the 2021-2022 season and will become a free agent, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. There’s a strong interest between the organization and Barton to negotiate a new deal once free agency opens in August, but he will need a new deal from the Nuggets if he’s going to be part of the team going forward. 

President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly is highly focused on re-signing Barton long-term, who’s the longest tenured member of the team at this point. 

Barton started 52 of the 56 games he played in last season, averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. Although he missed a few weeks at the start of the postseason, his final game of the season was against the Phoenix Suns in the second round, where he scored 25 points. 

The post Will Barton Declines Player Option, Becomes Free Agent appeared first on SLAM.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Tucker is drawing interest from several teams around the NBA this offseason.

In addition to his current team, franchises that Fischer has linked Tucker to include the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz, each team an NBA Finals contender when healthy.

Tucker will hit free agency following the end of the 2021 NBA Finals and, as a 36-year-old role player, it’s surprising for Tucker to have this much interest across the NBA on the surface. However, his locker room impact and notable defensive performances have allowed him to remain a hot commodity.

Acquired by Milwaukee prior to the trade deadline, Tucker has been instrumental in the Bucks playoff run, playing 29.5 minutes per game and starting 17 of the 21 contests.

The Bucks are currently tied 2-2 in the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, with Game 5 taking place on Saturday night in Phoenix.

The post P.J. Tucker Drawing Major Interest from Around the League appeared first on SLAM.

Last week, Brown spoke to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears, stating his belief that the influx of NBA players of African descent has helped level the playing field, giving the Nigeria a realistic chance to win their first medal at the Olympic Games.

“There are more players of Nigerian descent in the NBA than probably any other country besides the U.S…the talent is there. It’s just about getting everybody organized and on the same page and getting everybody excited about playing and wanting to be a part. And so there are right around 10 or so guys in the NBA that are going to come and try out for the team. So looking forward to mixing some of that NBA talent with some very talented individuals that are playing professionally in Europe and abroad.”

According to Spears, forward Al-Farouq Aminu (Chicago Bulls), center Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings), guard Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), center Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons) and forward Wes Iwundu (New Orleans Pelicans) are expected to join Morris and Anunoby. He adds that former NBA players Emeka Okafor, Festus Ezeli and Ben Uzoh could also join the roster.

Per Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh, guard Miye Oni and center Udoka Azubuike of the Utah Jazz; guard Gabe Vincent and forwards KZ Okpala and Precious Achiuwa of the Miami Heat; and Milwaukee Bucks forward Jordan Nwora will also join the list of 13 NBA players expected to comprise the Nigerian national team.

With the FIBA AfroBasket tournament quickly approaching as well, Brown may have to field two national teams for Nigeria to compete in the Olympics and AfroBasket, respectively.

If this is the case, expect wing Aaron Nesmith (Boston Celtics), forward Zeke Nnaji (Denver Nuggets), guard Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies) and guard Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets) to be in consideration for national team roster spots as well.

Morris, who’s nationality switch was made known officially in March, will join the team as a roster exemption and make his international debut with Nigeria.

In 47 games, the four-year pro has averaged 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting .479 percent from the field and .393 percent from 3-point range.

Anunoby is a player that Brown had on his radar since taking over as the Nigeria coach two years ago and seeing his name on the roster has brought excitement and energy to the Nigerian basketball program.

In 43 games, Anunoby showed flashes of why the Raptors consider him one of the cornerstones of their franchise with averages of 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Nigeria, which became the first African team to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after the 2019 FIBA World Cup, will be in group B alongside Australia, and the winners of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia and Croatia from June 29 to July 4.

D’Tigers, who will also led by longtime team captain Ike Diogu, face Team USA’s men’s basketball team in the Olympics on July 10.

We meet again @usabasketball!

July 10
Nigeria vs. USA pic.twitter.com/yHzAB8Ev23

— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) June 22, 2021

The post 13 NBA Players Have Been Named to Nigeria’s Preliminary Olympics Roster appeared first on SLAM.

In what’s become one of the most arduous processes, with so much talent at every position and only 15 spots to fill, debates have raged about players thought to have been snubbed. Nonetheless, most would be hard pressed not to agree with the honorees.

All-NBA First Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA First Team:

Giannis Antetokounmpo
Stephen Curry
Luka Dončić
Nikola Jokić
Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/WYSz2le2Be

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

The recently crowned Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (99 votes); Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (100 votes); and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (98 votes) dominated the 2020-21 All-NBA First Team voting.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard rounded out the top five players on the All-NBA First Team.

All-NBA Second Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA Second Team:

Joel Embiid
LeBron James
Damian Lillard
Chris Paul
Julius Randle pic.twitter.com/t5iZu1MahA

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

With his second team selection, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James added to his record for most All-NBA Team selections with 17, including: 13 First Team selections (also a record), three Second Team selections and one Third Team selection. Friend and Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul collected his 10th All-NBA Team selection, which ranks second among active players behind LeBron.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle—the 2020-21 Most Improved Player—rounded out the Second Team.

All-NBA Third Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA Third Team:

Bradley Beal
Jimmy Butler
Paul George
Rudy Gobert
Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/s4aEK3ivcs

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

With his selection, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal made his first All-NBA team after battling Curry for the NBA’s 2020-21 scoring title. Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George made his All-NBA sixth team while three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler each notched their fourth selections.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made his third All-NBA team.

The All-NBA teams were voted in by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center for each team.

The post All-NBA Teams Announced for 2020-21 Season appeared first on SLAM.

According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, the Orlando Magic have requested an interview with Nuggets’ associate head coach Wes Unseld Jr.

Unseld Jr., the son of NBA Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, has served as an assistant coach in the NBA since 2005 and previously was an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic from 2012-15.

In 2015, Unseld Jr. joined the Nuggets coaching staff, and prior to the 2020-21 season, he was promoted to associate head coach.

Unseld Jr. was interviewed for various head coaching vacancies last offseason, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls.

Wes Unseld, Unseld Jr.’s father, was an NBA legend during his time in the league in the 1970s. Unseld played 13 seasons in the NBA, making five All-Star games and winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year in 1968-69. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He, unfortunately, passed away in June of last year.

The post Nuggets Assistant Wes Unseld Jr. to Interview for Magic Head Coaching Job appeared first on SLAM.

The Phoenix Suns are heading to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 11 years after their 125-118 win over the Denver Nuggets; completing the series sweep.

The maturity and veteran leadership of Paul combined with Booker’s elite shooting arsenal have coalesced into a unique and more than effective backcourt for the Suns in their seventh straight playoff win, a franchise record.

“A couple years ago they were writing me off. This ain’t about me. It’s about us,” Paul said.

Billed as the ‘Point God,’ CP3 shut the door on father time as he became the oldest NBA player to ever record 25+ points and 10+ assists in a playoff series. The 36-year-old also dished out 41 assists in the series, while only turning the ball over 5 times.

You in deep trouble when CP3 starts laughing like this. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/E471BvCjnc

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 14, 2021

Paul dragged defender after defender off a ball screen to his sweet spot – the right elbow – putting up a high-arching middy while fading to the baseline. The shoulder injury he suffered in the first round seems to have subsided as Paul shot 22-for-34 from the midrange during the series.

The barrage of mid-range jumpers allowed Paul explode for 37 points, 7 assists and 2 steals while shooting 14-for-19 in the Suns 125-118 win. Booker poured in 34 points and 11 boards.

After knocking out the defending champions (the Los Angeles Lakers) in the first round, the Suns dismantled a hampered Nuggets squad that lost reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic in the third quarter to a Flagrant 2.

Jokic becomes the first MVP to be swept in a playoff series since Magic Johnson in 1989.

The Nuggets sorely missed their star point guard Jamal Murray as the rest of the team grappled with making up his production on the scoreboard. However, by the end of what turned out to be a hard-fought contest, Will Barton scored 25 points, while Michael Porter Jr., added 20, Monte Morris dropped in 19 and Facu Campazzo added 14 points off of the bench.

It just wasn’t enough.

This is for YOU, Phoenix!#RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/SpQBZqXjeW

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 14, 2021

The Suns will get more than a weeks worth of rest and hold home court advantage for the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, where they will face either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Utah Jazz.

The post Chris Paul, Devin Booker Dismantle Nuggets in Series Sweep appeared first on SLAM.

The Nuggets, running out of steam in the desert in Game 1, had the opportunity to even the series after a disappointing opening game.

Would a hobbled Michael Porter Jr. and the return of Will Barton be enough to help newly crowned MVP Nikola Jokic take control of Game 2?

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 123, No. 3 Denver Nuggets 98

PHX leads series 2-0

Early on, there was a similar feel to the Nuggets’ performance against the Suns in Game 2 after their Game 1 letdown. While they played a more competitive first half in Game 1, Denver entered halftime trailing just 10 points despite poor shooting from MPJ and Monte Morris.

However, the second half was a much different story, with the Suns jumping to a 20-point lead almost immediately. With the Nuggets’ playing passively on offense and lacking the defensive wherewithal to hold up on the other end, Denver entered the fourth quarter trailing 19 points.

Quite frankly, by then it was already over.

The Suns starting lineup brought their A-game on Wednesday night, with all of them scoring in the double-digits.

“Point God” Chris Paul led the way with a 17-point, 15 assist double-double, failing to turn the ball over a single time.

Franchise pillars Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton each recorded double-doubles of their own, with Booker having a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds and Ayton chipping in 15 points and 10 rebounds. 3-and-D specialists Jae Crowder (11), Mikal Bridges (16) and Torrey Craig (10) all finished with double-digit scoring numbers as well.

While Porter, who played with a back injury, had a poor game with 11 points on 3-for-13 shooting from the field, the Nuggets’ backcourt was mediocre for the second consecutive game.

Denver’s guard play has clearly been a step behind Phoenix’s, with starting point guard Facundo Campazzo tallying three points on 1-for-7 shooting, starting shooting guard Austin Rivers scoring six points on 2-for-5 shooting, backup guard Monte Morris ice cold with three points on 1-for-7 shooting and rookie guard Markus Howard scoring six points on 2-for-6 shooting.

The Nuggets’ guard rotation combined to score 18 points, as many as Booker had in the entire game for Phoenix.

The lone bright spot for Denver was the aggressive playmaking from Jokic and Barton. Jokic had a game-high 24 points to go along with 13 rebounds and six assists, while Barton (who hasn’t played since April) managed 10 points and three assists in just 16 minutes.

Now trailing 2-0, the Nuggets will have to rebound quickly as the series shifts to Denver for Game 3 on Friday, June 11. The Nuggets will need a healthy Porter and Barton to have a chance to compete on Friday.

Otherwise, it may already be too late.

The post Post Up: Suns Take Down Nuggets Thanks to Second Half Surge appeared first on SLAM.

Jokic, now in his sixth season after being selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, becomes the lowest draft pick in NBA history to win the MVP award.

Jokic, oftentimes compared to a modern-day Larry Bird due to his dynamic abilities on the court (and an appearance that screams “average Joe” rather than basketball prodigy), had a career season in 2020-21 with averages of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 34.6 minutes per game.

Despite being an aggressive high-volume scorer, Joker also managed to shoot 56.6 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from 3-point range and 86.8 percent from the free-throw line; good for a career-high true shooting percentage of 64.7. Looking at other numbers, such as win shares per 48 minutes (.301), box plus-minus (8.7) and total RAPTOR (+9.3), Jokic’s contributions to the 47-25 Denver Nuggets’ success are startling.

Games like a 50-point, 12-rebounds affair against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 6, an 18-assist triple-double against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 28 or a seven-steal performance against the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 12 help highlight Jokic’s dominance this season, with Jokic powering the Nuggets through injuries, COVID-related absences and a Western Conference stacked with as much talent as ever.

Jokic, currently averaging 31.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 block and 0.7 steals per game in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, is as deserving of the award as any player in recent seasons.

The Serbian warrior, blessed with soft touch, nifty footwork, preternatural passing ability, an elite basketball IQ and a bevy of unique moves to get his shot off, should become a household name after being named the 2021 NBA MVP.

Jokic will formally be announced as the 2021 NBA MVP Award winner during TNT’s pregame show, which begins at 7:30 (EST) on June 8, per the Denver Post’s Mike Singer.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Named 2020-21 NBA MVP appeared first on SLAM.

The early evening game saw a chance for the Milwaukee Bucks to rebound after a disappointing loss to the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1, while the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns kicked off their first game of their semifinals series to end the night.

No. 2 Brooklyn Nets 125, No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks 86

BKN leads series 2-0

Milwaukee struggled to deal with the Nets’ offensive weapons in Game 1 but longtime head coach Mike Budenholzer and the Bucks looked no more prepared in Game 2.

By the end of the first quarter, Brooklyn had already jumped to a 36-19 lead, and at no point for the rest of the game did the Bucks ever look like they had a chance. The ever-lethal Kevin Durant was automatic for Brooklyn, scoring 32 points on 12-for-18 shooting while chipping in six assists. Kyrie Irving ended the night with 22 points (on 9-17 shooting) and six assists, and fellow starters Joe Harris and Bruce Brown each had 13 points apiece.

The Nets also get big minutes from their second unit, getting 38 points from seven different players on their bench (including 23 combined points from Landry Shamet, Nic Claxton and Mike James).

Despite Brooklyn not having All-NBA guard James Harden, Milwaukee still couldn’t find an answer on either end of the floor. No Bucks player scored at least 20 points, and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finished his night with a team-high 18 points (on 8-15 shooting).

Though the Greek Freak was efficient, Milwaukee had another poor shooting night from distance, knocking down just 29.6 percent of their 3-point attempts in the game. All-Star forward Khris Middleton struggled the most, going 7-20 from the field and committing a game-high five turnovers.

The Nets, on the other hand, lit it up, going 21-for-41 from deep and took care of the ball, with just eight team turnovers to the Bucks’ 16.

Now down 2-0 against a team looking like the favorites to come out of the East, Milwaukee will have to find a way to close the gap before heading back home for Game 3 on Thursday night.

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 122, No. 3 Denver Nuggets 105

PHX leads series 1-0

The Nuggets and Suns kicked off their first game of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday, and though the Nuggets did lose by a double-digit deficit, it was a closer game than its predecessor for the majority of the contest.

In fact, Denver entered the half with a 58-57 lead over the Suns but Phoenix shut down the Nuggets’ star frontcourt in the second half, allowing just 47 points over the last two quarters. Four players finished with at least 20 points for the Suns in Mikal Bridges (23), Chris Paul (21), Devin Booker (21) and Deandre Ayton (20) as Phoenix picked apart Denver’s defensive strategy.

The Nuggets got uncharacteristically poor shooting nights from their two stars; Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr.

Jokic had a team-high 22 points but got there on 10-for-23 shooting, including 3-12 shooting in the second half. Porter, who would leave the game with a back injury, had 15 points on 6-for-13 from the field but shot just 1-5 from the field in the second half.

Monte Morris had a solid series against the Portland Trail Blazers but it would be a game to forget for the Nuggets fan favorite, who played 23 minutes and scored two points on 1-for-10 from the field. A 47.9 percent shooter for his career, Denver will certainly be looking for more from Morris and company with a chance to even the series on Wednesday night.

The post Post Up: Are the Playoff Nightmares Back for the Bucks? appeared first on SLAM.

Just days ago, the Los Angeles Lakers—the 2020-21 NBA champions—were sent home in the first round, along with their opponent in the 2021 NBA Finals (the Miami Heat).

With the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum—many of the league’s preeminent stars— are already on vacation, the NBA is seeing yet another year of statistical anomalies.

For first time since 2016, an Eastern Conference team could walk away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and, amidst all of the potential outcomes, one stands above the rest; the NBA naming it’s first first-time champion since the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals.

There’s a 62 percent chance the league crowns a brand new league champ in June.

None of the eight teams still alive in the NBA playoffs have won a title since the playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984. pic.twitter.com/1XN3vYRcw3

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 7, 2021

As none of the remaining teams have won the title since the League expanded to 16 postseason teams in 1984, they combine for 384 seasons without a title.

Five of the eight remaining teams haven’t won a title in their franchise’s history; the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz all have the opportunity to chase their first franchise championship.

The Jazz, perhaps the closest of the group to winning an NBA championship, were handed back-to-back NBA Finals losses in 1997 and 1998. The Suns have lost both of their appearances as well, one in 1976 and the other in 1993.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t brought back the trophy since 1958, the Milwaukee Bucks since 1971 and the Philadelphia Sixers since 1983.

The post The NBA Could Crown a First-Time Champion Come July appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard, living up to his “Dame Time” moniker, scored two seemingly impossible stepback three-pointers to send the game into the first, and then second, overtime. 

His scoring outburst was also a historical one; he nailed 12 3-pointers in the contest, a playoff record. His 80 combined points from his own baskets and those he assisted on tied another playoff record.

Lastly, his masterpiece was historically efficient. Dame shot 17-24 from the field, and 9-10 from the free-throw line – good for a 96.8 percent true shooting percentage, the highest in playoff history. 

All around the league and on social media, players voiced their utter amazement and respect for Lillard’s performance.

“I had like 4 tweets I wanted to write to describe this MASTERPIECE by Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr, but I am seriously at a loss for words…,” tweeted Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant.

“Someone gotta put this Dame Dolla performance in The Louvre!,” wrote Golden State Warriors wing Damion Lee. “This is a masterpiece!”

“It was kind of a pleasure to be on the court just to witness that,” admitted Nuggets leader Nikola Jokic.

“The degree of difficulty in which he hit some of those shots is god-like,” said teammate CJ McCollum.

However, while all across the league those in the NBA community were singing his praises, Lillard shrugged off his accomplishments after the game. Looking to avoid his second consecutive first-round exit from the playoffs, the 30-year-old was more concerned with the fact that his team wasn’t able to pull out the victory.

“Doesn’t matter,” Lillard said of his performance. “We lost the game. I mean, at this point, all that matters is that we can’t lose another game in this series.”

The Blazers and Nuggets play Game 6 on Thursday, June 3 at 8:00 EST.

The post Damian Lillard Delivers Historic Performance in 2OT Playoff Loss to Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

While already considered the heavy favorite to win the award this season, if the accolade factored in playoff appearances, the Joker would be running away with the Maurice Podoloff Trophy.

Jokić has placed the Nuggets back in control of their first round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they lead 2-1 after a 120-115 win in Game 3 that saw the Serbian sensation post 36 points, 11 boards and 5 assists.

Just as an uncharacteristically aggressive Jokic impressed in the regular season, the franchise center take yet another statistical leap in the postseason, averaging 36.0 points per game while shooting 57.7 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from 3-point range and 94.4 percent from the free-throw line.

He’s the first player to record 30 points while shooting at least 50 percent in each of his first three games of a postseason since Hall of Fame shooting guard Michael Jordan in 1992, per ESPN Stats & Info. Jokic is the fourth player in franchise history to score at least 30 points in the team’s first three playoff games, joining Alex English, Carmelo Anthony and Jamal Murray, according to The Athletic.

Who else but the MVP to close it out

pic.twitter.com/Ct72uBhkkI

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 28, 2021

While the 2021 NBA MVP Award shouldn’t factor in Jokić’s superb first round, considering that it’s a regular season award, his postseason showing has only underscored his worthiness.

The MVP of the 2020-21 season won’t be announced until later in the playoffs but, in the meantime, expect Jokic and the Nuggets to look to push the series to 3-1 on Saturday when they face off against the Blazers in Portland.

The post Nikola Jokic is Putting the Spotlight on his MVP Status in the Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

After teammate Jamal Murray suffered an unfortunate season-ending injury back in April, Porter—outspoken, confident and arguably the team’s most naturally gifted talent—knew he needed to step up. He was expected to.

And, as we’ve seen over the past few months, when the moment has called upon MPJ to help lead his team, he’s answered right back.

“At first, I was playing more off-ball. Playing off of Jamal and [Nikola] Jokic on the weak side, getting wide-open threes and driving closeouts,” Porter tells SLAM. “But when Jamal went down, more was expected of me and my role expanded.”

Was it difficult, I wondered, for Porter to compensate for Murray’s absence when given more opportunities within the offense?

“To be honest,” Porter says, “it wasn’t difficult because it’s something I’ve done my whole life.”

That being said, despite his confident nature weathering stormy stretches over the past two seasons, it does appear that Malone’s holistic and structuralist philosophies have rubbed off of Porter.

“It’s about roles,” Porter would insist when asked about a heftier workload being placed on his shoulders. “I’m still playing plenty off-ball.”

However, while his role as a secondary scorer or rebounder may be the first thought many have when assessing Porter’s performance as of late, it appears that it’s actually the intangibles that have been at the forefront of Porter’s mind during Murray’s absence.

“When Jamal went down, my mentality had to switch to more of a leadership role. Being a consistent leader with my energy and my consistency.”

In that aspect, Porter has learned plenty from Jokic. While some may scoff at the notion of the understated Jokic being a leader, Porter has developed plenty of respect for the face of the Nuggets, paying close to attention to how the MVP candidate improves every day.

“First off, Joker’s not even from here. So he’s not going to be the most vocal. But you don’t have to preach and tell people what to do to be a leader; you can lead by example.”

Jokic’s leadership, “his consistency [and] how he takes care of his body,” haven’t just rubbed off on Porter though. They’ve become formulas for him to be just as successful as the Serbian center, both individually and for the Nuggets.

In a similar vain, Porter can also reflect on conversations he’s had with veteran guard Austin Rivers, invaluable lessons from a player who went from a lottery pick to almost out of the league in what seemed like the blink of an eye.

Rivers, who signed a rest-of-the-season contract with Denver on April 30, is a player Porter has long been fond of.

“He has one of the best high school mixtapes ever,” Porter exclaims. “But even though you want to be this—you want to be an All-Star—it’s about what’s best for the team.

“It’s about roles,” Porter says.

While Jokic and Rivers have all played the part of the veteran mentor, Porter really has to look no further than close friend Aaron Gordon for an example of why roles may be the most important factor in a players success.

Gordon, whom Porter calls “one of the coolest people that he’s met in the NBA” because of how well they click off the court and their similar interests, was acquired by the Nuggets back in March while they looked to shore up their frontcourt defense.

The former fourth overall pick had been miscast in a two-way role in Orlando that did a disservice to his elite athleticism and defensive versatility. Finally, after seven-plus seasons with the Magic, the 25-year-old requested a trade that eventually led him to Denver.

No longer tasked with being a go-to scorer, Gordon hasn’t looked back, reveling in his role as a defensive specialist while the Nuggets have looked the part of a legitimate championship-contender ever since.

The same level of peace appears to be on the horizon for Porter, whose desire to develop to be a complete player doesn’t have to come with the same level of burden that was cast upon Gordon.

All because Porter has bought into a role and because his organization understands the importance of them.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who has had somewhat of a contentious relationship with Porter at times, has probably been the largest catalyst for MPJ’s shift in mindset though.

Discussing his coach’s approach and the growth in their relationship following a record-setting victory over the Toronto Raptors on April 30, Porter candidly notes how “growing up you play for certain coaches that literally let you do whatever and you develop bad habits.

“I was lucky enough to have some coaches that didn’t do that. They knew my potential, so they were super hard on me. Coach Malone is no different.”

A five-star recruit who played under former NBA star Brandon Roy at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Porter is still only a few years removed from leading his teams to state championships (2016, 2017), being named the McDonald’s All-American MVP (2017), or being named as the National High School Player of the Year (2017).

In fact, considering that his rookie season in the NBA is the only time in his basketball career that Porter wasn’t looked at as a go-to player, it shouldn’t be surprising that he needed time to adjust to a tertiary role.

A role that he excelled in but one that truly has expanded over the past couple of months.

The numbers themselves only tell part of the story, with Porter averaging 23.5 points per game on a blistering hot .560 percent shooting from the field and .489 percent from 3-point range since April 14.

A three-level scorer who can make tough shots look like run-of-the-mill acrobatics, Porter operates as pressure relief valve for Jokic and the Nuggets, especially when he’s dotting i’s from behind the 3-point line.

Blessed with as pure a shooting stroke as you’ll find, Porter’s 6-10 frame and shooting touch have all but prevented Denver from missing a beat, with the Nuggets going 13-5 (in the regular season) following Murray’s injury.

Still, for a player who once made headlines by suggesting that he—then a rookie—needed more touches for his team to play up to its potential, Porter’s elevated mindset can only be attributed to the leadership found in the Mile High.

Not that Porter wasn’t on the money when he advocated for greater ball-movement and a few more touches during the 2020 NBA Playoffs. His soundbite simply led many to wonder—and not quietly—whether MPJ was a team player.

Yet here Porter is, reveling in the fact that he’s part of a system rather than the face of it. In a year’s time, that type of evolution isn’t unprecedented, but it’s certainly fascinating. The evolution has even been televised.

With the Nuggets set to embark on their most promising postseason journey since 2009, facing the Portland Trail Blazers (and former franchise cornerstone Carmelo Anthony) in the first round will be a test that determines the true identity of the Nuggets.

Regardless of their showing in these following weeks, Porter’s transformation into a sagacious sharpshooter appears to have the same level of solidity as Jokic’s standing as an elite player.

The show has already started, but the best has yet to come.

—

Photos via Getty Images.

The post It’s Showtime: The Evolution of Michael Porter Jr. appeared first on SLAM.

The first game of the evening saw a Miami Heat team looking to even the series against the Milwaukee Bucks after a heartbreaking game one defeat. The nightcap featured the Denver Nuggets looking to get revenge after a disappointing loss in game one against the Portland Trailblazers.

No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks 132, No.6 Miami Heat 98

MIL leads series 2-0

After a tight overtime game that saw the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly escape with a win, game two was a much more comfortable experience. The Bucks led from start to finish, with the game being all but wrapped up by the end of the first quarter when the Bucks led by 26 points.

The Bucks hit 22 three-pointers as a team by the end of the game, with Bryn Forbes hitting six and finishing with 22 points and Pat Connaughton hitting five and finishing with 18 points. But Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee, scoring 31 points and chipping in 13 rebounds and six assists for good measure. This will be a game to forget for Miami, but role players Goran Dragic and Dewayne Demon showed well, scoring 18 and 19 points, respectively.

No. 3 Denver Nuggets 128, No. 6 Portland Trail Blazers 109

Series tied 1-1

After a tough night for the Nuggets in their opening game, they bounced back with force in game two. Denver got an MVP performance from Nikola Jokic, who had 38 points, eight rebounds and five assists to help lead the Nuggets to a comfortable win. Damian Lillard didn’t make it easy; he finished with a game-high 42 points, which included an outstanding 32 point, eight three-pointers first half.

The Nuggets got big minutes from Monte Morris, Paul Millsap and Shaquille Harrison off the bench. Morris scored 12 points and dished seven assists, Harrison only played 10 minutes, but they were crucial minutes as he guarded Lillard while on the court and Millsap dropped 15 points. C.J. McCollum and Norman Powell both had efficient scoring nights for Portland, scoring 21 and 15 points, respectively, but the bench will need to provide more. Portland’s bench scored just 21 total points as a unit, and only 15 of those points came before the final few minutes when Terry Stotts admitted defeat and pulled all the starters.

The post Post Up: Who Can Bounce Back? appeared first on SLAM.

This upcoming weekend, all of that changes.

Carmelo’s Portland Trail Blazers take on the Nuggets in the first-round of the playoffs starting Saturday. Anthony wasn’t with Portland when they faced the Nuggets in the 2019 playoffs. Portland won that series in seven games to advance to the Western Conference Finals, but was swept by Golden State.

Surprisingly, Anthony stated that he hadn’t realized that he’d never faced his first NBA team in the postseason. But he holds a certain fondness for those times in a Nuggets uniform.

“It’s a lot different now. My mindset is different. My goals are different. We’re going in there trying to win,” he said. “So, it’s a different type of mentality, but deep down inside I know that Denver will always hold a special place for me.”

“Deep down inside, I know that Denver will always hold a special place to me.” @CarmeloAnthony | #RipCity pic.twitter.com/lDyMu6v3mC

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 19, 2021

Anthony played in Denver for over seven seasons, leading the team to the Western Conference Finals following the 2008-09 season ending in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was then traded in 2011 to the New York Knicks, where he played six seasons. Melo also spent a season in Oklahoma City and 10 games in Houston before being traded to Chicago, ultimately getting released.

Anthony sat out a year before being signed by the Trail Blazers in November 2019 for his locker room presence and veteran leadership.

This season, Anthony leads the bench unit in scoring with 13.4 points per game.

Throughout his playoff career, Anthony has overall averages of 23.9 points, 7 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Blazers, Nuggets, Knicks and Thunder.

The Blazers and Nuggets will play Game 1 in Denver on Saturday.

The post Carmelo Anthony Finally Faces Denver For the First Time in Postseason appeared first on SLAM.

However, since he went down with the ACL injury that would keep him out for the remainder of the year, thee Nuggets are 9-1, and have jumped to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. 

Battling through adversity, Denver’s MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic has stepped up in a huge way. Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as the second-best player for the Nuggets in Murray’s absence. In the ten games since his injury, Porter Jr. has averaged 25.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest on .513 from deep. 

Although they’re without their superstar point guard heading into the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets look like they’ll still have the talent to make a deep playoff run. 

The post Nuggets Continue To Have Success After Jamal Murray’s Season-Ending Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Embiid is having his best season as a pro for the Philadelphia 76ers, and his is traditional post-player brand of basketball has dominated the NBA with his ability to score from multiple areas while playing at an NBA All-Defensive level. Meanwhile, All-Star center Nikola Jokic’s part in the MVP debate is his averages of 26.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game so far this season.

However, The Process has really impressed former MVP Shaquille O’Neal, who won the award in 2000. Shaq recently shared that he’d picked Embiid over Jokic for MVP.

“He’s playing the game like he’s supposed to play”
@SHAQ says he’d take Embiid over Jokic for Kia MVP. pic.twitter.com/XRi81YXf8A

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 22, 2021

Shaq also shared on the All The Smoke podcast that aired on Thursday that Embiid is one of his top-five players in the League right now, along with Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.

If Joel Embiid does win MVP, he will probably be thanking both O’Neal and Barkley for pushing him to get to the next level.

“When all those guys, Shaq, Charles Barkley, they just kept talking about how dominant I could be, I understood. They saw the talent. They saw what I could really do. But I wasn’t using it. I wasn’t doing it. So when they were criticizing me, I just saw it as a way to kinda open my eyes and actually be better.”

Embiid is averaging 29.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

The post Shaquille O’Neal Picks Joel Embiid Over Nikola Jokic For MVP appeared first on SLAM.

Currently 42-21, the Nuggets have won eight of their last nine contests, all of which came after Murray tore his left ACL in mid-April.

While the production of Jokic and Porter has allowed Denver to dominate, it’s been the performances of their recent signings that’s prevented the injuries of players like Murray, Will Barton and Monte Morris from being bigger obstacles to their success.

This includes veteran guard Austin Rivers, who the Nuggets signed to a 10-day contract shortly after Murray’s diagnosis.

Rivers, 28-years-old, has averaged 5.2 points, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 24.2 minutes per game while playing for Denver.

Most notably, Rivers has been playing strong defense, holding opponents to .313 percent shooting from 3-point range (per NBA’s Advanced Stats) while with the Nuggets have allowed opponents to shoot .361 percent from 3-point range throughout the season.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Denver is now planning to sign Rivers for the remainder of the season.

The Nuggets are the sixth franchise that Rivers has played for and, while he has appeared to enjoy his time in the Mile High, minutes would be scarce for the heady guard with a fully healthy roster.

That being said, with Denver set to embark on yet another trek through the Western Conference Playoffs, having Rivers on board can only help the Nuggets reach their ultimate goal.

The post Nuggets Plan to Sign Austin Rivers for Remainder of 2020-21 Season appeared first on SLAM.

Anthony announced his memoir release coming out on Sep. 14, according to NBA.com. It documents his childhood start in New York City and Baltimore to his numerous accomplishments—which include two Olympic gold medals and being celebrated as one of professional basketball’s top scorers whether it be FIBA or the NBA.

Carmelo’s memoir, titled “Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised,” was published by Gallery Books. Gallery Books called the book “raw and inspirational.”

“I’m a Black kid from the bottom,” the 37-year-old Anthony writes in an excerpt of the book shared on Wednesday.

“I had to fight through some of the roughest housing projects in America. How did I, a kid who’d had so many hopes, dreams and expectations beat out of him, make it here at all?”

Anthony, currently averaging 13.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, shot to superstar status playing for the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks.

The former scoring champ recently passed Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and is inching closer to passing another Hall of Fame big man in Elvin Hayes for 10th in the career points.

The post Carmelo Anthony Announces Memoir, ‘Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised’ appeared first on SLAM.

On Tuesday, the Nuggets officially announced that they had acquired the Grand Rapids Drive, which will serve as Denver’s G-League affiliate moving forward.

Here's what makes Grand Rapids special #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/ZFxEEfDeyq

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 27, 2021

Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly showed his enthusiasm at their new acquisition in a statement released by the team on Tuesday afternoon.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership and look forward to what the future holds for our franchises,” says Tim Connelly. “We know that Grand Rapids is an excellent organization and the collaboration we can have with our own G League team is something that will be hugely beneficial to our players, staff and organization. It’s just a great situation for all parties involved.”

The Drive had served as the Detroit Pistons G-League affiliate since 2014, but the Pistons have since purchased the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns to be their G-League affiliate in the coming seasons.

Denver was just one of two teams in the NBA this season without a G-League affiliate, the other being the Portland Trailblazers. That duo has been the lone teams without an affiliate since 2018.

Heading into 2021-22, the Trailblazers and Suns are the only two teams in the NBA without an affiliate at the moment.

The post Denver Nuggets Set to Aquire G-League Affiliate Grand Rapids Drive appeared first on SLAM.

According to Mike Singer of The Denver Post, Barton is expected to miss a “handful” of games with a right hamstring strain. While there’s no timetable for his return, Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone said that Barton felt something pop in his hamstring. 

Luckily for the Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. has picked up the slack offensively where Denver has lost scoring due to injury recently. He’s averaging 23.1 points per game in the month of April. 

While it’s unclear when Barton will return, the Nuggets will need him back as soon as possible. In 56 games this season, he’s been a primary starter, averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. 

The post Nuggets’ Will Barton Out Indefinitely After Knee Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Rivers had been connected to the Nuggets for weeks, with Denver looking to add a shooting guard even before star guard Jamal Murray went out with a torn ACL. In fact, on April 14, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the Nuggets were in advanced talks to sign the 28-year-old.

Rivers, whose physical similarities to Murray at 6’4″ and 200 pounds are as striking as his determination to create separation off-the-dribble, has a career scoring average of 9.1 points per game.

However, Denver would likely want to see if Rivers can return to his 2017-18 form, when he averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game for the Los Angeles Clippers while starting in 59 contests.

In addition, with a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, Rivers is a high IQ basketball player who knows how to find his teammates.

With the Nuggets playing six games within next 10 days, both sides will have ample opportunity to assess the fit. Nonetheless, with the 2021 NBA Playoffs starting in May, time is of the essence for a team considered to be a championship-contender just a week ago.

The post Nuggets Sign Veteran Guard Austin Rivers to 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Although Murray will miss the remainder of the season, Michael Porter Jr. still has the same goals in mind. When speaking to Mike Singer of The Denver Post, he emphasized that winning an NBA title is still his main focus.

The goal’s the same. That’s a championship.”

Even without Murray, the Nuggets will still be a solid team the remainder of this season and into the playoffs. Especially with the performance he had in the playoffs last season, it will take a team effort to fill his void.

While their ceiling was lowered following this devastating injury, Denver still needs to look forward. The Nuggets still remain one of the most talented young teams in the NBA, especially after acquiring Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline.

With 17 games remaining for the Denver Nuggets this season, they currently hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 35-20.

The post Michael Porter Jr.: ‘The Goal’s the Same. That’s A Championship’ appeared first on SLAM.

Murray, a fifth-year guard who has become one of the league’s most popular players due to his scoring abilities, sustained the injury on Monday night while driving to the rim late in a contest against the 10th-seed Golden State Warriors.

The Ontario native’s knee would buckle as he crumpled, yelling and in obvious pain.

Murray has been having a career season, averaging 21.2 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting .477 percent from the field and .408 percent from 3-point range. An exciting shot-creator, Murray’s injury is both a blow to both the NBA as a whole and the Nuggets, who had emerged as one of the truly elite teams in the West following their trade deadline acquisition of forward Aaron Gordon.

Now, the Nuggets’ must find a way to manage without Murray for what will likely be months, considering the time it typically takes to recover from a torn ACL.

Denver is currently 34-20, 4th in the Western Conference Standings.

The post Nuggets Star Jamal Murray Tears Left ACL, Out Indefinitely appeared first on SLAM.

More recently, they’ve taken things to a whole new level. This has been a direct result of their trade deadline acquisition of Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic. While the Nuggets gave up quite a bit to acquire the forward, it’s paid off in a big way. Denver is now 6-0 with Aaron Gordon in the active lineup.

Gordon does so many things on the floor. While he’s not necessarily elite at any particular part of the game, he’s solid everywhere and does everything for the Nuggets. Additionally, the connection between him and superstar center Nikola Jokic has clicked from their first game together. 

In his six games with the Nuggets, Gordon has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per games while shooting an efficient .608 from deep. 

The post Nuggets Winners of Six Straight with Aaron Gordon in Lineup appeared first on SLAM.

The Nuggets will send the Magic shooting guard Gary Harris, point guard R.J. Hampton and a top-5 protected 2025 first-round pick (per ESPN’s Zach Lowe), while Orlando will also send forward Gary Clark as part of the deal.

This trade is perfect for both teams, with Orlando acquiring two young players that excel defensively while rebuilding under head coach Steve Clifford.

Hampton, a charismatic rookie selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has length and athleticism that allows him to play both guard and wing spots. He’ll join a fresh and promising backcourt in Orlando that already has Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony.

Harris, a seven-year veteran, has a chance to re-establish himself as an offensive threat in Orlando. However, while injury-prone, Harris is already one of the league’s most notable perimeter defenders.

Denver, whose defensive deficiencies have been a talking point for the better part of the season, cures their ailment with the addition of a versatile and explosive athlete in Gordon.

Gordon is averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.8 blocks per game this season, shooting .437 percent from the field and .375 percent from 3-point range.

The post Nuggets Make Splash Trade, Pry Aaron Gordon from Magic appeared first on SLAM.

Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor clarifies that the draft compensation the Cavs will receive are a (top-46) protected 2023 second-round pick and an unprotected 2027 second-round pick.

For the Nuggets, McGee provides Denver with an athletic rim-protector that they desperately needs due to their woes defending along the perimeter. A three-time NBA champion with 58 playoff games under his belt, McGee will can supplant the void left by center Mason Plumlee last offseason.

The 33-year-old also has previous experience playing with the franchise (though not it’s current roster) after playing for the Nuggets from 2011-12 to 2014-15.

Hartenstein, raw and skilled at 22-years-old, is in his 3rd NBA season.

With the Nuggets, his developmental curve was stunted by playing behind All-NBA center Nikola Jokic and on a contending team where he would be afforded little time to correct mistakes. Now in Cleveland, currently 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings at 17-27, he’ll get a chance to audition for a future with the Cavs.

The post Nuggets Acquire JaVale McGee from Cavs for Isaiah Hartenstein, Draft Picks appeared first on SLAM.

One of those teams that will be active this week is the Denver Nuggets. According to the Denver Post’s Mike Singer, the Nuggets have expressed interest in trading for the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon and Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes.

Gordon is in his seventh season in the NBA, all with the Magic, and he’s matured into an excellent player over the years. Gordon is averaging 12.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game over his career, and this season he is averaging 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game. Gordon has also taken a major leap as a shooter this season, shooting a career-best 39.3 percent from the three-point range this season.

Barnes has proven himself one of the best two-way wings in the league over the past few seasons. Barnes has been in the NBA for nine years with three teams, averaging 13.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game over his career. This year, Barnes is putting up 16.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 36.9 percent from the three-point range.

Both Gordon and Barnes would bring a defensive ability to the Nuggets team that could use pieces to improve on that end, ranking 16th in defensive ranking in the NBA with a 112.3. They’d also provide additional shooting to a team already fifth in the NBA in three-point percentage, holding a 38.8 percent as a team.

The Nuggets currently hold a record of 26-17 and are fifth in the Western Conference.

The NBA’s trade deadline is this Thursday, March 25, at 3 p.m. ET.

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Gordon, 25-years-old, is averaging 13.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.8 blocks per game this season while shooting a career-high .368 percent from 3-point range. The fourth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, his current contract is set to expire after the 2021-22 season.

Denver has interest in Orlando forward Aaron Gordon ahead of next Thursday’s trade deadline, league sources told The Denver Post, and the Nuggets need to assess on-court fit and whether he’s a player capable of vaulting them past some of the other Western Conference powers.

Singer adds that the Nuggets completing a trade for Gordon is unlikely given that the deadline is just around the corner. That being said, teams looking to add Gordon are expected to surrender at least young one player and a draft pick.

If it was March Madness, the Nuggets would have been one of the Cinderella teams of the 2020 NBA Playoffs with their historical comeback performances against the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers in consecutive rounds.

This season, the Nuggets’ have achieved national relevance only to get off to a slow start that highlighted their offseason loss of forward Jerami Grant while putting their burgeoning Big Three of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in the spotlight.

Now 24-16, tied for the fifth-best record in the Western Conference, Denver has caught it’s stride in recent weeks thanks to the improved play of Murray and Porter. Adding Gordon, who could replicate Grant’s 2019-20 role as a tertiary scorer and versatile defender, may be what puts the Nuggets over the top during the second half of 2020-21.

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However, while the King retained his crown, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo earned All-Star Game MVP honors and winning The Kobe Bryant Trophy (the official name for the All-Star Game MVP Award).

Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, had a perfect outing during the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. The Greek Freak shot a record 16-16 from the field (including 3-3 from 3-point range) and dominating the interior on his way to 35 points and the first perfect shooting night in the All-Star Game’s 70-year history.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, Antetokounmpo’s teammate on the LeBron James-led All-Star team, also had a terrific night as he lit up Team Durant from behind the arc with 8-16 shooting from deep. Portland Trail Blazers leader Damian Lillard would match Curry’s output from beyond the arc, going 8-16 from long-distance himself and scoring 32 points to Curry’s 28.

Though Antetokounmpo may have been the most dominant player on Sunday night, Lillard had the two biggest shots of the night.

The first? A 3-point bomb from beyond halfcourt.

The second? A 3-point shot from just past halfcourt to seal the victory for Team LeBron.

Phoenix Suns veteran point guard Chris Paul, who dished out 16 assists, Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown (who scored 22 points in 26 minutes) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (who knocked down five 3-pointers) also played well for Team LeBron.

Meanwhile, James would only play 12 minutes, tallying four points and four assists.

For Team Durant, who would play without one-third of the Brooklyn Nets’ superstar trio, Nets guard Kyrie Irving delivered the best performance with 24 points and 12 assists.

Irving made it look easy as he carved up defenses on his way to the rim, teammates James Harden and Bradley Beal couldn’t be stopped from beyond the arc, knocking down 13 combined 3-pointers. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum would join Irving, Harden and Beal as the only players on Team Durant to score at least 20 points.

Following their victory, spirits were high for the winning team and the mutual respect was flowing.

James shouted out MVP-winner Antetokounmpo (prompting the Greek Freak to applaud James’ roster-building skills), called his on-court pairing with Curry “well overdue” and continued to display his fondness for Lillard.

Antetokounmpo, in a lighthearted mood, would say that he and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic need their own show.

Antetokounmpo would also speak on winning the Kobe Bryant MVP award, saying that “having an award named after Kobe Bryant in my house is a great feeling… I know he would be happy.”

As part of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game’s charity efforts, Team LeBron earned a grand total $1.25 million for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund while Team Durant earned $500,000 for the United Negro College Fund.

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LeBron, who finished with the highest vote count among fans, got the first pick in the draft and selected Milwaukee Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Team LeBron’s starting lineup for the game will consist of himself, Antetokounmpo, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic; all five of whom are or have been considered MVP candidates this season.

Meanwhile, Team LeBron’s bench will feature Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown, Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George, Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

Durant, opting for chemistry, selected Brooklyn Nets teammate Kyrie Irving with his first pick in the draft.

Team Durant’s starting lineup will feature Irving, Sixers center Joel Embiid, Clippers wing Kawhi Leonard, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal.

However, Durant won’t be playing in this season’s All-Star Game, as he’s currently recovering from a left hamstring injury. This circumstance will only fuel the perception, even from the Greek Freak, that Team LeBron is the overwhelming favorite to win.

Durant got the first pick of the reserves in the draft, and with that, he took another Nets teammate in James Harden (LeBron’s first reserve selection was Lillard).

The remainder of Durant’s reserves will be composed of Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (who replaced injured Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis), New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic.

The two members of the Jazz, Mitchell and Gobert, were the last two players taken in the draft (with Gobert being the final selection).

This became the source of some playful quips by LeBron.

Team Durant has the more inexperienced roster of the two teams, with Williamson, LaVine and Randle all playing in their first All-Star Games and Mitchell, Vucevic, Booker and Tatum playing in their second. with Durant unable to play, Harden is the player with the most All-Star Games under his belt, with this being his ninth appearance.

Team LeBron has only Brown playing in his first All-Star Game, and Sabonis, Gobert and Doncic are playing in their second. LeBron also has the most experienced non-captain in Paul, who is playing in his 11th All-Star Game.

In total, Team LeBron has a combined 66 All-Star appearances on their roster compared to Team Durant’s 39 total appearances.

The NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, March 7, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game will be broadcast on TNT, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

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The U.S. Team will be headlined by LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) and Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) — four potential superstars with flair to match their talent. The quartet will be joined by James Wiseman (Golden State Warriors), Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets), Tyler Herro (Miami Heat), Tyrese Haliburton (Sacramento Kings), De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks) and Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs).

The World Team will be comprised of R.J. Barrett (New York Knicks), Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards), Facundo Campazzo (Denver Nuggets), Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder), Brandon Clarke (Memphis Grizzlies), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (New Orleans Pelicans), Deni Avdija (Washington Wizards), Theo Maledon (Oklahoma City Thunder), Precious Achiuwa (Miami Heat) and Mychal Mulder (Golden State Warriors).

As with the 2020-21 NBA All-Star rosters, there has been rapid response and passionate debates about whether any players were left off that should have been in. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose game is easy on the eyes and has been productive for an improved Cavs team, is one such player.

However, while those players may not have received the recognition they (or their fans) desired, those that were awarded the honor of being on the Rising Star were undoubtedly deserving of their spots.

Traditionally, the Rising Stars Game would be played during All-Star Weekend but this year, there won’t be a physical game. The 2020-21 All-Star Game, Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest will all take place on Mar. 7 and aired on TNT.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant, widely considered to be the two best players in the league, will be the two captains of the All-Star Game after receiving the most total fan votes.

James and Durant will draft their teams from the All-Star player pool on Mar. 4.

LeBron will be playing in his 17th All-Star Game, the most among all active players and only two shy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record of 19 All-Star selections.

Durant is the only other starter with at least 10 All-Star selections, with this year being his 11th appearance. Furthermore, the Nets are the only team with two players starting in the All-Star Game, with Durant being joined by Kyrie Irving. Irving, who’s having the best season of his career, is making his seventh appearance.

Receiving his seventh All-Star nod is Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who’s averaging 30.2 points per game on .426 percent shooting from 3-point range from 3-point range in what’s been a comeback season for the two-time NBA MVP.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard both will be playing in their fifth All-Star Game, with at least one of the two present in the All-Star Game every season since 2015-16.

The NBA’s leading scorer with 32.7 points per game, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, will make his third All-Star appearance. Beal’s selection is particularly notable given that he was universally seen as an All-Star snub last season.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, averaging 29.8 points per game, will also start in the All-Star Game for his fourth appearance.

Embiid’s rival for the title of the best center in the NBA, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, will be making his third All-Star Game appearance and his first as a starter.

However, the starter with the least All-Star experience is fellow Euro sensation Luka Doncic, who’s making his second appearance (in just his third year in the NBA). Doncic will now have started both All-Star Games he has taken place in.

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Grand Rapids’ previous affiliation was to the Detroit Pistons, where co-owner Ben Wallace played for nine seasons.

However, the Pistons purchased the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns last July, leaving the Drive open to new partnerships — including “a new team name and a logo.”

Located in Michigan, The Drive currently have no “imminent plans” to move to Colorado, per The Denver Post’s Mike Singer (subscription required).

With the G League becoming a more popular pipeline for top high school recruit and other NBA hopefuls, Denver’s ability to find a G League team to partner with bodes well for their prospect development.

In fact, the Nuggets entered the land of legitimate championship contenders following their run to the Western Conference Finals in 2020. As a result, having a development program of sorts for their young talent could make them a franchise comparable to the San Antonio Spurs when it comes to sustained dominance.

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