The only thing is, Atlanta has a STEEP asking price for Atlanta. An Eastern Conference executive reportedly told Heavy Sports that the Hawks want a “big-time return for Collins” and “something in that neighborhood” of what the Utah Jazz received when they traded their All-Star cornerstones, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, over the summer.

Gobert was traded to Minnesota for four first-round picks and one pick swap, while Mitchell was traded to Cleveland for three first-round picks and two pick swaps, Collin Sexton and All-Star candidate Lauri Markkanen.

Collins is averaging 13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game during the 2022-23 campaign. His lower numbers can be attributed to a new role and adjusting to De’Andre Hunter and Dejounte Murray taking up more shots and opportunities to score. However, Collins was a major contributor to Atlanta making an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021 and certainly has All-Star talent.

It’ll be interesting to see if any team will take a significant step forward and essentially give the farm away for Collins by the time the trade deadline ticks down. The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly the main team showing interest. The Nets reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Collins during the 2022 NBA Draft and are looking to add a star or “power-forward-like player” heading into the season’s stretch run.

Atlanta will look to build a consecutive win streak when they take on the Bucks on Wednesday.

The post REPORT: Atlanta Wants John Collins Trade Package Similar to What Utah Got for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell appeared first on SLAM.

For the inaugural entry in the SLAM Cover Artist Series, Alim Smith aka Yesterdaynite, known for his surrealist interpretations of pop culture, has turned the cover of SLAM 241 featuring the Atlanta Hawks star duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray into a whimsical rendering of the cover’s original portrait by Diwang Valdez.

Fans will recognize Yesterdaynite’s unique style from the Season 3 ad campaign for FX’s Atlanta, which made him an obvious choice for SLAM to work with for this cover. Shop here.

“This is absolutely surreal to me, to get the opportunity to collaborate with SLAM Magazine,” Smith says. “Just six months ago I was playing 2K in career mode talking to my agent, who I remember was wearing a SLAM t-shirt, and now I’m painting the cover of SLAM Magazine. I’m beyond honored. I never imagined as a kid my love for art and basketball would ever intersect.”

“The SLAM cover has always been one of the most aspirational goals for an athlete with hoop dreams—and now it’s a goal for an artist with hoop dreams, too,” says Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer at SLAM. “As the culture of basketball expands its influence to other areas of expression, we wanted to offer an opportunity for those inspired by the game in new, creative ways.”

Two-hundred copies of this Artist Series drop will be printed and the magazines will be identical to the other SLAM 241 magazines, except for the limited-edition cover. Following SLAM 241’s SLAM Cover Artist Series drop, subsequent limited-edition covers will roll out over the course of 2023, spanning SLAM’s six annual regu-lar issues.

All of the drops will be available exclusively on slamgoods.com.

The post The SLAM Cover Artist Series Features Limited-Edition SLAM Covers Reimagined by Innovative Artists appeared first on SLAM.

B/R Sources: Rival executives are of belief Hawks guard Trae Young could be next star player to request trade if team doesn’t make inroads come playoff time. More news and nuggets for @BleacherReport: https://t.co/7u9PY3fpjJ

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 22, 2022

Young is under contract until 2026-27 and can opt out after the 2025-26 season if the Hawks don’t meet playoff expectations. The two-time All-Star and the Hawks have been trying to find the rhythm and consistency that helped them make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals two years ago. The ninth-place Hawks (16-16) are a playoff contender despite the offseason trade acquisition of SLAM 241 cover co-star Dejounte Murray.

What you really know about the Dirty South?

Dejounte Murray and Trae Young cover SLAM 241. https://t.co/JA8oG1KC8Z pic.twitter.com/2X95SX5UNj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 13, 2022

Atlanta is under new leadership in the front office after they hired Landry Fields as their general manager. Young and Fields reportedly meet often and have developed a close bond. Fields has the green light to improve the team however he sees best but executing those ambitions has been difficult so far. Atlanta has made it clear they’re willing to part ways with John Collins, but a partner hasn’t been found yet.

Young is averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 assists per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.7 percent from beyond the arc. Atlanta will play the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

The post REPORT: Trae Young Could Request a Trade Out of Atlanta appeared first on SLAM.

If you think that’s crazy, wait until you hear about the Atlanta Hawks’ backcourt. All-star guards Trae Young, 24, and Dejounte Murray, 26, not only share the same birthday, September 19, but their demeanors also mirror each other. Both are offensive assassins with unselfish tendencies on the court. Both are loving fathers at home. Both are perfectionists who recognize they’ve had some early season shooting struggles. Both are problem-solvers who know what needs to be done to get on Boston’s level in the East. Must be a Virgo thing.

SLAM 241 is available now featuring Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Shop here.

The Atlanta Hawks can’t explain any of it. They just hope the city’s first NBA Finals appearance is being manifested in the cosmos. Scientific anomaly or pure coincidence, the fact that these birthday twins are standing in the same gym, wearing the same Hawks jerseys and posing for the same SLAM cover at this very moment is just one sign that the team is heading in the right direction. The two guards sat down the day after a tough loss to talk family, focus and, of course, basketball.  

SLAM: We’re told that today is your first true off day in a minute. If you weren’t doing this interview and photo shoot, what would a typical off day look like?

TRAE YOUNG: I’d spend it with my family. I’d spend it at home. If you have a couple of days between games, you definitely want to find a way to get away from basketball, whether it’s spending time with your family, going to a movie or whatever it is. For me, personally, I just think it helps your mind to escape it for a little bit, because basketball can be every day. Sometimes it’s good to have an off day where you can get away from it.

DEJOUNTE MURRAY: For me, I got my family out here with me [too]. I love being around my family. You know, I’m a homebody, so I always fall into the trap where I turn basketball on and just sit there and watch a bunch of games around the League. But mainly, [I’m with] my family, watching movies. Like [Trae] said, trying to escape from it, because basketball is something that we do every day. And when you get them off days, you gotta utilize being with your family because we are away from them for a long time.

SLAM: You had a tough loss against Boston. How do you reflect after a game like that? Do you watch film immediately?

TY: I would do it right after the game, fresh off of it. I mean, I probably can’t sleep, so it’s no reason to just sit there and watch anything else. You might as well just go put back on the game and learn from it. Within the next day, it’s overwith, so you gotta get ready for the next day or the next team. The NBA’s so fast. You can’t hold on to a loss or a win for too long.

DM: When I got home, I ate dinner and I was able to watch the game. I was telling Trae, just knowing how the game went and how many threes they hit, it’s early [in the season] and they showed us that we are a new team. We got a lot to learn, work on and get better at. They’ve been together. But it’s no excuse. We lost. But like he said, you move on. We play again Saturday and then on Monday. You can’t really just stay put in one place, on one team. You win, you lose and you move on to the next one.

SLAM: Speaking of young teams, how would you assess how things have gone so far? 

DM: I know that I could be way better. 
I know he could be way better. It’s something that we talk about, whether we’re texting, heading to practice or on the plane. Just trying to find ways to push each other and get the best out of each other. But also making sure our team is involved and making sure that we’re doing it as a whole. So, the grade? We’re nowhere near where we should be, which is fine. It’s early and it’s a long year. And I believe that we’ll get to where we belong.

TY: I think it’s going as smoothly as it can be. I mean, it’s a new team. We got new pieces, pieces that are playing major minutes and [serving] major roles for us. I think, even in some of our wins, we haven’t played as good as we wanted to. I think this is an adjustment period. I’m pretty happy where we’re at right now, but I know we got a long way to go. We both talk about it, like he said, about what we need to be better at and what we can be better at. But I think it’s just a part of this adjustment period of being with new teammates, thinking you want to be the best for the guy next to you. You want to make it as easy as possible for the next person. But as we keep playing more games, it just becomes natural. 

SLAM: Trae, you knew Dejounte before the trade. What have you learned about him that you didn’t know before becoming teammates?

TY: It wasn’t really too much that I didn’t already know, just from our conversations and us talking. As soon as the trade happened, being able to go up to Seattle, playing in that pro-am together, and then being able to have dinner that night, chop it up and get to know him even more [was great]. We were fortunate enough to really get to know each other a little bit before the season. So, now that the season is here, we’re not focused on [getting to know each other]. I mean, that’s going to be a focus all year, but that’s not at the forefront. We’ve already gotten to know each other. We’ve spent time with each other. We know what we like and don’t like. We know how we’re family people. It’s been great so far. We just gotta keep going forward. 

SLAM: Dejounte, have you learned anything about Trae?

DM: He’s chill. He’s smooth. He’s got swag. I’ve told him before that I’ve been a fan since he was in high school. He’s younger than me. I’m that much involved in basketball and the sports world [that I noticed him]. Just being around him, I be seein’ him swaggin’. He likes his Chick-fil-A. Just learning all that stuff. It’s dope that we were able to do it before training camp. It wasn’t just like, Oh, we got to camp and now we trying to get to know each other and have conversations. It was right away.

SLAM: Anytime you look courtside at a Hawks game, you’re gonna see 2 Chainz, Lil Baby, whoever. Tell me about the Atlanta you’ve gotten to know over the past few months.

DM: It’s what I expected. We came and played here last year. One thing I do is look at the arenas, the fans and just the culture wherever we’re playing because it’s different everywhere. One thing that stood out to me last year [in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena] was that you could feel the atmosphere and feel a different culture just playing in the game. And like I said, I watch a lot of hoops. When I’m watching these games, you see how much fun the team’s having. But also, you can see how involved the fans are. And obviously, all the celebrities coming out, showing that they love watching hoop and that they love the Hawks just makes it better for us as a whole, representing Atlanta, Georgia.

SLAM: Trae, you recently became a father. How have you changed since the birth of your son?

TY: I think everybody who has a kid understands how it just puts things into perspective for you. Certain things that were important to you may not be as important. Or some things that were important, you make them even more just because your son or daughter is here. For me, just having Tydus has been a blessing. It’s been a growing process every day. It’s crazy how fast they grow, for sure.

SLAM: Dejounte, your name doesn’t come up as much as it should when people talk about the most exciting players in the League. Do you use any of that as motivation? 

DM: I do it for the love of the game, since I was a kid playing with my older uncles in the neighborhood all the way to the AAU, high school, college to now. I never fell into none of that. I always believed in, “Don’t believe the hype.” Hard work and dedication are gonna get you to where you need to be. My motivation is where I come from. Each and every day I wake up, knowing where I could be or it could be worse, knowing my situation and how blessed I am, that’s all the motivation I need. 

My daughter being able to be in the gym and seeing me work hard and ask, Dad, why you work so much? and being able to explain that to my 5-year-old is motivation for me. People got their own opinions and you gotta allow them to have that. I don’t fall in love with none of that—the good, the bad. I just try to stay true to who I am. 

SLAM: Speaking of opinions, over the summer, a lot of folks said you two couldn’t make it work, but you always said you could. How were you so confident that you could play together? 

TY: I think it’s just because we both know what we bring to the table—the cerebral part of the game. We’re both really good basketball players, knowing we can both score but [also] knowing we can both get each other involved and both get our teammates involved. It’s just basketball at the end of the day. A lot of people wanted to overthink it or think it just can’t work. [Dejounte] has so many skills that, maybe, I don’t have. There’s some things that, maybe, I do that he can’t. We bring it together and it can form something special. We both know that and we both know that winning is all that matters to both of us. That’s what he was brought here to do.

DM: For me, it’s just fuel for the fire. I love that type of stuff. I love the doubters. I love making people eat their words without me having to say a thing. Like I’ve always said, of course it’s going to work. If you love hoop—like really, really love it—you’re going to do whatever it takes to win. My main thing when I came here was, Trae, be yourself, but just know I’m here to help. You get what I’m saying? I came here to help. And that’s the main thing. Whatever I can do to help this team and help us reach the levels we want to reach, we’re gonna do that by any means. 

SLAM 241 is available now in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition and Cover Tee. Tap in.

Portraits by Diwang Valdez.

The post Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are Ready to Become Your Next Favorite Backcourt Duo appeared first on SLAM.

Chet Holmgren working on his shot pic.twitter.com/6b86KxecvK

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 2, 2022

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft suffered the injury at a Jamal Crawsford Crawsover Pro-Am game in August that had to be stopped due to unsafe court conditions. Holmgren played on the same day where LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Dejounte Murray, Paolo Banchero, and Tari Eason played at the Crawsford League.

Chet Holmgren back in his hometown pic.twitter.com/oKNvrhYWHO

— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) December 4, 2022

The Thunder said Holmgren remains on track to return next season. Recovery from a Lisfranc ligament tear typically takes from nine to 12 months. The former Gonzaga Bulldog averaged 12 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game during his three-game appearence at the Las Vegas Summer League.

The post Chet Holmgren Had a Secondary Operation to ‘Remove Hardware’ From Lisfranc Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

ICYMI: 

Most of the fireworks on Friday night happened in Houston in an absolute shoot-out between the Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray combined for 83 points, but it wasn’t enough. After leading by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, Atlanta squandered the lead, and the Rockets surged late to capture their fourth win of the season, 128-122.

Despite Murray scoring a career-high 39 points and making a career-high eight threes, the Hawks couldn’t get the job done. A big reason for this was their performance on the boards in the absence of Clint Capela, who was out due to dental pain. Houston outrebounded Atlanta 59-28. This included a 22-6 drubbing on the offensive boards and a 37-22 advantage on the defensive boards.

Most of the headlines after the game were about the aftermath of a third-quarter scrum between each team’s respective backcourt. Young and Murray did plenty of showboating on the way to scoring a combined 83 points, and you get the sense that Green and Kevin Porter Jr. didn’t like it one bit. Green and Porter took to Instagram to mock Young following the game. Green waved goodbye to the Hawks after their 18-point fourth quarter. 

Ja Morant messed around and dropped a triple-double in Madison Square Garden, dropping 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 dimes. He’s been highly productive during Desmond Bane, who suffered a sprained big toe injury on Nov. 15 and won’t be back for at least another week.

Postgame, Morant credited New York Knicks point guard and Chicago/Memphis legend Derrick Rose for paving the way for hyper-athletic guards by saying; 

“He really made it to where people believe in guys like me,” Morant told the Commercial Appeal. “Coming in, athletic guards, I felt like he was pretty much the one who kind of made it more famous. With how acrobatic his finish is, his touch around the rim, and how explosive he was. Coming in, he was my comparison. It’s crazy to be out there on the floor sharing a court with him.”

Klay Thompson was off to a rough start on the offensive side of the ball to begin the season, but he’s beginning to get on track. He shot 61.5 percent from the field in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Golden State scored 47 points in the first quarter and never really looked back. They had crisp offensive execution the entire game. 

The Boston Celtics continued their winning ways. They have won 12 of their last 13 games. They are a League-best 16-4 on the season. Jaylen Brown had 36 points in their most recent win sans Jayson Tatum against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics are poised for a return to the NBA Finals if they keep playing the way they’re playing. 

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and the Brooklyn Nets are now only a single game under .500 following their 111-97 win against the Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Seth Curry was a big factor in the win against his former squad, with 29 points on 11-15 shooting. 

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox has been playing out of his mind and is turning some heads. Fox has been shooting a career-high 53 percent from the field, helping him average 25.1 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.

Fox has the Kings sitting in sixth place in a jammed Western Conference with a record of 10-8. Fox’s play has been so good that this past weekend, he inked a deal with one of the biggest and most well-known sports agencies in basketball Klutch Sports. For Sacramento, Fox’s recent play and lead role in the Kings’ resurgence could be just what the team needs to end their 16-year playoff drought.

The Kings have the talent and youth to be very disruptive if given a postseason opportunity. The team’s additions of Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk (in addition to Fox’s play) have been a great fit. Hopefully, Fox and the team can continue this momentum.

Over the weekend, the Lakers played the San Antonio Spurs for the third time in their last four games. During the third quarter of Saturday’s game, Russell Westbrook was going up for a layup after previously grabbing a rebound and was fouled on the way up by Spurs center Zach Collins. When Westbrook rose up from the ground heated from the foul, you could see that he had a cut and was visibly bleeding from his forehead.

The two teams got together for what seemed like a couple of seconds after the foul, but everyone was calmly escorted to their respective benches. Westbrook, who was fuming for a good reason, was taken away by LeBron James, who quickly compressed Westbrook’s head wound with a towel and walked him over to the bench to be further examined by the Lakers team doctors.

Once the situation calmed down, a Flagrant 2 foul was given the Collins, and a tech was given to Westbrook. Postgame, James commented on the altercation, saying;

“I saw where the cut was immediately. It was just common sense to put pressure on the cut right away. Don’t let it continue to go. Before we became teammates, we’ve always been like brothers and cool and things of that nature. His health is more important than the game of basketball. We were just trying to stop that and let the training staff do their job after we got him over to the bench.”

Miami center Bam Adebayo has had a quiet yet phenomenal stretch over the Heat’s last six games averaging 25.5 points per game and 10.2 rebounds on 52 percent shooting from the field. However, in Adebayo’s last two games, he has scored over 30 points and has been a key contributor toward the end of games on both the defensive and offensive sides.

The Heat are currently on a three-game win streak led by Adebayo’s diverse and consistent play, and the team looks to carry that momentum into their Wednesday matchup with the 2022 Eastern Conference Champion Celtics. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND:

Ja Morant’s father asked for his son’s jersey for the first time in Morant’s career. Morant stated that it was “special” for him to get a triple-double in the Garden and that it was a place that he always had a special feeling for.

Morant admitted after Sunday’s game that MSG was special for him to have a triple-double since it was a place he watched in so many games on television as a kid — which was why his father made the unusual request for his jersey.

“It’s just the bright lights, man,” Morant told ESPN post-game. “Having a triple-double in the Garden is crazy. Growing up actually watching teams come here and play, watching the Knicks play — everybody loves the Garden. We really called it the bright lights. Everybody is watching. So for me to be able to go out and play like I played tonight was big-time for me.”

The post ICYMI: We Got You Covered With Thanksgiving Weekend News appeared first on SLAM.

The Hawks have been actively looking to shop Collins since the midway point of last season but were unsuccessful in finding any partners. Rumors indicate that the Hawks were looking for another superstar in return, but this time around, they’re reportedly willing to settle for a two-way role player like Phoenix Suns‘ Jae Crowder.

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The 19th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft has had a solid run with the Hawks, especially in his second year, where he blossomed into averaging 19.5 points per game. Not to mention the 9.8 rebounds he averaged that same 2018-2019 season, and with the pairing of him and Trae Young, it was inevitable for this team to make a deep run one day.

Sure enough, the Hawks made an improbable run as the 5th-seed in the 2021 playoffs, with the team pulling a gentleman’s sweep on the tough-minded New York Knicks. The fans of the latter were letting Young have it all series long. The vibes were similar once they went on the road to play the one-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, where they ultimately stole a Game 7 victory.

The team’s resilience showed because of the maturity Collins and Young displayed. However, it wasn’t enough that year to stop the eventual champion, Milwaukee Bucks.

Fast forward to the first 15 games of this season, and Collins hasn’t been able to prove his value as one of the elite power forwards in today’s game. This season, Collins is averaging 12.6 points per game and has struggled mightily to shoot while averaging 22.7 percent from downtown.

The team brought in Dejounte Murray this offseason in hopes of becoming serious title contenders, and so far, they’ve proven it.

The Hawks currently ride in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, and one of their notable victories was breaking the undefeated Bucks season. Though the team has taken its strides, they oddly enough feel Collins won’t be the piece to the puzzle to the franchise’s first championship.

The post REPORT: Atlanta Exploring Trade Options For John Collins appeared first on SLAM.

Together, they’re expected to be a fearsome backcourt and a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. They didn’t disappoint in their Wednesday night regular season debut against the Houston Rockets. 

The Atlanta Hawks backcourt combined for 43 points and 24(!!) assists. Murray added five steals, while Young went 8/8 from the free-throw line. The Hawks won 117-107, and despite their excellent play, they have plenty of room to improve. Murray and Young shot a combined 2-14 from three and committed eight turnovers.

Still, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about where this team could go. 

Postgame, Murray said that although he and Young are the main attractions, their main goal as the starting backcourt is to “set the tone,” while reiterating that they’re focused on making the Hawks a better team moving forward.

“The Atlanta Hawks are not me and Trae, but we set the tone,” Murray said, per ESPN. “We’re gonna get better.”

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The effects of their playmaking could be seen as four Hawks players put up 20 or more points. John Collins finished with a game-high 24 points, and De’Andre Hunter kicked in another 22. But Murray also felt the rebuilding Rockets should not have been able to stick around as long as they did. 

“I feel like the game was too close,” Murray said before he rated his performance, “6 out of 10.” 

If what they were able to do Wednesday is any indication of where they’re going to take their games this season, a return to the Eastern Conference Finals and maybe beyond could be in the cards. Not many teams can boast two guards who can make plays and score at the level of Young and Murray. 

The post Dejounte Murray and Trae Young ‘Set the Tone’ During Atlanta’s Season-Opening Win Over Houston appeared first on SLAM.

The energy has truly shifted around the Association since the Golden State Warriors put the haters to sleep and won another NBA championship. This offseason, there was a sudden coaching change in Boston, a reported trade request in Brooklyn by Kevin Durant (that didn’t actually happen), and some major moves during free agency, from Donovan Mitchell teaming up with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley on the Cavaliers to Jalen Brunson becoming a New York Knick. Then there’s the highly-anticipated return of Zion Williamson, Ben Simmons and SLAM 240 co-cover star Kawhi Leonard, who is sure to be a scary sight alongside Paul George now that they’re both healthy.

While we’ve dished out some bold takes in the past, this year’s preview might feature our boldest takes yet. Here’s the official 2022-23 SLAM Staff NBA Preview:

Anthony Holt, Slam Goods Apparel Designer

The Cavaliers will emerge as a top three seed in the East. 

With the blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers will claim the No. 3 seed. The championship experience of Kevin Love and Luke Walton will evolve Mitchell into the leader the franchise needs to make a playoff run. The Cavs will reach the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Celtics, who will face the Bucks in the ECF.

NBA Finals Matchup: Bucks vs Grizzlies

Deyscha “Sway” Smith, Associate Editor

Ben Simmons will make a case for winning Most Improved Player of the Year.

Before any of you mention me on Twitter or pop off in the comment section, hear this one out. We all know what happened last year, and by no means is Ben Simmons, a three-time NBA All-Star, any sort of “up and coming player.” But if this preseason showed us anything, it’s that Ben is actually back and playing basketball again. After averaging 15.9 points per game during his time in Philly, if he brings that same energy and presence (both literally and in terms of his defensive game) to the Nets this year, by technicality, it’s really only up from here in terms of his overall improvement.

Will he win MIP? Unlikely, but then again, just imagine if he actually did put himself in the running for the award.

PS: When I predicted the Celtics would make the ECF in our season preview last year, y’all called me real bold for that take back then. If Ben gets active and starts playing at that All-Star level again, just make sure your apology is as loud as the disrespect has been.

ECF Matchup: Celtics vs Nets

Joshua Tapia, Editorial Intern

Damian Lillard takes the Portland Trailblazers to a top 5 seed in the West while securing his first MVP. 

Damian Lillard will finish the season above 32 points a night with eight assists. If he disciplines himself defensively, Dame could become a reliable defender against the League’s best scorers.

Here’s my playoff prediction: Lillard will lead the Blazers past the No. 4 seed Mavericks in the first round, the Warriors in round 2, but get defeated in Game 6 against the Clippers.  

Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer

The Sixers are winning the championship.

Everything is coming together at the perfect time in Philly: James Harden is healthy and more motivated than ever, Joel Embiid has a better understanding of how to treat his body to make it last a full season plus playoffs, Tobias Harris is the perfect starter to play next to two stars, Tyrese Maxey is making a leap, and Daryl Morey is going to be aggressive adding role players throughout the season to put around this group in order to ensure the team has everything it needs come postseason time. The 76ers: 2023 Champs. 

Michael Harris, Editorial Intern

The Lakers will make the Western Conference Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers will figure it out this season. Russell Westbrook will embrace his role off the bench, Anthony Davis will be healthy and be a top three candidate for MVP, while Patrick Beverley will bring the defense at the guard spot necessary to help the Lakers lock down shooters. The Lakers will also finish as the top three seed in the West and make it all the way to the WCF to face the Grizzlies.

NBA Finals Matchup: Heat vs Lakers

Ajayi Browne, Editorial Intern

The Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Finals.

The Dallas Mavericks will reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 and Luka Doncic will average career-highs across the board while having his most efficient season on his way to winning MVP. The team’s new additions, Christian Wood and Javale McGee, will give this team what they were missing last year, while Tim Hardaway Jr’s return will be vital, too.

Theus McBee, Co-Host of No Pump Fakes

Anthony Edwards will make his first All-Star Game and the Minnesota Timberwolves will make it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in nearly 20 years. 

The conversation of Ant Man “possibly” being a part of the top five under 25 group will come to an end and we will finally give him his rightful title of “Best Shooting Guard in the NBA.”

Check out the latest episode of No Pump Fakes below:

Najee AR Fareed, Editorial Intern 

Trae Young will make First Team All-NBA, lead the League in assists and take the Hawks all the way to winning a championship. 

The Hawks had a down year last season but their defense should be bolstered by a resurgent Clint Capela, Dejounte Murray’s arrival, and the rise of Onyeka Okongwu. The offense? Ice Trae might hold it down on the offensive end, but the Hawks have much more than just him. Deandre Hunter is taking big steps and John Collins’ lesser offensive load, with the addition of Murray, should free up his game for lobs and catch-and-shoot threes.

The Hawks will win one this season. For 3 Stacks and Lemon Pepper Wings and Zone 6 and Old Nat and everything else we love.

Colby Cusano, Brand Partnerships and Analytics Intern

Zion Williamson will bring the New Orleans Pelicans from an No. 8 seed to a No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and take home the Most Improved Player Award. 

After a decent season that saw them squeeze into the playoffs, the Pelicans are ready to make another run and with a healthy Zion Williamson. They now contain one of the most talented trios in the League.

NBA Finals Matchup: Mavs vs Celtics

Delon George, Marketing Manager SLAMgoods

The Brooklyn Nets will win the title.  

Though a lot of politics surround the Nets’ Big 3, I believe they have a lot to prove individually and together as a team this season. With Kyrie Irving will playing full-time from the start of the season and Kevin Durant avoiding injuries, the Nets are bound to have momentum this year. 

Brooke Brennan, WSLAM Intern

Lonzo Ball will return mid-season and take control of the Bulls’ offense, pushing them to be a top four seed team in the East.

While injury plagued his 2021-2022 season, Lonzo’s return mid-way through this year could give the Bulls the point guard anchor they need to take control on offense. After losing in the first round to the Bucks last year, the Bulls proved that they can be a playoff team, but have to make those adjustments. Returning key players, rising young talent, and added veteran depth will help to develop this team unit.

As for Zo, I project he’ll make an All-Star team in the near future. 

Andrew “Pitt” Pitagorsky, VP of Brand Partnerships

RJ Barrett will win Defensive Player of the Year. 

RJ Barrett will become an NBA All-Star and win Defensive Player of the Year. Going into Year 4 of his young career, RJ will take the next step in his growth and make the leap to the All-Star player we all know he could become. With the help of the coaching staff, and a pure point guard in the lineup, RJ can focus more on the defensive side of his game, and be an elite defender of the League.

Andres Puerta, Social Media SLAMFTW 

The Miami Heat will win the Eastern Conference Finals. 

The Miami Heat have a solid starting lineup. They are coming off a great season, with a solid performance in the playoffs from Jimmy Butler who showed what he can do in the playoffs. Tyler Herro showed out as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. They have a competitive group of guys and it doesn’t matter who is on the court. With the Heat being one of the top teams in the East last year, this will be the year they win the Eastern Conference Finals.

Arvind Pitchai, VP of Social Media

Luka Doncic will average a triple double and win MVP. 

Here’s another Luka Doncic prediction: when he averages a triple-double this season, he’ll definitely win MVP. We all know about Luka’s scoring prowess and ability to see the floor, but he also can clean the glass at a high clip. Will this lead the Mavs to the Finals? Who knows but it’s going to be a fun season watching Luka regardless.

Marcus Allen, Social Graphic Designer

The Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

A big season from the New York Knicks is upon us as they will make the ECF in 2023. Future star, RJ Barrett will have the best season of his career with his new backcourt partner Jalen Brunson and ultimately earn Most Improved Player and or Defensive Player of the Year. Let’s get it.

Dave Schnur, President

The T-Wolves and the Cavs will go on a playoff run and make the Conference Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns moving to the 4 full time will be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He’ll hit a career high number of threes this season, Ant Edwards will make his first All-Star Team, Rudy Gobert is gonna Gobert and D-Lo will get his, too. The Cavs already have a great young core with Garland, Mobley and Allen. Adding a perennial All-Star SG like Spida that can stretch the floor and facilitate will bolster an already potent offense. Garland and Donovan may be the best backcourt in the East. 

Max Resetar, Editor 

Stephen Curry will break his own record of 402 threes in a season. 

The Dubs finally have everyone healthy. Every player on the roster has a clearly defined role and they each understand that their number one target on offense is No. 30, whether that means passing to him, screening for him, or getting the f— outta his way when the reign starts to rain. With a complete season of all the major hitters, their offense is gonna hum all the way to an easy 450 threes for the most recent Finals MVP. 

Celebrate the return of the NBA season, the 2022 WNBA champs and the future of the game with SLAM 240.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post SLAM’s 2022-23 NBA Preview: Crazy Bold Takes for this Season appeared first on SLAM.

Eastern Conference contender emerges as interested suitor for Suns’ Jae Crowder: pic.twitter.com/oxw12tvnUt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 10, 2022

The former second-round draft pick has solidified himself as a premier defender that could stretch the floor offensively. Crowder is the type of modern-day 3-and-D player any team finds value in. It’s no wonder the Hawks aren’t the only team interested in the 32-year-old.

Trade rumors surrounding Crowder came after multiple reports revealed Phoenix was shopping the veteran during the offseason; Crowder went to Twitter to express how he felt.

ONE MUST SEEK WORK WHERE HE IS WANTED.. WHERE HE IS NEEDED.! I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT THESE PAST 2 YRS HAVE TAUGHT ME.! NOW I MUST TAKE ON ANOTHER CHALLENGE WITH CONTINUED HARDWORK & DEDICATION.! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CLOSED THE DOOR ON ME…. THANK YOU! 99 BACK SOON.!

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) September 25, 2022

He made it known that not only would he not be at training camp, but Crowder would also like to play for a team where he is wanted. Since tweeting this out, Crowder has not been seen at training camp or preseason. The organization is on the same page as the veteran as they try and find a resolution for his future.

Cam Johnson is set to replace Crowder in the Suns’ starting lineup going into the new campaign. If the trade goes through, it will be interesting to see how the veteran will fare, teaming up with the latest Big Three of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and John Collins.

The post REPORT: Hawks Emerge as Potential Suitor for Jae Crowder appeared first on SLAM.

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Culver was drafted sixth overall by Minnesota in the 2019 NBA draft. As a rookie, his talents looked promising as he averaged 9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 40.4 percent shooting from the field. However, Culver ended up falling out of favor after his rookie season, and Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns would be the future of Minnesota.

Minnesota ended up trading Culver to the Memphis Grizzlies for Juancho Hernangomez and Patrick Beverley. The trade ended up helping the TImberwolves make a playoff appearance, while Culver averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 37.8 percent from the field.

Although he wasn’t scoring at a high rate, Culver proved himself to be enough of a defensive asset, ranking 25th in the League in defensive rating last season. Atlanta traded for Dejounte Murray to form a dangerous two-way backcourt with Trae Young with the hope of building a young core built around their walking-bucket backcourt and athletic, lengthy wings like Culver.

The post Atlanta Hawks Sign Former Top 10 Pick Jarrett Culver to Two-Way Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Exams show Chet Holmgren has potential torn ligaments in his foot, sources said. A timetable is being determined based on further evaluations. https://t.co/vig5zWOSzz

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 24, 2022

According to Charania, exams showed that Holmgren “potentially” tore some ligaments in his foot. The Oklahoma City Thunder will set a timetable after determining the extent of the No. 2 overall picks injuries. The former Gonzaga standout reportedly suffered the injury while playing at a Jamal Crawford CrawsOver Pro-Am game that featured LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Dejounte Murray, Paolo Banchero, and Tari Eason.

Holmgren averaged 12 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game during the three games he played at the Las Veagas Summer League.

The post REPORT: Chet Holmgren Suffered Potential Torn Ligaments in His Foot appeared first on SLAM.

Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels had 52 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists against Bachero and Holmgren at The Crawsover in Seattle. The Seattle native and University of Washington alum returned home to put it down for his city in an impressive performance.

In a recent appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, Crawford was asked which player at the most recent Crawsover events (which also featured Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and John Collins on Sunday) stood out to him the most. His response? Jaden McDaniels.

“The one I think is least talked about is Jaden McDaniels,” Crawford said. “His offense is so good, but right now, he’s in a role where he’s playing defense to stay on the court. But once his offense is unlocked, you’re looking at somebody who’s so fluid, 6’9, can handle the ball, make plays, very smooth when he plays, doesn’t disrupt the offense with how he plays.”

He’s someone who, I think, is the one that doesn’t get talked about enough,” Crawford said. “But he’s gonna be a great, great player for years to come.”

We’ve always known he’s had the hops, but McDaniels showed off an improved jump shot and handle at The Crawsover, making him a must-watch player heading into his third NBA season.

The 21-year-old averaged 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on 46.0 percent shooting from the field last season. McDaniels only shot 31.7 percent from three-point range in the regular season but saw that number jump to 50.0 percent in Minnesota’s hard-fought playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

If McDaniels could find some consistency with his jump shot, he could be set for a breakout season with the Timberwolves. With a young core of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, along with the blockbuster acquisition of Rudy Gobert, McDaniels and the T-Wolves will have to prove last season’s playoff appearance was the first of many to come in Minnesota.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Jamal Crawford Believes Jaden McDaniels Will Be a ‘Great Player For Years to Come’ appeared first on SLAM.

Since the turn of 2010s, future Hall-of-Famer LeBron James was able to leverage his status as the best player in the NBA and the threat of him leaving to make sure the Cavs and Lakers front office did all they could to build a title threat around him. From there, superstars like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Anthony Davis were able to negotiate trades or sign with other teams so they could win a ring or be in a better position to do so from behind the scenes.

Well into the 2020s, Durant has used his status as another surefire HOFer to demand a trade out of Brooklyn just three seasons after first signing with the team in 2019.

The reasoning behind the trade demand comes after the Nets have failed to win a title with a core of Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Harden himself demanded a trade out of Brooklyn due to the uncertainty around Irving’s vaccination status and wanting to reunite with 76ers president Daryl Morey. Irving’s complex extension negotiations also played a part in Durant wanting out of playing with the Nets.

Durant reportedly wanted to play with the Suns or Heat, two teams with title aspirations that have fostered great team cultures within their locker room. Irving’s preferred destinations were the Clippers, Lakers, Heat, and Dallas, amongst others.

The concerns about the rise of trade demand may be overstated, but it’s nothing new for the most prominent names. Even guys who played for one franchise their whole career (i.e., Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan) threatened to leave via free agency or trade. Guys like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal could be the next iteration of one-team players.

For the middle class of players like Draymond Green, he applauded players for treating themselves like “businesses” during a recent episode of his podcast. His voice has been joined by Alex Caruso, who is happy to see that “players are finally treating this like the teams and organizations have for so many years.”

“(The players) finally are realizing the business side of this,” Caruso said. “Like, ‘oh okay, I have leverage, I am an asset; let me make this work to the best of my ability because if the organization or the team has a chance to upgrade, they’re going to upgrade.'”

On tomorrow's episode of the show, @jj_redick and @ACFresh21 discuss the recent trends of trade requests by big time players like Kevin Durant with several years left on his contract with the Nets.

Watch the full conversation: https://t.co/Xd3GSeqJrM pic.twitter.com/ydZYxDXJIn

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) July 15, 2022

Caruso saying that probably stems from the fact that fans expect players to be loyal to teams but not necessarily the other way around. Think of the recent example of what happened between the Celtics and Isiah Thomas after IT4 suffered a career-altering hip surgery on top of losing his sister to a car accident while leading the C’s to a conference finals appearance.

Or the divorce between DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors. On the other end, though, teams have made sure to do what’s best for players after a long tenure with their first teams. Think Kevin Garnett to the Celtics, or what happened just a few weeks ago when the Spurs traded All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Hawks so that he could play on a playoff team instead of wilt away on the lottery-bound Spurs.

Like I said earlier, ‘you’re a victim of circumstance.'” Caruso added. “If you’re in the League and you have this type of wealth and income, it’s a different type of thing than if you’re sitting at home reading about this guy tryna get from $40 mil to $50 mil.

“I understand that that’s a real thing, but you have to sit back and look at it and just think, there’s so many years, you’ve heard horror stories of guys finding out on Twitter or finding out on TV that they got traded. I think it’s finally just to the point where players are just like, ‘well alright, well I’m gonna do the same thing.'”

The tensions between who has power between players and team owners will always be present. When you go through a decade of unprecedented growth that coincides with player empowerment, the players union and its constituents will be less likely to wanna give that up.

The CBA between the owners and players can be negotiated as soon as December. Negotiations will likely get contentious as players and team owners will battle about the player empowerment era, particularly around the issue of players demanding trades with multiple years left on their contract, skipping games, and a plethora of other labor issues.

The post Alex Caruso Speaks on Prominent Players Requesting Trade Despite Big Contracts appeared first on SLAM.

Irving has been linked to a Lakers move involving Russell Westbrook, but it seems unlikely that the Nets would want to take on Westbrook in a direct swap with Irving. Leading to the Lakers wanting to include the Spurs in any trade they negotiate with the Nets.

San Antonio traded away All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in exchange for multiple future picks; they also dealt away Derrick White to the Celtics in exchange for Josh Richardson. Jakob Poetl and Doug McDermott are also reportedly available for a trade as the Spurs look to move in a younger direction.

They also possess a plethora of draft picks, assets that the Nets would want in a deal like this.

Per Pincus, “League sources stressed that Brooklyn views resolving Kevin Durant’s trade request as a significantly higher priority than clearing Irving’s final $36.9 million of the Nets’ books.”

After trading Murray away to the Hawks, the Spurs seem to be headed towards a rebuild and are reportedly looking to offload some of their veterans to focus on developing their young players. Furthermore, the Spurs are likely eying 2023 NBA Draft prospect and potential No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.

The team also recently signed former Thunder forward Isaiah Roby.

The Nets are looking to resolve the Durant situation before moving Irving, and the Lakers are looking to do the same for Westbrook, but neither team will swap straight up. San Antonio holds the key to all of this.

The post REPORT: Lakers Trying to Involve Spurs in Three-Team Deal for Kyrie Irving appeared first on SLAM.

Atlanta is trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick, sources tell EPSN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

That pick can reportedly become a top-12 protected in 2025 or a top-10 protected in 2026, according to Woj.

The Kings are sending a 2024 lottery-protected first-round pick to the Hawks for Huerter, sources tell ESPN. Pick becomes Top 12 protected in 2025, and top 10 protected in 2026.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Hawks’ offseason has gone objectively well after acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray for Danilo Gallinari on Wednesday. The Kings have significantly upgraded their wing depth and talent after trading for Huerter, signing Malik Monk, and drafting Keegan Murray fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Huerter averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field and 38.9 percent from deep.

The post REPORT: Atlanta Ships Kevin Huerter to Sacramento appeared first on SLAM.

The Hawks are sending three first-round picks and a future pick swap to the Spurs to pair Murray with All-NBA guard Trae Young, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/rxHtyr63jl

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Hawks agreed to send Danilo Gallinari and draft capital to the Spurs for Murray. Atlanta is sending a 2023 first-round pick they got from Charlotte, and their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs. San Antonio will also receive a pick swap in 2026.

The Hawks are sending a 2023 first-round pick via Charlotte, and their own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs in the deal, sources tell ESPN. Spurs will also get a pick swap in 2026.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Murray will be expected to come in and provide a good deal of two-way support to backcourt mate Trae Young. The trade fulfills reports from last week that the Hawks actively sought to acquire Murray. The former Washington Husky averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game on 46.2 percent shooting from the field and 32.7 percent shooting from deep.

The post REPORT: Hawks and Spurs Agree to Trade Built Around Dejounte Murray appeared first on SLAM.

Without further ado, here is the running NBA Trade Rumor Thread:

7/25:

Shams Charania from The Athletic reports that the Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Kings, Heat, Hawks and the Knicks have expressed interest in Donovan Mitchell.

Per Charania, the Jazz, Knicks and Paces are also reportedly interested in Russell Westbrook and draft capital from the Lakers.

The Boston Celtics have emerged as a potential suitor for Kevin Durant, reportedly offering up Jaylen Brown as the main piece in the initial trade proposal. However, according to The Athletic, that offer was reportedly rejected. Read more here:

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly offered Collin Sexton a three year contract in the range of $13.3 million per year for three seasons. Sexton is reportedly “dismayed” with the team’s current offer.

Sexton played 11 games this year before tearing his meniscus.

“Utah had asked about a package involving Mitchell Robinson, and at least 3 first-round picks and the Knicks declined to meet that asking price”@IanBegley with the latest on the Donovan Mitchell trade front, including the Jazz asking for Quentin Grimes in a deal pic.twitter.com/4m1x30mgY5

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 15, 2022

REPORT: The Jazz-Knicks deal was “close” on Tuesday night, but the Knicks ended up declining.

The Jazz reportedly wanted Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and 6 1st-round picks.

(via @tjonesonthenba) pic.twitter.com/KxUOdLfsZx

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 15, 2022

The Nets asked the TImberwolves for the farm after asking for Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and four draft picks in order to acquire Kevin Durant.

REPORT: The Brooklyn Nets asked the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and 4 draft-picks in exchange for Kevin Durant.

The Timberwolves declined.

(via @chrisbhaynes, @VinceGoodwill) pic.twitter.com/EUdjmDXArD

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 7, 2022

According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, the Warriors are interested in acquiring Kevin Durant. KD won back-to-back titles in three years with the Dubs. Per multiple reports, the Nets have made it clear that their trading partner will have to give up the farm in order to complete the blockbuster trade. Those acquirements consist of an All-Star level player and multiple draft picks.

Marc J. Spears: Warriors ‘have interest’ in trading for Kevin Durant [report]https://t.co/5lar5wEukf pic.twitter.com/bXGN5CDgPk

— KNBR (@KNBR) July 3, 2022

League sources: For now, there are no plans by the Utah Jazz to trade star guard Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are committed to building around him. The Jazz are not done in trade talks. Expect more activity

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2022

The Jazz and Timberwolves have reportedly agreed on a trade to flip Gobert for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverly, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, and multiple first-round picks, per Woj.

Utah is trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly shipped Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless, and a 2024 lottery-protected first-round pick per Adrian Wojnarowski.

Atlanta is trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick, sources tell EPSN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Atlanta is trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick, sources tell EPSN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

After KD’s blockbuster trade request was reportedly made official, it seems as though Kyrie Irving is most likely headed out of Brooklyn too. Irving is on the last year of his current deal and listed the Lakers, Clippers, Mavs, Knicks, Heat, and 76ers as his preferred trade destinations.

The latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets from @wojespn.

Join us now on ESPN2 for our NBA Today Free Agency special as we break it all down. pic.twitter.com/dsRBjecW8S

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 30, 2022

BREAKING: Kevin Durant has reportedly requested a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets, per his agent Rich Kleiman to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Durant has targeted Phoenix and Miami as his preferred destinations, per Woj.

Durant requested a trade with the team today, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/BkNEHwkrc0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

The Jazz are reportedly trading Royce O’Neal to the Nets for a first-rounder .

Utah is trading Royce O’Neale to Brooklyn for a first-round pick, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

The Bulls are reportedly shopping Coby White, per Sam Amico of Hoopshype.

Bulls Remain Active In Trying To Trade Coby White https://t.co/QblzrfaVuW

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 30, 2022

Amico also reports that Julius Randle could be a name to watch on the trade market as the New York Knicks look to make it back to the playoffs next season.

Julius Randle is a name to watch on the trade market, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/Zd49mnz72R

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2022

The Wizards are reportedly exchanging Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith for Will Barton and Monte Morris. Should Smith play one game for Denver, it’ll be the record-setting 13th team he’s played for in his career.

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

The Knicks are sending Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Pistons as well as some draft capital in order to free up $30 million in cap space to acquire Jalen Brunson on Thursday.

The Knicks are trading center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks will unload $19M more in salary, clearing the way for cap space to try and sign free agent guard Jalen Brunson.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Houston Rockets have reportedly bought John Wall’s contract as of Monday night. The five-time All-Star and the Clippers are reportedly set to reach an agreement once free agency starts, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

ESPN story with @espn_macmahon on John Wall exiting the Houston Rockets with intentions to sign a free agent deal with the LA Clippers: https://t.co/IuLK7oFwP9

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

After a successful postseason run, a key piece for Miami may not come back. PJ Tucker is rumored to take a better offer from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The possibility of Kyrie Irving departing from the Brooklyn Nets gains more momentum by the day, as he has been given permission to seek a sign and trade.

John Wall hasn’t played an NBA game for the Houston Rockets since April of 2021, he is willing to agree to a buyout if it comes down to it.

The San Antonio Spurs have been receiving calls about all-star point guard DeJounte Murray, teams that are included are the Knicks, Timberwolves, Wizards, and Hawks. Murray publicly reacted to the rumor on Twitter.

The Cleveland Cavaliers sacrifice pick 49 in exchange for Sasha Vezenkov, who has been a euro-league stash after being picked in the 2017 draft.

The Pistons traded away Jerami Grant for a 2025 first round pick that belongs to the Bucks, read more here:

The Hawks are looking to level up for Trae Young byfinding him a better co-star, read more here:

After not being offered an extension, DeAndre Ayton’s future with the Phoenix Suns looks to be in doubt. Read more here:

The Dallas Mavericks are going all in for Luka Doncic’s win now window by trading for Christian Wood, first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

JaMychal Green was sent from the Nuggets in exchange for the Thunder’s No. 30 pick in this upcoming draft, read more here:

The post The NBA Trade Rumor Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

Klein notes that the package to obtain Murray would be Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks, but John Collins will not be a part of the transaction despite being in trade rumors for a few seasons.

After sitting out all of the 2018-19 season, Murray has blossomed into one of the better point guards in the League. This past year he earned his first All-Star bid after averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and a League-leading 2.0 steals per game.

Murray is halfway through a four-year rookie extension he signed in 2019 with the Spurs. The final two years of his contract have him making just north of $16 million and $17 million, respectively.

The Hawks are looking to pair Murray up with Trae Young, becoming a formidable backcourt within the Eastern Conference.

Klein also reports San Antonio is preparing for the future and the 2023 NBA Draft.

The post REPORT: Hawks ‘On the Verge’ of Obtaining Dejounte Murray appeared first on SLAM.

The NBA has implemented a play-in tournament to decide the seventh and eighth seeds in each conference. This gives the top ten teams in the East and West a chance to make it into the postseason. 

Each conference will have a short tournament that showcases the eighth through tenth seeds. In a single-game two round event, the seventh and eighth seeds can make the playoffs with one win. The ninth and tenth seeds need to win twice in order to advance to the playoffs. 

In the Western Conference, a matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans (No. 9) and San Antonio Spurs (No. 10) will take place on April 13 at 9:30 PM ET. 

The winner of this game will advance to the final round of the play-in tournament against the loser of the matchup between the seventh and eighth seed for one final shot to make it into the postseason. The loser will be eliminated and officially begin their offseason. 

New Orleans finished the season with a 36-46 record, good for the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference. Over their last ten games, the Pelicans have been .500 which is good relative to the rest of the season.

Getting to the rim often, New Orleans draws a ton of fouls and are top-five in the NBA at getting to the line. The Pelicans should hope this game doesn’t turn into a shootout, as they don’t take or make many shots from beyond the arc. 

Since trading for CJ McCollum back in early February, the Pelicans have looked like a different team. Despite being without Zion Williamson, New Orleans has gone 15-14 since that trade occurred. 

The Spurs finished the season as the No. 10 seed in the West with a record of 34-47. Winning huge games down the stretch to make the play-in tournament, San Antonio won seven of its final 11 contests. 

One of the most well coached teams in the league, the Spurs play very disciplined. This will be important in this game against the Pelicans. On the flip side, they struggle from the free throw line which could be important late in the game if it’s a close contest. 

Since the All-Star break, the Spurs have been much improved, being roughly a .500 team since that milestone. 

These teams played four times this season, with the Spurs winning the season series 3-1. The Pelicans and Spurs matched up twice in March, splitting those two contests. Outside of the most recent game between these two teams, every outcome was very lopsided. 

The duo of McCollum and Brandon Ingram will be fascinating in this matchup. They’ll need to be effective offensively to combat the versatility that Dejounte Murray brings to the Spurs’ offense.

The post 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament: New Orleans Pelicans Match Up With San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

The all-time winningest coach in NBA history.

Congrats on No. 1336, Coach Pop! pic.twitter.com/RbuZxrkEWp

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 12, 2022

Coach Pop has now coached the Spurs to 1,336 wins and has won five NBA championships over 26 years as head coach.

“Pop doesn’t like praise,” Dejounte Murray said per ESPN. “He doesn’t like any of that. It’s kind of a good thing. But you also want to remind him of his success because it’s rare. Because he’s a guy that just wants to focus on winning and every day. He never brings up anything to praise himself.

“We don’t talk about [the record], but we damn sure going to enjoy it when we do get it for him because he’s a great man, and he deserves it. He pushes all his players, whether you’re the first guy, last guy, G-League player, 10-day contract, he embraces you from day one. He deserves everything.”

1,336 of ‘em. Congrats Pop. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/XCxCYVM3to

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 12, 2022

Pop is the longest-tenured active coach in the League, having been in San Antonio since 1996. Popovich has also coached the Spurs to a winning record in his first 22 seasons and has led the franchise to 18 straight seasons with at least 50 wins. He also has the most combined regular-season and playoff wins in NBA history.

“I think he’s adjusted; he’s adapted,” Hall of Fame center David Robinson said. “He’s won under different circumstances with different mixtures of teams. We were a dominant defensive team, to [the teams] with Kawhi [Leonard] and all those guys, they were dominant offensively. They had a nice mix [on both sides]. And even now, you see how he’s had to adjust to a very, very different team.

“I think that’s what’s made him great. How do you win 67% of your games or whatever it is for 25 years? It’s ridiculous. It’s pretty amazing.”

Aside from his NBA success, Coach Pop has also won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team.

The post Gregg Popovich Now All-Time Winningest Coach in NBA History appeared first on SLAM.

Three players made early news for the All-Star Game. Donovan Mitchell sat out with a non-COVID-19 related illness, and it was announced on TNT that Chris Paul suffered a thumb fracture which will keep him out for six to eight weeks just before the game. He checked in late in the first quarter.

Suns star Chris Paul has suffered a right thumb avulsion fracture and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2022

Kevin Durant was also unable to attend the All-Star festivities after his mother, Wanda Pratt announced that his grandmother passed away Sunday and left Cleveland to be with his family.

The grandmother of Kevin Durant passed away this morning, Wanda Durant announces. Kevin Durant – named one of the 75 greatest players ever – will no longer attend 75th Anniversary team ceremony tonight at NBA All-Star Game as the family mourns loss.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2022

The event was not just for entertainment but for a good cause. Team LeBron and Team Durant competed for $750,000 in donations for two organizations. Team LeBron played for the Kent State I Promise Scholars Program, and Team Durant played for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The competition was spread out over three quarters for $100,000 apiece.

Each organization started with a $150,000 contribution, with the winning team earning $150,000 for their respective organization.

First Quarter:

Defense was optional in the first quarter for the players, with the exception of Stephen Curry, who had the game’s only two blocked shots for an extended period. A point that Draymond Green trolled him for during the TNT broadcast.

“Why are you playing so much defense bro?”

This @StephenCurry30 and @Money23Green exchange pic.twitter.com/5V9Nz4TiLm

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2022

Otherwise, it was lighthearted, running up and down the floor with some high-flying dunks and long-distance shots. On a side note, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally missed a field goal attempt after hitting all 16 of his shots in last year’s event.

Throwback to last year’s Finals… Book and Giannis trading buckets at #NBAAllStar!

TNT & TBS pic.twitter.com/6iEs9nuxD2

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

Another great moment was watching Trae Young and Curry match each other in three-point marksmanship. Knowing that these two will be compared to each other for the next several seasons, this moment sends a message that fans will be enjoying 30 footers for years to come.

In the end, despite Team LeBron running out to an early lead, Team Durant’s late first-quarter run was not enough to make up the deficit at the end.

Winner: Team LeBron wins the quarter 47-45. Kent State I Promise Scholars Program receives $100,000.

Second Quarter:

After showing his defensive prowess in the first quarter, Curry reminded NBA fans of his real forte, shooting the long ball. Chef Curry set the All-Star Game record by knocking down an absurd eight 3 point shots in the first half.

#NBAAllStar record for threes in a half.
There’s nobody quite like Stephen Curry pic.twitter.com/dnKw86B04i

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 21, 2022

Before the Curry fireworks started, Cavs representatives Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland had some solid moments in the second quarter. Garland looked very comfortable on the floor and used this long-range bomb from the logo to spark a 10 point quarter.

Darius Garland from the logo to hype up the Cleveland crowd! #NBAAllStar on TNT & TBS pic.twitter.com/WgjqAk1P5M

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

While Team LeBron had all of the flash, Team Durant had the substance with LaMelo Ball combining with Dejounte Murray making plays for his teammates like Rudy Gobert, Devin Booker, and others. They ran out to a lead and never were in any trouble of losing it.

Team Durant win 49-46. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank receives $100,000.

Third Quarter:

Surprisingly, Curry has been shooting 37.9 percent from deep this season, well short of his career 42.8 mark. Well, he found his stroke in this game. If anyone thought SC30 was hot in the second quarter, the greatest three-point shooter of all time was burning up in the third quarter.

The two-time MVP broke the record for most three-pointers in an All-Star game by this point held by Paul George in 2016, and it was the way he was doing it that set the building on fire.

Stephen Curry is heat checking like no one ever has in an #NBAAllStar Game.

He’s got 13 threes.

Get to TNT & TBS now. pic.twitter.com/Fvj2Ep3fjB

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

Even though Curry was stealing all of the thunder in the third quarter, Team Durant pretty much held the lead the entire quarter. But Team Durant got cold at the end and allowed Team LeBron to pull to a tie at the end of the third quarter.

Even though the period ended in a tie, the third period belonged solely to Stephen Curry, who cemented his claim to MVP after pouring in 45 points on 15-21 shooting from behind the line. At this point, he was only seven points away from the all-time scoring record.

Drive. Give it up. Relocate. Get it back.

Stephen Curry is playing his brand of basketball in the #NBAAllStar Game…

Oh, and he’s made 15 threes pic.twitter.com/FC6cQcdp0p

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

Team LeBron and Team Durant finish the quarter with a 45-45 tie. Now the score is 139-138 Team Durant.

Final Quarter:

In the final quarter, the target score to end the game was set at 163. The gas Curry was cooking with ran out, and he finished with 50 points. Like in previous years, the ball was given to Joel Embiid in the post to score. But Jarrett Allen, with the assistance of LeBron James and Antetokounmpo, slowed him up just enough.

In the end, it was the Captain’s choice on who would close the game out!

BRON. CALLED. GAME.

Listen to the conclusion of the 2022 All-Star Game on NBA Radio.

https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4
pic.twitter.com/ivRfKU2iI3

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) February 21, 2022

Team LeBron defeats Team Durant 163-160. Kent State I Promise Scholars Program receives a donation of $150,000 for a total of $450,000. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank received a total donation of $300,000.

All-Star Game MVP: Stephen Curry with 50 points.

The post Team LeBron Wins the 2022 NBA All Star Game Behind Stephen Curry’s 50 appeared first on SLAM.

Murray became the first Spurs player in franchise history to record 30 points, 15 assists & 10 rebounds in a single game in their dominating 136-121 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Even more impressive, Murray passed Spurs icon and Hall of Famer David Robinson with his 15th career triple-double, now the most in team history.

Mr. Triple Double

DJ has passed David Robinson as the all-time franchise leader in triple doubles! pic.twitter.com/KY14ITCja9

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 12, 2022

Murray had an outstanding game shooting the ball, knocking down 11 of 18 shots from the field, going eight for nine from the free-throw line.

“That’s the thing in this league,” Murray said via NBA.com. “You make shots, you miss shots, and I think tonight we made shots, but we also kept our composure and matured. From the first quarter to the fourth quarter, we didn’t let up. We knew we couldn’t let up against a scoring team like Atlanta. That’s really what it was tonight.”

Dejounte Murray notched his 15th career triple-double to become the @spurs all-time franchise leader in triple-doubles!@DejounteMurray: 32 PTS, 10 REB, 15 AST, 4 STL pic.twitter.com/2Um91PCcmX

— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2022

This historical game comes on the heels of an All-Star game invite for Murray, replacing an injured Draymond Green.

OFFICIAL: @DejounteMurray has been selected to the 2022 #NBAAllStar game!

Congratulations DJ!!

More info https://t.co/qZBRsC2y3C pic.twitter.com/mb1mr96TRx

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 7, 2022

The post Dejounte Murray Sets Spurs Triple-Double Record In Win Over Atlanta appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday night, LeBron James and Kevin Durant – the two captains for the All-Star game – selected their teams for the All-Star Game taking place in just under two weeks.

Each captain had to select their starting lineups first and then select their reserves. Because Durant is injured and will not be playing in the game, nine players were available to be drafted instead of eight, with Jayson Tatum replacing Durant as a starter.

James opened the draft up by selecting Giannis Antetokounmpo first overall, with Durant using his first pick to draft Joel Embiid.

James rounded off his starting lineup by selecting Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Jokic. Durant’s starting lineup will consist of Embiid, Tatum, Ja Morant, Andrew Wiggins, and Trae Young. Wiggins and Young were the final two starters selected in the draft.

Between the two, Durant has the least experienced starting lineup with Wiggins and Morant, both first-time All-Stars and Young just in his second All-Star Game.

Durant got the first pick to open up the reserves section of the draft and used the pick to select Devin Booker, and James used his first pick to draft Luka Doncic.

Durant filled out his reserves by selecting Karl Anthony-Towns, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Khris Middleton, LaMelo Ball, and Rudy Gobert.

James reserves will be Darius Garland, Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Fred VanVleet, and James Harden.

Harden was the last pick of the All-Star Draft, with Durant creating a funny moment where he opted against drafting his former teammate, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, to take Gobert instead.

The All-Star Game is scheduled to occur in Cleveland on Sunday, Feb. 20.

The post NBA All-Star Teams Set, Giannis Antetokounmpo Selected First Overall appeared first on SLAM.

Since Durant and Green will miss the annual All-Star festivities, they will be replaced in the starter pool for the Draft by the All-Star reserve from the same conference and of the same position group who received the highest ranking in the voting for All-Star starters. As a result, Durant will be replaced in the starter pool by Tatum. Green will be assigned to the same team that drafts Murray. The All-Star Draft will air on Thursday.

Ball and Murray will selected with the reserves in the second round.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray have been named replacements for Kevin Durant and Draymond Green in the NBA All-Star Game.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2022

Ball, the 2021 Rookie of the Year averaged 19.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. The Hornets are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff seeding race, sitting at the ninth seed with a 28-26 record. The Hornets are just a game behind the Celtics for eighth place in the conference despite dropping four straight games.

Just call him ALL-STAR Melo!

BUZZ CITY! @MELOD1P is a 2022 #NBAAllStar!

: https://t.co/LgbvcfpSNU pic.twitter.com/1z1Zp8zVds

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 7, 2022

Murray made the All-Star game thanks to his stat-sheet stuffing first half, averaging 19.6 points, 8.4 boards, and 9.2 dimes per game, career-high marks across the board. The 25-year-old point guard also recieved a key endorsement from Spurs legend George ‘the Iceman’ Gervin. His 10 triple-doubles are the second most in the NBA, Murray set the single-season record for most triple-doubles in Spurs history.

As of Monday, the Spurs (20-34) are in 12th place in the Western Conference.

OFFICIAL: @DejounteMurray has been selected to the 2022 #NBAAllStar game!

Congratulations DJ!!

More info https://t.co/qZBRsC2y3C pic.twitter.com/mb1mr96TRx

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 7, 2022

The post LaMelo Ball and Dejounte Murray Make All-Star Game as Replacements appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, during a broadcast on TNT, the NBA announced the reserves for the upcoming 2022 All-Star game, a week after the starters had been announced.

In the West, the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz had two players named: Chris Paul and Devin Booker for the Suns and Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell for the Jazz. The roster comprises Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl Anthony-Towns, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

The West will have to add one additional player before the All-Star game, as Green won’t be active for the festivities. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will name Green’s replacement before the All-Star Game draft.

The remaining West All-Stars are made up by the five starters, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Ja Morant.

In the East, Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Darius Garland, James Harden, Fred VanVleet, Jayson Tatum, and Khris Middleton all got the nod, representing different teams from each other. They’ll be joining the East’s five starters of Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid, and Trae Young.

While there is a boatload of talent in this year’s All-Star game, some names that arguably deserved consideration were left off. Dejounte Murray and Deandre Ayton are putting together excellent seasons in the West but were not named to the All-Star team. Paul George was having another All-Star-caliber season but hasn’t played in over a month due to an elbow injury.

In the East, Jarrett Allen, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown have seasons potentially worthy of the All-Star distinction.

All-Star captains James and Durant will draft their teams live on TNT on Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. EST. The NBA All-Star Game is on Sunday, Feb. 20.

The post NBA Announces Reserves for 2022 All-Star Game appeared first on SLAM.

Dejounte Murray has tied David Robinson for the most triple-doubles in Spurs franchise history (14).

He has 10 triple-doubles this season, doubling the previous Spurs record (Robinson with 5). pic.twitter.com/31QHCUkMdE

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 27, 2022

With Murray finishing eighth in fan voting receiving 307,213 fan votes, and with 24 player votes, a Spurs legend has started speaking out in an attempt to lobby coaches to vote him into the All-Star game as a reserve.

George Gervin recently had an interview with HoopsHype, and he believes Murray should be playing on the final day of All-Star weekend in Cleveland. 

“I think he’s an All-Star myself. I think he’s playing in the All-Star range,” Gervin said. “I really do hope. It would be good for him, and it would be good for San Antonio.”

“He’s going to get to that phase where he just knows how to win, He’s unbelievably talented, and I think he’s getting better and better.”

Whether the Spurs legend wishes get granted or not, Murray has done his part by putting up career-high numbers in scoring (19.2), rebounds (8.5), and assists (9.1) in 44 games.

George Gervin, nicknamed “The Iceman” was honored as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history known for his famous finger roll that stands as one of the most iconic shots still in the game.

“He’s smooth…. he’s The Iceman.”

NBA legends break down George Gervin’s signature ‘finger roll’ move. #NBA75

Hear more stories like this in 75 STORIES: GEORGE GERVIN here: https://t.co/BE5O54FDXp pic.twitter.com/DspMmY4ML6

— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2021

“The Iceman” is a nine-time NBA All-Star and four-time scoring champ who averaged 25.1 points per game over his career. Gervin still has a legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and still gets compared to the best scorers today.

If you’re having a discussion about the greatest scorers in pro hoops history, it must include George Gervin.

He was Kevin Durant 25 years before KD. pic.twitter.com/njgOpsJB06

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) January 13, 2022

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According to Marc Stein, it is rumored that “Simmons would welcome the opportunity to play for [Gregg] Popovich if the Spurs found a way to acquire him.”

With that, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has put out a possible scenario for the deal to get done. The deal included Dejounte Murray, Devin Vassell and Doug McDermott.

Buckley writes: Add elite defense to the equation, and Murray might qualify as a “difference-maker,” which is the stated target of 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey in the Simmons trade talks. Murray could check a lot of the same boxes as Simmons, albeit with far less size (6’4″, 180 lbs. to Simmons’ 6’11”, 240 lbs.) but more shooting. What could tip the scales for Philly are the additions of Devin Vassell, a three-and-D wing with some off-the-dribble verve, and Doug McDermott, a 6’7″ sniper and clever off-ball cutter. All three players could factor into the Sixers’ rotation right now, and this underperforming roster could use the relief.

Whether these players are among the 30 players the Sixers are looking at based on a report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, in a potential deal for Simmons is unclear.

But for now, it seems that one side is rumored to be interested.

The post REPORT: Ben Simmons ‘Would Welcome the Opportunity’ to Play for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio appeared first on SLAM.

It’s a freezing Tuesday afternoon in mid-February and a snowstorm has blanketed a good portion of southeast Michigan. So much so that hundreds of schools in the region have canceled classes. Yet, in the southeast outskirts of Ann Arbor, right off US Route 23, a couple of SUVs filled with student-athletes are pulling up to an empty parking lot in the back of a building, on the grounds of what’s become known to the high school hoops world as Ypsi Prep Academy—home to the most highly heralded HS recruit in recent years, Emoni Bates.

On a day like today, where school activities are halted by the city, Ypsi Prep perfectly exemplifies the power, flexibility and freedom that doing it their own way has given the Bates family.

Order your copy of SLAM 231 featuring Emoni Bates now.

Emoni’s dad, Elgin, launched the program this past fall to provide Emoni with better resources and to avoid the limitations and distractions that attending a regular local high school sometimes brings. After two years at Lincoln High in Ypsilanti, MI, Emoni joined his father’s newly founded school.

“The school actually came to mind about, I want to say, around Emoni’s freshman year. Just the thoughts of being able to do something on a national schedule,” Elgin says. “Also, as far as safety reasons, a high talented kid playing lesser competition at times and when your dominance tends to get the best out of your opposition, things start to happen, as far as guys playing dirty [and] trying to undercut him, throwing basketballs at his head, things of that nature—where every night as a parent you have to worry about what’s going to happen tonight or who’s going to try to do something to get to his head or potentially harm him.”        

The program operates out of the back wing of a local public school, where a full-size court, locker room, classroom, coaches’ office and a large open area behind the court that one day might be transformed into a strength and conditioning space, all belong to Ypsi Prep.

This isn’t some setup where a program is just being allowed to use someone else’s space with little to zero branding presence within the facility’s confines. As soon as you walk in the building’s back door, you are met with a newly refurbished basketball court, fully decked out in Ypsi Prep’s red, black and white colors and emblems across the floor and walls. Emoni’s 2020 Gatorade National Player of the Year banner hangs from the rafters above the baseline opposite the entrance.

“I used to work out here back in the day. Even when I was in high school, this place existed. So we used to come here and have open runs with the guys. Once I saw that this facility was available, we decided to make it happen,” explains Elgin. “We used to have open runs and now we’re partnered up with Arbor Valley Academy and so that’s how this thing came to life. We got the [NCAA] accreditation through Arbor Valley. We got Ypsi Prep running but that’s our educational partner. They do the whole education component of Ypsi Prep.”

At half-court sits a gigantic logo. It’s the image of a young boy doing a two-ball dribbling drill with a large red basketball in the backdrop. The words “BALL BOY” are written above it and the school’s name below.

The half-court image is actually of Emoni when he was in middle school. It’s not some Emoni-inspired sketch, it’s from an actual photo that Elgin took on his phone one day while Emoni was doing a drill at a local gym, which he then turned into a graphic that serves as the school’s and team’s logo, and generally speaking, as a brand for Emoni and the family.

Aside from Emoni’s image sitting at half court, the Ball Boy logo is also on the team’s jerseys, across from the Swoosh logo.

A top prospect having his own AAU program formed around him isn’t too uncommon nowadays. An actual school, though? That’s definitely different. His own image as a logo at half court? Definitely a flex. And then that same logo on the team’s jerseys? Next-level flex.

As unique and trailblazing of a situation as Ypsi Prep may be, as it pertains to a top recruit and his family introducing a new path for others to follow, Emoni is so focused on what is happening on the 94×50 that he doesn’t really think too deeply about 12 other kids wearing his image on their chests or playing on a court that has his image right in the middle of the floor.

“It’s just another court…my teammates, we all coming in here to get better,” says Emoni. “That’s definitely a blessing for sure, but really, we all trying to do the same thing—we’re all trying to win.

“Seeing myself on the court, it’s like, I don’t really look at it like that. It’s just, I’m coming to play basketball in the gym, for real. My teammates, we all coming in here to get better.”

While the boss moves surrounding the school, the logo, the court and jerseys definitely add an extra flare to his name, the reality is that it was prompted by a desire to put Emoni in a situation where his development didn’t have to depend on outside forces. It was about giving Emoni as much control of his future as well as of his current surroundings.

For starters, as an independent school, Ypsi Prep isn’t beholden to the state’s HS athletic association regulations that restrict and dictate if/when schools are allowed to practice or partake in games, especially when pertaining to out-of-state showcases or tournaments, which ultimately limit the level of competition that a player can be exposed to.

And with a global pandemic having brought even more limitations to high school kids and their seasons, Ypsi Prep has been able to power right through it thanks to its unique structure. Comprised of 13 players, the majority of the kids live in the two team houses, which has essentially created a bubble for the program. So, while thousands of players across the country weren’t able to practice and play with their teams for months due to safety restrictions, it’s been business as usual at Ypsi Prep since the beginning of the academic year. 

While the Ypsi Prep structure has allowed the Bates family to have better control of situations that were once and usually are at the hands of other entities, when the team is on the road, things still tend to occasionally get strange. On a recent trip, the team arrived at their hotel and noticed someone was waiting for them in the lobby.

“As a parent, you definitely [see] people out here, they try to figure out your schedule, where you’re traveling to, what hotel you’re staying in—knowing your exact ETA,” says Elgin. “Hey, Emoni, can you sign this? Like, dude, all you’re trying to do is sell these memorabilia on the internet. Get outta here. Although, he was just being Emoni and decided to autograph the posters. But, just for you to pinpoint and figure out where we are—the kid at the time is 16—that’s weird. But it also raises your antennas as parents, as far as tightening up certain things because you don’t want people to have access to your child like that or know where your child is.” 

Emoni says he’s starting to notice more of it, too.

“After we get off the bus for practice or a game, they’ll be outside and then we’d have to wait [to] try to get them to move,” Emoni says. “It’s my room and people definitely find out what room I’m in, especially if they know what hotel I’m at. It ain’t hard, all you gotta do is follow me. That’s weird, though. It is what it is.”

The program—which includes kids from Ohio, Georgia and Mississippi—has enjoyed a national schedule that has made stops in Texas, South Carolina and Virginia without worrying about any state association restrictions. Every game is essentially a road game for Ypsi Prep, giving the guys on the team a distinctive high school experience.

From a structure standpoint, Elgin also made sure to strategically surround the program with personnel who assist players off the court. He mentions clinical psychologist Dr. Byron Douglas and team chiropractor Craig Stoller as playing major roles in the program’s inaugural year. The team also partnered with Daniel Roth of Blue Lion Fitness for its strength and conditioning program. Elgin, who named grassroots veteran Corey Tucker the head coach, says that while many may just assume that the program will cease to exist once Emoni has moved on to the next level, the plan is to continue to build and expand even further.  

Anointed the number one HS prospect in America regardless of class, Emoni has had to deal with expectations since day 1. The ranking has put a target on his back. He sees two, three bodies on him every night. He gets everyone’s best shot. He gets roughed up more than the average high school player. And then off the floor, there are the sky-high expectations. The cream of the crop comparisons. The nitpicky criticism on social platforms and in the media.

High school years are normally a whirlwind for just about anybody, but being the top prospect in America only adds some extra layers to it. Emoni, though, doesn’t shy away from explaining how the rankings have impacted his approach to the game.

“I don’t even like being ranked,” says Emoni. “Me, personally, I was having fun when I wasn’t famous. [Once] I started getting famous, it was like the love for the game started going away, for real. I had to learn how to make it fun again.”

Before anyone tries to take that quote out of context, it’s important to really understand the last sentence because, ultimately, it’s Emoni’s advantage over any other prospect (aside from the superb skill set, of course).

Many players might think they love the game, but truly, most really find out how much of a real passion they have for it when they hit an actual bump in the road later in their careers. For many top prospects, it’s smooth sailing until they make it to the pros, all fun and games until they’re in scenarios and circumstances they’ve never had to deal with before. Scenarios that aren’t much fun to be in. It quickly becomes stressful and starts to feel like a job. And then suddenly you find yourself having to decide whether you still love it, and if or how you can find that spark again (this could be applied to all professions, actually). Many struggle and never find that feeling, and you start to notice it eventually.

The expectations and early fame forced Emoni to face this same reality much earlier than the average hooper. And not only has he persevered through that phase, you probably didn’t even notice that he ever went through it.

He’s drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, which he embraces and says he’s even linked up with the NBA All-Star already.

“I met KD in person…It was an off the court thing. I DM’d him, and it was just, like, he wanted to chop it up with me and we chopped it up in person,” says Emoni. “I still talk to him but I talk to Dejounte Murray the most. I been talking to him since I was young. We got a bond, I just ain’t linked with him yet.”

Emoni is committed to Michigan State. Although he’s listed as a junior at the moment, Elgin says that Emoni isn’t too far away from completing his credit requirements to graduate and could therefore theoretically reclassify to the Class of 2021.

“It might be two courses [left] before he could graduate, but Emoni is definitely in position to graduate early. Now, will he reclassify up or do anything of that nature? I don’t know. That’s his decision, but whatever he decides to do, I’m going to back him 100 percent,” says Elgin. “Right now, we’re just focused on the season. We just want to finish our season and then go from there, that way we’re not being pulled away from our focus.”

Despite his blue-chip status in the high school scene, Emoni says that his college recruitment process was a quiet one, mainly because a lot of people assumed that the NBA draft eligibility rules would change by 2022, allowing high school kids to make the jump straight to the League again. The majority of coaches assumed Emoni wouldn’t go to college as a result and therefore didn’t really recruit him. The new rule, though, was never passed.

“It wasn’t stressful for me,” says Emoni of the recruitment process. “Colleges wasn’t really looking into me because of the rule with the NBA, so they basically didn’t want to waste their time, I guess, or however they want to put it. Definitely [felt slighted], for sure, ’cause I been seeing everybody that I done played against and people that I done killed on the court and it’s like, how they getting offers and I’m not? At the same time, I realized what it was.” 

In Emoni, you find a 6-9 versatile hooper who can play just about every position on the floor, do severe damage from the perimeter, off the dribble and above the rim. A quiet, laid-back demeanor off the floor, Emoni’s entire persona changes the moment he steps foot on the hardwood. He’s the ultimate alpha in between the lines, trash-talking to his teammates at practice and letting out loud roars after a tough basket.         

“Off the court, I’m a chill dude. People don’t really know me. You know, everybody thinks I’m mean because of how I am on the basketball court,” he says. “So, it’s like when I’m on the court, I mean, it’s business on the court. I’m just trying to win.”

—

Order your copy of SLAM 231 featuring Emoni Bates now.

Photos by Pier Nicola D’Amico.

The post Emoni Bates is the Certified Future of the Game appeared first on SLAM.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Spurs are receiving and listening to calls on multiple rotation players: LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Trey Lyles.

All five of these players have a wealth of NBA experience and could help nearly any contender get one step closer to making a deep playoff push.

It might make sense for the Spurs to be sellers at the deadline and move some of these veteran pieces who, coincidentally, are all set to be free agents this offseason.

With their core of young talent, this is the first time San Antonio has had four players under 30-years-old averaging double figures since their 2003 championship team. Consequently, with the young core of Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio should be comfortable parting ways with a couple of these veterans and still being pretty competitive. 

If the Spurs are able to get more young talent or draft capital for guys like these, their future will only continue to get brighter. Especially in the player development system that has been put together in San Antonio, the more young talent, the better. 

The post Spurs Listening to Offers for DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge at Trade Deadline appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down the early returns from all players through the end of Wednesday night’s action, highlighting players who have exceeded their 2019-20 production, and broken them off into 30 team-specific tables. You can access any of the league’s squads in the grid below.

Beyond this team-by-team grid is a break down of the process we used to highlight the season’s early surprises and a quick look at some of the players, league-wide, who’ve taken the biggest strides so far in 2020-21.

Team-by-Team Breakdown

2020-21’s Early Risers

Darius Garland (CLE) – The hits keep coming for the second-year guard out of Vanderbilt. After a relatively quiet rookie campaign – his first full season back after a significant injury that prematurely ended his college career – Garland has thrived in Year 2. Garland averaged 12 and 4 in 2019-20 and has pushed those numbers up to 19 and 7 so far this season.

Christian Wood (HOU) – If you’re surprised that Wood has put on a clinic in his first three games with the Houston Rockets, you weren’t paying much attention at the end of the 2019-20 campaign. Wood, with averages of 27 and 8 and an equally dominant preseason showing, has long been the king of producing when given an opportunity. He got that opportunity for a few months in Detroit but has never been as permanent of a situation as he’s in now on a three-year, $40 million contract.

Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) – Porter Jr. showed flashes of what he was capable of during his first year with the Nuggets and then took his game to a new level in the bubble. For that reason, it’s not exactly groundbreaking that the 22-year-old has already shown he’s capable of 20 and 7 production in Year 2. The key thing to watch as MPJ develops in front of our eyes on a legitimate title contender, is how meshes with and without ball dominant guard Jamal Murray.

Nikola Jokic (DEN) – If Jokic’s Wilt Chamberlain-esque turn at the start of 2020-21 isn’t one of the key stories of the new season, I don’t know what is. Through the first four games of the season, Jokic has put up assist numbers of 12, 18, 10 and 14. He’s just toying with teams now. Still, while his 25, 12 and 14 stat line is mind altering, you know the big man would rather have his team at least above .500.

Jerami Grant (DET) – The Denver Nuggets were ready to spend big in order to retain versatile wing Jerami Grant this offseason but opted not to when it became clear that they couldn’t offer him a similar role in 2020-21. That role, apparently, is as a elite-level scorer. Grant, whose high water mark for points per game was 13.6 before this season, has averaged nearly 23 points per game through four early contests – and that includes a nine point showing dragging down the overall.

Victor Oladipo (IND) – Surely you didn’t write Oladipo off after two injury plagued seasons beyond his control, right? That must have been somebody else. Oladipo has looked strong in 2020-21 with a familiar 21, 5 and 5 stat line, and is ready to silence the naysayers that forgot just how much of an impact player he can be at full health.

CJ McCollum (POR) – We may never fully see what McCollum is capable of at full throttle given the impressive chemistry he’s formed with backcourt mate Damian Lillard over the course of the past half decade but he’s done a fine job of pushing the ceiling so far in 2020-21. The 29-year-old may not hit 28 and 6 over the course of a full season but don’t think for a second that he isn’t capable of doing it if he needed to.

Julius Randle (NYK) – No stranger to oddly dominant stat lines, Randle has taken his game to new heights in New York. The big man has thrived as a distributor with the Knicks this season and is sporting a 25, 11 and 8 stat line heading into the new year.

Josh Jackson (DET) – After a humbling year in Memphis, Jackson has returned to his home state of Michigan. The 23-year-old fell into a great opportunity with the Pistons and has made the most of it with a 17 and 6 stat line out of the gates.

Darius Bazley (OKC) – The not-so-secret sleeper has lived up to the hype through the first few games of the regular season and the Thunder clearly have a valuable young building block in 20-year-old Bazley. The former New Balance intern has put up 10 and 9 so far this season and we can’t wait to see what else he’s got in store.

Jaylen Brown (BOS) – Brown’s slow burning development has been key to the consistent threat that the the Celtics have posed on the Eastern Conference and early returns suggest that he isn’t finished yet. If Brown can keep putting up 28 points per game over the course of the season, what does that mean for Boston’s title hopes?

Dejounte Murray (SAS) – Murray is another player that you ought to have known was in store for a bigger year. Still, it’s always nice to see those glimpses of potential translate into more consistent success. The rebounding guard has averaged 19, 8 and 7 in his fourth season and will be a major part of the Spurs heading forward.

Luguentz Dort (OKC) – Um, if Dort can fill the stat sheet on offense, what on earth does that mean for this young, asset-loaded Thunder squad? The 21-year-old bruiser known largely for his presence on the defensive end has averaged 19 and 4 so far this season. If he keeps it up, OKC looks considerably scarier in the short and long term.

How It Works

Understanding that there’s no consensus way of quantifying the contributions that hoopers bring to the table on a nightly basis, let alone the intangible impacts they have on winning, we’ve measured each NBA player’s 2020-21 production against their 2019-20 numbers.

The results reveal early trends that could end up being significant parts of each team’s narrative throughout the season. Some players have thrived because of work they put in over the summer, some are filling up the box score simply because they’ve landed in a better situation.

In other scenarios, we may just be seeing statistical aberrations that won’t hold up over the course of a larger sample size, hit us on Twitter if you see anything that stands out.

Regardless, seeing which players have shown signs of taking a leap forward in 2020-21, is something that die hard fans, fantasy basketball players and casual viewers alike can get value out of.

In the team tables you’ll see players listed in order of how much more productive they’ve been, with corresponding emojis indicating whether they’ve exceeded or fallen short of their 2019-20 numbers.

You’ll also see each player’s points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game for good measure. Keep in mind that the overall calculation used for player impacts includes more than just those basic stats and does incorporate things like shooting percentages and basic defensive stats.

You can further click each player URL for a more conventional break down of the player’s early 2020-21 stat line and their game log.

The post Heat Check 2020-21: Players Who Have Thrived Out of the Gates appeared first on SLAM.

This year, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker may just be polished enough for the Spurs to keep winning ball games while also shaping their future core. Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan have looked nice so far but LaMarcus Aldridge has been slow out of the gates.

For more information about the numbers behind our Heat Check series, hop over to our main Heat Check 2020-21 post.

Dejounte Murray	18.5p, 7.5r, 7.3a
Keldon Johnson	12.3p, 7.0r, 2.8a
Lonnie Walker IV	14.3p, 4.0r, 2.0a
DeMar DeRozan	21.5p, 5.5r, 8.3a
Patty Mills	14.0p, 2.0r, 3.0a
Rudy Gay	12.0p, 5.3r, 1.5a
Jakob Poeltl	6.0p, 7.3r, 1.8a	–
Drew Eubanks	4.0p, 5.0r, 0.0a	–
Trey Lyles	1.5p, 1.5r, 0.5a
Keita Bates-Diop	0.0p, 0.0r, 0.0a
Luka Samanic	0.0p, 0.0r, 0.0a
LaMarcus Aldridge	12.0p, 4.3r, 2.0a

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The post Heat Check 2020-21: San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down the Spurs’ depth chart for the 2020-21 season below. We’ve also previously published a summary of the Spurs’ offseason.

Biggest Questions

• Are LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan going to be flipped before the trade deadline? Both are on the wrong side of 30 and in the final year of their respective contracts.
• Is Devin Vassell one of the best value picks of the 2020 NBA Draft? With his size and versatility, he could be a mismatch problem down the road in San Antonio.

All NBA Team Offseason Summaries

The post San Antonio Spurs: Projected 2020-21 Depth Chart appeared first on SLAM.

San Antonio’s current veteran stars — LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan — don’t seem like they really want to be there. However, while they might be looking forward to becoming free agents in 2021 (DeRozan can actually decline his player option for the 2020-21 season if he would like), it means that the Spurs will either take another step back in the 2021-22 season or that they put more pressure on themselves to expedite their rebuild.

Frankly, with a lottery pick and the chance to cut a substantial chunk of their team payroll in a summer when there will be a sizable amount of marquee free agents, San Antonio’s future isn’t as bleak as it may seem. The Spurs have just been dominant for so long that the rebuild feels as if it’s taking much longer than it really is.

Related: Full San Antonio Spurs 2020 Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Spurs Draft Needs

There’s a perfect player for the Spurs to select with their lottery pick in Saddiq Bey. However, finding out how to utilize their second-round selection will be a bit more tricky for San Antonio.

It’s no secret that the Spurs have been somewhat resistant to falling in line with the rest of the NBA when it comes to taking 3-point shots. Not that they weren’t efficient when they did take them, shooting .376 from deep last season (4th in the NBA). It’s just that they didn’t do so too often; their 28.5 3-point attempts per game ranked 28th in the NBA.

That said, while improving their potency from behind-the-arc will help them transform a traditional offense into a modern one, San Antonio’s primary issues last season were on the defensive end. With five rotation players that were at least 30-years-old last season, the Spurs needs to get younger and more athletic in their frontcourt.

2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist

What The Mocks Are Saying

Projected Roster

The post San Antonio Spurs: 2020 NBA Draft Preview appeared first on SLAM.

In addition to a summary for each of the 30 teams (accessible in the link grid below), we’ve also tiered the top NBA free agents league-wide and published a general comparison of all teams’ cap space. Follow @SLAMnewswire on Twitter for constant offseason updates as we head into free agency.

Projected Roster Players

Projected Free Agents

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Projected Waived Players

Exceptions Available

• Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception – $9,258,000
• Bi-Annual Exception – $3,623,000

Key Offseason Decisions

• Will DeMar DeRozan pick up his player option at $27M? At midseason there was reporting that DeRozan would decline his option and look to move on from San Antonio. A lot has changed since then. With so few teams poised to have cap space in an uncertain market, it’s now more likely DeRozan opts in for 2021.
• Can San Antonio reach an agreement with Jakob Poeltl on a new contract before having to match an offer sheet? There are few impact centers in this free agent class, and even fewer are as young as Poeltl. Any of the cap space teams could use him. That could force the Spurs to have to match richer contract than they would have offered outright.
• Will the Spurs sign Derrick White to a contract extension? San Antonio prefers to lock their players up when they can. They signed Dejounte Murray to a four-year, $64M deal that starts this upcoming season. White and Murry overlap position, but have shown they can also play together. Look for San Antonio to try to get him to sign a similarly team-friendly extension.

Projected Team Salary

$159,597,732

The Spurs are the Spurs. They probably won’t do anything flashy, but whatever they do will work. Injuries caused them to fall off this past season, but they’ll be right back in the mix in 2021. Look for them to try to lock up Derrick White to a team-friendly extension like the one Dejounte Murray signed. Then San Antonio will hit the free agent bonanza in 2021 with only Murray and White making double-figure salaries. (@KeithSmithNBA)

Cap Space Forecast

-$50,457,732 (24^th out of 30). $13,295,284 under the Luxury Tax.

Team Salary Cap Outlooks

The post San Antonio Spurs: Salary Cap Space 2020 appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve listed the entire roster with comparisons to last year’s launch rating below. We’ve also identified some general NBA 2K21 ratings trends for the league as a whole.

Spurs NBA 2K21 Ratings

View the NBA 2K21 player ratings for other teams below.

The post San Antonio Spurs: NBA 2K21 Ratings appeared first on SLAM.

We all know that Trey Lyles can put numbers on the board when given the opportunity – he did so sporadically in Denver and Utah – so the 14.4 and 6.2 he posted in March (up from 5.7 and 5.7 previously) should come as no surprise. Unfortunately he won’t be available in the bubble due to an emergency appendectomy.

Derrick White, who can seemingly dial his own production up and down depending on what head coach Gregg Popovich needs at the moment, will be available and eager to build off his own momentum. White averaged 13.6 points and 4.0 assists in March and has previously taken on larger roles when injuries necessitated it.

The rest of the team’s sneaky good backcourt youth movement is even more impressive. Dejounte Murray’s stat line crept from 10.4 points 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists before March to 13.8, 6.3 and 4.8 before the shutdown. That all-around production could continue to grow in the bubble as Murray takes the reins of the franchise.

Lonnie Walker IV and Keldon Johnson, too, showed signs of potential in March and could be the next opportunistic breakout performers on a roster full of them, especially if the postseason falls out of reach and this team has little to do in the bubble but focus on player development.

Heat Check San Antonio Spurs

Trey Lyles
Keldon Johnson
Dejounte Murray
Derrick White
LaMarcus Aldridge
Lonnie Walker IV
Drew Eubanks
Rudy Gay
Quinndary Weatherspoon
Patty Mills
DeMar DeRozan
Marco Belinelli
Bryn Forbes

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The post Heat Check (Hiatus): San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

Part and parcel with the league’s restart plan is the fact that players can opt out of the Disney World games without breaching their contract, but whether or not players will forfeit a prorated share of their contract when they opt out or not depends on whether they’re formally excused or not due to a medical issue.

Many of the players who will forego suiting up for the squads when the league resumes are facing the same injuries that they faced prior to the shutdown, most notably the likes of Kevin Durant and John Wall, who were expected to be out for the season regardless and will not alter those plans to take part in the unprecedented campaign extension.

Other players that have already revealed that they won’t participate at Disney did not appear on injury reports prior to the shutdown.

In addition to players who will sit out due to recent positive COVID-19 diagnoses – like DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie – there are players like Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo who will take the opportunity to sit despite being active in mid-March.

To get a sense of where player’s stood when the league shut down in March, I’ve combed through the league’s final injury reports from prior to the shutdown, noting any instances where players were formally listed as “out”.

A total of 19 of the 22 Disney-bound teams had at least one such player in their most recent injury report prior to the shutdown. All told, 49 NBA players from those teams were listed as “out” on their team’s last injury report before the league ground to a halt on the night of March 11.

At least 11 of those players that were listed as “out” in March are not expected to play at Disney World. Many of the rest have long returned to health and will be active in Orlando later this month.

Out Then; Out Now

Of the 11 players that are expected to be out of action when the Disney World games tip off, three had missed the entire 2019-20 campaign. Not all players that spent the first seven months of the season on the sidelines will forego the return, however.

Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers has been sidelined since breaking his leg in March of 2019 but has been cleared to suit up for his squad after the extended layoff.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson is another example of a player that could make his season debut at Disney. Roberson has been on the sidelines since January, 2018.

A grand total of 30 players that were “out” the day the league stood still are now at least reasonably expected to be back at full health on July 30.

Out Then; Available Now

Naturally, there are a number of cases where availability isn’t known or at least hasn’t been verified. This list could grow with confirmations that players like Nigel Williams-Goss or Justin James are deemed eligible.

In addition to those less documented cases, there’s no consensus yet that a player like Malcolm Brogdon, who has recovered from his right quad injury but now faces recovery from COVID-19, will actually suit up at Disney World, or if a late signee like Jontay Porter, who inked a deal mid-rehabilitation on March 10, will make his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Other players like Memphis’ Grayson Allen and NOLA’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, much like Roberson, could potentially be capable of returning but don’t yet have a formally revealed clean bill of health.

Additionally, not all players that were available in March are expected to suit up for their teams during the restart. I’ve published a dynamic list of NBA players who’ve voluntarily opted out of the Disney World games but these aren’t the players that I’m concerned about here.

Below is a list of the additional players that won’t play for medical reasons. For several of these players, the hiatus represented an opportunity to undergo surgery to treat nagging injuries. LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs and Bojan Bogdanovic of the Utah Jazz elected to go this route.

Other players will sit out of the restart after testing positive for the coronavirus during the shut down. A trio of Brooklyn Nets players, DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince, have done exactly that and this list may grow if more players see positive diagnoses closer to the July 30 tip off.

Available Then; Out Now

The post List of Injury Updates Ahead of NBA Restart appeared first on SLAM.

Each member of the SLAM Fam was assigned a team to pick for. Below are the results + explanations.

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

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1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Anthony Edwards (6-5 Guard, Georgia)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 40% shooting from the field

First things first: The Golden State Warriors are not about to draft a third Splash Brother. Anthony Edwards may not be a great three-point shooter, but that’s arguably the only thing he doesn’t already do at an elite level. As he showed pretty much every night during an SEC Freshman of the Year campaign at Georgia—and as comparisons to Donovan Mitchell, Victor Oladipo, and even Dwyane Wade make clear—the 6-5, 225-pound combo guard has all the tools necessary to be a difference maker in the NBA. With Steph and Klay both in their 30s and coming off major injuries, the Dubs need to be thinking about the backcourt of the future. Edwards could be their next All-Star SG. — Ryan Jones

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: LaMelo Ball (6-8 Guard, Illawarra Hawks of the NBL)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals, shooting 38% from the field

I’m gonna ignore that this pick adds a third point guard to a young team and just roll with the kid that I think is an incredible talent that any team would be lucky to have. Last we saw of LaMelo, he was a 6-7 point guard who can shoot from deep, put the ball on the floor and make the smart pass. Now I hear he’s sprouted to 6-8, grown into his lanky frame and become a more confident playmaker. That’s tough to pass on, regardless when the pick is being made. I realize this would create a logjam at the PG spot—LaMelo, Collin Sexton and Darius Garland seem unlikely to successfully share the ball—but it gives Cleveland a hell of a group of young players to develop and/or trade for other guys as the next season nears (or in the distant future). — Adam Figman

3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: James Wiseman (7-1 Center, Memphis)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS (three games): 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, shooting 77% from the field

Karl-Anthony Towns’ capacity to match imposing physical size with guard-like quickness has proven to be the quality that separates him from many of the League’s bigs. James Wiseman has a skill-set, frame and athletic ability that almost mirrors that of Towns. Wiseman, who left Memphis after just three games, has consistent 20-point, 10-rebound potential written all over him. Pairing a forceful yet talented big man duo with D’Angelo Russell could be the right way to finally bring the Wolves back to the hunt. — Max Resetar

4. ATLANTA HAWKS: Obi Toppin (6-9 Forward, Dayton)

CLASS: Sophomore (22 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, shooting 63% from the field and 39% from three

The 6-9 redshirt sophomore became a SportsCenter regular thanks to his high-flying finishes, but overall was a super-efficient scorer despite a high usage. Prior to the NCAA suspending all remaining games, the Brooklyn native had positioned Dayton as a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Flyers held a 29-2 record—easily the best season in school history.  He was already named National POY by USA Today, CBS Sports, NBC Sports and The Athletic, and is widely considered the front-runner for the prestigious Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year award. Additionally, Toppin was the only unanimous selection for the AP All-America teams. While the Hawks already have John Collins and Clint Capella in the paint, Toppin’s resume is worthy of serious consideration. — Franklyn Calle

5. DETROIT PISTONS: Deni Avdija (6-9 Forward, Maccabi Tel Aviv)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 7.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, shooting 51% from the field (19.8 mpg)

Four of the highest ceiling prospects have already come off the board, but the Detroit Pistons can still pocket a valuable building block with this No. 5 pick as they turn to the future. Despite the fact that they already have ambiguously tantalizing combo forward Sekou Doumbouya and breakout stretch Christian Wood, the Pistons should take a long look at 19-year-old utility forward Deni Avdija. Avdija has impressed as a transition quarterback in the Israeli Premier League and looks comfortable enough handling the ball and pulling up from beyond the arc to project as an intriguing offensive option at the next level. Defensively, his length and discipline should help him at least make an impact, but if he’s going to see time at the three, or even at the four, in today’s small ball era, he’ll need to show that he can match NBA speed and athleticism.  — Austin Kent

6. NEW YORK KNICKS: Cole Anthony (6-3 Guard, North Carolina)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, shooting 38% from the field and 35% from three

This just makes sense for so many reasons. 1) The Knicks continue to search for a consistent playmaker at the point guard position. Cole uses his explosive athleticism to get to the paint and put constant pressure on the defense. Which brings us to 2) The Knicks offense currently ranks 29th in the NBA and they desperately covet scoring. Cole averaged just under 20 points per game for the Tar Heels and, while a solid facilitator, is more aggressive than passive. Right now, the Garden needs that. And, of course, there’s 3) Cole grew up in New York City and his father, Greg Anthony, was a PG for the Knicks from 1991-95, when the team was making deep playoff runs. As long as Cole takes care of the ball and RJ Barrett improves his perimeter shooting, the two could form the backcourt that turns things around for a franchise that hasn’t finished over .500 since 2012-13. — Alex Squadron

7. CHICAGO BULLS: Tyrese Haliburton (6-5 Guard, Iowa State)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three

The underachieving Bulls showed that they need help in several areas—shooting and defense in particular. Iowa State sophomore point guard Tyrese Haliburton excels in those domains, and then some. Haliburton, who just turned 20, averaged 15.2 points (on 50/42/82 shooting splits), 6.5 dimes, 5.9 boards and 2.5 steals this season. A pass-first playmaker, he would fit perfectly alongside scorers Coby White and Zach LaVine. Standing 6-5 with a crazy wingspan, Haliburton could easily guard positions 1-3, giving Chicago more switch-ability on the perimeter. And not to be overlooked, Haliburton brings great character to a team—lauded by Iowa State coach Steve Prohm for his “winning demeanor.” — Ryne Nelson

8. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: RJ Hampton (6-5 Guard, New Zealand Breakers of the NBL)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, shooting 40% from the field

RJ Hampton, a 6-5, 185-pound point guard would be a nice, perhaps long-term fit for the Charlotte Hornets. The 19-year-old, who skipped college and took his talents to Australia, would have an uphill battle for minutes in a backcourt featuring Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier. Hampton is an elite ball-handler—able to break down defenses with dribble penetration—and has plenty of athletic ability. Unlike most of his peers in the 2020 NBA Draft, RJ had a taste of the fierce competition that awaits him in the League. His New Zealand Breakers faced both the OKC Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies in a pair of exhibition games last October, and though his jumper struggled, Hampton knows he’s well on his way: “I’m having a lot of fun.” — Marcel Mutoni

9. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Onyeka Okongwu (6-9 Forward, USC)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 1.2 steals, shooting 62% from the field

If you’d heard of Onyeka Okongwu before 2018, it was probably as a footnote in a story about his world-famous high school teammates. Okongwu played at Chino Hills with the Ball brothers, where he spent his early years in anonymity before LaMelo left California for Lithuania. Thrust into a leading role, Big O led Chino to a state title, and added a 35-point, 14-rebound, five-block performance against Zion Williamson at the 2018 Hoophall Classic along the way. In one season at USC, the crazy athletic 6-9 big showed enough potential to warrant top-5 pick consideration. Okongwu’s NBA comparisons range everywhere from Montrezl Harrell to Bam Adebayo—at minimum, he’s a versatile defender who can step in right away and protect the rim for a Washington team sorely lacking in that area. Projecting him alongside a healthy Wall, Beal, Hachimura and (maybe) Bertans in 2020-21 would certainly have Wizards fans eyeing a return to the postseason. — Abe Schwadron

10. PHOENIX SUNS: Nico Mannion (6-3 Guard, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.0 points, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, shooting 39% from the field

Nico Mannion is one of the smoothest and most skilled point guards in this year’s draft. His father, Pace Mannion, played in the NBA and finished his career in Italy, where Nico was born. Once they moved back to the states, Nico played in Phoenix at Pinnacle High School and then for the Arizona Wildcats. At 6-3, he has great pace and court vision. He’s smooth off the bounce and can create for himself and his teammates. He’s a shot maker and has all the tools to be an elite guard at the pro level. Phoenix is a good fit for Mannion, as he can learn alongside Rubio in the city where he’s been playing for years. — Bryan LaRussa

11. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Jaden McDaniels (6-9 Forward, Washington)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, shooting 41% from the field and 34% from three

I’m well aware of what happened in his lone season at Washington and what scouts and analysts have said regarding a player that they feel teams should take caution with. I know about the benchings at UW, critiques of his decision-making on the court and the other asterisks that might have been attached to his name. But the Spurs’ culture—and everything they stand for—couldn’t be a better place for McDaniels to start his NBA career. There are valuable OGs on that roster—Patty Mills, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge—and another Washington guy in Dejounte Murray that could take the incoming rook under their wings. And did I mention being in the same vicinity and learning from a HOFer in Tim Duncan? The Spurs have a “we-over-me” ethos and a track record that speaks for itself. San Antonio is a perfect destination for someone with Jaden’s stature and skill set. — Drew Ruiz

12. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Isaac Okoro (6-6 Forward, Auburn)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, shooting 51% from the field

A year ago, you might not have known the name Isaac Okoro. Coming out of McEachern High School in Atlanta, GA, Okoro was a four-star recruit who didn’t have the hype he likely warranted. That changed quickly, though. The 6-6 freshman was surrounded by seniors in the starting lineup at Auburn and still separated himself. With his versatility and explosiveness, Okoro climbed the ranks and shouldn’t fall past this spot in the 2020 Draft. Isaac is a lockdown defender who can score in a variety of ways but doesn’t demand the ball offensively. He’ll have no problem letting guards De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovich (should they all return) run the show, sliding in seamlessly right away and hopefully helping the Kings level up after a disappointing 2019-20 season. — Alex Squadron

13. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Precious Achiuwa (6-9 Forward, Memphis)

CLASS: Freshman (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, shooting 49% from the field

First off, this pick is for Queens, NY, being that I can’t remember the last time the borough had an NBA lottery pick. Coming off an eventful freshman season, Precious Achiuwa averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game before the sports world was put on freeze. Achiuwa should be a major addition to the young highlight reel Pelicans. The 6-9, 225-pound forward has all the tools to make an impact right away. With Lonzo Ball coming off his best NBA season and Zion’s short, but dominant, run, the Pelicans should look to add another forward with their star Brandon Ingram possibly testing the FA market this summer. Regardless, Precious will bring more athleticism and explosiveness to a budding roster. — Nick Torres

14. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Devin Vassell (6-6 Guard, Florida State)

CLASS: Sophomore (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three

With the Blazers set to enter the 2020-21 season at nearly full strength after an injury-filled 2019-20 campaign, the team needs reinforcements to shore up its roster and make a run at the Western Conference’s best. A rookie that could step in and provide shooting and defense on the wing would help strengthen the team’s supporting cast around the Lillard-McCollum-Nurkic core. Enter Devin Vassell. The 6-6 guard from Florida State evolved into the team’s leading scorer (12.7 PPG) after averaging under five points in his freshman season. He showed off his range with the Seminoles, shooting at or above 41.5% from deep in each of his two seasons. Vassell also brings value on the defensive end, with averages of 1 block and 1.4 steals per game. The forward is the essential 3-and-D complement that Portland has lacked in recent years. He projects as an instant contributor with the potential to take over the wing from the Blazers’ older forwards. — Isaiah De Los Santos

15. ORLANDO MAGIC: Theo Maledon (6-4 Guard, ASVEL of the EuroLeague)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 7.4 points, 3.1 assists, shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three

There are a lot of good guards on the the board that are excellent talents, but from the standpoint of trying to find a solid backcourt mate for Markelle Fultz, the Magic should consider Theo Maledon. Highlights are obviously skewed, but his decision making as a playmaker seems to be there, both in transition and half-court play. He plays with a patience that is rare to see in an 18-year-old in the EuroLeague. This past season for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, he shot 37% from beyond the arc. If he wants to maintain a spot in the NBA, he’ll need to maintain that shooting percentage as his three point attempts go up. — Arvind Pitchai

16. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (VIA BROOKLYN): Tyrese Maxey (6-3 Guard, Kentucky)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, shooting 43% from the field

Earlier in this mock, the Wolves snagged James Wiseman with the No. 3 pick, pairing him with star Karl-Anthony Towns to give them a massively talented frontcourt for the foreseeable future. With the recently acquired D’Angelo Russell reliably running point, the Wolves still need a wing who can get buckets. Maxey is super shifty and already sports an impressive floater package. He has a strong handle and can effectively slash into the teeth of the defense. He’s also a fantastic on-ball defender. And while his three-point percentages are subpar, his feathery floater touch and excellent free throw percentage (83% on the season) suggest he will be just fine. His 6-3 frame may be on the small side for a SG, but his tremendous strength compensates for the slight height disadvantage. Maxey is young and has tons of room to grow. The Wolves should take a shot on a kid with huge upside who could transform into a perennial 20-point per game scorer. — Isaiah Freedman

17. BOSTON CELTICS (VIA MEMPHIS): Josh Green (6-6 Guard, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three

The Celtics are locked in for the future. They have an All-NBA point guard in Kemba Walker, budding superstars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, a lockdown perimeter defender in Marcus Smart, and the perfect complementary pieces to round out the roster. This gives them the flexibility to take the best, most talented player available—Arizona freshman Josh Green. One of the top defenders in the draft, the shooting guard can cover 1-4 with his 6-6, 210-pound frame and 6-10 wingspan. Offensively, he is an elite athlete who can handle the ball and hit open shots, as he knocked down 39.5% of his three-point attempts in the second half of the season. He fits with what the Celtics continue to stockpile—competitive, versatile wings who can cover and play multiple positions. Green is just 19 years old, but can contribute right away as a role player for a Celtics team that has current championship aspirations. — Ben Simon

18. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Isaiah Stewart (6-9 Forward, Washington)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, shooting 57% from the field

Sitting right on the verge of serious contention, the Mavericks will be looking for a player who provides reliable depth and immediate contribution. Washington big man Isaiah Stewart fits that mold. As a freshman, Stewart was a model of consistency for the Huskies. A 250-pound forward with a 7-4 wingspan, Stewart combines impressive athleticism and mobility with a polished finishing ability, making him a perfect fit in a pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic. He shot 77% from the FT line and showed a solid midrange touch. Stewart’s biggest strength, however, is that few, if any players in the draft play with a higher motor. While his back-to-the-basket offensive game may not translate to the next level, his energy and physicality will certainly make him effective as a rim protector and a rebounder on both ends. With Dwight Powell recovering from a ruptured achilles, Stewart can provide immediate depth at the 4 or 5 for a Mavericks team looking to win now. — Sam Squadron

19. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (VIA INDIANA): Vernon Carey Jr. (6-10 Center, Duke)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, shooting 58% from the field

There’s a reason why Vernon Carey Jr. was voted ACC Freshman of the Year in his lone season at Duke. The 6-10 lefty has an efficient offensive game and can score in a multitude of ways. Vernon has a quick first step and is extremely tough to guard within five feet of the basket. He’ll be joining a team already poised to make a deep playoff run, so there will be little to no pressure for the rook to carry a large load. However, if there’s anything we learned from Vernon Carey Jr in college, it’s that he shows up when it matters most. — Theus McBee

20. BROOKLYN NETS (VIA PHILADELPHIA): Saddiq Bey (6-8 Forward, Villanova)

CLASS: Sophomore (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, shooting 48% from the field and 45% from three

Bey is an athletic forward standing at 6-8, 216 pounds that has levels to his game, but the biggest draw is that he’s a knockdown shooter. He shot 45% from beyond the arc in his sophomore year at Villanova, up from 37% in his first year. The Julius Erving award winner could be a perfect fit for the Nets, who are currently the fifth worst three-point shooting squad in the League based on percentage. Brooklyn will be getting back major offensive pieces next year in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but with the contract of Joe Harris in question, Bey could be a strong addition should the Nets need to fill that role. — Camille Buxeda

21. DENVER NUGGETS (VIA HOUSTON): Jalen Smith (6-10 Forward, Maryland)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, shooting 54% from the field and 37% from three

Jalen Smith is a rim-running, athletic big with great hands. He’s also a willing and gifted post player who can step out and shoot the three. The 6-10 power forward has a high motor—Smith can bring chasedown blocks, offensive rebounds, and defensive toughness to the Pepsi Center. For good measure, he’s got the lateral speed and shiftiness necessary to defend at the next level. The Baltimore native is fresh off a stellar sophomore season, in which he led Maryland to a 24-7 record and a Big Ten title. Stix was the best player on a Terps team on pace for a 3-seed and poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and Smith would pair well with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in Mike Malone’s system. Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee and Jerami Grant are all free agents this summer. Smith fits Denver’s position need, and he projects to be the kind of player most GMs are looking for in 2020: a stretch-four who defends. — Eli Schwadron

22. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (VIA OKLAHOMA CITY): Aaron Nesmith (6-6 Forward, Vanderbilt)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 23.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, shooting 51% from the field and 52% from three

When JJ Redick fled from the City of Brotherly Love on the first day of free agency last summer, the Sixers’ long-range marksmanship took an immediate hit. Through 65 games, Philadelphia ranked 14th in three-point field goal accuracy (32.6%), down from eighth the season before. The solution? Enter Aaron Nesmith, the best pure shooter in this year’s draft. Vandy’s 6-6 sophomore slinger averaged 23 points and 4.9 rebounds over 14 games while shooting 52% from deep, before a season-ending stress fracture in his right foot. Nesmith was the fifth-leading scorer in the nation and was on pace to have one of the best three-point shooting seasons in college basketball history. Possessing a combination of size, strength, and deadeye shot-making ability, Nesmith’s game is tailor-made for the modern NBA and fills a much-needed void in Philly. — Peter Robert Casey

23. MIAMI HEAT: Killian Hayes (6-5 Guard, ratiopharm Ulm of Basketball Bundesliga)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 12.8 points, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals, shooting 46% from the field and 39% from three

Already an Eastern Conference playoff contender, Pat Riley will search for the final pieces of the puzzle starting in the 2020 Draft. As Goran Dragic enters unrestricted free agency, the Heat will likely target youth to take over the reigns. Although he’s only 18, Killian Hayes boasts the experience and toughness it takes to make an impact in the NBA immediately. Originally born in Lakeland, FL, before moving to France due to his father’s pro career, Hayes has used basketball to bridge the gap between both countries. After playing against older opponents his entire childhood in Europe, Hayes turned professional in France at the age of only 16. During his career with Cholet, Killian also represented the French National team. Now a 6-5 PG with a tight handle, sharp vision and the ability to finish at the rim, he holds all the intangibles NBA scouts seek. The Lakeland native took the opposite journey to the League, and the risk may be worth the reward. Once idolizing Dwyane Wade, Hayes now has the chance to honor Flash as he returns to his home state and aims to ignite South Beach once again. — Daren Scarberry

24. UTAH JAZZ: Aleksej Pokusevski (7-0 Forward, Olympiacos B of the Greek A2 Basket League)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, shooting 49% from the field and 32% from three

It’s time to meet your future favorite player, and he goes by the name of Poku. Joining the storied lineage of Serbians (Vlade, Peja, Nikola) in the NBA, Aleksej Pokusevski is the youngest prospect in this year’s draft, not turning 19 until the day after Christmas. And while his 7-0 frame has caused folks that have never heard of him or seen him play to make assumptions, don’t get it twisted—Poku is a point guard trapped in a center’s body. Just like KD (6-10), Giannis (6-11), Jokić (7-0), and Porzingis (7-3), he’s a vertically inclined man with playmaking ability and perimeter skills. Unfortunately, he’s barely seen any EuroLeague action for Olympiacos since joining the club at the age of 13, but he’s had the privilege of learning from legendary Greek teammates Vassilis Spanoulis and Georgios Printezis, along with former head coach David Blatt. While this season he was assigned to play with the development team, Olympiacos B, his time spent with the Serbian national squad has been fruitful and excited NBA scouts. Last July, he opened the FIBA U18 European Championship with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 7 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals in a win against Germany. If Poku somehow slips this far to Utah, a team who flew to Athens to see him play in November, they’re in for a treat. — Aron Phillips

25. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (VIA DENVER): Jahmi’us Ramsey (6-4 Guard, Texas Tech)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, shooting 44% from the field and 43% from three

Jahmi’us Ramsey, the highest ranked recruit to ever attend Texas Tech, finished off the 2019-20 regular season as Big 12 Freshman of the Year. He’s an explosive combo guard with a great jump shot who can create space, elevate and finish with authority at the rim. Put simply, Ramsey gets buckets. Ramsey would slot right into an Oklahoma City Thunder backcourt that has thrived under the guidance of head coach Billy Donovan and veteran point god Chris Paul. Integrated into a system with a strong track record of player development, Ramsey could carve out a role as a long-term rotation piece in OKC. — Dave Schnur

26. BOSTON CELTICS: Zeke Nnaji (6-11 Forward, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, shooting 57% from the field

Two Celtics picks and two Arizona Wildcats. After choosing Josh Green at 17, the Celtics can afford to take a shot on a sleeper. That comes in the form of Zeke Nnaji. I say sleeper, but he was actually much more productive than Green in their one season of college. The Minnesota native averaged 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds (including 3.1 offensive boards, giving him the highest total in the Pac 12), while shooting 57% from the field, second best in the conference. The Celtics’ roster is filled out, but they do have one glaring need: a big man who can run the floor and play above the rim. Nnaji can do just that… and then some. He’s an elite finisher who even showed an ability to knock down jump shots. The building blocks are there for him to be an efficient three-point shooter. Nnaji still has glaring struggles on the defensive end, but with Daniel Theis, Vincent Poirier, and Robert Williams under contract next season (Enes Kanter is under a player option), there’s time for him to develop. It’s a low risk, high reward pick that could hopefully fill one of the Celtics’ few holes. Oh, and if you’re short on a pregame National Anthem performer, Zeke Nnaji can do that too.  — Ben Simon

27. NEW YORK KNICKS (VIA CLIPPERS): Jordan Nwora (6-7 Forward, Louisville)

CLASS: Junior (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, shooting 44% from the field and 40% from three

During the past two seasons, Jordan Nwora established himself as the go-to guy for the Louisville Cardinals and deserves to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft. At 6-7, he’s extremely versatile and has a well-rounded offensive game. Nwora led the Cards in scoring for the second straight year, averaging 18 points on 44% shooting from the field and 40% from deep. He can spread the floor and create spacing for a Knicks team that ranked dead last in total threes in 2019-20. If the Knicks take Cole Anthony at the No. 6 spot to pair with RJ Barrett, they’re going to be searching for reliable prospects like Nwora—athletic forwards who can run in transition, knock down jumpers consistently and don’t clog the paint. — Alex Squadron

28. TORONTO RAPTORS: Yves Pons (6-6 Guard, Tennessee)

CLASS: Junior (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, shooting 49% from the field and 35% from three

While the SEC’s DPOY doesn’t boast the numbers of other first round picks, he has elite athleticism that allows him to guard positions 1-4. Pons is another skilled defensive player, similar to OG Anunoby, who will help the Raptors in an Eastern Conference that is deep at the G/F position. At 6-6, Pons averaged 2.4 blocks per game last season. He will fit right in to Toronto’s talented bench squad. Although his defensive prowess is what will get him drafted, Pons shot 35% from the three-point line in his last season as a Volunteer. This makes him an intriguing possible deep threat, and given the Raptors’ track record of developing talent (Siakam, VanVleet, Powell), he will have a great opportunity to develop his offensive game further. — Greg Cohen

29. LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Tyrell Terry (6-1 Guard, Stanford)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, shooting 44% from the field and 41% from three

LeBron loves a point guard that can shoot, and Terry does just that. He’s a score-first PG who also possesses impressive passing ability. Terry is a three-level scorer and a particularly elite three-point shooter. This past season, he shot 48% on catch and shoot threes and is also capable of knocking down jumpers off the dribble. He has a very good feel for the game, knowing when to pass and when to look for his own offense. Tyrell can operate out of the pick-and-roll and moves very well off the ball, similar to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Overall, he’s a playmaker that will develop into a premier guard in the League. — Christian Quezada

30. BOSTON CELTICS (VIA MILWAUKEE): Tre Jones (6-3 Guard, Duke)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.2 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three

The oldest position on the Celtics? Point guard. Although Kemba Walker is still earning All-Star appearances, he is less than a month away from being 30. Brad Wanamaker, despite just two years in the NBA, is already 30. Carsen Edwards provides some youth, but might be better served as an off-ball gunner. The Celtics are young and talented at pretty much every other position (center was solved with our last pick). Increased PG depth could provide a nice cushion. Tre Jones brings just that. But the 6-3, 185-pound guard is more than the prototypical backup point guard. Sure, he has a high floor. That happens when you receive ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Not only can he contribute right away, but he has the chance to grow into a legitimate NBA starter. After shooting just 26% from three during his freshman season, he bumped his average up to 36% this year. He’s a mature, smart guard who can complement the Celtics’ stars by playing defense, facilitating, hitting open threes, and scoring when needed. With Jones and Marcus Smart, they could have one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA. He’s already a great backup option right now, but as Walker climbs into his 30s, Jones has a chance to be the Celtics’ point guard of the future. — Ben Simon

The post SLAM’s 2020 NBA Mock Draft appeared first on SLAM.

Duncan only found out he was stepping in for Pop the morning of San Antonio’s 104-103 road win against the Charlotte Hornets.

The 43-year-old says he has no desire to become a full-time bench boss.

Per The AP and The San Antonio Express-News:

“It’s night and day to be in the big boy chair,” said Duncan, who normally serves as an assistant coach. “Truth be told though, I wasn’t in the big boy chair. I had (other assistant coaches) making the calls and I was the one standing there screaming at people.”

When asked if being a head coach is something he wants to pursue down the road, Duncan said, “Nope, Pop is going to be back and I will be happy to hand it right over to him.”

Popovich was on board the flight, but the players awoke Tuesday after arriving in North Carolina around 3 a.m. to learn he would not coach their game against the Hornets to attend to what the club called personal business.

“He was on our ass when we made mistakes,” said Dejounte Murray, who led the Spurs with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting. “But it was good. He motivated us, he pushed us, the whole coaching staff. Pop was down, our leader, and all of them stepped up from Tim all the way down.”

Related Tim Duncan to Join Spurs’ Coaching Staff

The post Tim Duncan Earns First Coaching Win in ‘Big Boy Chair’ appeared first on SLAM.

In Tim Duncan’s head coaching debut, the Spurs picked up a win in a tight game on the road in Charlotte. San Antonio was led by Dejounte Murray, who finished with 21 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. For the Hornets, Terry Rozier dropped 20 points to go along with 5 assists and 6 rebounds, and PJ Washington added 19 in the loss.

Nets 129 (27-33), Celtics 120 (41-19)

It was an absolutely wild one in TD Garden.

The Nets trailed by as many as 21-points in the second half, and were down 17 heading into the fourth. Then Caris LeVert put on a show. The Nets outscored Boston 51-34 in the fourth to force OT behind an insane 26-POINT quarter from LeVert. He stayed hot in OT, scoring all 11 points for Brooklyn and lifting them to the win. Despite having just 14 points at the start of the fourth quarter, LeVert finished with a career-high 51 on 17-26 shooting and 5-10 from downtown. The Boston defense just had no answer for the Michigan product, who put on one of, if not the best performance of the 2019-2020 season thus far.

The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown, who dropped 22, and Kemba Walker, in his return from injury, who added 21. Marcus Smart stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in the loss.

Timberwolves 139 (18-42), Pelicans 134 (26-35)

In a high-scoring affair, the Timberwolves outscored the Pelicans 30-23 in the final frame to pick up the win on the road. Malik Beasley led the way, finishing with 28 points on 11-13 shooting and 4-5 from three. DeAngelo Russell added 23 points and 8 assists in the win, and James Johnson dropped 19 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Zion Williamson extended his streak of 20-point games to 12, finishing with 25 points and 8 rebounds on 10-19 shooting. Zion was one of five Pelicans to finished with 24 or more points. Jrue Holiday was awesome, completing a triple-double with 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Lonzo Ball added 26 points (including 7 threes), 8 assists and 5 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram dropped 24.

Clippers 109 (42-19), Thunder 94 (37-24)

In a battle between two Western Conference playoff teams, the Clippers picked up the impressive win on the road, their 5th straight victory. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 to go along with 8 rebounds, and Paul George added 16 to lead the way. For OKC, Dennis Schroder dropped a team-high 24 in the loss. Chris Paul added 14 points and 7 assists.

Warriors 116 (14-48), Nuggets 100 (41-20)

The Warriors picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season, beating the Nuggets by double digits in Denver. Andrew Wiggins showed out, finishing with 22 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds to lead Golden State. Eric Paschall added 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists off the bench. Paul Millsap and Will Barton each dropped 18 in the loss for Denver. Nikola Jokic added 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Raptors 123 (43-18), Suns 114 (24-38)

Trailing by 7 at the break, the Raptors rallied in the second half to beat the Suns in Phoenix. Pascal Siakam was dominant, dropping 33 points on 12-20 shooting and 5-9 from deep. Kyle Lowry added a very solid stat line of 28 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, and Norman Powell dropped 26 in the Raptors win. Devin Booker scored a team-high 22 and added 10 dimes, and Cam Johnson finished with 21 points on 5 made threes in the loss.

Lakers 120 (47-13), 76ers 107 (37-25)

The Lakers blew the game open in the second quarter, outscoring Philly 37-19, and maintained the lead in the second half to secure the home win. Anthony Davis went off, scoring 18 of his game-high 37 in the second quarter. AD also finished with 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. LeBron added a light 22 points, 14 assists and 7 rebounds on 9-16 shooting in the win. Without Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia was led by Glen Robinson III, who dropped 25 points on 10-15 shooting off the bench.

Kings 133 (27-34), Wizards 126 (22-38)

The Wizards stormed back after being down by 28, outscoring Sacramento 46-19 in the third quarter to tie the game heading into the fourth. But Washington responded, winning the final frame 38-31 to secure the win on the road. The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox, who dropped 31 points on 12-19 shooting in the win. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 21, and Buddy Hield scored 17 off the bench. For the Wizards, Bradley Beal finished with a game-high 35 points in the loss.

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It’s truly incredible that Luka Doncic is not even legally allowed to drink yet and he already has 29 30-point performances under his belt. He’s been the engine behind one of the league’s best and most efficient offenses all season.

Luka scored 33 points, grabbed 10 boards and dished out 8 assists in the convincing win over the Magic. Maxi Kleber also had himself a career-high 26 points.

Cavaliers 113 (15-40), Wizards 108 (20-34)

In their first game since John Beilein stepped down as head coach, the Cavs grabbed a solid victory against the Wizards. Colin Sexton led the way with 25 points, and Andre Drummond had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite the loss, Bradley Beal was putting on a show around the rim. He finished with 26 points.

Pacers 106 (33-23), Knicks 98 (17-39)

Behind the steady pair of TJ Warren (27 points, 8 rebounds) and Domantas Sabonis (24 points, 13 rebounds), the Pacers put away the Knicks. While Victor Oladipo continues to find his groove after missing almost a year of basketball, the Pacers can support their star just fine.

Raptors 118 (41-15), Suns 101 (22-34)

All the Raptors do is win, and the most impressive part is most of the time, one of their core players is usually injured. This time it was Marc Gasol and Norman Powell, still nursing injuries after the All-Star break.

But no matter. Pascal Siakam dropped 37 points, 12 boards and 3 blocks, while every other starter scored in double digits to stifle the poor Suns.

Celtics 127 (39-16), Timberwolves 117 (16-38)

Four Celtics went off to defeat the Timberwolves. Jayson Tatum had 28 points and 11 rebounds, Gordon Hayward had 29, Daniel Theis had 25 and 16 boards, and Jaylen Brown had 25 of his own. A true committee approach.

The last time four starters scored at least 25 points each was when Jamal Crawford, Eddy Curry, Channing Frye and Stephon Marbury did it with the Knicks in 2006, Per NBA stats.

Thunder 113 (34-22), Nuggets 101 (38-18)

This was a huge win for OKC. Leading the Nuggets by only a single point heading into the 4th quarter, CP3 took over as they broke it open and won by a solid 12 points.

CP3 had 29, Steven Adams had 19 points and 17 boards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one assist and one rebound away from a triple double.

Spurs 113 (24-31), Jazz 104 (36-19)

Time is running out for San Antonio to keep their 22-year playoff streak alive, and beating a West heavyweight in Utah is as good a win as they can get.

DeJounte Murray led the way with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, while Donovan Mitchell treated us to another classic slam.

Lakers 117 (42-12), Grizzlies 105 (28-28)

The Lakers came out of the break strong, defeating a pesky and youthful grizzlies team by 12 points. As usual, LeBron (32 points, 7 assists) and trusty sidekick Anthony Davis (28 points, 13 rebounds, 7 blocks) led the way.

Pelicans 128 (24-32), Trailblazers 115 (25-32)

The Pelicans soundly defeated the Blazers, who were without franchise star Damian Lillard, who is still nursing a groin injury.

Zion Williamson continued his insane start to his career with 25 points, while the rest of the team played a solid floor game to take down the Blazers.

The post Post Up: Spurs Defeat Jazz To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive appeared first on SLAM.

The 76ers picked up their 25th win at home, tied with the Bucks for most in the NBA. Ben Simmons was dominant, notching his second consecutive triple double with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Joel Embiid dropped 26 and Josh Richardson added 21 for Philly. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 30 points and 9 assists in the loss.

Wizards 126 (19-33), Bulls 114 (19-36)

The Wizards were led by Bradley Beal, who finished with 30 points and 7 assists in the home win. Rui Hachimura added 20 points. Zach LaVine dropped a game-high 41 points to go along with 9 rebounds in the loss.

Pelicans 138 (23-32), Trail Blazers 117 (25-30)

It was the Zion Williamson show in New Orleans tonight. The rookie finished with 31 points on 10-17 shooting, the first 30 point game of his career. He also added 9 rebounds and 5 assists as the Pelicans cruised to the home win over the Blazers. JJ Reddick dropped 20 points off the bench, and Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball finished with 10 assists each. For Portland, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard each scored 20 points.

Spurs 114 (23-32), Thunder 106 (32-22)

The Spurs outscored the Thunder 35-29 in the fourth quarter to pick up an impressive win on the road. LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Dejounte Murray added 25 points and 9 rebounds, and Patty Mills dropped 20 off the bench in the win. For OKC, Chris Paul finished with team-high 31 points and 7 assists.

Rockets 116 (34-20), Celtics 105 (37-16)

The Rockets scored 38 points in the fourth quarter to pick up a big win, snapping a two-game losing streak. James Harden went off for 42 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, including scoring 19 straight Rockets points in a third quarter in which they outscored Boston 31-22. Russell Westbrook also shined, finishing with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win. Boston was lead by Gordon Hayward, who dropped a team-high 20 points in the loss.

The post Post Up: Zion Drops Career-High 31 Points in Win Over Blazers appeared first on SLAM.

In this post, just one of a series of 30, we’ll break down the reports that have started to trickle out about Spurs players that may or may not be on the move. While there’s no guarantee when it comes to a league as wild as the modern NBA, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on each squad’s roster as the deadline draws near.

Players Unlikely To Be Traded

• LaMarcus Aldridge
• Lonnie Walker
• Dejounte Murray
• Keldon Johnson
• Derrick White

It’s been five seasons since the Spurs made an in-season trade, so you could argue that the entire team belongs in this section. However, San Antonio hasn’t been this mediocre in quite some time; things could change. Perhaps they look to make additions in order to compete for the eighth seed in the conference, though I wouldn’t expect major moves if any at all.

Biggest Name Available On Market

• Jakob Poeltl

Again, a trade isn’t likely, though Jakob Poeltl will be a restricted free agent after the season. Depending on how the Spurs gauge the market for him, perhaps they look to trade him prior to the deadline next week.

As a side note, can you believe that the draft pick that the Raptors used to acquire Poeltl was the first-round selection that Toronto received in the Andrea Bargnani deal with the Knicks? Poeltl’s inclusion in the Kawhi Leonard trade greased the wheels for Toronto’s trade for the Finals MVP so I guess the Raptors can thank the Knicks for their banner.

Logical Trade Pieces

• DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has the ability to hit the free agent market this summer, which should at least make the Spurs think about moving him and gaining an asset in return.

Trading the shooting guard could be tricky and as mentioned above, unlikely, given how the Spurs operate with regard to in-season deals, so we are going to use this space to plead DeRozan’s case as an All-Star. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, while sporting a true shooting percentage of .608 and a player efficiency of 22.0. He leads the team in win shares and the Spurs may be near the bottom of the west without him. He certainly should have gotten in over an inefficient guard who shall not be named.

Trades Are Possible

• Rudy Gay
• Patty Mills
• DeMarre Carroll
• Trey Lyles
• Marco Belinelli
• Luka Samanic
• Chimezie Metu

It’s hard to envision the Spurs trading Rudy Gay unless he politely asks for one. He spoke very highly of the franchise about how they treated him and his family when he re-signed with the team over the summer. Patty Mills has one season left on his deal after this one. With the team’s plethora of younger guards, it’s feasible that he could be dealt. DeMarre Carroll originally signed with the Spurs via the Mid-Level Exception, though the team then altered plans and acquired him via a three-way deal with the Wizards and Nets because Marcus Morris wanted to come to town. Morris backed out of the agreement and the team signed Trey Lyles, who has an 11.4 player efficiency rating this season. Marco Belinelli will be a free agent after the season. He is shooting an atypical 35.5% from behind the arc. Luka Samanic was selected with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 draft. The second-most famous Luka in the state of Texas has yet to play in an NBA game, instead picking up minutes with the G League’s Austin Spurs. Former second-round pick Chimezie Metu has appeared in 13 games for the Spurs. The power forward only had one appearance with over 10 minutes of action.

The post 2020 NBA Trade Deadline Primer: San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

San Antonio played their fourth-straight overtime game and came away with, incredibly, their third win during that stretch.

Patty Mills dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench. Dejounte Murray added 18 points (8-12 FG) with 7 boards and 5 dimes.

Nets 102 (13-12), Raptors 110 (17-8)

Toronto took a 7-point lead after scoring 38 points in the first quarter and would lead the rest of the way.

Pascal Siakam dropped a game-high 30 points with 10 boards, 5 dimes, 3 blocks and 3 steals.

Wizards 111 (7-17), Grizzlies 128 (9-17)

Memphis outscored the Wizards by 15 points in the first half and would go up by as much as 24 points during the fourth quarter.

Brandon Clarke dropped 25 points (11-14 FG) off the bench, and submitted his name into the Dunk of the Year running. Dillon Brooks added a team-high 27 points.

Clippers 106 (20-8), Bulls 109 (10-18)

One night after putting up just 73 points against the Hornets, the Bulls scored 109 points against the Clippers.

Zach LaVine dropped a game-high 31 points and the go-ahead bucket. Lauri Markkanen added 13 points and 17 boards.

Cavs 108 (6-20), Bucks 125 (24-3)

Milwaukee built an 18-point lead by halftime and would cruise the rest of the way to their 18th (!!) straight victory.

Giannis Antetokounmpo needed just 24 minutes to score a game-high 29 points.

Heat 122 (19-7), Mavs 118 (17-6)

Dallas battled back from a 24-point deficit after losing Luka Doncic to an ankle injury, but would fall short in overtime.

Bam Adebayo dropped 18 points with 11 boards and 10 dimes. Jimmy Butler added a team-high 27 points.

Pistons 115 (11-15), Rockets 107 (17-9)

After losing Blake Griffin in the first half to a left knee injury, Derrick Rose would lead the Pistons to a big road victory.

Rose dropped 20 points and 12 dimes off the bench. Luke Kennard added a team-high 22 points.

Thunder 102 (11-14), Nuggets 110 (16-8)

Outside of the first couple minutes, Denver would lead for the entire game.

Nikola Jokic dropped a game-high 28 points with 14 boards and 12 dimes.

The post Post Up: Zach LaVine Drops 31 Points to Lead Bulls Past Clippers appeared first on SLAM.

Ace is at the SLAM offices in NYC, eyeing a wall decorated with old covers. He points to an image of Allen Iverson, the player he idolized as a kid, and starts talking about his impact on the culture, noting his patented arm sleeve and headband look. 

Growing up in Jacksonville, FL, a city he describes as the “jungle,” Ace developed a love for basketball. Rap was his true calling, however, and he began making music at the age of 13. His career kicked off with the help of a few family members and after signing with Cinematic Music Group, he released his debut album, Life of Betrayal, in August of 2018. He’s built a big following, thanks in part to a YouTube channel he runs with his girlfriend, Chloe, and to his constant interactions with his fans. 

“My favorite part about [the YouTube channel] is that it makes [Chloe] smile,” he says. “It’s something she really wanted to do. Every time she uploads it, she be happy. That’s probably my favorite part about it.

“And it’s definitely a good way [to engage with fans]. To be honest, that’s made my fanbase even bigger because people who didn’t know who I was but used to watch my YouTube channel, that makes them like the music. So streams go up from that, too. It’s dope all around.”

On November 8, 2019, a day after our interview, Ace dropped another major project, Step Harder, featuring Lil Durk, Stunna 4 Vegas, NoCap, DeJ Loaf, Boosie Badazz and Blac Youngsta.

“I ain’t gonna lie, I put my soul into that,” Ace explains. “I really took my time with this one.” 

When he’s not in the studio, Ace is often at the movies—he and Chloe go at least once a week, and Ace can quickly rattle off his top five all-time (Shottas, Ghetto Stories, Paid in Full, Rush Hour, ATL)—or hooping at LA Fitness in some Jordan XIIIs. 

He’s got supporters in the League now, too. 

“I got relationships with a few of them,” he explains. “Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. I fuck with him. We be reaching out. We call each other all the time.

“There’s a couple of them, but he’s the one I mess with on the daily, though.”

Because of Murray, Ace now roots for San Antonio. He’s also a fan of LeBron (“The GOAT, for real”), Westbrook (“He’s like a smaller LeBron”) and Curry (“It’s simple but he’s smooth, like you ain’t gonna be able to stop that”). 

When Lil Durk linked with SLAM not too long ago, he challenged any rapper to play him one-on-one.

“All the hoopers who say they got skills, you got to show it,” he said. “I’m tired of challenging people. They scared.”

We know one person who isn’t.

“People from Chicago can’t really play ball like that,” Yungeen Ace says with a smile.

—

Alex Squadron is an Associate Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @asquad510.

Photos by Sean Edwards.

The post LIVE FROM THE JUNGLE: Get to Know Rapper Yungeen Ace ♠ appeared first on SLAM.

Kemba Walker received nothing but love in his first return to Charlotte after joining the Celtics this past summer. The crowd greeted the All-Star with a standing ovation in warmups.

Walker went on to score 14 points in the Celtics’ blowout win.

Thunder 112 (3-5), Spurs 121 (5-3)

LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for San Antonio with a season-high 39 points. Teammate Dejounte Murray added a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists. Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with 27 points.

Heat 124 (6-2), Suns 108 (5-3)

Jimmy Butler scored 30 of his game-high 34 points in the first half alone, helping Miami build its lead early. Bam Adebayo added a double-double, totaling 15 points and 10 rebounds. Aron Baynes led the Suns in points with 23 off the bench.

Blazers 101 (3-5), Clippers 107 (6-3)

The Clippers came out on top in the nail-biter thanks to timely buckets from Kawhi Leonard and the ultimate dagger by Lou Williams. The Leonard-Williams duo combined for 53 points in the win. Portland received 22 points apiece from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

The post Post Up: Celtics Get the Win in Kemba Walker’s Return to Charlotte appeared first on SLAM.

The 23-year-old guard missed the entire 2018-19 campaign with an ACL injury but was fully cleared to play earlier this month. Murray averaged 9.2 points and 3.6 assists per game for the Spurs in the 2019-20 preseason.

Prior to the knee injury that ended his 2018-19 campaign before it officially began, Murray had shown promise as a long-term building block for the Spurs franchise.

He averaged 8.1 points per game in just 21.5 minutes per game of action in 2017-18 while showcasing an impressive ability haul down rebounds as a guard.

The post Spurs, Dejounte Murray Agree to Four-Year Extension appeared first on SLAM.

NBA Award Predictions

Champions: Los Angeles Clippers

Most Valuable Player: Anthony Davis

Rookie of the Year: Zion Williamson

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

Sixth Man: Lou Williams

Most Improved: Terry Rozier

Rookies Most Likely To…

Drop a fire album: Coby White

Appear in a Gunna music video: Cam Reddish

Be a second-round steal: Bol Bol

Start dancing in the middle of a game: Darius Garland

Steal your girl: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Average 10 rebounds: Rui Hachimura

Average 10 assists: Ja Morant

Average 20 points: RJ Barrett

@Leaguefits Most Likely To…

Wear his own jersey to the arena: Gerald Green

Be posted on @LeagueFits and @SLAMKICKS the same night: PJ Tucker

Be @LeagueFits ROY: Tyler Herro

Be @LeagueFits MVP: Kelly Oubre

Have a breakout season: Dwayne Bacon

Wear a tuxedo to a game: Serge Ibaka

Have their entire roster at fashion week: Houston Rockets

Wear sunglasses Inside: John Wall

@SLAMKICKS Most Likely To…

Have the most diverse collection: Montrezl Harrell

Have the best PEs: Kyrie Irving

Have the most heat this season: PJ Tucker

Surprise people with his collection: Taurean Prince

Play in designer shoes: Russell Westbrook

Be @SLAMKICKS ROY: Bol Bol

NBA Most Likely To…

Be Comeback Player Of The Year: Dejounte Murray

Have the best handshake: Russell Westbrook & James Harden

Dunk on your head: Miles Bridges

Be the best duo: LeBron James & Anthony Davis

Be a first-time All-Star: East—Trae Young, West—Donovan Mitchell

Be the best Twitter duo: Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum

Have the best bench celebrations: Brooklyn Nets

Block your shot: Mitchell Robinson

Drop 70 points in a game: Bradley Beal

Be the best LeaguePass team: Atlanta Hawks

Photobomb an interview: Jared Dudley

Break your ankles: Kemba Walker

Have the best social media clapback: Joel Embiid

Invent a new move: Stephen Curry

Roast a reporter at a press conference: Mike Scott

Use a Drake lyric as an Instagram caption: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The post NBA 2019-20 SEASON PREVIEW: Award Predictions and Superlatives appeared first on SLAM.

Below is a list of the contract types the San Antonio Spurs have heading into training camp. This resource will be updated as players are signed and waived. Check back often to see if your team’s roster configuration has changed.

San Antonio Spurs

For a complete list of all the NBA teams and links to each team’s roster breakdown, check out our 2019 NBA Training Camp Index. Follow the curators of this database, Chris Crouse and Austin Kent, on Twitter.

More NBA Training Camp Rosters

The post San Antonio Spurs Roster Count: 2019 Training Camp appeared first on SLAM.

Murray will look to pick up where he left off after a solid sophomore season back in 2017-18. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the franchise has raved about Murray’s work regimen and he’s now being viewed as a cornerstone of the organization.

A look at Murray’s 2017-18 splits reveal that the then-21-year-old averaged 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in 44 games after the new year.

More impressively, the guard showed he could produce across the board when given a taste of starters minutes. In the 10 contests where he saw north of 30 minutes that season, Murray averaged 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.

This season, with a year of observation under his belt, he’ll return to the lineup with such an opportunity. While the Spurs offense will continue to run through veterans LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan, it stands to reason that the team could look to develop its next home-grown star.

Murray injured his knee in a preseason game last September.

The post Dejounte Murray At Full Strength After Missing Season appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down the overall ratings for each player and sorted them by team so that you can see how your squad stacks up against the rest of the league.

San Antonio Spurs NBA 2K20 Ratings

This table is updated as of Nov. 22, 2019

Can’t get enough 2K? SLAM’s dedicated gaming channel, @SLAMftw, is blowing up. Hit us with your best uploads and watch our streams!

More NBA 2K20 Ratings

The post NBA 2K20 Ratings: San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

Well, I hear that, and for that reason I give you permission to avert your eyes from the table below… if you must. Maybe go sit back and relax in a hammock or something. When you’re done, come back here and peep this early list of what we can expect from free agency next summer. This league…

This table could look significantly different come this time next year, not just because players’ values will fluctuate over the course of the 2019-20 campaign but because we might see some players avoid free agency altogether.

Players and teams can pick up options for the 2020-21 seasons and the two parties can even work together for contract extensions, as seems likely to be the case for Ben Simmons.

Disagree with this list? Weigh in with the comments below or find me on Twitter at @AustinKent. I’ll be the one in the middle of a 73-tweet thread about my love for Thomas Bryant.

The post The Top 25 2020 NBA Free Agents appeared first on SLAM.

The 6’4″ guard spent four years at Mississippi State. He’s one of just three players at the university to score 2,000 points during his collegiate career.

San Antonio has a deep backcourt rotation that includes DeMar DeRozan, Dejounte Murray, Bryn Forbes, Derrick White, Patty Mills, Marco Belinelli and Lonnie Walker. Weatherspoon likely won’t be asked to play serious minutes at the NBA level, instead, he’ll spend most of his time with Austin Spurs, the team’s G League affiliate.

The post Spurs Sign Quinndary Weatherspoon To Two-Way Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Despite Joel Embiid being a late scratch due to a nagging knee injury, the 76ers regained home court advantage with a dominant outing against the Nets, making them the first team since the 2003 Mavericks to score back-to-back 130 point games in the playoffs. Paced by playoff career highs from Ben Simmons (31 points) and Tobias Harris (29 points), as well as 26 points from sharpshooter J.J. Redick, the 76ers were too much for the Nets to handle. Also, Simmons shot 9-11 in the half court. Thought we should mention that.

Brooklyn, a team that prizes themselves on their 3 point marksmanship, only converted a meager 20.5% percent of their attempts from beyond the arc, compared to the 76ers’ 40.7%. On the bright side for the Nets, D’Angelo Russell and Caris LeVert each dropped 26 points in the loss, and LeVert looked like his old self.

Game 4 is on Saturday.

Nuggets 108, Spurs 118 (Spurs lead 2-1)

World, meet Derrick White.

The second-year Spurs guard had a dominant performance against the hapless Nuggets, scoring a career-high 36 points, grabbing 5 boards, dishing 5 assists and swiping 3 steals on a ridiculously efficient 15-21 from the field. “DeMarvelous” DeRozan (I’ll show myself out) also chipped in 25 points.

For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic had another respectable outing (22 points, 7 assists and 8 rebounds), with Malik Beasley adding 20 from the bench, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to withstand the Spurs and their excellent home crowd.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go day-dream about a Derrick White-DeJounte Murray backcourt next season.

Warriors 132, Clippers 105 (Warriors lead 2-1)

After blowing a humiliating 31 point lead in Game 2, the Warriors made quick work of the Clippers this time. Kevin Durant, who was held to only 21 points and nine turnovers last game, was all business at Staples Center, scoring a game-high 38 points. Stephen Curry also contributed 21 points on 7-11 from the field in only 20 minutes.

It was always going to be a difficult task to beat an angry Warriors squad, but the Clippers did not do themselves any favors by shooting a lackluster 36.6% from the field and 21.9% from beyond the arc as a team. To make matters worse, Ivica Zubac was the only Clippers starter that reached double-digits in scoring, and most of his points came in garbage time.

RELATED: Post Up: Kyrie Irving Goes Off For 37 Points As Celtics Rally vs. Pacers

The post Post Up: Derrick White ERUPTS for Career-High 36 Points in Key Spurs Win appeared first on SLAM.

Check out what LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young and more had to say about Tom Brady and the Pats.

Man where Shams, Woj, Haynes, McMenamin at????….

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 4, 2019

The real MVP’s of the game gotta be the punters forreal!

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 4, 2019

Best part of the whole halftime show was Spongebob opening for Travis Scott

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) February 4, 2019

I don’t want nobody to ever say the NFL is more entertaining than the NBA…EVER…EVER… Thank you #SrSwagDaddy

— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) February 4, 2019

NBA FINALS > SUPER BOWL

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) February 4, 2019

That first half though…

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) February 4, 2019

I am asking to all football fans: it’s a boring game as a lot people are saying or just a great defensive game?

— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) February 4, 2019

Based on my timeline, not much to see #SBLIII

— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) February 4, 2019

That @pepsi / @iamcardib commercial is at Panns in LA. Random fact. Real ones know.

— Spencer Dinwiddie (@SDinwiddie_25) February 4, 2019

Congrats Pats!!!!

— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) February 4, 2019

Tom Brady does it again

— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) February 4, 2019

Bradys gotta be the official after another chip

— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) February 4, 2019

Brady the !! .

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 4, 2019

.@Patriots like that team that runs the floor in open gym and never loses and u hate em…unless you them.

Champs. Again!!!!!!!!!!!!@BumpNrunGilm0re what size ring u wear? #INTKING

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) February 4, 2019

The post NBA Players React To Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII Win appeared first on SLAM.

Spurs guard Dejounte Murray underwent an MRI examination this morning in San Antonio that revealed he has a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.

More: https://t.co/aD41uiwnUp pic.twitter.com/fiVpJpBBou

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 8, 2018

The 22-year-old point guard sustained the injury during Sunday’s preseason game against the Rockets. In 2017-18, after taking over the starting job from Tony Parker, Murray averaged 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Prayers up. Come back stronger, Dejounte!

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The post Spurs Guard Dejounte Murray Suffers Torn ACL in Right Knee 🙏 appeared first on SLAM.

Today, with a wide range of feelings, I’m announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It’s been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams. pic.twitter.com/3MLCUtmd6K

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) August 27, 2018

Other hoopers immediately hopped on Twitter to pay tribute and thank the Argentinian for his immense contributions to the game:

@manuginobili Congratulations on one helluva career brother! It was a pleasure to match up against you over the years. Regular season, Finals, National Team, didn’t matter was always a treat! The game of basketball has you to thank for the most swag move in..

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 28, 2018

basketball right now which is the “Euro Step”!!!! God bless you, thanks for the playing the game the right way and for the competition!!!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 28, 2018

Congrats on an amazing career @manuginobili. You embody how basketball is meant to be played. With Passion, joy, and obviously a Champion through and through. Inspiration many sir. pic.twitter.com/Z86WgYFVMk

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 27, 2018

@manuginobili Thank you for the unbelievable 16 years we shared on the court together! You are a true friend and I wish you all the best. #GraciasManu

— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) August 28, 2018

.@manuginobili You are true champion my friend and one of the best I have ever matched up with. Enjoy life after the game hermano. You deserve that and more. pic.twitter.com/g5qtYlsNMA

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 28, 2018

Manu – you’re a living legend. Thank you for all the great moments and showing us how to be a leader on and off the court. It was an honor to watch you at work. https://t.co/8Av5tLUNNH

— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) August 28, 2018

Congrats on an amazing career @manuginobili! Won everything on every level! Unbelievable #legend

— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) August 28, 2018

Thank you for being a fierce competitor on the court @manuginobili, impacted the game for generations to come! #Ginoooooooooobili

— Chris Paul (@CP3) August 28, 2018

One of the reasons I wear number 20! Congrats @manuginobili on a great career! pic.twitter.com/rA2wewYbKV

— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) August 28, 2018

One of the best to ever do it. Thank you @manuginobili for pushing the game forward and for showing players all around the world what i true champion looks like. #HOF

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 27, 2018

Manuuuuuu! Noooooo! There has been no one like you, and there won’t be again. You have made us all proud. Enjoy your beautiful family and the next stage of your journey.

— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) August 27, 2018

I competed against you for 9 years. I sat through countless pregame meetings discussing how not to let you go to your left hand because when you do, you’re impossible to stop! Then, I became your teammate and got to witness first hand how you bring way more value to a team than pic.twitter.com/JJYbvXNToE

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

just scoring. You’re a ultimate competitor and a “team first” kind of guy. You lift the culture in an organization just by simply being around. You were even successful in getting me to participate in more team activities than I have in my entire career. It was an honor competing

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

against you, but even better competing with you on my side. Thanks Manu!

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 27, 2018

Congrats @manuginobili on an amazing career. Great player. Fierce competitor. Winner. Next stop: HOF

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 27, 2018

Hell of a career @manuginobili . One of the best to ever do it. Pick and roll genius. Euro-step king. Hated trying to force you right in the pnr knowing you would still snake back to the left hand. I’ve borrowed a lot of your moves and set-ups. The game will miss you !

— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) August 27, 2018

What a player @manuginobili! A pleasure to compete against you and enjoy your greatness. Congrats!

— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) August 27, 2018

The @NBA is going to miss you @manuginobili. Appreciate everything you did for the game of basketball! #Lefty #EuroStepKING #HallOfFame

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 27, 2018

The Euro Step Legend will be missed! Fair to say he changed the game in a unique way! Congrats on a beyond amazing career @manuginobili !!

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) August 27, 2018

It’s a real honor to have competed against you, @manuginobili ! The definition of a winner ! #GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/dkIlk0y13c

— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) August 27, 2018

Thank you @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/hy6MRG2Hpk

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 27, 2018

Witnessed pure greatness for many years to see a Legend leave. Thank You. @manuginobili pic.twitter.com/QbfkQVUCSu

— D’Angelo Russell (@Dloading) August 27, 2018

THANK YOU For Teaching Me What It’s Like To Be A Real PRO On And Off The Court @manuginobili The Game Will Miss You & Forever Remember You!! pic.twitter.com/ahWJxait4r

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 27, 2018

@manuginobili , you were the main person I looked at when deciding I was gonna be a 6th man for good. Your style, talent, competitiveness, and will to win will be truly missed. Nothing but respect! #best6thman pic.twitter.com/gHsjX9yPvY

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 27, 2018

THANK YOU for absolutely everything you have done for basketball. A role model for all of us that love this wonderful sport. Fortunate to have shared locker room with you the last 2 years.#GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/HBJDvjIw2j

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 27, 2018

Salute, Manu!

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The post NBA Players React to Manu Ginobili’s Retirement appeared first on SLAM.

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The post Zach LaVine, Jamal Crawford, Kyle Kuzma and More SHOW OUT at Zeke-End 🔥 appeared first on SLAM.

Murray, 21, told the Jeremy Mills podcast that he’s preparing to execute “whatever [Gregg Popovich] needs me to do.”

What are your plans for the upcoming season?

Murray: “You’re going to have to see. I’m putting in a lot of work. I’m watching a lot of film. I’m ready to lead. I’m ready to be the vocal point from offense to defense.

“I’m just ready to go, starting with training camp. I’m not going to say I’m going to average this. I’m going to do that or do that.

“My mindset is go in to training camp and go ask Coach Pop, What do you need me to do? And whatever he needs me to do… He’s a legend. He’s been around the game for decades. And obviously, he’s going to have a plan.

“My job is to continue to work hard and come to training camp ready to go.”

RELATED:
Dejounte Murray Won’t Settle For Anything But Greatness

The post Dejounte Murray Says He’s Ready To Lead Spurs Next Season 💪🏽 appeared first on SLAM.

Golden State cruised to a 108-85 victory in Game 4 at Quicken Loans Arena, completing their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephen Curry led the way with 37 points and KD posted a triple-double (20 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists).

Here’s how players around the League reacted to the game, and to the Warriors hoisting the Larry O’Brien:

GS trying to set the tone early. Said forget trying to win it at home, let’s end this tonight.

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) June 9, 2018

Safe to say Steph gunning for that MVP. As he rightfully should tho. #nbafinals2018

— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) June 9, 2018

Atleast compete like it’s the finals. Smh

— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) June 9, 2018

The bay about to be litttttttt

— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) June 9, 2018

This is getting ugly to watch ughh!! pic.twitter.com/Z0gV5dY3xA

— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) June 9, 2018

I can’t wait until the day I’m playin’ in the NBA Finals!

— Forever Humble (@taureanprince) June 9, 2018

No more basketball to watch… that’s weak.

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) June 9, 2018

3 of em!!! @StephenCurry30

— Seth Curry (@sdotcurry) June 9, 2018

Name Doris Burke the Finals MVP

— Francis Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) June 9, 2018

As a basketball player, if seeing another team win a championship doesn’t motivate you to work harder, then this ain’t for you.

— Terrence Ross (@TFlight31) June 9, 2018

I really hope @StephenCurry30 gets his first finals MVP… he deserves it #NBAFinals

— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) June 9, 2018

Congrats to a legit pro my guy, @andre and @SteveKerr. It’s a amazing blessing and accomplish it 3/4 xs has to be amazing

— Channing Frye (@Channing_Frye) June 9, 2018

And of course, as soon as the game ended, players began to recruit LeBron James:

Get ready for a summer of reporters thirsty for click-bait!!!!!

— kuz (@kylekuzma) June 9, 2018

Let the Fun begin #cLeaveLand pic.twitter.com/hgWixRyQG2

— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) June 9, 2018

pic.twitter.com/lO4giEDfet

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) June 9, 2018

Trust The Process!!!! Find a new slant @KingJames

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 9, 2018

League gonna be weird as hell next year lol.

— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) June 9, 2018

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NBA Players React to Game 3 of the Finals

The post NBA Players React to Game 4 of the Finals, Warriors Championship 🏆 appeared first on SLAM.

The big men are joined by Victor Oladipo, Jrue Holiday and Robert Covington—all first time All-Defensive selections.

A panel of 100 media members voted for the 2017-18 NBA All-Defensive Teams, with a First Team vote counting for 2 points, and a Second Team vote counting for 1 point.

Check out the full results below:

First Team: Rudy Gobert (192), Anthony Davis (163), Victor Oladipo (136), Jrue Holiday (105), Robert Covington (90)

Second Team: Joel Embiid (90), Draymond Green (86), Al Horford (85), Dejounte Murray (80), Jimmy Butler (79)

Other players receiving votes: Chris Paul (74); Paul George (69); Giannis Antetokounmpo (43); Kevin Durant (31); Klay Thompson (24); Josh Richardson (22); Marcus Smart (18); Andre Roberson (17); Jaylen Brown (16); Ben Simmons (16); PJ Tucker (13); Kyle Lowry (7); Russell Westbrook (7); Danny Green (6); Luc Mbah a Moute (5); Ricky Rubio (4); Andre Drummond (3); Gary Harris (3); LaMarcus Aldridge (2); Al-Farouq Aminu (2); Avery Bradley (2); Steven Adams (1); Will Barton (1); Eric Bledsoe (1); Ed Davis (1); Derrick Favors (1); LeBron James (1); DeAndre Jordan (1); Damian Lillard (1); Donovan Mitchell (1); Fred VanVleet (1)

RELATED:
Mitchell, Simmons Voted Unanimous All-Rookie First Teamers

The post Gobert, Davis Lead All-Defensive First Team appeared first on SLAM.

The Timberwolves are headed to the playoffs, and they got there in riveting fashion. Hosting the Nuggets in what was essentially a play-in game, Minnesota led 99-91 late in the fourth quarter. Then Jamal Murray led a 10-2 run that forced overtime. But the Timberwolves kept the Nuggets off the board for the final 2:28 of OT as they hit free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Nikola Jokic scored 35 points, including 17 in the third quarter, to lead all scorers, while Jimmy Butler had 31 for Minnesota. Next up for the Timberwolves: the Houston Rockets.

CLAMPS. pic.twitter.com/sJBpmSGFh9

— x – Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 12, 2018

Thunder 137 (48-34), Grizzlies 123 (22-60)

Paul George scored 40 points and Russell Westbrook had 16 rebounds to lead the Thunder. Westbrook’s performance gave him a triple-double average for the season, making him the first player in NBA history to do that more than once in his career. Though he scored just six points on Wednesday, he had a career-high 20 boards and 19 assists. Dillon Brooks ended his rookie season with a 36-point performance. The Thunder will play the Jazz to start the postseason.

Rebound number 16 makes #Hist0ry pic.twitter.com/wuS0Bz0pz2

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 12, 2018

Celtics 110 (55-27), Nets 97 (28-54)

With the Celtics resting their regulars, Aron Baynes had himself a night, scoring 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Jonathan Gibson added 18 more off the bench. For the Nets, Alan Crabbe scored 16 and hit five threes to go with seven rebounds and three assists. The Celtics will face the 7 seed Bucks in the First Round.

Too easy for the pic.twitter.com/yxvy4jzNtz

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 12, 2018

Knicks 110 (29-53), Cavaliers 98 (50-32)

The Cavs dropped their final game of the regular season, but head into the playoffs with a clean slate after a turbulent campaign. John Holland had 21 points and Ante Zizic had 20 for Cleveland, which only played its regulars for a few minutes early on. Luke Kornet scored 23 for the Knicks. The Cavs draw the Pacers in the First Round.

Get ’em, @FrankLikina pic.twitter.com/9XgJhEVL2U

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 12, 2018

Heat 116 (44-38), Raptors 109 (59-23) (OT)

Wayne Ellington set the Heat’s single-season record with 227 threes on his way to 32 points Wednesday night. That helped Miami clinch the 6 seed in the East, which means they’ll visit Philadelphia to start the playoffs. Ellington’s final three came with just under 20 seconds in regulation to put Miami ahead, but the Raptors forced overtime on a Jakob Poeltl tip-in a few seconds later. The Heat never trailed in OT as they held on to defeat the No. 1  seed in the conference.

.@WayneElli22‘s record setting 226th 3-pointer this season! pic.twitter.com/HztnqXMIsW

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 12, 2018

Magic 101 (25-57), Wizards 92 (43-39)

The Wizards went just 5-25 in the fourth quarter and as a result dropped to the 8 seed in the East, forcing a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Rodney Purvis led the victorious Magic with 16 points in their final game of the season, while Jodie Meeks had 18 off the bench to lead all scorers.

WITH AUTHORITY, @BISMACKBIYOMBO! pic.twitter.com/VAdeIoaxR7

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 12, 2018

76ers 130 (52-30), Bucks 95 (44-38)

The Sixers led 46-18 after a quarter and never looked back, dismantling the Bucks even as Joel Embiid continues to sit out, recovering from injury. Justin Anderson had 25 points to lead Philly, which finished the regular season with 16 straight wins. Jabari Parker led the Bucks with 25 points.

Another put-back jam for pic.twitter.com/SpppxmA2UC

— x – Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 12, 2018

Pistons 119 (39-43), Bulls 87 (27-55)

Detroit won every quarter, opening up a 14-point lead after one and cruising to victory. Eric Moreland had 16 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks to lead the Pistons, and rookie Luke Kennard added 23 points. Lauri Markkanen had 20 to lead the Bulls as both teams ended disappointing seasons.

“Way to go get it, big fella” #PistonsNow pic.twitter.com/eomvoyXzHR

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 12, 2018

Pelicans 122 (48-34), Spurs 98 (47-35)

The Pelicans will head into the postseason with five straight wins, led by 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks from Anthony Davis. Rajon Rondo had 19 points and 14 assists to go with that. No player for the Spurs scored more than 11 points, a mark matched by LaMarcus Aldridge, Dejounte Murray, and Tony Parker. New Orleans will play Portland in the First Round and the Spurs will face Golden State.

Rondo AD (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/irTtqx5aZO

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 12, 2018

Lakers 115 (35-47), Clippers 100 (42-40)

Josh Hart scored 30 points on 7-9 three-point shooting as the Lakers won the battle of L.A. teams to close the season. Gary Payton II had 25 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. For the Clippers, Tobias Harris led the way with 23 points.

Josh Hart from WAY downtown! #LakeShow (: @SpectrumSN & @spectdeportes) pic.twitter.com/hQqxcbbj2S

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 12, 2018

Kings 96 (27-55), Rockets 83 (65-17)

With James Harden, Chris Paul, Clint Capela, and more sitting out, the Rockets couldn’t get much going against the Kings. Gerald Green did manage 31 points and hit seven threes, but seven Kings players scoring in double figures was too much. Willie Cauley-Stein led the Kings with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Buddy… (via @SacramentoKings) pic.twitter.com/pZfFCbiQ2o

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 12, 2018

Trail Blazers 102 (49-33), Jazz 93 (48-34)

The Blazers clinched the Northwest Division behind 36 points and 10 assists from Damian Lillard and 19 points from CJ McCollum. Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell each had 17 to lead the Blazers, who shot just 37 percent as a team.

How it’s been for Portland tonight (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/2K5hOlaeVG

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 12, 2018

The post Post Up: Timberwolves Earn Playoff Berth, Westbrook Makes History appeared first on SLAM.

Dejounte Murray is 21-years-old and has been summoned to replace a future Hall of Famer in Tony Parker as the starting point guard for the San Antonio Spurs.

Parker held the job when healthy from November 6, 2001 until January 21, 2018.

But that merely scratches the surface.

A dynasty that has spanned two decades, hung five banners in the rafters, and resulted in nineteen 50-or-more win seasons, is currently at a crossroads. Tim Duncan is gone. Parker and Manu Ginobili will soon follow. For the first time in awhile, the Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives in the final weeks of the regular season.

The burden now falls on players like Murray to ensure the torch remains lit as it is passed – To prolong the success of one of the most dominant empires in not just basketball, but all of sports history.

Yes, the task is daunting, especially for someone who graduated high school only a few years ago. But Murray isn’t afraid of it.

And Spurs fans worried about the future can find comfort in this: Dejounte Murray is all in.

—

—

Alex Squadron is an Associate News Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @asquad510.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Dejounte Murray Won’t Settle For Anything But Greatness appeared first on SLAM.

Joel Embiid caught a ridiculous dunk over Russell Westbrook in the first quarter of tonight’s matchup in OKC. He stared Westbrook down before running back on defense. Russ answered with a vicious dunk of his own before the first half was over. Then he went to work in the second half. He had 23 points and 9 assists in the third and fourth quarter, finishing the game with 37, 13 dimes and 9 rebounds. And he had one last message to deliver to Embiid as time expired.

Russ grilled the hell outta Embiid at the end of the game (via @bleacherreport) pic.twitter.com/cTXDq9O3My

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 29, 2018

Bucks 110 (26-22), Bulls 96 (18-32)

The Bucks build a 23-point lead on the strength of 27 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists from Giannis Antetokounmpo. He got help from Khris Middleton‘s 20 points, too. The Bucks are 3-0 since they fired Jason Kidd.

Rockets 113 (35-13), Suns 102 (17-33)

There were six ties and five lead changes in this game before the Rockets took control by winning the third quarter 32-24. “We won, but it wasn’t pretty,” James Harden said after the game. He 27 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, outlasting 31 points and 10 dimes from Devin Booker.

Clippers 112 (25-24), Pelicans 103 (27-22)

The Pelicans had a 21-point first half lead but they lost it in the third quarter, when they got outscored by 14 points. Blake Griffin and Lou Williams came up huge, registering a combined 49 points. Anthony Davis had 25 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists in the Pels’ first game since DeMarcus Cousins got injured.

Cavaliers 121 (29-19), Pistons 104 (22-26)

The Cavs have their first two-game win streak since mid December thanks to a balance team effort. LeBron James had 25, 14 assists and 8 rebounds, Kevin Love added 20 points and 11 rebounds, JR Smith had 15 points, Isaiah Thomas contributed 14 points and 7 assists and Jae Crowder chipped in with 12 points. The Pistons have lost eight in a row.

Raptors 123 (33-15), Lakers 111 (19-30)

The Raptors dominated the boards, grabbing 53 rebounds. Kyle Lowry led the team, pulling down 11 rebounds to go along with his 14 points. DeMar DeRozan had 19 points, as well, but it was Fred VanVleet’s night. The second-year pro came off the bench to score a career-best 25 points.

Spurs 113 (33-19), Kings 98 (15-34)

Bryn Forbes came off the bench, scoring 23 points. He was backed up by 15 points from both LaMarcus Aldridge and Manu Ginobili. Pau Gasol and Dejounte Murray also scored 14 points a piece.

The post Post Up: The Brodie Goes Off Against The Process appeared first on SLAM.

Boogie had been averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per contest, helping to lead New Orleans to a 27-21 start and sixth place in the West. He was voted a starter for February’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.

The NBA family reacted to the devastating news on social media:

My dawg!! Tough to see bro but I know you gonna come back stronger than ever. We gone hold it down for you!! #Pels #Brothers pic.twitter.com/BLCs07ZdrH

— Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) January 27, 2018

Thoughts out to @boogiecousins! Hope you good big fella.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 27, 2018

My prayers go out to @boogiecousins

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 27, 2018

prayers up to @boogiecousins. hate to see that happen. come back stronger and better.

— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) January 27, 2018

Damn man . Prayers up cur cuz @boogiecousins . Speedy recovery my G.

— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) January 27, 2018

Praying hard for my brother @boogiecousins right now!!! God’s got you fam

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 27, 2018

Damn bruh!!!!! I’m sick to my stomach with the news about my lil bro @boogiecousins PRAYERS UP!!! You will be back stronger bro!!!

— Garrett Temple (@GTemp14) January 27, 2018

Prayers going up for @boogiecousins, speedy and healthy recovery big fella!!!Never want to see that.

— DeAndre Jordan (@DeAndre) January 27, 2018

Prayers go out for @boogiecousins…Stay positive through this man!

— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) January 27, 2018

Stay Strong Big Dawg, You A Monster And Dont Let This Break You, All Love @boogiecousins

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) January 27, 2018

Prayers up to truly one of the realist and best we got in the association @boogiecousins

— 7even (@iAmSJ) January 27, 2018

Prayers up @boogiecousins

— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) January 27, 2018

Get better soon, Boogie!

RELATED
DeMarcus Cousins Hangs 44-24-10 on the Bulls

The post NBA Players React to DeMarcus Cousins’ Season-Ending Injury appeared first on SLAM.

When De’Aaron Fox left the Kings’ game early on Tuesday with an abdominal injury, Garrett Temple was forced to step up. He did that and more, dropping a career-high 34 points (on 14-of-17 shooting) to lead Sacramento to a much-needed W. Willie Cauley-Stein was dominant down low, posting 21 points and nine rebounds to go with five blocks. George Hill — who has been involved in trade rumors lately — was a DNP-CD.

Garrett Temple dropped a casual career-high 34 points to lead the Kings past Orlando (via @SacramentoKings) pic.twitter.com/wAhBCPDt6L

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 24, 2018

Evan Fournier led the Magic with 22 points, followed closely behind by Elfrid Payton (21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists). Orlando’s biggest issue was turnovers, as the Magic committed 17 of them. Aaron Gordon (16 points, 12 rebounds) struggled with his shot and accounted for seven of those Orlando miscues.

Thunder 109 (27-20), Nets 108 (18-30)

Brooklyn used a big second quarter to build a double-digit lead over Oklahoma City, but the trio of Russ (32 points), Paul George (28 points, 9 rebounds) and Raymond Felton (14 points in 17 minutes) helped the Thunder fight back and take a late lead. Then, with the shot clock off and the Nets down 107-106, Spencer Dinwiddie (13 points, 7 assists) took it right at Carmelo Anthony for a go-ahead layup. However, he left almost seven seconds on the clock which was more than enough for Russ.

Too tough (via @okcthunder) pic.twitter.com/sEYLme7tbU

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 24, 2018

There was still some time left for Brooklyn to tie and win it, though, but Dinwiddie was locked up by Andre Roberson and his game-winning three fell short. OKC has now won five in a row. Joe Harris (19 points on 5-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc) paced the Nets while Jarrett Allen posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Spurs 114 (31-18), Cavaliers 102 (27-19)

On a night when a lot of the attention was (deservedly) given to LeBron for reaching the 30,000-point milestone, the Cavaliers’ defense was porous yet again as the Spurs shot 50 percent from the field and were able to stay at arm’s length away from Cleveland all game. LaMarcus Aldridge — fresh off being named to his sixth All-Star team — was unstoppable, scoring a game-high 30 points on an efficient 18 shots. In fact, all five of San Antonio’s starters reached double figures.

19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 steals for @DejounteMurray tonight.

pic.twitter.com/IlCe4KrkUL

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 24, 2018

Dejounte Murray, the Spurs’ new starting point guard, also had a big night. The sophomore is taking over for Tony Parker at the helm of Gregg Popovich’s offensive attack and just might be the next incredible San Antonio find. LeBron (28 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) was his usual self but committed five turnovers and wasn’t too efficient. Cleveland’s 18 turnovers allowed the Spurs to take 24 more field goal attempts.

Warriors 123 (38-10), Knicks 110 (21-27)

The good news for the Knicks is that they played really well for around the first 21 minutes of Tuesday’s game. The bad news is they played the Warriors so when they let up toward the end of the first half and beginning of the second, the Dubs took advantage and never looked back.

Golden State scored 74 points combined in the second and third quarters to grab control of this one from a Knicks team without both Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle O’Quinn. Steph Curry (32 points, 7 assists) overcame a slow start to have a big game while Kevin Durant (14 points, 14 assists) took on more of a distributor role as the night went on. The 14 dimes were a career-high for KD. GSW’s passing was also incredible — the Warriors assisted a remarkable 40 of their 46 made shots.

@StephenCurry30 out here with those fancy passes! pic.twitter.com/Id9VkdiC3E

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 24, 2018

Michael Beasley, continuing to take advantage of any playing time he gets, scored 21 points on 15 shots while Courtney Lee (20 points) was locked in from the perimeter. But the defensive lapses New York had against a lethal Warriors team were just too debilitating to recover from.

Lakers 108 (18-29), Celtics 107 (34-14)

Kyle Kuzma might be breaking out of his shooting slump. The rookie led LA’s huge third quarter comeback effort, scoring 28 points in 27 minutes off the bench on 10-of-16 shooting (with 5 threes). It was a well-rounded game for him too, with some slick passes and key rebounds and, most importantly, 0 turnovers.

Point Kuz!!! (via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/WE5CIDsiLg

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 24, 2018

But it wasn’t a one-man show, as Julius Randle (14 points, 14 rebounds) outplayed All-Star Al Horford down the stretch and made some huge plays in the paint. Jordan Clarkson (22 points) was equally impactful. With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum struggling, Kyrie Irving (33 points) had to shoulder much of the offensive load.

With that said, this was a one-point game in the final seconds after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed a pair of free throws — the Lakers went just 21-for-36 at the line, allowing Boston to hang around down the stretch. Instead of Kyrie trying to make a play, though, Marcus Smart (22 points, 8 assists) took a three for the win which hit the front rim and backboard before harmlessly bouncing out. The loss was Boston’s fourth in a row (and LA’s third-straight win).

The post Post Up: Close Calls appeared first on SLAM.

Parker was benched Sunday in favor of second-year point guard Dejounte Murray.

The #Spurs passing of the torch from Tony Parker to Dejounte Murray happened without fanfare, just a simple conversation between the future Hall of Famer and Pop before Sunday's game … https://t.co/7FPkRF4ZtK

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 22, 2018

The future Hall of Famer says he will graciously pass the torch along.

Per The Express-News:

“I think it’s time,” Popovich said.

 

“No problem,” Parker replied.

 

And with that simple exchange, the Spurs unceremoniously made a change at point guard, benching their future Hall of Famer in favor of second-year pro Dejounte Murray.

 

“Just like Manu (Ginobili), just like Pau (Gasol), you know that day is going to come,” Parker said after the Spurs’ 94-86 loss to the Indiana Pacers. “If Pop sees something that is good for the team, I will try to do my best…I will support Pop’s decision, and I will try to help DJ as best as I can and try to be the best I can in that second unit with Manu and Patty (Mills).”

The post Tony Parker Loses Starting Point Guard Role appeared first on SLAM.

Nate Robinson, Baron Davis and Rachel Demita have been tapped to host the live-streams together. Demita, who’s been the host of NBA 2K TV since 2014, will be on the mic for each week and she’ll be joined by either Robinson or Davis, who will take turns hosting each week.

We caught up with Robinson, the three-time NBA Dunk Contest champ, to talk about #TheDebut, the new sneakers that he’s been feeling, Isaiah Thomas in Cleveland, keeping his NBA dream alive and the announcement that he’ll be playing in the BIG3.

SLAM: What will your role be with #TheDebut?

Nate Robinson: Interaction with the fans, commentating with the games. Pretty similar to what you see with what Reggie Miller does. Basically calling the game, getting kid’s input on the coverage of the game. How do they feel about certain things, interacting on Twitter.

SLAM: So you’re going to be all business on the air, like Reggie or Kenny Smith?

NR: I’m going to add my own creativity for sure. But for me, it’s always going to be high energy. When something cool happens, if someone gets posterized, you know I gotta step out of my seat and give the crowd what they want. So you know, just getting that energy and giving the crowd what they want, to give it back to them, I think that everyone’s going to have a good time. On top of top, interacting with the fans. Anything to get the fans going and rocking.

SLAM: What does this kind of opportunity do for the kids that are going to be playing?

NR: I’m just jealous that I didn’t get the opportunity to be able to have my high school games broadcast like this. I would’ve gave people a great, great show. But for them, they get exposure. They get their name out there. People know who you are. Back in the day, when we were in high school, nobody knew. You had to be there. Here, they get the opportuneity to broadcast their stuff all over the world. Everybody can see it.

SLAM: You’ve seen a lot of great NBA players when they were in high school. Growing up out there in the Northwest, you got to see Jamal Crawford, Isaiah Thomas, Dejounte Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Brandon Roy and of course yourself. Who do you think had the nastiest high school career out of those guys?

NR: That’s tough because I was there when Jamal scored 43 in the state championships. I was watching Isaiah Thomas kill Franklin. He had 50-something in the tournament. But two players that I’ve seen and that I’ve played with were Lodrick and Rodrick Stewart. They played at USC. People won’t know who they are. But they were top ranked guys, next to LeBron James in high school. They were the best in the West coast. And nobody ever heard of them. We didn’t have a platform like what you guys are getting right here.

SLAM: Are they playing overseas now?

NR: One just had a new son, Lodrick. And Rodrick, he’s in the community here in Washington, helping the youth. Him and his other brother are coaches. They’re in the community doing great things. It would’ve just been good for people to actually know who they are. From what I seen with my eyes, them being in high school, the things that they were doing. Jumping over people, between the legs, reverse, behind-the-back. And I got to see that. And it was pretty cool that I got to play with two of the best players in the country on my team.

SLAM: Will you and Baron get on the court at all, do any light work out there?

NR: I don’t know, but whatever it is that we can feed off the fans. We’re just going to play it by how the fans are feeding off of us.

SLAM: It was just announced that you’re going to be playing in the BIG3. Have you heard of anyone else that’s also signing up to play?

NR: I’m not sure if BD played, but he’s playing. He has my guy, Carlos Boozer, playing. I heard Big Baby Davis is playing. He saw me put my name in so he got in. I want the guys to come back and play, guys like Kobe. It’d be cool to see Kobe, Paul Pierce. Old school guys like that. They really can still ball if they want to play three-on-three. That’d be cool.

SLAM: You’ve got to be pretty excited, right?

NR: I’m very excited. I wouldn’t say that I’m upset that I can’t show my talents in the NBA, which I want to do. Hopefully again one day because I’m in great shape. But I just want to give the fans what they want to see. I want to give that to myself. I want to give them the gift of playing hard, having fun, making shots, playing defense, blocking shots, dunking. I want to give them what they want to see. I talked to Ice Cube and he’s excited. It’s going to be fun, man.

SLAM: Where does all that passion you play with come from?

NR: I watched my mom. My mom is a one-foot dynamite. She’s a little lady, but she packs a mean punch. But her energy, as a kid, watching her raise three children on her own. Or work three, four jobs, not complain about nothing. Just go. Being a parent now I have so much more respect for her. So I play with that same fire. I’ve learned from the best person in the world to learn from, from a little lady. She’s the people’s champ here. Everybody loves my mom.

SLAM: Have you been talking to Isaiah Thomas throughout the season?

NR: Not really. Zeke, once he’s focused and he’s into his craft, he’s locked in. That Mamba Mentality. He has that. The Force is strong with him.

SLAM: You’re a real big sneakerhead. Are there any new joints that have caught your eye?

NR: Yeah, man, the new Russell Westbrooks. He had some blue ones on that were unbelievable. Those new Westbrooks, those are one of my favorites. Those and the Kyrie Irvings. The new 4s. Me and my son waited in line to go buy those, just because. Uncle Drew, what he’s doing, I just love him. I love his game. I love his sneakers. He’s making them affordable for kids to actually go and get a couple of pairs.

SLAM: He didn’t hook you up with the plug? You’re in the Uncle Drew movie.

NR: Nah, he had a pair for everybody. These are the ones that I wanted, had to go buy them with my kid.

—

See below for #TheDebut’s full schedule, tipping off this Friday:

Jan. 19 – Spartanburg vs. Shannon Forest Christian (SC)
Jan. 20 – Vermont vs. Tilton (VT)
Jan. 23 – Apple Valley vs. Lakeville South (MN)
Jan. 25 – Simeon vs. Curie (IL)
Jan. 27 – Montverde Academy vs. TBD
Feb. 2 – IMG Academy v Florida Prep (FL)
Feb. 8 – Windward v Crossroads (CA)
Feb. 23 – Findlay Prep vs AZ Compass (NV)

The post Nate Robinson Talks BIG3, Kyrie Irving’s Sneakers and Gatorade’s #TheDebut appeared first on SLAM.

The Magic opened up a 17-point lead in the first quarter. But even without Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) and Tim Hardaway Jr (left leg injury), the Knicks fought back into the game, taking a 3-point lead and forcing four ties and ten lead changes.

The Magic eventually gained control of the game, keeping the Knicks at arms-distance, thanks to 34 points and 12 rebounds from Nik Vucevic. Michael Beasley led the Knicks with 21 points.

Warriors 123 (18-6), Heat 95 (11-12)

As they’re known to do, the Warriors used a deadly third quarter to beat the Heat. The Dubs held just a two-point lead at the half. By the time the third quarter clock had run out, they were up by 22. Stephen Curry had 30 points and Kevin Durant added 24 points and 7 assists.

Shaun Livingston got ejected in the second quarter after he and referee Courtney Kirkland butted heads.

Timberwolves 112 (14-10), Clippers 106 (8-14)

Jimmy Butler played savior tonight for the Wolves, who were fending off a pesky Clippers squad. Butler had 20 points in the fourth. He finished with 33 points, narrowly outgunning Austin Rivers, who scored a season-high 30 points for L.A.

After Rivers dropped his seventh three-pointer of the night, Butler took over, scoring 9 straight points for Minnesota.

Thunder 90 (10-12), Spurs 87 (15-8)

Kawhi Leonard didn’t play. LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t play. Tony Parker didn’t play. Manu Ginobili didn’t play. And the Spurs almost beat the Thunder, in OKC.

All ten Spurs that got into the game scored at least 4 points, led by Dejounte Murray‘s 17. Murray led the Spurs in rebounding and assists, too, pulling down 11 boards and handing out 5 assists.

The Spurs locked up and held OKC to 27 percent three-point shooting. They only shot 28 percent from distance but the silver & black controlled the game’s momentum, making it a slugfest.

Russell Westbrook had his seventh triple-double of the season with 22/10/10. The Thunder survived to get the win after Brandon Paul missed a potentially game-tying three-pointer from the left wing.

Rockets 118 (18-4), Lakers 95 (8-15)

James Harden had a light 36 points and 9 assists tonight, consistently carving up the Lakers defense to finish with 13-22 shooting. Eric Gordon had 22 and Chris Paul had 21. Harden helped the Rockets score 54 points in the paint that resulted in a 24-point lead. Tonight marked the seventh time that Harden has scored at least 30 points this season.

The post Post Up: Relax and Take Notes appeared first on SLAM.

After getting blown out by the Raptors on Saturday, the Sixers notched their first W of the season behind Ben Simmons’ first career triple-double.

Simmons became just the third rookie to record a triple-double during his first four games, tallying 21 points (8-11 shooting), 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

He’s a beast and the clear favorite to win the ROY.

Hawks 93 (1-3), Heat 104 (2-1)

Atlanta is one of the worst teams in the League, but credit to them for battling all the way back from a 21-point second half deficit.

Josh Richardson had himself a night with 21 points on 8-17 shooting.

Grizzlies 98 (3-0), Rockets 90 (3-1)

Despite losing a number of core players, Memphis has been fantastic to start the season.

Of course, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are balling out, but the entire team is out-hustling and out-working their opponents.

Mario Chalmers, one of the team’s new additions over the summer, fits in perfectly. He and James Harden got into it during a crucial moment in the fourth.

Harden vs Chalmers pic.twitter.com/ReGeXXeEHa

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2017

Hornets 94 (1-2), Bucks 103 (3-1)

The Giannis-for-MVP campaign is headed full steam ahead. His 34 points pushed him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points (through 4 games) for the Bucks.

The Greek Freak's 147 points through 4 games are the most in @Bucks history, passing @KAJ33's total of 146 (1970-71). #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/v7xDp5e8Jq

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 24, 2017

Khris Middleton contributed 20 points and one huge block, as Milwaukee was able to hold onto the lead.

Khris Middleton is doing it all rn (via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/LaBhWCpBmD

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2017

Warriors 133 (2-2), Mavs 103 (0-4)

Golden State got back to their winning ways with an absolute layup against the Mavs.

The Warriors led the entire game, and by as much as 31.

After being fined $50K for chucking his mouthguard at a referee, Stephen Curry led the way with 29 points and 8 assists.

Oh, and Steve Kerr had to apologize to Rick Carlisle after the game for Jordan Bell’s off-the-backboard breakaway dunk with the Ws up 25.

Jordan Bell's swagger is on a hundred, thousand, TRILLION! (via @warriors) pic.twitter.com/hSoB8f1Zi4

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2017

Raptors 97 (2-1), Spurs 101 (3-0)

No Kawhi, no problem so far for San Antonio. The Spurs handed Toronto their first loss of the season behind 16 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists by Dejounte Murray.

In the second scuffle of the night, LaMarcus Adridge and Serge Ibaka went at it. And you’re right—this wasn’t the first time the two have knocked heads.

Aldridge vs Ibaka pic.twitter.com/sS3vWCiovD

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2017

Wizards 109 (3-0), Nuggets 104 (1-2)

Washington started a four-game road trip with a close win against the Nuggets.

Despite a dismal shooting night (3-13), John Wall managed to drop 19 points with 12 assists.

Wall read this play like a book (via @WashWizards) https://t.co/w2QN1b4dqd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2017

Kings 115 (1-3), Suns 117 (1-3)

After being absolutely pummeled in their first three games, Phoenix pulled off their first win of the season.

Sure, it was against the lowly Kings, but with Earl Watson, Eric Bledsoe and several assistant coaches no longer a part of the team, getting a win meant a lot for the Suns.

Devin Booker led the way with 22 points and 5 assists in just 28 minutes.

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Malcolm Brogdon and Dario Saric were unanimous selections, with Rookie of the Year frontrunner Joel Embiid, Buddy Hield and Willy Hernangomez rounding out the rest of the First Team.

It’s the first time that four players born outside of the United States have made the All-Rookie First Team.

Congrats to @Dariosaric and @JoelEmbiid on making the @NBA All-Rookie First Team! » https://t.co/X6kz1HIjBH pic.twitter.com/SfajQ5wfBk

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 26, 2017

Check out the full results of the 2016-17 NBA All-Rookie Team voting (total points in parentheses):

2016-17 NBA ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM

Malcolm Brogdon (200)
Dario Saric (200)
Joel Embiid (171)
Buddy Hield (154)
Willy Hernangomez (128)

2016-17 NBA ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM

Jamal Murray (123)
Jaylen Brown (106)
Marquese Chriss (91)
Brandon Ingram (83)
Yogi Ferrell (63)

Other players receiving votes, with point totals (first-place votes in parentheses): Rodney McGruder, 61 (7); Caris LeVert, 36 (2); Domantas Sabonis, 19 (4); Tyler Ulis, 10 (1); Patrick McCaw, 8; Skal Labissiere, 7 (1); Kris Dunn, 5; Juancho Hernangomez, 5; Taurean Prince, 5; Isaiah Whitehead, 5; Alex Abrines, 4; Davis Bertans, 3; Dejounte Murray, 3; Thon Maker, 3; Andrew Harrison, 2; Fred VanVleet, 1; Dragan Bender, 1; DeAndre’ Bembry, 1; Jakob Poeltl, 1; Malcolm Delaney, 1.

RELATED:
Joel Embiid Says He’s the Rookie of the Year

The post Joel Embiid, Dario Saric Headline 2016-17 NBA All-Rookie Teams appeared first on SLAM.

With ESPN’s Paul Biancardi serving as director for the camp, the 2017 version in Indy was just as legit in the talent department. Amare Stoudemire’s old trainer, Terry Drake, put the campers through skill development sessions that will certainly be lasting. Players came from 31 different states and even Canada. All-star games were played in a round-robin tournament fashion. ESPN, Rivals, Scout, and over a dozen mixtape outlets were in the building. The invite-only event offered scouting services a glimpse at more than 250 players, many of which had never played on the national level and are due to blow up very quickly.

Here are a few of the top players who caught our eye at the 2017 CrossRoads Elite Invitational:

Jalen Johnson, 6-6, SF, Sun Prarie (WI), 2020

Undoubtedly the top player in the event, Jalen Johnson straight up stole the show. He played all three perimeter positions, always had his head on a swivel, and consistently made pinpoint passes ahead of the D. The 6-6 point forward played the game at his own speed and simply controlled the tempo all throughout the weekend in Indy. With that said, it should come as no surprise that Wisconsin has already put a scholarship on the table for this emerging sophomore and he’ll be visiting UNC in September.

Isaiah Jackson, 6-8, PF, Lutheran Northwest (MI), 2020

One of those players commonly referred to as ‘all arms and legs,’ Isaiah Jackson’s best days of basketball are certainly far ahead of him. The lanky forward showed off great hands, had a number of punishing dunks, and even showed some skills handling the rock in the open court. The package of size, ability, and mobility that Isaiah brings to the table makes him one of the best in Michigan’s 2020 class.

Jalen Terry, 6-0, PG, Flint Beecher, 2020

Possibly the most explosive guard in the camp, Jalen Terry showed the hype was a mixtape waiting to happen. He showed off great burst, was liable to cross just about anyone up, and had no problem banging out once he got to the rim. Balling at Iowa State guard Monte Morris’ alma mater, word out of Michigan is that Terry is already better than the potential NBA Draft pick was at the same stage, so he’s definitely one to look out for.

MarJon Beauchamp, 6-5, SG, Seattle Garfield (WA), 2020

One of the biggest sleepers from the pacific northwest, MarJon Beauchamp looks like he’s next up out of Seattle. Making the move from Yakima to follow Brandon Roy at Garfield, Beauchamp definitely has some Dejounte Murray in him. The slithery combo guard has a deceptive handle to break people down, can shoot it from deep, and uses his length to create havoc on both ends of the court. Beauchamp is already on UW’s radar and playing for Garfield, that offer should be coming sooner rather than later.

Chet Holmgren, 6-8, SF/PF, Minnehaha Academy (MN), 2021

Playing alongside arguably the nation’s best freshman (6’3 PG Jalen Suggs), Chet Holmgren seems to be next in line in the Twin Cities. He is still incredibly skinny, but was the best big shooter that the camp offered–as seen by the 5 threes that he dropped in one game. Holmgren certainly needs to bulk up but his intriguing package of skills and the fact that he still got some growing left (his pops is a 7-footer who played for Minnesota) makes him one of the better long-term prospects in the camp.

Allen Udemadu, 6-9, PF, Christian Life Center (TX), 2020

There may not be a player on this list who has improved more in the last year than Allen Udemadu. Running with Carlos Williams’ We All Can Go on the AAU circuit, the program has produced the likes of Marvin Bagley, Darius Garland, Zion Harmon and more. Udemadu has a chance to be next in line. The 6-9 combo forward shot the ball well out to the three, had quite a few impressive dunks, and utilized his length to block a ton of shots. A native of Nigeria, Udemadu already owns a half dozen D1 scholarship offers and should only gain more after his performance at Crossroads.

Martice Mitchell, 6-8, PF, Bloom Township (IL), 2020

Despite playing right outside of the CHI, not too many people are aware of the special talent that resides in Bloom Township. The wiry forward showed off a diverse package of skills, creating mismatches and shooting the lights out with his Steph Curry release from the chin. It shouldn’t be long before D1 programs are aware of the long term potential that Martice possesses.

Chris Hodges, 6-7, PF/C, Schaumburg (IL), 2021

A bit of a throwback big man, Hodges controlled the paint despite playing against players a year older than him. He finished everything in the paint, showed legit footwork on the block, and definitely had a frame that had serious potential to fill out. Chris was arguably the best freshman at the event and will only get better running with a well established program like the Illinois Wolves on the circuit.

The post 2017 CrossRoads Elite Invitational Camp Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Crucial among them is whether to break up the trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

Paul, 32, could sign a five-year super max extension with the Clippers worth roughly $205 million during the offseason.

Should the extension talks turn sour, however, CP3 might give the Spurs a serious look. ESPN’s Zach Lowe, on a podcast this week, suggested that there is “mutual interest” between the parties.