He asked that the current players at Simeon, his alma mater, be included in the shoot. And
not just the varsity squad—freshman and JV, too. And, so, after we finished solo shots with Rose, about 40-ish teenagers arrived to join the Bulls legend in a media day-type set up that included photo and video stations. Except, when they first arrived, they had no idea what they were about to partake in. 

Looking to surprise the kids, Rose’s team and Simeon varsity head coach Tim Flowers, who was Rose’s teammate and starting center when both played for the Wolverines in the mid 2000s, decided not to tell the players in advance why they were being asked to come down to the school on a Saturday afternoon. After Rose was done with his solo shots, he walked up to a classroom where the players had been asked to gather and surprised them with a visit. Rose made sure to go around the room and individually dap up every single player before stopping at the center of the classroom and delivering an impromptu, off-the-dome speech. A raw and candid talk with them about life, mistakes, obstacles and the challenges that they’re facing in the South Side of Chicago, all of which he could relate to.    

All of this to say, Rose’s post-playing career is primed to make an even bigger impact in the world than the one wearing a basketball jersey ever did. Or at least that’s definitely the goal,
as you’ll read below. This chapter of Rose’s life is about stepping out of the comfort zone and entering industries and sectors that once didn’t even seem likely or a match for him. And, so, we thought it was only right that we delivered our interview with the superstar to the world unfiltered, in Q&A format, for everyone to take in directly from Rose, as he looked back at his historic career while also looking ahead into the future.

SLAM: Aside from your social media post, your retirement announcement involved a letter to the game of basketball that ran in newspapers in all the markets you played in. Can you walk us through the thought process behind deciding to announce your retirement in that unique manner? 

Derrick Rose: I feel like it was a team effort. You know, when I first made the decision, of course, I told my two friends, Randall [Hampton] and Maddie [Ornstil] about it and they’re [now] working on my team with me. And Maddie mentioned, What about the newspaper? I didn’t answer right away. That’s something we kept ideating on, and it came together great. But we wanted to give something that was tangible for the fans to actually go out and purchase. Something to have, like a time stamp. I’m a collector now, but I know people that’ve been following my career for numerous years. I know they would’ve loved the opportunity to be a part of that moment. So, putting something out like that into the world, [that’s] tangible and giving you the old-school feel of how things used to be—like the fabric of things back in the day. 

SLAM: Your IG caption for the announcement read: “The psychological assumption automatically provides the means to fulfill the dream desire.” Why did you decide to go with that line for your announcement caption and how would you say that statement relates to your own personal journey?

DR: That’s something that I wrote on my mirror [and] I look at every day. It’s whatever you think you are or whatever you think of, you can actually become it or manifest it. So, it’s just a reminder. I got like five to eight quotes on my mirror that remind me every day. But that one is number one because in order for me to fulfill my dream and desire, it has to be on [my] mind constantly. It has to be an obsession. It has to be intrusive. You can’t just love it, you have to be obsessed with it. And I feel like this process right now is not only me, but my team being obsessed with the journey, the challenge, and just pushing each other to be great. So, we have a goal, [but] I don’t want to say the goal right now, but we have a goal and we have a vision that we’re going to complete. But there’s no point of my stating it right now when we still got a lot of work to do. 

SLAM: Where is that mirror located?

DR: It’s my personal mirror, my bathroom mirror. And I just started that like a few months ago…Like two months ago, recently…Just something that I heard through somebody. It was through a lecture or something like that. And I just tried it just to see how it would work. My wife was looking at me crazy, my kids were looking at me crazy, but, yeah, just pushing myself to be uncomfortable and living in the unknown. 

SLAM: You signed off your retirement letter by saying that the game will always be a part of you, no matter where life takes you. How do you anticipate the game will continue to be a part of you in your post-playing days? 

DR: I feel like being from Chicago is already ingrained in me. I gave my all to the game. That’s one of the reasons I could step away and be happy with stepping away and not feel any resentment or feel down about it. My son plays, my youngest son plays and it’s really me tailor-making their schedule, however I see it’s fit for them. Like, both of my kids play, but I don’t push them to actually go out there. I give them the opportunity to voice their opinion on certain things. So, we’re on the court, You don’t like this drill, what you want to do? And that relationship, it helps a lot with me and PJ, and with my youngest, him seeing PJ work out, too. So, basketball is always going to be a part of my life in general. But my goal, when these years pass, and I keep telling Maddie and Randall this, I want to remove myself from that imagery—where 20, 30 years down the line, I want young guys that play here or when I go visit places, I want them to not know that I played basketball at all because I want to keep completing my goals, and that’s to become a businessman and really to boss up in every area.

SLAM: Are there hobbies or personal interests that you’ve now been able to dedicate time to post-retirement that you maybe didn’t have time to do during your playing days? 

DR: It’s a lot to do with that camera right there. Figuring out if I want to be a director or producer, figuring out the difference between the two, because I always thought that they were the same. But I feel like I’m heading toward the director side, really catching the eye. I feel like I’ve put in the work, I’ve put in tens of thousands of hours in watching documentaries and films, weird docs and great docs. And now it’s all about taking the courage to actually be behind the camera and to voice my opinion. I feel like that’d be the hardest challenge. I’ve also been playing a lot of chess and hopefully somewhere down the line within the next couple of weeks, I’ll ink a chess deal [and] you’ll be hearing about it pretty soon.

SLAM: Where and when did that passion for storytelling originate? 

DR: I will say toward the end of my career, like five or six years ago, knowing that, first, I was into history. I then went from history to me questioning myself, Would you ever think about putting out a doc or putting out stories that are in books that people really don’t tell? And it went from that to me actually getting a camera, me being behind a camera, me being so uncomfortable being behind the camera, talking, multitasking, while I’m behind the camera, and trying to put it all together and being uncomfortable. That’s what I love about just holding a camera. How cool would it have been if it was Michael Jordan or Magic or Michael Jackson behind the camera and it was them shooting everything? It would make the doc a little bit more special, I feel like, instead of them having a crew to shoot it. You hear their voice, the little mess-ups, the errors, everything. I just love raw footage. 

SLAM: You mentioned you enjoy history. Is that something that developed while studying at Simeon or later in life? 

DR: As I got older, it came from my mom. The love of history came from my mom because my mom is big into history, not knowing that I would love it somewhere down the line. But with me figuring out who I was through self- knowledge, self-revelation and self-identity—figuring those three keys out—I started to realize, like, Hey, I’m obsessed with this. I just don’t love it, I’m obsessed with it. I started to cry about certain things that I read. I started to look up or daydream about certain things that I read. And at that moment, that’s how I knew that I was really passionate for it. So, it’s about now translating that over to what that looks like with me finding my eye for certain films or certain things that I want to shoot. And the next step is having the courage to put that out there to present it to the world.

SLAM: I’m sure you’ve had some time to reflect on your playing career over the past couple of months. Looking back, what would you say were your top three on-court moments? 

DR: I would say [winning] MVP. My first game as a rookie. And the third one would be the 50-point game in Minnesota. In that order. 

SLAM: Similarly, having had some time to reflect, what would you say is the biggest life lesson you took away from your playing days that you can now pass on and teach the kids at Simeon? 

DR: I would say to cherish the moment. When you look up the definition of cherish, it means to protect, too. Not only to remember, but to protect. All my best friends that went here, we still talk about Simeon to this day. And now that I’m thinking about it, that’s something that we protected in a way, where, for one, you’re not going to say anything crazy about Simeon when we are around. But also knowing that we now have people in powerful spots here, so that’s our way of being on the ground, always having somebody nearby to protect it. And just knowing that these days, you can’t get them back.

If I could tell the kids, I wish that I could have held on to the memories a little bit more because it was a blur. You win the first [MVP award], that’s already out the window. You want to get to the second [MVP]. I wish I would’ve cherished that first one a little bit more. I wish I would’ve took more pictures, I wish I would’ve had videos. I wish I would have just held on to it. 

SLAM: A big portion of your retirement ceremony weekend will be dedicated to community initiatives around Chicago and local kids. Can you tell us more about some of the initiatives you’d like to do on the community front moving forward? 

DR: For one, coming back here [to Simeon], we’re doing an all-star game event here. This came from—when we were in high school, on this random day, Cam’ron and Dipset had a game here, and it was unexpected. We were about to go home. We didn’t have practice [that day] and to see them pull up in Range Rovers—pink Range Rovers—back there and just had everybody come back to the school, pack out the gym and watch them hoop. I didn’t think of the idea, but Randall ended up asking me, Man, what do you think if we did something like that? And it was a no brainer, we for sure have to do that, but [this time] we’re going to play in it. 

It’s about activations, collaborating with the Bulls and Sloomoo, the slime company, and other partners, to move around the city and make it a real all-star weekend experience.  

SLAM: If 36-year-old Derrick Rose could have a conversation with 22-year-old Derrick Rose, what would you say to him? 

DR: Be patient. When I was younger, I always kept the mindset of like, keep it moving. I call it KIM: keep it moving. And once again, I didn’t cherish those moments because I’m thinking, like, Ah, I won one MVP, next year I’m about to win another one. I’m about to win three or four more. I’m about to win the championship. So, I don’t got time to really celebrate because you hear all the time, once you achieve something, you can’t really bask in it that long. If you do, you’re going to miss out on the next opportunity. I always kept the mindset of, like, keep it moving. But at the same time, looking back at it [now], [I would suggest] just enjoying it. Going to dinner, going to concerts more, events. Really, throwing myself into the matrix. But at that time, I wasn’t ready for that…It was the little things that I overlooked. My third or fourth year—I think it was my fourth year—that’s when I saw Kobe kind of relax. Once I saw that, that’s when I started to relax, because I knew that he wasn’t living the life that he portrayed. Not in a bad way—he wasn’t that intense, I would say.

SLAM: If you had to identify a couple of mentors who helped you stay mentally level-headed through all the ups and downs of your career, who would you say they were and how did they help you? 

DR: For one, my man, Harvey Hampton, that’s my best friend’s dad. He kind of took me in as his third child, [his] family took me in as like their third child. I used to spend the night over at their house almost the entire summer. When I first met him, he threw me for a loop because everybody in my neighborhood that was doing well or had families that were doing well, they were doing nefarious things. I remember being at his house and I asked him straight up, like, Do you sell drugs or something? He started laughing in my face and took me to his office, which is a part of the living room, and was just showing me, like, Nah, I work at a chemical company. I clean the water that you drink, that you bathe in. So, to assume that he was doing nefarious things and for me going there to hear the complete opposite, it kind of blew me away. 

Another guy Dre—Driller—lived in my neighborhood, another guy that was into nefarious things, but changed his life at the right time to help not only in the neighborhood but at Simeon and was one of the coaches at Simeon while we were here. I had another guy that coached along with Harvey, with us in AAU; his name is Lou Tops. And Lou was kind of like the wild card on the team, but taught us heart, bravery and just passion for the game. Coming here, Bob Henry, that was the varsity coach here before I got here. When I came here, I played JV and our coach was Robert Smith. But the varsity coach here, the same guy who coached Benji Wilson, he taught everybody a little bit of something as far as becoming a man, making sure you didn’t mess up in school, making sure that you did think things through, critically thinking and teaching you discipline. That’s the biggest thing I got from here and from all the people that I’ve been around—how disciplined they were.

SLAM: Your retirement weekend will have lots of activations that are meant to celebrate with fans in different capacities. What do you hope people take out of the weekend from an experience standpoint? 

DR: Peace and love, some type of peace and some type of love, or just a vibration. We never thought that we would have an all-star weekend here or host two days here. If we did think that, it was probably a thought that [it’d happen] while I was playing. But to do all of this after the fact, and to conflate everything together and come up with something that’s going to be special and that we could probably turn into an annual thing—you never know. We’re pushing ourselves and we’re getting the most out of every day. It’s a perfect place to be. I call it a great problem. Most people just got problems, but we got great problems. 

SLAM: Twenty, 30 years from now, when people talk to the next generation of kids about your career, what do you hope they remember most about it and the impact you made on the game and on the city of Chicago?

DR: I’d want the question to be, He hooped? I want that one question. I want them to be amazed that I hooped. That’s how far away removed I want to be from it.

The post EXCLUSIVE Derrick Rose Interview 🌹 Former MVP on his Past, Present & Future appeared first on SLAM.

Non-New Yorkers might think the Big Apple seems like one compact unit where everyone is familiar with the boroughs and neighborhoods, but that is definitely not true. Especially for a teenager who lived in The Bronx’s Mitchel projects in the 1980s.

“I never came to Brooklyn,” chuckles Long Island University’s men’s basketball coach Rod Strickland, a New York City Point God who spent 17 years in the League and more than a decade on high-level college staffs before getting this, his first head coaching job, in the summer of 2022. “I came here a couple of times to play, but I was so young I barely remember… I played in The Bronx, obviously, and we played in Harlem.

“So when I first got the job here, it was a whole different environment. I just had to get adjusted to that, which was fine. At the end of the day, it does look like The Bronx and Harlem. I just hadn’t been here. Now it feels like home.”

And isn’t that lovely for the LIU Sharks? If you’re doing a double take on what one of your favorite point guards ever is doing at a school you may not have even heard of…let’s take a step back.

LIU, formerly known as the Blackbirds, were a national power going back to the 1930s, when legendary coach and author Clair Bee led them to undefeated seasons in 1936 and ’39 and NIT championships in ’39 and ’41. The program crumbled in the 1950s after a point-shaving scandal and did not resurface in DI until ’68. The only reasons fans under 50 might be familiar with the program are the dope ’97 and ’98 teams that featured New York City ballers Mike Campbell, Charles Jones and Richie Parker or the ’10-13 teams that made three straight NCAA Tournaments.

Since that time, the university’s Brooklyn and suburban Brookville locations officially merged and the school has officially been known solely as Long Island University. What’s more, the sports teams are now the Sharks.

Rod Strickland, who in 1998 led the NBA in assists (he ranks 13th all-time in career assists) and was subsequently named second-team All-NBA, has been coaching the LIU Sharks for two years and we’re just getting around to covering them? Well, that’s OK with him, because it took about 24 months for him to get fully comfortable. “I had to get the experience and feel things out,” says Strickland (whose teams went a combined 10-48 in his first two seasons) from the comfort of his office in LIU’s Steinberg Wellness Center. “As of today, I feel like I have a great understanding of the environment. Now it’s a clean slate. These are my recruits. Whole new staff. It feels good.”

OG NYC hoop heads should consider this team a must-watch on the strength not only of Rod but his newly hired assistant Derrick Phelps, who starred at Christ the King in Queens before a stellar four-year career at UNC. But we get it; that demo is aging. Why should a modern hoop fan tune in to see the Sharks? Because they’re gonna be good!

The newcomers LIU fans are most excited about include freshman Roc Lee, a highly touted shooting guard from Atlanta considered a contender for NEC ROY, and Malachi Davis, a senior transfer wing from the Toronto area by way of Power 4 program Arizona State who has NEC POY potential. We find Davis overlooking the Sharks’ court from an office across the hall from Coach Strickland. “The important thing is building the LIU brand,” Davis says. “We’re trying to change the culture. We’re trying to change the environment. And bring the community together and do something real special this year.”

Sophomore forward Jason Steele, a Queens native who played his high school ball at Our Saviour Lutheran in The Bronx, is one of a select group of returnees for the Sharks. “The realistic goal for us is to win,” Steele says firmly. “We have people who want to compete. I would refer to them as straight dogs. Everyone here wants to work and everyone wants to win.”

The de facto team leader is another returner with a very familiar last name: senior point guard Terell Strickland. Terell had a great high school career in the Tampa-St. Pete area (Dad used to coach at South Florida) before playing in 50 games for James Madison University between ’20-23. Rod got the job too close to the ’22-23 season for Terell to get up here, but there was no doubt he’d arrive for the ’23-24 season. Terell had a solid junior campaign at the point, averaging 7.2 ppg and 3.6 apg, and everyone expects an even better performance this year.

“There was no debate about me coming to play for him,” Terell says. “I really enjoyed my time at James Madison, but this was just too special of an opportunity to pass up. Not only is he my dad, but he’s an NBA player who’s played the game at a high level. The chance to learn from him was something I couldn’t pass up.”

As Rod says, “I was quoted as a player as saying I never wanted to coach because I wouldn’t want to coach five of me. But when I was done playing, I needed a job. I called my guy at Memphis—William Wesley—and he got me with Cal [John Calipari]. Cal was so forward-thinking; he knew I was a point guard, and he got Derrick Rose, Tyreke [Evans], J-Wall.”

Strickland followed Cal from Memphis to Kentucky and then did stints at South Florida and with the NBA G League. “I wasn’t ready to be a head coach at first. But after being in it—at a high level at Memphis and Kentucky, playing for national championships—I don’t know exactly when, but it just got to a point where it was like, the next step. I played. Then I was an assistant coach. Then the next thing was to be a head coach.”

It’s an all-around, feel-good New York story that just needs some success on the floor to reach the happy ending everyone in the building seems to think is inevitable.

When asked about his father, who is obviously the key to the whole LIU hoops rebuild, Terell says, “I’m really happy for him. Very proud of him. It really is an amazing opportunity for him, especially for him to be back in New York to do it, surrounded by his family and a big group of supporters.”

Action photos via Getty Images and David Patalano.

The post Shark Sighting: How the Legendary Rod Strickland is Leading Long Island University Back to Prominence appeared first on SLAM.

South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, is, as I write this, the proud home of a national basketball team hooping in the Paris Olympics, an outrageous accomplishment for a strife-ridden nation that has only existed since 2011.

Even if this program was led by people that no one at SLAM had ever heard of, the accomplishment is so grand it warrants our attention. Alas, it’s led by two of our favorite people in the sport, gentlemen who have been bringing smiles to us and all who love the game for almost as long as SLAM has been around: Luol Deng and Royal Ivey.

Deng, who most of you should know from his longtime NBA career, if not the many remarkable steps in his life path before or since, is the crux of this story. I learned about Luol around 2000, when his older brother, Ajou, was a highly touted recruit at UConn and agents started whispering about a younger brother they called “Louie” who would be even better than Ajou. By late 2002, I was hanging out at Blair Academy for a feature on then-Blair senior Luol and his teammate, Queens’ legend and future NBAer Charlie Villanueva. Luol was certainly one of the most impressive teenagers I’ve ever spoken to (as if writing about high schoolers for SLAM wasn’t enough exposure, now I have a teen of my own), and he came with a breathtaking backstory. 

Born in the southern part of Sudan when it was still one country in the throes of a civil war, Luol and his mother and siblings fled the country for a safer life in Egypt in 1990, and in ’94, they reunited with his politician father, Aldo, in London. Luol spent some formative years in the South London neighborhood of Brixton, picking up a proper love for Arsenal and football but also hooping all the time. And growing. Luol followed Ajou’s footsteps in coming to America for prep school, which is how we found him at Blair. And he wasn’t just a nice kid playing some ball while getting a quality education to set himself up for a college scholarship; he was the second-best player in his high school class. Literally, pretty much every 2003 high school ranking system or all-star game had a No. 1 and No. 2 player. Luol was No. 2. No. 1 was LeBron James.

Deng went to Duke for one season, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four (where they lost by 1 point to Villanueva’s UConn team, ironically). Deng was the seventh pick in the ’04 Draft and began a 10-year stint with the Bulls that featured two All-Star appearances, two seasons leading the NBA in minutes per game and a ton of playoff games. This was mostly the Thibs-Derrick Rose Bulls, and Deng was the engine that made them go. He played five more seasons after Chicago to give himself a tidy 15-year career in which he was absolutely beloved by his coaches and teammates and always a pleasure to chat with in locker rooms (especially if I led with Arsenal check-ins). 

Deng was not satisfied just being a star on the court, though. Off it, he created the Luol Deng Foundation and was regularly going back to London and Africa to take part in various charitable efforts and basketball events designed to grow the game. In 2021, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, which is one of those very British things that, at least in Great Britain, means that he should be presented as Luol Deng OBE; becoming “Sir Luol Deng” might happen in the future. At the same time that he was making his mark with charitable work in his adopted home of England, Deng was reigniting his relationship with his real home of South Sudan. He’d been named President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation in 2019 and began spending more time there. “Imagine your family fleeing a country and going to find life somewhere else,” Deng says in a mini-doc about the team qualifying for the Olympics that was shared with SLAM. “And instead of you being in that other country and forgetting about South Sudan and enjoying your professional basketball career, you’re actually committing to come back and play for that same country that you fled because of the war, and you’re the one now bringing all this positivity to it.”

Beautifully said, Luol. Unsurprisingly for a country of less than 13 million that has been around only 13 years—and suffered through internal fighting and development challenges the whole time—building a basketball program was not a priority. But there is a heritage of the sport there and in the people who come from there, beginning with famed NBA shot blocker Manute Bol (who originally inspired Deng and his brothers) and continuing with Deng, former Syracuse star Kueth Duany, Manute’s son (and SLAM fave) Bol Bol and heading into the future with young stars like Khaman Maluach, a 17-year-old incoming freshman at Duke who is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Since his appointment as president of the SSBF, Deng has instilled structure around the team and sought to get the best players from the South Sudanese diaspora suiting up for the country of their roots. Things coalesced last summer when South Sudan, playing in its first-ever FIBA World Cup, earned an Olympic berth by finishing as the highest-ranked team from Africa.  

If Deng has been the SSBF’s Jerry West—the retired legend now building a roster with guile and conviction—Royal Ivey has been their Pat Riley, a retired role player turned motivational master as head coach.

Ivey, currently an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, has been on my radar since 1999, when he led what was once unquestionably the #SLAMfam’s favorite high school, Queens’ (NY) Cardozo (shout out Ronnie Z and Coach Naclerio!), to an NYC PSAL title, earning MVP honors in a 57-47 win at Madison Square Garden that gave Naclerio, now the winningest coach in New York State public school history, his very first title. 

After graduating from Cardozo with that ’99 title on his CV, Ivey spent a post-grad year at Blair where he played alongside…a young Luol Deng. “Luol has been like my little brother since I met him his freshman year at Blair,” says Ivey over Zoom from Kigali, Rwanda, where the South Sudan team is holding pre-Olympic training camp. “I was older and I wanted to protect him, but he was also motivation to me. I was 17 years old and he was 13, waking me up at 6 a.m. to get in the gym. Then we were in the same draft class and we’d hang out in Chicago and stay in touch. Later on, I worked his camps in London.”

Ivey was a 6-3 2-guard who couldn’t shoot all that well, but he always played hard—especially on defense—and he was a great teammate. He played four years at the University of Texas, reaching the ’03 Final Four and making such a mark with his intangibles that he was the 37th pick in the ’04 NBA Draft despite four-year college averages of 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Ivey’s numbers were even lower in the pros, but he lasted a decade in the League and then, after his final stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2014, OKC GM Sam Presti asked if Ivey would serve as an assistant with their G League team, the Blue. Ivey’s been on the coaching grind ever since. 

“The way I got this job was crazy,” Ivey shares today. “I was watching Luol coach [South Sudan] on Instagram. I’m coaching in New York. [Then-Knicks head coach David] Fizdale gets fired. I was looking for a new opportunity and I was intrigued about helping Luol move forward. I told him I’d love to be part of the staff. You don’t have to be a part, Luol told me. I want you to run this thing.”

And with that, the two—friends through two wild decades in the business of basketball—were off and running, coming out of the pandemic with a fast playing style and the buy-in of more and more good players. South Sudan has plenty of work to do as a nation, but when the basketball team, nicknamed the Bright Stars, plays and wins, there’s a national pride that is not typically on display. “We’re here to put South Sudan on the map,” Ivey says. “We’re here to heal. To bring a country together through sports is something life-changing. I’ve been there and touched the ground and touched the people.”

Adds Deng in the mini-doc: “I want these guys to realize what sports does for the country. Sports is gonna be the vehicle of unity.”

Clearly, there’s a full-length movie to be made here. I know I’ll watch it.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Building the Foundation: Luol Deng and Royal Ivey on the Rise of South Sudan’s National Basketball Team appeared first on SLAM.

Check out the top 30-21 players here and 20-11 here.

10. Klay Thompson

“Buckets and Chill.” The cover line from SLAM 215—featured below an iconic photo of Klay Thompson rocking sunglasses and lounging in a beach chair—pretty much sums it up. Laid-back off the court, Thompson has always been an assassin on it. He’s won four championships, made five All-Star teams and scored over 15,500 points with the Golden State Warriors. When Klay (also known as “Game 6 Klay”) had the hot hand, it was a wrap for whoever was on the other side. In 2015, he set the NBA record for points in a quarter with 37.

9. Devin Booker

If we’re talking pure bucket-getters, Devin Booker’s name has to be mentioned. The dynamic guard from Grand Rapids, MI, has developed a complete offensive game. He can attack the basket and finish around the rim; his mid-range arsenal is elite; and he’s a serious threat from behind the arc. Just go watch the highlights from his 70-point masterpiece in 2017 or his 59-point gem in 2019 or his 62-point outburst this past season. At 27 years old, Book is a 4x All-Star with even more room to improve. Rest assured, there are a lot more buckets to come.

8. Derrick Rose

D-Rose graced the cover of SLAM while he was a freshman at Memphis in 2007-08. The cover line read: “Fresh to Death. Derrick Rose is the NBA’s next big star.” Truthfully, that prediction could have been made even earlier, when the explosive guard was lighting up the court at Simeon Career Academy (IL) and made his appearance at the Top 100 Camp. In 2011, at the age of 22, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history. His career has been filled with adversity due to numerous injuries, but the 3x All-Star has persevered through it all to leave a major imprint on the game. 

7. Anthony Davis

From Perspectives Charter (IL) to the University of Kentucky to the NBA, Anthony Davis has more than lived up to the hype. It all started when the kid from Chicago hit a major growth spurt in high school, maintaining his guard skills while adjusting to a new big-man frame. Davis went on to win the Naismith Award, Wooden Award and an NCAA championship in his sole season at Kentucky before getting drafted with the first overall pick by New Orleans. He’s been hampered by injuries throughout his 12 years in the League, but Davis has still accomplished basically everything there is to accomplish at the highest level, including getting a ring in 2020. 

6. Kyrie Irving

The man with arguably the greatest handles of all time attended the Top 100 Camp back when he was a high school sensation in New Jersey. Irving spent one year at Duke before entering the 2011 NBA Draft, where he was picked first by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s been an All-Star eight times and sunk one of the biggest shots in NBA history in 2016, helping the Cavs complete their epic 3-1 comeback to win the title. With that shot and countless ankle breakers, mind-boggling layups and cold-blooded game-winners, Irving’s highlight reel is a must-watch. Really, it’s the work of a basketball genius.

5. Dwight Howard

Not too long ago, when the role of center was viewed very differently, Dwight Howard was perhaps the most powerful and unstoppable force in basketball. A young superstar at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (GA), Howard won Gatorade National Player of the Year and then was selected with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He bounced around quite a bit after leaving Orlando in 2012, which led many to forget what he did during those early years in the League, including making five consecutive All-NBA First Team appearances and winning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. Consider this your reminder.

4. James Harden

From Artesia High School in Lakewood, CA, where he won two state championships and was a McDonald’s All-American in 2007, to now, James Harden has carved out an incredible career that frequently gets overlooked. This is a guy who averaged 31.7 points, 8.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds (!) over a five-season span from 2015-20—a stretch that included an MVP award in 2018. He was named to the NBA’s 75^th Anniversary Team in 2021, and deservedly so. 

3. Kevin Durant

Coming out of the DMV, Kevin Durant was one of the most hyped prospects in the nation. And since then, well, he hasn’t disappointed one bit. The future Hall of Famer has said that he probably would have gone straight to the NBA from high school if the one-and-done rule didn’t exist. Instead, he starred at Texas for one season and then got scooped with the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007. Durant is undoubtedly one of the greatest offensive talents in NBA history, winning the League’s scoring title four times. When he has it going—which, over the past 17 years, has been a very common occurrence—there’s literally nothing anyone can do to stop him.

2. Stephen Curry

A slept-on prospect from Charlotte Christian School named Stephen Curry attended the Top 100 Camp before going to Davidson, where he became a 2x consensus All-American and led the Wildcats to the 2008 Elite Eight. The skinny kid with a baby face from North Carolina was still somewhat slept on, falling to seventh in the 2009 NBA Draft. But even those who foresaw greatness in Curry could not have predicted this: 10x All-Star and All-NBA, 2x MVP, 4x Champion and the all-time leader in three-pointers made. Oh yeah, and he completely changed the way the game is played.

1. Kobe Bryant

It was clear when he was dominating at Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania that Kobe Bean Bryant was special. He was one of the first future stars to attend the Top 100 Camp, jumping straight to the NBA in 1996. It wasn’t long before he was dominating at that level, too. The résumé is undeniable—18x All-Star, 15x All-NBA, 12x All-Defense, 5x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 2008 MVP, the list goes on—but Bryant was most defined by his relentless work ethic, remarkable determination and absurd competitiveness. The Mamba Mentality, as his approach to the game and other endeavors came to be called, continues to inspire people everywhere.

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Let’s take it back to ‘08. The Memphis Tigers, led by then-head coach John Calipari, had lost in the South Regional Final the season prior, but going into the ‘07-08 season, all eyes were on them to see what they would do next. 

Of course, the arrival of a 6-3, top-ranked standout from Chicago who had caught the attention of the nation during his time at Simeon Career Academy, gave the hype surrounding the Tigers an extra boost. Boost might be an understatement. We’re talking about the Rose who would eventually become one of the youngest, ever, to win the NBA’s MVP award. Not a what-if story, or what-was, but what remains: he’s one of the most aero-dynamic players of all time and has set the standard for what the word even means. 

Even back then, and with far less tattoos, Derrick Rose was bouncier than ever when he suited up for the Tigers and averaged 15 points and 4 assists per game. His court vision and ability to orchestrate plays elevated the Tigers to unprecedented heights as they embarked on a 26-game winning streak to start the season, earning them a No. 1 ranking for the first time in 25 years. While Calipari, who is one of the greatest college coaches ever, led the helm, Rose and veteran leaders like Joey Dorsey and Chris Douglas-Roberts helped guide the Tigers all the way to the NCAA tournament. 

They defeated No. 16-seeded Texas–Arlington and 8-seed Mississippi State, triumphed over No. 5 seed Michigan State and, in a dramatic regional final, outclassed a No. 2-seeded Texas team and No. 1 seed UCLA to make it all the way to the National Championship game against Kansas. Rose, ever-so composed for someone who had yet to play on the big stage, held his own for an entire 45 minutes of the overtime matchup. He dished out dimes effortlessly, commanded the offense like a true floor general and went at it against two, sometimes three defenders as he made his way to the basket. 

Despite the loss, that game was just a glimpse into the future. The Tigers sent three players to the League that June: in the ‘08 NBA Draft, Rose was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 1 pick, while Douglas-Roberts and Anderson both were drafted in the second round; a testament to Calipari’s legacy in molding the game’s brightest stars. That ‘07-08 season is also tied for the most wins (38) in a single season in NCAA history, a feat only Calipari holds. He’d do it again during his tenure at Kentucky, but the record books will tell you that the ‘07-08 Memphis Team did it first. 

Photos via Getty Images.

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We compiled a group of individuals (programming note: 30 entries, not 30 people total) who mean something special to SLAM and to our audience. Read the full list here and order your copy of SLAM 248, where this list was originally published, here.

The post SLAM Presents: 30 Players Who Defined SLAM’s 30 Years appeared first on SLAM.

We compiled a group of individuals (programming note: 30 entries, not 30 people total) who mean something special to SLAM and to our audience. Read the full list here and order your copy of SLAM 248, where this list was originally published, here.

“Are you serious? Like, for real?” 

Derrick Rose can’t believe what he’s hearing. It’s a Thursday morning in Memphis, and even though the Grizzlies don’t have an official practice on the books today, DRose is at the team’s facility to lift weights, run drills and get some shots up—things a guy in his 16th NBA season has learned how to do to keep his game sharp.

That Rose is even in Memphis at all these days is something of a miracle, a testament to how the world is reciprocal and a chance for Rose’s career to wind down in the same arena where he stamped his spot on the national scene. After playing high school ball in Chicago, where he made his name as another in a long line of celebrated ballers from Simeon Academy, Rose left the Windy City in favor of the Bluff City, joining John Calipari at the University of Memphis. After a 26-0 start, the Tigers made it to the NCAA Tournament with a 33-1 record, eventually losing to Kansas in the championship game. 

After one year in Memphis, Rose went back home, the first overall pick of the Chicago Bulls. He won a Rookie of the Year award, made an All-Star team and became one of the pillars of adidas basketball. In a League of Goliaths, Rose was David, fearlessly attacking giants and slaying each possession as if it was his last. Rose played with breathtaking abandon, and his furious styles earned him legions of fans.

And then, before just his third NBA season, Rose appeared on the cover of SLAM for a third time and called his shot: He wanted to be the NBA’s MVP. Right away. So, he spoke his truth into existence in the pages of SLAM 143. 

“That was really me gauging the talent in the League at the time and feeling like I could compete against that,” Rose says today. “So why not go for it? I wanted to go for it, and I was also thinking about getting a championship, so I said that as a way to hype myself up.”

Whatever the method, it worked. Rose won an MVP at age 22, the youngest player in NBA history to win the nod. And then, not long after, during a first-round playoff game in 2012, Derrick Rose tore his ACL, knocking him out for an entire season. He returned in 2013 and posted four consecutive seasons averaging double-digits, but it was a different Derrick Rose, and not just on the court. Rose used his forced time away from the game to “figure out who I really am as a person…Back in the day, when I first got [to Memphis], I wasn’t able to articulate myself like this. So with me expressing myself like this, someone who has been an introvert, I pat myself on the back, because I had to work to get to where I’m at.”

The changes weren’t only internal. Looking back at some of those old SLAM covers, Derrick Rose is almost unrecognizable today. The eyes are still there—that laser-sharp stare—but the old Rose had short hair and a handful of tattoos. These days, Derrick Rose’s braids brush the tops of his shoulders, tattoos run all the way up to his chin, his neat goatee has blossomed into a full beard. He’s quick with a grin and willing to drop knowledge wherever he can—when the Grizzlies struggled defensively earlier this season, it was Rose who called out their need to improve communication. He may no longer be able to stop on a dime and soar over defenses, but his accumulated institutional knowledge makes him invaluable to NBA teams in need of leadership and experience, like the Grizzlies.

Rose says playing such a pivotal part of SLAM’s history means a lot: “When you think about the AI cover, that was the most iconic one that I can remember—the hair out, everything. For me, it’s an honor to actually be on the cover, and know there are people who still rock that cover, who still have those covers framed.”

And the disbelief? That came from being told that his old covers are among the most popular t-shirts that SLAM has ever produced. 

“Are you serious?” Rose repeats. When confirmed, Rose smiles wide. 

“That’s love, right there.” 

Feature via Getty Image. Portrait by Atiba Jefferson.

The post THE 30 PLAYERS WHO DEFINED SLAM’S 30 YEARS: Derrick Rose appeared first on SLAM.

We compiled a group of individuals (programming note: 30 entries, not 30 people total) who mean something special to SLAM and to our audience. Read the full list here and order your copy of SLAM 248, where this list was originally published, here.

“They say I’m hopeless/As a penny with a hole in it.” 

—Dionne Farris, “Hopeless”

For us, at SLAM, at that time, it was always that pass. The one Tony Gervino brilliantly used as cover art for Issue 8. 1995 ’til infinity. From the exit series that ended Jordan’s comeback. But made him come back. It was this cover that made Shea Serrano become a basketball griot. It allowed a reintroduction.

The Anfernee Hardaway Experience was something different. Something basketball at the NBA level hadn’t experienced. The new generation’s first hybrid. Part Oscar, part Magic, part Gervin, part Pippen. All Tracy McGrady before Tracy McGrady became the next Penny. Like a muthafucka invented strictly for Super Nintendo NBA Live 95. By the time he appeared on his first SLAM cover, he was already on some low-key legend shit. Memphis basketball God, Parade Magazine National High School Player of The Year, Blue Chips co-superstar, NBA Rookie All-Star Game MVP, All-NBA Team 1, NBA Finals appearance, leader of the game’s new generation of “We got next.”

Yet what we forget: He got shot. Forgot that all of this career called his could have been just a dream, that none of it was supposed to happen. That the second that bullet entered his right foot, ricocheting off the ground during a drive-by robbery in front of his aunt’s house in Binghampton in April 1991 during his freshman year at then-Memphis State University (University of Memphis, now), the end was supposed to follow. 

Hopeless. Yet, his “oh, shit” moment became his “closer to God” moment. He script-flipped what should have been his basketball and Black life stereotype of a young kid from where “we” from getting shot into what Benji Wilson and more recently Quincy Reese Jr never had the chance to. Which is the part of Penny we don’t discuss enough. The resilience of an 18-year-old not allowing the circumstances he came up in and around define him—but still shape him. Allowing a bullet to provide clarity instead of despair, anger, hate. All of that is lost when we look at Penny because he made sure we never saw what he saw when he looked in the mirror at that point in his life. His foot. A Penny with a hole in it. Never again.

Because a superhero emerged. A basketball alien. A 6-7 point guard with destination talent at almost every phase of the game. Speed, bounce, range, handles, vision, creativity, instincts, leadership abilities, defensive awareness, who was fundamentally sound with survival in him that made him immune to intimidation. Fearless. Young, gifted and generational. Personable. Chill. Unassuming. Humbly arrogant. Unbothered. True to exactly who he was. Strong enough to carry his NCAA squad (only a year after being shot) to the Elite Eight, then his NBA squad (only three years later) to the NBA Finals. Second SLAM cover, toothpick sic. Revenge tip. Blue pinstriped fit. Shining like pre-green copper. 

But the cultural impact (almost) overshadowed the magic (get it?) he was producing on the court. His sneaker acumen and foresight made him illuminati. Foams? Him. Air Max namesakes 1, 2, 3, 4? Him. The only other basketball player at the time to have Nike signatures besides 50, 34 and 23. 1Cent, heaven sent. But God had other plans.

The injuries stacked like cordwood piles. Putting a halt (not a full stop) to an ascend that was legendary. Centual. More than just an athlete, he year-after-year inched closer to single-name American icon status by showing glimpses and flashes of what he had left inside, of what wasn’t stolen from him. Just because the game forced him to stop bouncing the ball never meant the ball stopped bouncing for him. A return to his Mecca allowed the world to see that his basketball mind and heart were far superior and in-need than his basketball body and skills. Deon, not Deion. His coaching, too, became his calling.

He’s become the basketball equivalent of Gale Sayers, Stephen Strasburg. A GOAT for whom the only reason isn’t considered the GOAT is because injuries loved them so much. That singular, idiosyncratic, unparalleled, one-of-a-kind type who, if we just talked about what they showed us—and what they did when they were able to play—we’d admit that they were almost unarguably the best we’d ever seen. Bill Walton. Yao Ming. Grant Hill. Derrick Rose. Penny’s probably above all of them on basketball’s “what if” list. Which makes “what will never be again” much more appropriate.

And oh, one last thing about that first cover, the “wrap-around” cover, the last time we’d see Jordan wearing “45” cover. Two months after it hit the stands, his alter ego Lil Penny was introduced to the world. Shit ain’t been the same since. 

Photo via Getty Images.

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Named in honor of his uniform number, the curvy, almost dream-like (I see puffy clouds) KB8 was considered an addition to the Feet You Wear line that Bryant had rocked previously, with its round edges making the silhouette extra agile, comfortable and good looking. The KB8’s tech features—mesh lining, EVA midsoles and adi’s Torsion system—made it one of the most advanced basketball shoes to hit the market. Unsurprisingly to those who know the game, Bryant’s second season in the NBA represented a major step forward: he started the All-Star Game, upped his scoring average to 15.4 ppg and helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals for the first of many times in his career. On the court, his star only grew. Adidas rode Kobe’s wave straight through a number of signature releases and three straight NBA championships before the brand and player had a falling out during the 2002 offseason.

After an epic ’02-03 sneaker free agent season that saw Bryant play in a variety of non-adidas sneakers, he famously signed with Nike and wore the Swoosh for the remainder of his career. A 20-year Laker who scored more points than anyone ever has in the iconic purple and gold (mostly wearing Nikes), Kobe is thought of by many fans as a Nike guy, which is fine. But old heads know: Kobe entered the game in adidas, and when history carved out a pair for him, it was the KB8. Bryant’s departure from adidas meant the brand could no longer use his name or initials on any product, but adidas knew a winning shoe when they had one. Rechristened the Crazy 8 and retroed for the first time in ’07, the classic kicks have been seen on the likes of Derrick Rose (during his ’10-11 MVP campaign, no less), Justin Bieber (during the 2011 Celebrity All-Star Game) and various young adidas NBA athletes through the years. They cause a stir every time they come back on the market. Clearly, Crazy 8s will be here forever.

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After dropping 30 points and securing the win in a momentous game held halfway around the world from home, LaVine spotted a little girl rocking a No. 8 Chicago jersey on his way to the locker room. Something told the two-time All-Star to slip off his blue New Balance Fresh Foam BBs and hand them over to a fan he never knew he had and who may never see him play again in person. 

On the evening the NBA returned to Europe for the first time in three years, it was a special gesture by the Chicago superstar. His way of showing love after his squad was showered with the kind of adulation that made Paris’ Accor Arena almost sound like Chicago’s United Center. 

“Only time we might be able to play in Paris so give some stuff away and show some appreciation to the fans,” LaVine said after the game. 

That little girl was one of the thousands at the Association’s second regular season game ever held in the French capital, an otherwise forgettable affair in January between Chicago and Detroit, who vividly and vociferously backed the Bulls. 

Among the cosmopolitan Parisian crowd, designer Chicago letterman jackets, immaculately maintained Starter pullovers and limited-edition hoodies were almost as ubiquitous as red Bulls jerseys. The numbers 8 and 11—worn by Chicago’s current stars LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, respectively—were as well-represented as the numbers of the franchise’s legends like Derrick Rose’s No. 1, Scottie Pippen’s No. 33 and, most especially, Michael Jordan’s iconic 23.  

When the Bulls were introduced, the crowd cheered like crazy. They booed lustily when the Pistons took the floor for warmups. And as the Bulls raced out to an early first-quarter lead they’d never relinquish, the vibes inside the sold out arena, located in the city’s 12th arrondissement, were distinctly Windy City-ish. Every dunk, swish and positive play by a player in red was admired, appreciated and applauded.  

“I know for me, I’m going to look back years and years down the line and realize how great of a moment this was,” DeRozan said after the game. “It definitely was a beautiful atmosphere and definitely was a privilege to be part of this whole thing.”

While the NBA didn’t exactly take over Paris the way some American journalists covering the game suggested—it was, after all, Men’s Fashion Week and the city experienced a major labor strike that shut down the Metro on game day—it was a reminder, or a statement for those unaware, that the Bulls remain one of the most popular NBA teams among basketball-crazed Europeans. 

That might catch followers of the sport in the States by surprise, but the League has plenty of data points to illustrate just how far and wide the Bulls fan base stretches. According to the NBA, Chicago is No. 2 in international merchandise sales, ranks among the top 5 most popular League Pass teams outside the US and is scheduled to make multiple appearances in primetime on Sundays in the European and Middle East TV markets this season. Bulls merchandise out-sold all others at the NBA Store in Paris leading up to the game against the Pistons, and the highest-selling jersey that week belonged to a Bulls player with a distinctly French surname.   

“It just shows how much our fan base is growing,” said LaVine, who says his great-grandfather was French. “It’s not just Chicago or the United States. That’s just a tribute to how much success they had and how much the brand has grown.”

The “they” LaVine referred to was, of course, the Bulls of the ’90s starring Jordan, the man who shifted and shaped basketball culture on and off the court unlike any other player in the game’s rich history. While Jordan and the ’92 Dream Team were responsible for galvanizing a generation of European athletes to forsake soccer and pick up a basketball, the continent hadn’t fallen for his Bulls following the ’92 Olympics. That came five years after the Barcelona games when Jordan, with five NBA titles to his name, and his Chicago teammates touched down in Paris for a preseason tournament against international squads. 

Four months removed from repeating as NBA champs, the Bulls—minus Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, neither of whom made the trip—were welcomed like rock stars for the McDonald’s Championship. Fans flooded the streets outside the Bulls’ hotel, hoping to catch glimpses of the team or miraculously score an autograph from the man who became as synonymous with sneakers as he did with dominating the competition. With hundreds of credentialed media members from all points of Europe there to document his every move, Jordan, in typical fashion, dazzled with 27 points in 29 minutes in the final against Greece’s Olympiakos, the ’97 European champs. Barely touching the floor in the fourth quarter, guess who earned MVP honors? 

“I just do my job whenever I’m on the basketball court, and I don’t know if I pleased them,” Jordan, referring to the Parisian crowd, told NBC’s Ahmad Rashad after the game, “but I did my job.”

One of the fans lucky enough to witness it was a pre-teen Joakim Noah. The son of acclaimed tennis pro Yannick Noah was blown away by MJ’s athleticism and magnetism, just like everyone else in attendance at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. Ask Noah, who spent many of his formative years in Paris, why the Bulls remain so popular abroad and he’ll immediately talk about that transcendent day. It’s the genesis of Noah wanting to be like Mike instead of his legendary father and Europe’s crush on Chicago’s professional basketball team featuring the most famous athlete on the planet. 

“Don’t overthink it,” says Noah, the Bulls’ first-round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. “It’s Michael Jordan. I was at that game. I was a young kid, just so inspired by watching his grace and how beautiful he was on the court.”

The influencer decades before any hack with a smartphone could become one, MJ’s gravitational pull was so strong in 1997—with four MVPs, five Finals MVPs, 13 signature sneakers and one blockbuster (Space Jam) on his résumé—that the Bulls became your team if Jordan was your guy. 

“If you look at Mike, and what he means to the culture, this is how the Bulls have transcended,” says fashion designer Chaz Jordan, who is not related to MJ. “The Bulls and Michael are symbiotic. You cannot separate the Chicago Bulls from Michael Jordan just because of all he has achieved on the court as well as the brand off of the court.”

A native of Chicago who had Bulls season tickets and worked alongside Don C and the late Virgil Abloh at RSVP Gallery, Chaz Jordan has spent a chunk of his adult years living abroad. He laughs thinking about all the times he’s hooped in Paris, where his 1989 STUDIO brand debuted its FW23 collection a day after the Bulls and Pistons played, and whenever he’s asked where he’s from, he knows what’s coming next. “I tell them Chicago and they immediately say, Oh, Michael Jordan and the Bulls,” says the designer. He’s also amazed at the random places where MJ disciples—and Bulls fans—pop up around Europe. 

“You have these pockets in these smaller towns where people are literally bigger fans of the Bulls and Jordan than some Chicagoans, which is so crazy,” says Chaz. “They eat, sleep and bleed Michael Jordan.” 

Members of the fashionable set might point to the iconic Bulls jersey, easily one of the most recognizable, as a low-key reason for the team’s international popularity. Since it’s a statement to be a basketball fan in Europe, where soccer will forever reign supreme, rocking a red throwback with “Chicago” in script on your chest attracts a certain amount of attention. And possibly new additions to the fan base. While Bulls’ merch sells extremely well overseas, Noah ain’t buying it.

“It’s one of the most recognized jerseys around the world because of His Highness, the Black Cat, Michael Jordan,” says Noah. 

And even though the franchise hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency since MJ’s last game with Chicago—two playoff appearances over the past seven seasons and just one conference finals appearance since ’98—you can’t accuse Europeans of being fair-weather fans since support and interest in the team hasn’t demonstrably nosedived. One recent seismic event may have actually reignited the continent’s love for the franchise. 

Amidst the black hole that was the first half of 2020, as the pandemic raged across the world, one of the few beacons of light for sports fans was The Last Dance. The acclaimed documentary about Jordan’s final season with the Bulls, whose first episode featured behind-the-scenes footage from the ’97 trip to Paris, debuted when the sports world was dark. A fresh wave of Bulls and Michael Jordan nostalgia washed over Europe. 

“I think we’re all familiar with the fact that we were starving for programming. We didn’t have the games on, and then The Last Dance drops, and it was just perfect in terms of feeding that fandom,” says Ralph Rivera, NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East. “But it also introduced a whole new set of fans to the game and to Michael Jordan and the Bulls. I think that reignited the fandom.” 

The Bulls arrived for their most recent Paris trip a few days early so they could take in the sights and sounds. Just like during the franchise’s first visit, the team took a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike 26 years ago, when every Bulls player aside from Jordan could walk around the city without being bothered, times had changed. While Jordan lamented his lack of anonymity during that trip, the current Bulls embraced it. LaVine and his teammates were easily recognized approximately 4,130 miles away from Chicago without any issues. 

“Obviously, the Bulls are one of the most popular franchises in the world, and it’s just an honor to come over here after Michael,” LaVine said. 

One thing he made sure he did before touching down in Paris was queue up MJ videos. Emulating the work ethic and mindset of one of his idols has always been part of LaVine’s preparations, so consuming Jordan highlights was nothing out of the ordinary. But on the long flight from the States, before he would ball out in front of a French arena filled with Bulls fans, LaVine watched a 34-year-old Jordan cook up the competition in the McDonald’s Championship.

LaVine chuckled when he saw Artūras Karnišovas, the current Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations, matched up against MJ. A native of Lithuania who had an excellent four-year stint at Seton Hall before a standout international career, Karnišovas scored 19 points that day for Olympiakos. Like so many other basketball fans across Europe, he grew up watching and rooting for the Bulls. 

Photos via Getty Images.

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February 2, 2023. Evening.     

James Harden is in his hotel room hanging out with his newly appointed agent and longtime business confidant Troy Payne. The Sixers are playing the Spurs tomorrow, and the two Cali natives find themselves in deep conversation when the news breaks. Payne looks over at Harden. He notices the NBA superstar’s body language. That’s all he needs to see to know how Harden truly feels at this very moment. Natural human emotions and passion take over. Expletives may or may not be flying around. Payne steps in and offers some words of encouragement, and a new conversation ensues. One that’s very different from the one the two were having just a couple minutes ago. This one is about the next four months, about maintaining the tunnel vision strategy for the ultimate goal at hand, and about how to use the news that just broke as ammunition for it all. 

The aforementioned news? The 2023 NBA All-Star Game reserves were just announced, and Harden, after 10 consecutive All-Star selections, was not chosen for this year’s festivities. And while other stars try to play it off cool and pretend not being selected doesn’t bother them, Harden isn’t holding back how he feels. 

A few minutes later, he pulls out his phone, taps the Instagram icon and writes on his IG Story “The disrespect.” in white text on an all-black backdrop.

“I said it already, disrespectful!” Harden tells us of the All-Star snub. “Most of the people that understand basketball get my value, but some just get bored with my numbers.”

“[We were] hanging out, talking about some stuff, and then [the news] just came out,” recalls Payne of the night in San Antonio. “And I was like, Oh shoot, here we go. He didn’t get selected…But from a brother perspective, and as his agent, I [wanted to] encourage him to use it as fuel, to go out there and just prove everybody wrong. Let’s go out there and get All-NBA. And that’s the goal—play at a high level, finish top two in the East, push for All-NBA. I think he’s playing at an All-NBA level. 

“I saw his emotion [that night], but it was more hunger than anything. He wasn’t happy about it. He felt like he should have been in the game; he felt like he did enough to play, to be selected. I think it’s more of a perspective based on the years of his success. And it kind of hurt him. We were used to seeing James score at a high clip in terms of production in the basket, but he still was contributing in a different way at the same high level, it just wasn’t talked about enough.”

SLAM 243 featuring James Harden is available now. Shop here.

When ASW came around a couple weeks later, Harden decided to spend some time in Tempe, where he got a chance to watch his alma mater Arizona State play, before returning to the home he built in Houston for a few days. There, Payne says, he watched Harden schedule out workouts…twice a day.  

Lil Baby tunes are blaring out from a nearby speaker on this Thursday afternoon in early March. We’re at the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, NJ, for our cover shoot with The Beard. He rhythmically nods his head to the music while reciting lyrics in between shots. At one point, he takes the lead on creative direction and starts freestyling new poses, without our photographer even having to prompt him. He’s feeling it—the shoot, life, all of it.

And it’s easy to see why. This is Harden’s 14th year in the League. And yet, here he is, still putting up some of the best shooting numbers he’s ever had—yes, almost a decade and a half into his NBA career.

On the day of the shoot, Harden is shooting the best percentage he ever has from behind the arc. Last season, he had the second-best free-throw percentage of his career. And the season before that, he put up the second-best overall shooting percentage of his career. And this is despite having to deal with mid-season trades to Brooklyn and Philadelphia the previous two years. He leads the League in assists with an average of 10.8 dimes a night, as of late March. The only time he’s finished with a higher assists average was six years ago (2016-17), when he posted 11.2 assists and was second in MVP voting (and eventually won MVP the following year). 

“I’m a master of this game. This is year 14 for me—I adjust to how teams are guarding us and I pick and choose where to facilitate,” Harden tells SLAM. “My role on the Sixers is different from 2017. So yes, the approach is different, but I’m still the same player as 2017, my role just changed slightly.

“It’s a combination of the work I put in each summer, getting healthy and trusting the work when I am on the court. I have been a student of the game and have been coachable throughout my career. This season, I have been tasked to be a leader on the court and to get everyone involved and still maintain my aggression. If I said it was easy, I’d be lying, but I am committed to do whatever I need to do in order to help my team win.”  

The shooting efficiency and assist numbers are just a couple of metrics that one can utilize to measure Harden’s impressive career longevity and consistency at this stage. Even the sneakers he’s rocking on set, a blue colorway from his super well-received Harden Volume 7 collection (which, at the time, wasn’t set to debut for another month), are indicative of how good he’s been for so long. This is his signature line’s seventh model, and there have only been two other adidas athletes to ever reach that many signature sneakers in the history of the brand: Derrick Rose and Damian Lillard. That’s it. That’s the list.

I’m a master of this game.

– James Harden

“First off, I am thankful to have a signature shoe. Having a signature line is a nod to the work that I’ve put into my craft, and having 7 volumes and counting is a blessing and I don’t [take] it for granted,” says Harden. “HV7 is my favorite model to date and the response from my fans speaks volumes to me, so I am grateful for the support. I like to express myself through my fashion, so hopefully I did that with the colorways for Volume 7. This seventh shoe is up there on the milestones for sure!”

But as he says so himself, he’s been doing it for so long that people may indeed have just become “bored” with his output these days. He’s spoiled basketball fans for over a decade. The casuals only notice that he’s no longer averaging the 36 points per game he once did. (Fun fact: Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have averaged more points in a single season than James Harden. Yup, that’s the list.) 

Numbers aside, though, his influence on a cultural level is just as impactful. It transcends statistics. His signature step-back move has been a hot topic on the internet for years. A quick Google search and you’ll find articles and message boards doing deep dives on the move and whether or not it should be allowed. One thing is for sure, Harden’s creativity has paved the way to a Hall of Fame career and introduced a move that seemed unimaginable prior to his arrival.   

“Biggest innovator to play the game!” says Harden, when asked what he wants to be remembered for the most when it’s all said and done. 

While some have tried to push a particular narrative regarding Harden’s work ethic in the past, Payne says that those who are really around know what it is. Harden has built a routine around postgame workouts, something that’s always done away from the cameras and fans. Home or away, with his game uniform still on, Harden has a list of exercises he likes to check off the list, explains Payne.

“Postgame workouts have been something that’s been prevalent in the past. I know in Houston he was doing that a little bit, working out postgame, where he’s running the stairs in the arena or lifting weights with a trainer—we’ve done a lot of that. And I’ve seen James do that a lot now,” says Payne, a former hooper at Santa Clara and overseas who’s known Harden since middle school. “So, when he has time, he’s there for three hours. He will sit there and work out with the training staff and get a workout in…I started seeing him do it during his MVP run when he was in Houston. And then I didn’t see it as much in Brooklyn.

“When the game is over, they’re in the back, they’re working out—squats, working on shoulders and RDLs. They’re getting after it, like, at least 20 minutes. That’s the quick twitch muscles when your body is fatigued, just trying to make the body stronger. So that’s something that he’s implemented with [this] team. And if you go and you look at the weight room postgame, you’ll see about six to eight guys in there getting after it. So I think that’s a testament to his leadership and just trying to keep the younger guys motivated and hungry.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve been coachable on every team I’ve been a part of,” adds Harden. “Whatever is needed of me for the team to win is what I will deliver.”  

Coachable is a term that Payne also emphasizes, pointing to the time Harden was asked to take over the PG position when playing for Mike D’Antoni in Houston. On the fly adjustments, wherever, whenever. 

“Credit to D’Antoni for putting the ball in his hands when he was in Houston. He came back home one day and was like, Man, Coach wants me to run point guard. He’s like, Point guard? I ain’t about to run no point guard, man. What is he trying to do? And after two practices, he’s like, Oh my God, this is about to work!” recalls Payne. “So it’s a credit to him being coachable. And then when he gets in that situation, [he’s] figuring it out, how to make his team successful, how to make himself successful. And the rest is history.”

With so much to highlight in his long, illustrious career, we asked Harden which accomplishment or milestone he’s proud of the most. But it’s a question he doesn’t have an answer for…yet.

“The one I want,” says Harden, “hasn’t happened yet, so let’s revisit when I win a championship.”

SLAM 243 is also available in this exclusive Cover Tee and Gold Metal Edition. Tap in.

Portraits by Alex Subers.

The post James Harden Opens Up About His Legacy and Being the ‘Biggest Innovator’ of the Game appeared first on SLAM.

When the Knicks point guard pulls up to our office in Long Island City for his SLAM cover shoot, it’s clear that the man himself hasn’t changed since the last time we saw him. Brunson is still as focused as he was in Dallas—even sharper now. He’s figured out a way to not only elevate his own game, but help lead an entire franchise to new heights. Is this what he meant last year when he said that he didn’t think about how well he was doing…because he knew he could be doing even better? 

“You had to bring out the receipts, huh?” Brunson says when we bring it up on set. “I definitely have improved. I think it’s a mixture of work ethic, opportunity, fit and a little bit of luck, too. I mean, it’s a mixture of everything, but I’m honored to have the opportunity to go out there and play every other night and do what I can to help the team win. I just feel like whenever I step on the court, I have to be the best player I can be. And then we go back and watch [film] and [it’s like], how can I improve? And that’s just been my mindset since I can remember.” 

SLAM 243 featuring Jalen Brunson is available now. Shop now.

We’ve told this story before: how his mother, Sandra, taught him early on how to set goals and envision what he wanted out of life, while his father, Rick, who had a nine-year yourneyman career in the League and played on the Knicks inin the ’90s, pushed him and showed what staying true to the grind really means.

The too-small-kid out of Stevenson High School became the best point guard in the country and then a champion at Villanova. When his opponents were bigger, faster and stronger in college, he’d think to himself, How can I be creative? How can I get my opponents off balance? 

Now, at 26 years old and in his fifth year in the L, Brunson is writing a new chapter. He’s become that much more dangerous, especially when he’s beating dudes off the dribble and hitting them with the dream shake. “How can I use my smarts versus their athleticism?” Brunson says. “I’ve always been that way and it’s worked. It’s gotten me here.”

“Here” is the mecca of basketball. New York City has produced point guards so undeniably smooth with the rock they’ve become cultural icons, from God Shammgod to the Jelly Fam. Brunson, who grew up in Cherry Hill (NJ) back when Rick was suiting up in blue and orange, isn’t super flashy or hitting three-to-the-dome celebrations in Madison Square Garden like Melo, but he’s been exactly what the Knicks have needed to bring them back to the playoffs this season. 

“Being the point guard of the Knicks is special. It’s like a dream come true. You’re playing for a legendary organization, a legendary city,” he says. “And you just have to go out there and perform and just be yourself. And I think all year that’s what I’ve done. I’ve gone out there. I’ve been myself. Obviously you don’t play great for 82 games, but I give effort every time on the court. If I play with effort, just be genuine, be myself, not really care about anything going on but keep winning as my most important thought. The city of New York can praise you, but just gotta go out there and just be you.” 

Everyone is going to have an opinion, and when Brunson signed with the team during free agency, there were plenty of things said about him, including that he was overpaid and overhyped. “A lot of people [that] are saying the things that they’re saying, whether you’re playing basketball or doing whatever, they probably can’t do it to a level that you could do it. You don’t really worry about it—you just focus on yourself, focus on what you can control. And that’s my mindset. This is how I’ve always been and this is how I’m going to be for the rest of my career.”

People also thought that the Knicks weren’t going to amount to much. But as we go to printers, they’re fifth in the East and legitimate playoff contenders. 

Wait, run that back. The Knicks are…what?

This is the same franchise that’s been building and working to get to this point. Every win was a step forward. And sure, missing the playoffs last year and losing in the first round the year prior seemed like two giant leaps backward, but you can’t deny that they’ve been making major strides this season. They’ve shown that they can hold their own against teams like Philly, Denver and Boston. They’ve had not one, but two serious winning streaks—eight games in December and a nine-game streak in February. Who’s laughing now?

Brunson is having an even better season than he did last year, and averaging new career-highs across the stat sheet: 23.8 points and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 41.4 percent from behind the arc. The duo of JB and Julius Randle, who was named an All-Star this past February, is just pure magic. 

“He’s been special since I got here,” Brunson says of Randle. “Just to see how hard he works, how careful he is with his craft and how bad he wants to win, and we share that. Obviously, we’re both lefties—including RJ [Barrett] we’re all lefties. But we all want to win.” 

When the Knicks are winning, the entire city is buzzing with an energy that can be felt across all five boroughs and beyond. In Midtown, there’s a sign outside of Marathon Coffee that lists things the establishment is grateful for. The first is Jalen Brunson. All the way past the Bronx in Yonkers, a man is pulling up to a laundromat proudly wearing a pair of Patrick Ewing 33s, a pair of Knicks basketball shorts and a snapback. The Knicks are New York’s team, and right now, everyone is hyped about this year’s squad. Barrett just scored more than 25 points for three straight games and has been solid while Brunson has been out with an ankle injury. When Immanuel Quickley dropped 38 against the Celtics in a double-overtime win, Brunson was on Twitter faster than an NBA insider, calling him everything from HIMBO FISHER to HIMMY FALLON. Then there’s Josh Hart, who just arrived in the city after being traded from Portland in February and is already being embraced. 

Brunson and Hart go way back—they were college roommates at Villanova when Brunson was a sophomore and Hart was a senior. “Josh is my brother,” Brunson says. “That’s just a bond that can never be broken when you do something as big as win a national championship. That’s special. And the fact that we kind of get to keep that flame burning in the NBA and play together. It’s been an honor, it’s been special. He brings a different element to our team and I think you’ve seen it. Since he’s played it’s been amazing. What he does on the court is so evident, so special. It may not show up in a stat sheet—some of the things that he does—but he’s a killer.”

The Knicks already had leaders in Randle and veterans like Derrick Rose, but what they now have with the addition of Brunson is someone just as dedicated to the grind and in a constant pursuit of consistency. Brunson has told us before that his confidence comes from his work ethic, but there’s a reason why he always brings it up—he just can’t stop thinking about it. “The one thing I obsess over is just my work ethic,” he says. “If I’m always working, I’m always getting prepared, I will never have to just get ready. Don’t need to get ready when you stay ready.” 

What’s been key to the Knicks’ resurgence this season, as well as their growing confidence, is how they’ve been able to stay connected. They’re balanced on both ends of the court, and harmonious off of it: cracking jokes with (and about) each other on Twitter, telling the media who would and wouldn’t survive a zombie apocalypse. When they beat the Heat, it was Brunson who hugged Randle in the middle of his postgame interview, while the big man explained how much love they have for one another. This year’s squad has nicknames for each other, too: JB calls Randle “Sergeant” (but says that Randle has to be the one to tell us why) and Rose is “OG.” 

“The best advice that Derrick has given me is probably, he just tells me to lead every day,” says Brunson “Every single day. There are days where obviously you just kind of want to get your work and you want to get out of there and clear your head, but a leader leads every single day. And he reminds me to do it every single day, and it’s just special to have him. I think his presence alone kind of makes me just have to lead because I look at him, he looks at me and it’s kind of an unspoken thing that we know what we got to do.” 

As for Brunson’s own leadership style: “At first, I like to lead by example, to kind of show everybody what I’m about, what my agenda is, and [let them] know what’s most important to me,” he explains. “And then once everyone starts to see that, you can start to be more vocal and kind of say how you feel, say what you want. But I love to get to know my audience—know my teammates, how they react to certain things, how they can take criticism or whatever. I wouldn’t say anything to my teammates that I wouldn’t do myself. And so it’s special. It’s unique. But I think for me, it works just because I’m genuine. I am who I am. And I’m unapologetic. But at the same time, I want to win. And that’s just first and foremost on my mind.”

When asked if he’s taken a moment to look at how far he’s come, Brunson brings things into perspective and admits that it doesn’t feel like he’s accomplished much of anything yet. “No, I haven’t had a moment yet,” he says, “because I haven’t done anything.” 

Really? Nothing? 

“I want to win as much as I can,” he adds. “I want to be a person that’s special. I want to win a championship in this League. That’s just my goal. And I just think that if you have a championship, you can talk about whatever you want. But I mean, individual stuff is great and all that stuff, but everyone strives to win. And that’s what drives me.”

That mentality is why Brunson fits right in. He knows the formula that it takes to achieve those goals, to become everything he’s always wanted and more. Brunson isn’t quick to call this a new era for the Knicks just yet; but as always, he’s ready to put in the work to get there. “I would just say that we’re growing. We’re getting better every single day,” he says. “I wouldn’t say this is an era because there’s a lot of history with this organization. And we have to do a lot more for it to be an era and can’t be just complacent with where we are now. [We’ve] got a lot more to prove.”

SLAM 243 is also available in this exclusive gold metal edition. Shop now.

Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

The post Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are Proving Everyone Wrong appeared first on SLAM.

But being 6’2″ and leading the NBA in paint scoring? Nah, Ja Morant is different for that. The fourth-year guard says the answer is simple as the fact that “motherf—ers can’t stay in front of me.” We can laugh at the comment all we want, but big facts are big facts; the 23-year-old out of Murray State led the League in points scored in the paint last season, becoming the first guard to do so in at least 25 years.

The behind-the-back in-transition at the speed he’s going. Sheesh, Ja. (via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/ztqceYs5Ss

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 14, 2022

And he does it with a God-given burst, the ability to change directions like a cheetah chasing it’s prey, and a shifty handle that even Allen Iverson could admire. Not to mention his supernatural ability to finish at the rim going around and through centers, Morant has taken notes from athletic guards like Derrick Rose and Iverson, two elite guards who won MVPs in 2001 and 2011, an ironic ten-year gap.

“People look at that athletic stuff, but that happens once a game or once every two games,” teammate Desmond Bane said of Morant’s highlight-reel dunks per ESPN. “But he finishes with 26 points and 20 of them are in the paint, so it’s like, how the hell did he get the other 18?”

Come on now, Ja. (via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/BcW8dIlKiO

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 16, 2022

One weapon Morant uses is his floater. Morant has 40.7 percent of the 90 floaters he attempted this season, and he’s averaging 14.5 points in the paint per game, good for seventh-best in the League. Last year, he hit same shot 44.7 percent of the team.

“It allows me to not receive contact every time,” Morant said, “being able to have that floater right before I get to the big.”

Morant can also dive deep into his bag and finish with either hand, and he thrives launching to the rim off one foot, two feet, leaping off his left instead of the right or vice versa. Morant is finishing his lefty layups 57.5 percent of the time this season.

Trip dub in The Garden? Go crazy, Ja.

27 pts
14 ast
10 reb

(via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/YEE2tb27un

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 28, 2022

Morant has 37 games with 20 paint points amongst guards in the last 25 years, fourth behind Dwyane Wade (56), Russell Westbrook (54), and Kobe Bryant (39). This season, Morant is the only player 6’3″ and under in the top seven of paints in the point scored per game. The only guard ahead of him Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 6’6′ breakout point guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I can’t just rely on dunking every single play, so I have to have different types of finishes to be able to get my shot off,” Morant said, “whether it’s high off the glass, same leg/same hand, reverse, hanging in the air forever.”

Memphis will look to win their fifth game in a row against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

The post How Ja Morant Became the Top Paint Scorer in the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Drafted in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson remained with the Bulls for 8 years. While he may not have put up all-star statistics in Chicago, averaging 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds, his value and legacy to the franchise are palpable. 

Gibson enjoyed special moments in the United Center, playing alongside all-time Bulls greats Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The 37-year-old was a consistent contributor during the Bulls’ 62-win and conference finals season in 2011-12 and during the 2013-14 season when he was runner-up for Most Improved Player (averaging 13 points and 6.8 rebounds).

Hard-working and loyal, Gibson was a steady supporter, a confidante, and a respected leader in the Bulls’ locker room. One of the most beloved players by coaches, teammates, and fans, Chicago never fails to make Gibson feels special during his “homecoming” games.

“The love stays the same. The love gets better and better every time”, Gibson said Wednesday after losing 111-115 in Chicago, per MSN. 

Despite the loss, Gibson had a special feeling being back in United Center while Bulls fans gave him love.

The vet returns to Chicago on February 26th.

The post Taj Gibson On ‘the Love’ He Gets From Chicago Bulls Fans appeared first on SLAM.

“It definitely was the proving ground,” he adds. “That’s the place where you had to go play. Coming out of this city, if you didn’t come through there, then you weren’t real.”

In the wake of the devastating 1967 Detroit Riots, Sam Washington—the athletic director at St. Cecilia’s—was determined to create a safe haven for kids. Washington opened up the doors to St. Cecilia’s gym and before long it was attracting some of the most talented basketball players in the area. At a time of tension and unrest, the modest facility—located near I-96 in west Detroit—had a unifying effect on the community, and became a symbol of the city’s resilience.

Hall of Famer Dave Bing was the first NBA star to play at The Saint, using the gym to work out amid a contract dispute with the Pistons. As the years passed, everyone from George Gervin to Magic Johnson to Isiah Thomas to Jalen Rose and Chris Webber graced St. Cecilia’s court, drawing huge crowds that packed into the cramped space.

“You would go in on a Saturday morning at 9 o’clock and you wouldn’t leave until 10 o’clock at night,” Cureton recalls. The former big man started his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, but would return to Detroit every summer for The Saint’s pro-am league. 

“Once I got to the pros—we won a championship in Philly—I couldn’t wait to get back to St. Cecilia’s in the summertime,” Cureton continues. “We would see each other in the League during the season and we’d all be saying, ‘Okay, who’s going to win The Saint this year? You won an NBA championship, but you gotta go back and win The Saint.’”

The list of greats to make appearances at The Saint goes on and on: Dave DeBusschere, Rudy Tomjanovich, Spencer Haywood, Jimmy Walker, B.J Armstrong, Joe Dumars, Derrick Coleman, Steve Smith, Shane Battier. One summer, Bernard King even flew in with a team from New York just to play at the mecca of Detroit hoops.

In early November, the Pistons unveiled their 2022-23 City Edition uniforms, which pay tribute to St. Cecilia’s. Designed in collaboration with Creative Director of Innovation Big Sean, who went to basketball camp at The Saint as a kid, the new threads are green, just like the walls of the iconic gym. The shorts feature a replica of the stained-glass window that adorns the front entrance of the building, and the jerseys include the same quote—“Where stars are made, not born”—that is inscribed on the hardwood floor. 

“It was like the Drew League in Detroit before the Drew League,” Big Sean says about the summer league at St. Cecilia’s. “[The gym] is just a part of the community and I think it’s kind of been slept on these past few years so I’m glad it’s being highlighted. I’m glad we were able to pay homage with these uniforms. This was my first time designing anything like that. It was a big deal for me.”

Not too long ago, the Detroit rapper was just a fan sitting in the nosebleeds at The Palace of Auburn Hills during the 2004 NBA Finals. He remembers waiting outside one of the arena’s gates with his brother and seeing Richard Hamilton—clad in a fur coat and chains—hop in his Range Rover after the game.

Designing the uniforms was “a full-circle thing,” Big Sean tells SLAM. “It’s major for me. I’m grateful. I feel like I’m doing it not just for me—I feel like I represent a lot of people from the city of Detroit. I represent my family. It feels good to just be able to put a little bit of our signature on it.” 

Big Sean’s actual signature appears on the jersey, as well as a trio of gold stars that represent the organization’s three titles.

“It was easy just because we had a vision. We didn’t want to go too extra. I kind of wanted to keep it clean, keep it classic,” Sean says about the design process. “And that colorway is so classic. First of all, that’s my high school colorway—that green and white. That’s MSU. That’s Wayne State, Eastern Michigan, so many schools around the city. My brother went to Eastern Michigan. A lot of my family, friends went to MSU. I went to Cass [Technical High School]. It just kind of had a lot of meaning, the green and white. And then we added the blue. I loved how the numbers were shadowed on some of the other uniforms, so we added that and made it blue, just to represent the blue-collar history of Detroit.”

In addition to rocking the uniforms throughout the season, the Pistons are spearheading efforts to renovate St. Cecilia’s. SLAM’s parent company, JDS Sports, recently pledged a $250,000 grant to help kickstart construction, joining the Detroit Pistons Foundation and the Knight Foundation. 

“I love the storytelling around this jersey, but it’s not just the look-back storytelling,” says Alicia Jeffreys, Chief Marketing Officer for the Pistons. “I think it’s the future of The Saint that we really want to put out into the world. We want for the next several generations of kids in this neighborhood to be able to have a safe place to play ball. Restoring The Saint is just as important to us as restoring the Pistons on the court. We have to do both of those things in tandem.”

Photos courtesy of the Pistons.

The post The Story Behind the Detroit Pistons’ New City Edition Uniforms 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.

Rose has been in the League since 2008 and, like Morant, was also a lottery pick after the Chicago Bulls selected him with the first overall pick. Rose is the youngest player ever to win the NBA MVP Award at just 22, and if Morant keeps up his current level of play at 23, he could possibly join him.

Rose and Morant have very similar play styles from their relentless slashing, defying the laws of physics for crafty layups, and making memorable electrifying finishes at the rim.

As Morant and Rose squared off in the Garden last night, you could tell that Morant and Memphis were on a mission. Morant powered the Grizzle’s to a win over the Knicks by dropping his fifth career triple-double. Morant finished with 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Postgame, Morant reflected on the comparisons that he has drawn to Rose.

“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.”

It is always nice to see the next generation give their respect to those who helped to influence them and their game coming up. It just goes to show no matter what stage of your career that you’re in, respect for the game never goes out of style.

The post Ja Morant: Derrick Rose ‘Made it to Where People Believe in’ Athletic Guards appeared first on SLAM.

This special issue includes a cover story on Jalen Brunson and Derrick Rose, a bunch of classic SLAM features from the ’90s and ’00s, an interview with Ronnie Fieg about his new Creative Director role with the Knicks, a look back at every Knicks home/away jersey ever, imagery of Kith’s 2022 Knicks collection and more. 

“The sport of basketball and the city of New York are tied together so tightly, and the Knicks, SLAM and Kith are all products of that synthesis, so this product made perfect sense for us,” says Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer and Editor-in-Chief of SLAM. “This issue is a love letter to a franchise that has meant so much to New Yorkers for a very long time.” 

The magazine also includes imagery of Kith’s new Knicks 2022 collection and will be gifted to everyone who attends Kith Night at Madison Square Garden on November 11, when the Knicks host the Detroit Pistons.

“There are few things in basketball more iconic than the SLAM cover,” says Ronnie Fieg, Founder and CEO of Kith. “When I first connected with Adam, I knew that was the first item on my list to discuss. I wouldn’t have imagined that the conversation would evolve from creating a cover to a full magazine. Working with the SLAM team to create this commemorative issue has been an unforgettable experience and a true notch in Kith’s timeline.”

 This special issue will release in limited numbers publicly this Saturday at Kith shops, 11AM EST on Kith.com, 11AM CET on EU.Kith.com, the Kith App and SLAMGoods.com. the NY Knicks team store.

The post Kith & SLAM Present KNICKS is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

The Knicks are 11 games in the 2022-23 campaign, and Rose is essentially at the fringe of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. This season, the former MVP is averaging 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while playing just 12.7 minutes per contest as the fourth or fifth guard.

“This is new, foreign for me,” he said, per The New York Post.

After the 34-year-old’s extended injury absence last season was labeled a major reason for the Knicks’ downward spiral, the point guard was expected to feature prominently with the second unit.

We partnered with @Kith to create a special issue dedicated to the @nyknicks.

All fans will receive a copy this Friday during Kith Night at MSG. Available on @SLAMGoods Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Jm4jjIYHna

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 9, 2022

Rose says he hasn’t received an explanation for the demotion, but the three-time All-Star is doing the best he can to navigate uncharted territory. The former Rookie of the Year doesn’t want to bother Thibodeau with the issue either.

“I’m letting everybody be, man,” Rose said. “I don’t want to have that conversation with him just off the strength that he has a lot on his plate – the team does. So the last guy he wants to hear from is the guy who has been in the league for 15 years going in and complaining and b–tching. Just trying to give everybody the space, remain myself, and help the young guys. I think I’ve been doing a good job helping — talking to people when they’re on the floor. That’s what I can do right now. And try not to f–k up the game whenever I get in.”

Been him. Still HIM pic.twitter.com/wjDyF9kI2L

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 6, 2022

Thibs, who’s coached D-Rose to great heights over their 10 seasons together, made it clear that his door is open and that he’s willing to talk to his long time point guard about his role on the team.

The rapport that the two built over their decade together will surely help them navigate this situation. It also helps that Rose is a low-maintenance veteran who’s gone through a lot as a player.

“I talk to Derrick as much as anyone,” Thibodeau said. “You sit down, you talk to your players every day. You’re asking everyone to sacrifice. Some guys, it might be going from starting to coming off the bench. Some guys might be going out of the rotation. You have a finite amount of minutes. You have to have a rotation. A lot of it’s based on performance — all of it is. We’re going to keep searching for guys that can help us win. That’s really where we are. You want more minutes, you’ve got to play well.”

Part of it is self-explanatory with Jalen Brunson averaging 33.5 minutes. Another aspect is Rose not taking advantage of his limited chances while shooting 38%.

DROSE FOR 3
13-2 KNICKS RUN pic.twitter.com/wihUSxbX8H

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 3, 2022

In the meantime, Rose will have to make the most out of the opportunities he gets. Specifically making sure that he uses his crafty veteran skillset as a score and playmaker to create more chances off the bench. One weapon he must take advantage more often is his three-point shot, this season Rose is shooting beyond the arc at a 35.5 percent rate.

With guards like Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish ahead of him in the rotation, it’ll be tough road for Rose but the Windy City Assasin is built tough and ready to get though anything.

“It’s not tough. Just got to stay ready, find a way to stay ready,” Rose said. “It’s like everything, forcing me to evolve into who knows what now?  But I always take it as a challenge.”

The post Derrick Rose ‘in the Unknown’ With Diminished Role appeared first on SLAM.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s backcourt consists of play from Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose, and their 2021 first-round pick Quentin Grimes, who made his season debut against the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night.

Playing the last five minutes of a blowout loss, Grimes came away with just one assist on his stat line. Nonetheless, he was relieved to get some playing time under his belt and is pleased with how the coaching staff has handled his return to the court.

“They don’t want to throw me in too fast and go in and play 30 minutes,” Grimes said. “They don’t want my foot to flare up again like it did. So right now, I’m just focused on what Thibs [Thibodeau] needs me to do whenever I get into the games.”

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A post shared by Quentin Grimes (@qdotgrimes)

The slow start to Grimes’ second season is no coincidence as Thibodeau hopes to see his development in the ‘situational’ moments of a game going forward. That may be tough to evaluate as Grimes, in the 21 minutes played (pre-season and regular season), has only shot three attempts with zero points.

“He’s situational right now,” said coach Thibodeau. “But we’ll take a look at it.”

Extending his minutes may detriment the bench scoring of the team, but with his 6’4 210 pound frame, Grimes is confident he can find an area in his game that can implement a winning foundation for the Knicks.

“With me, I feel like I can come in, bring a lot of energy, intensity to the game,” said Grimes. “And hopefully [we can] lockdown defensively as a unit.”

The Knicks are averaging the fourth-lowest steals among NBA teams at the moment and if Grimes looks to add any baskets and keep true to his word, turning defense into offense is a way to start.

The Knicks may not have the pieces falling apart just yet, but if they continue to give up 30+ point performances as they have the last three games, it wouldn’t be to anyone’s surprise if Thibodeau looks to make a defensive adjustment by adding a man like Grimes to the bench unit.

The post Tom Thibodeau: Quentin Grimes is Playing a ‘Situational’ Role appeared first on SLAM.

Toppin is going into his third season with the Knicks and has become a consistent producer for the team off the bench. So far this season, Toppin’s averages across all statistical categories have gone up compared to last year. Toppin is averaging 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.

The Knicks likely re-signed Toppin due to his durability; the former Dayton Flyer has missed 30 games over his three-year career. He missed 20 games as a rookie due to a calf strain and 10 games last season due to various injuries.

New York made a few key moves this summer, highlighting a great deal of urgency within the organization to make the playoffs again.

It’s also clear that they have faith in their young talent to develop and are looking to build a team centered around free agent acquisition Jalen Brunson and young, athletic, two-way studs. Another move they made this summer was re-signing RJ Barrett to a four-year rookie extension that’ll pay Barrett approximately $120 million. Then finally, this past January, the Knicks went out and got a sharpshooter and one of Barrett’s best friends Cam Reddish from the Atlanta Hawks before the All-Star break.

Just looking at what the Knicks’ did, making sure their young talent sticks together and combining it with the veteran leadership of Derrick Rose, Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, and Coach Thibodeau, this team most definitely has a shot at being a playoff contender at the end of the season.

With all these positive developments, definitely make sure you keep a keen eye on how the Knicks perform as the season progresses.

The post REPORT: New York Knicks Pick Up Obi Toppin’s Fourth-Year Option appeared first on SLAM.

12 is simply different.

(via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/NII8jKnYes

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 27, 2022

When Morant’s teammate, Desmond Bane, was asked about Morant and his human “highlight reel” moments on an Old Man and the Three podcast episode released on Thursday, Bane said he and the Grizzlies have come to expect these moments from 12.

“At this point, it’s becoming routine.” Bane said. “We play Ja’s on a highlight reel somewhere.”

“It’s not fair to say that it’s normal because it’s definitely not. But we see it so much it’s just like — that’s Ja. That’s who we know Ja as, and then when we go on the road, and you hear the ohs and ahs, and you see the way these other players talk about him, you really get an appreciation for how special he really is. There’s nobody in the League that’s doing stuff like him. He’s like a mix of like healthy Derrick Rose and AI; he’s one of his own.”

“At this point, it’s becoming routine. We play, Ja’s on a highlight reel somewhere.” —@DBane0625 on being teammates with a human highlight reel like @JaMorant

Full conversation with @jj_redick and @talter: https://t.co/n4IX6hJjqg pic.twitter.com/I1aIfe7Ocr

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) July 7, 2022

That’s a lot of high praise from Bane, and you could sit there and ask, “well, that’s his teammate. What else is he supposed to say?”

Let’s be honest here, though, Morant has evolved and grown his game through three seasons. Not only did he win the MIP, but he also earned his first All-Star nod after leading Memphis to the second-best record in the West at 56-26. Memphis ultimately lost 4-2 to the eventual-champion Warriors in the second round of the postseason. Last week, the Grizzlies awarded Morant’s efforts with a max extension.

Morant averaged a career-best 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.4 percent from deep last season.

The post Desmond Bane Speaks On Playing With Human ‘Highlight Reel’ Ja Morant appeared first on SLAM.

So far we have seen the Knicks land, Jalen Brunson, on a massive four-year deal, and Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns have re-signed to their teams on supermax deals. Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal will remain with the Bulls and Wizards respectively after signing max deals. Young All-Stars like Ja Morant, Darius Garland, and Zion Williamson have also signed max extensions with their teams.

The Warriors will also look to be putting a different bench mob on the court this coming season after they let Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., and Juan Toscano-Anderson walk away in free agency. The decision seems to imply that the Warriors will invest 100 percent into their win-and-develop model as they keep their championship core intact while empowering Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, and Moses Moody.

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber is finalizing a three-year, $33 million contract extension, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kleber was entering the final year of his deal, now under contract through 2025-26.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 8, 2022

Montrezl Harrell is headed to Philly after a tumultuous offseason where he dealt with some legal troubles surrounding marijuana trafficking that was later reduced to misdemeanor possession in a Madison County (KY) courthouse. The charge will be expunged from his record in 12 months if Harrell doesn’t get in any more legal trouble.

James Harden recruited Harrell due to their relationship as teammates on the Rockets. Harrell is expected to bring some toughness and grit to a Philly team that needed a backup big man behind two-time MVP runner-up Joel Embiid.

ESPN Sources: Free agent C Montrezl Harrell is signing two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a player option. Harrell brings more toughness to a team searching for it this offseason. He was Sixth Man of the Year with Doc Rivers/Sam Cassell in 2019-2020 w/ Clippers.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2022

Sources: The Toronto Raptors signed Thaddeus Young to a two-year, $17 million extension, which includes player incentive bonuses and a $1 million partial guarantee for the 2023-24 season, @hoopshype has learned.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 5, 2022

Gary Harris’ two-year extension with the Orlando Magic is flat $13M each season. The second season is fully non-guaranteed, a league source told @spotrac.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 5, 2022

Sumner is fully recovered from a torn left Achilles that cost him the entire 2021-2022 season. He had been coming off his best NBA season with the Pacers prior to the injury, and now he’ll join the Nets’ backcourt rotation. https://t.co/5HfzZmkDZN

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2022

Free agent TJ Warren has agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2022

Free agent center Gorgui Dieng has agreed to a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2022

Cole Swider signed a two-year Two-Way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source tells @spotrac.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 4, 2022

Free agent center Serge Ibaka has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 4, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets signed Wake Forest Alondes Williams to a 2-way deal.

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) July 4, 2022

Dragic is signing a one-year, $2.9M deal with the Bulls, sources said. https://t.co/f6VK9np1cf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2022

Free agent Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2022

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has agreed on a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookie extension that could earn him as much as $231 million, CAA Sports’ Co-Head of Basketball Austin Brown tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/z4lnVLD1GM

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Restricted free agent Cody Martin has agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2022

Free agent G Eugene Omoruyi has agreed to a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his agent Mike George of @OneLegacySports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland has agreed on a five-year, $193M maximum designated rookie contract extension that could be worth as much as $231M, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. It is the largest deal in franchise history.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Free agent guard Damion Lee has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Free agent Donte DiVincenzo has agreed to a two-year, $9.3M deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent guard Raul Neto is signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a three-year, $25.5M deal to return to Golden State, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. has agreed to a two-year, $6.6 million deal to return to the Chicago Bulls, with player option in second season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Robin Lopez has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent F/C Drew Eubanks is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers on a one-year deal, his agent James Dunleavy of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

John Wall officially agrees with the Clippers on a two-year deal for the taxpayer midlevel. https://t.co/5yCuV4cePg

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 1, 2022

Free agent C Jusuf Nurkic has agreed on a new four-year, $70 million deal to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6vmHrdOZI3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

NBA All-Star Zach LaVine has agreed to a five-year, $215.2 million maximum contract to return to the Chicago Bulls, with a player option in Year 5, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

The defending champs lose another valuable two-way star after Otto Porter Jr. signed with the Raptors on a two-year deal that has a player option.

Free agent Otto Porter Jr. — vital member of Golden State Warriors championship team — reached an agreement with the Toronto Raptors on a two-year deal with a player option, league sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/ck81fptKZh

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2022

Free agent G Theo Pinson is returning to the Dallas Mavericks on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent Aaron Holiday has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed on a new four-year, $60 million contract to stay with the New York Knicks, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @Wassbasketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/dnKtVQmln9

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Bruce Brown has agreed to a 2-year, $13M+ deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 1, 2022

#Pistons to re-sign Marvin Bagley III, add Kevin Knox as free-agent frenzy begins: https://t.co/WVHahAmeKR

— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) July 1, 2022

Ricky Rubio played an integral part in the Cavs’ resurgence to the playoff scene last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in December. Rubio was traded to the Pacers near the trade deadline but the Cavs and Rubio were mutually interested in bringing back the former lottery pick point guard.

Free agent guard Ricky Rubio is nearing a deal on a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Zion Williamson, the 2021 All-Star phenom, has locked in on signing a max extension deal with the Pelicans. Williamson missed all of the 2021-2022 season while he recovered from foot surgery. The deal keeps Williamson in New Orleans through 2027-28.

Williamson said after the season ended, “I couldn’t sign it fast enough.” Indeed, the All-Star locks in commitment to New Orleans.

The deal is expected to include protections that both sides were sorting through overnight and will finalize, sources said. https://t.co/n0hyRwRk9e

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

The Golden State Warriors lose one of their best and most versatile defenders after Gary Payton II decided to head towards playing for the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year deal. Payton led the League in steals per 36 minutes.

Warriors were unwilling to meet that high of a price tag (and resulting tax spike) for Gary Payton II and have now lost their defensive ace off the bench to the Blazers. He led the NBA in steals per 36 minutes last season. https://t.co/iaY6xmUrG7

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Andre Drummond is finalizing a deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent Kevin Knox has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent Kevin Knox has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent JaVale McGee has agreed to a three-year, $20.1 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, with player option for third season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Ja Morant is locked in with the Grizzlies after his agent told Woj that he signed a five-year max extension to lead Memphis as its lead guard for the foreseeable future.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has agreed on a five-year, $193M designated rookie maximum extension that could become worth $231M, his agent Jim Tanner of @_TandemSE tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Karl Anthony-Towns has reportedly agreed to a four-year super max extension per his agent. KAT’s contract will begin during the 2024-2025 season.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns has agreed on a four-year, $224M super max extension, his agent Jessica Holtz of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN. Deal begins with the 2024-25 season and delivers Towns’ total contract value to six years and $295M.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Jalen Brunson has reportedly agreed to the four-year deal that the Knicks offered him. Woj reported that the near-max deal includes a player option on its final season.

Free agent guard Jalen Brunson has agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal with the New York Knicks, his agents Aaron Mintz and Sam Rose of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option on the final season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Wizards have added three veteran guards to join Bradley Beal in recent days — Will Barton, Monte Morris and now Delon Wright leaves the Hawks for Washington. https://t.co/4YFMxR2o7Z

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Kyle Anderson has agreed to a two-year, $18M deal to join the Timberwolves, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @wassbasketball tell ESPN. https://t.co/fWzhFhVfkx

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris has agreed on a two-year, $26 million contract extension, his agents Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Anthony Gill is signing a two year-deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Restricted free agent C Nic Claxton has agreed on a two-year, $20 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent Troy Brown Jr. has agreed to a minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Lonnie Walker IV is signing a one-year, $6.5M deal with the Lakers, sources said. https://t.co/7xBnStLWfo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Rockets restricted free agent Jae’Sean Tate has agreed to a three-year, $22.1 million deal to return to Houston, his agents E.J. Kusnyer and Jordan Cornish of @beyond_am tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center Dewayne Dedmon has agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, agents Mike Silverman and Brandon Grier of @steinbergsports tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Davon Reed has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent guard Jevon Carter has agreed to a two-year deal to return to Milwaukee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Wesley Matthews has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Trevelin Queen has agreed a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent F Nic Batum has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Lu Dort has agreed to a five-year, $87.5M deal to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his agent Thad Foucher of Wasserman tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Chris Boucher is returning to the Toronto Raptors on a three-year, $35.25M deal, his agent Sam Permut of @RocNationSports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Jones’ agent, Austin Brown of @CAA_Basketball, tells ESPN the second year is a player option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Amir Coffey has agreed to a three-year, $11M deal with the Clippers, his agents Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of @BDA_Sports and WME Sports tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Tyus Jones is returning to the Memphis Grizzlies on a two-year, $30M deal, his agent Kevin Bradbury of @REP1Basketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent Danuel House has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Bobby Portis has agreed to a four-year, $49 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Deal includes a player option in Year 4.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent PJ Tucker is finalizing a three-year, $33.2 million fully guaranteed deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent Andre Buck (@andrebuck14) told @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Victor Oladipo has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a two-year, $16 million-plus deal with the New York Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Fully guaranteed deal for Hartenstein.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center DeAndre Jordan has agreed to a deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Sources: Malik Monk is signing a two-year, $19M deal to join the Kings. https://t.co/spgbvRZspx

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns have reportedly finalized a four-year supermax extension that he will likely sign sometime next week. Shams Charania reports that he will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23.

The Phoenix Suns and All-NBA guard Devin Booker are finalizing a four-year, $214 million supermax contract extension that he’s set to sign as soon as next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

Booker will also be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23, per sources.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Nikola Jokic has reportedly signed the richest deal in NBA history after signing a supermax contract extension with the Nuggets on Thursday.

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Bradley Beal will stay in the Nation’s Capital after he reportedly signed a five-year max deal.

All-Star guard Bradley Beal has agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to stay with the Washington Wizards, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons has agreed on a four-year, $100 million contract extension, his agent Bill Duffy of @BDA_Sports + WME Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

The Spurs are pulling the qualifying offer on Lonnie Walker IV, making him an unrestricted free agent, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Expect a strong market for Walker immediately.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Jalen Brunson is headed to New York after Shams Charania reported that he intends on signing a four-year deal with the franchise.

Free agent Jalen Brunson intends to sign a four-year, near $110M deal with the New York Knicks in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Mavericks never received chance to make offer, sources said.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, P.J. Tucker will be pursued by Atlanta, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Chicago. and Philadelphia during the free agency period of the NBA offseason. Furthermore, Schiffer reports that Tucker is unlikely to return to South Beach.

Multiple teams — including Atlanta, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Chicago and Philadelphia — are expected to compete for PJ Tucker in free agency. All are expected to offer the full mid-level/TPMLE exception. He is unlikely to return to Miami, per sources.

— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) June 30, 2022

Trent Forrest will be an unrestricted free agent after the Jazz decided not to extend a qualifying offer to the point guard out of Florida State.

The Utah Jazz will not extend a qualifying offer to point guard Trent Forrest, making him an unrestricted free agent, League Sources tell The Athletic. There is interest in working something out during free agency. Forrest was a member of the rotation this past season

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 30, 2022

Per Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Juan Toscano-Anderson will be an unrestricted free agent once the free agency period of the NBA offseason begins on Thursday. The 29-year-old became the first Mexican-American to win an NBA title after the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals.

“I got a championship with my hometown team,” JTA told Thompson during a phone interview Wednesday night.

“I’m stamped in the Town. I’m stamped in my country. That shit can’t nobody take from me. You’ve got to give a little to get a little. And I gave up playing time to, you know, become a legend. I’m a legend in the Town. I’m a legend in Mexico. And I’m not saying that myself. It’s showing, know what I mean?”

Juan Toscano-Anderson is at peace with leaving the Warriors.

“I’m stamped in the Town. I’m stamped in my country. That shit can’t nobody take from me.”

It’s time for the next chapter of his storybook journey.https://t.co/m94B7ILm2u pic.twitter.com/5OxoGWXG6P

— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) June 30, 2022

According to Tim Reynolds, the Heat does not have a meeting scheduled with restricted free agent Jalen Brunson on Thursday.

The Heat are not planning to meet with Jalen Brunson today, and they did not have such a meeting scheduled, per league source.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 30, 2022

The Cavs are reportedly expected to match offers given to restricted free agent Collin Sexton. Multiple reports say Sexton wants a “starting guard” extension. The Alabama product is coming off a season-ending torn meniscus.

Cavs Expected To Match Outside Offers For Collin Sexton – Hoops Wire https://t.co/9k5zuRmUAd

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 30, 2022

The Jazz won’t extend a qualifying offer to forward Eric Paschall, sources tell @Tjonesonthenba.

He will become an unrestricted free agent.https://t.co/fcOCtqEmMN pic.twitter.com/ok07Xpx9Dr

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 30, 2022

Kemba Walker and the Pistons have reportedly agreed to a contract buyout. Walker will be a free agent after he clears waivers. Walker last played for the Knicks last season before he was traded to the Pistons as New York clears space to sign fellow free agent Jalen Brunson.

Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker and the Detroit Pistons are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell ESPN. Once Walker clears waivers, he’ll join free agency.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat have guaranteed the contracts of Max Strus, Gabe Stevenson, and Omer Yurtseven as of Thursday morning.

Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Omer Yurtseven are still on the Heat’s roster this morning, which means their full $1.8 million salaries for next season are now guaranteed. This was seen as a formality. Carry on.

— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 30, 2022

The Sacramento Kings are exercising the option on PF/C Chimezie Metu for the 2022-2023 season, sources tell ESPN. Metu averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21 minutes a game for the Kings last season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Patty Mills will be exploring his options on the free-agent market after declining to sign his player option with the Nets on Wednesday afternoon.

Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills declined his $6.2M option and will become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Kings won’t be offering a qualifying offer to Donte DiVencenzo, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Sacramento Kings are declining to offer Donte DiVencenzo a qualifying offer, which will make him an unrestricted free agent, sources tell ESPN. There will be significant interest in DiVencenzo on the open market.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Lu Dort will be a restricted free agent after the OKC Thunder decided to not sign Durt’s team option for the 2022-23 season, per Shams Charania.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are declining the $1.9 million team option on froward Lu Dort for 2022-23 season, which makes him a restricted free agent and allows sides to negotiate a new deal in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022

James Harden will hit the free-agent market for the first time in his career but he is likely to re-sign with the 76ers.

ESPN Sources: 76ers star James Harden has declined his $47.3M option and become a free agent. He keeps real the possibility of negotiating a new deal that would deliver the Sixers roster-building flexibility in free agency – including use of the full $10.5M exception.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Bobby Portis told the Bucks that he’ll decline his player option and will instead become a free agent.

Portis has early bird rights in Milwaukee.

The maximum that he can sign for is 4 years/$49M.

The contract has to be for a minimum of 2 seasons and cannot include an option in year 2. https://t.co/Nu5KC9G8D9

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2022

Bradley Beal has made his long-awaited decision and will become a free agent for the first time in his career after declining his player option.

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4M option and become a free agent, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Beal is eligible to sign a 5-year max to return to Wizards – or sign elsewhere on a 4-year deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Jae-Sean Tate will be a restricted free agent after the ROckets declined his team option for the 2022-23 season. Shams Charania reports that Houston and Tate are mutually interested in signing a new deal once free agency begins on Thursday.

The Houston Rockets have declined forward Jae’Sean Tate’s $1.8 million team option for next season, making him a restricted free agent, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Rockets and Tate have mutual interest in discussing new deal in free agency beginning Thursday night.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022

The Cavaliers have reportedly elected to not offer Moses Brown a qualifying offer to Moses Brown, per Michael Scott of the Hoopshype. The decision allows Brown to enter the free-agent market as an unrestricted free agent.

Sources: The Cleveland Cavaliers won’t tender a qualifying offer to center Moses Brown, @hoopshype has learned. The 7-foot-1, 22-year-old center will become an unrestricted free agent. Brown could be an intriguing development option for NBA teams around the league.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2022

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Taurean Prince and the Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Minnesota Timberwolves F Taurean Prince has agreed on a two-year, $16 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Ivica Zubac and his reps have reportedly agreed to a three-year extension with the Clippers, per Woj. The Clippers declining to sign his team option led to the agreement with Zubac.

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac has agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. The Clippers declined his $7.5M team option for 2022-2023, clearing the way for Zubac’s new deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

Tony Bradley is reportedly opting into his player option and will remain with the Bulls next season, per Woj.

Chicago Bulls center Tony Bradley is exercising his $2M player option for next season, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

The post 2022 NBA Free Agency Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

From dominant big threes and electrifying duos to all-around greatness, here’s our top 43-33:

43. 1958-59 Boston Celtics

Coach: Red Auerbach

Record: 52-20

Roster: Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Bennie Swain, Lou Tsioropoulos

The greatest rivalry in NBA history began, for all practical purposes, in the spring of ’59, and it foreshadowed the decade to come. Led by veteran guard Bill Sharman’s 20.4 ppg, five Celtics averaged better than 15 ppg en route to the League’s best record. They needed seven games to dispatch Syracuse in the conference finals, setting up a first-ever Finals meeting with the Minneapolis Lakers. Three Cs averaged 20-plus, Bill Russell pulled down 22.1 boards per and Boston swept their way to the title.

42. 2002-03 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 60-22

Roster: Mengke Bateer, Bruce Bowen, Devin Brown, Speedy Claxton, Tim Duncan, Danny Ferry, Manu Ginobili, Anthony Goldwire, Stephen Jackson, Steve Kerr, Tony Parker, David Robinson, Malik Rose, Steve Smith, Kevin Willis

The Kings, Mavs, Spurs and Timberwolves all finished ahead of the three-time-defending-champion Lakers in ’02-03, but one of them would still have to beat L.A. when it mattered. Led by Tim Duncan, fresh off a second straight League MVP award, and second-year point guard Tony Parker, San Antonio got its chance in the second round and dispatched Shaq and Kobe in six games. They handled Dallas and New Jersey in similarly businesslike fashion en route to the chip.

41. 2018-19 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Steve Kerr

Record: 57-25

Roster: Jordan Bell, Andrew Bogut, Quinn Cook, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephen Curry, Marcus Derrickson, Kevin Durant, Jacob Evans, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Jonas Jerebko, Damian Jones, Damion Lee, Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, Alfonzo McKinnie, Klay Thompson

The three-peat was never a given, but it was right there, within reach. As injury-impacted NBA championships go, this one is right up there. With Steph, KD and Klay, the Dubs were the scariest offensive team in the League; but a mix of minor and major injuries to the Splash Bros, Durant and much of the supporting cast in May and June were too much for the Dubs to overcome. Toronto got them in six games in the Finals. You just know they’d love a do-over.

40. 1993-94 Houston Rockets

Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich

Record: 58-24

Roster: Scott Brooks, Matt Bullard, Sam Cassell, Earl Cureton, Mario Elie, Carl Herrera, Robert Horry, Chris Jent, Vernon Maxwell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Richard Petruska, Eric Riley, Larry Robinson, Kenny Smith, Otis Thorpe

Go ahead and attribute Houston’s first title to Michael Jordan’s baseball flirtation. Others have done it, and it’s just wrong. The Rockets excelled at both ends of the court, had all-time great Hakeem Olajuwon and his Dream Shake in the middle and boasted a versatile lineup of fierce gamers like guards Kenny Smith and Vernon Maxwell and rugged Otis Thorpe. Houston outlasted the Knicks in a classic Finals series and deserves a title with no asterisk.

39. 1983-84 Boston Celtics

Coach: KC Jones

Record: 62-20

Roster: Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, ML Carr, Carlos Clark, Gerald Henderson, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman

After two years of watching hated rivals Philadelphia and the Lakers hoist the trophy, Boston reclaimed its rightful spot atop the NBA. Or at least that’s how Celtics fans figured it. Call the roll: Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale were up front. Dennis Johnson, Cedric Maxwell and Gerald Henderson handled the backcourt. The Celtics had way more regular-season victories than anyone else and won a thrilling seven-gamer over L.A. to take the title.

38. 2011-12 Miami Heat

Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Record: 46-20

Roster: Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Eddy Curry, Mickell Gladness, Terrel Harris, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, LeBron James, James Jones, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Ronny Turiaf, Dwyane Wade

Although LeBron James had taken his talents to Miami a year earlier, the Heat hadn’t won a title. In the lockout-shortened ’11-12 campaign, James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh & Co. changed that. The Big Three were a force all season, and a strong supporting cast helped fuel a focused postseason run. The seven-game Eastern Finals series with Boston was a grind, but the Heat dominated OKC in the Finals to take the title.

37. 1972-73 New York Knicks

Coach: Red Holzman

Record: 57-25

Roster: Dick Barnett, Henry Bibby, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, John Gianelli, Phil Jackson, Jerry Lucas, Dean Meminger, Earl Monroe, Luther Rackley, Willis Reed, Tom Riker, Harthorne Wingo

If it’s possible, the Knicks five-game wipeout of L.A. in the Finals was actually an anticlimax after their thrilling Eastern Finals upset of the Celtics. The Knicks were the consummate collection of team players. Backcourt men Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe were practically unguardable. Dave DeBusschere was a force inside, while Bill Bradley patrolled the wings. Jerry Lucas was the League’s best passing big man, and Willis Reed could still hang with the best centers around.

36. 1999-2000 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 67-15

Roster: Kobe Bryant, John Celestand, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Devean George, AC Green, Ron Harper, Robert Horry, Sam Jacobson, Travis Knight, Tyronn Lue, Shaquille O’Neal, Glen Rice,
John Salley, Brian Shaw

This was the first of three straight for the Big Brother-Little Brother Lakers. Shaq and Kobe were together for three seasons before ’99-00, and although their relationship wasn’t always the warmest, their talent was overwhelming. There was just no stopping the Diesel. O’Neal overpowered defenders and swept the boards clean, while Bryant provided offense from all over. Glen Rice was a potent outside weapon, and a cast of veteran winners completed the Laker machine.

35. 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 60-22

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ron Boone, Marty Byrnes, Kenny Carr, Jim Chones, Michael Cooper, Don Ford, Spencer Haywood, Brad Holland, Magic Johnson, Mark Landsberger, Butch Lee, Ollie Mack, Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes

Showtime made its NBA debut in Magic Johnson’s rookie season, when the 6-9 point guard brought fun back to the Lakers and kick-started perhaps the League’s most entertaining decade. Johnson revitalized center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and served as the trigger for a raucous L.A. attack that was bolstered by Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes and Jim Chones. The Lakers ruled the West and finished off Philadelphia in six, with Johnson scoring 42 in the Finals-clinching victory.

34. 2014-15 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Steve Kerr

Record: 67-15

Roster: Leandro Barbosa, Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, Stephen Curry, Festus Ezeli, Draymond Green, Justin Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Ognjen Kuzmic, David Lee, Shaun Livingston, James Michael McAdoo, Brandon Rush, Marreese Speights, Klay Thompson

The Warriors’ first title in 40 years—and the first of three in four seasons—was accomplished primarily by the never-ending shooting of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, whose solution to tough defenses was simply to move back another step or two. Draymond Green handled the tough work and never backed down from a soul, while Harrison Barnes and Marreese Speights did what was necessary. The Warriors dumped the Cavs in six to take the crown.

33. 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers

Coach: Jack Ramsay

Record: 49-33

Roster: Corky Calhoun, Johnny Davis, Herm Gilliam, Bob Gross, Lionel Hollins, Robin Jones, Maurice Lucas, Clyde Mayes, Lloyd Neal, Larry Steele, Dave Twardzik, Wally Walker, Bill Walton

The Blazers weren’t overpowering during the regular season, but by the playoffs, they had become the perfect team, working as a highly efficient unit under coach Jack Ramsay. It all started with Bill Walton, a pivot savant who could pass, score and rebound. Maurice Lucas provided the muscle, with Lionel Hollins, Dave Twardzik, Bob Gross and Larry Steele willingly playing supporting roles. Portland overcame Julius Erving’s high-flying Sixers in the Finals with textbook unselfish basketball.

Read here to find out who made it on the rest of the list, including No. 75-66, 65-55 and 54-44.

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We know there will probably be some disgruntled fans out there, but we’ve come up with a list that we’re standing by. Here’s our top 66-75 best teams of all time:

75. 1997-98 Indiana Pacers

Coach: Larry Bird

Record: 58-24

Roster: Travis Best, Etdrick Bohannon, Austin Croshere, Antonio Davis, Dale Davis, Fred Hoiberg, Mark Jackson, Derrick McKey, Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Mark Pope, Jalen Rose, Rik Smits, Mark West

Yes, the ’97-98 Pacers lost a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series to the Bulls, but this was an extremely strong team. Indy was the next-to-last partner in Chicago’s “Last Dance,” but the Pacers won 58 games—second best in the East—and boasted a deep lineup led by the trio of sharpshooter Reggie Miller, 7-4 tower Rik Smits and do-everything forward Chris Mullin. The loss was disappointing, but the Pacers had plenty to be proud of.

74. 1994-95 Orlando Magic

Coach: Brian Hill

Record: 57-25

Roster: Nick Anderson, Darrell Armstrong, Anthony Avent, Anthony Bowie, Horace Grant, Geert Hammink, Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Tree Rollins, Donald Royal, Dennis Scott, Brian Shaw, Brooks Thompson, Keith Tower, Jeff Turner

In just their sixth year of existence, the Magic reached the Finals, thanks to the dynamic pairing of Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. Orlando posted the East’s best record and then outlasted the Pacers to win the conference. Shaq was unstoppable inside, and Hardaway dazzled all over. Add in Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott’s long-range shooting and Horace Grant’s steady interior game, and the Magic were quite strong, even if Houston did sweep them in the Finals.

73. 1986-87 Boston Celtics

Coach: KC Jones

Record: 59-23

Roster: Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Darren Daye, Conner Henry, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Fred Roberts, Jerry Sichting, David Thirdkill, Andre Turner, Sam Vincent, Bill Walton, Scott Wedman

A year after domination, the Celtics returned to the Finals once again, but lost to the Showtime Lakers in six. The usual cast was back for the conference title winners. Larry Bird was practically infallible, and Kevin McHale and Robert Parish plundered inside. Dennis Johnson ran the show, while Danny Ainge irritated everybody but Celtics fans. But Boston lacked a strong bench, and that’s why the ’86-87 edition was very good, but not a champion.

72. 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder

Coach: Scott Brooks

Record: 47-19

Roster: Cole Aldrich, Nick Collison, Daequan Cook, Kevin Durant, Derek Fisher, James Harden, Lazar Hayward, Serge Ibaka, Royal Ivey, Reggie Jackson, Eric Maynor, Nazr Mohammed, Kendrick Perkins, Ryan Reid, Thabo Sefolosha, Russell Westbrook

This was it. This was the last time the Thunder’s Big Three would be together, and Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden almost got it all done. The Thunder won the West and made it to the Finals. They even won the first game against Miami before dropping four straight. Durant, Westbrook and Harden combined for 70 ppg in the series but couldn’t finish the journey and hoist a trophy.

71. 1992-93 Phoenix Suns

Coach: Paul Westphal

Record: 62-20

Roster: Danny Ainge, Charles Barkley, Cedric Ceballos, Tom Chambers, Richard Dumas, Frank Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Tim Kempton, Negele Knight, Dan Majerle, Oliver Miller, Jerrod Mustaf, Kurt Rambis, Alex Stivrins, Mark West

The Suns had reached the Finals before, in 1976, but fell to Boston. This time would be different, even if they were facing the Bulls. Phoenix had the NBA’s best record, the League’s best offense and Charles Barkley, acquired from Philly in a blockbuster. The Suns were deep and fast and fun. But when they lost Game 4 of the Finals to Chicago to fall behind 3-1, you knew it was over. And it was.

70. 1988-89 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Pat Riley

Record: 57-25

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tony Campbell, Michael Cooper, AC Green, Magic Johnson, Jeff Lamp, Mark McNamara, David Rivers, Byron Scott, Mychal Thompson, Orlando Woolridge, James Worthy

There would be one more last gasp for Showtime, but this really felt like the end of an era. Sure, the Lakers won the Pacific, put up the most wins in the conference and reached the Finals after posting a perfect 11-0 playoff record. But the usual suspects—Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, etc.—were beat up by the same Detroit Bad Boys they had defeated a year earlier.

69. 2018-19 Toronto Raptors

Coach Nick Nurse

Record: 58-24

Roster: OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, Lorenzo Brown, Marc Gasol, Danny Green, Serge Ibaka, Kawhi Leonard, Jeremy Lin, Kyle Lowry, Jordan Loyd, Patrick McCaw, Jodie Meeks, CJ Miles, Malcolm Miller, Greg Monroe, Eric Moreland, Norman Powell, Malachi Richardson, Pascal Siakam, Jonas Valanciunas, Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright

In Canada for just one year, Kawhi Leonard proved his absolute greatness. The Raptors had been good, but they weren’t championship good. No way. Then Leonard averaged 26.6. He hit a quadruple-doink jumper to beat the Sixers in the Eastern Semis. And Kyle Lowry brought the toughness, while Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam bumped and banged inside. The Trophy had never been north of the border, but Leonard made sure it got there.

68. 1961-62 Boston Celtics

Coach: Red Auerbach

Record: 60-20

Roster: Carl Braun, Al Butler, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Gary Phillips, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Tom Sanders

Bill Russell didn’t lead the NBA in points, rebounds or assists, but he earned his third MVP award for leading the Celtics to a League-best 60 regular-season wins and his (and Boston’s) fifth title. It was arguably his best statistical season—a career-best 18.9 ppg, along with 23.6 rpg—and he upped those averages to 22.9 points and 27 boards in the Finals to lift Boston from a 3-2 deficit to a 4-3 victory over the Lakers.

67. 1980-81 Philadelphia 76ers

Coach: Billy Cunningham

Record: 62-20

Roster: Maurice Cheeks, Doug Collins, Earl Cureton, Monti Davis, Darryl Dawkins, Julius Erving, Lionel Hollins, Ollie Johnson, Bobby Jones, Caldwell Jones, Steve Mix, Clint Richardson, Andrew Toney

It’s easy to forget how close the early ’80s Sixers came to dynasty status. There were Finals losses to L.A. in ’80 and ’82, and of course, before their eventual revenge in ’83. But the ’80-81 squad, led by Dr. J in his only NBA MVP season, was right there: They matched Boston’s 62 regular-season wins and took a 3-1 lead on the Celtics in the ECF before an epic Larry Bird-led comeback carried the Cs to the Finals.

66. 1984-85 Boston Celtics

Coach: KC Jones

Record: 63-19

Roster: Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, Rick Carlisle, ML Carr, Carlos Clark, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman, Ray Williams

The ninth Celtics-Lakers Finals matchup would be the first from which Boston did not emerge victorious. You could almost call it an upset. Larry Bird claimed his second straight MVP award, and the Cs won a League-best 63 games, then cruised through the Eastern Conference playoff bracket before stomping the Lakers by 34 in Game 1. Kevin McHale averaged 26 points and 10.7 rebounds for the series, but Boston couldn’t slow the Kareem-Magic-Worthy trio and fell 4-2 to L.A.

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Young took on the legendary Madison Square Garden and the iconic Knicks fans inside during his playoff debut and became the most hated opposing point guard in modern Knicks history. Young became the first player since Derrick Rose to post 25 points and 10 assists in his first playoff game. The youngest MVP in League history accomplished the feat at 20-years-old. Young was 22 at the time.

Young capped off the historic night with a game-winning floater to give Atlanta a Game 1 win, with the Hawks winning the series in five games. Atlanta ultimately upset the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games before falling to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

“That was so fun,” a beaming Young said as he rewatched the iconic moment. “The whole game was so fun; the play actually broke down after John (Collins) shoe fell off, and I just kinda had to make a move, and it was just a fun game.”

Trae Young looks back at his memorable Game 1 game-winner vs. NYK from on this date last year! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/ShTXkSrp5H

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 23, 2022

The post Trae Young Reflects On His Game 1 Game-Winner Against Knicks One Year Ago Today appeared first on SLAM.

As the League celebrates it’s 75th anniversary, there’s quite a few Top 75 lists out there already. In fact, we’ve got quite a few of our own, from SLAM’s Top 75 Players of All Time Special Issue to most recently our Top 75 NBA Teams of All Time (shop here). We could’ve easily left it at that, but after checking out Tracy McGrady’s new Ones Basketball 1-on-1 League, we started thinking about the best 1-on-1 NBA players of all time.

So, we decided to have some fun with it and put together a bold list, categorized based on height, of all of the names that should be included in that conversation.

6-3 AND BELOW

1. Allen Iverson
A one-man revolution where the cross was just the beginning. He’s the master mixer on
our list for a reason.

2. Kyrie Irving
Hang it in the Louvre. KAI’s game is entirely its own art form.

3. Stephen Curry
The greatest shooter of all time needs just a sliver of space to make you pay, all while
staring down the crowd as the ball drops through the net. Uncanny.

4. Derrick Rose
Athleticism that was unparalleled and the nonexistence of fear had D. Rose bullying the
League as the youngest MVP ever.

5. Chris Paul
A mid range savant. A floor general. A Point God.

6. Gilbert Arenas
Agent Zero was lethal, tactical and surgical in leaving defenders guessing what portion
of the bag was about to be unleashed.

7. Damian Lillard
You can pick him up, but what comes next is entirely on you.

8. Russell Westbrook
Shot out of a cannon, if No. 0 is barrelling down the court, you best clear the runway.

9. Isiah Thomas
Lower to the ground just meant more ways to attack as the handle powered the
creativity that No. 11 enacted on his way to snagging two.

10. Jerry West
The Logo was constantly carving up defenses to drop buckets and dimes left and right.

11. Ja Morant
The ascension has been recognized. Call 12, and he’s always gonna answer.

12.Baron Davis
A blend of everything. Baron gave birth to the uber athletic displays of guard play that
we’ve become enthralled with over the years.

13. Trae Young
There’s a new villain in town and he’ll take your heart and your team’s straight to the
offseason.

14. Tiny Archibald
Ain’t nothing tiny about this man’s game. Nothing.

15. Stephon Marbury
The inspiration behind one of the greatest hoops flicks of all time attacked the game entirely on his own terms.

16. Tim Hardaway Sr
Having a killer crossover named after you is a mic drop moment.

17. CJ McCollum
The slipperiest shooting guard in the L. Shaking and baking is his M.O

18. Deron Williams
D Will mastered his own pace to the game. Separation was key and once he created it, you might as well just head back down for O.

19. Donovan Mitchell
Picking up this man is like taking a trip throughout the Spida-Verse, sprawling, spinning and overstimulated with flashes of colorful creativity and blinding moves.

20. Jrue Holiday
Always reliable, always locked in, always ready to pull it in your eye. Second-guessing is the greatest compliment a hooper can recognize and Jrue sees it often.

21. Steve Francis
Constantly sending defenders stumbling, Steve Francis doesn’t often get his due as one of the shiftiest guards to ever step on the hardwood.

22. Tony Parker
Some speed is built, some is gifted. TP’s froze defenders in a picture frame as he weaved around the paint for dimes and buckets.

23. Kemba Walker
We know y’all remember THE step back. Nuff said.

24. Chauncey Billups
Decidedly different. Big guard, big body, big buckets.

25. John Wall
Revolutionary athleticism instilled John Wall as the next box-office point guard. Go do your Google searches and watch his mixtapes to see what we’re seeing.

26. Lou Williams
Lou Williams is too smooth with it: a certified bucket, 3x NBA Sixth Man Player of the Year and a derserver of the utmost respect. 

27. Monta Ellis
Those 360 layups were just a regular thing for Monta Ellis. That’s what type of time he was on. 

28. Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel was waaaaaay too quick with it, from the crossovers to the high-flying drives to the lane to those insane dishes and dimes.

29. Jamal Murray
We’ve already told you this before: there’s music in Jamal Murray’s game. Try not to get lost in the melody, though, because he will drop 50 on you. Again and again.

30. Brandon Jennings
Dropping 55 points as a rookie is quite the statement, but then again, Brandon Jennings was never one to shy away from any moment. His game was too electric.

6-4 TO 6-8 

1. Michael Jordan
   The greatest. Put MJ in any situation, matchup or moment and you already know the outcome. Nothing more needs to be said.

2. Kobe Bryant
   He was constantly ascending past the depths of what competing truly meant. He knew your next move before you’d even had a chance to formulate the thought.

3. Tracy McGrady
   Scoring 13 points in 33 seconds is wild, but that’s just what T-Mac was about. One of the most complete scorers in the history of the Association.

4. Carmelo Anthony
   The fadeaway. The jab step. The spot-up jump shot, and his signature “washing machine” spin move. Carmelo Anthony remains one of the game’s most unstoppable scorers of all time. 

5. Kawhi Leonard
   Best believe, any matchup against the Klaw will result in him getting the last laugh. Trying to defend him in a 1v1? Now that’s pure comedy. 

6. Dwyane Wade
   The nickname was fitting: the Flash was one of most elite and efficient shooting guards who attacked the basket with an explosiveness that couldn’t possibly be contained. 

7. James Harden
   Equipped with a signature-move so iconic, a few names on this list have tried it out, the Beard is truly lethal with the rock in his hands.

8. Julius Erving
   A wizard who truly transcended the game. Every move was a symphony of basketball played at its finest. 

9. Charles Barkley
   A relentlessly physical rebounder with an attitude to match, Sir Charles was a force to be reckoned with.

10. Devin Booker
    With the words “Be Legendary” tattooed on his forearm, D-Book has continued to transcend his game towards just that no matter if he’s pullin’ up from midrange or hitting clutch shots from deep. 

11. Scottie Pippen
    One of the game’s greats could really do it all, from dishing out dimes and orchestrating an offense to snagging boards and holding it down on the defensive end. Versatility at it’s finest.  

12. Paul George
    PG’s all-around game is just one of the many things that define his greatness. His explosiveness and ability to create his own shot is another.

13. Paul Pierce
    The Truth can be hard for many to accept, but his dominance was nothing but pure facts. Shaquille O’Neal had a thing for nicknames, and when Paul Pierce dropped 42 on the Lakers in ’01, Shaq went over to the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett and told him to write this down: “My name is Shaquille O’Neal and Paul Pierce is the truth. Quote me on that and don’t take nothing out.” Enough said.

14. DeMar DeRozan
    The King of the Fourth is a true revolutionary when it comes to the art of the midrange.

15. Jimmy Butler
    They call him Jimmy Buckets for a reason. That’s exactly what you’re gonna get.

16. Jayson Tatum
    JT moves different out there on the parquet floor, from the lethal step back and sidestep threes to the sheer dominance every time the rock touches his hands. That’s what happens when you’re mentored by none other than the Mamba.

17. Vince Carter
    Once Vince Carter got within eyesight of that line, it was over before it had even begun.

18. Zion Williamson
    You can’t be contained when the limits never existed. The same goes in the paint, or anywhere on the floor, when it comes to Zion Williamson. 

19. Penny Hardaway
    One of the greatest guards ever. That spin fake into a stepback, move? Pure magic.

20. Luka Doncic
    Luka plays at his own pace while completely dominating in the process. Different.

21. Dominique Wilkins
    With legs like propellers and arms that could absorb contact, Nique had underrated shot-making ability that went along with his otherworldly athleticism. 

22. Grant Hill 
    Versatility in a human being. Grant Hill was a threat to score from all three levels.

23. Elgin Baylor
    Surrender the skies to Elgin Baylor. Aerially gifted with merciless finishes at the rim.

24. George Gervin
    Smooth, refined, patient, disciplined and measured. Ice’s game was where fundamental met flash.

25. Alex English
    Nobody scored more points in the 1980s than Alex English. Nobody.

26. Joe Johnson
    His nickname is Iso Joe. Nothing more needs to be said.

27. Bradley Beal
    Bradley Beal technically has a perfect jumpshot. Pair that exquisite form with his handles and the result is a scoring machine.

28. Klay Thompson
    One of the best shooters ever is also a big body that precisely clamps players of all heights and weights.

29. Gary Payton
    Possibly the best perimeter defender to ever play, Gary Payton could also get to the tin whenever he wanted.

30. Jamal Crawford
    Jamal Crawford is creativity unleashed through instinct and intellect.

6-9 AND UP

1. Shaquille O’Neal
   The most physically dominant player ever. Realistically, there’s nobody stopping the Diesel.

2. Kevin Durant
   Size, skills, smarts. There have been very few other players that are more offensively complete than Kevin Durant.

3. LeBron James
   The case can be made that LeBron James is the best player ever. Full stop.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
   Try guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo without any help defense. Get the picture?

5. Kevin Garnett
   The only part of Kevin Garnett’s game that outshined his skills on both sides of the ball was his competitiveness, a trait that’s gone nearly unmatched throughout history.

6. Hakeem Olajuwon
   Possibly the best two-way center ever, who dominated with equal doses of agility and nimbleness, power and force.

7. David Robinson
   Dunks and jumpers with the left, blocks and steals with both of his hands and a compressed trampoline in his right leg, David Robinson’s basketball IQ was just as ridiculous as his athletic capabilities.

8. Karl Malone
   Brute strength. Left side of the post to the right side of the hoop every single time. Never could be stopped.

9. Wilt Chamberlain
   Scored 100 points in a game, averaged 50 points for a season and if blocks and steals were tallied when he played, Wilt Chamberlain’s mythic status would be even greater than it already is.

10. Joel Embiid
    Joel Embiid is a guard stuck inside a 7-2, 280-pound body.

11. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    The author of the game’s most unstoppable shot, its leading scorer and a shot-blocking terror.

12. Larry Bird
    Larry Bird was so good at scoring that he would tell bigger, stronger and more athletic defenders exactly what he planned to do with the ball and they still couldn’t contain him.

13. Anthony Davis
    Middies, catch-and-shoot threes, barrels to the rim, pick-and-roll ball containment, weakside shot-blocking and passing lane invader properly describes Anthony Davis.  

14. Moses Malone
    Quite possibly the most underrated great in NBA history, Moses Malone was unstoppable from the block and even if he did miss, he’d consume offensive rebounds with such ferocity that the ensuing putbacks would be uncontested.

15. Dirk Nowitzki
    It’s real when a singular shot is credited to a player. Basketball now has the one-legged fadeaway thanks to Dirk Nowitzki.

Subscribe to the official podcast of the basketball bible, SLAM’s “No Pump Fakes.”

Follow host Theus McBee on Instagram @theuselijah and Ahmad Smith, @akisnba.

The post SLAM’s Official Top 75 Greatest 1-on-1 NBA Players of All Time List appeared first on SLAM.

JA OFF A TRAMPOLINE WITH THE TWO HAND!!!!!

(via @NBAUK) pic.twitter.com/jMoqZrlCCA

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 16, 2022

However, Anthony Edwards showed the NBA world that he is not a young player that is not afraid of the moment. Edwards matched Morant’s 19 first-half points and engineered the Wolves’ offense in the second half to the first upset of the NBA playoffs.

Edwards shined in his first playoff game scoring 36 points while adding six assists in a 130-117 Minnesota win over the Grizzlies for their first road playoff victory since 2004. The Timberwolves now lead 1-0 going into Game 2 on Tuesday night with the win.

@theantedwards_ was feeling it in his playoff debut dropping 36 points to give the @Timberwolves the 1-0 series lead!

36 PTS | 6 AST | 2 BLK | 4 3PM

GAME 2: T-WOLVES/GRIZZLIES
Tues. 8:30pm/et on NBA TV#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/iyE4Jet5Fj

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2022

According to ESPN Stats and Info, the former top pick in the 2020 NBA draft is now one of only four players with more than 35 points in a playoff game before turning 21-years-old. The others were Derrick Rose, Tyler Herro, and Magic Johnson. Edwards was dominant from all areas of the court, knocking down four three-pointers, finishing strong at the rim, and hitting all eight of his free throws.

Although it surprised many, Edwards’ confidence did not waver in any way in this game, as he stated after the game.

“I told [teammate Taurean Prince] I treat every game the same,” Edwards said via ESPN. “I didn’t feel any different — like a regular-season game to me.”

“I love my shots,” Edwards said. “Whatever shot I take, whether it’s a step-back trey-ball or a step-back midrange or a floater or a layup — whatever my shot is — I like it. Sometimes, [Timberwolves coach Chris Finch] may not like it, but I love my shot. I’m just trusting myself.”

The two young stars, Morant and Edward, will continue to share the spotlight for the rest of the series after a historic performance in Game 1, becoming the first opposing players in NBA history to each top the 30-point mark in a playoff game at 22 or under. Morant finished with 32 points.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch wants to see how consistent Anthony can be going forward.

“Let’s just see what he does over the long haul. He’s had two really good games,” Finch said via Twincities.com. “I know he’ll be locked in. Can’t get bored, you know? Can’t get bored.”

Tune in to see Game 2 on Tuesday night and find out.

The post Anthony Edwards Makes Playoff Debut History in Game 1 Win appeared first on SLAM.

During a shootaround last Friday before the Knicks faced the Heat, Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau told Knicks reporters that Rose has made the next step in his recovery from ankle surgery he underwent in December. According to the New York Post, Rose was peddling on a stationary bike in the hallway before the Knicks blew out the Hornets on Wednesday. He also joined the Knicks for morning shootaround and got shots up afterward.

“He did some in practice today,” Thibodeau said. “He’s in the next phase right now. He still hasn’t taken contact.”

The same goes for Randle, who was seen stretching to improve his sore knee before he missed his second straight game. Both the John Calipari disciples are attempting to return to the Knicks lineup before the Knicks play their regular-season finale on April 10 against the Raptors.

Thibs said it’s important for vets like Rose and Randle to return and bring their leadership to the younger Knicks on the roster despite the team being out of playoff contention. Rose has two years left on his contract and has produced well enough to make the Knicks believe he can contribute as a backup point guard when next season begins.

Unless League insiders report otherwise, Rose will miss his 45th straight game on Thursday once the Knicks and Heat play.

The post Derrick Rose and Julius Randle Hopeful to Return to Court Before Season Ends appeared first on SLAM.

Knicks say Derrick Rose will undergo a minor procedure on his right ankle.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 25, 2022

According to the New York Post, an ankle specialist discovered more damage to his surgically repaired right ankle that requires minor surgery to repair. The issue was found Thursday after a practice session Rose participated. Rose was reportedly days away from his return after undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur in December. There is no timetable for the former MVPs return.

“He looked good (in practice),” Randle told the NY Post on Thursday. “We missed him a lot, obviously, he’s a great player, brings a lot to this team that goes unnoticed. It will be great to have him back. He’s going to help us a lot moving forward.”

The surgery could knock him out of playing the remaining 23 games on the Knicks’ schedule. The tough injury news comes on the heels of Kemba Walker and the Knicks agreeing to shut it down for the season. The Post was told that Walker is doubtful to change his mind.

The Knicks (25-34) are set to play the Heat (38-21) on the road this Friday.

The post Derrick Rose Comeback Pushed Back Due to Minor Ankle Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Statement from New York Knicks President Leon Rose on Kemba Walker pic.twitter.com/n0dpbJd2zl

— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) February 23, 2022

After Tom Thibodeau removed him from the rotation in late November – sidelining him for 10 days – Walker struggled to find a solid footing in New York, continuing to slide in and out of the Knicks’ lineup in January after injuries and COVID-19 cases persuaded Thibodeau to reinsert Walker into the rotation.

The 31-year-old guard will be on an expiring contract this summer. At the same time, the move allows him to train in anticipation of playing in a new city come the 2022-23 season, while management and Walker’s agent work through trade scenarios for the upcoming offseason.

The Bronx native had averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 dimes in 37 games this season before being sidelined, including a 44-point performance in the Knicks’ loss to the Washington Wizards just days after being reinserted into the lineup.

Following two months on the sidelines recovering from ankle surgery, the Knicks expect Derrick Rose to return to the lineup soon, while Quentin Grimes, Cam Reddish, and Ryan Arcidiacono’s minutes and production as the primary ball handlers will surely increase in Walker’s absence.

The post Kemba Walker and Knicks Agree on Sidelining the Guard For Remainder of the Season appeared first on SLAM.

Knicks announce that they’ve signed Ryan Arcidiacono to a 10-day deal.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 19, 2022

A newcomer from last week’s Cam Reddish trade, Solomon Hill, was waived to make the roster spot available for a backup point guard behind Alec Burks.

Arcidiacono originally joined the Knicks in early January on a 10-day contract when the Knicks were missing Kemba Walker, who was out of the lineup with a persistent sore left knee. He was likely insurance while Walker is out, and Derrick Rose is still recovering from right ankle surgery. Arcidiacono’s debut was delayed due to a sprained ankle and was cut a week later.

After being waived by the Boston Celtics before the start of the 2021-22 season, Arcidiacono has averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 boards, 8.0 dimes, and 1.7 steals per game in six appearances for the Celtics G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

The post Knicks Sign Ryan Arcidiacono to Second 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, the NBA released its first returns on All-Star fan voting, and there are a few surprises sprinkled throughout.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry leads the way in voting, who has accumulated nearly 2.6 million votes, almost around 200,000 more than the second-place vote-getter, Kevin Durant. A familiar face rounds out the position leaders in LeBron James, the top vote-getter among forwards in the Western Conference and an unusual but deserved face in DeMar DeRozan, the top vote-getter among guards in the Eastern Conference.

DeRozan’s lead and now expected All-Star appearance is much deserved, as he is having a career year for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 26.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

Other players to accumulate over one million votes thus far include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Paul George. Andrew Wiggins just missed out at 933,355 votes.

Every year, a few unexpected names pop up and receive hundreds of thousands of votes, and this year is no different. Klay Thompson has yet to play a game this season for the Warriors, but he is still the fourth-highest vote-getter among Western Conference guards. Kyrie Irving is sixth amongst guards in the East, despite just making his season debut on Wednesday.

Derrick Rose is averaging just 12.0 points per game for the New York Knicks coming off the bench and has received nearly double the votes of Darius Garland and Fred VanVleet. Two other vets coming off the bench received a hefty number of votes: LaMarcus Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony, who have started a combined 13 games between them.

If you want your favorite player to be further up the list, you still have some time! NBA All-Star fan voting doesn’t close until Saturday, January 22, and the full rosters will be announced in full on February 3.

The NBA All-Star game will take place in Cleveland at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday, February 20.

The post Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant Lead NBA All-Star Fan Vote Returns appeared first on SLAM.

One factor that has helped Morant succeed as much as he has in the League is his confidence and swag. Morant is known for his aggressive playstyle, preferring to fearlessly attack the basket similarly to former MVPs and legends like Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook.

“I don’t fear nobody, dawg. I don’t care if you 7’7″ or whatever. I’m coming straight at you.”

For example, In the Grizzles’ 110-106 victory over the Cavaliers, Morant scored six points in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead field goal that extended the Grizzlies’ win streak to six. Morant’s final tally for the night was a team-high 26 points, five rebounds, and dished out six assists.

On Tuesday, Morant admitted that he loves being the guy to take clutch shots, and as a point guard, knows his job is to make the right play, whether that’s him shooting or passing. Morant has posted 30.7 points and 6.2 assists during the Grizzlies’ six-game win streak. 

why should i be scared? we put on our shoes the same way . https://t.co/4f1W0sPIdt

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 5, 2022

“It was definitely tough to get to the rim against their big guys, but I made some big shots to close it out,” he also said, per ESPN. “It’s a good feeling, knowing everyone has the confidence that I can do it.”

Morant averages 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for the year while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from the three-point range. His points and steals per game are career-highs, as well as his shooting marks from the field and long-range. The fact Memphis is 25-14 thanks to Morant’s stellar play has led to Desmond Bane, his teammate, giving him high praise.

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“He’s special,” Bane said per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “People debate whether or not he should be an All-Star, but I think we should be debating whether he’s the best point guard in the League.”

“I don’t think it’s any question he’s an All-Star. The real conversation is, ‘Is he the best point guard in the league?'”

Bane is having a season worthy of praise himself, averaging 17.6 points per game on 46.7 percent shooting, 41.3 percent shooting from three, and 90.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Morant’s stellar season has helped lift the Grizzlies into the top of a competitive Western Conference, currently fourth in the west with a record of 25-14.

The post ‘I Don’t Fear Nobody, Dawg’: Ja Morant Helps to Seal Grizzlies’ Win Over Cavs appeared first on SLAM.

After being banished by head coach Tom Thibodeau from the rotation nearly a month ago, numerous players being in and out of the NBA’ Health and Safety protocols, and Derrick Rose‘s ankle surgery was the only way he got a chance to play against the Boston Celtics. After making it clear that he wanted to play, Walker received the ultimate gift from his hometown fans with a standing ovation when the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87.

With a triple-double stat line of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, Walker got his first triple-double since 2014. He became the seventh NBA player with a triple-double on Christmas Day, joining Draymond Green, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and current Hall of Famers Billy Cunningham, John Havlicek, and Oscar Robertson.

Kemba Walker joined an impressive list of players to record #NBAXmas triple-doubles.

Draymond Green (2017)
Russell Westbrook (2013)
LeBron James (2010)
Billy Cunningham: (1970)
John Havlicek (1967)
Oscar Robertson: 4 times pic.twitter.com/IPdVlWdSk5

— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2021

The performance came immediately after a sold-out arena chanted his name after Walker erupted for 44 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards on Thursday. After the game, Walker talked about his Christmas Day experience via NBA.com.

“It was amazing,” Walker said. “Those are moments that you dream about. It’s kind of hard to put it into words, to be honest.”

“This is not how we pictured it,” he said. “I ain’t complaining, either.”

New York City native Kemba Walker puts up the first Christmas Day triple-double in @nyknicks history!

Great #NBAXmas moment at MSG on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/nBUVSB0gsL

— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2021

The hometown hero helped the New York Knicks win a Christmas Day for the first time in over a decade by becoming the first player ever to attain a triple-double on Christmas Day.

The post Kemba Walker Makes New York Knicks Christmas Day History appeared first on SLAM.

The Knicks say that Rose will be reevaluated in eight weeks but are optimistic that he could return in six weeks. Rose has been out with ankle soreness after initially hurting his ankle against the Rockets, on December 16. The three-time All-Star is currently averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 dimes, mostly coming off the bench second tenure with the Knicks.

Rose has thrived in a sixth-man role, finishing third in voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award. He resumed the position for the Knicks before Kemba Walker fell out of the Knicks rotation. Rose then took over starting point guard duties before getting injured. Rose reunited with the Knicks and Coach Tim Thibodeau after being traded from Detroit last season in February.

This season, the Knicks are 14-17, sitting at 12th in the Eastern Conference. RJ Barrett, Nerlens Noel, Immanuel Quickley, Kevin Knox II, Quentin Grimes, and Miles McBride remain out in protocols, though Obi Toppin was cleared to return Wednesday.

The post Derrick Rose Out Eight Weeks After Ankle Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

“I want to play,” Walker said per ESPN. “I don’t know. So it is what it is.”

“I know I should be playing, so no question. It feels great. But whatever situation I’m in, I’m gonna stay locked in, stay prepared. Whatever the team needs from me, I’ll be there for them.”

After being benched three weeks ago Walker took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring a season-high 29 points in the Knicks’ 114-107 loss to the Celtics. Coach Tom Thibodeau allowed Walker back into the starting lineup after nine Knicks players became unavailable due to positive tests and Derrick Rose being out with injury.

This game may gain some headlines for Kemba, who last played on Nov. 26 in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. His 17 point third quarter led New York to the lead after falling behind big in the first half. Since Kemba’s departure from the rotation, the Knicks lost eight of the ten games he didn’t play.

After the game, Kemba Walker made it clear that he didn’t come to New York to collect DNP-CDs.

“I hate it. I want to play.”

Kemba Walker on not playing previous 10 games for #Knicks after scoring 29 points vs. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/3tGWOnF2dd

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 19, 2021

Throughout Walker’s benching, Thibodeau fielded questions about Walker. When he made the decision, Thibs revealed just how difficult the decision was to ax Walker’s minutes on the court via ESPN.

“It’s a tough decision to make, but you always have to do what you think is best for the team,” Thibodeau said that day in explaining his decision. “I view Kemba as a starter, and so it’d be tough to play three small guards together. I gave it consideration, and I’ve got great respect for who Kemba is as a person and all he’s accomplished in this league.

“But I have to do what I think is best for the team.”

This is not what Walker or the Knicks signed up for; he agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal in the offseason. Time will tell with reports that the two haven’t spoken much since the benching.

The post Kemba Walker Sends Message After Celtics Game: ‘I Want to Play’ appeared first on SLAM.

In a Wednesday 123-110 loss to the League-leading Warriors (10-1), the budding T-Wolves star exploded for a career-high 48 points, five boards, five helpers, and two steals on 16-27 shooting from the field and 7-13 from beyond the arc.

The monster performance made Ant-Man the third-youngest player to register a 45-5-5 game since Brandon Jennings and LeBron James accomplished the feat.

“I’m not mad at tonight,” Edwards told the Star Tribune. “Forget the points, just how we was down 20, the way that we fought as a team, overall, I loved that. That gave me energy to keep going. I was tired, man. I was exhausted.”

Edwards joined another exclusive list with his third career 40-point game before turning 21-years-old. The only players who have reached the mark more are Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant, who have one more such, and James, who has five more.

Big night for @theantedwards_

The only players with more 40-point games before turning 21 are LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant. pic.twitter.com/0NU8fptwSp

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 11, 2021

The 48-point night is also the sixth highest single-game effort in franchise history behind Karl-Anthony Towns (56), Mo Williams (52), Kevin Love and Corey Brewer (51 points apiece), and Derrick Rose (50)

The Timberwolves will look to bounce back Friday against the Lakers (7-5)

The post Anthony Edwards Continues to Pile the Accolades with 48 Point Night appeared first on SLAM.

When speaking with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Rose said he wants to take the “Tom Brady” route to retirement.

“I’m going to try to Tom Brady this thing,” Rose said. “Play as long as possible, make sure I really take care of my body. And make sure I’m playing with joy.”

This quote is in reference to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who is currently 44 years old and playing in his 22nd season in the NFL.

Rose has a long way to go to hit Brady’s level of career longevity, but 13 years into his career and just 33 years old, Rose certainly has some left in the tank.

For his career, Rose has played in 651 games and averaged 18.4 points and 5.5 assists per game over his career. Rose also has a number of personal accolades, being named to three All-Star teams, winning Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and MVP in 2010-11.

Through five games this season, Rose is still providing a scoring punch to his current team, the New York Knicks. He’s averaging 13.8 points, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Rose’s production has helped lead the Knicks to a 4-1 record, tied for best in the Eastern Conference.

The post Derrick Rose Wants to ‘Tom Brady’ His Career and Continue Playing appeared first on SLAM.

The NBA regular season returns tomorrow, and with that, we decided to hit you with a few bold season predictions to get you hyped for the upcoming season.

While we know that there’s been a lot of takes floating around on Twitter and NBA season previews out there already, we’re entering the chat and dropping a few predictions of our own—from thoughts on who will snag Defensive Player of the Year to which teams will make major waves in the League this year.

The Boston Celtics will have a major comeback season and prevail all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Deyscha “Sway” Smith, Associate Editor

This offseason has been filled with uncertainty all across the L, but one thing’s for sure: the Celtics will make a major comeback this season. Al Horford is back in the Bean, All-Star Jayson Tatum is ready to step up and be the leader that he is, and the vibes inside The Auerbach Center were apparently hella competitive during training camp. If they bring that same energy this season and actually show up and show out, the Celtics will make major waves all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. We’re going to manifest this one.

Jalen Green will take home Rookie of the Year.

Elijah Hamilton, Editorial Intern 

SLAM 231 cover star Jalen Green will take home the ROY award this season. He generated a massive buzz with his strong performances in the NBA G League Ignite along with the Vegas Summer League and preseason. You can tell he is going to be given the green light to just shoot—which will definitely lead to some big scoring nights for the 6′ 6″ guard throughout the season.  

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The Warriors will become serious contenders for the Western Conference crown and face off against the Lakers in the WCF before taking it all the way. 

DaQuan McFarland, SLAM Intern

Despite the last couple of seasons, one which they fell short by a thread in making it to the playoffs, we can’t forget that the Golden State Warriors are back to make a statement to the NBA. Andre Iguodala is back after two seasons with Miami, Draymond Green says he’s ready to shoot when the opportunity is there, and even Klay Thompson is reportedly on his way to getting cleared for a full return to practice. It seems like the Bay is back in business, and of course, with one of greatest shooters of all-time, Stephen Curry, the team will get back to their championship-winning ways. Also, I’m calling it now: Jordan Poole will have a breakout season this year.

Trae Young will win MVP and the Hawks will dominate the Eastern Conference. 

Christian Quezada, Senior Video Producer.

Ice Trae will win his first MVP and the Hawks will win 60 games. Atlanta is loaded with athleticism, defense, and shooting and in the playoffs, Trae Young proved to be one of the most unstoppable basketball players of all time. The Hawks have already shown us that they can compete at an elite level and they weren’t even healthy then. This year, at full strength, good luck to them in the Eastern Conference. 

The New York Knicks will run it back and solidify themselves as a major contender all season long.

Andres Puerta, SLAMFTW

There’s been a few ECF predictions already, but I’m bringing the New York Knicks into the conversation. With new additions of Kemba Walker at point guard and Evan Fournier at shooting guard, the Knicks will improve their offense greatly. A healthy Mitchell Robinson will also help the Knicks defensively and offensively as a true center. There were great flashes of Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin last season, and with those two now entering their second year in the L, they’ll definitely have a better feel of the NBA.

If the Knicks receive the same contribution or more from Derrick Rose coming off the bench as the Knicks’ sixth man, that will be a major contribution as well. There’s nothing better than playing at Madison Square Garden with a winning team. 

Mitchell Robinson will have a breakout season and win DPOY.

Jared Ebanks, Editorial Intern

The Knicks’ resurgence last season came without the play of center Mitchell Robinson, who was limited to just 31 games. Over the offseason, the 7-footer has said that he’s added 20 pounds to his lean frame, now weighing in at 280 lbs. If that’s the case, the added bulk and already 7’4 foot long wingspan will have The Mecca calling for DPOY honors for their center.  

The Los Angeles Lakers will secure a spot in the NBA Finals. 

Saheem Anthony, SLAM Intern

With LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis, plus a few other important pieces, the Lakers will definitely show the world that age is simply just a number. Preseason records are one thing, but once this stacked roster finds their rhythm, they are going to make a historic run. If you know, you know.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post SLAM’s 2021-2022 NBA Preview: Bold Takes For the Upcoming Season appeared first on SLAM.

Perlongtime NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the “likely destination” for Ntilikina.

Ntilikina has shown flashes of potential during his career, particularly on the defensive end, but has yet to piece it together. He has also found playing time hard to come by in New York over the past four seasons.

The Frenchman holds career averages of 5.5 points and 2.7 assists per game. However, Derrick Rose’s continued renaissance in New York and the rise of young guard Immanuel Quickley significantly cut into the young guard’s playing time, as he only averaged 9.8 minutes per game in 33 contests last season (both career-lows).

With an impact that goes beyond the stat sheet, the Mavs could be fitting destination for Ntilikina, as Dallas ranked 21st in defensive rating last season (112.3) and could use an additional guard that picks up defensive responsibilities alongside playmaking prodigy Luka Doncic.

The Mavericks are coming off a strong season, finishing fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 47-25. However, the season ended in disappointment when Dallas couldn’t escape the first round of the playoffs, falling to the fifth-seed Los Angeles Clippers.

The post REPORT: Mavericks Have Emerged as ‘Likely Destination’ for Frank Ntilikina appeared first on SLAM.

No more deafening screams. No more thunderous ovations. No more “F you” chants.

Just silence. 

The type of silence that’s palpable. The type that’s uncomfortable. The type only preceded by deafening screams, and thunderous ovations, and “F you” chants.

Swaggering back down the court, Trae Young peers up at the crowd and scrunches his face into a scowl. Thousands of shocked fans return his gaze, suddenly tight-lipped. Young slowly lifts a finger to his own mouth. Shhhh. 

Yeah, it’s quiet now. Real quiet. 

About three hours earlier, Young sat in the visitor’s locker room at Madison Square Garden, eagerly awaiting his playoff debut. He was finally here, finally on the big stage, despite every bit of criticism and doubt directed his way. He began the mundane routine of lacing his sneakers; only this time, things were slightly different. He wasn’t wearing the hi-top, futuristic adidas N3XT L3V3Ls, as he had been previously. This time, he was lacing his sneakers for real. A bright orange, size 13 pair of Trae Young 1s, his first signature sneaker with the Three Stripes—a low-cut model that features a combination of BOOST and LIGHTSTRIKE cushioning.

“To be honest with you, I wasn’t supposed to wear them until next year,” Young tells KICKS. “Probably game 1 of next year. But I really wanted to play in my first playoff series in my shoe.”

Get your copy of KICKS 24 featuring Trae Young NOW!

So adidas got to work. They expedited the product’s original timeline, one that can take up to two full years from conception to release. The new plan had been set in stone a couple of weeks prior to the series, but Young had kept it mostly hushed. Only a handful of reps from the brand and people in his inner circle knew what was coming.

“He had mentioned it, but I didn’t know for sure he was going to wear them,” says NBA trainer and close friend Irv Roland, who’s from the same area in Oklahoma as Trae and has become like family through the years. “We FaceTime every couple of days and I had seen him. We had talked about it but I wasn’t sure he was going to do it.”

Now, as Young tightened the knots on the “Peachtree” colorway (a nod to the Atlanta street of the same name), teammates started to take notice. “Obviously when you put them on for the first time, everybody knows it’s your first time,” recalls Trae. “Your teammates are talking you up and hyping you up. It was a cool moment because I had really cool teammates who were doing that to me and wanted me to play well in my debut in them.”

Signature sneaker debuts are rarely calm—they are methodical, well-thought-out and tactically organized around a marquee game. There’s an elaborate marketing strategy in place with detailed photos and promotional videos to drum up excitement. The debut of the Trae Young 1 didn’t have any of that—considering the sneaker wasn’t scheduled to hit shelves for months—but it was perhaps the loudest sneaker unveiling in NBA history. 

“Adidas did a great job of helping me, making it possible for me to wear my shoe in the playoffs. When they gave me the opportunity to do that, I knew I needed to take advantage of the moment,” Young explains. “Playing in the Garden, playing the Knicks in the first round, I knew it was a great opportunity for people to see not only our team and me, but they get to see my shoes, too.”

In the predictably hostile MSG environment, Young dominated from the jump. He controlled the flow of the game and, despite the deafening screams and thunderous ovations and “F you” chants, was completely composed. He torched the Knicks’ defense out of the pick-and-roll, hitting floater after floater and throwing perfect lobs to Clint Capela and John Collins. And then, with less than 10 seconds left and the score tied at 105 apiece, he danced his way to the paint and nailed yet another floater. 

The game-winner.

The silencer.

He finished with 32 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in the 107-105 victory, becoming just the fourth player ever to record at least 30 and 10 in their postseason debut. “It’s still kind of surreal to me,” Young says, thinking back on that night. “When you’re in those games, you’re in those moments, you’re so locked in that you don’t really appreciate them until later on. So after the playoffs and everything, it’s been kind of crazy just knowing that our team did what we did and I was able to go in there and hit a game-winner in my first playoff game ever. It’s definitely an experience I won’t forget.”

A few days prior, Young had actually teased the sneaker debut on his Instagram. He posted a short video of the sample box, revealing the message printed in his handwriting across the top: “Always remember when they doubted you…” 

The line has become a mantra for Trae, a code that he’s lived by ever since high school, when the doubters began to emerge. He has the words “Always Remember” tatted on his right forearm and constantly shares the message on social media. He remembers when critics said he was too small, not athletic enough, couldn’t thrive at the highest level. He remembers when they said he was an empty-stats guy, all flash and no substance, not a winner. He remembers all of it.

From day one, that negativity has been fuel for his rise. 

“A lot of people say they don’t look at social media and stuff like that. But I’m not going to lie to you: I’m a 19-year-old kid, I look at Twitter, I look at Instagram, I look at the mock drafts,” Young told SLAM in January of 2018, when he was still at the University of Oklahoma. “I noticed in the summertime that I wasn’t on anything.”

“Keep that same energy is something that I live by today,” he said almost two years later, gracing his second SLAM cover. “People that had that energy of just always talking bad or just not believing in me, it’s just something that has motivated me. Every high-level player has something that motivates them. And criticism is one thing that motivates me.”

It’s not the only thing—Young draws inspiration from a number of sources. But he also hears the outside noise. Often, it’s impossible not to. 

“You ain’t got no choice but to hear it when a whole arena is chanting ‘F you,’” he says with a smile. “That’s just fun. Me, I’m a competitive person in whatever I’m doing. Anytime somebody’s talking trash, whether it’s my little brother, my dad, or a random person playing pick-up ball with me, I’m going to be the same way. That’s just my mindset. I’ve had this approach with everything I’ve done up until now. And I ain’t gonna change anytime soon, for sure.”

To represent him properly, Young’s signature sneaker had to incorporate that message. Always remember. It’s a mindset that has helped him achieve remarkable success at a rapid pace. He was the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in scoring and assists. He was named an All-Star starter in merely his second season in the NBA. He averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists in his first playoff run, leading the Hawks on an unexpected journey to the Eastern Conference Finals. And, after signing a long-term extension with adidas, he’s set to drop his own sneaker and apparel line at the age of just 22. He joins James Harden, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell and Derrick Rose as the fifth active adidas basketball signature athlete. 

Trae’s younger brother, Tim, played a significant role during the design process, sharing his creative, outside-the-box ideas. So far, we’ve seen Trae wear colorways that pay homage to his new hometown (a green pair inspired by the imagery for the 1996 Summer Olympics in 
Atlanta; a black edition to match the team’s MLK jerseys, including hues that mimic the stained-glass design on their court) and reflect his own persona (a light blue version with red accents and a polar bear printed on the heel, alluding to his “Ice Trae” nickname). There are plenty more flavors with innovative themes on the way next season, too.

Young doesn’t need further validation, but the arrival of his signature sneaker is yet another sign that he’s proved his doubters wrong. The shoe is a symbol of what’s possible when you don’t let the doubters deter you—when you use them as extra motivation instead.

KICKS 24 featuring Trae Young is available NOW!

Though less orchestrated than usual, the Trae Young 1’s debut seemed flawlessly scripted in hindsight. The 6-1 guard has relished silencing his critics forever—and in his first playoff game, wearing his signature sneaker for the first time, he literally got to silence an arena full of them.

“I was at the game and excited to see him because coming from a small place, a kid like this that has received so much doubt and so many people saying what he wasn’t gonna be, and for him to now be a max-deal player with his own shoe, playing in his first playoff series in his third year, it was pretty incredible,” describes Roland. “It was almost like a movie scene. For him to come to New York, one of the toughest places in the League to play, with those fans—I mean, on the first play of the game, he gets the ball and they’re yelling ‘F you, Trae Young!’ His whole family was there. It was his very first playoff game. And for him to get the game-winner in Madison Square Garden. You can’t really draw up a better script. I’ve seen him hit big shots and stuff like that before, but that was literally like something out of a movie.”

The lasting image of Young standing in the middle of the Garden floor, a finger to his lips, the orange of his “Peachtree” 1s glistening under the bright lights is a perfect embodiment of who he is. Self-assured. Confident. Defiant. Fearless.

“He’s always been a guy who was putting in hours where other people were just doing the minimum,” Roland continues. “He was doing extra to separate himself. And I think that’s where the confidence comes from, from the hours and the reps that he’s put in. And so with all the doubt, with all the noise that comes from the outside, he’s able to just stay cool because he’s so confident in his skill set.”

“He’s small, but he’s a tough kid and he’s not afraid. He’s not afraid of taking that shot,” Hawks head coach Nate McMillan told reporters afterward. “He’s a guy who believes in himself.”

The hope is that everyone who laces up the Trae Young 1 will believe in themselves the same way; that they are inspired to be like Trae, undaunted by obstacles and doubt, bolstered by that inner-confidence.

“I’m always going to stay true to myself no matter what,” Young says. “I think this shoe is going to bring out a lot of the creative ideas in my mind and hopefully influence [people] and give a lot of people inspiration when they put them on.”

“When I put these shoes on, I want to have fun with whatever I’m doing,” he adds. “So if I’m on the court and I got them on, I’m gonna put on a show.” 

KICKS 24 feat. Trae Young is available now in gold and black metal editions.

Shop here.

Portraits by Atiba Jefferson. Follow Atiba in Instagram, @atibaphoto.

Action photos via Getty Images.

The post Trae Young on the Debut of the adidas Trae Young 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Now, the Knicks and Gibson have reached an agreement to adjust the terms of the contract from the one-year, minimum-salary to a two-year, $10.1 million deal according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Taj Gibson’s deal with the Knicks has been restructured, agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN: Gibson will now sign a two-year, $10.1M deal to return to New York. He had originally agreed to a one-year deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2021

New York likely had renounced their Early Bird rights on Gibson to maximize their cap flexibility to sign free agents such as Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose, Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks. Now they will use their midlevel exception to complete the contract.

It’s considered a win-win for all parties. Gibson gets rewarded for his locker-room mentorship over the last two seasons, and the Knicks have a more tradable contract on the books maintaining their cap flexibility.

Through two seasons with the Knicks, Gibson averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds a game.

The post New York Knicks Restructure Taj Gibson’s Contract to A Two Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

After averaging 14.2 points in 22.8 minutes in only 15 appearances for the Detroit Pistons this past season, Rose joines the Knicks roster in a midseason trade back in February, eventually going on play a significant role anchoring New Yorks bench.

In the postseason, Rose would only improve his play, notching averages of 19.4 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game on 47.6 percent shooting and 45.1 percent from 3-point range and appearing to be New York’s most dominant force.

Although Rose has battled with injuries since his ACL tear in 2012, he has still proven to be an essential piece to the Knicks puzzle through his leadership and ability to get the job done on the floor.

On Monday, the Knicks would reaffirm Rose’s importance to their mission.

The post REPORT: Derrick Rose Returns to Knicks with 3-Year, $43 Million Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Then later during the NBA Draft, it was announced that the Wizards dealt the first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers for point guard Aaron Holiday. The Pacers used that pick to draft University of Kentucky forward Isaiah Jackson.

On Twitter, Westbrook thanked his former team and the city of DC for their support.

I’m blessed to have been a part of such a stand up organization. It didn’t take long to make a home in DC, and I will forever be grateful and appreciative of my experience with the organization. Thank you! #thedistrict

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) July 30, 2021

The Lakers now represent the fourth team in as many seasons for Westbrook. He is set to be the fifth former MVP to suit up for four NBA teams in four years or fewer, accompanying Bob McAdoo, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, and Derrick Rose according to Elias Sports Bureau research.

The moment Russell Westbrook touches the floor for the Lakers, he will be the 5th former MVP to play for four different franchises in a span of four seasons or fewer joining Bob McAdoo, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/NWAIK5FNF4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 30, 2021

The post Los Angeles Lakers to Get Russell Westbrook in Multi-Team Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Knicks’ general manager Scott Perry was offered a multi-year contract extension by the team, according to The Atheltic’s Shams Charania.

Perry was brought into the organization in 2017 and was responsible for acquiring assets like 2020-21 Most Improved Player Julius Randle and Derrick Rose. Perry was also notably on an expiring deal and needed a new deal to remain with the organization.

The Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2013, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference but losing to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs in five games.

Perry and the Knicks are looking to have a potentially big offseason, with rumors linking them to NBA stars like Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, and Collin Sexton.

The post Scott Perry Reportedly Given Contract Extension appeared first on SLAM.

Thanks to a report by Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach and Vincent Goodwill, there’s now context to the continued rumors.

After being fired by the New Jersey Nets back in 1999, he returned to NCAA and became the head coach for the University in Memphis in 2000 (for nine seasons). That era was highlighted by a NCAA title game appearance in 2008 that introduced a young Derrick Rose to the basketball world.

During his stints with Memphis and Kentucky, he led both programs to prominence, taking home an NCAA title in 2012 and making it to the Final Four five times.

So, why now?

Based on the report by Rohrbach and Goodwill, NBA executives believe Coach Cal’s potential return to the NBA is due to “the changing dynamics at Kentucky, along with the massive expectations from the fan base and alumni.”

“Calipari is a bit of a surprise here, but multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports Calipari would be open to jumping back into the NBA,” “He had a taste in the late 90s, taking over the then-New Jersey Nets following a stint at UMass that didn’t go particularly well. But the changing dynamics at Kentucky, along with the massive expectations from the fan base and alumni, could have him looking for a second bite.”

“He may have maxed out at Kentucky,” a high-ranking executive told Yahoo Sports.

Calipari just endured his worst season with the Kentucky Wildcats, finishing the 2020-21 season with a 9-16 record and an eighth-place finish in the SEC.

With the options for high school players to bypass college on their NBA path, Calipari’s popularized one-and-done blueprint might be turning obsolete.

There are currently six vacancies for NBA jobs: the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers.

If Calipari is considering a move to the NBA, teams will surely have an interest in him. A track record of longstanding relationships with former Kentucky players like Anthony Davis, John Wall and Karl-Anthony Towns also gives him a stable of superstar talent and high-profile players to vouch for his abilities.

The post Kentucky’s John Calipari ‘Would Be Open’ to NBA Return appeared first on SLAM.

Thibodeau is the first Knicks coach to win the award since Pat Riley in 1993.

What a season.

Congratulations to our leader, Tom Thibodeau, on being named the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year. pic.twitter.com/aXHXku4t2i

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 7, 2021

Before the season began, many media outlets and commentators predicted the Knicks would be the worst team in the League. However, under Thibodeau, the Knicks won 41 games and finished as the fourth seed in the East. 

The Connecticut native barely squeaked by Suns head coach Monty Williams (Thibodeau had 351 total points to Williams 340, even as Williams had two more first-place votes). 

This is Tom Thibodeau’s second NBA Coach of the Year award (first was 2010-11 with Chicago). Thibodeau is the first coach to win the award in his first year with two franchises and he’s the first Knick to win it since Pat Riley in 1993. Here is the NBA Coach of the Year voting: pic.twitter.com/pybbjQJCOi

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 7, 2021

In an interview with the Inside the NBA crew on TNT on Tuesday, Thibodeau attributed the team’s success in large part to Julius Randle, who recently won the Most Improved Player award, and the various veterans—such as Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock—who helped set the tone and mentor the young players.

“The whole team, from top to bottom, they were very special, they were very tight, hard-working and gave everything they had each and every day,” he said. 

The post New York Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau Named NBA Coach of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

Throughout this intense series of games, Young became somewhat of a villain in New York, interacting with the crowd frequently. At one point, a fan even spit on Young in a string of fan incidents in the first round of the playoffs. 

Young would have a spectacular start to his playoff career, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists per game. 

In Game 1, he became the first player to have 25 points and 10 assists in his playoff debut since Derrick Rose did it in 2009. Young capped this night off with a game-winning floater. 

In the series, Young became the third player in NBA history to lead their team in points and assists (including ties) in each of his first 5+ career NBA playoff games.

He ended the series with a dagger from beyond the arc, followed by a bow to the crowd of fans in Madison Square Garden. 

After the game, he made sure to speak on what the bow meant in an interview with ESPN’s Andrew Lopez and the rest of the media. 

“I know where we are. I know there’s a bunch of shows around this city. And I know what they do when the show is over.”

In the second round, Young and the Hawks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers, as Joel Embiid’s health is in question. 

The post Trae Young Ends Playoff Series Debut With A Bow appeared first on SLAM.

SLAM has the breakdowns on each of the matchups below.

No. 5 Hawks 105 , No. 4 Knicks 94

ATL Leads series 2-1

Trae Young left Madison Square Garden boasting “I’ll see you in the A!”. Ice Trae sure backed up his boast he made in New York.

The Hawks went on a huge 22-5 run before halftime behind Young’s offensive brilliance.

Trae’s really all about creating on offense. 14pts and 10ast in the first half. (via @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/e8r52l4uZz

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 29, 2021

Atlanta never looked back. What Trae got started in the first half, Bogdan Bogdanovic continued in the second half.

Lefty wraparound pass >>> (via @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/EFsWilKSE6

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 29, 2021

Despite an impressive 30-point performance from Knicks’ Derrick Rose, the Hawks went on the defeat the Knicks, 105-94. Young finished with 21 points, while Bogdanović had 15.

No. 7 Celtics 125, No. 2 Nets 119

Nets lead series 2-1

The Brooklyn Nets showed how dangerous an offensive team they are in the first three minutes of this game. The Nets ran off to a 19-4 lead before Boston answered back—thanks to a performance by Jayson Tatum, who went on one of his patented offensive explosions in the first half, scoring 21 points to give Boston an improbable halftime lead.

Too good, JT. (via @celtics) pic.twitter.com/EIAwht3NyT

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 29, 2021

The Nets really missed Jeff Green as Tatum got the switches he wanted and outlasted Kevin Durant and James Harden with a playoff career-high 50 points.

No. 4 Clippers 118, No. 5 Mavs 108

Mavs lead series 2-1

The Los Angeles Clippers cannot stop Luka Doncic, who just keeps exposing them with defensive switches.

Every shot Luka takes like this feels like it’s going in. (via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/XxxqJb1g80

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 29, 2021

The Dallas Mavericks started the game 8-0. Then they extended the lead to 30-11 and the route was on. When Luka sat down, the Clippers answered with a 14-4 run. From then on, it was a dogfight.

Luka Doncic finished with 44 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Kawhi Leonard matched him with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

What was the difference in the game? Leonard got support from Paul George. Kristaps Porzingis on the other hand disappeared.

The one thing that everyone will remember from this game is the introduction of the term “physical taunt”.

Terrence Mann ran at Willie Cauley-Stein after he appeared to get shoved.

A tech was called on the Mavs for a “physical taunt.” pic.twitter.com/F2qNLlRhZp

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 29, 2021

The post Post Up: Trae Sees the Knicks, Tatum Scores 50 and Kawhi Outduels Luka appeared first on SLAM.

The evening started with the Washington Wizards looking to even the series against the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks attempting to do the same against the Atalanta Hawks. The evening game was another one vs. eight seed game, with the Utah Jazz taking on the Memphis Grizzlies.

No 1. Philadelphia 76ers 120, No. 8 Washington Wizards 95

The Wizards looked out of their depth Wednesday night, with the D.C. squad trailing by double-digits almost the entire game. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons each finished with 22 points, and Tobias Harris added another 19 points.

Embiid getting wild after the and-one (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/j6Dgb8cBEa

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 27, 2021

No Wizards player finished with more than 11 points except Bradley Beal, who had a game-high 33 points.

Smooth. (via @WashWizards) pic.twitter.com/zdxamYksgL

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 27, 2021

While the Wizards being down 2-0 in the series is bad enough, the injury to Russell Westbrook could be cause for more concern. Westbrook left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury, and if he’s unavailable for the next two games, that might be a wrap for the WIzards. An altercation between Westbrook and a fan stole headlines when Westbrook confronted a fan who dumped popcorn on him.

Lakers’ LeBron James weighed in as well:

By the way WE AS THE PLAYERS wanna see who threw that popcorn on Russ while he was leaving the game tonight with a injury!! There’s cameras all over arenas so there’s no excuse! Cause if the was on the other . #ProtectOurPlayers

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 27, 2021

No 4. New York Knicks 101, No. 5 Atlanta Hawks 92

The most exciting game of the evening belonged to the Eastern Conference’s four vs. five seed matchup. The Knicks struggled in the first half containing Trae Young and entered halftime down trailing 57-44. But the Knicks’ offense came alive in the second half, and the defense held the Hawks to under 20 points in both quarters, which eventually gave them the late third quarter.

It was a big night for Derrick Rose off the bench, scoring a team-high 26 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. Four other Knicks also went double-digit in the scoring column, including Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks.

I love playoff basketball. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/P6kJpNtGfh

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 27, 2021

Still, Trae Young had another big night for Atlanta, dropping 30 points and seven assists.

That's NASTY, Trae. (via @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/Mo9qBFcXru

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 27, 2021

No. 1 Utah Jazz 141, No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies 129

Offense was easy to come by in the final game of Wednesday night, with a reinvigorated Jazz team dropping 141 points to defeat Memphis. Three players put up more than 20 points for Utah, including Donovan Mitchell (25), Mike Conley (20) and Rudy Gobert (21). Bojan Bogdanovic chipped in an additional 18 points, and Mr. Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, added 16.

Sensation Ja Morant kept the Grizzlies in the game nearly single-handily at points, finishing with 47 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Dillon Brooks and Jonas Valanciunas both had solid scoring nights, finishing with 23 and 18 points, respectively. Bench scoring was an issue for the Grizzlies, as only 14 points came from their bench all night, and seven of them came from De’Anthony Melton alone.

SHOWTIME JA. (via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/geI6einfoE

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 27, 2021

The post Post Up: Underdogs Fall Flat in Game Two appeared first on SLAM.

The Jazz had the honor of having two bench players to finish first and second in the balloting. Fellow Jazz teammate, Joe Ingles finished second. He surprised Clarkson by presenting the award on TNT.

Joe Ingles hands Jordan Clarkson the #KiaSixth Man of the Year trophy pic.twitter.com/pamxUATDqb

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 24, 2021

Clarkson collected 65 first-place votes for 407 total points. Ingles finished 34 first-place votes and 272 points. This the first time in NBA history that teammates finished with the top two spots for the award.  New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose finished third with 77 points.

The post Jordan Clarkson Outlasts Jazz Teammate to win NBA’s Sixth Man Award appeared first on SLAM.

With Young as the team’s primary playmaker, the Hawks looked great. In fact, he made history with his outstanding performance. 

According to Kirk Goldsberry of ESPN, Young became the first player to have 25 points and 10 assists in his playoff debut since Derrick Rose did it in 2009. 

Rose would accomplish this as a rookie at age 20, then would go on to win MVP less than two years later. Young is currently 22 years old as he navigates his first ever playoff series. 

To cap things off on this historic night, Young even hit a game-winning floater to give Atlanta the win. 

While Trae Young has always produced jaw-dropping stats in the regular season, he rose to the occasion over the weekend in his playoff debut. 

The post Hawks’ Trae Young Makes NBA History in Playoff Debut appeared first on SLAM.

It got real quiet in there, he repeated. I don’t care. Next one.

Last night, the Hawks defeated the New York Knicks, 107-105, to take a 1-0 series lead. Atlanta’s young star stunned the city with a 32/10/7 performance to help seal the win, silencing New York fans—who were relentless in their first playoff game back in MSG and persistently chanted “F—Trae Young”—by dropping the game-winning bucket with a signature floater over Julius Randle.

Young’s ice-cold moment topped off his superb night from the paint, going 7-for-9 on drives. He took over the fourth quarter, scoring or assisting on 21 fourth-quarter points (36).

Even amidst all of the chants, Young didn’t sweat the noise from the crowd. Instead, it seems like he’s fueled by it, positioning himself as the next great villain of the Garden in just his first playoff appearance. 

“For me, I wanted to hear those ‘F—you’ chants again,” Young said. 

“Everybody’s chanting F-U … It got real quiet at the end, and I wanted to hear those F-U chants again.”

–Trae Young after winning Game 1 in MSG pic.twitter.com/W2zHCrWNeh

— ESPN (@espn) May 24, 2021

The Hawks star point guard also joins LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Chris Paul as the only players in NBA history with 30 points and 10 assists in their playoff debut, per Elias. 

While Ice Trae won the battle, MSG and Knicks fans are prepared for the war. Last night marked a multitude of reminiscent moments from years past, proving once again that basketball is better when the Knicks are ballin’ and the Garden is rocking once again.

The Knicks will get another crack at Young and the Hawks on Wednesday for Game 2.

The post Trae Young Silences Madison Square Garden in Game 1 Playoff Win Over Knicks appeared first on SLAM.

If the first two days of playoff action are any indication of what we can expect the rest of the way, basketball fans across the world are in for a treat. We’ve broken down each of the Sunday’s matchups below.

No. 1 Sixers 125, No. 8 Wizards 118

PHI leads series 1-0

After slipping into the playoffs with a successful play-in tournament, the Washington Wizards were set to face a tough task against the top seed in the Eastern Conference in the Philadelphia 76ers. The game was close through the first half before the Sixers took control in the third quarter.

Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with 33 points while Tobias Harris dropped a playoff career-high with 37 points. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons produced 15 rebounds and 15 assists and Joel Embiid scored 30 points. The Sixers played great team basketball and overcame shooting just .312 from deep in the win.

No. 2 Suns 99, No. 7 Lakers 90

PHX leads series 1-0

In a highly emotional game, we saw Chris Paul and LeBron James both take hard falls in Game 1 of this series. While both appear to be good to go moving forward, fans from both teams had to temporarily hold their breath.

Devin Booker carried the Suns offensively in his playoff debut, scoring 34 points to go along with eight assists and seven rebounds. DeAndre Ayton, who is set to earn an extension this summer, proved his worth as well as he produced 21 points and 16 rebounds. The Lakers’ superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis had a tough game, combining for just 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.

No. 4 Knicks 105, No. 5 Hawks 107

ATL leads series 1-0

In perhaps the most even matchup on paper of the day, the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks took things down to the wire. In a game between two teams who haven’t been to the playoffs recently, things looked to be headed to overtime before Trae Young silenced the crowd with a game-winning bucket.

Young finished with 32 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the way for the Hawks. To help him out, Bogdan Bogdanovic caught fire late in the game, scoring 18 points on the night, including four made threes. Surprisingly for the Knicks, Alec Burks led the team in scoring with 27 points alongside Derrick Rose off the bench who produced 17 points. Their best player in Julius Randle struggled offensively, finishing with just 15 points on 6-for-23 from the floor.

No. 1 Jazz 109, No. 8 Grizzlies 112

MEM leads series 1-0

The Memphis Grizzlies came into this series as a major underdog, but took full advantage of the Jazz in Game 1 as they were without Donovan Mitchell. While Utah jumped out to an early first quarter lead, Memphis took absolute control in the second and third quarters. Things got close late in the fourth quarter on a huge Jazz run, but Ja Morant’s clutch buckets down the stretch saved the Grizzlies.

Dillon Brooks was the star of the game, finishing with 31 points on the night, 29 of which came through the first three quarters of play. Ja Morant had a fairly quiet night until the fourth, notching 26 points while Jonas Valanciunas had a 15 point, 13 rebound double-double. In the absence of Mitchell, the Jazz couldn’t get the offense going early enough, as Bojan Bogdanovic led the team in scoring with 29 points, 19 of which came in the fourth quarter. Rudy Gobert fouled out for the first time all season while Mike Conley contributed 22 points and 11 assists.

The post Post Up: Trouble in Paradise appeared first on SLAM.

Now that the playoffs are finally here, and the bracket completely set, it’s time to preview the Eastern Conference side of the playoffs.

1 Philadelphia 76ers (49-23)

8 Washington Wizards (34-38)

#WizPacers W in a tweet

– CLINCHED 8 in the East
– BB3 25p
– Russ 18p-8r-15a
– DG 15p-13r-5b pic.twitter.com/GhfjflXlrY

— x – Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 21, 2021

On the surface, this is just another one-seed that should dominate this eight-seed Wizards team that went 34-38 in the regular season, but the Wizards have more fight than that. The Wizards have two All-Star level guards in Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal and are coming into the playoffs hot, having won 14 of their last 20 games. The Wizards will look to win games by pushing the pace, as their 104.1 pace rating is far and away the highest mark in the NBA.  

With that being said, the 76ers should expect nothing less than an easy four or five-game series. Philadelphia has the best record in the Eastern Conference, going 49-23, paired with an elite defense, ending the season with a defensive rating of 107.0, second-best in the NBA. If the 76ers championship ambitions are to be taken seriously, they need to dispose of the Wizards with minimal problems to open their playoff push.

2 Brooklyn Nets (48-24)

7 Boston Celtics (36-36)

Get ready for Game 1 with a look back at some of our top moments vs Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/DFt2vLztHl

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 22, 2021

The Nets have the most dynamic offense in the League, featuring a lethal trio of future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. But all eyes will be not on the Nets’ offense, but rather their defense, which ranked eighth-worst in the NBA in defensive rating. The Celtics will serve as an excellent test to see if the Nets’ potent offense has enough firepower to overcome their defensive lapses.

The Celtics torched the Wizards to earn the seven-seed thanks to Jayson Tatum’s 50 point outing, but the Nets will prove to be a different foe. The Celtics have struggled this season and enter the playoffs having lost six of their last eight games to end the regular season, and All-Star forward Jaylen Brown due to a wrist injury. Boston will need even more Tatum heroics to get them out of this series. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the Celtics to keep pace with the high-powered Nets’ offense.

3 Milwaukee Bucks (46-26)

6 Miami Heat (40-32)

Khris is locked in. pic.twitter.com/SseanrLZ7K

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 22, 2021

This Bucks vs. Heat matchup serves as a repeat of last year’s Eastern Conference Sem-Finals, where the Heat dispatched the Bucks in just five games. However, this is a different Bucks team. The addition of point guard Jrue Holiday to pair with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo makes the Bucks defense more formidable than last year with Eric Bledsoe. But head coach Mike Budenholzer will have to show a willingness to adapt on the fly, as that has been his Achilles heel in the past two playoffs.

The Heat have had a rollercoaster season, with many key players missing serious time, eventually landing them the six-seed in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler had another fantastic season in Miami, and him paired with defensive menace Bam Adebayo will undoubtedly give them a strong shot at taking down Milwaukee. They’ll have to do it without Victor Oladipo though; he will miss the entire playoffs due to a quad injury.

4 New York Knicks (41-31)

5 Atlanta Hawks (41-31)

Playoff basketball is back where it belongs.

WE HERE. pic.twitter.com/4W7HVAuo2b

— x – NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 19, 2021

The Knicks vs. Hawks series is a battle between two teams that had very different paths to get here. The Knicks earned their way into the playoffs with their elite defense, finishing the season with the fourth-best defensive rating in the League of 107.8. The Hawks, on the other hand, got to the playoffs with their offense, finishing with the ninth-highest offensive rating with 114.3. One commonality between the two teams can be seen with their coaches. Both Tom Thibodeau and Nate McMillan have come to these franchises after disappointing at their previous stops to help turn their new franchise around

The Hawks will have to find a way to hide Trae Young’s defensive woes, as they need him on the floor to run their offense. Clint Capela had a monster defensive season and will prove a worthy matchup to All-Star Julius Randle. The Knicks will need R.J. Barrett, Derrick Rose and Alec Burks to continue their strong regular seasons into the playoffs to score enough points to beat the Hawks.

The post 2021 NBA Playoff Matchups: Eastern Conference appeared first on SLAM.

MVP FINALISTS:

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The MVP race will be a tight one, with three very deserving finalists. Stephen Curry ended the season as the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 32 points per game this year while shooting 42.1 percent from three-point range on over 12 attempts per game.

Nikola Jokic, the favorite for the award, played in every game this season and averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Joel Embiid had an incredible season and is averaging 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

DPOY FINALISTS:

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Defensive Player of the Year may be less of a mystery, with Rudy Gobert, who is averaging 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, is the runaway favorite. Ben Simmons, who is averaging 7.2 boards and 1.6 steals per game, and Draymond Green (7.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals) both had excellent seasons on the defensive end as well.

SIXTH MAN FINALISTS:

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The sixth man of the year will come down to a pair of Utah Jazz players, Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles, and Derrick Rose. Clarkson has been a scoring machine all year, averaging 18.4 points per game.

As for his teammate, Ingles has a well-rounded case and is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. Rose has been no slouch either, with his time with the Knicks proving crucial to their success and averaging 14.7 points per game to boot.

ROY FINALISTS:

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Rookie of the Year is down to three young guards. Anthony Edwards put up gaudy scoring numbers all season, averaging 19.3 points per game, while LaMelo Ball’s 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game for a near playoff team is hard to ignore. Tyrese Haliburton is a distant third in this race, but he had a very respectable rookie season for Sacramento.

MOST IMPROVED FINALISTS:

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The Most Improved Player Award is another one where little debate is needed. Julius Randle has had an unbelievable season for the Knicks, going for more than 24.1 points per game on the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference while being named an All-Star.

The two other finalists are one current Denver Nugget, Michael Porter Jr., and one former Nugget, Jerami Grant. Porter Jr. took a huge step in his second season, averaging 19 points per game while shooting 44.5 percent from three-point range. Grant went from averaging no more than 14 points per game at any point in his career to averaging 22.3 points per game.

COACH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

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Quin Snyder and Monty Williams will both have excellent cases, leading their teams to first and second in the Western Conference, respectively. Tom Thibodeau has a great case himself, taking a Knicks team that finished 12th in the Eastern Conference last year and pushing them to fourth in his first season.

The post NBA Announces Finalists for End of Season Awards appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Knicks general manager Scott Perry could have an extension coming his way in the not-so-distant future.

“I hear Scott Perry is going to be around the Knicks longer,” Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast Tuesday. “I hear it’s all going to be worked out.”

Perry was brought on as general manager for the Knicks in 2017 after a stint with the Sacramento Kings. The Knicks even traded away a 2019 second-round pick for his services.

Perry has been an instrumental part in various moves for the Knicks, including trading for Derrick Rose, signing All-Star Julius Randle and drafting sophomore sensation RJ Barrett.

The Knicks have had their best season since 2012-13, going 41-31 and claiming the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They match up against the fifth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs later this week.

The post Knicks GM Scott Perry Rumored to be Receiving Contract Extension appeared first on SLAM.

After the Boston Celtics lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, 102-94, the New Yorks Knicks officially clinched its first playoff-berth since 2013 as the No.6 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The last time the Knicks made an appearance in the postseason was seven years ago during the 2012-13 season. Led by Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks faced a tough Indiana Pacers team equipped with Paul George, Roy Hibbert, and Lance Stephenson. New York went on to lose the series, 2-4.

Now, years later, a newfound sense of hope has shined over Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have proved the doubters and naysayers wrong all year, even starting the season off with a 5-3 record. Although it may be a small and easily overlook achievement, these dubs were against some powerhouse teams like the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Indiana Pacers.

Although the franchise’s success can be attributed to the entire roster, one key component has been none other than Randle. The NBA All-Star has popped off this season, averaging a career-high 24.0 points per game, as well as 5.9 assists and 10.3 rebounds. Playing alongside RJ Barrett, rookies Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, and NBA vets like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, the Knicks have found their rhythm this season and succeeded, despite doubts.

They truly are bringing toughness back to MSG.

The New York Knicks will host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night at 7:30 pm.

The post The New York Knicks are Headed to the Playoffs For the First Time Since 2013 appeared first on SLAM.

Most games with 5+ threes by a rookie in NBA history:

11 — Saddiq Bey
9 — Steph Curry
9 — Allen Iverson pic.twitter.com/2XWEHxrCeo

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 4, 2021

Saddiq hit five 3-pointers in back-to-back games this week against the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets to break the record, passing the 20 point plateau on both occasions.

Head coach Dwane Casey is impressed just as much by his efficient play as his shooting.

“He’s efficient in his play,” says Casey, via NBA.com.“It’s kind of like you want him to be a little more reckless, more aggressive. But he’s such a conscientious player, a conscientious kid that he doesn’t want to make mistakes – and doesn’t.”

Bey has season averages of 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting a solid 38.3 percent from beyond the line. Over his last 12 games, he’s picked up his production scoring 15.8 points per game on an eye-opening 40.9 percent shooting from 3-point range.

He has scored 20 or more points nine times overall this season, which is quite a feat considering Bey is accomplishing this in a shortened season, with no summer league, and a shortened preseason with six more games to add to the record.

With all of the attention surrounding Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, Saddiq Bey’s take on his chances of being NBA’s Rookie of the Year is just as low key as his record-breaking exploits.

“I just try to control what I can control. I don’t really know too much about other rookies—except the ones on my team. I try to just control what I can control and I just try to get better every day.”

The Detroit Pistons have committed to developing their young players this season by buying out Blake Griffin and trading Derrick Rose, but Bey’s recent performances this rookie season justifies the vision for the future.  

The post Saddiq Bey Makes NBA History As A 3-Point Shooter appeared first on SLAM.

While three of the seasons of Vildoza’s contract are non-guaranteed, the MVP of the 2020 Spanish ACB Finals has legitimate chance to stick with the Knicks. Guards Elfrid Payton, Alec Burks, Frank Ntilikina and Derrick Rose on the final seasons of their contracts with New York and the savvy playmaker may be able to replace one of them in the rotation moving forward.

Particularly when, despite being in a league where the majority of guards are threats to score, the Knicks rely heavily on a guard with a more defensive-lean in Payton.

Payton, who has started all 57 games he’s played for New York this season, has averaged 11.0 points and 3.4 assists per game while shooting .295 percent from 3-point range, .333 percent from the midrange and .364 percent on jump shots, in general (per NBA Advanced Stats).

Vildoza, may be able replace either Rose —who continues to defy Father Time— or Burks as a second unit scorer in future seasons. The 25-year-old averaged 10.5 points and 3.5 assists in 24.5 minutes per game for Baskonia this season, shooting .376 percent from 3-point range.

The post Knicks Agree to Sign Luca Vildoza to 4-Year, $13.6 Million Contract appeared first on SLAM.

So, if game does speak for itself, let’s look at their past two matchups:

The Houston Rockets simply had no answer for the New York Knicks in Sunday’s game. The Knicks went on to start the beginning of each quarter with a lead following the previous one, while the Rockets struggled to contain them.

Despite the effort given by Christian Wood, who scored team-high with 19 points 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, it wasn’t enough. Randle continued to fill the stat sheet, scoring 31 points in three quarters with 7 rebounds and 6 assists, giving the Knicks what they needed to overthrow a skilled Houston Rockets team. 

His teammates also went on to score double digits, including Barrett who dropped 21 points, and NBA Vet Derrick Rose, who finished with 24 points and six rebounds. Rookie Immanuel Quickly had 13 points, while Reggie Bullock scored 11. The Knicks defeated the Rockets, 122-97.

Former MVP things

24 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST off the bench pic.twitter.com/zWKaD8Wk5H

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 3, 2021

With the way the Knicks have been playing lately, there’s no doubt much more success will be in their future—especially with the win they pulled off against the well-rounded Memphis Grizzlies. Randle continued to put on another great performance, racking up 28 points, while D-Rose added another 25 points to help solidify the 118-104 win.

Julius Randle. Really good at basketball. And that's facts.

28 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST pic.twitter.com/wruxaYjvuN

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 4, 2021

The Knicks will look to continue their two-game winning streak into Wednesday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have lost four out of the last five games.

The post The Post Up: New York Knicks are Shining Brighter Than Ever appeared first on SLAM.

It is in this moment that 19-year-old rookie RJ Barrett, in a scenario very similar to a high school freshman entering the cafeteria for lunch for the very first time, finds himself looking around the plane for a place to sit. He eventually turns to Julius Randle, who is entering his sixth year in the NBA and therefore is already sitting in his preferred spot, and asks if he could join him.     

“He didn’t really know where to sit. He came and was like, Is it cool if I sit right here? And I was like, Hell no! Nah, I’m joking. I was like, Yeah, of course, man. I’ve always sat on the same place on the plane my whole career. He sat next to me and it’s just kind of been our thing…First day, and ever since then, hasn’t changed,” says Randle. “They have the table where the guys play cards. I’ve always sat to the left of the table—directly there. I sit there and [RJ] sits by the window.”

Julius, who knew exactly what it was like to be a top draft pick headed to a big city with tons of expectations and very little patience after being selected with the seventh pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, became the perfect mentor for Barrett. Whether fate or just pure coincidence, it’s impossible to trace back the grand return of the New York Knicks to relevance this season without looking at how Randle and Barrett sprouted in The Garden by developing a strong chemistry that extends beyond the hardwood. One that seems to have started on (or at the very least facilitated by) an October flight in 2019.

“We’ve been sitting beside each other since day one. Just cracking jokes…We can play cards, we listen to music, we do all that at the front of the plane. It kind of just happened and we just stuck with it,” says Barrett. “We’ve always just had an understanding with each other. Sitting together at the beginning kind of helped me because I was the rookie coming in. So, it was like [a] big brother just helping me out. We even watch film together on the plane, showing me little things.”

That plane seating decision may have not seemed like a big deal at the time, but it helped pave the way for the creation of the most important Knicks duo in recent memory. The Knicks are back. The most valued franchise in the NBA is making noise again. A real foundation is now in place, with Randle and Barrett at the center of it.

Order your copy of SLAM 232 featuring Julius Randle and RJ Barrett now.

It’s a Thursday afternoon in late April and RJ Barrett is sitting in his home office in White Plains, NY. The team is enjoying a day off, 16 hours after winning at home in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks in the second game of a back-to-back. Randle dropped 40. The Knicks extended their winning streak to eight—their longest streak in seven years. The team has moved up to sole possession of the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference on this day. With less than a month to go in the regular season, the thought of the Knicks being in the playoffs for the first time since 2013 seems like a real possibility. It’s been eight years. The city is buzzing.

There’s a lot to be excited about, and RJ is cheesing hard when he joins us via Zoom from his home.

“I feel like we were the only ones that kind of believed in ourselves. No one thought we were going to be here,” says Barrett. “No one thought we were going to be in this position except for us. Even making the playoffs, we’re very excited for that. It’s not just about making the playoffs. We want to go far. We want to try to win championships. That’s what we’re about.”

“From the media’s standpoint, I could certainly understand how we would be ahead of schedule,” says Randle. “For me—unless you’re, like, the Lakers or Brooklyn [where] it’s championship or bust in their minds, probably—I came to this season with an open mind. We had a new front office. Guys I was really familiar with were Wes [William Wesley] and Leon [Rose]. New coaching staff, different players. So, it’s hard to really put a cap on what you can be. I just tried to come into the season with an open mind. I wanted to improve as a player and really put my best foot forward as far as how I could help the team. Quickly, as the season started in training camp and as the season went on, I could tell things were a lot different [and that] we had a chance to be good if we just trust in each other, believe in each other and follow Thibs’ lead.”

It was in July of 2017 when Barrett first caught the attention of Randle. At the time, Randle had just completed his third year in the League and was enjoying his offseason in L.A. when one day he decided to tune in to the U19 FIBA World Cup in Egypt. The real draw for the former Kentucky star was that his former head coach John Calipari was coaching the American team. As a true Big Blue Nation supporter and overall student of the game, Randle tuned it to root for his guy. It was the tourney’s semifinals and Team USA was facing off against Canada. Barrett, only 17 years old at the time, ended up dropping 38 points, 13 rebounds and 5 rebounds while leading Canada to a shocking 99-87 upset victory over the United States.

It marked the first time that an American team of any age group had lost a game in international competition in six years, while also being the first time ever that a Canadian men’s basketball team had claimed gold at any level. Randle vividly remembers his thoughts after watching that contest.

“I watched that game. He went crazy. I remember he got a 30-ball,” recalls Randle. “I was like, That kid is going to be special! I could tell right away. You don’t just see that happening.”

Beyond the career-high production from Randle and the second-year leap from Barrett, there’s a visible overall culture shift with this team, one that everyone has bought in on. Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s teams have always been known for their hard-nosed defense and grittiness. As of late April, the team ranks No. 1 in the NBA in fewest points allowed (104.7 per game) as well as No. 1 in fewest made field goals by opponents (38.0 per game). For reference, the franchise ranked 17th in points allowed last season (112.3 ppg). In their largest margin blowout win in 25 years—by 44 points against the Detroit Pistons on the road—in early April, the orange and blue didn’t allow a single field goal to the Pistons starters in the first quarter; that hasn’t happened in 22 years.

“We’re a team that we go back to the gym at night. Almost every night. We’re always working before practice, after practice. Come back again at night. We land somewhere, we all go to the gym now. We’re always in the gym. That’s been showing out there on the court…This is a very special team. And I feel like we’re the start of something good in New York Knicks basketball again,” says Barrett. “I think our team describes New York. I think we’re tough, gritty, resilient. And we go in with our hard hat and work hard every day.”

Adds Randle, “After the first game of preseason, honestly, I saw it was different. And then I think the third game of the preseason, when we played Cleveland back-to-back, I was like, Oh, nah, we got a chance to do something or surprise people! We went to Indiana, played them tough—should’ve won the game. And from that point on, I’m like, Yo, just keep building! I really wasn’t focused on the wins and losses. We were just trying to focus on building our identity of who we were as a team. Confidence for a team is everything. That’s really what happened with us. Game by game, our confidence just grew to where every game we come in [and] we expect to win the game.”   

For Randle, the journey has taken him from four rebuilding years with the Lakers (tough years where the team finished 30 or more games under .500 in three of those) to then one season in New Orleans, where he enjoyed some of the best numbers of his career but nonetheless missed the playoffs. He opted out of the second year of a two-year deal with the Pelicans in the summer of 2019 and ultimately took a leap of faith in signing with the rebuilding Knicks. After a tough first season as a team in New York, Randle is now averaging career highs in points (24.2) and rebounds (10.3) as of press time. He’s been filling up the stat sheet, becoming the first Knick in over three decades to record multiple triple-doubles in a season. He got his first All-Star nod in March and is now gearing up for some playoff action—the first of his career.

“I had never seen [Julius] in person before, so when I [first] saw him I actually was like, This dude is 6-9, 250!” says Barrett while bursting out laughing. “My favorite stories are just him working hard. Us landing somewhere and [he’s] always going to the gym. He just became an All-Star, and he was in New York working after the All-Star Game before anybody even got back….As soon as he gets to the arena, he has his headphones on. He’s kind of just in a zone. He doesn’t really speak until we get on the court.”

For RJ, who’s still only 20 years old, his first 18+ months in the League have been a rollercoaster. As the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which became the Knicks’ highest draft pick since Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing went number one in 1985, he saw his share of ups and downs as a rookie. The team was losing. A lot. The head coach was fired. The team president was fired. Although many jumped at the opportunity to critique his shooting numbers, he still showed glimpses of what could be. There were a couple of 27-point performances. He became the first Knicks rookie in 40 years to post a 15-15-5 stat line. He was third (behind only Zion Williamson and Ja Morant) in scoring among all rookies—and yet somehow was absurdly snubbed from the NBA All-Rookie Team.

Not only are his averages and shooting percentages up across the board this season (posting 17.6 points and 5.8 boards as of press time), there’s an aura and swagger to him. He’s become a fan favorite in the Big Apple.

“This year he’s just a complete—I wouldn’t say 180 [degrees], but as far as his mentality, he doesn’t let things affect him,” says Randle of Barrett. “He’s very steady, confident and knows who he is as a player, and he’s just been proving it.”

A few days after our Zoom calls with both guys, the Knicks winning streak came to an end following a loss to Phoenix at home. The streak topped off at nine—the team’s second best stretch in 25 years. The vibe in the city remained unchanged, though. This time it just feels different.

Yes, the Carmelo Anthony-led 2012-13 team did indeed make it to the second round of the playoffs, but that squad never had a sustainable young core to build a future around. Therefore, that era came and went so fast, still leaving the franchise with the worst record in the League over a 20-year span when Randle joined in 2019. This team, though, hasn’t even scratched the surface. From Immanuel Quickley having one of the best rookie seasons in the Association, to Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel becoming major defensive forces in the paint, it’s been a well-balanced mix to complement vets like Derrick Rose, Reggie Bullock, Alec Burks, Elfrid Payton and Taj Gibson.

Players on other teams, from LeBron James to Marcus Morris, have taken to Twitter to acknowledge the resurgence of the team. “And the league is simply better off when the Knicks are winning,” LeBron tweeted on April 22. Yet, being patient and realistic is very important here—one thing that Randle and Barrett constantly preached during our call.

“We’re aware of [the excitement]. We hear it. You can’t really escape it. We hear it but that’s not where our focus is. We have a game-to-game focus. Thibs does an amazing job of preparing us from game to game,” says Randle. “Our game to game attention to detail and focus, it’s different than any team I’ve ever been on.”

“[Thibs] came in and he was just very honest from the beginning. He told us, We have a long way to go but we’re going to try to turn this around. And that’s exactly what we’ve done,” says Barrett. “Honestly, I’m not really surprised. We worked too hard. We work so hard and we have no egos. I feel like we deserve everything that is happening right now but we know that we have a long way to go.”

—

Action photos credits via Getty.

Portraits by Niko Rodriguez and Kevin Clark at the New York Knicks. Follow Niko on Instagram @technicalbasis, and Kevin on Insta @kevin_clarkk.

The post Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are Bringing Toughness Back to MSG appeared first on SLAM.

New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett told K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago just how impressive Rose has been over his career.

“To see how he’s playing now, especially the past week or so, it just shows you how great he is. This is like Year 12 for him and he’s still out there getting 20 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds, still out there doing everything on the court. Hustling, doing everything,” Barrett told Johnson. “To see where he started and what he’s had to overcome in his career, it’s amazing.”

“He’s a pro. He loves basketball. He loves to play,” Barrett said. “He’s ready to go every day.”

Rose has had a great stretch with the Knicks this season. Since moving to New York from Detroit, Rose is averaging 14.0 points and 4.1 assists per game. He’s also led the Knicks to an 18-8 record when he plays.

Rose has had an outstanding NBA career; he was named Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, has played in three All-Star games, and was named MVP in the 2010-11 season.

The Knicks so far this season are 34-28 and are sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The post RJ Barrett Calls Derrick Rose’s Career ‘Amazing’ appeared first on SLAM.

Heading into April, New York now finds themselves in their first playoff chase since the 2012-13 season, back when Carmelo Anthony’s jerseys were orange and blue rather than red and black and Mike Woodson was a head coach in the NBA, rather than his alma mater.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, they’ll be without their starting center Mitchell Robinson for the stretch as the prized shot-blocker underwent a successful surgery on his fractured right foot on Monday, the team announces.

The injury occurred on Sunday, when the Knicks were in Milwaukee facing the Bucks.

Going for a steal in the opening period, Robinson got tangled up with Bucks center Brook Lopez and then immediately struggled to put any weight on his right foot, in obvious discomfort.

Robinson, 22-years-old, has shown plenty of potential and growth in his short career. In 31 games this year, Robinson was averaging 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting .653 percent from the field.

It’s a tough break for Robinson as this will now be his second surgery on the season. Robinson also underwent surgery in February, in order to repair a fractured right hand.

Due to what’s been a close-knit locker room for New York, Robinson’s injury hit his teammates hard. The camaraderie couldn’t have been more evident when sports announcer Mike Breen informed Knicks veteran guard Derrick Rose the significances of his teammates injury.

In the short term, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and his staff will have to rely on veterans Taj Gibson and Nerlens Noel to continue to fill the void during Robinson’s absence.

Another possibility for the Knicks is to sign a player to one of their two open roster spots, although the number of high-quality free agent centers dwindled over the past week.

The post Mitchell Robinson Undergoes Successful Surgery to Repair Fractured Foot appeared first on SLAM.

The ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of the University of Florida, Noah was praised for his defensive intensity, rebounding prowess and passing ability at the height of his career.

Suiting up for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies on his way to eight playoff appearances, Noah’s individual accolades include two All-Star selections, three All-Defensive Team selections, a first-team All-NBA selection and a Defensive Player of the Year award (2014).

The plan is for Noah to, eventually, retire as a member of the Bulls. Chicago, who drafted Noah, returned to prominence during his nine seasons there thanks to the franchise’s fortune in finding players like him, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose.

Among other distinctions, Noah will retire ninth in Bulls franchise history in games played (572), ninth in steals (481), fourth in rebounds (5,387), third in blocks (803). He currently ranks in the top-20 among all active players in career blocks (874), rebounds (6,058) and triple-doubles (7).

The post 13-Year NBA Veteran Joakim Noah Officially Announces Retirement appeared first on SLAM.

Derrick Rose was recently traded from the Detroit Pistons to the New York Knicks, in a deal that would reunite him with his former coach Tom Thibodeau. In their first season together in 2011, Rose won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the two of them had great chemistry. 

After his debut with the Knicks this season, Rose talked about this special bond with Thibodeau.

“We’re an odd couple. We understand the game. We’re students of the game. Wherever I go, wherever he goes, he’s always trying to win and I’m on the same page.”

For Rose, this opportunity appears to be exactly what he wanted. Not only will he get to play under Thibodeau again, but he feels that the Knicks have a chance to make the playoffs. 

According to Peter Botte of The New York Post, during Rose’s finals days in Detroit, he was upfront with Pistons Head Coach Dwane Casey about the type of situation he wanted to be in. 

“Coach, I’ve only got so many miles left in my legs. I want to make sure I go to a situation where I may have a chance to make the playoffs this year.” 

The Knicks are currently the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. This season, the top ten teams in each conference will have the opportunity to make the playoffs through a play-in tournament. As it stands now, it appears Derrick Rose will have the opportunity to help his new team get to the postseason. 

The post Pistons Grant Derrick Rose’s Playoff Race Wish appeared first on SLAM.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Rivers is likely to become a player whom “contenders seek in trade talks” as teams look to fortify backcourts closer to the March 25 trade deadline.

Rivers was signed this offseason by the Knicks to a three-year, $10 million contract and has been worth every penny thus far. As a spark off the bench this season, Rivers is averaging 8.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists on .364 from deep. 

While the Knicks continue to make a push for the playoffs, additional moves could be made, starting at the point guard position. 

The post Knicks’ Austin Rivers Could Be Popular Trade Target appeared first on SLAM.

Expected to be headed to Detroit in the swap are Dennis Smith Jr. and additional draft compensation.

Rose’s name has come up as a popular trade target for the better part of the past two seasons. Now, the Knicks will take a flyer on the pending free agent as they jockey for position in an Eastern Conference playoff race.

This won’t be Rose’s first tenure with the Knicks – he played there in 2016-17 – but this time he’ll be reunited with a coach who is familiar with him game.

New York head coach Tom Thibodeau coached Rose at previous stops with the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Details about the exact draft compensation have not been made public and there are a variety scenarios that could play out. New York is currently in possession of two future Pistons’ second-rounders.

The post Knicks Nearing Trade for Derrick Rose appeared first on SLAM.

However, they’ve had some bright spots when it comes to their personnel. Both Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee got huge contracts this offseason from the Pistons and are being extremely productive thus far. Additionally, Blake Griffin is having solid season coming off of injury. While he should turn it around as the season goes on, Derrick Rose seems to have taken a step back this season offensively.

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

Jerami Grant	22.8p, 6.0r, 1.8a
Mason Plumlee	7.8p, 9.8r, 4.8a
Josh Jackson	17.3p, 6.0r, 2.0a
Blake Griffin	16.3p, 6.0r, 3.0a
Delon Wright	11.8p, 3.5r, 3.8a
Wayne Ellington	11.0p, 1.0r, 0.0a	–
Sekou Doumbouya	4.3p, 3.5r, 0.3a
Jahlil Okafor	7.0p, 5.5r, 0.5a
Svi Mykhailiuk	6.3p, 2.3r, 0.8a
Derrick Rose	14.3p, 2.3r, 5.7a

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The post Heat Check 2020-21: Detroit Pistons appeared first on SLAM.

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

Biggest Questions

• Will Blake Griffin be on the team by the end of the season? If the Pistons are going to be mediocre again, it may be time to get what you can for Griffin before it’s too late. Although he hasnt been able to stay healthy recently, he could still be an extremely impactful player on a team looking to make the playoffs.
• Is Killian Hayes ready to lead this team? It already appears that he will be the starting point guard to start the season, even as a rookie. This shows the amount of faith that the Pistons have in him, but it won’t be an easy task.

All NBA Team Offseason Summaries

The post Detroit Pistons: Projected 2020-21 Depth Chart appeared first on SLAM.

It was only a few years ago that Rose’s agent said that he didn’t want to mentor younger Knicks players, stating, “you’re a mentor when you no longer can play.”

According to Eric Woodyard of The Undefeated, Rose has now humbly accepted this role and acknowledges that there is a “new generation” of point-guards in the league:

“You’ve got to adapt. That’s why I always throw Kobe [Bryant] in it,” Rose said, per The Undefeated. “He always adapted. He looked at what the game and what the kids were doing. Like, ‘Oh, y’all are Euroing now? All right, let me gone ahead and add that Euro to my game.’ He didn’t change his game totally, but he took the little pieces that they added to the game and that’s how he was able to withstand all them years.

“I’m trying to do the same thing. I watch the shorties, I watch their workouts. I watch all that just to see what’s new.”

Rose has even been welcoming in young players such as Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart, and dropping gems about the game:

“I’m a rookie. I’m new to this league. He’s been around, he know how things go, so I’m always asking questions about it,” Hayes said. “Like at the end of practice, we still talk about the game and everything, so it’s definitely great having a guy like D-Rose helping me.”

“It’s been great,” Pistons rookie Isaiah Stewart. “Just another guy who I’ve been talking a lot to. Picking his brain as well, asking him questions. … He has a lot of knowledge.”

The youngest to ever be named MVP in the league, Rose has endured a host of injuries that would cause his career to take unexpected turns. Still, he’s managed to persevere.

According to Woodyard, Rose felt like his happiness was “restored” last season after averaging 18.1 points per game and shooting a career-best 49%.

“It’s nothing wrong with chasing your dream, and I’m not trying to hate or nothing like that, but for myself, I had to figure out who I was and my path was hard, my path was pain, but everybody’s is different and I was able to get through that,” Rose says.

They say leaders emerge during the toughest of moments, and in the words of Tupac Shakur:

The rose that grew from concrete...By keeping its dreams, it learned to breathe fresh air.

The post Derrick Rose Is Accepting His Role as a Veteran Player appeared first on SLAM.

Hayes didn’t have any family in Germany, didn’t speak the language, and had to live on his own in an apartment. For an 18- year-old kid, his biggest concern was figuring out what he was going to eat every day.

Omelettes became one of his go-to meals. An egg, mix in with somered peppers, tomatoes, ham or turkey and a little bit of onions, but not too much though— he’s not a huge fan of them.

He had to learn to take care of himself since the age of sixteen, back in France. A year ago, Hayes wasn’t even old enough to drive himself because the legal driving age is 18, so he either hopped on the bus or asked teammates to help him out. Now, here he was in Germany, having to figure it all out, again.

He brought that same mindset to the court, where he had to prove himself to both head coach Jaka Lakovic, and his teammates. Respect is earned, never granted.

“When you’re 18 coming to a new team that nobody knows, you got to show up that first day of practice and just practice hard and show everybody what you’re about,” he says when asked about the moment. “As a point guard, you got to gain everyone’s respect.”

He further explains: “Everything [Lakovic] said, I would do. Full court pressure, I would go full court pressure the whole game.  I was just trying to stay on the court, to prove to the coach that I’m somebody he can rely on. The point guard has to be the coach on the court, so that’s what I would be.”

It’s a circumstance that won’t differ much from the NBA. In a few weeks, Hayes will be a youngin’ yet again, on a new team, in a new city, having to prove himself yet again.

Hayes, who is calling from Orlando just a week before the draft, says he knows a thing or two about proving himself in a grown man’s league.

“I know I’m ready for the NBA and I’ve been preparing for this for life, so now it’s going to be a new chapter in my life opening up.”

The question that remains, though, is whether France’s elite point guard can make waves across the Atlantic.

—

Hayes says he had early talks with his father, DeRon, about either going pro or going to high school in the States. His father knew that a career overseas could prove beneficial after a standout career at Penn State, so he took his talents over to France, where he met Hayes’ mother, Sandrine.

Hayes was born in Florida while his father was playing in the American Basketball Association, but grew up in France once his father returned to the Pro A. A young Hayes would spend summers in Lakeland, and then return back to France, where soccer was one of the more popular sports.

Still, Hayes had hoop dreams of his own. He loved Dwyane Wade, and France’s own Tony Parker.

“When you talk about French basketball you gotta talk about Tony Parker. Everything he did in the NBA and in France with the national team, you gotta respect him. Someone I really looked at when I was younger was Dwayne Wade and Derrick Rose but, Tony still has a really big impact on France.”

When it came time to decide where Hayes was going to play in high school, a young Killian wanted to play in the States, where the elite prospects were. DeRon thought otherwise.

“Going pro was always a part of my plan, my big picture,” Hayes says. “My dad, we talked about maybe going to high school but, he told me being a professional at 15 years old is unique and you can get a lot more of an experience from.”

Hayes listened to his pops, and shined at the Jordan Brand Classic International Game in 2017, where he earned MVP honors there, and at the FIBA Europe U16 Championship the following year. The lefty helped lead France to a gold-medal victory, averaging 16.6 points, 7 boards and 5.1 assists a game.

Then he signed a pro-deal at 16 with Pro A Cholet.

His rookie season was far from easy, though. As the team struggled, so did he. Appearing in only nine games, Hayes averaged only 2.2 points.

“It was hard,” Hayes says when looking back. “It wasn’t what I expected it to be, it was a struggling season and I really struggled. But it was a big learning experience.”

He learned quickly that this wasn’t school yard games and he wasn’t playing with high schoolers. In a pro league, he had to hold his own: 

“The coach, he was really cut throat and if you messed up—if you’re playing in high school and you turn the ball over, nobody cares. But, if you’re a pro and you turn the ball over, you’ll go back on the bench. Learning that, and the physicality of it, the team, growing and trying to figure out my body and grow into it— and there’s people that played ten years professionally and they’re going at me. It was a big learning experience for me.”

His confidence developed, as did his game. Going into the next season, he found a better rhythm on the court, averaging 7.1 points and 3.1 assists, but was left unsatisfied. Mock drafts had him projected with the 27th pick. He knew he was a lottery pick.

“That was really tough on me,” he says. “I [felt like] I needed to prove that that’s not where I belong, I need to work hard and play good so that my ranking could go up. I wanted to be a lottery pick, I wanted to be in the top 10 so I had a lot of work to do.”

After signing with Ulm in Germany, he knew he wanted to make a name for himself on a new team, and to have it be recognized in the States.

 “I feel like in Europe, a lot of people know who I am, but in America, you see guys like LaMelo or RJ Hampton, Cole Anthony, everybody knows who they are. I feel like I got to really show who I am as a person and definitely on the court, what I can do.”

Hayes has been preparing for this moment since he was a young pro in France, then in Germany, and now as a projected lottery pick. While quarantining with his family back in Lakeland, he took no days off.

He’s been working out with his trainer two or three times a day: Mondays might be back and shoulders, biceps another day, legs the following day.

In March, he weighed 197-198 pounds, and now he’s up to 215. He feels more explosive, more agile.

He and his dad hooped together, too. They bought a hoop from DICK’S Sporting Goods and put it in the backyard. Some days, they’d play 1-on-1, other days he and his cousin, EJ, would play king of the court.

When he wasn’t training, he and the fam were spending lots of quality time together. Hayes even became a whole barber during quarantine, giving his dad and cousin fades when they needed it.

Hayes knows that hearing his name called is an accomplishment for the entire family, especially his father.

“My dad, it was his dream to be in the NBA and get drafted, so being able to make his dream come true through me, is definitely a blessing. It’s going to be new for the both of us. Coming into the draft, it’s not a guarantee but we kind of know where I could land. We’re just all going to be there and enjoy the moment.”

That same dream has now become a reality— the Detroit Pistons drafted Hayes as the No.7 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. With training camp only weeks away, Hayes doesn’t have a casual, c’est la vie type of attitude during this big moment. He’s ready to get to work and knows nothing will be guaranteed.

His nickname is fitting. After people in the States would struggle to say it properly, he’d have them call him “Kill.”

“I want to kill everybody that’s in front of me,” Killian Hayes, aka Kill, says. “If it’s a crossover or something like that, it definitely feels good in the moment. I remember I hit one guy up and he fell. That definitely felt good, but then you just got to move on. You can’t stay stuck on that play forever, it goes quick. I’m quick to move on.”

—

Deyscha Smith is an Associate Editor at SLAM. Follow her on Twitter @deyschasmith.

Photos via Getty Images. 

The post My Time: Killian Hayes is Ready to Make Waves from France to Detroit 🌊 appeared first on SLAM.

Because the team’s two best players — Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose — are both injury-prone and at least 30-years-old, this isn’t the typical case of using the offseason to build around the current cornerstones. To that point, neither Griffin nor Rose can be seen as franchise cornerstones as they’ll both become free agents within the next two seasons.

Therefore, Detroit will have to hope that they’re one of the teams that can find a high-level starter — if not a player with All-Star potential — with a pick outside the top-five.

Related: Full Detroit Pistons 2020 Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Pistons Draft Needs

As previously mentioned, what the Pistons need is a prospect with star potential. Although this is seen as one of the weaker drafts, Detroit should at least be able to find a player that can be part of the team’s core for years to come.

Both offense and defense were a problem for the Pistons last season so a player who specializes in either rather than being balanced would be fine. Nonetheless, offensive production is the most important factor in winning in today’s league, so Detroit would be best served by locating a talented scorer with the seventh overall pick.

Along the perimeter, the Pistons have a couple players who are solid offensively in Rose and Luke Kennard. Versatile forward Sekou Doumbouya, the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, flashed his potential in the NBA G League. However, they need more firepower on the wing and that could be what they use the draft for.

That said, should big man Christian Wood not be re-signed, Detroit should look to replace the hole left by him (and Andre Drummond) at center.

2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist

What The Mocks Are Saying

Projected Roster

Team-by-Team NBA Draft Guides

More: SLAM’s 2020 NBA Draft Preview

The post Detroit Pistons: 2020 NBA Draft Preview appeared first on SLAM.

As ‘The House That Jordan Built,’ the Bulls are expected to be a far more competitive club than they have been since the end of the Derrick Rose Era. Yet, despite their collection of talent, they’ve been unable to get the results they want on the floor.

The fix could be simple though.

Offensively, Chicago needs to improve drastically, ranking 27th in points per game (106.8), 26th in field goal percentage (.447) and 22nd in 3-point percentage (.348) by the end of the 2019-20 season.

Related: Full Chicago Bulls Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Bulls Draft Needs

With the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Chicago isn’t in the best position; prospects between picks 3 and 10 having the look of high-quality starters but not of future stars and the latter may be what the Bulls need most.

Yet, Chicago will be able to find their point guard of the future in this draft, as many of the prospects projected to be selected in the top-10 are lead guards.

Although Kris Dunn did an admirable job as the starting point guard over the past few seasons, his throwback style doesn’t lend itself to the Bulls maximizing their scoring potential. White is the type of scoring guard that’s flourishing in the league but he has the look of a combo guard and sixth man for the foreseeable future.

Getting ‘the guy’ at point guard, one of the two most important positions in the league, should be Chicago’s main focus. From there, the Bulls should improve their frontcourt, looking to add a fluid athlete that complements Markkanen and Carter.

2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist

What The Mocks Are Saying

Projected Roster

Team-by-Team NBA Draft Guides

More: SLAM’s 2020 NBA Draft Preview

The post Chicago Bulls: 2020 NBA Draft Preview appeared first on SLAM.

Where will he end up playing in the 2020-21 NBA season?

For starters, he seemed to have enjoyed his time in Portland last season. After their season ended, he had great things to say about the organization when asked about his future in the league.

“I pray that it can be Portland. Honestly, I think that I found a home in Portland. I got comfortable with the organization. I got comfortable with the guys on the team. They got comfortable with me. At this point in my career, I do think that’s the best fit for me…I really hope it can be Portland at the end of the day.”

However, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic, a Blazers reunion may not be as likely as we think. Quick writes that if Anthony were to return it would likely need to be in a different role than the one he saw on a shorthanded Blazers team in 2019-20, a more complementary role off of the bench.

There’s no guarantee that happens, Quick suggest.

The forward spots will definitely be somewhat crowded next season for Portland. Even without Anthony, they still have Trevor Ariza, Rodney Hood, Zach Collins, Nassir Little and Mario Hezonja who are all capable of playing the four.

This is something to think about for both parties. If it weren’t for injuries, this logjam at the power forward position may have been an issue even last season. Collins, Ariza, and Hood played a combined 53 regular season games, which gave Anthony more of a chance to contribute.

Next season, with everyone presumably healthy and ready to go, rotations would look a lot different.

Regardless of where he plays in 2020-21, Anthony has shown once again that he can score the ball at a high level. Known for being one of the purest scorers in the history of the league, he still can do it on the offensive end. But where could he end up if it’s not on the Blazers?

Marc Berman of the New York Post recently reported that if Chris Paul finds his way to New York through trade, Melo could follow in free agency and join him on the Knicks. Both players were represented by Knicks president Leon Rose when he was basketball chief of Creative Artists Agency.

The post What Comes Next for Carmelo Anthony? appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

In the 2019-20 regular season, Doncic nearly averaged a triple-double with 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. He ultimately finished fourth in MVP voting, ahead of guys like Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard and Jimmy Butler.

Now, heading into the 2020-21 season, Vegas is favoring Doncic to win the award outright. Sites like Odds Shark, SportsBetting.com and My Bookie among others have Doncic at the top of the pack.

Doncic is certainly talented enough to win the award, even at his young age. In fact, Derrick Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history at age 22. However, it will likely come down to how the Mavs are as a team. In most cases, the MVP of the league is on a team who is near the top of their respective conference when it comes to their record.

If Doncic can have Dallas near the top of the Western Conference and put up the numbers that he did last season, he has a real shot at winning MVP.

The post Luka Doncic is Sportsbook Favorite to Win 2020-21 NBA MVP 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

Projected Renouncements/Waivers

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Exceptions Available

• Room Exception – $4,767,000

Key Offseason Decisions

• Will the Pistons use some cap space to retain Thon Maker’s restricted free agent rights? Maker hasn’t developed as hoped for, but is still young with upside.
• Is Jordan McRae part of the plans for next season? McRae was claimed late in the season. The Pistons have his Bird Rights, but the cap space created by renouncing him may initially be more valuable than keep those rights.
• Will Luke Kennard sign a contract extension? An extension would probably have to be fairly team-friendly, given Kennard’s injury history. Kennard may choose to bet on himself instead and hit restricted free agency in 2021.

Projected Team Salary

$77,314,988

While Blake Griffin and Tony Snell don’t have desirable deals, the Pistons still have a ton of flexibility this summer. Christian Wood’s Early Bird Rights will be kept, as he’s part of Detroit’s long-term plans. Bruce Brown and Svi Mykhailiuk have been rotation players, so they’ll end up being guaranteed. Khyri Thomas is a question mark, but it’s likely he’s back as well. Add it all up and the Pistons will still have more than $30M in cap space. (@KeithSmithNBA)

Cap Space Forecast

$30,028,392 (3^rd out of 30)

Team Salary Cap Outlooks

The post Detroit Pistons: 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.

Pistons NBA 2K21 Ratings

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

The post Detroit Pistons: NBA 2K21 Ratings appeared first on SLAM.

Weaver, a vice president of basketball operations with OKC, played a significant role in the franchise’s sustained success over the previous decade and, according to James Edwards of The Athletic, was a finalist to land Washington’s top front office gig last summer.

Weaver’s track record is packed with success stories including significant roles in the scouting and drafting of Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams, Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reports. He was also the primary recruiter of Carmelo Anthony during a stint as an assistant coach with Syracuse prior to joining the NBA ranks.

Weaver, inked to a four-year deal per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, will join Ed Stefanski and Arn Tellem in Detroit’s front office and will immediately jump into the deep end for a rebuilding team desperate for assets.

The Pistons, who will free up at least $60M in cap space this offseason, have a 10.5% chance of landing the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and a 42.1% chance of drafting in the top four. They’ll also return veteran stars Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose in 2020-21, giving Weaver and his new employer several options and decisions to make in short order.

The post Detroit Pistons Name Troy Weaver General Manager appeared first on SLAM.

In this SLAM series, veteran/retired players share some of the best, funniest and most unforgettable stories from their careers.

READ: Storytime with Monta Ellis

READ: Storytime with Quentin Richardson

—

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Tim Hardaway followed in the footsteps of great guards like Isiah Thomas and Maurice Cheeks and paved the way for guys like Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade. Hardaway’s game was one of the most entertaining the League has ever seen. With his explosive quickness and flashy handles, Tim broke a lot of ankles during his career.

After four years at the University of Texas at El Paso, where his killer crossover was nicknamed the “UTEP Two-Step,” Hardaway was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 14th overall pick in 1989. Along with teammates Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin, he formed “Run TMC,” the fast-paced, electrifying trio that had The Bay rocking. Hardaway made three consecutive All-Star teams from 1991-93 and two more as a member of the Miami Heat in 1997 and 1998. Over 13 years in the NBA, he averaged 17.7 points, 8.2 assists and 1.6 steals.

We caught up with Hardaway to talk about some of the greatest memories from his incredible basketball journey:

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SLAM: Describe your greatest or proudest moment ever on a basketball court.

TH: Man, I have so many fond memories from grammar school, high school, college and the NBA. But I’m going to pick one and it was on the biggest stage of them all. We were on national TV. Game 7 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Alonzo [Mourning] went out with four fouls, so he had to sit down. There was a timeout and nothing was said. Nothing was said. I’ve never seen [coach] Pat Riley—this was my first time seeing Pat Riley in a really, really serious atmosphere. Game 7. This was my first encounter with him in that particular environment. I saw that there was a hush and a blank on his face. I’m looking down. When my teammates saw [Pat’s] face, I’m looking at them like, Oh wow, everybody’s following his lead. Me, I’m thinking in my mind, Shit, I’ve been in this predicament many times in grammar school, high school, college, in playgrounds, pick-up games. I’ve been in this type of environment before. I was like, OK, now I can do what I want to do. This is my comfort zone. So I went out there, did what I needed to do, made shot after shot after shot and we were playing good defense. That was my comfort zone. I was back in my element, where I needed to be. I think that’s one of the biggest games and experiences I had in my lifetime. We went to the Eastern Conference Finals and lost to the Bulls, but we went there. And I played in front of my home city and my friends, family. It was just a lot of fun.

SLAM: Was Pat just speechless in that moment or was his silence intentional? What was your read on it?

TH: It was a TV timeout with, like, six minutes left to go in the third quarter. I really thought he was speechless, didn’t know which way he wanted to go, how he wanted to go, who he’d go to. I think that he always felt that because him and Zo had this kind of bond, now it was like: Who else am I going to go to? He didn’t understand, Zo was hurt most of that year. Isaac Austin always stepped up, PJ Brown always stepped up, Jamal Mashburn. We had people that’d come off the bench like Ed Pinckney, Mark Strickland. People just stepped up off the bench in Zo’s absence, so we never missed a beat. I think that he was searching, searching, searching and once the timeout was ending, there was nothing to be said. I was just like, Come on guys, let’s go. I got it. We’re gonna win this game. Don’t worry about it. I got it.

SLAM: What’s the best prank in the NBA that you ever witnessed?

TH: Best prank in the NBA was on me [laughs]. My first year. It was a preseason game. Golden State Warriors against the Utah Jazz at my alma mater, UTEP. This is my rookie year. I’m hype. I know what I need to do out there on the court, but I’m just ready to play. They said, Alright, Tim, lead us out of the tunnel. I ran out and before I knew it, I was already on the court and they were still in the locker room [laughs]. The Utah Jazz started laughing at me. The PA announcer said, Alright, it’s your Tim Hardaway Warriors. He helped me out a little bit. I stood up with my hands up like, Yeah, I’m back and I appreciate being back. And the crowd gave me a standing ovation. But it was embarrassing at first. I ran out there by myself and was like, Ain’t this a bleep. Until the PA announcer said that, I was really about to put my head down. I didn’t know what to do until he said that and then I was alright. That’s the biggest prank I’ve ever seen but I was in it so…

SLAM: Who was the funniest teammate you ever had?

TH: That’s a no-brainer. Tom Tolbert is the funniest teammate I ever had. He always looked at Seinfeld. He was a Chevy Chase guy. He always had jokes for you, one-liners for you. He always kept the team up. When the team was down, he always had a way to keep the team up and say something to help the team out, to get us loose.

SLAM: What’s an example of something he would say?

TH: [Coach] Don Nelson would say, You know, this is some bullshit, so and so or this and that or whatever. And Tom Tolbert would be like, OK, well since that’s over with, I might as well just go ahead and have a beer or I guess I’ll go to Las Vegas tonight and get drunk and gamble and I’ll see y’all in the morning at shoot-around. He’d just say something off-the-wall.

SLAM: Who’s the most competitive guy you ever played with?

TH: Are intense and competitive the same thing? If so, I’ll say Alonzo Mourning. By far Alonzo Mourning. Intense. Never wanted to lose. If he missed a jump hook in shoot-around or practice, he’d be like, Give me that ball back, give me that ball back. He had to make that jump hook the same way before Coach Pat [Riley] could talk. It was amazing. That’s how competitive he was. He wanted everything to be right. When he was out there, he wanted everything to be 100 percent right. He didn’t want any mistakes. Alright, let’s do it again, let’s do it again. I got to get it. Let’s do it again. Until he gets it right about two or three times and then he’s alright with it. He was very competitive on our team.

SLAM: Of all your ridiculous crossovers, which one is your favorite?

TH: Oh my god. There are a lot of them, man. I crossed a lot of folks over. Some of the things I did, I don’t even remember them. People tell me that I did this or that and I’m like, I don’t even know, I’m just out here hooping. I’ll say this and it’s just a tribute to him. I always wanted to go against my idol Isiah Thomas. I always wanted to play against him in a meaningful game. When I crossed him over in a game, I mean crossed him over, that felt really, really good. He went for it, he bit on it and I crossed over and I was all by myself and laid it up. I think we were in Oakland. I always wanted to play against him and always wanted to do my best in front of him, so probably that one.

SLAM: Describe the moment where you screamed “IN YO FACE!” at Charles Barkley.

TH: You know what happened? It was a preseason game at Cal. We had a rivalry with the Phoenix Suns. We always had great battles with them. It just started in the preseason. We were all healthy. Both teams were talking a lot of smack. I mean a lot of smack. Even before the game, people were getting into it. We were talking to them, they were talking to us. It was just a lot of shit-talking, basically. I just so happened to come down the lane at that particular time and I went up forcefully. Even though it was a preseason game, we wanted to show them that this year, We’re coming for y’all. It’s going to be different this year. We’re coming for y’all. I just went to the hole and laid it up on him, and-one. And I just wanted him to know that, “Hey, IN YO FACE!” And there’s going to be a lot more of that this season, too. That’s where that came from.

SLAM: Is that an expression you used often?

TH: That just came out of nowhere. Normally, I’d just be like, “And-one!” Or something like that. But when I said “in your face,” I just wanted to tell him that we’re coming for y’all this year.

SLAM: What’s your best Run TMC story?

TH: Let me see. The best Run TMC story I have—we were in the playoffs against San Antonio. And Coach Nelson got on Mitch and myself in a film session. He’s just like, Are y’all going to play some fucking defense? Y’all just let Rod Strickland and Willie Anderson or whoever just come in the game and kick our ass. You two got to play some defense. We’re not even gonna talk about offense, we know that your offense is gonna come. But defense, man. Y’all got to take some pride in defense.

So we started that day and we played 3-on-3 full court for about an hour and a half while Nellie and Gregg Popovich and the rest of the coaches were up in the concourse walking around and talking. We were down there playing and he came down and said, Hey, what are y’all doing? Y’all know we play tomorrow, right? He said, Let’s play a game of HORSE. We’re just going to use one ball. We shot the ball and he took it and was like, Alright, y’all leave. Y’all go.

But he got on Mitch and I and then that next game, Mitch, Chris Mullin and myself, we really took it to them. That was one of our best moments. We felt that we could beat anybody, anytime, anywhere. Right then and there, in a pressure situation where we needed the game, I think we graduated ourselves to that next level.

SLAM: Who’s the toughest guard you ever had to defend?

TH: I always say these two guys. They never get the recognition that they’re supposed to get. Never. I’m talking about Kevin Johnson and Rod Strickland. A lot of people don’t talk about those two guys but, man, they gave me some headaches on the court. I mean, some headaches. They played just like me. Rod didn’t have a jumpshot but when he was on, he’d make a couple here and there. And any time he went to the rim, it was a possible three-point play. Any time. That’s how much stuff he had. I loved playing against them. They rose my game up to a different level. I have to say those two. Kevin Johnson and Rod Strickland. They don’t get enough just due for what they were out there doing on the basketball court.

SLAM: Why do you think they’re so underrated?

TH: There were so many of us [guards]. You’re talking about Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, John Stockton was still there, myself, Terrell Brandon, Mark Price, Mookie Blaylock, Terry Porter. You had a lot of guys. Then you had new guys coming in like Steph Marbury, Kenny Anderson and those guys. There were a lot of people. We were always at the top but they were right there below us. A lot of people don’t talk about them but Rod Strickland and Kevin Johnson… oh my god.

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

Photos via Getty.

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The Grizzlies organization provides valuable resources for everything from learning the fundamentals of the game to providing a safe space and mentorship for youth in the city that are looking for positive role models.

We recently caught up with Polo G in Hollywood to talk the Chicago Grizzlies, Windy City hoopers, NBA predictions and more.

SLAM: How did the whole concept of the Chicago Grizzlies start?

Polo G: The concept as far as me picking a name and everything, I came up with that because of the Chicago Bears. I know bears are like a Midwest animal and that was the inspiration for that. But just putting a new opportunity for the kids in my neighborhood.

SLAM: Aside from basketball, what other resources does the Grizzlies organization provide for the youth?

PG: An open ear for somebody that can help you out with whatever you’re going through. If the kids ever need anything outside of basketball, we’re there to support them.

SLAM: Why is that so important to teach kids?

PG: It’s so important because if these kids don’t have a positive role model or outlet to use their energy and time, they’re going to use it in a negative way. A lot of times when kids take matters into their own hands at such a young age, it goes wrong most of the time.

SLAM: What kind of inspiration do you want to be for the next generation?

PG: I just want to be an inspiration that guides kids into tapping their full potential and making their dreams come true.

SLAM: What do you tell kids who idolize you and want to be in the position you’re in?

PG: Something I make sure to tell kids is be the No. 1 believer in yourself because nobody’s going to believe in you or see your vision the way that you see it. You gotta make them believe it.

SLAM: Before rap, I read that you wanted to be a sports broadcaster like Stephen A. Smith. What was it about that role that interested to you?

PG: I just have smarts for the game. I used to watch basketball all day with my pops from sunup to sundown. I could watch it so much to where I know what was going on. So if me and my pops having a conversation [and] the same thing we were talking about in the game agreeing on, they saying on the sports show the next morning. That’s what inspired me to want to do it and just admiring the way that Stephen A. carried himself.

SLAM: I know you’re a father now—congratulations by the way. What’s fatherhood been like?

PG: Fatherhood is great. I just love to see a smaller me and love seeing my son coming into his own and seeing his personality come out at times. And really just try to be with him as much as I can because I know with my lifestyle it’s kind of hard.

SLAM: What makes Chicago hoopers different from those in New York or L.A.?

PG: Chicago hoopers got a grit to them. They hungry. They going to be the person on the court getting the rebounds, getting back and sticking on defense, you feel me? Just really going all out every possession, whether it’s on the offensive ball or defensive end. In the city, you just face a lot of adversity, so it makes you have a different kind of toughness to yourself.

SLAM: Growing up, who were some of your favorite hoopers?

PG: Patrick Beverly, Derrick Rose is No. 1, and Dwyane Wade, of course.

SLAM: Speaking of Chicago, what are some things you love about your city?

PG: Definitely the food. I love the landscaping of the city. The city is a very beautiful place. Aside from the other things you can get into in the city, it’s a lot of things you can get into as far as business-wise [and] people that you can link up with. It’s just a lot of different layers of stuff that you can get into in Chicago.

SLAM: When you’re not rapping, what are some things you be doing in your free time?

PG: If I’m not rapping or doing anything that’s with music, I’m chilling. It’s simple as that. I’m just chilling at the crib with my girl or my son.

SLAM: Which team and/or players have you been trying to keep up with this season?

PG: I’ve been looking at Ja Morant heavily. That’s like one of favorite players right now. I really rock with Zion Williamson, too. Devin Booker. But as far as teams, I’ve just been paying attention to the Lakers. I’m a big Chicago Bulls fan. I always root for the home team, but I’ve been paying attention to the Lakers.

SLAM: Any predictions for this season?

PG: I could see the Lakers winning the championship this year.

SLAM: What do you see in the next five years for the Chicago Grizzlies program?

PG: I see us being more established and being more known in the AAU world. Having some real top dogs on our team and just really dominating and having fun, too.

The post Polo G Talks AAU Program, Chicago Hoopers & More appeared first on SLAM.

With injuries to multiple players in the backcourt, including Derrick Rose, the Detroit Pistons are considering a waiver claim for guard Jordan McRae. Yahoo’s Chris Haynes reports the Pistons may block the Phoenix Suns as an expected landing spot for McRae.

McRae was waived by the Denver Nuggets last week after playing in just four games after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Wizards. It was expected that McRae would land with the Suns either via waiver claim or by signing with Phoenix if he claimed waivers. The Pistons would have waiver priority over the Suns due to Detroit having a worse record.

If Detroit or Phoenix claims McRae, they’ll inherit his Early Bird rights as a free agent this summer. With a small cap hold of $1.7M, McRae would take up very little cap space, and could re-sign with either team.

With Derrick Rose recently ruled out for weeks due to a sprained right ankle, the Pistons need scoring depth in the backcourt. Luke Kennard has been out with knee tendinitis since late-December. Second-year guard Bruce Brown has missed the Pistons last three games with a left knee contusion.

McRae would add immediate depth to the backcourt as a scoring guard. And with his Early Bird rights, the Pistons could have themselves a nice piece moving forward as well.

The post Pistons Claim Jordan McRae Off Waivers appeared first on SLAM.

Derrick Rose suffered a sprained right ankle last week, but an MRI came back negative for further damage. Yahoo’s Chris Haynes reports Rose will be out for several weeks.

With Detroit out of the playoff race, the Pistons will be cautious with Rose. Neither Detroit nor Rose considered a buyout last month, after the Pistons kept Rose at the trade deadline. Detroit sees Rose as a key piece going into next season.

Rose has averaged 18.1 points and 5.6 assists per game in the first year of a two-year deal with the Pistons.

Without Rose, Detroit will lean on veteran Brandon Knight, who was acquired as part of the Andre Drummond trade at the deadline. Langston Galloway may also see some minutes as the lead guard. Khyri Thomas recently returned from injury and can play some point guard as well.

The post Derrick Rose Out Weeks With Sprained Ankle appeared first on SLAM.

The Magic played incredible, with Terrence Ross recording a season-high 33 points, Nikola Vucevic having 27 points and 10 boards and Aaron Gordon enjoying his first triple-double of his career with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.

D’Angelo Russell was solid for the Wolves, scoring 28 points and dishing 7 assists with a respectable +8 plus/minus on the night.

Hawks 141 (18-43), Nets 118 (32-36)

This wasn’t just a promising game for the Hawks because they won, but also due to the fact that their young core of players were the biggest contributors to their success. Trae Young dropped 22 and 14 assists. John Collins popped off for 33 and 12 boards. Kevin Huerter scored 15 on an efficient 60% from the field. The rook DeAndre Hunter had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Cam Reddish had perhaps his best game of the season with 26 points on 6-9 from deep.

As for the disappointing Nets, Spencer Dinwiddie did his best with 24 points and 13 assists, but it simply wasn’t enough.

Hornets 99 (21-38), Raptors 96 (42-17)

Well, this was a surprise.

The Raptors usually steamroll objectively inferior opponents, but not tonight, apparently. No Hornets starter even scored 20 points, but they all reached double figures. Solid performances from Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell and Kyle Lowry weren’t enough to offset a bench that only mustered nine points.

Despite all that, there was still a chance to win, with the game tied at 96 with about two seconds left, Hornets ball. But Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was called for an off-ball foul. Tough way to lose.

Heat 126 (37-22), Mavericks 118 (36-24)

This was a very quality win for the Heat, beating a bona-fide playoff team in the West and one of the best offenses in league history. Jimmy Butler predictable led the way in scoring with 26, but Duncan Robinson (24 points, 6-9 from deep, +24 plus/minus) and Kelly Olynyk (13 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists in only 19 minutes) were the unsung heroes.

For Dallas, despite a Seth Curry explosion of 37 points and stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis both scoring in the 20’s, Miami was too tough.

Kings 104 (25-34), Grizzlies 101 (28-31)

The Kings are closer to the 8th seed than you think. After beating the Grizzlies, a team currently above them in the chase, Sacramento is only three games out of a playoff berth. De’Aaron Fox led the way with 25 points in what was a very solid all-around team win.

The Grizzlies are crumbling right now, through no fault of their own. Young bigs Jaren Jackson Jr and Brandon Clarke are out with injuries, and they traded two reliable wings in Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill for a Justise Winslow, who is still recuperating from injury. Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 32.

Bucks 133 (51-8), Thunder 86 (37-23)

This was simply an annihilation. The scary part is OKC is a tough, gritty and respectable team with the second best record in the entire damn league since Thanksgiving. But they were no match for Milwaukee and their unskilled star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dropped an easy 32 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists in 27 measly minutes.

Pelicans 116 (26-33), Cavaliers 104 (17-42)

The Pelicans have now won six of their last 8 games thanks to a mixture of superhuman Zion Williamson efforts and excellent supporting cast members in Brandon Ingram (an All-Star!), Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball, plus a deep cadre of role players.

Ingram led the Pels with 29 points, Zion followed with 24 and Holiday had 22.

Pistons 113 (20-41), Suns 111 (24-36)

We were just treated to a throwback Derrick Rose game.

Rose dropped 31 points and the game-sealing bucket, a beautiful driving, off-balance floater. Also, shoutout to Brandon Knight, who has endured many tough injuries, for scoring 19 points in the win.

Jazz 129 (37-22), Wizards 119 (21-37)

Between a losing streak, uncharacteristic drop in efficiency and some epic role confusion over who is starting and sitting between Mike Conley, Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale, Utah needed this. Donovan Mitchell once again put the team on his back, going for 30 points and this monster dunk on poor Rui Hachimura.

Bradley Beal can’t be happy after dropping 42 points, 5 boards, 10 assists and 2 steals and still coming away with a loss.

Clippers 132 (40-19), Nuggets 103 (40-19)

Big win for the Clips, who inch closer to the Nuggets for 2nd place in the Western Conference standings.

It was quite the balanced victory, with all ten rotation players notching between 19 and 25 minutes.

Paul George had 24 on an efficient 9-15 shooting, and Kawhi had 19 points on 50% shooting.

The post Post Up: Giannis Antetokounmpo Goes Off Against Thunder appeared first on SLAM.

• Atlanta Hawks – The Hawks are going to be shorthanded at the center spot once again. Dewayne Dedmon had a non-surgical procedure to help alleviate some right elbow pain. Dedmon is expected to miss at least three games and will be re-evaluated after that. With Clint Capela still out for at least another week due to an injured heel, Atlanta will lean on rookie Bruno Fernando and Damian Jones for minutes at the five.
• Boston Celtics – The Celtics return home to Boston off a 3-1 trip to west coast. All four of those games were played without Kemba Walker. You probably know all about how Jayson Tatum went off, and you might be aware that Jaylen Brown had a big trip as well. But did you know that Daniel Theis averaged 16.8 PPG on 64.1% shooting and 10.3 RPG out west?

• Charlotte Hornets – Charlotte has begun to focus on their future, as the 2020 playoffs have slipped out of reach. Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington will all be in the starting five, while rookies Cody Martin, Caleb Martin and Jalen McDaniels are now rotation fixtures. That means veterans like Cody Zeller, Bismack Biyombo and Nic Batum will likely see sporadic minutes the rest of the way.
• Chicago Bulls – There might not be an NBA team more banged-up than Chicago. The Bulls are already without starting big men Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen and now their backup Luke Kornet is joining them on the shelf. Kornet has a severely sprained ankle and a fracture in his foot and will likely miss the rest of the season. The wing group is also struggling, as Kris Dunn is likely out for the year and Chandler Hutchison and Denzel Valentine haven’t been able to stay healthy. On the plus side, Otto Porter Jr. recently returned to practice, so he could come back soon on a limited basis.
• Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs are finishing the season in a bit of a weird spot. They’ve got older players in the frontcourt and mostly young players in the backcourt and on the wing. Collin Sexton and rookies Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr. have all had flashes. Porter dropped 30 points this week in a win over the Miami Heat. Look for new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to emphasize the team’s youth the rest of this season.

• Detroit Pistons – Reports surfaced this week that Detroit will not attempt to work a buyout agreement with Derrick Rose. The Pistons like Rose’s fit with their team and he’s signed for a reasonable salary for next season. With Reggie Jackson out of the mix, Rose has taken over as the starting point guard for Detroit. He’s expected to hold that role for the rest of the season.
• Indiana Pacers – Indiana lost Jeremy Lamb this week to a torn ACL, torn meniscus and a fracture in his left knee. Lamb had started for the Pacers while Victor Oladipo rehabbed during the first half of the season, and went to the bench when Oladipo re-assumed his starting two-guard role. Now, instead of having a double-digit scorer off the bench, Indiana will ask more of Justin and Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell on their second unit.
• Miami Heat – The Heat’s road woes continued this week, as they dropped their sixth-straight game away from South Beach. Miami was also upset at home by the Minnesota Timberwolves. With key rotation players Tyler Herro and Meyers Leonard out, the Heat’s depth has been tested. Erik Spoelstra is also dealing with the task of trying to work Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder into his rotation. All of that has added up to Miami slipping five games behind Boston in the race to stay out of Milwaukee’s half of the Eastern Conference bracket.
• Milwaukee Bucks – Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The Bucks are on a win streak. This time around it’s “only” four games (and counting!). The most recent of those games was a victory on the road against the Toronto Raptors. Giannis Antetokounmpo said that last year’s playoff loss to Toronto was on his mind entering that game and a motivating factor to come away with a win. The Bucks also became the earliest playoff-clinching team, when they locked up a postseason spot this week.
• New York Knicks – The Knicks continue to have flux at the point guard position. This week Frank Ntilikina went down with a groin injury. This time around Ntilikina will likely be out for a couple of weeks according to head coach Mike Miller. As Ntilikina went out, Elfrid Payton returned from a sore right ankle. Payton immediately reassumed his starting spot, which sent Dennis Smith Jr. back to the bench. The point guard revolving door continues in the Big Apple.
• Orlando Magic – The Magic have inserted trade deadline addition James Ennis III into the starting lineup. Ennis’ presence as a starter gives Orlando another shooter on the floor. While Ennis’ stats aren’t great, it seems to have opened things up for Aaron Gordon. In the month of February, Gordon is averaging 19.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 5.0 APG. That’s helped Orlando climb to within half a game of Brooklyn for the seventh seed in the East.

• Philadelphia 76ers – Philadelphia is going to be down both of their All-Stars for at least a little while, as Joel Embiid hurt his left shoulder on Wednesday. Embiid will join Ben Simmons on the sidelines, as Simmons’ return from an impingement in his back is still unclear. Philadelphia went back to Al Horford in the starting lineup with Simmons out, and Horford will remain a starter for however long Embiid is shelved.
• Toronto Raptors – The Raptors dropped a game to the Bucks, but have won 17-of-19 games, including a 15-game win streak. Toronto is getting a little bit healthier too, as they’re now down just Marc Gasol and Norman Powell from their regular rotation. Powell’s return is imminent, as he returned to full practice this week. Gasol will be a little bit longer, as he just started light practice, but the Raps are almost back to full strength in time for the stretch run.
• Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal is playing out of his mind right now. Beal has scored at least 26 points in 14 straight games. This week, he went supernova, as he scored 53, 55 and 30 points. That scoring binge has helped the Wizards cling to playoff life, as they’re 4.5 games behind Orlando for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference.

The post Newswire Notebook: Brad Beal’s Scoring Spree and More appeared first on SLAM.

Domantas Sabonis led the way with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists on 8-10 shooting as Indiana cruised to a win at home. Five other Pacers scored in double figures, including T.J. Warren (19) and Malcolm Brogdon (15). Myles Turner was dominant on the defensive end, finishing with a career-high 8 blocks. The Hornets were led by Miles Bridges who dropped 17 in the loss.

Bucks 108 (50-8), Raptors 97 (42-16)

In a much-anticipated battle between the top two teams in the East, the Bucks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Raptors 34-19 en route to their 50th win of the season. Khris Middleton dropped a team-high 22, while Giannis stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists. Eric Bledsoe added 17 and 7 rebounds, and Brook Lopez finished with 15 points and 5 blocks in the win. Pascal Siakam finished with 22 points and 5 3PM in the loss.

Thunder 124 (36-22), Bulls 122 (20-39)

It was a wild one in the Windy City. The Bulls erased a 24-point second half deficit to tie the game late. The comeback was led by Coby White (35 points, 6 3PM, 7 rebounds) and Zach LaVine (41 points). But big-time buckets from Chris Paul and clutch free throws from the entire Thunder team held off the Chicago surge and secured the road win. Danilo Gallinari finished with a team-high 24 points, and Dennis Schroeder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each dropped 21 in the win. CP3 added 19 points and 9 assists for OKC.

Nuggets 115 (40-18), Pistons 98 (19-41)

The Nuggets picked up their 40th win of the season, led by 29 points off the bench from Jerami Grant. Jamal Murray added 16 points and 8 assists in the win. For Detroit, Derrick Rose and Christian Wood each dropped 20 in the loss.

Celtics 118 (40-17), Trail Blazers 106 (26-33)

Boston also secured win number 40 on the road in Portland. Jayson Tatum was unstoppable, dropping 36 points, including a career-high 8 3PM to lead the Celtics. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, and all five Boston starters finished in double figures. Without Damian Lillard, the Blazers were led by CJ McCollum, who dropped 28, and Hassan Whiteside, who finished with 18 points and 19 rebounds in the loss.

Lakers 118 (44-12), Pelicans 109 (25-33)

It was the game every NBA fan had been waiting for: the first installment of LeBron vs. Zion. And it did not disappoint.

The Pelicans battled tough with the West’s top team, but the Lakers pulled away in the fourth, outscoring New Orleans 30-23 in the final frame. LeBron showed out, dropping a season-high 40 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Anthony Davis finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks, and Danny Green added 17 points on 5 3PM. Brandon Ingram led the way for New Orleans, dropping 34 points on his former team. In Zion’s first matchup with the King, he finished with 29 points, including 13-19 from the free throw line.

Kings 112 (24-33), Warriors 94 (12-46)

Harris Barnes and De’Aaron Fox each finished with 21 points to lead the Kings to the win on the road. Bogdan Bogdanovich dropped 17, and Buddy Hield added 19 off the bench in the win. The Warriors had all five starters finish in double figures, led by Marquese Chriss with 21, and Andrew Wiggins with 16.

The post Post Up: LeBron Drops Season-High 40 in Win Over Pelicans appeared first on SLAM.

“There’s no chance,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “[…] From what I understand, when the Lakers called the Pistons and expressed an interest in trading for [him], the Pistons said ‘hey, we appreciate you calling, but we’re not trading him. Dwane Casey likes him. We think he’s going to be important for us next year.’ He just wasn’t available.“

Detroit signed Rose to a two-year, $15M contract. While Rose has battled some injury issues, he’s averaged 18 points per game on 48.6% shooting. That percentage is just a tic off Rose’s career-best of 48.9%. In 26.7 minutes per game, Rose has also put up 5.7 assists per game.

The Pistons kicked off a rebuild at the trade deadline, when they swapped Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a second-round pick. Following the deadline, Detroit worked buyout agreements with guard Reggie Jackson and Markieff Morris. Jackson and Morris both headed to Los Angeles, as they signed with the Clippers and Lakers respectively.

Neither Rose nor the Pistons seem to have any desire to go down a similar path. Unlike Jackson and Morris, Rose is under contract for the 2020-21 season at a very reasonable $7.7M. Detroit is also poised to rebuild quickly, as they project to have over $34M cap space available this summer. That makes Rose a key player on a value contract going forward.

The post Pistons Unlikely To Buy Out Derrick Rose appeared first on SLAM.

Rose, who was dealt by the Bulls to the New York Knicks in 2016, initially felt the franchise had “turned its back” on him.

The 31-year-old former MVP also opened up about his difficult childhood during a conversation about mental health wellness in the city, with a focus on black and brown communities.

Per ESPN:

“When I was younger, we used to have a lot of things that used to happen in my house and on my block to where I kind of got PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in a way. I’ll be downstairs in the basement doing something and I’d hear somebody playing upstairs and I’d run up there thinking somebody was bursting in our house about to attack my cousin … this girl,” Rose described. “She used to beat up everybody in the neighborhood, like she would beat up somebody and I would think they were coming back for revenge. So any little bumps or sounds in the house, I’m scared, or at night I would hear something and get scared because I was thinking that these people came back.”

Despite dropping out of Saturday’s skills challenge due to an adductor strain, Rose still wanted to connect with Chicago as it hosts its first All-Star event since 1988, and he hosted a signing for his book “I’ll Show You” with Bulls reporter Sam Smith.

“I think it’s repaired well. I just know the chi. My vibrations were low,” Rose told ESPN.

“When your vibrations are low, you hear everything, you seek everything, and me seeking or hearing everything. That was just me being attracted to how I was feeling at the time, and that’s negative, so when I changed my vibrations and matured as a person and as a man, that’s when I started to grow and develop who I was as a person and individual and change my character.”

Related ‘I’m Not Going to Be the Last Derrick Rose’

The post Derrick Rose: Relationship With Chicago ‘Repaired’ appeared first on SLAM.

Previous stories:

LIVE FROM MADISON STREET: Zach LaVine Talks Playing in Chicago

ALL OF THE LIGHTS: Remembering 1988 All-Star Weekend in Chicago

BORN & RAISED: Allie Quigley Has Been Repping Chicago Since Day 1

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During his first meeting with Miami Heat team president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra, Kendrick Nunn was told that he would get an opportunity.

“That’s all that I needed to hear,” he says.

He responded by jumping out to one of the hottest starts for any rookie, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors in October, November and December, becoming the fastest rookie in team history to reach 500 points, and remaining in the thick of the Rookie of the Year conversation. His production is one of many reasons the Heat have been among the biggest surprises this season.

Perhaps the most impressive part about his play is how consistent, yet understated it’s been. “He always looks the same,” said Spoelstra, after Nunn dropped 21 points against the Bulls. “Whether he has 30 points or zero points, his facial expression and body language would look the same.”

While Nunn’s production has many teams questioning how they overlooked him—including the 29 teams that bypassed him in the 2018 Draft (Miami had no picks)—count Nunn as the least bit surprised at what he’s currently doing. It’s simply the result of preparation meeting opportunity.

That preparation can be traced back to his backyard on the South Side of Chicago.

Having one of the only hoops on the block meant Kendrick never had to go far for competition and that there weren’t many quiet evenings for his father Melvin. “If it was the summertime, basketball season, barbeques or just hanging out, they were definitely back there every day hooping,” says Melvin.

Even with his background, dad never pushed the game on his son. Melvin played a defensive role during his time at Simeon Career Academy and went on to play collegiately at Casper College and Wayne State before playing professionally in New Zealand. Kendrick initially took to baseball and played pitcher. He possessed a natural curveball and loved making batters look silly. When basketball started in the fall, it only took competing in his first officiated game for him to retire his glove. “I enjoy multitasking and basketball is a multitasking game,” Nunn says. “So I kind of fell in love with that.”

Melvin taught defense and team basketball first. He knew that those basics would help keep his son on the floor. It was in those backyard battles where Kendrick’s toughness was formed. Any of the older kids who thought they were going to punk him or run off some wins were sorely mistaken. Once he started to taste success and his offense began coming along, he only wanted more. “Starting from second grade, there was never a time where he didn’t feel like going to the gym,” Melvin says. “When practice was over, he would still be taking shots.”

It’s that work ethic that led him to be pulled up from JV to varsity as a freshman and that contributed to Simeon winning four straight state championships. Jabari Parker drew all the acclaim and headlines throughout that run, but he knew Nunn was just as special. “He never backed down from any moment,” Parker says. “We knew how good he was, and I know the teams we played knew. If they didn’t, he made sure they did.”

Nunn joined Parker and fellow alums Derrick Rose, Bobby Simmons and Ben Wilson as the only players to have their jerseys retired at Simeon.

After three solid years at the University of Illinois, Nunn transferred to Oakland, where he had to sit out one year. It’s that year where he would learn the most about himself and just what he wanted from the game. Golden Grizzlies coach Greg Kampe thought he knew what he was getting, but was taken aback within the first two weeks of seeing Nunn up close. “I told him, ‘You’re an NBA player,’”  he says. “I thought he was a first-round pick and we were going to lay out a pathway for him to get there.”

There wasn’t a day that he wasn’t in the gym, preparing himself for the role as the unquestioned number one option. “I took that year very seriously,” Nunn says. “It was pivotal because I sacrificed so much and my teammates and coaches saw what I brought, so once they put the ball in my hands, it was all on me.” When he became eligible, he only reaffirmed what his coaches believed, finishing his senior season second in the nation in scoring behind Trae Young and leading the NCAA with eleven 30-point games. “I’ve coached four guys that played in the NBA in the last 15 years and have coached about 67 [pros] overall,” Kampe says. “This kid was the best player I’ve ever coached.”

Despite those insane numbers and several impressive draft workouts (according to team sources around the League), Nunn went undrafted. “I was a little bit disappointed, because I felt I was better than a lot of those guys,” he says. “I told myself that I would have to prove myself all over again, and I knew I would see each and every one of those guys on the floor at some point. After the draft, you can’t hide.”

The Golden State Warriors signed him to a partially guaranteed deal on draft night but waived him in the preseason. He went on to sign with their G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz and average 19.3 points on 47.3% shooting, waiting on a call-up that never came. He declined several lucrative deals to play overseas because he knew where he belonged. “I told him if you want to be great, you have to sacrifice something,” says former NBA player Will Bynum, who has remained a resource and mentor for hoopers in Chicago. “His work ethic got him to that point, so it only could carry him further.”

Mostly due to positional need and timing, the Warriors were never able to make a roster spot for Nunn, but the Heat had been tracking him for over a year. After they signed him, it became even more apparent that his approach to the game and commitment to improvement aligned perfectly with the team’s foundation. “You get the vibe that he’s just an assassin when he walks in the door,” says Tim Brennan, the co-founder of Chicago Basketball Club who’s trained Nunn and organizes pro-level runs in Chicago. “You give him a time to show up and he’s there an hour early.”

His ability to remain ready is why he wasn’t fazed when Spoelstra gave him the starting nod to open the season, and remained undaunted on his way to becoming the first rookie to score 100 total points in his first five outings since Kevin Durant in the 2007-08 season. Along with Nunn’s production, the Heat’s brand of ball movement, defense and playing for one another has made them a squad that no one wants to face come postseason time. “We have a lot of unselfish guys,” Nunn says. “It starts with Jimmy Butler and trickles down from there. When you have talent and guys are unselfish, that’s a scary group.”

While his hot shooting to begin the year has cooled, Nunn promises his mindset will remain just the same as it was when he was proving himself in the G-League: “When I get on that floor,” he says, “I’m going to show what I can do.”

There aren’t many opportunities to reflect during an NBA season, as the games keep coming and remaining in the moment is vital. Nunn’s journey up to this point hasn’t been how he would have scripted it, but he knows he wouldn’t fully appreciate it had it come any other way.

“That’s the beauty of it to me,” he says. “To be able to overcome obstacles and find success. An opportunity was given to me and I was fully prepared for it. I knew I was going to get a chance somewhere. I just didn’t know how long it would take. I just told myself that whenever that time came, I would be ready.”

—

Christopher Cason is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @C4DUNK.

Photos via Getty.

The post HOMECOMING: Kendrick Nunn’s Journey from Chicago to the NBA 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 Pistons 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

• Blake Griffin
• Sekou Doumbouya

Which players on the Pistons are truly untouchable? Probably none of them, though deals for Blake Griffin and Sekou Doumbouya are hard to envision for different reasons.

Griffin is out for the season with a knee ailment and dealing for someone with his $34.5M salary would be tricky given the uncertainty. Doumbouya, the team’s lottery pick from last year’s draft, is highly regarded in the organization and getting them to part with their top prospect would likely cost more than any rival club is willing to offer.

Biggest Name Available On Market

• Derrick Rose
• Luke Kennard

Derrick Rose doesn’t want to be traded, though that won’t stop teams from trying to pursue him. He’s on a reasonable $7.3M salary and teams like the Sixers and Lakers, both of which have an interest in him, could easily construct a deal for the point guard.

Barring a setback, Luke Kennard appears to be on his way to the Suns. Detroit is reportedly close to getting a first-rounder in exchange for the former No. 12 overall pick.

Logical Trade Pieces

• Andre Drummond

The team has listened to offers for Drummond and they’d be wise to seriously parse the market between now and the trade deadline. Drummond is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer and he’ll be one of the more desirable options on the market. The Hawks were previously engaged with the team regarding the big man.

Trades Are Possible

• Reggie Jackson
• Tony Snell
• Langston Galloway
• Thon Maker
• Markieff Morris
• Christain Wood
• Tim Frazier
• Bruce Brown Jr.
• Khyri Thomas 
• Sviatoslav Mykhaililuk

Reggie Jackson recently returned to the court and results have been mixed. He’ll be a free agent after the season. Tony Snell joined the Pistons via an offseason trade with the Bucks. He has a player option on his deal for next season. Langston Galloway is in the last year of his contract. He’s making 39.8% of his treys, which could intrigue a playoff contender. Thon Maker has appeared in 46 games for the Pistons this season, seeing just 11.5 points per game. He’ll be 23 later this month. Markieff Morris is enjoying his time in Detroit. It’s possible that the team deals the veteran, though with him under contract (player option for next season) the urgency might not be there unless the Pistons feel he will bounce in free agency. Christian Wood has stepped up lately. The big man would likely fetch an asset given his low salary and ability to produce should the team look to trade him. Tim Frazier helped to hold down the fort until Jackson returned. He’s on a veteran minimum deal. Bruce Brown Jr. could be part of the future in Detroit, though he isn’t near untouchable. Khyri Thomas’ deal for next season is non-guaranteed and it will be interesting to see which way Detroit leans. He played in just two games for the club this year before a foot injury sidelined him. Another young former Laker sprouting outside of Los Angeles? Sviatoslav Mykhaililuk, who came to Detroit in a mid-season trade last year with Rob Pelinka’s club, is showcasing his ability as a wing scorer for the Pistons.

The post 2020 NBA Trade Deadline Primer: Detroit Pistons appeared first on SLAM.

Four weeks later, the Pistons have stood pat on Drummond, reportedly unable to land the assets they hoped to acquire in exchange for their two-time All-Star on an expiring contract.

The lack of movement doesn’t mean that Detroit isn’t still interested in hitting the reset button on a roster frozen in mediocrity. In fact, The Athletic’s James Edwards writes specifically that the Pistons are still interested in that long-awaited rebuild. That may sound benign but its a notable confirmation during the Tom Gores Era.

With the takeaway of the fizzling of the Drummond-to-Atlanta talks that the Hawks were unwilling to part with a first-round pick that Detroit sought, we’ve gotten a better sense of the big man’s value – or lack thereof – given that there’s no guarantee he remains with any squad that acquires him when he turns down his player option this summer.

The general idea for a Hawks trade was that the Pistons would send Drummond to Georgia in exchange for one of Atlanta’s substantial expiring contracts and a first (most likely the top-14 protected pick from Brooklyn).

Complicating matters is that the Hawks have already dealt one of their expiring contracts that would have to have been Detroit-bound in order to make the money work; Allen Crabbe went to Minnesota in the Jeff Teague deal.

As Drummond speculation slowed, however, attention shifted to another intriguing Motown commodity; Derrick Rose. Rose has enjoyed a brilliant 2019-20 campaign, proving that his bounce back performance with the Wolves last season was no fluke.

Rose has averaged 18.5 points and 5.9 assists per game in an abbreviated workload with Detroit this season and has been every bit the passionate competitor his supporters saw early in his Chicago playing days.

An immediate thought for any trade deadline prognosticator is that the former MVP on a bargain two-year contract should be on any contenders’ shopping list but he won’t come cheap.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the asking price for Rose is another first-round pick. Unlike in Drummond’s case, where the team seemed intent on taking back any first, Detroit is only interested in a lottery level first for Rose.

That’s an ambitious goal for a 31-year-old free agent addition with a history of injuries but Rose’s situation is uncommon if not unprecedented.

Edwards, in his own piece about Detroit’s deadline trade pieces, writes that the team would additionally be open to acquiring an intriguing young prospect.

Earlier this month I wrote about a Yahoo Sports report that the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers were interested in Rose but neither have lottery level firsts that would satisfy the Pistons. The former does, however, have a semi-available Kyle Kuzma and the Sixers have a trove of variously interesting assets depending on what they’d be willing to part with.

With six days left before the deadline, expect the Pistons to be active on the phones. They may end up needing to settle for less than they hoped in a Drummond deal or sitting on a Rose deal altogether but whatever they decide, they’ll be inching closer to the rebuild they’ve set their sights for.

After years of action and unwelcomed consequences during Stan Van Gundy’s tenure as general manager, Ed Stefanski and Arn Tellem haven’t been afraid to be patient in the past.

The post Rebuilding Pistons Seek Lottery Level First For Derrick Rose appeared first on SLAM.

Another day, another easy Bucks win.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a yawn-inducing 30 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists on 13-19 shooting. Not bad. As the Hornets slowly slip out of the playoff race, it’s time to search for silver linings, and third year guard Malik Monk had a fantastic game, scoring 31 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists.

Celtics 109 (30-14), Magic 98 (21-25)

A very solid win for the Celtics, who were without star forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Kemba Walker popped off for 37 points, 6 assists and 4 steals, while Gordon Hayward followed up with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists.

For the Magic, at least Evan Fournier had 30 points, but scoring has been difficult to come by for the past few years for this defensive minded team.

Grizzlies 125 (21-24), Pistons 112 (17-29)

Jaren Jackson Jr powered the Grizz in the first half with 24 points, and they never looked back. Ja Morant stayed steady, and while we were not treated to any spectacular highlights, he played a very solid all-around game with 16 points and 12 assists.

Derrick Rose had his 11th straight game with 20 or more points, but it wasn’t enough with virtually the entire Pistons starting lineup sidelined.

Raptors 118 (31-14), Knicks 112 (12-34)

Toronto won their sixth straight game thanks to sticking what they usually do: play team ball, go 100% on every play and commit on the defensive end. Pascal Siakam finished the Knicks off with this dagger, ending the night with 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Kings 98 (16-29), Bulls 81 (17-30)

Buddy Hield received a splash of cold water coming off the bench for the first time in a while, and he responded well, scoring 21 points and grabbing 7 boards.

Clippers 122 (32-14), Heat 117 (31-14)

Kawhi Leonard recorded his first career triple double, going to 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Landry Shamet was also cooking from deep, nailing 6 of his 12 attempts.

We were treated to the return of Dion Waiters, after many injuries, suspensions and weight issues. The eight-year veteran was excellent in his debut, scoring 14 points, blocking 2 shots, splashing 4 3-pointers and was a +8 in only 18 minutes of action.

Nuggets 113 (31-14), Pelicans 106 (17-29)

The Nuggets just keep on winning, despite missing star guard Jamal Murray and stalwart power forward Paul Millsap due to injuries. Nikola Jokic was fantastic, scoring 27 points, grabbing 12 boards, dishing 7 assists and swiping 4 steals. Michael Porter Jr continued to impress off the bench, nabbing 15 points and 10 rebounds in only half a game.

Even in defeat, Zion Williamson was good. He’s still on a minutes restriction, and he scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds and was a +16 in only 21 minutes.