This story and so much more sneaker coverage is included in latest issue of SLAM KICKS 27. Grab your copy now.

First Team

DeMar DeRozan

No one else has the range that DeMar possesses when it comes to Kobes. This has been firmly established, especially on our page. And if we’re being real, DeMar’s collection on its own is enough to make this list year after year. The 1s, 6s and 9s all made their expected appearances, but it was seeing the Kobe 10 Elite HTM and the return of the Kobe A.D. from his Spurs days that cemented his status, yet again.

P.J. Tucker

In a reality where the grails of 10 years ago are being re-released every few months, P.J. Tucker remains pulling up to arenas with unspeakable colorways in tow. Nike KD 4 samples and Off-White Kobe customs should paint the range that the man displayed night after night. 

Devin Booker

A storyteller, a tastemaker and a sneaker historian. Devin Booker proved to be all those and more with the debut of his first signature sneaker. Colorways honored the Beaverton brand’s past icons and Booker’s own memories. Appearances were mapped out with a thematic-level of care. Documented and televised, the Nike Book 1 not only laid the foundation for Booker’s line, it set the standard mad high. 

Stephen Curry

When you’ve spent 11 years with one brand like Stephen Curry has, you get to dip back into the archives as much as you want to. Especially when all of your models have been updated so you’re floating on Flow cushioning. From headlining the Curry 11 to the Anatomix Spawn FloTro and the Curry 4 FloTro, the 2023-24 season saw the best shooter on the planet merge the stories of today with the silhouettes of years past.

Tyrese Maxey

The tides of opportunity turned to Tyrese Maxey all season long as the 76ers point guard of the future. But it was his diverse rotation of New Balance TWO WXY v4 colorways that cemented Mad Max’s first-ever First Team selection. From dollar bills with his face to revealing his own logo, the Boston brand isn’t pulling any punches with the rising star.

SECOND TEAM

LeBron James

The LeBron 21 got funky when it came to colorways. Shaggy suedes, pearlescent oranges, glossy metallics; even a second layer to the silhouette was revealed in clad grey. The extent of the experimentation culminated in the return of Deion Sanders’ Nike Air DT Max ’96, revealing a hybrid sneaker slashed by the football trainer’s iconic claw marks. The sandbox remains full of opportunity.

Paul George

When one door closes, another opens. In Paul George’s case, at least a dozen did. A stream of Kobe 4s, 8s, PG 1s and 2s all flowed through in his second season removed from his signature deal with Nike. And if you thought we saw the “Philly” Kobe 4 a lot last year, just wait until 2024-25 season.

Malik Monk

When you have an arsenal of Kobes like Malik Monk, balance might be the last thing on your mind. But the Kings guard has proven to be tasteful in his on-court output, shifting between his own PEs, original colorways and the recently updated run of Protros without leaning too far one way or the other. 

Jayson Tatum

From “Taco Jay” and flavored lemonades to wavy denim treatments, Jayson Tatum already has a thoroughly thought-out roster of colorways. The Jordan Tatum 2 extended the efforts of his first signature and established a lengthy connection to the brand’s wider athletes, from the WNBA to the League’s rising stars.

Trey Lyles

Let’s be real, no other big man in the L is putting it on like Trey Lyles. The Kobe aficionado has been well recorded on our socials and his collection of 4s through 9s remained in peak form this season. Toss in a duo of Yeezy and Mambacurial-inspired customs and you’ve got a second-straight Second Team selection for the Sacramento forward. 

MVP: P.J. Tucker

We’ve been over it before and we’ll say it again, P.J. Tucker is not the sneaker king, but he is the MVP of the 2023-24 SLAM KICKS Awards. Kicking it in the Nike Kobe 3 and Mookie Betts’ Air Jordan 11 PEs puts him in a tier of his own. But it’s the stories behind the likes of his own Nike Air Flight ’89 and exclusive Nike Book 1 colorways that remain at the heart of P.J.’s continued sneaker excellence. 

Most Improved Player: Devin Booker

After years featuring an assortment of sleek, Suns-appropriate Kobe PEs, Devin Booker was handed the keys to his own signature series. He’s not just the face of the silhouette, he spearheaded every part of the process, from its shape and color blocking to the eventual releases. An exclusive rotation of orange, black, purples and greys shifted to reach every corner of the color palette as tasteful colorways arrived in droves from October to April.

Rookie of the Year: Victor Wembanyama

The Nike Air Zoom GT Run was Wemby’s running mate all season long. Block after block, one jaw-dropping display of indescribable basketball artistry after another, the alien moniker has become more than fitting. Self-drawn extraterrestrial doodles served as his stamp of expression until the arrival of his own GT Hustle colorway at NBA All-Star Weekend. Sporting a sea of galactic imagery, the Swoosh doubled down with the reveal of Wemby’s own logo chiseled into a corn field. If anything, this is just the beginning of Wemby’s ascension in the sneaker space.  

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Undeniable Heat: Presenting The 2023-24 SLAM KICKS Awards appeared first on SLAM.

An oatmeal, dairy-free Greek yogurt with frozen fruit, unsweetened almond milk and agave nectar smoothie has already been consumed. Numerous t-shirt and short combinations, along with shower shoes, socks and enormous size 15 low top LeBron’s have been neatly stuffed into his official 2024 Final Four backpack. Ambling, but not with a residual slumber as Lil Wayne’s high pitched helium balloon voice swims through his headphones, he folds his immense 6-foot-10 frame into the passenger seat of the waiting gray Toyota Highlander with red leather interior. 

The day’s work beckons. 

At 7 AM, he begins the first of his scheduled workouts, this one at the OverDrive Elite facility in New Canaan, pushing himself through strength and conditioning drills that stress speed, lateral movement and the loosening of the hips along with lateral, forward and vertical explosion. 

Within minutes he’s drenched in sweat. Throughout the day he consumes copious amounts of water.

Two hours later he’s devouring a savory egg white breakfast bowl with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and rye toast, between gulps of coconut water as the Highlander eats up the road and the scenery transitions from the bucolic pleasantry of Connecticut to the suffocating congestion of lower Manhattan.

Burns was the third ranked prep prospect coming out of his home state of South Carolina, behind Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, the top two picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. 

A bright student, he earned enough credits to graduate after his junior year at York Preparatory Academy and accepted a scholarship offer from Tennessee, where he redshirted.  

After transferring to Winthrop, he tore through the Big South and was named the conference Player of the Year as a junior in ‘21-’22.

“We were looking to get older and I knew he would be a great addition to our program,” says Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts. “I like underdogs, kids that have innate leadership skills and unique personalities.”

“DJ comes from a great family,” Keatts continued. “He wasn’t as valued as much as he should have been. What he does can’t be replicated. And his vision is extraordinary. I really liked the kid and his game was completely different from anyone I’ve ever coached.”

That March Madness success had long been marinating, going back to when his parents watched in wonder as their two-year old son danced and glided around a roller skating rink with his much older cousins. 

“DJ was a very active child who was always physically advanced for his age,” says his mother Takela Burns, a longtime educator and assistant middle school Principal in South Carolina. “He was this hyper ball of energy and inquisitive. If he wasn’t running around these country acres somewhere, he was talking me and my husband’s ear off.”

One of the things he internalized was the family tradition of sharing and giving. His grandmother was a foster parent that also adopted kids from challenging circumstances and with various disabilities. His parents took in a number of children from unstable homes, some of whom lived in the Burns household for years. 

Takela, who played ball in high school, was DJ’s first basketball tutor at the age of six. His father took over the coaching responsibilities when his son began playing rec ball at eight.

That unselfishness, vision and passing acumen on the court that had television announcers like Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Ian Eagle and Grant Hill gushing during the NCAA Tournament—pronounced spontaneous combustions of “His footwork’s incredible!”and “Is there anything he can’t do out there?”—were present from Day One.

“Little DJ was such a happy kid who’d give you the shirt off his back,” says his father, Dwight Sr., a South Carolina probation and parole agent who can be seen on fall Saturday afternoons sprinting beside Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney during halftime and post-game jogs to and from the locker room. 

“DJ loved being in the gym. He played guard, center, forward and was very skilled at a young age,” Dwight Sr. continued. “He had a soft lefty shooting touch and a sweet handle. The thing he loved most was passing. He’d celebrate more when his teammates scored than when he did. The only thing he cared about was winning.”

When the coaches would assemble to pick their squads, 8-year-old DJ served as his father’s de facto scout and general manager. “He’d be like, ‘Daddy, pick him!’ and he’d be pointing to a kid that wasn’t very good but was hungry, willing to hustle, unselfish and a good person,” he adds. “I’d ask him about a kid that was scoring a lot during tryouts and he’d be like, ‘Nah, we don’t want him. He’s selfish, doesn’t pass and travels all the time.’ I always listened to him and our teams always won.”

—

At 10:45am, Burns saunters onto the basketball court inside the high-end waterfront condominium One Manhattan Square building located on 225 Cherry Street. The wide grin splashed across his robust face immediately brightens the sleepy atmosphere. 

He stretches while listening to the playlist he’s cultivated that now fills the gym, with his favorite artists Lil Wayne, G Herbo and Lil Tony in heavy rotation.

“Lil Wayne is obviously the GOAT!” he playfully shouts to no one in particular before starting his workout under the direction and watchful eye of his trainer Nate Brown, who has previously worked with Malik Monk, Derrick White, Brandon Ingram, Tobias Harris and Jamal Murray, among others, during their pre-draft preparations. 

For the next 90 minutes, he pushes through a high-tempo, dizzying array of full court dribbling drills while handling two balls simultaneously. He then transitions to shooting every conceivable shot off pick and rolls, pick and pops and screen and catches. 

The angles while smooching the rock all over the backboard are reminiscent of a pool shark’s english. 

“This summer, our objectives were to sharpen up an overall skill set that he could showcase in an NBA setting,” says Brown. “We elaborated more on stretching the floor because in the pro game, you have to be able to knock down that deep ball.”

Back in the Highlander, he relaxes while heading towards Greenwich Village for a well-deserved lunch break. Stalled in traffic near Union Square as food options are being discussed, the conversation shifts to what his favorite movie is. 

Burns excitedly scoots forward in his seat and straightens up. Through a thin smile, the words burst gently out of his mouth.

“Yo, fo’real, I love Paid in Full with Mekhi Phifer, Wood Harris and Cam’ron,” says Burns. “The dialogue, the cinematography, the music, the Harlem scene in the ‘80s, the wardrobe, the acting, the slang, the story arc, the message and the fact that it’s based on a true story? Maaaaan, I love how all of that comes together. That’s my favorite movie of all-time!”

The driver, stuck at a red light, turns with a mischievous smile to meet Burns’ steady gaze. “Oh, word?” he says to his oversized passenger. “Cool. Change of plans, we’re going to Harlem right now then.”

As the vehicle idles in midtown traffic on the sun-splashed, pleasant spring afternoon, Burns glances out the window at the teeming sidewalk while his ears are assaulted by honking horns. 

“Why is there so much traffic at lunchtime? Why is everyone honking their horns? Why is everyone so angry looking and walking so fast? Man, all of these folks just need a massage,” he says while shaking his head.

As the street arteries become uncongested and the glass skyscrapers of multinational corporations give way to the opulent billion dollar apartment buildings inhabited by wealthy celebrities and business tycoons, Burns notes to himself, “Oh, this is where the rich folks live. I need to come back here sometime and do some shopping.”

When they pass 96th street and creep a little further uptown, as the previous decadence gives way to the Spanish Harlem version of Park Avenue, with its sagging, depressing, brown brick housing project facades, Burns is amazed at the dichotomy. 

He’s told that this neighborhood forged Alpo, the real-life teenage drug lord that inspired Cam’Ron’s character, Rico, in his favorite movie. “This is amazing,” he says softly. “To experience this neighborhood and these streets, to see these people and the real culture behind Paid in Full. Maaaaaan, this is awesome.”

While exiting the Slutty Vegan takeout restaurant on West 135th Street with his order of a plant-based burger and fries topped with vegan beef and cheese, jalapenos, onions, lettuce and diced tomatoes, along with a large raspberry lemonade, he looks up and down the wide bustling thoroughfare and says, again to no one in particular, “Maaaaaan, I love Harlem! There’s so much Black history here.”

His meal is consumed while double-parked with the windows down. As the laughter and rhythms of the street pour in, the crew heads back toward the FDR Drive en route to lower Manhattan.

 As the banter turns toward his musical tastes, he casually mentions that he plays the piano, standup bass, tuba and the saxophone.

—

Burns sneaks in a quick cat nap before arriving at the Basketball City complex at Pier 36, 299 South Street. 

He walks gingerly into the mammoth complex, where all seven regulation courts are empty. The silence is soon replaced by his curated playlist once again when he pairs his iPhone with a nearby speaker device. Armed with the knowledge of his proficiency as an instrumentalist, as he works out with another of his trainers, Mike Collins, it’s now evident that he moves and plays to an inner biological symphony. 

There are elements of Jazz, Hip Hop, Trap, New Jack Swing, smooth R&B, Rock and Roll, buck nasty Funk and a taste of heavy metal in his gait and body language during the hour-and-a half workout that stresses the long ball off the dribble and the catch-and-shoot from the corners, wings and straight away.

“We started working together after the Final Four run, and I was pleasantly surprised by his humility, hunger, and ability to work at a high level with an attention to detail,” said Collins. “DJ enjoys the hard work. I know he’s tired and sore by the time he gets to me, but he has never complained. Not once.”

“People see how big he is, but they don’t understand how quick he is in tight spaces. He has a nice, smooth release and he’s banging in 200 to 300 long-range jumpers a day during our sessions alone, making over a thousand a week. He’s going to show folks some things they never saw from him in college.”

At 5:00 PM, Burns is back in Stamford at the Haute Healing Oasis Whole Body Wellness Center for an hour and a half of massages and non-steam infrared sauna treatments that soothe his joints, ligaments and muscles. 

After a short rest, he’s back at the Overdrive Elite facility from 8 to 9 o’clock for rigorous stretching exercises and medicine ball work to reduce his upper body excess and strengthen his core. 

From there, he’s off to grab a small dinner portion of baked fish and vegetables before being dropped back off at the Marriott, where a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep await.

The next morning, around 5:15 AM, he’s up and eager to do it all over again. It’s a routine that he’s been following for six days a week over the last month.

—

Burns, who received his Bachelor’s Degree from Winthrop in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at N.C. State, has yet to fully reflect on his spectacular nine-game postseason run. 

His mind will invariably wander toward the 24-point, 11-rebound, four-assist gem against Oakland in the NCAA Tournament, where he converted an absurd 75 percent of his shot attempts. 

And then there’s the monstrous performance against Duke in the Elite Eight, scoring 29 points, snagging four rebounds and dishing out three assists in the 76-64 victory that propelled the Wolfpack into the Final Four. 

He quickly turned the page to address the next challenge, proving those who relegated him to an afterthought as the NBA Draft approaches wrong.

At the pro day organized by 4Life Sports Management, the agency that reps him, at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo on May 21st, NBA reps in attendance were shocked at his body transformation. The buzz at the combine centered on his surprisingly accurate three-point shot and the fact that he’d shed approximately 50 pounds after his Final Four appearance. He has since been invited in for private workouts with the Cavaliers, Nets, Bucks and Rockets, with others calling to express interest. 

When Burns recently returned home for a brief visit, he even kept it real while trying on an expensive Gucci shirt that he purchased during the NCAA Tournament.

“When it first arrived, I couldn’t fit into it. Maaaan, those buttons were screaming at me” says Burns. “When I got back from New York, that beautiful butter soft thing fit me perfectly.”

In essence, that’s all he’s searching for moving forward, the perfect fit. “I just need one general manager, one organization, one coaching staff to believe in me and take a chance on me,” says Burns. “It won’t bother me if I don’t get drafted. When I get to Vegas for summer league, they’re gonna see what I can do. And the one team that gives me a shot will not regret it. I’ve been a winner every step of the way. I see no reason for that to change now.”

Photos via Getty Images. Exclusive photos by Kim Toledo and Brandon Christopher Hyman.

The post The Behind The Scenes Story of How DJ Burns Transformed His Body Heading Into the NBA Draft appeared first on SLAM.

Campers receive mentorship from current and former NBA players and follow an advanced training regimen designed to prepare them for the next level. In addition, every camper participates in group discussions and classes centering on topics such as stress management, recruiting pressures and more. 

Since ’94, hundreds of NBA players have come through the Top 100 Camp. This year’s event is set to take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL, from June 8-13.

But first, to celebrate 30 incredible years, we’re looking back at the top 30 NBPA members who have hit the court at the Top 100 Camp.

30. Zach LaVine 

Of all the high-flyers on this list, Zach LaVine might have the craziest hops. At 6-5, 200 pounds, he somehow makes zipping past defenders, soaring through the air and punching a nasty jam over a seven-footer look effortless. His jaw-dropping highlights and incredible performances in dunk contests—like his legendary duel with Aaron Gordon in 2016—alone make him a suitable candidate for this list, but LaVine is also a two-time All-Star and an elite all-around scorer who has averaged over 20 points per game for his career. 

29. Zion Williamson 

It’s rare for a high school player to land on the cover of SLAM. But then again, it’s rare for a high school player to be like Zion Williamson was in 2017. The kid from Spartanburg, SC, demanded our attention, regularly going viral on social media for his unfathomable dunks and blocks. The eventual cover line: “He’s 16. He’s 6-7. He’s explosive like Russ. He dunks like LeBron. Are you ready for Zion Williamson?” No lies told. In fact, at the Top 100 Camp in 2016, he was named MVP. Unfortunately, the Zion experience has been limited in the NBA due to injuries, but when the New Orleans Pelicans star has been healthy, he’s been an unstoppable force who still lights up social media.

28. Bam Adebayo

In an interview with SLAM in 2019, Jimmy Butler described his teammate Bam Adebayo—now a 3x All-Star—perfectly: “He works super hard and he’s everywhere on the floor. You need him to pass it, he can pass it. He rebounds, he handles the ball, he sets great screens. You can’t take him off the floor. He’s a key part to what we want to do and what we will continue to do. [Head coach Erik Spoelstra] knows—in order to win, you gotta have Bam out there on the floor.” That all still applies today.

27. De’Aaron Fox

Don’t blink—you might miss De’Aaron Fox do something spectacular. The lightning quick guard was a McDonald’s All-American in high school, ranked as one of the top recruits in the nation. He went to the University of Kentucky for one year, starring alongside Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk, before entering the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was picked fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings. Slowly but surely, Fox has developed into an All-Star and made the Kings exciting and relevant for the first time in a long time. 

26. Karl-Anthony Towns

We have seen very few big men in the history of the NBA with the versatility and skill set of Karl-Anthony Towns. That’s to say: We have seen very few big men in the history of the NBA who are just as comfortable behind the arc and in the mid-range as they are in the paint. KAT, now 28, stands seven feet tall, has averaged 10.8 rebounds per game over his nine seasons in the League and is a career 40 percent three-point shooter. And he just helped lead the best Timberwolves team in two decades all the way to the Western Conference Finals.

25. DeAndre Jordan

During those peak Lob City years, DeAndre Jordan owned the paint for the Los Angeles Clippers. He controlled the glass, averaging 13.1 rebounds per game from 2013-18. He protected the rim, averaging 1.8 blocks over that same span. And occasionally, he threw down a dunk so vicious, so powerful, so unbelievable, that teammates and fans were left wondering what the hell just happened (please go rewatch his poster on Brandon Knight). Jordan now brings veteran leadership to the Denver Nuggets, where he helped the franchise capture its first championship in 2023.

24. Donovan Mitchell

Twelve teams passed on Spida in the 2017 NBA Draft. Twelve. Mitchell, who hails from Elmsford, NY, and went to college at Louisville, made most of those teams regret that decision almost immediately. He averaged 20.5 points as a rookie and was an All-Star by his third season. He’s now made five straight All-Star Games, including in 2023 when he was named a starter. Very few players in the League possess Mitchell’s combination of athleticism and skill. To put it plainly: the explosive guard—currently on the NBPA Executive Committee—is impossible to stop. And at 27 years old, he’s just entering his prime.

23. Al Horford

For the past 16 years, Big Al has been a big presence in the NBA. The reliable center is still playing a pivotal role for a historically good Boston Celtics team that just tore its way through the Eastern Conference. Horford was a star at Grand Ledge High School in Michigan, won back-to-back national championships at the University of Florida (2006, 2007) and has been named an All-Star five times during his lengthy NBA career (four times with the Hawks, once with the Cs). And he ain’t done yet. 

22. Kyle Lowry

When he entered the League in 2006, Kyle Lowry didn’t take off right away. In fact, it wasn’t until his fifth season in the NBA that the 6-0 point guard, who had been traded by the Grizzlies to the Rockets in ’09, became a permanent starter. Lowry hasn’t looked back since, guiding teams in Houston, Toronto, Miami and Philly with his hard-nosed, aggressive, energetic style of play—a style that has made him a fan favorite and earned him six All-Star selections. In the North, where he won a championship in 2019, Lowry will always be known as Mr. Raptor.

21. Baron Davis 

Baron Davis was an artist with the basketball. Ridiculous dribble packages, flashy assists, monster posters—the 1997 Gatorade National Player of the Year and two-time NBA All-Star always put on a show. After starring at UCLA, Davis was the third overall pick in the 1999 Draft and helped lead a formidable Hornets team for the first stretch of his pro career. He later joined the iconic “We Believe” Warriors squad that advanced to the second round of the 2007 playoffs as a No. 8 seed. Injuries robbed us of more years watching him play, no question, but when the electrifying guard was at his best, that was some of the most entertaining ball to watch.

The post NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 30 Players: 30-21 appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

Despite being a youthful roster filled with talented stars, the 2017 Wildcats would be questioned at every corner. De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Bam Adebayo, and Derek Willis. Those are only a few names that glued this team together and allowed them to go on the crazy run they accomplished during this season. 

Fox was the facilitator and a pestering defender who averaged 17 points per game and lived up to his social media handle, swipathefox. Meanwhile, Monk brought intensity and determination from start to finish of every game and Bam left opponents shook in the paint. Collectively this group set the tone at the start of every game. From a drop off to Bam in the paint, pass and shot by Monk, or a pass and crazy move from Fox, this Kentucky team would run you up and down a court like no other. And because they were so young, they never got tired, or at least never showed it. There was always some fight and scoring left in them at every game. Running teams out the gym, the Wildcats had over 15 games where they beat their opponents by at least 10 points in the regular season. They were ultimately a scoring madhouse. 

Led by the only John Calipari, their athleticism, drive, and determination brought them all the way to postseason: first, winning the SEC championship and then the NCAA tournament, where they swept past opponents like Northern Kentucky, Wichita State and UCLA—a game in which Fox dropped 39 points in a matchup against the Bruins’ star, Lonzo Ball. 

The Elite Eight showdown against UNC was, well, elite. The pressure was on, especially for Fox and his Wildcats, who eventually lost to the Tar Heels. An emotional Fox later revealed to us that summer: “Just knowing that was my only opportunity to win a National Championship—competitiveness spilled over,” Fox told SLAM. “Just knowing that we were up 5 with like two to three minutes left, knowing that we could have won that game is what really [hurt]. Just losing that game the way we did. It was tough losing like that. It’s not the same when you have another chance to win it. That was the part that hurt the most.”

Despite the season that could’ve been, the 2017 Wildcats helped cement Kentucky’s legacy as one of the most dominant and competitive programs. Fox, Bam and Monk are all hoopin’ in the L today, and never hesitate to support BBN whenever they get the chance, either. That’s just what happens when you rock Kentucky blue…

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: 2017 Kentucky  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.

On June 12, 2015, we found ourselves walking the streets of downtown St. Louis with 17-year-old Jayson Tatum. At the time, though he was a five-star recruit who would soon commit to Duke, we were able to freely roam the streets without Jayson being bombarded by fans. Today, we wouldn’t be able to redo that shoot so seamlessly. But that day perfectly encapsulates the long-ranging relationship that SLAM has built with many of today’s NBA superstars.

The shoot was longer than our usual high school shoot: Jayson was about to become our HS Diarist for the following academic year, meaning he’d have his own column in the magazine for the following 12 months, which meant we’d have to capture plenty of images in different outfits so that we’d have enough options for all of the coming issues.

Jayson was accompanied by his entire family that day: his mother Brandy, his father Justin, his grandmother, his high school girlfriend and other relatives. We walked around taking photos in different parts of downtown St. Louis in the beaming summer sun. Although he had a cool, calm and collected demeanor, you could tell he already knew he was a star in the making. Going into the shoot, we asked him to bring whatever streetwear outfits he thought best reflected his personality. He showed up with a custom St. Louis Cardinals jersey that had his name stitched on the back, which he rocked for a photo in front of the iconic Gateway Arch. The second outfit he brought? A full gray suit, with a white dress shirt and a patterned pink/red/orange/white tie. He really meant business from Day 1.  

Through his diary entries in the issues that followed, we got a glimpse of his competitive side. He wrote about looking forward to playing against his dad during the season (Tatum attended Chaminade and his dad was the head coach of their rival school, Christian Brothers), and kept track of their head-to-head record. We also learned the impact that his mother had on his life, and even some of the school projects he enjoyed working on the most, along with any extracurricular activities. 

Toward the end of his senior year, Tatum was part of our annual HS All-American team shoot, where he posed alongside De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Harry Giles III and Josh Jackson in a conference room at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The SLAM All-American uniforms that year were sponsored by Jordan Brand and the shoot itself happened during Jordan Brand Classic week in NYC. Today, Tatum and Jordan have a very fruitful partnership. A full circle journey, indeed.

In the aftermath of his high school days, SLAM and Tatum have continued working together. In 2018, he appeared on his first solo SLAM cover, wearing a band-aid on his face in a nod to fellow St. Louis legend Nelly (the title of his HS feature—the spread where he’s wearing the aforementioned custom Cardinals jersey—was “Ride Wit Me,” a reference to Nelly’s hit single). In late 2022, he posed for his second solo cover. He’s also been a part of a couple of group covers. In 2023, he appeared on his first KICKS cover alongside fellow Jordan Brand athletes Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic. 

Point being, nine years later, Tatum and SLAM continue to collaborate on some top-tier shoots. He has not only played a major role in SLAM’s story and growth over the past decade—he’s also done the same for the game of basketball. Today, he’s one of the NBA’s biggest stars. A lethal scorer with a smooth flow to his game, he’s already been to four Conference Finals and got within two games of winning an NBA title in 2022. Off the court, he’s emerged as one of the most marketable figures in the game—you can always find him on TV, starring in commercials for Subway, Ruffles and Gatorade, among others. And, of course, he has his own signature sneaker with Jordan Brand—another TV spot to add to the list. He’s also become a model figure for fatherhood in the League—Jayson and his son, Deuce, are an elite duo in the hearts of all hoop fans and are frequently spotted together on the court and in the locker room after games. (And, for obvious reasons, we love when Deuce rocks his dad’s SLAM cover tee, which has happened a few times.)

Needless to say, as the headline of his high school story fittingly said, we’ve been riding wit’ JT for almost a decade, and we look forward to seeing all the destinations that lie ahead. 

Portrait by Chris Razoyk. Photo via Getty Images.

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

This story and so much more is featured in the latest issue of KICKS 26. Get your copy here.

First Team

P.J. Tucker

As sure as the sun rises in the eastern sky, P.J. Tucker is back on our First Team. There’s nobody in the League more versed, more versatile and more willing to play in any pair. He cemented himself long ago on this list, yet he keeps on proving himself over and over.

James Harden

James Harden is a fairly uncommon human being in general. He did, after all, help to rewrite the NBA rule book with his singular style of play. His seventh signature silhouette, the best of the 2022-23 campaign, is particularly exceptional. It’s got a funky shape, it’s got an upper that looks like a puffer jacket, it’s full of the best tech the Stripes has to offer and it had incredibly hard colorways throughout the season. 

DeMar DeRozan

It’s not a shot at P.J. to say with confidence that DeMar DeRozan has the best Kobe collection in the League. As has been printed in these pages many times, he’s played in every Nike Kobe silhouette throughout his career and continues to add Kobe PEs that look more like art pieces than sneakers to his collection.

Ja Morant

Before his signature sneaker debuted on Christmas Day 2022, Ja Morant had been hooping in high quality Kobes and original versions of the early Kyries. Then he stomped into the signature game with a handful of unique colorways. And because he moves differently than just about everybody in the League, there’ll be more originality in his future.

Stephen Curry

The best shooter ever had variety in 2022-23. Curry 10s, FloTros of the 1 and 2, some sprinkling of the 4 FloTro all got court time with No. 30. There aren’t many others who tell stories with their footwear like Stephen. His nonstop commitment to the underrated and underrepresented often gets communicated through his footwear. 

Second Team

LeBron James

Flavor after flavor after flavor. LeBron James’ 20th season will be remembered for the multitude of colorways he played in. Both the Nike LeBron 20 and the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen appeared under the bright lights in equally subtle and outrageous makeups, night after night. 

Paul George

Even though his signature line has wrapped up, Paul George didn’t miss a step. Each game brought a new chance for him to show off his unexpected appreciation for basketball sneakers, like, for example, wearing the “All-Star” Nike Kobe 6 while playing in the City of Angels. You get the connection?

Malik Monk

Malik Monk very much understands how to properly apply hues to footwear. All of his Kobe PEs, be it 5s or 6s, are consistently fire. None of them are really that similar, either. There’s a ton of variation from pair to pair, with browns and blues and purples and blacks and pinks
showing up throughout his stable. 

Trey Lyles

Look, let’s be honest here, yeah? Kobes are this generation’s Jordans. Trey Lyles has a stockpile of rare heat that he’s amassed over the years and most of them aren’t protros. He’s on this list because he consistently hoops in heavy hitters from the game’s most cherished line, oftentimes reminding people about pairs or colorways they’d previously forgotten. 

Jayson Tatum

Another visual storyteller, Jayson Tatum started the season with many versions of the Air Jordan 37 and Air Jordan 38 Low that let the public in on what matters most to him. Once ASW rolled around and he got to unveil his first signature with Jordan Brand, the storytelling door flew clean off the hinges. Tatum tells us a whole lot about himself without ever saying a word. 

MVP: P.J. Tucker

LeBron James only has four MVPs. Michael Jordan only has five MVPs. What in the hell is good with that? That’s not the truth. Both deserve a minimum of 10. In the context of basketball sneakers, P.J. Tucker is LeBron. He is MJ. In our pages, he will continue to get his shine until he hangs up his sneakers for good.

We’ve called him a lot of things over the years, like the Michael Jordan of wearing Jordans. We’ve compared his conquering of basketball footwear to passages in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. Now that we’ve finally gotten him on the cover and had a chance to listen to him speak openly about sneakers, he’s the MVP because he loves it all more than anyone else. We hear you, P.J. 

Rookie of the Year: Jalen Williams

The list of Stripes silhouettes that Jalen Williams played in is mighty long. It includes the Harden Vol. 7s, Crazy 97s, Dame 5s, Top 10 2000s, D.O.N. 4s, Agent Gils, Harden Vol. 4s, D Rose 1.5s and Dame 8s. 

Williams maintained a steady rotation throughout the season, varied with many colors. He seems to be a student of the sneaker game. He joined the likes of Tracy McGrady, Nick Young and Jaylen Brown when he rocked mismatched adi joints. The young star popped out to All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City with one white Harden Vol. 7 and one pink Harden Vol. 7. His name will most definitely show up again in these pages next year.

Most Improved Player: Paul George

The Swoosh decided to end Paul George’s signature line at the PG6. It went out with a bang, concluding after the drop of his collab with Hot Wheels. 

The ending of one thing is the beginning of another. Freed up from being required to play in his latest signature model, PG hit the ground running by wearing Kobe 4s, Kobe 5s and Kobe 6s. He dug into the closet for the return of the PG1, the PG2 and the PG2.5. Strategically, he secured this spot when he played in the “Draft Day” Kobe 4s in Charlotte. That was a wakeup call signifying there was another knowledgeable sneakerhead ready to show out. 

LeagueFits Arrival Sneaker of the Year: Russell Westbrook

Michael Jordan’s retirement in 1998 gave the first class of Brand Jordan athletes the full sneaker spotlight. They were getting to play in retro colorways made just for them. Guys like Ray Allen, Derek Anderson, Vin Baker, Eddie Jones and Michael Finley are the reason every sneakerhead knows what PE (player exclusive) stands for. Retro PEs continued for the next couple of Jordan athlete generations, with guys like Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson gaining fame for their heat. 

But Jordan Brand changed up the overall thought process a few years back. Retro PEs are far more rare now. 

Their scarcity is why Russell Westbrook’s Air Jordan III colorway is getting the nod for the LeagueFits Arrival Sneaker of the Year. Seeing these IIIs in the wild is like seeing the Loch Ness Monster finally reveal itself. 

Best of the Brands:

Curry 10

adidas Harden Vol. 7

Jordan Tatum 1

New Balance TWO WXY v3

Nike LeBron 20

PUMA MB.02

READ MORE: KICKS, NBA, WNBA

• 
  EXCLUSIVE Derrick Rose Interview Former MVP on his Past, Present & Future
  It was in mid-November when the SLAM crew flew into Chicago for the main photo shoot of this special issue. There, at Simeon Career Academy, we shot the… Read more: EXCLUSIVE Derrick Rose Interview Former MVP on his Past, Present & Future
• 
  SLAM’s Adidas Collab Welcomes The Return Of The Crazy Two For The First Time 
  words, photography & design // Nick DePaula When you ask anyone to pick their favorite cover of SLAM, it’s the 15th issue featuring a fold-out cover of rising… Read more: SLAM’s Adidas Collab Welcomes The Return Of The Crazy Two For The First Time 
• 
  SLAM Replay: Looking Back on a Year of Hoops, Moments and Kicks
  It’s almost the new year, but until 2025 tips-off, we’re looking back on the past year and all our favorite moments that happened both on and off the… Read more: SLAM Replay: Looking Back on a Year of Hoops, Moments and Kicks
• 
  These OLD SLAM ADS Promised to Help You Dunk and Improve Your Vertical—Guaranteed
  This story is published in OLD SLAM ADS. Get your copy here. My 40-year-old knees are worn out. Worn out like the lawn behind my childhood home, and… Read more: These OLD SLAM ADS Promised to Help You Dunk and Improve Your Vertical—Guaranteed

The post The 2022-23 KICKS Awards: First Team, MVP and MORE! appeared first on SLAM.

Unheard. 

Felt. 

Seen. 

The bright beam reverberates through all of Sacramento as a visual sign that the Kings have won again. 

The glow reveals. 

It’s been accompanied by a surprising surge from the League’s most dormant franchise. On the day that the Kings opened the doors of Golden 1 Center to us, the squad had climbed to fourth place in the Western Conference. More winning has been joined by flow ideals, an offense ever in motion. 

In this new tradition of the beam, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have shined brightest for the revamped Kings. 

SLAM 242 is available now featuring De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

But there had been much darkness before the duo helped bring about this newfound purple illumination. The Kings haven’t made the playoffs since 2006. An ownership change, countless player transactions and nine different head coaches have been part of the last loss-filled 17 years. The days of Chris Webber’s stellar squads were followed by 20-point-guarantee Kevin Martin and then the promise of DeMarcus Cousins. Time and time again, though, nothing happened. Just losing. Almost forgotten up in northern California over these long years, this year’s Kings team came out from all of that darkness with a bright signal sent up into the NBA’s atmosphere—the beam.

“I think we were in L.A.,” Fox says about his first memory of the beam. “I think that was, like, what, three, four games in this season? Yeah,” he checks with Sabonis sitting on his right. “So this is early on, this season. I want to say we were in L.A. when the beam came out and they kept it up for when we came home.”

From the imagination of Tim Anderson, owner and founder of Nu-Salt Laser International, the beam is officially called the Laser Space Cannon. Anderson lives in Folsom, CA, which is about 30 minutes from Golden 1. He’s been operating Nu-Salt for 28 years and has gotten to play a major role in the Kings’ journey from the dark to the light. Somehow, neither Anderson nor anyone on the Kings’ staff told the players about the beam before the season began. 

“Oh, we had no idea,” Sabonis tells us. “Even when it started, like, the first couple of games, we didn’t really pay attention to it. It was only until Kev[in Huerter] hashtagged #BeamTeam and then after that it blew up.” 

Fox jumps in to tell the story of when he first caught it with his own eyes. “I think my first time seeing it was after a home game. I was leaving and, right here on Fifth Street, there’s a light. And if you’re in the driver’s seat, you can’t see it. So I literally got outta the car to see it.”

He says it was too late in the night for any fans to notice him. But that’s pretty much been the only time he’s gone unnoticed this year. Fox has been impossible to miss for fans, opposing players, scouts and coaches. Still possessing all of the untamed speed that made him famous coming out of Cypress Lakes (Katy, TX) High School in 2016, the lefty point guard has totally harnessed his floor general skills, repeatedly capitalizing on drop coverage out of pick-and-roll with mid-range pull-ups or hitting waiting shooters on the wings and in the corners. Most importantly, he’s been unflinching in the clutch, whether those final moments have called for him to shoot or run the offense. 

Over many, many years, the really, very, actually legitimately smartest doctors and scientists around have studied the hippocampus, the part of the human mind that is the center of memory. Those really, very, actually legitimately smart doctors and scientists have found that strenuous physical activity done with peers can form incredibly strong and lasting memories. 

Under the glare of the incredibly strong bulbs of the Golden 1 Center, where Fox and Sabonis have been forging memory after memory, we ask them to share which moment so far has created the most enduring memory. A countdown of 3, 2, 1 produces: 

“Fox’s buzzer-beater,” Sabonis says. 

“You know what’s funny? I was gonna say that one at first,” Fox says giddily. “The one in Orlando, right? Dang. I was gonna say that, too. I also didn’t wanna sound selfish.”

“That shot changed, I feel like, everything, the vibes in the locker room,” Sabonis follows. “Because it was early in the season, too.”

Just the eighth game of the year for the guys in purple, they were knotted at 123 with the Magic in overtime. The crowd was going crazy after the home squad got a steal and tied the game with a dunk. There were 6.6 seconds left on the clock. Sharpshooting big Trey Lyles inbounded the rock to vet Harrison Barnes. Fox was visibly calling for the ball, holding out both of his hands at Barnes. He wanted to take the shot. Four right-handed dribbles got him across the timeline and he transferred the ball into his left hand. 

They weren’t stopping the ball? 

They really weren’t stopping the ball. 

The official NBA box score lists that game-winner as a 31-footer. But he was barely inside of the halfcourt stripe, just above the star in the Magic’s logo. The shot cashed right as the red lights flashed and the horn sounded. They were all seeing him in the light now. It was a clutch moment where Fox had to lead his guys, an extremely important memory that was crafted together. Sabonis was under the hoop, motioning for his point guard to put it up. When the shot dropped, Sabonis ran all the way across the court with both of his arms raised high. 

“I was like, Shoot! Is he gonna shoot? Because he slowed down and I’m like, Wait, what’s he doing?” Sabonis says. “In my mind, he’s so fast. He’s gonna lay it up, and then he slows down and I’m like, There’s two seconds left. What’s he doing?”

“And what I saw was, they started loading up, so I’m like, There’s nowhere to go,” Fox joins in. “So I just kind of started lining up a shot and I was gonna do the, I told you,” he says with a look to Sabonis, “the ‘Gilbert Arenas,’ where you shoot it, turn around. I was starting to turn around because it felt good. I told Malik [Monk], I was like, It felt good when it left my hands, but I didn’t want to turn around and then you miss, now you look like Swaggy P. It felt good. Like you said, it was great vibes for the team after that.”

Team being the key word. In addition to these two, Huerter, Monk, Lyles, Barnes, Keegan Murray, Terence Davis, Davion Mitchell and Chimezie Metu have each had multiple moments in the spotlight. The Kings have a top-five offense because of Fox, for sure. Also because Sabonis can score and pass like very few other centers in the League. He’s a real-ass seven-footer, standing sturdy and immovable. Head coach Mike Brown has fully utilized his playmaking ability. Top of the key, elbow-extended or from the post, that flow ideal movement revolves around him like he’s the sun. There are very few who convert better than him, with more frequency, as the roll man. Huerter leads the League in points off dribble handoffs because Sabonis is the one doing the setups. He’s a two-time All-Star who somehow only shoots 11 times a game and still averages 18 points with ultra efficiency. Predictably, Sabonis downplays his role in establishing this year’s squad as a scoring machine. 

“We have these couple plays that we run,” he says. “[I’m] always looking for the backdoor. We have a lot of shooters, you know, [defenders] try and load up, so [I’m] always looking for that. And then, I don’t know, I see a shooter—I mean, it’s pretty easy on this team. Everyone can shoot. So there’s not much I have to do. I just gotta set a solid screen without getting an offensive foul. And then they take care of everything.”

That’s a rudimentary explanation of an offense only possible with the rare big man capable of spotting cutters on the backline, reading coverages in real-time and being able to go get a bucket by himself when necessary. Fox attributes it all to a feel and knowledge of the game that can’t be quantified.

When pressed just a little harder about his shine this season, Sabonis goes more in-depth. 

“I feel like they did a great job this summer of putting a plan together on the offensive end where it really shows that I can playmake more,” he says of Coach Brown and his staff. “There’s a lot of elbow-catching where I’ve wanted to do in the past, so they’ve really let me be myself. And then the team with the shooters, with Fox, the speed, everything, like, it just makes it so much easier. I don’t even think they knew we could do all this, to be honest, you know?

“And, like Fox said, our chemistry and relationships with different players, that’s what’s making, I think, the offense click so good,” he continues. “Everybody knows each other, and we’re basically reading or making up things as we go on in the game. Very freelance. We’re not playing selfishly, we’re just playing the right way, so it looks good, and coaches agree, and then they just let us do our game.”

The other aspect of this special offense is that the Kings’ best players are both lefties. Because the world’s population is only made up of about 10-15 percent left-handed people, being lefty in any sport is a special advantage. It’s even more specialized in the NBA, where only 5-10 percent of players are left-handed. Nearly every hooper grows up learning to defend righties. Basketball neurogenesis is established early to react to the hand that about 90 percent of players favor. It’s an important distinction that Fox’s speed and Sabonis’ strength result in left-handed baskets. 

Because it’s so rare to be left-handed, most lefties don’t grow up with similarly-handed teammates. Playing with other lefties requires adjustment and discussion in order to fully optimize the uniqueness of the anomaly. 

The majority of lefties favor the right side of the floor so that when they come downhill, their momentum is leaning back to that left side. The February 2022 trade that sent Sabonis to Sac resulted in an early conversation between the Lithuanian star and Fox. 

“Everybody guards me to go right,” Fox says. “And whenever we would play against [Sabonis], we would send the ballhandler left so that he would roll right. So when he first got here, I told him, I was like, Yo, I’ll go right so that you can get back left. And most teams are gonna force me right anyways. It’s worked out.”

How much it works out into April and May remains to be seen. Sabonis is 26 years old and Fox is 25. By the time this issue ships to our printers, they will have just played 50 games with each other, meaning that even if it doesn’t work out in April and May, the darkness that the Kings have gone through is about to be a faded memory, replaced by new stories physically written under the gleam of increasingly glaring lights.

The night is always darkest before dawn. Look to the west for the rising of this new light, a purple among the haze of night, brighter still with hope that had long been missing from Sacramento. 

SLAM 242 is out now in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition and Cover Tee.

Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.

The post De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and the Beam Team are Lighting up the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Everything is going right for this Sacramento team, and this is something that the franchise has been lacking for 16 long years.

Kings head coach Mike Brown has been the missing leader this organization needed; De’Aaron Fox is quietly making a case for himself as an All-Star this year, Domantas Sabonis has settled in well into this Kings offense since arriving from the Indiana Pacers, Kevin Huerter is shooting lights out, and the rookie Keegan Murray is emerging as a promising young talent. 

On Sunday, when Sacramento defeated the Chicago Bulls 110-101 to win their third consecutive game, seven players for the Kings impressively ended the game, scoring in double-digits. Malik Monk led the way with 20 points. Following the victory, Monk told NBC Sports that the Kings are legit this year.

“We’re legit, man. We’re legit, because [Kings coach] Mike [Brown] is going to push us so hard that we can’t not be legit,” Monk told NBC Sports California’s Kyle Draper and Kenny Thomas on “Kings Postgame Live.” “There’s a lot of stuff that goes into it. We’re a young team and a lot of guys that need to get to the playoffs. A lot of us haven’t been there yet, and we all want the same goal.

Sacramento will look to keep up their winning ways against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

The post Malik Monk: the Kings Are ‘Legit’ Playoff Contenders This Season 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.

They now have the highest offensive rating in the League t. 

DeAaron Fox battled Ja Morant throughout the night, and he finished with a big 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. He also made five three-pointers en route to victory. His backcourt mate and newcomer Kevin Huerter continued his impressive play and great shooting as well; he had 18 points on 60 percent shooting and 57.1 percent from the three-point land.

Domantas Sabonis filled the stat sheet with nine points, 13 boards, and eight dimes. The veteran Harrison Barnes also had 26 points. Malik Monk coolly knocked in two free throws to extend their lead with 3.9 seconds remaining in the game and permanently out of reach (amidst Morant’s heckling). 

Head coach Mike Brown’s new scheme has the Kings playing inspired basketball and has freed up the talented roster for balanced contributions from all over the roster. 

“We made a lot of mistakes down the stretch that could have cost us the game, but we found a way to win,” Brown said following the game. “Hopefully, we’ll learn from that.” 

This is the Kings’ first time winning seven straight games since 2004. Sacramento hasn’t made the playoffs since 2006, but if they continue at this rate, their winning streak might be enough to break their sustained absence. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sacramento Kings (@sacramentokings)

When Brown was asked how to keep the Kings head on straight following their recent successes, Brown said, “you just keep telling them the truth. There’s nothing tricky about it, you know?”

“You play well; you tell them you play well. When you don’t play well, you tell them we’re not playing well,” Brown said. “As long as you keep it real with them, all those guys in the locker are all competitive, and they want the truth. And they’ve responded to the truth. We’ll keep them grounded that way.”

The post Don’t Look Now: the Kings Have Quietly Won Seven Straight Games appeared first on SLAM.

Since getting drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2017 as the fifth pick, the franchise has not made the playoffs. This year, Fox wants to be at the forefront of getting them there. The Kings reshaped their roster for the second half of last season when they acquired two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday from the Indiana Pacers.

Sacramento traded Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson in return.

On Draymond Green’s podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” Fox admitted that the trade shocked him. As the primary point guard for the franchise, the 24-year-old felt that the trade sent an important message to him from the organization.

“For me, it’s like yo, they believe in me,” said Fox. “But two, it’s like motherf*****, we just traded somebody who could be a franchise point guard either here or somewhere else. So, you better get on your s***; you better start winning.“

The King guard is fresh off scoring 33 points in a 108-115 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers and understands that there will be added pressure for him in this campaign.

“Does it add pressure? Yeah, a little bit,” said Fox. But, at the end of the day, I’ve been trying to get us in the playoffs for years, so it’s a little added pressure. It ain’t hurt anybody.”

Fortunately for Sacramento, they acquired Malik Monk after a solid season with the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason. He averaged a career-high 13.8 points on 47.3 percent shooting from the field.

The move reunites Fox and Monk for the first time backcourt pair played together at Kentucky before making it to the NBA. The question is, will these moves by the Kings in the past year pay off and earn them a trip to the playoffs?

Sacramento will suit up on Saturday to play the Los Angeles Clippers in hopes of the team’s first win of the season.

The post De’Aaron Fox on the Kings Trading Tyrese Haliburton: ‘They Believe in Me’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

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

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

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

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

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

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.

According to ESPN, the Lakers are facing an uneasy admission that’s building up around the locker room: “The roster is not working, and something must be done to get the team back on course.”

The whooping the Lakers took only proved the mounting suspicion the Lakers realize maybe the truth. Milwaukee built a lead as large as 30 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a dominant 44 point, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks night. Even four-time MVP LeBron James had to admit there’s a massive gap between the Lakers and the Bucks.

“It tells me we ain’t on their level,” LeBron James said. “I mean, I could have told you that before the game.”

“Obviously, you always kind of use games to see where you are at that moment, but we know where we are at this moment: sitting at a couple, few games under .500,” he said. “Haven’t played the basketball that we’d like to play.”

When the Lakers did wake up and start playing up to their championship standard, it came in the fourth quarter with James and Anthony Davis leading the way after Coach Frank Vogel sitting former MVP Russell Westbrook on the bench for the third time this season. During that stint, LA outscored Milwaukee, 37-28, cutting the lead to 10 after Malik Monk threw down a dunk midway through the final frame.

The Lakers comeback bid ultimately fell short, however, falling to the Bucks 131-116. In the closing seconds, Westbrook could be seen trying to brighten up the mood of his superstar teammates with pats on the head and shoulders of James and Davis.

“Listen, I want to help AD, I want to help Russ. AD wants to help me, help Russ, and Russ wants to help us,” James said about the exchange. “Obviously, lately, Russ hasn’t felt like he had an opportunity, or with the opportunities, he’s been given, he hasn’t helped us as much as he would like. We haven’t done a great job of helping him.”

Following the game, Westbrook, who accepted his previous benching, did not take too kindly to not being on the floor as the Lakers attempted to close in on upsetting the Bucks on Tuesday. When asked what he has to do for Vogel to play him late in the fourth quarter, Westbrook had this to say:

“I shouldn’t have to hit any benchmark, to be honest,” Westbrook said. “I’ve put a lot of work, and I’ve got a lot of respect in this game. I don’t got to hit a benchmark, or I shouldn’t have to. I’ve earned a right to be in closing lineups.”

According to Westbrook, some of the Lakers’ woes could be solved by “creating some consistency within our team, which we don’t have at the moment.” That remark might ring true once you realize Vogel put out a 27th different starting lineup in their 55th game of the season and that Westbrook, James, and Davis have all played together a grand total of 18 times this season.

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Lakers have only made Talen Horton-Tucker available to trade. They also decided they didn’t want to move Westbrook or make a midseason coaching change. It remains unclear if the Lakers have any assets that opposing franchises would like to acquire after trading away so much of their youth through the years.

The Lakers will look to get back into the winning column on Wednesday against the Trail Blazers (21-34).

The post Lakers Left Searching For Answers After Loss to the Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

After it was announced that Davis wouldn’t have a concrete minutes restriction, he ended up playing 25 minutes, finishing with 8 points, two rebounds, two assists, and four blocks.

After the game, AD shared how he felt on the floor after missing over a month (spanning 17 games) with his injured left knee via ESPN.

“For the most part, I felt fine, felt great out there, and the first couple minutes the adrenaline took, and after that, the wind caught up to me,” Davis said. “When I caught my second wind, I was fine for the rest of the game.”

“I don’t know about the whole minute restriction thing; I think for me that might come off,” Davis said. “Might tell coach Vogel I don’t need that, but we’ll see.”

First play of the game. Great to have you back, @AntDavis23 pic.twitter.com/dljoittWhw

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2022

Davis’ superstar teammate LeBron James discussed the importance of his return as a boost for an underachieving team sitting seventh in the Western Conference at 24-24.

“He just makes our team so much more complete, our length defensively, our ability to really get up in people’s faces because we know we got him at the rim, or our ability to switch a lot of things because he can literally guard 1-through-5,” James said. “Offensively, it just attracts another set of eyes off of myself, off of Russell Westbrook, off of Carmelo Anthony, off of Malik Monk. Off everybody, because he’s such a dynamic player.”

The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-10 without The Brow. They face the Philadelphia 76ers (28-10) Thursday night.

The post Anthony Davis, Lakers On His Return Against the Nets appeared first on SLAM.

Long before the Lakers’ 111-104 loss to the Pacers, Vogel and his staff were reportedly given assurances that the franchise would support him “in taking a hard line while coaching the star.” ESPN says that the Lakers’ message can be described as “You got to do what you got to do.”

Vogel decided to test that power in the final 3 minutes, 52 seconds of the fourth quarter against Indiana. Westbrook was 5-for-17 from the field when Vogel benched Westbrook for Malik Monk, with L.A. trailing 101-94. Westbrook’s defensive effort was also crucial in the benching after Caris LeVert blew by Westbrook for a layup early in the final frame of the game.

“Playing the guys that I thought were going to win the game,” Vogel said when asked about his decision to bench Westbook.

As reported by multiple outlets, Vogel’s job security as Lakers head coach has been in jeopardy due to the Lakers’ tough start to the season. At 22-23, the Lakers have underperformed despite acquiring multiple Hall-Of-Famers, most notably trading for Westbrook in a blockbuster draft-day trade.

Westbrook reportedly left Crypto.com Arena before speaking to reporters. On the season, Westbrook is averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game on 43.3 percent shooting from the field. He is currently the all-time leader in triple-doubles and averaged a triple-double in four seasons. He sports a 142-51 record when he records the feat as well.

“It’s frustrating. I can tell you that,” Carmelo Anthony said in defense of Westbrook per ESPN. “It’s frustrating as a player who’s trying to make it right, trying to do things right. This is new for him. This is a new situation. This is a new environment. We got to help him through it. I mean, that’s the only thing we can do, is make sure his mental is right. That’s the only thing I care about. I don’t care about any basketball stuff when it comes to Russ.

“As long as his mental is right, then I’m good.”

The post REPORT: Lakers Front Office Gave Coach Frank Vogel Greenlight to Bench Russell Westbrook appeared first on SLAM.

Monk and James put on a show in the fourth quarter combining for 25 points to help the Lakers defeat the Sacramento Kings in the Crypto.com Arena Tuesday night, 122-114.

Malik and LeBron combined to drop 25 points in the fourth quarter alone pic.twitter.com/iGz5GqlTAi

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 5, 2022

After the game, the King stated in the press conference that he wanted to play with Monk as far back as last year.

“It’s funny, just a little quick backstory, me and J-Kidd, we talk a lot last year,” James said per CBS Sports. “We wanted him last year. When Charlotte stopped playing him last year, or they would play him, and then sit him for five or six games, and then they would play him, and then you would see him have a game at Miami where he had like eight or nine 3s in Miami, and then they would sit him and not play him. Me and J-Kidd, we would talk all the time, like ‘Is there a way we can snatch this guy from their roster?'”

Monk is starting to come into his own in a Lakers uniform averaging 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting a career-high 47.7 percent from the field as well as 38.4 percent from beyond the arc in his 33 games.

After gaining a reputation as only a rotational player in Hornets after putting up 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in only one start, he’s started six games this season with gaining a reputation as one of the few players on the roster that doesn’t need James to get his shot off in the Lakers offense.

The two players will continue to build their chemistry when the Lakers play against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

The post LeBron James Shares How Long He’s Wanted to Play With Malik Monk appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, The Atheltic’s Shams Charania reported that the Sacramento Kings are experiencing an outbreak among a “handful of total players entering protocols along with several more staff members.”

According to Charania, a few Kings members have already entered into the league’s health and safety protocols, including staffer; De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Alex Len, and interim head coach Alvin Gentry. 

Although he plays for the Kings’ G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, Louis King also entered protocols per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

This season, the Kings are far from the only team to have an outbreak problem. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers have four players in the League’s protocol after Malik Monk cleared protocols Thursday night. The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets reached experienced outbreaks of their own in recent weeks.

The Kings’ next game is Friday night at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The post REPORT: Sacramento Kings Experiencing COVID Outbreak Among Team appeared first on SLAM.

The Lakers have five players in Covid protocols now, including Westbrook, Bradley, Malik Monk, Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker. The Lakers play Minnesota on Friday and Chicago on Sunday.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 16, 2021

Westbrook and Bradley stayed behind in Dallas while their teammates fly to Minnesota ahead of their matchup against the Timberwolves on Friday. The Lakers signed Isaiah Thomas on a 10-day contract ahead of news coming out about Westbrook and Bradley entering protocols.

Per insider Adrian Wojnarowski, 63 players and three staffers have entered into COVID-19 protocols, with 47 coming in December so far. The League and the players union had talks Wednesday about increasing testing for vaccinated players and staff after the surge of positive results has impacted not just the NBA but the NFL too.

The Lakers already delayed their afternoon contest with the Bulls to 7 p.m. CT but that game may now be in jeopardy of postponement as well. Their marque Christmas day matchup with the Nets may be in jeopardy as Brooklyn is dealing with an outbreak within their team and are missing seven players including James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge who are in protocols.

League rules state that players must register two negative tests in 24 hours in order to clear virus protocols.

The post REPORT: Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley Enter Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

Thomas is planning to sign a 10-day contract under the hardship exemption, sources said. https://t.co/cKmXwmgMWD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2021

The Lakers decided to sign IT after the former All-Star scored 42 points in his G League debut with the Grand Rapid Golds. The franchise is missing multiple players due to health and safety protocols (Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, Talen Horton-Tucker, Avery Bradley, and Malik Monk). Because the Lakers are shorthanded with those absences, the League granted them a hardship exemption which they used to sign Thomas.

But Thomas came into his own with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 28.9 points per game and turned in two All-Star campaigns before a hip injury reversed his fortune. Since then, he’s played for the Cavaliers, Lakers, Nuggets, Wizards, the Pelicans, and the Lakers again.

The post The Lakers Sign Isaiah Thomas to a 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Our game against the Lakers on Sunday (originally scheduled for 2:30 pm CT) will now be at 7 pm CT. pic.twitter.com/j2NsD1VkYW

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 14, 2021

The scheduling problems are due to ten Chicago players, some coaches, and media announcers currently being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. With so many players unavailable, the Bulls used their hardship exemption to sign Stanley Johnson. However, they still face the possibility of not having the minimum amount of players (eight) to compete.

Reports from NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson claim DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Derrick Jones Jr., and Javonte Green could return for Sunday’s game pending the mandatory two negative tests in a 24 hour period.

By Sunday, White, Green, DeRozan (Dec. 15), Thomas (Dec. 17), and Jones Jr. (Dec. 18) will have passed 10 days in protocols, but they have more steps to take before becoming eligible to play. Zach LaVine, Stanley Johnson, Alize Johnson, Troy Brown Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, and Matt Thomas are out.

The Los Angeles Lakers have COVID issues with Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk recently being placed into protocols.

The post NBA Delays the Los Angeles Lakers-Chicago Bulls Game Due to COVID-19 appeared first on SLAM.

“We still don’t know how they’re going to be listed, but Kendrick did participate in practice along with Malik, and Wayne did not,” head coach Frank Vogel said via Yahoo! Sports. “Obviously, we’ll see how Kendrick responds to the work today before we decide his availability, him and Malik.”

2 days #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/8Evgh7pcYp

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 17, 2021

Both Nunn and Monk are needed to provide scoring to the Lakers’ offensive and use their outside shooting and ability to breakdown the defense to create their own shot. Ellington was brought in as a specialist to provide the three-point shooting to spread the defense.

The post Frank Vogel Provides Update on Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn and Wayne Ellington appeared first on SLAM.

James originally orchestrated a minicamp prior to the Lakers scheduled training camp hosted before the 2019-20 season; serving as a short period of integration to the roster for then recently acquired Anthony Davis. The four-time champion is looking to mirror that success following the offseason acquisitions of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and a myriad of other familiar veterans.

Although training camp is approaching, this gives the team a weekend to iron out the kinks and to expand upon their chemistry away from the Lakers facility

LeBron James organizing Lakers team minicamp in Las Vegas ahead of training camp – a similar chemistry-building function to the one hosted before the 2020 title season. Details: pic.twitter.com/Z9c4JnSW1E

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2021

Along with the aforementioned Westbrook and Anthony, the Lakers can project significant roles for new arrivals such as Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk and Trevor Ariza next season. Subsequently, at least half of the Lakers’ revamped rotation will be playing for the Lakers—and as a teammate of superstars LeBron, Russ or AD—for the first time in their careers.

The Lakers official training camp will open on Sep. 28 with preseason tipping off on Oct. 3.

The post LeBron James to Host 3-Day Minicamp for Lakers in Las Vegas appeared first on SLAM.

Making moves to reposition themselves as title favorite in the Western Conference, the Hollywood franchise pulled off a blockbuster trade for All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, and signing a cornucopia of quality veterans like Wayne Ellington, Malik Monk, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan.

Yet, although the Lakers are considered by many to be a title contender, there are still some doubters throughout the league that have questioned if a team with one of the oldest rosters in the league can win a championship.

Frank Vogel, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, addressed these doubters in a interview with Nick Hamilton of Mitecast Media.

“I’m excited that teams are counting us out or betting against us.” Vogel tells Hamilton. “Our team is highly motivated and we suffered by not having an offseason or the proper build up to training camp. Obviously it resulted in a lot of injuries and I’m excited to see what this group do with a full training camp.”

The Lakers were bounced in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs after suffering a defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

However, both of the Lakers’ All-Stars (LeBron James and Anthony Davis) battled through injuries throughout the 2020-21 season. Davis would even sustain a groin injury in Game 6, while LeBron never fully recovered from a high ankle sprain he suffered in the regular season.

Now healthy, and joined by a high-profile surrounding cast, the superstar duo will look to lead these new-look Lakers to another NBA championship.

The post Lakers HC Frank Vogel: ‘I’m Excited That Teams Are Counting Us Out’ appeared first on SLAM.

Early Friday morning, The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania would report that the free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed to sign a two-year, $26 million-plus contract with the Hornets.

Oubre, 25-years-old, averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game while playing for the Golden State Warriors last season.

The athletic Oubre has developed a reputation as a strong defender and offensive threat over the course of his career, even posting career-highs of 18.7 points, 1.3 steals and a true shooting percentage of 56.0 while playing for the Phoenix Suns in 2019-20.

With Charlotte adding rookies James Bouknight, Kai Jones and J.T. Thor in the 2021 NBA Draft (though replacing backup guard Devonte’ Graham with Ish Smith), adding a player with Oubre’s scoring potential gives the Hornets a strong and balanced second unit that can mix-and-match perfectly with the starters.

As of today, the projected depth chart features Ball, Oubre, Bouknight, Jones, Smith, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington in the team’s regular rotation.

While Smith takes over for Graham, Bouknight replaces Malik Monk (who signed with Los Angeles Lakers), Jones likely supplants Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee is a more dynamic version of Cody Zeller (who signed with the Portland Trail Blazers).

Oubre, meanwhile, is simply an addition; an added dynamics.

After going 33-39 last season, the Hornets have a legitimate opportunity to improve upon their 2020-21 campaign, particularly if they remain healthy.

The post REPORT: Kelly Oubre Jr. Agrees to Two-Year, $26 Million Contract with Hornets appeared first on SLAM.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, former Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn reportedly signed a two-year, $10 million contract (with a player option for the second season) to suit up for the Lakers next season.

This is a bargain deal for the Lakers, who were hurting for salary cap flexibility following their trade for All-NBA guard Russell Westbrook last week.

The 26-year-old Nunn reportedly had offers for “significantly” more money on the table but wanted to sign with the Lakers in pursuit of a championship, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Nunn was a revelation for the Heat over the last two seasons, averaging 15.0 points and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range in his young NBA career.

The Chicago native joins a bevy of new Lakers signings that includes veterans Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and Malik Monk, as LA looks to overhaul its roster following a disappointing 2020-21 season that saw them finish 42-30 (seventh in the Western Conference standings).

The post REPORT: Kendrick Nunn Joins Lakers with Two-Year, $10 Million Deal appeared first on SLAM.

“When I was about 7, in my first AAU tournament against players from across the country, [it made] me want to pursue a career in basketball. It was a tournament at Boo Williams [Sportsplex]—I’m from Virginia and back then that was the big thing, go to Boo Williams and play in tournaments there,” recalls Thomas. “I had 25 points playing up with the 9-year-olds when I was 7. That’s when it really made me be like, Well, I might as well just take basketball serious. I had, like, 25 points at every game that weekend.”

Turns out his intuition was correct. Today, Thomas enters the 2021 NBA draft as arguably the best pure scorer in the class. It’s a title he’s become used to holding on every team he’s ever been on since that tourney at age 7. When the 6-4 guard transferred to prep powerhouse Oak Hill Academy for his junior year, that team already had three top-ranked senior recruits in Cole Anthony, Kofi Cockburn and Christian Brown. Yet, by the end of the season, it was Thomas who had risen as the leading scorer for the Warriors, averaging a team-best 26.2 points per game. His scoring average surpassed 31 points by his senior year.

“My experience at Oak Hill really made me realize that I could be an NBA player,” he says. “Really, my junior year playing with Cole, Kofi, Christian—me playing and being the youngest in the starting line-up at the time.”

His scoring prowess was felt year-round, though. The VA native could always be found scorching the AAU scene just as easily. Take the summer of 2019, for example. Playing in the Nike EYBL circuit—always regarded as the most competitive and star-studded grassroots league in the world—Thomas led all 40 teams in scoring with 29.5 points per game. In his 13 games during the regular season, he scored 30+ in almost half of them.

College wasn’t any different. Thomas led all freshmen in DI basketball in scoring with 23.0 points this past season at LSU. He broke a few records in the process, including most 25+ point games by a freshman in the SEC. He had 16 of those. The previous record was nine by Malik Monk.  

Thomas has been doing his pre-draft training in L.A., where he got the opportunity to connect with an Oak Hill legend in June. A dinner with L.A. Clippers guard Rajon Rondo is where he points to as the source of the best piece of advice he received this spring while preparing to make the transition to the pros.   

“We were all eating out. It was a great chance to meet him, being from the same school, Oak Hill, it was really good. Just to sit around and talk to him for a little bit, it was a really good talk we had,” recalls Thomas. “The best piece of advice I got was from Rajon Rondo. He told me to just stay true to yourself, whatever you haven’t done before, don’t do it now—just stay in your comfort zone.” 

Cam’s been doing just that since he was 7.

GET YOUR COPY OF SLAM 233.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Cam Thomas is Ready to Shoot the Lights Out in the League appeared first on SLAM.

The Charlotte Hornets are planning to pick up the team option on head coach James Borrego’s contract for the 2021-22 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2021

Borrego has a record of 95-124 after three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, and finished what became a relatively exciting 33-39 campaign this season.

Charlotte made it to the Eastern Conference play-in tournament as the 10th seed but finished the season losing its last six games including a 144-117 blowout by the Indiana Pacers.

Borrego’s influence on the team was evident when the Hornets surprised many by occupying the fourth seed in April. However, injuries and COVID-19-related issues sidelined key players, including Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball, Devonte Graham, Malik Monk, and Miles Bridges.

The 43-year-old head coach received an endorsement from Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak, who was quoted as saying Borrego “did a great job.”

Since taking over for Steve Clifford (who is now the head coach for the Orlando Magic), Borrego has overhauled the team concept from building a roster of aging free-agent veterans to developing their young talent through the draft.

Thanks to a combination of young draft picks like Graham, Bridges and Ball—a 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year Finalist—along with veteran free agent acquisitions like Hayward and Terry Rozier, Charlotte has set a positive culture that is actually ahead of schedule.

It ain’t hard to tell that the Hornets enjoy playing with each other. (via @hornets) pic.twitter.com/5xDLuG7VGe

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 21, 2021

Now that Borrego is officially back in the fold, the next order of business will likely be addressing the center position, a positional weakness that Borrego singled out in a press conference late in the 2020-21 regular season.

The post Charlotte Hornets Pick Up Team Option On HC James Borrego’s Contract appeared first on SLAM.

After Monk was projected to miss two weeks after suffering the injury while competing against the Brooklyn Nets back on April 1, he instead will miss his 15th straight game on Wednesday to close out the Hornets road trip. The team will practice for the next two days to gauge if Monk can return to play this weekend.

While this two day period is very much needed, the Hornets will be using creative measures to get simulated live action for Monk before his return on Saturday or Sunday.

Hornets head coach James Borrego talked about some options for his guard:

“We can do some scenarios, 2-on-2, 3-on-3,” Borrego said. “We have some bodies that we’ll work out against. Like today, the group that didn’t play yesterday – Vernon (Carey), Nick (Richards), Caleb (Martin), Grant (Riller) – that group played with some of our video guys out there on the floor. So, we’re able to put a group out there that can play some live either before a game, at practice time or shootaround. We’re going to get creative to find time to do that.

Monk has been playing the best basketball of his career before his injury. In the four straight games before going down, he had scored in double figures with averages of 18.3 points on .528 percent shooting from the field.

Monk has emerged as a valuable scorer off-the-bench, with averages of 16.2 points on .483 percent shooting over a 15-game span from Feb. 22 through March 26.

The Hornets are counting on the returns of Monk and fellow guard LaMelo Ball to make a push for the NBA play in tournament. They are in the eighth seed one game above the Indiana Pacers. However, they are just four games ahead of the Chicago Bulls in the 11th spot.

The post Malik Monk Set for Full Team Practice this Week Ankle appeared first on SLAM.

Now, it looks like LaMelo can return to the practice court later this week.

After Charlotte finishes up their road trip with the second of their back-to-back games on Wednesday, Ball will have an opportunity to get on the practice court on Thursday and Friday.

Prior to Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee, Hornets head coach James Borrego spoke about LaMelo’s progress and possible timeline (via Rod Boone of SI.com’s Fan Nation):

“I think what will be important will be the transition from Wednesday’s game into Saturday’s game,” Borrego said. “We have a couple days there to kind of figure out where we are at. So that will be important for us. I don’t know what those two days will look like.”

The star rookie has been doing consistent individual sessions working himself up to team drills which will formulate a scheduled return to game action. If there are no setbacks, Ball could return for one or both of the games of a back-to-back set this weekend against the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat.

LaMelo’s return may bring back some storylines surrounding the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award. Before the injury, Melo was running away from his competition, Minnesota’s number one pick, Anthony Edwards. Ball is averaging 15.9 points per game, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds.

There’s no doubt that the Hornets could use him right now. They have lost seven of their last ten games and are currently in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings just above the Indiana Pacers.

The post Hornets’ LaMelo Ball Scheduled to Practice on Thursday; Return Up in Air appeared first on SLAM.

Now that it’s been six straight games in which Monk has played zero minutes while being healthy, he’s starting to get frustrated. In a recent interview with The Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell, Monk gave more insight into his situation and how it makes him feel. 

“Super, super, super freaking frustrating. I finally became an NBA player, finally got the minutes I thought I deserved a couple of years ago. I was proving myself. And that’s all I really could ask for at that point.”

Monk had been averaging 16.7 points per game in 28.6 minutes of action last February until a drug suspension ended his 2019-20. He was reinstated during the lockdown.

The Hornets are certainly deep at the guard positions with Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball, so Monk has quite a bit of competition for playing time. While it hasn’t yet been reported that he is requesting a trade, it makes you wonder how long he will continue to sit on the bench before he wants a fresh start on a new team. 

The post Malik Monk Grows Frustrated Without Playing Time This Season appeared first on SLAM.

It’s a dilemma that any rebuilding team is happy to have but it’s a dilemma nonetheless. Hornets head coach James Borrego is on the hook to not only find Ball minutes but also simultaneously continue to foster growth in Devonte’ Graham.

Oh, and effectively build Gordon Hayward into the team’s offense, maximize the $60 million investment in Terry Rozier last offseason, develop sophomore wing P.J. Washington and, eventually, give 2017 lottery pick Malik Monk an honest chance to prove himself after a disappointing 2019-20.

“I thought LaMelo played extremely well tonight,” Borrego told Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer after Ball put up 13 points in 15 minutes of action in a hard-fought Saturday night loss to the Thunder. “I’ll look at the film and see what that looks like. Maybe there are some more minutes for him.“

Bonnell writes that Ball was limited to just over six minutes in the second half of the game after struggling defensively.

“It’s tough. There are a number of guys that are capable of handling minutes. I’ve got to juggle that rotation,” Borrego said. “LaMelo’s got to do his part. It’s my job to do what’s best for this club.“

In addition to the 15 minutes Ball played on Boxing Day, he suited up for 15 more in the team’s home opener.

The post Early Logjam Limits Playing Time for LaMelo Ball appeared first on SLAM.

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

Biggest Questions

• Was Gordon Hayward overpaid? The Hornets had to eat the final year of Nic Batum’s contract to pull off this massive contract to acquire Hayward. We will soon find out if Hayward is the answer Charlotte was looking for.
• How quickly does LaMelo Ball become the best player on the team? There is no question that he has the talent and ceiling to be the face of the franchise. In fact, that’s why the Hornets selected him No. 3 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Will he become their top option in year one?

All NBA Team Offseason Summaries

The post Charlotte Hornets: Projected 2020-21 Depth Chart appeared first on SLAM.

It would be foolhardy to believe that the Hornets will be championship contenders or have figured out the key to be perennial playoff contenders within the next couple of years. However, with a top-three selection and a few promising players that are currently on the roster, they could be slowly edging back towards respectability.

Related: Full Charlotte Hornets 2020 Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Hornets Draft Needs

At this point, the only position that the Hornets don’t need help at is point guard, as Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham are not only Charlotte’s most productive players but play the same position.

Looking at the rest of their young core, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are both solid forwards who make an impact on both sides of the ball. Malik Monk, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, looks as if he can man the role of sixth man.

Outside of those five players, the Hornets have serious work to do and a difficult decision to make with the third overall pick in particular.

Because today’s league is driven by offensive talent and Charlotte was 30th in points per game last season (102.9), finding players who excel at putting the ball in the bucket is the Hornets’ main priority. With Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez on the way out, there’s one player who may fit the bill better than any other: James Wiseman.

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 Charlotte Hornets: 2020 NBA Draft Preview appeared first on SLAM.

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

Projected Roster Players

Projected Free Agents

Projected Renouncements/Waivers

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Exceptions Available

• Room Exception – $4,767,000

Key Offseason Decisions

• Do Caleb Martin and Jalen McDaniels have enough upside to retain their non-guaranteed deals? It would seem the answer is yes, making it likely both stays.
• Should the Hornets extend a qualifying offer to Dwayne Bacon? Bacon is an interesting case. Extending him a qualifying offer would make him a restricted free agent, but would cost the Hornets about $1.2M in cap space.

Projected Team Salary

$88,807,536

The Hornets have almost completed their purge of unfavorable contracts. Nicolas Batum will pick up his player option, but that’s the final bad contract on Charlotte’s books. Dwayne Bacon is an interesting pivot point. His struggles this season make it likely the Hornets will simply move on. Look for Caleb Martin and Jalen McDaniels to be back, as both have good upside. Devonte’ Graham’s breakout season makes it a no-brainer he’ll be fully guaranteed as well. (@KeithSmithNBA)

Cap Space Forecast

$19,434,154 (5^th out of 30)

Team Salary Cap Outlooks

The post Charlotte Hornets: 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.

Hornets NBA 2K21 Ratings

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

The post Charlotte Hornets: NBA 2K21 Ratings appeared first on SLAM.

The 22-year-old was sidelined without pay on Feb. 26, two weeks before the shutdown.

Monk missed a total of eight games while suspended by the league, a penalty that was said to last until he complied with the league’s support program for drug-related transgressions.

Despite the reinstatement, Monk’s season is nonetheless over given that the Hornets aren’t one of the 22 teams who will continue their season at Disney World this summer.

The reinstatement isn’t moot though, Monk will be able to join the Hornets in any mini-camps or formal team events yet to be revealed. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN wrote last week that teams that didn’t qualify for Disney World are contemplating ways to keep their players engaged and in active.

The post Malik Monk Reinstated By NBA appeared first on SLAM.

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

—

Chaos. Fans jumping up and down like it’s a dance party. Bench players climbing on each other. Players sprinting down the floor, their heads swiveling to find their defenders. 

Amidst the frenzy, North Carolina guard Theo Pinson snaked his way down the court between Kentucky defenders. 7 seconds left. Tie game. A chance at the 2017 Final Four on the line. Was Roy Williams not going to use a timeout? Forget it. Not enough time to think. 

Pinson streaked across half-court. Reckless, but somehow in control. Nothing in sight. 5 seconds.

Pinson raced into the lane when, finally, a white jersey emerged. It was Luke Maye, the burly sophomore walk-on, who had only started one game the entire season and averaged a mere 5 points per game. Maye retreated towards the three point line, creating just enough space for Pinson to hand off the ball. 3 seconds.

It was barely enough time for Maye to wind up. It didn’t matter. Maye released the long midrange shot as he backpedaled. The shot was pure. 75-73. The Tar Heels were going to the Final Four. 

Luke Maye’s shot hasn’t been forgotten. It lives in the memory of every single North Carolina and Kentucky basketball fan. It lives in the memory of yearly March Madness promos. It lives in the memory of every single person who tangentially follows basketball. But Maye’s shot probably wasn’t the best shot—or even the second best shot—of the game.

Those awards would go to Malik Monk. Monk was the epitome of Kentucky Wildcats basketball. A top 10 recruit. Flashy and swaggy. Unafraid to shoot from anywhere on the court. Monk, the team’s leading scorer, didn’t care that, up until a minute left in the game, he had shot just 2-8 from the field for 6 points. If it was possible to take a shot, he would.

With 46 seconds remaining in the game, the Wildcats regained possession down 4 points. The play was set up for De’Aaron Fox. A little dribble hand off. It quickly blew up. Two passes later, Monk caught it near the top of the key. He took one dribble to the left and pump faked. Pinson went flying through the air. Monk rose, faded and let it go. He didn’t even need to hold his follow through. Money.

The rest of the game was a whirlwind. With 14 seconds left, the Wildcats got the ball back after a rare five second violation and a missed free throw by Justin Jackson, the ACC Player of the Year. This time, the Wildcats were down 3. 

As Kentucky guard Isaiah Briscoe pushed the ball down the floor, everyone in the gym knew it was going to Monk. The wiry guard came off a hand-off and then a screen. Two Carolina defenders were right in his face, denying him any space to shoot. But Monk didn’t hesitate. He jumped into the air, his body flailing in every direction as he tried to get off the shot between the 6-7 Jackson and 6-8 Maye. 

Monk did get it off. And it went right through the net. “An impossible shot!” yelled the announcer. Tie ball game.

That’s when Pinson, without pausing, made his pursuit down the court and Maye etched his name into March Madness history. 

This game was what March Madness is all about: pure chaos. 

Broken plays and wild shots. Nothing any coach could script. Just ten 20-year-olds playing basketball, somehow blocking out the deafening noise of 17,794 fans and making split second decisions to fire up shots they’ve never once practiced that find the bottom of the net. It was an ending that, even in a movie, would seem unrealistic.

—

PREVIOUS MEMORY LANE STORIES:

Illinois’ Elite 8 Comeback vs. Arizona in 2005

Michigan State’s National Title in 2000

Florida Gulf Coast’s Incredible Run in 2013

Butler vs. Duke in the 2010 National Title Game

UCLA vs. Gonzaga in the 2006 Sweet 16

Benjamin Simon is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminSimon05.

Photo via Getty.

The post MEMORY LANE: Luke Maye’s Game-Winner in the 2017 Elite Eight appeared first on SLAM.

The news comes as Monk enjoys a particularly productive month. The 22-year-old has averaged 16.7 points per game in nine February contests thus far.

While Monk’s 2019-20 campaign started out slow, he’s enjoyed a slightly larger role than he did last season. As the Hornets proceed deeper into their rebuild, Monk is a player that could be utilized heavily.

There’s no indication at this stage what substance Monk has been suspended for but violating this program is different than violating the program for performance-enhancing drugs, which comes with an automatic 25-game ban.

It’s also worth noting that in Article XXXIII of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, there’s a distinct marijuana program that comes with its own set of mandated suspension.

The post Malik Monk Suspended For Violating Anti-Drug Program appeared first on SLAM.

Four of five of Milwaukee’s starters finished in double digits with Giannis Antetokounmpo (33 points) leading all scorers. Khris Middleton was the Bucks’s second-leading scorer with 28 points and Brook Lopez had 19.

Hawks 129 (16-41), Heat 124 (35-20)

With Quavo in attendance, Trae Young put up a career-high 50 points at Phillips Arena on Thursday night. De’Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter put up 17 points apiece and rookie Cam Reddish added 16 points off the bench.

Hornets 103 (19-33), Bulls 93 (19-37)

Charlotte took care of business in the Windy City. Miles Bridges led all starters with 22 points and Malik Monk added 25 points off the bench.

Malik Monk taking FLIGHT (via @BR_NBA) pic.twitter.com/bkad4zC7GO

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 21, 2020

Sixers 112 (35-21), Nets 104 (25-29)

The Nets only scored one point in overtime as Philly prevailed at home. Joel Embiid finished with 36 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Tobias Harris had a double-double of his own (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Alec Burks had 19 points.

Kings 129 (21-33), Grizzlies 125 (28-26)

Harrison Barnes (32 points) and De’Aaron Fox (26 points) combined for 58 points in the home win. Buddy Hield added 20 points.

Rockets 135 (34-20), Warriors 105 (12-44)

Houston jumped out the gate with a double-digit lead and had that cushion throughout the contest. The Rockets also shot 25 3-pointers, including 15 in the first half.

All five of the Houston’s starters finished in double figures. James Harden put up 29 points in 30 minutes and Russell Westbrook had 21 points and dished out 10 dimes.

The post Post Up: Trae Young Puts Up Career-High 50 Points Against Heat 🤫 appeared first on SLAM.

Cleveland jumped ahead with 33 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Tristan Thompson registered a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Pistons 112 (19-38), Magic 116 (24-31)

Both teams hit clutch threes to send the game into overtime, but it was the Magic that came away with the win. Orlando featured a two-headed attack by Aaron Gordon (25 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and Markelle Fultz (22 points, 10 assists).

Raptors 91 (40-15), Nets 101 (25-28)

Toronto’s 15-game wining streak came to an end Wednesday in Brooklyn. Five Nets players hit double digits, including four of their five starters, led by Caris LeVert’s 20 points.

Bucks 111 (46-8), Pacers 118 (32-23)

Milwaukee fell short in Indiana as Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second game due to the birth of his son. TJ Warren set the tone for the Pacers with 35 points and 4 steals.

Wizards 114 (20-33), Knicks 96 (17-38)

Washington turned it on in the fourth quarter, scoring 37 points to seal their road win. All-Star Bradley Beal paced his team with 30 points.

Blazers 104 (25-31), Grizzlies 111 (28-26)

The Grizzlies’ young duo of Brandon Clarke (27 points) and Ja Morant (20 points) helped fend off Portland. CJ McCollum scored 23 points for the Blazers.

Hornets 115 (18-36), Timberwolves 108 (16-37)

Minnesota reclaimed the lead in the closing minutes, but Charlotte rallied and earned the victory. Devonte’ Graham put up 28 points for the Hornets, while his teammate Malik Monk added 25 points.

Kings 111 (21-33), Mavericks 130 (33-22)

Luka Doncic was back to normal in his return after a seven-game absence due to a sprained ankle. Doncic posted 33 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists in the Mavs’ home win; Kristaps Porzingis added 27 points and 13 rebounds of his own.

Warriors 106 (12-43), Suns 112 (22-33)

Devin Booker’s 27 points led Phoenix in their victory over Golden State. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points for the Warriors.

Heat 101 (35-19), Jazz 116 (36-18)

Utah received an offensive boost with three 20-point scorers: Donovan Mitchell (26 points), Bogdan Bogdanovic (22 points) and Jordan Clarkson (21 points). Jimmy Butler put up 25 points for the Heat.

Lakers 120 (41-12), Nuggets 116 (38-17)

Anthony Davis (33 points) and LeBron James (32 points) gave L.A. the firepower it needed to top the Nuggets in overtime. Davis and James connected for two straight threes in the extra period that sealed Denver’s fate. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points.

The post Post Up: Luka Doncic Puts Up 33 Points in Return From Ankle Injury appeared first on SLAM.

In the first installment of Giannis vs. Zion, the Bucks took over in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 42-24 en route to their 43rd win of the season. The Greek Freak went off for 34 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists on 12-17 shooting. Khris Middleton added 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in the win. New Orleans was led by Brandon Ingram, who dropped 32 points in the loss. After a slow start and a big fourth quarter, Zion finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Lonzo Ball added 11 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

Rockets 125 (32-18), Hornets 110 (16-35)

James Harden went off for 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Rockets cruised to the home win over the Hornets. Danuel House finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, and Eric Gordon added 16 for Houston. Charlotte was led by Miles Bridges, who finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. Terry Rozier added 20 points, and Malik Monk dropped 19 off the bench.

Nuggets 127 (35-16), Trail Blazers 99 (23-28)

The Nuggets outscored the Blazers 27-10 in the second quarter and built on their lead in the second half to pick up the easy win at home. Nikola Jokic dominated, finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 31 minutes. In his first game back after missing the last 10 with an ankle injury, Jamal Murray dropped 20 points on 6-9 shooting. Denver was able to slow down the red hot Damian Lillard, holding him to 21 points and 9 assists.

Lakers 129 (38-11), Spurs 102 (22-28)

The Lakers went crazy for 42 points in the fourth thanks to LeBron James, who splashed 5 straight threes in the first 4 minutes of the quarter to blow open the Los Angeles lead. The King finished with a monster stat line of 36 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 6 3PM. Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma each added 18 points for the Lakers. San Antonio was led by DeMar DeRozan, who stuffed the stat sheet himself with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in the loss.

The post Post Up: LeBron, Harden, Giannis Each Have Big Nights in 3 Wins 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.

Thunder 140 (27-19), Hawks 111 (11-35)

Oklahoma City just completely outplayed the Hawks, who sport a less-than-ideal 5-19 road record. Everyone was balling for OKC. Danillo Gallinari had 25 points. Shai Gilgeous Alexander had 24. Chris Paul had 18, and Dennis Schroder came off the bench with 21. It was another win for a team that gets better by the day.

Rockets 131 (28-16), Timberwolves 124 (15-30)

While James Harden had his lowest scoring output in ages, Russell Westbrook went inferno, scoring a whopping 45 points and dishing 10 assists.

Karl Towns’ 30 points and 12 boards led the Wolves, who look poised for another move at the trade deadline.

Suns 103 (19-26), Spurs 99 (20-24)

This was a very solid win for a Suns team that has always had trouble against the Spurs. Devin Booker brought his A game, going off for 35 points and 10 assists. For the Spurs, DeMar DeRozan continued his consistent play as of late, notching 30 points and a monster jam in the loss.

Pacers 129 (30-16), Warriors 118 (10-37)

The Pacers may be the most slept on good team in basketball. They play team ball and have a staunch defense, plus Victor Oladipo is still waiting in the wings. TJ Warren popped off tonight with 33 points and 4 steals in the victory, while Doug McDermott scored 24 off the pine of a sizzling 6-7 from deep.

DLO’s 37 points on 9-13 from 3-point range was a sight to behold, but not enough for the win.

The post Post Up: Kawhi Leonard Gets First career Triple-Double in Win over Heat appeared first on SLAM.

Bradley Beal (29 points) and Ian Mahinmi (21 points) helped Washington fend off the Pistons at home. Derrick Rose put up 21 points for Detroit.

Raptors 122 (29-14), Hawks 117 (10-34)

Despite 42 points and 15 assists from Trae Young, the Hawks fell short against the defending champions. Norman Powell led the Raptors with 27 points.

76ers 117 (29-16), Nets 111 (18-24)

Fresh off his Player of the Week win, Ben Simmons dropped a triple-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to beat the Nets. Spencer Dinwiddie registered 22 points and 7 assists in the loss.

Magic 106 (21-23), Hornets 83 (15-30)

Orlando’s scoring duo of Evan Fournier (26 points) and Nikola Vucevic (24 points) lifted the Magic over Charlotte. Malik Monk paced the Hornets with 20 points off the bench.

Knicks 106 (12-32), Cavaliers 86 (12-32)

Julius Randle and Marcus Morris each scored 19 points apiece as the Knicks came out with the road win. New York took over in the second, stretching their lead to as large as 21 points.

Kings 113 (15-28), Heat 118 (30-13)

Two crazy buckets sent this game to overtime, but the Heat prevailed in the extra period. Rookie Kendrick Nunn continues to shine, leading Miami with 25 points in 43 minutes.

Thunder 112 (25-19), Rockets 107 (26-16)

Oklahoma City came back from 17 down to steal a win in Houston. Dennis Schroder hit a step-back dagger to put the Thunder ahead for good; he scored 23 points, while Chris Paul led the team with 28 points.

Pelicans 126 (17-27), Grizzlies 116 (20-23)

Jrue Holiday tied his season high with 36 points in the road win. Brandon Ingram added 25 points and 6 assists. Dillon Brooks scored 31 points for the Grizzlies.

Bulls 98 (16-29), Bucks 111 (39-6)

Giannis Antetokounmpo notched his 10,000th point as the Bucks easily handled Chicago. The MVP registered a triple-double of 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

Lakers 107 (34-9), Celtics 139 (28-14)

Boston enjoyed 20+ points from Jayson Tatum (27 points), Kemba Walker (20 points) and Jaylen Brown (20 points) as they quieted the Lakers. JaVale McGee scored 18 points in 18 minutes for L.A.

Nuggets 107 (30-13), Timberwolves 100 (15-28)

Michael Porter Jr. came off the bench to provide a spark for Denver, contributing 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds in the road win. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 28 points.

Spurs 120 (19-23), Suns 118 (18-25)

Phoenix took the lead late, but San Antonio rallied to secure the victory. Derrick White (25 points) and Bryn Forbes (24 points) led the scoring charge for the Spurs. Devin Booker scorched San Antonio for 37 points but came up short of the win.

Pacers 88 (28-16), Jazz 118 (30-13)

Utah led from start to finish, growing their lead to as large as 30 in this smooth-sailing contest. Donovan Mitchell put up 25 points, while Rudy Gobert added 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Warriors 124 (10-35), Blazers 129 (19-26)

Damian Lillard had a career night for the second time this season. Lillard scored 61 points in a clutch and dominant performance to beat the Warriors in overtime. Alec Burks paced Golden State with 33 points.

The post Post Up: Ben Simmons, Giannis Put Up Triple-Doubles in Wins 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 Hornets 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

• P.J. Washington
• Miles Bridges
• Devonte’ Graham

In the ashes of the Kemba Walker-era, a new point guard has emerged in Charlotte. Devonte’ Graham is making a serious care for the league’s Most Improved Award, something fueled by his offense. He leads the team in points per game (18.7) and only James Harden and Davis Bertans are making more three-pointers per game than the second-year point guard. While his efficiency (37.8% from the field) leaves much to be desired, he’s given fans hope for the future of the franchise.

Graham is likely to stick in Charlotte through the deadline, though neither he, Miles Bridges nor P.J. Washington is untouchable in trade talks. All three would likely be on the table in talks for a true star, though that scenario doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Biggest Name Available On Market

• Malik Monk

Charlotte still considers Monk part of its core, though an early season report from Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney indicated that the former No. 11 overall pick could be had in a trade for a star, such as Andre Drummond. Monk will be eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer and predicting the outcome of negotiations is no easy feat.

Through two-and-half seasons, Monk has yet to show consistency. Pegged as a shooter coming into the league, he has yet to produce a season where he shot at least league average from behind the arc and this season, he’s making just over a quarter of his looks from deep. Still, Monk doesn’t turn 22 until next month, so there’s plenty of time for him to turn his career around. Perhaps a fresh start is just what he needs.

Logical Trade Pieces

• Bismack Biyombo
• Marvin Williams
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

It would be surprising if the Hornets don’t look to trade one of their veterans on mid-sized expiring deals. Marvin Williams probably holds the most value due to his long-range shooting. The 33-year-old forward could help a contender by adding another productive floor space to its rotation, though his $15M salary could be tricky to acquire.

Trades Are Possible

• Nicolas Batum
• Terry Rozier
• Cody Zeller
• Willy Hernangomez
• Dwayne Bacon
• Cody Martin
• Jalen McDaniels
• Caleb Martin

Nicolas Batum is making $25.6M this season and has a $27.1M player option for next year. It would be a major upset if he turns that down. Terry Rozier’s first season in Charlotte has been overshadowed by the emergence of Graham but the two point guards have shown they can play next to each other. That’s good considering Rozier’s contract runs through the 2021-22 campaign. Cody Zeller is making $14.5M this season and will receive $15.4M next year. He’s on pace to finish in the top-20 in field goal percentage for the first time in his career. Willy Hernangomez recently received 10 minutes or more of playing time in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Perhaps the trade deadline results in more playing time for the center. Dwayne Bacon will be a restricted free agent after the season. Cody Martin has appeared in 31 games for Charlotte this season and the rookie has struggled from deep (.200 on 40 attempts). Jalen McDaniels should have some frequent traveler miles racked up from trips between Charlotte and Greensboro. He’s spent significant time with the franchise’s G League affiliate. Caleb Martin has also spent significant time with the Greensboro Swarm. Martin is eligible to be traded on January 19.

The post 2020 NBA Trade Deadline Primer: Charlotte Hornets appeared first on SLAM.

Malcolm Brogdon finished a tough, go-ahead layup with 36 seconds left to lift the Pacers over the Lakers, snapping LA’s 14-game road winning streak. The Lakers streak will finish as tied for the third longest in NBA history, 2 shy of the all-time record. For the Pacers, Domantas Sabonis recorded his 13th straight double-double, finishing with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Dwight Howard led the Lakers, dropping 20 points on 10-10 from the field. LeBron added 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in the loss.

Hornets 110 (13-17), Kings 102 (12-15)

The Hornets outscored the Kings 30-23 in the fourth quarter to secure the win in Charlotte. Malik Monk led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 9-12 shooting for the Hornets. De’Aaron Fox returned after missing 17 games with an ankle injury, dropping a team-high 19 points in the loss.

Knicks 143 (7-21), Hawks 120 (6-22)

The Knicks’ 143 points is the most the franchise has scored in regulation in 39 years. New York was led by RJ Barrett, who dropped a career-high 27 points on 10-13 shooting. Mitchell Robinson also finished with a career-high of 22 points (9-13 shooting) to go along with 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Knicks’ youth movement is showing out under interim coach Mike Miller, who is now 3-3 since taking over for David Fizdale. Even in the loss, Trae Young went off for 42 points and 7 made threes. Vince Carter added 15 off the bench in his final game in MSG.

Nets 108 (15-12), Pelicans 101 (6-22)

The Nets outscored the Pelicans 15-8 in overtime to pick up the win on the road. Spencer Dinwiddie led the way, finishing with a game-high 31 points. Joe Harris added 24 points, and Jarrett Allen finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks for Brooklyn. New Orleans was led by Brandon Ingram, who finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Jazz 109 (16-11), Magic 102 (12-15)

The Jazz held off a late surge from Orlando to secure the win at home. Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic each dropped 30 points in the win, the first time since 2008 that two Jazz players finished with 30+ points in the same game. Rudy Gobert added 12 points and 19 rebounds in the win. For the Magic, D.J. Augustin scored 14 of his team-high 22 points in the fourth quarter.

Clippers 120 (21-8), Suns 99 (11-16)

Kawhi Leonard (20), Lou Will (24), and Paul George (20) all dropped 20+ points as the Clippers dominated the Suns in LA. For Phoenix, Deandre Ayton returned from his 25-game suspension and led the team with 18 points and 12 boards. Kelly Oubre added 19 points on 8-14 shooting in the loss.

The post Post Up: Pacers Snap Lakers’ Road Win Streak appeared first on SLAM.

Well, that was certainly surprising. The surgically consistent Spurs have now dropped four losses in a row. Seeing the record “5-7” next to the Spurs looks like a typo, but it’s not. DeMar DeRozan led the squad with 21 points, with jitterbug Patty Mills adding 13 points and three steals off the bench.

The Magic, albeit missing rising star defender Jonathan Issac, got a very quality win behind Evan Fournier’s 26 points. They also got double-doubles from both Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq-Aminu.

Hornets 109 (5-7), Pistons 106 (4-9)

Hello Malik Monk! The former Kentucky Wildcats star has had a quiet start to his career, but he splashed a cold-blooded dagger to send the Pistons packing.

It’s been a season of injuries thus far for the Pistons, but on the bright side, reserve guard Langston Galloway exploded for 32 points off the bench.

Rockets 111 (9-3), Pacers 102 (7-5)

James Harden is really about to average 40 points per game, isn’t he? The Beard dropped another absurd statistical line of 44 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Also, shoutout to Ben McLemore for stepping into the starting lineup and contributing 21 points. Good to see him thriving.

The Pacers lost Malcolm Brogdon to an early injury, but stayed in the game until the Beard put them away with step-back dagger after dagger.

Wizards 137 (3-7), Timberwolves 116 (7-5)

This was certainly an unexpected outcome! Good for the Wizards, who got a standout game from Bradley Beal (44 points, 10 assists), as well as an impressive game from Mo Wagner (30 points and 15 rebounds on 86 FG%). Wagner’s stat line makes him the first player since Yao Ming in 2002 to put up 30 points and 15 rebounds off the bench, per The Athletic’s Fred Katz.

To be fair, the Timberwolves were missing Andrew Wiggins, who has been fantastic thus far this season. Birthday boy Karl Towns may not have gotten the result he wanted, but he still put up an impressive 36 points and 10 rebounds (and seven turnovers).

Grizzlies 107 (5-7), Jazz 106 (8-4)

Awesome win for the Grizzlies, getting a win against an old friend in Mike Conley. Rookie point guard Ja Morant has become a must-watch; it seems like he has at least two jaw-dropping highlights a game. He finished with 25 points and eight assists.

Donovan Mitchell (29 points, nine rebounds and five assists) and Rudy Gobert (23 points, 17 boards and five blocks) both had stellar performances, but it clearly was not enough.

Thunder 127 (5-7), 76ers 119 (7-5)

Quite a night for upsets. The gritty Thunder gutted out a tough victory against the imposing 76ers. It was a full team effort, with Danillo Gallinari scoring 28, Chris Paul scoring 27 (with the dagger), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 24 and Terrance Ferguson pouring in 19.

It’s definitely a disappointing loss for a heavily favored 76ers team, but at least they can take solace in the fact that offseason acquisition Josh Richardson scored 28 points and has acquitted himself nicely over this first few weeks.

Lakers 99 (10-2), Kings 97 (4-7)

In a thrilling back-and-forth duel, the Lakers emerged victorious thanks to some LeBron James brilliance and a clutch Anthony Davis rim denial. Also, LeBron had the dunk of the year, so no big deal.

The Kings hung on until the very end, thanks to Bogdan Bogdanovic’s contorting layups and contested threes, but it wasn’t enough to stop the rollicking Lakers.

Celtics 101 (10-1), Warriors 100 (2-11)

The Celtics remain the only team in the league with a single loss, edging out the Warriors late in the game. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown all showed out, putting up a combined 66 points.

The shorthanded Warriors played their tails off, and they may have found something in rookie Eric Paschall, who has looked like a mini-Draymond. Alec Burks also chipped in 20 points off the bench.

The post Post Up: LeBron James Slams Home Poster Dunk of the Season as Lakers improve to 10-2 appeared first on SLAM.

Batum injured the finger on his left hand in the team’s season opener on Wednesday night, 11 minutes his 2019-20 campaign.

The Hornets, already in the midst of a rebuilding year following Kemba Walker’s emigration to Boston, will now have another pair of shoes to fill. The 30-year-old Batum has long been a core rotation piece for the team and will earn $25.6 million this season.

A three-to-four-week recovery timeline will put Batum back in action in mid-to-late November.

Until Batum returns, expect players like Dwayne Bacon, P.J. Washington and Malik Monk to get a bigger opportunity to shine for the Hornets.

The post Nicolas Batum Out 3-to-4 Weeks With Fractured Finger appeared first on SLAM.

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

Charlotte Hornets

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

More NBA Training Camp Rosters

The post Charlotte Hornets Roster Count: 2019 Training Camp appeared first on SLAM.

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

Charlotte Hornets NBA 2K20 Ratings

This table is updated as of Nov. 22, 2019

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

More NBA 2K20 Ratings

The post NBA 2K20 Ratings: Charlotte Hornets appeared first on SLAM.

Like we’ve often done, we’ll start off with the League’s premier footwear kings, Montrezl Harrell and P.J. Tucker. Trezz went double-duty with a pair of the Air Jordan VII Retro “Marvin the Martian” and the funky Nike LeBron 11 EXT “King’s Crown.” For Tuck, another one of his March Madness favorites was on his feet, as he donned the classic Nike Air Force Max 93.

Nike Hyperdunks were once again a prominent wear and Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with two custom Hyperdunk X bangers including a Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 themed pair. Justin Jackson used his Hyperdunk X Lows to call attention to World Down Syndrome Day and Kevin Love wore a fresh pair of PEs that tied back to the Cavs’ City uniforms. On the vintage tip, Josh Richardson took it back with the “Puerto Rico” edition of the Hyperdunk ’08.

Plenty of newer looks were also on display as Jayson Tatum came with a new colorway of the Nike Adapt BB, Kyle Kuzma rocked a Lakers’ colorway of the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro, LeBron James went with another PE model of his LeBron 16s and Greg Monroe came with the “Cactus Jack” Air Jordan XXXIII.

With all of Tuesday’s heat rock around the League, make sure you get caught up on all the sneaker action below.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

The Nike LeBron models was also quite a hit Sunday night with no less than five colorways seeing the hardwood. Mason Plumlee donned the “Equality” 16 model, Malik Beasley rocked the “Orange Box” 15, Torrey Craig brought the “SuperBron” 16 and Montrezl Harrell wore the “King” 16 in addition to the “What The” LeBron 11. Rounding out the parade of 16s was the king himself as LeBron James wore an all-white colorway.

Other kicks of note included P.J. Tucker wearing another of his favorite March Madness sneakers in the Nike Air Max 2 Uptempo 94 OG, DeMar DeRozan in another new colorway of the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Proto and Kawhi Leonard steppong out in a new colorway of his New Balance signature, the OMN1S, which features a flip of the Jurassic Park logo.

Sunday was a pretty dope night in kicks so if you missed any of the action make sure you check our gallery below.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

Paul George put on All-Star performance in Miami, dropping 43 points (including 10 made three-pointers) on the Heat in a win. George added seven rebounds and five assists to the Thunder’s efforts; teammate Russell Westbrook had a triple-double of 14 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

George exchanged jerseys with Dwyane Wade after the game.

Just a pair of All-Stars exchanging jerseys (via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/sfsx7Q89Zn

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 2, 2019

D-Wade's ball fake sooo smooth (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/vxhsDhwEYD

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 2, 2019

Grizzlies 92 (20-33), Hornets 100 (25-26)

Kemba Walker played 37 minutes as he helped his Hornets hold off the Grizzlies at home down the stretch. Walker scored 23 points while Malik Monk added 20 points off of the bench.

Celtics 113 (33-19), Knicks 99 (10-41)

Boston was led by Kyrie Irving as the star put in a statline of 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in front of the MSG crowd. On the other side, Damyean Dotson led the Knicks in scoring with 22 points.

After the game, Irving called his dad down to the court and gave him his jersey.

Kyrie gave his jersey to his dad after the game. That's special, man (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/NnETYS5Mi6

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 2, 2019

Hawks 112 (16-35), Jazz 128 (30-23)

Rudy Gobert made a statement after being left off the All-Star team by putting in 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Jazz beat the Hawks. Trae Young had 28 points and nine assists in the loss.

Rockets 122 (29-22), Nuggets 136 (36-15)

Denver came out on top in a battle of top Western Conference powers. Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. James Harden scored 30 points, pushing his consecutive games streak of 30+ points to 25 in a row.

RELATED:
‘He Had His NASA Shoes on’: Paul George Dunks Over Giannis Antetokounmpo

The post Post Up: Paul George Drops 43 Points, Hits 10 3’s in Win vs. Heat appeared first on SLAM.

Montrezl Harrell paid homage to one of his favorite cereals as he donned a pair of custom “Tony the Tiger” Nike Kyrie 3s which featured the Frosted Flake mascot’s memorable slogan, “They’re Grrrreat” painted across the shoe’s forefoot. Up to the task, Taurean Prince went into his bag and brought out an extremely rare pair of “Fairfax” Nike Zoom Soldier III PEs from 2010.

In Charlotte, Malik Monk and Allonzo Trier flexed their Kobe game with Monk wearing the “Galaxy” Nike Zoom Kobe 7 while Iso Zo opted for the Kobe 6 “Supreme Chaos.” As he’s done all season, Kemba Walker stayed true to the Air Jordan X Retro as he wore the “Orlando” colorway.

With only a couple games on the NBA slate, our latest recap is a bit lighter than normal, but make sure you still go ahead and peep Monday’s best kicks.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

It’s a small sample size, but if the Kings’ last five games are any indication of what’s to come, a new era may be underway in Sacramento. The Kings have won every game since a 1-3 start to the year and sit at fourth in the League in points per game after dropping 146 in Atlanta.

20-year-old De’Aaron Fox became the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a game as he led Sacramento to a blowout win that included a 46-point third quarter. Fox only needed 34 minutes and 13 field goal attempts to fill out his stat line.

Buddy Hield scored 27 and Marvin Bagley III added 18 points off the pine to assist in the blowout victory.

Trae Young racked up 14 points and 10 dimes while Jeremy Lin scored a team-high 23 points for the Hawks in the losing effort.

3⃣1⃣ points
1⃣5⃣ assists
1⃣0⃣ rebounds
(and counting)

De’Aaron Fox is a star in the making, don’t get it twisted. (via @SacramentoKings) https://t.co/r43U5Cc7Js

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

Trae Young was born the year Vince Carter was drafted and now they’re connecting for buckets. 2018 is wild. (via @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/o5e0iwusiG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2018

This year is different.

The Kings just dropped 146 as they won their fifth straight to improve to 6-3. pic.twitter.com/UytWD8aFyB

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

Clippers 113 (4-4), 76ers 122 (5-4)

The 76ers came out rolling on all cylinders as they scored 72 first half points and rain out to a 13-point lead at the intermission. Joel Embiid’s 24 first half points led the charge, but just 18 third quarter points as a team allowed the Clippers to stay in the game as the lead shrunk to just four entering the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia gained its mojo back in the fourth quarter as it bounced back from a rough loss to Toronto to get back in the win column.

Embiid finished the night with 41 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks and Markelle Fultz posted a team-best plus-minus of +16 as he racked up 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes as a starter.

Boban Marjanovic had 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in 23 minutes off the bench for Los Angeles.

SLOW FEET DON’T EAT.

Shai’s first step is FAST. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/kigZu032Bo

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2018

Thunder 111 (3-4), Hornets 107 (4-5)

Great players show up when it matters most, and Russell Westbrook didn’t shy away from the moment as he led the Thunder to a 19-point comeback win in Buzz City.

Westbrook finished up 29 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists  and three steals after dropping a crucial dime to Dennis Schroder and scoring twice in the final 1:12 of regulation.

Alex Abrines’ 25 points and 5-for-10 3-point shooting off the the bench were both career bests marks and came at a crucial time — the rest of the Thunder combined to shoot just 3-for-27 from behind the arc.

Kemba Walker scored 10 unanswered points in the third quarter to help build up the Hornets’ 19-point lead and clocked out with 21. Malik Monk added another 21 points in 23 minutes off the bench.

You can’t give Russ an INCH to take off from (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/nMSFEkyAS3

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2018

Kyrie’s really putting on a handles clinic during a live NBA game. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/A2xmLVoWoj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

SHAMGOD + DAGGER

Fourth quarter Russ wasn’t playin’ with y’all tonight. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/L3E3opyr8O

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

Nuggets 110 (7-1), Cavaliers 91 (1-7)

The Nuggets found themselves in a 12-point hole after sputtering to just 15 points in the opening period, but responded with 68 points in the middle two quarters put the game out of reach for the dysfunctional Cavaliers.

Juan Hernangomez had a game-high 23 points off the the bench for Denver. Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Trey Lyrles and Mason Plumlee also hit double-digit scoring.

Bucks 113 (7-1), Celtics 117 (6-2)

Kyrie Irving had a sluggish start to the season from a scoring perspective, but his second-straight stellar game had TD Garden chanting “MVP!” in the final minute of play as his 28 points and seven dimes brought an end to the Bucks’ undefeated start to the season.

All five of the Celtics starters — Semi Ojeleye (10 points), Gordon Hayward (18), Jayson Tatum (12) and Al Horford (18) — scored in double-digits as Boston made a franchise-record 24 shots from behind the arc.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 33 points and grabbed 11 boards, but poor late-game management cost Milwaukee from having a shot to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

Kyrie’s really putting on a handles clinic during a live NBA game. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/A2xmLVoWoj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

The kid from Greece is FILTHY. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/XCaqZytrOp

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

SHEESH. Kyrie will finish anything you toss his way inside. (via @celtics) https://t.co/7eVW17qd0o

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

Pelicans 119 (4-4), Trail Blazers 132 (6-2)

Portland’s campaign ended earlier than anticipated a season ago after falling victim to a New Orleans’ sweep in the playoffs, but the Trail Blazers got this year’s run off on the right foot by getting revenge behind a 26-point outing by Damian Lillard. The contest was tight throughout the entire night, but the Trail Blazers brought the clamps in the final period as they held the Pelicans to just 20 points.

Anthony Davis was held out of the Pelicans’ starting lineup due to injury, but newly-signed forward Julius Randle had no issues putting the team on his back as he stuffed the stat sheet with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Dame’s out here making 35 footers look casual. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/XOBbThsmlw

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

Jrue gotta handle like THAT (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/4lOONt7MvC

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2018

The post Post Up: De’Aaron Fox’s Historic Triple-Double Leads Kings to Fifth Straight Win 🦊 appeared first on SLAM.

Celtics wing Jayson Tatum would have been unanimous First-Team, if not for one Second-Team vote.

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

Check out the full results below:

2017-18 NBA All-Rookie Team Voting Results

First Team: Kyle Kuzma (193), Lauri Markkanen (173), Donovan Mitchell (200), Ben Simmons (200), Jayson Tatum (199)

Second Team: Lonzo Ball (87), Bogdan Bogdanovic (75), John Collins (76), Josh Jackson (45), Dennis Smith Jr (96)

Other rookies receiving votes: Bam Adebayo (44); De’Aaron Fox (34); OG Anunoby (25); Jarrett Allen (18); Dillon Brooks (14); Jordan Bell (5); Royce O’Neale (4); Zach Collins (3); Milos Teodosic (3); Luke Kennard (1); Frank Mason III (1); Malik Monk (1); Frank Ntilikina (1); Semi Ojeleye (1); Sindarius Thornwell (1)

The 2017-18 NBA All-Rookie First Team! @spidadmitchell @BenSimmons25 @jaytatum0 @kylekuzma @MarkkanenLauri pic.twitter.com/9Sk3KGHlOI

— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2018

RELATED:
Ben Simmons Responds to Donovan Mitchell’s ‘Rookie’ Hoodie

The post Mitchell, Simmons Voted Unanimous All-Rookie First Teamers appeared first on SLAM.

In the same game, Kemba Walker went with some low-key custom “Aces” Air Jordan X Retros while while Malik Monk wore the Nike Kobe A.D. Mid.

Despite missing out on almost the entire season, Mike Conley Jr has consistently managed to flex on the sidelines. Last night, Conley wore the eye catching  Commes Des Garcons x Nike Air Max 180 collaboration while in Los Angeles, two pairs of Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier XIs and Spida Mitchell’s adidas Dame 4s managed to catch our attention.

Thomas Bryant sported a Lakes colorway of the Soldier XI while Jae Crowder donned the “Wheat” versions. On Mitchell’s feet was a sick custom pair featuring a design inspired by Marvel’s Venom.

Peep the rest of Sunday’s NBA kicks in our latest gallery.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

The Sixers used a balanced team effort to win their 14th straight game, and their 50th of the season. JJ Redick had a team-high 18 points, backed up by 16 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals from Ben Simmons. They dished out 32 assists together and pulled down 52 boards.

Pacers 123 (48-33), Hornets 117 (35-46)

Charlotte faced a 13-point halftime deficit and that disadvantage climbed to 20 in the third quarter. But they fought with a 36-28 fourth quarter, paced by 22 points from Malik Monk. Domas Sabonis scored a career-best 30 points and Lance Stephenson came off the bench to put up 10 assists, 10 rebounds and 8 points.

Hawks 112 (24-57), Celtics 106 (54-26)

Taurean Prince caught fire in this one, leading the Hawks back from a 13-point disadvantage. Prince had 33 points, complemented by 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He hit 7 three-pointers, too. The Hawks used a 36-24 fourth quarter to outlast the Cs.

Grizzlies 130 (22-58), Pistons 117 (38-42)

Memphis had control for most of this game, connecting on 58 percent of their shots. MarShon Brooks came off the bench to score 25.

Raptors 112 (58-22), Magic 101 (24-56)

DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas both got the night off to rest and the Raps made use of seven different players scoring at least 11 points. They hit 17 three-pointers and dished 28 assists.

Jazz 112 (47-33), Lakers 97 (34-46)

Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles combined for 50 points and 18 assists, leading the Jazz to a spot in the 2018 playoffs. They never trailed and they held the Lakers to 20 percent shooting from distance.

Warriors 117 (58-23), Suns 100 (20-61)

Klay Thompson dropped 22 points in the first quarter and the Warriors were able to keep the Suns at arms-distance for the entirety of the game. Thompson wound up with 34 points, while Kevin Durant had 9 dimes to go along with his 17 points.

The post Post Up: Ben Simmons, Sixers Get 50th Win and Jazz Clinch Playoff Spot appeared first on SLAM.

With postseason implications abound, the 76ers held off the Cavs in a thriller. With the win, Philly overtakes Cleveland for the 3 seed in the East, leading the Cavs for that spot by half a game with three to play. The story in this game was the two stars, Ben Simmons and LeBron James, who each poured on triple-doubles. Simmons nearly had one at the half as the Sixers raced out to a 23-point lead at the break. He finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. LeBron had 44-11-and-11, as well as this dunk:

That stare-down (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/EwMnOEtSdZ

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 7, 2018

Raptors 92 (57-22), Pacers 73 (47-33)

This was more than just a 19-point win for the Raptors — it gave Toronto a franchise-record 57 wins on the season and locked up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Serge Ibaka scored a season-high 25 points to lead the Raptors, while DeMar DeRozan had 12 points and eight assists. On the other end, Indiana had a miserable game offensively, shooting under 30 percent with no starters reaching double figures in scoring. Glen Robinson III‘s 12 points were a team high.

Subtle euro pic.twitter.com/m9uTVdE7Fp

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 7, 2018

Pistons 113 (38-41), Mavericks 106 (24-56) (OT)

Johnathan Motley‘s three with 10 seconds to go sent the game to overtime, but Reggie Jackson outscored the Mavericks in OT to lead the Pistons to the win. Jackson scored six in overtime and 24 overall to pace Detroit, while Andre Drummond had a typical one of performances with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Motley had 26 for Dallas.

#PistonsNow pic.twitter.com/Fl26Wn5pJN

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 7, 2018

Hornets 137 (35-45), Magic 100 (24-55)

Malik Monk scored 26 points and Frank Kaminsky had 21 to lead the Hornets in a contest that was never close. With both teams long out of the playoff race, the Magic used the game as an opportunity to give some of their younger guys some work. Though D.J. Augustin led Orlando with 19, Jamel Artis, Khem Birch, and Rodney Purvis each had 12.

MALIK #BuzzCity @HornetsOnFSSE pic.twitter.com/sCT3GA6eIc

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 7, 2018

Hawks 103 (23-57), Wizards 97 (42-38)

The Wizards picked the worst time to go into a slump. With their fourth-straight loss, Washington has fallen into the 8 seed in the Eastern Conference race with just two games to play. They led by six midway through the fourth quarter before the Hawks went on an 11-0 run to take a lead they would never relinquish. Taurean Prince had six points in that stretch and led the Hawks with 23 points. Bradley Beal had 32 for the Wizards.

C
L
U
T
C
H#TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/YilIXDAY5E

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 7, 2018

Knicks 122 (28-51), Heat 98 (43-37)

Damyean Dotson had the best game of his young career, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead the Knicks in a rout of the Heat. Luke Kornet also had a career high with 17 of his own. Despite the loss, Miami is still a half game ahead of the Bucks for sixth in the East with two games remaining. Goran Dragic led the Heat with 15 points.

Halftime Highlight

Nutmeg. pic.twitter.com/iwz5cX1tcl

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 7, 2018

Celtics 111 (54-25), Bulls 104 (27-52)

With Kyrie Irving out for the rest of the year and Al Horford and Jayson Tatum given a night off, the Celtics had to turn to some unlikely sources to beat the Bulls. Greg Monroe came off the bench to score 19 points, grab 11 rebounds, and hand out 10 assists, and Jabari Bird scored 15 more. Jaylen Brown led the way with 32 points on 7-10 shooting from three. Sean Kilpatrick had 24 for the Bulls.

Jabari throws it down! pic.twitter.com/aF7DgCPtV6

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 7, 2018

Kings 94 (26-54), Grizzlies 93 (21-58)

Bogdan Bogdanovic hit a pull-up jumper with just over a second to go to lift the Kings over the Grizzlies in a game that featured five lead changes in the final minute. Bogdanovic’s shot came just seconds after Dillon Brooks had put the Grizzlies ahead on a three, which came 10 seconds after Justin Jackson put the Kings up with a three. MarShon Brooks had 23 to lead all scorers and Willie Cauley-Stein had 18 for the Kings.

Was there ever any doubt?

BOGI FOR THE WIN. pic.twitter.com/awHamF0iOc

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 7, 2018

Pelicans 122 (45-34), Suns 103 (20-60)

Anthony Davis scored 33 points and 11 rebounds and Nikola Mirotic had 31-and-16 as the Pelicans have now won consecutive games after a four-game skid the last couple weeks. Marquese Chriss had 23 and Josh Jackson scored 22 to lead the Suns. The Pelicans, Spurs, and Thunder are now tied for the 5 seed in the West.

Josh Jackson UNLOADS (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/fgD6iyO2SJ

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 7, 2018

Timberwolves 113 (45-35), Lakers 96 (34-45)

With the Timberwolves fighting for their playoff lives, Jeff Teague came through with 25 points and eight assists to lead Minnesota over the Lakers. The Timberwolves are now half a game ahead of the Nuggets for the final playoff spot in the West, but are somehow still only a game and a half out of the 4 spot. This was their final road game of the regular season and will finish with home games against Memphis and Denver. Josh Hart and Julius Randle each had 20 for the Lakers.

KCP with the hustle and the (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/2JUh3pUO2U

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 7, 2018

The post Post Up: Sixers And Raptors Both Earn Huge Wins appeared first on SLAM.

Even without Joel Embiid or Dario Saric, Philly dominated this one from the opening tip. The 76ers outrebounded Brooklyn by 20 and shot over 54 percent from the field while forcing 18 Nets turnovers. Philly sharpshooters J.J. Redick (19 points) and Marco Belinelli (17 points) ran circles around the Brooklyn defense, while Ben Simmons (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) put together his 36th double-double. He also became the second player in NBA history to eclipse 1,200 points, 600 rebounds and 600 assists in a rookie season. The other? Oscar Robertson.

Ben with the steal, Ben with the score. pic.twitter.com/Mp8xq5Gh2y

— x – Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 3, 2018

Cavaliers 112 (48-30), Raptors 106 (55-22)

Toronto is still in a battle with Boston for both the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division crown, so the Raptors’ recent swoon is more than just the result of complacency and may be a cause for concern. All five Cavaliers starters scored in double digits — led by LeBron‘s 27 points and 10 rebounds — as Cleveland led most of the way in Kyle Korver‘s return.

Kyle Lowry (5 points on 2-of-11 shooting) never got going and even Toronto’s stellar bench couldn’t make up the missed production. DeMar DeRozan had a team-high 19 points with seven dimes. The Cavs also need to keep winning to maintain their No. 3 spot in the East and, with the 76ers and Pacers bearing down, Cleveland having homecourt advantage in the first round is far from guaranteed. But, if the Cavs keep playing like this, they’ll be fine.

Heat 101 (42-36), Hawks 98 (22-56)

Atlanta is far from the postseason but gave the playoff-bound Heat a real scare on Tuesday night, leading 98-90 with three minutes left to play. However, as the final score would indicate, Miami scored the game’s final 11 points with a crazy rally and was able to seal the win with two last-second Josh Richardson blocks following a go-ahead Hassan Whiteside tip-in.

Whiteside gives Miami the lead! pic.twitter.com/itr8Bq4C2k

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 4, 2018

John Collins (19 points, 10 rebounds) led the way for the Hawks, who also got 18 points off the bench from Tyler Dorsey. Goran Dragic had 22 points and 10 assists for Miami while Whiteside — days after complaining about his lack of playing time — posted an 18-point, 12-board double-double.

Magic 97 (23-54), Knicks 73 (27-51)

The Mario Hezonja redemption tour continues, as the former lottery pick — whose fourth-year option wasn’t picked up by the Magic earlier in the season — keeps playing well. He paced the Magic with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, as Orlando used a dominant final frame to beat up on the Knicks.

New York was just 4-of-27 from three-point range and scored a measly 28 second half points. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points in the defeat. It was a big loss for the Knicks from a draft pick perspective, as they entered a tie with the Bulls for the 8th-worst record in the Association.

Bulls 120 (27-51), Hornets 114 (34-45)

Chicago has followed up a seven-game losing streak with a fairly improbably three-game winning streak, especially for a team missing a good chunk of its starting lineup. Lauri Markkanen (24 points in 24 minutes) knocked down five triples while relative newcomer Sean Kilpatrick added 21 points off the bench.

Kilpatrick with the break away dunk pic.twitter.com/qPhL6x90km

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 4, 2018

The Hornets committed 20 turnovers in the loss. Dwight Howard (23 points, 17 rebounds) had another big game while Malik Monk, who hasn’t gotten consistent playing time in his rookie season, scored 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Kemba Walker struggled from the field, posting just nine points and four assists.

Rockets 120 (63-15), Wizards 104 (42-36)

Another ho-hum 71-point first half for the Rockets made for a pretty boring final 24 minutes as Houston rolled past the Wizards. James Harden (38 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) dominated all game and Washington — like most teams — had no answer for him. There was some injury concern for the Rockets, though, with Ryan Anderson suffering a left ankle sprain after playing just five minutes. He didn’t return.

Step-back pic.twitter.com/cfRriklGwn

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 4, 2018

The Wizards are still reintegrating John Wall back into the flow of things and he had an off-night, shooting 3-of-10 from the field along with eight turnovers. Bradley Beal (27 points) was locked in.

Bucks 106 (42-36), Celtics 102 (53-24)

The shorthanded Celtics had to lose at some point. Boston’s six-game winning streak, all without Kyrie Irving, was snapped by a Bucks team that needs one more win (or one more Pistons loss) to clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Khris Middleton (20 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists) were great, and Giannis may have saved the game with an insane chasedown block on Jaylen Brown with less than a minute to go.

No layup is safe when Giannis is on the court (via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/EjtHYOn9D4

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 4, 2018

Brown and Jayson Tatum (combined for 44 points) provided much of Boston’s scoring on a night when the bench didn’t do much.

Warriors 111 (57-21), Thunder 107 (45-34)

The latest KD–Russell Westbrook battle in Oklahoma City lived up to the hype, even with Steph Curry on the sidelines. Durant dropped 34 points (albeit on 9-of-25 shooting) and grabbed 10 boards in the Golden State win while Westbrook had a ridiculous 44 points and 16 rebounds.

Think KD’s motivated tonight? (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/8Sj46LkGQK

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 4, 2018

For the most part, though, the OKC starting five outplayed that of the Warriors. The difference in this game was when KD and Russ weren’t on the floor. Golden State got 38 points from its bench while OKC got just 14. The trio of David West, Damian Jones and JaVale McGee combined to go a perfect 12-for-12 from the field.

Paul George (5-of-19) and Carmelo Anthony (4-of-16) weren’t very efficient, with Melo missing all nine of his three-point attempts. The Thunder are far from guaranteed to make the postseason and are just 1.5 games up on idle No. 9 Denver. A first round matchup with Golden State is also very possible.

Mavericks 115 (24-54), Trail Blazers 109 (48-30)

Portland has already clinched a playoff spot, but losing to lottery-bound Dallas delayed the Blazers’ quest for homecourt advantage in the postseason’s opening round. Every Mavs starter reached double figures — led by Dennis Smith Jr.‘s 18 points — with Yogi Ferrell adding 15 as a reserve.

!!! pic.twitter.com/Txy7DAhjBH

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 4, 2018

The Blazers couldn’t buy a three, going 10-for-40 beyond the arc. Damian Lillard (29 points) was the game’s high-scorer but was just 6-of-20 from the field. He did make all 15 of his free throw attempts. Jusuf Nurkic (15 points, 13 rebounds) was effective but limited to 27 minutes, partially due to foul trouble.

Nuggets 107 (43-35), Pacers 104 (46-32)

For the third consecutive game, the Nuggets played a postseason-bound team tough and won a one-possession decision that helped them keep pace in the West. Following wins over the Thunder and Bucks, Denver had a chance to gain some ground against a red-hot Pacers team and did just that. Nikola Jokic (30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals) filled up the stat-sheet in the W alongside Will Barton (26 points, 10 rebounds) as Gary Harris continued to sit with due to a knee injury.

WILL ALWAYS SHOOT FROM DISTANCE pic.twitter.com/sTsUaJkpwy

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 4, 2018

Victor Oladipo (25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals) played well as Indiana had a solid offensive game, but lost the rebounding battle by 14 and couldn’t stop Jokic at all. When he’s making threes and getting his teammates involved, there’s not much any team can do against him.

Jazz 117 (45-33), Lakers 110 (33-44)

Without Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Isaiah Thomas, the Lakers needed other guys to step up if they were going to have a chance to take down the Jazz. Julius Randle (12 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists), Kyle Kuzma (26 points) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (28 points) did just that but it still wasn’t enough as the backcourt combo of Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell (57 combined points on 37 shots) spearheaded a big scoring night for Utah.

| Donovan with the easy 26-point night

He shot 50% from distance (4-8) and had his 44th game with 20 points or more.#DonROY #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/mng9ppqtLh

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 4, 2018

The Jazz, which leapfrogged the Thunder to tie with the Spurs for the No. 4 spot in the West, scored 65 first half points en route to a third-straight win. Rudy Gobert (12 points, 16 rebounds) even helped in facilitating with five assists, his second-highest total of the season. Joe Ingles knocked down 3 threes, extending his streak with at least one made triple to 35 games. That’s a Jazz record.

Suns 97 (20-59), Kings 94 (25-54)

No player from this year’s rookie class has arguably made a bigger in-season improvement than Josh Jackson (28 points, 6 rebounds), who couldn’t find his shot for the first few months of the season but has turned into a reliable scorer for the Suns as of late. His big game helped the Suns snap a franchise-worst 15-game losing streak that lasted the entire month of March. Alex Len helped with a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double off the bench.

JJ FOR TRE! pic.twitter.com/jbGQ13R0PU

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 4, 2018

Bogdan Bogdanovic (22 points) and Justin Jackson (19 points, 8 rebounds) had good performances in the loss. With the Mavs’ win over Portland, the Kings moved to a half-game “behind” Dallas for the 5th in the reverse standings. Phoenix has a two-game “lead” over Memphis for the worst record in the NBA.

Clippers 113 (42-36), Spurs 110 (45-33)

Maybe against the Spurs of old — with Kawhi Leonard — a 41-point fourth quarter and late double-digit comeback would have been unthinkable, but this Spurs team isn’t the Spurs of old anymore. Needing a win to move within 1.5 games of a playoff spot, the Clippers fought back to stun San Antonio thanks to 31 points from Tobias Harris and a go-ahead three from Austin Rivers with 29 seconds left.

.@AustinRivers25 – CLUTCH! pic.twitter.com/GToZFm04ix

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 4, 2018

Lou Williams (22 points), as usual, provided a massive spark to draw the game to a tie midway through the final quarter just minutes after the Spurs led by 11. But San Antonio went back up, and held a 103-96 advantage with three minutes to play. LA scored the next seven points to tie it up at 103 and took the lead for good on Rivers’ three from the wing.

LaMarcus Aldridge (35 points, 9 rebounds) had his way all night in the loss but he and Patty Mills (17 points) didn’t get much help, especially in the fourth quarter.

The post Post Up: KD And The Warriors Get The Last Laugh in Oklahoma City appeared first on SLAM.

Ben Simmons didn’t record another triple-double, but he was nonetheless phenomenal as the Sixers won their 10th game in a row. The rookie finished with 20 points and 15 assists, helping Philly record at least 30 assists for a team-record ninth-straight game. A 14-0 run from the Sixers in the third quarter, which came right after the Hornets momentarily grabbed the lead, put the game away. Marco Belinelli led all scorers with 22 points, and Malik Monk and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist each had 16 to lead the Hornets.

Ben Simmons put on a show in the first half (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/rXKETkkM78

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Bulls 113 (26-51), Wizards 94 (42-35)

Lauri Markkanen scored 23 points on 5-8 shooting from three as the Bulls handed the Wizards their third-straight road loss. As a team, the Bulls were on fire from deep, making 18 of 34 three-point attempts. Bobby Portis went 4-5 from three off the bench and scored 18 points. The Wizards, a day after wrapping up a playoff spot, turned the ball over 16 times, but got 17 points from Otto Porter Jr.

Give it to the big man (via @chicagobulls) pic.twitter.com/VdKkOTnULS

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Pacers 111 (46-31), Clippers 104 (41-36)

Victor Oladipo filled the stat sheet with 30 points, 12 assists, five steals, and four rebounds to lead the Pacers on the road. Indiana earned its 12th win in 16 games thanks to Oladipo’s heroics, a 35-26 fourth quarter, and 24 points from Myles Turner. Tobias Harris had 21 and Lou Williams scored 20 to lead the Clippers, who are now two games out of the 8 spot in the West with five remaining.

Why you hustle back (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/463sYaRRuU

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Spurs 100 (45-32), Rockets 83 (62-15)

The Rockets still have the best record in the NBA, but the Spurs held them to their lowest point total of the season on Sunday. Houston shot just 34 percent overall and went 7-31 from three. On the other end, LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Spurs, while Rudy Gay added 21. James Harden had 25 points and eight assists for Houston.

on one end
on the other

Rudy Gay is on a mission today. (via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/FkfZzd3Ct6

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Hawks 94 (22-55), Magic 88 (22-54)

Back-to-back buckets from Tyler Dorsey with under two minutes to go gave the Hawks all the breathing room they needed to hold off the Magic in a back-and-forth game. Dorsey scored a team-high 19 off the bench on 8-11 shooting, including three from long distance. D.J. Augustin had 20 to lead the Magic.

I mean…

That’s a good way to end a quarter. pic.twitter.com/9KMkbm5hnt

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 1, 2018

Pistons 108 (37-40), Nets 96 (25-52)

Playing without Blake Griffin once again, the Pistons earned their fifth win in a row, this one behind 29 points from Reggie Jackson. Detroit is still alive in the playoff hunt, albeit just barely, at four games out of the 8 seed with five remaining. Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each scored 15 points for the Nets.

JARRETT ALLEN TAKES FLIGHT! (via @BrooklynNets) pic.twitter.com/hk7xftFM68

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Cavaliers 98 (47-30), Mavericks 87 (23-54)

LeBron James endured a rough day offensively and still somehow managed a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. That pretty much says it all about LeBron. Cleveland has won eight out of nine as it tries to wrap up the 3 seed in the East. Harrison Barnes had 30 for the Mavericks, but only one other Dallas player scored more then nine.

This dish from @JmCalderon to @KingJames is [insert adjective here]!#CavsMavs on FSO & FOX Sports GO: https://t.co/cAF8QeAZBW pic.twitter.com/SkW8oT5CNH

— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) April 1, 2018

Thunder 109 (45-33), Pelicans 104 (43-34)

Russell Westbrook’s triple-double (26 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists) and Paul George’s 19 first-half points lifted the Thunder in a close game over the Pelicans. They stayed within reach of the 4 seed, or even the 3 with some luck, while New Orleans’ path to wrapping up a playoff spot narrowed a little bit. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Pelicans.

Pass + Finish (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/zKNxhMUiUR

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Jazz 121 (44-33), Timberwolves 97 (44-34)

The Jazz shot a season-best 60.5 percent from the field to blow out the Timberwolves and improve to 25-5 over their last 30 games. Some of the shooting numbers were outrageous. Donovan Mitchell had 21 points on 10-15 shooting. Ricky Rubio had 23 and shot 9-14. He also went 5-6 from three. Andrew Wiggins had 23 and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 for the Timberwolves, but it wasn’t close to enough.

Jazz. Basketball. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/rBgZl6OTjg

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 2, 2018

Warriors 117 (56-21), Suns 107 (19-59)

The Warriors didn’t look like themselves for the first half of this one, but came alive with a 36-18 third quarter to beat the Suns. Kevin Durant led the way with a near triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists), and Draymond Green had 13 points and 12 assists. Marquese Chriss and Josh Jackson each had 22 for the Suns who, somehow, have lost 25 out of 26.

Give him the bucket and the assist. (via @Suns) pic.twitter.com/utlfTeNda3

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 2, 2018

Nuggets 128 (42-35), Bucks 125 (OT) (41-36)

The Nuggets trailed by eight in the final minute of regulation but rallied to force overtime on three Jamal Murray free throws with 2.8 seconds left. Denver never trailed in overtime as Jabari Parker missed what would have been the game-tying three in the final seconds. Nikola Jokic had 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul Millsap added 26 and 13 of his own. Parker had 35 for the Bucks.

t o u c h pic.twitter.com/YmSxDShATx

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 2, 2018

Trail Blazers 113 (48-29), Grizzlies 98 (21-56)

The Blazers clinched a playoff spot behind 27 points from Damian Lillard and 20 from CJ McCollum. Portland led by as many as 23 but had to fend off a late rally from Memphis to hold on. Dillon Brooks had 28 to lead the Grizzlies. While it took until Sunday for the Blazers to officially clinch the playoffs thanks to a crowded middle of the field, they’re in good shape for the 3 seed and home court in the first round.

Dillon Brooks hit one from Eugene! (via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/jzy7rXfq5W

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 2, 2018

Kings 84 (25-53), Lakers 83 (33-43)

Buddy Held broke an 80-80 tie on a dunk with 37 seconds left and De’Aaron Fox made what proved to be the game winner 26 seconds later to hand the Lakers their third loss in four games. Hield led the Kings with 19 points and Julius Randle matched him to lead the Lakers. Neither team shot well for the game as the two combined to go 14-56 from three 23-39 from the line.

When Trill jumps, you better look up pic.twitter.com/GcQeEUe28o

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 2, 2018

The post Post Up: Sixers Win 10th Straight And Spurs Knock Off Rockets appeared first on SLAM.

Jrue Holiday and Solomon Hill both wore crisp NikeiD colorways of the Nike PG1 in the Pelicans win over the Lakers at home. Both Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle rocked Kobes that they’ve been wearing for most of the season with Kuzma in a yellow/white Nike Kobe Mid A.D. and Randle in the “Purple Stardust” Nike Kobe A.D..

In Charlotte, the Hornets put the Grizzlies through the ringer with a thorough 61 point beatdown. Kemba Walker dropped 46 points in the Air Jordan X Retro “Cool Grey” while Malik Monk turned heads in the UNDFTD x Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

That was the quote John Calipari gave us this past summer when asked to describe the recruiting pitch to potential University of Kentucky point guards. While it may not be the exact words he tells HS prospects when handing out scholarship offers to the nation’s top recruits, the point is clear. Coming to Lexington as a highly touted PG means you’re in for the ride of your life, and that you understand that you’ll be expected to move at a different pace than anyone else on the road.

Enter Immanuel Quickley, a top-15 national prospect that has already given a pledge to the Wildcats. The 6-3 senior out of Havre De Grace, Maryland, will be arriving on campus next fall following in the footsteps of John Wall, Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis, Jamal Murray, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk as the next five-star guard to join Big Blue Nation and hoop under Coach Cal.

Quickley credits Calipari’s “track record with point guards” as one of the factors that went into choosing Kentucky: “What he’s done for people like me that have [played] the same position,” says the point guard. “I think the biggest thing was going to Midnight Madness at Kentucky. John Wall came back. DeMarcus Cousins came back. Seeing all those guys and where they are now, and seeing them on TV—you see them [in person] and it’s like, Why not me? I can do the same thing.

“I know it’s not going to be easy,” he adds. “I’m ready for that challenge. Trusting the process and embracing the grind is probably the biggest thing for me. “

Today, Quickley is highly regarded as one the best in the prep hoops scene, but he was once just a bench player looking to get into the rotation. He came off the bench his freshman year at The John Carroll School in Bel Air, MD. In front of him were two senior guards on their way to playing DI ball—Elijah

Long is now a junior at Texas and Kimbal Mackenzie is a junior at Bucknell.
“Earning a role as a freshman in high school is a humbling experience,” Quickley says. “You have two people ahead of you, you’re trying to battle for minutes just like them. I just [saw] them coming in early and staying in late, so that kind of clicked for me.”

Nonetheless, despite not starting as a freshman, it wasn’t long before college coaches began taking notice of his talent. The summer after his freshman year, Quickley drew offers from Cincinnati and Washington.

He earned a starting spot his sophomore year, in which he averaged 17.7 points per game and was named Baltimore Catholic League co-Player of the Year and Baltimore Sun Metro Player of the Year. Last season as a junior, he took it up another notch, posting 23.7 points and 7.2 assists.

“I would describe the journey as unbelievable,” Quickley says. “Looking back at my freshman year, I would have never thought I would have been anywhere near here. That’s just a testament to hard work, dedication and staying faithful to the grind. That’s all you can do.”

—

Portraits by Jared Soares

Video by Rob Migrin

The post Let Me Ride appeared first on SLAM.

On the topic of the A.D. Mid, Wilson Chandler rocked a bangin’ black/metallic gold colorway.

.@wilsonchandler brought out a never-before-seen Kobe AD Mid colorway. Sheesh. pic.twitter.com/hODDWHYWat

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 8, 2017

A close-up shot of Cristiano Felicio’s red/black Kobe A.D. Mid model were amongst several close-up sneaker images from the Bulls and Raptors game. Other models from that game were DeMar DeRozan‘s Nike Zoom Kobe 6 FTB and Justin Holiday’s Nike PG1 “Baseline.”

Jamal Murray rocked a colorful custom edition of the adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit 2017 which featured the Nuggets’ alternate logo on the medial side. Kristaps Porzingis rocked one of his Knicks’ colored models en route to a clutch performance against the Hornets.

Last but not least, Lance Stephenson added another model in his bid for NBA sneaker king as he wore the Nike Kobe 11 ALT, and Malik Monk continues to show Kobe love with a wear of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low “Beethoven.”

Catch up on Tuesday night’s sneaker action with our latest gallery.

Related
Post Up: Ben Simmons and the Sixers are Processing Smoothly

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

One way to ice a win: let your rookie score 16 of your team’s first 18 points in the fourth quarter. That’s what Malik Monk did, coming off the bench to score 25 points on 5-8 shooting from three. Then there was Kemba Walker, who provided his nightly share of highlights.

Kemba’s just showing off now (via @hornets) pic.twitter.com/OHh2mdCPb4

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2017

Oh, and for Milwaukee, Khris Middelton had 43 points and seven assists. Not a bad night, despite the loss.

Pacers 124 (5-3), Cavaliers 107 (3-5)

A players-only meeting yesterday didn’t help stop the Cavs’ slow start to the season. Cleveland lost its fourth straight game, this time at the hands of a Pacers team that out-scored the Cavs by 10 in the fourth quarter to pull away. LeBron had 33 points and 11 assists, but that wasn’t enough against an Indiana team that had three players with 23-or-more points — Victor Oladipo (23 points, seven assists), Darren Collison (25 points, eight assists, five rebounds), and Thaddeus Young (26 points, 12-18 shooting).

JEFF GREEN! (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/NlAIQ8Ufy3

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2017

76ers 119 (4-4), Hawks 109 (1-7)

Joel Embiid had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Robert Covington had 22 more to help the 76ers outlast the Hawks. With the win, the Sixers are now 4-4 and have won three straight games — a fact that caused fans to chant “Trust the Process” in the game’s waning minutes.

Rolling #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/9jtM1NoN5s

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) November 2, 2017

Suns 122 (4-4), Wizards 116 (4-3)

TJ Warren and Bradley Beal each had 40-point games, but it was Warren who got just a little more help as his Suns overcame a 22-point deficit to win on the road. Warren scored 28 of his 40 in the second half and did so on 16-22 shooting. The Suns led by just a point with three minutes to go, but a 7-0 run over the next two minutes put Phoenix in control.

Book it. #SunsAt50 pic.twitter.com/6X59VNPXbl

— NBA (@NBA) November 2, 2017

Celtics 113 (6-2), Kings 86 (1-7)

Jaylen Brown’s second-year surge continued to the tune of 22 points on 7-8 shooting on Wednesday. Kyrie Irving matched Brown’s point total and the two combined to shoot 9-15 from three. With Sacramento hanging around through the first half, Boston pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Kings 31-15. The Celtics have now won six straight after an 0-2 start to the year.

Heat 97 (3-4), Bulls 91 (1-5)

Lauri Markkanen (25 points, eight rebounds) continues to be a bright spot for the Bulls, but Chicago fell to 1-5 with a loss to the Heat in a back-and-forth game. Miami led by 10 after one quarter, but the Bulls pulled within two at halftime. It wasn’t until the Heat went on an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter that they finally built a cushion. Goran Dragic had 20 points for the Heat, while Hassan Whiteside had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Kris Dunn had 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists off the bench for Chicago. Two of those points came on this dunk:

Kris Dunn takes flight! (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/nWtX2Z0FXG

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2017

Rockets 119 (6-3), Knicks 97 (3-4)

The Rockets got their shooting stroke back, using a 16-0 run in the second quarter and 19 made threes for the game to rout the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. James Harden had 31 points, including six threes and nine assists in the win, as all five Rocket starters scored in double figures. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 23 points and seven rebounds to lead the Knicks.

Magic 101 (6-2), Grizzlies 99 (5-3)

Just a few seconds after Marc Gasol gave the Grizzlies the lead, Aaron Gordon answered with what ended up being the game-winning three to lift the Magic to another win. Gordon finished the game with 19 points and Evan Fournier had 22 more, and Orlando has now won five of its last six games. Tyreke Evans came off the bench to lead all scorers with 32 for the Grizzlies.

#MagicWin and improve to 6-2 on the season! pic.twitter.com/8cPt1XnY9n

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 2, 2017

Timberwolves 104 (5-3), Pelicans 98 (3-5)

Jimmy Butler scored Minnesota’s final six points, providing the difference in the game for the Timberwolves. The first two of those came with 34 seconds to go, breaking a 98-98 tie. He led six Timberwolves in double figures with 23 points, while Taj Gibson had 11 points and 12 rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins had 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and six steals for the Pelicans. He also shot 5-10 from beyond the arc.

Is it as easy as it looks, @22wiggins? pic.twitter.com/HlBek2B6sV

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 2, 2017

Nuggets 129 (4-4), Raptors 111 (4-3)

The Nuggets outscored the Raptors by a combined 33 points in the first and third quarters to coast to their fourth win of the year. They shot 53 percent for the game and made 50 percent of their threes, led by 24 points (8-10 shooting) from Jamal Murray. Nikola Jokic just missed a triple-double, tallying eight points, 10 assists, and 16 rebounds. For the Raptors, no player scored more than 14 (Norman Powell), but all 13 players to see action had at least two field goals.

Jazz 112 (5-3), Trail Blazers 103 (4-4) (OT)

Neither team ever led by double digits in a game that featured 17 lead changes and 14 ties. But overtime belonged to the Jazz, who scored eight of the first 10 points in the extra session. That overtime, however, was only possible because of a Rudy Gobert block of Damian Lillard as time expired in regulation. Ricky Rubio went 11-11 from the line to score 30 points while Donovan Mitchell came off the bench to pour on a career-high 28. Lillard had 33 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists for the Trail Blazers.

Rudy doing Rudy things – tonight’s @AFCU Instant Rewind! #PORatUTA pic.twitter.com/64DI1Q6MDE

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 2, 2017

Clippers 119 (5-2), Mavericks 98 (1-8)

Blake Griffin did a little bit of everything with 20 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as the Clippers routed the Mavericks. Veteran Lou Williams turned in his second consecutive 17-point performance, doing so in just 18 minutes of action. Dennis Smith Jr. continued his stellar start to his career, leading Dallas with 18 points, two of which coming on this:

Give him the lane and watch what happens (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/CecP5JvBV8

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 2, 2017

The post Post Up: Cleveland Drops Fourth Straight appeared first on SLAM.

Lance Stephenson might’ve had the sneaker of the night as he wore the Air Jordan XIII Low “Chutney” in the Pacers win over the Spurs and Malik Monk is establishing himself as one of the League’s premier “Kobe” heads as he wore the Nike Zoom Kobe 6 FTB. Tauren Prince continues his strong rotation of adidas as he donned a red tie-dye colorway of the adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit 2017. And one last stand out of the night goes to Paul Millsap as he rocked an eye-catching pair of the Nike Zoom Shift.

Peep the rest of Sunday’s gems in our latest gallery.

Related
Post Up: Big Upsets in Cleveland and Golden State

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

It’s during March’s Big East Tournament, when teams are fighting for a championship berth at the Garden. Scroll through your Twitter and IG timelines and you’re bound to see a video of one of the most disrespectful moves in recent basketball memory, courtesy of Cardiac Kemba.

Less than 15 seconds remain in the quarterfinals of the 2011 tourney, and UConn and Pittsburgh are knotted at 74. Walker comes off a high ball screen, gets the switch, and implores his teammates to spread the floor. With center Gary McGhee on an island, Kemba crosses over and unleashes a step back that turns McGhee’s legs into jello. Then he buries the buzzer beater.

Aside from those obligatory throwback posts, however, you don’t see enough of Kemba Walker. In an NBA loaded with talented point guards, his face tends to get lost in the crowd. When you hear people talk about the elite backcourt players in the L, how often is Walker’s name mentioned?

Of course, it doesn’t help that he plays for a team—the Charlotte Hornets—that has reached the postseason just twice in his six seasons there (never advancing farther than the first round) and rarely gets the national TV nod.

None of that has deterred the 27-year-old rising star. He just keeps on improving and taking ankles.

While a respectable defender, it’s Kemba’s skills on the other end that makes him so dangerous. Play him close, and you might end up like McGhee, watching from the ground as he drives past. Give him space, and he can knock down the open mid-range or outside shot. I think he might even have a hesi pull-up jimbo in his arsenal.

Still, it’s efficiency that separates the good scorers from the great scorers; and though Kemba clearly had all the tools, he struggled to deliver consistently during his first five NBA seasons. He’d have games where everything was clicking, and finish 11-15 from the field. But there were far too many 2-11 or 5-18 nights in the mix.

That changed in 2016-17. Thanks in part to slight tweaks to his jumper, he emerged as the “to be expected” version of Kemba. With a career-high usage rate (29.2), Walker also achieved career-bests in points per game (23.2), field goal percentage (44 percent), and three-point percentage (40 percent). The Hornets’ leader dropped 30+ in 15 outings, was sixth in the League in total long balls (240), and got named to his first All-Star team.

If that trend continues, then Kemba will keep on climbing SLAM’s Top 50 list.

Charlotte added center Dwight Howard and sniper Malik Monk this summer, which should only help Walker take another step forward. Howard sets big screens that free up space for ball handlers and Monk spreads the floor as a deep threat. That means more driving lanes and cleaner looks for Kemba.

In a recent interview with HoopsHype, another young point guard, Orlando’s Elfrid Payton, named his list of the toughest guys to guard in today’s NBA: Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker.

Take it from Payton, who has to face Kemba four times every season.

When you talk about the elite backcourt players in the L, Walker’s name should be mentioned.

Alex Squadron is a reporter for the NY Post. Follow him on Twitter @asquad510.

Previous Rankings:
2016: No. 36
2015: Not Ranked
2014: Not Ranked
2013: Not Ranked

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2017-18—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

No. 50 – Dion Waiters
No. 49 – Ben Simmons 
No. 48 – Brook Lopez
No. 47 — Harrison Barnes
No. 46 — Jrue Holiday
No. 45 — Lonzo Ball
No. 44 — Myles Turner
No. 43 — Goran Dragic
No. 42 — Andre Drummond
No. 41 — Al Horford
No. 40 — LaMarcus Aldridge
No. 39 — Kevin Love
No. 38 — Paul Millsap
No. 37 — Hassan Whiteside
No. 36 — Andrew Wiggins
No. 35 — Marc Gasol
No. 34 –  DeAndre Jordan
No. 33 — Bradley Beal

The post SLAM Top 50: Kemba Walker, No. 32 appeared first on SLAM.

Smith, drafted No. 9 overall, was voted by his peers as the most athletic player and most likely to win Rookie of the Year.

Who will be the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year?
1. Dennis Smith Jr — 25.7%
2. Lonzo Ball — 20.0%
3. Markelle Fultz — 17.1%

Which rookie will have the best career?
1. Lonzo Ball — 18.4%
Jayson Tatum — 18.4%
3. Josh Jackson — 10.5%
Dennis Smith Jr — 10.5%

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Donovan Mitchell (13th pick) — 18.9%
2. Dennis Smith Jr (9th pick) — 13.5%

Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Dennis Smith Jr — 43.6%
2. Terrance Ferguson — 12.8%

Which rookie is the best shooter?
1. Luke Kennard — 48.6%
2. Malik Monk — 13.5%

Which rookie is the best defender?
1. Josh Jackson — 26.3%
2. Jordan Bell — 23.7%
3. Donovan Mitchell — 21.1%

Which rookie is the best playmaker?
1. Lonzo Ball — 71.8%
2. Markelle Fultz — 7.7%

Who is your favorite player in the league?
1. LeBron James — 31.5%
2. Russell Westbrook — 19.4%
3. Kawhi Leonard — 8.3%

RELATED:
SLAM 211 Dennis Smith Jr Feature Story

The post NBA Rookies Think Dennis Smith Jr Will Win Rookie of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

Despite Kemba’s play, Charlotte won just 36 games last season and missed the playoffs, but beefed up its frontcourt this summer by picking up Dwight Howard from the Hawks. Amid major turnover for much of the Eastern Conference, the Hornets return much of their core and are looking to bounce back—all behind their star point guard.

Kemba took some time to chat in between autograph sessions this past Friday at the NBPA Summer Basketball Camp, which was held at Baruch College in Manhattan last week. He talked about being a role model for up-and-coming basketball players, the resurgence of New York City basketball, his outlook for the Hornets and the NBA’s shortened preseason.

SLAM: Does it ever get old to have kids come up to you at these camps, asking you for autographs and holding your jersey?

Kemba Walker: Nah, not for me. I don’t know if I get as much attention as other people but it’s always a good feeling when you have young kids or anybody come up to you.

SLAM: Would you come to camps as a kid and ever think you could be the guy signing the autographs when you got older?

KW: I never went to camps where NBA guys came and spoke, but I always dreamed of being in this position. Giving back has always been a passion of mine.

SLAM: With the much-hyped summer games at Dyckman Park and top high school recruits in Isaiah Washington and Jahvon Quinerly coming from the tri-state area, do you think New York City basketball is coming back a little bit?

KW: Not really sure, but a lot of those guys are still leaving, they’re from here but they’re not playing college ball here. Isaiah is definitely putting us back on the map in terms of high school basketball though. Hopefully we can have more kids follow in his footsteps because he’s a great young role model and a hell of a role model. I can definitely say it’s coming back.

SLAM: Do you ever talk to Isaiah and those other guys? Ever give them advice?

KW: Not really, I’ve talked to them a couple of times but that’s it. He never asks me for advice and I wouldn’t force any on him. He has my number though and we communicate a little bit. He knows that he can ask me anything.

SLAM: Going to your offseason, where have you been working out? 

KW: I’ve just been in Charlotte, that’s where I live full-time.

SLAM: Have a lot of your teammates been there? Has Dwight Howard come by?

KW: A lot of them have been there but Dwight’s been in Atlanta working out. I’ve talked to him though.

SLAM: A bunch of teams in the East, like the Bulls and Pacers, have traded away stars to start revamping their rosters. Do you think that’s going to help you guys?

KW: I do think we have a really solid chance at being a really good team this year. I never really think about those other teams cause I just worry about us, so it depends on how we come out to start the season.

SLAM: The Hornets picked up two guards, Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon, at the draft. How do you envision them fitting into the system?

KW: I spoke to both of them. It’ll be fine, they’re two really good players. It’s not easy to come in and be good right away so as long as they put in the work, they’ll be fine.

SLAM: Is the different structure of the preseason — less games and an earlier start to the regular season — something players like?

KW: I think guys definitely like the fact that the season is going to start faster. It should be good but it doesn’t really matter that much to me. I’m just looking forward to starting.

Related
Jabari Parker, Kemba Walker, Victor Oladipo Visit The World Streetball Championship in Paris
Kemba Walker Takes Derrick Rose’s Ankles
Walker, Charlotte Ranger

—

Photos via Getty Images and NBPA

The post Kemba Walker Talks NYC Hoops, Being A Role Model and the Charlotte Hornets appeared first on SLAM.

Markannen, in one game at the Las Vegas Summer League, scored 14 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. He played one season at the Nike-sponsored University of Arizona, averaging 15.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The 20-year-old, who stands 7-0, will be wearing the latest sneakers from the Swoosh next season with the Bulls.

h/t Nike 

The post Nike Signs Lauri Markannen to Multiyear Deal appeared first on SLAM.

He was careful with his response: “Yeah that’s my favorite player…He was – then I went to the Celtics.”

That Lakers-Celtics beef is no joke.

SLAM talked to director of ESPN’s 30 for 30 film Best of Enemies, Jonathan Hock, about the rivalry in June.

Related
Jayson Tatum SLAM x Foot Locker Draft Suite Interview
Markelle Fultz, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson and Malik Monk Talk Hoops with Devin Booker

The post Jayson Tatum on Kobe Bryant: He Used To Be ‘My Favorite Player’ appeared first on SLAM.

In the hilarious video above, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Jonathan Isaac, Jayson Tatum and Malik Monk show their funny sides, whether it’s getting bested in a rap battle or dance-off. They also answer the tough questions, like what their favorite app is or if their dad can actually beat Michael Jordan (that one was just for Lonzo) in one-on-one.

Related
Lonzo Ball Draft Suite Interview
De’Aaron Fox Draft Suite Interview
Jonathan Isaac Draft Suite Interview
Jayson Tatum Draft Suite Interview
Malik Monk: Got Big Plans

Video courtesy of Kids Foot Locker

The post Kids Take on Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox and Other Top Picks in 1-on-1 Challenges appeared first on SLAM.

Keep it locked all night as we bring you all the news live from the Barclays Center.

2017 NBA Draft First Round Picks

1. Philadelphia 76ers (From Boston via Brooklyn) — Markelle Fultz, Washington
2. Los Angeles Lakers — Lonzo Ball, UCLA
3. Boston Celtics — Jayson Tatum, Duke
4. Phoenix Suns — Josh Jackson, Kansas
5. Sacramento Kings — De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
6. Orlando Magic — Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
7. Minnesota Timberwolves — Lauri Markkanen, Arizona (Traded to Chicago)
8. New York Knicks — Frank Ntilikina, France
9. Dallas Mavericks — Dennis Smith Jr., NC State
10. Sacramento Kings — Zach Collins, Gonzaga (Reportedly traded to Portland)
11. Charlotte Hornets — Malik Monk, Kentucky
12. Detroit Pistons — Luke Kennard, Duke
13. Denver Nuggets — Donovan Mitchell, Louisville (Reportedly traded to Utah)
14. Miami Heat — Bam Adebayo, Kentucky
15. Portland Trail Blazers — Justin Jackson, North Carolina (Reportedly traded to Sacramento)
16. Chicago Bulls — Justin Patton, Creighton (Reportedly traded to the Timberwolves)
17. Milwaukee Bucks — DJ Wilson, Michigan
18. Indiana Pacers — TJ Leaf, UCLA
19. Atlanta Hawks — John Collins, Wake Forest
20. Portland Trail Blazers — Harry Giles (Reportedly traded to Sacramento)
21. Oklahoma City Thunder — Terrance Ferguson, International
22. Brooklyn Nets — Jarrett Allen, Texas
23. Toronto Raptors — OG Anunoby, Indiana
24. Utah Jazz — Tyler Lydon, Syracuse (Reportedly traded to Denver)
25. Orlando Magic — Anzejz Pasecniks, International
26. Portland Trail Blazers — Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
27. Brooklyn Nets — Kyle Kuzma, Utah (Traded to Lakers)
28. Los Angeles Lakers — Tony Bradley, North Carolina (Reportedly traded to Utah)
29. San Antonio Spurs — Derrick White, Colorado
30. Utah Jazz — Josh Hart, Villanova (Reportedly traded to the Los Angeles)

The post Markelle Fultz Drafted No. 1 Overall By The Sixers appeared first on SLAM.

It comes down to Knicks president Phil Jackson.

Through his insistence on running the triangle offense, his continued public alienation of stars Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, Jackson has created a volatile situation in New York that players do not want to be a part of.

From ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

To restate the obvious, players and agents increasingly look at the Knicks as a destination of absolute last resort.

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 22, 2017

After a 31-51 season marred by several off-court incidents, Jackson is listening to trade offers for Porzingis—the only home run during his Knicks tenure.

With two more years on Jackson’s contract, the future doesn’t look bright in New York.

RELATED:
Report: Kristaps Porzingis Trade ‘Likely’ with Phoenix Suns

The post Report: Knicks ‘Absolute Last Resort’ for NBA Free Agents appeared first on SLAM.

Why wouldn’t they? Malik already has 44 points and seven treys. He’s already knocked down a pair of clutch shots. The final dagger almost seems inevitable; and sure enough, it sails through the net without grazing the iron. Kentucky secures the victory, 103-100.

Fast forward six months to Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors are down by two with just about 45 seconds left. Kevin Durant marches up the floor, notices that LeBron is giving him room, and pulls up for a transition three. Right then, as the ball leaves his fingertips, the same thought from six-months prior returns: This ball is definitely going in. And you know the rest.

Two players. Two cold-blooded plays. It should come as no surprise that one of the guys Malik has looked up to on his basketball journey is Durant. The other he mentions? Russell Westbrook. It’s their competitive spirits that appeals to Monk, who is no stranger to the killer instinct.

—

Malik grew up in Lepanto, AR, a small town of less than 2,000 people with a poverty rate that doubles the national average. Suffice it to say, the area is not known for its basketball. “There’s a lot of players down there,” Monk explains, “but most of them don’t make it out. I’m just trying to be different.”

Different. That’s the proper way to describe Monk’s path so far. He made it out of Lepanto, joined one of the best college programs in the country, won SEC player of the year, and is now a projected lottery pick. So yeah, the Arkansas native has embarked on a different journey.

The fact that Monk has managed to get this far begs the obvious question: how has he done it? What gives him that killer instinct, that propensity to drop 47 points as a freshman? What renders him different? Jason McMahan, Malik’s coach at Bentonville High School, narrows it down to three things.

1. Talent

Asked how he would describe his game, Monk says with a chuckle: “I can shoot the ball pretty well.” That he can. At Bentonville, he once went 11 of 13 from behind the arc; and in one season at Kentucky, he led the SEC in three-pointers made while shooting 40 percent. “Pretty well” competes for understatement of the year.

He’s more than just a shooter—Malik is a pure scorer, a bucket-getter, an offensive juggernaut. “I think he can do all the pick and roll stuff. Mid-range, finish at the rim on length, hit threes when they give that, pocket pass, see open man, and involve others,” McMahan says. “He can also play off the ball and move without it when he sets his mind to it.”

As for an NBA comparison, Monk sees similarities between himself and 2015 Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams. McMahan and one of Malik’s teammates at Bentonville, Ryan Bachman, are more assertive with their takes. “That is a tough one,” McMahan answers, “Steph [Curry] in vision and flair for the dramatic, and I believe there is some athleticism there that will impress people.” Bachman provides a similar evaluation: “For an NBA comparison, I don’t really know. He is one of a kind, but if I had to I would say a CJ McCollum with Westbrook-type athletic ability.”

Former Wildcat and blossoming Timberwolves’ star Karl-Anthony Towns, who has seen Malik play in person, notes his “great talent and athletic ability…that’s going to be very useful in the NBA.”

And yet, Monk is just 19 years old. The room and potential for growth is immense. According to McMahan, one of Monk’s overlooked qualities is his basketball IQ and knack for rapid improvement. “He picks stuff up so fast and implements it into his game.”

2. Determination

On June 8^th, 2017, while the Finals are still ongoing, Monk tweets out some lyrics from Drake’s “Blem”:

don’t switch on me i got big plans

— Malik Monk (@AhmadMonk) June 8, 2017

Those “big plans” have apparently existed for awhile now. Given the smoothness of his game, it’s easy to convince yourself that Monk has coasted on talent alone; but that’s far from the truth. When he moved to Bentonville as a sophomore, Malik made it clear from day one that he was hungry for success. At 15 years old, “he was the hardest worker on the team,” Bachman states, “going 100 percent every day in practice or in the weight room, causing everyone else to follow suit.”

That determination didn’t fade at Kentucky, and I wouldn’t bet on it to vanish any time soon. Monk says the best advice he’s received about how to handle the transition into the League is to “manage [his] time.” There’s less structure and more independence at the professional level. Beyond practice, players have a good amount of free time, and filling that time with the wrong things can lead to untapped potential. Monk is focused on getting the most out of his career. He already has goals for his rookie season, and the dude hasn’t even been drafted yet.

“Rookie of the Year. I’m trying to get that,” he tells SLAM. Big plans.

3. A Great Support System

“I know that a big part of the reason I’m here is all of the people – the amazing people – in my life that have helped me along the way,” Monk wrote in a Player’s Tribune piece that revealed he was entering the draft.

He thanked his mother, Jackie, and his older brother, Marcus, who played two years in the NFL and two years of professional basketball in Germany. Both have pushed Malik to be the best possible version of himself. After the 47-point outing against UNC, Marcus supposedly made sure to remind his little brother that he failed to secure a single rebound.

And of course, Malik acknowledged the many communities that have helped shape him: Lepanto, Bentonville, Big Blue Nation. In Lepanto, Monk basically lived at the local park, known affectionately as “The Woodz.” “That’s where I came up as a young kid,” Monk penned, “and it’s one of those places that will always feel like home to me.” As a tribute, he recently got a big tattoo of the park across his chest. Wherever he goes, Lepanto comes with him.

“I know they will be proud,” McMahan says of the close-knit, hard-working neighborhood that raised the soon to be NBA player.

—

Malik has largely embraced his role as “the different one.” He’s recognized the fact that others look up to him, and hasn’t taken it for granted. After every high school game, dozens of kids would wait outside the Bentonville locker room, at home or on the road. They just wanted to meet Malik, the rising star, the next big thing. Rather than locate an escape route, Monk would ensure that every single kid got a picture, autograph, or handshake. According to Bachman, sometimes he’d be out there for over 30 minutes, just confirming he didn’t miss anyone.

He was the same way with his teammates–willingly accepting a leadership role and always looking out. “I think what separates him from a lot of other really talented players is that he was a servant leader. He was the first person there to help you if you were on the ground, willing to stay after practice to work on things with you, or be there to tell you to keep shooting when shots you usually make were not falling,” Bachman describes.

I met Malik on Monday–three days before the Draft–at the Tissot store on 5^th avenue in New York. An overwhelming and exhausting week is just beginning. Prospects make appearance after appearance, do interview after interview, pose for picture after picture. But Monk just looks happy to be here, happy to be in this position. He’s all smiles as he moseys around the store, perusing the various collections. “I picked this one out right before the [draft] lottery,” he says, pointing to the Tissot watch on his wrist, which has an orange band and a big face, “I think I’ll wear it Thursday too.” One of the biggest nights of his life awaits, and he needs to be looking fresh. When his name is called, he’ll have another timepiece waiting for him – this one with his new NBA team incorporated, as Tissot will be preparing Quickster watches with custom casebacks for first round selections.

We sit down for a brief conversation, and like the million other media members he will talk to, I am lured to ask: How will it feel to finally walk across that stage?

“I can’t even tell you right now,” he pauses, “I got to wait till that moment. It still seems unreal.”

—

Alex Squadron is an Editorial Assistant at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @asquad510.

The post Got Big Plans appeared first on SLAM.

• Markelle Fultz
• De’Aaron Fox
• Jayson Tatum
• Harry Giles
• Jonathan Isaac
• Bam Adebayo
• Malik Monk

The incoming rookie class will be outfitted with the latest from the Swoosh, including the Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit.

Related
De’Aaron Fox SLAM x Foot Locker Draft Suite Interview
True To Self – De’Aaron Fox SLAM 210 Feature

h/t Nike

The post Nike Announces 2017 Rookie Class appeared first on SLAM.

Related
Devin Booker Scores 70 Points in Boston
Devin Booker Talks About his 70-Point Game 

Video courtesy of NBA 

The post Markelle Fultz, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson and Malik Monk Talk Hoops with Devin Booker appeared first on SLAM.

Monk, who averaged 19.8 points as a freshman last season, added that he’d be a good fit for the Triangle because of its emphasis on constant motion. Starting at 5:43:

From ESPN:

He had dinner with New York Knicks president Phil Jackson the night before his individual workout and spent most of the workout running through the triangle offense, he said, which is more evidence that the club plans to rely heavily on the offense next season.

 

“That’s all they were doing and focusing on,” Monk said.

 

He added that he believes he’d be a good fit in the offense, which some veterans in New York have struggled with and rebelled against.

 

“A lot of movement,” Monk said about the triangle. “It’s movement off the ball. I move off the ball great. I think it’s great for me.”

RELATED:
Jeff Hornacek Wants Knicks Committed to Triangle Offense Next Season

The post Malik Monk on Knicks Triangle Offense: ‘That’s All They Were Doing’ appeared first on SLAM.

According to Celtics GM Danny Ainge, who appeared on “Toucher and Rich,” a local Boston radio show, Ball and his camp “politely said no” to a workout:

According to Danny Ainge on our show this morning, Lonzo Ball informed the Celtics that he will not be working out for them. #Celtics

— Toucher & Hardy (@toucherandhardy) May 25, 2017

Via ESPN:

“We tried to get [Ball] in,” Ainge told the “Toucher and Rich” program while Boston’s front-office staff traveled for a draft workout in New York that included Duke’s Harry Giles and Kentucky’s Malik Monk.

 

“We don’t deal with [Ball’s camp] all that much. They didn’t show up at the combine, which is very common — many of the top 10 or 15 players don’t show up for the combine. … We just tried to get him in for a workout and they politely said no.”

The news shouldn’t come as a surprise. Following the Draft Lottery, LaVar Ball said that Lonzo will only workout for the Lakers. The point guard has been vocal about his desire to play in L.A., saying that he would rather play for the Lakers than be the No. 1 overall pick.

Related
Lonzo Ball Raps Over Drake’s “Free Smoke”

The post Danny Ainge Says Lonzo Ball Won’t Workout For Celtics appeared first on SLAM.

Uncommitted top-15 recruit Brian Bowen, a 6-7 wing who is a first cousin of Jason Richardson, dropped a game-high 26 points while shooting an impressive 6-for-7 from behind the arc. He earned MVP for the East Team. For the West, it was Miami commit Lonnie Walker Jr, a 6-4 SG from Reading (PA) High, who took home co-MVP honors after finishing with 19 points.

Other top performers included Arizona commit DeAndre Ayton, a 6-11 forward from the Bahamas, who posted 19 points and 8 rebounds. Kentucky commit Jarred Vanderbilt had 17 points and 7 rebounds until he suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury and eventually needed to be helped off the floor.

Big man Brandon McCoy had the only double-double of the night, with the uncommitted top-10 recruit finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while his East teammate Mitchell Robinson chipped in 15 points.

Other contributors for the West Team included Texas commit Matt Coleman, who finished with a game-high 8 assists to go with 8 points and 3 steals, and Alabama-bound PG Collin Sexton, who finished with 11 points and a couple of dimes.

Check out the video above for a summary of the top plays and performers from last night’s game.

The post WATCH: Top Plays From The 2017 Jordan Brand Classic appeared first on SLAM.

TMZ cameras caught up with Boogie and while he said that he “never heard of” Lonzo Ball, he was sure to point out that LaVar is a “legend.”

Cousins also said that Westbrook deserves the MVP award and gave props to De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Bam Adebayo. Check it above.

Related
WATCH: Lonzo Ball x Jason Kidd Comparison Mixtape

The post DeMarcus Cousins on Lonzo Ball: ‘His Dad is a Legend’ appeared first on SLAM.

Kentucky may have lost to UNC, but the Wildcats arguably won the sneaker battle with several players rocking an assortment of coveted Kobes. Isaiah Briscoe wore the most colorful model in the Nike Zoom Kobe 6 Prelude, Malik Monk wore donned the Nike Zoom Kobe 8 FTB and De’Aaron Fox once again wore the Kobe 9 Elite “Detail.” For the Tar Heels, Luke Maye hit the game-winning shot in the Jordan Super.Fly 5 while Theo Pinson stunted in the beloved “Cool Grey” Air Jordan XI Retro.

South Carolina is making its first trip to the Final Four led by its star Sindarius Thornwell. Thornwell, along with several teammates, rocked UA’s Charged Controller while others donned the Curry 3 in both the “ASG” and a black and white ‘way. Gonzaga is also making their first trip to the Final Four as the Bulldogs easily dispatched Xavier 83-59. Nigel Williams-Goss wore the Nike LeBron 14 “Time to Shine” as he dropped a game high 23 points.

Get caught up on the rest of the Elite Eight’s kicks in our latest weekend recap.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NCAA Elite Eight Kicks appeared first on SLAM.

After Malik Monk’s three-pointer tied the game at 73 with just over 7 seconds remaining, UNC’s Luke Maye had the answer.

MARCH!!!!#Elite8 pic.twitter.com/FJQIF7GpPB

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 26, 2017

Cold-blooded.

Justin Jackson led all scorers with 19. The Tar Heels will take on Oregon next Saturday for the right to go to the NCAA championship game.

Related
SLAM’s 2017 Final Four Picks

The post North Carolina Tar Heels Defeat Kentucky Wildcats 75-73, Advance to Final Four appeared first on SLAM.

Some of the head turners seen on-court were the team editions of the Air Jordan XXXI on the feet of Michigan and UNC players, the adidas Harden Vol. 1 “Disruptor” on Lonzo Ball and several UCLA Bruins and the eye-catching green Nikes worn by Oregon led by Dillion Brooks’ Nike Hyperdunk 2016 PE.

Kentucky’s dynamic freshmen duo of De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk wore the Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Detail” and Air Jordan XI “Space Jam” to help the Wildcats edge out Wichita State. And closing out, the adidas D Lillard 2 saw quite a bit of action with several players – including Kansas’ Josh Jackson and UCLA’s Bryce Alford – rocking team-flavored colorways.

Make sure you get caught up on your NCAA kicks with our latest sneaker recap.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NCAA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

—

Adam Figman, Editor-in-Chief
Final Four: Baylor, Louisville, Arizona, Kentucky
Champ: Kentucky
Why? Every tourney there’s a player with a string of breakout performances that jolt him a few levels higher in the “Exactly how good is he?” conversation. I’ve got Malik Monk as that guy this year. And maybe De’Aaron Fox, too. So, yeah. Kentucky.

Susan Price Thomas, Managing Editor
Final Four: Duke, West Virginia, North Carolina, Iowa State
Champ: Duke
Why? It’s been a minute since people complained about Duke.

Abe Schwadron, Senior Editor
Final Four: Arizona, Villanova, Kansas, Kentucky
Champ: Arizona
Why? Arizona’s best players (Rawle Alkins, Lauri Markkanen and Allonzo Trier) all have NBA talent and can all knock down free throws, which is critical in the mess that is the NCAA Tournament. And because I said it on the podcast.

Ryne Nelson, Senior Editor
Final Four: Arizona, Kansas, UCLA, Villanoa
Champ: Arizona
Why? The Wildcats haven’t been to the Final Four since 2001, but this year’s team is still hungry after a Pac-12 tournament title. Allonzo Trier has been on a tear since returning from suspension, and Sean Miller is as good a coach as any.

Franklyn Calle, Associate Editor
Final Four: Duke, Arizona, Kansas, UCLA
Champ: UCLA
Why? See Duke and UCLA making it to the title game. A coin toss for me. Choosing UCLA on pure gut feeling.

Peter Walsh, Associate Editor
Final Four: Gonzaga, Villanova, UCLA, Louisville
Champ: Gonzaga
Why? Trump is president. The Cavs came back from 3-1. The Cubs won the World Series. The Pats came back from 28-3. Now Gonzaga gets theirs.

Max Resetar, Assistant Editor
Final Four: Duke, Arizona, Oregon, North Carolina
Champ: Arizona
Why? Zona’s got the depth at the wings and a dynamic frontcourt with serious height. Sean Miller’s been around since, like, forever. He’s paid his dues and built a team that plays with legit hunger.

Tzvi Twersky, Contributing Editor
Final Four: Arizona, Duke, Kansas, North Carolina
Champ: Duke
Why? There’s not better time to find your footing than March and April. Look for fifth-year senior Amile Jefferson to lay it all on the line, and be prepared to watch Jayson Tatum show up some of other big name freshies.

Yaron Weitzman, Senior Writer
Iona over everyone because #914 (other than that, I got nothing).

Drew Ruiz,  Contributor
Final Four: Kansas, UCLA, Duke, Arizona
Champ: UCLA
Why? This might be biased of me because I’m an L.A. dude, but I gotta go with UCLA. It’d be good to see the Bruins break that nine-year drought of a PAC-12 team making it to the Final Four, too. Lonzo Ball’s built for the big stage (don’t @ me).

Dennis Page, General Manager
Final Four: Villanova, Kansas, Arizona, North Carolina
Champ: North Carolina
Why? Revenge, redemption and one year wiser.

Dave Schnur, Associate General Manager
Final Four: Villanova, Notre Dame, Kansas, Kentucky
Champ: Kansas
Why? After watching Kansas come back against West Virginia when the game was seemingly over with a minute left, I can’t bet against this squad. Frank Mason is a senior leader/National POY candidate and Josh Jackson is a freak NBA talent on both ends of the floor.

Michael Yaari, Advertising Sales
Final Four: Duke, Arizona, Kansas, UCLA
Champ: Duke
Why? Following what was an up-and-down and unpredictable regular season, I’m expecting plenty of Madness this March. With only one No. 1 seed in my Final Four (Kansas), I foresee upsets early and often. Arizona will run the table in a soft West region and UCLA’s high-powered offense will earn the school its first Final Four bid since 2008. But in the end, I’m putting my money on Coach K and a dangerous Duke team that’s peaking at the right time.

—

Image via Getty

The post SLAM’s 2017 Final Four Picks appeared first on SLAM.

John touched on why he became the title sponsor of the tournament, how unreal it was to have a tournament at the same high school he got cut from, and what the latest is on his sneaker situation.

SLAM: John, what made you decide to throw your name on the Holiday Invitational this year as the title sponsor?

John Wall: I just think that it’s a great tournament. I played in it and there are a lot of McDonald’s All-Americans, NBA players that came through there. For it to be in my hometown, it was great to put my name on it. I tried to get some big name guys to come back and play in it in the past to get it back to where it used to be when it was packed out every night.

SLAM: Is it surreal that you were cut in high school here at Broughton and now you are back here with your name on the biggest tournament in North Carolina?

JW: It’s definitely surreal. Every time that I go back in that gym, it’s surreal. I got cut, went to another school, and came back to win a championship every time I played here. I didn’t come in second place one time [after getting cut]. To have my name on it shows all of the hard work and dedication that I went through. I never gave up on anything. Everyone is still wondering why I got cut and I’m still wondering why I got cut, but that’s something I put past me.

SLAM: Were there any high school players that caught your eye here? Or maybe ones that you’ve seen on Instagram or YouTube?

JW: I don’t know the names of all of the guys there, but there are a lot of nice guys there. I don’t think basketball is the same as it used to be, but there are a lot of talented kids that you see on the college level or the NBA level killing. The Kevin Knox kid looked good, DeAndre Ayton, the kid going to VCU they played against (Lavar Batts), then the kid that was at Cannon. He’s pretty good. I like the way he plays.

SLAM: Speaking of guys that were here before and are at your alma mater, De’Aaron Fox has been putting in work. What do you think of he and Malik Monk’s NBA potential?

JW: They’re doing a great job. They’re probably the best backcourt in college basketball. They’re explosive, can shoot the ball, and are playing well. It’s exciting for me this year because I get to see them a lot because they play for Kentucky and are always on TV. Me and De’Aaron built a bond last year. When we were in Houston, I got there a day early and went to go watch him play in high school. I’m excited the way they’re doing and can’t wait to see them get to the pros.

SLAM: You’ve been rocking some interesting kicks on the court this year, man. How much are you looking forward to getting this shoe deal done? Do you have any clue when it’s going to happen?

JW: Nah, I have no clue. I basically banked on myself to see how well I play this year. I’m just sitting back and waiting. Maybe I’ll get one this year, maybe not. I’ll have one by this summer hopefully. I’m just doing the best I can to go out there, compete, and hopefully get my team to the playoffs.

Big thanks to David Walker for the photos

The post John Wall Reflects On Getting Cut From HS Team, Talks Kentucky Hoops appeared first on SLAM.

Monk dropped 47 points and set a Kentucky freshman record for the most points in a game. The sharpshooter scored 27 points in the first half and finished 18-28 from the field and 8-12 from beyond the arc.

“It’s not just that he had a bunch of baskets. He made, like, daggers that gave us a chance. I made two players in our locker room stand up and come hug him, because he saved them,” Coach Cal said after the game.

Peep the highlights above via Frankie Vision.

Related
Watch Malik Monk’s Official BallisLife Mixtape

The post WATCH: Malik Monk Scores 47 Points, Sets Kentucky Freshman Record appeared first on SLAM.

Yesterday, Calipari and the ‘Cats defeated the Eagles 156-63 in the team’s final exhibition game before the regular season. The squad’s prized recruiting class of De’Aaron Fox (25 points), Malik Monk (15 points), Wenyen Gabriel (16 points), Sacha Killeya-Jones (13 points) and Edrice “Bam” Adebayo (9 points) helped UK hit the highest scoring output in school history:

Talk about "everybody eats"
All 14 Wildcats scored tonight. pic.twitter.com/xQJcsQrCr8

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 7, 2016

Kentucky will face much stiffer competition next Tuesday (Nov. 15) at Madison Square Garden when the team will face Michigan State as part of the State Farm Champions Classic.

Check the highlights above.

Related
WATCH: Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness Recap
WATCH: Edrice ‘Bam’ Adebayo Official BallisLife Mixtape
WATCH: Malik Monk’s Official BallisLife Mixtape

The post WATCH: Kentucky Wins Final Exhibition Game By 93 Points appeared first on SLAM.

Along with his loaded freshman class, Cal also welcomed John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Willie Cauley-Stein back to campus. Check out the recap above.

Related
WATCH: Edrice ‘Bam’ Adebayo Official BallisLife Mixtape
WATCH: Malik Monk’s Official BallisLife Mixtape
Kentucky Will Reload Roster This Fall (Video)

The post WATCH: Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Coming out of Bentonville, AR, Monk played in both the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic this year, where he took home MVP honors alongside his future teammate De’Aaron Fox.

As you can see from the mixtape, Coach Calipari won’t have too much trouble trying to win games next year. The kid knows how to get to the cup.

Peep the video above and check out some previous coverage of Monk below:

Hunting Season
VIDEO: Class of 2016 G Malik Monk Mixtape

The post WATCH: Malik Monk’s Official BallisLife Mixtape appeared first on SLAM.

The 15th edition of the Jordan Brand Classic took place last Friday in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Twenty of the top players in the Class of 2016 took the court for what would amount to many as the last game of their high school careers. Kentucky’s future backcourt emerged as the story of the night, with De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk being the only two players in game to surpass the 20-point mark and ultimately both earned co-MVP honors. Fox, who pushed his East Team to a 131-117 victory over the West, finished with a game-high 23 points and 5 rebounds.

For the West squad, Monk scored 22 points to go along with 5 boards. Other top performers included Washington-commit Markelle Fultz (19 points and 4 rebounds), Duke-commit Jayson Tatum (18 points and 8 rebounds), St. John’s commit Shamorie Ponds (17 points) and Miles Bridges (17 points and 4 rebounds). Scroll through the photo gallery and play the video above to check out some of the action.

For a behind-the-scenes look into some of the activities that the players partook in while in NYC last week, click here.

The post Jordan Brand Classic National Boys Game (PHOTOS + VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

JBC week in New York is akin to the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, minus the extravagant alcohol-fueled parties and overbearing autograph seekers. It’s no match in terms of global cache, of course, but it’s undeniably one of the best events of the basketball calendar each year, for its combination of incredible basketball talent and “did that just happen?” moments with celebrities, legends and the players themselves.

Most importantly: it’s just genuinely fun.

The kids are in good spirits. The brand hooks them up. The media access is great. The fans are passionate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1gj8loLZW8

Like Tuesday, when after NBA legend and Jordan Brand athlete Ray Allen gave some remarks at this year’s “opening ceremonies” held at Terminal 23 in Manhattan, it became immediately apparent that, Yeah, these are still just high school kids. Within minutes of being set free at the tricked-out players’ lounge (pool tables, ping-pong, video games, the works), Michigan State-bound Miles Bridges and Duke-bound Jayson Tatum were performing a karaoke version of Future’s “March Madness” for their peers. A year from now, Bridges and Tatum will likely be lottery picks in the NBA Draft. Here they were, laughing and rapping and dancing—you know, being kids in a world where soon their every move will be tracked and every tweet turned into a bloggable news item.

Like Wednesday at 166 Flatbush, Jordan’s interactive retail pop-up space across from the Barclays and next to Shake Shack, where fans lined up for hours before it opened, engulfing the True Religion store with hopes of getting a glimpse inside the Jumpman shrine. With good reason: the Jordan Ultra.Fly, the Air Jordan XXX, the Letterman 1s and more were on display and on sale, not to mention a full-service barbershop, in-house bodega and virtual training station to track your skills. The players even got the chance to design custom t-shirts, like this one that Kentucky-bound Malik Monk created for himself:

Like Friday for the main event, the list of courtside cameos for which this year was strong, from JBC alums like Jabari Parker, Tyler Ennis, Tyler Ulis, Devin Booker and Jamal Murray (word to #BBN, again) to Giants WR Victor Cruz to Brooklyn rapper Desiigner—whose post-game performance of “Panda” had the Barclays crowd more energized than any Nets game in months—plus current All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Maya Moore. Fellow prospect Thon Maker showed up at one point and dapped up every player on the East bench during a timeout. Because, why not—after years on the high school hoops circuit, those are his boys.

It doesn’t take an expert to know that in 2016, HS basketball is big business. And sure, much of the glamour of the JBC can be attributed to Jordan’s emphasis on marketing the brand. But by letting the kids simply be kids, bringing in NBA ballers not just to make appearances and dip, but to actually be a part of the week, and allowing fans to participate in the week leading up to the featured games, Jordan’s been able to thread the needle: Jordan Brand Classic is cool. Still. In a culture where cool typically turns to corny as soon as a corporate entity seizes even the slightest control.

Scroll through the photos in the gallery above to get a sense of the week that was for the high school kids, from tourist attractions in NYC to gearing up for practice and the games.

The post 2016 Jordan Brand Classic Week Recap appeared first on SLAM.

The post Kentucky Will Reload Roster This Fall (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

“I love the dribble-drive offense,” says Fox, who finds himself averaging 35 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, while already surpassing 40 points in four of his first 11 games, as of press time. “You just put guys in the right spot and they just have to shoot it from there. It’s a lot of drive and kick-out threes. Coach [John] Calipari just makes it easier for his guards to play together.”

Widely regarded as the top point guard in the Class of 2016, Fox is expected to be a centerpiece of that offense in the fall when he arrives in Lexington, while reminding many of another great former guard who played under Coach Cal. “Everyone calls me John Wall 2.0—and I like the comparison,” says the Katy, TX, native. “Who wouldn’t enjoy being compared to a former No. 1 pick? But right now, I think I shoot much better than he did, at least for high school.”

And while being heralded as the second coming of Wall might provide lofty expectations, Fox has shown flashes that back up the statements.

Just like the Wizards’ All-Star, who congratulated Fox on Twitter after committing to the Wildcats in November, the 6-3 senior at Cypress Lakes can hit the accelerator with lightning speed in the open court. He can finish strong in traffic and his athleticism allows him to get up and fly above the rim when need be. His agility and craftiness can split the defense, and he can pull up as well.

While playing last summer with Houston Hoops in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League), recognized as the top youth travel circuit, he also led the league in assists and steals.

Big Blue Nation is expected to welcome in another star-studded freshmen class. Joining Fox in the backcourt will be Arkansas-bred shooting guard Malik Monk, another top-10 national prospect and one of his close friends. Additionally, power forward and high-flyer Edrice “Bam” Adebayo, another top-10 recruit, has signed, along with top-30 bigs Wenyen Gabriel and Sacha Killeya-Jones.

While there’s still plenty of time before the spotlight shines on them, the group has already begun the teamwork process. Killeya-Jones and Gabriel made their pledges to the program first and thus were in communication, but when Fox came to a decision, a group chat was born.

“I told them I was going to Kentucky before I ended up committing so we started the group chat a little early,” he says. “The day before Bam committed, he told Wenyen and so Wenyen added him to the group chat before he committed. And then Malik committed a couple of days later and then I brought him into the group chat. At this point, we’re all just bonding and getting to know each other better—build team chemistry. We talk almost every day. We just want to show up to Lexington and try to win a championship at the end of the day.”

In the meantime, Fox plans to continue learning to deal with the extra attention that is given to him—not by fans but by opposing defenders. Especially since it may not go away at the next level.

“Every year of high school I’ve been double-teamed or triple-teamed—that’s probably the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome,” he admits. “Just learning how to adapt like the best players in the world do. At this point, I’m just trying to have fun, get big numbers and win.”

—

Franklyn Calle is an Assistant Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @FrankieC7.

Portraits by Layne Murdoch

The post Ready For Em appeared first on SLAM.

McDonald’s All-American Game

Jordan Brand Classic Roster (First 16)
PF Edrice Adebayo, Kentucky
C Udoka Azubuike, uncommitted
C Marques Bolden, uncommitted
C Tony Bradley, North Carolina
SF Miles Bridges, Michigan State
PG De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
G Markelle Fultz, Washington
PG Alterique Gilbert, Connecticut
PF Harry Giles, Duke
SF Jonathan Isaac, Florida State
SG Josh Jackson, uncommitted
G Andrew Jones, Texas
SF V.J. King, Louisville
G Malik Monk, Kentucky
C Omari Spellman, Villanova
SF Jayson Tatum, Duke

The post Rosters for McDonald’s All-American & Jordan Brand Classic Games appeared first on SLAM.

“I grew up in the country, so when all of my friends went hunting I just wanted to kick it with them,” said Monk, who grew up in the small Arkansas town of Lepanto, which counts fewer than 2,000 residents, before relocating to the relatively larger city of Bentonville the summer before his sophomore year. “The first time I shot a gun I was like 9 or 10. I tried [hunting] a couple of times and then I just liked it.”

Yesterday’s coach was Kentucky’s John Calipari and his trip to Bentonville came just four days after Monk returned home from visiting the University of Arkansas—his fourth and last scheduled official visit on the recruiting trail.

While hooping and hunting don’t necessarily share much relation on the surface, in the cut-throat business of recruiting, where coaches travel the country looking to woo quality talent, the concept of the hunter and huntee do correlate.

But in the case of the 6-4 top ranked combo guard, the link between animals and basketball has a different origin. His jersey number used to be 35, a nod to Kevin Durant. But then he wanted a number that was more representative of his personality, and that’s where the impact that hunting has had on him becomes apparent.

“I wanted to switch my number to 5 because when God made the earth in seven days, the fifth day was when animals began appearing on earth,” says Monk of the number switch last season. “I watch Animal Planet a lot and I’m actually really into the way African wildlife animals like cheetahs and hyenas move.”

A key skill in hunting is patience, something Monk applied perfectly to his recruiting outlook. At the time of our interview with Monk, there wasn’t a timetable for his decision, despite having taken all of his visits. And while he officially cut his list to six over the summer, the majority of the chatter had boiled down to the Wildcats and the Razorbacks.

Choosing between an in-state school and a national program is tough for anyone. But for Monk, this in-state school also had family roots. His older brother Marcus played wide receiver for the Razorbacks, where he set a still-standing record for single-season TD receptions with 11 in 2006, before being drafted in the seventh round by the Chicago Bears in 2008. Marcus also had a couple of stints with the basketball team, including a 12-point performance in an upset victory against then Blake Griffin-led No. 4 Oklahoma.

“But when it comes to him, my loyalty is with him,” said Marcus. “I tell him this is one time when he can be selfish.”

Whichever program was fortunate enough to land Monk would get an explosive combo guard who can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. After all, he does hold the record for most points in a single game in the most prestigious summer youth circuit, the Nike EYBL, with 59 in 2014. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals as a junior while helping lead the Tigers to their first state championship game appearance in history.

“My brother’s been through this whole process, so he’s been telling me that whenever you feel ready, just pick,” said Malik of the looming decision, eventually announcing he was headed to Lexington just a couple of weeks later. “I just [had] to be patient.”

That’s what true hunters do.

—

This story is an updated version of the SLAM 194 print story following Malik Monk’s college announcement.

Franklyn Calle is an Assistant Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @FrankieC7.

Portraits by Layne Murdoch