That’s because the 6-8 guard is the youngest player in American hoops to have gone pro—ever. 

Last spring, just after turning 17, the wiry, athletic phenom bypassed his senior year at LG Pinkston High School in Texas to join the G League Ignite. He etched himself into the record books by signing a two-year deal with the NBA’s premier developmental unit, edging out former Ignite star Scoot Henderson—who, up to that point, had been the youngest American to participate in a professional basketball league—by five weeks.

But beyond Pate’s historically young age marker—which, to be clear, has become more normalized in the modern world of basketball—he’s simply a baller. Throw on his highlight tape and you’ll quickly understand why this Southern blue chipper has been wildly sought after. Ranked as a five-star prospect, he garnered recruitment from the nation’s premier college programs (Kansas, Kentucky, Georgetown and the like) as one of the most coveted additions of his class.

Instead, he took the LaMelo Ball route by going pro early. He played with the Ignite for a season, and in his limited but stellar outings, cemented his potential as a hybrid 1 guard who can do it all. He concluded his debut campaign with an average of 24 minutes, 8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. His length, smoothness, creativity and tempered decision making are reminiscent of Penny Hardaway (one of Pate’s idols) mixed with Shaun Livingston—another of Pate’s exemplaries—and a dash of (yes, I’m gonna say it) LeBron James, who is Pate’s all-time favorite.

“I watch the big guards. I key into what they’re doing,” he tells me over a Zoom call from his porch in Dallas. “But basketball wasn’t even my first love. I was a football player, bruh. I wanted to go to the NFL like Julio Jones, Dez Bryant. I only started playing basketball because I was in a program where you had to play both.”

It explains Pate’s propensity for action and his ability to shift gears and hit the lane with relentless bursts of speed. Large and point-guard minded, Pate knows where his spots are and will surgically get there to create for himself and his teammates. A panther in transition, he pounces, glides and Euro-steps around, through and over any defenders clogging the lane. Impressively, the former NFL hopeful plays with more finesse than force on the hardwood. In fact, it’s his cerebral grasp of in-game rhythm and flow that most seems to define his potential contributions at the NBA level.

But his plans to reach the Association became complicated by Ignite’s recent disbandment; only halfway into his contract with the team, the Las Vegas-based squad folded. Their unexpected dissolution means Pate and his cohort were the last to ever suit up in the experimental NBA organization’s black, purple and white threads. Like always, he had to figure out the best play to make next.

First, he attempted to enter the 2024 NBA Draft with his teammates Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland (lottery picks for the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons, respectively) via a waiver exemption, but was denied due to being under the League’s age limit. That hasn’t deterred the bucket-getting protégé from pursuing his telos, though. Pate made a historic pivot by signing with the NBA-affiliated Mexico City Capitanes.

“I found out [about Ignite’s ending] 45 minutes before the world found out. I didn’t think an NBA program would shut down,” he admits. “But I don’t regret it. That’s adversity. That’s where I get my confidence from. I have to be fully prepared. You never know what’s gonna happen next. What’s next is I went to the gym and I had a job to do, the season wasn’t over yet. And it means I’m the last one in history, as the youngest to ever play with the Ignite.

“I’ve always kept the main thing the main thing,” he adds, without hesitation. “Basketball is the main thing.”

Basketball is why Dink Pate—a Black, Gen Z teenager from Pleasant Grove—is living in Mexico’s capital. Currently, he’s projected to be a star on the Capitanes.

The outfit is the only Mexican-owned sporting franchise to ever compete as a full-fledged member of any pro US league. Having officially joined the G in 2021, Mexico City has since become a top destination for NBA veterans like Jahlil Okafor, Kenneth Faried, Michael Carter-Williams and Juan Toscano-Anderson, who enjoy the chance to shine in North America’s largest city (Mexico City is bigger than New York, L.A, Chicago, Toronto or any other city you can name on this continental expanse). The metropolitan scale and commercial offerings, along with its passionate, international fan base, is something that other G League teams located in places like Southaven, Mississippi and Oshkosh, WI, simply cannot match. And unless they’re on a two-way contract, Capitanes players are available to be called up by any of the NBA’s 30 troupes, which makes it an ideal proving ground for a rising star like Pate. 

And yet, the Capitanes are also Latin America’s home base for its growing ranks of hoop talent aiming to reach the NBA from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. The coaching staff is bilingual. The players and personnel vary in age, experience and career paths. It’s no ordinary circumstance for anyone to enter, let alone an American teenager who nearly ended up playing at the University of Alabama before deciding to go pro.

To his credit, Pate isn’t overthinking any of it. He’s taking Spanish classes once a week. Growing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where the Capitanes coincidentally played their home games during the COVID-impacted 2021 season (and which boasts over 2 million Mexican-heritage residents), has prepared him for this moment. He feels eager if not proud to put a spotlight on Mexico’s culture and its affinity for basketball.

“I be wearing my sombrero, bruh. I got Mexican homeboys. I stay representing,” he tells me, a Mexican American, with a genuine smile. “I feel like I got a country on my back now. I went down for two weeks and was showered with nothing but love. I love Mexico. That’s family.”

Mexico City will provide more than enough opportunities for what Pate is ready to deliver. Unlike his US-born contemporaries who will be mostly playing in front of college students and alumni at prestigious, ivory-towered campuses, Pate will be electrifying thousands of Spanish-chanting fans at Arena CDMX in the Azcapotzalco neighborhood of Mexico City as a member of the Capitanes.

When we linked up down south, he had just finished practice at Mexico’s national Olympic facility. We met at the bustling Monumento a la Revolución in the Aztec capital’s Plaza de la República. The triumphal arch—think the Arc de Triomphe on Champs-Élysées—symbolizes Mexico’s revolution, in which myth-like heroes such as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa were crowned liberators of the country’s working classes, effectively rewriting Mexican history over a century ago. 

Besides standing for the nation’s rebellion, the memorial is also the primary logo for the Capitanes. And what better identifier is there for Pate—a player who has already broken history as the youngest pro US baller, and who signed to Reebok—than an ode to revolution?

The NBA’s current age eligibility rules were implemented in 2006, just three years after LeBron James entered the League straight out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School like an otherworldly meteor of fiery athleticism and professional maturity. But what King James has accomplished since going pro as a teen has been, well, kingly and unprecedented. In 2005, the NBA’s CBA determined that the League simply needed more time in assessing its ultra-young pool of talent, so mandated that all future players must be at least one year removed from their high school graduation and must turn 19 years old within the same calendar year of being drafted.

Unfortunately for Pate, being born in March means he won’t hit 19 until 2025, when he can finally become eligible for the NBA alongside fellow lottery prospects like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. At this stage, he’s embracing each step with a precocious mindfulness.

“You can do everything with poetry,” Pate says. “Poetry is real calm. It’s not loud. Stay low and move slow.”

When asked where he developed that mindset, he cites the apodictic rap revolutionary, Tupac Shakur. Pate flashes his Makaveli tattoo and tells me that all 713 of Pac’s tracks are worth listening to. 

On the court, Pate carries a Shakurian blend of maturity and freeness of spirit. You can see it in his off-the-dribble shooting. His calculated step backs. His rhythmic spins. And you can see it in the way he carries a joyful confidence, too.

“I’m not worried about my game,” he says. “I’m focused on my leadership, my communication. I’m gonna be that guy on the team. I’m ready to take the blame. I’ve always been a leader to high school kids but I’m about to be thrown to the fire. I’m ready for it.”

Portraits by Sandra Blow.

The post Dink Pate is Ready to Make History and Become the First Pro Hooper Drafted Out of Mexico appeared first on SLAM.

But other times, it looks like just straight-up passion, the kind that says “kill or be killed.” Those who live in America are no stranger to the in-your-face sort of culture that surrounds basketball. But for players from abroad, like new Detroit Pistons rookie Bobi Klintman, it’s a completely different world. But it’s also one he’s adapting to.

“I would say out here in America, it’s like a religion,” Klintman says. “You grow up playing basketball, basically. You know somebody that played basketball, you probably have somebody in your family that played basketball.”

And it’s true. For many basketball players, it was practically instilled at birth—with many still hanging on to the early memories of one-handed dunks on a Little Tikes hoop. But for Klintman, that early exposure was hardly an option.

Growing up in Malmö, a coastal city in southern Sweden, Bobi became accustomed to the culture of football—or soccer, as we like to call it—before he ever tapped into the basketball scene.

“You heard about people playing soccer in school,” he says. “That’s like the number one sport. So, basketball, you don’t really see it a lot.”

It wasn’t until Klintman hit his early teens that he was able to really start molding himself as a basketball player. But even then, it didn’t compare to the level of intensity that was going on in the States.

“You got high school, AAU, that whole system—which is all different from Sweden. Sweden is more, like, you do it for fun,” he says.

Where many high school players would have an entire space or facility dedicated to helping them get better at their craft, Klintman had to share gym time with other sports.

“It’s very hard to get into the gym, there’s always something going on. It might be handball, field hockey, anything going on in the gym. So, you never knew when it would be available to go into the gym. When you got your practice time, you really got to maximize it,” Klintman explains.

Attending Sweden’s RIG Mark Academy, Klintman quickly rose through league ranks playing 13 games in 2019 for the academy’s third-tier league, Basketettan. Not even a year later, he made his way into the second-tier league, Superettan, before his season was cut short by Covid in February 2020.

“[RIG] is where we would have school and basketball at the same time. And that’s what I did when I turned 15. It’s kinda like club basketball, that’s the main thing, and if you’re good enough, you play pro in Sweden.”

And play pro he did. 

In 2021, Klintman rose to the first-tier league, Basketligan, where he played six games for the professional basketball club Borås Basket to finish out the season.

Despite going up against some of the top high school players in the country, he still managed to spark the attention of scouts overseas. The Swedish star received seven offers from top colleges, including Kansas and Virginia, before even stepping foot on US soil.

That following year, Klintman made the important decision to leave Sweden and travel to Kansas to play for Sunrise Christian Academy–a school known for developing some of the most decorated players during their early years, including Buddy Hield, Blake Hinson, and Gradey Dick (to name a few).

Assimilating into America’s passionate culture of basketball when you’re coming from a different country with an entirely different perspective on basketball isn’t easy. But Klintman didn’t focus too hard on the cultural differences. He simply took the opportunity at Sunrise Christian and ran with it.

Bobi quickly adapted to the American style of play, leading the team to a 25-2 overall record and the best season in school history. The team also won the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference, going 9-2 against nationally ranked opponents and peaking as the top-ranked team in the nation in February 2022.

Looking back on that time in his life, Klintman credits a lot of his growth as a player to his days at SCA.

“It was like, if you want to play a different position, you’ve got to be able to guard that position. “It was all me for that [ever] since I got out there,” Klintman said. “I couldn’t really move my feet at all when I first got to the US, but that was something I had to work on a lot, and still workin’ on ’til this day.”

Receiving support from loved ones and newly learned skills and guidance from former SCA coach Luke Barnwell, Klintman grew into a four-star recruit and took yet another huge leap of faith, committing to Maryland. But then he started second-guessing which college team was the right fit; he de-committed from Maryland and then Colorado before finally landing at Wake Forest.

“It’s different man. You have guys on your team that’s like 24 years old that’s been in college for, like, four years, so they know the system,” he says. “It’s just a lot to get used to. You gotta find a routine, something that works for you. When you step on the court, everything just closes.”

Bobi quickly became familiar with the team’s work ethic and appeared in all 33 games of his first season, even starting for a few games at the end of the year.

“You gotta really be a hard worker, you know?” he says. “That was probably when I really realized, we really got to put in, like, 100 percent, because to get on the court is very competitive.”

Much like his run at SCA, Klintman racked up crazy numbers, being both the first Wake Forest freshman to record multiple double-doubles since 2018 and the first Wake Forest freshman to record a double-double in an ACC Tournament game since school legend Tim Duncan.

Bobi kept his run at Wake Forest surprisingly short, initially declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft and then ultimately leaving the team.

Later that same year, he embarked on another challenge in yet a different country, signing with the Cairns Taipans as part of the Australian National Basketball League’s (NBL) Next Stars program.

Described by Taipans head coach Adam Forde as a modern NBA “prototype,” Klintman set his career high in points (24), rebounds (12), and assists (3) in three separate games during the season. Despite spending only one season with the team, Bobi says his time in Australia was one of profound growth.

“Every day you gotta give it your all, because everything leads up to [the team] winning the game,” he explains. “If I take my team [for] example, we lost the playoffs by one game, and that just shows how important it really is to win every game. It’s a small margin of error, so you gotta be the best version of yourself.”

Believing in his abilities is what has guided Klintman through the journey of success. His ability to mold himself, to adapt to such drastic changes in his career is what he believes will spark the fire he needs to conquer his next journey: the NBA.

Bobi has always had his heart set on NBA dreams. But to hear his name being called in June felt completely unreal.

“[I think] back to that, when [my brother and I] were sitting on the couch talking,” he recalled. “We [were] like, ‘That’s gon’ be us one day.’ I can’t even explain it, I’m still speechless about it.”

Klintman and his family were close to tears after the Swedish star was selected to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves–and traded the same day to the Detroit Pistons–essentially turning faraway dreams into a reality.

Despite not being selected in the first round—which would have made him the first Swedish player ever to be drafted that high—Klintman is eager to show his American counterparts the merits behind his roots.

“I feel like a lot of people who play basketball in Europe are pretty tough mentality-wise, because you gotta do a lot by yourself,” he says. “I feel like we have a different type of mentality. So I’ve been [trying to] keep that my whole life. I wouldn’t say I have a chip on [my] shoulder, but [something] like the same thing.”

Klintman holds his family and his roots close to his heart as a reminder. Oftentimes, he misses being able to call his friends to play basketball or being able to eat his mom’s signature lasagna after a long day.

“That’s what I do it for. So not having [my family and friends] around has been hard,” he says. “But at the same time, we all growin’ up, we all got our goals, and we always support each other.”

As much as Klintman holds onto memories from growing up in Sweden, he recognizes that there’s another goal to be had in this new environment: “I want to win a championship.”

Photos via Getty Images. Portraits by Eli Selva. Edits by Alexander Zheng.

The post Swedish Sensation and Detroit Pistons Rookie Bobi Klintman is Ready to Bring His European Mentality to the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Ahead of his inaugural season with the Yellow Jackets, we sat down with Stoudamire at SLAM’s HQ to learn more about his coaching style and how he transitioned to the sidelines after 13 years on the hardwood.

SLAM: People know you from your NBA days in the ’90s and ’00s. What made you get into coaching?

Damon Stoudamire: I was in Houston and I was working out at Rice University. When I was an undergrad at Arizona, there was a guy named Chris Del Conte who was working under our [Arizona] AD Jim Livengood. He was the Athletic Director at Rice at that time and he was the one who said, Man, you should coach. He was like, We’ve got a new coach [Ben Braun], go talk to him. So I went and talked to him, and he said he could bring me on. He couldn’t pay me but it wasn’t about the money, obviously. 

That’s how it started, just being around the game. It went from watching practices to, Coach, is it OK if I come to your office and shadow you? Talk to you, pick your brain? Yeah, sure. Coach, can I come to recruiting meetings? Yeah, sure. Coach, can I come on a road trip with you? I want to see what that looks like. So that’s kind of how it started. He let me get an apprenticeship—I would call it being a high-level intern. I was doing that for maybe a month and a half, two months. Then the Memphis Grizzlies, who I played for, had hired Lionel Hollins, and Lionel called me to see if I would be interested in joining the staff. That’s when everything started going in that trajectory.

SLAM: When you landed with the Grizzlies, was coaching something that you were actively trying to pursue?

DS: I’m still trying to figure it out [at that point]. Lionel let me get my feet wet, so I was in charge of player development. I was basically working out with guys that I just got through playing with. I played with Mike Conley. I played with Rudy Gay. Darius Miles was on the team. It was crazy, because it was like three to four guys I had actually played with in the NBA. And now I’m coaching them. So Lionel told me, I’ll never forget this, When you’re ready, we’ll give you some scouts. That’s kind of when I knew I wanted to coach.

I’ll tell you one thing about me coaching is that I learned from some of the best, and they taught me a lot and they allowed me to grow. That was the biggest thing—they allowed me to grow.

SLAM: At what point did you start to formulate a plan and a timeline for your coaching career?

DS: I never formulated a timeline but this is what I told myself—with my background as an NBA player, and then going to college, that’s the best of both worlds. That makes a man desirable. That’s how I looked at it. The only timetable I set—I haven’t told a lot of people this, only a couple of people know—was by the time I’m 50 years old, I want to be able to pick the job of my choice. Whether it’s in the NBA or whether it’s in college, I want to make myself the most desirable coach that I can be to where if a job opens, they say, We want Damon Stoudamire.

SLAM: How would you describe your coaching style now that you’ve got your own team?

DS: My style is simply how it fits my team. You cannot say you’re going to play one style or another if you don’t have the right team. So you’ve got to see what your team looks like. You have to see where the strength of your team lies. And then you’ve got to formulate your plan from there, on both sides of the ball. My style is, I’m a player’s coach. It’s a feel. I always put myself in the position of a player. Being a player’s coach is being relationship driven, and it’s understanding the room. And from the standpoint of who I am, that’s my greatest trait. I’m a guy who understands what each player needs individually to be successful and how that fits into the whole to help the team be successful.

SLAM: When you were hired by Georgia Tech, you and the Boston Celtics were in Atlanta to face the Hawks. Tell us a little bit about that weekend.

DS: It’s a 13-day road trip and about five or six games. There wasn’t even time to think, that’s how fast it happened. I get to Atlanta and I meet with the AD and everybody. Probably five minutes into the conversation, I was like, This is real right here. We were talking, getting to know each other, trying to gauge if it was a fit. Let’s see if Damon’s personality, his demeanor and his style fit Georgia Tech. So we go from that dinner to, Well, can you meet in the morning with the president? And that’s the morning that we’re playing the Hawks. We ended up meeting at seven in the morning. And as I’m getting on the first bus, I get a call and they said, Hey, man, it looks like you might be the guy. They want to start speeding this up. So we get through the game, get back to the hotel and start hammering out contract details. It was bittersweet, honestly. But things happened so quickly. And then right after that game in Houston, I got [on] a plane, came right back to Tech, had a press conference that morning, [and] then boom, you’re hitting the ground running.

SLAM: After you were hired, you said, “I always tell people, unless somebody tells me different, I have never known a guy that’s gotten a job that he chases.” What did you mean?

DS: Only a select few are chosen to accelerate the process. But most of us have to go through the process. There’s a trajectory to get to where we’ve got to go. I always tell guys, You’ve got to be patient and don’t be ambitious. Do the best job in the position that you’re in, because trust me, people notice that. I remember when Lawrence Frank got the Detroit Pistons job. I didn’t know Lawrence from a can of paint, and he didn’t know me. But I got a call from him about joining his staff because he had talked to people about me and they told him I was a hard worker, I’d be great for him. For me, that’s one of the biggest compliments I ever got. For somebody that you don’t know to call you and want you to join their staff—man, that doesn’t happen a whole lot.

SLAM: There have been so many great point guards who have come through Georgia Tech. Are you going to continue that tradition? 

DS: The point guard has been synonymous with Tech, and I want that tradition to continue. But at the same time, there’s been some great forwards to come through Tech. I’m looking for the next Chris Bosh, Derrick Favors. I played with John Salley in Toronto. 

For me, the biggest thing is getting Tech back to prominence. It’s a great city, it’s a great institution and it’s a great basketball conference. I remember growing up and wanting to play in the ACC. The ACC Tournament was the biggest thing for me growing up, even as a West Coast guy. When I look at the league and the success the league has had over the course of time, it just makes it more exciting for me to be at Tech.

Portraits by Marcus Stevens. Photos via Getty Images.

The post Damon Stoudamire Talks Vision for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Returning the Program to ‘Prominence’ appeared first on SLAM.

Roughly 24 hours after the Phoenix Suns land in Atlanta, having just flown in from New York following a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, Mikal Bridges is told that he has to hop on a flight back to Brooklyn. On a one-way ticket, that is. He’s been traded.

With no chance to grab any personal belongings from his home in Phoenix, Bridges simply gathers the bags he has packed for the five-game road trip (ATL was the fourth stop), says his goodbyes to his teammates and staff—after spending four and a half seasons in the desert—and returns to BK. 

He’ll be living out of a hotel near the Brooklyn Bridge waterfront for the next few weeks until he finds a more permanent spot. But as turbulent as the shift may feel, a change in scenery isn’t the only thing Bridges is going to have to get used to in the coming weeks. 

An entirely different role awaits, as well as an entirely different aura around his name.

In just his third game with the Nets, Bridges posted a career-high 45 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in a win against the Heat. His career-high up to that point was 34 points. After having never touched the 40-point mark in Phoenix, he went on to drop 40+ points three times—including twice during a three-game stretch—in the last couple of months of the season with Brooklyn.

“Just having that game [against Miami] and winning, and just all that buzz and being fine, that feeling of being in New York for real and all the love and the publicity after that—I’ll definitely say after that Miami game [is] where I felt [it]. And I had a little [All-Star] break [after], so I went home and then when I came back it was like, Alright, let’s get ready for this, this little second gear,” remembers Bridges. 

With the Nets, he quickly began putting his name in the record books, again and again. He became the first player in NBA history to average 25 or more points while shooting 50/40/90 in his first 10 games with a new team. He also broke the record for most points ever scored in the month of March by a Nets player, which was good for the second-most points by a Nets player in any month in franchise history.  

After averaging 17.2 points per game in 56 outings with the Suns this past season, Bridges’ scoring average skyrocketed to 26.1 points with the Nets. Since the mid-February move, the former Villanova standout went on to finish with 30+ points on 11 different occasions in Brooklyn. Prior to the trade, he had only surpassed 30 points one time this season (and only two other times in his entire career).

He had suddenly gone from being a nice supporting player whose full potential remained hidden while hooping in the shadows of All-Stars like Devin Booker and Chris Paul in Phoenix to emerging as a full-blown bona fide star. A legitimate go-to first option on a playoff team overnight, it seemed.  

“I think the toughest thing was just not having everything, and everything [happened] so fast with the trade. Just had to leave where [I’m] at to come there. I just had my bags and went straight to New York,” says Bridges. “But it was dope. I always wanted to live in New York—came to New York a lot in college, just playing out here [in Philly], went to Villanova, so everybody lives in New York coming from Villanova. But it was great. I love the people here, and I love the vibe in New York and the city. So, I was very excited to come here.

Just being on the East Coast again, I love the East Coast people. Obviously, I love the people in Phoenix as well, they’re great people, but it’s just [about] coming back to the East Coast, to what I’m used to.”

After “blowing it all up” and trading superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant within a handful of days from each other, the Nets had found their new star much quicker than they may have anticipated. Bridges brought much-welcomed hope and excitement to a fan base that was in dire need of it. The franchise had found a fresh identity while in the dawn of a new era.  

But being the guy for any NBA team has its challenges, too. There are defensive schemes thrown at you that others don’t see. You’re scouted differently. And as a leader, expectations are higher than for anyone else in the locker room. The role has a few extra duties. It’s all been part of the learning curve for Bridges, one that he’s welcomed with open arms. 

“I think the biggest challenge is probably always leading, every single time. Even if I get frustrated, guys are kind of looking at me strictly just because, and I feel like that’s a struggle I just kind of [have to] get better at it ’cause it’s emotions in the game and I get frustrated a lot,” says Bridges of his sudden leadership role in Brooklyn. “Just can’t let my emotions bring anybody else on the team down, so, just got to stay positive, even if it’s tough—gotta push through it and try to be level-headed at all times. 

“It’s definitely a challenge, but, you know, it’s something I love and embrace and take on. It’s definitely different, being one of the go-to guys and defenses scout on you. Luckily, I had some time before I got traded—we had a lot of guys out in Phoenix at the time—where I was being that guy. And it was, trust me, a lot of growing pains. It was tough just being that focal point and everybody’s looking at you. But I feel like it’s been good—a lot of learning, still learning to this day—and there’s gonna be a lot more to learn. But I’m here to embrace it and go through the tough times just to blossom later.” 

The trade paved the way for Bridges’ return to the Northeast. He was born and raised just a couple hours south of Brooklyn in the greater Philadelphia area, where he spent his entire life until the Suns traded for him on draft night in 2018.   

“When I was in college, we came to New York a lot, just playing in the Garden [in the annual Big East Tournament] and then having events. Coach [Jay] Wright loved New York, so we had an event called Hoops on the Hudson,” Bridges remembers. “We’d come out here and be out here for a couple days while it was preseason. Just been around and visiting in college and in the summer, have friends who live out here—I just know the speed of New York and I was just super excited to come here.” 

The trade also allowed Bridges to reach an extremely rare feat: playing 83 regular season games. The last time this occurred was in 2014-15 when Josh Smith played for both the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets following a trade. In fact, Bridges hasn’t missed a single game in his five-year NBA career thus far. 

“He’s the iron man of the NBA,” Nets teammate Spencer Dinwiddie told ESPN earlier this year.  

It’s just another prime example of the kind of star the Nets got in February—a certified hooper who can be counted on to show up, whenever, wherever, with whomever.  

“I’m just trying to win, honestly, that’s the biggest thing for me. Obviously, just playoffs and hopefully eventually—the biggest is always a championship, but there’s a lot of steps to do to get there,” says Bridges. “So sustainably just winning and building a really good culture.”

Portraits by Marcus Stevens

The post Mikal Bridges is Ready to Embrace His New Star Role in Brooklyn appeared first on SLAM.

That’s the cocktail of emotions running through Paolo Banchero as he walks back to the locker room after a tough loss in Detroit—one that came down to the wire and was decided in the last couple possessions.

Banchero felt he had it. He was this close to putting the team on his back and leading it to a comeback victory in his NBA debut.

The final possessions went something like this: Down 3 with under 40 seconds to go, Banchero went coast-to-coast after grabbing a defensive rebound and finished with a strong right-handed layup. That cut the deficit to 108-107. After a corner three-pointer from Isaiah Stewart, Banchero responded by crashing the glass, drawing a foul and sinking two clutch free throws to pull the Magic within 2 with five seconds remaining. The sold-out crowd inside Little Caesars Arena was going berserk as the game reached its breaking point.  

But this one would end in heartbreak for the rookie. Despite his valiant effort and heroic baskets down the stretch (he even caught a poster earlier in the quarter when he dunked over Cory Joseph), Bojan Bogdanovic hit two big free throws for the Pistons at the end to seal the game. Pistons 113. Magic 109. 

And, so, that walk back to the locker room really stings. The mix of emotions are kicking in, and they don’t feel great. He’s just too competitive to “We’ll get ’em next time” it right now.

But then he’s greeted with a different type of energy upon reaching the locker room.

The future is Paolo. Get your copy of SLAM 244 featuring the Rookie of the Year.

“I remember just being genuinely pretty pissed off that we lost. And I remember getting back to the locker room, and our PR guy, his eyes were, like, lit up and he was hella happy,” Banchero recalls. “He was like, Yo, great job! He asked me if I realized what I even did, and I was like, Man, no—I don’t know. I knew I had a good game, but I wasn’t thinking it’d be this historic thing. I saw my parents after the game, and they were hella happy. I kind of saw the vibe, and it was like, I didn’t want to be happy, but, I mean, it was kind of hard not to [be]. Everyone who came up to me was like, Congrats! And I just was like, Man, we play in two days, let’s go, let’s move on. When you think back to it [now], you realize how big of a moment that really was, being your first NBA game. But not in the moment. I definitely didn’t feel the magnitude of the game or the performance, I just kind of wanted to move on. Especially since we didn’t win.”

The magnitude? Just a few decades- long NBA records being touched. Nothing major at all.   

Banchero’s NBA debut stat line—27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists—made him the first NBA player to post at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his League debut since LeBron James in 2003. Only three other players in the Association’s history ever have: Grant Hill, Willie Anderson and Ron Harper. In the points column, Banchero’s 27 were the most in an NBA debut by a No. 1 pick since Allen Iverson in 1996.

“Honestly, I think I kind of had that feeling during preseason—people always ask me, How did you come out [and] look so comfortable in your first game? For me, I got all the nerves out during preseason,” the Seattle native says. “My first preseason game, I was way more nervous for that than I was for the actual regular season game. Like, once I played those preseason games, I felt like I was already acclimated. So, going into that Detroit game, obviously it’s the first regular season game so everything’s getting turned up, you’re gonna play more minutes or whatnot. And I just remember feeling, like, raw emotions and being excited, but in my head, I just knew I was going to have a good game. I knew I was going to put on a show. Not gonna say I knew I was gonna go for 27 and whatnot, but I just knew I was gonna have a good game and come out strong, because the debut of your rookie year, that’s just a game where you got to be locked in, you got to be focused.”

In the days and weeks that followed, Banchero would continue to place his name in the history books. In his second game, he dropped 20 points and 12 rebounds, and then followed that up with 23 and 5—making him the first teenager ever to score 20+ points in his first three NBA games. In fact, he scored 20+ points in his first six NBA games, joining Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain and Elvin Hayes as the only rookies to ever do so. In his 10th game, he dropped 33 points and 16 rebounds, joining LeBron as the only teenagers in NBA history to post 30+ points and 15+ boards in a single outing. Just 48 hours later, he became only the fifth teenager in NBA history to score 30+ points in consecutive games (the others are LeBron, Devin Booker, Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson). He joined Michael Jordan and Zion as the last three rookies to score 20+ points in 15 of their first 20 games. By the end of the season, he had dropped 20+ points in 40 total games, tying LeBron’s rookie mark. 

Banchero says his Rookie of the Year campaign, one in which he finished averaging 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, really kicked off in the spring of 2022, when he made a decision that shocked many in the industry. The Duke star chose to bypass having a powerhouse agency rep him and instead decided to go with former NBA wing Mike Miller and his LIFT Sports Management firm, a rookie agency with a small client roster at the time.

“Obviously, [Miller] played with and against Hall of Famers, had a great career himself, so he knows what it looks like—he’s done everything I want to do,” says the 2023 NBA ROY. “He’s had teammates who, you know, went on to be some of the greatest of all time. If anyone knows what it looks like to be one of the best, it’s him. So when he said that and preached the importance of putting basketball first and making sure I’m the best player I can possibly be—putting that at the forefront—it really helped me make the decision.”

In Miller, Banchero felt he had not only found an agent, but a true workout partner, trainer and mentor. In fact, Banchero says that instead of referring to Miller as “Mike,” he calls him “Coach.” The ultimate sign of respect, and reflective of how he views Miller and their relationship. The “Coach” tag also makes sense when you factor in that Banchero first met Miller when the latter was an assistant at Memphis under Penny Hardaway a few years back (Miller spent two years with the Tigers). 

Banchero’s first pre-draft training session with Miller was in Miami, and the current Magic star still remembers everything about those early gym days.

“I still tell him to this day, those first three or four workouts we had in Miami, those are the best ones. Those are the ones I always think about—just how much fun they were, just the intensity that we were working at,” says Banchero. “I think, for me, working with Mike, it just has really been my shot that has been one of the biggest things. Him helping me with my shot. The difference between this time last year and this time right now, between just the way I shoot the ball, is night and day. I gotta give most of the credit to him just for helping me and making it easy…It’s just been smooth sailing. I would say my jumper is where he’s helped me the most. I could ask him about any part of the game, any situation or scenario, and he’ll know about it.”  

As fate would have it, a couple of months later, Banchero would get drafted by the Orlando Magic—the same team that drafted Miller in 2000, and where he also won Rookie of the Year (Banchero, Miller and Shaquille O’Neal are the only ROYs in franchise history).

But despite all the individual accolades and personal records set during his debut NBA season, Banchero has already turned the page to the next chapter. When we shot this cover in early May, as playoff euphoria was at its peak, the 6-10 forward said that being a spectator to the postseason has given him a whole lot of FOMO. Ultimately, he’s aware that, fairly or unfairly, his career will be judged based on how much winning he’s able to bring to his team—a challenge that he doesn’t plan on waiting much longer to start making a dent in.

“Watching the playoffs, it just doesn’t feel right that we’re not on that stage—I’m not on that stage. I just feel like that’s where I need to be. That’s where we need to be. That’s where we all want to be,” says the rising star. “So, obviously, it’s gonna take a whole bunch of work, and we’re gonna have to just be a lot better. But I think this year was a step in the right direction—the vibe we had, how competitive we were all year, the teams we beat, the teams we should have beat, it just left a specific taste in our mouth. And, you know, we gotta try and get it next year. I’m excited. I think we’re all excited.”  

The Magic saw a 12-win improvement from last season—the biggest win increase in the Eastern Conference and the third-most in the NBA behind the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder. After starting the season 5-19, Orlando went 29-29 in its remaining 58 games. During that 29-29 stretch, the team had the League’s sixth-best defensive rating (112.8), according to the Orlando Sentinel. The signs are there. A culture and identity shift are brewing. And if you ask Banchero, it’s given him and his teammates a lot of fuel heading into the offseason.

“I think this is the most motivated I’ve been heading into a summer,” he says. “And I think a lot of guys on the team would say the same. I think we all kind of have that same mentality where next year is the year where we kind of put ourselves in that conversation of being one of the better teams in the East, and then in the League.”

SLAM 244 COVER TEES

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Portraits: Marcus Stevens

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The post Following His Historic Season, Paolo Banchero is Ready to Take the Magic to New Levels appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos via Getty Images.

The post How a Trip to Paris and the Legacy of the ’90s Chicago Bulls Inspires Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan appeared first on SLAM.

It was hard not to go with Mac McClung. 

In the span of a few days, the Delaware Blue Coats guard earned a call-up from the Philadelphia 76ers, signed a sneaker deal with Puma, and, oh yeah, brought back the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with an unforgettable performance in Salt Lake City (also, I have to call out this 360 layup from Monday night). But…

Carlik Jones has been that good. Really, pretty much unstoppable. The Windy City Bulls star has been one of the best players in the G League all season, and just wrapped up perhaps the busiest month of his career so far. It started with a dominant performance against the Herd in Wisconsin: Jones dropped 40 points on 16/25 shooting from the field and 8/9 from three on February 3. Two days later, he took the court in Greensboro and hung 31 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals on the Swarm. Not a bad road trip.

After going undrafted out of Louisville, Jones first joined the G League in October of 2021, when he was acquired by the Texas Legends. He immediately established himself as an elite scorer and playmaker—on opening day against the Lakeland Magic, he casually put up 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win. 

Jones always plays at his own pace, patient and under control. He lulls defenses to sleep and then attacks the paint with force (I was there at the Comerica Center when he did this… and oh my God). At just 6-0, he relies on his athleticism, exceptional handles, and nifty footwork to create offense, both for himself and for others. Pull up any highlight video of Jones and you’ll see the full package: he shoots confidently from behind the arc, stops on a dime for smooth midrange jumpers, finishes through and around rim protectors at the basket, and finds teammates for easy opportunities.

Last year, Jones led the Legends to the second round of the playoffs and was named to the NBA G League All-Rookie Team and the All-NBA G League Third Team. He began this season on a standard G League contract but was called up to the Chicago Bulls in December, inking a two-way deal. Since then, he has mostly remained in the G, but did manage to score the second field goal of his NBA career in Paris when the Bulls met the Detroit Pistons in January’s NBA Paris Game.

Appearing in eight G League contests throughout February, Jones averaged 27.5 points (on 46% shooting), 8.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Windy City, a team fighting for a playoff spot, went 6-2 in those games. Jones also logged 22 minutes for Chicago—the most he’s received in an NBA game to date—during a nationally-televised matchup with the Bucks on Feb. 16 (he finished with 1 point, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists). 

From there, Jones was off to Salt Lake City for All-Star Weekend. He was one of 24 players invited to participate in the first-ever G League Next Up Game, which also featured previous “Players to Watch” Luka Garza, Kenneth Lofton Jr., and Isaiah Mobley.

Of course, McClung was the G Leaguer who stole the show out in Utah. The spotlight has (rightfully so) found him in February, and he has used it to help promote the level of talent in the G. Asked to deliver a message to NBA executives, McClung said, “I’d really encourage them to watch the G League. There’s a lot of people in the G League who deserve the same light.”

People like Carlik Jones. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS (FEBRUARY STATS)

Xavier Moon, Guard, Ontario Clippers: 26.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 52 FG%, 47 3P%

Johnny Juzang, Guard, Salt Lake City Stars: 26.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 49 FG%, 41 3P%

Alize Johnson, Forward, Wisconsin Herd: 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 66 FG%

DaQuan Jeffries, Guard, Westchester Knicks: 23.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 49 FG%

Lester Quinones, Guard, Santa Cruz Warriors: 23.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 47 FG%, 38 3P%

Kenneth Faried, Forward, Mexico City Capitanes: 13.9 points, 14.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 2.3 blocks, 49 FG%

Chris Chiozza, Guard, Long Island Nets: 14.7 points, 8.4 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 52 FG%, 52 3P%

FEBRUARY CALL-UPS

Willie Cauley-Stein, Forward, Rio Grande Valley Vipers to Houston Rockets

P.J. Dozier, Guard, Iowa Wolves to Sacramento Kings

Kris Dunn, Guard, Capital City Go-Go to Utah Jazz

Frank Jackson, Guard, Salt Lake City Stars to Utah Jazz

Keaton Wallace, Guard, Ontario Clippers to Los Angeles Clippers

Nate Darling, Guard, Ontario Clippers to Los Angeles Clippers

Mac McClung, Guard, Delaware Blue Coats to Philadelphia 76ers

Olivier Sarr, Forward, Oklahoma City Blue to Oklahoma City Thunder

Joe Wieskamp, Forward, Wisconsin Herd to Toronto Raptors

Quenton Jackson, Guard, Capital City Go-Go to Washington Wizards

Stanley Umude, Guard, Motor City Cruise to Detroit Pistons

Jamaree Bouyea, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat

Photos via Getty Images.

The post NBA G League Player to Watch (February Edition): Carlik Jones appeared first on SLAM.

The Spurs sold 63, 592 tickets for the record and could sell 68,000, including standing-room tickets. The Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks set the previous record of 62,046 that stood for nearly 25 years. The Eastern Conference rivals played the game at the Georgia Dome on March 27, 1998.

The biggest crowd in League history was at the 2010 All-Star Game when the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, hosted 108 713 fans. Excluding that monster attendance, Friday’s matchup between the Spurs and Warriors will be the fourth NBA game with more than 50,000 in the stands. Two of those were at the Silverdome when Detroit hosted 52,745 fans against the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 14, 1987. On Jan. 29, 1988, the Pistons drew 61,983 fans when they played the Boston Celtics.

The previous Alamodome record for an NBA game was 39,554 fans when the Spurs hosted the New York Knicks for Game 2 of the 1999 NBA Finals.

The post San Antonio Spurs Set to Break Single-Game Attendance Record appeared first on SLAM.

Based on his performance over the three-day event, Lofton Jr. earned a late invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. On May 23, just after the Combine ended, he announced his decision to remain in the 2022 Draft. “See y’all June 23,” he wrote on Twitter. “100% staying in the draft!” Though he wasn’t selected, the 20-year-old eventually signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and continued to shine at NBA Summer League in July, posting 14.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

At 6-6, 275 pounds, Lofton Jr. is built more like an NFL tight end than an NBA forward. His strong frame, “bully ball” style and smooth lefty jumper immediately reminded Grizzlies fans of Zach Randolph. The hype surrounding him grew even more during a matchup with No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren, in which Lofton Jr. overpowered the 7-1 Gonzaga star down low, notching 19 points and 6 boards.

A point guard in high school before sprouting from 6-2 to 6-6 and moving to the frontcourt at Louisiana Tech, Lofton Jr.’s game reflects just that—he is as comfortable handling the ball up top as he is operating on the post, where he makes up for a lack of height with sheer muscle and excellent footwork. Asked about the development of his unique skill set at Grizzlies media day, Lofton Jr. said, “I just knew post moves. I just added everything I had and put it in one bag and used it.”

That bag includes a soft touch in the paint, a crafty spin move and an impressive passing ability. And now, with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate, Lofton Jr. is adding to his arsenal. After taking just 20 total threes in college, the rookie is currently averaging just under 4 attempts per contest. He shot 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from behind the arc in December, averaging 21.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists to lead his team to a 7-2 record.

Memphis went 2-0 at the recent AT&T Winter Showcase in Las Vegas, the event that every G Leaguer has circled on the calendar. Playing in front of scouts and executives from all 30 NBA teams, Lofton Jr. was dominant. He showed his expanded range, knocking down 5 three-pointers, and overwhelmed weaker defenders inside. He was unstoppable driving to his left, using his body to keep shot blockers away and finishing through contact at the rim. In the two most important games of the season so far, he averaged 27 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5 assists. He was named to the All-Winter Showcase Team along with Brandon Boston Jr., Tre Mann, Isaiah Mobley and Terry Taylor.

Of course, Lofton Jr. still has a lot to improve—reducing his turnovers, upping his efficiency from deep, playing defense without fouling. But since the Elite Camp seven months ago, when he wasn’t even set on turning pro, the big man has already taken significant steps toward becoming a real contributor at the NBA level.

HONORABLE MENTIONS (DECEMBER STATS)

Mason Jones, Forward, Mexico City Capitanes: 24.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 63 FG%, 49 3P%

Isaiah Mobley, Forward, Cleveland Charge: 25.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, 65 FG%, 57 3P%

Mamadi Diakite, Forward, Cleveland Charge: 24 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 53 FG%

Orlando Robinson, Forward, Sioux Falls Skyforce: 25.5 points, 15.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, 62 FG%

Vernon Carey Jr., Forward, Capital City Go-Go: 25.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 59 FG%

Carlik Jones, Guard, Windy City Bulls: 23 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 52 FG%, 37 3P%

Brandon Boston Jr., Guard, Ontario Clippers: 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 49 FG% (Winter Showcase MVP)

Brandon Williams, Guard, College Park Skyhawks: 23.4 points, 4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 52 FG%, 49 3P%

Tyler Dorsey, Guard, Texas Legends: 27.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 51 FG%, 47 3P%

DECEMBER CALL-UP TRACKER

Louis King, Forward, Rio Grande Valley Vipers to Philadelphia 76ers

AJ Lawson, Forward, College Park Skyhawks to Dallas Mavericks

Jared Rhoden, Guard, College Park Skyhawks to Detroit Pistons

Carlik Jones, Guard, Windy City Bulls to Chicago Bulls

Stanley Johnson, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to San Antonio Spurs

Orlando Robinson, Forward, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat

Photos via Getty Images.

The post NBA G League Player To Watch (December Edition): Kenneth Lofton Jr.  appeared first on SLAM.

The Pistons acquired Bagley at the trade deadline last season and signed him to a three-year deal over the summer.

Marvin Bagley III will reportedly miss an indefinite amount of time after suffering an undisclosed right-hand injury, per NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Bagley III is averaging 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds for the Pistons.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 3, 2023

Woj reported that Bagley would undergo further testing to determine his next steps to return to the team. Bagley is averaging 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds on 53.7 percent shooting for a Detroit team already without Cade Cunningham, who suffered a shin injury that ultimately needed season-ending surgery to repair.

The post Marvin Bagley III Out Six Weeks After Successful Hand Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Through 30 games, the rookie out of Purdue has established that his elite athleticism is his greatest gift, and until he can harness it just a bit more, it will lead to some struggles as he learns the NBA. He can’t blow by defenders like he did in high school and college. Now he has to learn how to change speeds and harness his lethal first step to shoot outside the paint.

“You watch him the open floor, and he’s dangerous,” Pistons head coach Willie Green said per The Athletic. “He’ll continue to develop his shot. He’ll get better as time progresses. That’s just how those guys are.”

Luckily for Ivey, there is confidence in Detroit and from coaches around the NBA that Ivey possesses the work ethic needed to become a pivotal centerpiece to the Pistons returning to relevancy. Within Detroit, Ivey works out with Pistons assistant coach Rex Kalamian and player development coach Jordan Brink after practice to improve his mid-range game.

The gains haven’t been immediate, but Detroit and Ivey know that the mid-range addition to his bag will force opponents to defend him honestly and will be a crucial counter against teams clogging the paint when Ivey drives to the rim. Conversely, Ivey has swiftly helped Detroit get to the free-throw line more often. As of Tuesday, the Pistons rank no. 1 in free-throw attempts per game, and Ivey ranks fourth on the roster in free throws per game, third among all rookies with 4.2.

“He plays with a fearlessness, from the outside looking in,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said.” And it’s one of those things where, if you continue to put in the work when you have that mindset, you have an opportunity to be a really good player, and I think he does.”

The development and improvement will come as Ivey continues to work on his game. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley saw that Ivey is “a very serious kid about his work.” He noticed this trait when the Magic hosted pre-draft workouts and interviews with Ivey.

“Sitting down and talking to him a little bit, he’s a very serious kid about his work,” said Mosley, whose Orlando team, the holder of the No. 1 pick, worked out and interviewed Ivey during the pre-draft process. “You respect that. You enjoy that. To see someone who takes their craft seriously. Being one of those guys who is going to be the first in the gym and last out of the gym. He’s got a basketball mind and just wants to work.”

Clippers head coach Ty Lue said Ivey has been “amazing” during his rookie year. He has also noticed that Ivey’s aforementioned pressure on the rim helps tip games in Detroit’s favor. The former champ believes that the problems Ivey will face come from “just understanding the NBA game,” and compared the former lottery pick to Russell Westbrook, specifically comparing how they get downhill and stay in attack mode.

“At the point guard position, more than anything, just understanding the NBA game,” Lue said when asked about the big problem young guards faces. “What (Ivey) does every single night? He plays hard, he attacks, and he gets downhill. Soon, he’ll see, ‘OK, I have to get a mid-range shot. Now, I have to improve my 3-point shooting.’ That’ll open up everything for him. The change of pace, change of speeds … he’ll get that. Right now, he’s a lot like Westbrook when he came into the game — getting downhill, attacking.

Thus far, Ivey is averaging 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on 41.2 percent shooting from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The post Head Coaches Around the NBA Praise Jaden Ivey’s Impact on Detroit appeared first on SLAM.

The SLAM 240 cover star is the projected no. 1 overall pick due to his dangerous combination of length, shooting, and guard skill that makes him as unique of a unicorn as a draft prospect can be at 18-years-old with a massive 7’2″ frame to work with.

Have you seen a basketball player like this? No, you haven’t.

Victor Wembanyama covers SLAM 240. https://t.co/7XlmKr6Qrr pic.twitter.com/4pgLywxohB

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 3, 2022

When Le Parisen asked the LNB All-Star MVP about his thought process behind NBA teams tanking with the hopes of possibly drafting him with the first pick of the upcoming NBA Draft, Wembanyama seemed wholly unimpressed. He was so unflattered by the idea that he called it “a weird strategy,” and he found it “unreasonable.”

“Tanking? It’s a weird strategy,” Wembanyama said. “I find it unreasonable, and I try not to think about it. I also heard that the NBA considered changing a few rules for me, but that doesn’t concern me.”

The LNB All-Star Game MVP… @vicw_32!

27 PTS | 12 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/dI6OzsBfDR

— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2022

As of Thursday, the four teams with the best odds of winning the lottery are the Detroit Pistons (9-28), Charlotte Hornets (9-26), Houston Rockets (11-23), and San Antonio Spurs (10-24).

Wembanyama’s game has attracted heightened attention after the NBA bought the streaming rights to stream his games with Metro 92 and the French national team this year.

The post Project No. 1 Overall Pick Victor Wembanyama Calls Tanking ‘a Weird Strategy’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 22, 2022

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

What you really know about the Dirty South?

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

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 13, 2022

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

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

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

“I think it’s apparent [that] injuries are not declining,” says Jeff Stotts, ATC and owner of the popular injury-tracking website In Street Clothes. “The number of games lost to injury or illness in the NBA were at an all-time high last season.” When I spoke with Stotts earlier this week, he noted that total games lost to injury were even higher through the first portion of the 2022-23 season. Through November 29, two of the stars we were hoping to see this year after they missed most of last season—Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard—had played in only 24 percent and 55 percent of their teams’ games so far, respectively.

So what’s going wrong? “It’s impossible to identify one specific thing influencing the growing rates as it’s likely multiple factors,” says Stotts. “While the treatment and approach to sports medicine has evolved, and continues to evolve, the game has also changed in the process. Players are asked to do more and cover more ground as the game has expanded to the three-point line and beyond, resulting in more stress and load applied to each athlete.”

Over the past decade, general “pace of play” changes such as the 8-second rule and 14-second shot-clock reset have created a faster game, favoring more athletic players. Changes to defensive rules and position-less lineups have fostered an era of constant switching on defense, which has resulted in players moving laterally more often during game play. Players are running faster and covering more mileage in today’s game than ever before.

Looking at this question through a medical lens: are we, as a sports medicine community, doing an inadequate job with load management and biomechanical evaluations? Or is today’s game so different that our interventions have helped players adjust to a completely different game than what was being played 15 years ago? Are we nearing the biological limit of what players can do with their bodies?

To try and answer these questions, I spoke with Dr. Marcus Elliott, a sports scientist and founder of the Peak Performance Project (P3). P3 has been studying athlete biomechanics for over 15 years and has been working closely with NBA athletes throughout that time. Every athlete at the NBA rookie combine undergoes a biomechanical assessment by P3, and as of the start of the 2022-23 season, 64 percent of NBA opening day roster athletes have been evaluated by P3. Dr. Elliott sees P3 as “an academic research project embedded in professional sport.”

As I sat at my laptop on a typical frigid November day in Detroit, Dr. Elliott logged onto our Teams chat from his facility in Santa Barbara. At the time of our call, my hometown team’s star and SLAM 238 cover star Cade Cunningham was on his way to P3 to be evaluated. I was glad to see both the Pistons and Cade’s personal team were taking this step to protect his short-term and long-term health. He had missed a few games with shin pain, which may seem unalarming to the casual fan. But when I see an athlete experiencing shin pain in the office, one concern I must rule out is a stress fracture. This diagnosis was first mentioned by Shams Charania on November 19.

“Thankfully we have baseline data on Cade from when he entered the League and was healthy,” Dr. Elliott said. “How we move has significant implications around what happens to us in the future, both in terms of injury and performance advantages/disadvantages. We can assess his motion to find any imbalances or compensation patterns that have developed and may have led to this injury. Then, we can recommend exercises to correct these patterns and prevent continued strain on this area. The baseline testing allows us to create a very granular return-to-play (RTP) protocol.”

P3 started off using a variety of tools and medical tests to assess athletes, including EMG (electromyography to assess muscle and nerve function), EEG (electroencephalography to assess brain wave patterns), and accelerometers (to measure acceleration and deceleration of player movement). But it wasn’t long before they gave up all that fancy stuff. “We realized early on that the keys were in biomechanical assessment,” said Dr. Elliott. “We got huge amounts of useful input relative to the other tools.”

Sometimes, injuries occur and not much can be done to prevent them. Chet Holmgren was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and fans everywhere were excited for his debut. However, this summer he suffered a Lisfranc injury in a pickup game, keeping him out for the entire 2022-23 season. “With Chet, he is an example of someone who was moving very well on his initial assessment, and then experienced an incredibly atypical injury for his sport,” said Dr. Elliott. “So we expect a full recovery for him, and we can use his baseline to create his RTP protocol resulting in a return to his usual movements. We do not expect to see an overuse or compensation-related injury based on his movements.”

“It’s a player-driven league, and it’s on us to make an athlete’s life better by preventing injuries and extending careers,” said Dr. Elliott. A study of 400 NBA athletes shows that, based on biomechanical assessment, P3 is able to predict a knee injury with 75 percent accuracy. This is groundbreaking work—the ability to assess and predict injury while an athlete is healthy! Talking with Dr. Elliott, my mind jumped immediately to the athletes—what if teams got hold of this data and used it to influence their draft decision-making or to leverage player contracts? Dr. Elliott nodded, understanding this concern.

“We hear this concern and are ultimately here for the athlete. We give the data directly to the players, who are welcome to share it with someone they trust. Nowadays it is more accepted to undergo this type of assessment. Not only are we building a means of helping players, but the players really seem to appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the health and longevity of those who come after them.”

Understanding that Dr. Elliott is clearly on the cutting edge of sports science, what does he think of the load management movement? What does the future hold?

“The systems of an athlete are overloaded, which leads to an overuse injury. But frequent rest results in ‘de-training.’ Despite the tools and technology currently available, load management is still distributed somewhat evenly across the 15-man roster. Load management is completely overcooked right now. The best load management requires objective assessments with a significant subjective component. Machine learning is also key for the future.

“These technologies that allow us to estimate loads, when not in the hands of a skilled operator, are actually taking teams further into the weeds versus serving them, leading to players becoming less robust and more vulnerable,” he added. “Load management is missing the other big piece of the equation, specifically how [each athlete is] vulnerable mechanically (and to a lesser extent metabolically). What is the [quality of their movement] and do they do things mechanically that are specifically increasing risk?”

Understanding this is key to measuring how much a player’s body can be loaded (playing time, practice time, workouts) based on the current state of the player’s individual biomechanics. Furthermore, loads can be increased when a player’s biomechanics are optimized.

He also sees a future where P3 will be utilized by the entire NBA in a similar way as SportsVU. SportsVU provides the arena-mounted camera systems and proprietary software that tracks player movement. Once a luxury for a select few teams, SportsVU is now standard in every arena and data is shared for the benefit of the entire league. Dr. Elliott’s hope (and mine as well) is that P3 will follow a similar path. The Spurs and Jazz franchises were the early adopters, and the plan is for P3 to provide assessment and recommendations to every single NBA athlete in the near future.

And for amateur 37-year-old athletes like myself?

“We hope to democratize this in the future. Right now, you do what you love until something hurts. You go to see an orthopedic doctor that tells you to stop doing the thing you love,” said Dr. Elliott. This is admittedly an accurate description of both my own experience and how I typically first meet patients. In the world Dr. Elliott envisions, I could have had an assessment and worked on correcting my running gait to prevent the smattering of issues I’ve dealt with. I would jump at the opportunity to provide that kind of tool for my patients. I’m sure it makes more economical sense for players who have $100 million contracts and jobs requiring them to maintain their athletic prowess—but I anxiously await the day when this technology is available to everyone.

For now, let’s hope that the NBA and all professional athletes will adopt these methods. They can play, we can watch, and your favorite players are able to log a few more games at full strength for fans to enjoy. Everybody wins.

Danny Seidman is a sports medicine physician, NBA fanatic, and lifelong Pistons fan. This is his first article for SLAM. He can be found on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Is Load Management Worth It? This Sports Medicine Physician Shares His Take appeared first on SLAM.

The two-time Finals MVP has everything a team could ask for out of a 7-footer. His footwork, speed, shooting, and even his aggression as an interior scorer and defender have helped his game improve significantly. Therefore, the Brooklyn Nets superstar believes his next step as a premier scorer is to take advantage of the different defensive coverages thrown at him, which he studies countless hours on.

“I never know how opposing teams are going to guard me, what schemes they’re going to throw at me,” said Durant after last night’s win over the Detroit Pistons. “Sometimes there’s some new stuff that I haven’t seen before. At this point, I’ve seen a lot of different coverages over the last couple of years. I’m trying to stay prepared for that. So that’s definitely how I can keep getting better; just reading the defense even more.”

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At 34-years-old, Durant has pushed back the clock in the last 10 games with glimpses of his 2014 MVP campaign. KD is averaging 32.9 points (second best) while shooting a whopping 63.6 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.

In the win against the Pistons, Durant scored 43 points, to go along with the highest scoring total in a quarter of any player this season at 26 in the third. While the Pistons thought they had an answer for Durant, his knowledge of what the defense throws at him aided him in making the right reads.

“The full-court, they made some good adjustments; running guys at me and Kai [Kyrie Irving], and we had to make the right decision,” Durant said. “We generated some good looks. We’re still working on that: when teams run and jump us, what’s our alignment after that and how we’re gonna make plays after that? That’s more so what I’ve been focused on.” 

“I feel like those threes at the end of the third; they didn’t know what they wanted to do on their coverage. Whether they were gonna play in the drop, trap the ball, or just switch it. I felt like they were indecisive a bit, and I was able to get free on some of those three-pointers.”

Durant is at a state where he believes he can “predict” what the defense will throw at him, and if that isn’t scary enough, he claims his film study adjustment is to focus on the tendencies of his opponent’s method of scoring to ease his game at his end.

There’s nothing Durant hasn’t accomplished in his 16 years in the NBA, and for what it sounds like, he’s only aiming to solidify his spot as the greatest scorer of all time, a case that can already be made in favor of him.

The post How Kevin Durant Elevates His Game by Studying Coverages appeared first on SLAM.

During that three-game stretch, Ball averaged 19.3 points per game on 41.5 percent shooting from the field and 7.0 assists. Before rolling his ankle that game, Ball was also having his best game of the season thus far. He scored 26 points shooting 10-17 from the field, dished out six assists, and recorded two steals.

However, after missing the team’s last 11 games, the Hornets have upgraded Ball’s status from Out to Questionable for their matchup Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons in a report via NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The Hornets are also hopeful that Ball could return to the lineup in this matchup, too, as he will warm up with the team come game time and see how he feels.

This is excellent news for a Charlotte Hornets (7-20) team sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Hopefully, if Ball can return tonight, his energetic play style can help spark a Hornets victory.

The post REPORT: Hornets Upgrade LaMelo Ball to Questionable For Wednesday Return appeared first on SLAM.

So what could the answer be for this Lakers squad? Many fingers are surrounding the NBA point to Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Bogdanovic has been a huge part of this young Pistons team, as the eight-year veteran just signed a two-year extension with them. Acquiring Bogdanovic maybe a goal for the Lakers, but that doesn’t mean Detroit is willing to give him up.

According to Shams, the Pistons have “expressed — significant reluctance about moving Bogdanovic” to any of the dozen teams that have inquired about trading for the 33-year-old forward. It is also important to note that Bogdanovic is in the midst of having the best season of his career statistically. He’s averaging career highs in points per game (21.0), field goal percentage at (50.8), and 43.7 percent from 3-point range.

In addition to that, The Lakers were previously connected to potentially acquiring Bogdanovic before the 2022-2023 season started via trade with the Utah Jazz, but nothing went through.

Coming off a 38-point outing in a loss to the Lakers, where he shot 12 of 22 from the field (54.5 percent) and also buried six threes, you could really see why the Lakers have been pursuing him so favorably. However, Detroit does not seem to have any real urgency to move Bogdanovic and has actually expressed this to rival teams.

This will be an exciting development to see what takes place within the coming days as the NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching.

The post REPORT: Lakers Are Keen On Pursuing Bojan Bogdanovic At the Trade Deadline appeared first on SLAM.

Of all the standout players in the G during November, Iowa Wolves star Luka Garza shined the brightest. A quick reminder what the 6-11 center did at the University of Iowa: 2020-21 consensus National Player of the Year, two-time First Team All-American, the only player in Big Ten history with at least 2,250 points and 900 rebounds. Garza graduated as Iowa’s all-time leading scorer and had his No. 55 jersey retired by the program. His list of accolades is seemingly never-ending—just scroll through his bio page here.

And yet…Garza was not a top NBA prospect. There were a lot of questions about how his old-school game would translate to the pros, and whether he was mobile and athletic enough to still be productive at the next level. Despite a remarkable college career, the Hawkeye legend fell all the way to the 52^nd pick in the 2021 Draft, where he was scooped up by the Detroit Pistons.

As a rookie, Garza played in 21 games for the G League’s Motor City Cruise, averaging 21.6 points and 9.1 rebounds. He was named to the G League All-Rookie Team and the All-NBA G League Third Team. He also appeared in 32 games for the Pistons, contributing 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest (17.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per 36 minutes).

Detroit moved on from Garza this past summer, and the 23-year-old eventually signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was able to learn from All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert throughout training camp and preseason. Since then, Garza has spent much of his time with Minnesota’s G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.

“That was one of the draws of coming here—being able to develop my game, but do it in a place that’s basically my second home,” Garza told reporters in mid-October. “I’m from DC, but now it feels like I’m from Iowa. I love it out there, so I’m super excited.”

Back in his “second home,” the big man averaged 27.3 points (second in the G League), 8.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists (first among centers) in November. His efficiency was ridiculous—he shot 67.6 percent from the field and 55.2 percent from behind the arc (on 4.1 attempts per game). Just look at the array of ways he scores in the highlight clip below: finishes out of the pick-and-roll, fade-away baseline jumpers, put-backs, three-pointers, floaters in the lane, crafty post moves—he does it all.

With Garza in the lineup, the Iowa Wolves went 6-1 in November; without him, they were 0-2. After Towns suffered a right calf strain a week ago, Garza was temporarily called up from Iowa to Minnesota. In December, our “G League Player to Watch” might just get an opportunity to prove himself on the big stage.

HONORABLE MENTIONS (NOVEMBER STATS)

Jaden Hardy, Guard, Texas Legends: 29 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 55 FG%, 48 3P%

Jay Huff, Forward, South Bay Lakers: 17.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 4.4 blocks, 68 FG%

Sharife Cooper, Guard, Cleveland Charge: 26.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 51 FG%, 45 3P%

Kenneth Lofton Jr, Forward, Memphis Hustle: 27.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 57 FG%

Mark Williams, Center, Greensboro Swarm: 23.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 63 FG%

Chris Chiozza, Guard, Long Island Nets: 15.1 points, 11.9 assists, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals

Jamaree Bouyea, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce: 18.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 53 FG%

Luka Samanic, Forward, Maine Celtics: 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 blocks, 53.7 FG%. 

NOVEMBER CALL-UP TRACKER

DaQuan Jeffries, Guard, Westchester Knicks to New York Knicks

Alize Johnson, Forward, Austin Spurs to San Antonio Spurs

Dru Smith, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat

Saben Lee, Guard, Raptors 905 to Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors

Devon Dotson, Guard, Capital City Go-Go to Washington Wizards

Ibou Badji, Center, Wisconsin Herd to Portland Trail Blazers

AJ Lawson, Forward, College Park Skyhawks to Minnesota Timberwolves

Orlando Robinson, Forward, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat

Jordan Hall, Forward, Austin Spurs to San Antonio Spurs

The post NBA G League Player to Watch: Luka Garza (November Edition) appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos courtesy of the Pistons.

The post The Story Behind the Detroit Pistons’ New City Edition Uniforms appeared first on SLAM.

The 21-year-old point guard dropped 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to help the Detroit Pistons outlast the Mavericks 131-125. Hayes’ late takeover is a part of the momentum he’s built over the last few weeks. Over Detroit’s last 13 games. Hayes is knocking down 37.5 percent of his long-distance shots and 48 percent of his midrange looks, according to NBA.com.

“It feels good,” Hayes said, per The Athletic. “to be in a sport where things start working for you.

Killian Hayes closed it out for the @DetroitPistons.. dropping 14 of his 22 PTS in 4th and OT, including the bucket to seal the win!

@iam_killian: 22 PTS (10/13 FGM), 8 AST pic.twitter.com/pNPNBavpMh

— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2022

Hayes is averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 assists per game over that same span. It’s a positive development for a young player who is still looking to break out and showcase why the Pistons selected him seventh in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over the summer, the Detroit coaching staff and shooting consultants helped Hayes change his jump-shot release.

Although the results of that offseason work to improve his game weren’t immediate, Hayes ultimately trusted his work and kept stacking good days so he could have strong stretches as he has over the last 13 games. For any hooper selected that high in the draft facing the kind of scrutiny slow-burning lottery picks like Hayes deal with, it would be understandable if his confidence wavered, even on the nights he had solid outings.

“He heard the noise,” Dwane Casey said. “It’s unfortunate that we have the internet, for that reason. He heard the noise. I wish he had my mentality. I don’t even look at it. He probably felt like he had to score, and he doesn’t. He’s our best playmaker. He’s our best point guard. He’s the best defender on the point guards. That’s what we need from him first.”

Him.#Pistons | @iam_killian https://t.co/oFgq86fWwO pic.twitter.com/t0nKDFC00Q

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) December 2, 2022

Hayes’ recent stretch can help him grow beyond what he’s become through the first two seasons of his career, Detroit’s best passer and point-of-attack defender. Yes, those abilities are essential, and having talented players with that kind of role is crucial to team success and staying power in the League. But those are also skills that are easy to look over on a team led by exciting players like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Saddiq Bey.

“The things he does, the intangibles, he doesn’t have to score to impact the game,” Bey said. “When he does score, it’s icing on the cake.”

“No matter what the perception on the outside is, what he gets with us in film sessions and practice, we continue to tell him to play his game. We know how much he contributes, and it might not always show up on the stat sheet. Like I said before, him just scoring and showing more of what he can do on a broader scale just helps everybody. Everyone inside knows what he brings to the table.”

The next step for Hayes will be to prove that his hot streak is sustainable beyond three weeks. He’s also gotta improve his finishing at the rim. He doesn’t have to be a finished product at 21-years-old, but over the past month, he’s shown that he’s growing into a better play.

Casey believes that Hayes is “growing at the right pace at the right time.” As the head coach of the Pistons and the person most responsible for utilizing Hayes in the best possible way, his faith and patience in Hayes will go a long way to determine Hayes’ career success.

“He’s not growing on anyone else’s watch. He’s going at his pace, his speed,” Casey said. “That’s what young players do. Everyone wants him to be that 10-year vet, but what, he’s in Year 3? That’s why it’s not surprising me. We just have to be patient. Unfortunately, this league isn’t full of patience. It’s about winning games. But he is growing right before our eyes.”

The post Dwane Casey: Killian Hayes ‘Heard the Noise’ and Responded with 4th Quarter Dominance appeared first on SLAM.

The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2022

Walker walks into Dallas midseason after he waited for his next opportunity to play following his rough exit from New York after the Knicks traded him to Detroit on Draft day. Walker’s tenure with the Knicks ended due to some trouble getting on the court and being unable to fit head coach Tom Thibodeau’s vision for the team on the court.

Walker has averaged 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 41.8 percent shooting from the field and 36.0 percent from beyond the arc over his 12-year career.

The post REPORT: Free Agent Kemba Walker Headed to Dallas appeared first on SLAM.

The team sits at 5-10, struggling to meet the outsized expectations the Lakers typically face. With LeBron James currently sidelined and being evaluated daily with a groin injury, the Lakers desperately need someone to step up. Well, Lakers center Anthony Davis has answered the call.

Davis has been critical in the Laker’s current three-game winning streak. Earlier on in November, it was reported that the team was working on getting Davis more touches and being a more featured option. Now it looks like the coaching staff’s new schemes are really paying off.

In the last three Lakers games, Davis has scored 30 plus points while shooting above 60 percent from the field and ten plus rebounds in each of their wins. Davis went off for 37 points (15-25) and 18 rebounds versus the Brooklyn Nets, 38 points (10-16) and 16 rebounds versus the Detroit Pistons, and then last night had 30 points (12-19) and 18 boards versus the San Antonio Spurs.

Davis’ recent stretch has added him amongst Laker greats Shaquille O’Neal and Elgin Baylor as the only three Lakers in franchise history to record 30+ points and 15+ rebounds in 3+ games.

In a postgame interview with ESPN, Davis spoke on the effect James’ absence has had on his game and that James even told him that he’s “playing like his old self.”

“Obviously, when he’s out, or I’m out,” Davis said. “We take it upon ourselves to kind of, as much as we can, fill that void.”

Lakers coach Darvin Ham even commented on AD’s recent performances saying, “AD is playing out of his mind; he’s in a great rhythm.”

It’s great to see the Laker’s offense finally start to come to life here in these last few games. If Davis and company can keep up their recent stretch of offensive dominance until James returns, the Lakers will, without a doubt, begin to be back on track in a very tightly contested Western Conference.

The post Anthony Davis: ‘Playing Like His Old Self’ During Three-Game Win Streak appeared first on SLAM.

On Saturday, Boston defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-108 in a game where the Celtics star seemed almost unstoppable, erupting for 43 points. After the game, when asked whether or not he felt like he was the MVP at this early point of the season, the 24-year-old did not hold back.

“I mean, I think I am,” Tatum told Yahoo Sports. “It’s a long season. Every time I step on the floor, I feel like I’m the best player. But it’s a lot of talented guys in this League – It’s (MVP) measured by team success. We have 69 games left. The key is staying healthy, keep playing the way we’re playing and see what happens.”

Boston is currently second in the Eastern Conference, only trailing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Tatum is a clear MVP candidate, but if the Celtics can remain one of the top teams in the League as the season goes on, he will have a case to be the clear-cut favorite.

Winning such an accolade has undoubtedly been one of his dreams since he was a kid, he clarified on Saturday; however, the goal of winning a championship is what’s most important to him right now. 

“As a kid, was one of my dreams winning MVP? Sure,” Tatum said. “If it happened, it would be a dream come true. But it wasn’t, like, ‘Come back, win MVP.’ It’s like, ‘Come back, get to the championship.’”

The post Jayson Tatum Says Possibly Winning MVP ‘Would Be A Dream Come True’ appeared first on SLAM.

Westbrook had 14 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds off the bench en route to the win. Westbrook’s time on the floor included a timely block in isolation defense on Durant near the end of the first quarter, and he forced a key Durant turnover in the fourth quarter.

KD dropped 31 points, nine boards, and seven dimes in defeat. After the game, Durant praised his former teammate, particularly Brodie’s defensive effort.

“He’s just going to hack me the whole time. He’s been doing that shit since we were 18-19,” Durant said. “But more than anything, to see the role Russ is playing right now, he’s just affecting the game in so many different ways. 12 assists tonight, four turnovers, 14 points. He came in there and put his imprint on the game, so it’s fun playing against him regardless of what setting it is. It’s always been like that between us.” 

Russ and the Slim Reaper spent eight seasons playing together as the building blocks for the OKC Thunder. They were in contention for a championship for much of their stretch together, and in the six seasons since their breakup, they’ve both gone on to have even more success and add to their Hall of Fame careers. 

The Lakers snapped a five game losing skid with their win on Sunday night and moved to 3-10 on the season, the second-worst record in the Western Conference. The Nets were surging entering the game, but they now fall to 6-8 on the season. 

Both teams have a long break this week. The Lakers do not play again until Friday night against the Detroit Pistons. The Nets continue their road trip on Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

The post Kevin Durant Praises Russell Westbrook for Imposing His Will in New Role appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When interim coach Joe Mazzulla was asked how Hauser has earned his trust enough to garner plays being called for him to score, the only answer the rookie head coach could give was “not miss.” After Wednesday, that statement couldn’t be proven more true than by the fact that Hauser has knocked down 24 of his first 44 looks from beyond the arc.

“I just think it’s that, honestly,” Hauser said of Mazzulla’s assessment that he doesn’t miss, per the Boston Herald. “You gotta show you can do it in games and in game-like moments. I think I’ve done that so far. Little by little, I’m earning more trust from Joe. And I still gotta keep doing the other things out there to earn minutes out there and keep earning my spot in the rotation.”

The former Marquete Golden Eagle has noblely filled and exceeded expectations as a sharpshooter tasked with replacing the production Boston lost after Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL before the season began. As long as Hauser continues to hit big shots and is reliable as a shooter, he will continue to gain trust from the Celtics coaching staff.

Hauser delivered some big buckets outside of his remarkable long-distance shooting. When the Celtics needed a run to stave off a Pistons comeback, Hauser stepped up big time. He hit a runner, a three-pointer, and scored on two back-door layups. His second-quarter exploits helped the Celtcis grab a 14-point halftime lead.

“I think you’ve seen a couple easy ones go,” Hauser said. “I think it opens up the whole floor for you. Definitely puts more confident in the shot when you go back to the 3-point line. So, definitely getting those easy ones help.”

The Celtics found themselves up by only three midway through the second quarter but did a good job in weathering their sloppy play and a series of Pistons runs with the help of Hauser, who helped the C’s make a strong counter-punch to end the half on a needed run. Hauser then hit back-to-back threes to build a 16-point lead for Boston in the fourth-quarter, preventing any threat of a Detroit comeback.

Hauser and Boston will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they face the Nuggets on the road.

“it’s pretty cool, kind of a surreal moment,” Hauser said. “You dream of this stage when you’re young, and then finally being here knocking down shots in front of the best fans in the NBA, it’s something special. So I definitely don’t take it for granted.”

The post Sam Hauser On ‘Earning More Trust’ From Coach Joe Mazzulla appeared first on SLAM.

When you look on paper at how they’ve gotten to a 5-0 start, it’s primarily due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant two-way play. The Greek Freak already has two 40-point performances and a double-double season average of 34.4 points and 14 rebounds per game.

However, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer credits the energy his 15-year veteran Brook Lopez provides to the floor. Splash Mountain continues to be the quintessential modern center while he averages a League-best 3.6 blocks per game while thriving as a floor spacer on the offensive end, shooting the three-ball at 35.1 percent.

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“For Brook to come out, it just kind of energized the whole team. It gave us a huge boost,” said Budenholzer after their win against the Atlanta Hawks Saturday night. “Giannis and Jrue [Holiday] knew they had another guy who was going to help carry the load.”

The Hawks’ three-point shooting is pretty tough to keep up with, especially when Trae Young puts up 42 points on the board. However, Lopez kept the shooting intact for the Bucks by hitting 5-8 threes. Coming away with two blocks as well, Budenholzer praises Lopez for his dual-threat play style.

“When Brook is making threes and blocking shots, the team loves him,” said Budenholzer. “It’s just a little even extra value added besides just the obvious points.”

The Bucks continue to roll because of their frontcourt. With Antetokounmpo always being in the MVP conversation and Lopez doing all kinds of dirty work to keep this team high-spirited, it might just be the reason Milwaukee wins their second championship since 2021.

Lopez looks to keep his momentum tonight against the Detroit Pistons at home.

The post Mike Budenholzer Credits Brook Lopez For Energizing the Milwaukee Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

Bogdanovic has scored over 20 points in his last three appearances and is shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 50.9 percent from deep for the season. Although the season is just beginning, it is a great sign to see Bogdanovic shooting lights out early and with great confidence.

Bogdanovic’s stellar shooting made him a huge trade target for other teams, and that specific skill was vital in many of the Utah Jazz‘s playoff runs these past few years.

You could tell that Bogdanovic is worth every penny to the Pistons, as his most recent offensive masterpiece helped to lead the Pistons to their second win of the season against the reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors. Bogdanovic finished with 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 5-8 shooting from the field and shot 50 percent (3-6) from three on Sunday.

Cade + Bojan = @BELFORGroup | #AssistOfTheWeek pic.twitter.com/N9TfqUd5Ba

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 30, 2022

After being in rebuild mode these last few years, it seems like the Detroit Pistons are turning the corner. By making moves like drafting former OSU standout and SLAM 238 cover star Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, extending Bogdanovic, and adding an explosively offensive rookie Jaden Ivey, along with keeping defensive pressure with Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons seem to have certainly put their foot on the gas this year.

Detroit vs Everybody is the motto.

Cade Cunningham covers SLAM 238. https://t.co/P0L78ZkhIu pic.twitter.com/hqxiGN8J1r

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 26, 2022

Earlier this season, Cunningham said he was confident that the Pistons could “turn the corner.” Although the season has not gotten off to the best of starts for this young Pistons squad, there is still plenty of time left in the season to turn things around. That win against the Warriors proves that this Pistons team has what it takes to play and win against any team they face. They are scrappy, hungry, talented, and young, which is a great combination.

The post REPORT: Bojan Bogdanovic and Detroit Agree On A Two-Year Extension appeared first on SLAM.

The team has relied on Max Strus and Duncan Robinson to handle the load at the power forward slot, but the team looks to be losing hope in their defensive powers as reports suggest the Heat are looking at trade suitors.

“Kyle Kuzma and Taj Gibson aren’t the only potential moves that the Heat have been linked to recently,” according to Heavy.com’s Thomas Darro. “Link them to PJ Washington from the Charlotte Hornets, as well as finalizing a reunion between Crowder and the Heat. But another has been Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons and Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz.”

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Kuzma of the Washington Wizards is off to a fantastic start to the young season as he’s averaging 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and a staggering shooting at 46.5 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. His size and length could turn him into a problem under the talented Heat coaching staff, but Heat President Pat Riley always keeps the door open to other options.

Washington is a restricted free agent this upcoming off-season due to the inability to negotiate a contract extension. The Hornets may be focused on providing their star point guard LaMelo Ball an enormous deal for the 2024 season, leaving little cap space to work for Washington.

The Heat wouldn’t mind one-year rentals, especially when there’s a lot of talent that needs to be proven out of the group. The 24-year-old would add the floor spacing, agility, and defensive intangibles that much up well against star rivals like Jaylen Brown, Khris Middleton and Demar Derozan.

Finally, the reunion Heat fans would welcome with open arms. Not too long ago, Phoenix Suns’ Jae Crowder was part of the resilient 2020 Heat squad that, as a 5th seed, went six games against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The chemistry on display, both offensive and defensively, is in no way bound to be lost in just the two seasons apart.

With this possibly being his 10th straight playoff appearance, a reunion with the Heat opens the door to a final run at a championship.

The post REPORT: Heat Linked to Kyle Kuzma, P.J Washington, and Jae Crowder appeared first on SLAM.

Stewart is the kind of blue-collar, hard hat-wearing center that becomes a fan favorite and an integral part of any team’s long-term success. Coach Dwane Casey already sees it, calling Stewart “the fiber of our team” who has “the toughness that you want to have,” the kind of toughness “Detroit stands for — he’s that.”

Casey first saw those qualities in practices shortly after Stewart got drafted 16th in the 2020 draft. Stewart showcased a physical presence that was hard to ignore. As a rookie looking to break into the League, Stewart went 100 percent during practice.

On a team that features All-Star potential in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, a do-it-all forward that owns a franchise record for three-point shooting in Saddiq Bey, and the exciting talent of Jalen Duren, it may come as a surprise that Stewart is viewed as the essential key to how successful Detroit can be. When Troy Weaver put this team together, he knew that Stewart checked off those intangibles all teams want in a glue/enforcer-type player.

“I just want to continue to be that heart and soul, be that backbone of this team,” Stewart said per NBA.com. “Try to lead by example every day.”

Cade’s dish to Stew for the earns the very first Assist of the Week honors this season pic.twitter.com/5DclehNk45

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 23, 2022

At 21-years-old, Stewart has made sure to become a guiding light for Jalen Duren. The two are workout patterns cultivating their big-man skills under the tutelage of former All-Star sharpshooter Rashard Lewis.

Stewart and Bey are known for setting the tone in Detroit with their outstanding work ethic. Their work behind the scenes has inspired Weaver and Casey to believe that Stewart is more than an undersized post player that doesn’t do the typical things modern big-man is expected to do.

“It is kind of crazy,” Stewart said of his overnight ascension to leadership. “But time flies, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m thankful I get to help the young guys out. I was in their shoes coming into the league once.”

“I just want to continue to be that heart and soul, be that backbone of this team”. Isaiah Stewart on what he wants to be for the #Pistons this year.@Keith_Langlois article: https://t.co/lYDG8YJy3L

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 24, 2022

However, as a stater, Stewart has been able to hold his own against more prominent and more experienced centers while becoming one of the best pick-and-roll defenders due to his lateral quickness allowing him to lock down speedy guards. Because he’s so physical, Stewart doesn’t match up with many centers willing to bang with him, and this season he’s knocked 3-14 triples.

With that rapid involvement in mind and that Stewart has embraced being a mentor to younger players, it’s no surprise that Detroit is confident in him.

“He still has a ceiling because he’s grown so much since he first got here,” Casey said. “His entire game – his ballhandling, his passing, his feel for the game, his defensive feel. He’s growing. The great thing for our organization is he’s not a finished product.”

The post Isaiah Stewart Embracing ‘Heart and Soul’ Role For the Pistons appeared first on SLAM.

The future is now. @SLAMGoods

Duke star Paolo Banchero covers SLAM 235. https://t.co/kS5ofhOhar pic.twitter.com/7jxHZQWUpv

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 10, 2021

Banchero recorded a monster debut stat line with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. The No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft became the first rookie to record a 25-5-5 statline in his first game since LeBron James in 2003. Additionally, the guard scored the most points by a No. 1 overall pick since Allen Iverson in 1996 and scored the most points by a Magic player in his first career game in team history. 

“It means a lot, I guess,” Banchero said after the game, per ESPN. “Obviously, would have liked to win. But I just wanted to play hard, play for the team, and that happened, so it’s a blessing.” 

The 19-year-old Duke product joins an esteemed company of LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and the previous “most points by a Magic player in his first career game” record holders: Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwight Howard.

Banchero started hot and ended hot. He knocked down Orlando’s first two buckets and finished the first quarter with seven points on 3-3 shooting from the field, and led a Magic comeback that fell short despite scoring 13 points on 5-8 shooting in the fourth. Oh, and he did this: 

Banchero passed all credit to his teammates.

“Credit to my teammates for finding me. It’s always nice to see the ball get in that early, get easy buckets around the rim. That’s how I try to play, inside out. Try to get easy stuff around the basket and expand out and do more stuff throughout the game.”

Jalen Suggs, who finished the game with 21 points and four triples, including an 18-point surge in the third quarter, had reciprocal praise for Banchero. 

“He handled himself very well. He got to his spots. He ran in transition. He was physical. He boarded. He made the right play when it was there. Paolo did a fantastic job tonight. We’re going to continue to ride with him, we’re going to continue to grow, and moments like this are important for us. We got to be in this to grow, and he showed us a lot tonight.”

In a Magic-Pistons matchup featuring an abundance of young talent, including Suggs and Pistons guards Cade Cunningham (18 points, 10 assists) and Jaden Ivey (19 points, four assists, three steals), Banchero headed the show with his record-breaking performance.

The post Paolo Banchero Becomes the First Rookie Since LeBron James to Record 25-5-5 in Debut Game appeared first on SLAM.

As you can see below, based on the average list price on the secondary market, the Golden State Warriors are once again the most expensive team for the 2022-23 season. At $611 the Warriors are the only team with an average list price of over $600 heading into the 2022-23 season. The Los Angeles Lakers ($518) are the only other team with an average price of $500 or more, and rank second on the list. The New York Knicks ($346), Boston Celtics ($303), and Phoenix Suns ($285) round out the top five.

Least Expensive Teams:

On the other side of the spectrum, the Indiana Pacers are this year’s least expensive team with an average list price of $138. Four other teams have average prices under $160; the Oklahoma City Thunder ($148), Detroit Pistons ($153), San Antonio Spurs ($157), and Houston Rockets ($159). Below you can see the rest of the least expensive teams heading into the 2022-23 season. 

Biggest Year Over Year Price Changes:

In terms of teams that have seen the biggest price jump since last season, the Memphis Grizzlies (+111%) top the list. They’re the only team in the NBA whose ticket prices have more than doubled since the start of last season. The Trail Blazers (+56%), Mavericks (+56%), Magic (+55%) and Pistons (+50%) round out the top 5. 

Where and How to Buy 2022-23 NBA Tickets

Primary market NBA tickets are available for most teams via Ticketmaster.  Some teams offer their primary market tickets via other sites like Seatgeek or AXS. Most teams sell out quickly.

On the secondary market, TicketIQ has Fee-Free NBA tickets which also include a Refund Guarantee. Our Refund Guarantee states that if an event is canceled or deemed unfit for fans to attend, TicketIQ will refund ticket buyers in as soon as 15 days. That means that you can buy from TicketIQ worry-free. Customers on TicketIQ save between 15%-25% compared to other secondary market ticketing sites.  

The post 2022-23 NBA Tickets: Warriors and Lakers Remain the Most Expensive appeared first on SLAM.

Jerami Grant is quick to admit that he has chameleon-like characteristics on and off the court. Long before the NBA, Grant knew how to fit in and gel with other players, especially the highly-touted prep stars he called teammates. At perennial powerhouse DeMatha Catholic (MD) HS, Grant, a four-star forward in the Class of 2012, played alongside Quinn Cook, Victor Oladipo, Josh Selby and his brother Jerian. “It’s helped me a lot,” Grant tells SLAM. “Pretty much my whole basketball career, I’ve been playing with guys of great caliber. We had five NBA players on a high school team.”

Playing alongside guys of said caliber helped Jerami learn how to be effective on the basketball court by doing more than scoring. It also helps when you come from a bloodline of hoopers. Jerami and brothers Jerian, Jerai and Jaelin—known as the J-Boys—are sons of former NBA player Harvey Grant, who spent 11 years in the Association and is the twin brother of four-time NBA champion Horace. 

“It was competitive,” Jerami reminisces on his childhood. “Always playing 1-on-1 with my brothers, working out and everybody wanted to be the best. The competitive edge is something I’ve been able to carry over from [the] younger days to now.”

Despite catching the tail end of his father’s career, Jerami remembers spending lots of time in NBA arenas and locker rooms, meeting some of his father’s and uncle’s teammates—Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan.

In high school, Grant held offers from Georgetown, Syracuse, Maryland, Marquette and Clemson before committing to play for the Orange. As a sophomore, Jerami averaged 12 ppg and 7 rpg while shooting close to 50 percent from the field before entering the draft, where he was selected 39th overall by Philadelphia in 2014. 

In Philly, he averaged 8.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 142 games before being traded to Oklahoma City. His numbers nearly stayed the same for the Thunder, but his percentages across the board—FG (50.3), 3FG (36.8), FT (67.5)—improved. Despite three seasons in OKC, Grant was traded to Denver in exchange for a 2020 first-round pick. 

In Denver, he put up 12.0 points a night and his numbers continued to rise. After the global pandemic put the game and world on pause during the second half of the 2019-20 season, competition resumed in the bubble in Orlando, FL, where Grant continued to showcase his ability to affect both sides of the floor. Tasked with guarding Kawhi Leonard, Grant used every inch of his 6-8, 210-pound frame to hold the reigning Finals MVP to 13 points on 4-17 shooting—Leonard’s lowest-scoring playoff game since 2016—and halt his postseason streak of scoring 15 or more points per game at 47. 

The Nuggets’ first two playoff matchups against the Jazz and Clippers would go to seven games before the team would lose to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. When free agency hit, the Pistons offered one of the League’s most sought-after forwards a three-year, $60-million deal. The Nuggets ended up matching the offer sheet, but Jerami was looking for a more enhanced offensive role and there was no better place to do that than the Motor City. 

In his first season in Detroit, Grant put up a career-high 22.3 points per game to go along with 4.6 boards, shooting 43 percent from the field, 35 percent from the three-point line and 84 percent from the charity stripe. He suffered a UCL sprain in his thumb as well as a calf strain, which limited him to only 101 games in his last two seasons. 

“When the offseason came around this summer, he got the type of call he’s become familiar with throughout his career. While in Paris for Fashion Week, Grant’s agent would notify his client that he was being traded once again.”

The details: Grant was going to Portland for a 2025 first round pick (1-4 are protected) via Milwaukee, sending him into a $21M trade exception that gave Detroit $43 million in cap space.

“It was a bit abrupt,” he says of the trade. “A bunch of trade rumors and stuff like that. That one, obviously, had a ton of traction throughout the season. It wasn’t a huge surprise, but definitely all of a sudden.”

Now, entering his ninth season on his fifth team, Grant’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in Rip City. He joins a team with a reshaped roster and a franchise player who’s fully committed to building something special in Portland. 

“I was excited, man,” Damian Lillard tells SLAM of when he found out about the trade. “It was a big moment for me because I had been wanting to play with Jerami for a couple years now. Just seeing him being on a winning team in OKC, then on a winning team in Denver and then kind of taking that leap out there in Detroit to be that No. 1 option and see where he can stretch himself out to really show his game. I love what he did in Detroit, and it brought him to a new comfort level with having to handle the ball, make plays and stuff. 

“Everybody already knew he was the long, rangey athlete who can make threes, play above the rim, block shots [and be] versatile. Him having to go to Detroit and spread his wings and having that pressure on him every night is only going to make him even more valuable for us. Having a 4-man that plays 1 through 5, make threes, athletic; he’s big, he has good skills and he’s been in the right types of things to be coming into our team as our starting 4, and I think he’s going to help us.”

During the 2020 Olympics, Lillard and Grant played alongside each other to propel Team USA to a Gold medal. Lillard admits despite not being able to get the full Olympic experience due to the pandemic, it only made his relationship with his teammates, especially Jerami, that much stronger. 

“That made us spend a lot of time together in the lounge, throughout the hotel at dinners and stuff like that,” Lillard continues. “JG sat either in front of me or behind me on the bus every day to practice and to games. Every day on the bus, we’d be talking about our situations with our team, and we were on teams together during practice. After practice, we’d be sitting next to each other, and we’d just spend a lot of time in the Olympics talking about how we would both want to play with each other…I’m just glad it came to life. He’s going to be—talent-wise and just the experience in what he’s done—our best 4-man in a long time since [LaMarcus Aldridge].”

It’s a mid-summer day in August and Grant’s speaking to us from his home in Maryland. The offseason’s been an eventful one for the 28-year-old. Aside from basketball-related obligations, Jerami spent time in Paris, one of his favorite places to visit. 

“The history of it and everybody knows that’s the fashion capital of the world,” he says. “If you’re in to fashion and things like that, that’s where you want to experience it.”

The same way Jerami’s laser-focused on the intricacies of the game—learning opponents’ habits, making the right reads, being in the perfect spot on rotations to improve his shooting—he’s just as meticulous with the way he studies the runway. 

“Eventually I do want to design and be able to be in that space in a different way,” he says. “I want to learn the ropes and how things work. I’m observant and paying attention to the way they move and the pieces that they put out. I’m not just going to shows for pictures, but to study what they’re putting out and different lines and stuff like that.”

Grant’s passion for fashion became more evident this year. His versatility has shown, too, with different statement pieces from brands like Balenciaga to Rick Owens, getting him out of his comfort zone to try new looks. He’s also emerged as a top candidate to win LeagueFits’ Most Improved Award. 

“I think I’m a bit of a chameleon,” Grant says when asked to describe his style. “I don’t have a uniform yet; I feel I’m all over the place with whatever I like, whatever kind of fits me. To describe my fashion style, I think it’s definitely fashion forward and more of a Japanese style, especially right now. If I like it, I’m going to put it on.”

Jerami shares his two current favorite brands—Issey Miyake and Comme des Garcons—and adds Maison Margiela and Balenciaga to the list. In a world where fashion connoisseurs stay up to date with the latest campaigns and archive hunters scour the internet for specific pieces, Grant has a few products that sit atop his list: Cartier Crash watches and vintage Goyard and Hermes bags.

As we continue to chop it up, Jerami shares another favorite interest: philanthropy. His organization, Hour Generation Foundation, hosts about eight or nine events a year and gives back to inner city youth and single parents. Grant has also helped fund a homeless shelter in Detroit that’ll provide resources and a safe space to those in need. 

“The way my mom raised me was you gotta give back,” he says. “I grew up going to church and with a strong foundation of giving back through philanthropy. I’ve been blessed with so much [and] it’s like a no-brainer that if you receive, you have to give.”

As Grant gets ready to report to training camp, he says he looks to expand his philanthropic efforts throughout the Pacific Northwest and is excited for the new start. The journey to get here prepared him for this moment. 

“Playing with a ton of great players has helped me grow into the player that can mesh into any situation,” Grant says. “I don’t need the ball in my hands in order to be a good player. I don’t have to do what I did in Detroit. I did that because it was needed. Whatever my team needs…whatever Chauncey [Billups] needs, whatever Dame needs, I’m going to be able to do it.” 

Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

The post Jerami Grant is Ready to Take His Game, and His Style, to the Next Level appeared first on SLAM.

The Detroit Pistons are likely to waive four-time All-Star Kemba Walker before Monday’s deadline to set regular season roster, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. The move will bring Detroit’s roster to 15 guaranteed spots.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 14, 2022

This was expected to happen sooner or later. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Walker and the Pistons began negotiating a buyout deal immediately after getting traded. 

In 37 games for the Knicks last year, the four-time All-Star guard averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds on 40.3 percent shooting from the field. Although these were decent numbers, New York Coach Tom Thibodeau took Walker out of the rotation, although he ultimately re-inserted him while the Knicks fought through a COVID outbreak. The Knicks and Walker agreed to sideline the former UConn guard for the year.

The 32-year-old still believes he has a lot more left in the tank, but no team has reached out to him yet.

“As far as closing my career, I’ve got a few more years left, in my opinion,” said Walker in a recent interview with the Boston Globe. “We’ll see. I’m just waiting. (Nobody’s) reached out to me. I’m just waiting.”

Once waivers are cleared, Cardiac Kemba will be a free agent as teams begin finalizing their rosters, with the regular season rapidly approaching next week.

The post REPORT: Detroit Pistons Expected to Waive Kemba Walker appeared first on SLAM.

Cunningham is now entering Year 2 with the franchise and is looking to grow individually and as a teammate. Cunningham’s rookie season started slowly due to injury, but as the season went on, Cunningham began to heat up. When the season was over, Cunningham averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds while only appearing in 64 games total.

During a recent interview with Andscapes Marc Spears, Cunningham reflected on his first year in the NBA, stating:

“It was tough. I wanted to go through training camp. I wanted to go through preseason and get my early feel before the regular season to fill my game out throughout the league and arenas. Sitting there watching helped my game a lot, mentally especially. I feel like there was a lot of things going on in my mind, but it just kept me poised and really helped me learn about myself and how to keep myself steady and be ready for the next day and ready to go.”

Cunningham’s words and stellar play impressed Pistons Coach Dwayne Casey, who said, “He is just mature,” Casey said. “He has what few players, like Kyle Lowry, have in their career. He’s a born leader. Does he make mistakes like other young players? Yes. But he knows it as soon as he does it. He’s a very smart player. He just has ‘it.’ He is not your typical 21-year-old man.”

Since appearing on the cover of SLAM 238, Cunningham has always been outspoken about wanting to build a special culture in Detroit, which the team has tried to showcase with its recent off-season additions. This past summer, the Pistons added veterans Bojan Bogdanovic, Nerlens Noel, and Alec Burks. The Pistons also have other talented young players to keep an eye on Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Marvin Bagley III, and Isaiah Stewart.

However, Detroit’s new additions of talent and veteran leadership could not come without a price, and that price was trading away the key and very well-liked Jerami Grant to the Portland Trailblazers.

Cunningham touched on this, saying the following,

“He was a big part of our team. Letting him go was something that really changed the locker room but made me have to step up and be ready,”

When Cunningham was asked what the goal was, the Oklahoma State product said that he believed the Pistons “can turn the corner.”

Cunningham seems more than ready to lead the Pistons back to the ‘glory days,’ and even former NBA player Jalen Rose believes the Pistons have an ‘All-Star backcourt’ pairing in Ivey and Cunningham as well.

“We can turn the corner,” Cunningham said. “We’ve got a lot of talent in here, a lot of depth. We’re coming together more and more each day. We’re figuring each other out more. It’s an exciting time for us. But the league is tough. The league ain’t easy. So, we’re just taking it day by day and trying to get better each day. If we do that, then playoffs are our goal. We’re trying to get into playoffs and really just see where we can go.”

One thing is certain: there is, without a doubt, a storm brewing over in the Motor City, and it is no longer a quiet one.

The post Cade Cunningham is Confident Detroit Can ‘Turn the Corner’ appeared first on SLAM.

However, the 25-year-old Raptor hopeful is seemingly taking responsibility for his basketball fortunes. At the moment, Jackson is attempting to win the final spot on the Rosters roster after signing a non-guaranteed one-year deal in August.

“Every place is different,” Jackson said, per the Toronto Star.” I can’t say that every organization that I’ve been a part of has been great in helping its players succeed, but with that, what I have learned is you’ve got to be the one to make sure that you’re getting everything that you need.

“You have to make sure you’re working on the things you need to work on because, at the end of the day, it is your career; it’s not theirs.”

Jackson is fighting for a roster spot after lasting two seasons with the Suns, who traded him to Memphis in a four-player-deal after the 2018-19 season with which he played 22 games. As a free agent, Jackson ended up signing with his hometown Detroit Pistons, with whom he spent a season-and-a-half before ending the 2021-22 season with the Sacramento Kings.

“I’m a strong believer in just taking something away from everything that happens — good or bad,” he said. “That’s all I’ve been trying to do my entire time in the League and also from mistakes that I’ve made in the past. I’m trying to help young players to not make those same mistakes. Any time I can give a little bit of knowledge that I have to another player who’s come up after me, I take the chance.”

Jackson is battling Justin Champagnie, D.J. Wilson, and Gabe Brown for Toronto’s final roster spot, but it seems like none of the four have firmly made their case . Jackson’s case is aided by his relationship with Raptors assistant coaches Earl Watson and Nate Bjorkgren in Phoenix. The two coaches were consulted before Toronto signed Jackson.

Jackson contributed 13 points and was a plus-24 when Toronto beat the Celtics in overtime last week, 125-119. Jackson, Brown, and Wilson were effective during Toronto’s fourth-quarter rally that produced that Toronto preseason win. Champagnie missed three of Toronto’s preseason games with a hip injury and played just eight minutes in Sunday’s loss to Chicago.

“I think he knows he needs to continue to work at his game,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “Those guys, at that part of their careers, certainly don’t want you to think,” Well, we’re not sure if you’re gonna work hard. He’s done a good job with all that stuff. He’s been around. He’s a pro. It took him a little while to make an impact. We’ve figured out how to put him in some situations, and he’s taken advantage of that, especially in that (Boston) game.”

Jackson and his contemporaries have their final chance to make their case on Friday when Toronto closes the preseason against Boston Celtics.

Jackson told the Toronto Star that he appreciates being able to compete for a roster, and he’s comfortable with whatever the outcome is.

“Everybody’s been super respectful here, super nice. Definitely glad that I got to where I am now. I still have the opportunity to do what I love to do, and I’m going to come out and make the best of it every day. I’m gonna come out and work hard, give it everything I’ve got, and if that’s not enough, that’s not enough.”

The Raptors open the season with a home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The post Josh Jackson On His Journeyman Career: ‘It’s Your Career, Not Theirs’ appeared first on SLAM.

No one knew what had happened or the extent to which Bagley III was hurt. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that an MRI revealed that Bagley suffered a bone bruise and sprained MCL in his right knee. Although the Duke product avoided severe injury, Bagley will miss up to 3-4 weeks.

Sadly, Bagley III now joins the growing list of other NBA players like Lamelo Ball, Marcus Garrett, and Dyson Daniels, who have fallen victim to the injury bug. At the end of the day, no one likes to see or hear about injuries, but they are sadly a part of the game we all love, as always hoping for all the best for Bagley, as the injury rehab process should soon begin here in the next few days.

The post REPORT: Marvin Bagley III to Miss 3-4 Weeks With Sprained MCL appeared first on SLAM.

Daniels committed a foul on Spurs forward Doug Mcdermott in the first quarter and came out favoring his right ankle, the same ankle he injured during the Summer League. The previous injury forced the Pelicans to rule him out for the remainder of the tournament to avoid any chance of further damaging his ankle.

When Daniels reaggravated that ankle on Sunday, he immediately checked out and was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. Pelicans head coach Willie Green addressed the matter to the media following his team’s win. 

“No updates right now. As far as we know he sprained his ankle. We’ll know when we get back home – We’re hopeful we can get all our guys healthy for one preseason game; we’ll see. We don’t want to rush into that.”

The rookie was showing early promise, scoring 16 points in the Pelicans’ first preseason game against the Chicago Bulls and following that up with six points versus the Detroit Pistons. His defense shined in those two games, as expected too.

New Orleans is hoping this is just a sprained ankle and nothing more. The Pelicans are looking to get all their players on the court before the regular season commences. Unlike the Summer League, the organization will not look to rest Daniels unless it’s necessary because this is when they will need him the most.

The post Dyson Daniels Reaggravates Ankle Injury From Summer League appeared first on SLAM.

Free agent Blake Griffin has agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 30, 2022

Griffin played 56 games last year in Brooklyn, averaging 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. The six-time All-Star has bounced around the League since the Clippers traded him to the Detroit Pistons. Griffin has played for four teams from 2017-18: the Clippers, Pistons, Nets, and Celtics.

Last season was the first time the former Rookie of the Year came off the bench more often than he started, the first time he averaged fewer than 25 minutes per game, and the first time he averaged fewer than 11 points per game. Boston will use Griffin for his veteran leadership and playmaking ability at the four-spot, not only as a bouncy scorer but as an underrated passer out of the low and mid-post.

The post REPORT: Blake Griffin Joining Boston Celtics On One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

The guard broke multiple “the youngest ever” records, including becoming the sixth player in NBA history with at least the same total points, assists, and rebounds through the first 64 games of their career as LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson and Alvan Adams. 

Following a historic season, Cunningham looks to continue to build his legacy in Detroit. The 6′ 6″ sophomore added 10-15 pounds of muscle this offseason.

“I didn’t recognize him,” Coach Dwane Casey said per CBS news. “He’s done a really good job with his body.” 

“He looks like a different dude, and that physicality will help him,” Casey added.

Cunningham is committed to winning, and he’s hoping his increased strength will help him decrease his turnovers and maintain a high level of play throughout the season. 

“We have a lot more depth this year,” Cunningham said. “I think it’s realistic to say we’ll have a bunch of locked-in guys that are playing to win. If we do that, the wins will take care of itself.”

The Pistons are seeking redemption this year. Alongside Cunningham, they’ve added Purdue star Jaden Ivey, Memphis center Jalen Duren, and recently acquired sharp-shooter Bojan Bogdanovic. The Pistons open their season on Oct. 19 against the Orlando Magic.

The post Cade Cunningham ‘Looks Like a Different Dude’ After Stellar Rookie Season appeared first on SLAM.

Ball also signed a training camp deal with the Pistons in 2020. Detroit ultimately waived Ball before he could play in the preseason due to an ankle injury. This left older brothers Lonzo Ball and Lamelo Ball in the League.

The trio is widely known for their impressive play at Chino Hills High School, where each of the brothers put up unguardable numbers. Liangelo Ball had out-of-this-world performances, which has kept their father, LaVar Ball thinking he’s the best out of the three. As everyone knows, LaVar is one of the more popular voices in basketball, and he proves so in an interview back in 2020, stating:

“Everybody’s trying to create the Big Three. They’ve been the Big Three since they’ve been babies. And people are telling me, ‘Man, you know the odds of all three of your boys being on the same team?’ and I say, ‘Yeah, probably the same odds of me coming into the NBA with my own brand.”

The middle child once scored 72 points in a single game, just a day after getting 56. Later that month, he dropped 65 points as well, leaving his mark as one of the best high school performances in a single month of all time.

LiAngelo Ball has had a tough slate of reaching the pros, but his career is still young, and he has an opportunity to prove to basketball fans he is that scoring phenom out of his three brothers.

The post LiAngelo Ball Signs One-Year Deal With Charlotte, Joining Brother LaMelo Ball appeared first on SLAM.

The Detroit Pistons are finalizing a trade to acquire Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2022

Detroit’s move nets them a veteran scorer that can round out their lineup. Flipping Bogdanovic helps Utah get another center option, a potential point guard off the bench, and fast-tracks their rebuild. Utah has been busy in the trade market after their first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.

The early exit prompted Jazz CEO Danny Ainge to do some soul-searching, where he ultimately concluded that Utah would be better off trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and using the draft capital they acquired to start a rebuild.

Bogdanovic averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 45.5 percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc.

The post REPORT: Bojan Bogdanovic Headed to Detroit for Kelly Olynk and Saben Lee appeared first on SLAM.

Combine that with the two-way play of Saddiq Bey and the presence of vets like Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel, and Marvin Bagley III, Detroit could be knocking on the steps of a playoff berth.

Detroit legend Jalen Rose can be counted among the Pistons fan excited to see what the Pistons are capable of. The Fab Five legend was reportedly thrilled about the Pistons drafting Ivery with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 Draft. Ivey’s father, Javin, was born and raised in the city, his grandfather, James, played for the Lions, and his mother, Coach Niele (at Notre Dame), played in the WNBA for the defunct Detroit Shock.

His highest expectations have been saved for Cunningham and Ivey, who he believes will be next in line to continue the tradition of Pistons All-Star backcourts.

“When you talk to me about the Pistons, it made me think about great backcourts,” Rose said at the 12th annual Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday at Detroit Golf Club. “There was my biological father, Jimmy Walker, and Dave Bing was an All-Star backcourt in the 70s. And then Bad Boys, Joe Dumars, and Isiah Thomas was an All-Star backcourt, right? How about Chauncey B-B-Billups and Rip Hamilton? An All-Star backcourt. I think we now have another All-Star backcourt in Jaden and Cade Cunningham.”

All the things I like about the Pistons' roster! pic.twitter.com/1pIpLmMFEr

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 22, 2022

Rose compared Cunningham to former Pistons All-Star Grant Hill at this same event last year. Cunningham averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his first season and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. His leadership on and off the floor quickly endeared him to Detroit’s front office, coaching staff, and locker room. 

“I believe the way Cade not only led and matured on and off the floor last year, and was not only able to create his own shot and be a lot more effective and efficient, just look at the way he played against the Nets, going against (Kevin Durant),” Rose said. “Now for him to have somebody that’s going to make the game easier for him because Ivey’s a blur, he’s been knocking down shots in practice, working really hard. I’m really excited about the potential of our team. I’m excited about the culture that they’re building.”

The Pistons will open their season with a home game against the Orlando Magic.

The post Jalen Rose Believes Pistons Drafted Another ‘All-Star Backcourt’ in Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: NBA’s 2022-23 Opening Night, Oct. 18 on TNT:

– 76ers at Celtics
– And as previously reported: Lakers at Warriors

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2022

Shams Charania of The Athletic leaked the opening day and Christmas Day contests over the weekend. Some other key dates include the All-Star weekend that’ll be contested from February 17-19. The regular season will end on April 9, the Play-In tournament will take place from April 11-14, and the playoffs will start a day later on April 15.

The most noteworthy game will most likely be between the Grizzlies and the Warriors. The Warriors beat the Grizzlies on their way to winning their fourth championship since 2015. The two Western Conference foes have formed a fierce rivalry over the last two years after a pair of intense and physical playoff games and their recent second-round playoff series.

Sources: NBA’s 2022 Christmas Day schedule:

Bucks at Celtics
76ers at Knicks
Suns at Nuggets
Lakers at Mavericks
Grizzlies at Warriors

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2022

The 2022-23 season will see the Warriors attempt to defend an NBA title for the first time in eight years. With their foundational core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green returning and their future stars like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole all returning, the Dubs will be loaded.

The Boston Celtics will look to run it back and return to the NBA Finals after losing to the Warriors in six games. There will be some exciting storylines coming out of Beantown as Boston looks to integrate Malcolm Brogdon into the lineup. It’ll also be interesting if the front office continues to pursue a Kevin Durant trade. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will also return as perhaps the top wing-duo in the League.

Don’t count out the Bucks, Heat, and 76ers either. The Heat are always a threat, the Bucks lost after suffering injuries at the most inopportune time, and the 76ers will have an entire season of James Harden x Joel Embiid to work with.

Another question that needs answers will be can the Phoenix Suns continue their dominant stretch and improve upon their 64-18 record from last year. Getting better after being the top seed in the playoffs is difficult, but Phoenix brings back their entire team and is still headlined by Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

It’ll be fun to see how Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz will fare after Jalen Brunson and Rudy Gobert left for New York and Utah, respectively. The Minnesota Timberwolves are throwing it back to yesteryear with a twin tower lineup featuring Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Not to mention how much better the Grizzlies will be after earning the second-best record in the NBA last season.

Last but not least, how will the LA teams play? The Lakers are coming off a tumultuous season but added a new head coach in Darvin Ham, who’s been trusted to improve a roster that still boasts LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis. The Clippers are perhaps a more significant title threat with the return of Kawhi Leonard and the addition of former All-Star point guard John Wall to the lineup.

Below are the team schedules for each team by division and conference. The Eastern Conference is first followed by the West.

Team Schedules

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

Boston Celtics

Brooklyn Nets

New York Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers

Toronto Raptors

Central

Chicago Bulls

Cleveland Cavaliers

Detroit Pistons

Indiana Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks

Southeast

Atlanta Hawks

Charlotte Hornets

Miami Heat

Orlando Magic

Washington Wizards

Western Conference

Southwest

Dallas Mavericks

Houston Rockets

Memphis Grizzlies

New Orleans Pelicans

San Antonio Spurs

Northwest

Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves

Portland Trail Blazers

Oklahoma City Thunder

Utah Jazz

Pacific

Golden State Warriors

Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers

Phoenix Suns

Sacramento Kings

The post NBA Releases 2022-23 Regular-Season Schedule appeared first on SLAM.

Charania also reported that Charlotte is interested in potentially re-signing Isaiah Thomas after the two-time All-Star averaged 8.3 points per game and emerged as a “positive locker room leader” with the Hornets last season.

Walker last played with Charlotte in 2019 before joining the Boston Celtics through a sign and trade that year. He played two seasons with the Celtics and eventually signed with the New York Knicks last offseason. Walker was most recently traded to the Detroit Pistons on draft night and later agreed to a buyout with the team, thus making him a free agent.

Former UConn standout averaged 19.8 points and 5.5 assists per game in eight seasons with the Hornets and is coming off a career-low 11.6 points per game after playing just 37 games with the Knicks last season. A four-time All-Star, Walker showed flashes of brilliance in New York but was halted by knee injuries which resulted in the Knicks shutting him down in February.

Thomas has been in and out of the League in recent years and has signed 10-day contracts with the Pelicans, Lakers, Mavericks and Hornets since 2021. Thomas earned a contract for the remainder of the season after signing two 10-day contracts with Charlotte last year. 

Charania reported Charlotte will likely add another reserve guard to its roster, with Walker and Thomas in mind, before the start of the season. He went on to report that the team is “expected to be patient” regarding roster moves this offseason.

The post REPORT: Hornets Showing Interest in Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas appeared first on SLAM.

Coming into his third season in the NBA, Bey has gained a reputation for being quite the gym rat. After his rookie season, Bey went from playing with Team USA Select to participating in the Las Vegas Summer League and then playing all 82 games with the Pistons. Even on his off-nights, Bey frequently spent his free time in Detroit’s practice facility.

The obsession with playing and improving led to a funny exchange between the former Villanova product and Detroit’s coaching staff.

“It was recommended to me by the staff (to take time off),” Bey said with a smile at his end-of-season media availability.

Bey subsequently kicked rocks into the high-altitude environment of Boulder, CO. Bey asked Piston’s video coordinator Aaron Dotson to join him as he had rented a three-story Airbnb. Between their two-a-day workouts, Bey picked up hiking as a hobby, perfect for the mountainous environment he surrounded himself with over the offseason.

“I like being off the grid,” Bey said per The Athletic. “It’s quiet. It’s peaceful.”

Having hiking and fishing as activities, he can get his mind off hooping allows Bey to recharge at least once a week this summer. Bey picked Boulder for basketball reasons; he knew that being in a high-altitude city like Boulder would help improve his conditioning for the 2022-23 season. It doesn’t hurt that he fulfilled the wishes of the powers that be in Detroit by picking up a hobby.

As recently as Monday, Bey says he feels like he’s in the best shape of his life because of Boulder. His workouts have consisted of improving his handle and getting his shot off quicker. Coach Dwane Casey reportedly wants to use Bey more as a pick-and-roll creator going into his third season with Detroit. Because of that, Bey and Dotson have simulated countless pick-and-roll reps.

“He’s such a worker,” Dotson said. “He just wanted a new challenge. The first week we got to the mountains, it was tough.”

Above all, you can’t make Bey stop wanting to go to the gym and put up some shots.

“I’m just always in the gym,” Bey said. “It’s hard for me to find another hobby. This was the best that I could do.”

The post Saddiq Bey Embracing High Altitude Offseason Training in Boulder appeared first on SLAM.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks are also returning Detroits 2023 second-round pick, 20224 second-round via Miami, and $6 million.

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The move has freed up 30M in salary cap space to offer a max contract to restricted free agent Jalen Brunson. According to Woj, the Knicks’ moves show that New York is confident that they can sign Brunson once free agency begins on Thursday.

The Knicks have cleared $30M in salary cap space to offer Dallas’ Jalen Brunson in the neighborhood of a max contract. The unloading of assets and contracts clearly shows the Knicks’ confidence that they can secure Brunson once free agency opens on Thursday.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Brunson averaged a career-high 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 50.2 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 hooting from distance. Brunson emerged as a significant threat in the playoffs, playing a major role in the Mavericks beating the Jazz in six games, scoring a career-high 41 points in Game 2.

Brunson averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during Dallas’ run to the Western Conference Finals. They ultimately lost to the eventual-champion Golden State Warriors in five games.

The post Knicks Free $30M After Trading Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks 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.

On Thursday night, the Knicks decided to travel down the road and play for the future and traded the 11th overall pick to OKC for three heavily first-round picks and moved Kemba Walker to Detroit via a three-time trade that included the Hornets. The Pistons also received the draft rights to former Memphis big man Jalen Duren.

What the Knicks did tonight:

NYK trades 11th pick to OKC

OKC trades 3 firsts (23 DEN, DET, WASH) to NYK

NYK then trades 23 DEN, 4 seconds to CHA for 13th pick

NYK then trade 13th pick & Kemba Walker to DET for MKE’s 25 first

NYK trades 11, Kemba, 4 2nds & gets 3 future 1sts

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) June 24, 2022

The Knicks’ draft night moves left their front office with about $16 million in cap space depending on if they move Ryan Arcidiacono and Taj Gibson off their books. The question now becomes, do President Leon Rose and GM Scott Perry have enough to make a run at restricted free agent Brunson.

Brunson is coming off a season where he averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists per game on 37.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He dismantled the Utah Jazz in the playoffs while running mate Luka Doncic was out with a calf injury. He continued to play a pivotal role in the Mavs’ run to the Western Conference Finals.

If the Knicks cannot acquire Brunson this summer, they’re reportedly expected to target Malcolm Brogdon during free agency.

Thursday’s night decision has disappointed many New York fans, most notably their two most high-profile fans in Stephen A Smith and legendary filmmaker Spike Lee.

IT HAPPENED AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/TVqqb6bg8o

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 24, 2022

There was enough fan confusion that Rose felt it was necessary to give a statement and say that the front office remains focused on “strategic and thoughtful” as they attempt to build the Knicks back into a relevant threat for an NBA title.

Knicks President Leon Rose on last night’s draft activity. pic.twitter.com/E2JEIbRzbG

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 24, 2022

Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see what the Knicks do this summer, and moving forward. Knicks fans and the franchise remain in the hunt for their first Finals appearance since 1999 and their first title since 1973.

The post New York Knicks Respond to Draft Decision Backlash appeared first on SLAM.

Grant is set to make $20.95 million this coming season in the final year of his three-year, $60 million contract that he signed with Detroit in 2020 free agency. In his two seasons in the Motor City, Grant averaged 20.9 points and 4.4 rebounds on 42.8 percent shooting from the field.

With Grant now on the move, Detroit sends his money into a trade exception and gives the team around $43 million in cap space to use in free agency. The pick, initially owned by Milwaukee that Portland traded away is top-four protected, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 2025 first-round pick via Milwaukee is protected Nos. 1-4, sources said. Detroit sends Grant into a $21M trade exception, and Pistons now have $43 million in salary cap space for free agency.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2022

With the acquisition of Grant, the Trailblazers now give Lillard a pick-and-roll partner plus an inside presence that the team has been lacking for some time. If Portland is to hit on their draft pick tomorrow night or trade the pick away for another All-Star, Rip City could reasonably be expected to be back in the Western Conference playoff mix sooner rather than later.

The post REPORT: Pistons Trade Jerami Grant to Portland appeared first on SLAM.

Blazers out on Deandre Ayton, with sights set on other deals, including OG Anunoby. Pacers now may be in mix with Suns. https://t.co/822t9d9Ji1

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 16, 2022

The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly out on Ayton and will instead be in the mix to acquire OG Anunoby. So with the subtraction of the Blazers comes the addition of the Pacers into the mix to talk with the Pacers.

Deandre Ayton addresses contract talks, saying he's "disappointed" a deal hasn't gotten done and he wants to be respected like his peers as ESPN reported last week contract talks were stalled over getting rookie max extension. #Suns pic.twitter.com/XVtj06fojN

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 12, 2021

The “most realistic landing spots” to land Ayton’s services outside Phoenix are Atlanta, Detroit, and Toronto. The three Eastern Conference franchise opportunities can propose enticing sign-and-trade to the Suns front office. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Indiana could offer a sign-and-trade of Ayton for Myles Turner. The two big men share the same representation.

Ayton finished the season averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on 59.9 percent shooting from the field.

The post REPORT: Hawks, Pistons, and Raptors Emerge As Biggest Threats to Land Deandre Ayton appeared first on SLAM.

Wallace spent the previous year as an assistant coach under Penny Hardaway at the University of Memphis. Before that, he was the head coach at Charles E. Jordan High School in North Carolina from 2019-21. He also had a stop as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons from 2013-14.

Wallace played 16 seasons in the NBA, where he was a four-time All-Star and a member of the Detroit Pistons championship squad that defeated the Shaq and Kobe Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals.

Hardaway told The Commercial Appeal that he knew Wallace would leave if Ham had gotten a head coaching position in the NBA.

“I think Rasheed might be going to LA with Darvin Ham. That was the deal from the beginning. If Darvin had gotten a job last year, Rasheed had already promised him that he was going to go with him. So, I’m thinking this year, with him getting the Lakers job, [Wallace] might still be going along with that process,” said Hardaway.

Wallace is the first known name to join Ham’s staff in LA. Ham and Wallace were teammates on the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team.

The post REPORT: Rasheed Wallace to Join Darvin Ham’s Lakers Coaching Staff appeared first on SLAM.

7. 1990-91 Chicago Bulls

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 61-21

Roster: BJ Armstrong, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Michael Jordan, Stacey King, Cliff Levingston, John Paxson, Will Perdue, Scottie Pippen, Scott Williams

Even if you’re old enough to remember this team, it’s nearly impossible to remember the baggage that Michael Jordan carried into the 1990s. Emerging from the NBA’s greatest decade, the era in which Doc, Magic and Bird took the League from afterthought to marquee act, Jordan was clearly the guy poised to take the League to the next level. He already owned an MVP award and a handful of the most eye-popping stat lines since Oscar Robertson had averaged a triple-double. Jordan was the present and the future. He was a phenomenon.

The problem was that, by the standards of his immediate predecessors, he just wasn’t a winner.

The ’90-91 season would be Jordan’s seventh in the League; by the time Bird and Magic tipped off their seventh seasons, both had a pair of championship rings. And of course, Jordan’s hated rival in Detroit, Isiah Thomas, had just led the Pistons to their second straight title, dispatching MJ and the Bulls along the way. It’s not that Jordan appeared to lack any of the qualities necessary to lead a team to a title; it’s simply that he hadn’t yet managed to do it. The narrative is the narrative. You’re not a winner until you win.

As so often happens, Jordan and the Bulls taking that last step to glory was less a question of dramatic change than it was evolution. Fourth-year forward Scottie Pippen was already one of the League’s best two-way players—he was an All-Star the season before—and he nudged his averages upward across the board (17.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.4 spg) despite playing slightly fewer minutes. Jordan himself posted his lowest ppg (still an NBA-best 31.5) in five years. As much as anything, the Bulls’ two most important players were more efficient, more dialed in, focused on a singular goal.

It wasn’t only Mike and Scottie, of course: Horace Grant averaged 12.8 ppg and 8.4 rpg, Bill Cartwright was a sturdy veteran post presence, and guards BJ Armstrong and John Paxson knew their roles. Together, they cruised to and then through the playoffs, rolling the Knicks, the Sixers and—most satisfyingly—the Pistons en route to a Finals date with the Lakers. When James Worthy and Byron Scott went down with injuries, any chance of a competitive series was lost, but it likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome. Showtime was done, and so was that silly narrative about Michael Jordan.

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However, it’s still unknown what teams around the League are willing to give up to trade for Grant. Pistons GM Troy Weaver wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about offers he received in January or February. Grant has one more season left on his current deal, and Weaver has the option to extend that contract or, as aforementioned, build a trade package around Grant.

One team that’s been consistent with their desire to pick Grant up is the Trail Blazers. Portland fell to the No. 7 pick in the NBA 2022 Draft and reportedly doesn’t want to embark on a complete rebuild, opting to instead “retool” around Damian Lillard.

Another option for a trade partner is the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks could not follow up on their Eastern Conference Finals run, fizzling out in five games to the Miami Heat in the first-round. Atlanta was reportedly interested in Grant during the regular-season, and according to The Athletic, there still could be some intrigue around acquiring Grant this summer.

Per Hawks beat reporter Chris Kirschner, the Hawks front office would ideally like to add a two-way ball-handler, and Grant fulfills both those roles. Kirschner believes Grant is the best choice because the forward is the most gettable player on the trade market over stars like Zach LaVine or Deandre Ayton, who can only be acquired through sign and trade deals.

Should the Pistons pursue a Grant deal, they could trade Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, and the No. 16 pick in this year’s draft. Although Bogdanovic is the younger player, he’s recently been battling a knee issue that lingered all season but will reportedly be addressing the case over the summer. Meanwhile, Gallinari has a guaranteed $5 million expiring contract that could be waived so that Detroit can create more cap space.

Per Hawks reporter James L. Edwards III, Grant is the type of player both franchises need as a long, two-way wing that can score off the dribble and help them while they’re in win-now mode. He believes that Weaver will move Grant if he gets a “wow” offer like Portland agreeing to move their top-10 pick, believing the Pistons are willing to wait and see if such an offer materializes.

Regardless, it seems like Weaver and Grant will have some exciting options to ponder during the summer. Both Portland and Atlanta could be an ideal fit for a wing that seems ready to contribute to a playoff-contending team.

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Here’s our No. 21-11:

21. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Steve Kerr (Luke Walton, Interim Head Coach)

Record: 73-9

Roster: Leandro Barbosa, Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, Ian Clark, Stephen Curry, Festus Ezeli, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, James Michael McAdoo, Brandon Rush, Marreese Speights, Jason Thompson, Klay Thompson, Anderson Varejao

Never before in NBA history had a team finished the regular season with a single digit in the loss column. When these Dubs did it, fresh off the first of what seemed sure to be three or five or 10 titles with the Curry-Thompson-Green core, a championship seemed like almost a formality—and even more so when they took a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 lead in the Finals. Only then it was Cleveland’s turn to make history.

20. 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 57-25

Roster: Jared Cunningham, Matthew Dellavedova, Channing Frye, Joe Harris, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, Dahntay Jones, James Jones, Sasha Kaun, Kevin Love, Jordan McRae, Timofey Mozgov, Iman Shumpert, JR Smith, Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao, Mo Williams

There would be no shame in a second straight Finals loss to the mighty Warriors—no shame for LeBron, Kyrie and Kevin in falling short against the historically elite Dubs. There would be disappointment, sure, that the title LeBron came back to Cleveland to win, as part of arguably the most talented team in Cavs history, simply wasn’t meant to be. But this was Cleveland. They were used to disappointment. They weren’t used to making history. Until they did.

19. 1991-92 Chicago Bulls

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 67-15

Roster: BJ Armstrong, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Bob Hansen, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Michael Jordan, Stacey King, Cliff Levingston, Chuck Nevitt, John Paxson, Will Perdue, Scottie Pippen, Mark Randall, Rory Sparrow, Scott Williams

One title, against an aging Lakers team, did not make a dynasty, and so the Bulls came into the ’91-92 season motivated for more. Those 67 regular-season wins were a statement, as was another MVP award for Michael Jordan (30.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.1 apg). But as ever, the playoffs were where it mattered, and Chicago needed to survive a seven-game series with the Knicks en route to the Finals. Once there, a hungry and talented Portland team promised to make the Bulls earn it. And so they did.

18. 2013-14 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 62-20

Roster: Jeff Ayres, Aron Baynes, Marco Belinelli, Matt Bonner, Shannon Brown, Austin Daye, Nando De Colo, Boris Diaw, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Damion James, Othyus Jeffers, Cory Joseph, Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills, Tony Parker, Tiago Splitter, Malcolm Thomas

The whole thing with the Spurs’ post-millennial dominance was that it was Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, and then whatever spare parts Coach Pop managed to perfectly align around them. It wasn’t supposed to be like this: A 22-year-old, third-year forward who averaged 12.8 ppg in the regular season emerging as the most impactful player in the entire postseason, including a Finals MVP performance in a five-game humbling of the Heat. This Kawhi Leonard guy might be pretty good.

17. 1997-98 Chicago Bulls

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 62-20

Roster: Keith Booth, Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Scott Burrell, Jason Caffey, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Joe Kleine, Toni Kukoc, Rusty LaRue, Luc Longley, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Dickey Simpkins, David Vaughn, Bill Wennington

The Bulls kept the gang together for the “Last Dance,” and the result was a sixth title in eight years. There was plenty of tension and pressure. As usual, Michael Jordan was a hard-driving, big-scoring winner, while Scottie Pippen rode shotgun. Toni Kukoc did a bit of everything, and Dennis Rodman pounded the boards. Chicago survived a seven-game thriller with Indiana to reach the Finals, then dispatched Utah in six to end it all in style.

16. 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers

Coach: Alex Hannum

Record: 68-13

Roster: Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Costello, Billy Cunningham, Dave Gambee, Hal Greer, Matt Guokas, Luke Jackson, Wali Jones, Bill Melchionni, Chet Walker, Bob Weiss

After years of dominating the scorebook but not the winner’s circle, Wilt Chamberlain finally won a title. He did it by playing great defense, grabbing nearly every rebound and, amazingly, passing. He had plenty of targets. Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Billy Cunningham and Wali Jones were dangerous scorers, and few were tougher inside than Luke Jackson.
The Sixers whipped the Celtics in five to reach the Finals and then stopped the Warriors to give The Big Dipper a championship.

15. 1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Pat Riley

Record: 62-20

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, Magic Johnson, Earl Jones, Mitch Kupchak, Ronnie Lester, Bob McAdoo, Mike McGee, Chuck Nevitt, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott, Larry Spriggs, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy

The Lakers had lost in two straight Finals but ’84-85 would be different. L.A. trampled all Western Conference competition and was led again by maestro Magic Johnson. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still a force in the paint, while James Worthy, Byron Scott and Michael Cooper were a formidable supporting cast. After L.A. lost by 34 in the Finals opener, Abdul-Jabbar took over and was MVP of the Lakers’ first-ever championship win over Boston.

14. 1988-89 Detroit Pistons

Coach: Chuck Daly

Record: 63-19

Roster: Mark Aguirre, Adrian Dantley, Darryl Dawkins, Fennis Dembo, Joe Dumars, James Edwards, Steve Harris, Vinnie Johnson, Bill Laimbeer, John Long, Rick Mahorn, Pace Mannion, Dennis Rodman, Jim Rowinski, John Salley, Isiah Thomas, Micheal Williams

The Pistons won a title with a team as tough as their town. The Bad Boys were physical, to be sure, but they had plenty of talent. Isiah Thomas teamed with Joe Dumars in a lethal backcourt, with Vinnie Johnson providing heat off the bench. Rick Mahorn and Bill Laimbeer handled the rough stuff, and the mid-season trade for Mark Aguirre brought it all together. Detroit ended the Showtime era by sweeping the Lakers in the Finals.

13. 2017-18 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Steve Kerr

Record: 58-24

Roster: Jordan Bell, Chris Boucher, Omri Casspi, Quinn Cook, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Damian Jones, Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, Patrick McCaw, JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia, Klay Thompson, David West, Nick Young

For the Dubs, regular-season records had long since been rendered meaningless. This was about trophies, and the last of Golden State’s trio of titles ended up being its most conclusive. KD and Steph both missed chunks of the season but still functioned as the League’s most reliable cheat code when it mattered, and after a seven-game scare from Houston in the West Finals, the Warriors swept a depleted Cavs squad for the championship.

12. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 69-13

Roster: Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Jason Caffey, Bison Dele, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Dickey Simpkins, Matt Steigenga, Bill Wennington

By now, it was only a question of how long they could keep it going. A year after that 72-win campaign, the Bulls started the ’96-97 season with 12 straight victories and had five winning streaks of seven games or more. The machine just kept humming right up until the Finals, and then, there was a moment in Game 6 when it looked like the Jazz might force a Game 7. But they didn’t, because against these Bulls, nobody ever did.

11. 1964-65 Boston Celtics

Coach: Red Auerbach

Record: 62-18

Roster: Ron Bonham, Mel Counts, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bevo Nordmann, Bill Russell, Tom Sanders, Larry Siegfried, John Thompson, Gerry Ward

The best team of Boston’s ’60s dynasty? It’s at least in the conversation. Six Celtics averaged double figures, led by Sam Jones’ 25.9 ppg. It was the last of Bill Russell’s five MVP seasons, and the last of Tommy Heinsohn’s Hall of Fame career. The defining moment, thanks to a legendary call by Johnny Most, came against Philly in Game 7 of the East Finals: “Havlicek stole the ball!” A 4-1 dispatching of the Lakers in the Finals was almost anticlimactic.

Read here to find out who made it on the rest of the list, including No. 75-66, 65-55, 54-44, 43-33 and 32-22.

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At this point in the list, we’re getting into dynasty territory. Clutch moments and high-pressure situations were the norm for these squads, many of whom won multiple championships over a three to five year period. Different.

From iconic three-peats to historic dubs, here’s our picks for No. 32-22:

32. 2004-05 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 59-23

Roster: Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, Devin Brown, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Dion Glover, Robert Horry, Linton Johnson, Sean Marks, Tony Massenburg, Nazr Mohammed, Rasho Nesterovic, Tony Parker, Glenn Robinson, Malik Rose, Beno Udrih, Mike Wilks

The Spurs and Pistons came into the season having split the previous two NBA championships, and both upset higher-seeded opponents (the Suns and Heat, respectively) in the Conference Finals that spring. That set up a title bout that made up for a relative lack of star power with heavyweight intensity and dominant D. Five of seven Finals games ended with the losing team not breaking 80 points. The series ended with Tim Duncan securing his third ring.

31. 1963-64 Boston Celtics

Coach: Red Auerbach

Record: 59-21

Roster: John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Clyde Lovellette, Johnny McCarthy, Willie Naulls, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Tom Sanders, Larry Siegfried

Yawn, another title run, but at least Boston got a new Finals opponent to break up the monotony. The San Francisco Warriors tried to play immovable object to the Celtics’ unstoppable force, and in Wilt Chamberlain, the Dubs at least had the firepower. But Boston had the balance, experience and pedigree: John Havlicek and Sam Jones led the offense, and Bill Russell did his usual work, dominating defensively and on the glass to lead Boston to its seventh championship in eight tries.

30. 1969-70 New York Knicks

Coach: Red Holzman

Record: 60-22

Roster: Dick Barnett, Nate Bowman, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Bill Hosket, Don May, Willis Reed, Mike Riordan, Cazzie Russell, Dave Stallworth, John Warren

When a new decade brought an end to the Celtics’ dominance, the Knicks asserted themselves as the class of the League. Behind MVP Willis Reed’s 21.7 ppg and 13.9 rpg and Walt Frazier’s stylish 20.9 points and 8.2 dimes per, New York rolled to the League’s best record and a Finals meeting with the Lakers. What followed was a seven-game classic against West, Wilt and Baylor, best remembered for Reed’s Game 7 effort on a bum leg that inspired his teammates to victory.

29. 1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Paul Westhead, Pat Riley

Record: 57-25

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brewer, Michael Cooper, Clay Johnson, Magic Johnson,Eddie Jordan, Mitch Kupchak, Mark Landsberger, Bob McAdoo, Mike McGee, Kevin  McKenna, Norm Nixon, Kurt Rambis, Jamaal Wilkes

Pat Riley was second choice. When Paul Westhead was fired (at Magic Johnson’s urging) 11 games into the ’81-82 season, Lakers owner Jerry Buss named Jerry West head coach. Only West didn’t want it, so Riley—the former player turned broadcaster turned inexperienced assistant—got the gig. Duly motivated, Magic, Kareem and Jamaal Wilkes led L.A. back to the Finals, where they bounced the Sixers in six. Showtime was in effect, and one of the greatest coaching careers was born.

28. 2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 58-24

Roster: Kobe Bryant, Joe Crispin, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Devean George, Robert Horry, Lindsey Hunter, Mark Madsen, Jelani McCoy, Stanislav Medvedenko, Shaquille O’Neal, Mike Penberthy, Mitch Richmond, Brian Shaw, Samaki Walker

The third title of the Shaq-Kobe axis didn’t come easily. That Western Finals series with Sacramento was brutal, and there were those who thought the Lakers shouldn’t have won it. But they did, and then L.A. dusted Jersey in the Finals, behind another overpowering performance from O’Neal. The dynamic duo was again tremendous, while Derek Fisher provided stability at the point, and supporting players like Rick Fox and Robert Horry stepped up when needed.

27. 2006-07 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 58-24

Roster: Brent Barry, Matt Bonner, Bruce Bowen, Jackie Butler, Tim Duncan, Francisco Elson, Melvin Ely, Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Robert Horry, Fabricio Oberto, Tony Parker, Beno Udrih, Jacque Vaughn, James White, Eric Williams

These Spurs scored when they needed to, and they moved the ball like no one else. But the real strength of the team was on defense, where San Antonio could stifle rivals, just like it did Cleveland in the Finals sweep. Tim Duncan was a no-frills frontcourt star, with point guard Tony Parker’s creativity and Manu Ginobili’s flair and passion the keys to the team’s success. Role players like Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley helped complete a pure team.

26. 1980-81 Boston Celtics

Coach: Bill Fitch

Record: 62-20

Roster: Tiny Archibald, Larry Bird, ML Carr, Terry Duerod, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson, Wayne Kreklow, Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey

After Magic Johnson got his title in 1980, it was Larry Bird’s turn. He and the Celtics waged a year-long battle with the Sixers that culminated with a seven-game Eastern Finals series that featured three big Boston comebacks. Kevin McHale and Robert Parish were interior forces, while Tiny Archibald, Chris Ford and Cedric Maxwell patrolled the perimeter. The Rockets were tough in the Finals, but they weren’t tough enough to stop the Celtics machine.

25. 1989-90 Detroit Pistons

Coach: Chuck Daly

Record: 59-23

Roster: Mark Aguirre, William Bedford, Joe Dumars, James Edwards, Dave Greenwood, Scott Hastings, Gerald Henderson, Vinnie Johnson, Stan Kimbrough, Bill Laimbeer, Ralph Lewis, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Isiah Thomas

The Bad Boys went back-to-back with the same formula that won their first title: ferocious defense, timely offense and a Mean Streets attitude. Isiah Thomas smiled a lot, but he was a killer. Joe Dumars quietly piled up the points. Bill Laimbeer made no friends inside. Dennis Rodman rebounded and defended like a dervish. Mark Aguirre scored in many ways. James Edwards was a force in the post. And nobody wanted to mess with John Salley.

24. 2008-09 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 65-17

Roster: Trevor Ariza, Shannon Brown, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, DJ Mbenga, Chris Mihm, Adam Morrison, Lamar Odom, Josh Powell, Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton, Sun Yue

The first of back-to-back titles was Kobe Bryant’s initial one as undisputed leader of the Lakers and redemption for the Mamba. A year after losing in the Finals to ancestral rival Boston, the Lakers piled up 65 wins—third most in franchise history—with Bryant leading the way but receiving plenty of help from Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum inside. The anticipated Finals matchup with Cleveland and LeBron James didn’t happen, so L.A. whipped Orlando instead.

23. 2007-08 Boston Celtics

Coach: Doc Rivers

Record: 66-16

Roster: Ray Allen, Tony Allen, PJ Brown, Sam Cassell, Glen Davis, Kevin Garnett, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, Paul Pierce, Scot Pollard, James Posey, Leon Powe, Gabe Pruitt, Rajon Rondo, Brian Scalabrine

Depending on how you define it, the Super Team era started in Boston in the summer of ’07, when future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce to give the Celtics their best team in (at least) 20 years. Behind Pierce’s scoring, Allen’s shooting and KG’s two-way play, the Cs posted an NBA-high 66 wins and bounced LeBron and the Cavs en route to the Finals, where they renewed their rivalry with the Lakers. Not long after, they hung banner No. 17.

22. 1992-93 Chicago Bulls

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 57-25

Roster: BJ Armstrong, Ricky Blanton, Bill Cartwright, Joe Courtney, Jo Jo English, Horace Grant, Michael Jordan, Stacey King, Rodney McCray, Ed Nealy, John Paxson, Will Perdue, Scottie Pippen, Trent Tucker, Darrell Walker, Corey Williams, Scott Williams

The Lakers and Pistons had taken some of the magic out of title repeats by the time the Bulls
won their second straight, but no team since the Celtics’ ’60s dynasty had won three in a row. The Bulls felt like making history. The formula by now was familiar: Jordan averaged League-
highs in points (32.6) and steals (2.8), Scottie Pippen was a terror at both ends and Chicago made the big plays when it mattered, edging Barkley and the Suns in the Finals to seal the threepeat.

Read here to find out who made it on the rest of the list, including No. 75-66, 65-55, 54-44 and 43-33.

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“I just wanted to let the city know [that] I’m fully behind the message. I think the team is [too], at the same time. We’re trying to bring Detroit back on top in the sports world because that’s what we control, but Detroit got a lot of things going on. I think the city’s gonna continue to grow.” 

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Moments earlier, Cunningham was dripped out in a furry, fire-engine red Des Pierrot coat, his Pistons City Edition uniform and a blinged out gold chain while posing for his cover. He was hip to the Detroit scene long before his arrival: he started listening to Detroit rap in high school, from 42 Dugg to Sada Baby, Babyface Ray and Veeze. He messes with the movies heavy, too. “I don’t know if you know about Buffed Up. It’s a little movie. Tough! See, I can put y’all on, fam! Y’all gotta watch McGraw Ave.” 

It’s crazy to think that there was a time, especially in the beginning, when many doubted Cunningham’s potential in the League. The hype was real coming in. As a senior in high school, he averaged 13.9 points and led Montverde Academy to a 25-0 record. At Oklahoma State, he averaged 20.1 ppg and led the Cowboys to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite the Pistons’ struggles this season, the 20-year-old rookie didn’t shy away from the moment.

Some might have questioned him at first, but make no mistake now: Cade Cunningham is a certified superstar in the making.

He’s had conversations with Pistons Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas about leadership and what it takes to bring a team together. He’s well aware, too, of what it’ll take to earn respect.

“I think the biggest thing I learned is that the League, the media, nobody will care until you’re winning,” he tells SLAM. “I could feel bad for myself all I want about [how] people didn’t respect or appreciate the season I had, or anything, but I didn’t win a lot of games. So, I think that’s been the biggest thing that I’ve locked in on and I decided within. I have to win games if I want people to respect my name, and if not, then I can’t be mad at people not watching enough games and how I really play. That’s the challenge that I’ve tried to take on. I’ve talked to teammates [and] we’re all trying to take that challenge on. I think that’s the next step for us.” 

Just a week before our interview, it was announced that his Montverde teammate, Scottie Barnes, had won Rookie of the Year. Cunningham, who led all rookies in scoring (17.4 ppg) and was second in assists (5.6 apg), finished third in voting behind Barnes and Cleveland’s Evan Mobley. He isn’t sweating the outcome, though. “Scottie is my brother, I’m happy that he got that award. I feel like it’s great that it’s him, [my] Montverde teammate. I’m super excited [for him]. I mean, it’s never really been about that award for me. I’ve had a ton of questions asked about it, you know—Rookie of the Year, what do you think about you winning? So, I’ma answer the question, you know? I feel like I should win it. That’s natural. But it was never a knock on those guys. I love their game and I’m happy that now we can quiet that question down. Congrats to Scottie, man, I love my dog.”

Cunningham’s own emergence this season, one which catapulted him into the running for ROY after missing all of the preseason and the first four regular season games due to an ankle injury he suffered in training camp, is a conversation worth having. The expectations were very high for him coming in, and while his debut was underwhelming—just 2 points against Orlando, followed by 6 against Milwaukee three nights later—even Pistons head coach Dwane Casey had made it clear during media day that Cade would need some time to get adjusted. Still, the media, and social media, reacted immediately. Some called him a flop and a bust. There were memes and tweets that claimed he should get traded.

“I wanted to take it slow, but at the same time I was so anxious to hurry up and get out there for my first NBA game,” he says in retrospect. “It was a balancing act, [and] I think it was something that was definitely a lesson learned as far as who I am and my body. It taught me a lot of patience, for sure. I dreamed of being in the NBA, and to have my first game be a bit of a tease from me, like, You can’t play yet. But when it did come, I felt like all of that stuff was behind me.”

He was well aware of what people were saying about him. When he became the first Pistons rookie to put up a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) in just his third career game, joining the elite company of Grant Hill and Isiah Thomas as the only Pistons rooks to do so, everyone had something to say about how he was shooting 17.9 percent from the field at the time. The reality was that, in the beginning, he was just as hard on himself. 

“I think I was bothered with myself more than anything, just because I wasn’t playing the way that I had expected myself to play, where I dreamt of coming into the NBA and playing. Everybody comes in and dreams of dropping 35 in their first game and everybody’s shocked. You know, everybody dreams of that. Whenever I got into the League and I played and that didn’t happen—I scored one bucket my first game—you just kind of take it for what it is and then move on. Hope that things get better. Not even hope but make sure that they do.”

His teammates, coaches and family continued to reassure him that he was straight. Keep going, keep pushing, they’d tell him. Keep being aggressive. He put up 17 points against Brooklyn in November, showing off his court vision and shot-making ability, and earning props from Kevin Durant, who has known him since high school. The narrative was starting to shift. Headlines went from calling him on the “wrong side of history” and “struggling early” to suggesting that he could take over for Detroit. A week later, he had 25/8/8 and hit five threes against the Kings to become the youngest player (20 years, 51 days) in League history with that stat line.

“I think anybody that says, I didn’t hear it, that’s cap,” Cunningham says. “But, I try not to put too much weight on [it] whenever I’m playing well, and everybody’s praising me—the same way as I try not to put too much weight around when people are hating, because at any time you have a good game, people are gonna love [you and] when you have a bad game, people are gonna hate you. You can’t put too much of your feelings into that, the Twitter game, Instagram, whatever it is, because it’s not gonna help me on the court. I just tried to lock into what the locker room needed, what they wanted. I think just keeping my mind in the right place allowed me to end up turning the corner.”

Rather than get caught up in the outside noise, good or bad, he looked inward. Cunningham, who has been practicing yoga since last summer, is big on meditation. He does it daily, even multiple times a day, but it really started as something he did before games. “I think it’s really helped me. Anytime that I feel like I need to kind of reset, I can do it in the moment a little bit.

“In some of these instances, it feels like there’s really nothing you can do to fully take it off—the anxiety of going into a big game,” he adds. “Sometimes it’s impossible to relieve that. But, I mean, that’s what we asked for. That’s what I asked for, to be in the NBA, to be in these moments. I try not to just completely shy away from those times, where I’m like, you know, my head is all over the place. And you know what happens whenever you go into games feeling like that, so, just trying to tune that stuff out. And then, like I said, just locking in to who I am and being unapologetic about what I look like out there.” 

Even during a 14-game losing stretch, the 6-7 guard continued to show flashes of his potential. A triple-double, his career’s first, against the Lakers, 26 points against Portland, 28 against OKC. The losing not only tested him and the team, but looking back, he says it will only prepare them moving forward. 

“What we [were] going through in that time, mentally, emotionally, having to get through that and overcome that, as a team, I feel like that’ll set us up for [dealing with] the adversity that we’ll run into in the future. I had never went through anything like that, losing. I feel like it taught me a lot about myself and how I can lock back in and get back on the right track.” 

The wins, few as they were, did start to come. He was clutch in an upset against the Celtics, dropping 20 points and helping deliver a crucial block on Jaylen Brown in the final seconds to end Boston’s nine-game winning streak. He pulled up to All-Star Weekend and won MVP of the Rising Stars Game. In March, the Pistons went on a three-game winning streak, their first in three years. Even after a loss to the Nets, Cade matched his own career-high of 34 points. When a reporter pointed out the Pistons’ struggles to KD, he clapped back. “What do you mean, a team like Detroit?” Durant asked. “I know their record isn’t good, but they’ve still got pros over there.” He had some more words about Cade, too. “When you got a 6-7 point guard, it’s a good start…Somebody that can wreck a whole defensive game plan with his size, his talent, his skill…I could see this team being a force to be reckoned with in the future.” 

Legends have shown him love. The whole city is rockin’ with him. The excitement is building around not only the team, but Cunningham as the face of the franchise. He has a few things planned this offseason as he trains for year 2: taking care of his body, getting stronger in the weight room and packing on some protein (he’s vegan). He recently took a trip up to Joshua Tree in Cali and plans on taking his daughter Riley to Disney World for the first time. (Riley, who was born during his senior year of HS, loves princesses.) Fatherhood, he goes on to say, has taught him that he’s not just doing this for himself, but for her, too. “I had her in high school and [she] changed my whole lens on life, really,” he says, adding, “I know that I’m doing everything for a greater purpose now.” 

And even when he’s felt like it’s Cade versus everyone, he knows that this is just the beginning. The Pistons did put up more wins this season than they have in the past few years, and their young core of Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and  Killian Hayes all averaged career-highs in their second seasons. Jerami Grant averaged almost 20 ppg. The come-up is real. 

“Within, I think it’s me versus everybody, but I got a squad behind me, too. It’s us versus everybody.” 

SLAM 238 is available now in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition and Cover Tee. Tap in.

Portraits by Jonathan Lewis.

The post Cade Cunningham is Ready to Lead the Pistons Back to the Glory Days appeared first on SLAM.

We’re gonna keep it real though: this list was pretty tough to put together. It was mostly guided by the idea that the way to measure the true quality of a team is to think about how much better they were than everyone else they played against. Some decent team in the 2000s would almost definitely destroy an excellent team from the ’70s if we teleported all of the players into the same dimension and let them go at it, but that’s not how this works. This is about dominating your era. Read here for No. 75-66, and 65-55.

Here’s our top 55-44 best teams of all time:

54. 1978-79 Seattle Supersonics

Coach: Lenny Wilkens

Record: 52-30

Roster: Dennis Awtrey, Fred Brown, Lars Hansen, Joe Hassett, Dennis Johnson, John Johnson, Tom LaGarde, Jackie Robinson, Lonnie Shelton, Jack Sikma, Paul Silas, Dick Snyder, Wally Walker, Gus Williams

For the greatest team in franchise history, it was all about balance. Seven players averaged double-figures for Seattle in ’78-79, led by the high-powered young backcourt duo of Gus Williams (19.2 ppg) and Dennis Johnson (15.9 ppg), while second-year big man Jack Sikma held it down in the paint to the tune of 15.6 and 12.4 per game. The Sonics rode that young core to the Finals, where they dropped the series opener in Washington before taking four straight from the Bullets.

53. 1974-75 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Al Attles

Record: 48-34

Roster: Rick Barry, Butch Beard, Steve Bracey, Bill Bridges, Derrek Dickey, Charles Dudley, Charles Johnson, George Johnson, Frank Kendrick, Jeff Mullins, Clifford Ray, Phil Smith, Jamaal Wilkes

Rick Barry led the NBA in free-throw percentage and steals in ’74-75, League-leading numbers
to go along with a casual 30.6 ppg, 6.2 apg and 5.7 rpg. The Dubs were solid, with silky-smooth rookie Jamaal Wilkes averaging 14.2 ppg and a steady backcourt pairing of Butch Beard and Charles Johnson. But it was Barry, a decade into a spectacular career, who carried Golden State to a Finals sweep of the Bullets for the franchise’s first championship since relocating to the Bay.

52. 1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Pat Riley

Record: 62-20

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tony Campbell, Michael Cooper, AC Green, Magic Johnson, Jeff Lamp, Wes Matthews, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott, Mike Smrek, Billy Thompson, Mychal Thompson, Ray Tolbert, Milt Wagner, James Worthy

It had been 19 years since an NBA champion successfully defended its title, so when Pat Riley guaranteed his Lakers would do just that after the ’87 Finals, the pressure was on. If not for Isiah Thomas’ injured ankle, Detroit might have made Riley a liar, but don’t tell a Laker fan that the last title of the Showtime era was a fluke. James Worthy confirmed his Hall of Fame bona fides with a 36-point triple-double in Game 7 to ensure his coach’s guarantee held up.

51. 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks

Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Record: 46-26

Roster: Jaylen Adams, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, DJ Augustin, Elijah Bryant, Pat Connaughton, Torrey Craig, Mamadi Diakite, Donte DiVincenzo, Bryn Forbes, Jrue Holiday, Justin Jackson, Rodions Kurucs, Brook Lopez, Sam Merrill, Khris Middleton, Jordan Nwora, Bobby Portis, Jeff Teague, Axel Toupane, PJ Tucker, DJ Wilson

You can focus on the pandemic-shortened schedule, or the placement of Kevin Durant’s toe, but as time passes, what people will remember about the ’20-21 season will mostly come down to one dude: Giannis. A two-time League MVP who still faced skeptics who said he couldn’t produce when it mattered most, Antetokounmpo did just that, first against KD and the Nets (31.9 ppg, 12.9 rpg) in a seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinal thriller, then even more impressively against the Suns (35.2, 13.2) in the Finals.

50. 2009-10 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 57-25

Roster: Ron Artest, Shannon Brown, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, DJ Mbenga, Adam Morrison, Lamar Odom, Josh Powell, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton

It was Kobe’s team, but even prime Kobe knew he couldn’t do it alone. In 2010, with a title to defend and a matchup with the hated Celtics in the Finals, the Lakers’ star once again relied on the steadiness of Pau Gasol (18.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg), and got invaluable defense and clutch play from a resurgent Ron Artest. “Kobe passed me the ball!” the man now known as Metta Sandiford-Artest said after hitting a title-sealing three late in Game 7. Every Laker fan shared his joy.

49. 1973-74 Boston Celtics

Coach: Tom Heinsohn

Record: 56-26

Roster: Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Steve Downing, Hank Finkel, Phil Hankinson, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Don Nelson, Paul Silas, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Art Williams

Russell and Cousy were retired, Red Auerbach was no longer on the bench, and it had been five long years since the Celtics last hung a banner from the Garden rafters. But with John Havlicek (22.6 ppg) still around and young Dave Cowens (19 ppg, 15.7 rpg) already looking like a future Hall of Famer, Boston decided five years was long enough. They needed seven games to take down Kareem, Oscar and the Bucks, but soon enough, Red was lighting that stogie once again.

48. 2010-11 Dallas Mavericks

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Record: 57-25

Roster: Alexis Ajinca, JJ Barea, Rodrigue Beaubois, Corey Brewer, Caron Butler, Brian Cardinal, Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Dominique Jones, Jason Kidd, Ian Mahinmi, Shawn Marion, Steve Novak, Dirk Nowitzki, Sasha Pavlovic, DeShawn Stevenson, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Terry

There was still a sense that calling Dirk Nowitzki “the greatest European player of all time” was sort of a diss. Nobody doubted his production, but plenty of people questioned whether he could be that dude when it mattered. All questions were answered that June: With help from a veteran supporting cast that included Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler and 37-year-old Jason Kidd, Dirk averaged 26 points and 9.7 rebounds in the Finals to dispatch the Heatles and confirm his spot among the all-time greats.

47. 2005-06 Miami Heat

Coach: Stan Van Gundy, Pat Riley

Record: 52-30

Roster: Derek Anderson, Shandon Anderson, Earl Barron, Michael Doleac, Gerald Fitch, Udonis Haslem, Jason Kapono, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Gary Payton, James Posey, Wayne Simien, Dwyane Wade, Antoine Walker, Matt Walsh, Jason Williams, Dorell Wright

A decade dominated by the Lakers and Spurs didn’t leave much room for Eastern Conference contenders, but in ’06, a Miami team loaded with loose parts and a wild array of past-their-prime big-name vets coalesced around a dynamic third-year guard from Marquette. Sure, Dwyane Wade benefitted from some friendly officiating in a Finals matchup that Dirk and the Mavs are probably still mad about, but mostly, Flash earned what he got in leading the Heat out of a 0-2 Finals hole and on to the title.

46. 2003-04 Detroit Pistons

Coach: Larry Brown

Record: 54-28

Roster: Chucky Atkins, Chauncey Billups, Elden Campbell, Hubert Davis, Tremaine Fowlkes, Darvin Ham, Richard Hamilton, Lindsey Hunter, Mike James, Darko Milicic, Mehmet Okur,  Tayshaun Prince, Zeljko Rebraca, Bob Sura, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Corliss Williamson

Larry Brown talked all the time about playing basketball “the right way,” but he had never
won a title until the Pistons hit the League with their stifling defense. Sure, Richard Hamilton was a potent scorer, Chauncey Billups was good all year (especially in the Finals win over the Lakers) and the mid-year arrival of Rasheed Wallace was huge. But the embodiment of Detroit was lunch-pail center Ben Wallace, whose relentless approach keyed a championship.

45. 1998-99 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 37-13

Roster: Antonio Daniels, Tim Duncan, Mario Elie, Sean Elliott, Andrew Gaze, Jaren Jackson, Avery Johnson, Steve Kerr, Jerome Kersey, Gerard King, Will Perdue, David Robinson, Malik Rose, Brandon Williams

It was the post-Bulls era and a lockout-shortened season, but the Spurs were ascendant. Their first championship team featured the Tim Duncan-David Robinson interior axis, one of the few times a twin towers configuration had enjoyed supreme success. Avery Johnson ran the team, Mario Elie hit big shots and locked down opposing high scorers, while Sean Elliott was a do-everything type who fit in perfectly. The Spurs lost just two games the entire postseason.

44. 1994-95 Houston Rockets

Coach: Ruddy Tomjanovich

Record: 47-35

Roster: Tim Breaux, Scott Brooks, Chucky Brown, Adrian Caldwell, Sam Cassell, Pete Chilcutt, Clyde Drexler, Mario Elie, Carl Herrera, Robert Horry, Charles Jones, Vernon Maxwell, Tracy Murray, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kenny Smith, Zan Tabak, Otis Thorpe

If Houston’s ’94 title run was inspired, the ’95 version seemed unlikely to ever happen. The Rockets posted the NBA’s 10th-best record and were pushed to the distance in their first two playoff rounds. But something about matchups with arguably the other two best centers in the League seemed just what Hakeem Olajuwon needed: He Dream-shook and dominated newly crowned MVP David Robinson in the conference finals, then went for 32.8 and 11.5 to sweep young Shaq and the Magic for the title.

Get your copy of SLAM Presents TOP 75 NBA Teams Of All Time

Photos via Getty Images.

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The NBA announced the decision for NBA Paris 2023 on Tuesday, with the NBA Paris game scheduled for January 19.

The #NBAParis game next season will feature the @chicagobulls and @DetroitPistons at Accor Arena

It will mark the @NBA's first game in France since '91. pic.twitter.com/skcFV4PEDa

— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) May 24, 2022

“It is a great honor to bring Chicago Bulls basketball back to Paris for The NBA Paris Game 2023,” said Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas.

“I know how special this will be for our players, our organization, and our international fanbase. We look forward to representing Chicago overseas and are grateful for the opportunity to do so.”

I think I made a wrong turn, but if I start swimming now I might make it there by January https://t.co/UPIkHFGjvz pic.twitter.com/eQu8ek6V6z

— Benny (@bennythebull) May 24, 2022

The international contest will be played in Accor Arena in Paris. The last time the arena hosted a regular-season League game was a Hornets-Bucks game on January 24, 2020.

This is the third time the Bulls will play a game in Paris in franchise history. Chicago played two preseason games back in 1997. The Pistons will be making their Paris debut in 2023; they have played regular-season games in international waters before, playing in London in 2013 and Mexico City in 2019.

“The Detroit Pistons organization is excited to take on the Chicago Bulls and play our first-ever game in France. Playing a regular-season game in Paris will be a great experience for our players and coaches, and we look forward to showcasing Detroit Basketball to an international audience.” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said.

The 2023 NBA Paris game will mark the League’s 12th game in Paris since 1991.

The post NBA Announce Bulls and Pistons Will Play in 2023 NBA Paris Game appeared first on SLAM.

This is the first time Orlando will make the No. 1 overall selection since they selected Dwight Howard first in the 2004 NBA Draft. Orlando also won the lottery in back-to-back years, selecting Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber in 1992 and 1993 respectively.

OKC will make the second pick followed by Houston, Sacramento, and Detroit to round out the top 5.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on Tuesday ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtic.

Teams that sneak into the top four will have the chance to select Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Jaden Ivey.

The Rockets, Magic, Pistons, and Thunder have the best chance to land the No. 1 pick at 14.0 percent to earn the top overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Usually, only the top three teams in the lottery standings would have a 14.0 percent shot at the No. 1 overall pick, but the Thunder joined the group because they hold two lottery picks already. There’s a 12.5 percent chance their selection will move up No. 1 and a 1.5 percent chance the Clippers’ pick they own will turn out to be the No. 1 pick.

The Pelicans (10.5 percent), Trail Blazers (9.0 percent), Kings (7.5 percent), and Pelicans (6.0 percent) have the next best odds of receiving the first overall pick. The Clippers and Lakers are the only non-playoff teams that traded away their lottery picks this year; neither LA franchises put protections on their traded first-rounders either.

The Thunder received the Clippers’ pick. The Lakers’ pick is still up for grabs between the Pelicans and Grizzlies. The Pelicans will acquire the selection if it lands in the top 10, while Memphis will take it if it lands at No. 11 or 12. There’s a 99.5 percent chance that New Orleans will take the pick. At least three teams in the 9-14 pick range would have to jump into the top four for Memphis to take the pick.

Here are the representatives that will be in the lottery drawing-room.

Here is the list of team representatives who will be in the lottery drawing room https://t.co/vGachDzy2p pic.twitter.com/hzrWddDRCT

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 16, 2022

Hall of Famer David Robinson (Spurs), Rip Hamilton (Pistons), and Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers) are among the noteworthy current and former players that will be representing their teams in the lottery drawing-room on Tuesday.

The post NBA Draft Lottery Primer and the Full List of Lottery Representatives appeared first on SLAM.

First Team:

Justin Anderson – Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Mason Jones – South Bay Lakers

Justin Tillman – College Park Skyhawks

Trevelin Queen – Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Moses Wright – Texas Legends

Second Team:

Cat Barber – College Park Skyhawks

Charles Bassey – Delaware Blue Coats

Braxton Key – Delaware Blue Coats

Saben Lee – Motor City Cruise

Reggie Perry – Raptors 905

Third Team:

Luka Garza – Motor City Cruise

Jared Harper – Birmingham Squadron

Justin Jackson – Texas Legends

Carlik Jones – Texas Legends

Anthony Lamb – Rio Grande Valley Vipers

The G League also released their All-Rookie and All-Defensive Team rosters. Notable players are the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year Mac McClung and the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Shaquille Harrison. The teams are as follows:

All-Rookie:

Charles Bassey – Delaware Blue Coats

Luka Garza – Motor City Cruise

Carlik Jones – Texas Legends

Mac McClung – South Bay Lakers

Micah Potter – Sioux Falls Skyforce

All-Defensive:

Charles Bassey – Delaware Blue Coats

Braxton Key – Delaware Blue Coats

Tacko Fall – Cleveland Charge

Shaquille Harrison – Delaware Blue Coats

Trevelin Queen – Rio Grande Valley Vipers

The post 2021-22 All-NBA G League, All-Rookie, and All-Defensive Teams Announced appeared first on SLAM.

Harden finished the game with 13 points shooting 3-for-12 from the floor. In the fourth quarter, he only had four points on 1-for-4 shooting. In addition, he added 15 assists and four rebounds.

This is the second straight game where the Sixers’ offense has not been efficient in the second half. Harden told the Sixers reporter Ky Carlin that the lack of spacing hurts his ability to attack the basket.

“Our spacing, It’s been like that the last few days. We just gotta watch film and just talk about it and make sure we’re in our spots.” Harden said. “I think our spacing helps us with not turning the basketball over and getting quality shots, possession by possession, that’s very, very important in the postseason.”

The Sixers will close out the season at home this weekend and will host the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. On April 16, they will begin their championship quest in the first round of the playoffs and will most likely meet the Raptors again.

The post James Harden On Reason He’s Not Attacking the Rim: ‘Our Spacing, We Gotta Watch Film and Talk’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Pistons have real interest in Jalen Brunson, sources tell @JLEdwardsIII.

The 25-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

More: https://t.co/BkqIhniINH pic.twitter.com/2cAKwkwFKI

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) April 7, 2022

The former NCAA Champion and Naismith Player of the Year has blossomed in his fourth year in the League, averaging a career-high 16.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from downtown.

As an upcoming unrestricted free agent, Brunson’s ascension this season has many teams vying for his offensive capabilities and floor general mentality, with the Knicks reportedly in the mix back in late January. An effective secondary ball-handler who can consistently knock down catch-and-shoot treys, the fit of Brunson next to the 6’6 Cunningham could be lethal over the next few years.

Brunson and the Mavericks (50-30) have been clicking on all cylinders as they finish out the regular season, sitting at fourth in the West, facing off against the Trail Blazers on Friday and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

The post REPORT: Pistons Eyeing Jalen Brunson For Free Agency appeared first on SLAM.

Your single season record holder for 3-pointers made!

#SaddiqTrey @BallySportsDET | @SaddiqBey pic.twitter.com/K6aBSerCHZ

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 24, 2022

Bey set the record in the fourth quarter knocking down his 192nd three-pointer of the season, one of three that he knocked down during a 10 point, four rebound, and four assists outing.

This historic achievement comes on the heels of his 51 point explosion against the Orlando Magic when Bey shot 10-14 from behind the arc in a 134-120 Pistons win over the Magic. The slumping Pistons have won two games out of their last eight outings on the hardwood.

Saddiq Bey vs ORL

51 Points (21 in 1st)
17/27 Shooting
10 Threes
9 Rebounds
4 Assists
3 Steals

This was the 5th 50-PT game in the NBA over the past 7 days. 8th this month.

pic.twitter.com/1KeEd3v7Xu

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 18, 2022

Bey ranks third on the Pistons in scoring behind Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham with 16.3 points per game this season for the Pistons, improving on his All-Rookie first-team season average of 12.2 points.

Saddiq has a chance to add to his 3 point totals on Friday night against the Washington Wizards.

The post Saddiq Bey Breaks Allan Houston’s Pistons Single-Season Three-Point Record appeared first on SLAM.

As long as Tatum scores the ball at a high rate, the Celtics can’t lose. In a special night honoring former Celtics legends leading up to the jersey retirement this weekend, Boston turned in one of the best defensive performances of the year, completely shutting down the Detroit Pistons 114-103 for their fifth straight win.

Tatum dropped 30+ points in his fifth straight game, matching the longest streak of his career with the 2019-20 campaign from Feb 23-March 4.

.@jaytatum0 refuses to cool down

Check out tonight’s @gatorade Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/PiBwlmRzBY

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 12, 2022

Tatum finished with 31 points on 13-27 shooting after scoring 33, 37, 54, and 44 points in his previous four games.

The Celtics took some time at the intermission to honor some former players who traveled for the jersey retirement ceremony of Kevin Garnett on Sunday. A few members of the 2008 NBA championship team attended the game, including Paul Pierce, James Posey, Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, Dana Barros, Antoine Walker, and even current Pistons forward Kelly Olynyk, who played four years with the franchise.

Bill Russell was a part of the celebration but did so from home.

While we missed him in Boston tonight, @RealBillRussell joined in on the celebrations from home pic.twitter.com/Io51eHYIZU

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 12, 2022

The Celtics take on the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday when Kevin Garnett becomes the 24th Celtic to have his jersey retired.

The post Jayson Tatum Scores 31 On Boston Celtics Legends Celebration Night appeared first on SLAM.

Fresh off of scoring a season-high 54 points at home against the Brooklyn Nets on national television Sunday, Tatum took his high-scoring tour on the road to Charlotte, where he lit the Hornets up for 44 points to lead the Celtics to a 115-101 win Wednesday night.

With 98 points combined in back-to-back games, Tatum tied Kevin McHale’s franchise scoring record over a two-game span.

Certified. Bucket. Getter.

Jayson Tatum dropped 44 tonight

(: @celtics) pic.twitter.com/SyTzLAXfC8

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 10, 2022

Setting Boston scoring records is starting to become a trend for the three-time All-Star as he just recently tied Larry Bird for 50 point games in franchise history over the weekend.

After Jaylen Brown called Tatum “unstoppable” after the Nets game, Celtics teammate Derrick White talked about the influence the superstar forward’s hot streak has on how the team gels.

“They’re doubling, so everybody’s in rotation kind of chasing,” said Derrick White via NBA.com. “So it’s an opportunity for me and everybody else just to take advantage of what the defense gives us and be aggressive.”

Tatum simply cannot miss rn (via @celtics) pic.twitter.com/a6rVDqDDXE

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 10, 2022

On the other hand, the former Duke Blue Devil is appreciative and thankful after working his way through a slow start at the beginning of the year.

“I’m in a lot better zone than I was to start the season,” Tatum said with a smile. “But it was just part of it. I believe in the work I put in, and I never doubted myself. I’m just thankful my teammates didn’t doubt me either.”

Not only is he matching scoring marks from legends like Bird and McHale, but Tatum also has a few of his own. The 24-year-old forward owns three of the top four scoring totals over three games in team history.

Most points in a 3-game span in Celtics history

1. Jayson Tatum – 135 PTS (3/3/22 – 3/9/22)
2. Jayson Tatum – 128 PTS (4/28/21 – 5/2/21)
3. Larry Bird – 126 PTS (3/12/85 – 3/15/85)
4. Jayson Tatum – 124 PTS (3/1/22 – 3/6/22) pic.twitter.com/MctBp5jaqJ

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) March 10, 2022

He gets to try to continue his hot streak Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons.

The post Jayson Tatum Ties Kevin McHale’s Two-Game Celtics Scoring Record appeared first on SLAM.

‘He’s rookie of the year’: Cade Cunningham leads #Pistons to first three-game winning streak of season: https://t.co/kwDqmGbAqi

— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) March 8, 2022

Led by Cunningham (28 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists) and Jerami Grant (23 points and four rebounds), the Pistons made a comeback late in regulation after a back-and-forth fourth quarter that saw the Hawks and Pistons exchange leads.

“He’s rookie of the year. It’s not even close as far as talent evaluation. I’ve been in it a long time and seen (a lot of) players,” coach Dwane Casey said of Cunningham per Rod Beard of Detroit News.

“The only thing that (voters) can hold against us is we are a young team rebuilding, but talent-wise, he’s the guy that can finish games for you, and that’s what you need in those situations. He’s playing like a 10-year vet, so to get 10 assists and 28 points is big time.”

Cunningham nearly put the game away with 1.6 seconds left after sinking a pair of free throws, but John Collins was fouled on the subsequent inbounds play, but he split the ensuing free throws.

Cunningham took over in the extra period, scoring seven points, including a huge three-pointer to give the Pistons a 107-102 lead. After the Hawks responded with an alley-oop slam from Clint Capela, Cunningham came back with two straight buckets of his own to extend their back to five with just over two minutes to go. Grant then sank his tough fadeaway jumper to extend the lead to 113-107.

“I really like how the Pistons are playing right now. We’re playing really hard and playing for each other, and that’s what’s letting us win some games,” Cunningham said. “I really appreciate my team and my teammates trusting me with the ball, allowing me to get things going.”

The Pistons will look to extend their win streak to four when they host the Bulls on Wednesday.

The post Cade Cunningham Leads the Pistons to Season-High Three-Game Win Streak appeared first on SLAM.

Bagley has averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 51.3% in four games with the Pistons. Sometimes, a clean slate is important for a young player in getting their career back on track. 

The 6-foot-11 forward was recently asked about the trade itself and what it felt like to get that fresh start. 

“I felt like a weight was taken off my back,” Bagley told The Athletic. “I felt like I could have fun playing basketball. Being in a new environment, new facility, new teammates, new faces, I think that’s what I needed. To finally get that, I’m going to make the most of the opportunity.”

It’s not a guarantee that Bagley ever becomes a star at the NBA level like he was projected to be coming out of college. Being the second overall pick comes with high expectations, but now that he’s no longer with the team that selected him that high, perhaps the expectations and pressure can be re-aligned. 

The post Marvin Bagley Reflects on Trade from Kings to Pistons appeared first on SLAM.

These schools haven’t received a lot of national attention for their contributions to the game. Nevertheless, HBCUs have produced some terrific talent, who have gone on to enjoy careers in the NBA, such as Leonard “Truck” Robinson (Tennessee State, New Orleans Jazz), Donald “Slick” Watts (Xavier La., Seattle SuperSonics), Caldwell Jones (Albany State, Philadelphia 76ers), Purvis Short (Jackson State, Golden State Warriors), Larry Smith (Alcorn State, Golden State Warriors), and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State, Philadelphia 76ers), among many other.

Right now, Robert Covington from Tennessee State, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, is the only active NBA player from an HBCU.

This number could change with some future potential prospects playing at Black institutions, like Joe Bryant (Norfolk State), Tyree Corbett (Coppin State), Kyle Foster (Howard), M.J. Randolph (Florida A&M), and Jalen Johnson (Alabama A&M), to name a few. Today’s HBCU stars are well-coached, with the likes of LeVelle Moton (North Carolina Central University), Robert Jones (Norfolk State), Johnny Jones (Texas Southern), and Byron Smith (Prairie View A&M) among the many impactful mentors.

In addition, the NBA and the NBPA will host a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game between Howard University and Morgan State on Saturday, Feb. 19 during NBA All-Star Weekend at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Every Thursday throughout Black History Month, SLAM will spotlight five HBCU legends who were not only dominant players during their time, but also trail blazers of the game.

Check out our list from Week 1 (Earl Monroe, Charles Oakley, Rick Mahorn, Willis Reed, Avery Johnson) and Week 2 (Sam Jones, Ben Wallace, Dick Barnett, Bobby Dandridge, Marvin Webster).  

A true trailblazer. After leading West Virginia State to a 30-0 record and a CIAA championship in 1947-48, Lloyd, who averaged 14 points and eight rebounds a game his senior year, was the first Black player to suit up in the NBA. He shattered the NBA’s color line when he was selected by the Washington Capitals in 1950. 

After 10 years in the Association, suiting up for the Capitals, the Syracuse Nationals and the Detroit Pistons, Lloyd’s monumental legacy continued in 1968 when he became the first-ever Black assistant coach in the NBA after signing with the Pistons. During the 1971-72 season, he became the first ever Black head coach of the Pistons.

Lindsey Hunter had the ability to create his own shot—he could get to the basket effortlessly and connect from long range. In ‘93, he averaged 26.7 points a game and was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He then helped Jackson State edge Connecticut in the NIT that year, dropping 39 points against the Huskies.

Hunter started his college career at Alcorn State, where he was selected as the SWAC Freshman of the Year before transferring to Jackson State. As the No. 10 overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, he went on to play 17 NBA seasons and won two titles (one with the Lakers and another with the Pistons). Hunter is now the head basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State.

Attles was one of the best defensive players to ever play in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. His long arms and quick hands were a big part of his defensive prowess, while he also made things happen on the offensive end. He led North Carolina A&T to two CIAA championships and scored 1,039 career points. 

In 1960, Attles was a fifth-round selection of the Philadelphia Warriors. Suiting up alongside NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, Attles scored 17 points in Chamberlain’s 100-point game on March 2, 1962 when the Warriors defeated the New York Knicks, 169-147, in Hershey, PA. In that contest, he shot 8-for-8 from the field and 1-for-1 from the free throw line. 

Attles then continued his legacy as a coach, and in 1975, he led the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship title.

Murray was one of the most exciting players in CIAA history. In 2002, he was named the CIAA and Division II Player of the Year and led Shaw University to the school’s first-ever CIAA title and to the Division II Final Four. He averaged 23.5 points a game. 

In 2002, he was a second-round pick for the Milwaukee Bucks, and went on to play 12 seasons in the League.

Hill was a magnificent shooting guard who averaged 25.4 points a game and tallied 2,488 points in his college career. Suiting up for legendary head coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, he led the Rams to two straight CIAA championships in 1960 and ’61. He then was selected in the first round of the 1961 NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks.

MITCHELL & NESS HBCU COLLECTION

History is told in many ways. Our new HBCU collection is just one way we’re commemorating the impact that Grambling St, Texas Southern, Prairie View and North Carolina A&T have had on yesterday.

Photos via Getty Images and courtesy of the WSSU Archives and F.D. Bluford Library/North Carolina A&T State University.

The post SLAM’s Top 20 Men’s HBCU Players of All Time: PART 3 appeared first on SLAM.

TRADES:

The Lakers and Knicks didn’t make any moves according to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers will reportedly be focusing on the buyout market.

No deal for the Lakers, source tells ESPN. THey’ll focus on the buyout market.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Houston is trading Daniel Theis to the Celtics for Dennis Schroder, Bruno Fernando, and Enis Freedom. Freedom has been waived by the Rockets.

Boston is sending guard Dennis Schroder to the Rockets in the deal, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/4RFdjoULq3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Wizards are trading Davis Bertans and Spencer Dinwiddie to the Mavericks for Kristaps Porzingis.

The Wizards will send Davis Bertans in deal too, source tells ESPN. Mavericks send a second-round pick to Wizards. https://t.co/RJdybUd0Lw

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Wizards are flipping Montrezl Harrell for Charlotte’s Vernon Carey and Ish Smith.

Charlotte is acquiring Washington center Montrezl Harrell for Vernon Carey and Ish Smith, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Pacers are reportedly working on a deal to send Torrey Craig to the Suns for Jalen Smith.

The Celtics will acquire Derrick White from the Spurs.

Romeo Langford and Josh Richardson are included in the deal to the Spurs.

The Celtics are trading PJ Dozier and Bol Bol to the Magic for a future second-round pick.

The Celtics are trading PJ Dozier and Bol Bol, a future second and cash to the Magic for a future second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Dozier and Bol are both out for the season. Cost-savings for Boston.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Spurs are working on a trade for Goran Dragic and are expected to buy out his contract. The Mavericks, Bucks, Bulls, and Clippers are reportedly interested in the Dragons services. Thad Young, Drew Eubanks, and a 2022 second-round pick are headed to the Raptors.

The Raptors are trading Dragic and protected 2022 first-round picks to the Spurs for Thad Young, Drew Eubanks and a 2022 second-round pick via Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Pick is protected 1-14 in 2022; 1-13 in 2023 and would turn into two seconds beyond that. https://t.co/SN0sFyVurm

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Bucks have traded Rodney Hood and Semi Ojele to the Clippers, Serge Ibaka to the Bucks, Donte DiVencenco to the Kings and Marvin Bagley is headed to the Pistons on Thursday according to Woj.

ESPN Sources:
Full trade participants:
Kings: Donte DiVincenzo, Trey Lyles and Josh Jackson.
Bucks: Serge Ibaka, two future second-round picks, cash.
Clippers: Rodney Hood, Semi Ojele.
Pistons: Marvin Bagley Jr.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Utah Jazz is receiving Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the Juancho Hernangomez of the Spurs in a three-way deal. Spurs receive Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick, and the Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes, and a second-round selection.

The Utah Jazz are acquiring guard Portland’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the Spurs’ Juancho Hernangomez in a three-way deal, sources tell ESPN. The Spurs gets guard Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick, and the Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes and a second-round pick.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2022

The Pacers are sending Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday to the Kings for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson. 

Jeremy Lamb AND Justin Holiday. https://t.co/0GbRwKcRBP

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

The Pelicans receive CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, and Tony Snell in a trade with the Blazers. Portland gets Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Didi Louzada, and a protected first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. 

Full trade, per sources:
Blazers: Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, 2022 protected first-round pick, two second-round picks.
Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, Tony Snell.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022

The Pacers trade Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick from Miami to Cleveland for Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick from Houston, and a 2027 second-round pick from Utah.

Full trade: Indiana sends Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick via Miami to Cleveland for Ricky Rubio, lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick via Houston and a 2027 second-round pick via Utah, per sources.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2022

The Clippers and the Blazers agreed to a trade last week. The Clippers move Eric Bledsoe, Justice Winslow, Keon Johnson, and a future second-round pick to the Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington. 

The Clippers are trading Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and future second-round pick to the Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022

RUMORS:

REPORT: James Harden is pushing for a trade to Philadelphia by ‘screaming in every way he possibly can,’ to get out of Brooklyn.

James Harden is pushing for a trade and is ‘screaming in every way he possibly can’ to get out of Brooklyn, per @WindhorstESPN. https://t.co/D7l2VI9IZq pic.twitter.com/GcFCoivKjF

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2022

REPORT: Philadelphia refuses to include Maxey in any deal, causing Brooklyn to counter with an asking price of Simmons, Curry, Thybulle, and Drummond. Philadelphia is hesitant to have Curry, though Mills would reportedly end up in Philadelphia.

Update: Sixers have refused to include Tyrese Maxey in any deal with Brooklyn. Nets have countered with an asking price of Simmons, Curry, Thybulle, and Drummond. Sixers are hesitant to include Curry. Any deal would likely send Patty Mills to Philly aside from Harden.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) February 9, 2022

Brooklyn needs to see Curry in the deal alongside Simmons for them to be willing to move Harden.

This is from Sunday night’s BS Podcast and nothing has changed — Brooklyn wants Seth in any Harden deal. (And Embiid loves playing with Curry.) pic.twitter.com/sTD2vyY1co

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 9, 2022

Teams around the League think a deal between Philadelphia and Brooklyn is close to being done and that it would open the ‘floodgates’ if the agreement were to be done before tomorrow’s deadline.

It sounds like rival teams think a deal between Brooklyn and Philadelphia may be getting close. One team told me “They’ve kind of put other talks on hold. If that deal finally happens, then the floodgates will open around the league for a lot more to happen.”

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 9, 2022

Philadelphia has talked to Oklahoma City about Tobias Harris, though it may be a ploy to put more pressure on Brooklyn to trade Harden before tomorrow’s deadline.

Now arrives another stretch of uncertainty, with the trade deadline approaching Thursday afternoon and sources telling The Inquirer that the Sixers have explored trading Tobias Harris. https://t.co/Kv6MEFjDDh

— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) February 9, 2022

Buddy Hield may not end up in Indiana after claims of Pacers opening to flipping him to another team before the Thursday deadline.

Small trade note: As of now — and everything can change in the next 26 hours — the Indiana Pacers do not plan to trade Buddy Hield despite some interest from other teams, sources tell ESPN.

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 9, 2022

Detroit is listening to offers for Jerami Grant but may wait until the offseason to move him. Detroit wants two first-rounders in exchange for Grant, and the Portland Trail Blazers have shown the most interest. 

Pistons Listening To Offers On Jerami Grant, Could Wait Until Offseason For Trade https://t.co/nImk0qLAHF

— RealGM (@RealGM) February 9, 2022

The post LIVE: NBA Trade Deadline Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Grant is now considered “unlikely” to be traded in the coming days due to the high asking price from the Pistons front office.

“Despite widespread interest in Jerami Grant… it seems unlikely any rival team will be willing or able to meet Detroit’s lofty asking price of multiple first-round picks,” Fischer wrote.

Fischer reports that Grant has interest from several teams in the league including, “Washington, Los Angeles, Utah, Chicago, Minnesota, and others.”

While it may be unlikely for Grant to be traded before the trade deadline, Fischer adds that Detroit will likely revisit the possibility of moving the forward at the 2022 NBA Draft despite general manager Troy Weaver wishing to keep Grant on the roster during the rebuild.

“Grant has a strong relationship with Piston’s general manager Troy Weaver, and there have been clear indications of Weaver’s interest in keeping Grant entrenched within Detroit’s rebuild, sources said. If Grant is not dealt before the deadline, there remains a strong possibility the Pistons will revisit Grant trade scenarios around the NBA draft,” Fischer wrote.

Grant is on his second season with the Pistons, where he has had arguably the two best seasons of his career despite the Pistons’ poor form. In his two seasons in Detroit, Grant has averaged 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 82 total games.

Over Grant’s eight-year NBA career thus far, he has played for four teams; the Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. In those eight seasons, Grant has averaged 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.

The Pistons have struggled tremendously this season despite Grant’s high scoring average, holding the second-worst record in the NBA of 12-41, only better than the Orlando Magic’s 12-43 record.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 10, at 3:00 p.m. EST.

The post REPORT: Jerami Grant ‘Unlikely’ to be Traded Ahead of Deadline appeared first on SLAM.

Monroe has been preparing himself for this opportunity by playing the last 12 games for the Capital City Go-Go of the G League and two other 10-day NBA contracts spanning five games with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards. In those games, Monroe averaged 5.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks.

The veteran big man shared his feelings on being signed after a team shootaround recently via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“I’m not coming from the couch,” he said. “I’ve gotten in a full season. I’m ready to play. It’s just about getting caught up with exactly what they do here. I’m definitely ready to play. Excited to be back here. Looking forward to getting out there.”

“It’s fun being back. Loved being here. Just feels good. Excited to play with these guys and excited to get back to Milwaukee, too, and play in front of those fans as well.”

Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned how Monroe’s addition could help the team.

“I think another big has been something we’ve just been, kind of constant dialogue with Jon (Horst) and the front office and coaches, and he’s a proven pro, a veteran, has some relationships, some familiarity with guys in our locker room, felt like he fit a lot of things that we need,” Budenholzer said. “So, excited to have him, and hopefully he help us.”

Welcome back to Milwaukee, Moose!! pic.twitter.com/0mms8ZFGfp

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 5, 2022

During his previous stint with Milwaukee from 2015-17, Monroe averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 165 games. He’s also played for the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He has averaged 13.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals for his career.

The post REPORT: Milwaukee Bucks Sign Greg Monroe to A 10 Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

The Clippers are trading Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and future second-round pick to the Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022

Powell and Covington’s pure shooting prowess and defensive capabilities will aid Ty Lue’s undermanned Clippers roster with Paul George sidelined with a torn UCL and Kawhi Leonard’s rehab from a torn ACL. The 6’3 guard from UCLA is averaging a career second-best 18.7 points per game while shooting a scintillating 40.6 percent from beyond the arc.

At the same time, Covington’s three-and-D ability off the bench provides the eighth-seeded Clippers with another solid rotational player.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that the emergence of Anfernee Simons’ game in the absence of Damian Lillard had given the Blazers the confidence to move on from Powell’s long-term five-year $90 million deal, providing George and Leonard with a proven two-way bucket getter.

For Portland, the terms of the deal allow them to slip under the luxury tax bill and create a $6.5 million trade exception that is good for a whole year, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. In comparison, Los Angeles’ tax bill increases by approximately $19 million.

Both players dealt by Portland were brought in over the past two seasons, trading Trevor Ariza and two first-rounders to the Rockets for the 6-foot-9 Covington at the start of the 2020-21 season. The Blazers acquired Powell from the Toronto Raptors during last season’s trade deadline for Gary Trent Jr.

Alongside Dame and CJ McCollum, Powell has started out of position at the three despite being one of the Blazers’ most consistent offensive threats.

The post REPORT: Clippers Send Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow to Blazers for Norman Powell, Robert Covington appeared first on SLAM.

These schools haven’t received a lot of national attention for their contributions to the game. Nevertheless, HBCUs have produced some terrific talent, who have gone on to enjoy careers in the NBA, such as Leonard “Truck” Robinson (Tennessee State, New Orleans Jazz), Donald “Slick” Watts (Xavier La., Seattle SuperSonics), Caldwell Jones (Albany State, Philadelphia 76ers), Purvis Short (Jackson State, Golden State Warriors), Larry Smith (Alcorn State, Golden State Warriors), and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State, Philadelphia 76ers), among many other.

Right now, Robert Covington from Tennessee State, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, is the only active NBA player from an HBCU.

This number could change with some future potential prospects playing at Black institutions, like Joe Bryant (Norfolk State), Tyree Corbett (Coppin State), Kyle Foster (Howard), M.J. Randolph (Florida A&M), and Jalen Johnson (Alabama A&M), to name a few. Today’s HBCU stars are well-coached, with the likes of LeVelle Moton (North Carolina Central University), Robert Jones (Norfolk State), Johnny Jones (Texas Southern), and Byron Smith (Prairie View A&M) among the many impactful mentors.

In addition, the NBA and the NBPA will host a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game between Howard University and Morgan State on Saturday, Feb. 19 during NBA All-Star Weekend at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Every Thursday throughout Black History Month, SLAM will spotlight five HBCU legends who were not only dominant players during their time, but also trail blazers of the game.

Earl Monroe put on quite a show at Winston-Salem State. In 1967, he carried the Rams to the NCAA Division II championship and averaged a sensational 41.5 points per game that season. He played for Hall of Fame coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines. 

Monroe had a great jump shot to go along with the spin dribble, an array of change of pace moves and he could also make some insane shots in the open court. The Hall of Famer went on to play for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks. He scored 17,454 points and handed out 3,594 assists in his NBA career. In 1973, Monroe, aka “The Pearl” and Walt Frazier formed a fantastic backcourt that helped lead the Knicks to the NBA championship. He didn’t just entertain the fans in the NBA, but also in Philadelphia’s Charles Baker League during the summer months.

Oakley was a powerful inside player at Virginia Union. He is the school’s all-time leading rebounder (1,664) and third all-time leading scorer (2,379). In 1985, Oakley averaged 24 points and 17.3 rebounds a game while guiding Virginia Union to a 31-1 record. He helped the Panthers capture the 1985 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year.

Oakley was selected as a first-round pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in ‘85, but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. Throughout his 19-year career, he played for the Bulls, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets. As a great rebounder and inside scorer, he finished his NBA career with 12,417 points and 12,205 rebounds. 

Mahorn was a terrific player in the CIAA. He was a three-time NAIA All-American and tallied 20.3 points and 12.3 rebounds a game over his college career—he walked away with 2,418 total points. The three-time All-CIAA standout also had 1,465 career rebounds. In 1980, he became the first HU player to be drafted in the NBA, selected in the second round by the Washington Bullets. He went on to play 18 years in the League and was a key player on the 1989 Detroit Pistons’ NBA championship team.  

Reed, who was a left-handed center with a great shooting touch from the outside, led Grambling State to an NAIA championship in ‘61 and multiple Southwestern Athletic Conference championship titles during his career. After averaging a video game-like stat line of  26.6 points and 21.3 rebounds per game during his senior year, he was taken in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.

Throughout his 10 years in the Association, Reed scored 12,183 points and 8,414 rebounds. His hard work and determination helped the New York Knicks win the NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. 

Johnson played junior college basketball before going to Southern University, where he solidified himself as a magnificent point guard for the Jaguars. He had the ability to penetrate and hit the open man. In 1988, he led the nation in assists, tallying 13.3 assists a night. He also averaged 11.4 points that season. 

Johnson, who led the NCAA in assists in his two seasons at Southern University, earned SWAC Player of the Year honors and was named MVP of the league tournament as a junior and senior. While he went undrafted in 1988, he did manage to break into the League as an undrafted free agent and played 17 seasons. In 1999, he helped the San Antonio Spurs win the NBA championship over the New York Knicks. 

Johnson then pursued a career in coaching and served as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets before returning to the NCAA as head coach at the University of Alabama. He’s now a TV analyst for CBS Sports. 

Courtesy of Winston-Salem State, Virginia Union, Hampton University, Southern University and Getty Images.

The post SLAM Presents: Top 20 Men’s HBCU Players of All Time appeared first on SLAM.

On Sunday night, the 6-foot-8 guard posted a triple-double in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. On the season, he’s now averaging 16.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists. 

Although it’s on a rebuilding team, the rookie is leading the Pistons in assists and is second in points per game. In 15 games during the month of January, he’s averaged 17.3 points per contest while shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc. 

Cunningham still has plenty of time to make a case for NBA Rookie of the Year. Early on, Evan Mobley of the Cavaliers seemed to be the favorite, but with each passing game Cunningham continues to climb the ladder. 

The post Rookie Cade Cunningham is Starting to Heat Up appeared first on SLAM.

According to Camryn Justice from News 5 Cleveland, Antetokounmpo praised the young Cavs team on their surge up the NBA standings following the game.

“This is not the Cleveland that we knew in the past years…they’re a playoff team, they’re out there fighting for the title themselves,” Antetokounmpo said.

That change in mentality from the Cavs is clear to see on the court and is reflected in their current position in the standings. The Cavaliers are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-19, and only 1.5 games back of the first-place Miami Heat.

Cleveland had already surpassed its win total from last season when the Cavs finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-50. The Cavaliers haven’t even made the playoffs since the departure of LeBron James following the 2017-18 season.

The last time the Cavaliers made the playoffs without James on the roster was in 1998.

The Bucks dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference after the loss with a 30-20 record.

The revamped Cavs are led by their homegrown Big 3 of Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. This season, that trio of players has combined to average 50.8 points, 12.7 assists, and 22.4 rebounds per game, with Garland and Allen getting All-Star considerations and Mobley being a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

The Cavs will go again this Sunday when they head to Detroit to take on the Pistons (11-36) at 6:00 p.m. EST.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo on Cavaliers: ‘They’re a Playoff Team’ appeared first on SLAM.

According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, the Pistons have had difficulty attracting trade offers for forward Jerami Grant.

“In regard to Grant and the trade market, I’ve gathered that the offers aren’t pouring in right now. The majority of the chatter and interest you’ve heard in regard to Grant are more conversations than anything concrete. I do expect that to change as the deadline gets closer, but as of now, from my understanding, not many formal offers have been placed in front of Detroit.”

Grant is coming off a career season for the Pistons in 2020-21, where he averaged career-highs in points per game (22.3) and assists per game (2.8) and started more games than at any point in his career. Grant is still averaging quite a few points so far this season, 20.1 points per game, but is shooting uncharacteristically poor from the field at 41.4 percent shooting from the field and 33.1 percent from the three-point line.

The Pistons are in full-on rebuild mode, with the team currently second to last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 11-36. Trading Grant will likely be a priority for the Pistons as they continue to acquire assets to build around rookie guard Cade Cunningham.

The Pistons had already tried to get involved in the trade market this season when they accepted a trade with the Denver Nuggets to bring in center Bol Bol, but the transaction was revoked because Bol failed a physical.

Grant is in his eighth season in the NBA, having played previously with the Pistons, Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Philadelphia 76ers.

The NBA trade deadline is just a few weeks away, with teams having until Feb. 10 to make a deal.

The post REPORT: Pistons Struggling to Find Trade Offers for Jerami Grant appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 21, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2022

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

The transaction was originally reported on Monday.

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 9, 2022

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

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

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

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

Breaking: Joe Johnson is signing a 10-day deal with the Celtics, sources told @wojespn.

He’s back in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/DyCHF4leKK

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 22, 2021

Johnson won’t have long to wait for his chance to contribute as he is expected to see action in Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This will be the first time he has been on the NBA hardwood since the 2018 Western Conference Finals when he suited up for the Houston Rockets. He received a training camp invite from the Detroit Pistons but was waived before the season started in 2019. Since then, Johnson has dominated the last two seasons in the BIG3 league collecting two straight MVP awards.

In his previous campaign, Iso-Joe led the league in scoring with 22.8 points per game to cement himself as BIG3’s best player.

The deal comes full circle for Johnson and the Celtics, who drafted him as the tenth pick in 2001. He lasted only half a season before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, where his career took off. He topped out with a career-high scoring average of 25 points per game in Atlanta back in 2007. Most fans remember his exploits in a Brooklyn Nets uniform after relocating from New Jersey.

Welcome back ISO JOE!
The 40-year old Joe Johnson is signing with the team that drafted him 20 years ago, per @wojespn #BleedGreen
pic.twitter.com/xwGmFd2xAZ

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 22, 2021

Johnson is a seven-time All-Star, averaging 16 points for his career playing for the Celtics, Suns, Hawks, Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and the Rockets.

The post REPORT: Joe Johnson Signs With the Boston Celtics On A 10 Day Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Update: On Tuesday, League commissioner Adam Silver announced in an interview with Malika Andrews that the NBA would not be pausing the season for the second season since the 2019-2020 season. Silver also said that the Omricon is ‘beyond dominate’ while constituting 90 percent of positive tests.

REPORT: Per League insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA, and the players union have reached an agreement to lessen the quarantine period for COVID-positive players. Players that tested positive for COVID-19 can clear protocols after five days if their “CT values” are above 30.

If a team has three positive results, two replacement signings are required. For four or more positive tests, three replacement players will be required. Two-way players will reportedly also have no limit to the number of games they can appear in as well. If a team has 13 players available for a game they do not have to sign any players to a hardship exemption.

A game will only be postponed if a team doesn’t have at least eight players available to play. A tactic the NBA frequently utilized last year when officials postponed 31 games. The League has decided to postpone nine games in total.

Below is the list of players and coaches currently in the League’s health and safety protocols.

Atlanta Hawks (three players, head coach)

• Chris Clemons
• Gorgui Dieng
• Cameron Oliver
• Nate McMillan

Boston Celtics (one player) 

• Payton Pritchard

Charlotte Hornets (one player)

• Vernon Carey Jr.

Chicago Bulls (one player)

• Alex Caruso

Dallas Mavericks (two players, head coach)

• Jason Kidd
• Boban Marjanovic
• Kristaps Porzingis

Denver Nuggets (one player)

• Petr Cornelie

Detroit Pistons (one player)

• Frank Jackson

Houston Rockets (one players)

• Usman Garuba

Indiana Pacers (six players)

• Justin Anderson
• Goga Bitadze
• Torrey Craig
• Isaiah Jackson
• Caris LeVert
• TJ Warren

LA Clippers (three players)

• Luke Kennard
• Xavier Moon
• Ivica Zubac

Memphis Grizzlies (three players, head coach)

• Taylor Jenkins
• John Konchar
• De’Anthony Melton
• Xavier Tillman

Miami Heat (three players)

• Marcus Garrett
• Udonis Haslem
• Gabe Vincent

Milwaukee Bucks (four players, head coach)

• Grayson Allen
• Mike Budenholzer
• Pat Connaughton
• George Hill
• Jrue Holiday

New Orleans Pelicans (one player)

• Tomas Satorasnky

Oklahoma City Thunder (one player, head coach)

• Isaiah Roby
• Mark Daigneault

Orlando Magic (one player)

• Robin Lopez

Philadelphia 76ers (three players)

• Tyrese Maxey
• Paul Reed
• Jaden Springer

Phoenix Suns (two players)

• Abdel Nader
• Landry Shamet

Portland Trail Blazers

• Norman Powell

Sacramento Kings (one player)

• Richaun Holmes
• Chimezie Metu

San Antonio Spurs (five players)

• Keldon Johnson
• Doug McDermott
• Devin Vassell
• Derrick White
• Thaddeus Young

Toronto Raptors (one player)

• Yuta Watanabe

Utah Jazz (two players)

• Rudy Gobert
• Joe Ingless

Washington Wizards (four players)

• Anthony Gill
• Tremont Waters
• Brad Wanamaker

The post NBA Health and Safety Protocol Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

KD has now surpassed Stephen Curry for the highest single-game scoring performance of the season. In November, Curry dropped 50, hitting nine three-pointers on 14-28 shooting from the field in the Golden State Warriors’ 127-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Most elite scorer of all-time? (via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/yfqhf0UHjp

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 13, 2021

The two-time Finals MVP’s performance in the Motor City set the record for most points scored in Little Caesars Arena; Nets teammate and former Piston forward Blake Griffin previously held the record with 50.

With James Harden sitting out of Sunday’s game for rest, the Nets continuously turned to Durant throughout the entirety of his 41 minutes on the court. Durant’s MVP-caliber performance tied him with Caris LeVert and Vince Carter for fifth-most in a single game in Nets history with his seventh all-time 50-piece.

“We’re missing James (Harden), we’re missing Paul Millsap, so I felt like I had to pick up the scoring a little more,” Durant said in his postgame interview. “This team, Detroit, was playing back in the pick and roll, they wasn’t doubling as often as other teams, so I just tried to take advantage.”

The post Kevin Durant Drops 51 Points for Highest Scoring Performance This Season appeared first on SLAM.

To this point in the season, he’s averaged 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest. However, he’ll be out for the foreseeable future with a thumb injury.  

As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Grant has been diagnosed with torn ligaments in his right thumb and will be out indefinitely. He will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

While the Pistons haven’t been great this season, with the worst record in the league, this will only make things worse. As talented as their young core is, Grant is a key member of the roster, and the team’s only player scoring at least 20 points per game. 

Grant is a player that could really raise the ceiling of a contender, meaning Detroit could look to trade him this season for more assets. However, he’ll need to recover from this injury before that’s really an option for them to explore. 

The post REPORT: Jerami Grant Out Indefinitely With Thumb Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The Chicago Bulls are signing forward Stanley Johnson out of NBA G League’s South Bay Lakers via hardship exemption, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson went to training camp with the Bulls.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 8, 2021

Johnson was one of the Bulls’ final cuts in training camp just before the season, with averages of 3.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in four preseason games. Soon after, he was signed by the South Bay Lakers and had some success averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.2 steals in six games. He also shot 40.5 percent from the field and 28.6 from the 3 point line.

BREAKING: The @chicagobulls have called-up Stanley Johnson from the South Bay Lakers.

15.3 PTS | 6.7 REB | 2.2 AST | 2.2 STL pic.twitter.com/hF80gjmOGp

— G League TV (@GLeagueTV) December 8, 2021

The Bulls currently have five players unavailable due to being in NBA’s Health and Safety protocols or injured, which made them eligible to make a move to add Johnson to the roster.

Matt Thomas (health and safety protocol)
DeMar DeRozan (health and safety protocol)
Coby White (health and safety protocol)
Javonte Green (health and safety protocol)
Patrick Williams out with an injury.

The Chicago Bulls currently have 11 players available for tonight’s game.

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 8, 2021

Stanley Johnson was the No. 8 pick in the 2015 draft by the Pistons, where he played over three seasons before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2018-19 season. His most recent stint in the NBA was with the Toronto Raptors for two seasons.

The post Chicago Bulls Use Their Hardship Exemption to Sign Stanley Johnson appeared first on SLAM.

Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard will miss at least 10 days with lower abdominal tendinopathy, team says.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2021

Lillard’s abdominal injury has been lingering on and off for weeks, missing a November 14 game against the Denver Nuggets and Tuesday’s contest against the Blazers 110-92 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported back in August that Lillard played through the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with an abdominal injury. It has since hampered his production at the start of his 10th season with the Blazers.

Through 20 appearances this season, Lillard is averaging 21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 35.7 minutes per game on 39.7 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from three-point territory.

In his absence, the Blazers will turn to their 2018 first-round pick Anfernee Simons and Dennis Smith Jr. Simons is averaging a career-high 12.5 points and 2.2 assists on 46.5 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three on 23.6 minutes per game.

The Blazers’ next test without their star guard will be Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

The post Damian Lillard to Miss At Least 10 Days Due to Abdominal Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Portland was out three key players; Damian Lillard (abdominal tendinopathy), Norman Powell (right quad contusion), and Nassir Little (left ankle sprain).

In their stead, McCollum bore the weight, dropping 28 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the Blazers 110-92 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. In his 22nd game with Portland this season, McCollum surpassed Clifford Robinson to become the organization’s 5th all-time leading scorer.

McCollum has now scored 10,425 in his career, needing to score 905 points to overtake Terry Porter, who holds down fourth place with 11,330 points.

Congratulations, @CJMcCollum! pic.twitter.com/x7xIDLYCMC

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 1, 2021

McCollum is averaging 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season. He’s shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Trail Blazers will host the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night.

The post CJ McCollum Becomes 5th All-Time Leading Scorer in Trail Blazer History appeared first on SLAM.

Griffin, who has started in 17 games so far in the 2021-22 Season, is averaging 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 31.6 percent from the field and 16.1 percent from the three-point line, his lowest averages throughout his career. His struggles have led the way for Aldridge to take his spot in the rotation while he puts up 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in Griffins spot.

When asked about being taken out of the rotation by media members, Griffin said that he understood getting taken out of the starting lineup, but was surprised that he wasn’t playing at all.

“No, I mean listen, [LaMarcus Aldridge] has been playing unbelievable,” Griffin said via ESPN. “So, I totally get starting him, especially Joe [Harris] has been out, and I totally get that. Being completely out of it, though, I didn’t necessarily see that coming. But that’s not my decision. As players, it’s our job to do whatever coaches see best, so at this point, that’s what it is.”

The Brooklyn Nets picked up Griffin after getting waived by the Detroit Pistons. After joining the Nets, the six-time All-Star experienced a bit of a comeback with solid performances in the 2021 playoffs and showing that he still had a bit left in the tank.

The Nets (14-6) play the Knicks (11-9) on Tuesday

The post Blake Griffin on Being Removed From Rotation: ‘I Didn’t Necessarily See That Coming’ appeared first on SLAM.

The struggles shouldn’t be ignored completely, but they also shouldn’t be taken too seriously. NBA fans can’t seem to help themselves when it comes to the latter, though. I suppose overreacting and spewing hot takes is kind of fun? It certainly grabs people’s attention. And besides, if you’re not overreacting a little bit, what are you doing on NBA Twitter in mid-November, except breaking down clips of vomiting courtside fans and wild altercations?  

All of that brings us to the focus of today’s Rookie Spotlight: No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham. He was, according to many on social media, already clearly a bust after his first few games in the NBA. Cunningham missed the beginning of the season with an ankle injury and really struggled to find his rhythm upon returning. In his first three outings, the new face of the Pistons shot just 18 percent from the field and went 1-21 from behind the arc. Twitter went crazy. Critics were ready to sound every alarm and fire up the trade machine. Posts like this and headlines like, “Should the Detroit Pistons be worried about Cade Cunningham?” started to flood the internet. 

No, they shouldn’t be worried. Of course they shouldn’t be worried. As Jalen Rose points out here, many future NBA legends struggled to find the range early on in their careers. And they were all met with similar extreme overreactions (Tracy McGrady’s coach even told him that he would be out of the NBA in three years or less).

Cunningham is a 6-8, 220-pound point guard who can score at all three levels, facilitate for others, rebound like a big man and guard multiple positions on defense. And guess what? After a string of bad games, he played a number of really good ones, too. He dropped 20 points and went 4-8 from deep in a win over the Rockets. He exploded for 25/8/8 and hit five three-pointers against the Kings, becoming the youngest player (20 years, 51 days) in NBA history to put up that stat line. Facing the No. 1 defense in the League (Golden State), he posted 19 points (6/12 from the field), 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Two days later, on a poor shooting night against the Lakers, Cunningham recorded his first triple-double as a pro (13 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists).

“I didn’t pay too much attention to what was being said after I had a slow start,” Cunningham wrote recently, as part of a diary series for The Undefeated. “I wasn’t going to let it beat me up or change my way of thinking. But I definitely knew what was being said, and I tried to move accordingly. I feel like somebody would be a liar if they said they didn’t know what was being spoken of them. But at the same time, I’m not basing how I think off these other people’s opinions from the outside. I’m the kind of person that every day is going to get better, and I think that’s why I had a quick turnaround.

“A lot of people were trying to say I was a bust. I thought that was pretty funny in my eyes,” he added. “That’s something I took note of. Like: ‘All right. Well, we’ll have to see about it.’”

When you watch Cunningham play, a few things stand out immediately: 1) Even in the NBA, he looks massive as a primary ball handler. He uses that size to survey the floor, shoot over defenders and finish at the rim effectively. 2) He can dictate the flow of a game and doesn’t move like a normal rookie—that is, he never appears tentative, frantic or out of control, though he can be careless with the ball at times. His pace is very methodical. 3) As the numbers suggest, he does a little bit of everything to help his team.

His efficiency so far would be a much greater concern—perhaps even worthy of those overreactions—if it wasn’t clear, based on his past, that Cunningham can be a reliable and consistent shooter. It might take a bit to get there in the NBA, but he’s certainly capable. At Oklahoma State, he averaged 20.1 points and shot 40% from three on 5.7 attempts per game. And he doesn’t lack confidence in that jumper at all—as of this writing, more than half of his total FGAs have been threes.

But again, even with his struggles, Cade has found ways to be impactful. Just imagine when he really settles in. 

“He’s just a pup right now learning the League. I’m not making excuses for him, but if you miss a month of training camp and try to perform, it’s difficult,” Pistons head coach Duane Casey said amid Cunningham’s early struggles, via Rod Beard of The Detroit News. “This is nowhere near where he can be—and will be—as a player.”

So be patient. Don’t overreact. Keep posting scuffles (especially if they involve an incredible display of athleticism and strength by Cunningham to hold his teammate, Isaiah Stewart, back) and absurd fan videos. Save the hot takes. And watch Cade gradually figure it out. It’s already starting to happen. 

The post SLAM x Panini Rookie Spotlight: Cade Cunningham appeared first on SLAM.

His 13 points, 12 boards and 10 dimes cemented himself as the youngest player in Detroit Pistons’ history to record a triple-double at 20 years and 57 days old and the 8th-youngest player in the League’s history to do so. Cunningham also joined some elite Detroit company, becoming one of three Pistons rookies to record a triple-double according to StatMuse, alongside Dave DeBusschere and Grant Hill.

Cade Cunningham got loose in the first half vs. the Lakers pic.twitter.com/QNt3dc1Fai

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 22, 2021

With that, Cunningham is in a league of his own as he’s the only Detroit rookie to record a triple-double in the first 11 games of his career, as well as the 13th player to do so in NBA history.

Cunningham had seven assists in the first half, during which the Pistons scored a season-high 68 points.

“I think we made some progress. Now we know we’ve got to close out fourth quarters. I’m happy to see I was able to accomplish [a triple-double]—that’s big-time. But winning the game is even greater than that. I’m still going to go home kind of sour we lost,” Cunningham said postgame.

Using ALL of his seven-foot wingspan against Anthony Davis.@CadeCunningham_ | @DetroitPistons pic.twitter.com/4sV2p7Pwre

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) November 21, 2021

Cunningham and the 4-12 Pistons’ next matchup will be against the Miami Heat at home on Tuesday.

The post Cade Cunningham Becomes Youngest Player in Pistons’ History To Record Triple-Double appeared first on SLAM.

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/blyOFowWQ3

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 22, 2021

In the League statement clarifying the punishments, the NBA said they gave James a one-game suspension without pay for “recklessly hitting Stewart in the face and initiating an on-court altercation.” James was charged with a Flagrant 2 and ejected after swiping Stewart in the face while they fought for rebounding position. This is James’ second ejection in his 19-year career, the first coming in 2017.

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart will be suspended two games for his role in the roughhousing with LeBron James on Sunday. James was suspended one game.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 22, 2021

The Lakers (9-9) will be forced to play the four-time MVP Wednesday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The League said the Pistons (4-12) will miss Stewart for two games for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.”

Stewart was charged with two technicals for “multiple unsportsmanlike acts during the altercation.” Detroit heads into a back-to-back series against the Heat and Bucks that starts Tuesday.

“It was a tough play with Isaiah,” Pistons head coach Dwane Casey told ESPN. “His eye got cracked all the way open, and he was upset for a reason. So, I don’t think James is a dirty player, but again, it got them going.”

According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, who polled various people in “NBA-related positions” about what the “appropriate response” would be from the League, Pincus reported that many of the responses he received were “all over the map.”

Pincus wrote that “Some speculated James would get one or two games, but a few backed off that notion when reminded the Lakers next play the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.”

The post The League Announces Suspensions for LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart For Roles in On-Court Altercation appeared first on SLAM.

The incident happened at the 9:18 mark in the third quarter.

James and Stewart did not make any comments about the incident after the game, but Lakers power forward Anthony Davis shared his feelings on the incident and how his team came together to support James.

“Everyone in the league knows LeBron’s not a dirty guy,” Davis said via ESPN. “In fact, when he knew he hit him, as soon as he did it, he looked back at him like, ‘Oh, my bad. I didn’t try to do it.'”

“I don’t know what he was trying to do,” he said of Stewart. “But I know nobody on our team, 1 through 15, was having it. We’re going to protect our brother. I’ve never, in 10 years, seen a player try to do that as long as I’ve been playing. … It’s uncalled for. You got a cut above your eye, accidental-like, it wasn’t on purpose. And we weren’t going to allow him to keep charging our brother like that. I don’t know what he was trying to do, but we wasn’t going to allow that.”

AD on the LeBron/Stewart incident: “I don’t know what he was trying to do but I know nobody on our team, 1-15, was having it. We going to protect our brother.” pic.twitter.com/1Edc8XImPe

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 22, 2021

This is the second ejection of James’ 19-year career with the other one happening on Nov. 28, 2017 when the Cavaliers took on the Miami Heat. If he is suspended, he could miss the team’s only scheduled matchup at Madison Square Garden this season.

LeBron James had 10 points in 21 minutes before his ejection.

The post ‘We’re Going to Protect Our Brother’: Anthony Davis on LeBron James-Isaiah Stewart Incident appeared first on SLAM.

“With the Kings in the midst of a four-game losing streak heading into a Monday night game at Detroit, sources say the third-year coach’s job status will likely be in peril soon if the current slide continues.”

Walton was facing scrutiny last year as well when The Athletic reported that after the Kings won seven out of eight games in late January and early February that there was a sense around the franchise that Kings owner Vivek Ranadive might make a playoff berth an unofficial qualifier for Walton to keep his job.

However, that decision never came to be even as the Kings lost nine games in a row later in February and April. Walton reportedly was kept due to his approval rating in the locker room, and his strong relationship with general manager Monte McNair. Furthermore, because the Kings are desperate to end its 15-year playoff drought, the longest in franchise history, Walton won’t have as much leeway as he once did.

Though they picked up a 129-107 win Monday’s against the Detroit Pistons (3-10), the Kings have still struggled and have seen major regression and stagnation from its young stars De’Aaron Fox, 19.8 points per game down from last seasons career-high 25.2 points per game, who has been unable to replicate their magic from previous campaigns and are off to a slow start this season.

Walton was hired by Kings general manager, Vlade Divac, and has led the King a 31-41 in consecutive seasons. The two-time League champ is still guaranteed $11.5 million over the current and next campaign. The Kings play the Timberwolves (4-9) on Wednesday.

The post REPORT: Kings Head Coach Luke Walton Put On The Hot Seat appeared first on SLAM.

“Every game, I feel like I add something to the hard drive and something to my game,” Cunningham said via NBA.com. “I’ve learned so much about me as a person and me as a player since I got to the NBA. It’s promising for me, at least, to stay confident and just believe in myself for the future.”

Cunningham missed the first four games of the season due to a sprained ankle, but his performance against the Kings marks his second 20-plus point game thus far.

The Pistons, who are 3-10 to start the season, will take on the Pacers on Wednesday night.

The post Cade Cunningham Becomes Youngest Player to Post 25/8/8 Stat Line With Five Three-Pointers Made appeared first on SLAM.

The Detroit Pistons (2-8) had just celebrated the return of their top draft pick, Cade Cunningham, to the lineup after missing the entire preseason and a few games with an ankle injury. Now they will have to deal with their new power forward, missing significant time.

 Kelly Olynyk will miss at least six weeks with a sprained left knee that he injured in the fourth quarter of the Pistons’ 112-104 victory over the Houston Rockets this week.

The team announced Thursday that he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and will be re-evaluated by team medical personnel in six weeks, and updates will be provided when appropriate.

The #Pistons have announced that test results revealed Kelly Olynyk suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. The injury occurred in Q4 of Wednesday’s game.

Olynyk will be re-evaluated in 6 weeks by team medical staff and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) November 12, 2021

Olynyk was a crucial free-agent signing for the Pistons last offseason, providing stability to the offense with versatility, perimeter shooting, and playmaking. Before the injury, Olynyk was averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 10 games.

According to Rod Beard of the Detroit News, the Pistons are limited in their options in their efforts to fill in Olynyk’s spot on the roster. The team is out of open roster spots to bring in a free agent center such as Aron Baynes or DeMarcus Cousins, and there aren’t many options with their G-League team, the Motor City Cruise.

With Isaiah Stewart as the starter, rookie Luka Garza could get more extensive minutes as the backup center. Another move the Pistons could make is to have Trey Lyles play center in the small-ball lineup.

The injury occurred on an Olynyk foul after he was hit at the knees by a flailing opponent.

Detroit faces the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The post Detroit Pistons Lose Kelly Olynyk For Six Weeks Due to MCL Sprain appeared first on SLAM.

Following a 29-point performance over the Detroit Pistons, Durant become the first player in Brooklyn Nets history to score 20+ points in first nine games of a season. 

Through those nine games, he averaged 28.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest. That was good for the most points per game in the entire NBA to that point. 

Even without Kyrie Irving and with James Harden struggling at times, Durant continues to elevate the Nets. As they continue their title aspirations, it’ll take a healthy and productive Durant to get where they want to be.

Coming off of numerous different injuries, Durant continues to shock the world with what he’s able to accomplish.

The post Kevin Durant Makes History for Brooklyn Nets appeared first on SLAM.

The tug of war between Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers continued this week as the team has reportedly fined their All-Star guard $360,000 after missing Thursday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Wojnarowski reports that the Sixers will resume the fines until Simmons starts “cooperating” with team physicians on his mental health along with completing other “basketball-related obligations.” Sources claim that the Sixers will place Simmons’ future salary into an escrow account.

Last month, there were reports that Simmons had met with medical professionals, teammates and head coach Doc Rivers and has expressed that he’s not “mentally ready” to play. ESPN reports that since the summer, he has been working with mental health professionals via the NBPA. They also report that while he has shown up consistently to the team’s facility for “some daily basketball activity” with specific coaches and teammates, he has reportedly been “unwilling to share information on his course of action in pursuing mental health treatment.”

Simmons was runner-up for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year last year and is a three-time All-Star. His career averages stand at 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists.

The post REPORT: Sixers Fine Ben Simmons $360K For Missing Matchup Against Pistons appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Isaiah Joe had entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and would be unavailable for the 76ers’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Wojnarowski also says that the entire 76ers team would be tested prior to their Thursday night game against the Detroit Pistons.

Joe joined fellow 76er Tobias Harris, who has also been placed in health and safety protocols.

To return from health and safety protocols, players have two options: they can either wait for 10 days after a testing positive or “onset symptoms” or pass consecutive negative PCR tests that are 24 hours apart.

Joe is in his second season out of the University of Arkansas and has played sparingly so far for the 76ers. So far this season, he’s suited up for seven games and averaged 7.7 minutes and 2.0 points per game.

The post 76ers’ Isaiah Joe Enters NBA Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Budenholzer says that the team “thought he just had a head cold or some type of non-COVID illness. And then didn’t feel good again the next day. And got tested and has come back positive.”

Ahead of tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Middleton had been listed as out.

A positive diagnosis means that a player has to sit out for a minimum of 10 days, meaning that Middleton could “miss the next six games” potentially until next week (per ESPN). The 30-year old, who is currently averaging 20.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and and 4.5 assists this season, is one of the latest players in the League to enter health and safety protocols—including Kevin Love and Tobias Harris.

The post REPORT: Mike Budenholzer Says Khris Middleton Has Tested Positive for COVID-19 appeared first on SLAM.

Harden recorded his first triple-double of the season, his 13th with the Nets, after dropping 18 points, 12 dimes and snagging 10 boards in 29 minutes on the hardwood, tying Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for 7th all-time in triple-doubles – Harden’s 59th all-time.

“I’m just playing. The confidence in my rhythm and all that is coming back – Game by game, I feel more better. Overall, much better,” Harden said via SB Nation’s Chris Milholen.

Beard outlet to KD for a smooth jam. Spookiest duo in the league right now? (via @BrooklynNets) pic.twitter.com/1wOB2xj1xH

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 1, 2021

The self-proclaimed ‘poster boy’ of the League’s revamped shooting fouls reached the line only 15 times in his first five games of the season, the first time since 2011 that he’s attempted less than five throws a game, reports Tom Haberstroh. In Friday night’s win over the Pacers, Harden returned to the stripe a whopping 19 times.

Yet he only needed to see the free throw line three times on Sunday to record his first triple-double of the season. It seems as if Harden has found his groove within the League’s new style of shooting fouls. He’ll have the next two nights off before his adjustments are tested again against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

The post Harden Back in Rhythm After Tying Larry Bird for 7th in All-Time Triple-Doubles appeared first on SLAM.