Following a four-year career at Dayton, where he led the nation in three-point percentage last season, Washington Heights native Koby Brea is heading south to the school of his dreams, the University of Kentucky.

It all started at those courts on Nagle Ave. In the heart of Washington Heights, a neighborhood north of Harlem, tucked behind the hallowed main court of Dyckman Park, lies a smaller half-court lined with a singular black fence. It’s there that a young Koby Brea fostered his love for the game. Just a few blocks away from his parent’s apartment, Koby would go to the court and meet up with his friends and other local kids to draft their own teams and hoop throughout
the day.

When he was 6, he would lace up his kicks, grab his ball and head down the street with his dad, Stephan, to meet up with his pop’s friends. They’d travel from park to park, hooping to their hearts’ content. “They still play to this day. I don’t know how, but they do,” Koby says. And there was Koby, witnessing that love for the game in real time.

“Being around it, all you can do is really watch and enjoy the ride,” he says. “Any time they ran down one way, I’d be on the other half trying to shoot, trying to get my ball and be quick before they came back down.”

A few years later, he was waking up at 5 a.m. to work out at those same courts. Everyone sleeping while he was working? That was the best motivation.

Dyckman set the standard for who Koby Brea wanted to be. In 2024, that would be the best shooter in college basketball and the latest addition for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats.

Fifteen years after first being introduced to the concrete courts, Koby is back at Dyckman. It’s a piping hot mid-August afternoon and the sun is unrelenting. Pay it no mind, Koby’s suited in a full Eric Emanuel baby blue tracksuit with matching “Industrial Blue” Air Jordan 4s on-foot. After watching him learn to play and eventually compete in the summer Dyckman tournaments, his father, mother and youngest brother Tyler now stand off to the side as we snap photos. It’s a family affair. For the Breas and Washington Heights, that’s always been the case.

“Growing up in Washington Heights, it’s like having a really big family around you,” Brea explains. “You’re just around a whole bunch of people that are just like you, that come from the same culture, the same background. We have a lot of Dominicans, a lot of Latin people, and any time you’re walking down the street, you see somebody that’s just like you, that looks just like you, talks just like you. It just feels like family.”

The endless hours spent surrounded by his community, on and off the court, set the stage for his commitment to those who have poured into him. As he stands at center court with Tyler dribbling around his legs, he sees his own childhood mirrored back at him. It’s an eerily familiar feeling, one he experienced just a few weeks prior to our shoot when he first stepped foot inside the Joe Craft Center in Lexington. For years, Koby envisioned himself suiting up in the Big Blue. Now it’s a reality.

“You see all the blood, sweat and tears that was put into that gym that I just walked into,” he says of that visit.

When Koby wasn’t dicing it up at Dyckman, he was watching Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker and the rest of the mid-2010s Wildcats. He longed to get shots up underneath the weight of the eight banners that hung above. That level of prestige was captivating. So he aimed for it. 

Koby remembers the first time his coach at Monsignor Scanlan High School brought him to the campus in the Bronx. As they made small talk about the team and the school, the coach asked Koby where he wanted to play at the next level.

“I remember I was a kid with big dreams and I told him, I want to go to the University of Kentucky,” Koby says. “And he looked at my dad and he was like, You’ve got a wild one. I don’t know if I can get you to Kentucky, but I’ll make sure I get you somewhere. That just goes to show that when you have people around you that are confident in you, want to push you the most you can, you also have that confidence in yourself that this is what I want to be and that’s how I’m going to make it. It sets it off for yourself.”

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Koby Brea’s not only suiting up for Kentucky, he’s expected to help the program capture national prominence once again.

But the Washington Heights native didn’t just get to the blue blood of his dreams. He grinded his way toward the opportunity. Coming out of Scanlan as a second team All-New York selection, Koby set his sights on a career as a Dayton Flyer. He took home A-10 Sixth Man of the Year in his redshirt freshman season, but suffered a pair of stress fractures in each of his legs the following year that prevented him from taking that next leap he was ready for.

Instead, he spent the summer getting form shooting in while sitting in his wheelchair. It took the entirety of the offseason and a portion of the preseason to fully recover. With just two weeks of practices and conditioning under his belt, Koby proceeded to light nearly every net in the nation on fire, leading the Flyers into the second round of March Madness.

On 201 attempts, Koby led the nation in three-point percentage, nailing 49.8 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. Sorry, not sure if you caught that. Koby Brea hit damn near half of his shots from downtown. Throw in 11.1 points and nearly 4 boards a game and the accolades started to flow. A second A-10 Sixth Man of the Year honor was appropriately bestowed and just like that, Koby was instantly on the radar of every major powerhouse in the country. At the end of the day, Kentucky always had the upper hand.

“This year I just really wanted to take the opportunity to take a step back so I could take a couple steps forward. I came back to college with the expectation that all I was going to do this summer was work,” Brea says. “Work as hard as I could, work the hardest that I ever had, just to ensure that I had a great year at a great new place.”

The wait, the work, it was all worth it. He made his stamp at Dyckman. He found himself at Dayton and inscribed himself into the college basketball record books. Now he’s putting up shots in the same gym Booker did nearly a decade ago, as visions of the 2025 NBA Draft grow closer and closer to reality. But in the here and now, Koby Brea is letting those years worth of lessons guide him as he takes it day by day. He’s stronger, healthier and more lethal than ever with the ball in his hands. And as he turns the chapter to his collegiate epilogue, there’s a looming goal that Koby’s longed for ever since he took those walks to Dyckman with his dad.

“The expectation is simply to hang the ninth banner. Me, I’m a true competitor, and I pride myself on winning. I definitely want to leave my stamp everywhere I go. Being at Kentucky, the standard is so high and everybody expects success,” Koby says. “I just want to have the opportunity, day by day, to keep growing and be the best version of myself.”

Portraits by Alexander Zhang and UK Athletics.

The post Washington Heights Native Koby Brea Talks Realizing His Dream at Kentucky and Overcoming Obstacles as Best Shooter in College Basketball appeared first on SLAM.

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

First Team

DeMar DeRozan

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

P.J. Tucker

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

Devin Booker

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

Stephen Curry

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

Tyrese Maxey

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

SECOND TEAM

LeBron James

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

Paul George

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

Malik Monk

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

Jayson Tatum

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

Trey Lyles

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

MVP: P.J. Tucker

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

Most Improved Player: Devin Booker

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

Rookie of the Year: Victor Wembanyama

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

Photos via Getty Images.

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

There’s an elite group of current NBA players who are Nike athletes with signature sneaker lines: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Ja Morant. An argument can be made that none of those future Hall of Famers has the best Nike sig on the market at this exact moment. There’s a strong case that Sabrina Ionescu, the New York Liberty sharpshooter, currently holds the heavyweight belt.

Ionescu took the hoops world by storm in college and put together one of the best amateur careers ever. She was the first player in NCAA history with 2,000+ career points, 1,000+ career rebounds and 1,000+ career assists; she shattered the NCAA triple-double record; she broke the Pac-12 (RIP) all-time assist record…and those are merely a handful of her many accomplishments while starring for Phil Knight’s pride and joy, the University of Oregon.

Sabrina’s been killing shit for so long, and it’s scary to think she’s just now entering her prime. She’s proved that she belongs in any conversation in which the greats, men or women, are being discussed. She further solidified that when, after setting the all-time WNBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest record in 2023, she went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry at this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend.

Ionescu fell just 3 points shy of Curry in what was the first-ever NBA vs WNBA Three-Point Contest, but even a blind man could see that Ionescu was right where she belonged—under the brightest lights, front and center on a basketball court, representing both a group of women who’ve arrived and a group of young girls who are on the way.

“Just to be able to have this be the first of this kind of event and come out here and put on a show but understanding what this means,” said Ionescu. “I’m excited to change the narrative and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it.”

It wasn’t just Ionescu’s sweet stroke that captivated the eyes of viewers; her kicks did, too. She was sporting her Nike Sabrina 1s in a clean colorway of Liberty hues.

On a few occasions, Ionescu spoke to the idea of the Sabrina 1s embodying a story about defying those who doubted her ability to play basketball, let alone with boys, when she was growing up.

Well, defy she did. With the Sabrina 1s, Nike and Ionescu laid the foundation of a gold mine for her signature line, as they quickly became one of the more popular on-court picks among the basketball community.

“Not a women’s basketball shoe or a men’s basketball shoe, but just basketball,” Ionescu said to ESPN this year, when describing the Sabrina 1s. “Being able to tell that story and have people authentically buy in and respect that, I think the time is now in terms of wanting that to be pushed.”

Everywhere you look(ed)—high school, college, the WNBA, the NBA, your local basketball gym—you are/were sure to see a fair share of feet in various colorways of the Sabrina 1. The model was the fifth-most played in sneaker in the 2023-24 NBA season, with players clocking a total of 17,209 minutes played in the silhouette.

And if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Ionescu and Nike are running it back and running it up.

Sabrina and the Swoosh launched Ionescu’s second sneaker, the Nike Sabrina 2, along with an apparel collection this past June. Instead of a complete design overhaul, they built upon the first silhouette, maintaining a similar shape, cut and cushion.

“At the center of the collection is the Sabrina 2 signature sneaker, built for players who want to accelerate and cut with quickness,” the brand said. “Nike design teams partnered closely with Sabrina to combine the best of the Sabrina 1 with fresh upgrades that create a sneaker that’s 28 grams lighter and doesn’t sacrifice support, stability or comfort.”

Some of these “fresh upgrades” include a Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole (the first ever in a Nike Basketball sneaker), a Nike Zoom Air Unit in the forefoot, an updated band system around the midfoot and a new “S”-inspired pattern that provides multidirectional traction for quick cuts. Additionally, select colorways will showcase mirror-finished Swooshes, which Nike explains are “an affirmation from Sabrina to the next generation to see themselves in the shoe.”

At first glance of the Sabrina 2, and even the Sabrina 1, it’s obvious where Ionescu’s inspiration comes from. Two sneakers in, and her signature line has drawn early comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s.

Throughout her storied college career and early years with the Liberty, Kobes were Ionescu’s go-to sneaker. The fact that Ionescu’s line is mentioned in the same breath as Bean’s says a lot about the WNBA All-Star’s cultural appeal, but more importantly, her ability and commitment to leading the push to elevate the women’s game to national, and ultimately global, mainstream relevance. It’s a vision she and Kobe shared.

Ionescu first met Kobe in 2019 when he and his daughter Gigi pulled up to watch her Ducks dismantle the USC Trojans. Ionescu developed a close relationship with the Bryant family shortly thereafter. Kobe kept tabs on her throughout the season, often sending words of encouragement as she continued to etch her name in the history books. That summer, Ionescu trained with Gigi and even helped Kobe coach his girls’ team, of which Gigi was a member.

“If I represented the present of the women’s game, Gigi was the future, and Kobe knew it,” Ionescu said during her tribute at Kobe and Gigi’s Celebration of Life service in 2020.

It’s over four years later, and Ionescu still “represents the present.” And at only 26 years old, she represents the future, too. Think Kobe rocking No. 8 for the purple and gold.

“I grew up watching Kobe Bryant game after game, ring after ring, living his greatness without apology,” she recalled. “I wanted to be just like him, to love every part of the competition, to be the first to show up and the last to leave, to love the grind, to be your best when you don’t feel your best and make other people around you the best version of themselves. And to wake up and do it again the next day. So that’s what I did: Wake up, grind and get better. Wake up, grind and get better.”

If you see Ionescu walking through the tunnel before a game, scroll through her Instagram feed or observe her demeanor during interviews, you’ll see a charming personality that everyone likes being around. But underneath that is a fierce competitor who approaches her craft with utmost seriousness and focus, with a long list of results to show for it.

As we go to press during the Olympic break, the New York Liberty are hitting on all cylinders and have the best record in the W by a comfortable margin. Ionescu is averaging 19.8 points, 6.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1 steal playing a career-high 33.7 minutes per game.

Ionescu’s impact on the court is undeniable, and her influence off the court is just as powerful. On the heels of the Sabrina 1 and with the latest release of the Sabrina 2, she continues to push the boundaries and create waves for those coming after her, like fellow Nike signature athletes A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark—each reported to have their first signature sneaker coming soon.

Ionescu is programmed for greatness—all she has to do is continue being confident and unapologetic about who she is and what she brings to the table, just like Kobe.

Ionescu is a blessing to the game of basketball, and her presence will transcend well beyond her playing days, just like Kobe.

Once, while in college, she said Kobe texted her. “Be you, it’s been good enough, and that will continue to be good enough.” He wasn’t lying.

“I wanted to be a part of the generation that changed basketball for Gigi and her teammates,” said Ionescu in her tribute, “where being born female didn’t mean being born behind, where greatness wasn’t divided by gender.”

From her consistently dominant play to the huge success of the Sabrina 1 and now the 2, there doesn’t seem to be a height that Ionescu can’t reach. For the younger generation who wasn’t lucky enough to watch Kobe in real time, just watch how Ionescu, one of his closest mentees, dissects her opponents with a relentless will to excel.

And in her new Sabrina 2s, she’s gonna look magnificent doing it.

Photos via Getty Images and Nike.

The post The Sequel: Uncovering the Inspiration Behind The Nike Sabrina 2 appeared first on SLAM.

Devin Booker is different. The way he approaches the game is different. His obsession with decades past, definitely different. His extensive classic car collection, different. His Arizona home decked out with tastefully placed vintage furniture, different. His historian-like knowledge of basketball sneakers, mad different. How he’s approached the life cycle of his debut signature shoe—the Nike Book 1—has been emphatically different.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. And with an eye as unique and curated as Devin Booker’s, his debut signature sneaker was bound to be the culmination of years’ worth of meticulous passion and patience.

Off rip, the Book 1 looks unlike anything Nike has brought to the hardwood in years’ past. It’s refined simplicity with a regal accent. Buttery-soft leathers, a rounded toe box and simple stitched overlays all create an off-the-court aesthetic coupled with a crazy court feel. Plush is an understatement.

Set atop a Cushlon 2.0 foam midsole and a top-loaded Zoom Air bag in the forefoot, Booker and lead designer Ben Nethongkome infused a cohort of premium materials and tech into his debut signature.

The Book 1 echoes the essence of a museum, casting a compilation of vintage and modern textures throughout the low-top. Depending on the colorway’s inspiration, the finish is bound to wax and wane, like the cracked detailing reminiscent of the Phoenix desert in the forefoot of the “Chapter One” or the smoothed touch of the tonal tan “Mirage.” In the midst, a thickly stitched work wear textile adds an emblematic depth to the mid-foot panel.

But before we dive in too much deeper, we need to take a journey. A physical and metaphorical one. A journey through the mind of Devin Booker and the literal path he walked from the dew-fallen ground of Beaverton, OR, to the scorched pavement of Arizona.

Nike’s 24th athlete to have a signature shoe has been heavily committed to the signature process. The evidence is overwhelming. Taking a trip to the Department of Nike Archives—DNA, for short—in Beaverton early in the model’s 18-24 month production cycle sparked the vision that Booker has since brought to life.

His first silhouette serves as an homage to the firsts in Nike Basketball history: the Air Force 1, the Air Jordan 1 and the Nike Blazer, the first Nike basketball shoe. Drawing inspiration from Booker’s ‘72 Chevy Blazer K5—where he preserved the vintage exterior and souped up the interior with a modernized engine—the Nike Book 1 explores an aesthetic that bridges decades. The result is a future classic crafted with a sea of lavish materials and a historic level of storytelling that can only be found in the mind of the 27-year-old.

During All-Star Weekend, Booker invited media members and close friends to an intimate library lounge to celebrate the debut of the Nike Book 1 in the “Mirage” colorway on the SNKRS app. Various colorways weaved throughout bookcases that lined the walls of the dimly lit room. Large leather-bound boxes inscribed in gold foil lay on wooden tables housing the inaugural sneakers. This was more than just input. A true, authentic collaboration was taking shape. An alliance that featured many, many exclusive iterations.

Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Booker showed his vast appreciation and understanding of the Beaverton brand’s history via an assortment of Player Exclusive colorways. On Christmas Day, he unveiled an homage to his father’s favorite shoe, the Air Max 95, in the 1995 “Neon” color blocking. A tribute to the legendary Air Jordan XI “Cool Grey” landed in early November. And those “Be Legendary” Kobe 4 and Kobe 5 colorways he was hooping in a few years ago? Yeah, he transformed them into their own matching ensembles.

His love for the outdoors was channeled through the infamous ACG Air Mowabb “Twine” colorway, matching the “Teal Charge/Club Gold/Twine” trifecta to a tee. And his refined, classic mystique emerged with a salute to the circa 1972 Nike Cortez in the white, red and blue color blocking that Forrest Gump was kicking around in the 1994 film.

The Air Jordan 1’s construction wasn’t the only inspiration that Book drew from the landmark model. The “Metallic Purple” and “Shattered Backboard” compositions were given their due shine, too. Classic after classic. OG after OG.

While the Book 1 made pit stops throughout Nike’s sneaker mile markers, several nods to Book’s personal tastes appeared on the floor of Footprint Center. A triple-black treatment embroidered with a crisp white Detroit Tigers emblem arrived in early November. An icy blue throwback to his 2019 “Moss Point” Air Force 1 Low touched down a few weeks later. And a white clad concoction devoted to one of his favorite shows, Narcos, materialized in late March.

For the past 10 months, Devin Booker has been slowly reinventing the level of involvement for a signature athlete. The approach has been methodical, calculated, timely, purposeful; a canvas for his dedication to the process and the ones who came before. This sneaker, this moment, is decidedly Devin Booker.

The colorways, the mixture of fabrics, the tongue tab, the sleek aesthetic, even the ambiance found in the room out at All-Star Weekend, it’s all a result of who Devin Booker is at his core.

There’s a reason the model’s debut “Mirage” colorway smoked on the SNKRS app in minutes. Devin Booker just gets it. He cares about the storytelling, cares about materials, cares about creating moments. Devin Booker is a different level of tastemaker.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Open Book: Chronicling the Ingenuity Behind Devin Booker’s Debut Signature Sneaker, the Nike Book 1 appeared first on SLAM.

A little over 24 hours before being drafted 17th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht was in our office getting up shots on the mini hoop.

While the SEC’s scoring average leader from last season made his way around to the 10 designated shooting spots we’ve laid out across the floor, we realized that the final sticker got swept up in the hustle of the day. So instead, we gave him the option to shoot from anywhere on the floor. He could go back to the faux free-throw line, try another from the couch or hit a simple layup. Instead, with a pure shooter’s mentality, Knecht took several steps back into the hallway, putting at least 25 feet of distance between himself and the hoop that’s bolted to the opposing cement wall and netted the shot.

“I felt that confidence arise from the moment I touched a basketball,” Knecht says. “My parents have always made me super confident, always told me [to] trust your hard work. I always felt like that. So no matter what, when I step on that court, I’m gonna be the most confident player on that court.

Knecht is a gym rat, whether that’s on a regulation-sized hoop or not. He’s drawn to the hardwood and its sights and sounds; the screeching of herringbone traction patterned outsoles, the smell of repolished floors and the sound of the leather ball falling through aged nets. It’s an obsession that he’s fostered meticulously over the past five years while on a journey exclusive to him and him alone. 

“I’d say it’s just kind of like home. When you’re in the gym, playing your own music, whatever you want, and you just go out hooping, either with some friends or just by yourself, you just go there to fall out of reality, just being on your own, flow on your own stuff,” Knecht says.

Hailing from Thornton, CO, the 6-6 23-year-old, in a purely figurative sense, lit the Thompson-Boling Arena ablaze every single night as a fifth-year transfer at Tennessee. From JUCO to the Big Sky to playing under head coach Rick Barnes, Knecht stormed into the SEC with a chip carved into his shoulder this past season, averaging a team-high 21.7 points and 4.9 boards a game while shooting a ridiculous 39.7 percent from deep. He dropped a 40 burger on Kentucky in early March, became the first player in the SEC since Shaquille O’Neal to score back-to-back 35-pieces and took home SEC Player of the Year in unanimous fashion.

Knecht’s story is the annual reminder that there are guys all throughout mid-major programs who belong on the biggest stage in college basketball. All they need is a sliver of opportunity. And Knecht snatched his in an instant.

Without an influx of offers after graduating from Prairie View High School in 2019, Knecht elected to go the junior college route. Surrounded by acres of prairie fields in the high plains of Sterling, CO, he poured his days into the gym. After two seasons and a first-team NJCAA All-American selection to his name, he set his sights on the Power Five conferences. And then the pandemic happened. So he adjusted, transferring from Northeastern Junior College to Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Conference. 

As a junior, Knecht acclimated himself to DI competition amidst a nagging injury and a stacked roster filled with upperclassmen. Enter his senior year, where his 8.9 points per game from the season prior erupted into 20.2 alongside the Big Sky scoring title, only confirming what he’d believed for years: betting on himself was worth it. So he decided to do it again.

On March 23, 2023, with a year of eligibility remaining, Knecht entered the NCAA transfer portal. Colorado, Oregon, Indiana and Tennessee all came knocking. But there was a glaring difference between the Volunteers and the rest of the pack: head coach Rick Barnes had coached Knecht’s favorite player of all time, Kevin Durant.

Knecht will be the first to admit he’s painstakingly combed through all of KD’s highlights on YouTube. He may not have the same funky warm-up routine as the two-time NBA champ, yet Knecht has drawn an affinity between their games.

“I tried to apply as much as I can to my game, and it kind of just carried on to watching—at Tennessee with Coach Barnes—a lot of Kevin Durant’s highlights, as well as Devin Booker’s,” Knecht says. “So, I just try to take as many players as I can and put it in my game.”

Throughout the year, Barnes and his starting guard sat in the film room and dissected Durant’s highs and lows from his lone season in Austin. They studied his cadence with the rock, his mastery of time and possession and his fluidity in iso scenarios. But mainly, they’d watch Durant’s monumental game against Texas Tech that featured 37 points and 23 rebounds.

It didn’t even take a full game before Knecht started amassing his own mix of highlights that Barnes will surely show to his pupils in the future. “I’d say that dunk was Coach’s favorite memory.”

“That dunk” was actually a full-on poster. With 15 minutes left in the second half of a “friendly” exhibition against Michigan State in late October, Knecht found himself pushing the pace up the backcourt. In a moment’s notice, he turned on the jets, lost his defender with a clean wrap-around the back at the three-point line, took two steps, rose up with the ball cradled in his right arm and threw down a silencing dunk on another Spartan defender. Straight filthy. The epitome of a body.

“The first thought was…I don’t even know. To be honest, I can’t even remember. But I just know before the game, one of my coaches, Rod Clark, he told me to go punch it on somebody if you get the chance. And I had the chance in the first half and I didn’t,” he says. “Then the second time, you kind of saw what happened, and to see my teammates’ reactions, like Josiah [-Jordan James] running up to me, was priceless. It was fun, just putting on a show and showing what I could do to the world.”

The poster heard from East Lansing to the Rocky Top set the standard of what was to come from No. 3 in Knoxville. Knecht has a knack for leading conferences in scoring. Go ask the NJCAA, Big Sky and SEC. Lights out shooting was a constant, curls in the midrange were automatic, putback dunks came and went and dusting defenders at the three-point line while finishing contested lays became routine.

“He also taught me on the offensive side about showing where gaps are and reading my secondary guy, ’cause Coach [Barnes] always told me you can get by your guy at any time, you just gotta worry about the secondary people,” Knecht says.

With around 20 hours between him and his hometown, Knecht scored tons of buckets night after night, helping to lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight, where they fell to Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers, despite Knecht dominating with 37 points and cashing in 6 threes.

After long years spent honing his craft and waiting for the opportunity to place his bet, Knecht saw decades of self-belief and confidence validated by the highest entity in hoops on June 26, when the Lakers snagged him with the No. 17 pick.

Some say he came out of nowhere last season, but the good people of Thornton, Sterling, Greeley and Knoxville have been tapped in for years. Meanwhile, Rob Pelinka told reporters that new Lakers coach JJ Redick has already started drawing up pindown and ATO actions for his rookie sharpshooter.

“My journey’s not like everybody else’s, and that’s OK,” Knecht told reporters in his first press conference as a Laker. “Just creating my path is something special, and a lot of kids will look up to it. It’s really cool to write my own story.”

Portraits by Eli Selva. Photos via Getty Images.

The post Knecht Four: Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Talks About His Rise From Junior College, to Tennessee to the League appeared first on SLAM.

Twelve circular neon orange portals appear out of thin air. The citrus hues fly off the spheres’ edges in sparkling fashion, rotating in a clockwise direction as the views of various cities from across the U.S. grow wider and wider. Bellowing horns in the background build to a crescendo. You’ve probably seen this scene before, in a movie theater in 2019. Except this isn’t a movie: These are the greatest hoopers in the United States of America.

While USA Basketball representatives flew around the country presenting each player on the 2024 Men’s National Team with their USA threads in April, users on X flooded the timeline with the only comparison that made any conceivable sense: a 20-second clip from Avengers: Endgame.

In the film’s climax, the full totality of the Avengers team appears, journeying across the universe to join Captain America for one final showdown against Thanos. One by one, the greatest heroes in the galaxy stand shoulder to shoulder. It’s the perfect parallel for this year’s squad: one last ride with the best basketball powers ever assembled.

The USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team has descended on Paris with the sheer force of the Infinity Gauntlet. When the official roster was announced in mid-April, the basketball community erupted in excitement, and rightfully so. We couldn’t stop talking about it either. This amount of talent, all on one team, makes them the modern day Avengers: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Derrick White, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum.

On paper, the roster is stacked. For the first time in USA Basketball history, the Men’s National Team will feature four former NBA MVPs: Durant, James, Embiid and Curry. Then there are the team’s 11 combined Olympic appearances, 10 total Gold medals, three FIBA World Cup titles, seven returning Olympians and a combined 84 NBA All-Star selections…yeah, the U.S. ain’t playing fair.

When USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team Managing Director Grant Hill set out to achieve a seemingly simple yet complicated task—construct the best basketball team in the world—what he put together was a 12-man roster, which will be led by head coach Steve Kerr, that can hold their own against one of the toughest Olympic fields in recent memory.

The path to glory and the highest view from atop the podium won’t be easy. It never is. But then again *checks roster* we haven’t seen anything like this before.

It’s been 12 years since we last saw LeBron James bounding down the court with the letters “USA” stamped across his chest. Olympic memories of tomahawk dunks, out-of-nowhere alley-oops and utter dominance from baseline to baseline haven’t been a reality for more than a decade.

James elected to rest his body and opt out of the 2016 and 2020 Games. Now, at 39 years old and with a catalog of accolades longer than Santa Claus’ wish list, he’s back. And 2024 is a different story; it’s his one last shot at Gold.

This isn’t the same LeBron who tore through London while debuting the legendary Nike LeBron X all those years ago, but don’t get it twisted. The explosiveness is still there, the low-post game is omnipresent, the court vision is still staggering and anyone can get clamped at any time. Coming off his 21st season—where he shot a career-high 41 percent from three—LeBron’s refined touch and years’ worth of wisdom will be the soul of the pack. And right next to him will be Kevin Durant, netting jumper after jumper.

The Olympics are KD’s playground. Every four years, the best scorer on the planet toys with defenders and lights nets on fire with a FIBA-certified ball. Durant boasts the most experience of this team with three Gold medals on his résumé, a journey which first started when he was the team’s go-to bucket-getter after stamping his arrival in 2012 at the London Games. He’s got the USA Basketball record books on lock: all-time leader in points (453), scoring average (19.8 ppg), we could go on and on. If this summer goes as planned, Durant will walk away as the most decorated player in USA Basketball men’s history with a record four Olympic Golds.

Stephen Curry, however, is shooting for his first. “We obviously want to go get the Gold, and for this being my first experience, I’m super excited,” Curry told Inside the NBA in mid-April. “I’m 36 now and I don’t know if I’ll have another one, so this is definitely the year.”

After back-to-back Finals runs in ’15 and ’16 and the continuation of the Covid pandemic well into 2021, Curry, much like James, has sat out the past two Olympics to rest and heal some nagging injuries. In the meantime, the country has patiently waited to see him reign down threes against the world’s best.

It may be his debut, but Curry has been instrumental in the team’s success on the international stage, winning Gold at the FIBA World Cup in 2010 and 2014. Now, the future Hall of Famer will get to check “Olympics” off his bucket list.

Anthony Davis was just 19 when he was selected to the 2012 USA Men’s National Team. After taking home the Gold, the five-time All-Defensive Team honoree is now responsible for manning the paint for the U.S. alongside his first-time Olympic teammate, Joel Embiid.

Embiid could have played for France—where he has citizenship—or Cameroon, his native country, but instead, the 2023-24 NBA MVP chose to play for the USA.

“After talking to my family, I knew it had to be [USA Basketball]. I want to play with my brothers in the League. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here,” Embiid posted to X in October of 2023. “But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the U.S. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.”

This year’s team has a bunch of returning members from the USA Basketball’s last Gold medal squad, including one of the most underrated players in the game: Bam Adebayo. A point guard in the open floor, a small forward in the mid-range, a center on the block—the 2020 Olympian is a cheat code in international competition. While Bam, AD and Embiid preside down low, Jrue Holiday, another returning member of the team, lurks on the perimeter.

Holiday will pick your pocket, sneak into the passing lane and sit with the best of them. For years, the two-time NBA All-Star has been the glue for championship-winning and contending teams. He plays to win, and he leads by action. He’s tasked with much of the same in tandem with defensive stalwart Derrick White, who joins Embiid and Curry as the third first-timer on the Olympic team. The NBA is filled with a plethora of scorers, but the selection of various tacticians assembled for the U.S. Men’s National Team is what takes this roster from Gold to Certified Platinum.

“This guy next to me will be the next one,” Kevin Durant told The Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy after becoming USA Basketball’s all-time leader in points in July 2021. The “guy” he was pointing to was Jayson Tatum.

Tatum vividly remembers the 2020 team’s first scrimmage against the USA Select Team in Las Vegas. Someone kicked him the ball on the wing and, instead of getting his, the 23-year-old deferred to Durant who was to his right.

“I remember he got mad at me,” Tatum told Draymond Green on “The Draymond Green Show” in April 2022. “He was like, Yo, don’t look to me. Be yourself. I need you to kill. And I was like damn…he needs me to do me on this team.” So that’s what he did.

After dropping their first contest of the 2020 Tokyo Games to France, the U.S. won its second game in a 54-point blowout against Iran, and then in the third, Tatum led the U.S. squad with a team-high 27 points on 10-16 shooting from the field in a win against the Czech Republic. Point taken. The next talisman had emerged.

And so have Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker and Tyrese Haliburton. With Durant, LeBron and Curry gearing up for one last ride this summer, USA Basketball is looking toward the future of the country’s success on the world stage. It starts with building the next generation of flag bearers.

This past NBA season served as Ant-Man’s official inauguration as the League’s next superstar. When the offense falls flat and energy begins to dissipate, Edwards will smirk as he plans his next jaw-dropping display of athleticism that will ignite a 20-0 run. Haliburton’s arrival extends the country’s long line of offensive orchestrators and visionary passers in transition while Booker’s devotion to the mid-range and mastery of the iso routinely makes for instant offense in the most unlikely scenarios. The next generation of USA Basketball players is a not-so-subtle reminder of why this squad is so damn exciting. Everyone can make their claim for playing time. This isn’t just a 12-man roster, it’s a 12-man deep rotation.

The schedule will be grueling, but the experience will be unforgettable. Memories will be made, legacies enshrined and the next chapter of USA Basketball will be written. Meanwhile, Durant wants to see complete dominance.

“I want to really make a statement on how dominant our players are,” Durant said in his Boardroom cover story in February. “Like 40, 50-point wins. I want to do that.”

SLAM PRESENTS USA BASKETBALL IS AVAILABLE NOW

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Gold Rush: Previewing the 2024 USA Men’s National Team Ahead of the Paris Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

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

10. Klay Thompson

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

9. Devin Booker

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

8. Derrick Rose

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

7. Anthony Davis

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

6. Kyrie Irving

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

5. Dwight Howard

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

4. James Harden

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

3. Kevin Durant

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

2. Stephen Curry

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

1. Kobe Bryant

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

The post NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 30 Players: 10-1 appeared first on SLAM.

This year’s voting style for the All-star League Fits was unique by mirroring the NBA’s voting process, with the ballot being split up by conference *and* frontcourt/backcourt. In the East, layering has been a critical style choice for stars like the Jays and Tyrese Haliburton while wearing many hats: beanies, fitted’s, and cowboy hats. Meanwhile, in the West, stars like SGA and Jordan Clarkson have been showing out in the tunnel, as they always do, with their effortlessly cool style, bold accessories, and choice of shades.

Here’s this year’s LeagueFits All-Stars:

That’s back-to-back starting selections on the LeagueFits All-Star teams for Jaylen Brown.

Is there anyone in the League whose outfits are more talked about more than Tyrese Haliburton’s? He’s in a class of his own right now.

Who said there’s no waves in Philadelphia? The first-ever LeagueFits MVP snags a starting spot on this year’s starting 5.

Sometimes less is (a lot) more. Jordan Poole led the entire Eastern conference in votes this season.

Jayson Tatum led the Eastern frontcourt in voting (and by a lot, too).

Save any and all other nicknames, after back-to-back style All-Star selections, he’s officially Thanasfits Antetokounmpo.

Aesthetic this, aesthetic that, nobody’s aesthetic is as defined and consistent as Bruce Brown’s. (Who says cowboys can’t come from Massachusetts?)

Nic Claxton’s consistently been NYC’s best-dressed player despite being nearly 7-feet tall. Well deserving of his first LeagueFits All-Star selection.

Buddy Hield’s been consistently throwing fits for a few seasons. Excited to see it continue in Philly.

Once upon a time, Kyle Kuzma was the first-ever LeagueFits Rookie of the Year. He clearly hasn’t slown down at all since then.

Y’all know scary Terry was the first box checked on my ballot.

A guy who dresses how he’s feeling, there’s few guys in the league with the same variety and range as Myles Turner.

It’s been a season of straight heaters since Bol Bol arrived in the desert. (Oh, and he’s been putting in work on the court since the turn of the new year, too).

The Alexander’s are officially the LeagueFits royal family. Nickel Alexander-Walker joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a western conference starter, beating out an absolutely stacked ballot feat. Two former LeagueFits MVP’s. 

 Yeah, nobody had more votes than this guy. It’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s world and we’re all living on it.

It’s not easy to get dressed night in and night out when you’re a 7-footer with the largest sneaker size in the association, but Karl Anthony Towns has managed to do it. Shout out to the on and off-court All-Star.

Jalen Williams is the THIRD member of the Oklahoma City Thunder to be voted a LeagueFits All-Star, and the second to be voted onto the starting lineup. S/O dub.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone as consistently dressed as Devin Booker.

The host of last year’s on-court All-Stars is back. No LeagueFits discussion is complete without Jordan Clarkson in the conversation.

The first (of many) LeagueFits accolades for Lu Dort. One of the best-dressed players on the league’s coolest team.

The only thing better than winning your first ring is being voted as a LeagueFits All-Star for the first time.

LeBron’s in the GOAT conversation. He’s a business mogul. He’s a husband and father. He’s maybe the busiest basketball player ever, and he’s still found time to craft the best slate of pregame style we’ve ever seen from him in his career.

Jarred Vanderbilt made our All-LeagueFits first team last spring, it’s not a surprise that Los Angeles’ best-dressed added another style All-Star to his resume.

Russell Westbrook’s wardrobe is gonna be carved into the NBA style Mt. Rushmore when he retires. In the meantime, tho, he has more fits to get off (and create).

The post The 2024 LeagueFits All-Stars: Full List appeared first on SLAM.

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

I knew right away. Even as the words were escaping Kevin Durant’s mouth. It was the spring of 2007, and the 18-year-old Durant was in the mix to be the first pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. He was tall and lanky, and in one year at the University of Texas had flashed his developing scoring chops, averaging 25.8 ppg. The other candidate for the first pick was Greg Oden, who had led a stacked Ohio State team to the NCAA title game and looked to be the next big man in a long line of next big men. 

For SLAM 110, we had the idea of putting Durant and Oden on the cover together, like one of those old boxing posters, a play on the choice NBA teams had to make. Kevin and his mom showed up to the photo studio just outside Washington, DC, and they were game for our concept, although I remember them wanting to be sure we didn’t frame it as KD and Oden not liking one another; they were rivals, sure, but it was a friendly rivalry between two kids who’d played against each other on the AAU circuit for years. 

For the cover story, I decided to separately ask Oden and Durant the same set of questions, as if I were an NBA team conducting pre-draft interviews, and then put their answers side-by-side, as a way to compare and contrast their personalities and mindsets. We’d report, you’d decide. I interviewed Oden over the phone while he was traveling around for pre-draft workouts, and he was perfectly fine to talk with, answering everything politely and thoughtfully, saying all the right things you would want to hear from a potential No. 1 draft pick. 

The question that cracked the code, at least for me, was when I asked them each why they should be the first overall pick. Oden talked about working hard, being a good person, fitting in and making whatever sacrifices were needed for his team to win. His answer was perfectly fine.

But when I asked Kevin Durant why he should be the first overall pick, he said, “I think I have a winning mentality. Even though I’m young, I can bring leadership to an organization. I’m just cold-blooded. I really don’t care. Whoever’s in front of me, I’m going to do my best to destroy them. Younger people might back down sometimes, but I think I’m a tough player and I won’t back down from anything—I accept challenges. I know it’s going to be hard, but everything you have to face is hard. I’ll be young, and I’m sure people will write me off and say I’m too small or not ready, but I’ve been going through that my whole life.”

That was when I was certain. What else could you want from a kid about to make the leap to the toughest professional sports league available to him? I’ll take all the confidence you can muster. And in retrospect, looking back at all the accolades Durant has compiled, from an MVP to two rings to a few Olympic Gold medals, we all should have known what was on the horizon. 

The rest is his story. The Blazers took Oden first overall, while Durant went to the SuperSonics (who quickly became the Thunder). Kevin Durant fulfilled the promises of so many. During a time in the ’00s when basketball was creeping toward becoming positionless, Durant pressed fast-forward on that evolution and made a series of suggestions into a reality, scoring easily from all three levels, adding defense, ballhandling, turning players like Wemby and Chet into archetypes instead of unicorns.

Durant made his journey with SLAM alongside, from the photos of him in high school as an impossibly skinny kid to the championship covers. When KD launched his own podcast, he devoted an entire episode to SLAM. “SLAM was so important to us because it was all basketball,” he said. 

Today, at 35 years old, KD is currently fourth in the NBA at 30.8 ppg and has settled into life in the desert, teaming with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to form what should be a formidable squad in Phoenix. Durant also recently slid into the NBA’s all-time top 10 in points scored, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

From beginnings that were somewhat uncertain, Kevin Durant has more than made good on the promise he showed almost two decades ago when he first appeared in SLAM.

It was written. 

Photo via Getty Images. Portrait by Rachael Golden.

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

So, right now, here we are. 

We’re in an empty room in the bowels of the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Good energy is flowing freely. These five players are in sync with each other. There’s a lot of laughter, a lot of jokes, a lot of compliments and some healthy trash talk (Shai swears that none of them have ever beaten him in King of the Court). 

As the core of this squad, these five players have somehow quickly learned invaluable lessons in chemistry. They’re very much linked. They pass one ball back and forth to each other throughout our interview. Even though Holmgren missed all of last season with a right foot injury, he was still with the squad and he easily breaks down why the Thunder click so well. 

“This is my first NBA team,” Holmgren says, “but I’d say what separates this team from most NBA teams is most NBA teams got a bunch of 30-year-olds and then you’ll have some new dudes come in every couple years and, like, cycle through that. There’s no real connection because you got the OGs and then you got the lil’ bros and it’s like, the lil’ bros gotta carry the bags, you know what I mean? It’s, like, a hierarchy. But here, we’re damn near all still kids. So we all cool.” 

SLAM 247 featuring one of the coolest teams in the League is out now.

Yes, this group is young. Gilgeous-Alexander is the oldest at 25, followed by the 24-year-old Dort, the 22-year-old Williams, and Giddey and Holmgren, the pair of 21-year-olds. But last season proved how well they play high IQ basketball together, minus Holmgren. Their defense was in the top half of the League, an impressive accomplishment for a group without years of experience. Their offense is an ever-evolving organism of dynamic movement, only possible through selfless harmony.

Mark Daigneault has crafted a system that emphasizes this togetherness. Beyond the highlights of Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring outbursts, Williams’ dunks, Giddey’s passes, Dort’s steals and Holmgren’s blocks, a true foundation has been built. It stands on unity and commitment. They’ve pledged themselves to crisp ball and player movement and highly timed switchability. It’s easy to miss. All five of these guys, and many other players on the Thunder, are cold as ice. They play in rare sneakers, rock clothing that displays their distinct auras and move with a general ease. But this is a real basketball team. They can hoop. 

“I’d say what separates this team from most NBA teams is most NBA teams got a bunch of 30-year-olds…But here, we’re damn near all still kids. So we all cool.” 

– Chet Holmgren

Nothing better illustrates how equally smart and well prepared they are than their strong side cuts. It jumps out immediately when watching Giddey’s individual highlights and Williams’ individual highlights. The same plays pop up in both film studies. The rhythm to their offense starts to emerge when Giddey drives to the right side of the floor. Williams regularly hits the same cut from the right wing whenever Giddey approaches his defender. Time it out next time the Thunder play. Usually two or three dribbles from the Melbourne native, JDub finds his angle and then…BOOM. A big dunk. JDub already has a few serious body bags. 

“We practice it every day,” Giddey says about the strong-side cuts to the rim. 

Hold up, though. Record scratch. We can’t know that. Nobody’s supposed to know that. 

“Cut that out, bro,” Gilgeous-Alexander jumps in after a seemingly nervous laugh from JDub. “We don’t wanna give away the sauce.” Sitting on the far right, Gilgeous-Alexander looks over to his teammates and says it again with a sly smile. “We don’t practice that, bro. We don’t practice that. It just happens. They just figure it out,” he says with another smile. 

Alright, so Gilgeous-Alexander just happened to average 31 points a night. And Dort just happened to figure out how to increase his total points scored in every season of his career. And Giddey just stumbled upon pulling down 8 rebounds and dishing out 6.2 assists each game. And JDub somehow walked into playing 30 minutes per game as a rook. And Holmgren was the No. 2 overall pick by happenstance. Alright, alright, alright. 

There’s no reason for any of it. It all just…happened?

Maybe. But probably not. Because we’re here right now in the present, with the past’s impact being fully felt and the future too far away to be a thought, we can look at each of these players truthfully. 

There’s the dynamic scorer, the young big whose potential might be limitless, the trusted playmaker, the lockdown perimeter defender and the versatile do-everything-forward. To varying degrees, each of them can dribble, pass and find their own looks. To varying degrees, each of them can sink an open shot. To varying degrees, each of them can make game-defining plays. To the same degree, each of them have bought into Daigneault’s vision. That vision started with patience. They’ve been biding their time. For now…

Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise in the NBA dates back to his rookie year. He started for a surprising Clippers squad that caught everyone off guard by taking the dominant Warriors to six games in the 2019 playoffs. He was just 20 years old gifting the defending champs with 25 points in a playoff game. There was substance to his game that a lot of people didn’t realize. They saw him, and they saw a young kid. He made them see him as an expanding problem. The Thunder saw him as a certified solution. They brought him to Oklahoma City in July of 2019 (the same trade gave OKC the pick that JDub was eventually selected with in 2022). Gilgeous-Alexander’s iso game continued to grow. He’s become nearly unguardable. Most know him as crafty. Very few know him as a reader. But he’s not reading books. He’s reading defenses like they’re children’s books. He gets to his spots and cashes out. A lot of his damage comes from the…duh-duh-duh…dreaded midrange area.

“If you look at it, the most prolific scorers in the NBA and over the years have shot midranges,” Gilgeous-Alexander says. “Kevin Durant, T-Mac, Kobe, Devin Booker right now, Bradley Beal, Jimmy Butler. At the end of the day, you just make shots. Where it comes from is your choice, but as long as you make them, you’ll be alright.”

Gilgeous-Alexander plays at his own pace. He’s methodical with the ball in his hand. The Thunder, as a squad, play fast, thanks in part to Giddey. He’s a pure point guard who stands 6-8, blessed with sightlines high above defenses. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams sing his praises right after we’re sworn to secrecy about those strong side cuts that definitely don’t get practiced every day. 

“I’m gonna give you the answer right now—it’s Josh Giddey,” Gilgeous-Alexander says. “When you have a passer like that, it’s inevitable.”

“It makes you move,” Williams joins in. 

“You have to cut, you have to move,” Gilgeous-Alexander continues. “And he’ll find you.”

“There’s only one team in the world with a Josh Giddey,” Holmgren adds. 

“I’m being dead serious,” Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes. “A lot of it is Josh. He’ll find you if you’re open. So get open.”

“Vanilla Magic,” Holmgren says. 

Giddey silently sits in between his teammates. He’s not boisterous. He’s just effective. Very effective. 

“It feels good to make other [teammates] feel good,” he says. 

One of the teammates that is consistently on the other end of Giddey’s dimes is Williams. They were undeniably aligned with each other. Giddey loves to initiate the offense from below the three-point line. He finds JDub because JDub never stops moving. It seems like JDub has echolocation on for gaps in the defense. But the rook also demonstrated advanced ability with the rock in his hand. He’s already efficient in the pick-and-roll, which he credits to spending three years in college at Santa Clara. Whether he’s got the ball or is setting the screen and diving to the rim, he knows how to do it far better than most players his age. He played almost every position and role at Santa Clara. His time at school served as a first class education in hoops. Like Gilgeous-Alexander, JDub reads the defense and takes what he’s being given. 

“Especially since I got into the NBA, a lot of it has been tailored toward playing off of who’s on the court,” Williams says. “If I’m out there with them, a lot of it is reading stuff,” he says about his high-profile teammates. “Where am I going to cut from or where I’m going to get open shots from? Other than that, it’s just kind of, like, going downhill.”

The Thunder do indeed play fast and they drive to the tin a lot. A lot. There are already a handful of names in Dub’s graveyard. Those questions about his lack of athleticism going into the draft have been disproven over and over. Not only do those downhill attacks produce Jalen Williams dunks—they also produce Lu Dort threes. Dort has worked extremely hard on his jumper since coming into the League back in 2019. His reputation as a defensive stopper is of course very true. Dort’s footwork while evading on-ball picks should be taught to every kid in the nation.

Dort’s revamped jumper hides a unique and often overlooked detail. Shooters are taught to extend and hold their follow-throughs. It really does aid in the shot’s probability of dropping, especially when shooting from over 24 feet away. Dort, however, rarely holds his follow-through. Most of the time, his right hand retreats. He doesn’t hold it up. 

Taken by surprise when it’s pointed out, Dort shows how his right wrist has a hitch in it.

“My wrist is messed up, you know what I mean? So when I do it, I’m not doing it on purpose,” he says.

The reveal makes Gilgeous-Alexander gasp. It makes Giddey grin. It makes Holmgren stare. 

“Oh my God, I’m learning so much,” JDub says. “Wow, I did not know that.”

It’s a comfortable and natural reaction for him. And it’s worked. His shot has consistently gotten better throughout his career, while his defensive prowess has grown, too. He has tons of lockdown knowledge to share with Holmgren. Last season, the Thunder’s defensive principles were specifically designed to mitigate their lack of size on the interior. That all changes with the return of the 7-1 rookie. Holmgren is gonna score. OKC’s offense will get him open looks. But he’s gonna make his name on the other side of the ball. He has switchability in the pick-and-roll, so he’ll be tasked with guarding smalls in space. He has weak side swats on lock thanks to his 7-6 wingspan. Plus, he’s much more competitive than he looks. People have been trying him for years now. He always responds.

“I really just learned how good the talent level is in the NBA,” Holmgren says about his one year away from the court. “You could play great defense and literally not make a mistake and still give up three points. There’s great players in this League and great players make plays. Sometimes it’s just good defense, better offense.”

He’s ready for the challenge. 

But that’s looking just ahead to the future. It’s still a little far away. 

Right now, these five guys got a few more things to do. They gotta throw on some jewelry. They gotta take some photos. They gotta laugh some more. And they gotta fully be where their feet are, down here in the basement of the Paycom Center, all eyes on the coming season.

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Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

The post The OKC Thunder are the Coolest Team in the NBA Right Now. Here’s the Secret to their Sauce appeared first on SLAM.

“I’m not missing this game,” he says. “If it happens, it happens.”

What happened next broke the internet. Insider tweets, push notifications and jersey swap graphics flooded social media. Another superteam shaking things up and with it came the inevitable question: Can the Suns’ new Big Three of Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker win a championship?

When Beal first heard that the deal was in play, he had his own questions. “I was like, Why are they trading Book? Like there’s no way that this is happening,” Beal says. “Like, this can’t be, this isn’t right. But fast forward, he’s here, I’m here and Kevin’s here and DA [Deandre Ayton]’s here. It’s surreal and crazy to think about how the deal even came to fruition, but it’s done and I’m in an awesome situation where I can compete every single night for a chance to win.”

Bradley Beal has arrived. SLAM 245 is out now, shop here.

The future can be exciting, but with it comes letting go of the past. For Beal, that meant saying goodbye to the city he and his family have lived in for the past decade and to the organization that drafted him as the third overall pick in 2012.

The kid from St. Louis is now leaving as a 30-year-old man, a father and the second-ranked player on the Wizards’ all time scoring list. “It definitely was an emotional time for sure throughout the whole transition of the trade,” he admits. “I’ve been in DC for 11 years and that, that is, uh, a long time, and I’ve established a lot of great bonds and relationships with people in the organization and in the city itself. It was definitely a lot of emotional ties [and] a tough decision to be able to walk away from it, but it was one that was necessary. It’s a new chapter, you know. So I’m excited for it, for both parties, for us, for me moving forward, and for Washington and them moving forward. It’s bittersweet, but I’m happy that I get to move forward into another opportunity.”

Beal turned up for his birthday in DC and then flew to Phoenix the next day for his introductory
press conference with his new team while his family stayed behind to pack and move all of their
belongings out of their home. He had just landed that morning when we met up with him at the Footprint Center for his first-ever SLAM cover shoot. There are screens all over the arena, including on the jumbotron and in the lounge where we’re set up, with a picture of his face and the words, “WELCOME BRADLEY BEAL.”

“It feels like I got drafted all over again,” he says, wearing his Suns uniform for the first time. “I got drafted on my birthday at the age of 19 in 2012. And then here you go, fast forward 11 years later, the age of 30. I’m with a new team. It is definitely coming full circle. Feels surreal in some ways, but I’m definitely excited for this new journey.”

There’s a misconception about adulthood that by the time you’re 30, you’re supposed to have it all figured it out. NBA superstars aren’t the exception to that—they, too, have to deal with big life changes, career moves and saying goodbye to people they’ve spent time with. For Beal, that meant his teammates, coaches and the Wizards ownership group. “It was tough to have those conversations [and say] goodbye, but it was also encouraging. Everybody gets a chance to continue to move forward—some guys get bigger opportunities and bigger roles in DC, which [will] be great for them. And now I have a bigger and better opportunity in front of me, too.”

He can’t help but smile when he talks about how excited he is for what’s next. The respect is already there between Beal and his new teammates: he knows what KD and D. Book are about on the court, having competed against them both over the years. But there are still a lot of questions lingering around how the Suns’ Big Three can work together.

Beal has some thoughts on that, as well as where he wants to take his game next season.

SLAM: Let’s get right into it. A lot of people are wondering how so many offensive superstars can coexist. What’s your perspective on that?

Bradley Beal: In terms of our balance, we’ve talked subtly about how this thing can work. We know it won’t be easy. It’ll be a challenge, but the biggest thing is understanding [that our] one goal at the end of the day is winning. You know, we’re all gonna have our own individual goals, but I think the beauty about our group is that we’re so unselfish. And sometimes we might have to, like, yell at each other to shoot the ball or yell at each other to be aggressive because we have that mentality of deferring to the next man.

So I think it’s gonna be very fun. It won’t be easy. It’ll be a work in progress, I think. You know, it’s very hard to win in our League. I think a lot of people kind of think—they see a team, Oh, they’re gonna win. But, you know, we still have to figure it out. We still have to be blessed and be healthy throughout the year and make it work. But we’ll be a challenge. I think we have a great group that’s ready to fill their roles and accept it.

SLAM: Have you had a chance to connect with your new teammates?

BB: Yeah, my new teammates have been awesome. K [Kevin Durant], Book, D. Ayton, Cam [Cameron Payne], everybody’s been unreal in this whole transition. This is all new for me, but I’m embracing it, and these guys have all embraced me. It’s like, I’m ready to get to work, you know? This is definitely an awesome group of guys to be a part of. We’re still building on our team, but it’s been a joy so far.

SLAM: Do you guys have a group chat already?

BB: Yes, we do have a group chat already that has [been] assembled. That started ASAP.

SLAM: What have the first texts been like?

BB: It’s nothing wild. I think the first thing honestly was Book saying, like, Yo, let’s go work out. That’s what I would love to be a part of, man. I’m just super excited to be around like-minded guys who wanna push each other each and every day…To have that first text be, Let’s get in the gym. I think that’s a great message [for] the season.

SLAM: You and KD go way, way back, and you and Booker play the same position. Having competed against both of them for years, what were your first impressions?

BB: That they’re very humble, and that’s something I take [pride in]. I try to carry myself the same way, with humility at all times. We’re given so much, we’re looked at as role models and we’re blessed. To be able to just be so down to earth like these guys and be selfless, that’s what I wanna be around. That’s what I wanna surround myself with. And like-minded guys on the floor who just want to go win. Whatever that looks like, whatever it takes, that’s what they want to do.

SLAM: After averaging 23.2 points last season, what are your personal goals for the upcoming season?

BB: Oh man, it’s tough. I haven’t really thought about my own goals yet, but I would say the biggest individual piece is getting back to being one of the best two-way players in the League. Showing that I can really compete at a high level and play a meaningful game. You know, playing in the playoffs, winning in the playoffs, advancing past rounds.

Granted, I wanna get back to my All-Star level of play. I really believe that that’s who I am: All-NBA guy, All-Star guy. And I have a good group that can push me to be that every single day. So I’m excited about that opportunity. I get to be around like-minded guys and guys who will push me to make sure that I’m the best version of myself every day.

SLAM: Have you had a chance to talk to head coach Frank Vogel yet?

BB: Yes, Coach Vogel is awesome. I’ve had several instances of speaking with him. A brilliant mind in the game of basketball, NBA champion, defensive-minded coach. You know, I’m definitely excited to be able to see where he’ll take us, our team and where he’ll push us to. I’m definitely ecstatic with his knowledge of the game and his presence as a head coach.

SLAM: Looking back at your time in DC, do you have a favorite memory or defining moment that you’ll carry with you into this next chapter?

BB: I had so many great memories and so many great moments in DC. It’s really hard to pinpoint one. I think I’m just grateful for all the bonds and the relationships I’ve built. I think that’s what I’ll propel into my next chapter of life. I want this chapter to be more or less open and me not trying to control everything.

I think we, as humans, sometimes try to control our lives a little too much. I want to just let this wave kind of take me where it wants to go and let God lead the way and enjoy it every step of the way.

SLAM: What’s the legacy you hope to leave after your 11 seasons in DC?

BB: My biggest thing when it comes to legacy is always the impact I leave on people. You know, whether it’s teammates, the community, my coaches, the organization as a whole, the people that you encounter on a day to day [basis].

I just want, you know, my encounters to be great. I want you to remember me as just a great human being. I can be good at basketball. We’re all good at basketball, but, you know, what kind of person was I? I don’t want to be somebody who puts themselves above everybody else. So, I always try to say my interactions and my moments with people are always my biggest legacy. I want to leave lasting memories with them.

SLAM: With all the hype and attention on the Suns right now, what can we expect from the team next season? What type of time are y’all on?

BB: Expect a very fun team to be playing in Arizona this year. The Phoenix Suns will be hungry. We’ll be very aggressive, but it’ll be a very fun style of play that every fan will love—love to tune in to watch. So, we can’t wait. We’re excited. We have a lot of very talented guys, so we’re excited about it.

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Portraits by Erik Isakson.

The post Bradley Beal’s Next Chapter: Phoenix’s New Star Opens Up About Getting Traded, His Legacy and Returning to His All-Star Form 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.”

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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.

The Suns are currently 1-9 in their last 10 games after dropping a 30-point decision to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. They’ve also ended their four-game road trip with three straight losses to the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis. The losses can be attributed to the Suns being last in offense (104.6 offensive ratings) and 23rd in defense (117.2 defensive ratings).

Chris Paul, Cam Payne, Cameron Johnson, and Devin Booker have also been out for periods of time due to leg, hip, and foot injuries. Booker has been out since Dec. 17 due to a hamstring injury, and CP3 has been in and out of the Suns’ lineup due to a collection of injuries.

After their 136-106 loss to Memphis on Monday, Suns forward Josh Okogie said that Phoenix can get out of their rut by simply playing “through it.”

"Keep playing. Can't get out of it. You've got to get through it."

Josh Okogie as #Suns are 1-9 in their last 10 after Monday's loss at #Grizzlies to end 4-game road trip with three straight defeats. #MLKDay2023 pic.twitter.com/UCi07VoAKz

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 17, 2023

Okogie is also encouraged by the Suns’ culture persevering through this skid and that Phoenix’s “spirits are still high” despite the losses they’ve dealt with. Okogie believes that once the Suns get healthy, they’ll “be just fine.”

“The way we operate, the way we practice, our attention to detail, we’re still operating like we’re a top three team in the West.”

Okogie and the Suns are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

The post Josh Okogie is Confident the Suns Can ‘Get Through’ Recent Skid appeared first on SLAM.

Suns star Devin Booker will miss at least four weeks with a left groin strain, team says.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 28, 2022

Book missed three games with a groin injury before attempting to come back on Christmas Day when the Suns played the Denver Nuggets. However, that comeback was cut short after four minutes when he re-aggravated the injury, forcing him to miss the last two games of contests and will keep him off the court for the foreseeable future.

After the win on Tuesday, head coach Monty Williams offered the following on how Phoenix looked without Booker. 

“I think guys are always wanting to play, but I don’t think anybody’s ever excited when [Devin Booker] is not on the floor. They want to win for him,” Williams said per Sports Illustrated.

“They know how much he loves to play; they know how much he loves his team; they know how much he gives to the program. I think they just want to win for him. By and large, everybody wants [Devin Booker] back here, but to your point, I think guys look for opportunities, but I think they were thinking, ‘We got to win this for the guys that are out.’ 

“Especially [Devin Booker], because we watched him grind to get back onto the floor, and he comes back on Christmas day, and he reinjures himself, and we saw his frustration. I’m sure our guys are texting him and FaceTiming him and whatever they’re going to do to let him know that those kinds of wins are for him and the guys who are out.”

Grateful we get to witness Devin Booker play basketball. pic.twitter.com/bGSdxkQwIo

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 6, 2022

The Suns (20-15) are coming off a 125-108 win over the Grizzlies (20-13) and will play the Wizards (14-21) on Wednesday.

The post Phoenix Suns Expect Devin Booker to Miss Four Weeks with Groin Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Let’s get it!

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

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

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

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 18, 2022

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

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

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

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

Triple double # 8️⃣1️⃣

40-27-10

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

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 19, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

WNBA Won’t Expand in 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

The team has been shorthanded the last two games after Devin Booker suffered a hamstring during the front end of their back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, their center DeAndre Ayton, believes Phoenix has no excuse for getting outplayed the way they have during this latest stretch of games.

“The teams we see on film aren’t the teams we play,” Ayton said per NBA Central. “They’re playing harder and with a chip on their shoulder against us.”

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Their two contests with the Pelicans have raised concerns amongst Phoenix fans that the momentum that helped the Suns rise to first place in the Western Conference has halted. Zion Williamson dropped 35 points on a combined 71.1 percent shooting from the field. In the second matchup, CJ McCollum’s posted 29 points and seven assists in 45 minutes to New Orleans get the overtime victory.

Although Ayton credits the efforts of their opponents, the Suns have to answer the reason their defense has gone downhill. They currently have the worst defensive rating (122.4) over five games and have been unable to secure the boards, averaging the lowest defensive rebounds (28.4) across the League during that same stretch.

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Opponents have dominated the painted area against the Suns too, and their next three matchups are against teams finding their form offensively. The Los Angeles Clippers with the return of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Williamson and the Pelicans once more, and finally, the Los Angeles Lakers with Anthony Davis, who has averaged 33.8 points (third best) so far in December.

The Suns can’t afford to lose games in a stacked Western Conference. With the year coming to a close, Chris Paul and Ayton’s leadership must be on full display to regain momentum near the All-Star break.

The post DeAndre Ayton: Opponents Are ‘Playing Harder and With a Chip On Their Shoulders’ Against the Suns appeared first on SLAM.

Also, if you’re not in the LeagueFits Discord yet, you gotta tap in. It’s been too much fun seeing everyone’s fit pics and latest cops.

The post WHERE DO I COP? The 11 Best Pieces Featured on LeagueFits This Week (12/2) appeared first on SLAM.

D-Book scored 51 points on 80 percent shooting from the field (6-7 from downtown), four rebounds, and six assists to lead Phoenix to a 132-113 win over Chicago. Oh yeah, Booker did this in 31 minutes and didn’t even play in the fourth quarter.

51 PTS (20/25 FGM) | 6 AST | 6 3PM@DevinBook WENT OFF for 51 PTS in just 3 quarters of play! pic.twitter.com/BWd4Vs6y15

— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2022

Booker’s season-high effort drew MVP chants from the Footprint Center fans after he dropped 25 points in the first half and another 26 in the third quarter. The “MVP! MVP!” chants broke out after the three-time All-Star knocked down a highly contested triple.

“It’s the best,” Booker said about the home crowd, per ESPN. “I don’t know how many sellout crowds that is in a row, but it’s impressive. Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, it doesn’t matter what day of the week it is. They show up and show out.”

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was visibly frustrated as Booker embarrassed Chicago’s defense and could say “we threw everything” at Booker, including traps, a box-and-one, face guarding, but “to his credit, he had a great night.”

Booker is certainly making an early-season case for MVP candidacy while averaging 29.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 48.9/37.8/87.8 percent shooting splits. Booker became the second player in more than 25 years to put up 50 points on 80 percent shooting in three quarters after James Harden did it in 2017, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Booker now has four career 25-point quarters, tied with Kobe Bryant for second most over the last 25 seasons, per ESPN. Only two-time MVP Stephen Curry has more than Booker with eight.

“It felt like a double-sized rim out there,” Booker said. “If I rise up, it’s going in.”

Booker built this 50+ point explosion after scoring 44 against Sacramento on Monday. The Suns (15-6) now have the best record in the Western Conference after 12 of their first 13 home games.

“There’s not a level where he can’t score,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “He can use both hands, he can score with a hand in his face, and he’s willing to take the tough shots.”

It was Booker’s second straight 40-point game. He had 44 in a victory at Sacramento on Monday night. The Suns have the best record in the Western Conference at 15-6 and have won 12 out of 13 home games.

The post Devin Booker Receives MVP Chants After Monster 51-Point Outing appeared first on SLAM.

After Lakers guard Austin Reaves tried to lay the ball up strong against Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker, Reaves was met with a block from Booker, and it seemed like a bit of trash talk added to it. As the whistle was blown and the next possession was about to commence, Reaves was just about to roll over and get up off the hardwood when Suns center Deandre Ayton stood over him and seemed to have some words for Reaves as well.

Then like lightning out of a bottle, Patrick Beverley sprinted over to Reaves and shoved Ayton from behind to the ground. That is when everybody on the court comes together; there are more words, some pushing, and shoving, but that’s just basketball. After things calmed down, the refs gave Booker a flagrant 1 foul and ejected Beverley from the game.

The Suns went on to win 115-105; then, in a postgame interview with NBA on TNT, Booker had a message to send to Beverley. Booker was asked what he thought about how everything unfolded during that heated moment in the game,

“It was more than it was supposed to be. Pat need to stop pushing people in the back, man; push ’em in the chest. That’s all I gotta say.”

Patrick Bev also spoke to the media following the game and had a lot to say following his ejection via ESPN.

“Got a person on the ground, two people looking over mean-mugging and puffing their chest out, and referees don’t get into it to kind of separate it, control the game, so I’m going to stand up for my teammate. I’m not going for that s—. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened on national tv, but you know me. Regardless of what’s going on, I’m a big fan of protecting my teammates. I’m a foxhole guy. I put on my jersey, and I commit to the team, I commit to the city, and it’s kind of my motto. I’m a foxhole guy. Very unfortunate situation, though.”

Reaves also commented on the situation postgame, saying that he told Beverly that he appreciated him five times afterward.

“He’s a team player,” said Reaves. “He rocks with who he rocks with. Whoever is on his team, you respect him. You love him. You’re glad he’s on your team. When he’s not, he’s a pest, does all that stuff, all those little things. But I just respect him for who he is and standing up for me.”

Suns coach Monty Williams also shared his thoughts postgame saying;

“It’s just happening too many times. I just think the league needs to look at those kind of plays. They’re just unnecessary. There was obviously some tension, but with us, it’s happening too many times. You know, when you push a guy when he’s not looking like that, that’s not called for. There’s going to be physicality; there’s going to be tension in games; that’s just the nature of basketball.”

The final person to give their take on the situation was Ayton, who simply said;

“He ain’t hurt me, he didn’t take nothing out my pocket, and I ain’t react.”

The post Lakers and Suns Comment on Heated Exchange Between Deandre Ayton and Patrick Beverley appeared first on SLAM.

The one thing that got the legendary shooter out of character were some recent comments Charles Barkley made suggesting Thompson’s game was “slipping” despite it being less than a year since he returned from a torn achilles. Unprompted, Thompson addressed those critics after the Warriors beat the Miami Heat, 123-110, on Thursday night.

“I’ve got one thing to say,” Thompson said. “So, it hurts when someone like Charles Barkley, with the platform that he has, says you’re not the same player prior to the injuries you had. It’s like ‘No, duh, man.’ Consecutive years, like. I tore my ACL and Achilles in consecutive years and still helped the team win a championship. It hurt hearing that because I put so much freaking effort to get back to this point. It’s hard to even put into words what I had to do to be the player I am today.

“I played 55, 57 games in three years. Give me some freaking time to get that back. To hear someone say ‘Oh, he’s not the same player as he was prior to the injuries.’ Like, duh. Who goes through that and comes back…I don’t know, it just hurt my heart hearing that. But you know, I’m going to internalize it and it’s going to be fuel for me to be even better. I’m very proud of what we accomplished last year and I feel like I was a huge part of it. I’m not going to let these injuries be a crutch for me. I’m just going to keep going and I’m going to have a great year. You can bet on that.”

Thompson cont.: "I played 57 games in three years. Give me some freaking time to get that back. Who goes through something like that and comes back — it just hurt my heart. But I’m going to internalize it and it’s going to be fuel for me." https://t.co/VnhRTy7atz

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 28, 2022

Barkley’s comments came after Thompson was ejected for the first time in his career during the third quarter of a blowout loss to the up-and-coming Phoenix Suns. Thompson and Devin Booker were jaw-jacking during a tension-filled third quarter that featured the Suns and Warriors drawing a record-tying seven technical fouls in one quarter.

During halftime of the nationally televised Warriors-Suns game, Barkley suggested that Thompson and Draymond Green are “slipping” and suggeseted that “Father Time is knocking on the door of a couple of those guys.” The comments come during a time when Coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors medical staff placed the four-time champs on a minute restriction to start the season.

On Tuesday, Thompson responded with season-high numbers nearly across the stat sheet. The five-time All-Star posted 19 points on 6-19 shooting from the field and 5-14 shooting from beyond the arc in 29 minutes, all season-high marks for Thompson.

“It’s so great and it’s a huge building block for me” Thompson said about his workload. “It’s the best I’ve feld conditioning-wise.”

Thompson on playing a season-high 29 minutes: "It's so great and it's a huge building block for me. It's the best I've felt conditioning-wise."

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 28, 2022

When Stephen Curry was asked about Thompson’s postgame reponse, he noted that his Splash Brother was in a good mood all day long, but believes that Barkley’s remarks fueled Thompson to put on his 19-point performance.

“The comments are part of our success, like you’re always going to be in a spotlight and people care about how you’re playing and care to comment positively or negatively because they know that will move the needle,” Curry told reporters after the win Thursday. “And when you say certain names, people are going to pay attention. But it’s interesting because certain guys forget what their careers looked like on the back end. So you can kind of cast and throw those stones but Klay’s still in here, like you said, helping us win a championship after the two hellish years that he had.

“And now, it’s just balancing, for him, the expectations of what he was before the injuries and what he can get back to, all the while maintaining his impact on winning. I’m sure he’s comparing to the stat lines and percentages and all that, but I think I heard coach [Steve Kerr] talk about it earlier. He’s gone through this, even before the injuries, where slow starts don’t really hold him down, don’t kill his confidence. But when you come off a championship, you have such a hunger and a desire to get back to what he wants to be personally. And he’s going to get there. It’s just a matter of sticking with the program, the time that he puts in. His competitive fire that comes out every single night. And he’s going to make shots. We’re not worried about that. It’s a long season.”

Thompson, Green, and the Warriors will have another chance to dispute Barkley’s observations when they take on the Charlotte Hornets to start a five-game Eastern Conference road trip.

The post Klay Thompson ‘Hurt Hearing’ Comments That His Game Is ‘Slipping’ appeared first on SLAM.

Over the weekend of September 3rd, thousands of fans streamed into the house that Michael Jordan built, the United Center in Chicago. DeMar DeRozan wasn’t laced up. There was no game going on. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters were not there to see Zach LaVine defy gravity but to witness artistry of another genre. Inside this hoops sanctuary, among the six championship banners and Larry O’Brien trophies and retired jerseys hanging in the rafters, was a giant pop-up exhibition featuring 120 fine, street and graffiti artists from 15 different countries. This gallery, containing hundreds of works for sale, with as many interpretations of the game, was the main attraction of Bulls Fest 2022.

The “Art of the Game” exhibition is a collaboration between the Chicago Bulls and local printer, designer and curator Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff, owner of the gallery All-Star Press. This weekend was not the first time the two entities teamed up but instead represented the culmination of over 30 projects the franchise and the local Chicago gallery have collaborated on, going back to 2018. What started as a sourcing of local artists to create game-day posters grew to limited edition stadium merch drops and manifested into Bulls Fest 2022, a spectacle even Tasseff-Elenkoff was taken aback by.

“This was something I have not seen on a scale this large. It was a very special weekend.”

Bulls Fest is indicative of a growing trend in the NBA, and other corporations, of an increased interest in and embrace of street, graffiti and fine art.

The League’s interest is not new, of course. The culture of street art and graffiti mirrored, matured and grew with the popularity of the sport, as basketball overtook baseball and football to become one of the country’s most viable global exports. Hip-hop, along with the astounding levels of play, ingenuity and genius of the athletes, is indeed the engine that powers the viability and allure of the NBA to younger audiences stateside and across the planet.

The players grew up with and were often from the same communities where emerging emcees, b-boys and b-girls, graffiti artists and DJs lived, and innovated the youth cultural practice that would bring together more young people.

From the vibrant sheen and clean and stylized fonts of ’90s Starter jackets and Mike’s gold chains, to Spike Lee’s Mars Blackmon commercials and the braids, tattoos and fitted caps of Allen Iverson, the NBA was the first major sports league to follow the lead of the culture, though reluctant and not without a fight, due to generational gaps and racial fears.

Graffiti and street art have been moving to the center of the more formal and fine art world over the last several decades. Banksy is a showstopper at Sotheby’s, OG graffiti writers like Futura and Lee Quiñones have become highly coveted in collections around the globe, and NBA and WNBA teams have commissioned some of the most well-known street artists in the world to honor teams and their players. The Lakers have worked with Mr. Cartoon and OG Slick to create murals and limited merch. The Phoenix Suns partnered with local muralists in 2021 to devise new logos and put the faces of Devin Booker and Chris Paul all over the city.

This past spring, the city of Milwaukee and the Bucks commissioned graffiti writer and muralist Mauricio Ramirez to paint a 50-foot photo-realist portrait of Giannis Antetokounmpo on a building facing Fiserv Forum. The result is a stunning tribute to the Greek Freak, the game of basketball and the team. The mural is part of a business district improvement plan and has become a new landmark and attraction for people to meet in front of, taking and sharing photos. For the artist, it was a dream come true.

“My mom grew up in Milwaukee, and on my dad’s side, everyone lives in Mexico,” Ramirez tells us. “I grew up in the ’90s, playing basketball with friends, and when I was growing up, it was like, Whose house are we playing at?”
His older cousins were into graffiti and stylized lettering and were in the graffiti crew DS aka Drop Squad. For Ramirez, that was “my true introduction to art, color theory, drawing and the tools I was introduced to: markers, spray paint. And since then, I’ve wanted to get better and better. Graffiti and hip-hop are all about skills. Going hard, snapping, and that’s the mindset I bring to each project, especially if it’s in the public.”

Tubz speaks of his work with a similar fervor and extends the analogy to players in the League. “I was thinking about how seriously NBA players take their craft. It’s as serious as I take my art. These players give everything. They dedicate their lives to their sport, their craft. They’re constantly in the gym. They were shooting in the backyard when they were kids idolizing Jordan, doing the fade away, saying ‘Jordan!’ I was doing that, too. And 10 years later, they are in the draft.” Being recognized by the team and franchise he idolized as a kid brings a similar feeling for Tubz and artists like him. “I feel like this is my draft. I’m getting drafted to the big leagues.”

For Tasseff-Elenkoff, who has owned galleries and helped give a platform and profile to underrepresented artists for decades, this moment represents, “a cultural shift toward youth.”

“Murals and street art and people like Shepard Fairey, Cleon Peterson and Pose, are all components of that culture, and on a local level, people like Sentrock and JC Rivera all resonate back to the streets and what kids are interested in. And if brands and these teams want to stay relevant, they have to shift into new media and new culture. And a lot of that, over the last two decades, has been through art.”

The art world, like the league, has scouts who seek and develop new emerging talent and connect artists of the unknown to the largest stages and platforms. Like in any field, there are those who pursue the path for a bottom line and there are those who are called to the space because of a love and vision for the work, a gift of sorts for seeing what others cannot.

Mr. Nice Art is a curator, collector and visionary with an eye for what will be popular in years to come. A kind of shit-talking iconoclast who walks the walk.

“I never wanted to be the person that wanted to be the face of anything,” he says. “Growing up in Chicago, you move in a particular way.” He is shrouded in an MF Doom-like mystery. He does little to no press and is nearly impossible to find pictures, or word of, on the internet. He also might be one of the most important connectors in the world of contemporary art and culture.

Mr. Nice Art grew up in a Southside neighborhood a high school away from Chicago Vocational, home to then-prep star Juwan Howard, whom he first met in the 6th grade. Years later, in 2007, while working retail at Neiman Marcus and styling people like Kanye West and Jerry Lorenzo, he connected again with Howard and his wife when they came in the store. After commenting on Juwan’s Panerai 289 Luminor rose gold watch, the two rekindled their friendship. Howard eventually encouraged Mr. Nice Art to take the commissions he was making from Neiman’s and consider investing in art. While Howard was collecting Kerry James Marshall and other notable—and expensive—artists, it forced Mr. Nice Art to “look for Chicago artists early on, because I couldn’t afford what my boy Juwan was affording. Dude is a millionaire.”

Mr. Nice Art began going to the makeshift studios of young artists and applying what he knew about retail and the maturing of fine watches to the world of art. He developed relationships with unknown painters from the studio, street and graffiti art scenes around the same time hip-hop in Chicago was gaining more and more international notice. Cultural communities often rise together, and in 2012 when Chief Keef and Chance the Rapper were beaming examples of the young genius coming out of Chicago, Mr. Nice Art happened to be working with a local emerging painter and sculptor named Hebru Brantley.

In 2012, Brantley was having a show for private collectors that Q-Tip was DJing. During prep for the show, Howard called and asked what Mr. Nice Art was up to. He told him about Brantley’s show and Howard said something to the effect of, “S**t, hook me up if you think he’s good.” Howard was serious and followed up saying that he would send money to Mr. Nice Art and he should pick out something nice within that budget, keeping the rest for a commission.

Mr. Nice Art attended Brantley’s show and walked away with six original pieces, one of which LeBron James saw hanging inside Howard’s home.

“We always knew Juwan was going to be a coach. As he was playing, he was always directing the game on the court,” says Mr. Nice Art. “To keep it real with you, the Heat had him on the roster not only to be a good example of a Black man but also to be…a mentor to LeBron.”

And the student did receive the lessons. James, as Mr. Nice Art tells, wanted to do something special for his teammates and was encouraged by Howard to think of an investment in art made by a Black artist. Mr. Nice Art connected James with Brantley, who then commissioned 15 original works to celebrate Miami’s 2012 NBA championship.

That was 10 years ago. Since then, athletes have invested millions into the contemporary art market. Mr. Nice Art credits moguls like Swizz Beatz and Jay-Z for pushing the culture forward, and he acknowledges collectors like Patrick McCoy who was a mentor.

“The torch was extended, and guys like me took it,” he adds.

He is preparing for a million things all at once, including connecting some of the younger artists he is working with to the major collections of both private high net worth individuals and the permanent collections of major museums.

“I don’t hear ‘Collect art,’” he says. “I hear, ‘Preserve your history.’ We wouldn’t know what the cavemen were doing if we didn’t see the art they placed on the wall.”

Photos curtesy All Star Press Chicago

The post From the NBA to Top Names Around the League, Here’s How the Basketball Community is Tapping into the Art World appeared first on SLAM.

There is nothing like a regular season NBA game with a playoff atmosphere, and basketball fans watching on television and in attendance got a real treat watching these two teams go at it so early in the season.

With the Warriors coming off yet another impressive championship run and a young seasoned Suns team on the rise knocking at the door trying to get back to the Finals, things got a bit heated between the two teams.

Can’t. Be. Stopped. @DevinBook with his 3rd straight 30-point game! pic.twitter.com/bFQdtuNsMC

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 26, 2022

In the third quarter, Warriors legend Klay Thompson was ejected for the first time in his professional career after picking up two quick technical fouls. These techs were given after Thompson was seen visibly taunting the Sun’s bench and jawing back and forth with Suns guard Devin Booker.

In that third quarter alone, a record-tying seven technical fouls were given out between both teams in one quarter. Postgame, Stephen Curry had the following to say per ESPN in regard to Thompson getting tossed.

“After he got thrown out, he had a lot more to say, which I love,” Curry said. “The back and forth is a part of the game, and I like that he’s engaged in that respect because it matters to him.”

Curry added that since the Warriors are the defending champs, teams will try to come at them, especially on the road, to get their home crowd into it. Curry and the Warriors know they have a target on their back coming off their fourth championship win in the last seven years and that every team going against them will have something to prove.

When Dubs Coach Steve Kerr weighed in on Thompson’s ejection postgame, he downplayed the altercation, and talked about how D-Book and Thompson had a similar incident when Booker was first breaking into the League.

“He and Book have gotten into it a little bit over the years; they’re just competitors, both great players — I remember four or five years ago when Book was first coming up, Klay was in his prime, he went at it one night in Oracle, and the same type of thing happened,” Kerr said. “There were no ejections, but they’re both competitive, they’re guarding each other, and this is the NBA. Highest competition in the world, stuff like that happens.”

Suns Coach Monty Williams also downplayed Booker and Thompson’s interaction when spoke to the media after the game. Williams believes that the championship veteran Warriors will always bring the best out of an up-and-coming team like the Suns.

“I think both teams want it. I don’t think it’s personal at all. I think we respect them. They’re the champions,” Williams said. “So, they’re going to get our best because they are the best. So, I think a lot of the emotion is just about being competitive. We don’t take it personally at all; we just understand better that once all that stuff happens, we got to get back on focusing on being competitive and trying to win the game.”

When Booker said his two cents, the former Kentucky Wildcat said that he admires Thompson and that he’s trying to become a champion like his shooting guard contemporary.

“We’re just two competitors; I love Klay Thompson,” Booker said. “I have for a really long time. But it’s not going to excuse from us being competitive and talking to each other. I’ve always admired his game, how he plays on both ends of the ball. And obviously, the rings speak for themselves.”

Devin Booker spoke on the situation with Klay Thompson. Went on to say Klay was probably frustrated by the off night he was having and noted he kept going back to the 4 rings, which is what he wants pic.twitter.com/vInEsJcJnp

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 26, 2022

This situation is not one that needs to be overanalyzed or blown out of proportion. It is just a simple case of two teams and two top players going at it; this is nothing new, especially in sports. We have all seen it repeatedly; it’s just basketball. At the end of the day, both teams and players have a great deal of respect for one another and will not let this deter them from accomplishing their true goal, a championship.

These two teams have two more matchups this season on November 16th and January 10th. If that first game did not make things clear enough, their next matchup is one that you do not want to miss!

The post Phoenix and Golden State Downplay Altercation Between Devin Booker and Klay Thompson appeared first on SLAM.

Whether a player says it or not, going against a former team is always a big deal. However, it is an even bigger deal to make history against them. With about 10:50 left in the first quarter, Paul threw up a lob that Deandre Ayton slammed home to give Paul the 11,000th assist in his career!

With that assist, Paul now sits in the company of two other elite point guards, Jason Kidd and John Stockton, who are the only three players in the NBA to accomplish this feat. Record-wise, Stockton is still the all-time NBA assist leader with 15,806, followed by Kidd with 12,091, and CP3 with 11,009.

“I honestly didn’t have a clue until I checked out of the game,” Paul said when asked when he found out about his historic achievement.

Paul then went on to credit a few of his teammates.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for a while now with a lot of great shooters, great players in general,” Paul then reeled a couple of names such as David West, Peja Stojakovic, and Devin Booker. “I’m privileged.”

Suns Coach Monty Williams even chimed in on Paul’s historic night.

“It’s amazing, I look at him, and I’m like, ‘holy smokes, I get to coach Chris Paul.'”

In addition, Paul is now the only NBA player in history to have over 20k points and 11k assists. That is a record fit for a true Point God. It is about time we gave Paul his flowers and credit for playing the point guard position with such finesse, craftiness, and humbleness. Shout out to CP3! We are all looking forward to seeing how far Phoenix can go with such a great vet on their squad.

The post Chris Paul Becomes the First Player in NBA History to Record 20k Points and 11k Assists appeared first on SLAM.

The Sun-Mavs season opener nearly brought up still-fresh and painful memories from Game 7 for Phoenix as they fell behind by 22-points in the first half. However, the Suns fought back in the second half and rallied for a monumental win to start the season on a high note.

“If you get your asses kicked, you want to get your get-back,” Devin Booker told ESPN’s Jorge Sedano while reminiscing about losing his first Game 7. “That’s just life.

“We still have 81 games to go. I said that before the game. It’s a good start. I think it’s a good start to show our team if we’re down early that, we can come back in games.”

2⃣2⃣-PT COMEBACK.

Tonight marked our largest comeback since 2017. pic.twitter.com/2oqt671FK9

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 20, 2022

Phoenix’s ability to rally and win a closeout of a tight game late in the fourth should come as no surprise when you remember why they became the overall last season. The Suns went 33-9 in clutch games, defined by the score being within five points in the final minutes.

The comeback effort can also serve as a rallying point after a dramatic offseason full of front-office chaos due to team owner Robert Sarver’s season-long suspension and decision to put the Suns and Mercury up for sale. Not to mention the tense negotiations and apparent cold feelings Deandre Ayton has towards Coach Monty Williams. The starting lineup also had some turnover after Jae Crowder decided not to play out the final season of his contract while the front office seeks a trade partner.

Powering through. pic.twitter.com/t1C1MPyFO9

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 20, 2022

All the offseason theatrics were a backdrop to the fact that NBA scheduled Phoenix and Dallas for their season-openers after the Mavericks not only embarrassed but ended the Suns’ season with a debilitating Game 7 loss for the ages.

“I think any time you win in the NBA, it’s cool,” Williams said. “But to beat the team that knocked you out, it doesn’t erase that feeling, that hurt, but it does help you grow.”

The Suns’ comeback bid began with Booker (28 points and nine assists) checking back into the game with his team down 15 points. The two-time All-Star scored seven points and handed out six dimes during the fourth quarter. However, the true hero of the game was Damion Lee, who scored 11 of his points in the final frame, including his game-winning fadeaway with 9.7 seconds left in the game.

Damion Lee!!! Tuff shot. pic.twitter.com/tUST6cKmQn

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 20, 2022

Lee, a championship veteran, was a casualty of the Warriors’ decision to invest in their future this summer. He signed a veterans minimum deal during the League’s free agency period and has immediately made an impact as a reserve guard. The 29-year-old guard more than made up for giving up a game-tying and-1 layup to Doncic by hitting his game-winner.

Lee was also given a boost of confidence by Williams during Phoenix’s ensuing timeout.

“Coach just looks at me, and he said: ‘Hey, go make a play. Go make a play,”‘ said Lee, who is now 2-of-9 on tying or go-ahead field goals in the final minute during his career, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. “That’s what you want — a coach that’s always going to instill that confidence in you, no matter what happens.”

The post Damion Lee’s Game-Winner Gives Phoenix Some ‘Get-Back’ Over Dallas appeared first on SLAM.

First Team

PJ TUCKER

Julius Caesar reigned over the mighty Roman Empire with the famous words of “veni, vidi, vici.” Those words translate to “I came, I saw, I conquered,” which Jay-Z used in a song during his mighty reign over music. Hov is PJ Tucker’s favorite musician. This season was yet another encore of conquering for the NBA’s mighty, unbeatable, unrelenting, reigning Sneaker King.

DEMAR DEROZAN

By now it’s common knowledge that DeMar DeRozan has played in every single pair of Nike Kobes throughout his career. The amount of variety, from the lows to the mids to the highs, lands him on this list yet again. What gets him second billing, though, is his “WNBA” Kobe 6 PEs. Bean’s relationship with the W needs no explanation, so please watch the WNBA and please support the WNBA in the same way DeMar DeRozan does.

STEPHEN CURRY

Stephen Curry came out the gates with an entire pack of Curry 9 colorways done in collaboration with Sesame Street. But the 9 wasn’t just another silhouette. It’s the second one in his line to obsolete rubber midsoles in favor of the Flow tech that is pioneering different construction in basketball sneakers. Many more fire colorways followed after Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch got their shine.

TRAE YOUNG

Trae Young and adidas handled their business for this introductory silhouette. The Trae 1 was treated with numerous colorways, some of which matched the Hawks’ uniforms and some of which stood out as singular statements. “I think this shoe is going to bring out a lot of the creative ideas in my mind,” Trae told us in last year’s issue of KICKS. He was right.

JA MORANT

Sheer volume of high-level Kobes, KDs and Kyries would’ve been enough 
to land Ja Morant a spot on here. His intention on creating separation became crystal clear when he started to mix in outrageously loud customized Kobe 6s. The only part of Ja’s sneaker season that was as rare as the actual pairs was him repeating sneakers; almost every game came with something different. 

Second Team

JAYSON TATUM

Jayson Tatum has great chemistry with Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown and Al Horford and he’s just as in sync with Jordan Brand’s Senior Promo Colorway Designer Kelsey Amy. Together, the duo made dozens of Air Jordan 36 PEs that told Tatum’s story, illustrated his interests and paid homage to the legendary Kobe Bryant.

DEVIN BOOKER

Back again with his now-familiar rotation of Kobe 4, Kobe 5 and Kobe 6 PEs, Devin Booker introduced us to a couple of new 6 colorways that were adorned with, of course, “Be Legendary,” the pair of words that Kobe left him with back in 2016.

LAMELO BALL

For someone who isn’t even from this planet, LaMelo Ball did a damn good job of introducing the world to his first signature sneaker. The lead colorway’s all-red makeup contrasted crazy against Charlotte’s uniforms, while the mismatched “Rick and Morty” drop proved that traditional rules were of no concern to the 1-of-1 hooper.

DONOVAN MITCHELL

A ton of colorways, a few more colorways and then a couple of extra colorways define the D.O.N. #3’s run this past season. Spida has proven time and time again that he’s going to use his signature line to express himself, be it his love of Marvel, Monster’s, Inc. or the University of Louisville.

LEBRON JAMES

Nothing new here. Well, that’s technically not true. The King did play in the LeBron 19 this past season. And some retros in new colorways. The nothing  new here is that we’ve seen this man display an arsenal of ridiculous sneakers for almost two decades, so when he pulled out a golden version of the Nike LeBron 20-5-5 in his home region of Northeast Ohio, it was a reminder of just how long King James has been at the top.

MVP

PJ TUCKER

There’s grandeur in PJ Tucker’s consistency and his intentionality in this sneaker game. Sure as Alexander the Great rising each morning to examine how he could extend his rule across lands far away from Macedon, PJ’s extensive knowledge of history has furthered his dynastic rule as the Sneaker King. He’s the one pulling out samples that were made for Ray Allen and Gary Payton, playing in Kobe 6 PEs inspired by Kanye West’s original run of Nikes. He even played in those OG Yeezys this past season. The throne is being watched, meticulously.

Rookie of the Year

JALEN GREEN

In addition to several in-line adidas models, Jalen Green (bigggggg SLAM Fam) spent his rookie season in D.O.N.s, Dames, Hardens and Traes. But to keep it a Bucky Barnes, the real reason that our guy Jalen is getting this award is he wore the adidas Gil Zero twice. For the uninitiated, the Gil Zero is the actual silhouette that reintroduced the low top back to modern basketball over 15 years ago (absolute all due respect to Bean and his fourth sneaker). The young fella showing love to Gilbert Arenas made him the easiest pick of this entire awards section.

Most Improved

Stephen Curry

You’re for sure saying to yourself that Stephen Curry has had almost a decade of signature sneakers and that KICKS just put him on the first team from this past season a few pages back. You’re asking how it’s possible that he’s also being awarded with the Most Improved title. But never before have we’ve seen someone with such a technologically advanced main silhouette mix in old models like the Curry 1 (in new and old flavors) and the Curry 6. He also debuted the Curry 4 Flotro, an update of his iconic model from five years ago that now makes use of his groundbreaking Flow tech in the midsole. Those three factors are how this seasoned sneaker vet was a lock for Most Improved.

LeagueFits Tunnel Look of the Year

Jayson Tatum

So long ago that it almost feels like a myth here in 2022, Jordan Brand used to lace their players with amazingly beautiful colorways of retros. Seeing the old Jordans, as well as pairs in the late teens and early ’20s, in colorways that didn’t have red or black was a thrill, and those pioneering players and their PEs became legendary, lore-like figures in the annals of basketball sneaker history. Jayson Tatum pulling up to the NBA playoffs in a brand-new Air Jordan XIV PE was a brief return to the glorious days of yesteryear.

Best of the Best

Jordan

PJ Tucker

Eminem x Carhartt x 

Air Jordan VI

adidas

Jalen Green

adidas Gil Zero 

Restomod

PUMA

LaMelo Ball

PUMA MB.01

Nike

PJ Tucker

Nike Air Yeezy 2

Reebok

Montrezl Harrell

Reebok Kamikaze II Low

Under Armour

Stephen Curry

Under Armour Curry 1

The post The 2021-22 KICKS Awards 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.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has agreed on a four-year, $224M super max extension, his agents Jessica Holtz and Melvin Booker of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. Deal begins in 2024-2025 and brings Booker’s total contract value to six years and $295M.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns have reportedly finalized a four-year supermax extension that he will likely sign sometime next week per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

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

Booker has played a significant role in the Suns’ resurgent rise to the top of the Western Conference standings over the last two seasons. He’s earned his All-Star stripes the last three seasons and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career last year after averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 46.6 percent shooting from the field and 38.3 percent shooting from deep.

Charania also reported that D-Book will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23.

The post REPORT: Devin Booker Set to Sign Supermax Extension 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.

2021-22 All-NBA teams:

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

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devin Booker has been named 2021-22 LeagueFits MVP, while Josh Christopher is the LeagueFits Rookie of the Year and Myles Turner has won Most Improved.

As we noted in his KICKS 24 cover story, Book has always studied fashion, sneakers and art. His straightforward fashion sense and defined aesthetic helped him earn his first LeagueFits MVP title. Clarkson, Oubre Jr., D’Angelo Russell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Booker for First Team honors. Phoenix teammate Chris Paul joined Booker on the LeagueFits Second Team.

As for the rookies, Jaygup separated himself from an All-Rookie Team that included Barnes, Green, Jonathan Kuminga and David Duke Jr. Christopher, the first and only high school player to be posted on LeagueFits, established himself as a future MVP contender with a strong rookie showing. Between retro shirts, jean jackets and a countless variety of kicks, Christopher was able to beat out Houston teammate Jalen Green (who earned a Third Team spot) for the ROTY award.

Myles Turner earned All-LeagueFits Third Team honors as well as Most Improved. The Pacers center impressed with his one-of-one style throughout the season and truly showed out, rocking everything from lime green knitted sleeves to slick shades.

The All-LeagueFits teams as well as the MVP, ROTY and Most Improved awards were selected by a voting system that included one-third of votes from fans, one-third of votes from LF’s Survival of the Fitted podcast and votes from an exclusive panel that included former WNBA star Ty Young, designer Mamadou, fashion publicist John Guidry, NBA champ Axel Toupane, NFL star and designer Rodney McLeod, designer Caroline Bentley Noble, Los Angeles Sparks’ star Liz Cambage, fashion TikTok influencer Ayeeron, former NBA standout and designer/‘Bucks in 6’ legend Brandon Jennings, Richard aka @thehapablonde and stylist Devon Byrd.

The post Devin Booker Named LeagueFits MVP, Josh Christopher Wins ROTY appeared first on SLAM.

With countless tunnel fits to choose from, the All-LeagueFits Teams were carefully selected by a voting system that include one-third of fan votes, one-third of votes from LF’s Survival of the Fitted Podcast, and the remaining votes from an exclusive panel that includes designer Mamadou, former WNBA star Ty Young, fashion publicist John Guidry, NBA champ Axel Toupane, NFL star and designer Rodney McLeod, designer Caroline Bentley Noble, Los Angeles Sparks’ star Liz Cambage, fashion Tik Tok influencer Ayeeron, former NBA standout and designer/ ‘Bucks in 6’ legend Brandon Jennings, Richard aka @thehapablonde and stylist Devon Byrd.

Here are the official results of the First, Second and Third Teams, as well as the All-Rookie and Honorable Mentions. Stay tuned for the individual award selections.

Jordan Clarkson is truly in a class of his own. This is his third consecutive first team selection, and he was one of only two unanimous picks between the panel, fans and pod. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the first-ever LeagueFits MVP, and he makes an epic return to the first team after showing out in a major way with charlotte this past season.

As for SGA, no debates to be had this time around. He showed off his versatility this season and rightfully secured his spot on the top team. Then there’s Devin Booker, who has the most defined aesthetic in basketball. he was one of two players to be unanimously voted to the first team.

Meanwhile, D-Lo elevated his looks to another level this season, and he did it in the classiest way possible.

These five did it their way and one time for some of the tunnel’s tuffest. Russ came back to Hollywood this year, and he owned the tunnel at STAPLES for the full 82, while CP3 has yet to miss out on the LeagueFits teams since we started doing this in 2018. Jerry Lorenzo’s favorite hooper, Frank Jackson is making his return to the LF teams, and so is Kuz, who was the first-ever LF Rookie of the Year and has turned up the heat more and more. He’s never afraid to push the boundaries of self-expression and is a permanent LF mainstay.

While these awards are based on the regular season, we’ll admit that JT is the last guy we want to see on the court, or in the tunnel, during this postseason.

Jalen Green claims his spot on the third team after a heavy dosage of love from the fan vote and bringing in some unique looks his rookie season. Caris LeVert is maybe the most underrated tunnel star in the League. No more sleeping on Levert, he’s like that on the court and in the closet.

One time for Myles Turner, who’s gotta be the tallest dude to ever make a LeagueFits team standing at 6’11. We’re also not going to let y’all snub Jared Vanderbilt this year because he deserves this one, and Pj Tucker is gonna have a permanent spot on the LeagueFits teams as long as he plays in this League. True legend and true drip OG.

Nobody in the freshman class went harder post All-Star Game than Scottie Barnes. He’s surely cemented as a future LeagueFits and NBA star. Jonathan Kuminga’s been doing it his own way his entire life. No surprises he’s the same way in the tunnel.

Josh Christopher was the first (and we think the only) high school player to ever be posted on LeagueFits. This has been in the works for years. And, if you watched even five seconds of the 2021 NBA draft, you knew Jalen Green was going to be a superstar.

David Duke Jr held nothing back with his bold play on the court and in the tunnel his rookie campaign. The undrafted rook surpassed every expectation that was set, and it’s just the beginning.

Consistency matters in a season that’s 82-plus games long and Nickeil Alexander-Walker routinely delivered. Then we’ve got the LF fan favorite, Tyler Herro, who burst onto the scene as our rookie of the year a few years back and has kept the bar high since.

Jordan Poole might be from the midwest, but he embraced the laid-back California style to the fullest this year, while Thanasis Antetokounmpo used the Milwaukee winters as the perfect reason to consistently layer up, earning his first-ever LeagueFits award.

James Harden might be an OG in the tunnel, but he’s been dressing since before LF was even an idea. Tristan Thompson played in a few cities this year, and he dressed up in all of them. He earns LeagueFits awards honors for the second straight season.

And last but definitely not least, we confirmed on the Survival of the Fitted Pod that Gary Trent Jr. had the fit of the year. It’s only right he gets an LF awards nod.

The post The 2021-22 All-LeagueFits Teams Awards Results appeared first on SLAM.

Out of the many Suns player who had a rough Game 7 outing, Deandre Ayton’s performance raised a good deal of questions. In 17 minutes of action, Ayton finished with five points and four rebounds on 2-5 shooting from the field. Ayton’s 6’11 frame and 7’6 wingspan would’ve been an advantage against a Mavericks team that had no answers for a player like Ayton who can score on the inside and dominate the gas.

When Coach Monty Williams was asked about Ayton’s minutes, he gave an answer that led to more questions about Ayton’s future with Phoenix. The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft is headed into restricted free agency after his representation, and the Phoenix front office couldn’t agree to a long-term extension. Which reportedly led to some tension between Ayton and the front office.

Monty Williams on Deandre Ayton only playing 17 minutes tonight: “It’s internal.”

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 16, 2022

According to multiple reports, Ayton and Williams had a few words after the Suns head coach benched him shortly into the second half. The Suns didn’t come out of the break with the necessary sense of energy, allowing the Mavs to raise their lead to as much as 46 points.

Ayton posted 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season, but the Suns’ defense didn’t perform at a high level with him on the court (2.3 points per 100 possessions, according to NBC Sports). In the playoffs, Ayton only had a few max contract quality performances, posting 28 points and 17 rebounds in Game 3 of the Suns-Pelicans first-round series and a 25/8 performance in Game 1 of the Suns-Mavs series.

When Devin Booker was about Ayton’s contract negotiations, he didn’t necessarily give his long-time teammate a resounding endorsement or demand that Phoenix re-sign the former Arizona Wildcat.

“His contract situation is between him and the front office. I care about him as a brother. Just making sure his mental is right…whatever happens, happens. Kind of hard to look so far in the future.” – Devin Booker on Deandre Ayton’s contract situation

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) May 16, 2022

The Suns running it back with a similar roster might be the best plan; perhaps add another All-Star level playmaker to help alleviate the pressure off Devin Booker and Chris Paul from having to create shots for their teammates and themselves

Both participants of the 2021 NBA Finals are eliminated from the playoffs after Phoenix and the Milwaukee Bucks lost their respective Game 7s on Sunday.

The post Monty Williams On Why He Benched Deandre Ayton After 17 Minutes: ‘It’s Internal’ appeared first on SLAM.

The win was primarily due to the Mavs’ stifling defense holding the Suns to a season-low in scoring, regular or postseason, for the second time in the Western Conference semifinal series. The Suns also shot 39.7 percent from the field and coughed the ball up a season-high 22 times. The Mavs also outscored the Suns in transition 21-8.

“I don’t have enough time to talk about everything that’s eating at me,” Coach Monty Williams said per ESPN. “I didn’t think we understood the desperation they were going to play with. Couple that with the turnovers that we had tonight; it’s a recipe for what we just got.”

.@DevinBook gettin’ himself going. pic.twitter.com/Z2nSLuWB8o

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 13, 2022

Sunday’s potentially season-altering Game 7 will be Chris Paul’s eighth ever, owning a 3-4 record in such games, while Devin Booker will be playing in his first-ever Game 7.

“Greatest two words in sports,” Booker said. “I’m excited to feel the energy. I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s a great opportunity.”

It has begun. pic.twitter.com/oWCVtwX7JG

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 13, 2022

If Phoenix can take any solace, it’s that their 64-18 regular-season record ensures Game 7 will be on their homecourt. So far, the home team of this series has won all six games, none with a margin closer than seven points.

The post Devin Booker On Playing His First Career Game 7: ‘Greatest Two Words in Sports’ appeared first on SLAM.

The blowout win was Luka Legends’ first career elimination game win in three tries, the first two chances coming in losses to the Clippers the last two seasons. The Mavericks have now answered a loss of at least 20 points with a victory of their own 10 straight times this year, 13 if you count last season, including a playoff win against the Clippers.

“I don’t know if he was playing as if he was trying to do something different,” Kidd said per ESPN. “I think he enjoys the moment. You guys have seen a little bit longer than I have up close. He’s not afraid of the stage. I think you guys call it the first time winning an elimination game. He’ll be in this situation a long, long time.”

Luka talking trash gets me hyped (via @espn) pic.twitter.com/99gqXehkpu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 13, 2022

The Mavs’ blowout win can be attributed to their stifling defense. Dallas held Phoenix to a season-low in scoring, regular or postseason, for the second time in the Western Conference semifinal series. The Suns were also held to a playoff low 39.7 percent shooting from the field and turned the ball over a season-high 22 times.

Luka hyped up the crowd and had words for Devin Booker after this offensive foul. pic.twitter.com/9IDmWJeXd8

— ESPN (@espn) May 13, 2022

Dallas was also aided by the contributions of Reggie Bullock (19 points), Jalen Brunson (18 points), and Spencer Dinwiddie (15 points on 5-7 shooting from beyond the arc).

“I think we won this game on the defensive end,” Doncic said. “We’ve got another game. That’s fun. It’s playoffs, and we’re going to give our energy.”

The Mavericks blew the gates open with a 19-6 run to finish the first half, turning a two-point lead into a 60-45 lead going into halftime. The Suns attempted to make some second-half pushes, but the Mavs were clicked on all cylinders and grew their lead to as many as 27 points, ensuring long before the final whistle that there would be a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday.

The post Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic’s Playoff Heroics: ‘I Think He Enjoys the Moment’ appeared first on SLAM.

David McMenamin of ESPN recently dove into the Suns hyped up pregame festivities. There’s times they clown around with each other, while some, like Mikal Bridges, pretends he’s suiting up in Iron Man armor. There’others acting like they’re in the middle of a football play and dancing/meme-inspired gestures that the Suns find and shop around, hoping a teammate will execute it in the tunnel.

Then comes the team’s 15 players dapping up their teammates in 14 unique ways. Each handshake displays just as much muscle memory as the dazzling euro steps, fadeaway, and stepback jumpers they execute shortly afterward.

“It loosens it up a little bit,” JaVale McGee says. “Everybody doesn’t have to be 100 percent serious when they go into the game, but focused. Focused and serious are two different things.”

“We’re the circus, and we pack up and move every day,” Cam Payne added. “because it’s the greatest show on Earth.”

Once all the fun is over, the Suns gather around their veteran leader, Chris Paul, who galvanized the troops with a speech or message to the team to help them set the tone for the evening. The entertaining display of teamwork has become a welcome release for the Suns; a self-described circus show that McGee originated.

As a three-time champion, McGee knows the importance of culture, and setting a tone is just as crucial as the mundane task of setting a screen or making the proper defensive rotation. McGee reminds the Suns that they are “dogs” and the “best team in the motherf…ing world’ played a huge part in the Suns finishing the regular season with the best record in the NBA.

The Suns also finished the year as the only team with top-five rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency. Coach Monty Williams was recently named Coach of the Year, Mikal Bridges finished second for Defensive Player of the Year, and Devin Booker recieved MVP buzz. According to McMenamin, the pregame ritual is the backbone of the Suns performing so well as a team and individually.

Per Deandre Ayton, the Suns have a culture that doesn’t come around too often in a professional setting.

“It feels like a college team sometimes,” Ayton says, “but we get so much money for this.”

Adds Paul: “I’ve been in this league so long that I done seen teams that don’t do anything [pregame]. If you’re on another team and you see that, you’re like, ‘Damn, we ain’t got that.’

“That right there has sort of been our little sacred space.”

When the Suns take the Mavericks o for Game 6 on the road, the culture they’ve built will help them will gather up the energy to close out this semifinal series and win Thursday’s pivotal Game 6.

The post ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’: How the Suns Pregame Tunnel Routine Hypes Them Up appeared first on SLAM.

Booker dropped 28 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on 11-20 shooting from the field. The big-time performance from D-Book was needed after Phoenix lost its two outings while looking completely out of sorts, losing its identity it’s worked all year to build.

“He’s just getting to his spots,” Coach Monty Williams said of Booker, per ArizonaSports. “There were a few times in pick-and-roll where he would get to his spot and raise up. Book has shotmaking ability that’s unique to very few people and in those moments when we need him to settle us down, sometimes it’s scoring that can settle you down.”

Booker scored 12 points and provided constant pressure in the first quarter, making sure Phoenix stayed in the game while the Suns fought through their persistent defensive issues rearing their head. Going into the second quarter, a passionate speech from Williams inspired the Suns to ratchet up their energy levels for the pivotal Game 5, allowing for a relentless effort that helped the Suns relearn why they were great again.

The three-time All-Star continued his onslaught of the Mavericks’ defense while his teammates played inspired basketball, finishing the second quarter with a +/- of + 11. That constant energy from the first 24 minutes of play manifested itself in the third quarter where the Suns outscored the Mavericks 33-14, including a 17-0 run to give Phoenic a 22-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Booker added another 12 points in the third quarter, finishing with a +30 rating through the second and third frame. Phoenix was able finally able to mesh their lockdown defense and hit Dallas with a devastating landslide of offensive pressure to take the Mavericks out of the game..

“We study film. Coach is coming in with the adjustments, and we make ’em, and we follow ’em,” Booker said. “We pride ourselves on the defensive end all year. I think that’s when we’re at our best. When we’re not taking the ball out of the hoop and playing a slower-paced game. We like getting stops, getting out in transition because we have a lot of athletes, a lot of people that can make plays for each other.”

Booker has now scored 840 points in 30 career playoff games after Game 5. The three-time All-Star is one of 18 players in NBA history with at least 800 points in his first 30 playoff games. Booker joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Donovan Mitchell among active players to accomplish the feat.

Phoenix will look to close out their second-round series with Dallas on Thursday.

The post Monty Williams on Devin Booker’s 28 Point Performance in Game 5: ‘He’s Just Getting to His Spots’ appeared first on SLAM.

Embiid answered that he wasn’t surprised by the news, claiming that he had been expecting the result since a straw poll by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps toward the end of the regular season indicated that most voters were leaning towards making Jokic a back-to-back MVP. The mindset resulted in Embiid not being as upset about being snubbed for the second year.

Should Joel Embiid have won MVP? pic.twitter.com/Pl4EHF5CA4

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

“Obviously, congrats to Nikola; he deserved it. He had an amazing season. There’s no right or wrong. There was a lot of candidates. It could have gone either way. Giannis, Devin Booker being on the best team in the league by far, so I guess every year it’s all about whatever you guys decided, whatever fits the narrative as far as who’s going to win.”

It’s perhaps the biggest open secret that there is a narrative aspect behind voting and reasoning behind whoever wins MVP. If voting were simply about “being the best player in the League,” LeBron James would’ve won more than four MVPs, and Kevin Durant or Kobe Bryant would’ve perhaps won more than one.

Here’s Embiid’s full quote on the MVP decision, voters on the award, and focusing on the bigger picture: pic.twitter.com/1H14Rc30qm

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 11, 2022

There are several criteria voters look at to determine who they select for the League’s ultimate individual regular-season award. Such as It’s about team success, health, career arc, and past results. Funny enough, Embiid not winning two years in a row may help him get over the hump next season if he puts up another MVP-like season next season.

“I’m not mad. The last two years in a row, I’ve put myself in that position. It didn’t happen. It’s almost like, at this point, it’s whatever. Whatever happens, happens. Last year I campaigned about it, this year, I answered questions when I was asked, and the next, you know, a few years before I retire, it’s almost like I don’t know what else I have to do to win it. To me, it’s just whatever. It’s all about — not that I wasn’t focusing on the bigger picture, but it’s really time to really put all my energy into the bigger picture, which is to win the whole thing.”

Finishing as one of three finalists and the runner-up for MVP means Embiid, in no uncertain terms, did enough to win MVP this year. Moving forward, the former Kansas Jayhawk will have to control what he can control and continue to play at an MVP level, so in the following years, there is no doubt he is deserving of the prestigious award.

The Philadelphia 76ers look to tie their second-round series with Miami on Thursday.

The post Joel Embiid on Focusing On the ‘Bigger Picture’: ‘Which Is to Win the Whole Thing’ appeared first on SLAM.

Booker scored 28 points and secured seven rebounds, including 12 points in the third quarter, and Ayton added 20 and nine rebounds for the Suns. Booker has now scored 840 points in 30 career playoff games. The three-time All-Star is one of 18 players in NBA history with at least 800 points in his first 30 playoff games. Booker joins LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Donovan Mitchell among active players to accomplish the feat.

In his Book bag tonight.

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/Pl0XXw4r8B

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 11, 2022

The Suns Game 5 victory was powered by a solid third-quarter performance, outscoring the Mavs, 33-14. Phoenix opened up the second half with an 11-4, punctuated by a pair of Booker three-pointers to help the Suns take a 61-50 lead. A Dallas timeout did little to stop the bleeding, with the Suns rolling to an 82-60 lead going into the final quarter.

On the other side, the Mavericks were unable to do much well after turning the ball over in the third quarter. When they cough the ball up, the Dallas offense regressed to a heliocentric offense revolved around Luka Doncic working his magic. But Luka Legend couldn’t do much to save the Mava despite finishing Game 5 with 28 points and 11 rebounds. The Mavs overall shot just 38 percent from the field. Jalen Brunson posted 21 points and seven boards.

Cooking up early

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/4pYb88tqMm

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 11, 2022

“I think we relaxed. That wasn’t us.” Doncic said about the Mavs’ dismal third-quarter performance. “That wasn’t ourselves. We’ve got to be way better than that.”

Luka Doncic on the Mavs' 3rd quarter spiral: "I think we relaxed. That wasn't us. That wasn’t ourselves. We’ve got to be way better than that.”

— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) May 11, 2022

Phoenix will look to close out their second series with Dallas on Thursday.

The post Luka Doncic on the Mavericks’ Third Quarter Meltdown: ‘That Wasn’t Us’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

6-3 AND BELOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-4 TO 6-8 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-9 AND UP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luka Doncic now has the most 40-point playoff games by a player 23 or younger after dropping his 6th postseason 40-piece tonight.

— SLAM Newswire (@SLAMnewswire) May 3, 2022

Doncic has eclipsed Larry Bird, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Tracy McGrady, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker for most 40-point games in just 17 career playoff games. Luka Magic is tied with Stephen Curry and George Gervin. To top off this accomplishment, Doncic’s playoff career average of 33.5 points per game matches that of the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan.

The only thing that Doncic and the Mavs could’ve asked for was a win to go along with his primetime performance. Phoenix went into Game 1 of their second-round series with Dallas focused on preventing the Mavs’ other playmakers from getting into a rhythm. The rest of Dallas’ starters combined for just 39 points; the second time in Doncic’s playoff career, he scored more points than his teammates in the starting lineup.

“He got whatever he wanted, when you look at the shots in the paint, behind the arc, midrange, and then also I thought he got his teammates some great looks that we normally had made,” Coach Jason Kidd said per ESPN. “I thought he played great.

“We’ve just got to get someone to join the party.”

The Suns also made to sure blanket Dwight Powell during pick-and-roll situations and prioritized switching on screens set by Maxi Kleber, who scored 19 points on 6-9 shooting. The breakout star of the first round, Jalen Brunson, had a tough night shooting, scoring 16 points on 6-16 shooting, and Spencer Dinwiddie finished with eight points on 3-8 shooting.

Game 2 of the Phoenix-Dallas series will take place on Wednesday.

The post Luka Doncic Posts Sixth 40 Point Game; Most Ever By a 23-Year-Old appeared first on SLAM.

In the first round against the Pelicans, Ayton averaged 20.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 70.0 percent shooting from the field. A good jump from his regular season when he posted 17.2 points and 10.2 boards per game.

As the Mavericks-Suns series rolls, Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd’s use of small-ball lineups might not be as valuable against Ayton, who is athletic enough to keep up with shooters like Maxi Kleber when Kidd deploys him as small-ball 5. The Suns also have lengthy and versatile defenders like Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cam Johnson, who can chase the Mavericks’ marksman

“We have to adapt,” Kidd said per Sports Illustrated. “Our game plan against Utah is not going to work against the Suns. We’ve already changed that mindset because we’re not playing the Jazz.

Ayton will be tasked with taking advantage of the Mavs whenever he’s in a pick-and-roll situation with CP3, rim-running in transition, and bullying his matchup when he’s given the rock in the low post. Ayton is also a threat to score from deep, sinking 50 percent of his four three-point attempts so far in the playoffs.

“We understand their strength is midrange, but they hurt you with the 3 in transition, and they can hurt you in the paint with JaVale and Ayton. This isn’t Gobert or Whiteside. These guys can put the ball in the basket. So, our bigs are going to be tested.”

The post Jason Kidd on Guarding the Suns’ Big Men: ‘We Have to Adapt’ appeared first on SLAM.

ESPN Sources: Phoenix Suns All-Star G Devin Booker (strained hamstring) is expected to play vs. New Orleans in Game 6 tonight. Booker is expected to test the ligament in pregame warmups, and assuming all goes well, he’ll be back on the floor after missing the past three games.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 28, 2022

Devin Booker has reportedly progressed in his injury rehab enough to raise the possibility of him returning to the Sun’s lineup as soon as Games 6 on Thursday or 7, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

ESPN Sources: Phoenix Suns All-Star G Devin Booker (hamstring strain) is progressing toward a return soon, including the possibility as soon as Game 6 or Game 7 of this playoff series vs. New Orleans. He’s expected to be initially listed as out for Thursday’s Game 6.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 27, 2022

Booker suffered a hamstring strain in his right leg during Game 2 of the Suns-Pelicans first-round series, forcing him to miss the last three games. If he does return, he will reportedly be playing limited minutes. The Kentucky product is expected to miss Game 6 due to injury, but that could be adjusted in the hours leading up to the pivotal Thursday night game, per Woj.

The three-time All-Star in some light shooting during a practice session on Thursday.

“He is progressing, but there’s no change (to status),” Suns coach Monty Williams said per ESPN. “Any time you have your best player out, you know that guy wants to be on the floor. If it was an elimination game type situation —I’m sure that would have an impact on it.”

The Suns, up 3-2 on the Pelicans, look to close out their first-round series on Thursday.

The post REPORT: Devin Booker Expected to Play in Game 6 Barring Any Setback appeared first on SLAM.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker could miss 2-to-3 weeks with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, @WindhorstESPN reports: https://t.co/qVtopVU3Ld

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2022

Booker exited late in the third frame after seemingly tweaking his right hamstring as he attempted to track down Jaxson Hayes in transition. D-Book scored 31 points in the first half of the Suns’ eventual 125-114 loss to the Pelicans, leaving the game without adding to that total.

Booker missed seven games in November after suffering a similar injury but on his left leg. The Suns are 8-6 in games that Booker has missed this season.

Heading into Game 3 in New Orleans, the Suns-Pelicans series is tied up at 1-1.

The post REPORT: Devin Booker Could Miss 2-3 Weeks Due to Hamstring Strain appeared first on SLAM.

The right hamstring strain is believed to be mild and Devin Booker isn't being ruled out of this opening-round series vs. New Orleans, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/mFr2XIr25s

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022

According to League insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns believe Booker’s injury is mild. The franchise won’t be ruling out their leading scorer for the remainder of their first-round series.

Booker dropped 31 points in one half on Tuesday before straining his hamstring, tracking down Jaxson Hayes in transition. The Suns lost 125-114 as the Pelicans stormed back to tie the series up 1-1 before the series shifted to New Orleans for the next two games.

The post REPORT: Devin Booker ‘Unlikely’ to Play Games 3 and 4 Due to Hamstring Strain appeared first on SLAM.

After a stellar 31-point first half, Booker exited the game with right hamstring tightness in the third quarter while Phoenix trailed 77-74.

During a press conference, Suns Coach Monty Williams told reporters that the injury happened as he was tracking Jaxson Hayes down on defense.

“It happened on a play during transition, and that’s where I think it happened,” Williams said. “Other than that, we don’t have much say about it, but it is a hamstring injury.

Booker missed multiple games early in the season with a hamstring injury. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, he returned to the sidelines in his warmup suit and did not re-enter the game.

Without its leading scorer, the Suns took an early lead in the fourth quarter; however, big shots from Pelicans stars CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram caused Phoenix to struggle defensively without Booker on the floor.

Williams told the press that the transition defense was the most significant difference once Booker was ruled out in the fourth quarter.

“Transition defense, it was probably for us the worst we ever looked in transition defense since I been here. For that to happen in a playoff was a bit unsettling for everyone. Our guys have to understand this team is going to play hard, as we seen in the third quarter. We missed a shot, and they were taking off, so that was a bit deflating, and they got hot from three. The transition defensive balance was not there at any level for us tonight.”

Game 3 will be played Friday, April 22, in New Orleans.

The post Monty Williams On Transition Defense Without Devin Booker: ‘Worst We Ever Looked in Transition Defense’ appeared first on SLAM.

In Tuesday night’s 121-110 victory against the Lakers, the Suns were led by Devin Booker’s game-high 32 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, shooting 6-9 from three-point range.

After the game, Booker presented Suns radio legend Al McCoy with an autograph jersey to pay homage to the broadcast announcer who’s covered Suns basketball since 1972. As he presented McCoy with the jersey, he had a message for the announcer after achieving the franchise record.

“50th season baby, franchise record. Love you, man. Appreciate you for real.”

Booker, who many believe should be in the MVP conversation, is averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season. In addition, his defense has also impressed fans and Coach Monty Williams as he boasts about him never backing down from a matchup.

“I’ve said it since I’ve been here: he’s more than a scorer. He’s more than an offensive savant – whatever people call him,” Williams said per NBA.com. “The young man plays defense. He guards his position every night. He’s one of the best two-way players in the game. He doesn’t back down from a matchup. He should get All-Defensive (Team) mention just because of where we are defensively and what he means to our team defensively.”

The Suns will close out the season’s final three games by traveling to Los Angeles to face the Clippers and Utah to match up against the Jazz. Their season finale will be at home Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, and then they’ll wait to see who they face first in the playoffs after the NBA Play-In tournament.

The post Devin Booker Leads Suns to Franchise History Recording 63 Wins On the Season appeared first on SLAM.

Booker is the leading scorer on the team with the best record in the League, as the Phoenix Suns (60-14) are the only 60 win team in the NBA. Booker’s 49 point outing against Denver came on the fifth anniversary of his 70-point outing against the Boston Celtics, which ties for sixth all-time in a single game.

For March, Booker averaged 30.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 55.0 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from the arc. The latter is well above his career mark of just 35.6 percent.

Former MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas also gave Book kudus for his MVP level play, stating that there’s no question the Suns’ guard should win the award.

He should be MVP no question https://t.co/mW2zUWNt2w

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) March 25, 2022

The post Kyrie Irving Calls Devin Booker This Season’s MVP appeared first on SLAM.

DETERMINATION. DBOOK IS LOCKED IN. (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/uq7VE7baPn

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 25, 2022

The Suns’ win was not only momentous because it was their League-best 60th of the year and clinched home-court advantage through the playoffs, but it also marked the return of Chris Paul to the lineup after missing 15 games due to a fractured thumb. The Suns went 11-4 while Paul has been out. CP3 finished the night with 17 points and 13 assists.

“We have a special team; it’s that simple,” Paul said per ESPN. “But just being back for the warmup stuff, the pregame stuff, you know what I mean? There’s nothing like being part of this team. I’m just happy that I could get back.”

POINT GAWD IS BACK (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/xo4YqEZUhR

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 25, 2022

With a nine-game lead over the Grizzlies (51-23) and just eight games left both franchises, the Suns (60-14) clinched the top seed in the playoffs off thanks in part to the MVP-level play of Booker. The Kentucky product scored at 45+ for the eighth time in his career.

The fact he isn’t getting any MVP consideration could be considered a slight. At this point, all D-Book can do is just focus on winning and making a second straight Finals appearance.

“The main objective is to win basketball games,” he said per BrightSideoftheSun. “And they’ve been telling me that since I was 18 or 19. So, now that we have the one-seed locked up, been winning basketball games for two years straight now, this team needs some flowers. Coach Monty should have been Coach of the Year last year.”

49 in the Kobe 5. pic.twitter.com/Sp2F0NMtGX

— SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks) March 25, 2022

The post Suns Clinch Best Record in the League Behind 49 Points From Devin Booker appeared first on SLAM.

With their dominant 111-90 win over the Miami Heat, Phoenix became the first team in the NBA to qualify for the playoffs after improving to 53-13. The Suns improved their road record to 25-6, which is tops in the league. Not only are they close to locking up the Western Conference’s top seed with an 8.5-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies and a nine-game lead over Golden State, but they can lock up home-court advantage for the NBA Finals with a nine-game edge over the East-leading Heat. 

The reigning Western Conference champions have established their dominance by beating the other 29 teams after avenging their loss to Miami back in January. The last time they accomplished that feat was back in 2006-07 when the Suns went 61-21.

Head coach Monty Williams was prideful of the team defense that erased a double-digit lead stemming from a sluggish start.

“I told the guys it was one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen,” Suns coach Monty Williams said via ESPN.. “I’ve been around for a little bit.”

In Devin Booker’s return from a four-game absence in the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols, the Kentucky product messed around and nearly got a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges had 21 points and nine boards, while Deandre Ayton collected a 19 point and 10 rebounds double-double.

Devin Booker knocks down the 3 to end Q3 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/5ngrT4vi4a

— NBA (@NBA) March 10, 2022

Phoenix will try to add to their win total when they take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

The post Phoenix Suns First to Qualify For the Playoffs With Win Over Miami Heat appeared first on SLAM.

Julius Randle was boxing out Cam Johnson for a rebound in the third quarter. Randle took exception to Johnson pushing him in the back, and an altercation happened.

Both players received double technical fouls for the incident. However, when Randle shoved the referee to get at Johnson, he received yet another technical and was ejected. It couldn’t have been a worse time for the reigning Most Improved Player because he was on fire with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in only 28 minutes.

At that point, the former Tar Heel went into a zone and did not come out. After Randle’s exit, his hot three-point shooting helped the Phoenix Suns erase a 86-76 New York lead.

Johnson went on to score a career-high 38 points, including a career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Suns to a 115-114 victory over the Knicks and sent the Phoenix fans home in a frenzy with a 30 footer at the buzzer to win it.

CAM JOHNSON CALLED GAME WITH HIS 9TH THREE OF THE NIGHT. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/RdQvzmcjeu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 5, 2022

The shot was the last of six three-point attempts in the fourth quarter for Johnson to help power Phoenix to their League-best 51st victory of the season. They are currently on a two-game winning streak without their starting backcourt, Chris Paul (thumb fracture), and Devin Booker (NBA’s Health and Safety protocols).

Phoenix gets to face the Milwaukee Bucks next on the road Sunday.

The post Cam Johnson Has A Career Night After Dustup With Julius Randle appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2022

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2022

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

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

First Quarter:

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

“Why are you playing so much defense bro?”

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

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

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

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

TNT & TBS pic.twitter.com/6iEs9nuxD2

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

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

Second Quarter:

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

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

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

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

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

Third Quarter:

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

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

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

He’s got 13 threes.

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

Final Quarter:

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

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

BRON. CALLED. GAME.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Despite Towns’ 41 percent shooting from distance this season and 39.6 percent career average, he was considered a long shot to win. Even with the number of long-distance shots KAT attempted this season, no one counted on the Wolves center in the shoot-out. 

First Round:

The early favorites going into the competition were Trae Young, Patty Mills, and Desmond Bane.

The #MtnDew3PT contest field is stacked!

It’ll be raining triples tonight in Cleveland… tune in at 8:00pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/aL9t3nLRfV

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2022

Bane took himself out of the competition early by tallying 18 points. Then Luke Kennard set the bar for the first round dropping 28 points to put pressure on the rest of the field. Then Towns became the most significant threat for the title, surprising many by putting up 22 points of his own.

Young provided some drama of his own by almost getting eliminated in the first round. He had to finish the round with a flurry to slide past Patty Mills by one point to get into the second round with 22 points.

Final Round:

KAT was the first shooter in the finals, and the way he shot the ball, everyone in the arena, including Ice Trae and Kennard, knew the competition was over. He made history and put on a show while doing it.

Towns concluded the event in epic proportions, taking home the shoot-out trophy in historic fashion by putting up 29 points beating renowned shooters Kennard and Young. KAT’s score broke the record for most points scored in the final round previously held by Devin Booker, who scored 28 back in 2018. 

The reigning champ is not only the first center to ever win the event, but the first big man since Kevin Love in 2012 to take home the award.

Karl-Anthony Towns is a career 39.6% three-point shooter, and now he has the hardware to match

Check out some of the best three-pointers from the 2022 #MtnDew3PT Champion Karl-Anthony Towns! pic.twitter.com/sMouEd4Brz

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022

The post Karl-Anthony Towns Makes History In NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout appeared first on SLAM.

He’s only 11 years old, but Lil Noah James already has more Mitchell & Ness jerseys than most of us have probably ever owned. The young hip-hop artist, originally from Bridgeport, CT, and currently residing in Atlanta, has a really impressive collection. When we hopped on a Zoom call in December, he confidently said that he’s owned over 500 in total, many of which he’s since grown out of. As of our call, he says he’s got about 150 that he keeps inside his closet and stored in bins. 

“I started collecting jerseys around the age of 5. My favorite Mitchell & Ness jerseys are the Kobe Bryant [number] 8, I don’t even have that. The Lakers purple and gold one, I like. The black and red MJ one, that’s another one I don’t have. I like the green Kevin Garnett, I have that one. T-Wolves KG, Miami Heat Shaq. A lot of them. LeBron when he played in Cleveland his first year. I like the Scottie Pippen ones.”

Just from listening to Lil Noah, it’s clear that he’s already so passionate about the game—from basketball to his music career. Even though he’s only in elementary school, he can hold his own in an interview—and on a track. He’s already dropped a handful of singles, including  “2K21 (Mamba Time),” a tribute to the late Lakers legend that has garnered over 73,261 streams on Spotify. In the music video, which has 13,000 views on his YouTube channel, James, who idolizes Bryant, rocks a purple Lakers Hardwood Classics satin raglan full-snap jacket while he’s rapping in the booth about Bryant’s dominance. 

“I have a lot of Nike jerseys, but I really like rocking the old ones,” he says. “I look up to my idols like Kobe, LeBron and Jordan, and other people…I like baggy jerseys, so that’s what Mitchell & Ness really brings for me.” 

James wears a jersey pretty much every day and says it’s become a part of everyday life. He’s rocked a few of them at NBA games and events, too, including 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, where he appeared on an NBA TV broadcast wearing a purple and gold Mitchell & Ness Magic Johnson Lakers jersey. He also wore a black Mitchell & Ness Lakers jacket in the many selfies he took with stars, including LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Ben Simmons, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Jayson Tatum and Diana Taurasi. 

James, who mostly listens to Lil Bow Wow, Drake, Lil Baby, Fetty Wap and Soulja Boy, started rapping when he was around 7 or 8 years old. While he often references basketball, he says he also wants to tell his own story through music. “I just write my raps off of how I’m feeling. I only write about my life, I don’t write about stuff that I haven’t done or am going to do. I just write about what’s in the present and about me.” 

On songs like “Thank You,” James opens up about being born prematurely at 25 weeks and 1.5 pounds, as well as about the loss of his twin sister, Nalah Jade. He gives her a shoutout on “Sometimes,” featuring Omar Wilson—“Rest in peace Nalah Jade, I’m always praying for sis”—and keeps it real about having to balance all the traveling he does with school and chores. 

James says that he’s been “working on stuff in the studio” and has about three or four songs that haven’t been released yet. All that hard work is starting to pay off, too, and a few people at his school, New Manchester Elementary, have even started coming up to him to compliment his music. “I was actually shocked that they knew who I was. Two people in school came up to me and asked for an autograph.” 

As he continues to build out his career, we bet Lil Noah James will continue building out his Mitchell & Ness collection. The question isn’t will he rock a throwback in a future video, but which one? 

Get your own Mitchell & Ness Youth NBA Jerseys here.

Portrait via Jamesy Codrington / Maziv Photography

The post Meet Lil Noah James: The 11-Year Old Hip-Hop Artist with the Craziest Mitchell & Ness Jersey Collection appeared first on SLAM.

Well, now Mann is in the NBA, and he’s still playing like there’s something to prove. After two years at the University of Florida, the dynamic guard was drafted with the 18^th overall pick by the Thunder this past summer. He initially split time between the NBA and the G League, where he averaged 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals for the Oklahoma City Blue. By December, he was getting more consistent minutes for the Thunder and starting to show what he could do—a 19-point outing against the Lakers; 11 points in 18 minutes in a win over the Clippers; 48 percent shooting from three (14/29) during an eight-game stretch. 

When we profiled him in 2019, Mann—then a high school senior—said that he was studying and adopting moves from All-Stars such as Stephen Curry (his nickname growing up was “Baby Curry”), Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and D’Angelo Russell. You can see shades of those guys in his game, with the variety of ways Mann is able to score the basketball, and how effortlessly he makes it look at times. He hits threes off the catch and off the dribble, unleashing a deadly stepback to create separation. On the drive, he pulls up for soft floaters in the lane, and occasionally attacks the rim with force. He plays at his pace—smooth and methodical, rarely out of control—and with impressive confidence for a rookie.

Mann joined the starting lineup two weeks ago and has since scored in double figures four times. Last Wednesday, he led OKC to an overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks, dropping a career-high 29 points on 8/14 shooting from the field, 6/8 from three and 7/8 from the free throw line. Note his poise and assertiveness in the highlight video below:

“He was outstanding, obviously,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said afterwards. “I thought he was way more decisive. I thought he was way more aggressive. You know, he’s always aggressive after he has the ball, but I thought he was more aggressive before it came to him tonight. He just had a mentality where he was going to rip open shots and be decisive in his actions, which is obviously something we’ve talked about a lot, and he had a great shot-making night [and] got to the line. He was good.”

I asked Nick Crain, who covers the Thunder for Forbes and Sports Illustrated, to share some insights on the 21-year-old from watching him all season.

“The offense was never in question for the young guard coming out of college, it was defense,” said Crain. “This was emphasized by Thunder coach Mark Daigneault early in the season, who said Mann’s performance on the defensive end of the floor would dictate his minutes and ultimate ceiling at the NBA level.”

Daigneault on Mann: “He’s coming along. Gaining confidence. We’ve shuffled him back and forth with the Blue, which is by design. He’s gonna be able to score in the NBA walking in the door. It’s becoming a two-way player.”

— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) November 30, 2021

Mark Daigneault says Tre Mann’s size limits them in some of the matchups he can be in defensively.

He says there’s no question the offense is there. It’s about the defense for him.

“The duration of his career will come down to that end of the floor.”

— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) October 27, 2021

“Mann actually has good size for a combo guard, standing at 6-foot-5,” Crain continued. “In fact, he’s still getting used to being this tall, as a late growth spurt is what catapulted him to the NBA. Between his freshman and sophomore seasons at Florida, Mann grew two inches and gained 15 pounds. This added size took his game to a new level, hence why he was taken just outside of the lottery.

“While Mann is becoming a legitimate scoring threat in Oklahoma City, it’s largely due to a large role of late. He’s played 32 minutes per game over the past week, which likely won’t be the case long term. When the Thunder are a contender once again down the road, Mann will likely be a high level sixth man. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a Sixth Man of the Year one day. A walking bucket, Mann will drop defenders on the perimeter with his un-guardable stepback or take them to the rim and put them on a poster.” 

TRE MANN THAT’S NASTY pic.twitter.com/G9vuMxmKGW

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 11, 2021

TOMAHAWK TRE pic.twitter.com/S2khEf7ytF

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 16, 2021

The post SLAM x Panini Rookie Spotlight: Tre Mann appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Sunday night, he returned to the lineup following a hamstring injury that kept Booker out for nearly three weeks. Over the seven games he missed, Phoenix was able to go 5-2. 

In his return to action, the Suns beat the Charlotte Hornets by 31 points, as Booker finished with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes

On the season, Booker is averaging 23.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He’s also shooting a career-best 40.3% from deep, showing that his game only continues to expand each season. 

Although the Suns were deep enough to have success in Booker’s absence, they’re happy to have him back from injury as they move forward. Following a trip to the NBA Finals last season, Phoenix looks better than ever.

The post Devin Booker Returns To Action for Phoenix Suns appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Booker will the next few games as the team plans to keep the star off of the court with “title hopes” still remaining.

The Suns defeated the Warriors, 104-96, to extend their 17 game winning streak, which has now tied the longest win-streak in franchise history since the ’06-07 season.

Phoenix and Golden State both lead the Western Conference with an 18-3 record.

The post REPORT: Devin Booker to Miss Next Few Games After Minor Hamstring Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Last night the two best teams in the League faced off, with the Suns outlasting the Warriors 104-96, tying the Suns’ franchise record of 17 consecutive wins. According to StatMuse, the Suns are 12-1 against opponents with a record of .500 and above, the best in the League.

After beginning the year off to a disappointing 1-3 start, the Suns went on a streak of sheer dominance, winning every single game in November.

Despite Devin Booker exiting the game in the first half with a hamstring injury, the Suns held on down the stretch thanks to Chris Paul’s ability to control the game’s pace during crunch time.

CHRIS PAUL TOO SMOOTH WITH IT. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/tyKnakb1Yc

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 1, 2021

Paul finished with 15 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds on 7-13 shooting from the field and notching a team-high five steals. Deandre Ayton dominated the paint with a double-double, registering 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds on the night.

Someone order a scoop? (via @Suns) pic.twitter.com/mPeHB00cyG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 1, 2021

The Warriors and Suns are set for their rematch on Friday. If the Suns take the second game, they’ll become the sixth team in League history to go undefeated for an entire calendar month. The last team to accomplish the same feat was their opponent, the Golden State Warriors, who went a perfect 24-0 over November during the 2015-16 season.

No loss November

— Book (@DevinBook) December 1, 2021

The post Phoenix Suns Tie Franchise Record For Most Consecutive Wins at 17 appeared first on SLAM.

Shaedon Sharpe, the London, Ontario, Canada native started his prep career playing at his hometown high school, then transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) for his sophomore year. In the summer of 2020, he relocated to even warmer climates, signing up at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, AZ. Then there’s his climb up the rankings: Going into his junior season, Sharpe was ranked in the low hundreds nationally in the 2022 class.

By the fall of 2020, he was pushing for a spot in the top 75. He hit the circuit last summer angling for the top 50. By the end of last summer, he was popping up in the top 10. Now, as the 2021-22 season gets underway, he’s a consensus pick as the No. 1 player in his class.

Like we said, dude can leap.

“It’s still a little new to me, I’m still getting used to it,” Sharpe says. “But with all the hard work I put in, I think I’m ready to handle whatever comes.”

At 6-5 and pushing 200 pounds, Sharpe is the sort of complete wing who can do pretty much anything at every level. He’s most often compared to Bradley Beal, a comparison he welcomes, pointing to Beal and his soon-to-be-fellow Kentucky Wildcat (more on that in a second) and current Phoenix Sun star Devin Booker as players whose all-around lethality he works to emulate. Dwayne Washington, his mentor and founder of the UPLAY Canada AAU program, adds Russell Westbrook to the mix as a player whose oncourt aggressiveness is an inspiration.

Assessing his star mentee, Washington describes Sharpe as “a silent assassin.” Humble and relatively low-key away from the game, Sharpe says, “I’m a quiet guy, I don’t say too much, but when it comes to being on the court, I’m going for heads.” Increasingly, he’s trying to bring that mindset to every aspect of his game. Washington sees him focused on improving his defensive impact, from rebounding to shot-blocking to getting deflections. Offensively, Sharpe has been emphasizing his ballhandling and ability to create space off the dribble. All of that goes to complement a complete offensive game that’s already looking unstoppable at the prep level and should translate to college and beyond.

College, as mentioned, will be Kentucky. As we went to press, Sharpe announced that he’d be enrolling early to get a jump on his preparation for SEC ball, graduating ahead of schedule and joining the Wildcats after the fall semester. Although he’ll practice with the team, he doesn’t plan on suiting up until the ’22-23 season, joining what’s shaping up to be a top-3 (or higher) class. “It’s really cool being part of a class that can win a championship,” he says.

By then, Sharpe figures to be well prepared for the level of attention and expectations he’ll face at one of the college game’s marquee programs. His blinding rise to the top of the rankings over the last six months means he’s getting used to photo shoots and interviews, like this one. As for the pressure of a No. 1 ranking, Washington says, “We never really cared about the rankings before, and because we didn’t emphasize that, it’s not a big deal.” Besides, the coach adds, “Everybody’s ranked the same when the ball goes up.”

True indeed, but still, there’s no doubt Sharpe is a target for every other player looking to make a name and stake a claim to that top spot. He says his approach to that is simple: keep doing what got him here in the first place. 

“My mindset really hasn’t changed,” Sharpe says. “I’m just putting in the work, day in and day out.”

Portraits Stephen Denton.

The post WHAT’S NEXT: Shaedon Sharpe Was Barely Ranked Last Year—Now He’s Ready to Take Over at Kentucky appeared first on SLAM.

“It means a lot, man. I’m grateful and I thank god for this opportunity,” Paul said per the Arizona Republic.

“I say it all the time, not only to be on the team and still be in the league but to be playing. You know you don’t take that for granted. … But to be third, man, and still be playing, I’m grateful for it and still have a ways to go.”

Going into the matchup against the Pelicans, Paul was fifth all-time on the list, just six dimes behind Jackson and seven behind Nash. Paul pushed past Jackson at the end of the first quarter, giving a pass to Devin Booker, who then hit a 27-foot three-pointer.

Paul propelled past Nash with 1:34 left in the second from a dish to Jae Crowder, who scored a three-pointer from the right-wing. At 36-years-old and playing in his 16th season in the League, Paul has more time behind him than ahead. However, he has ways to go before catching up to Jason Kidd (12,091) and John Stockton (15,806) on the all-time assists list.

“When I first came into the League and I seen that John Stockton, I was like, ‘I’m gonna get it.’ That shipped sailed. That shipped sailed a while ago when I started missing all them games,” Paul told the Arizona Republic.

Still, this is just the latest milestone that CP3 has achieved so far this season. Just last month, he became the first player in NBA history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in a win against the Lakers.

The Suns are now 3-3 and will play the Rockets on Thursday.

The post Chris Paul Passes Mark Jackson and Steve Nash For No.3 All-Time in Assists appeared first on SLAM.

Following those reports, Ayton recently commented on the matter and did not hide his frustrations regarding not being offered the max level deal that other players in his draft class have received, such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young.

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

“I love Phoenix but I’m really disappointed that we haven’t really gotten a deal done yet,” he said. “We were two wins from a championship and I just really want to be respected, to be honest. Be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams.”

Ayton then said he will “let them handle it in the most professional way possible and just control what I can control” when asked if he is confident a deal will get done.

Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds a game last season and solidified himself as a key component in the Suns’ playoff run—he averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds in the playoffs, posting 14 double-doubles. The team has allotted two spots for a rookie max contracts available per NBA rules. With two-time All-Star Devin Booker filling one of those spots, Ayton is eligible for the other.

The Phoenix Suns have until October 18th to offer the five-year, $172.5 million contract extension Ayton is seeking. If nothing happens, he could become a restricted free agent next offseason.

The post Deandre Ayton Voices ‘Disappointment’ That Phoenix Hasn’t Yet Reached Contract Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker will miss time to start training camp this upcoming week due to health and safety protocols.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 26, 2021

Barring a major issue, Booker could still get in a few preseason games before the Phoenix Suns start their season on Oct. 20. They defending Western Conference champs play the first of their four preseason games Oct. 4 at Sacramento.

The KICKS 24 cover star averaged 27.3 points during Phoenix’s postseason run. Booker posted back-to-back 40-point games in the Finals including a breaking a record for most points in a first appearance in the playoffs. Then he closed out his season helping Team USA win the gold medal in Tokyo.

The post Devin Booker Starts Training Camp In NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

SLAM will be a launch partner for Autograph’s basketball vertical with iconic magazine covers that feature players ranging from Allen Iverson and Vince Carter to Devin Booker and Sabrina Ionescu. The magazines themselves have been collector items for over 27 years, and the cover remains the Holy Grail for all basketball players. As the most authentic brand in basketball storytelling, SLAM has grown into a global lifestyle brand and multimedia property with 20-plus social channels, a burgeoning merchandise division and multiple franchise events annually with over 16 million engaged followers across the globe.

“SLAM is uniquely positioned to bring the Autograph community some of the most unique and historic basketball NFT content,” said Dillon Rosenblatt, CEO and Co-founder of Autograph. “We’re proud to announce this partnership and we’re looking forward to the multitude of drops and exclusive releases to come.”

The Autograph NFTs previously dropped on DraftKings Marketplace included such star athletes as Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky, Derek Jeter, Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles and Tony Hawk. Autograph recently announced a similar deal with Lionsgate in which the companies will collaborate to create digital collectible content based on the flagship movie franchises later this year.

“We’ve been constructing a portfolio of companies with a specific focus on the intersection of sports media and blockchain technology, and this deal sits squarely at that crossover,” said Matt Aronson, President of SLAM’s parent company JDS Sports. “Autograph is introducing a best-in-class NFT experience for the mainstream. We’re thrilled to work with the team to bring SLAM’s archive of collectible covers to the digital world.”

SLAM previously partnered with New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson for a first-of-its-kind NFT drop in April, which included two SLAM covers featuring Williamson. The SLAM x ZION collection also included four limited-edition versions of both covers — Basic, Gold, Gold Autographed, and a 1-of-1 Platinum Autographed. The first cover, SLAM 222, was shot at Duke University in April 2018 immediately before Williamson declared for the NBA Draft, while the second, SLAM 228, was shot in New Orleans in June 2020 before the season restarted in Orlando.

The post SLAM Enters Partnership with Tom Brady-Backed NFT Platform Autograph appeared first on SLAM.

Perfect morning in Los Angeles. A calm and balanced sun-soaked Tuesday. Traffic is actually skipping along nicely. Smiles blanket faces that pass by. Conversations run their course without any rush. “Voice of the Heroes” blasts out of a car window on Cahuenga Boulevard. Clearly all is right. 

Right? Wrong. 

Let’s have some thunderous notes surge in the blue sky. 

There’s a problem. 

What is it?

The absolutely insanely rare “Kentucky” Air Jordan 1s from 1985 that Devin Booker is supposed to bless us with aren’t in L.A. 

OK, that’s fine. Let’s adjust. We can let some time go by. It’s a nice enough day in CA. 

Jump to Phoenix. The kicks got sent to the desert from Tokyo, Japan. The sneakers, a physical time machine that lead with footprints to the moments well before SLAM was around or Booker was born or the public’s general love for footwear, are getting on a plane. Their journey is a mirror to Booker’s. 

Get your copy of KICKS 24 featuring Devin Booker NOW!

Book was in Tokyo for the 2020 (’21?) Olympics. He and the squad captured the Gold medal after a two-week odyssey filled with highs and lows. The lows included a panic that struck American fans and media following a first game loss to France. But the men wearing the red, white and blue were never worried. Gold was always theirs. The highs obviously include the numero uno world ranking. But that still leaves room for the details. It still leaves room for Book strapping up on defense, sliding his feet, laced in his blue and red Kobe 5 PEs, on-ball and in his weakside rotation requirements. It leaves room for the snapping ball movement that he would sometimes get to cap off or sometimes get to contribute to. Those were the highs that not many will clock; basketball being played correctly at a supreme level on a global stage.  

Just as rare as the ’85 “Kentuckys” is the man who will be wearing them when they get off the plane at Hollywood Burbank Airport. He’s one of the few who appreciates good hoops like that, one of the even fewer who yearns for real and true competition, in all of its pain, ugliness and ultimate glory. He’s been co-signed by the best. LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two HoFers, have long been saying how nice he is. He’s been recognized by the realest. Jrue Holiday and Draymond Green, two basketball geniuses, have praised him. And then there’s Chris Paul, one of the best point guards and basketball historians the game has ever known. 

“Devin Booker had everything to do with why I came to Phoenix,” Paul told ESPN months before the Suns made the ’21 Finals. 

CP knew that Book is Book. He’s a blend of the years gone by, even the years that he wasn’t alive to see. He’s not a Kobe clone, but rather a disciple of Kobe and his footwork, of Rip Hamilton and his midrange shot, of Michael Jordan and his drive, of his father Melvin and his refusal to take it easy, and of countless others who have made the 24-year-old an unparalleled player and person. 

Middie’s auto, a product of fluttering feet out of the triple threat that instantly create space to get clean looks. Then off the bounce, with the rock in his right hand, he can fade to his strong-side shoulder and easily command a shot that sweetly scrapes the sky. Teammates have noted how much time he’s spent in the weight room adding muscle to get more power on his head-down drives to the rim. But that’s just a new layer of a skill he’s always had. (Please type “Devin Booker and Kyle Wiltjer” into YouTube. Thank you. And you’re welcome.) With deadeye three-point accuracy and the capability to run pick and roll as the ballhandler or the screener, it’s just refinement for Book now. Just more work. 

Just more moments of him jumping out of his vintage cars, trading out his Jordans and his Chuck Taylors for his Kobes, and dominating the NBA with a style that’s closer to Alex English and Mark Aguirre than to the kids coming up today. He’s a modern throwback, a young man who respects the past and lets it inform his own future. That’s why the best players in the League mess with him so heavy. They know an all-time great when they see one. 

But we’re still not seeing 1s. So when Book peacefully rolls up to the studio with his dog Haven, he parks it on a couch, digs in to some lunch and starts talking about the 1s he wanted as a kid at Moss Point HS in Moss Point, MS.

“I always wanted a ‘Banned’ 1,” he says. That would’ve been around the time he was playing in some Huarache 2K4s, flying under the national radar. Haven, a 150-pound Cane Corso, is hilariously running around the studio with the kind of joy only a very good boy can bring.

“I have ‘Banned’ 1s currently, after I made it to the League,” Book continues. “I think it might’ve been Draymond the first time I’d seen him, we just had a conversation about it over the Olympics. I knew the story behind the ‘Banned’ 1s and from then I had to get them right when I got to the League.”

That’s the big thing with Book. He studies. Hoops, kicks, cars, clothing, art, dogs. He wants to learn. He wants the pieces that laid the foundation. 

“I chased another 1,” he says. “I was just trying to build my 1 collection. The ‘Royals,’ I had to chase the ‘Royals’ down for a minute. I could find a lot of things in a [size] 13, but it was always hard for me to get the 14. I was just trying to get the OG 1s for the most part.”

OG 1s are one thing. His now-booming collection of classic whips has proven to be his next chase. 

“I’m out there on the black market, man,” he jokes with Haven now chilling by his side. “Just finding them, man. Especially the vehicles, you’re all over the place. We’re out in Pittsburgh, just trying to find the right ones. My ’71 Impala, I’m going and looking for a Donk. So that’s South Florida, that’s Miami, that’s how they’re riding over there. With my ’59 Impala, I have it sitting west coast with the 20 inch Dayton’s on ’em. You gotta find somebody from Cali to do that.

“I’m doing my research,” he goes on. “It runs in my family. My grandpa’s a collector, he has a couple. My dad has a couple classics. It’s kind of like a conversation starter between us, even me learning more. Something’s going to go wrong, you’re going to learn something new about a car that day. And I missed all that. I was always traveling at AAU events, so I was never in the garage as much as I was in the gym. That’s the beauty of it, the process of learning more every day. But all my cars, I know every story on them.”

And speaking of stories, Book shares a real good one.

“I have a ’96 Impala,” he begins. “It’s the same car my uncle was driving before he got locked up. He got locked up, he tried to sell it to my dad and I didn’t even know this. And then I get a ’96. My dad was like, You know that’s the same car your uncle tried to give to me when he went to jail? I knew I should have bought it then, I knew it,” he laughs. “Same color, black cherry, everything.”

“It was really my closest cousin (who was like an uncle to him) that had the same ’96 Impala,” Melvin says. “When he got locked up he was trying to sell everything. I told Dev he had that exact car. Me and my pops always said we should have bought it from him. He sold it to one of his friends and I think they trashed the car.”

It all matters to Book. Every story, every color, every detail. All those yesterdays are his tomorrows. For as much of a throwback as he is, he’s also the present and the future. The two words that everyone associates with him don’t represent the past. “Be Legendary” is something to live up to. 

KICKS 24 featuring Devin Booker is available NOW!

It was Bean that wrote those words on a pair of Kobe 11s that he then gifted to Booker. That tale is mythical now. Just as KD and Bron pinpointed Book’s potential, it was crystal clear for No. 24, too. In the moments after a game in his last season, Bryant took about 15 minutes to chop it up with Booker, who was in his rookie campaign and had led the Suns to a win over the Lakers with 28 points and 7 assists. Besides the everlasting “Be Legendary” written out on the 11s, more guidance was shared. It doesn’t matter what exactly the Hall of Famer told young Book in that locker room meetup. It’s evident in his play. The Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers and Bucks got to see that advice come to life just a few months ago. “Suns in four” is a lifestyle because of Book. The midrange game is safe because of Book. The Kobe 4, 5 and 6 got to return to the NBA’s brightest lights because of Book. 

The purple stardust 4s, with the ultra buttery leather, got to shine the brightest. He wore them throughout the Finals. 

“I always said the Kobe 6 was my favorite to play in until this year,” Book begins. “I fell in love with the Kobe 4 again. I fell in love with it. Like high school, I always said if I could build a shoe or model the shoe after any comfort-wise, it’d be the Kobe 6. I don’t know why I kind of went away from that this year. I think my Kobe 4, especially the one I was wearing during the playoffs, the purple one, like, it was made out of the right material.”

He’s written “Be Legendary” on his sneakers for a minute now. An active reminder.  

“You have to live up unto it,” he says about the pair of words. “Breaking a fresh pair every time, that’s the first thing I remember when I’m going to it. I’m often reminded of it, not looking at my tattoo. Writing it out re-puts me in that moment, re-puts me in that story every time. It’s definitely the greatest motivation that I can get. It’s a constant reminder of the pursuit of everything.”

Save for early in his career, like when he scored 70 in the Nike Hyperdunk Low X, Book has been Team Bean thoroughly. His sneakers and his thinking are Kobe-influenced. He says that every fable about No. 8 is all facts, that everything we think might be fiction about No. 24 is actually accurate. Bryant’s career has served as a how-to manual for Booker and the conversations that he was able to share with the legend have left such a deep impact that there are brief moments where he talks about him in the present tense. 

He says that Kobe would just list things out that he wanted to accomplish. Then he would go do them. 

No fear. 

Book brings up going from the Finals to the Olympics as his own version of that mindset. Nobody would have predicted that but Book made it happen. 

There’s more on his list. An NBA championship is at the top. A signature sneaker isn’t far behind. He’s got a reserve of Kobe PEs that doesn’t seem to end, an Air Force 1 created for him and a Bean 1 colorway done up in Suns colors. 

“I’ve only been in Kobes,” he says. “Even Nike wanted to push me into a different model. I stick with what I know. I wish I could be more hands on and tell stories through it, that comes with a signature and my own type of stories. And it started, it was me, [Isaiah Thomas] and DeMar [DeRozan]. To be one of the first ones that got the protro or the 1s, it’s cool to be loyal to the Kobe brand.”

Even still, the taste he got with his AF1 colorway has left him wanting more. 

“I think that kind of opened my mind to, like, anything signature, honestly, and even just the short conversation of making those shoes came alive,” Book says. “Like, obviously I wasn’t hands-on as much as I wanted to be. But I’m glad I at least got to get the story across and represent my high school and be able to tell a story. A lot of people don’t understand with the ‘yes, sir, no, ma’am.’ Doing stuff in the future, I’d like to tell those stories more from myself. Yeah, but I think it’s sick to be able to do that through footwear and even just people that don’t know me telling them what it means when I give them the shoes…you know the conversation.” 

See, Book stays in his imagination. When he and his pops work out, he does the same “three…two…one!” scenarios that kids all around the country do. He carries notebooks to jot down his ideas. His mind trails from signature kicks to impactful real life changes that he now has the power to make. There’s three generations of Bookers who have played ball at Moss Point. In a joint effort with Mr. Cartoon, Devin will refurbish two courts, in honor of his father, his grandfather and his city’s youth who will follow in his footsteps. He’s got stories to tell and he hopes that one day, 35 years from now, someone will be talking about his kicks in the same way he’s talking about the “Kentucky” 1s. 

They’ve finally arrived. 

No more thunderous notes surging in the blue sky. Just shine. 

Lunch is about to be over. Haven’s about to roam again. Book’s about to lace up a priceless work of art. 

“Wearing the ’85 Jordans, like, I wasn’t born in 1985,” Book says. “But I know there’s history behind it. And I know the meaning behind it, and how meaningful it was in that moment.”

They’re still meaningful in this moment, on this perfectly calm and sun-soaked Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles. 

Closing. 

KICKS 24 featuring Devin Booker is available now in gold and black metal editions, as well as these exclusive Cover Tees. Shop here.

Portraits by Zamar Velez. Follow Zamar on Instagram, @zamarvelez.

Action photos via Getty Images.

The post Devin Booker on His “Kentucky” Air Jordan 1s From 1985, His Cars and Becoming Legendary appeared first on SLAM.

However, many had speculated that Paul might have been injured during the 2021 NBA Finals, and Paul himself recently confirmed as much in an interview with Time’s Sean Gregory.

During the interview, Paul says that he he underwent surgery on his wrist, marking the fourth time in his career he has had surgery on his hands.

“It’s my fourth hand surgery,” says Paul. “So one thing I know about is the mental aspect of rehab. I’m getting there.”

Paul’s injury noticeably hurt his production in the NBA Finals last year against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he still was productive during the six game series, averaging 21.8 points and 8.2 assists per game on 55 percent shooting and 52 percent shooting from three.

Later on in the interview, Paul discussed how he wants his first trip to the NBA Finals not to be his last.

“Now that I’ve got a taste of what that experience is like…I’m sort of addicted.”

During the offseason, Paul recommitted to the Suns by way of a four-year $120 million contract extension that will keep him in Phoneix until he’s 40 years old.

Paul will be joined by the majority of the same roster next season, including Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. They’ll look to make another run at an NBA Championship.

The post Chris Paul Discusses Impact of Offseason Wrist Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

As the Clips took on Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks, Donovan Mitchell’s Utah Jazz and Devin Booker’s Phoenix Suns, Jackson improved every series, stepping up whenever his team needed him most.

Jackson’s playoff performance didn’t just make sure that the Clippers would want to re-sign him, but it allowed him to command a significant raise as well.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Jackson signed a two-year, $22 million deal to return to the Clippers, the maximum the team could pay him under current CBA rules.

Jackson made the minimum, $1.6 million, last season.

After averaging 10.7 points per game in the regular season, he averaged 17.8 points per game in the 2021 NBA Playoffs (while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from 3-point range), taking the challenge on both ends.

The post REPORT: Reggie Jackson Signs Two-Year, $22 Million Deal to Stay with Clippers appeared first on SLAM.

Revered worldwide as the most talented roster on the globe, the U.S. unexpectedly dropped an exhibition match against both the Nigerian and Australian men’s national basketball team prior to the official start of the Olympic Games and dropped one of their first game in the tournament to France.

Now, in the semifinals in a rematch with the Boomers—Australia’s men’s national basketball team—Team USA found themselves down by 15 points early in the game.

Australia, led by guard Patty Mills, came out with a practical game plan: play solid defense, and grind down the Americans.

However, there is one factor that even if the Australian team prepared for, they would find it nearly impossible to solve: offensive superweapon Kevin Durant.

Durant, a merciless scorer, put Team USA on his back in the first half with seven made baskets, finishing the game with a team-high 23 points. Led by Durant, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday, the Americans stormed back, winning the game 97-78.

“When you are a great team and you’re playing a team who feels that it’s going to be tough to beat us, they’re going to come out and play their best brand of basketball,” Durant said. “They’re going to play perfect basketball, and I felt like that’s what they did in that first half, and once we went down three going into halftime, I felt like we had the game in hand.”

Team USA will now face off against France in the gold medal game.

France is coming off a nail-biting 90-89 victory over Slovenia, knocking out wunderkind Luka Doncic in the process.

If the Americans prevail, it will be their fourth straight gold medal in the competition.

The post After Rough Start, Team USA Dismantles Australia to Advance to Olympic Finals appeared first on SLAM.

While the length of the contract has caused reasonable concern due to Paul’s age (36), FS1’s Ric Bucher reports that the third season of Paul’s contract is partially guaranteed while the final year is non-guaranteed.

One of the most decorated players of all-time, Paul’s trade to the Suns last season was seen as the primary catalyst for the team’s impressive run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Though Paul, Devin Booker and the Suns would eventually fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, Phoenix proved themselves to be a formidable opponent from the start of the 2020-21 season to the finish.

The Suns obviously hope to recreate that magic by bringing back a point guard with a reputation for being as tough as he is intelligent, and as talented a player as he is dedicated to being a leader.

Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season while shooting 49.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range. In the postseason, Paul would average 19.2 points, 8.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from deep.

The post REPORT: Chris Paul Returns to Phoenix with Lucrative Four-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Dues paid. Inside #USABMNT practice ahead of Wednesday’s #Tokyo2020 matchup with Iran (12:40 AM ET, Peacock)! pic.twitter.com/MVkssq0yTK

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 27, 2021

The intensity carried over into the game and after the first quarter, the game was basically over thanks to the U.S. finding their three-point stroke. The U.S. made 19 shots from beyond the arc and shot 55 percent from the field.

Damian Lillard improved from the last game, scoring 21 points. Devin Booker had 16 and Jayson Tatum finished with 14 in the 120-66 win on Wednesday. The win marks their first victory after having their 25-game Olympic winning streak snapped.

The Americans finish out their Group A competition against the Czech Republic on Saturday. If they win, the U.S. qualifies for the quarterfinals. Even if they lose the game, there’s a solid chance that they would advance. Due to the huge point differential of this game, it helps fill out the lower seeds of the single-elimination quarterfinals.

The post Post Up: Team USA Gets Bounce Back Win Over Iran in Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

After being pursued by multiple teams, former Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson is finalizing a deal to join the Toronto Raptors coaching staff, league sources tell @YahooSports. Devin Booker credited Watson for his accelerated development. pic.twitter.com/I1FQYpBkmr

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 26, 2021

Initially reported by Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, Watson’s hire comes weeks after former assistant Jama Mahlalela left their developmental staff to join the Golden State Warriors coaching staff.

Watson spent three seasons at the helm of the Suns, going 33-85 in that time.

He’s the first replacement for an organization that has lost three assistants over the past year to head coaching jobs: Nate Bjorkgren (Indiana Pacers), Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Sergio Scariolo (Virtus Bologna).

The post Earl Watson Finalizing Deal to Join Raptors Coaching Staff appeared first on SLAM.

Team USA is slotted to play against Group A opponents such as France, Iran, and the Czech Republic in order to qualify for the single-elimination Final Phase starting on August 3. The first and second-place teams in each group and the two best third-place teams overall advance to the single-elimination Final Phase.

Here’s Team USA’s full schedule for the Tokyo Olympics (via NBA.com):

Having an opportunity to claim a fourth straight gold medal after winning in 2008, 2012 and 2016, Team USA’s start has not been without mixed results.

First, Team USA lost its first two exhibition games in Las Vegas to Nigeria and Australia before bouncing back to defeat Argentina and Spain. Then more changes to the 12 man roster happened as Bradley Beal dropped out due to health and safety protocols and Kevin Love left due to a calf injury. They were replaced by JaVale McGee and Keldon Johnson.

Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton will be available for the team’s opener against France.

The post USA Men’s Basketball Full Schedule For Tokyo Olympics Released appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

King KD, basketball savant (and renowned tweeter).

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

King Giannis the Humble, of Greece and Nigeria.

King Kawhi, the second cyborg on this list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team USA’s Zach LaVine has cleared health and safety protocols and will join the team in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2021

LaVine is the third USA player to undergo health and safety protocols in the last week; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant underwent a contact-tracing quarantine for four days while Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal left the team under such protocols.

The Chicago Bulls star has started in place of Beal for the past two games and averaged 10.3 points in the teams four exhibition games.

LaVine will join the team just a day before the Olympic games start—three days before the team tips off its first pool play-game against France on Sunday.

The back-to-back Slam Dunk champion won’t be the only late arrival in Tokyo this week as first-time NBA champions Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, as well as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, will be taking the 15-hour flight to meet Team USA on Friday.

The post Zach LaVine to Join Team USA in Tokyo on Thursday appeared first on SLAM.

“This is such a blessing, man. This is only God,” Holiday said prior to the trophy presentation. “Like I said before, as a kid, you only dream of this moment, so to be able to actually do it, to see the confetti, to do it with my brothers, there’s nothing like it. Coming here was obviously the greatest thing in my career.”

"Coming here was obviously the greatest thing in my career." pic.twitter.com/QRxqKNafbp

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 21, 2021

Holiday finished the Bucks’ close-out Game 6 win with 12 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds and 4 steals in 46 minutes. But his defense which included at least 3 steals in each of the last three games of the Finals helped change Milwaukee’s fortunes. His averages of 16.7 points, 9.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals defies the narratives of analytic effectiveness.

After the Bucks traded Eric Bledsoe to the New Orleans Pelicans for Holiday, that move appeared to be a gesture of good faith to their franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo that winning a championship was a top priority. Holiday stepped up in the final seconds of a pivotal Game 5 matchup, snagging a steal and dishing an alley-oop to Giannis for a crazy finish that helped solidify the win.

All respect to Jrue Holiday for the steal. Giannis for the finish.

Crazy way to end the game. (via @bucks) pic.twitter.com/qEQAR2Cwbb

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 18, 2021

It was poetic that the player that played a part in solidifying the franchise’s future came up with the most underrated play of the NBA Finals. But this is a small part of a story that might get overlooked due to the historical performance of NBA Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Jrue Holiday’s overall play helped turn around the series when the Bucks were down 2-0 and doubted by some experts. He finished with 27 points and 13 assists in Game 5 while stepping up on the defensive end and guarding Chris Paul, picking him up full-court to slow his production after Game 1 while defending Devin Booker as well. As the series wore on, the Phoenix offense became stagnant and they struggled down the stretch to lose Games 3 and 4.

And last night, Holiday’s ability to continue to set up his teammates was crucial in supporting Giannis’ 50 point night and bringing an NBA title to Milwaukee after a 50-year hiatus.

Jrue finds a cutting Brook.. liftoff @Bucks back in front on ABC pic.twitter.com/ukjLh5QtjL

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2021

The post How Jrue Holiday Quietly Changed the Bucks’ Championship Fortunes appeared first on SLAM.

Throughout this absolutely incredible postseason, Booker had started to get extremely high praise from fans and media, drawing comparisons to his idol and mentor, Kobe Bryant. He has a tattoo that says ‘Be Legendary’, which is in remembrance of Bryant and what he wrote on Booker’s shoes in 2016. 

ESPN’s Richard Jefferson recently asked Booker what he thought of these comparisons to the late Bryant. 

“I know it’s something everyone has going on right now,” said Booker. “I didn’t make that comparison myself. I just leave it to what he’s done for me as a mentor and the advice that he’s left me with. I try to take bits and pieces of his mentality and his approach, but I should never be compared to Kobe Bryant.”

Booker is one of the rising stars in the NBA at just 24 years old. While he’s still influenced by Bryant to this day, he doesn’t think he should be compared as a player to him. 

The post Devin Booker: ‘I Should Never Be Compared to Kobe Bryant’ appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down Game 6 of the NBA Finals here.

No. 2 Suns 98, No. 3 Bucks 105

MIL Wins Series 4-2

The Bucks were in an 0-2 hole to start the Finals, but rattled off four-straight wins to come out on top in the series. In the final game of the 2020-21 season, the Suns came out hot with their backs against the wall, leading by five points at halftime. Going into the fourth quarter, Milwaukee had tied the game, but Antetokounmpo had scored 37 of the team’s 77 points by himself. Khris Middleton and Antetokounmpo both came up clutch in the fourth quarter as the Bucks won Game 6 and ultimately the championship. 

Antetokounmpo had a historic performance, producing 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. This made him just the second player in NBA history with three 40-point, 10-rebound games in a single NBA Finals, joining Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. This performance also made him the only player since 1974 to have 40 points, 10 rebounds and five rebounds in a Finals game and only the seventh in NBA history with a 50-point game in the Finals. Chris Paul and Devin Booker led the Suns with 26 and 19 points respectively in the hard-fought loss. 

The post Post Up: Milwaukee Bucks Crowned NBA Champions appeared first on SLAM.

The resulting play, a masterclass of grit, pure athleticism, and an undying will to win, sent ripples through the NBA world.

Giannis Antetokoumpo, Milwaukee’s affable superstar, went from guarding Booker to almost instantaneously turning 180 degrees before springing into the air and blocking Ayton’s shot before he even had a chance to make contact with the rim. This block was the catalyzing factor in a late 7-0 run for the Bucks, who clawed back to win the game 109-101 after trailing for much of the four quarters.

One of the most fluid and forceful defensive plays in NBA Finals history, this impressive moment is already being immortalized as “The Giannis Block.”

CLUTCH BLOCK BY GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/jwB0b75o65

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2021

It immediately garnered the attention and praise from players around the league, who took to social media to express just how unfathomably clutch and impressive Giannis’s block was.

“That block by Giannis might have won them the game,” tweeted All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard.

That block by Giannis might have won them the game

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 15, 2021

“That block by Giannis one of the best i ever seen,” tweeted six-year NBA veteran Richaun Holmes.

Those in the game itself also expressed amazement at Giannis’ play. Following the game, Bucks guard Pat Connaughton was asked about the block, which he called “the best block of all time.” 

When asked himself about the play, Giannis’ first remark was not one of total self-assurance. he, instead, was forthcoming about what he thought was going to happen.

“I thought I was going to get dunked on, to be honest with you,” he told the media.

Luckily enough for the Bucks, he wasn’t, and now Milwaulkee has a serious and tangible chance to become the next NBA Champions. 

The post NBA Community Reacts to Giannis’ Incredible Block appeared first on SLAM.

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 103, No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks 109

Series tied 2-2

The Bucks and Suns played a close game from start to finish in Game 4 but the Bucks eventually came out on top thanks to a career night for All-Star forward Khris Middleton. While having an up and down series, Middleton led his team in scoring with 40 points and chipping in six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo flirted with a triple-double, going for 26 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Brook Lopez (14), Jrue Holiday (13) and Pat Connaughton were the only other Bucks to finish with more than 10 points.

Antetokounmpo also had one of the plays of the season, with this block late in the game on Deandre Ayton doing justice to the nickname “Greek Freak.”

Phoenix was kept in the game, thanks largely to the scoring of star guard Devin Booker. Booker led all scorers in the game for 42 points on 60.7 percent shooting from the field. However, not holding on up their end was Chris Paul, had a shaky night shooting as well, managing only 10 points on 5-for-13 shooting while turning over the ball five times.

Ayton, who only scored six points, had five assists but cleaning up on the boards with 17 rebounds.

With the series all tied up 2-2, the two teams will head back to Phoenix for Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

The post Post Up: Milwaukee Ties the Series Behind Play of Middleton, Giannis appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down Game 3 of the NBA Finals here.

No. 2 Suns 100, No. 3 Bucks 120

PHX Leads Series 2-1

After getting into an 0-2 hole here in the 2021 NBA Finals, the Bucks were able to pull out a huge win on their home court. In a game that was ultimately decided by the second quarter, with Milwaukee outscoring Phoenix 35-17, they’re now within one game of making the series even at 2-2. As expected, all it took was the Bucks’ supporting cast stepping up to prove they’re not out of this series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had yet another 40-point, 10-rebound game, while Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton combined for 39 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds. Bobby Portis was also a huge spark off the bench and finished with a +19 in box plus/minus. On the flip side, nobody on the Suns finished with 20 points, as Chris Paul led the team with 19 points and nine assists. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton each finished with 18 points, but it wasn’t near enough in the 20-point loss. The series will continue on Wednesday as Game 4 takes place in Milwaukee yet again.

The post Post Up: Bucks Get Back On Track in Milwaukee Over Suns appeared first on SLAM.

As the Suns got the win, it was fueled in part by Deandre Ayton, who produced 22 points and 19 rebounds. 

According to ESPN, Ayton became the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in his Finals debut.

Ironically enough, after Ayton notched 15 points and boards, Giannis Antetokounmpo also accomplished this same feat later in the game, becoming just the second player to do this since Duncan. 

Ayton is due for a major payday this summer to solidify himself in Phoenix long-term. The former No. 1 overall pick has always been good throughout his NBA career, but has elevated his game to a new level in this postseason. 

While Chris Paul is here now, he’s 36 and won’t be part of the Suns’ core for the next decade. However, Phoenix will be in good hands with their young duo of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. 

The post Deandre Ayton’s Historic NBA Finals Debut appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Finals here. 

No. 2 Suns 118, No. 3 Bucks 108

The Bucks got out to an early lead as the Suns trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, but after a 20-point swing Phoenix led by 11 at halftime. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a huge 20-point third quarter, doing a lot of his damage at the free throw line. That set a record for most points in a Finals quarter in the last 25 seasons. However, it only brought Milwaukee one point closer, still down ten heading into the fourth. During a competitive fourth quarter, Phoenix held onto the lead to take the 2-0 series lead. 

Antetokounmpo finished with 42 points and 12 rebounds but didn’t get enough help from his teammates. On the flip side, the Suns had plenty of contributors, led by Devin Booker’s 31 points, six assists and five boards. Chris Paul scored 23 points to go along with eight assists while Mikal Bridges produced 27 points. Game 3 will take place in Milwaukee on Sunday. 

The post Post Up: Suns Take Commanding Series Lead Over Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down Game 1 of the NBA Finals here. 

No. 2 Suns 118, No. 3 Bucks 105

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a game-time decision with a knee injury, but was able to play and start in Game 1. He tallied 20 points and 17 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns had control nearly the entire game. Khris Middleton 29 points but had five turnovers while Jrue Holiday struggled, scoring just ten points. 

The Suns’ trio of Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker shined in the Game 1 win. The three combined for 81 points, 25 rebounds and 15 assists. Paul did tweak his ankle during the game, but was able to continue playing while Dario Saric had a season-ending ACL injury. Game 2 is set to take place Thursday in Phoenix. 

The post Post Up: Suns Jump Out to Strong Start Over Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 130, No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 103

PHX wins series 4-2

With a chance at the NBA Finals on the line, Chris Paul led the Suns to a blowout Game 6 win over the Clippers. Paul dropped 41 points on 16-for-24 shooting and chipped in eight assists and three steals in arguably one of his greatest performances of all time. This will be Paul’s first-ever trip to the NBA Finals in his 16-year career. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton both had strong outings as well. Booker scored 22 points and Ayton had 16 to go along with 17 rebounds.

CP3 taking over. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/1BkG2fKjc5

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 1, 2021

The Clippers struggled to keep pace with the Suns all night, with the deficit eventually getting to 20 points by the time the fourth quarter came. Marcus Morris Sr. led the way for the Clippers, dropping 26 points and nine rebounds. Paul George had a mixed evening, scoring 21 points but doing so on 6-for-15 shooting from the field. One of the most notable events of the evening came from Patrick Beverley, who was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter for shoving Chris Paul.

The Suns will have to wait until the end of the Eastern Conference Finals matchup to determine whether they’ll face the Atlanta Hawks or the Milwaukee Bucks.

The post Post Up: The Phoenix Suns Are Headed to the NBA Finals appeared first on SLAM.

Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker and his team haven’t been having the best of luck the past two games against the Los Angeles Clippers. Although the Suns were able to get star point guard Chris Paul back before things got ugly, it still wasn’t enough to hold the Clippers down to a 3-1 lead.

Facing elimination and a hostile Phoenix crowd, the Clippers went on a 20-5 run to start Game 5, finishing the game with a 116-102 win over Booker and the Suns. This despite the continued absence of an injured Kawhi Leonard, who has averaged 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game for the Clippers this postseason.

“They came out, they punched us in the face to start the game.” Booker would say following the blowout loss.

Booker, after injuring his nose earlier in the series, put up 31 points in his best effort his last three games. CP3 added 22 points and 8 assists. Unfortunately for Phoenix, the team’s offensive support outside of their starting backcourt was lacking, with no other starter scoring more than 10 points.

An all-time performance from Paul George also tipped the scales in LA’s favor, with “Playoff P” putting up 41 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals on 15-20 shooting from the field.

The Clippers host the Suns in Game 6 on Wednesday, 6:00 pm (MST).

The post Devin Booker: Clippers ‘Punched Them In The Face’ in Game 5 appeared first on SLAM.

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 116, No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 102

The Clippers had their backs to the wall for Game 5 after dropping a winnable Game 4 on Saturday night, but Los Angeles kept hope alive for at least one more game. Paul George played a phenomenal game dropping a game-high 41 points to go along with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. However, the story of the night came from the Clippers bench in DeMarcus Cousins, who played just 11 minutes and provided 15 points, three assists, and two rebounds. The Clippers also got great games from Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris, both of whom eclipsed 20 points; Jackson with 23 and Morris with 22.

The Suns fell behind quickly on Monday night, falling into an early 10 point deficit in the first quarter, and despite a strong game from Devin Booker, who had a team-high 31 points, it wasn’t enough to erase the gap. Chris Paul had a better night shooting than he did on Saturday but still left something to be desired, scoring 22 points on a below-average 8-for-19 shooting. Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges only combined for 19 total points on the night.

The Clippers still have a lot of work to do, but will have the chance to even the series 3-3 at home in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

The post Post Up: Clippers Live to Fight Another Day appeared first on SLAM.

No. 2 Phoenix Suns 84, No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 80

Suns lead the series 3-1

This game had some Los Angeles Clippers playoff flashbacks all over it. Remember the second half the deciding Game 6 that sent the Utah Jazz home? After falling behind double figures in the first half, the Clippers were led by Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson leading a massive comeback.

For a little while in this game, it looked like more of the same.

In the first half, the Clippers narrowly missed a playoff record in scoring futility with only 36 points. The players seemed to hit the Suns players more than jump shots.

Devin Booker and Paul George getting into it.

PG was given a tech. pic.twitter.com/kNCt1TO3dJ

— ESPN (@espn) June 27, 2021

Then in the second half, the Clippers abandoned their perimeter game that amounted to 22 shots from behind the arc to aggressive drives to the rim. By the end of the third quarter, Phoenix only had a three point lead going in to the last quarter.

To say fourth quarter scoring was scarce would be an understatement as both teams shot poorly combining for 29 points total. However in crunch time Chris Paul ran the high pick and roll offense to perfection and knocked down clutch free throws late to seal the win.

I SEE YOU, POINT GOD. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/QUPbstaOC2

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 27, 2021

Deandre Ayton had a monster game on the rebounding glass, finishing with 22 rebounds (9 offensive) to go with 19 points and 4 blocks. Devin Booker ditched his protective mask to score 25 points.

Paul George continued to fill the stat sheet with 16 rebounds and 6 assists to go along with 23 points. But like in Game 2, he struggled at crunch time missing free throws late. He shot 12-18 overall.

Game 5 is on Monday night on ESPN. It’s now win or go home for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post Post Up: Suns Take Control of Western Conference Finals Beating Clippers appeared first on SLAM.

NBA team basketball executives have selected Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones as the winner of the 2020-21 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award, the NBA announced today.

More https://t.co/7GYDELkuJ8 pic.twitter.com/ohf9zZ2lWy

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 20, 2021

Jones finished with 65 points, which narrowly edged second-place finisher Utah Jazz Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Lindsey’s 61 points. Both received nine of the 30 first-place votes from a panel put together by one basketball executive from each team. Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks finished in third place.

Through his leadership in the Basketball Operations department, Jones’ helped overhaul the culture of the franchise starting with the hiring of the runner-up for the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year Award in Monty Williams. Afterwards, he restructured a roster that went from a 34-39 record to the second-best record in the NBA (51-21) and the fifth-highest single-season winning percentage in two seasons. 

He did that by acquiring guard Chris Paul in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and signing forward Jae Crowder as a free agent from Miami.  Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists this season and was an All-Star selection with fellow Suns guard Devin Booker. Crowder made a team-high 148 three-pointers this season as a solid 3 and D player.

Signing Cameron Payne, who was out of the NBA may have been Jones’ genius move of the season as the guard has exploded on the scene in the playoffs.

The award was presented to him before Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Deandre Ayton was PUMPED to hear James Jones won 2020-21 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year! #ThatsGame

4th quarter of Game 1 underway on ABC. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/d8XjhDuQkm

— NBA (@NBA) June 20, 2021

Phoenix is still competing in their NBA Playoff berth for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

The post James Jones Wins 2020-21 NBA Executive of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

In fact, just last season, he spent time playing in both China and the G League.

Heading into the Orlando bubble last year, as the NBA season returned from it’s four-month hiatus, Payne was signed by the Phoenix Suns and, since then, his career has completely turned around.

Earning more of a role with each game he played, he helped Phoenix go undefeated (8-0) in the bubble in 2019-20 and clinch the second-seed in the notoriously tough Western Conference this season. 

With the Suns 69-23 since signing Payne, it would be easy to point to the arrival of Chris Paul, the sustained dominance of Devin Booker, or the growth of Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton as the major catalysts for Phoenix’s success and rightly so.

However, per Basketball Reference, Payne has averaged 9.1 points and 4.0 assists per game on a true shooting percentage of .615 in wins this season after averaging 10.9 points and 3.0 assists per game on a true shooting percentage of .612 in the bubble.

Suffice it to say, Payne’s contributions aren’t to be ignored.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals proved that as much as any contests as, filling in for Paul, the 26-year-old propelled Phoenix to victory with 29 points and 9 assists. 

Following the game, Clippers head coach Ty Lue acknowledged that the team had “no answer” for Payne, who led his team in scoring.

“I think Cameron Payne’s speed is really hurting us,” said Lue. 

It’s always great to see a comeback story.

The post Suns’ Cameron Payne is One of the NBA’s Best Comeback Stories appeared first on SLAM.

The 12-man roster is as follows.

• Kevin Durant, F, Brooklyn Nets
• Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
• Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns
• Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
• Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
• Khris Middleton, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks
• Zach LaVine, G, Chicago Bulls
• Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
• Draymond Green, F/C, Golden State Warriors
• Jrue Holiday, G, Milwaukee Bucks
• Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Jerami Grant, F, Detroit Pistons

Team USA’s basketball program had to whittle down a field of 57 potential roster additions down to 12 for the Olympic Games and several commitment decisions were very recent due to playoff scheduling. Nonetheless, the United States still managed to fill out a roster that will be considered favorites for the gold medal.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden had initially committed to the team, but withdrew to recover from a hamstring injury, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, whose team is currently in the Western Conference Finals with a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, recently withdrew his name as well (according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.)

That said, its possible that other players on the roster (namely Booker, Middleton and Holiday) could play in the NBA Finals. If that occurs, they could miss training camp for the Olympics.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for July 22, one day before the Olympic Games are set to begin.

The last time Team USA competed on the international stage, it finished in seventh-place in the 2019 FIBA World Cup due to a number of the league’s preeminent stars withdrawing from the competition. Before that tournament, the team had won 58 consecutive games in international competition dating back to the 2006 World Cup, 

The post Team USA Men’s Basketball Announces 12-Man Roster for Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down Sunday’s games here.

No. 2 Suns 120, No. 4 Clippers 114

PHX Leads Series 1-0

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, both teams were without their best player. It came down to which secondary star would step up to the occasion, with Devin Booker taking the edge. While the Suns won the opening matchup of this series, we know all too well the Clippers are still in it after surviving 2-0 deficits in each of their last two series.

Booker led all players with 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Outside of him, five other Suns scored in double-figures as Phoenix inched by without Chris Paul. For the Clippers, Paul George notched 34 points while Reggie Jackson finished with 24. DeMarcus Cousins provided a huge spark off the bench with 11 points and four rebounds in 13 minutes, but it wasn’t enough.

No. 1 Sixers 96, No. 5 Hawks 103

ATL Wins Series 4-3

The Sixers have been trusting the process for years now, hoping that they would finally get over the hump. They had the chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday in Game 7 against the Hawks, but fell short at home. Ben Simmons continued to be the weak link in the series, lacking aggressiveness on offense as Philadelphia failed to crack 100 points on the night.

Joel Embiid scored 31 points to go along with 11 boards while Tobias Harris and Seth Curry produced 24 and 16 points respectively. No other Sixers scored in double figures. Kevin Huerter was deadly for the Hawks on offense on Sunday with a team-high 27 points. Trae Young finished with a 21-point and ten assist double-double and Danilo Gallinari gave Atlanta a huge boost off the bench with 17 points. The Hawks will now face the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The post Post Up: Hawks Stun Sixers and Suns Take Series Lead appeared first on SLAM.

People think like, y’all gotta understand, it was five of us like 20 and under. So everybody is literally—we all at the starting point. We all right here. We at the starting point for the race of our careers. So everybody tryna get out the blocks, you feel me?“

In 2000, the Los Angeles Clippers made a landmark decision by drafting East St. Louis High School forward Darius Miles with the third overall pick in the draft. In a trend that had become increasingly popular after the success of players like Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady, Miles became the highest-drafted high school player in NBA history.

Fifteen picks later, the Clippers would take DePaul wing Quentin Richardson, setting themselves up with a young and dynamic roster that also featured Lamar Odom (the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft) and former 13th overall pick Corey Maggette.

Once Elton Brand entered the fold, the Clippers looked to be a team on the rise, built for sustainable success.

Unfortunately for the Clippers, Los Angeles and the NBA, a front office led by the late Elgin Baylor opted to trade Miles and Odom before the young team could dig in and reach their full potential, prompting Richardson’s own early exit.

While the eventual addition of players like Sam Cassell and Chris Kaman allowed the Clippers to briefly regain their footing, it wouldn’t be until nearly 10 years after they lost the promising Miles and Richardson that they regained their footing.

Cognizant of the reputation that follows the franchise and the duo’s short-lived era with them, Q-Rich and D-Miles got up with us to look back. In an interview with SLAM, the lifelong friends discuss their time with the Clippers, the current NBA landscape, and how their time in the NBA transformed them off-the-court.

SLAM: What do you think about the less high-profile teams showing out—guys like Trae Young getting to show what they got on the national stage?

DM: I think it’s the generation change. It’s time for a new generation, you got a new generation of superstars. Like, people forget LeBron James is 36. He just went to the Finals for a decade! You gotta, you know—he got bout two-to-three more years left—so now we gotta see some more faces in those positions and that’s what we’re seeing in Trae Young and Devin Booker and all these other teams that’s in it.

I think it’s just the generation change. We’re in a new era.

SLAM: I just read something where Q-Rich was talking when y’all guys came into the league with the Clippers, y’all felt like y’all had to represent for the youth, to be that new generation. So do you see anything in any of these young guys that reminds you of yourselves in any way?

DM: Kinda all of ’em ’cause all of ’em are young. All of ’em young like us. We was the only ones; we were sort of the only ones. We was the only team that had five-to-six guys that’s under 21-years-old. You know what I’m saying? Like, this has never been done before. So we were the first of the era. But looking at the era now, you got guys that’s 23 and under and they All-Stars.

QR: Everywhere!

DM: [Laughing] They the top scorers in the league. They the top rebounders. Like these guys are young and it’s looking like us. So everybody look like they kiddish, you know? They celebrating. They play a lot. Like, everybody kinds look like us ’cause they a bunch of young guys.

QR: The two—the teams—I would agree with what D is sayin’ as far as across the league, it’s so many young players is just doing it big and killin’ and, like he said, being All-Stars and borderline superstars and superstars. But the team that I looked at and when I look at them and say man they kind of remind me of us as a young team—even though they had more success than us—I kind of look at the Memphis Grizzlies.

They got a real young core. It’s not like—even though there’s young guys sprinkled across—it’s not really a team. Maybe them and Sacramento. Sacramento a little bit too with their youth and the way they got a bunch of young guys that’s like—even though they haven’t yielded the total success—they have really exciting players and they play hard and they go out there and do their thing as young guys.

SLAM: Speaking of the Clippers still—y’all had [Corey] Maggette, [Elton] Brand—y’all had, you know, talented guys. What do you think contributed to you guys not being able to be a playoff team like the Hawks or the Grizzlies?

QR: Just us not staying together. Like, we didn’t keep the core together. We succeeded. What people don’t realize—they be like man, we got killed—that really ain’t the story. Like, when we got there they won 17 out of 82 before we got there. So our first year we won 31 games. Then our next year we won 39 games. We was two games out the playoffs our second year. Then our third year, I left. Lamar [Odom] left. They kind of blew up the whole team.

So we had success. It was on our way to success but we ain’t get a chance to really kind of stick together and get a good three—like a good four years—of it. I don’t think people realize really how that was. People think like, y’all gotta understand, it was five of us like 20 and under. So everybody is literally at the—we all at the starting point—we all right here. We at the starting point for the race of our careers. So everybody tryna get out the blocks, you feel me?

So it wasn’t like—as much as we was homies, all friends, all bros, and we grown and we still got those relationships—man those first 1-2 years were some of the most competitive years you would have ever saw because we didn’t all get to play. That’s why people used to see us get in in garbage time—whenever, it didn’t matter—it was time to do yo’ shit. You know what I’m sayin’? That was it, point blank because we didn’t know. We was all at the starting point, so we looking at—maybe D-Miles getting all the success right now—we all looking like, “man we want to play, we want to play.”

So we totally support him—you see it in the clips, any time he do anything, all us jumping up and down and vice versa. If any of us do anything, they all—we all—cheer for each other. But it was like, at that time, [Alvin] Gentry wasn’t playing us and I talked to Coach about this like once I played for him in the future and all of that and I know him. It was like, he wasn’t playing all of us.

He had made a decision that, “well, okay, if Q plays, Corey can’t play.”

“If Corey play, Q can’t play.”

You know what I’m saying? D-Miles is playing just because he was in that Sixth Man role and he can play damn near any position. But then Keyon [Dooling] might not play because J-Mac (Jeff McInnis) playing.

DM: Yeah, Earl Boykins played sometimes.

QR: So it was like when we got out there it didn’t matter how much time was left, it didn’t matter what was going on. We had to show our worth. So that’s why you saw what you saw.

You saw boys going out there going crazy hard, trying to dunk on people, D-Miles crossin’ people, Keyon “Smitty”-ing people, you seeing everybody’s specialty moves because that’s what you say:

“Aye when you get out there, do your special move.”

DM: Do your special move. Do what you do.

Like I said, people at it and look back on it and you gotta really dialogue it and see, we had success… We just got on a team that was at the bottom of the barrel. Like, you know what I’m saying? We won 15 extra games than what they did when they had veterans.

Because they had [Maurice] Traylor on this team. They had Lamar on this team. They had all these guys—these veteran guys on this team—and they came in brought basically a high school and college kids on this team and we win 15 more games than what they won last year. We add another eight games we won the previous [year] and we was two games out the playoffs.

So the next year, it was etched in stone that we were finna do it. Like the second year we put Elton in the All-Star Game, you know what I’m saying? We was comin’!

QR: Everybody got paid from that court too.

DM: Yeah. We was comin’ but we only played two years together but everybody thinks we played a whole decade or half a decade or something like that.

SLAM: Was there a feeling beforehand, like some of these guys aren’t gonna be here three or four years down the line?

QR and DM: Noo!

DM: It was a blindside because I was the first to leave. Like, during the summertime, I got traded. And that was a culture shock to everyone because they were looking like, “Oh, he’s the one on commercials, [that] they puttin’ on the billboard.”

The last person that’s probably going to get traded is D-Miles or Lamar. And D-Miles and Lamar was the two that was out of there that summer. You know what I’m saying? It was a culture shock for everybody. It threw us off. It showed us the business. Because once I got to Cleveland, I realized how good I actually had it.

‘Cause when I got to Cleveland it was like starting over all over again. They was a young team, they bringing these high school cats in, they doin’ all this stuff, but it wasn’t the same. We wasn’t a team environment. We used to be together every single day [with the Clippers]. Like six, seven of us. Like we together.

QR: Foreal.

DM: I’m talking Thanksgivings. Christmases. My mama cookin’ at the crib. Like we together all the time. On the road we eatin’ together: “What we finna do?” Go to the movies and eat.

SLAM: So you feel like it was a different vibe in Cleveland, like with the teammates?

DM: Yeah, it was ’cause I didn’t know them as well. Like I knew the guys. I knew DeSagana Diop. I knew Dajuan Wagner. I knew Ricky Davis. I knew a few of these guys but we wasn’t as close as I am with Q and Keyon and Corey. You know what I’m saying? Me and Q and Corey, we from the same state. We grew up, basically, with each other.

QR: AAU.

DM: Then addin’ Keyon onto it. Then, you know, we used to play against Elton and Lamar during AAU. Corey played with Elton. It was like a whole connection. We was already connected already.

But when I got to Cleveland, it was just, a different environment. It wasn’t the same. It wasn’t team-oriented. I was still team-oriented because I made sure every team I went to I took time out the year to go and go over all my teammates houses, or create an environment like that, because the best environment for teams is when you bond together.

You know what I’m saying? You build some type of trust. And I tried that with every other team but it wasn’t the same as I had with the Clippers.

SLAM: They say the relationships you build inside the facility are different than the ones you build outside of it.

D-Miles: And sometimes it be just one year. One year everybody the best of friends. We together this whole year, it’s like a whole bonding journey and then the next year we might not even talk to each other. You need that bond or that year to get the on and off-court chemistry. Like Q had it in Phoenix, you know?

SLAM: Q, how did you feel about that? Because it was one year but y’all won 62 games.

QR: 62-20. That was, I mean, I was just in the studio in Atlanta doing NBA TV the other day and Jim Jackson and we was talking about it then because Jim Jack got brought in later in the [2004-05] season.

But he was speaking on how our team was such a family environment and we just embraced him as a brother, it was like, seamless. Because that was like one of the most—probably the most—special years I had in the NBA as far as team success and it was because of the way we were from Day 1.

[Note: Prior to signing with the Suns, Steve Nash took a pay cut to make sure the Suns could sign Richardson in July 2014]

We signed and we got in town like mid to end of August when most teams get in town like sometime mid-September, some after Labor Day and all of that. We were all in town. The main pieces were all in town. Really not just the main pieces, we were all in town. Working out at the facility, playing pickup, getting to know each other like literally every day.

That’s when I got a relationship with Joe Johnson ’cause him and his boys, we all around the same age. We would get through working out, hooping, practicing, then we’ll all go—I’ll go to his house…be playing Madden, video games, whoopty-whoop whatever, just kickin’ it. Then we go out to eat. Steve, me, Amar’e [Stoudemire]. Everybody. It was like it became a thing.

Currently co-hosting the popular Knuckleheads podcast, Richardson and Miles have used the connections they’ve forged throughout their playing careers for more than just post-NBA opportunities, but the pair recognizes their status as members of the NBA fraternity and utilize it to grow their audience and guest list.

Q-Rich and D-Miles have become known for making their guests comfortable simply through being themselves and holding casual conversations. The sixth installment of their season will be entirely virtual, with high-profile names like Ray Allen, Donovan Mitchell, Dr. J, Jamal Mashburn, Chris Mullin and Bradley Beal set to join the show.

Even Miles’ former teammate, Dajuan Wagner, will be on the show.

“That’s our ‘Sucker Free’ episode,” Miles says. “I’m glad I got an opportunity to represent him and let people hear his story.”

The post Darius Miles, Quentin Richardson Talk Shop: The Clippers That Could Have Been appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 14, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

It just wasn’t enough.

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

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 14, 2021

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

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

We’ve broken down both of Sunday’s games here.

No. 2 Nets 96, No. 3 Bucks 107

Series tied 2-2

The one thing that could hold the talented Brooklyn Nets down in the postseason was injuries. After losing James Harden early in this series, Kyrie Irving’s status is now in question after leaving Game 4 with an ankle injury. The Milwaukee Bucks have taken full advantage, winning their last two games against the Nets and tying the series after being down 2-0 last week. 

Kevin Durant struggled from the field (9-for-25) but still finished with a team-high 28 points. Irving, who played just 17 minutes, was the only other member of the Nets to score in double digits. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee with 34 points and 12 rebounds while Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday combined for 33 points and 17 assists in the win. With the series tied up, anything could happen with the Nets facing major injuries. 

No. 2 Suns 125, No. 3 Nuggets 118

PHX wins series 4-0

After making the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, the Phoenix Suns have now made their way to the Western Conference Finals. After taking down the Los Angeles Lakers with ease in the first round, they swept the Denver Nuggets in round two. Behind brilliant performances from Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns made a statement to the rest of the NBA on Sunday night in the sweep. 

Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul on Cameron Payne in the third quarter, leaving Denver without their League MVP down the stretch of Game 4. Will Barton led the Nuggets with 25 points while Michael Porter Jr. and Monte Morris scored 20 and 19 respectively. Booker and Paul combined for 71 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.

The post Post Up: Bucks Top Injured Nets and Suns Complete Sweep appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

PHX leads series 2-0

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

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

Quite frankly, by then it was already over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Otherwise, it may already be too late.

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

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

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

BKN leads series 2-0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHX leads series 1-0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suffice it to say, it’s Booker’s time now.

Exploding for 47 points and 11 boards, Booker and the Suns ended the Laker’s postseason run last night with a 113-100 victory in Game 6 of the opening series, marking the first playoff series win for the organization in over a decade.

After decisively taking Game 5 by 30, Booker got off to an electric start, posting 18 points from behind the arc in the first quarter, tying the NBA playoff record for most 3-pointers made in a quarter (6).

DEVIN BOOKER HAS 6 THREES IN THE 1Q pic.twitter.com/TZ9467VfX0

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 4, 2021

Booker, known throughout his career as a tough shot-maker, knocked down 68.2 percent of his shots from the field, including going 8-10 from 3-point range. He’s the first Suns player with a 40-10 playoff performance since former power forward Amar’e Stoudemire dropped 42 points and snatched 11 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers in May 2010, according to StatMuse.

The young Suns squad, emboldened by veteran leader Chris Paul, dismantled the NBA’s most efficient defensive team after Lakers mainstay Anthony Davis was pulled five and a half minutes of the game.

Davis, having (visible) discomfort with his injured groin, attempted to battle through the pain but said after the game that his body wouldn’t allow him to.

Booker, taking advantage of Davis’ absence, hit from every spot imaginable on the court. Escaping defenders time and time again with silky smooth step backs and three after three, Booker made sure to deplete any momentum the Lakers were building.

Though LeBron had his best game of the series, tallying 29 points, nine rebounds, seven steals, two blocks and two steals (while only turning the ball over nine time) in a team-high 41 minutes, it wasn’t enough to stop Phoenix from handing him the first first-round playoff exit of his storybook career.

The 24-year-old, a longtime fan of Lakers great Kobe Bryant, channeled his Mamba Mentality while glancing at the #8 and #24 jerseys that hung above the court brightly lit.

“I know [Kobe] was here tonight, I know he’s in the building and I know he’s proud,” Booker said.

If anything would garner the respect of the Mamba, it’s a signature playoff performance in the house his late mentor helped build.

That’s legendary.

The second-seed Suns will face the third-seed Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, starting next Monday.

The post Devin Booker’s Suns Hammer LeBron James’ Lakers, Advance to Semis appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down each of the Thursday’s matchups below.

No. 3 Nuggets 126, No. 6 Trail Blazers 115

DEN wins series 4-2

While the Nuggets struggled early overall, Michael Porter Jr. kept the team afloat with 22 first quarter points. From there, MVP-favorite Nikola Jokic finished the job with a final line of 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Monte Morris continues to fill Jamal Murray’s void as well as Denver could ask, finishing with 22 points and nine assists off the bench.

For Portland, there will be decisions to be made this offseason as the duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum once again fall short in the playoffs. After the best postseason game of his career earlier this week, Lillard finished with just 28 points in this elimination game, although he dished out 13 assists. The Nuggets will take on the Phoenix Suns in round two of the playoffs.

No. 2 Suns 113, No. 7 Lakers 100

PHX wins series 4-2

Although Anthony Davis returned in Game 6 for the Lakers, he re-aggravated his groin within five minutes of the game and would not return. Devin Booker set the tone early, scoring 22 first-quarter points while the Lakers scored only 14 points as a team in the opening frame. Los Angeles clawed back into the game late, but Phoenix held on.

This marks the first playoffs series win for the Suns in 11 years. It’s well deserved, as Chris Paul and Devin Booker are the perfect duo for the biggest of stages. LeBron James and the defending champion Lakers will head home, as there will officially be a new NBA champ this season. The Suns will take on the Denver Nuggets in round two of the playoffs.

The post Post Up: Lakers, Trail Blazers Eliminated appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down each of the Tuesday’s matchups below.

No. 2 Nets 123, No. 7 Celtics 109

BKN wins series 3-1

While it wasn’t surprising, the Brooklyn Nets were able to finish the Boston Celtics off on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the series. Without a handful of key pieces, the Celtics were just no match for the most talented team in the NBA.

Jayson Tatum continued his hot scoring streak with 32 points on the night, but was matched by James Harden who put in 34 points of his own. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also combined for 49 points to help the Nets move to the second round with ease.

No. 3 Nuggets 147, No. 6 Trail Blazers 140

DEN leads series 3-2

In a contest that went into double overtime, Game 5 of Nuggets/Blazers was the game of the night without a doubt. In fact, it might go down as the best game of the entire first round. Damian Lillard went off for 55 points and ten assists, including two shots that sent the game into the first and second overtime periods respectively.

Nikola Jokic continued to impress and led the Nuggets with 38 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Monte Morris had a huge night with 28 points, 23 of which came in the second half. Michael Porter Jr. knocked down a huge three in the second overtime and finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Lillard broke the NBA playoff record for most threes made in the game with 12, but it wasn’t enough in this instant classic.

No. 2 Suns 115, No. 7 Lakers 85

PHX leads series 3-2

Without Anthony Davis on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers looked lost. LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers struggled tremendously and were out of the game early on. Down by 30 points at half, Los Angeles only scored ten points in the second quarter and never recovered.

LeBron James finished with only 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds while Kyle Kuzma was the only other Laker who showed up offensively, finishing with 15 points. Phoenix looked excellent, with Devin Booker leading the charge offensively with 30 points. Cameron Payne continues to be a huge spark plug off the bench, finishing with 16 to lead the reserves. If we learned anything as the Suns took the series lead, it’s that the Lakers need Anthony Davis back as soon as possible.

The post Post Up: Nets Advance While Suns Take Series Lead and Lillard Has Career Night appeared first on SLAM.