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

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

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

30. Zach LaVine 

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

29. Zion Williamson 

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

28. Bam Adebayo

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

27. De’Aaron Fox

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

26. Karl-Anthony Towns

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

25. DeAndre Jordan

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

24. Donovan Mitchell

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

23. Al Horford

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

22. Kyle Lowry

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

21. Baron Davis 

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

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

The 6-7 forward was the obvious choice for this month’s “G League Player to Watch”—not just because of his absurd individual production, but because he led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on an impressive run to sneak into the playoffs.

First, a brief history lesson. Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has been the most successful franchise in the history of the NBA’s official minor league, reaching six finals and claiming four championships since 2010. Last season, an RGV squad led by MVP Trevelin Queen cruised to the title, going undefeated in the playoffs. The Vipers also won it all in 2019 with a roster that included Gary Payton II and Isaiah Hartenstein.

This year…it wasn’t looking good. Heading into March—the last month of the regular season—RGV had a 10-12 record. The team had dropped four of its previous five, including an embarrassing 26-point loss to the South Bay Lakers at home. If the Vipers wanted to keep their streak of six straight playoff appearances (excluding the season canceled due to COVID) alive, then they had to turn things around right away.

OK, back to Days. An undrafted rookie out of LSU, he signed a Two-Way contract with the Houston Rockets back in October. The 23-year-old is an extremely versatile forward, capable of filling multiple positions with his size, strength and mobility. He has spent most of this season with the Vipers and proven to be a reliable 3-and-D player. At the beginning of March, he stepped up big time…

27 points, 7 rebounds vs. Oklahoma City

33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals vs. Birmingham

26 points, 10 rebounds vs. Greensboro

28 points, 11 rebounds vs. Iowa

32 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals vs. Iowa

22 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals vs. Memphis

The Vipers won all six of those games to climb back into the playoff picture, and after splitting their next four, they locked up the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Days posted 25.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game across that stretch, shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. He barely turned the ball over—just seven times in 10 games—despite averaging 38.6 minutes (the fifth highest mark in the league). Less than 72 hours after the Vipers clinched their playoff spot, he was named G League Player of the Month for March.

The Vipers upset the 2-seed Lakers in the Conference quarterfinals with guard Jalen Lecque sealing the deal with this tough game-winning lay-up. And Days? He delivered, of course: 21 points (on 7/13 shooting), 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. 

You can catch Days and the Vipers in the G League Finals as they face off against the Delaware Blue Coats. Tune in now through April 9 on ESPNU and ESPNews.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Luka Garza, Forward, Iowa Wolves: 30.5 points, 10 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, 68 FG%, 46 3P% (4 GP)

Carlik Jones, Guard, Windy City Bulls: 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2.3 steals, 46 FG%, 35 3P%

Jahmi’us Ramsey, Guard, Oklahoma City Blue: 26 points, 4.4 rebounds, 58 FG%, 38 3P%

Lester Quinones, Guard, Santa Cruz Warriors: 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 46 FG%

Jack White, Forward, Grand Rapids Gold: 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 55 FG%, 38 3P%

Trevelin Queen, Guard, Fort Wayne Mad Ants: 23.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 50 FG%

Mfiondu Kabengele, Forward, Maine Celtics: 21.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 61 FG%, 41 3P%

Zavier Simpson, Guard, Lakeland Magic: 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 50 FG%, 43 3P%

REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS

Eastern Conference: Long Island Nets (23-9)

Western Conference: Stockton Kings (25-7)

Scoring Champ: Carlik Jones (26.1)

Assists Champ: Jacob Gilyard (9.7)

Rebounds Champ: Jayce Johnson (13.5)

Blocks Champ: Jay Huff (3.1)

Steals Champ: Jaden Springer (2.3)

3PT Champ: Mychal Mulder (129)

MARCH CALL-UPS

Luka Samanic, Forward, Maine Celtics to Utah Jazz

Xavier Sneed, Forward, Greensboro Swarm to Charlotte Hornets

Jay Scrubb, Guard, Lakeland Magic to Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones, Guard, Santa Cruz Warriors to Golden State Warriors (twice this month)

Trevor Keels, Guard, Westchester Knicks to New York Knicks

Lindell Wiggington, Guard, Wisconsin Herd to Milwaukee Bucks

Jamaree Bouyea, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Washington Wizards

Jared Butler, Guard, Grand Rapids Gold to Oklahoma City Thunder

Sam Merrill, Guard, Cleveland Charge to Cleveland Cavaliers

Jay Huff, Center, South Bay Lakers to Washington Wizards

Xavier Moon, Guard, Ontario Clippers to Los Angeles Clippers

More below:

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

Kobi Simmons, Guard, Greensboro Swarm to Charlotte Hornets

Gabe York, Guard, Fort Wayne Mad Ants to Indiana Pacers

Skylar Mays, Guard, Mexico City Capitanes to Portland Trail Blazers

Shaquille Harrison, Guard, South Bay Lakers to Portland Trail Blazers

Jeenathan Williams, Guard, Salt Lake City Stars to Portland Trail Blazers

Justin Minaya, Forward, Mexico City Capitanes to Portland Trail Blazers

Photos via Getty Images.

The post G League Player to Watch (March): Darius Days appeared first on SLAM.

It was hard not to go with Mac McClung. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People like Carlik Jones. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS (FEBRUARY STATS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEBRUARY CALL-UPS

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

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

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

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

Keaton Wallace, Guard, Ontario Clippers to Los Angeles Clippers

Nate Darling, Guard, Ontario Clippers to Los Angeles Clippers

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

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

Joe Wieskamp, Forward, Wisconsin Herd to Toronto Raptors

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

Stanley Umude, Guard, Motor City Cruise to Detroit Pistons

Jamaree Bouyea, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce to Miami Heat

Photos via Getty Images.

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

Wall is playing his first year with the Clippers after joining the team as a free agent. He’s currently out after suffering an abdominal injury, but when he’s healthy, the five-time All-Star is averaging 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 40.8 percent shooting from the field and 30.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The Clippers (23-22) have legitimate title aspirations, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way. Wall was expected to come in and compete for the starting point guard role and has settled in as a strong sixth man who can start in spots. The Clippers have dealt with Leonard’s load management and are still building their chemistry as a team.

Adding frontcourt depth behind Ivica Zubac and Moses Brown could help the Clippers gain some ground in the Western Conference playoff standings. The trade deadline is Feb. 9, and it’ll be interesting to see what moves the Clippers will make their team better.

The Clippers are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

The post REPORT: Clippers are Discussing a John Wall Trade for Frontcourt Depth appeared first on SLAM.

The Pacers are reportedly intent on trading Turner if a new extension can’t be negotiated before the trade deadline comes in February. As of Thursday, Turner is averaging a career-high 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 55.2 percent shooting from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Turner has been involved in numerous trade rumors over the last few seasons, including last season when he was linked to trade rumors linking him to the Clippers and the Lakers. The Clippers could utilize Turner’s two-way dominance, and he would be a welcomed addition to a veteran-laden team.

The Pacers (23-19) are seventh in the Eastern Conference and could undoubtedly use Turner, and signing him to a long-term extension would help them make a run to the playoffs.

The post REPORT: Knicks, Clippers, and Raptors Interested in Acquiring Myles Turner appeared first on SLAM.

Leonard’s 33-point outing was his second 30-point game of the season, showing more and more that he’s getting his legs under him. According to ESPN, this was the third time in his career that he scored at least 30 points while shooting 75 percent from the field (9-12 shooting and 12-12 from the free-throw line).

“I’m gradually just getting my feet under me,” said Leonard, per ESPN. “I’m starting to play 35-plus minutes, able to get [out of] that minutes restriction where it cuts you in and out those games, playing five-minute segments, six-minute segments here and there. So, just a continuous thing. Just keep getting better, stay healthy and just see where we could go from here.”

Kawhi did it all in the @LAClippers win

33 PTS
9 REB
4 AST
4 STL
9/12 FGM
12/12 FTM pic.twitter.com/48FufDbVuU

— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2023

Leonard logged 36 minutes, marking the ninth time he’s played 31 or more minutes in the last 10 games. The only time he didn’t was when he played 18 minutes during their 122-91 blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets. Leonard is still being held out of playing back-to-back games, indicating he’s frustrated with his minute restriction.

“If you’re basing it on minute restriction, it is frustrating,” Leonard said. “Because I’m not going in there jacking shots, so I’m trying to play team basketball. It was frustrating [with the restriction]. We were losing games. From a minute restriction, I’m not the only one either that was on it. Guys have been in and out the lineup all year, getting injured.

“So, just gotta stay the course and hope for the best. I’ve been in the league for a while, so just know if you keep just punching [and] punching, you eventually could knock down something.”

The Clippers will look to build a consecutive win streak when they play the Nuggets on Friday.

The post Kawhi Leonard on His Season-Best 33-Point Outing appeared first on SLAM.

The six-time All-Star expressed how he was grateful that the NBA at least sent Miami to play in Mexico this year since they are not getting any nationally televised games.

“I don’t feel like the NBA rock with the Miami Heat too much anyway,” Butler said per Heat Nation. “At least we get to play somewhere. We don’t got no TV games or nothing.”

The Miami Heat finished the 2021-22 campaign with an Eastern Conference-best 53-29 record. Although Miami was last year’s top seed in the East, the Heat weren’t even in the top 10 for most games televised on the major networks. Surprisingly, teams who were missing key pieces for most of the season, like the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers, had more nationally televised games.

Earlier in December, Heat center Bam Adebayo also chimed in on Miami not getting enough media attention.

“You’ve got to think about: we were No. 1 in the East and people didn’t even pay us any mind,” Adebayo said. “Us being where we’re at, they’re definitely not talking about us. The biggest thing for us is to keep stacking these wins.”

The post Jimmy Butler Finds Motivation in Miami Playing Zero National TV Games 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.

Peaking at 29 minutes against Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Leonard recorded 25 points off 10-12 shooting from the field, with nine rebounds and six assists. It was a stellar performance against the NBA’s best team, and the two-time Finals MVP admitted to wanting to give more playing time since the start of the new campaign.

“Sh-t, I’ve been trying to do it since the beginning of the year,” Leonard said. “It’s just about listening to the guys who study this.”

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Leonard refers to the injury that kept him sidelined for all of last season and 20 games this season. The partial tear of his right ACL, suffered against the Utah Jazz in the 2021 playoffs, has limited his form of being titled a top 5 player of the League, at least for now.

“It’s only my ninth game of the season, and that’s after a whole ACL year, just can’t rush it. I wish I could have played more.” Leonard said. “Twenty-eight minutes, 30 minutes is a lot of minutes still,” Leonard said. “Got to just do what I can and win these basketball games.”

The victories may stack just for Leonard’s presence on the floor, but last night was just his first 20-point night. The contribution of Paul George is what has blossomed the duo once more. He’s averaging 20 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a three-point clip of 42.6 percent when Leonard is out on the floor with him.

George has had an MVP-caliber season thus far with or without Leonard in the lineup, and the seven-time All-Star admits that he sees improvement in Leonard’s game.

“Now he’s adjusted,” George said. “He’s found his rhythm, and you’ll see him more comfortable on the court.

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The pair showed a glimpse of what their dynamic scoring can do. While The Clippers look to keep their success, and Leonard’s game continues to evolve each game, even if it’s a limited time. The team can steadily find its confidence as a whole just in time for the second half of the season.

The post Kawhi Leonard Has Been Pushing to Play 30 Minutes ‘Since the Beginning of the Year’ appeared first on SLAM.

There’s not much to be proud of in their 12-14 record, but the superstardom of Bam Adebayo has finally blossomed, and it’s greatly benefited, Jimmy Butler.

His aggressiveness has been on display, especially in the last six games. The Kentucky product has scored 18.3 points per game in the second half, which is second-best among centers behind Los Angeles Laker superstar Anthony Davis.

Bam keeps getting the job done by any means necessary pic.twitter.com/HIbWrG5Kdk

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 9, 2022

After a tight battle last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, Adebayo (31) and Butler (26) combined for 57 points while showing efficient shooting from inside the three-point line. Even with Adebayo’s point total and improvement in the second half, the center wanted Butler to score the team’s last eight clutch points, which he delivered.

“The ball finds the right places,” Adebayo said, according to Sports Illustrated. “Jimmy had the hot hand. He scored our last eight, and that’s what he does. At the end of the game, if he wants to keep doing, I’m fine with that. I have no problem with him shooting step-back, one-footers.”

JB with a game on the line is just different… the Clippers were the latest to find out. #ClutchJimmy

Popular Moment of the Week // @popularbank pic.twitter.com/Zil4anyaCW

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 9, 2022

The number one option is expected to deliver in crunch time, no matter the circumstance. In his return from a nearly two-week absence, Butler knocked down a stunning fadeaway blow a week ago against the Boston Celtics to steal a victory at TD Garden.

Adebayo quietly recorded 28 points in that same outing and collected seven boards, forcing the Celtics to account for two of the Heat’s superstars.

The tear Adebayo is on right now has made Butler’s job easier. With Adebayo drawing much more attention, the closing minutes rely on no. 22 to take on isolation assignments in which he’s so potent. Another Adebayo eruption with a closing call from Butler is in the possibilities Saturday night as the San Antonio Spurs come into town.

The post Bam Adebayo Has ‘No Problem’ with Jimmy Butler Closing Games Out appeared first on SLAM.

The Blazers had gone 2-8 in their last 10 games before their matchup with the Jazz, and it was mainly due to the seven games absence of their franchise cornerstone, Damian Lillard.

On Sunday against the Pacers, the six-time All-NBA selection returned to the starting lineup to deliver a 21-point performance off five made three-pointers, to go along with five assists. Lillard’s return had his team clicking on all cylinders to mount a 16-point marginal triumph, and it left head coach Chauncey Billups impressed with No. 0’s performance after not playing since Nov. 19.

“He played well,” Billups said, per OregonLive. “He was pretty crisp for having sat out a lot of time. I know he was antsy to get back out there.”

Welcome back, @Dame_Lillard #RipCity pic.twitter.com/Gu5Cd7Xb4j

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 5, 2022

The Blazers are now 8-4 with Lillard on the floor, but in their 12 games without him, the team has kept their competitive spirits high behind Anfernee Simmons and Jerami Grant.

On Saturday’s event, Simmons erupted for 45 points (15-25 from the field) and knocked down seven treys with two blocks at the defensive end. Grant didn’t hold back either, dropping 33 points and five assists. In a recent matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, the duo combined for 69 points, and their best collaboration was at The Garden against the New York Knicks, both going over 38+ points.

With the return of their starting point guard, Simmons and Grant’s production was going to take a slight dip, but that didn’t stop Lillard from encouraging his teammates to get their buckets.

“Coming into the game, I’m telling Ant and Jerami, Be aggressive,” Lillard said. “Don’t let me stop you from being aggressive because I’m going to have the ball in my hands. I’m going to find opportunities to do what I do.”

Best plays from PDX. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/AJB2fCG8lc

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 5, 2022

Grant acknowledges Lillard’s impact on the floor and said having their superstar back in the lineup “changes the whole flow of how” the Trail Blazers play.

“He changes the whole flow of how we play when he comes back,” said Grant. “We move the ball a lot more. The ball is moving around a lot. Getting a lot of open shots. It makes the game easier when he is with us.”

After a 10-4 start to the new season, the Trail Blazers have been set back due to a few injuries. However, the group has slowly bounced back due to their playstyle of playing collectively and trusting their top players to get the job done. Portland’s stock continues thanks to Simmons, Grant, and Lillard raising their ceiling and taking it upon themselves to make sure the Blazers climb up the playoff rankings.

The post Jerami Grant: Damian Lillard’s Return ‘Changes the Whole Flow of How’ Portland Plays appeared first on SLAM.

Last night in a contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, despite Simons scoring 34 points through three quarters and Portland holding an 18-point lead in the third, Simons and the rest of the Trail Blazers couldn’t hold on for the win. Simons finished the night with 37, but the Trail Blazers have lost seven of their last nine games and went 1-3 on a recent trip. 

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He went 1-8 in the fourth quarter, but Clippers guard Norman Powell caught fire with 22 fourth-quarter points. Jerami Grant fouled out with 32 points with 4:32 remaining in the game, his team nursing a five point lead. Simons struggled down the stretch and his team was outscored 15-4 for the remainder of the game.

Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups thinks Simons could have performed better. 

“It was tough,” Billups said. “They took away Ant with Jerami out. You have a lot of guys out there that are not really used to having the ball.”

Billups maintains that Simons should have been more aggressive and demanded the ball down the stretch, something Simons would learn in time. 

“That’s something that me and Ant will talk about. That’s a part of his development,” Billups said. “Ant is 22-years -old. We know that he’s a phenomenal talent, already. But he’s still got a little growing to do. We can’t act like Ant is 32 and Dame. We can’t act like that. He still has some developing to do.”

Simons reiterated some of the same points. 

“Getting the ball and demanding that attention, I think that’s what I should have been doing,” Simons said. “Obviously, they were denying me the ball everywhere around the court, especially in the second half. There were moments that I didn’t realize I should go get it a couple of times. Obviously, it’s a learning experience.”

If Simons is to continue his career season and steady the ship missing its captain, he’ll have to be more aggressive. And he knows it. He’s learning it in real-time. 

The post Chauncy Billups: Anfernee Simons is Growing But He ‘Still Has Some Developing to Do’ appeared first on SLAM.

A lot of it is wishful thinking and outside perspective, hoping Turner’s deft shooting and interior defense would be a perfect fit for turning the Lakers season around, but mainly, it’s just noise. Noise that Turner isn’t paying attention to anymore. 

“Nothing changes,” Turner told The Athletic after Sunday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. ”Just go out there and focus on getting wins for this team. That’s just where my focus lies. You can’t pay attention to outside noise — doesn’t change anything, bro. All I can do is go out there and play my game.”

The Pacers won a nailbiter against the Lakers on Monday night at the buzzer due to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Andrew Nembhard. It was Indiana’s 12th win of the season; only six teams have more wins than them at this point of the year. 

Turner is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is back at his natural position, a center, after last season’s trade of Domantas Sabonis, and he’s reaping the rewards. Despite Turner publicly stating how he could help a center-needy team like the Clippers on Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast earlier this season, the Pacers are off to a better start than the Clippers and Lakers.

He’s blocking shots, rebounding well, and making shots at a sizzling clip. He’s averaged 2.6 blocks per game, 18.0 points, and 8.5 rebounds, and he’s making 1.5 threes per game. Turner is shooting 54.4 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three, and 82.9 percent from the free throw line.

“Just win games, bro,” Turner said between the loss to the Clippers and the win over the Lakers. “That’s really all I want to hang my hat on, is winning games, being a part of winning games. That’s the most important thing for me right now. Just help this franchise out, so what I can do.”

The Pacers are set to play the Kings on the road Wednesday night.

The post Myles Turner: ‘Nothing Changes’ Despite All the Trade Rumors Around Him appeared first on SLAM.

Haynes reported on Lillard’s injury timetable while Portland took on the Los Angeles Clippers on national TV. The Trail Blazers lost that game, 118-112, dropping their record to 11-10, good for seventh in the Western Conference. Lillard has been missing in action since he aggravated his troublesome calf on Nov. 19.

Dame Time first injured his calf on Oct. 27 while warming up to play against the Miami Heat. The muscle tightened up so much that it forced the six-time All-Star to leave the game for good in the third quarter.

Lillard is averaging 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game on 42.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. When he returns, the Weber State product will look to make up for lost time by helping Portland advance up the standings going into December.

The post REPORT: Portland Expects Damian Lillard to Return By Dec. 4 appeared first on SLAM.

The 25-year-old center posted a historic stat line against the Indiana Pacers after recording 31 points off 14-17 shooting and 29 rebounds, a League-best result for attacking the board this season. The Croatian also had three blocks on Sunday, and his execution defensively with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in and out of the starting lineup has inspired him to make his case as an elite defensive team candidate.

“Making the NBA All-Defensive team is something I’m really working towards,” Zubac said to AllClippers. “It’s one of my goals coming into the season, just being as best defensively as I can be— I want to show people that I’m capable of that, and for sure, that’s one of my goals.”

STATEMENT MADE pic.twitter.com/x7CxYlLkTu

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 28, 2022

As the last pick of the 2016 NBA draft, Zubac was doubted by scouts for what he contributes to the floor defensively. Now manning the middle for the Clippers, the team currently ranks second in defensive rating, while he ranks sixth in blocks and gives up the League-lowest field goal percentage when players try to challenge him at the rim.

Not bad for the Mr. Irrelevant of the 2016 draft. Zubac kept those notes, stating the previous doubters have opened up his motivation towards making the Clippers defense hold a fierce personality.

“Coming into the League, that was always one of the questions about me on the defensive end of the floor,” Zubac said. “Just proving people wrong and proving to myself that I can contribute to defense really means a lot to me. Helping my team be one of the best defenses in the league. It’s something we pride ourselves on here.”

.@ivicazubac came up clutch, scoring 14 of his 31 points in the first quarter.

@awscloud CourtVision Mascot Mode pic.twitter.com/cnqxNgja2T

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 28, 2022

Though this may just be a breakout week for Zubac, it’s pretty impressive to see the big man lead his team to the fifth-best record in the high-powered Western Conference, primarily through his defense and lack of two superstar wings. His specialty at that end may not be as enticing as a Rudy Gobert swat to the fifth stands or the vocal and scrappy difference-making of a Draymond Green, but Zubac has earned the ‘defensive anchor’ title in the Clippers locker room.

The post Ivica Zubac: ‘Making the NBA All-Defensive Team’ is His Season Goal appeared first on SLAM.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Conley will be out for at least two weeks.

Sources: Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr. avoided major injury or ligament damage on the non-contact left knee injury suffered Saturday night. He has a knee strain and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2022

If it’s one thing that the Jazz are going to miss with Conley out, it’s definitely going to be his ability to create shots for this young team.

Despite the 35-year-old nearing the end of his magnificent career, it is actually now where he is averaging a career-high in assists with 7.9 dimes a contest, along with 10.2 points. With a record of 12-6, the Jazz does not have a lot of breathing room between them and the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are second in the Western Conference and are only a game behind Utah. 

The situation calls for Jazz guards Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton to step up. Expect the two to have more playmaking responsibilities with Conley out. Clarkson is averaging 18.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds this season. As for Sexton, he’s putting up 13.1 points and 1.9 assists for the campaign.

Next up, the Jazz will be back at it again tonight at 10:30 P.M when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post REPORT: Mike Conley to Miss at Least Two Weeks with Leg Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The two sides have yet to come up with an agreement, but negotiations may have to pick up soon now that another team has entered the frame. The Lakers’ neighbors, the Los Angeles Clippers, have been rumored to be interested in acquiring Turner as well, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.

Clippers big man Moses Brown is the only pure big man after Ivica Zubac on the Clippers’ roster, but head coach Ty Lue has only gone to him for eight games this season. Instead, Marcus Morris has been the go-to backup center for Zubac so far.

With no depth at the center position and not having the services of Kawhi Leonard for most of the early campaign, Los Angeles has still managed to hold on to a record of 8-6, which is good enough for the seventh seed in the Western Conference. The team’s early woes are starting to show that losing Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason was huge.

Adding Turner to the mix will work wonders for the Clippers. The Pacers’ big man is averaging 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks a game. The move would immediately make this Los Angeles team one of the best defenses in the league when healthy, with Turner playing alongside the likes of Leonard and Paul George. Only time will tell if they are willing to pull the trigger on the pursuit.

Los Angeles will be in action tonight as they take on the Dallas Mavericks at 8:30 P.M.

The post REPORT: Clippers Interested in Trading for Myles Turner appeared first on SLAM.

Coming to NBA arenas this fall, the return of the League’s most terrifying two-way players.

Kawhi and PG cover SLAM 240. https://t.co/aTFojIRsVL pic.twitter.com/NnTVfLdhve

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 17, 2022

Moving forward, Leonard is still set to miss his 10th consecutive game on Saturday versus the Brooklyn Nets, but he is undoubtedly making progress towards a return soon after participating in a 5-on-5 workout on Friday, according to LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue. 

“Not tomorrow,” Lue said of Leonard possibly returning on Saturday, per ESPN. “But it’s gonna take a few more (workout) opportunities to get that in. Then kind of reassess him to see how he’s feeling after we go to medical and just kind of see if we check all the boxes – He played 5-on-5 with some of our guys, some of the players, and some of the coaches. The first time he was able to get on the floor and play 5-on-5, and he looked pretty good. Still have a ways to go, but that was the first sign of positivity of him getting on the floor, playing 5-on-5.”

pic.twitter.com/TV2MFHiLhL

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 24, 2022

Without Leonard, Los Angeles is 6-4. Teammate Paul George has been leading the way for the team while averages of 25.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. With George holding it down, for now, fans are left wondering how lethal this squad can be when his co-star returns from injury. The Clippers currently sit as the sixth seed in the West.

The post Kawhi Leonard Progressing Towards Return After 5-on-5 Workout appeared first on SLAM.

They were again led by great perimeter play, Jordan Clarkson scored 23 points, and Collin Sexton kicked in 22 points from the bench. The Jazz was up by double digits early in the first half, but they blew the lead and had to rally after trailing for much of the third and fourth quarters. 

After a blistering shooting performance on Friday to take down the Los Angeles Lakers, the Jazz had to reach deeper to gut out last night’s win and complete the Los Angeles sweep. The Jazz turned over the ball a whopping 20 times in their victory, but they outscored the Clippers 26-17 in the fourth quarter. 

“Finding ways to win is fun,” Coach Will Hardy said following the game, per ESPN. “I’m very proud of the team to overcome 20 turnovers.” 

The Jazz is the second seed in the Western Conference despite most of the “experts” projecting them to be a bottom-tier team in the league. The Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) and Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) this summer and are supposed to be starting their rebuild. The draft assets the Jazz got in return: Lauri Markanen, Sexton, Malik Beasley, Walker Kessler, and Kelly Olynk said not so fast.

“I’m starting to get more comfortable in myself,” Sexton said after the game. “Just staying ready and being present throughout the game.” 

Sexton had the game-sealing dunk when the Jazz was up by 4 with 54 seconds left. Clarkson could be seen cheering from the bench. The Jazz has surpassed all expectations of what was projected to be a down year. Whether or not they can maintain this level of play remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Utah is a lot of f****ing fun. 

The Jazz plays the Lakers on Monday at 10:15 PM EST.    

The post As They Rebuild, the Utah Jazz Are Now 8-3 and A Lot of Fun to Watch appeared first on SLAM.

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/S7WLKgkOv5

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 3, 2022

The Clippers weren’t the only team to get in trouble for doing so recently. The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out Josh Giddey for their matchup with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday but later listed him as active only moments before the start of the game. Giddey played for 25 minutes to pick up a crucial 116-108 win, recording seven points and 10 assists.

On the season, Giddey is averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game for the Thunder.

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/M4tZFzDVaW

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 3, 2022

The NBA is strict about its policies, especially regarding reporting players’ availability before tip-off. The Thunder failed to do so promptly, while the Pelicans ultimately didn’t list Diabate and Boston Jr. as active in the first place. Disciplinary action had to be taken, and the rest of the League was put on notice just in case they tried to do the same thing further down the line during the campaign.

The post NBA Fines Clippers and Thunder $25K For Violating League Policies appeared first on SLAM.

AD dropped 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Brodie posted 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in 32 minutes off the bench. LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists on 10-22 shooting. The Lakers also knocked down a season-high 13 three-pointers on 43.5 percent shooting from deep.

Davis deserves plenty of credit for guiding the Lakers through a gutsy win. AD is battling through lower back soreness that’s forced him to labor up and down the court. However, the Brow still found a way to gut it out against the back-to-back and reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic (23 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks), a player that could wear you out thanks to his physicality and ability to beat you multiple ways.

“Huge impact, man, the way he fought through that,” Ham said, per The Athletic. “I care about his body. I want him to be the AD that we all know he can be on that championship run. He showed it tonight. His tenaciousness on defense. Timely shot-making. Communicating.”

+2, AD. pic.twitter.com/FCxHmxFVOh

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 31, 2022

The eight-time All-Star also scored eight points in the fourth to help the Lakers fend off a charging Nuggets team looking to mount a comeback. The tough win drew some cheers and applause for Davis, who left everything on the court. Especially after a scary moment where, after AD tapped in a missed shot, he audibly groaned as his back flared up.

When Ham asked Davis if he wanted to come out, Davis said, “no. Hell no. I got you. I’m with you.” Ham remarked how “determined” Davis was “to finish this game.”

“You saw on that putback, it kinda just comes and goes, these little shocks that go,” Davis said. “But at that point, it’s like you’re playing off of adrenaline. So, I know tonight, maybe tomorrow, I’m probably going to feel it more. But it’s all manageable. Just gotta do what I can to make sure I’m on the floor to help the team win.”

Postgame, David admitted he was in a “pretty good amount of pain” but also reiterated that the pain he was feeling was manageable. He also said he dislikes the injury-prone label he’s received over the last two seasons and was candid about the mental toll all the injuries took on him.

Ham said he doesn’t need the two-time block leader to be a “hero.” Davis said he’s “in a great space mentally” and that he’s not letting his injury “stop me” while imploring that he’s “doing everything I can to make sure I can go out there and play, and we’ll deal with the rest when that time comes.”

The Lakers are now 1-5 with clashes against the Pelicans, Jazz, Cavaliers, and Clippers coming up.

The post Anthony Davis On Playing Through ‘Manageable’ Back Injury appeared first on SLAM.

SGA put out a historic statline on Tuesday, posting 33 points, five rebounds, and eight assists on 50 percent shooting from the field. He also knocked down two triples and all nine of his free-throw attempts. Gilgeous-Alexander was also a menace on the defensive end, contributing three steals and three blocks to complete his all-around performance.

The two-way dominance SGA produced made him the first player in League history to put up 30+ points, eight-plus assists, three-plus blocks and steals, and go perfect from beyond the arc and the free-throw line.

Only one player in NBA history has ever put up this stat line in the same game:

30+ points
8+ assists
3+ blocks
3+ steals
100% from 3
100% from the FT line

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight. https://t.co/Rxc48pTE8K pic.twitter.com/Q6Aj41OUcD

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) October 26, 2022

SGA is averaging 31.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from the three-point line. The former Kentucky Wildcat has scored at least 30 points in 12 of his past 16 games dating back to the 2021-22 season.

“I have to play both sides of the court to be the player I want to be. Getting stronger. My conditioning, I’ve worked on a lot,” SGA said, per ClutchPoints, after the Thunder’s first win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went OFF tonight in the OKC win.

33 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK

Tough statline #KiaTipOff22 pic.twitter.com/3zODD9E6kz

— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2022

Postgame, Coach Mark Daigneault remarked that he doesn’t have to coach SGA much on anything “other than process-oriented stuff.” Daigneault especially enjoys the fact that he doesn’t have to tell Gilgeous-Alexander when to go into attack mode. He also said SGA and the Thunder are trying to “create — an extremely ruthless consistency” with how they play and trust that their work will lead to guys taking the next step in their development.

“I don’t tell him anything, to be honest with you, other than process-oriented stuff — With guys that have great instincts, you can overcoach them and really mess them up,” Coach Mark Daigneault said, per ESPN. “So I let him make those decisions.”

OKC is set to host the Clippers again on Thursday. It remains to be seen if the Clippers will trot out Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Puts Up Historic Performance Against Former Team 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m definitely not going to sit here and harp on what we can’t do every single game,” James said, per ESPN, when asked about his team’s shooting struggles. “That’s not a leader. What I know we can do? We can defend our a** off. We did that tonight, which gave us an opportunity to win, and we just couldn’t make it happen. But I’m OK with that.”

This is all kind of ironic because, in this same game, James moved up to No. 10 in the NBA on the all-time made three-pointer list. A huge career accomplishment, no doubt, but even though it is another impressive milestone for James, 20 points on 7-17 shooting from the field in 37 minutes of action was not enough to help secure victory for the Lakers.

“If we’re reliant on [sufficient outside shooting] every single game, then we’re in trouble,” James said. “So I’m not worried about that or thinking about that. It’s how hard we play, how aggressive we play, how determined we are to go out and compete every night. And we got to defend. When we defend, we’re going to give ourselves a good chance to win.”

With just 2 out of 82 games played so far in the 2022-2023 NBA season, Lakers fans should remain optimistic. It is still early on in the season, and every team needs time to gel in the beginning. Team chemistry is something that cannot be built in just one, two, or even ten games. At the end of the day, James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Coach Darvin Ham, and company will figure everything out.

The post LeBron James Won’t ‘Harp On’ What Lakers Can’t Do appeared first on SLAM.

The SLAM 240 cover star opened up about why coming off the bench was the correct choice. In a post-game interview with Ohm Youngmisuk, Leonard said the following;

“You gotta gradually play minutes in order to get the ACL strong,” Leonard said. “Once you start playing 38 minutes first game, it could easily weaken up, but I’m listening to the doctor with that. It’s a long season. We wanna get in the playoffs and want me to play in the playoffs.”

We must also remember that Leonard missed the entirety of last season with an ACL injury, which is no small feat to return from. Returning from an injury like that is not easy, and some players never return the same. Leonard also mentioned that the idea came about from looking at data and running simulations in practice subbing in and out of games.

The NBA season is still young, and if Leonard and the Clippers want to maximize their chances come playoff time, they need their stars healthy.

When asked by another reporter what it was like to come into the game in the middle of the second quarter, Leonard said he didn’t “think 15 minutes would be long” after waiting “82 games last year.”

“I waited 82 games last year, so I didn’t think 15 minutes would be long. This is how I started my career. Act like I was in foul trouble, and once I check in the second quarter, it’s time to play basketball.”

In just 21 minutes off the bench, Leonard played well. The Klaw dropped 14 points and seven rebounds on 6-12 shooting in the Clippers’ 103-97 season-opening win against their hometown rivals.

No timetable was revealed for how long Leonard plans to come off the bench instead of starting. However, we all know the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and if this is the strategy that guarantees a winning season plus a healthy Leonard come playoff time for the Clippers, plus the fact that it was a decision being considered by both team and player then why be in a rush to change it?

The post Kawhi Leonard Speaks On Decision to Come Off the Bench Versus Lakers appeared first on SLAM.

Los Angeles Clippers have been considering the possibility of bringing Kawhi Leonard off the bench to start the season in order to manage his minutes, league sources tell @YahooSports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 20, 2022

The temporary experiment could start as soon as Thursday when the Clippers start the season against their hallway rival Lakers. Before training camp, Clippers president Lawrence Frank said that the Clippers planned on taking a cautious approach while Leonard returned from a torn ACL he suffered during the 2021 playoffs.

Leonard has gone through a load management program since he suffered a quadriceps injury that robbed him of most of the 2017-2018 season.

Coming to NBA arenas this fall, the return of the League’s most terrifying two-way players.

Kawhi and PG cover SLAM 240. https://t.co/aTFojIRsVL pic.twitter.com/NnTVfLdhve

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 17, 2022

The last time Kawhi Leonard came off the bench, he was 21-years-old playing his second season in the NBA. Leonard was playing his first game after missing nearly a month of action due to quadriceps tendinitis. Leonard completed a rehab assignment with the Austin Toros, San Antonio’s G League affiliate. The two-time DPOY ended up starting the other 57 games he appeared in that season.

The post REPORT: Clippers ‘Considering’ Bringing Kawhi Leonard Off the Bench to Start the Year appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

Anthony Holt, Slam Goods Apparel Designer

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Bucks vs Grizzlies

Deyscha “Sway” Smith, Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

ECF Matchup: Celtics vs Nets

Joshua Tapia, Editorial Intern

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

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

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

Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer

The Sixers are winning the championship.

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

Michael Harris, Editorial Intern

The Lakers will make the Western Conference Finals.

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Heat vs Lakers

Ajayi Browne, Editorial Intern

The Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Finals.

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

Theus McBee, Co-Host of No Pump Fakes

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

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

Check out the latest episode of No Pump Fakes below:

Najee AR Fareed, Editorial Intern 

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

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

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

Colby Cusano, Brand Partnerships and Analytics Intern

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Mavs vs Celtics

Delon George, Marketing Manager SLAMgoods

The Brooklyn Nets will win the title.  

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

Brooke Brennan, WSLAM Intern

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

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

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

Andrew “Pitt” Pitagorsky, VP of Brand Partnerships

RJ Barrett will win Defensive Player of the Year. 

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

Andres Puerta, Social Media SLAMFTW 

The Miami Heat will win the Eastern Conference Finals. 

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

Arvind Pitchai, VP of Social Media

Luka Doncic will average a triple double and win MVP. 

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

Marcus Allen, Social Graphic Designer

The Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

Dave Schnur, President

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

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

Max Resetar, Editor 

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

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

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

Photos via Getty Images.

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

Today’s breakfast isn’t about taste. It’s about the other senses. It’s a gourmet meal of aromas and of sights and of sounds. Hoop heaven is in here, made by high level basketball artisans. That familiar smell of the hardwood bombards the nose. Memories of early childhood morning practices are both comforting and jarring at the same time, when touching the hardwood’s baseline on countless suicides was a necessity. But unlike those dusty gyms most of us had to play in, this is the premium hardwood. Manically maintained, painted in blue and red, it’s of the highest quality. 

Extra rims are stacked in a corner close to the entrance. They must go through rims quickly around here with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George punching dunks. A long-stretching dresser constructed for giants covers an entire wall, holding well-worn official NBA balls. Staccato dribbles randomly echo through the still relatively empty gym. They’re being bounced by staff members getting the rocks ready for Leonard, George, John Wall, Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum, Norm Powell, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington and Terance Mann. A big cubby system that houses the squad’s practice sneakers comes right after that dresser. A few PG6 boxes sit on the floor underneath pairs ranging from Kawhi’s signature New Balances to standard issue flagships from the Swoosh and the Stripes. The ensuing weights and advanced ellipticals have been left untouched by the Clips’ staff. They’ve transformed the rest of the main area into a circuit of photography and videography opportunities. Green screens, towering lighting rigs, microphones and an army of camera lenses can be found all over the place. 

But the valid NBA rims and backboard that Leonard and George have spent the previous three seasons shooting on can’t be hidden, not even by this arsenal of documentary equipment. Under the facility’s mighty ceiling, those hanging rims and backboards have gotten the chance to see more of Leonard and George than most of us have ever seen since the ridiculously talented duo first teamed up in the summer of 2019. Injuries and the pandemic have cut our viewing time and their playing time drastically short. 

It’s a big deal that both Leonard and George are finally healthy. In the 226 regular season games that the Clippers have played since the start of the 2019-20 season, George has played in 133 of them, while Leonard has only played in 109. In the 32 playoff games they’ve participated in, it’s been George who has played in all of them, while Leonard has only laced up for 24. And unfortunately, they’ve only been on the court together in 80 of those tilts. Predictably, they’ve won over 70 percent of those battles when they’ve both been available. 

Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP, missed all of last season, though. He went under the knife on July 13, 2021 to fix up a partially torn right ACL. George, a seven-time All-Star, only got to play 31 times in 2021-22 because of a torn UCL in his right elbow. 

So a few hours after we had the breakfast of aromas and of sights and of sounds, we feast on our lunch, a visual treat that has proven to be way more rare than expected: an opportunity to finally see Kawhi and PG back together again. 

SLAM 240 featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is out now.

Everything goes down fast. Numero dos has been floating around the gym for a little bit. All of the players have to sign balls, hats, jerseys and photos that will get auctioned off for charity. Leonard has been taking his time with the signings. Reggie Jackson, who was selected nine picks after Leonard in 2011, loudly announces that he’s lapped numero dos in the signing line. It makes Leonard laugh. He actually does more laughing than anticipated, a welcomed sight that breaks the stale and corny reputation internet trolls assigned to him many years ago. 

Somehow, Leonard was never given a fair shot by the fairweather fans. The casuals saw him lead the Spurs to the 2014 championship as a much more reserved 22-year-old. His 23rd birthday was just two weeks after he raised his first Finals MVP trophy, but they’d already made up their minds. He was, to them, always going to be the quiet and robotic type. Why they couldn’t understand that the youngster was still maturing has always said more about them than about him. Though his game didn’t need much time to adjust to the glaring spotlight, he did. Today, the truth is closer to him being a mixture between calm, peaceful and confident that mostly doesn’t feel the need to always be the center of attention. Leonard has grown up. And though he’s not bombastic, he’s also not what people assume of him. 

That’s why PG’s young daughters greet him with hugs upon first sight. While Kawhi was finishing his way through the end of the autograph station, the ever-smooth 32-year-old was making his grand entrance as one of the final Clips to appear. His kids ran out ahead of him and found their way over to Uncle K.

George, now fittingly playing in L.A., has always thrived with the spotlight shining on him. From his dribble combos into stepbacks to his coolness in front of a mic, he always seems comfortable. He’s been a warrior who’s had to stare down some horrific injuries and some disgusting words from the court of public opinion. Most of the loudest members of the basketball viewing fandom are incapable of looking at his larger body of work, at the truth that he is damn close to being the ideal basketball player. They hold on and hold on and hold on to what they count as failure. But their definition of failure isn’t shared by George. Those moments they continue to bring up are just steps forward. 

Though they’ve each had their individual journeys, our cover stars have now hit yet another crossroads, arriving at the signs together. They could follow one of them back to safety, which would be a season of mediocrity and a first or second-round exit. Or they could tread the dangerous and long trail to basketball’s promised land. 

They’re not gonna turn around. They want to walk the path to the championship. 

The similarities that they share with each other are abundant. 

Defensively, they’re nearly identical as on-ball stoppers. They sit and they sit and they sit. They’re both about containment. They’re both able to force turnovers. Their defensive discipline comes from their preparation. They study and they retain who likes to pump fake, who likes to attack their chests and who won’t dare dribble against them. They each share a desire to lock people the fuck down. That’s an unteachable want. 

Their appetite for defensive destruction is part of why they’ve seen such great success in the 80 times they’ve played together. 

Another part of it is that their offensive efficiency is all but a guarantee whenever they lace up. They’re both able to and qualified enough to go out and shoot 25-30 times. But they don’t. George rains down threes, Leonard dials in from the midrange. Off the bounce, off the catch, stationary or on the move, their jumpshot forms should be taught to the youth. Leonard went to the Chip Engelland School of the Two-Handed Follow-Through and George sets his feet with great elegance and speed. Bigs at the rim have historically been in trouble when either one of them parades down the lane. They can each set up their other teammates at will, and they’re knockdown free-throw shooters. 

And lastly, the way they complement each other, illustrated in George’s willingness to step up to the media and in Leonard’s willingness to step up to the most difficult clutch moments, is the final piece of what could end in the ultimate success. 

After PG’s kids greet Kawhi, the duo pops over to flick it up. The entirety of the gym closes in on us. Now it’s really a big deal that they’re back together. Showtime. Other cameras go off while our photographer, Alex Woodhouse, details what we want to capture. 

Boom, boom. Snap, snap. Alex takes a few shots. 

Solid enough. 

Then the good stuff happens. Alex has Leonard and George pose back-to-back for just a split second. It’s enough time for us to get a glimpse at a joke that must stretch back several years. 

Kawhi, all of a sudden, stands up on his tippy-toes. He says that he’s taller than PG and then he repeats it. It doesn’t look to be true. Sorry, Kawhi. PG shakes his head with a laugh. Alex, who stands at 6-8, like PG, also seems to be taller than Kawhi. 

Alex gives the pair direction on the last flick we want to get, which is when he cracks a joke about Kawhi making up for that one inch difference by being way more brolic than either himself or PG. 

They both erupt with laughter. Alex captures the photo of them, joyously smiling, standing at the precipice of what could be a historic season for the Clippers. 

SLAM 240 is OUT NOW!

Though we hadn’t eaten anything all morning long, the moment is food for the soul. 

They’re off after that, responsible for taking even more photos and signing even more autographs. 

About 20 minutes later, Leonard sits in front of the media and says, of his time with George, with the deep bass in his voice, “It seems like it went by so fast. Obviously, the first year was the COVID year, which nobody knew was going to happen. Going into the next season, we made it to the semifinals, I think. Then I tore my ACL, and then last year I didn’t play. So, now it’s our fourth year. Me missing last year and then that COVID year probably made time go by quick. I felt like over the years, with us first being here, you see the gradual improvement of the team. Hopefully we can take another step.”

Another 20 or so minutes pass before PG takes the same stage and talks about his All-Star teammate. 

“I’m more excited, honestly, of him being healthy,” George says. “That’s first and foremost. I’ve seen his whole work, [from] the second he got injured to the work he put into this offseason going into this season. I’ve been in that position of being out and having to rehab a whole season. I got to watch, from the outside, to see how much work he put into this year. Really excited for him to get a chance to do what he loves to do and get back on the court. 

“Obviously, after that, it’s [the] excitement of getting to play with the best two-way player in the game. It’s 
just excitement, stepping back on the floor, being full strength, both of us healthy again.”

There’s a focus that George talks about. He wants his squad to “honor” their shot at winning a chip, to “embrace” the pressure that comes with walking that long, long, long road to the end of the path. 

“I think both of us, kinda internally, had a promise,” George says to the media about himself and Kawhi. “I know I did, for myself, to bring a championship here. When you look at how close we were two years back, the year Kawhi got hurt, how close we were, I didn’t want to leave anything on the table that I could’ve done more. I thought it was very important this summer to keep guys connected, stay together, get workouts together. It was more just off-the-court stuff. I didn’t really care about the on-court stuff. We’ll get to that when camp starts.” 

SLAM 240 is available now in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition and Cover Tee. Shop now.

Portraits by Alex Woodhouse. Action photo via Getty Images.

The post Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are Back and Healthy—A Scary Sight For The Rest of the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Wall has had a rough go of it the past few years since he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Houston Rockets back in 2020. However, Wall’s time with the Rockets was sadly cut short due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. On top of that, Wall had also been dealing with off-court losses after his mom passed away in 2019.

Fast forward to 2022, and Wall seems completely rejuvenated and back to making his signature behind-the-back finishes at the rim.

“You see somebody’s that happy, you know? Enjoying the game,” said Wall’s teammate Paul George in a postgame interview after the Clipper’s preseason game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. “When it’s taken away from you, and you don’t know where you’re going to go from there. You get an opportunity to come back to it, man; you appreciate it.”

On Sunday, Wall led the team in scoring with 20 points on 5-11 shooting from the field. Wall even dished out three assists and picked up one rebound in his 20 minutes of action. It’s been more than a year since we last saw the Wall Star, and it’s so great to see him back on an NBA court hooping with the best-of-the-best.

This seems like a great beginning to ana fantastic comeback story for Wall. By joining forces with NBA superstars George and Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers, we may also get a chance to see Wall in playoff games down the road too.

The regular-season is grueling, but so far, Wall “has been looking great.” according to Leonard. Only time will tell what is in store for these new-look Clippers; however, they are a team to pay close attention to.

The post Paul George on John Wall’s Joyful Return: ‘You See Somebody That’s Happy’ appeared first on SLAM.

The gritty Memphis Grizzlies awaited them in the playoffs as their first-round opponent. It seemed like the two teams were evenly matched after the first four games; however, the Grizzlies came through when it mattered to close out the series.

In that same postseason, the Timberwolves struggled to close out games. Notably, in Game 3 in their series versus the Grizzlies, Minnesota scored only 12 points in the final period when entering the quarter with a 16-point lead. Memphis would go on to win by nine points to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

To add insult to injury, with the series tied 2-2, the Timberwolves went into the fourth quarter of Game 5 with an 11-point lead. This time though, they lost by two. The Grizzlies would take a commanding 3-2 lead in the series, and the momentum carried over to Game 6, where they would seal the deal and eliminate Minnesota. Anthony Edwards used the playoff loss as motivation.

“I took it personal with myself on just being better, being able to hit those shots in the clutch,” said Edwards.

In fact, according to The Athletic, Edwards also put on 11 pounds of muscle during the offseason.

“I feel like I’m in better shape, more than anything,” said the 21-year-old.” That’s going to take everything to the next level.”

Fortunately for Minnesota, reinforcements are on the way. Recently acquired two-way star Rudy Gobert has joined the party. The French big man is eager to start the season with his new team and made that known on Media Day.

“I got a few days before I came here just to settle down, relax,” Gobert said on Media Day. “I think the excitement just takes over, and I’m just really, really excited about this new season – I’m lucky to be surrounded by a group of guys that can really accomplish anything. It’s about building the right habits and just keep learning, keep getting better every day. I think the sky’s the limit for this group.”

The four-time All-Star will be joining three-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt, forming what is quite possibly the most formidable frontcourt duo in the league. Gobert believes that because of this, he can now show off his passing ability.

“I’ve always loved to play with another dominant big,” said Gobert. “I’ve always thought that I could pass.”

As for the other reinforcements, Minnesota is loaded. They will be welcoming the versatile Kyle Anderson, veteran guard Austin Rivers, sharpshooter Bryn Forbes and Eric Paschall. Who, of course, has yet to reach his peak. The future is indeed bright for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota will begin the season with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct.19. 

The post Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert Looking to Take Minnesota ‘to the Next Level’ appeared first on SLAM.

Sarver was caught using several offensive languages around his respected organizations. With reports coming out stating he used the ‘N-Word’ frequently, as well as misogynistic comments, Draymond Green opened up about how this makes a representation of the NBA.

“That’s bulls–t. You can’t continue to represent way more people than yourself with those views,” said Green. “With speaking to people the way he did, with treating African Americans and women the way he has. That’s not OK.”

The NBA has been able to address racial justice matters pretty seriously; however, this recent polemic on behalf of Sarver has the basketball community believing he should be removed from his position and banned for life.

The support of the Black Lives Matter movement since 2020, and the termination of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling back in 2015 make this case look rather simple for League commissioner Adam Silver. However, he ponders the idea that removing the rights to Sarver’s ownership of the teams is too much to get behind. Essentially, Silver believes the $10 million fine and one-year suspension will serve as a lesson for the inappropriate acts caused by Sarver.

“What it would take to remove that team from his control is a very involved process,” said Silver. “and it’s different than holding a job. It just is. When you actually own a team, it’s just a very different proposition.”

Green called on League governors to vote on Sarver’s position. A vote is required from at least three-quarters of the board to remove him, per Baxter Holmes of ESPN. Draymond Green continues to shed light on matters that need to be discussed around the League, and his input will certainly re-adjust the decision of Adam Silver.

The post Draymond Green Reacts to Robert Sarver’s Suspension on His Podcast appeared first on SLAM.

Basketball fans hope he’d be terminated altogether, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver believes he has ‘no right’ to remove Sarver from his position in ownership of the teams.

“I don’t have the right to take away his team,” said Silver. “I don’t want to rest on that legal point because, of course, there could be a process to take away someone’s team in this League. It’s very involved, and I ultimately made the decision that it didn’t rise to that level. But, to me, the consequences are severe here on Mr. Sarver.”

The NBA has faced racial misconduct amongst ownership in the past, most notably from Donald Sterling, former Los Angeles Clippers owner. The racist comments he made to his mistress on a leaked audio recording forced the NBA to take action and ban Sterling from any NBA events for life. Many feel that Sarver’s comments have been just as bad, if not worse than Sterling’s, and the League is now facing questions about whether or not they are handling ethical guidelines solemnly.

When asked why termination wouldn’t apply to an owner but would to an average employee of the League, Silver said: “What it would take to remove that team from his control is a very involved process, and it’s different than holding a job. It just is. When you actually own a team, it’s just a very different proposition.”

Further investigation of the case revealed that Sarver had been using the N-Word pretty openly and allegedly used it ‘five times’ around the workplace.

Although Sarver has already pledged to take complete accountability and practice ethical values, many fans and leadership across the League will not condone the moral decision to give him a one-year suspension. A suspension of that nature and donations to organizations addressing race and gender-based issues shouldn’t overcome the harassment tolerated by employees in Phoenix. Further action may be in store from Commissioner Silver.

The post Adam Silver: ‘I Don’t Have the Right to Take Away’ Suns From Robert Sarver 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.

The Clippers All-Star hopped on a Twitch stream and announced he’ll play in the high-profile pro-am “one of these weekends.” George’s proclamation was later confirmed by Law Murray of The Athletic.

It would be PG13’s first Drew League appearance since 2014 and a great way to play competitive ball after only appearing in 31 games due to a UCL injury last season. The four-time All-Defensive Teamer is eager to get on the court after he was forced to miss the Clippers’ final Play-In game against the New Orleans Pelicans because of health and safety protocols.

When he did play, George averaged 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on 42.1 percent shooting from the floor and 35.4 percent from three last season.

James and DeRozan kicked off the NBA x Drew League action when LBJ dropped 42 points to help the MMV Cheaters secure a 104-102 victory over Black Pearl Elite on July 16.

On July 23, Young (22 points, seven assists, and seven steals) and Collins (16 points and 12 rebounds) didn’t disappoint for Black Pearl Elite in a 103-100 loss to Citi Team Blazers.

Thanks to the NBA coming to a deal with the Drew League, fans can now stream select Drew League games until the championship on Aug. 21. While he didn’t confirm an exact date, expect YG Trece to play in the Drew sometime soon.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Paul George to Play in Drew League For First Time Since 2014 appeared first on SLAM.

Bledsoe is guaranteed $3.9 million of his potential $19.37 million for 2022-23 by July 10; the salary this year is partially guaranteed. Waiving Bledsoe before July 10 saves Portland $15.47 million in cap space.

Bledsoe signed this contract with the Milwaukee Bucks at the start of the 2019-20 year, and since then has made stops in New Orleans, a reunion with the Clippers, and the Blazers, where he would ultimately sit the rest of the year due to Achilles pain.

He was a former 18th overall draft pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2010 but was traded to the Clippers for a 2012 first-round pick that turned into Fab Melo. Bledsoe played his lone college season at Kentucky, where he averaged 11.3 points apart of a team that would produce eight future NBA players.

Bledsoe averaged a career of 13.7 points,3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 45.2 percent from the field, 78.4 percent from the free-throw line, and 33.6 percent from three.

The post REPORT: Portland Expected to Cut Ties with Eric Bledsoe 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.

The Denver Nugget hung on to beat the Warriors, 126-121 to force a Game 5 on Wednesday night. Jokic was the orchestrator on offense, as usual, putting up 37 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, but it was his leadership and basketball I.Q. that was the difference.

Nikola Jokic had it rolling from tip-off, scoring 18 of the @nuggets first 23 points on his way to 37 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists to force Game 5! #MileHighBasketball

Game 5: GSW vs DEN, Wed. 10pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/ACg4mKCwkY

— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2022

Jokic, who averaged 29.3 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists over the first three games of the series, dropped 18 points in the first quarter that almost matched the Warriors entire total.

These two plays down the stretch helped sealed it for his Nuggets. First, he warned his teammates about a Warriors lob play from out of bounds that led to a turnover with just over 30 seconds left to go in the game…

Jokic called out the play from the bench #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel on ABC pic.twitter.com/e3gQkSHyas

— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2022

Then his drive and kick to Will Barton in the left corner led to the clincher off a perfect pass to send it to Game 5.

WILL W THE DAGGER TO FINISH pic.twitter.com/cuPC9anvuX

— x – Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 24, 2022

Although 143 other teams who faced a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs has never bounced back to win a series, Denver is the only team to overcome 3-1 deficits, having beaten the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers two years ago in the bubble. Jokic believes that is enough cause to have faith via ESPN.

“The odds are against us. But we’ve beaten the odds a couple of times, so why not?”

The post ‘The Odds are Against Us’: Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Game 4 Win appeared first on SLAM.

After CJ McCollum stole the headlines in the first play-in games scoring 32 points in their win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, it was Brandon Ingram who started the game on fire, scoring 16 of New Orleans’ 30 first-quarter points.

Brandon Ingram wasted no time getting it going in the #MetaQuestPlayIn, dropping 16 of the @PelicansNBA 30 points in Q1! #WBD

16 PTS (8/9 FGM) pic.twitter.com/JAHszGGw6L

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2022

After slowing down slightly in the second quarter, BI was huge in the third quarter when the Clippers took their biggest lead of the game at 75-62. Ingram then dropped in five of the Pelicans’ final 12 points to make the lead manageable going into the final frame at 84-74.

When Coach Willie Green gave his team his marching orders, Ingram responded and went outplayed great defense that helped spark an 11-0 run to even the game at 88 apiece.

“You’ve got to fight!”

Head Coach Willie Green’s message to the Pelicans heading into the 4th QTR pic.twitter.com/vSFjwXbJni

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 16, 2022

The Duke product finished with 30 points (14-21 shooting), six rebounds, and six assists. His final assist sealed the game faced with a frantic Clippers double team to Jonas Valanciunas under the basket as time was running out to send New Orleans to the playoffs.

THE PELS ARE HEADED TO THE PLAYOFFS.

BI: 30 PTS | 6 AST | 67% FGM
Larry Nance: 14 PTS | 16 REB
CJ: 19 PTS | 3 AST
Trey Murphy: 14 PTS | 67% 3PM

(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/J0m1aA7Fin

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 16, 2022

After the game, Willie Green had a lot to say about the star of the game, calling him “The Truth.”

“Brandon Ingram is The Truth…He has been waiting for this moment…He’s all you want and more in a player and a person”@PelicansNBA Head Coach Willie Green had high praise for @B_Ingram13 after their #MetaQuestPlayIn win. #WBD pic.twitter.com/5Jf26UECqn

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2022

The Pelicans face the top-seeded Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

The post Pelicans Are In the Playoffs Thanks To A Big Night From Brandon Ingram appeared first on SLAM.

With the win, the Pelicans get the right to face the Los Angeles Clippers in Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. The winner qualifies as the eighth seed in the Western Conference and will play the No. 1 seed, Phoenix Suns, in the first round.

Before the game, all of the attention was on Zion Williamson and his pregame workouts that featured this acrobatic 360 masterpiece.

Zion casually ripping down a 360 pic.twitter.com/JnhoU0bdjZ

— NBA (@NBA) April 14, 2022

But when the game started, the sellout crowd in the Smoothie King Center focused their attention on their newest franchise player CJ McCollum, who was the difference in keeping a very balanced Spurs team at bay.

“He was great,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said of McCollum’s importance, per ESPN. “He set the tone early. He understood the moment, and it sort of calmed the rest of the guys down. We just got the ball to him, and he made play after play, score after score, and then the rest of the guys that just started to feed off CJ.”

Nothing illustrated that point more than when Brandon Ingram went to the bench with three fouls in the first half. McCollum spearheaded a 14-4 run over the final 3:36 of the half with two three-pointers and two layups to put the Pelicans up 61-50.

McCollum made 10 of his first 12 shots, including 2-3 from long range, to drop 27 first-half points and finished the night with a game-high 32 points.

@CJMcCollum was RED HOT in the first half scoring 27 points on 10/12 FGM! #WBD

The @PelicansNBA will now advance in the #MetaQuestPlayIn to face the LA Clippers with the 8th seed in the West on the line!

PELICANS vs. CLIPPERS
Friday, April 15th at 10pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/cllyfGpdFH

— NBA (@NBA) April 14, 2022

New Orleans counts on the Lehigh product for his veteran leadership, which he acknowledged after the game in his press conference.

“I was just trying to be locked in and aggressive early,” McCollum said. “The playoffs is a lot of antics, a lot of momentum plays, a lot of back and forth. You’ve got to be stable and mentally locked in to withstand a certain level of (chaos). … There’s going to be a lot of winning in our future.”

McCollum had plenty of help as well. When San Antonio made their late run, Ingram shook off his early foul trouble to finish with 27 points, including two huge jumpers. He started the Pelicans’ in-game dunk contest with this monster dunk over Zach Collins.

THE CROWD WENT ABSOLUTELY WILD FOR THIS B.I. POSTER

: @ESPNNBA
: @ESPNRadioNOLA pic.twitter.com/oco71BIHWd

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 14, 2022

Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

By the end of the game, the only dunk that the crowd was going crazy over was Herb Jones’ baseline slam matching Ingram’s to put the game away.

.@_hoopinglife got UP!

: @ESPNNBA
: @ESPNRadioNOLA pic.twitter.com/WiZ7H4RozG

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 14, 2022

This victory ends New Orleans’ postseason drought that started back in 2018.

The post CJ McCollum Shines As the New Orleans Pelicans Eliminate San Antonio appeared first on SLAM.

The backcourt of Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell combined for 59 points last night as Edwards finished with 30 points and Russel with 29 points.

The Timberwolves finished the fourth quarter on a 23-11 run led by big shots from second-year star Edwards including this huge dunk.

THERE IT IS pic.twitter.com/epHTOH8dwF

— x – Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 13, 2022

Veteran guard Patrick Beverly was proud of the young star and let reporters know how he felt about him stepping up in the big moment.

“No one can guard him, and I been telling him that all year,” Beverly said. “I don’t care who plays him. I done seen the best defensive guys, and I’m one of the best defensive guys on earth. No one can guard him. Credit to him, his hard work and patience at a young age understanding what comes with the game. This is his moment, and he deserves all of it.”

The Timberwolves will meet the second-seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs starting on April 16. Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant was excited to finally see who their first-round matchup would be, and made sure to show some love on Twitter by shouting out Edwards.

This season the Grizzlies and Timberwolves split their regular-season matchup at 2-2, so this matchup of up-and-coming stars should be very entertaining.

The post Patrick Beverley On Anthony Edwards’ 30-Piece: ‘No One Can Guard Him, and I Keep Preaching That to Him’ 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.

However, with just a few weeks left in the season, Williamson is taking a step closer to a full return to the team.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Williamson is set to join the Pelicans for their entire multi-game road trip to the west coast, the first time he’s joined the team for such an occasion all season.

As Charania noted, there is still no timetable for Williamson’s return, but he calls the road trip with the team “steps in the right direction.”

The road trip Williamson is a part of will feature games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. Williamson was also cleared to progress in basketball activities by the Pelicans earlier this month.

However, it’s appearing increasingly unlikely that Williamson will play at all for the Pelicans this season. New Orleans only has seven games remaining this season, with the team’s last regular-season match scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 10, against the Golden State Warriors.

A potential playoff run could give Williamson more time to return to action, but that would require the Pelicans to win a play-in game, as they currently sit ninth in the Western Conference with a record 32-43, but just one game ahead of the 11-seed Lakers.

The first game of the Pelicans’ road trip against the Blazers (27-48) will take place on Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. EST.

The post REPORT: Zion Williamson to Join Pelicans on Four Day Road Trip appeared first on SLAM.

Paul George has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE to play tomorrow against Utah.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 28, 2022

PG13 has been out since December with a torn UCL in his right elbow. Youngmisuk and Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times also reported that George participated in 5-5 practices on Sunday and Monday.

Dish Dunk@Yg_Trece | @ivicazubac pic.twitter.com/lU1czVTkeL

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 28, 2022

George missed 43 games over the last three months, but the Clippers have fought to rank eighth in the Western Conference playoff seedings. With their spot locked in for the play-in tournament and with George returning as soon as Tuesday, the scrappy Clippers could be a threat to advance into playoffs against an equally plucky Minnesota Timberwolves team.

The Fresno State product averaged 24.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game before he was sidelined.

The post Paul George Upgraded to Questionable Ahead of Game Vs. Utah Jazz appeared first on SLAM.

Leonard still appears to be a ways away from a return, but Clippers fans got some positive news about George on Thursday.

According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, George practiced with the Clippers for the first time since December, before he was ruled out with injury.

Youngmisuk spoke with Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue about George’s progress, and he had positive things to say about his rehab thus far.

“He is doing good,” Lue said. “He hasn’t felt any pain, so that is a positive thing. Just working on his conditioning and just making sure he can continue to go through the minimal contact without having any issue. So as of right now, it hasn’t been a problem.”

Since December, George has been injured with a torn ligament in his right elbow, playing most recently in the Clippers’ Dec. 22 matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Before the injury, George had played in 26 games for the Clippers this season and averaged 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

While no specific timetable was given for George’s return, Lue told Youngmisuk that he hopes to get his injured players, including guard Norman Powell, who is out with a broken foot, back for at least one game before the playoffs.

George’s impact on the Clippers can’t be understated. Over his 12 seasons in the NBA, George has accumulated seven All-Star appearances, six All-NBA Team appearances, and four All-Defensive Team appearances.

The Clippers (36-38) have just eight games remaining this season and sit eighth in the Western Conference. The next game for Los Angeles will be a visit to Philadelphia on Friday to take on the 76ers (45-27).

The post REPORT: Paul George Practiced With Clippers for First Time Since December appeared first on SLAM.

Back in January, the Clippers had the second-largest comeback in NBA History when, after trailing by as much as 35 points, they managed to beat the Wizards by one. The win marked their third game this season that they’ve come back from being down 24 or more points.

After the game, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Lue says that Kawhi Leonard called him to ask: “So you just going to keep getting down 25, come back and win, huh?”

Youngmisuk used his story to describe the Clippers’ resilience this season, led by Lue as a head coach, and their ability to come back from massive deficits.

“I just want to prove to people that I can coach,” Lue told Youngmisuk.

And he has. With Leonard out due to an ACL tear, and Paul George having battled with an elbow injury, the Clippers are currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference with a record of 36-38.

With only a handful of games remaining this season, the Clippers have some work to do to remain in the playoffs, especially with five of their last eight games of the season coming against the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.

The post Kawhi Leonard Called Tyronn Lue After Clippers’ Historic Comeback appeared first on SLAM.

You can now add Donovan Mitchell to that list after he erupted for 37 points after drawing a technical foul in the third quarter after protesting an earlier non-call. In response, Mitchell destroyed everything in sight and went off on a historic scoring spree to blow Chicago out of the water.

In that same third quarter, Spida exploded to reset the Jazz record for points scored in the third frame with 25 points, passing Karl Malone’s 22 points as the Jazz beat the Bulls 125-110 on Wednesday night.

@spidadmitchell was unconscious in the 3rd-quarter to the tune of 25 points and 7 made three-pointers. He finished the game with a career-high 9 3PM!

: 37 PTS, 5 AST, 9 3PM pic.twitter.com/KUn7vX7EIn

— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2022

“Once I saw the three on the wide pin go down, it was on,” Mitchell said via ESPN. “From there, I just started getting to my spots and do what I do. Sometimes you just gotta go to that place inside you.”

Mitchell also set a franchise record by knocking down seven three-point shots in the third period on nine attempts. The former Louisville Cardinal ended the night with a career-high nine three-pointers, topping his previous career-high of seven.

What a night for @spidadmitchell:

Second-most points in a game this season (37)
Tied a career-high for threes in a game (9)
Set a new franchise high for threes in a quarter (7)
Set a new franchise high for points in the 3rd (25)#PerformanceLeader | @UofUHealth pic.twitter.com/Js6h6eDbmk

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 17, 2022

Then when the Bulls started double teaming to get the ball out of his hands, it opened up opportunities for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to score 14 of his 16 points in the final quarter. Mitchell spoke about him as well.

“I was really happy for Nickeil because people don’t see that every morning before shootaround; those guys are in there at 8 o’clock working out and going hard too,” Mitchell said.

On Friday night, Mitchell and the Utah Jazz (43-26) host the Los Angeles Clippers (36-36).

The post Donovan Mitchell Explodes For A Career Night in Utah’s Win Over Chicago appeared first on SLAM.

On Tuesday, another player officially signed to a 10-day contract impressed his team enough to be awarded a full-time gig in the NBA.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Boston Celtics signed Malik Fitts to a partially guaranteed contract through the 2022-23 season.

Fitts has been with the Celtics for two 10-day contracts, and despite only playing in two games, he’s impressed enough to earn his way onto the Celtics roster full-time. So far this year, Fitts has played in nine games, seven with the Utah Jazz and two with the Celtics, and has scored six points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

This is Fitts’ second year in the NBA after signing with the Los Angeles Clippers as an undrafted free agent out of Saint Mary’s, where he averaged 16.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his final season with the Gaels.

Fitts joins an ever-growing list of players who have converted 10-day contracts into full-time roster spots. Some of the names who have capitalized on these opportunities include DeMarcus Cousins, Haywood Highsmith, and Lance Stephenson.

The Celtics are in the midst of a fight at the top of the Eastern Conference, currently in fifth with a record of 41-28, but just 4.5 games back of the first-place Miami Heat (46-24).

Fitts and the Celtics will have a chance to go again on Wednesday night when they hit the road to take on the Golden State Warriors (47-22).

The post Celtics Sign Malik Fitts to Partially Guaranteed Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Those absences have opened the door for one of the G League’s top scorers to get an opportunity in the NBA.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Pelicans had signed Tyrone Wallace to a 10-day contract with the team.

Wallace has been applying his trade in the G League with the Long Island Nets, where over 16 games, he’s averaged 21.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. As Wojnarowski notes, over his last 11 games, he’s averaged 27 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

This won’t be Wallace’s first shot in the League, as he has played three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers since being drafted out of Cal in 2016. Wallace has played in 106 career games over three seasons, two with the Clippers and one with the Atlanta Hawks, and has averaged 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

Wallace hasn’t played in the NBA since 2019, though, last suiting up for the Hawks on Dec. 4, 2019. Since then, Wallace has been applying his trade exclusively in the G League for the Nets, Agua Caliente Clippers, and the College Park Skyhawks.

The Pelicans (27-39) are a team on the fringes of the playoffs at the moment, holding on to the 10th seed and the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games ahead of the 11th place Portland Trail Blazers.

Wallace will get his first chance to help his new team on Friday night when the Pelicans take on the Charlotte Hornets (32-35) at home.

The post REPORT: Pelicans Sign Tyrone Wallace to 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

The Westbrook criticism has gotten so immense that he has spoken out against his critics over the last week and talked about the ill effect it has had on him and his family.

Through all the noise, one player in Westbrook’s corner is Stephen Curry, who spoke to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes on Thursday about Westbrook, noting how “proud” he of Westbrooks’ ability to handle a tough season in the spotlight.

“I told him when we played them in L.A. a couple of days ago that I respect how he’s handled the whole year, just in terms of everything he’s been saying and how he’s been handling himself and protecting his family,” Curry told Yahoo Sports. “It is the nature of the beast. And in a certain perspective, they build you up to break you down. The real ones who have done amazing things in this league know what that means. He’s a professional, and I’m proud of the way he’s conducting himself, and I’m there for him.”

Curry and Westbrook just recently played each other, with the pair squaring off on Sunday evening in a Lakers 124-116 win over the Warriors. Curry ended the evening with 30 points, while Westbrook ended the night with 20 points on the opposing end.

The criticism of Westbrook has gotten to a point where his wife, Nina Westbrook, took to Twitter to call out Fox Sports’ Skip Bayless for being “extremely childish.”

Part of the reason for the seemingly never-ending Westbrook slander is due to the lackluster season the Lakers have had. The Lakers are fighting to stay in the playoffs right now, sitting at ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 28-37, just three games ahead of the 11-seed Portland Trail Blazers, but 5.5 games adrift of the eight-seed Los Angeles Clippers.

It’s also not been the best season for Westbrook personally, either. So far this season, Westbrook is averaging 18.3 points and 7.2 assists per game, well below his career averages of 22.9 points and 8.5 assists per game.

It hasn’t been all bad recently for Russ, though, as he joined the exclusive 23,000 point club on Wednesday night, just one of 33 players to achieve such heights in NBA history.

The Lakers will get the chance to improve upon that record on Friday night when they host the Washington Wizards (29-35) at 10:30 p.m.

The post Stephen Curry on Russell Westbrook: ‘I Respect How He’s Handled the Whole Year’ appeared first on SLAM.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (knee soreness) will return tonight against the Houston Rockets, league sources tell @YahooSports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 9, 2022

At 37-years-old and after years of action in the League, the days of the King’s health is guaranteed are over. Since coming over to LA, James has dealt with various leg injuries, notably missing 27 games in the 2018-2019 season with a groin injury. Even with Father Time encroaching, James has managed to dominate still, putting up 29.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.

Just last week, James scored 56, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished three assists in a 124-116 dub over the Warriors that ended their four-game slide. The Lakers (28-36) have 18 games remaining to take the eighth seed from the Clippers (34-33).

The post REPORT: LeBron James Cleared to Return Against Rockets appeared first on SLAM.

“It’s been challenging for us this year defensively… we’ve had a lot of breakdowns, we’ve lost a lot of games because our defense has broken down, but it’s also been our offense at times.”

The Lakers rank 26th in points allowed per game (112.7), 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.3), and 27th in points allowed off turnovers (17.0).

A lot of that has to do with the absence of Anthony Davis, who’s out for a month due to a mid-foot sprain.

A clear picture is painted using FiveThirtyEight’s defensive Raptor metric that tightly measures player ratings. Of players who’ve played 505 or more minutes thus far (equal to at least eight minutes per game), Davis is one of only two players on the Lakers roster who has a score above a +1.0 defensive rating: +2.4. Austin Reaves (+2.1) is the other, while James is the only other player in the positive, at +0.4.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel remains adamant that his team will continue to try and fight through the struggles.

“No stone unturned in terms of trying to find solutions to get this right,” Vogel said per ESPN. “But it hasn’t taken shape. There’s no quit in us. We will continue to persist. We’re trying to adjust and shift and find ways to win with Anthony out. We haven’t found that yet. But it’s not something that we can’t do. We just haven’t found it yet.”

Saturday night, the Lakers (27-35) host the struggling Golden State Warriors (43-20).

The post LeBron James on the Lakers’ Defensive Woes: ‘It’s Been Challenging’ appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo is set to return to the court for the first time this season.

Oladipo has been out for 11 months, playing most recently in April of 2021 when he suffered a right quad injury against the Los Angeles Clippers.

It was a weird 2020-21 season for Oladipo, as he ended the year being traded twice, playing for three different teams and only getting four games with the Heat before his quad injury. Despite the wackiness of his season, Oladipo still had a solid statistical year, averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Over his career, Oladipo has averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in nine seasons in the NBA.

The Heat have created a bit of distance for themselves atop the Eastern Conference standings, currently holding a 2.5 game lead over the second-place Philadelphia 76ers (38-23)with a record of 42-22.

For Oladipo’s first game back, he’ll be suiting up against his former Rockets at home at 6:30 p.m.

The post REPORT: Victor Oladipo to Make Season Debut for the Heat on Monday appeared first on SLAM.

It takes a lifetime to perfect an unguardable shot. Here are some of @KingJames‘ best fadeaway jumpers as a Laker. pic.twitter.com/opI2CgmGJX

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 23, 2022

After the Lakers lost three games in a row, LeBron James was defiant about what he and the Lakers are capable of with only 21 games remaining and the 17-time champions in a fight to make the play-in tournament and ultimately make a run to the NBA Finals.

“We still have games to play,” James said per ESPN. “Until you stomp me out, cut my head off, bury me 12 feet under, then I got a chance. So that’s my confidence.”

At 27-34, James can’t afford to miss any more time to rest. The King has missed 17 games due to various injuries and recently sat out five games due to swelling in his left knee. According to ESPN, James has no plans to shut his season down and is committed to finishing the season no matter how it goes.

“The only way it’ll be back to full strength is with rest,” he said before the All-Star break. “And I don’t have the luxury of having rest. So it’ll wait ’til the offseason.”

As of Wednesday, the Lakers are the ninth seed in the Western Conference and are just two games ahead of the Pelicans and Trail Blazers. New Orleans is in a virtual tie for the last spot in the play-in tournament with the Trail Blazers.

LEBRON IS NOT HUMAN pic.twitter.com/DUMfzeALuh

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 2, 2022

“Obviously, at the end of the day, we got to come in here and win ballgames, and we got to play better. But as long as we’ve got more games to play, we should have a chance,” James said. “So, that’s my confidence. I hate losing. I feel like poop right now. But tomorrow is a new day, and I’m going to be prepared and ready for the Clippers on Thursday. That’s just — that’s my mindset. That’s just who I am.”

The post LeBron James Has ‘Confidence’ in Lakers: ‘We Still Have Games to Play’ appeared first on SLAM.

According to The Athletics Shams Charania, the Celtics have signed both Kelan Martin and Malik Fitts to 10-day contracts.

Charania notes that both Martin and Fitts have spent time with other organizations earlier this season. Fitts played seven games for the Utah Jazz, and Martin played 27 for the Indiana Pacers before both found their way to free agency.

Martin is the more experienced of the two new additions, with Martin currently in his third NBA season since going undrafted out of Butler University in 2018. Martin spent a season following the draft playing for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Bundesliga in Germany before coming back stateside in 2019.

Since returning to the United States, Martin has played in 93 career games with the Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 13.6 minutes per game over three seasons.

Fitts has had comparatively minimal experience since joining the NBA out of St. Mary’s College in 2020. Fitts has played a total of 10 games in the League over the past two years with the Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers, putting up a total of nine points and 13 rebounds over 46 minutes.

In seven games with the Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League, Fitts has been productive this season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

The duo will join a Celtics team fighting to move into the top half of the Eastern Conference, currently sitting sixth overall in the conference with a record of 34-26, but just 4.5 games back of the first-place Miami Heat and 2.0 games back of the third-place Philadelphia 76ers.

The post REPORT: Celtics Sign Kelan Martin and Malik Fitts to 10-Day Contracts appeared first on SLAM.

The newest Clippers acquisition, Norman Powell, suffered a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his left foot, according to the team announcement on Sunday. Even though Powell’s injury won’t require surgery, there is no timetable for his return at this time.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported the news.

The injury is a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his left foot, which the team says is non-surgical at the moment. The Clippers acquired Powell a week ago from the Portland Trail Blazers. https://t.co/suqIYAIRvM

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 13, 2022

The injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the Clippers or Powell. After coming over from the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that netted Robert Covington, Norman was on a hot streak averaging 21.0 points and 4.0 assists per game in three contests that included a 28-point explosion in his debut a week ago.

28 PTS | 56.3% FG | 50.0% 3FG @npowell2404 with the strong debut. pic.twitter.com/lgrIGtkMkH

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 7, 2022

Powell suffered his left foot injury on Thursday during the Clippers’ 112-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He sat out Saturday’s rematch that the Clippers won 99-97 with what the team initially called turf toe.

Before being ruled out of the game, Powell stated that his foot was ‘feeling better’ per ESPN.

“It’s doing a lot better,” Powell said at the team’s morning shootaround. “Better than it was after the game. Better than it was yesterday. Feeling better, walking better. Felt a little pain in it. All from the last game. Just going to see how it feels and go from there.”

With Kawhi Leonard presumably gone for the season and Paul George’s status still in the air, Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue will have to find offense from somewhere on the roster to fill in Powell’s production.

The Clippers have 24 games left in the season with a record of 26-31, currently a game and a half ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

The post Los Angeles Clippers Lose Norman Powell ‘Indefinitely’ To A Broken Foot appeared first on SLAM.

The Denver Nuggets are one team still involved in trade talks, and according to reports from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, guard Facundo Campazzo, and forward JaMychal Green is considered “available.”

“JaMychal Green and Facundo Campazzo are considered available for trade-in Denver,” Fischer said.

Graan and Campazzo are a pair of bench contributors for Denver, with only 11 starts combined between the two players.

Campazzo is in his second season in the NBA after spending several years in Europe with Real Madrid, playing for the Spanish club from 2014 to 2020. In his second season since joining Denver, Campazzo has averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 assists in 20.1 minutes per game.

Green is in his eighth season in the NBA but his second with the Nuggets, and he is averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. In his eight years in the League, Green has played for four teams, the Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers.

This season, the Nuggets have already gotten involved in the trade market, taking part in a three-team trade with the Spurs and Boston Celtics. The trade sent center Bol Bol and the injured P.J. Dozier to the Celtics, and the Spurs received forward Juancho Hernangomez and a Nuggets’ 2028 second-round pick. The Nuggets received guard Bryn Forbes.

The NBA trade deadline is in just a couple of days, with no trades permitted after Thursday, Feb. 10 at 3:00 p.m. EST.

The post REPORT: Nuggets Consider Facundo Campazzo and JaMychal Green Available appeared first on SLAM.

“We know Kawhi’s probably not gonna come back,”

“I don’t know,” Lue said. “I’m not a doctor. But hope is stronger than fear. So I’m hoping that these two guys can come back. But you never know.”

Leonard has been held out all season to rehab a torn ACL suffered in Game 4 of the Clippers’ second-round series on June 14. Serge Ibaka shared what he observed with Leonard’s process to return to the floor.

“I saw him a couple times. He [is] doing good, he [is] working so hard,” Ibaka said. “Every day, he’s in the gym. I know Kawhi. He loves this game, and he’s going to try to do [the] best he can to be back strong.

“He [is] working so hard. Actually, it is impressive to see the way he has been working. He’s getting stronger. I know he wants to come back, but it’s just a question of time.”

Ty Lue’s quote might bring closure to the ongoing questions of Leonard’s return. First, it was hopeful that he would be back by the playoff due to reports of how well rehab was going. A report that Yahoo! Sports’ Chris B. Haynes touched on during a Clippers game on TNT a few weeks ago.

Sources: My @NBAonTNT report on Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard now ahead of schedule in rehab from a torn ACL with a strong possibility of a return this season. pic.twitter.com/geyUX5Rgkv

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2022

After opting out of his contract, Leonard signed a four-year max extension with the Clippers this offseason. He averaged 24.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season.

The post Clippers HC Ty Lue Announces Kawhi Leonard Is Likely to Miss Season appeared first on SLAM.

The Clippers are trading Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and future second-round pick to the Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022

Powell and Covington’s pure shooting prowess and defensive capabilities will aid Ty Lue’s undermanned Clippers roster with Paul George sidelined with a torn UCL and Kawhi Leonard’s rehab from a torn ACL. The 6’3 guard from UCLA is averaging a career second-best 18.7 points per game while shooting a scintillating 40.6 percent from beyond the arc.

At the same time, Covington’s three-and-D ability off the bench provides the eighth-seeded Clippers with another solid rotational player.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that the emergence of Anfernee Simons’ game in the absence of Damian Lillard had given the Blazers the confidence to move on from Powell’s long-term five-year $90 million deal, providing George and Leonard with a proven two-way bucket getter.

For Portland, the terms of the deal allow them to slip under the luxury tax bill and create a $6.5 million trade exception that is good for a whole year, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. In comparison, Los Angeles’ tax bill increases by approximately $19 million.

Both players dealt by Portland were brought in over the past two seasons, trading Trevor Ariza and two first-rounders to the Rockets for the 6-foot-9 Covington at the start of the 2020-21 season. The Blazers acquired Powell from the Toronto Raptors during last season’s trade deadline for Gary Trent Jr.

Alongside Dame and CJ McCollum, Powell has started out of position at the three despite being one of the Blazers’ most consistent offensive threats.

The post REPORT: Clippers Send Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow to Blazers for Norman Powell, Robert Covington appeared first on SLAM.

The injuries started with Kendrick Nunn being held out with a knee bruise the entire season thus far. LeBron James has two stints of missing multiple games with abdominal and knee injuries, while Anthony Davis missed 17 games with a knee injury.

In Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers lost Carmelo Anthony to a hamstring strain.

Carmelo Anthony (right hamstring strain) is out for the remainder of tonight’s game pic.twitter.com/Pw8fzP82X1

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2022

Following a 24-point performance in a Lakers win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Melo was still locked in with seven quick points in 11 minutes. However, he came up limping in the second quarter, leaving immediately for the locker room and did not return.

According to ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the injury is not as severe as feared, and he is listed day-to-day to get back in action.

There’s optimism that Carmelo Anthony’s right hamstring strain isn’t serious and he’s expected to be day-to-day on a return to the Lakers lineup, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022

Carmelo Anthony has appeared in 50 of the Lakers’ 53 games this season, leaving Russell Westbrook as the only player that has not missed a game this season.

Anthony is averaging 13.4 points and 4.2 rebounds this season.

The post REPORT: Carmelo Anthony Listed Day to Day After Hamstring Strain appeared first on SLAM.

Rumors have swirled about a potential move to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons in some capacity, but reports indicate Lillard could want to stay closer to home.

According to Chad Ford on his Locked on Podcast show, Lillard is interested in remaining on the west coast, even if he leaves the Portland Trail Blazers.

“I don’t actually think that at least nothing that I’ve heard of, has Damian Lillard insisting that it has to be Philadelphia (76ers) that he goes to,” Ford said. “In fact, everything that I’ve heard is that he would prefer a move to the west coast or to stay on the west coast.”

That bodes well for teams such as the Los Angles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, who are both trying to make a push for an NBA Championship with the stars currently on their rosters. Both teams may have difficulty trading for him this season due to salary cap concerns but could potentially get involved this offseason.

The Blazers are likely in no rush to move Lillard before this season’s trade deadline. Lillard is in the first year of his four-year $176 million contract extension that sees him tied up with the Trail Blazers until at least 2024. This gives Portland the flexibility to wait for the right trade offer to come in for the superstar point guard.

Another wrinkle in a trade before the deadline is that Lillard is currently not playing for the Blazers following abdominal surgery and will be out indefinitely.

At 31-years-old, the clock is ticking for Lillard on his chances of winning an NBA Championship, and with the Trail Blazers 10 games below .500 this season with a record of 21-31, it may be time for it a move. Even if Lillard opts to move, he will always be a Portland legend, playing 10 years with the Trail Blazers and averaging 24.6 points and 6.6 assists per game over 711 career games.

The NBA trade deadline is in less than a week, coming to a close on Feb. 10.

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard ‘Would Prefer’ to Stay on West Coast appeared first on SLAM.

Despite not having the services of superstar Kawhi Leonard this season and losing Paul George in December to an elbow injury, they now stand at seventh place in the West with a 26-26 record. The team hasn’t closed the door on either player being shut down for the season and is looking for point guard help just in case.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Clippers are in the market for a point guard in a trade with possibly six players being targets.

“If the Clippers dip below .500, it should come as no big surprise. But this isn’t a lost season without Leonard and George. Not at all. In fact, the Clippers found their identity on defense by examining their roster and trying to find out who will fit with their stars in the years to come.”

Despite all the good vibes on the court this season, no team is ever fully complete. Change is inevitable. And the next step for the Clippers is to find a new point guard.

While Reggie Jackson currently covers the position, the Clippers see him as more of a scorer. What they want by his side is a playmaker. Someone like Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry for Leonard in Toronto, or even George Hill was for a young PG-13 in Indiana. L.A. wants a point guard on that level, someone who can manage the game or provide a spark depending on the situation.

So, what kind of point guard can the Clippers reasonably obtain? Over the past few weeks, numerous reports have cited names like Jalen Brunson, Dennis Schröder, Kemba Walker, Goran Dragic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and John Wall as targets.”

The team plan’s on moving potential expiring contracts such as Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac (team option for 2022-23 season), or Nicolas Batum (player option for 2022-23)

The Los Angeles Clippers made team history by making Western Conference Finals last season before falling to the eventual conference champion, Phoenix Suns.

The post REPORT: The Clippers Make Multiple Players Available For Point Guard Help appeared first on SLAM.

Before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Cam shared his thoughts on the trade and his excitement to start the next phase of his NBA career via the New York Post.

“To be honest, I didn’t know what was going to happen with the whole trade situation,” Reddish said. “I literally woke up to it all and ended up in New York. So, I’m just excited, man, to just get started. I can’t really control everything, minutes, and stuff like that. But I can control my attitude and my effort. I’m going to do my best to give all that up.”

Even though Reddish only played five minutes and scored two points off a layup and grabbed two rebounds, Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau is focusing on how his new small forward can fit in the Knicks roster.

Cam Reddish gets his first bucket as a Knick pic.twitter.com/eGZ4Q4DQpH

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2022

“It’s a good question. See, I do love Cam’s size,” Thibodeau said. “Right now, we’re focused more on the wing position at the two and the three. But eventually, I do want to get a look at that to see where that goes. But I don’t think you could have enough wings, and that’s why we did the deal.”

The former 10th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft averaged 11.9 points, 2.5 boards, and 1.1 assists in 23.4 minutes per game as a Hawk this season.

The post Cam Reddish Opens Up On His Trade Before His New York Knicks Debut appeared first on SLAM.

The Nuggets brought him in for a physical and a testing process with plans to sign Cousins after the Bucks waived him nearly two weeks ago.

DeMarcus Cousins will sign a 10-day contract with the Nuggets today, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/B2r6Ef222s

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 21, 2022

The Sacramento Kings’ 5th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft was signed as the Nuggets start a long stretch of road games. Denver will be on the road for six games during his tenure with the Nuggets beginning with a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, followed by a game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Before being released by Milwaukee, Cousins averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds over 17 games, including a season-high 22 points against the Dallas Mavericks.

After being considered one of the NBA’s best centers in his first six seasons in Sacramento, Boogie’s career has been ravaged by injury, forcing him to become a journeyman since being traded to the Pelicans during the 2015-16 season. After playing less than two seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans, he only played 30 games for the Golden State Warriors in 2018-19. 

Then when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, he tore his ACL in an offseason workout in Las Vegas. Since then, Cousins has had short stints with the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Bucks. 

The post REPORT: Denver Nuggets Sign DeMarcus Cousins to 10 Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that George would be out longer than initially thought as he continues to recover from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Wojnarowski reports that the Los Angeles Clippers will continue to evaluate George over the coming weeks, with no firm timetable available for his return.

George has been out since Dec. 22, nearly an entire month now, but suffered the injury a few weeks prior in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 6, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. The Clippers have missed his presence, going 5-8 since George’s injury, giving them a record of 22-23, ninth-best in the west.

Before the injury, George had played in 26 games this season and was averaging 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

The Clippers are now without both of their All-Stars, with Kawhi Leonard still recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the playoffs last year.

The post REPORT: Paul George to be Out Longer than Expected Due to Elbow Injury appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN, he is expected to be sidelined beyond the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline.

Pacers center Myles Turner is expected to be sidelined beyond the February 10 NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Team says he will be re-examined in two weeks, but teams interested in trading for Turner will have to do due diligence on injury as they weigh offers.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 18, 2022

Turner was held out of the Pacers Monday 139-133 loss to the Clippers after Coach Rick Carlisle said that Turner was dealing with a sore left foot on Sunday. The two-time block leader is still traveling with the team as it embarks on a five-game Western Conference road trip.

Since December, Turner has been involved in trade rumors, is on public record saying he wants a more prominent role than what he’s been provided with, believing that the Pacers see him as a role player.

“It’s clear that I’m not valued as anything more than a glorified role player here, and I want something more, more opportunity,” Turner told The Athletic in December. “I’m trying really hard to make the role that I’m given here work and find a way to maximize it. I’ve been trying to the past two, three seasons. But it’s clear to me that, just numbers-wise, I’m not valued as more than a rotational role player, and I hold myself in a higher regard than that.”

As of Tuesday, Turner is averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game this season. He’s shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the three-point line.

On Wednesday, Indiana (15-29) will face the Los Angeles Lakers (22-22).

The post Pacers Announce Myles Turner Out For Two-Weeks After Suffering Foot Injury appeared first on SLAM.

When the Los Angeles Clippers initially announced the injury, the team hoped resting George for three to four weeks would help the 31-year-old guard recover.

“While the team’s initial announcement on Christmas Day stated George would be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks, the Clippers are operating under the possibility that George may not return this season, sources told B/R.”

With the possibility that both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard may not return this season, the Clippers are shaping into a surprising seller at the NBA’s trade deadline. More at @BR_NBA: https://t.co/IGZhFoYSA7

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) January 12, 2022

In 26 games this season, PG-13 was playing at a level that had some believing that he was in the MVP conversation averaging 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He had thrived as the Clippers’ number one option while Kawhi Leonard continued his rehab on his surgically repaired knee.

The Clippers had high hopes to start the season during their seven-game winning streak that had them at the top spot early in the Western Conference playoff picture. Since George’s injury, the Clippers have fallen into the play-in tournament section of the standings at 21-21 behind the Los Angeles Lakers. 

With the Clippers without their best two-way player, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Terrence Mann will be counted on for the team to stay relevant in the Western Conference playoff race. The Clippers’ future plans depend on how well things go. If Los Angeles can move up in the standings, they can entertain options of bringing back Leonard and George in time for the postseason.

However, if the struggles continue, both stars could be shelved in plans for next season. The Clippers have Tuesday off before playing the Pelicans (15-26) on the road.

The post REPORT: Paul George May Miss the Rest Of the Season With Elbow Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The Denver Nuggets are planning to sign free agent center DeMarcus Cousins to a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2022

Cousins had a very productive, albeit short, run with the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 17 games Boogie played with the club, he averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game. His release from the team was considered a business decision to open up a roster spot before the trade deadline. According to insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Bucks GM Jon Horst had some glowing comments about Cousins and his contributions while on the roster.

On waiving DeMarcus Cousins to open roster spot for trade deadline, Bucks GM Jon Horst tells ESPN: “We wouldn’t have been able to get through this difficult stretch of the season as successfully as we did without DeMarcus…He was so good for us and hopefully we helped him too.”

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2022

Injuries have derailed the big man’s career since being traded from the Sacramento Kings. After tearing his Achilles in New Orleans, he missed the entire 2019-20 season and a chance to play with the title-winning Los Angeles Lakers after tearing his ACL in the offseason. Since then, Cousins has played sparingly with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Bucks, as mentioned above.

If he passes a physical and finishes the testing process, he will be reuniting with his old coach from Sacramento, Mike Malone, on Tuesday when Denver takes on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post REPORT: Nuggets In Works To Sign DeMarcus Cousins To 10-Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: My @NBAonTNT report on Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard now ahead of schedule in rehab from a torn ACL with a strong possibility of a return this season. pic.twitter.com/geyUX5Rgkv

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2022

The news couldn’t come at a better time for Los Angeles, who is already missing Paul George for a few weeks with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his shooting elbow diagnosed in December. The Clippers are currently the eighth seed in the Westen Conference with a 19-20 record.

Leonard injured his ACL during the Western Conference semifinals series against the Utah Jazz. The Clippers called the injury a knee sprain during the team’s final eight playoff games before announcing the injury was more severe than initially thought and needed surgery. 

Clippers executive Jerry West was on the TK Podcast with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, beaming about the two-time Finals MVP.

“I have to say, I’ve never seen a harder working person in my life. If you look at him now, he looks great. Doing things that I didn’t expect he could do. But I’m not a doctor, and certainly don’t know what the ongoing problems for not being in tip-top shape, ready to play a much quicker and agile game are, but just watching him, my goodness, if you watch him walk around, you would never know that he had that operation.”

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals last season.

The post REPORT: Kawhi Leonard is Ahead of Schedule With Rehab on Knee appeared first on SLAM.

Following the game, Edwards was asked how he felt about the decision from Finch, to which Edwards responded that while he was upset, his head coach was right, according to Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune.

“I get mad for sure. I be wanting to say something to him. But it’s pointless. He right. Can’t do nothing but be better when I get back in,” Edwards said to Hine. “That’s why I said he right. I get mad, but he right. At the end of the day, I can’t do nothing but take the constructive criticism and come back and show him that I can do it.”

The decision to bench Edwards paid off for Finch, as the Timberwolves went on to win the game 122-104 and Edwards himself ended up as the game’s leading scorer, dropping 28 points and four assists. And this was without the help of Timberwolves All-Stars Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell, both of whom were inactive for the game.

Edwards is posting an excellent sophomore season for Minnesota, averaging 22.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Thanks in part to Edwards, the Timberwolves are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, sitting ninth in the West with a record of 17-20, just three games back of the fifth seed Denver Nuggets. Edwards has a chance to make up for his defensive effort on Wednesday when Minnesota resumes play against the OKC Thunder.

The post Anthony Edwards on Benching: Just Needs to ‘Be Better When I Get Back In’ appeared first on SLAM.

Afterward, Nets Coach Steve Nash criticized the team for not bringing enough energy and overlooking a depleted Clippers squad. On the other hand, Durant was much more colorful and abrasive with his language to get his point across.

“Like Coach said, we didn’t deserve to win this game. We came in here with a f–ked up attitude to start, thinking we were just gonna walk into a W,” Durant said. “Hopefully, a loss like this sit in your brain until tomorrow. … If you ain’t feeling like s–t after this game, you gotta look yourself in the mirror.”

“It’s natural when a team is missing so many players, they’ve been going through so much over there, and we relaxed,” Durant said. “You wouldn’t think you could lose an NBA game like this. Missing how many guys, playing guys up from the G-League. … They all made an impact, I felt, and we came in too chill.”

The Clippers were playing without Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, and six other players who were out with either injury or placed in health and safety protocols. Even Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was in protocols. With the loss, Brooklyn is now on a two-game losing streak.

Durant finished with 28 points on 11-24 shooting, nine rebounds, and three assists. James Harden had a triple-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.

On Monday night, the Nets (23-11) look to bounce back at home against Memphis (23-14).

The post Kevin Durant After Nets’ Loss to Clippers: ‘We Came in too Chill’ appeared first on SLAM.

Where To Buy NBA Christmas Day Tickets

Primary market tickets are available via Ticketmaster for the Knicks, Bucks, Suns, and Jazz. Lakers primary market tickets are available via AXS. Currently, none of the five Christmas Day games are sold out. 

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

How Much Are NBA Christmas Day Game Tickets

Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks Tickets

Secondary market prices for the game start at $151 in the 400’s level. 300’s level ticket prices start at $193 on the baselines, and $177 on the sidelines. 200’s level ticket prices start at $149 on the baselines, and $147 on the sidelines. 

Lower level seats in the 100’s start at $227 on the baselines, and $243 on the sidelines. Floor seats start at $386 on the baselines, and $1,323 on the sidelines. Ticket prices go as high as $13,386 for seats in the first row of section 10. 

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks Tickets

200 level ticket prices for the game start at $59 in the 200’s on the baselines and sidelines. 100 level seats start at $84 on the baselines, and $141 on the sidelines. Floor seats start at $208 on the baselines, and $1,351 on the sidelines. Ticket prices go as high as $3,173 for seats in the first row of section 4. 

Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns Tickets

Prices for the game start at $220 for seats in the 200’s level on the baseline. 200 level sideline seats start at $299. 100 level seats start at $540 on the baselines, and $558 on the sidelines. Floor seats start around $2,000+ and ticket prices go as high as $11,710 for seats in row B of section 115. 

Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers Tickets

Ticket prices on the 300 level baselines sections start at $216. 300 level sideline seats start at $229. 200 level seats on the baseline start at $325. Club sections seats start at $414. 100 level seats start at $457 on the baselines, and $691 on the sidelines. Prices for lower row floor seats start at around $2,000+ and go as high as $5,590 for seats in Section 119 row A. 

Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Tickets 

Ticket prices start at $49 in the 100’s level on the baselines and $54 on the sidelines. Lower level seats start at $177 on the baselines, and $161 on the sidelines. Lower row floor seats start at $1,887 and go as high as $3,322. 

Christmas Day Game Ticket Prices 2011-2021

Historically, only one of this year’s games–Suns vs Warriors–is in TicketIQ’s top five most expensive since they began tracking data. With a $220 get-in price the game ranks 4th on their list. 2019’s Lakers vs Clippers tops the list at $339. The rest of the top five is dominated by the Warriors, who take up the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th spots on the list.

One of this year’s games also make the list of least expensive Christmas Day games. With a get-in price of just $20, the Jazz-Mavericks games ranks third on the list. The rest of the bottom five are below.

The post Suns vs Warriors is Hottest 2021 NBA Christmas Day Ticket appeared first on SLAM.

Clippers beat writer Law Murray of The Athletic reports that Ibaka has had a close contact test positive, which prompted the Clippers to test him, which came back negative. which the result came back negative
Ibaka would have been able to sit with his teammates during the game. However, Ibaka remains away from the Clippers while his teammates are in Utah due to COVID-19 protocols.

A source tells @TheAthletic that Serge Ibaka was a close contact yesterday and had to test right at gametime.

That is why he did not enter the bench area last night until later in the first quarter. Ibaka tested negative but is out for start of trip due to protocols.

— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) December 15, 2021

Since returning to the Clippers, after spending time in G League working on his conditioning, Ibaka’s minutes have decreased, seeing him fall out of the rotation behind Isaiah Hartenstein and Ivan Zubac.

Ibaka has subsequently received multiple DNPs. Clippers Coach Tyrone Lue was shuffling lineups. He’s shared his frustration by liking a tweet about being traded.

The Clippers are currently dealing with injuries to a string of their star players, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Nicolas Batum.

The post Serge Ibaka Enters Health and Safety Protocol appeared first on SLAM.

Anthony Davis said after the game that the Los Angeles Lakers need to play like they’re the “underdogs.”

“These guys already feel like they’re the underdogs when they’re coming in, especially when they’re without their star players,” Davis said via ESPN. “And we got to play like we’re the underdogs. Which, now, at this point of the season, the way we’re playing, a lot of games, we probably are.”

The narrative surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers for much of the season is problems with injuries hurting the consistency of the lineup. However, Davis goes on to point out that with teams currently missing their “star players,” the Lakers have to step it up.

The team lost to a Los Angeles Clippers team without Kawhi Leonard, a Sacramento Kings team without two starters and have blown two leads against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I think when their star players are out, we have to lock in even more because these guys have no conscience,” Davis continued. “They want to come in and beat the Lakers, beat LeBron, beat A.D., beat whoever, beat Melo. Like, they want to say, ‘I gave the Lakers 30, 25, whatever.'”

The Lakers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.

The post Anthony Davis: Lakers Need to Play Like ‘Underdogs’ appeared first on SLAM.

Something is REAL going on

— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 1, 2021

Even though the Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings the previous game, the Lakers lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a game where James struggled with his shooting to 9-23 from the field. After the contest, James discussed how the number of games he’s missed affects his rhythm via Yahoo! Sports.

“I feel like, obviously, before going to Sacramento I was getting into a really, really good rhythm,” James said per Yahoo! Sports . “Offensively, defensively, as a team, we were playing well. Those guys did a h-ll of a job winning that game. But for me, it’s been very frustrating, either dealing with the groin or the abdomen and then having to deal with the false positive that knocked me out a game and not being able to keep my rhythm.

“You go four straight days without touching a basketball or being able to get on the floor and then work, and I know how much I put into my craft on a day-to-day basis, I knew I wouldn’t have exactly what I needed for this game. But I was just happy to be out there.”

James and the Lakers look to regain their rhythm when they take on the Boston Celtics (13-11) on Tuesday night.

The post LeBron James Gives Reasons On Struggles to Get in Playing Rhythm appeared first on SLAM.

The Portland Trail Blazers have fired president/GM Neil Olshey.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2021

In early November, Yahoo Sports Chris Haynes reported that the investigation into Olshey had been extended to interviewing individuals outside of the personnel at the practice facility, including former and current employees. According to previous reports, Olshey had allegedly created a hostile work environment that included complaints of intimidation and bullying.

Olshey had been a member of the organization since he took over as general manager in 2012 after spending nine years in the Los Angeles Clippers front office. In 2015, he was promoted to president of basketball operations.

Olshey’s firing comes weeks after President Chris McGowan resigned from the organization amidst the investigation into the work environment. Dewayne Haskins received a promotion from Executive vice president and chief commercial officer to president. Joe Cronin was promoted to interim general manager from his director of player personnel position.

The post Portland Trail Blazers Fire Neil Olshey Following Workplace Harassment Investigation appeared first on SLAM.

Lakers star LeBron James will be sidelined for at least 10 days, or unless he returns two negative test results in 24 hours moving forward, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. https://t.co/Mok1iyfogL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2021

Potentially being sidelined for 10 days would lead to James missing a minimum of four games, although he could return earlier than the 9th with two negative tests in the next 24 hours moving forward.

The Lakers only play twice in the first eight days of December, with a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday and a matchup with the Boston Celtics in December. 7. After that stretch, L.A. then has three games in four days lined up between December 9 and December 12.

James is averaging 25.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in his 19th NBA season.

The post LeBron James Sidelined After Entering Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

With Milwaukee lacking size because of Brook Lopez’s continued absence due to lower back issues, the team took a flier on Cousins, 31, with a non-guaranteed that would become guaranteed if he can last until January 7.

The Milwaukee Bucks are signing four-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to a non-guaranteed deal, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2021

The Clippers hope signing Cousins will help stabilize the bench while providing more experience in the locker room. On the floor, his 3 point ability and post moves can provide more frontcourt help for Giannis Antetokounmpo. In limited minutes with the Clippers, Cousins averaged 7.8 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting from the field, including 42.1 percent from behind the arc.

DeMarcus Cousins has career averages of 20.4 points and 10.6 rebounds over ten years. He was once considered one of the top centers in the NBA before he tore his Achilles tendon and ACL that seem to have robbed him of his physical gifts. Before his injuries, Cousins was a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA second-team selection.

After spending the bulk of his career with the Sacramento Kings before his trade to New Orleans in 2017, Boogie has bounced around the NBA, signing free-agent deals with the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston, the Clippers, and now the Bucks.

The post REPORT: Milwaukee Bucks and DeMarcus Cousins Agree to Non-Guaranteed Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Another step in Klay Thompson’s return process: The Golden State Warriors assigned Thompson to G League Santa Cruz for increased practice reps, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2021

The goal is for Klay to get some practice time in combination with his continued rehabilitation of ACL and Achilles injuries that have kept him out two full seasons. In the meantime, the Golden State Warriors will be on a two-game road trip. Steve Kerr discussed the process briefly before the Warriors’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers via ESPN.

“Klay will be scrimmaging, and James will continue his work,” Kerr said before Sunday’s game. “I don’t think [Wiseman] is scrimmaging yet, but Klay will be doing 5-on-5.”

Thompson was cleared for contact more than a week ago and has participated in practices for the first time in over two years. Despite different reports of Klay’s eventual return,  with a planned timeline centered around Christmas, Thompson couldn’t conceal his excitement to play with his teammates via CBSSports.com. 

“It’s the first time I played with them on Monday, and that was just a milestone to play with my teammates,” “I don’t fear getting hurt again because the last two times I did get hurt were just a freak accident, you could say. I hate to use the phrase ‘I can’t wait’ because I love to be present in my life, but I cannot wait to play in front of our fans again. I really, really enjoy being a Warrior.”

On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors will continue their season playing the Phoenix Suns (17-3).

The post Golden State Warriors Send Klay Thompson to G-League For ‘Increased Practice Reps’ appeared first on SLAM.

Sources: Clippers‘ Nicolas Batum is expected to miss at least 10 days due to health and safety protocols. Batum entered protocols and missed a win over Dallas today, which moved the Clippers to 10-7 on the season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2021

With that, head coach Tye Lue said that he was unsure of how long Batum would remain out.

“I’m not sure the days, but I expect him to be out for [a while],” Lue said via ESPN. “I’m not sure the timetable, though.”

“Everyone is getting tested and a lot of guys got tested before the game,” he added. “So just gotta see what the results are, but it’s gonna happen. Last year, we did a good job of staying away from that, but it’s been something that’s gonna hit everyone at some point in time. Just gotta be smart about it and make sure everyone’s safe.”

Batum has averaged 9.8 points and 5.5 boards per game for the Clippers in his second season with the team. Sunday’s 97-91 win over the Mavericks snapped a two-game losing streak, as the team now holds a 10-7 record.

With Batum out for the foreseeable future, the Clippers will look to the play of Serge Ibaka and Justise Winslow off the bench to fill his minutes as LA gets set for a rematch with Dallas on Tuesday night.

The post Nicolas Batum Enters Health and Safety Protocols, Will Miss 10 Days appeared first on SLAM.

AEG owns not only owns venues like the Staples Center, LA Live, and the O2 Arena in London, they also boast majority ownership of sports teams like the LA Kings and the LA Galaxy.

“In the next few years, people will look back at this moment as the moment when crypto crossed the chasm into the mainstream,” Kris Marszalek, the chief executive of Crypto.com told the L.A Times.

“This is just such a brilliant move from the guys at AEG because the next decade belongs to crypto,” he said. “And this positions L.A. and this particular venue right at the center of it.”

The Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange and platform will reportedly pay up to $700 million over 20 years for the rights to rename the famous building. ESPN reported that the parties involved won’t be disclosing the financial terms of what’s reportedly the richest naming rights deal in sports history.

Founded in 2016, Crypto.com has signed sponsorship deals across the global sports landscape with Formula One, the UFC, Italy’s Serie A, Paris St-Germain, and the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, while also purchasing the Philadelphia 76ers‘ uniform sponsorship patch.

The Downtown Los Angeles arena, which holds up to 20,000 seats, has held the name of the Staples Center since its opening in 1999. During that two-decade tenure, the Lakers won six League titles. The venue has hosted many other significant events, including NBA All-Star games and NBA and WNBA Finals.

“Yeah, it’s tough, you know what I mean? Lakers fans and really sports fans in general obviously know that building as the Staples Center,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said per ESPN. “I understand the disappointment the fans will have. But that’s just the way of the world. This is the business we’re in. Almost universally around the country, there’s a business element to naming rights for the arenas. It’s really out of our control.”

Aside from sports, the arena also hosted 19 Grammy Award shows and culturally significant events like the memorials for Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle.

The new logo will be revealed during the Laker’s Christmas day match against the Brooklyn Nets.

The post Staples Center Undergoing Name Change to Crypto.com Arena appeared first on SLAM.

Feeling the urge to show up and show out in his hometown, DeRozan went on to score 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while shooting 10 for 11 from the free-throw line. Zach LaVine added to the fire also, adding 29 points and 8 rebounds alongside Caruso’s 7 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assist,s and 3 steals in his first start as a Bull. Because of the thrilling performances put on display by Alex Caruso in his time as a Laker, it’s safe to say there will always be love sent his way from the city of LA.

The Chicago Bulls will face the Los Angeles Lakers (8-6) Monday at 9:30pm CT.

The post Chicago Bulls End LA Clippers Seven-Game Winning Streak appeared first on SLAM.

Following the Blazers’ 117-109 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Lillard claimed that officiating in the League has been “unacceptable” this season.

“I feel like the way the game is being officiated is unacceptable,” Lillard said via NBC Sports. ”I don’t want to go too deep into it so they make a big deal out of it, but the explanations, the s*** that’s getting missed, I mean, come on. I felt like coming in, the rule change wouldn’t affect me, because I don’t do the trick the referees, I don’t do the trick plays, and it’s just unacceptable. Then the explanations and the remarks in return when you tell them is just like [Lillard shrugs]. I don’t even have nothin’ else to say about it.”

It’s easy to see why Lillard appears to be frustrated with officiating when you look at the numbers: he’s averaging 20.0 points per game, his lowest mark since his rookie season, and shooting only 25.4 percent from three.

Lillard is also not shooting nearly as many free throws as he has in years past. So far this season, Lillard is averaging 3.3 free throws per game, the lowest mark of his career and a vast departure from the 7.2 attempts he averaged per game last season.

The tough start for Lillard has culminated into a tough start to the season for the Blazers, who are tied for 10th in the Western Conference with a record of 5-7.

The post Damian Lillard Says That Current Officiating is ‘Unacceptable’ appeared first on SLAM.

Paul George is playing at an MVP level this season.

26.7 PPG
8.3 RPG (career-high)
5.4 APG (career-high)
2.5 SPG (career-high)
46/36/86%

The Clippers have won 5 in a row. pic.twitter.com/pGtrBL6J4J

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 10, 2021

After George put up a stat line of 24 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, Portland head coach Chauncey Billups agrees, according to Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports.

“He’s playing on an MVP level,” Billups said. “I think he knows the challenge he has ahead of him this year with no Kawhi for now. You just want a guy like that to put everybody on his back and say, ‘Let’s go, let’s give ourselves a chance.’ And he has done that every single night. He’s just a matchup nightmare, man. You can’t guard him with one guy. Now that his playmaking is better, he just puts you in some tough spots.”

Tough move. Tough finish.

@BallySportWest | @Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/gkwVJoJgfg

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 10, 2021

George is riding high as he was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday. He is ranked fifth in the NBA in scoring behind Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and DeMar DeRozan. He’s contributing defensively and ranks second in the NBA in steals per game with 2.5 while the Clippers rank third in the League in defensive rating at 101.7.

George averages 26.7 points on 45.8% shooting from the field, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

The post Chauncey Billups Believes That Paul George Is playing At A MVP Plateau appeared first on SLAM.

Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns ended up expressing some concern over the team’s recent form, looking back on past seasons.

“We’re on a three-game slide right now in the NBA. If I know one thing about slides here in Minnesota, it could go from three to 18 to 19, 20 really quick,” Towns told reporters, including the Star Tribune’s Chris Hine, on Wednesday night.

The Timberwolves started the season 3-1, but after losing three straight to the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic, they’ve dropped to 3-4 and are tenth in the Western Conference.

Towns has had a great start to the season, averaging 23.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

The Timberwolves will have the chance to correct course on Friday night when they take on the Clippers at home for the second straight game. The Timberwolves fell to the Clippers on Wednesday night 126-115.

The post Karl-Anthony Towns Expresses Concern Over Three-Game Losing Streak appeared first on SLAM.

The entertaining veteran last played with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2018-19 season, when he averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

After that season, Stephenson signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he played the 2019-20 season.

As he looked to make a return back to the NBA, Stephenson was among the players that entered the pool to be potentially selected in the 2021 NBA G League Draft. Taking place on Saturday, this was an opportunity for him to work his way back to the League on a G League affiliate.

As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Stephenson will play for the Denver Nuggets’ G League affiliate, Grand Rapids, this season after being selected No. 13 overall in G League draft.

This should be a great opportunity for Stephenson, who will have the chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on a contending Nuggets team later in the season.

Just 31 years old, Stephenson is a 6-foot-6 guard that brings a ton of energy to the floor. In his career, he’s averaged 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest. He’s certainly a role player at this point, but still has enough to help a team that’s looking to win now.

The post REPORT: Nuggets’ Grand Rapids Select NBA Veteran Lance Stephenson in G League Draft appeared first on SLAM.

Two nights later against the Los Angeles Clippers, Curry had a night to remember.

So @StephenCurry30 had a night…

Named to #NBA75 before tip
25 1Q points on 9-9 shooting
45 in the game
Go-ahead triple to lift @warriors pic.twitter.com/98JFwH9lsA

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2021

The Golden State Warriors superstar dropped 45 points to carry his team to a win over the LA Clippers, 115-113. After shooting only 5-21 on opening night, Curry hit all of his nine shots from the field for 25 points in the first quarter, and then returned late to close out the game with 10 points in the final four minutes on the game with two shots from downtown.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been on the sidelines for years for these types of performances, per abc News, he says he’s “still blown away”:

“Jama [assistant coach] came up to me after the game, he said, ‘This may not be new to you guys, but [DeJan Milojevic] and I were just talking’—this is their first time with the Steph Curry Experience,” Kerr said. “They were just blown away. And even though we’ve all been here watching it, I’m still blown away. There’s never been anybody like him. Not just the shooting range but the competitiveness, the guts, just an amazing, amazing player. What a game he had.”

Curry’s first quarter explosion was the second time in his career that he attained 25 points and five threes while not missing a shot in a single quarter. 

The Warriors are currently 2-0 and play the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

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On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 121-114. Despite the loss, there were some great performances put on display by LA: Anthony Davis dropped 33 points and snagged 11 rebounds, while LeBron James finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook— the third superstar in LA’s newest “Big 3″—had only eight points, five rebounds and four assists in his Lakers debut.

After the game, James told the media that reassured his new teammate to “not be so hard on himself.”

“I told Russ to go home and watch a comedy,” James said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Do something that can put a smile on his face. He’s so hard on himself. I told him, ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s one game.'”

“I just don’t want him to be so hard on himself,” he added.

“That was the one thing that I hoped to get through to him, don’t be so hard on himself. Go home and you’re going to see three babies that he has that might be asleep, but they’ll put a smile on his face. He has a beautiful wife and family. So at the end of the day, you go home and you’re really like, ‘OK, that was not that bad. It’s really not that bad.'”

James later noted the difficulty that comes with going into a new system and trying to bring what you have to the table while also trying to “fit in” and work with those around you.

“It’s challenging to go into a new system and trying to fit in but also bring what you bring to the table at a high level to fit out as well. And if there’s three guys on this team that shouldn’t be worried about not fitting in, it’s probably myself, AD and Russ. Obviously we’re going to do whatever it takes to help the team win, but for us three, we need to fit out as well.”

In his postgame presser, Davis recalled James giving him the same type of encouragement after the Lakers lost to Clippers in their season-opener in 2019.

“My first time, I sat next to LB, he looked at me, and he said, ‘You’re fine, this is Game 1,'” AD said (h/t ESPN’s Dave McMenamin).

“He’s laughing. He’s joking on the phone. And I’m like, ‘Why am I upset then?’ And I kind of just went with the flow. And it’s the same thing with Russ. And I told him the same thing. ‘I’m the same way you were.’ We said some things to him, and he smiled and things like that, so I expect him to be better in the game Friday.”

“You come here, you see everybody courtside, the lights are brighter than most arenas,” he also noted. “You look at the rafters. There’s a lot that goes on.”

Westbrook will need time to grow amongst his new teammates but there’s no doubt that the triple-double machine will once again get back to the way he was prior to coming to LA.

The post ‘Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself:’ LeBron James Encourages Russell Westbrook After Rough Debut appeared first on SLAM.

Below is a breakdown of each team’s secondary market average list price for the 2021-22 season, as well as the change in price since 2019-20.

Most Expensive Teams

As you can see below, based on the average list price on the secondary market, the Golden State Warriors are the most expensive team for the 2021 season. At $598 the Warriors are one of just two teams with an average list price of over $500 heading into the 2021-22 season. The Los Angeles Lakers ($562) are the other team and rank second on the list. The New York Knicks ($394), Brooklyn Nets ($339), and Boston Celtics ($309) round out the top five. No other team in the NBA has an average price over $300. 

Biggest Year Over Year Price Changes

As you might expect, in terms of teams that have seen the biggest price jump since 2019-20, last year’s NBA Finalists the Phoenix Suns (+151%) and Milwaukee Bucks (+101%) take up two spots in the top ten. The Suns are ranked first and the Bucks come in fourth tied with the Boston Celtics.  The Up and coming Charlotte Hornets (+122%) and Atlanta Hawks (+105%) round out the top 5. 

Only three teams have seen their 2021-22 average prices fall since the 2019-20 season, the San Antonio Spurs (-8%), the Los Angeles Clippers (-9%), and the Houston Rockets (-11%).

Secondary Market Price Trends

Overall, with an average price of NBA tickets for the 2021 season is $211, which is 37% higher than the 2019-20. Despite some dips along the way, that number has been going up pretty steadily since 2011-12 when the average price across the league was $125, but after a 2020-21 season with limited fans, on no fans at all, demand is at a record high. Since 2011-12, NBA ticket prices on the secondary market are up 69%. 

The post NBA Ticket Market Report: Warriors, Lakers, Knicks Most Expensive in 2021-22 appeared first on SLAM.

Clippers rookie point guard Jason Preston had right foot surgery in Los Angeles today and is expected to miss a significant part of the season, sources tell ESPN. Preston was the 33rd pick in the July NBA Draft out of Ohio University.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 7, 2021

Preston injured his foot in a “workout prior to the team opening its training camp,” per ESPN. Preston impressed during Summer League with averages of 9 points and 4.8 assists a game. His passing and playmaking ability was enough to garner him a three-year contract with the Clippers, with two years guaranteed.

He was originally drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 33rd pick out of Ohio University before being traded to the Clippers. His final season raised eyebrows, where he averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season.

The Los Angeles Clippers start their regular season on the road October 21st against the Golden State Warriors.

The post REPORT: Clippers Rookie Jason Preston ‘Expected’ to Miss Part of Season After Foot Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

If the Mavericks simply just released Burke it would be a costly move considering he is owed more than $6 million this season and next season—yet, Dallas is “expected” to continue exploring trade scenarios.

Trey Burke revived his career last season in the bubble, helping Dallas take two games from the heavily-favored Los Angeles Clippers in the 2019-20 playoffs. He averaged 6.6 points and 1.3 assists last season.

Burke has recently shared his opinion regarding the vaccine—last week, he discussed his views to the media after a recent practice.

Burke in a follow-up explains what his decision-making process will entail in terms of deciding whether to get vaccinated. Jason Kidd has said Mavs are working toward 100% vaccination. pic.twitter.com/W0PhxGHLRa

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) September 29, 2021

The post Dallas Mavericks Explored Trade Options For Trey Burke This Offseason appeared first on SLAM.

According to Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune, newcomer Rudy Gay will miss the start of the regular season due to recent surgery on his heel.

Gay had surgery on his left heel immediately following the end of the season, well before the Jazz signed him in free agency. According to Walden, a team spokesperson for the Jazz said they don’t expect Gay’s injury to be a long-term situation.

Gay signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Jazz after spending the past four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. In those four seasons, Gay averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, down from his career average of 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as he took on a lesser role.

The Jazz will be looking to build on its incredibly impressive regular season in 2020-21, which saw them finish with the best record in the NBA of 52-20. Unfortunately for the Jazz, their season ended in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, falling in six games to the Los Angeles Clippers.

On Friday, Utah will officially begin its campaign for the 2021-22 season, playing its opening preseason game against the Spurs.

The post REPORT: Rudy Gay to Miss Start of Season Due to Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

The Utah Jazz have signed Marques Bolden and Malik Fitts to their training camp roster, League Sources tell The Athletic

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) September 28, 2021

Bolden averaged one point and 1.1 rebounds in seven career appearances for the Cleveland Cavaliers over the last two seasons while spending most of his time in the G-League. In his three seasons at Duke, he averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 13.6 minutes per game.

Malik Fitts brings even less experience only playing three games for the Los Angeles Clippers averaging one point and one rebound. He appeared in 14 games (six starts) with the Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League, averaging 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

The Jazz currently have 14 players on guaranteed contracts entering the season. With both two-way contracts already occupied, there’s only one open roster spot heading into the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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On Monday, Kidd told media members that he anticipates Porzingis to start at power forward and not center this season.

Kidd said the transition is to help Porzingis “be a basketball player” and not just a spot-up shooter from three. He also hopes for Porzingis to expand his offensive role in 2021-22 by putting the ball on the floor more and taking more midrange jump shots.

This will be a change for Porzingis, who has primarily operated as a center throughout his NBA career. Nonetheless, a swap to the forward position may bring back the performance he seemingly lacked last year (primarily due to injury).

Popularly dubbed “The Unicorn” for his unique combination of size and skill, Porzingis has played in five seasons in the NBA after being drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015.

In 286 career games, Porzingis has averaged 18.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.

The Mavericks will need an improved performance from Porzingis to take the next step forward as a franchise, as last year’s team couldn’t get out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, losing in six games to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post Jason Kidd Aiming for Kristaps Porzingis to Play Power Forward this Season appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN, Frank restated the fact that Kawhi Leonard has to do “significant rehab” from his ACL injury and that “no one knows” the time frame when the Clippers franchise player will return or if he will play this season.

“I think at this point, it’s just no one knows when you’re dealing with a recovery from an ACL [injury], the time frame.”

“Even just to save you guys [from asking] throughout the year, is no one knows. You just attack it day by day. He has a very detailed plan with a great group, and we’ll just let his body and the doctors tell us when it’s the right time.”

Leonard had surgery to repair a partial tear in his right ACL on back in July and is “expected to be out for an extended period of time.” The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz. He missed the final eight playoff games with what the team called a sprained right knee.

Head coach Ty Lue also weighed in on Leonard’s status, specifically when asked if he even “allows himself to think” that Leonard might return by the playoffs.

“I hope he comes back October 21st [for the opener],” he said, per ESPN. “But the reality is he’s not going to be ready then. We don’t want to force him or put any pressure on him. We want to make sure he’s rehabbing, doing everything he can to get back as soon as possible, and if that’s next season, that’s next season.”

“We don’t want to force him to come back too early. We want to make sure he’s 100% when he does come back.”

The Clippers’ offseason moves proves the patience being practiced with Leonard’s injury. In the offseason alone, they have signed frontcourt players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Harry Giles III, Nicolas Batum and Justise Winslow to potentially fill in the void left by Kawhi.

Leonard recently signed a four year max extension with the Clippers after opting out his contract to become a free agent. He averaged 24.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season.

The post Los Angeles Clippers Provides Clarity on Kawhi Leonard’s Return appeared first on SLAM.

“I never could have imagined if I would play basketball for this long,” says Redick.

“Going into last season, I wanted it to be my last year, but I wasn’t sure how it would play out. I would like to describe last season as a seven mont exercise in coming face to face with my own athletic mortality.”

Redick, who last suited up for the Dallas Mavericks back in May, was selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2006 after a stellar collegiate career at Duke (he’s the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,769 points made).

He would then go on to play on six different NBA teams throughout his career, including stops with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers during his prime.

Redick has averaged 12.8 points per game throughout his career, but he was more revered for his 3-point shooting, landing in the top-15 of career 3-pointers (1,950) and just outside the top-15 in career 3-point percent (41.5).

Arguably his best season came in 2015-16 as a member of the Clippers, as he averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 47.5 percent on 3-pointers while starting every game that season.

The post J.J. Redick Announces Retirement from NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Now that is all set to change as the Clippers held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning to kick off construction for their new arena in Inglewood, CA which is set to open during the 2024-25 season.

The arena—dubbed the Intuit Dome—is reportedly worth up to $1.8 billion, close to the same price that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer purchased the Clippers franchise for back in 2014.

“We needed to say, ‘We’re our own guys. We don’t play in the same place as the other guys. We’re going to have our own identity.” Ballmer said Friday morning.

The Intuit Dome will also hold up to 18,000 seats and will have a design feature called “The Wall” that will consist of 51 row designated fan section, along with a two-sided halo scoreboard.

Ballmer spent years going to different areas for inspiration, as he revealed to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

“There’s 30 teams in the league. There’s 29 others. And we got one that happens to be based in L.A. And we got our fans. We use our expression, ‘LA Our Way.’ And we’re building our own presence, identity. And if the other guys feel a little threatened — the other guys’ fans, I mean; the players are actually a little different deal — but if they feel a little threatened, that’s OK. It means we’re doing good.”

The state-of-the-art arena, approved by the Inglewood City Council back in the summer of 2020, is located just blocks away from the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams arena (SoFi Stadium).

The post Clippers, Steve Ballmer Unveil New $1.8 Billion Home Arena appeared first on SLAM.

Watson has spent most of his career in the G League since going undrafted back in 2017. Watson’s breakout season was with the Raptors’ affiliate, where he averaged 19.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

Since 2019, he has played in only 37 career NBA games in over two seasons, averaging 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds.

His career night was against the Orlando Magic with 30 points on eight three-pointers back in April.

Josh Hall leaves after averaging 20 minutes in 14 appearances after the All-Star break last season. After signing a two-way deal with the Thunder on Aug. 19, he averaged 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game.

Hall’s best game as a pro came against the Los Angeles Clippers when he scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the season finale.

The post Thunder Sign Small Forward Paul Watson, Waive Josh Hall appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free agent C Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a training camp deal with the Clippers, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 12, 2021

The Clippers continue to search for depth at center. Serge Ibaka’s return date is still unknown due to back surgery that kept him out a portion of the regular season and all of the playoffs. Ivica Zubac missed some time with a sprained MCL in his knee.

Hartenstein played last season with the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers. He collected career-best numbers with 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 16 games with Cleveland after being acquired at the trade deadline. But despite showing promise backing up Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers now are loaded at center. Facing the reality of no playing time, Hartenstein turned down his player option of $1.7 million for next season and opted for free agency.

The Clippers have 14 guaranteed contracts on the roster. Hartenstein will be battling Harry Giles III for the 15th spot on the roster on opening night.

The post Los Angeles Clippers Add Depth to Frontcourt By Signing Isaiah Hartenstein appeared first on SLAM.