Earl Joseph “J.R.” Smith III was born to let it fly. As the shooting guard for the 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers, he flourished in a role that required him to be exactly himself. But it wasn’t always this natural for the 12-year NBA veteran who entered the league directly out of St Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey. After being named co-MVP alongside Dwight Howard of the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game, Smith was drafted with the 18th pick overall by the New Orleans Hornets. He’d make two more professional stops as a member of the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks before finding a home that seemed crafted by specifically for Smith by the basketball gods.

With a smile on his face, the player once labeled a locker room malcontent thrived in Cleveland as a teammate of LeBron James. He also graciously welcomed the directive from Coach Tyronn Lue to fire away at all costs. Whether he was falling down, had a hand in his face, or was stepping into an open look in transition, the Cavaliers needed Smith to be a consistent weapon from beyond the arc. During a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 5, he’d ceremoniously fulfill that mission by knocking down seven triples to set the Cavs franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single season.

“I think it was the third one, honestly,” Smith said while colorfully describing the moment he believed he caught fire during the 39-point win over the Bucks when he set the record. “When I shot it, I felt a little bit off-balanced but I just held my follow through and it kind of rimmed in. After that, it felt like all of them were going down.”

Smith would finish the regular season shooting 40 percent from three while knocking down a record-setting 204. Those totals were also good for seventh in the NBA overall in three-pointers made and 21st in efficiency. But Smith was not simply a three-point specialist. At multiple times during the season, Coach Lue used his post game press conference to refer to Smith as “the best on-ball defender” on the team. But it was his brash delivery from three-point range that helped provide the biggest spark along the Cavaliers run to immortality.

“Everybody keeps telling me to keep shooting,” Smith said as the Cavaliers postseason run approached. “Everybody is enthused, especially the guys on the bench. I think we’re feeding off a great energy coming into the playoffs and we’re understanding who we are and what type of team we need to be. We’re always looking to get better, I can’t say we are there yet, but we’re close. So we’ll see what we can do.”

During the Cavaliers march to the NBA championship, it was more of the same from Smith as he offered a dizzying performance from deep on a routine basis. He hit seven three-points in Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons, and seven more in Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks. Heading into the NBA Finals matchup with the Golden State Warriors, Smith had connected on 49-of-106 three-point field goals to lead the Cavaliers in that category through 14 games. He’d also improve his efficiency to a stifling 46 percent during that stretch. The player who was initially perceived as a risky asset forced upon David Griffin in a trade with the Knicks for an opportunity to acquire Iman Shumpert had become the long-range assassin Cleveland needed to secure its first championship in 52 years.

“This is something that I love to see because of my playing style,” Smith said following an Eastern Conference Semifinals game where the Cavaliers set an NBA record by knocking down 25 threes in a blowout victory. “But I think this is a credit of just how hard we work. We work on our shots every day and we are all very competitive with each other when it comes to shooting. I’m glad it happened.”

Cavaliers fans will always be glad that this season happened exactly when it did for Smith, too. And in Cleveland, no matter how long his franchise three-point record may hold, the work put in by Earl Joseph “J.R.” Smith III will never be forgotten.

The post Book Excerpt: Cleveland Is King appeared first on SLAM.

What ensued was an old school, superstar matchup that proved a fitting chapter for one of the best individual rivalries in League history.

During the opening period, James and Durant defended each other without any cross-matches while combining for 29 points. By the end of the night, they’d eventually total 58.

“KD is long and athletic,” James said following the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. “You’re not going to block his shot, so you just got to get there to contest.”

The contest from James on Durant’s final shot proved to be just enough to steer it off the mark. But early on, it was KD who got the better of LeBron. He scored 16 first-quarter points to help build an early lead that Oklahoma City would extend through the end of the third period. James, however, would eventually use an 11-point fourth to help lead a 30-22 Cavaliers charge that closed out the victory.

“Sometimes we over-helped, sometimes we needed to help and they got wide open shots,” Durant said postgame after spending nearly 30 minutes chasing James on the offensive end of the floor. “They got threes and offensive rebounds. That’s the name of the game. We didn’t communicate well and they finished.”

James knocked down two threes while collecting a pair of offensive boards on his way to a 33-point, 11-assist, 9-rebound night to pace the Cavaliers. He spent about 23 of the 40 minutes he played defending Durant.

While totaling 25 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and a game-high 41 minutes, KD guarded LeBron exclusively when both players were on the floor. Despite being forced to challenge the best player in the world on a night he knew his team was shorthanded, the OKC superstar was just that missed three in the waning seconds away from sending the game to OT and surpassing his season scoring average of 27.2.

“I know passing Kareem is not in his memory bank right now,” James said of Durant at shootaround. “But long term, he could definitely challenge that record. He’s a 7-footer with 6-foot ball-handling skills and a jump shot and athleticism. It’s never been done in our League. Never had a guy that’s 7-foot, can jump like that, can shoot like that, handle the ball like that. So it sets him apart.”

What also sets the James vs Durant matchup apart from other legendary scoring duels is that we’re watching two superstars, playing the same position, going head-to-head in their respective primes that could both eventually finish among the top-five all-time scorers in NBA history.

The top-five career scoring list currently reads: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. With the exception of Malone and Jordan—who played different positions—each of their respective primes were in different eras. Assuming he’s right about Durant’s potential to challenge Kareem, James could cement a spot in the top-five alongside KD one day by averaging about 20 points per game for the next four seasons.

“It’s never been my goal,” Durant told NewsOK.com in response to James suggesting he could catch Kareem on the all-time scoring list. “It’s cool to, I guess, be in the company of the great scorers in the League. But that’s never been my goal. It’s always been to have fun playing the game, to enjoy every step on the court, and to win a championship. Being the best scorer ever has never been the goal.”

Although that’s never been the goal for Durant or James, competing at the highest level against each other always has. Since KD entered the League in 2007, he’s now lined up against LeBron 15 times in the regular season and five times in the postseason. During those 20 head-to-head matchups, James is averaging 29.3 points while Durant is scoring 29.5.

The 21st time these two heavyweights will collide is set for February 21, when the Cavaliers travel to Oklahoma City. If we’ve learned anything from the first 20 times they’ve squared off, this is an NBA matchup we’ll all have circled on the calendar. It always seems like James and Durant have it circled on theirs.

The post Battle of the Titans appeared first on SLAM.

During the 2014-15 campaign, the Cavaliers bench ranked last in the League in scoring at 23.8 points per night. Their -8.8 efficiency difference according to HoopsStats.com also ranked 28 out of 30 teams. In two wins against the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies so far this season, however, the Cleveland reserves have built a combined advantage of 82-48.

“It could be the best,” longtime NBA veteran Anderson Varejao told SLAM, when asked if this was the deepest and most talented bench he’s played with in Cleveland. “I feel pretty good about our bench, it could be. We had some good teams in the past, but I feel like this is one of the best we’ve had.”

While the near record-setting totals in payroll that Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers (2-1) are shelling out may make that statement seem likely, it’s worth noting that Varejao was a part of five LeBron-led playoff teams prior to last season from 2005-10. In 2007, a second unit anchored by Varejao helped James and company advance to the Finals. But none of those LeBron James Cavaliers teams had anything close to this much talent in support of the starting five.

“We are just moving the ball, making shots and playing good defense,” Varejao added. “We have some vets on that second unit who know what it takes to win in this League.”

In Richard Jefferson, Matthew Dellavedova, Tristan Thompson and Jared Cunningham, the Cavaliers have four bench players who have scored double-digit points during at least one of Cleveland’s first three games. Varejao also went for nine against Chicago, while backup point guard Mo Williams is filling in for the injured Irving by averaging 11.3 in a starting role. Last season, only two bench players (Shumpert and Thompson) averaged more than 4.9 points per game for the Cavs.

“Our bench is going to be big for us all year,” LeBron James has said. “We’re very strong on our bench. When we go to our bench, you just really want to continue the momentum and make it even stronger. Once again [against Miami], they came out and they played great ball.”

Along with the statistical production, the Cavaliers are also coming off the bench making momentum-changing plays that have sparked the whole team. One example was Thompson coming across the lane against Miami to meet what appeared to be an easy Chris Bosh dunk at its highest point and sending it away at the rim on Friday night.

That's how you protect the rim! Tristan Thompson with the huge 4thQtr block on ESPN! #NBARapidReplay https://t.co/pLcaWyVv4L

— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2015

“It gives the team more energy when you play hard out there and block a shot like that,” Varejao explained. “He was right there dunking the ball, and Tristan came from nowhere and blocked the shot, it just gives a lot of morale to the team.”

The energy and production should combine to result in less wear-and-tear on James, Kevin Love and the rest of the Cavaliers starters during the regular season. While it’s extremely early, the 33.7 minutes that James is currently averaging would project to be a career low. Meanwhile, Love is averaging less than 33 minutes himself while turning in some of the most productive basketball (19.7 points, 11.7 rebounds) he’s played, through three games, since his arrival in Cleveland. With the return of Shumpert and Irving, and shifting the backcourt of Williams and JR Smith to the second unit, it’s reasonable to think that LeBron and Love’s minutes could be much closer to 30 per night than they were last year.

“I think we’re very deep,” Williams says. “I think our bench, including myself because I’m a part of that when Kyrie comes back, we have some good players. Players that have started games or could start games and play at a high level. Play multiple positions and extended minutes if need be. It’s great to have that and I think that’s what makes us as good of a team as we are. We have guys that come off the bench that play at a high level.”

The Cavaliers’ second unit is also versatile. When at full-strength, Williams, Smith and Dellavedova are three guards who deserve minutes in support of Irving and Shumpert. They also have the option of bringing in Varejao, Jefferson, James Jones and potentially even Cunningham to play anywhere from two to four guards along with a legitimate center depending on what the matchups dictate.

“Last year, if you remember, a lot of times we would talk about the fact that we started off with a 20-point lead and then the bench had to come in and sort of hold down the fort,” Cavs coach David Blatt told the media recently. “That’s what we wanted [last year]. Now, we want our bench to be a source of advantage for us, and I think they’re doing that.”

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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At an event attended by over 2,000 people, James officially launched the Nike LEBRON 13 in Akron, Ohio on Sunday. Many who filled the auditorium at the University of Akron were local children involved in the LeBron James Family Foundation, which James and Nike announced would design a future version of the 13 to be released next summer.

LeBron unveiling the 13’s in Akron #LeBronXIII pic.twitter.com/kYLrThB6e9

— Brendan Bowers (@BowersCLE) September 27, 2015

The LEBRON 13 “Written in the Stars” colorway on display at the event will be available starting on October 1 in Greater China, and globally on October 10. The shoe features an inscription on the sole that reads: “LeBron James Akronite 12-84.” The date represents James’ birthday, and the shoe also promises to release an “Akronite” colorway—a theme that The King noted “really means a lot to me.”

The shoe, built for explosiveness, will also be released in an “Away” colorway on October 27 when the Cleveland Cavaliers open the 2015-16 season on the road against the Chicago Bulls. The additional colorways announced at the Akron launch include the “Space Race”—inspired by Ohio’s history of space travel—along with a “Halloween” inspired design. Unique elements to each colorway can be seen in five locations on each shoe: the tongue top, tongue embellishment, heel tab, Swoosh graphic and inside heel.

LeBron 13 will be released in Akronite, Halloween & Space Race colorway and extension designed by kids in LBJ fan fdn pic.twitter.com/4BzVAcLYWT

— Brendan Bowers (@BowersCLE) September 27, 2015

During a private media session led by NBATV’s Kristen Ledlow—prior to James taking the stage to cap off the night’s festivities—he discussed the performance-based features that went into the design of the LEBRON 13.

“We have the greatest physicians, technicians and scientists in our (Nike) lab,” James said. “They are able to not only make shoes lighter but also keep them durable. For a guy like myself, carrying the weight that I carry at the speed that I go, they are able to still give me that lockdown suspension that I need when I’m playing the game. But at the same time, they help me be able to be as fast and as quick as some of the smaller guys in our League as well.”

The LEBRON 13 is designed to combine that lockdown fit and dynamic cushioning to match LeBron’s power and speed on the basketball court. The top three performance features of the shoe include the breathable, sock-like fit for flexibility and lockdown, a hyperposite material for zoned impact protection, and Nike Zoom air cushioning units to maximize explosiveness. The breathable mesh upper hugs the foot, while the Flywire technology cables provide an adaptive, natural fit.

Built for Greatness. @KingJames and the #LEBRON13. pic.twitter.com/j3sfdkPSev

— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) September 28, 2015

During the on-stage portion of the evening, James announced to the crowd that, “everything we’ve all wanted for the city of Akron has gone into this shoe.” That statement was met with loud applause from the couple thousand fans in attendance, who were also pleasantly surprised by a Kyrie Irving appearance shortly after. LeBron’s Cavaliers teammate and fellow Nike athlete spent time on stage with James before their second season together officially begins later this week.

The LEBRON 13 will retail for $200 and are available for NIKEiD customization on September 30. For more detailed photos of the sneaker itself, go here.

The post Nike LeBron 13 Launch Event Recap appeared first on SLAM.

LeBron James said following the Game 5 loss in Oakland that he still feels confident despite the 3-2 series deficit because he’s the best player in the world. Even though his Cleveland Cavaliers have now dropped two straight to the Golden State Warriors, nobody is disputing that claim.

Heading into Game 6 on Tuesday, James has registered two triple-doubles while totaling 183 points. During the first three games of the series, no player had ever scored more than the 123 he put on the board. While averaging 37, 12 and 9 through five games, he’s positioned himself to win the MVP award even if the Cavaliers fall short of the title. If he does, he’ll become the first player of a losing team to win a Finals MVP since Jerry West did so in 1969.

For perspective on James’ overall performance, and how it ranks in NBA Finals History, we caught up with the legendary Hall of Famer Bill Walton. Walton was in Cleveland for Game 4 on behalf of Fan Duel, taking in the action with NBA Fantasy Playoffs contest winner Mark Rhoades of Indian Trail, North Carolina. Through Fan Duel, Rhoades won a trip to the Finals and a chance to hang with Walton throughout the night.

“LeBron has never played better,” Walton told SLAM. “He is playing at the level and the style and the control and the impact of some of my favorite players ever—Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and Steve Nash. And the greatest thing about basketball is the ability of the team to come together, no matter who the team is. LeBron, his skill package, his physical fitness level, the vision of how to play, to pull the whole team together, to inspire all these guys who nobody wanted, what he has done is inspire the whole city. He’s inspiring the whole community along the way, and really changed the dynamics of the series psychologically, emotionally and personally.”

In the wake of losing both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, what Walton was truly impressed by is James’ ability to lead on the NBA’s greatest stage despite the obvious adversity his team has been faced with.

“The stats are meaningless, even though they’re off the charts,” Walton added. “What he’s done is control the whole game. He’s controlling every other player with everything he does. The way that he starts the games, he plays so hard from the very opening possession. What he did in terms of setting that tone in Game 3, he was the fastest player on the court. The hardest working player on the court from the opening tap. He was committed, he was determined, he was driven to lead this team to victory no matter what it took. That type of play drives the other guys.

“What great players do, is they make everybody else believe. When you walk the streets of Cleveland, when you fly into this city, when our plane touched down and the flight attendant said welcome to Cleveland, the plane burst into applause. When I came out of the airport, there’s just Cavs memorabilia everywhere. When I walked to the Q from the hotel, to see all the fans, they believe because of him. It’s overwhelming, the enthusiasm and the excitement. When the Cavs came in people said they had no chance, and they’ve continued to compete and believe each time out. It’s just been a real thing of beauty.”

Bill Walton earned NBA Finals MVP honors himself in 1977 when he led the Portland Trail Blazers to an upset win over the Philadelphia 76ers. In the Western Conference Finals that year, he went head-to-head with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. That season, Walton also led the NBA in rebounds per game as well as blocked shots. He would go on to win another NBA Championship as a member of the Boston Celtics in 1986.

The post Bill Walton Weighs In On LeBron James’ NBA Finals Performance appeared first on SLAM.

From the moment the Cavaliers took the floor for pre-game warmups, the piercingly loud crowd gathered inside Quicken Loans Arena provided an electric atmosphere that will be remembered for generations to come.

“They were unbelievable from the start to the finish,” James said of the hometown crowd. “We fed off them, and we just tried to give it all back to them for 48 minutes. As loud as they were, they need to go home now and start soaking up a lot of tea, drinking a lot of tea for the next 36 hours, whatever the case may be, because they need to be just as loud Thursday night. So I need you guys to get those voices right. But they’re going to be unbelievable Thursday night as well. Those guys, everyone, they were amazing.”

The MVP chants for James were heard early and often throughout Cleveland’s first NBA Finals win on its homecourt in franchise history. Those chants may also be never more deserving at any point in his career than they are right now.

Through three games, James has set an NBA Finals record with 123 total points. He’s doing this for a team without Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Anderson Varjeao, playing against an opponent featuring the League’s MVP in Stephen Curry. He’s writing a new chapter in his legacy of greatness, and the collective dreams reborn this summer throughout Northeast Ohio reached deafening tones on Tuesday in response.

.@KingJames with 123 points in the first three Finals games. Another all-time record. pic.twitter.com/QCj0c9kb8H

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) June 10, 2015

“Every time the media or anyone thinks that he can’t accomplish something or do something remarkable, he always answers the call,” Tristan Thompson said. “He’s playing great basketball for us, and we’re just getting on his shoulders and just riding him through the game. As him being our leader, he’s been phenomenal, and the other guys got to keep stepping up.”

In support of LeBron’s 40-point, 12-rebound and 8-assist effort, Matthew Dellavedova continued to step up and carve out an eternal spot in Cleveland sports history. After being celebrated for his defensive effort on Curry in Game 2, the second-year guard from Australia who was criticized at times throughout the regular season played like a folk hero. In 38 minutes of work, Dellavedova finished with a team-high +/- of +13 while totaling 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. During multiple moments throughout the game, the “Delly” chants sounded like something from a movie.

“They seem to like him, don’t they?” Blatt said of the fans response to Dellavedova’s effort. “Delly’s the most Cleveland-like Australian I’ve ever met in my life. And if you’re from Cleveland, you know just what I’m talking about. The guys love Delly because he just plays with all his heart and he cares first about the team and only about the team. Whether he’s playing nine minutes or 40 minutes, he’s going to give you everything you have. What’s not to love about the guy?”

After Cleveland built a 20-point lead in the third quarter, the Golden State Warriors came all the back in the fourth to make it 81-80 on the strength of 24 second-half points from Curry. As the celebration that ensued throughout the arena minutes earlier became audibly shook, it was Dellavedova who brought the fans back with a critical, falling-down, finish on the offensive end.

“That was a huge turning point,” Curry said of Dellavedova’s three-point play in the fourth quarter. “We were down 17 going into the fourth. Bring it all the way back to one, and I tried to get out of the way. I don’t know if I hit him or not, but he makes a great play off the backboard. We still had a chance to win regardless of that play. But it was a good turning point for him to get the crowd back into it. They obviously love the way he plays.”

No city embraces the underdog story quite like Cleveland. From an injury-ravaged roster to an undrafted second-year guard logging 40 minutes a night, this Cavaliers team embodies everything its city has always hoped to celebrate. You know LeBron will be great on this stage, but nobody expected him to score the most points in NBA Finals history thus far.

You know Dellavedova is going to give you hustle and grit defensively, but he just threw in 20 points, too. From Tristan Thompson to Timofey Mozgov and everyone else in between, this run has everything that legends are made of.

And the party continues in Cleveland on Thursday for a fanbase acutely aware that the Game 3 winner in a 1-1 Finals has gone on to win the series 83 percent of the time.

The post Cleveland Rocks appeared first on SLAM.

Eight years after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance, LeBron James has returned home and done so again. This time—averaging an Oscar Robertson-esque 30.3 points, 11 rebounds and 9.3 assists against the Atlanta Hawks in the ECF—he may have also turned in the best postseason series of his career along the way. In Game 4, James and the Cavaliers got out to a big lead early and never looked back, making short work of the No. 1-seeded Hawks by a final score of 118-88.

Playing without Kevin Love, and a banged up Kyrie Irving who missed two of the four games against Atlanta, there was simply nothing the Hawks could do throughout the series to slow down James. He went to the bench for good in Game 4 at the start of the fourth quarter with his team up 25 after totaling 23, 9 and 7 in only 29 minutes. He’s played like the best player on the planet throughout the Playoffs and proved to be the single biggest reason the Cavaliers will now compete for an NBA Championship. Post-game, King James looked back on the journey that began with his commitment to Cleveland in mid-July.

“It’s very emotional to be back in this city,” James said after the game. “When I made my decision to come back here, I knew what I wanted to do and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It was going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, and it was going to be the toughest task for me to try to take this team back to the Finals.

“I had to step up my leadership and be very patient, which I’m not a very patient guy but I knew I had to work on that. To be able to sit here, see us at 19-20, me out two weeks while my team struggled. They wanted Coach Blatt fired, they said we needed another point guard—will LeBron and Kyrie be able to play together. So many storylines were happening at that time. So for us to sit here today, being able to represent this city in the Eastern Conference Finals, it’s very special.”

After being a game-time decision leading up to Game 4, Kyrie started and played effectively through 21 minutes of work. While noticeably missing his patented burst, Irving still connected on 6-of-11 shots from the field to finish with 16 points and 5 assists. By eliminating the Hawks in four games, the hope in Cleveland is that Irving will now be able to rest his injured knee in time for the Finals, which begin on June 4.

“Kyrie did fabulously,” Coach Blatt said postgame. “He played beautifully, moved well, he was impactful. But it was a lot bigger than that. The fact that he came back to play, the fact that he wanted so badly to be a part of us winning this series and being able move forward. He wanted so much to be with his guys and contribute.

“It was good for the guys, it was good to see Ky out there. Now, the fact that we won tonight, that was one of the reasons we wanted him back because we wanted this break to let the guys heal and come fresh for the Finals. So he really lifted us.”

Tristan Thompson lifted the Cavaliers as well, by capping off a monster series in which he averaged a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. JR Smith came off the bench to throw in 18 and Matthew Dellavedova finished with 10 as the hometown crowd applauded his overall effort by chanting his name multiple times throughout the contest.

Meanwhile, Jeff Teague wrapped up an impressive season by pacing the Hawks in Game 4 with 17 points. Paul Millsap totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds while Kent Bazemore chipped in 12.

The Cavs now have eight days of rest before the Finals, against either Golden State or Houston.

Photo via Getty Images

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No Kevin Love. No Kyrie Irving. No problem for LeBron James, who registered a man-sized triple-double in a 114-111 Game 3 win over the Atlanta Hawks to go up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite starting 0-for-10 from the floor, James used a 15-point third quarter to finish with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists to secure the overtime win. He simply would not be denied down the stretch and made every play his team needed despite battling a collection of injuries.

“For me, as a leader, no matter how I’m feeling I gotta try to make some plays,” James said following the game. “I started the game out of character, out of rhythm, but I had to make a difference. A game like this, being back on our home floor, it’s always a great feeling to make plays for your teammates and I was happy I was able to make a few.”

The final play James made came with 12 seconds remaining in the contest, as he delivered from the right corner to extend the Cavs lead to three. Atlanta would go on to have a chance to tie but two shots from Shelvin Mack missed the mark as the Hawks’ valiant effort fell just as short. After time expired, LeBron collapsed near center court after setting Cleveland up for a chance to sweep the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seeded team.

“Unbelievable,” Coach David Blatt said of James’ performance. “Just unbelievable. I’ve never seen a stat line like that in a playoff game, or any game to be honest with you. But it’s not just the stat line. LeBron cramped up, he knew we couldn’t win the game without him, and he played through pain. He played through the cramping, and he just would not let us lose. Amazing.”

The Hawks, playing without an injured Kyle Korver, became even more shorthanded in the first half when Al Horford received a Flagrant 2 after getting tangled up with Matthew Dellavedova. The play—for which Dellavedova also received a technical—could have just as easily been a Flagrant 1. But after pacing the Hawks with 14 first half points, Horford was sent to the showers early. Jeff Teague would step up in his absence to finish with 30 points to go along with seven assists. Paul Millsap added 22 and 9, and Kent Bazemore, getting the start in place of Korver, chipped in 14.

While starting slow offensively as a team, the Cavaliers created a number of second-chance opportunities for themselves throughout the night by dominating the offensive glass. Led by eight offensive boards from James, Cleveland led Atlanta in that category, 19-6. JR Smith double-doubled with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Dellavedova added 17 points. Iman Shumpert finished with 15 as Kyrie Irving missed his second-straight game with tendinitis in his left knee.

Cleveland will now have a chance to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007 with a win over Atlanta on Tuesday.

Photo via Getty Images

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“Sometimes you notice it more, sometimes you notice it less,” Blatt said of Thompson’s impact following the 101-96 Game 5 win in Cleveland. “But he’s in the fray, all the time. And he makes big plays that don’t necessarily show up as points. But a lot of times they’re possessions that lead to points. Or they’re momentum rebounds, or defensive slides, helps, switches, blocks, that can really, really save you. And I think he’s done that continuously throughout the season.”

Thompson finished 5-of-7 from the floor for 12 points in the Game 5 win on Wednesday. During Game 4, he only needed six field-goal attempts to finish with the same number. For the series, he’s shooting 61 percent from the floor overall and a respectable 75 percent from the free-throw stripe. But that’s not what his coach and LeBron James talk about when referencing Thompson’s value to the Cavaliers. It’s his attack of the glass and relentless pursuit of the basketball around the rim that’s causing praise to be heaped on Thompson, and helping to be the difference up front for the Cavs.

“Tristan’s been unbelievable,” LeBron said after securing a 3-2 series lead over Chicago. “Through five games, I give him an A+. It’s all effort with Double-T. Can’t coach a motor. When a guy has a motor, you can’t coach it. You put him on the floor, he’s going to make things happen. He has a knack for rebounding, he has a high motor and he really, really cares. And obviously, we wouldn’t be sitting here with a 3-2 lead without Double-T.”

The Cavaliers obviously wouldn’t be in this position without James, either, who was locked in and attacking throughout Cleveland’s latest victory. After hitting the game-winner on Sunday, James totaled 24 points in the first half before finishing with 38, 12 and 6 to go along with zero turnovers. It’s a stat-line that Thompson and his desire to make others around him better takes pride in helping make possible.

“It’s Game 5, LeBron in the Q to go up 3-2,” Thompson said of LeBron’s performance. “That’s what you expect. You expect that from him. So for us, we have to make things easier for him. Set good screens, get him open and let him work.”

Thompson put in his share of work during Game 5 as well, registering a double-double for the second time in the series. He’s collected at least seven rebounds in each of the five games against Chicago and is averaging 10 rebounds per night for the series. He was also the first player to arrive in support of Matthew Dellavedova when a chippy exchange under the basket resulted in a Taj Gibson kick and subsequent ejection during the second half.

“He made a decision to do what he did,” Thompson said of Gibson. “We know we have to have each other’s back, to have our brother’s back. We used it as motivation to pick up our level and I think we responded pretty well.”

The Cavaliers did respond well initially—building a 92-75 lead following the ejection—but just as it’s been throughout the series, Chicago punched back. The Bulls answered with an 11-0 run keyed by big shots from Jimmy Butler during the fourth quarter to trim the Cavs advantage to 101-99 with 1:18 remaining. But even though the Cavaliers pulled away to give themselves two chances now to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thompson knows the battle with the Bulls is far from over.

“It’s the Playoffs,” Thompson added. “You’re playing against the Bulls, a hard-nosed team, a team that’s going to hit you so you have to be able to withstand that and you have to throw the first punch. Because if they hit you first, they’re just going to keep attacking. So we just have to be ready. We have another one in Chicago and we have to be ready to throw the first blow.”

If Thompson, James and the Cavaliers deliver the first blow early on Thursday it may prove to be the final one. With Pau Gasol injured and questionable heading into Game 6—and Gibson potentially facing a suspension—you have to wonder how much fight Chicago has left. Regardless, though, Thompson’s mentality remains the same—see ball, get ball, and do whatever it takes to help James and company survive and advance.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

The post The Kingsman appeared first on SLAM.

On Sunday, however—in what could be an Eastern Conference second-round Playoff preview—Aaron Brooks started in Rose’s place alongside Dunleavy, Butler, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. Despite 24 points from Dunleavy, 17 from Brooks and 16 from Butler, the red-hot Cavaliers posted their 18th straight home victory. Cleveland’s backcourt of Irving and JR Smith combined for 51 points, fueled by eight three-pointers from Smith and a highlight reel of spectacular shots from Irving. While being chased and defended by Butler throughout the contest, James added a workmanlike triple-double (20-10-12) to help secure the 99-94 Cavs win.

As the Bulls continue to get healthy, though, they remain confident in their ability to compete with anybody in the East. Butler spoke to that confidence after the loss in Cleveland when asked about potentially seeing the Cavs again down the road.

“We’re very confident in the group of guys that we have,” Butler said. “On top of everything else, I don’t think anyone is this locker room wants to go home early, let alone play to lose. I think you’ve got to go through them anyways. They’re the favorite to come out of the East anyways, so if we want to change that, then I think we’re going to be the ones that have to beat them.”

Heading into Wednesday’s slate of NBA games, the Cavaliers (50-27) and Bulls (46-31) currently occupy the No. 2 and 3 spots in the Eastern Conference. With only a handful of dates remaining on the regular season schedule, it’s possible these two teams could collide again if each can secure first-round postseason series victories.

“They’re real good,” Chicago head coach Tom Thibodeau said of having to go through Cleveland in the East. “They’ve figured it out. They’re playing great here. They’re playing great everywhere, for that matter. So we’re going to have to play well to beat them.”

Following his fifth game with twenty or more points since February 27, 13-year NBA pro Mike Dunleavy, Jr. caught up with SLAM to talk about that possibility of seeing Cleveland in the Playoffs and what Chicago needs to do down the stretch.

SLAM: With only a handful of regular season games remaining, how much are you guys thinking about the Playoffs right now?

Mike Dunleavy: We’re really thinking more about playing well going into the Playoffs. We’re thinking about getting our game right, and in turn securing wins. When you do that, the confidence will come. There’s no secret, with the way things are set up right now, there’s a chance we could see these guys [the Cavs] again. And hopefully we’ll be ready to battle.

SLAM: You played the Cavs tough at home, a place they’ve now won 18 straight. What do you take away from a game like this looking forward to a potential postseason matchup?

MD: Obviously they’re a really good team. They’ve played really well during the second part of the season. Give them credit against us—they made some tough shots. Some end-of-clock buzzer beaters that you just take your hat off too. It’s a team that we hope we’ll be good enough to play at some point down the line, but we certainly have our work cut out for us.

SLAM: Jimmy Butler is the guy who gets the LeBron James assignment when you guys face Cleveland, along with the other team’s top scorer every night. What does having him back mean for you guys?    

MD: He brings a lot to the table for us. He’s a great player, and he takes that challenge every night defensively. He’s just somebody you can rely on and really count on when he’s out there. He’s really had a great season for us and we’re all excited for what’s ahead for him.

SLAM: Coach Thibodeau said he was pleased with the ball movement on Sunday despite the loss. How encouraging is that, to be able to develop consistent ball movement and chemistry heading into the Playoffs with guys returning from injury?

MD: Ball movement is something we stressed all year long. As the game is today, to be able to move the defense, and give guys with skill the opportunity to make plays and open up the floor is what we’re looking for and what every team’s looking for. So to start getting that continuity is important, and hopefully we can keep trending in that direction.

SLAM: You used that ball movement against Cleveland to connect on 8-of-12 shots for a very efficient 24 points. How are you feeling personally right now heading down the final stretch?

MD: I’ve been feeling good. I think we have a lot of guys doing a lot of good things right now and we’re heading in the right direction. Hopefully we’ll get Derrick back soon and make a push for this thing.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Images via Getty.

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In his last outing—against a Miami Heat team the Cavaliers could potentially face in a first round Playoff series—Shumpert came off the bench to throw in a personal Cavs-high 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. The Oak Park, IL native also connected on three of his six attempts from beyond the arc, snagged four steals, and posted a game-best plus/minus of +28. Prior to a postgame “Welcome To Cleveland” party for Shumpert hosted by Barley House on W.6th Street, Coach Blatt spoke on his reserve guard’s impact.

“He’s just been really good at both ends of the court,” Blatt said of Shumpert, following the 114-88 win over Miami. “He’s a big part of what we’re doing here because he’s so impactful on the defensive end, and he’s playing with guys that obviously get him good looks. He’s doing such a good job for us energy-wise and activity-wise. We like him shooting the ball when they’re good looks, but he’s also got that capability and that burst to be able to get to the rim when he has to.”

Following the game, Shumpert was asked in a media scrum if he or his teammates had a nickname or slogan for the Cavs’ second unit. He acknowledged the question with a smile, before responding that the only mantra they have is to come in and play hard when their numbers are called.

“We just come in and play hard,” Shumpert said of the Cavs’ second unit. “The main thing is just trying to get wins. This is a very selfless team. We are all just trying to get in, do our job, get wins, and get to the Playoffs.”

That job in support of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love isn’t something that’s gone unnoticed by the King. Following Thursday’s victory, LeBron explained what he’s been most impressed with by the reserve group led by Shumpert, Tristan Thompson and others.

“Our main thing we want from our bench is to come in with a defensive mindset,” LeBron James said. “Keep the tempo and play the game the right way. Any time we get scoring off the bench is huge for us, but it’s something we don’t bank on. Tonight, Shump was great as far as his scoring. Delly [Matthew Dellavedova] chipped in. Double T [Tristan Thompson] was a monster on the boards. We didn’t lose a step when those guys came in and that’s what it’s all about.”

What it’s also all about for the Cavaliers and a fan base that hasn’t celebrated postseason basketball since 2010 is winning. With a healthy LeBron James in toe, Shumpert has helped Cleveland do specifically that by compiling a 26-7 record since playing his first game for the Cavs on January 23. With towels left on every seat of Quicken Loans Arena for the nationally televised TNT game against the Heat, you could feel that playoff energy looming.

“It’s great,” Shumpert said of the fan support in Cleveland. “The fans make you feel like every shot is going in. They go crazy for any energy play that we put out. You can’t ask for a better crowd, especially with the atmosphere they gave us tonight. With the towels, everybody jumping up and down. It gets crazy, and gives us plenty of energy to come out and do our job.”

After Shumpert and company put in work against Miami, he and a number of teammates attended a party alongside Cavs fans officially welcoming him to town. Shumpert explained how the event came about with Barley House, which was recently named to the National Bar and Restaurant Association’s Top 100 list.

“Cleveland fans gave me a warm welcome as soon as I stepped foot in the arena,” Shumpert told SLAM. “So the event we planned with Barley House is just to have a fun night, and be around people and fans that want to celebrate having me and my teammates here. We built the relationship with Barley House when we got to town, and a couple of the guys on the team told me it’s a great place. So we made it happen.”

Shumpert and a collection of teammates rolled through the red carpet at Barley House before being later presented with a special cake honoring his arrival. Cleveland Browns All-Pro Joe Haden was in the building for the festivities, along with Cavs legend Ron Harper and a number of other local personalities and professional athletes from around the city.

“Our relationship with the players in town started pretty much from Day 1 for us with Shaquille O’Neal,” Barley House Executive Manager Joe Oravec told SLAM. “We did Shaq’s Welcome to Cleveland party, which was a pretty cool party. We also did Kyrie Irving’s 21st birthday party, Joe Haden’s birthday party, and a long list of Browns, Indians and other guys’ birthdays and charity events as well.”

While the Shumpert party proved to be a safe and successful celebration of the Miami win, you couldn’t help but wonder about that next party Barley House might host later this summer. Before dreaming about championship parades and customized cakes, though, there’s still plenty of defensive stops to make and victories to secure.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Images via Getty, Joe Oravec/Barley House.

The post Iman Shumpert: Welcomed in Cleveland appeared first on SLAM.

Individually, Mozgov has filled a gaping need at the center position for the Cavaliers in the wake of Anderson Varejao being lost for the season. While playing 25 minutes per night for his Russian national team coach, David Blatt, Timo has upped his season averages to 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for Cleveland. The former Denver Nugget has also recorded seven double-doubles since joining the team, and helped improve the Cavs defensive efforts around the rim on a nightly basis.

We caught up with Mozgov just after a pre-game workout with teammate Brendan Haywood and Coach Vitaly Potapenko (11-year NBA veteran) before the Cavs tipped off with the Brooklyn Nets last night—a game that ended in a 117-92 Cleveland win. And no, he didn’t accidentally answer any questions in Russian.

SLAM: You’ve been in Cleveland for a couple months now. How has it been getting to know your new teammates, coaches and system?

Timofey Mozgov: I feel very good with our team and everything we’re doing. The guys are really nice, they were nice to me when I got here and they’re nice to everyone on the team. The first day I came in, they welcomed me. That carried over to the court. I was able to come in and kind of do what I do. It was a fit with what the guys and coach were looking for, so I try to do my best for the team. Overall it’s felt great being here.

SLAM: What is Coach Blatt asking you to do on a nightly basis to help this Cavs team? Has he said anything specific along those lines?

TM: He just wants me to do the same things every night. Just be yourself, do what you do. That’s it, pretty simple.

SLAM: How different is Russian national team Coach Blatt as compared to NBA or Cavs coach Blatt?

TM: He really coaches the same. The way we do shoot-arounds, practice, all that stuff, that part is different. It’s a different league, different players, and different level. But he’s the same person as far as how he coaches the team. He’s been the same person here that he’s always been.

SLAM: You played in seven Playoff games for the Nuggets in 2012 and averaged 15 minutes per night during that series. What did you learn from that experience that will help you prepare for the postseason this year in Cleveland?

TM: I learned that you gotta be ready for a physical game. You have to be ready. Before the Playoffs, when I was in Denver, I wasn’t getting in regularly toward the end of the season. I didn’t play a lot. Then, during the playoffs, coach put me in the starting lineup. I think I started six games, I didn’t start the first game for sure. We played against LA. But I learned that you gotta be physical, you have to be mentally tough, and you have to always be ready to play.

SLAM: Have you talked with Coach Blatt about playing more minutes than you have been during the 4th quarter? Is finishing games as we get closer to the Playoffs a goal of yours?

TM: We have some wins, so that’s all we need. Like every player in the NBA, I want to play 40 minutes, four quarters, or whatever. But as long as it works for the team, that’s what matters most. Even if you don’t play at all, you have to just be ready to help the team win.

SLAM: What do you expect the atmosphere to be like in Cleveland during the Playoffs based on what you’ve seen from Cavs fans so far?  

TM: I think it’s going to be a lot of energy. I can’t even imagine it right now, but I think it’s going to be a loud crowd every night. Really loud.

SLAM: You were on the floor for Kyrie’s 57-point performance against the Spurs. What was it like playing with a teammate in that type of zone?  

TM: It was definitely the first time I saw somebody score 57 points for my team. I think I played against Oklahoma City one time, Kevin Durant might have done that. But as far as my team, my teammate scoring 50-some points, it feels nice to be a part of that. We take pride in it as teammates and we just all tried to help him.

SLAM: You just finished a workout with Brendan Haywood and Coach [Vitaly] Potapenko. What is your relationship like with the former NBA big man? 

TM: Our relationship is great. He [Potapenko] speaks Russian, so we speak Russian together and we have some things in common. We come from similar backgrounds. So we go out to dinner together sometimes, and I work out with him. He’s a big who knows the game, and he knows what we need to do to get better. We’re always getting better with coach.

SLAM: How does the Cleveland winter compare to the Russian winters you grew up in?

TM: Actually, the winters are kind of similar. Maybe in some ways it’s a little bit colder, but it’s similar weather here in Cleveland.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

The post Q+A: Timofey Mozgov appeared first on SLAM.

Coach David Blatt’s NBA resume was all of a sudden being questioned, and well-founded speculation about his job security was beginning to hum. Two days later though, the Cavaliers returned mercifully to five hundred with a 109-102 win in LA, despite 19 points and 17 assists from Kobe Bryant. Blatt’s revamped and healthy roster would continue to win into February, collecting 12 straight wins before rounding out at 43-25 with recent wins over Dallas, San Antonio and Orlando on the road.

James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and the Cavaliers will return home after a matchup in Miami tonight for a date with the Nets, and the energy and enthusiasm throughout “The Land” is beginning to rise. Cleveland has not hosted a playoff basketball game since 2010, and a deep run in the Eastern Conference is appearing more likely by the game. The result has been a home-court advantage that 15-year pro and NBA champion Shawn Marion knows will be critical come playoff time.

“The energy has been electric at the Q,” Marion recently told SLAM. “The way the fans give back and support the team, it creates a momentum all around that we have right now. It’s great. We just gotta keep it up. Keep it moving, keep helping each other and keep getting better.”

The Cavs have compiled a 24-9 record at home this season, balancing out an average road mark of 19-16. But with the No. 2 seed within reach, and the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks appearing to pose the only real threat to Cleveland in the East, excitement is mounting in Northeast Ohio.

“The energy inside the building really has been incredible,” DJ Steph Floss, the Cavaliers’ in-arena DJ, agreed. “It really is getting louder and louder, which is crazy when you think about how hype it’s been this season ever since opening night.”

Steph Floss has made a point of sprinkling in music from local products like Machine Gun Kelly and Stalley during the recent stretch of Cavaliers victories. Just as Marion has helped keep the reserve unit engaged during a 12-game stretch sidelined with a hip injury, Floss has been doing the same with the fans.

“I think Steph Floss has been doing good job of keeping everybody into it,” Marion added. “He asks the guys what they want to hear. He plays the new current stuff, throws back with some old stuff. He plays a variety and it’s cool.”

The other half of Floss’ DJ team “It’s The Good Guys” is friend and fellow longtime Cleveland sports fan DJ Jameel, aka Meel, who said winning has helped everybody feel a little bit better about things in their hometown lately.

“It’s good to always have some winning going on,” Meel noted. “When you win, everyone in the city is just generally happier. Whether it’s the Browns, Indians or Cavs, it’s just better when our teams are winning because we are so sports-driven in Cleveland. We’re hard-workers. Those are like our high school teams. We feel like we know our franchises like the back of our hand. So for the Cavs to be winning, with a player like LeBron, it’s just very important. He’s one of the biggest athletes ever, and he’s from our community.”

In particular, MGK’s smash hit “Till I Die,” which pays homage to the legendary Bone Thugs N Harmony while also shouting out multiple neighborhoods and streets around Cleveland, always gives the home town crowd a boost.

“That song, if you’re from Cleveland it gives you something to be proud of,” Meel added. “Especially if you see the video on MTV or hear it being played at somewhere like the Q. It gives you goosebumps. It’s just all a good look for the city of Cleveland right now.”

On the court, meanwhile, LeBron has turned things up since returning from back injury. He’s scored 30 or more points 11 times and currently ranks third in the league overall behind Russell Westbrook and James Harden at 26.1 per night. He also ranks seventh in assists (7.3) and is collecting 5.8 rebounds per game.

Coach Blatt’s squad, after getting a healthy James back and adding JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov now ranks third in offensive efficiency (108.2) and fourth in true shooting percentage (55.7 percent). The one area the Cavaliers will need to tighten up collectively before planning the ultimate celebration, though, is on defense. The Cavaliers rank in the bottom third in defensive efficiency and will need to clean that up considerably during the next few weeks.

NBA photo via Getty, DJ Steph Floss photo via Jason Crocker/@JasonTCrocker

The post Return to the Promised ‘Land’ appeared first on SLAM.

But while the uniform has changed seven times for the current member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, his deadly approach from three-point territory has remained not only constant, but also a standard of consistency among his peers. Heading into the Cavaliers’ February 20 matchup with the Washington Wizards, Miller has connected on 1,558 of the 3,821 three-point field goals he’s attempted during his professional career. His let-it-fly mentality and approach from distance has helped him shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc along the way, and also inspired the launch of his new brand, LET IT FLY.

In order to translate his vision for LET IT FLY into a viable business, Miller tapped former Nike executive and Jordan Brand architect Erin Patton to serve as CEO for the brand. Patton has established a proven track record for creating paradigm shifts, including the AND 1 Mixtape Tour and Stephon Marbury’s Starbury brand.

“Mike is an exceptional partner and gives the brand a level of authenticity and iconic inspiration that is unrivaled and paramount to our success,” Patton told SLAM. “We are feeding off of his creativity and constant push for innovation as an elite athlete and one of the best marksman to ever play the game to build a world class performance product with a specialized focus on shooters. He is a modern day Phil Knight. Much the same as Nike was inspired by and for runners, our brand DNA is rooted within basketball culture and the timeless craft of shooting which is inextricably linked to the sport itself.”

Miller’s long-time friend, current teammate, and expert marksman in his own right, James Jones aka Champ, joined the LET IT FLY team this week for an exclusive workout that SLAM was on hand for. Jones helped Miller demonstrate an innovative shooting sleeve designed to help inspire young athletes to push further by changing colors during a workout as an indication of progress.

“The sleeve feels natural as a shooter,” Jones said. “The most important thing for a shooter is a feel. You want to have a feel for the ball. You want to have a rhythm, a feel for the gym, for the environment. So everything you do is a feel. Mentally, when you’re tight, when you’re locked in, when you’re precise.

“Those are the words that come to mind when you talk about being a distance shooter, being a great shooter. Having control, pinpoint accuracy. The sleeve allows me to do that because it keeps me tight, it keeps everything in line. More importantly, like I said, it’s just a feel. You feel good, you shoot good.”

The feel that truly great shooters like Jones and Miller are referring to is something that requires unavoidable work, dedication and passion. It’s also something that is earned throughout countless hours in the gym, hoisting one shot after another until achieving that ultimate feel and confidence.

“I’ve been around the game of basketball for a long time,” Miller said. “And I think it’s important to look back at the things you did to get to where you are. I’ve played 14 years in the NBA and now have kids that are going through the same process I did to get here. What can I do to help them? And I think Champ said it best, for kids you’re pushing yourself internally.

“Our hashtag is #earnyourcolors and this is what we’re doing. You want to see a direct result of what you did, and this shows it to them by the color indicators on the sleeve. For a kid, you challenge yourself to earn your colors every day. It kind of goes back on what we did as kids growing up, and how we got to be the shooters we are. And that’s by putting the time in. So now you’re kind of competing against us. We know what it takes to get there, and if you live by this and go through it, you will become the best shooter you could possibly be.”

There isn’t a finite number on this, obviously, but the LET IT FLY insignia on the shooting sleeve is designed to turn from white to another color after approximately 100 shots. Then, after around 200, it will change again, and so on from there.

“It pushes you in everything you do to become an elite athlete and an elite shooter,” Jones added with respect to the shooting sleeve technology. “It’s all about earning your stripes. Paying your dues. This is a visual that reminds you when you’re tired, when you don’t want to take those last 50 jump shots. You can get to the next color. So it’s always an internal challenge that you have and you face. This is just another tool to push yourself beyond your natural limits.”

As a professional athlete, Miller has continued to push himself beyond the natural limits or box that some might suggest an NBA player belongs. Launching a revolutionary basketball brand that will eventually change the way shooting is taught and practiced being the latest example.

“For me, LET IT FLY has stuck with me as a person because of the way we built it,” Miller said. “To be able to turn it into something now that can help kids; reward them, show them progress, and do things we want to do is a unique situation that I’ve been blessed with. And we’re just gonna let it fly.”

Mike Miller will be live-tweeting during the NBA Three-Point Contest tonight from the newly launched @LETITFLYBRAND Twitter account. He’ll be jumping on at about the time that Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver, Kyrie Irving and company take the floor for the most highly anticipated three-point contest of all time tonight in New York. Mike will be reacting to the three-point performances and taking all of your shooting questions throughout the night. Be sure to connect with LET IT FLY on IG too for more in the months ahead.

Special thanks to Jason Crocker for the dope photos. Check out his website and Twitter for more.

The post Mike Miller Launches LET IT FLY appeared first on SLAM.

As a Clevelander, the former Virginia Cavalier has scattered 99 points over 35 NBA appearances. He’s shooting 38 percent from three-point range, and logged at least 19 minutes for the Cavs during nine games. The 23-year-old sharpshooter from Chelan, WA, has also made one start for a Cleveland team that continues to appear like an NBA championship contender in the Eastern Conference.

Two nights before the win over Philly, Harris continued his professional voyage in Canton during a game with the Cavaliers D-League affiliate. Playing 29 minutes for the Charge, Harris offered a well-rounded performance while competing at the defensive end throughout the contest. He finished with 13 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds, while helping Alex Kirk (game-high 14 rebounds, 2 blocked shots) and Stephen Holt (team-high 18 points, 3-6 from three) lead Canton to the 101-84 victory over Seth Curry and the Erie Bayhawks.

“I’m coming down here with the goal of just trying to help the team win games,” Harris told SLAM following the victory over Erie. “That’s the main priority. The league itself is used for developmental purposes to help guys get to the next level, or get opportunities elsewhere. But overall, it’s for us to come down here and win games. That’s what gives everybody down here the best opportunity to go and play somewhere else. Winning teams is the common denominator, whether it’s college, high school or whatever, guys get picked up to go to the next level when they win. So that’s what I’m coming down here to help the team do, win games and try to improve on all aspects of my game in the process.”

In addition to the 35 NBA appearances, Harris has also made four more D-League starts for the Canton Charge this season. He’s averaging 18.8 points and 6 rebounds, while helping push Canton (15-14) over the .500 mark with the Bayhawks victory. After starring at Virginia for four seasons, Harris has welcomed the opportunity to continue developing his game while adding what he’s learned thus far from practicing alongside LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving during live-game situations.

“What’s beneficial for a rookie in my position is that I’m also able to get into a rhythm of actually playing full games,” Harris said. “As of late, up in Cleveland, I haven’t had the opportunity to actually play more than 10 minutes or anything like that. So for me to come down here and have a chance to play 35-40 minutes, and actually get into a rhythm of a basketball game—you can’t simulate that in a practice. You can’t simulate that in one-on-one drills with your coaches, or with your player development guys. So this is the best workout or practice I can get when I’m not able to play significant minutes for the Cavs.”

Harris may be playing 75 minutes south of Cavaliers headquarters on the nights he suits up for the Charge, but he’s far from an afterthought in the NBA locker room. Following the Cavs’ 101-90 win over the Sacramento Kings, Brendan Haywood could be heard over the scrum of media inquiring about how ‘Joe’ did in a D-League game for Canton to anyone within earshot. From a few feet away, as a collection of reporters and recording devices surrounded Kevin Love’s locker and all adjacent space, Damon Jones offered a response.

“He scored 26 and had a tough cover defensively,” the 38-year-old shooting expert who spent 10 years in the NBA told Haywood. The 35-year-old 7-footer from North Carolina, who won a Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, nodded in approval upon absorbing the news.

“There’s close ties between Canton and Cleveland,” Harris said. “It’s not like just because we’re the D-League team there’s a separation between the two. They mesh well together; there are guys who have been affiliated with Canton that are now with the Cavs and vice versa.

“Brendan [Haywood], he’s a little bit more aware because I spent a lot of time with Brendan during training camp and with our pre-game workouts. And just from our time on the bench, too, joking around about being the bench mob, that sort of stuff. So it makes sense that he’d be asking. And Damon, DJ has come down here a couple times with me. My first couple games that I had he was accompanying me back and forth to Cleveland. So it’s like, even though I’m coming down, the guys up in Cleveland with the Cavs are very cognizant of what’s going on. But it’s been like that well before I started playing here.”

On the same night of the highly anticipated college basketball matchup between Duke and Virginia, two proud alums of each program crossed paths at the Canton Civic Center. Neither Harris, nor Curry, guarded each other at any point in the contest. But the competitive respect is shared by each of the ACC legends currently in pursuit of their first big job after college.

“I don’t really know him too well off the court,” Curry said of Harris. “But we knew it was always going to be a challenge playing against them (Virginia) and him (Harris), specifically, every time we played them. They got us once when I was there, but it’s always fun to play against him. I always respected his game, and still do.”

Seth Curry, younger brother of Steph—the leading vote-getter for the 2015 All-Star game—and son of accomplished pro Dell Curry, has spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA level. He has also played for the Santa Cruz Warriors and Erie Bayhawks since beginning his professional career in 2013.

During the loss in Canton, Curry finished with a game-best 27 points on 10-19 shooting from the floor. He also connected on five of the 10 three-pointers he attempted, and averages 24 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists on the season. Curry is also shooting 49 percent from three-point range, while ranking second in the D-League overall in total threes made (102).

“Offensively, I’m working on just creating different shots with and without the ball. Finding different ways to get my shot,” Curry noted. “Then the main thing is defensively, just trying to make plays with my hands. Being very active defensively, and just trying to be the best defender I can be. I’m focusing on the small things we do every day to win games, just playing hard and getting better in every practice.”

While signing on for the duration of an NBA season is every D-Leaguer’s eventual goal, it isn’t a thought that Curry keeps in top-mind status. His focus is on taking the necessary steps each day to become the best player possible, and then allowing the proverbial chips to fall out wherever from there.

“The getting signed part, I don’t even focus on that,” Curry admits. “I just focus on what I need to do every day to help my team win basketball games and keep getting better. I feel good right now, defenses are keying on me so my thing is to find different ways to get open looks. I’m trying to get the best shot possible for my team on a consistent basis and not take bad shots. But I feel good, whenever I let it go, it feels like it’s going in. The biggest thing is just trying to find good shots.”

Superstar lineage aside, every player who steps on to the D-League court is under constant scrutiny from NBA talent scouts, coaches and general managers. Among those in the house to watch Harris clash with Curry was Cavs GM David Griffin.

“For me, individually, I know that part of the reason my minutes went down in Cleveland was just little things,” Harris added. “Mental miscues, being in the right position defensively. There are a lot of different nuances and things you’re not familiar with transitioning from college to the NBA right away. It takes a little bit to get a grasp on some of those details, to fully pick them up. So coming down here really gives me a chance to improve those areas, play continuously through mistakes. That’s what’s going to give everybody in this league a chance to play elsewhere, focusing on the little things.”

Photo credit and special thanks to Tammy Henry for all images featured in this article. For more from Henry, check out her website tammy-henry.com and follow on Twitter @Tam_Henry.

The post A Night In The D-League appeared first on SLAM.

After missing his first seven shots, the Cavaliers point guard and SLAM 185 cover subject finished with a career-high 55 points. The three-pointer he hit with six seconds remaining gave Cleveland a 97-94 lead that he’d later finalize with two more free-throws. Blake, the 11-year pro with Portland who has played in over 800 NBA games, put Kyrie’s performance into perspective after chasing him around for parts of the contest.

“Irving was individually just really impressive,” Blake told SLAM after the game. “A great talent like that, on certain nights, there isn’t much you can do about it. Hat’s off to him, he was playing great.”

Even after starting 0-for-7 from the field, Irving somehow arrived at 20 points with six minutes to go in the second quarter. Through three quarters, he totaled 39 points and five assists. He closed the fourth by adding 16 more, while sending LeBron James and the Cavaliers bench into hysterics as he eclipsed the NBA season-high of 52 established by Mo Williams and Klay Thompson. Blake, Lillard and others played respectable defense on Irving all night, too, but I’m not sure Gary Payton in his prime could’ve done much to break his zone.

“He got free a few times where he got wide-open looks,” Blake said. “But for the most part he was making contested shots. Like I said, some nights, guys like him, Kobe, these great players, sometimes there’s nothing you can do. You try to be physical, you try to send him to the big guys in the paint, but he was even finishing over them.”

To close out the first quarter, Irving scored the final 11 points in a 1:39 span. He also scored the final 12 points of the game, and has now scored more points in an NBA game played in Cleveland than any player not named Michael Jordan. Jordan hung 69 on the Cavs in 1990 and all of LeBron’s 50-plus games for the Cavaliers have come on the road. Only James, Walt Wesley and now Irving have scored as many as 50 points in a Cavaliers uniform throughout franchise history.

“A lot of these young guys, it’s cool to see how talented they really are,” Blake added. “Basketball itself just produces better and better players all the time. Lillard, obviously, is another one of those guys. Night-in, night-out, he’s fantastic. He competes, he has that killer instinct, and he and Kyrie are two of the best point guards in the game right now.”

The last time Lillard and Irving met, the outcome was dramatically different. On November 4 in Portland, Lillard’s team beat Irving’s, 101-82. The Blazers star PG finished with 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds while Irving shot 3-of-17 from the floor to finish with nine. On this night, though—despite an inspiring performance from LaMarcus Aldridge (38 points, 11 rebounds) who is playing through significant pain while postponing season-ending thumb surgery—it was all Uncle Drew.

“You’ve got to give him credit,” Lillard said of Irving, named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve on Thursday night. “He made tough shots. They were out there without LeBron and he carried them. He played a great game. I’ve watched him play, obviously that was his career high, but I’ve seen him get on streaks before. He’s really crafty. But usually it’s mid-range pull-ups and nice layups. It’s not 11 threes. I think he’s just in a good rhythm, he’s playing really well right now.”

Irving is now averaging 28.4 points and 5.4 assists during the Cavaliers eight-game winning streak. He’s also shooting 50.6 percent from three this month for a Cavs team that finally looks like the championship contender that most expected heading into the season.

“I feel like the pace that I’m playing with right now is just giving me a lot more open looks,” Irving explained. “Especially in transition—pulling up in transition for the three-point shot from me to JR to LeBron is definitely helping us get points, especially when we get down or we have lulls within the game. The three-point shot is helping us. Our bigs are doing a great job of just coming in and screening transition, being open and being willing screeners every single time down. It just makes my job a lot easier to come down and make an easy decision to either pull up or attack the rim or drop off to our bigs.”

The decisions Kyrie made with the basketball on his way to those 55 points were almost as mesmerizing as the point total he finished with. He reminded me of watching Allen Iverson attack the basket on multiple offensive trips throughout the game. His crossover and drives were not only quick, but also fierce, deliberate, and simply unguardable.

“I’m just happy we got the win,” Irving told the media afterwards. “That’s the only thing that really matters and we continue our streak. We go into our next game Friday against a good Kings team.”

LeBron James (sore right wrist) is listed as doubtful for the Cavaliers (27-20) matchup with the visiting Kings (16-28) on Friday. Irving will enter the contest averaging 46.5 points in the last two games, though, so there’s at least that if the King can’t go.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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“I know you guys have all been waiting on me,” Smith announced to a collection of reporters gathered by LeBron’s locker before Sunday’s game. “My bad on that everyone, I’ll be ready in a few minutes to talk though.”

As those within earshot laughed, Smith prepared for Kevin Durant and the Thunder in a way that works best for him. He replied to a question from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about how far his range actually extends by noting that he feels comfortable shooting regular jumpers just beyond the half-court line. He then went out and hit four threes during Sunday’s 108-98 win over OKC, one game after drilling seven.

“This is definitely the most fun I’ve had in an NBA locker room,” Smith told SLAM following the win over OKC. “This team is the most fun. Especially, right from the start. We all clicked right away.”

James won the duel with Durant on Sunday, totaling 34 points, seven boards and seven assists. Durant offered 32, nine and six in response, but it wasn’t enough. Kevin Love added a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double for Cleveland, Kyrie Irving scored 21, and Tristan Thompson joined Smith and company in double figures with 10. OKC’s Russell Westbrook scored 22 and Dion Waiters threw in 14 during his return game in Cleveland.

Despite being on the receiving end of a bone-rattling Kendrick Perkins screen, Smith didn’t stop smiling afterwards either when the subject moved to his new fan base.

“The Cleveland fans are great,” Smith said. “There’s so much energy in the building, it’s crazy in here.”

While the well-known and well-traveled Smith arrived in Cleveland along with Iman Shumpert—his former Knicks teammate—big man Timofey Mozgov arrived via Denver rolling solo. Filling a desperate need up front for the Cavs—dramatically enhanced by the injury to Anderson Varejao—Mozgov has been a sight for sore eyes under the basket. But while he does have a well-documented relationship with head coach David Blatt, Mozgov didn’t know anybody else before he arrived earlier this month.

“I knew Coach Blatt and that’s it,” Mozgov said after the win on Sunday. “After the trade, I spent some time with JR while we were in Denver right before we got here. But I had never played with, or really met any of the other guys. But, we are all together and we’re winning. We are all working hard, and it’s not just highlights. The highlights these guys have, they’re being created from hard work.”

Mozgov’s hard work has been supported by Thompson up front since he’s arrived in Cleveland. While the 28-year-old, 7-1 center from Russia is averaging 10.5 points and 9.2 rebounds during the six-game winning streak, Thompson is also putting in work right beside him. To go along with 10 points against a front-line led by Serge Ibaka, Thompson also collected a season-high 16 rebounds on Sunday.

“It’s been great,” Thompson said. “JR, Moz, Shump, they’ve all come in and bought into our principles right away. And they’ve definitely advanced our team. We’ve become a better ball club, especially on the defensive end. Myself, Moz and Shump, really everyone, we’re trying to change the game defensively for our team. Then on the offensive end, we’re just trying to help and assist our lead guys—compete around the rim and be an asset to this team in any way we can. That’s what everyone’s doing.”

It’s that attitude and approach from Thompson that appears to be the consensus throughout the locker room. Generally and collectively, however, that feeling wasn’t necessarily obvious to an observer at all times prior to the arrival of Smith, Mozgov and Shumpert. The team appears to be whole now, though, and more importantly healthy. A renewed excitement of sorts has been certainly evident in the arena as a result.

“I didn’t see a lot of the city since I’ve been here,” Mozgov admitted. “I see only my room, the practice facility, and the arena. There isn’t much time to go around the city. But the fans in Cleveland, they’re loud. There is a lot of energy in here, every time you know the fans will have the energy. They just are here for great basketball, and you try to work hard and give them that.”

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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Paced by the NBA’s leading scorer in James Harden (27.2 points per game), the Rockets currently own a 29-14 record which is good for the No. 5 seed out West. The arrival of Brewer, combined with the signing of free agent of Josh Smith, has gone a long way to adding much-needed depth to GM Daryl Morey’s roster. We caught up with the eight-year pro from Florida to talk about his transition in Houston, and how he plans to help the Rockets go deep in the postseason.

SLAM: Last month, you were involved in a three-team trade that sent you from Minnesota to Houston. How did you find out you were being traded to the Rockets?

Corey Brewer: I first started hearing rumors for about a month that I might get traded to either Cleveland or Houston. But I didn’t really think about it because I’d been traded before. Then it finally happened. We were supposed to play Boston, but while I was getting ready for the game I found out I got traded. I wasn’t shocked because I knew they were trying to move me, I knew they were trying to get more time for the younger guys in Minnesota. So I didn’t necessarily mind being traded, so long as I went to a contender. But lucky for me, I ended up landing in Houston.

SLAM: During your first 17 games in Houston, you’re coming off the bench averaging 11.5 points in 24 minutes to go along with two assists and two rebounds. You’re also a key part of a reserve nucleus that includes Josh Smith and Jason Terry. Can you talk about your relationship with those two guys in particular?

CB: We have a good relationship, me, Josh and JET [Terry]. I played with JET in Dallas when I was younger, and I actually learned how to come off the bench from him. I used watch what he did. Then when I went to Denver, I tried to take what he used to do, the mindset—come in, be aggressive, and just play your game—when I was coming off the bench there. So it’s great being back with him, and Josh is great too. It’s a great situation for him coming to play with us, just because there’s no pressure and we can all just come in and play our game. With us coming off the bench, I feel like we bring a lot to the team. We all can score, we all pass, we all play together, and I think we make our bench really good.

SLAM: What does that mean exactly, to learn how to come off the bench? What are some of the things Terry taught you as far as that role is concerned in the League?

CB: You have to have the mindset and understanding of what you bring to the team. I know what I bring to this team—I have to come off the bench and get transition baskets. I have to try to pick up the pace, become more consistent knocking down open threes. I’ve had some good games, but I need to be more consistent. So that’s my goal, when Playoffs get here I got to be able to knock down the open shots for us to be most effective. With those guys on the court, then with James and Dwight out there, there’s a lot of open shots. My mentality is go out there and help the team any way I can when I come off the bench. You can kinda see what’s going on when you come off the bench; if you need to pick up the pace, slow it down, do different things. It’s fun coming off the bench when you’re on a good team because you have a chance to help the team win every night.

SLAM: Kevin McHale is a coach you’ve played for before in Minnesota and he just went out and traded for you. What does that mean when a guy who knows you like that wants you on his team?

CB: Me and Coach McHale have a great relationship. It meant a lot to me for him to trade for me. He actually told me he’d been trying to trade for me for a couple years. But McHale drafted me as the general manager when I was with Minnesota. It was tough when he left because he was my guy. Then they brought in David Kahn and I wasn’t a David Kahn guy so I knew I was about to be out of there the first time [Laughs]. But Mac’s great, and he knows how I play and I understand his system, so that’s why I think I fit in pretty well here.

SLAM: What has it been like to be dropped into the playoff mix in this very challenging Western Conference?

CB: This is what it’s all about, man. I feel like when you play basketball, it’s all about trying to win a championship. I feel like we have a lot of pieces over here in Houston, we have a chance to contend. So for me, to go from not having a chance to get into the playoffs—zero percent—to trying to play for a top-four seed and home court advantage, it’s crazy.

SLAM: How good is James Harden playing right now? And how important is it to have a big like Howard come playoff time?

CB: James is playing great, he’s probably the best scorer in the NBA right now. If not, he’s top-three for sure. When you play with him, he’s so explosive you get so much easy stuff. It makes the game easy. And Dwight, he’s so dominant. You can be more aggressive defensively knowing that he’s behind you. He’s so big and so talented, it means a lot knowing he’s behind you to block shots.

SLAM: You’re known as a guy who brings a defensive presence to the perimeter. Growing up, who are some of the perimeter defenders you looked up to or watched in the League?

CB: I was a huge Scottie Pippen fan. I used to also love Clyde Drexler—”The Glide” was the man. But then when I got older, I watched a lot of film on Michael Cooper. People used to tell me I played like Michael Cooper. But growing up, I was a big Scottie Pippen fan.

SLAM: How about this Florida movement in the NBA these days, you guys are everywhere. Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Chandler Parsons, Bradley Beal…

CB: That’s Coach Donovan and his system, it translates to the NBA. And we also have Mo Speights who’s having an amazing year, David Lee, Matt Bonner just won a championship, Mike Miller’s with the Cavs. There’s a lot of Gators, I just feel like the system really translaes.

SLAM: How are things going with the Corey Brewer Foundation, any events coming up in Houston to keep an eye on?

CB: Yeah most definitely in the summer. We’re just starting planning for those. Our goal is always the same, to find a cure for Diabetes. It’s something that means a lot to me and my family and I am looking to do more things in Houston community now that I’m here. It’s all about trying to find a cure and making sure people get checked out, it’s really important.

For more on the Corey Brewer Foundation and how you can help fight Diabetes: coreybrewer.com/foundation.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s (Cleveland, OH) seniors Carlton Bragg (committed to Kansas), Dererk Pardon (Northwestern) and Brian Parker (Marist) will be representing their families, school and city at the Division I level next season. It’s something the area hoops standouts will continue to do for the rest of their lives, wherever the game they’ve grown up playing together as kids eventually leads to as adults.

On a day dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., however—during a game televised nationally on ESPNU—the trio from Cleveland will represent all of those things and more, collectively. Alongside their brothers and teammates on a national stage, the Bragg-led Vikings from VASJ (ranked No. 11 in the nation) will collide with Oak Hill Academy (No. 6), the national powerhouse that’s produced NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Rajon Rondo and many more.

Oak Hill will arrive in Springfield, Massachusetts for the 2015 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic with an extremely loaded and superbly coached group again this year. Led by Dwayne Bacon (Florida State), Daniel Giddens (Ohio State), Josh Reaves (Penn State) and others, the Steve Smith-coached Warriors will pose a serious, daunting test for VASJ.

“I told our kids we are representing more than VASJ in this game,” VASJ head coach Babe Kwasniak told SLAM, in anticipation of his team’s MLK Day matchup with Oak Hill. Kwasniak is a former Army point guard who competed memorably with Steve Wojciechowski during his collegiate career. He was also featured in a chapter of John Feinstein’s award-wining book, The Last Amateurs, during his playing days.

“This game is about showing the country how we play high school hoops in Cleveland,” he added. “Our kids will make us proud, they always do.”

During the Vikings’ final home game before the Oak Hill matchup, Bragg and company offered another performance to be proud of. With the temptation of looking past its opponent toward the lights of ESPN looming, the Vikings handled their business against a reputable conference foe. They led 26-5 after one quarter before winning the game by 40. But Kwasniak and his team are well aware of the type of competition that now awaits.

“Oak Hill equals talented,” Kwasniak said. “I asked a friend who I consider pretty knowledgeable when it comes to high school hoops if we can play with them—he said No. I hope he is wrong, because the entire country is going to get a chance to see it.”

Despite its size and enrollment, VASJ is a storied program that’s competed against the very best in the country before. Coach Kwasniak’s father, Tedd—who was a state championship-winning head coach at VASJ, and who also served as an assistant on two different title-winning staffs (including the one now led by his son)—understands better than anybody the caliber of players that Oak Hill features.

“Besides LeBron, who was obviously the best, the player I remember coaching against that stood out more than anyone else while I was at Joe’s on the high school level was Kenny Anderson,” Tedd Kwasniak said. “We played Anderson and Archbishop Malloy in a tournament, and he just had this air about him. He carried himself with that New York City aura, and he just had the ball on a string. He was so good.”

“We also played against Rasheed Wallace, Stephon Marbury, Nerlens Noel, and Andrew Wiggins. We scrimmaged Jalen Rose and Detroit Southwest when we had London Fletcher on the team. And Carlton, this group, they played against Nerlens when they were freshman. So they should have an idea of what to expect.”

The elder Kwasniak first served as an assistant under Mike Moran in the 1980’s at VASJ. After Moran left to build a D-III dynasty at John Carroll University, Kwasniak assumed head coaching duties. He won multiple state championships as a head coach, including titles with sons Babe and TJ as players. He also secured his latest state championship ring as an assistant under his oldest son when Bragg, Pardon and Parker were sophomores.

“They’re getting there,” Tedd Kwasniak replied, when asked how the 6-10 Bragg and 6-8 Pardon compare to that elite group of high school superstars he just referenced. “They’re down that list right now, of course, but they have the skill-set to belong with those types of high school players. Carlton especially. But they’re not done growing, and there’s goals they’re still working to accomplish.”

What makes USA TODAY’s No. 11-ranked team special is that for as good as Bragg is—and it only takes a couple seconds to confirm he’s every bit the Top-20 recruit he’s considered by all scouting services—the Vikings are more than simply one transcendent talent. Pardon will make a major impact at Northwestern, and the reigning Ohio co-player of the Year, Parker, could find himself spear-heading a Cinderella charge through March before his college days are complete.

“Clark Kellogg was at our practice before Christmas and says that this team has a chance to be the best team in school history,” said Kwasniak of the legendary Vikings alum that anchors CBS Sports College Basketball coverage. “We understand what that means when someone like Clark says that. But we’re just trying to go 1-0 each time we step onto the court.”

Kellogg, as a high school player, was what many people throughout Northeast Ohio consider to have been LeBron James before LeBron James was ever born. Kellogg went on to star at Ohio State before an NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He is among names like Desmond Howard, Kevin Edwards, Eric Reilly, Tony Miller, David Lighty and many more to have played basketball for VASJ. It’s high praise to be sure, but not a statement that old man Kwasniak isn’t willing to cosign.

“We played Rasheed Wallace and Simon Gratz three times the year we won the state championship,” Kwasniak said. “They beat us by eight the last time. Tony Miller played Steph Marbury tough the year he won it. Melvin Levett’s team, when Babe was a point guard, Melvin was incredible. Desmond’s team, London’s, Clark’s, they were really, really good. But this team does have a chance to separate itself and be special this season.”

Last week, Bragg held a press conference in the gym he’s grown up in over the last four years to announce his commitment to Bill Self and Kansas. The announcement ended a 24-month courtship from college coaches like John Calipari, Sean Miller, Thad Matta and others from all over the country. The talented, polite and mature young man from Cleveland is now afforded the opportunity to focus exclusively on the task at hand with his friends.

“I am looking forward to representing Cleveland while I’m at Kansas next year,” Bragg told SLAM. “But right now, I’m just focused on representing my school and my teammates while we’re working to accomplish the goals we have in front of us. We have a lot of work to accomplish as a team this season, and we know we have a long way to go.”

Despite the fanfare surrounding life as a major college recruit in the digital age, Bragg is noticeably humbled to be hearing his name and team mentioned alongside the greats from his high school. He knows both who Clark Kellogg is and what he was as a player; the same could be said about Howard, Fletcher, the Golic Brothers, and countless other professional stars from VASJ. He even spent time this summer watching YouTube highlights of Melvin “The Helicopter” Levett.

“I’ve learned about all the great players and teams who came before us at this school,” Bragg said. “I’ve had the chance to talk with the Mr. Kellogg, and I understand the history. I even watched YouTube highlights of Mel Levett over the summer after coach was telling me about him. He was such an amazing finisher. So we know the tradition we’re representing.”

Oak Hill is brimming with exciting players and an illustrious history as well in its own right. Under the direction of Coach Smith, the Warriors finished 41-4 in 2013-14, ranked as high as No. 4 nationally by some outlets. Along with Bacon, Giddens and Reaves, Oak Hill also features Andrew Fleming (Iowa), Terrence Phillips and Rodney Miller. Collectively, Oak Hill is a lot to handle, even for a team featuring three D-I recruits paced by a player like Bragg.

ESPN will kick-off its national high school hoops coverage with VASJ and Oak Hill on Monday at 1pm on ESPNU. Keep watching, because we may end up seeing a couple guys in this game in the League some day, too.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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Among Buckeye Nation’s legion of supporters who celebrated the victory—a group that includes LeBron James, John Legend and many more—was a freshman sensation from Louisville, KY, named D’Angelo Russell. Russell arrived in Columbus as a McDonald’s All-American this summer and has more than lived up to all hype and expectations.

On Monday night, however—with the country watching his friends line up against Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks—Russell was a fan just like anybody else.

But unlike some fans that may have continued to pour their celebratory passion into the wee hours of the following morning, Russell and his teammates are channeling the excitement for Ohio State in other ways.

“It definitely does give us extra energy that we do feed off,” Russell told SLAM, with respect to watching his football brothers from OSU ball out in the National Championship. “We’re just trying to continue to bring our program to that level. They receive a lot of attention for what they do on the field and we’re continuing to work to accomplish the same things.”

That competitive bond between athletes has helped lead to a shift of sorts throughout major college athletics. No longer is Ohio State, and other power-colleges or universities like it, simply a “football school” or “basketball school” exclusively. That trend is something coach Thad Matta agrees helps create a competitive culture throughout the athletic program in Columbus.

“Those guys are very close with the football players,” Matta said, of Russell and his OSU teammates. “Going into the Alabama game, I don’t have a lot of time to watch different teams, but they broke down what had to happen for us to win that game leading up to it for me. Then afterwards, I heard them talking about the game in the locker room. So I do think that energy and excitement is contagious.”

Russell, one of five freshmen to be named to the midseason Wooden Award Top 25 list, is averaging 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for a Buckeye team currently sitting at 14-4. He also leads his team in minutes played along with scoring, and is shooting 44 percent on a team-leading 109 three-point field-goal attempts. He, like the young, third-string quarterback from Glenville High School in Cleveland, is another example of an emerging talent learning and growing quickly on a national stage.

“It’s important to bring it every game,” Russell noted, in regards to what he’s learned so far at OSU. “You have to value the ball and value every possession. Doing that is a key to winning at this level. I feel like I continue to get better every game. If I do something that wasn’t so good, I look at the film and try to get better at it right away. I really pride myself on that.”

Scoonie Penn, a Big 10 Network College Basketball Analyst and former All-American from the Ohio State University, described Russell early on during training camp as simply, “the real deal,” when I first asked how good he could be via text. Penn also agrees that the competitive culture athletically continues to help elevate both programs at his alma mater.

“You go to Ohio State to compete with and against the very best in America,” said Penn, who led OSU to the Final Four in 1999. “Within that spirit of competition, that’s how you become collectively great. So whether it’s football pushing basketball, or basketball pushing football, or other sports throughout the University, you’re continually pulling for each other and inspiring your friends to get better.”

Less than 24 hours after the football team raised the National Championship trophy in Dallas—with NBA MVP LeBron James celebrating in a luxury box alongside Maverick Carter, Rich Paul and other friends from Ohio—Russell and the basketball squad tipped off against their hated rivals from Ann Arbor, MI. The super-frosh finished with 21 points against the Wolverines to go along with 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Aiding in the 71-52 Buckeye victory was Sam Thompson (12 points) and Amir Williams (10 points) who also added five rebounds and three blocks. Williams had just watched LeBron James wear his same No. 23 on the back of an Ohio State football jersey on national television at Dallas Cowboys Stadium the night before.

“It is cool to have the best player in the world as a part of your support group,” Russell said, when asked about what seeing James rep OSU like that means to he and his teammates. “I see him around every so often. Not everybody has that opportunity so we’re definitely lucky here.”

James has had an honorary locker in the Ohio State men’s basketball locker room for the past few seasons. Matta, who led OSU to the Final Four twice since arriving in 2004—to go along with winning a Big Ten title six times—certainly agrees that it is cool to have James linked with his team, university and players.

“I think when you have the best player in the world, and he has an affiliation with your program and university, I think it’s a tremendous thing for all of us,” Matta said of LeBron’s support for OSU. “LeBron had said he would’ve gone to Ohio State had he gone to college and to see his passion for the university, it means a great deal to us.”

The love, as we know, is obviously mutual between LeBron and his home state’s biggest university. That bond may have also made James hesitant to offer a final score prediction when I asked him for one this past Friday, before the eventual 42-20 outcome was decided.

“Oh man, I’m not good at picking the score,” James told SLAM, prior to the National Championship game on Monday. “I’m just hoping for the best. I really love those guys, I love Ohio State.”

Following the Buckeyes victory in Dallas, James returned to action after missing eight games with lower back and knee strains to finish with 33 points in 37 minutes on 11-18 shooting for the Cavaliers. He also collected 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists, while demonstrating a noticeably increased burst out on the court. Despite the effort, however, the Cavs (19-20) fell short of the Phoenix Suns out west by a score of 107-100.

Russell, Matta and Buckeye Nation are back on the floor this Saturday for a matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Cavs are up next on Thursday in L.A. against the Lakers.

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As longtime NBA veteran Andrew Bogut makes his way back to full strength from injury, the 6-10 Speights helps form a dangerous and unique tandem up front at the center position. Whether it’s been as a starter, or coming off the bench as one of the League’s most effective reserves, Speights has provided strength, athleticism and toughness around the painted area. His ability to serve as a pick-and-pop big alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson has also offered an effective offensive option for the Splash Brothers—one that’s proving difficult to defend.

Speights’ big games this season include 28 points during 25 minutes of work in a 91-86 win over Oklahoma City, 27 more in 24 minutes during a win over Charlotte and 26 in 25 in a victory over the Raptors. Per 36 minutes, he’s averaging 25 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks heading into Tuesday’s matchup with Utah. More important than any individual metric, Speights is helping his team win more games than any other team in the League.

After defeating Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and the woeful Cavaliers on Friday, the Warriors currently own the best record in the NBA at 29-5. It’s the type of success both individually and collectively that will earn Speights strong consideration in both the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player Awards by season’s end. We caught up with “Mo Buckets” in Golden State after that 112-94 beatdown to talk about all that and more.

SLAM: You guys are now 29-5 and playing a very entertaining brand of basketball. How fun has this been for you?

Marreese Speights: It’s the best feeling ever. We’re rolling, we have the best record in the NBA, and I’m having an opportunity to contribute. So we’re riding this roller coaster until the wheels fall off. But we don’t see the wheels falling off no time soon. We are a confident team, and we are going to go out there every night and give it our best effort.

SLAM: Seems like everything you’re throwing up is going in right now. You’re shooting a career-high from the field, ranked in top-15 in League in field-goal percentage, what do you attribute that to?

MS: It’s all about game preparation and my teammates finding me in the right positions on the court. It’s also just about team chemistry. I put myself in a situation where I came into camp in a little better shape, little more focused this year. So that’s all it is, it’s all just coming together and paying off for us.

SLAM: What has Coach Kerr been talking with you about throughout the season? What’s your relationship like with him?

MS: Coach said he always knew I was good a player, I’ve just been able to earn his respect. I went out there at practice, every chance I had, and was just working hard while I wasn’t playing. Just being professional. Now, when I go out on the court, I’m trying to play my heart out for him. Coach never gave up on me, he always believed in me. So I feel like I owe him every time I’m on the court.

SLAM: How good is Stephen Curry? What is it like to go to work with that guy?

MS: It’s fun playing with him, he’s the best player in the NBA right now. He just always puts his teammates in a position to succeed. He could get 50, but he’s also dishing out assists, creating open shots for everybody, playing defense, and he’s just our captain on the court. A lot of people don’t see that side of him as a player, but he really is our captain and leader.

SLAM: What have you been listening to on your way to the arena? I know you’re a big Boosie fan…

MS: I have been listening to a lot of Boosie. I’m also listening to Kevin Gates—”I Don’t Get Tired.” And then I’m listening to my boys from back home, BPM, Business Power Movement. They’re my homies.

SLAM: How about this Bay Area lifestyle? You’re in your second year out here, how have you liked living in The City?

MS: The lifestyle out here is great. Everywhere you go, the fans embrace you. It’s almost like a college town, everywhere you go they’re always embracing you. Great scenery around here too, great people, and it’s just all really great. This is the best time of my life.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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Jennings used a game-high 25 points to spark a 23-point Pistons (7-26) victory over James and the Cavaliers (18-12), while also dishing out six assists and collecting five rebounds. He also proved deadly from three-point range, devastating David Blatt’s team from perimeter with five threes on 10-of-18 shooting overall. In two games since Smith’s departure (he’s now in Houston), Detroit has now beaten the Pacers and Cavs in back-to-back matchups by a total of 33 points. Jennings has led his young Pistons squad by averaging 19.5 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds during these last two victories.

“I think Friday night was our best game of the year, and tonight was better,” Van Gundy told the media in Cleveland on Sunday following the Pistons’ 103-80 win over the Cavaliers. “So, we’ve played our two best games of the year back-to-back. But we’ll see. It’s just two games. We’ve got a long way to go, but today was a step forward.”

Jennings’ play, combined with a renewed effort from his teammates, has even made it reasonable to suggest that an Eastern Conference Playoff spot is not quite out of the realm of possibilities just yet. The Pistons, sitting at 7-23 heading into matchups with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings (all winnable games), incredibly are only a half-dozen back of the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 8 spot.

We caught up with Jennings before he went out and hung 25 on the Cavaliers on Sunday. Check it out:

SLAM: How do you put what’s happened so far this season behind you, and focus on moving forward?

Brandon Jennings: We definitely just have to take it one game at a time right now. With the way the East is shaking up, we still have a chance to make the Playoffs. So that’s our main goal. But we just want to take it one game at a time, and just play hard every night.

SLAM: Is that your message to your teammates right now—that the East is so wide open, the postseason is still a possibility if you can continue to improve?    

Jennings: Yeah, I mean especially in the East. If you win six or seven in a row, you could be looking at seventh place or the eighth place right now. So that’s where our mindset is. But like I said, we’re just taking it one game at a time. We’re still in the hunt. We’re not tanking or anything like that. We’re going to compete to the end.

SLAM: Is this a moment in your career you feel better prepared to handle after everything you’ve seen and done in the League? Are you even more of a leader now with Josh Smith leaving?

Jennings: Things happen in this League. My rookie year, I made the Playoffs. So it was a little easier. I was on a team with veterans like Kurt Thomas, Jerry Stackhouse, Andrew Bogut—guys who’d already been in the League. So, this is definitely a challenge, the fact that I’m kind of like the leader now. And now I have to lead my team, every day. Come in with a positive attitude, not just trying to take over games by scoring, but just making sure that everyone is happy on the team and everyone’s good.

SLAM: You’re starting one of the youngest lineups in the League against LeBron James, Kevin Love and the Cavaliers. How do you plan to approach games vs. teams like the Cavs?  

Jennings: We’re definitely going to have to play harder. We are going to have to play harder than them, and we’re going to have to take on the challenge. When they make runs, we can’t get down or give up. We just have to keep fighting and keep pushing.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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The first run of the Nike Kyrie 1 is available starting today at Nike.com and select retailers, and multiple colorways will be released throughout 2015. Irving, who became just the 20th Nike basketball athlete to launch a signature shoe, described what it meant for him to have Cleveland fans share in the experience.

“It’s truly a dream come true,” Irving—this month’s cover subject—told SLAM. “I can’t necessarily conjure words. One thing after the other in terms of goal setting, for me, this year has been crazy. But for everyone here to get my shoe first, I made it definitely a statement for Cavs fans to get them first.”

Irving first arrived in Cleveland by way of the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 as a 19-year-old point guard from Duke University. His electric handle and deft shooting quickly made him a fan favorite during his rookie season. Irving went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2012, before becoming a two-time All-Star, All-Star game MVP and MVP of Team USA this past summer. For his career thus far in the League, Irving’s averaged 20.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds as a member of the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers CMO Tracy Marek discussed why it was important for the organization to think outside the box and collaborate with Nike for the Kyrie 1 pre-release. The team also featured Kyrie 1 video content on their mobile app and website, while helping coordinate a command center and warehouse that Nike used inside the arena during the game.

“The Cavaliers and Nike share the goal of providing a strong and highly engaging experience for basketball fans,” Marek said Friday. “When the Nike Kyrie 1 shoe was announced, we all knew it was a great opportunity to provide Cavaliers fans with the very first chance to pick up their very own pair in an exclusive pre-sale at a Cavs game. Nike has a fantastic approach with our fans and loves to do bold and creative things here in Cleveland. We look forward to many more memorable moments here at The Q.”

Fans were welcomed into The Q on Friday with Irving posters, along with other giveaways and prizes. For the first time, Nike also created an interactive digital retail wall inside an NBA concourse. Those who purchased a pair of the Irving’s at the digital display were given the option of picking their shoes up as they left the game, having them delivered to their home within 24 hours, or delivered directly to their seat during the game.

Jeff Marous of Willoughby, Ohio, a longtime fan of the Cavaliers and Irving—who became the first person to purchase a pair of the Kyrie 1s at the game—chose the latter option. His special delivery from Nike was broadcasted throughout the arena on the jumbotron, and we caught up with Marous shortly after to discuss the purchase.

First person to purchase and receive a pair of #Kyrie1's at tonight's #Cavs game is Jeff Marous of Willoughby pic.twitter.com/r0gEjXOiB6

— Brendan Bowers (@BowersCLE) December 20, 2014

“The digital wall was great, and the purchase process was very simple and easy,” Jeff Marous said. “For Nike and Kyrie to do something like this in Cleveland—for the Cavs fans who’ve supported him since he got here—it really meant a lot. I was already planning to go out and buy a pair, but now I don’t have to. And watching Kyrie help Cleveland beat Brooklyn at the same time, that made for a night to remember.”

The fan experience Marous described was precisely what Irving and Nike had hoped for when plans for the Cleveland pre-release were initially discussed.  The Cavs All-Star talked about what that meant for him, to be able to celebrate the release of his new shoe with his biggest fans and supporters.

“I’m just glad because Cleveland is the city that gave me my opportunity,” Irving said. “The fans have been sticking with me for four years. And I’ve been sticking with them. That’s the only thing that matters. So for them to get my shoe first, that means the world to me. And I hope everyone goes out and gets it.”

For more details on the Nike Kyrie 1, click here. And to cop your pair, head over to Nike.com.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Images via Getty.

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While averaging 12 ppg on 51.5 percent shooting overall, Lee’s made his biggest impact for Coach Dave Joerger’s squad by forcing defenses to extend and defend the three-point line on a nightly basis. His 54.5 percent mark from long-range is currently the best in the NBA, slotting him roughly five percentage points ahead of the seemingly automatic Kyle Korver. Lee also has a game-winning basket at the buzzer to the beat the Sacramento Kings 111-110 under his belt, along with a critical overtime three in an epic battle with the San Antonio Spurs this season.

We caught up with Lee to talk about all that and more when he came through Cleveland for a matchup with King James and company over the weekend. Check it out:

SLAM: Everyone around the League was watching your 3OT game with the Spurs last week. What did you learn about your guys, battling the defending champs like that for 15 extra minutes?

Courtney Lee: That game was one the craziest games I’ve been a part of. Like you said, it went to three overtimes, both teams not backing down. It showed a lot of character within our team to continue to compete, even when things weren’t going right. We’re trying to get to where the defending champs are, and that was a huge test for us. If you watched that whole game, at end of the third OT, you could see both teams meet at half-court and just congratulate each other because it was such a well-fought game.

SLAM: You’re leading the League in three-point field-goal percentage right now, connecting on a career-high 54.5 percent of your attempts from long-range. What do you attribute that effectiveness to? 

Lee: I definitely put a lot of work in with our team’s shooting coach during the offseason. He gave me different workouts during the summer, and that helped me with my muscle memory. Then it’s really all about reps. In our system, we’re doing a good job of moving the ball as a team, creating good spacing, getting each other open shots. Once you get open, you have that confidence to knock it down because you know you put the work in during the offseason. So I’m just in a good rhythm right now.

SLAM: Can you talk about that Grizzlies system under Coach Joerger? You have the fourth-best record in the NBA, suffered only your sixth loss of the season to the Cavaliers on Sunday. What is coach asking of you guys on a nightly basis?

Lee: The system is pretty much a traditional system. You have two traditional bigs who can post up down low in Gasol and Randolph, and we just play inside-out. We do a good job of moving the ball, spacing and playing off them. So that opens up a lot of things. And coach is just the enforcer, making sure that we’re out there creating the correct spacing and executing. He’s really been great for us.

SLAM: Is it too early to think about how far this team can eventually go this year? What is the tone of the locker room as far as that is concerned?

Lee: Yeah, it is still early. We have six losses, and the wins are great, but we need to figure out how and why we got those six losses. We need to make those adjustments consistently, and that’s where our focus is right now in the locker room. We’re still growing as a team, and still trying to figuring it all out.

SLAM: You’ve played for a few different teams throughout your career (Magic, Nets, Rockets, Celtics) but now you’re a starter on a contending team in the Western Conference. Do you feel at home with this role in Memphis?

Lee: Yeah, I do. I think that the system really complements my game and my game complements the system. And then playing off the guys on this team, I really feel like it is a home for me in Memphis for sure.

SLAM: As a player, do you see the Western Conference as being more competitive than ever before in your career?

Lee: That’s one thing I felt when I first got to the team last year, coming over from Boston. I was like, ‘Is every game like this? This is like playoff basketball.’ And it’s been even better and more competitive this year. It’s a close race all around right now. Every game is just super intense. Like that 3OT game we were talking about, then Portland has another 3OT game with the Spurs after that. So yeah, the West has been crazy.

SLAM: The video of you guys all helping out the Memphis Grizzlies intern whose car was stolen went viral and it was a really nice thing to do. How did that come about, why did you guys want to all chip in and buy him a new car?  

Lee: Brandon is just a good guy. He helps us out a lot. As far as anything we need done off the court, he’s always there to do it. And his car got stolen not too long ago, so he was walking around still doing everything that everybody was asking him to do. We just wanted to try to help him, give back as much as possible, and make this Christmas special for him because he really is a good guy.

SLAM: You’ve done some correspondent work on the music scene in the past. You’ve interviewed The Game, covered The Weekend’s concert. Who are some of the younger, newer artists you’re listening to right now?  

Lee: Right now I’m listening to the new J. Cole CD. I’m more of a lyrical guy, as far as music, more of a fan of story-telling, like a Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole. I’m also listening to Lupe Fiasco, Stalley, and then a lot of the older guys too.

SLAM: I read that in high school, you were into sketch art. Have you done anything like that in a while?

Lee: I haven’t in a while, but I am capable of being artistic. The last time I was really serious about it was in high school, like you said. I had a couple of my pieces that went to the local museum. I drew one of my classmate, and the other was a drawing of like this garden scene.

SLAM: You were in Cleveland on Sunday to matchup with LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. What is your first impression of that group, after playing the Cavaliers for the first time?  

Lee: They have a great personnel there, obviously, with three All-Stars on one team. They didn’t come out to the fast start that they were hoping for this year, but they’re definitely starting to figure it out. Anytime you play against those guys, you know it will be a good battle.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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The 11-year veteran is also exceeding his career-averages in each category with 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3 assists while helping Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague and the Hawks open the season with an 18-7 record—good for third-best in the Eastern Conference. SLAM caught up with Korver to talk about the chemistry developing in Mike Budenholzer’s second season, searching out shots in his system, and feeding off two talented bigs like Al Horford and Paul Millsap.

SLAM: You’re really moving the ball well as a team and currently lead the NBA in assists at 25.8 per night. What are some of the reasons for that?

Kyle Korver: The system that Bud put in, that we’re continuing to try to get better at, a lot of it is built on chemistry. This is our second year with this system, the second year with him, and I think we’re starting to get it more and more. We still have a ways to go, but last year we definitely made some progress. Al got hurt, he missed a bunch of games, but having him and Paul together up front—how they’re able to mesh together—that’s a big part of who we are, them both clicking. And I think we’re getting to the point now where we’re more and more comfortable with the system. I think we still have a ways to go, we can still get a lot better, but we’ve got a pretty good start to the season so far.

SLAM: You’re also a top-five team in terms of both field-goal and three-point percentage. What is it about this system and group that’s helping you get so many good looks?

KK: Our whole offense, we want to play with pace and space. The more shooters you have, the more driving lanes there are. We have some guards who can really get into the paint and collapse things, and then everybody can shoot. Everyone has the green light to shoot an open three. They don’t want us to take bad shots, but everyone, 1-through-5 on our team, has the green light to shoot an open three if you have it. And if you have bigs who can knock down some outside shots, it just creates more space. There’s not a lot of teams that have knockdown bigs, but Al Horford, he is a knockdown 15-18 foot shooter. He’s done it for years and years. And Paul’s added the three-point shot to his game. He’s just gotten more confident with it. Mike Scott is an unbelievable shooter. Pero is a great shooter, Elton too, we all work on it. When we’re all clicking, and all hitting like that, good things can happen.

SLAM: Do you feel like you’re shooting the best you ever have in your career right now, and what is helping you improve on your league-leading numbers from last year?

KK: I think it’s a combination of a lot of things. My body feels the healthiest it’s been in a long time. Hopefully, the more you play, the more you shoot, the better you get [laughs]. So there is, like, that side to it. But I think the system is great for me. I get to search shots out a lot more. I can really come to the ball and try to get threes. And there’s a difference when you’re waiting for the ball to get to you, and when you’re searching a shot out. You see it a little bit differently, you know? I get to move a lot in this offense, and even if don’t get the ball, I can set screens, stay in motion, and that helps me with rhythm.

SLAM: You’re now 1-1 with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the young season. Have you learned anything about matching up with the Cavs during these first two games?

KK: I think we had a stinker the first game and they had one this last game. We’re going to play them a couple more times, and so I don’t want to come to any conclusions after two games. We’ve both shown that both teams can shoot and can get on a roll—I think they made their first 11 threes the last time we played. So I don’t know if either team wants to take too much from these two games. But any time you can get a quality win on the road against a good team it makes you feel good.

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“We’re both from Oregon, we both played for the Timberwolves, and now we’ve both played for the Cavs,” Terrell Brandon joked, from his barbershop in Portland, OR. “So I just told Kevin [Love] when I saw him this summer, don’t go to Milwaukee now—stay in Cleveland.”

After spending six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, from 1991-97, Terrell Brandon was eventually traded in a three-team deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle SuperSonics. The blockbuster move, executed in September of 1997, famously shipped Shawn Kemp to Cleveland, Vin Baker to Seattle and Brandon to Milwaukee, along with other pieces and parts changing sides. But before he left, Brandon represented the Cavs in two All-Star games while averaging 19.4 points and 6.4 assists over 153 regular-season games from 1995-97.

“Growing up, Terrell Brandon and Damon Stoudamire were the guys that I naturally looked up to being from Oregon,” Kevin Love told SLAM. “I heard all the great things said about them when I was a kid. I knew about their track records throughout high school and in college. In their younger years, that all spoke for themselves. And of course, I know what they went on to accomplish as pros and I also know what Terrell meant to the Cavs during his time here.”

Prior to being selected 11th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by Cleveland, Brandon set several school records at the University of Oregon. Those marks included career and single-season scoring records, assists in a game, and others. He was named Honorable Mention All-American during his junior season with the Ducks before declaring for the Association.

He would first establish himself in the NBA as one of the League’s premier backups, learning the professional game behind the great Mark Price. He then became the regular starter in 1995 for the Cavs, and was quickly thrust into the conversation of best point guard in the game—a discussion advanced at the time by a 1997 Sports Illustrated cover story featuring Terrell.

“You don’t really realize who is looking at you, or the impact you might be making at the time,” Brandon said, in response to the recognition from Love. “It just lets you know that somebody is always watching you as an NBA player. You need to keep your mind together, keep your life together, keep your game together, and continue to improve. If you do, you can have a chance to make an impact. But hearing that from a guy like Kevin, I’m really just thankful that he looked up to Damon and I like that. It means so much coming from a guy like him.”

What also means a lot to the Portland community is a basketball culture that’s helped develop the games of three NBA stars like Brandon, Stoudamire and now Love over the last two decades. Each of the former Oregon State Players of the Year currently combine for 34 NBA seasons, five All-Star games and one NBA Rookie of the Year between them.

“The standard those guys set in Portland meant a lot,” Love said. “Growing up in that time, in Portland, OR, that’s when basketball was a pretty good hotbed. So was Seattle, Washington. In the Northwest, we had a lot of players that we looked up to. Those were the guys that really paved the way for us as Oregonians, and then also as guys from the Northwest trying to get better and take it to the next level.”

Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones and Toronto Raptors wing Terrence Ross are two of the other talented NBA players to also emerge from the Northwest repping Portland. But despite the talent around him growing up, it didn’t take Love long to stand out.

“He was in eighth grade,” Brandon said, of the first time he truly knew that Love was a special player. “Of course, his Dad, being the great Stan Love—who I idolized and followed to the University Oregon—I spent my college career trying to break all his Dad’s records [laughs], so I knew exactly who the Love family was. But by the time Kevin was in eighth grade, he really started to take off athletically.

“His Dad had a plan, too, which I think was critical to his development. During his younger years, his Dad played him at guard. And his ball-handling really became truly spectacular for a young man as tall as Kevin was. I always thought that was a good way for young people to do it, developing ball-handling at a young age like that.”

While the long-time point guard was quick to notice Love’s ball-handling at an early age, the Portland community was filling local gyms to watch him show out on a nightly basis. And they rarely left disappointed.

“When Kevin got to high school, he just elevated and took off,” Brandon said. “His confidence was through the roof. He even broke a backboard one night during the game and they had to stop to replace it. He was always a kid you knew would be very special, so long as he never had any major injuries. But to see him today, what he’s become, coming from our area, we’re just so happy. We really love and appreciate him.”

Cavs fans have quickly learned to love and appreciate their new All-Star power forward as well. He’s opened the season averaging 17.6 points to go along with a team-leading 10.5 rebounds playing alongside fellow superstars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Love has also double-doubled 14 times (fifth in NBA) and ranks ninth in the League overall in rebounding.

“The numbers he had in Minnesota were impacted to an extent by him having to be a one-man crew,” Brandon said of Love. “Now he doesn’t have to go for 25 and 15 every night because he’s playing with LeBron and Kyrie. I think that at the end of the regular season, his body will respond positively down the stretch because he won’t have the wear and tear he would have otherwise from carrying that load by himself. That’s something the Cavs will benefit from. But he’s playing well right now, obviously, and the Cavs are playing well as a team. They’ll keep getting better the more time they spend together on the floor.”

The dynamics involved in that nightly burden Brandon described is something he knew well as a player. His Mike Fratello-led Cavs teams were primarily designed to grind out wins on defense. Brandon was not only the All-Star point guard, but also essentially tasked with getting the vast majority of his team’s buckets.

“When I was in Cleveland, we were scoring 88 points a game,” Brandon recalled. “I was only averaging 20 but it felt like 40 on some nights [laughs]. I knew it would be up to me for us to score. But then when I got traded to Milwaukee, my responsibilities went down because we had Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson. I played later in Minnesota when we had Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith, and I could feel myself getting stronger as the season went on because the responsibilities were less with those teams, even though I was playing the same amount of minutes. It’s that pressure from within, knowing that I had to score, that was gone. I could just be a pure point guard, try to get out the way, and enjoy the game more [laughs].”

Despite spending time with three NBA teams during a 12-year professional career, Brandon feels most connected with the team he served as both a backup and an All-Star. So when King James decided to return to Cleveland, prior to Love’s arrival, he was naturally excited.

“I know I made other stops,” Brandon says. “But people still look at me as a Cavalier, and I still feel more of a Cavalier than any other franchise I was lucky enough to play for. So when LeBron made his announcement, I was just happy for him that he made that decision.

“In my barbershop, everybody was making push-up bets on what team he was going to. You have to do however many push-ups you bet if you lost on the team you picked. I was pretty clueless, I have to be honest. I didn’t know what he was going to do. But of course, I wanted him to come home to Cleveland. And when he made that announcement, I was just happy for him. I’m looking forward to watching him keep doing all the things he’s always done ever since coming to my basketball camp in eighth grade.”

Kevin Love isn’t the only Cleveland Cavalier superstar that Terrell Brandon first met while they were still in grade school. During the summer before LeBron James entered the eighth grade, Brandon arranged for ‘Little LeBron’ to attend his annual basketball camp in Cleveland.

“I remember that LeBron was on TV just as much as we were,” Brandon recalled. “The news would show the Cavs, and then they showed LeBron James. So I’m like, who is this kid that gets just as much publicity as us? When he came to my camp, I had him at first with the eighth graders. He was there for 30 minutes. I moved him up one grade every 30 minutes before he eventually finished as the MVP of the senior division.”

Brandon was quickly convinced that the hype surrounding the youngster from Ohio was certainly warranted. His father, Charles, however—who was working the camp that day with Terrell—needed to see for himself.

“As this is going on with LeBron in the morning, my Dad walks up to me and is like, Who is this young man right there? I said, This is the guy I was telling you about, Dad. Little LeBron. He said, OK, well I’m watching him now.

“And you know how they are in the old-school—they cross their arms, and they watch basketball. They’re going to check you out. So my Dad had his arms crossed, standing there, really studying LeBron. After a few minutes, he just turned to me and said, “Yeah, that boy’s good.”

Since retiring from the NBA in 2003, Terrell Brandon has become a successful businessman in the Portland area. He’s also become a community role model, avid real estate investor, and continues to mentor local area kids. He also has aspirations of returning to the NBA in an executive capacity at some point in the future.

“I get up and I go to my barbershop everyday,” the 44-year-old Brandon said. “That’s kind of my life. Make sure my family is taken care of, and then I go in at least four times a week. When I’m at the shop, I’m sweeping the floor, making sure all the supplies are there, normal barbershop type stuff. My other businesses, that’s going on at the shop, too. So it’s a blessing in disguise for me, I never have to leave.”

Terrell Brandon Barbershops are hosting their annual, “Thanksgiving For Christmas” holiday event on December 20-24. The event will benefit various Portland area youth and child day care programs in his hometown community.

For more on TeeBee’s retired life, check the feature we did on him a few years ago. To help or contribute to the holiday event, contact Terrell Brandon Barbershops at (503) 460-0348.

Photo gallery courtesy of Justin Tucker for NineEightyFour.com / Sports Media World.

The post On The Trail appeared first on SLAM.

“I remember when my agent called to tell me I was going to Cleveland,” Varejao told SLAM. “The first thing I asked was, How is the city? Of course, I’m Brazilian, I’m playing in Barcelona, and I wanted to know what it was like. He said, ‘It is really, really cold’ [laughs]. Then he told me about the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame, and some of the other buildings downtown. But before I got to Cleveland, Sarunas Jasikevicius also told me about Z. They were friends from growing up in Lithuania. So I knew about the weather, a couple of the buildings, I knew about LeBron, and I also knew about Big Z.”

Jasikevicius, a Euroleague legend who played with Varejao in Barcelona, told Zydrunas Ilgauskas that Anderson was a young player worth lending a helpful hand and watchful eye. From the day he first arrived in Cleveland, that’s exactly what Ilgauskas offered.

“It was Z who really helped me a lot with everything when I first joined the Cavaliers,” Varejao said. “He really tried to take care of me. So I just try to do the same with the younger guys now when they come from overseas, the same things that Z did for me when I got here.”

While coming off the bench in 2007, Varejao partnered with Ilguaskas and Gooden to form a trio of underrated bigs who helped LeBron lead Cleveland to the NBA Finals. They were eventually swept by the San Antonio Spurs, but being as close as he was to the ultimate goal has continued to fuel Varejao’s championship drive ever since.

“Sometimes I think about it,” Varejao admitted, while imagining what it might be like to ultimately deliver a Championship to the city of Cleveland. “I really believe it would be—the city would just stop to celebrate the Championship. I always say it’s too early, and we have a lot of work to do. We have to get better as a team, we’re learning new things right now. But, you know, sometimes we catch ourselves thinking about, what if we win? It would be amazing. No other place wants to win more than Cleveland. Just thinking about it, I get excited.”

Varejao’s efficient play has been exciting this season for David Blatt and the new-look Cavs. As the starting center, alongside the Big Three of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, Varejao has been extremely effective at both ends of the floor. He currently ranks No. 5 in the NBA in field-goal percentage (.576) and is averaging 10.1 points to go along with 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. But despite production that projects to All-Star caliber numbers over 48 minutes, Varejao’s focus remains unchanged.

“I’m just playing off them—I play off LeBron, Kyrie and Kevin Love,” Varejao explained. “All I’m doing offensively is just trying to be ready whenever I get the ball. I’ve been working on my game, working on my jump shot. And then if I have a chance to shoot the ball, I just want to be able to make it—so that’s why I’m working on my shot [laughs]. I’ve actually been in my family room at home and had to explain to my wife why I’m shooting such a high percentage this year. And like I told to her, I’m not sure.”

It’s that likable personality combined with his on-court passion that’s helped make Varejao’s bond with Cavs fans last long after his playing days conclude. His signature hairstyle has been passed out in wig form on giveaway nights and his “Wild Thing” nickname is thunderously announced when he steps onto the floor. It’s a special bond between player and city that Varejao credits with his ability to succeed at the NBA level.

“When I came to Cleveland, the city helped me a lot,” Varejao said. “I didn’t speak any English at all when I came to Cleveland. But every time I would step on to the court, I knew I had their support. To be making that transition from Brazil, to Europe, then to the US, that really helped me. They were so great right from the beginning. That’s why I’m so grateful for Cleveland, and to the fans. They really supported me from day one. All I try to do is give that back to them by giving everything I have on the court.”

Varejao’s hard work, leadership and production was rewarded in November by a three-year, $30 million contract extension to remain in Cleveland until 2018—potentially his 13th NBA season. Despite battling a series of injuries, Varejao helped earn that contract by averaging 9.9 points and 10.8 rebounds during the last four seasons. But even while the Cavs made annual trips to the Draft lottery, he never asked for a trade to a contending team during that stretch, despite consistent interest around the League.

“The reason I never asked for a trade or anything is because I always knew we were going to turn things around,” Varejao told SLAM. “When you have an organization that wants to win, like we have in Cleveland, they did everything. They tried everything they could to get players here. And it just didn’t work out. We didn’t make the Playoffs, but I saw that we were trying to get better every year. It wasn’t one of those things that like, ‘Oh OK, LeBron left, Z left, that whole team that we had that went to the Finals, they left,’ and then nobody cares anymore. It just wasn’t like that.

“We were trying to get better. We were trying to do things the right way. Nothing really changed from when we had LeBron there during those last four years. I’m talking about treatment from the owners, to the organization, to the players. We had everything the same way. On the road, in Cleveland, the practice facility, the food, everything that we had, it was all great. The goal of winning never changed. That’s why I never asked for a trade.”

Part of the reason Varejao was never traded is also because he still adds significant value to the Cavaliers roster. While shooting a career high from the field, he has continued to make a significant impact on the glass alongside Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. But it’s also his ability to shoot, pass and dribble effectively at nearly 7-feet tall—after previously being considered a hustle, energy big exclusively—that’s been critical to the Cavs recent run of success.

“During your career in the NBA, you become more comfortable,” Varejao explained. “You get to know all the players a little bit more. You get to develop your game. For me, I feel like I had those aspects of my game already, but I never had the chance to really do it on the floor. It’s just different. Everything that I play for, the most important thing to me is just to be an important part of why we’re winning. I don’t really care about the other stuff. If I have the chance to show other things, I’ll be ready for it. But everything that I play for, I try to do what the coach wants me to do and focus on the things that are most important for helping us win.”

One of the most important things Varejao now does for his team is lead. Back when they went to the Finals together, Andy was only 24 and LeBron was 22. Even with all that’s happened since, though, not much has changed for the now 32-year-old Varejao and nearly 30-year-old James in their seventh season together as teammates.

“Nothing changed,” Varejao said, of his relationship with LeBron. “I told him after the first week at practice that it felt like he never left. It takes you right back to the way it was. So yeah, it’s the same way now as always, now that he’s back. As far as leadership, a lot of what I try to talk with the younger guys about now is a lot of game situations. Or it could be how to approach a game, how to talk to a referee, or how to conduct an interview. Even if you don’t want to be a leader, you catch yourself being a leader because you know so much about the game based on all the situations you’ve been through.”

The situation the Cavaliers have been through lately began with a 5-7 start. Following a win over the Toronto Raptors, however, the Cavs have now won eight-straight to push their overall mark to 13-7. The turnaround is something Andy expected, even if it may have taken longer than some had hoped.

“We knew we had to do something different when we lost a couple games in a row,” Varejao said of the Cavs’ early season struggles. “I believe our defense is a lot better right now, our offense is better too. We’re getting better as a team. We’re getting to know better what to do on offense as well as on defense. We knew it was going to take some time, and we had to be patient. We are learning how to play with each other and everything, and we only have five players back from last year. We have a new coaching staff, a lot of new players. It does take time, but I really believe we’re on the right track right now.”

Varejao is also on an individual track that may very well end with his jersey being retired by the Cavaliers someday. But even after watching Cleveland celebrate the guy he first learned about in Barcelona, when Z’s jersey was raised to the Quicken Loans rafters last season, that’s not anything Andy’s trying to think about.

“I actually never thought about it,” Varejao said, when asked about the possibility of his No. 17 being eventually retired by the Cavs. “I’ve had people telling me that I would be the next. But that’s something that I don’t really think about. I’m still playing right now, and I’m only focused on winning.”

The post Then and Now appeared first on SLAM.

After struggling at times during a 5-7 start to the season, Cleveland is now two wins over .500 (9-7) and beginning to open games with more of a collective focus. The Cavs have won each of their last four first quarters by a combined score of 116-78, resulting in victories over Orlando, Washington, Indiana and Milwaukee. Instead of waiting for the second half to make an 11-4 run, for example, the Cavaliers are opening games with that type of effort and energy.

It’s a collective approach and focus on starting fast that All-NBA forward Kevin Love says has been critical to his team’s reversal of fortunes.

“It has a lot to do with our approach to the game, or our mentality,” Kevin Love told SLAM, while discussing the Cavaliers first quarter dominance of late. “We’re not just easing ourselves into the games as much as we were. Guys—myself included—we we’re letting the game come to us as much as possible early on. But, I think you see us off to the hot start now because we’re moving the ball better and we’re getting stops on defense early. That sets the tone for us for the rest of the game.”

Love did everything he could to help set that tone early against Jabari Parker, Brandon Knight, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the young, talented Bucks. The Cavs All-Star scored 17 points in the first quarter before finishing with 27 on the night, to go along with 10 rebounds. Love also connected on a critical three down the stretch, while knocking down 4-7 from beyond the arc.

It’s the type of performance that Cavs teammate and fellow big man Tristan Thompson says helps get the entire team excited early.

“It just gets everyone going,” Thompson said of Love’s dominant start against Milwaukee. “When he’s coming out like that—or any guy on our team comes out hot like that—we try to play through him. On nights like tonight, it makes the game easier for us just by feeding off his energy and momentum.”

The momentum Love carried into the Cavaliers ninth win of the season was inspired by a visit to Scranton Elementary School in Cleveland earlier that day. While teaming with Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation to “Pay It Forward” on Giving Tuesday, Love helped kick-off the holiday hoops season by surprising 200 enthusiastic elementary students with a stop by their gymnasium. During the visit, Dick’s along with Love donated 100 basketballs, autographed jerseys and other sporting goods and memorabilia to the students who were beyond excited to see Kevin Love strolling down their hallway.

Love also played knockout and conducted a Q+A session with the attentive, polite and captive audience before preparing himself for the game against Milwaukee. It was the type of trip that can’t help but remind the NBA superstar of what it felt like for him when he was the same age as the kids he was hanging with.

“Growing up in the Northwest, we had a lot of basketball players that we looked up to,” Love said. “Living in Portland, I always wanted to meet the Blazers growing up. As time went on, I eventually did, but not when I was younger. But I do remember meeting several of the different area high school and college stars, and it meant a lot to me back then. So to be here in those shoes today, in my seventh year in the League, to try to make an impact in Cleveland with Dick’s Sporting Goods, it means a lot. Seeing the kid’s faces, and interacting with them, it’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy it.”

Giving Tuesday continued to be fun for Love until his leg cramped up late in the fourth quarter. He checked out with around one minute remaining and watched LeBron James seal the victory at the free-throw line. Afterward, Cavaliers coach David Blatt said Love’s leg cramps aren’t expected to be an issue on Thursday in New York.

That’s obviously good news for Cavs fans who have just watched Love average 22 points and 8.3 rebounds on 62 percent (31-50) shooting from field during the four-game winning streak. He’s also collected four steals and two blocks while being praised by Blatt for playing what his coach describes as the best defense of Love’s career. As Cleveland continues to grow and gel as a collective unit, there’s good reason to expect more of the same.

Photos courtesy of Jason Miller of AP and DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation

The post Spreading Love appeared first on SLAM.

Led by Aussie guard Matthew Dellavedova, the Cleveland Cavaliers—like other teams around the League—were happy to participate in the movement that originally began in Australia back in 2003. The second-year pro from St. Mary’s was joined by teammate Anderson Varejao, along with rookies Joe Harris and Alex Kirk for the Cavaliers installment of Movember.

The Cavs’ Movember crew spoke with SLAM about whose facial hair has been most impressive, the events surrounding Harris’ meeting with Hulk Hogan, LeBron’s impact on mustache design, and more.

SLAM: Whose facial hair has been most impressive?

Anderson Varejao: I’ve been impressed with Joe Harris. He has a pretty good mustache. Alex Kirk, he’s doing pretty well, too. But now Delly—it took him at least three weeks before you could see anything. So it was a rough start for Delly. But you know, lately, he’s doing okay. Right now he has a pretty good mustache, he actually looks like he’s from Boardwalk Empire.

SLAM: Sounds like Dellavedova is struggling with his mustache.

Joe Harris: Oh yeah, totally. Delly was pretty weak to start the month. He can grow a good neard—you know, that old neck-beard thing? But his mustache definitely needed some work. Maybe he should use some conditioner or something like that to get the hair follicles going in there a little more. Now, AK and I? We have pretty serious growth. Anderson, his mustache is solid. But you can guess that Andy would’ve grown a quality mustache.

SLAM: Matthew, there have been multiple reports indicating that your mustache was extremely slow to develop. Do you have a comment on that? 

Matthew Dellavedova: My mustache did take a little bit of time. I think I had it there, though, it was just coming in lighter in color than the other guys. Andy and Joe and Kirk weren’t really too happy with my mustache. But I shaved it in, and I think it’s coming in pretty strong now. It’s really not how you start, it’s about how you finish.

SLAM: Is there a chance any of you stick with the mustache after Movember concludes?

AV: I’m not sure. I keep getting phone calls and text messages from my friends in Brazil. Some of them think it looks good, but some of them just make fun of me. They say, what is that? Why do you have that mustache? Then I have to explain to them, which is what makes this fun. I tell them why I’m doing it. It’s for a good cause, for prostate cancer awareness, to raise money and help with that. I explain Movember and they get it. They say, Oh okay, I knew there was a reason why you had this stupid mustache. Then they all tell me it looks terrible.

JH: Since the Hulk Hogan picture, I’m finding out that a lot of people are not 100 percent on board with the handlebar mustache look. I’ve been told that it looks like I have dirt on my face. But I tell them, you need be there in person to see the full effect. It’s starting to come in pretty thick. Not quite Hulk Hogan’s level, obviously, but he has some years on me. I think if I really wanted to keep it going I could get that level. But it’s coming off, for right now, at the end of Movember.

SLAM: Why did you want to get your teammates involved in Movember? And how did the recruiting process go, as far as signing up Andy, Joe and Alex?

MD: We did it at St. Mary’s one year. It was my junior year, all the players and coaches did it. We raised a lot of money, awareness and it was good fun as well. We had a bit of a laugh at everybody. But it’s really a good cause, raising awareness and money for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s health in general. Sometimes men try to just brush it off by saying, “I’m not going to the doctor.” So it’s good to try to raise a bit of awareness to get checked out, that kind of thing. As far as recruiting, I was asking for some volunteers and Andy was all-in right away. Joey and Alex took a little bit of convincing.

SLAM: What level of veteran influence was involved in helping convince you and Joe to grow mustaches?

Alex Kirk: I was there when they first were talking about the idea. I put my name in, just wasn’t for sure about it. Then, there was certainly some veteran influence used in my decision. I’m not going to mention any names, but maybe there was a guy who wears No. 23 that came up to us and said, “You are definitely going to have mustaches for Movember.” So that sealed it for me [laughs], and it’s been a lot of fun helping to support a great cause.

SLAM: Varejao and Dellavedova have gone with the straight, highway-patrol-style mustaches, often seen complementing a pair of aviators. The rookies have more of a distinct, handlebar design. What was the inspiration behind that?

JH: LeBron thought it would be fun if the rookies did handlebar mustaches. That’s how that started. Not to say that we didn’t want to support the cause, because we do. It’s a great cause. But Alex and I hadn’t done Movember before, and actually never grew out mustaches before. So initially, we were a little hesitant.

AK: I was told that this is what you’re going to be doing. You’re going to grow a handlebar mustache. So there wasn’t really any inspiration. This was given to me. I’ve been really just focused on execution—how can I grow the best handlebar mustache possible.

MD: Joey and Alex were on the fence, but since they’re rookies they didn’t have much of a choice. The older guys on the team kinda said, You guys are in. But I think those two guys are the two that look the best with their handlebars. It might be good for them to keep it going. I think Andy’s looks great, too. The look suits him, and he might end up keeping it going after Movember also, who knows. I’d like to try for the handlebar next year. My dad had a mustache when I was growing up, though his was thicker than mine. I tried to go for the mustache-style he had back then. But Joey getting his handlebar picture with Hulk Hogan, that’s been a real highlight for us.

SLAM: Take me through that meeting with Hulk Hogan. You got your picture taken with him during pregame warmups in Cleveland while rocking your handlebar mustache. How was that experience?

JH: Meeting Hulk was great. He’s the best. But some of my teammates were throwing basketballs at me while I was out on the court with him. I’m in the middle of the court with Hulk Hogan, and my teammates are hitting me with basketballs—a lot of them. They had a lot of fun with it.

SLAM: Since that picture, have you noticed your mustache intimidating the other team at all on a nightly basis?

JH: You know, I don’t think it’s really helped out a whole lot. Maybe it’s helped a little bit, though, because I kind of have a baby face without it. I do look pretty young without the handlebars. But it’s definitely something to think about in future years. If I don’t think the baby face is intimidating enough, I might think about bringing the handlebars back.

SLAM: Could you see yourself helping Delly lead the Cavs Movember movement again next year? And is there a facial hair style you’d recommend for future rookies?

AK: I definitely would next year. In high school, I had that goatee with the random spot of hair on my chin. So this isn’t totally new for me. Some people certainly think I look pretty funny, but as long as it gets the message across that the Cavs are supporting men’s health, raising awareness for Movember, that’s what matters most.

JH: I’m definitely doing Movember again and encourage everyone to do the same. It’s really been fun. I haven’t thought about what I’d recommend for rookies next year yet, though. I would probably make them go with handlebars. I think it could be like a rookie thing with the Cavs now during Movember—rookies grow handlebars. Sometimes it could even turn out like me, and they’ll look pretty sweet with it.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Photos courtesy of Cavs.com.

The post Cavaliers Talk Mustaches and Movember appeared first on SLAM.

Since joining the Magic this summer in exchange for Arron Afflalo, Fournier has responded to his new role with a career best average of 16.5 points. His 45.5 percent mark from three-point range is also the 11th best number in the League heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors.

The skilled and efficient 6-7 shooting guard is proving capable of not only scoring in multiple ways, but also helping to lead a rebuilding effort alongside a collection of young talent. With Fournier (16.5), Victor Oladipo (13.6), Nikola Vucevic (19.3) and Tobias Harris (18.8), the Magic feature four players between the ages of 22 and 24 who combine to average 68.1 points this season. That’s encouraging for Orlando fans, even if Monday’s 32-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers was one to forget.

Fournier’s personal streak of 14 straight games in double-figures this season ended at the hands of LeBron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers. The 22-year-old from Saint-Maurice, France was limited to only 8 points on a rough night shooting for his entire team. James, meanwhile, was simply dominant while ensuring the Cavs snapped a four-game losing streak by securing a win they desperately needed.

“We just got smacked,” Fournier told SLAM, following Orlando’s 106-74 loss at Quicken Loans Arena. “We just have to look forward now. LeBron is a champ. LeBron is LeBron. They lost four-straight, so we knew he would play very hard tonight. And that’s what he did. We just have to look forward now to the next one.”

James opened the first quarter against Fournier and the Magic by matching the 16 points Orlando totaled as a team for the period. He went on to finish with 29 to go along with 11 assists and 4 rebounds, while leading the Cavs to a 32-point victory over a short-handed Magic club playing without the injured Harris (calf strain).

As a team, Orlando shot only 36.3 percent from the field for the game and 29.4 percent from three. Vaughn, and Fournier—who finished 2-9—understand there will be nights like this in the NBA. Just don’t expect their confidence in the overall mission, or each other, to waver when hit with a LeBron-sized haymaker.

“He’s 22 years old, and he’s just getting a feel of playing 30-some minutes per game for an NBA team,” Vaughn said of Fournier. “His role has been expanded with us, as far as having the basketball in his hands. I think he’s still learning his teammates. You can still see that on the floor while we’re playing. But he’s taken an opportunity to be very efficient for us. Whether that’s shooting the basketball, or having the basketball in his hands.”

The confidence Vaughn has demonstrated in Fournier has been critical in his ability to capitalize on his new opportunity. The 20th pick of the 2012 Draft now knows if he misses three, or five, or seven shots in a given night—like he just did in Cleveland—his head coach will allow him to play through those growing pains.

“It’s easy to play when you have confidence from your coaches and your teammates,” Fournier said. “So it’s just a great feeling to be able to play my game, and play through mistakes. It’s a great feeling; I’m playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Fournier insists that he didn’t do anything outside of his traditional preparation this summer to help increase his production, either. His improvement is more directly tied to the leadership from Vaughn and the chance he now has in Orlando.

“I didn’t do anything crazy,” Fournier said, when asked if he attributes his play to a new training regimen this offseason. “I just played all summer long with the French National Team. So I got better through that. But I didn’t do anything unusual. It’s just been about the opportunity.”

What makes Orlando intriguing is its core of young talent all getting that same opportunity together. As this group continues to grow, the Magic could eventually emerge as a perennial playoff team in the next couple years—a possibility obviously not lost on Orlando fans.

“I think everybody is excited about this team around town,” Fournier said of the hometown fans he’ll return to play in front of on Wednesday against Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the Warriors. “We feel that energy and appreciate it. We are very young, but we’re still competitive. So I think the whole city is excited for us. We think can do something big in the future, and that’s really exciting.”

Watching the player who first turned pro at 17 with JSF Nanterre in France begin to establish himself as an NBA starter is similarly exciting for fans around the League. It’s also somewhat scary to think that the same player who grew up rooting for Mike Bibby won’t turn 23 until next season.

“My favorite player was Mike Bibby growing up,” Fournier added. “But you know, another guy I always liked is Manu. He’s about the same size as me, the same physical skills. He’s a guy, as a young player, I’ve always looked up to and tried to learn from.”

After losing his second of four straight to Manu and the San Antonio Spurs on November 19, James exited the arena on Monday with a message that Orlando would also echo.

“A win always makes things feel better,” James told the media after the game. “But we still have a lot of work to do.”

There is still plenty of work for Fournier and Orlando, too. They know that. But even if the losses feel bitter now, there’s reason to believe that wins will eventually follow so long as this group stays together.

The post Rise of The Samurai appeared first on SLAM.

Stoudemire served as producer for the film, a music-infused drama that is written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the creator of 2000 hit-movie Love and Basketball. Stoudemire’s producer role evolved through his relationship with his agency, Relativity Sports. Relativity Media contacted STAT to gauge his interest in the project, and he went on to thrive in the position.

“The script was remarkable,” Stoudemire said. “There were so many underlying messages. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood covers a lot of aspects that are important, not only in the music industry but in life itself, along with the different challenges that careers present. I can relate to trying to perfect your craft and being the best at what you do. In the professional world, you do want to succeed and not submerge into a lifestyle that can be overwhelming.”

The off-court, professional experience and overall success in launching this project is something that fellow NBA big man and Relativity athlete, Anderson Varejao, is proud to support.

“I’m very happy for him,” Varejao, the Cavaliers starting center, said following the release of the movie produced by his friend Amar’e Stoudemire. “I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to checking it out and talking with him about it for sure.”

Back in September, Stoudemire spoke with The Source about how the opportunity to work on a film of this magnitude presented itself.

“I worked hand-in-hand with Relativity,” Stoudemire explained. “When they called me about this film, I read the script and then once I read the script and realized it was going to be a very, very inspirational film. Once I came to that conclusion, I flew into L.A. to be on set, and I saw operations working and I thought this is something that I really want to be involved in. So that’s how I got involved.”

During Stoudemire’s 12 professional seasons in the League—where he’s averaged 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds for his career—he’s explored many interests outside of basketball. This includes stamping his passport all over the world, learning to appreciate fine art, fashion, along with other hobbies and projects. Signaled by the nationwide release of Beyond The Lights, however, film has become a major passion for STAT when he’s not putting in work for the Knicks.

The New York City red carpet premiere last Thursday brought out some of those Knick teammates, in addition to the cast and crew from the movie. Iman Shumpert was among those in the building, along with WNBA star Skylar Diggins, Bad Boy artist and Cleveland-native Machine Gun Kelly, Teyana Taylor, India Arie, Ravens Running Back Justin Forsett, Knicks executive Steve Mills, along with the CEO of Relativity Sports, Happy Walters.

MGK, a proud fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, plays the role of a rapper named Kid Culprit in the film produced by Stoudemire. Kid Culprit is an arrogant rapper who dates a rising pop star. Kells has told multiple outlets that he’s wearing sunglasses on set to shield himself from the overwhelming arrogance of the character he portrays.

For more on Beyond The Lights check out the trailer:

The photo gallery above features exclusive pictures from the New York City red carpet premiere of Beyond The Lights. All photos courtesy of Relativity Media.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Images via Getty, @amareisreal.

The post Amar’e Stoudemire Produces ‘Beyond The Lights’ appeared first on SLAM.

Before joining Clifford in Charlotte, the son of Oklahoma hoops legend Denny Price spent time coaching with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic. The four-time NBA All-Star and all-time leader in playoff free throw percentage has also made coaching stops in high school, college and overseas since retiring after a 12-year NBA career in 1998.

While building off the momentum created by a postseason berth a year ago, Price has been working with Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the newly acquired Lance Stephenson, among other Hornets. Coach Price talked with SLAM about how the Charlotte group is progressing, along with what he learned by going through the interview process for the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach position last summer.

SLAM: With the season underway, what have been some of the messages or themes that you, Coach Clifford and other Hornets assistants like Patrick Ewing are talking about with the guys?

Mark Price: We’re trying to build off the success we had last year. We added some new pieces over the summer, so we have a different-looking team right now than we had last year. We lost Josh McRoberts, and we brought in Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams, Brian Roberts, and two draft picks; so we have five new guys on our team. We got off to a slower start than we hoped, but I feel like we’re starting to play better now. Sometimes it just takes a little while with any new group of guys. But I like the way we’re starting to play.

SLAM: You mentioned adding Lance, a player with star-ability who’s shown up big in the postseason during his career with the Indiana Pacers. How are things going for Lance, adjusting to the new system, new plays, and new team in Charlotte?

MP: He’s coming along well. You always have to get a feel for your new teammates and the new system. For Lance, he played his entire career in Indiana. So there’s an adjustment there, learning a new system and new terminology. But we’re excited about his progress, and then also excited about what Lance brings to the team. His ability to pass the ball and rebound from the shooting guard position, facilitating offense, things like that. We didn’t really have that type of piece on our team last year. So we’re obviously excited to have him, and hopefully we can continue to keep getting better as the season progresses.

SLAM: How about the other New York kid, Kemba Walker? He just signed a four-year, $48 million extension. How has his approach been evolving in terms of leadership at point guard?

MP: Kemba’s been a great leader for us. He was our leader last year, and he continues to do that now. He really worked hard to continue to improve his game. He worked extremely hard over the summer, and he’s playing really well for us right now. His floor game has improved and that’s helped his ability to run the team. That’s an area of his growth. He can still score the ball, but he’s more comfortable running the offense and contributing in other ways. And then he also knows he’s going to be in Charlotte, like you said. He doesn’t have to worry about any of the contract stuff. He can just continue to concentrate on helping us win games.

SLAM: You and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist have a strong bond, you’ve spent a lot of time working with him. How is he progressing in his third NBA season?

MP: Mike probably had the best summer of anybody on our team. He just worked extremely hard. We spent a lot of time together, working on improving his jump shot. And he’s made tremendous progress in that area. He’s playing with a lot more confidence. He was probably our best player during the preseason for us. Unfortunately, he’s banged up a little bit right now, not playing for a few games. But he’s just that guy who defends the best player on the other team every night. He brings that energy level. And now that he’s confident he can knock down that 15-foot jumper, you can see him just add even more confidence to other areas of his game, and it’s helping him really grow.

SLAM: The Cavaliers—a franchise that has your No. 25 hanging from the rafters—requested to speak with you during their head-coaching search this summer. What did you learn, or how did you grow as a coach, by going through that interview process?

MP: I think you can grow from every experience you have. That experience helped me take another step as a coach. It was an honor to be considered, and I was excited that the Cavs wanted to talk with me about the position. You know how I feel about Cleveland, and the people of Cleveland, so that was just a real thrill to be considered by the Cavs. It was also a great experience to have the chance to talk with [Cleveland GM] David Griffin, talk about philosophy, talk about others things. And it was just kind of another step forward for me, helping me to get better and grow as a coach.

SLAM: As a Cleveland sports icon and Cavs hero, obviously you’re focused on the task at hand in Charlotte, but seeing or hearing about how Cleveland was as a city on opening day to celebrate LeBron’s return, what was your reaction? I know the Hornets haven’t been to Cleveland yet, but just as a former Cavaliers player, what is it like to see the festive atmosphere and energy back in Northeast Ohio?

MP: When I learned that LeBron was going back to Cleveland, I was really happy for the city. And the team. I want the Cavs to always do great, except for every time they play the Charlotte Hornets [Laughs]. But I was, and I am, extremely happy for the city of Cleveland and everything going on right now with Lebron’s return and the team they have. Having played there, I know what great people Cavs fans are, and the energy has been really great to see.

SLAM: You joined Twitter a few months ago (@Mark25Price). How is your Twitter game coming along?

MP: It’s just been fun. It’s a new experience for me. My wife kind of tricked me into getting on Twitter. My wife actually communicates with a lot of Cleveland fans, and they made a Twitter site for me. So when they turned it over, I really didn’t have to do too much to create it [Laughs]. But you know, I’m trying to throw a tweet out there every once in a while, trying to get a feel for it. I’ll get better at Twitter eventually.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Image via Getty.

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The No. 33 overall pick in the 2014 Draft followed that appearance with 19 more minutes highlighted by a monster three on the road against the Celtics in a much-needed win for Cleveland. Harris then logged 21 minutes against Atlanta, totaling 12 points in a blowout win. While helping his team win each of the three games he’s played, Harris has caught the attention of not only Coach David Blatt, but also King James.

“He was huge,” LeBron James said last week about the spark Harris is providing off the bench for Cleveland. “Joe Harris is going to be a big piece for our team.”

The support from James has been earned by consistent work ever since Harris first set foot in the Cavaliers facility. He’s worked hard on the conditioning program, embraced his role, and quickly adapted to Blatt’s system at both ends of the floor. That work has resulted in the 6-6 shooting guard connecting on 7-of-14 shots from the field during this recent run, while averaging 7.7 points per game. Defensively, he’s also earned high-praise from the coaching staff each time he’s stepped on the floor.

If you ask Harris how a second-round pick has broken into the rotation on maybe the NBA’s most talented roster, though, he’ll simply shrug and say he owes it all to the “Cavs Bench Mob.”

“My whole game is about coming out and providing effort all the time,” Harris told SLAM. “Just come out and bust your tail giving energy. That’s the mentality you have to have, and that’s what is going to help us have the most success as a team this season. Then, at the same time, you’re getting after it, trying to wear the other guys down that we’re playing against while you’re out there so that when our guys get back in their job is hopefully easier. That’s just what we try to do, and that’s why we call ourselves the Cavs Bench Mob.”

The Cavs Bench Mob features six players, each of whom could be on the outside of Coach Blatt’s 9- or 10-man rotation on any given night. This group includes Harris, James Jones, Lou Amundson, Will Cherry, Alex Kirk, and CBM “founder” Brendan Haywood. The NBA champion and 12-year veteran from North Carolina is focused on continuing to lead in his current role with the contending Cavaliers, and is proud of what his guy Harris is accomplishing.

“The Cavs Bench Mob is just about camaraderie, and getting extra work in because all of us don’t always play as much,” Haywood explained. “With some teams, guys on the bench are angry that they’re not playing. We embrace our role. We know that we’re there when the team needs us, and we’re almost like a little family. When Joe Harris hits a three, it’s like me and Lou hit a three, too. We’re hype for him, we’re excited, and we want to see everybody do well.”

Much of what has helped Harris emerge from the Cavs Bench Mob to do as well as he has on the floor relates to his simplified approach. Harris, 23, has a clear understanding of what his role is on the Cavaliers. Unlike other rookies, the playbook and NBA way of doing business hasn’t served as much of a learning curve, either. He knows where he’s supposed to be, what he’s supposed to do, and how he needs to play each time he enters the game.

“My role on this team is to come off the bench, bring a lot of energy and get after it defensively,” Harris said. “Playing a lot fewer minutes, I just need to go in there and bust my tail. Go out and just give a lot of energy, lot of enthusiasm, and then I’m going to try to space the floor offensively. I’m not trying to do anything that I can’t do. I understand my role, space the floor, knock down shots, and run hard off of cuts. Help make sure that spacing and rhythm and flow is good for LeBron or Kyrie or Dion—whoever it is that we’re out there with that are our offensive threats. I’m just trying to make their job easier, and then just knock down shots when they’re available for me.”

Regardless of where the emergence of Harris goes over the next several weeks—with some even suggesting he could start for the Cavs eventually—Haywood believes the healthy environment of the Cavs Bench Mob will continue to yield dividends throughout the season.

“It’s one of those things where everybody wants to play,” Haywood added. “But when you get to the end of the bench, you want it to be a happy environment. An environment where you’re not satisfied with your role, but you’re cheering everybody on and you’re ready to play when your number is called. Games of 3-on-3 after practice, the extra work we’re putting in, it’s paying off already. You see how great Joe is playing. Joe comes in, he’s ready. It didn’t look like he was going to play at all and now he’s getting minutes, and his role is probably going to continue to grow. So the Bench Mob, we’re happy for him.”

Happy is a common theme for the NBA players who make up the end of a Cavaliers bench led by three All-Stars and one of the greatest players to ever live. Fellow Cavs Bench Mobber Will Cherry, an energetic, hustling point guard from Oakland, certainly fits under the umbrella of happy. He’s smart and mature enough to understand what he’s a part of, both in terms of the bench mob family and the Cavaliers unit collectively.

“We’re witnessing greatness every night,” Cherry, the University of Montana product, said. “Especially between the spectacular plays that No. 2 and 23 make—those two guys right there, watching them makes the game exciting. When you get to go to work with those guys, along with K-Love, whenever they pick their time to start taking over games and making spectacular plays, I’m always on my feet. They always have to pull me down because they can’t see behind me. But you just need to feed off that energy, especially at home with the fans going wild. Us as bench players, we’re just like fans too. When we’re sitting down there, we got the best seats in the house. Then when we’re in the game, we’re energized and ready to go because we’ve been locked into all aspects of the game from the bench the whole time. That’s our role, to keep the energy up no matter what and always be ready.”

The Cavaliers veteran who created the awareness for family, support and hard work at the end of the bench couldn’t agree more with the youngsters he’s working to help succeed at the professional level. Just as in life, so much of success is simply about approaching everything with a positive enthusiasm.

“It’s all about having positive energy and supporting your teammates,” Haywood said. “That’s the best way to be ready when you’re number’s called, and help your team continue to get better.”

As far as helping him improve as a player since joining the Cavaliers, Harris is quick to credit Haywood for his recent success. He also refers to the 7-foot center as the “Godfather of the Cavs Bench Mob.”

“Brendan [Haywood] was just talking with me earlier,” Harris said. “He was saying he’s proud of me, glad to see me doing it for the bench mob. He told me, ‘when you succeed, we all succeed. And that’s just the approach we’re all taking on this team.’ That’s why Brendan is the Godfather of the Cavs Bench Mob. James Jones is definitely the Godfather of the team overall, but Haywood is our Godfather on the Bench Mob.”

While certainly acknowledging his support for Harris, Haywood laughed away the “godfather” title when relayed the message.

“That’s just Joe being funny man,” Haywood laughed. “Like I said, it’s one of those things where we support him, and we tell him—like the other night, me and Lou told him—listen man, we probably won’t get in tonight. But when you get in, play for us. We’re living through you; we’re going to support you. Do your thing. And he had a bigtime role in helping us win that Celtics game. We couldn’t have done it without him. And it couldn’t have happened to a better kid—Joe Harris is a great kid.”

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE. Images via Getty.

The post Meet The Cavs Bench Mob appeared first on SLAM.

But don’t expect a television commercial featuring LeBron’s newly introduced “FloBron” character anytime soon. There won’t be a press release, either. Instead, Progressive is launching a digital-first execution focused on the creation of shareable content that will continue to unfold on social media over the next several weeks.

Co-founded in 1937 by Jack Green and Peter B. Lewis, Progressive is headquartered in Mayfield Village, OH—a mere 20-minute drive from Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland. The company is one of the largest providers of car insurance in the United States, and employs over 27,000 people. Despite the size and scope of this partnership, however, news of the “FloBron” campaign emerged slowly and naturally after an Instagram post on Halloween.

Jeff Charney, Progressive’s Chief Marketing Officer, spoke with SLAM about the campaign strategy along with what we can expect from “FloBron” in the days to come.

“This is a very new way of running a campaign, for us and for the industry as a whole because we’re truly developing characters, not commercials,” Charney said this week. “We’re developing content, not trying to build awareness. It’s digital first and it’s open-ended.”

That process includes solo appearances by “FloBron” as well as collaborative efforts alongside the well-known “Flo” character, played by Stephanie Courtney since 2008.  Progressive followed the Halloween post, for example, with an Instagram picture featuring both James and Courtney.

During the first video in this series, “FloBron” reenacted James’ signature chalk toss prior to taking the court. There will be more videos to follow, supported by an investment from Progressive in Instagram advertising.

“We’re laying strategically placed digital breadcrumbs, including one of the first paid Instagram Video ads,” Charney explained. “We shot for four hours just a week ago and we’re editing and placing the content in real-time. Where this goes will be determined as much by what people view, like and share as by the story we’re intending to tell. Strategically, this is an approach we call ‘situational content,’ or sit-con. Think of it as our version of a situational comedy, where the story evolves over time.”

Progressive’s first Instagram post featuring “FloBron” has received over 750 likes and 75 comments. The first video, posted Wednesday, has already exceeded those numbers with over 870 likes and nearly 200 comments. The hashtags #FloBron and #switch are being used to join the conversation on all updates.

Beyond the innovative approach to marketing, however, it’s also fun to see the comedic, less-serious side of LeBron play out through social channels during this campaign. James is dressing up like a woman, while playing basketball with Flo, and all that’s pretty funny to watch. It will also be interesting to see what type of impact this digital campaign has on future endorsement deals with other leading companies and notable stars around the NBA. Considering James’ track-record, it’s possible he changes how all that’s constructed too by the time “FloBron” hangs up the Nikes.

All photos via @Progressive on Instagram

The post LeBron James, Progressive Create ‘FloBron’ Campaign appeared first on SLAM.

New LeBron James @Nike banner being unveiled in Cleveland across street from Quicken Loans Arena pic.twitter.com/J3dQejanpA

— Brendan Bowers (@BowersCLE) October 30, 2014

During what proved to be an historic celebration of LeBron’s commitment to home, community, and togetherness, Nike also dropped an electrifying and emotional film signaling the release of the LeBron 12.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6S1JoCSVNU&feature=youtu.be

James’ rare skill-set, determination and competitiveness inspired the LeBron 12 “Heart of a Lion” colorway featured at Nike’s fan event in Cleveland prior to the Cavs season opener against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. In anticipation of the release, fans poured through Nike’s gates to get their first glimpse of the shoe. The LeBron 12 is now available at nike.com and select retail locations everywhere.

This latest shoe in the LeBron series is built with zoom technology developed by Nike in collaboration with James. The colorful hexagons on the sole are designed with specific cushioning values, determined through a series of tests and engineering.

In Nike’s research lab, James literally stood on a sensor pad that identified various pressure points based on his movements on a basketball court. The hexagons correlate to that process—some have more cushioning and different tenacity based on performance level.

It’s obviously a hot shoe and it was great to be able to see it in person for the first time at Nike’s event. The 12’s are really lightweight and flexible, but durable and strong at the same time. LeBron’s signature and personal icon are inked on the outside, along with a nice, solid protective coating. Additional colorways are scheduled for release over the next month.

To celebrate LeBron and the 12’s release, Nike Basketball held a wildly successful fan event in downtown Cleveland during the afternoon. One hour before the event opened at 4 p.m. ET, fans had already lined up down the street and around the corner for a chance to check out the shoes and take part in the festivities. The event featured an innovative, 360-degree photo booth, giving fans the opportunity to replicate LeBron’s signature chalk toss with confetti. There were also posters of the LeBron banner given away, regulation Nike basketballs, and entertainment provided by DJ Steph Floss.

“There are so many fans out here having a great time today,” Floss told SLAM. “We have the 360-photo booth, giving out posters and basketballs. It’s been a perfect event, everyone’s having a great time. The fans are happy, they love the LeBron 12s, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Besides being the Cleveland Cavaliers in-arena DJ, a radio personality for Cleveland’s premier hip-hop station, and working major celebrity and corporate events throughout the year, Floss is also a close, personal friend of LeBron’s. He spoke with SLAM about what it means to see his friend back home while the celebration ensued.

“I’m just happy for everybody,” he said. “LeBron is my brother, I love LeBron. I’m happy he’s happy. I’m from Cleveland, born and raised in Cleveland. And I’m also ecstatic to have him back on the Cavs. I’ve always been a happy guy. But when he left, the energy in Cleveland wasn’t that high. It was actually very low. Now, to be here at this event, seeing that everybody has high hopes again, you can really feel the energy in the city.”

That energy was evident by the overwhelming amount of people who showed up for the event. Lisa Beachy from Nike talked about that response, as well as the overall celebration of James on Thursday.

“The line was building up an hour before we even opened,” Beachy said. “It’s been amazing. People are excited to see the shoe and take part in the 360-photo booth. We’ve done photo booths in the past. But for this one, specifically, everything relates back to LeBron. The ‘LeBron Stronger Together Cleveland’ banner features the chalk toss, so we really wanted to celebrate that. The photo booth takes pictures from all angles in a second’s time of people replicating that signature move with confetti. It also gives them a chance to do it right in front of the same mural that just debuted in Cleveland.”

The 360-photo booth really was amazing. Floss kept the party live and the LeBron 12’s were incredible to see and touch for the first time. But maybe most incredible, for the Clevelanders who came through, was the very real feeling of togetherness that LeBron instilled throughout the community by coming home.

“I’m just glad he made a decision he’s happy with, and that he’s back home and doing it for the love of his hometown,” DJ Steph Floss added. “And it’s great to see everybody’s showing him that same love right back.”

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE.

The post Nike Hosts LeBron 12 ‘Heart of a Lion’ Launch in Cleveland appeared first on SLAM.

The 2012 fourth overall pick from Syracuse will be playing for his third coach in as many years, now under the tutelage of Euroleague legend David Blatt. On a roster with Mike Miller and Shawn Marion, Waiters will be rounding out a starting five that now includes James as well as Kevin Love. He’ll take the Quicken Loans Arena floor with the NBA community watching additionally flanked by teammates and friends, Anderson Varejao and Kyrie Irving.

SLAM caught up with Waiters on Wednesday, roughly 24 hours before tip-off, for a few thoughts on all that.

SLAM: It’s the night before the home opener. You’re starting alongside LeBron James and Kevin Love. Playing opposite Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. LeBron makes his regular-season return to Cleveland. What’s going through your head right now?

Dion Waiters: I’m just excited. I know it’s just one game of an 82-game schedule, but I’m really excited. I’m trying not to think about all that for a while though, because I’m not trying to get too excited. So I’ll just be watching these games tonight, relax for right now. I’m a laid back kind of guy by nature. But when you consider our last couple years, what we experienced as a team. What the fans experienced. It’s hard not to get excited. I know right now it’s time to just seize the moment.

SLAM: During the preseason, LeBron has been on record as saying he’s taking you under his wing. Helping you grow as a professional. What are you guys talking about, how has your relationship been with LeBron?

DW: It’s been great. We’re just pretty much talking a lot. I talk to him about everyday life as well as things on the court. I’m just trying to be a sponge and soak as much up as I can from being around him. I want to learn from him, and he’s basically been a great mentor for me—since day one. He was a mentor for me last year, too. I used to text him and ask questions about different things. Then when he was coming here, I knew I had a great opportunity to learn from the best. So I’ve just been trying to take advantage of being around him.

SLAM: What are you learning about in terms of being an efficient player? LeBron has become the most efficient player in the game. What have you learned from him or the coaching staff this year in that area?

DW: Just when to take a shot, or when not to take a shot. I feel like I do understand how to be efficient. Some of those shots in the preseason, LeBron and Kyrie weren’t playing in those games. I wasn’t on the floor with all three of those guys for all those shots. But I am learning. I know I need to take the correct shots in the heat of the moment this season. And I know I’ll be where I need to be.

SLAM: Thursday is the Knicks, but then Friday you’ll be in Chicago. The Bulls are expected to be a top team in the Eastern Conference. What do you look forward to when you matchup with the Bulls?

DW: I always look forward to playing against Jimmy Butler. He’s a good friend of mine, and one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. He’ll be out when we play them on Friday because of his hand, but I know he’ll be on the bench just talking. Talking the whole game. So it will be fun to play out there, listen to him talking, and let him know I can’t wait for him to come back.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @BowersCLE.

The post Q+A: Dion Waiters appeared first on SLAM.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova had just dropped his girlfriend off at Hopkins International Airport before we met at the corner of W. 24th and Market Street. We talked about the upcoming season as vendors prepared to open their doors at 7 a.m. on Monday morning.

“I got up at about five,” Dellavedova said. “Or actually it was 4:50. But we have the day off today, so it’s OK. I thought I’d do some grocery shopping on the way home, and then go back to bed.”

Coach David Blatt had given the Cavaliers Monday off from practice. The second-year guard from St. Mary’s was embracing the opportunity to rest and re-charge. With an 82-game NBA grind set to begin on Thursday, he knows those chances will be scarce moving forward. But even on an off-day, standing on a street corner at 6:45 a.m., his excitement for opening night was impossible to mask.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Dellavedova said, of the Cavs’ opening night matchup with Carmelo Anthony, coach Derek Fisher and the New York Knicks. “I remember our first game last year, and that was a pretty crazy atmosphere. So it’s hard to picture what it’s going to be like on Thursday. But I know how passionate our fans are, and when LeBron takes the floor it’s going to be crazy in there.”

The celebration of LeBron James’ regular-season return to the Cleveland Cavaliers begins long before Dellavedova or any of his teammates take the floor on October 30. Starting at 4 p.m., directly across the street from the arena, is a fan event featuring Kendrick Lamar and Kevin Hart. Dan Gilbert’s team has also announced they will be unveiling a new HD scoreboard on opening night, along with an enhanced audio/visual system.

These high-profile performances and in-game theatrics will serve as only a mere complement to the singular moment when LeBron James tosses chalk through the Cleveland sky so powerful it’s likely to dent the arena roof shortly after leaving his hands.

“You can feel the difference in media attention,” Delly said, when I asked him to compare the current environment to what he experienced with the Cavaliers last season. As one example, we referenced the play in Brazil with James, Norris Cole and Dellavedova that made national headlines following their pre-season matchup with the Miami Heat.

“My family, friends back home, everyone was messaging me about that play,” he said. “It’s amazing how big that got. I thought it was just a routine basketball play when it happened. I needed to go under him, you know? That was the only difference. I never even thought about it outside of that. But the focus on LeBron is so huge, on everything he does, and you could really see it with the response to that play.”

The media attention surrounding James will only be magnified by the Cavaliers debut of Kevin Love. Love has been touted around Cleveland as a player who could eventually become the second greatest star in Cavaliers franchise history. That becomes increasingly likely if he helps James and Kyrie Irving lead Cleveland to its first professional championship since Jim Brown in 1964.

How quickly Love can mesh with James, Irving and the rest of his new teammates in Cleveland will become a key talking point throughout the season. But Dellavedova believes the Cavs are ahead of schedule in that regard; with their recent trip to Brazil being a big reason why.

“The trip to Brazil was really awesome,” Dellavedova told me. “I think we really bonded as a team on the trip. It was perfect timing with so many new guys. We really got to know each other. That bond will be important. Then Brazil, as a country, is such a beautiful place. So it was cool having a teammate like Andy [Varejao] show us around while we were there.”

Varejao will be starting alongside his former teammate LeBron James on opening night at the center position. Tristan Thompson, who’s proven capable of playing both the 4 and 5, will be anchoring a second unit that includes Dellavedova at the point. Delly will be backing up All-Star Kyrie Irving, coming off the bench with NBA champions Mike Miller and Shawn Marion.

“I always buy my groceries here,” Dellavedova said. We had just been motioned into the Westside Market by a friendly looking vendor at a produce stand near the main entrance. “I like getting here early in the morning, before it gets too crowded. It’s perfect like this right now.”

As we entered the market, our eyes were met with an endless array of healthy produce and engaging vendors. We were quickly reminded of why we met at the Westside Market in the first place, and began to discuss our shopping strategy.

Fresh, healthy blends of all-natural smoothies are a critical part of Matthew Dellavedova’s NBA diet. Recently, he created a recipe for his own signature smoothie. We arrived at the Westside Market to purchase those ingredients.

“We’ll get the fruit first,” he told me, while motioning toward an adjacent stand. “Pineapples, blackberries and blueberries—I’ll grab those right here.”

Dellavedova talked with vendors and other customers as they passed by while we shopped. Everyone offered a friendly wave and encouraging smile. Thursday will be a historic moment in Cavaliers history, and Dellavedova will be competing for a city that’s embraced him with open arms since he first arrived. You could see that support in the faces of Clevelanders we met along the way.

“Over the course of a season, your diet is so important,” he explained, as I drank a 20-ounce coffee topped off with cream and sugar. “Smoothies are great for you, great for your body. And I love coming here, they have everything you need.”

This season, more than the last, Dellavedova knows his team will be getting everything the opposition has on a nightly basis. He understands that challenge, and obviously knows the stakes have been raised with the arrival of James and Love.

“We’re going to get everyone’s best shot this year,” Delly said. “I know that. Last year, maybe we didn’t get that shot every night. But now we’re opening the season against a good Knicks team. Then right after that, we’re in Chicago. Those are two tough games, and it’s going to be challenging all season. I think the Eastern Conference is going to be pretty tough this year.”

Eastern Conference rival Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards told SLAM Magazine this summer that Dellavedova was among the three toughest one-on-one defenders in the NBA, along with Iman Shumpert and Tony Allen. That defensive intensity helped Delly appear in 72 games as an undrafted rookie-free agent, while logging 1,271 NBA minutes. He finished third among all rookies in three-point field-goal percentage, and has earned 18 minutes per night as the backup point guard during the preseason.

“You should probably get some fruit or something too while we’re here,” Dellavedova told me, as we walked down a long, winding aisle. I hadn’t finished enough of my coffee yet to realize I could also be grocery shopping. Thankfully, Delly offered a much-needed heads up.

“That’s a good point, I probably should. I think I’ll buy a couple of those oranges and apples real quick.”

He waited as I exchanged three $1 bills for a bag of fresh fruit at the Westside Market. Following the transaction, we left in search of spinach and kale.

“I’m thinking about adding almonds, but I’m not sure I’ve seen any,” he mentioned, as we finalized our spinach purchase. “Keep your eye out for almonds if you see any.”

I remained on high-alert for almonds over the next several minutes but couldn’t find any, either. Our photographer, Jason Crocker, had tucked his camera away momentarily and also joined the search for almonds. We found a stand called P-Nut Gallery, but the vendor hadn’t arrived yet. So almonds, it appeared, were out.

“I’ll just drive back here later if I decide to use almonds in the smoothie,” Delly said. “I could go either way on it honestly, and I already have a lot of great stuff. I think I’m good with what we got.”

Dellavedova was holding two bags of fresh produce in each hand while standing in an aisle at the Westside Market. As we raised a white flag on our search for almonds, I asked him about playing for David Blatt.

“I enjoy listening to his press conferences,” I told Matt. “I feel like I learn something when he’s up there. I know he’s saying a lot of the same things we’ve always heard about basketball, but he says them in different ways. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, I know what you’re saying,” Dellavedova replied. “He’s a teacher of the game. He’s a coach and competitor, but he’s also a teacher. He’s always teaching. I really enjoy playing for him and I’m learning a lot. He’s been great to play for.”

The Cavaliers guard from Australia stopped and talked with people milling about the market as he left with his groceries. He was heading home to sleep on an off day from his job in the NBA. As we moved toward the parking lot, we began to review the smoothie ingredients we purchased.

Naming Delly’s Signature Smoothie

Matthew Dellavedova created the recipe for his signature smoothie. If you have a name you’d like to suggest for it, though, let us know. Tweet your name for Dellavedova’s smoothie with the hashtag #DellyMarket and that might end up becoming the name he goes with this season. For now, the working title is “Delly’s Market Smoothie.”

Here is how we arrived at the working title:

What are you going to name your smoothie?

“You want me to name it, too?”

Well, do you have a name for it already?

“I really only focused on the recipe, what ingredients work best together. I didn’t really think of a name. But you can make up the name if you want?”

Makes sense. OK, I’ll try. But Michael Symon might ask you to make this smoothie on the Food Network someday so you can’t forget the name we decide on.

“I doubt they’ll have me on [laughs]. Just call it whatever you want.”

Ingredients and Recipe

The following smoothie recipe is written by Matt Dellavedova. If you post a smoothie picture with the ingredients identified, he will retweet. Be sure to use the hashtag #DellyMarket on any pictures or Instagram posts.

The recipe for “Delly’s Market Smoothie” is below—all ingredients purchased at The Westside Market in Cleveland, OH.

Delly’s Market Smoothie

 

Spinach
Kale
Pineapple
Blackberries
Blueberries
A little bit of ginger and turmeric
Ginger keeps you from getting sick
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory
Chia Seeds
Honey
Don’t forget the mint!

The Cleveland Cavaliers open their season on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT against the New York Knicks. I’d recommend downing a couple smoothies in the meantime to makes sure you’re prepared.

Brendan Bowers is an NBA writer who covers the Cavaliers and the NBA in Cleveland for SLAM. Follow him on Twitter at @BowersCLE.

All photos featured in the slideshow are by Jason Crocker. Big thanks to Jason for meeting us at the Westside Market on Monday and doing his thing. He has more behind-the-scenes photos and coverage of Dellavedova’s trip to the Westside Market on Instagram, check them out here: @JasonTCrocker.

Previously:
Do It Again: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony talk LeBron, Cavs and Cleveland
Borderline Genius? Cavs Players Describe David Blatt’s Offense in Two Words or Less
Cavaliers’ Vets Set Tone For Training Camp As Media Day Celebration Concludes
For The 216: Tristan Thompson dedicates 2014-15 season to loyal Cavs fans

The post At The Market with Matthew Dellavedova appeared first on SLAM.

As the group’s legion of loyal fans matured, Northeast Ohio soon ushered in its next great reason to believe. This time, he was a basketball-playing prodigy from St. Vincent / St. Mary High School—roughly 45 minutes from the intersection Krayzie, Layzie, Wish, Bizzy and Flesh called home. He’d soon break into the NBA as the League’s Rookie of the Year before winning multiple MVPs and NBA Championships.

Just as LeBron James grew up in Northeast Ohio rooting for Bone while they recorded tracks with Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur and Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, all five members of the group have also passionately supported James throughout his career. Now that he’s returned to their hometown squad, they’re hoping he can end the championship drought in Cleveland.

SLAM caught up with Bone while they were making a tour stop in Cleveland to talk about that, along with the recruiting pitch they delivered LeBron last season.

SLAM: You talked with LeBron James while performing at Chris Bosh’s 30th birthday party in Miami last season. What did you say to help recruit him back to Cleveland when you saw him there, and other places?

Krayzie: Of course we always joked around with him about coming back. We were like, Yeah, we know you’re coming back home. He just laughed, and said, “Well, you know, we gotta do something.” But we just always told him we still got love for you in Cleveland and don’t let the haters worry you.

Wish: When I talked with him at Bosh’s party [laughs]. I just told him straight up, You know what you need to do, right? He’s like, “Yeah, what? And I told him, You know you need to bring your ass home. Straight out like that. Then he said, “OK, make it happen then.” And I’m like, What am I gonna do? You are the only one who can make that happen.

Layzie: We always wanted to be a part of anything that LeBron was doing. Not only because it helps Bone and our brand, but because it’s Cleveland. He’s from Akron. Every sales pitch was, “When are we going to do something?” Bottom line was, let’s work. It’s all Cleveland, Akron is just 45 minutes up the street. That’s like separating Los Angeles from Long Beach. You really can’t do that. We needed to get that whole vibe back going together and he did that.

SLAM: You’ve known LeBron was coming back to Cleveland since July. But over the last couple weeks, you’ve seen him on the floor at Quicken Loans Arena wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform. What was your reaction to actually seeing that?

Wish: I felt like he looked more comfortable than he has in a very long time. I feel like a lot of weight was off his shoulders knowing that he had to come back to where it started to complete his legacy. He knew he had to come home, and after everything he’s already accomplished, that’s where he can now complete his legacy.

Krayzie: I was like, man, it’s really going down. You know what I’m saying? When I saw him on the court with Kyrie and Love, I was like it’s really about to happen! I was very excited man. Very excited.

Bizzy: It’s just time. Cleveland is happy, and I know the business is going to pick up. As you get older, you start to realize how it helps the entire city. So that’s how I think about it. Now we have LeBron back. Cleveland Browns football is going phenomenal. The excitement around it, the loyalty behind it all is just a beautiful thing throughout the whole city of Cleveland.

Flesh: I think the city of Cleveland is going to be on fire. I really believe it’s going to be a great time for the city. It’s a great day in Cleveland to have LeBron back in the capacity he’s in. The Browns are kicking ass, and then with LeBron and the Cavs, it’s really a fantastic situation for the city all around.

Layzie: I kinda knew the whole time that LeBron was going to be back. I wasn’t a fan that turned on him when he made his decision. I rode with him through the whole struggle. I just knew it was a good thing for our city and the surrounding areas when I finally saw him out there. The media attention he brings, the money he’ll bring into our city. I thought in terms of that on the business side. But now seeing all those things happening, I’m just like wow. LeBron brought that King shit back—excuse my French.

SLAM: Alongside LeBron, the Cavaliers also have Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving as well as Dion Waiters, Mike Miller, Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao, Shawn Marion and others. How good do you think this team could be this season under new coach David Blatt?

Krayzie: As Cleveland fans, we want to win one. We’re expecting it to be a good run. I don’t want to put too much on them or anything like we’re going for the Finals. But it should be a good, interesting year. We’re all hoping for the best. We’re hoping we get there. Will it happen this year? I don’t know, but we need one in Cleveland—for real.

Layzie: I think they’re going all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. Definitely. I think they are definitely the No. 1 contender in the East because of the way they can spread the floor. With LeBron going to the hole, dishing out to any given number of people, they’re lethal. I’m predicting Eastern Conference finals, then going all the way, really. I think it’s very, very possible this year. I know they’re humble; you can’t put too much on that plate to where you have to live up to that hype. But I like how LeBron has them gelling together already. Like, watching in the preseason how easy it was for Kevin Love to put up 25? That was just too easy.

Bizzy: With him coming back, and with those guys where they are in their careers, the team is ready. He’s the leader and he has great talent around him. That’s how I look at it. I look at it in both contexts. He has a great team, he’s lost weight, he’s faster, and he knows how to win and brings his winning experience to the team. But as far as my expectations? I’ll be honest with you; we really just want to see him suit up every night.

Flesh: I really do think LeBron has himself surrounded by a talented squad. I think he’s surrounded by a lot of great help, which will definitely bring a Championship in my opinion.

Wish: A lot of people will say that we can’t push too far too soon, but I think the total opposite. This is what they do. This is their job. If we don’t look for the Championship, and approach the season with that mental state, we’ll never get there.

SLAM: How long do you think it will take for all these guys to gel and build that chemistry needed to become a championship team?

Flesh: I don’t think it’s going to take long at all. They’re professionals, they’re technicians. They’re supposed to be able to get out there and gel and have a certain energy that’s blended. That’s why they practice. So they’re gelling, I can see it when they’re out there. It’s going to work. There’s young talent surrounding LeBron and they’re ready to bring the Championship home this year I believe.

Wish: Like I said before, they’re professionals. First and foremost, everybody will need to play their key roles. No egos can be involved, nothing like that. They all need to strive for the same thing, putting forth an overall team effort. Of course it will take a little time to gel. But that’s what we have practice and the preseason for.

Krayzie: I think with the players and coach they have, it will be a whole new style of play coming into the League. There are so many different good players with so many different dynamics, what they put together will be original. I can’t wait to see it. But I don’t think it’ll take too long to gel and get that going.

SLAM: Excluding LeBron or anyone from the current Cavaliers roster, who were some of your favorite Cavs players growing up in Cleveland?

Layzie: Mark Price was my dog. He was the coldest, wettest, three-point shooting point guard in my lifetime. I always loved watching him do his thing. And also when we had Ron Harper, he was the man when he was battling Jordan. I’d even throw in Brad Daugherty, Craig Ehlo, Larry Nance, I can’t just pick one. That was my era growing up, when they were battling the Bulls with all those guys.

Krazyie: I was really young but the first player I remember watching with my father was World B. Free. And then the whole squad we had later with Mark Price, Ehlo, Brad Daugherty and Harper. There’s just a whole lot of history with Cleveland teams, and I support it all.

Wish: You have to think of Daugherty, Price, you know what I’m saying? I liked it when we had Oak [Charles Oakley]. Probably one of my favorites would be Daugherty or Price because that was the era of the Jordan teams. We were kinda pressing Jordan’s buttons with those guys, so that’s what always sticks with me.

Bizzy: As far as the Cavs? Everybody. I liked all those guys man.

Flesh: Craig Ehlo and Ron Harper were my guys. There’s quite a few of them. But for me I liked those guys. Everybody remembers the shot Jordan hit. But they forget that Ehlo was tough enough to cover Jordan in the first place. So Ehlo, he was the man in my humble of opinion. Harper too. They held it down for real.

Be sure to check Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Facebook page for upcoming dates and information on Bone’s worldwide tour featuring all five members.

Previously:
Borderline Genius? Cavs Players Describe David Blatt’s Offense in Two Words or Less
Cavaliers’ Vets Set Tone For Training Camp As Media Day Celebration Concludes
For The 216: Tristan Thompson dedicates 2014-15 season to loyal Cavs fans

The post Do It Again appeared first on SLAM.

Heading into his seventh professional season, the 26-year-old Love has finished games with 30-plus points and 15-plus rebounds 27 times. That number ranks third among all active players, behind only Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard. He was the NBA’s fourth-leading scorer last season, third-leading rebounder, and returned from injury to log a career-high 2,797 minutes in 77 games.

He’s a really good player, with really good numbers, who is very much deserving of the No. 10 spot in the #SLAMTop50 this year.

Playing now alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, Love’s statistical output may not be as eye-popping. But that will not be indicative of the All-NBA power forward taking any sort of step back. Love will continue to dominate offensively whenever the ball is in his hands. He will consistently impact games at both ends of the floor with his relentless attack of the glass. By season’s end, he may also help prove Cleveland’s version of the Big Three a more natural fit alongside James than what we saw in Miami.

Defenses must obviously double LeBron James. They will also need to double Irving. When he catches it deep in a post-up position, Love will require a double as well. He will force interior defenders to extend out to contest his ability from long-range, and create spacing and driving lanes for teammates because of all that. He is also, as Tristan Thompson described, a “great passer” who can find teammates cutting open in the half-court, while using herculean outlet passes to trigger the fast break. In short, Love’s presence will make his superstar teammates better every time he steps on the floor.

Love will not match his career-high 26.1 points from a year ago with the Cavs. He also won’t reach individual NBA milestones that have remained untouched for 40 years. Field-goal attempts will be divided among three superstars, and others, in hopes of pursuing an NBA Championship. Despite that, the power forward from Lake Oswego (Or) High will remain an unstoppable force in the painted area requiring the utmost attention from opposing defenses.

It will become easier for Love to score due to the increased talent now surrounding him. He will capitalize on more one-on-one matchups than he’s ever been met with before. While scoring volume will decrease, his overall shooting percentage should improve from the 45.7 percent number he posted last year. He will have more room to operate, he will have better matchups, and he won’t always been the opposition’s primary concern defensively. Love will certainly attempt less than the 18.5 shots per night he did last year, but his numbers should still reflect his career averages of 19 and 12 based on the open looks he’ll be now afforded.

Learning to best compete alongside James and Irving in David Blatt’s Princeton offense will require an adjustment. There will be a learning curve for the entire team. This might take weeks, months, a regular season or maybe just a training camp. It will be challenging for Love to go from being a franchise player depended on to carry a team to now being the second scoring option. But Love is an unselfish, team-first star capable of making these adjustments. He wouldn’t have agreed to be traded to Cleveland in the first place if not.

Chris Bosh suggested recently that Love will find it “extremely” tough adjusting to life as a member of LeBron’s Big Three. Like Love, Bosh was a franchise player and perennial All-Star before teaming with James and the Miami Heat. Bosh used his athleticism and extreme versatility to change the style of basketball he played alongside James for the betterment of the Heat. He doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for what he did. There are only a handful of players in the League capable of reinventing themselves while sacrificing numbers and status to help win two titles. But Love won’t be asked to change who he is as a player in quite the same way Bosh was. His shot attempts will be down, sure, but he’ll still be playing the same brand of basketball he always did.

Love will succeed alongside James in Cleveland because he is a naturally dominant back-to-the basket player who is a consistent threat on the interior. He is a complement to James in this respect. Love can step out and shoot like a stretch 4, but he also rebounds like a traditional power forward. These dynamics will help make the Cavs Big Three both unique and special as their talents mesh. Love will remain the primary scoring option inside. He will open the perimeter as defenses collapse, and make everyone around him better because of that.

Statistical dominance of NBA box scores has become a consistent theme of Love’s basketball journey. Just don’t use the stat sheet exclusively as a measure of his overall value with the Cavs. Love’s talent, skills and presence could end up helping Cleveland secure its first professional championship in 50 years. If that happens, nobody will remember if he averaged 16, 19 or 26. They’ll simply add a line to his Hall of Fame resume that reads, “Kevin Love, NBA Champion.”

 
Rankings are based on expected contribution in ’14-15—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

The post #SLAMTop50: Kevin Love, no. 10 appeared first on SLAM.

On March 19 of that same season, Irving led a talent-starved roster to another road victory in New Jersey. He totaled 26 points and 7 assists while helping Cleveland to a 105-100 win over Deron Williams and the Nets. He’d be named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year a few months later.

Since then, the point guard from St. Patrick High School has earned two trips to the NBA All-Star Game. He’s collected an All-Star MVP trophy, won the three-point shootout, signed endorsement deals all over the country, and assumed a leadership role with USA Basketball. But after being projected by some as an All-NBA player heading into last season—who was asked to single-handedly lead his team to the Playoffs—questions still surround the 22-year-old Irving as he embarks on the next chapter of his basketball journey.

In 2013, Irving ranked No. 9 in the #SLAMTop50. Expectations soon morphed into unreasonable requests from a fan base in Cleveland that hoped he would fill the superstar void left by LeBron James in 2010. The requests were unfair, the pieces didn’t fit and the system didn’t work. Twelve months later, David Griffin and David Blatt have replaced Chris Grant and Mike Brown as the new general manager and coach of the Cavaliers.

Despite averaging 20.8 points and 6.1 assists, Irving appeared lost in Coach Brown’s offensive structure. He over-dribbled at times, tried to do too much by himself, and didn’t always know where to find his teammates with the basketball. He slipped seven spots to No. 16 as a result of all that.

Operating now in Blatt’s spacing-oriented version of the Princeton offense, Irving appears more comfortable at the point of attack. That’s obviously supported by the additions of James and Kevin Love. But while the Cavaliers are now James’ team, Irving enters the upcoming year with an opportunity to improve his NBA stock considerably.

The Cavs point guard might not average the 20 points he previously did while co-starring alongside James and Love. But expect the best overall season of his career regardless. Irving’s ball-handling metrics, shooting percentage and assist totals should all approach career-high marks based on the talent that now surrounds him. He will have to remain healthy for close to the 71 games he appeared in last year—and he will also have to learn how to best compete alongside LeBron and his new teammates—but if he accomplishes as much, Irving could still become an All-NBA player in 2015.

Irving is arguably the best overall ball-handler in the NBA. He told me two years ago his cross-over dribble was constructed by using aspects of similar moves made famous by Tim Hardaway and Kevin Johnson. Now that cross has evolved into something entirely his own. He improved his turnover average from 3.2 to 2.7 last year while being met by defenses exclusively designed to stop him. With that load now lessened by James, Irving’s turnover-per-game numbers should improve yet again.

His shooting percentage should also become more efficient. Irving shot 43 percent from the field a year ago, combining for 44.7 percent on his career. While trailing the secondary break, stepping into open jumpers on skip passes in the half-court, and attacking driving lanes created by the attention paid to James, Love and the rest of his teammates, Irving should eclipse the 47 percent mark he established as a rookie. Similarly, he will find a steady dose of open looks from three-point range that were never available to him before.

There haven’t been too many open shots that Irving has been allowed to enjoy at the NBA level. As attention is now divided between doubling James and Love, being aware of Dion Waiters, boxing out Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson, while also getting hands up to contest Mike Miller, Shawn Marion and others, Kyrie will be open now more than ever. His three-point shooting—which has dipped since topping out at 39.9 percent as a rookie—is likely to creep over the 40 percent plateau with the open looks he’s now afforded.

In the simplest terms, Irving will also be passing to a collection of much better players this season. His assist total is likely to reflect that. He dished out 6.1 dimes per game with Earl Clark as his opening night starter at small forward. This year, the opening night starter is LeBron James. I can go on, but I’m sure you get the point.

More than any of that, though, Irving is poised for his best season as a pro because he can now just be himself. He no longer has to be the savior of a wounded franchise. He no longer is tasked with the impossible challenge of replacing the best basketball player on the planet. He will only be asked to be Kyrie Irving moving forward. The same electrifying talent who put the NBA community on notice ever since he first arrived.

The Cavaliers are LeBron’s team. But LeBron’s point guard could be on his way to becoming the League’s gold standard at that position. So don’t sleep on Kyrie Irving just yet, even if you think there’s cause. He’s never had an opportunity to succeed quite like this before, and there’s a good chance he takes advantage of it.

 
Rankings are based on expected contribution in ’14-15—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

The post #SLAMTop50: Kyrie Irving, no. 16 appeared first on SLAM.

As a respected and accomplished NBA veteran, Miller describes his new coach’s implementation of the Princeton offense as borderline genius.

But what exactly is it that provokes a long-time NBA professional to describe Blatt’s offensive philosophy in such reverence, so quickly? This was the topic that dominated my Cavaliers’ consciousness this week, so I reached out to three of Miller’s teammates for further details. I asked each player to answer the following two questions:

1. While using only one or two words, how would you describe David Blatt’s offense?

 

2. Can you explain what you mean by that?

I spoke with Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion and the rookie Joe Harris. Their descriptions of Blatt’s offense are below.

Brendan Haywood: “Spurs-esque”

Shawn Marion: “Free-Flowing”

Joe Harris: “Detail Oriented”

At first glance, terms like “detail oriented” and “free-flowing” might seem to contradict each other. But they are also two important principles of the Princeton offense. My impression from our conversations is that once you learn and thoroughly understand the details of Blatt’s offense, the collective movement becomes free-flowing—and potentially even “Spurs-esque.”

Haywood, Marion and Harris went on to provide additional insight. Harris is a second-round pick from Virginia entering his rookie campaign with the Cavaliers. Haywood and Marion have combined to play 27 years in the NBA prior to this season.

Haywood: “I like his offense a lot. There’s great ball movement, which is very key in the game of basketball. There isn’t as much of one-on-one. There’s a lot of the ball being kicked from one side of the court to another, which is important. But I said ‘Spurs-esque’ because it’s really all about ball movement—like how the Spurs create those mismatches with defenses by moving the ball so precisely. It doesn’t let the defense lock in on one guy. That’s a lot of what he wants, as far as back-screens, dribble-hand-offs, coming off screen and rolls, kicking and advancing the ball. It’s all about ball movement, that’s key to being a successful team.”

Marion: “It’s a good offense. It’s really good. We’re picking it up slowly but surely. Guys are moving and comfortable in it so far. It’s an offense where we’re looking to attack early if it’s there. But it’s really free-flowing, like I said. The ball really moves. By moving the ball like that, we should be able to keep some offensive pressure up on teams. Spacing is really important too. Both forward positions are interchangeable and it’s important for guys to get to their spots. Right now we’re trying to just build the continuity with it and make sure everyone is together in understanding what we need to do.”

Harris: “I played football growing up, but I never had that football-type playbook for basketball before. We have one here, and it really explains everything. His offense is really detail-oriented, each and every detail is really important. You have to read what’s happening on the floor, and understand exactly where you need to be. The difference for a wing player being at the top of the key, or in the corner in some cases, could be the difference in executing the play properly or not. I really enjoy the offense overall. It’s great for guys like myself and James and Mike Miller because it gives you spacing to knock down shots. Then that opens things up for our playmakers, LeBron, Kyrie, Dion, those guys can really attack the basket and create off the bounce with that spacing.”

LeBron James Shouts-Out Harris in Locker Room

LeBron James made his first appearance at Quicken Loans Arena since returning to Cleveland on Wednesday night for the Cavaliers Wine and Gold scrimmage. He was entertaining a huge collection of media members after the game as I talked with Harris on the opposite side of the locker room. After LeBron’s media session ended, he walked past Harris and I who were standing by the rookie’s locker.

“OK Joe Harris, I see you!” LeBron said loudly, on his way out the door.

The entire locker room immediately turned their attention toward Harris. He was talking with me about Blatt’s offense as I stood there holding a recorder. Every media member in the room seemed to then converge on the rookie.

A television news reporter then asked, as the mob approached, “Hey Joe, how does it feel to get a shout-out from LeBron James in the locker room?”

As I dipped away from the onslaught of reporters, microphones and cameras, I heard Harris offer the following response.

“He’s hilarious man,” he said of LeBron with a laugh. “He’s always saying funny stuff.”

David Blatt: The ball has energy

Blatt began to describe the offensive philosophies he’s used to build his version of the Princeton offense during his introductory press conference this summer. He said he was taught by his high school coach that the basketball has energy, and all five guys on the team must touch the ball to feel connected with that energy.

This is how he believes a basketball team can become collectively engaged at both ends of the floor.

He’s since added that he wants to give his players a chance to read and react offensively by making quality cuts and passes at the right time in his system. Thus far, his new team has embraced that message. We will get our first glimpse of what this offense might look like over the weekend. Blatt’s former team, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, arrives in Cleveland to kick-off the Cavs pre-season schedule on Sunday.

Previously:
Cavaliers’ Vets Set Tone For Training Camp As Media Day Celebration Concludes
For The 216: Tristan Thompson dedicates 2014-15 season to loyal Cavs fans

The post Borderline Genius? Cavs Players Describe David Blatt’s Offense in Two Words or Less appeared first on SLAM.

Cleveland Clinic Courts were home to an ESPN studio set on media day, situated on the wall opposite the main entrance. Avery Johnson occupied the analyst seat, as David Aldridge and NBA TV were broadcasting live nearby. Countless other outlets, including SLAM, occupied designated areas of the floor throughout the facility.

The atmosphere was festive, the excitement was palpable, and the expectations for the 2014-15 Cavs seemed to rise as the day went on.

LeBron James was back in Cleveland, wearing the wine and gold of the Cavaliers for the first time since making his decision to return. The visual provided significant reason for Cavaliers fans to continue their off-season celebration. But that party ended quickly for those involved as training camp began over the weekend.

When I arrived at Cavs practice on Sunday, the same building that hosted Cavs media day looked drastically different. It had transformed into a place of business, and nobody understood this more than the championship teammates James recruited to join him in Cleveland.

Two-time NBA champion James Jones spoke with SLAM about his approach to camp, and setting an example of the collective work that’s now required.

“You come in and push physically,” Jones told SLAM. “This game is physical. A big component is mental, but in order to get where we want to go we have to go through the world’s best athletes. The world’s best teams. And your conditioning level is the key.”

Coach David Blatt praised the overall conditioning level of his team heading into camp during media availability on Sunday. But according to Jones—a 12-year NBA veteran who has shot 41.5 percent from three-point range during 108 post-season games—conditioning is only where the real work begins.

“The way you lead is you get out there and you get on the floor and compete,” Jones said. “If you compete, you will make those guys better. And when they get better, and develop their talent, especially the young guys, it makes your team better. And it makes you tough to beat.”

In terms of leadership, Jones added that he and fellow free-agents Mike Miller and Shawn Marion—who combine for six Championship rings between them—aren’t trying to be overly vocal at the onset of camp. But if there is a reason to speak up, they’re equipped with the respect required to do so effectively.

“Unless you see something,” Jones said, on when he might motivate or offer advice to a fellow teammate during practice. “But our guys are here early in the summer. You see the work they’re putting in, you see the energy. They’re anxious. They’re coming from a time where they were rebuilding. Now they have a chance to take some of those things they learned, some of those experiences they had while they were rebuilding, and help us translate those into wins. So there is an excitement level. When guys are excited about winning, you don’t have to do much talking.”

The impact a veteran like Jones has in this League is immeasurable in many ways. But his value isn’t lost on James, who actively recruited his former Miami Heat teammate this summer, nor is it lost on his new coach.

“They have a great impact on the younger guys,” Blatt said, when I asked how Jones, Miller and Marion have arrived to help set the tone for camp. “Great deal of impact. And the fact that they, themselves, they push themselves. They know and understand that we’re back to work. We have to get our reps in. We have to get our conditioning in. We have to take in a lot of information. They make a tremendous impact. That’s why coaches always want experienced players. It makes our job easier.”

As the Cavaliers bid farewell to the organized chaos and red-carpet spectacle of media day, the message is clear throughout the organization. Now is when the real work begins. The only celebration that Jones, Miller, Marion or James actually showed up for comes much later.

Cavs Sing Happy Birthday To Anderson Varejao

Anderson Varejao is entering his 11th NBA season—all as a member of the Cavaliers. In 2007, he helped LeBron James advance to his first NBA Finals appearance before being swept by the San Antonio Spurs. He will join Jones, Miller and Marion as a critical leader in support of James again this year.

On Sunday, Varejao was positioned at a shooting station with Marion and Kevin Love as practice concluded. He knocked down a corner three after Love and Marion each did the same to make it three-straight for their group from that spot. As the shooting session ended, the Cavs then gathered around their long-time big man to collectively sing happy birthday. Varejao turned 32 on Sunday.

The singing was terrible from a harmonic standpoint. But it was encouraging to see an element of chemistry being built as a group of new faces attempt to bring Cleveland its first championship since 1964.

The Cavaliers open their pre-season schedule with Maccabi Tel-Aviv at Quicken Loans Arena on October 5. The following Saturday, they travel to Varejao’s home country to square off with the Miami Heat in Brazil.

The post Cavaliers’ Vets Set Tone For Training Camp As Media Day Celebration Concludes appeared first on SLAM.

If Thompson is able to excel in his new role alongside LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, he could become a major reason why the Cavs are able to eventually compete for a Championship. To prepare himself for that next chapter of his career, the Toronto native has spent his offseason improving his game while working to become a more efficient player around the basket.

“I’ve been continuing to work on finishing around the rim this summer,” Thompson told SLAM. “That’s something I looked at after the year as an area I can improve on—finishing around the rim with quick finishes. Sometimes you can’t dunk everything. So you have to get some quick finishes, and finish in different ways around the rim. I’ve also been watching a lot of film and working on becoming a better player defensively. I feel like I can be a key factor for our team this season in those areas.”

This past weekend, Thompson linked up with teammate LeBron James and All-NBA point guard Chris Paul for a workout session at UCLA. While there, he was able to observe some of the work habits that help make those superstars great.

“The thing I notice most working out with LeBron and Chris is how efficient they are in their workouts,” Thompson said while on set with Klutch Sports Group for a screening of LeBron’s television series Survivor’s Remorse. “A lot of guys tend to think that if you work out for two hours straight, or an hour-and-a-half straight, basically working on everything, that’s the right way to do it. But sometimes you’re overexerting your body that way.

“For those guys, entering their 10th and 11th year in the League, they’ve been through it so long and they’re efficient with their work. They go in there for an hour and work on exactly what they’re going to work on that day. They’re in the exact spots on the floor they’re going to be most effective during the games. That’s something us younger players need to observe. That’s how you keep your body fresh, keep that longevity going. You go 82 games, plus Playoffs. That’s a long season.”

Since being selected fourth overall out of Texas in 2011, Thompson has yet to compete in a Playoff game for the Cavaliers. That’s expected to change in 2015 after a monumental offseason, and Thompson’s preparing his mental approach accordingly.

“With the team and players we have this year, defenses are going to pay so much attention to them,” Thompson explained. “When LeBron, Kyrie or Kevin Love make their move, defenses will be sunk in, which is when myself and other players on the team can get to the rim and finish. So for me, my approach is simple; I call it, ‘see ball, get ball’. I am going to put myself in a position on the court to rebound the basketball well for our team, then finish around the rim while also making an impact defensively.”

Exactly what role Thompson will be asked to embrace in Coach David Blatt’s new system won’t ultimately be determined until training camp is underway. But there have been reports indicating that he could log significant minutes at the center position, in addition to spending time at power forward.

“I’m a basketball player at the end of the day,” Thompson said. “I have experience playing the center position. I’ve played center, I’ve played power forward, but I’m really just a competitor. When training camp starts, I’m going to come out and compete. Wherever Coach Blatt feels I’ll be most effective for our team in terms of winning, that’s the role I want. Winning trumps everything at the end of the day for me.”

It’s that attitude and professionalism demonstrated by Thompson ever since arriving in the NBA—along with his athleticism and work ethic—that helps make him a unique fit for a team with title aspirations. After starting every game at power forward last season, he’s embracing the opportunity to play alongside perennial All-Star Kevin Love, even if they technically play the same position.

“Me and Kevin have been texting back and forth,” he said. “We’ve just been building that relationship as people first. But the way he plays the game, there is no reason why we can’t play together. He’s a stretch-4 who gets a lot of attention from shooting the three so well. And when he’s on the block, you have to double-team him down there. If you don’t double him, he’ll score or get fouled. And he’s a heckuva passer too. So I’m excited to play with a guy like that, especially on the perimeter picking and popping. That should leave the paint open for rebounding or a basket down there. I think we can complement each other and play off each other pretty well.”

Love wouldn’t have arrived in Cleveland if not for the commitment LeBron made this summer to the Cavaliers organization. But despite Thompson’s long-standing friendship with James, he found himself feeling like any other Cavs fan when ‘The Return’ became official.

“There were a lot of text messages and tweets blowing up my phone when LeBron announced he was coming back to the 216,” Thompson recalled. “It was great for Cleveland, great for Northeast Ohio, and great for everyone in the Cavaliers organization having him return. He’s done so much for the game, had so much success on all levels of basketball. It’s exciting to be a part of this.”

Thompson added that he’s most excited for Cavs fans, who continued to support the team during some difficult times over the last few seasons.

“The people of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio have been loyal ever since I’ve been drafted to the Cavs. So they definitely deserved it. When he decided to come back and return, I was most happy for them. All the loyal fans that came to the games when we were on five-game losing streaks, seven-game losing streaks. This season is for them. Our work is not done by any means; we have a long, long way to go. Everything looks good on paper but that doesn’t count until the ball is tossed up and you play those 48 minutes. But it’s an exciting time in Cleveland right now.”

As far as contract extension talks for the member of the 2011 Draft class, Thompson says that detail is the least of his concerns right now.

“I’m just focused on training camp and getting the season started,” he said. “I’m excited for the season. I’m not worried about any of that stuff. It’s not even on my mind.”

What is on Thompson’s mind right now is winning. He’s looking forward to doing everything he can to help put his team in a position to win big this season. Along the way, he also plans to keep his fashion game at a similarly high level when arriving for work on a nightly basis.

“What can people expect from me this year from fashion standpoint?” Thompson replied to my question with a laugh. “Well, one thing you can expect is that I’m going to always be fly. You’ve been seeing that on Instagram, things aren’t gonna change. I’m not going to take a step back—I’ll put it like that. I’ll make sure I’m looking right and looking dapper.”

Cavs media day is Friday and SLAM will be live from Cleveland Clinic Courts with coverage throughout the day. We’ll have plenty more from Tristan and the rest of the Cavaliers then.

The post For The 216 appeared first on SLAM.

When asked about competing for a starting job this season, he answers with the same competitive honesty he plays with. His responses to those questions, and others, are truthful, genuine and refreshing. But sometimes that straightforward approach rubs people who don’t know him the wrong way—even though it shouldn’t.

“If you ask me a question, I’m just going to answer it,” Waiters told SLAM, in response to a comment he offered recently about his goal of securing a starting spot this year. “You dream about being a starter in the NBA your whole life. I’m right here with a chance to do that and I’m not backing down from the challenge. So when somebody asks me if that’s my goal, I’m going to just answer truthfully. I don’t mean any disrespect to anybody. I’m just trying to compete. Anybody in my position would think the same way. I worked hard to get where I’m at today. I haven’t reached my peak. I feel like I’m still getting started. But as a man, in the NBA, if you don’t have confidence in yourself nobody else will.”

One person who embraces that confidence from Waiters is the new head coach of the Cavaliers, David Blatt. He had a chance to talk with the 22-year-old shooting guard last week in Las Vegas while watching him compete with Team USA.

“For me, just being around him, he’s a laid back, up-front type of guy,” Waiters said of his conversations with Blatt. “He’s a guy you can talk to about anything. I’m really excited to play for him. And I think it’s vice-versa. He thinks I can excel and go to the next level in his offense. He loves that my goal is to be a starter. He respects that type of attitude. But when we met, we mostly just talked about life.

“He asked about my life story growing up. He wanted to learn about the things I’ve been through, how I got to where I am. So I put it all out there, my whole life story. Everything I went through growing up as a kid in Philadelphia. And it gave him a chance to understand how I am as a person. He respects that I’m straightforward and wear my heart on my sleeve. And he’s a straightforward guy, too. So I just felt like I got the chance to really be myself around him. I didn’t have to be somebody else.”

What Blatt and anyone else who spends time talking with Waiters understands is that he’s simply pushing himself to become the best player he can. He’ll tell you the personal goals he has heading into his third professional season if you ask, but he’s not issuing any sort of ultimatum.

“I’m willing to do anything for the team at the end of the day,” Waiters added. “If that’s coming off the bench, I’ll come off the bench. Coach knows that. He knows I’m just being myself as a competitor. That’s the only way I can succeed is by being myself. I can’t try to be somebody I’m not. I’m maturing as a man, I’m growing as a player and person, but I’m always going to give it to you straightforward. I’m not going to hide. The only way I know how to be is real.”

Last week, Waiters had the opportunity to measure his off-season growth against Kevin Durant, James Harden and the rest of Team USA Basketball. Competing for his second year as a member of Team USA Select, it proved to be another productive trip to Nevada.

“It was a good experience with USA Basketball,” Waiters said. “Going against the best players, always bringing it every day at a high level and just really getting after it. It’s great to be around those guys, working to get better. And Coach K, he’s a really genuine guy. He’s the same all the time, real level, soft-spoken and it’s always good being around him. The whole coaching staff always does an unbelievable job and I just really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something like that.”

As LeBron James makes his return to Northeast Ohio, Waiters is also preparing to be part of something special in Cleveland. The possibility of playing next to the world’s best player became increasingly real for Waiters when his phone rang early last month. But he didn’t ultimately know where James would end up until he read his decision on July 11.

“We’ve talked,” Waiters said of his new teammate. “I actually talked with LeBron before he made his decision. He called me and just told me to be ready. Be ready. I talked to him four or five days before he made his decision. He just got on the phone and said I haven’t made my mind up yet but be ready.

I told him that I’m already working hard. I’ll be ready. And he said, I know, I know you are. Then a few days later I read the letter. I was just really excited for the city of Cleveland. I think the city, more than anybody, deserves this. They deserve to have LeBron coming back. I think the excitement is really back in Cleveland and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”

While Waiters has spent his offseason improving his body and overall game, he’s also specifically focused on improving his offensive impact without the basketball. He’s breaking down film of Dwyane Wade to better understand how he dominated games in that capacity alongside James in Miami.

“I’ve been thinking about how I can adjust my game to best play alongside LeBron ever since he made his decision,” Waiters said. “A player like that, the best player in the world, you get excited to have him on your team. And you also have to adjust your game to make the overall team better around him.

“So like I told ESPN the other day, I’ve gone back and I’m watching film on D-Wade. I’m studying how he was able to put himself in a position to dominate the game off the ball. I know I’m not going to have the ball in my hands that much. I know I need to be more efficient. I’ll have it some, but I know I need to make adjustments when you have three ball-dominant players like LeBron, Ky and myself. So I’m just getting ready to do whatever it takes.”

Learning to play more efficiently without the basketball has been a consistent goal for Waiters and Irving over the last two seasons. While working in two different systems offensively—first under the direction of Byron Scott and then Mike Brown—the young guards experienced growing pains at times in the backcourt. But Waiters is confident that will improve the more time they spend playing together.

“People say me and Ky can’t play together,” Waiters said. “But you got to look at it, we haven’t even had a real chance to play together. Twenty games last year I’m starting. The next 20 I’m on the bench. Then I’m starting again. Then Ky got hurt. Our rotations together never were that consistent for us to totally learn each other’s game. But people don’t seem to look at it like that sometimes. When we were on the floor together, it showed we could play. I know we can keep growing the more chances we get to play together and I’m excited about that.”

As far as their relationship, Waiters also says that the narrative suggesting the two guards don’t like each other—and even rumors of a physical altercations last season—couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Listen man, a lot of people don’t really know,” Waiters said, of his relationship with Irving. “People just talk. The truth is I never had a problem with Ky. We never fought. Me and Ky, we hang out. We talk. We work out together. We’re not always together, we have two lives we both live. He’s somewhere, I’m somewhere. But when we’re in the same city, we work out together. We go out together. People are going to always talk and say things that aren’t true but that don’t bother me. I know how our relationship is and so does Ky. That’s all that matters.”

In addition to studying tape of D-Wade, and working to improve his overall game, Waiters has also added an element of boxing to his strength-training regimen like a lot of other NBA players have over the last few years.

“You always want to improve on everything in the offseason,” Waiters said. “I’m trying to do more things this summer than I did last year. I think when you mix it up a lot, it works better. I’ve been getting on the court and playing more than I did last year. I’m running, lifting and getting my individual work in, and I’ve also been doing a lot of boxing.

I’ve been going to the boxing gym in Philly every morning. The boxing is really helping my legs. Every morning I go to the gym, then I go run, lift and play. I’m getting in the ring, hitting the bags, doing all that stuff. The only thing I didn’t do yet is spar [laughs]. But I’m gonna leave that alone.”

The Wait Is Over

Dion Waiters has consistently given back to the communities of Cleveland and Philadelphia ever since he signed his first deal in the League. This summer, he’s helped launch a series of events through his charity foundation, The Wait Is Over, designed to support the inner-city community he grew up in.

“Growing up around where I did, a lot of people don’t really get a lot of opportunities in life,” he said. “I understand that struggle and know what it was like before I experienced success. So I always want to give back to the city and my hometown to show kids that they have a chance to be something in life too.

Even if someone tells you that you can’t do something, don’t let that bring you down. I was told by people that I wouldn’t be nothing in life growing up. I know how it feels when someone tells you things like that and I want kids to understand they can achieve their dreams too.”

One teacher who always believed in Dion met him in the first grade. They’ve stayed in contact ever since, and she is still teaching at his former elementary school—one of the schools his foundation is helping raise funds for.

“We’re raising money to help the elementary school I went to growing up,” he explained. “It wasn’t doing that good as far as books and things like that. But the whole purpose is to raise money for books, equipment, supplies, chairs and the basic things the kids need for the school. Our school wasn’t even able to even have recess last year. During the season, I was away so much I didn’t know what was going on until afterward. But my favorite teacher is still there, her name is Ms. A—she took care of me when I was a kid and still works there. I just think it’s the right thing to do, to help out and support people in the community like her who work to put smiles on kid’s faces every day.”

Waiters has a second-annual book drive scheduled for September 6, along with other events throughout the year. But those aren’t the only times you’ll find him interacting with the community.

“I try to just interact with the kids in the neighborhood during the summer when I’m riding around on a bike. Or at the playground, just being myself and talking to them like nothing ever changed. People from my neighborhood will tell you that nothing ever changed about me, that I’m still myself, and I think that’s important. I’m not trying to act like I’m better than anybody. I want the kids that see me to know that I’m just like them.”

The kid who’s most like Waiters is his young son, Dion Jr. He’s also helping Waiters put in extra work this summer by forcing him to keep up with his newly developed foot-speed.

“One thing I learned about being a father is that you have to be very patient,” Waiters joked. “Very patient. And I think that helped me. Because when my son Dion was younger, when he wasn’t walking, I was like, Man, I can’t wait until he starts walking. But now he’s running, and I’m like, Aww man, I wish he wasn’t walking and running around so much! It’s hard to keep up.

“He’s into everything, man, he’s bad [laughs]. I think it’s catching up to me because of how I was as a kid. I was bad as a kid, too, and everything I did to my mom is all catching up to me. He’s driving me crazy, but I love every second of it. I see me in him a whole lot and it’s fun to be around him. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

It’s also another reason why Waiters doesn’t get hung up on rumors, trade speculation, or people who interpret his quotes the wrong way. Life, for Dion Waiters, is much simpler than all that. He’s just a Philly kid, chasing his dreams, who arrived in the NBA on the strength of being himself. His family, his team, his city and the game he loves is all he’s trying to worry about.

Just ask him, he’ll tell you.

The post The Journey Begins appeared first on SLAM.

While beasting his way to a statistical line of 18 points and 12.8 rebounds during four Tournament games, Stokes led the 11-seeded Volunteers all the way to the Sweet 16. NBA executives and basketball fans alike couldn’t help but take notice. The physical toughness that Stokes brings to the floor—combined with relentless effort around the basket—has helped project the big man from Memphis into the late first round of this year’s Draft.

A mock draft at CBS Sports has Stokes coming off the board to the NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs with the 30th overall pick. There’s also been plenty of talk linking Stokes with his hometown Grizzlies at pick No. 22.

By June 26, the punishing 6-8 power forward will have worked out for many of the teams drafting in the mid-to-late first round. He’s already met with the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors. He will also be working out for the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers later this week.

SLAM caught up with Stokes recently to talk about the pre-Draft process, growing up in Memphis and making the transition to the NBA.

SLAM: Last week, one of your workouts was with the Memphis Grizzlies—a team you grew up watching that also has the 22nd overall pick. What was that experience like?

Jarnell Stokes: It means a lot to be able to work out with the Memphis Grizzlies. My junior and senior year in high school, I was a season-ticket holder in the nosebleed section. I was watching these games, and I was trying to watch every single thing that Zach Randolph and those guys would do. I was just watching the game trying to see what every player was doing on the floor and even during timeouts. I was somewhat envisioning myself being there one day. So working out there last week, it was crazy to realize the time has arrived.

SLAM: You play a physical, tough style of basketball. How much did growing up in the Whitehaven area of Memphis with a father who has a military background impact that approach to your game?

JS: I did grow up in the hood. But my parents were very strict on me and they somewhat sheltered me away from the bad environment that I grew up in. Like you said, I have a Dad who was in the military for a while, so he was very strict on me growing up. He had 5 a.m. wakeup calls. He was at my games as the loudest one there and he was always making sure that I was on top of everything I needed to be in order to be successful. So it doesn’t matter where you come from. Obviously, I come from a bad part of Memphis. But I came out OK. I was tough, and it somewhat gave me a tough exterior as far as my personality on the floor, the way I carry myself and the way I approach the game. I credit that to my Dad. When guys are comparing me to someone like a David West during this draft process, that’s a huge compliment to me in terms of toughness and I think it reflects how I was raised.

SLAM: Many analysts consider you the best overall rebounder in this year’s draft class. When it comes to rebounding the basketball, what is your mindset?

JS: I played defensive end all my life. So that definitely helps with rebounding. I almost have the same mentality as a defensive end has in getting to the quarterback. That’s how I try to attack the glass. I was in a meeting with a team recently and they asked me, “What do you enjoy most about the game?” And honestly, what excites me the most is demoralizing a team by allowing my team to have numerous possessions. I love to extend possessions for my team with offensive rebounds. Getting those rebounds when the shot clock is going down, you can see it on the other team’s face. That feels good. I really enjoy being able to extend possessions for my team.

SLAM: You graduated from Southwind High School with honors. You’ve earned the reputation of being a great teammate and a first-class citizen at Tennessee. Do you think your maturity and professionalism will help give you an edge next season in the NBA?

JS: Yes, I think it will. I think I’ve done a great job of keeping my head on straight. Growing up in Memphis, there’s not much to do but there’s a lot that will get you in trouble. I’ve been raised the right way, and I give all that credit to my parents. In college, and now, I don’t do much. I play chess, I play video games and I rest up for my next workout. I eat, sleep and drink basketball. That’s all I do.

SLAM: What have teams told you that they like about your game and the work you put in at Tennessee during your time there?

JS: Teams have told me that they like my toughness. They like my ability to defend guys on the interior. They also have said that they like my ability to use my strength on the defensive end and in terms of my rebounding. I did those things in college. I think I’m the best rebounder in the Draft. And that run to the Sweet 16 sort of stapled the season I had during my junior year. I feel like I had a great season and I’m proud of what we accomplished as a team.

SLAM: You mentioned watching Zach Randolph growing up. Who are some other guys in the NBA that you watch and pattern aspects of your own game after?

JS: I admire the hard workers. Guys like Paul Millsap, who came into the League as a rebounder and then people saw he could expand his game. Next thing you know he is able to become an All-Star. He worked hard and expanded his game over the years, which is something I plan on doing in the League. I also look at guys like Trevor Booker—guys who do the dirty work for his team and play hard. Every possession he gives everything he has and that’s something I plan to bring to a team.

SLAM: You primarily played with your back to the basket on the interior in college. What aspects of your game have you been able to show teams that they might not have necessarily seen over the last couple seasons?

JS: I’ve been able to show that I’m much more explosive than people thought I was in college. In high school, I was more of a perimeter, face-up forward type of player. In college, my coach told me the team needed me to be a beast. He needed me to operate around the basket and rebound, so those were things I focused on in order for our team to win basketball games. During my workouts, I’m able to showcase a lot more of my game. In college, I didn’t show as much explosiveness because I used more lateral leverage. I’m more concentrated on going into guys as opposed to over guys, but the explosiveness is still there.

SLAM: You’re one-on-one with a GM or team president. What is your message, what type of player would they be getting by drafting Jarnell Stokes on June 26?

JS: When teams have asked me that question, I keep my answer simple. They’ll be drafting a tough, rebounding machine that is not a liability on offense. Teams will get a tough guy who can rebound and a guy who has a lot more skills than people expect. They’ll also get a good defender—someone who will defend his butt off in the post.

The post Q+A: Jarnell Stokes appeared first on SLAM.