The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup is back and this time, it’s between two dominant and hella fun squads: the No. 1 OKC Thunder will face off against the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks. With a new schedule format and money on the line, momentum is building for this year’s tournament.

Ahead of tonight’s matchup, here’s everything you need to know about both teams.

OKC THUNDER:

With a 20-5 record and the top spot in the West, OKC is undoubtedly one of the most electric, and cool, teams in the L right now. Look no further than the artistry of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is on track to average nearly career-high numbers, and is currently third in the NBA in scoring.

“He’s elite in his preparation,” says Isaiah Hartenstein, per The Oklahoman. “You see it on a day-to-day basis, how he approaches his craft. The way he works, the way he communicates…He’s a bucket regardless, but then he gets trapped (and) he doesn’t force it. He makes the right play.”

The entire team is standing on business, too. Against Houston, we saw spin-moves and dunks from Williams (who is No. 4 in steals, btw), dives on the hardwood and deep-threes from Dort and so much more. Wallace let everybody know what was up, too after going at it with Alperen Sengun:

“We’re not gonna get punked or shot down by anybody,” he said. Periodt.

As for what to expect ahead of the Cup Final, only time will tell. Until then, here’s some mandatory reading straight from the comment section of SGA’s IG posts. Shaispere.

And fit pics of course:

FITCHECK: OKC THUNDER

Details on details

DO YOU SEE THIS COAT?

LF superteam?

Blazers and denim.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS:

For the best scorer in the League right now, the mission is clear:

“Forty-eight f—ing minutes. Keep one another accountable. Somebody missed a shot, pick him up. Make him feel good about himself, so he can make the next one.”

Those are the words from an intense Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been channeling an unmatched level of vocal leadership amidst an MVP-level performance this season. Despite the Bucks rough start to the season, they’ve risen the standings and, especially Giannis, have kept that same energy:

“I would be texting with Giannis, and we’d be talking at practice or whatever, his mind was never shut off,” Lillard said per ESPN. “He was never discouraged. He was never overly concerned. It was always, fight. Our conversations had always been, like, we’re going to turn it around. We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to lead. We’ve got to keep going. We’ve got to dominate.”

Perhaps he’s channeling his inner Big Ticket, who according to the Greek Freak stopped by their practice in Vegas recently:

Now with Middleton finally back (and better since recovering from ankle surgery), the Bucks are looking ahead as they get ready for the NBA Cup Final.

Thunder and Bucks fans, this is for you (and yours). Cop our NBA threads ahead of the game:

The post NBA CUP PREVIEW: Bucks vs Thunder (and Fits) appeared first on SLAM.

Everything he needs is here, including a state-of-the-art gym, where we’ve set up to shoot the cover of SLAM 252. Behind one basket, stretching the entire length of the wall, is a blown-up image of Lillard’s series-clinching three-pointer against the Rockets in 2014; behind the other, the unforgettable shot that knocked out the Thunder in 2019. Other photos marking significant moments in Lillard’s life and career surround the court—of family and friends, of award ceremonies and celebrations, of dunks and game-winners. “All part of the story,” he says.

SLAM 252 featuring Damian Lillard is available now.

A year ago, Lillard wasn’t sure where the next chapter of that story would unfold. After requesting a trade in July, his summer plans had to be altered. He couldn’t play competitively—couldn’t train as rigorously as he likes to—knowing that an injury would compromise negotiations. He waited three months until the deal with Milwaukee was done, leaving him with just a few days to pack his bags and adjust to his new situation before training camp began. It was all so hectic.

This summer has been a refreshing change. Less business, more family. Less uncertainty, more peace. Less waiting, more action. Lillard has been able to focus on his training, embracing a holistic approach that includes a strict anti-inflammatory diet. He even spent four days in Las Vegas working out with retired Navy SEAL David Goggins.

As the 2024-25 season looms, Lillard is prepared in a way that wasn’t possible last September, both physically and mentally. Here, he reflects on the past year, his transition to Milwaukee, building chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo and much more.

SLAM: What was it like to work out with David Goggins and how did that come about?

Damian Lillard: We had had many conversations over the last two-and-a-half years about getting together and training. And he would always tell me, like, ‘Man, I could take you to the next level as far as your conditioning and your mind.’ And I wanted to do it. It was just a matter of finding the time and opportunity that fit both of our schedules. And that time came this summer.

It was definitely a challenge physically. A lot of those exercises and conditioning drills that he pushes you through are a challenge. It pushes you past your limits. But I think it was more of a mental thing than anything. You realize how hard it is to do those things, and then he’s constantly demanding more. I walked away from it just understanding myself a little bit better, as far as like what you have to give. There were a lot of moments [where] I was ready to quit. And he didn’t say, ‘Just give me a little bit more.’ He was demanding a lot more when I had nothing left. He kept saying, ‘Don’t just survive, you gotta conquer it.’ And the fact that I was able to do that, I think it did change something for me mentally as far as when I feel like I’m breaking down and wearing down.

SLAM: Reflecting on last season, what are the challenges that come with adapting to a new team that people on the outside tend to overlook?

DL: I think the number one thing people don’t understand is the change that it is for the person—the change that comes with picking up and going into a new environment. Sometimes you leave one job for another job and you might have to relocate, but a lot of people go job to job locally. They don’t have to pack up their lives and go to a completely different place. And that’s not something that everybody experiences the same as us.

The number two thing is having to learn to work with somebody new. And not just having to—being expected to work together and figure it out right away. And I think that’s something people don’t understand. They just look at, This player’s great, that player’s great, you got this, you got that, and they just think it’s supposed to work. But you gotta figure out how it works for everybody. Me playing with Giannis is one thing, but we have to figure out how we work best and how that works for everybody, because there are a lot of guys that have to be able to do what they do best and be in a position to succeed for the team to succeed. So I think a lot of people look at two [people], and they don’t look at the big picture of the entire team.

SLAM: Now that you’ve been able to get settled a bit in Milwaukee, is there a level of comfort and peace that you think will translate to the court?

DL: I definitely think there is. Like I said, being able to come back and do everything to prepare myself to the best of my ability is the first thing. I know that when this summer ends and I get ready to go back to Milwaukee, I’m gonna go back prepared, not just because of what I did for my body, my PT, my strength and conditioning and my diet—all of those things are great for me physically but being able to come here and I didn’t say, All right, this summer I’m gonna take off and go on all these vacations and do all these things. I spent a lot of time with the people that I really care about and that I want to be around, and that’s my kids, my mom, my nephews, my sister, my brother, my cousins. We didn’t do a whole lot, we just spent a lot of time around each other. And I think that that did me very well this summer. So going back knowing that I’m physically prepared and I’m mentally prepared and it’s a more familiar situation. We gained some stability with [head coach] Doc [Rivers]. Knowing who I’m gonna go play for, having a much better understanding of the team, knowing guys now—I mean, it’s just different. And all of those things give me a different level of peace going into it than I ever could’ve had last year.

SLAM: You talked last year about the challenge of figuring out who you are on the Bucks. With a year under your belt, have you figured it out?

DL: I think I definitely have a much better idea coming off of last season and only getting to know the staff better. Even over the summer, spending time around them, talking to them, and also being able to step away and look back, I have a much better idea what is necessary for me. I know that I don’t need to play the same type of game that I played for the first 11 years of my career, but I think my mentality has to be what my mentality has always been. Instead of trying to come and overly fit in, I think I was brought in to be who I am. I spent too much time trying to ease my way into, What does it look like?, instead of just asserting myself and being who I am. Looking back now and also being there for some time, I think my understanding of that is much better.

SLAM: How has your relationship and chemistry with Giannis evolved and where is it at now?

DL: I think it developed great over the course of the season. He’s not a super talkative person and I’m not a super talkative person myself. Over time, I’ve become [more outspoken] the more that I start to build relationships with people, especially on the team. And I think as the season went on, me and him definitely started to talk more and more, and I started to come to his house to do conditioning or work out together. We’re on the phone. I’m sending him clips and stuff like that. And this summer, we’ve been in constant communication. We both know that we need each other. I think he’s excited coming into the season just like I am, because we became a lot closer as the season went on and we started to learn [about] each other a lot better. So having a full offseason of being connected to each other and being able to go into this next season, I think we’re both going to be ready. And we’re both excited to do what we gotta do.

SLAM: Can you talk specifically about building pick-and-roll chemistry with Giannis? How has that developed?

DL: To start the year, we just weren’t in a lot of pick-and-rolls together for a long time. We were playing in transition, or I was in ISO, or he was in ISO. It just wasn’t a lot of pick-and-rolls. The best way to get chemistry in pick-and-rolls is to be in a lot of pick-and-rolls together. And I think it got to the point with Doc where he was having us in practice, just, Set it. Throw it to Giannis. Giannis, give it back to Dame. All right, Dame, throw it back. All right, Giannis, uphill DHO. It was almost like the team was laughing at us, just repping it out over and over.

Then in games, we ended up being in a lot of those actions together a lot more the second half of the year. I started to see what he was thinking, and I think he started to see what I was thinking, and then we would talk about it. Once you start to build chemistry, then I can start directing a little bit more because we are more connected, instead of me just trying to tell him what I want him to do [when] we haven’t even really worked together on it. [I was] wanting to give him the respect of, like, he might have something that he wants me to do a little bit different, but it’s hard to figure that out when you’re not in a lot of pick-and-rolls together. And as the season went on, I started to see how I can make the game easier for him, and I think he started to see what I needed from him to be free out of the pick-and-roll. And from here, I think it’ll continue to just get better.

SLAM: Do you feel like people are overlooking the Bucks heading into this season?

DL: Yeah, I think people are definitely [doing that], and that’s how the league is. It’s like, on to the next thing. There are younger teams on the rise, you have teams that made big free agency moves, teams that made trades, all types of things took place. So obviously that’s going to be what’s sexy. When I got traded to Milwaukee, it was like, Oh, the Bucks gonna win! Everybody just jumped on it, you know? So when something major happens or something big happens for a team, especially if it’s already a good team, like of course [that’s the reaction]. Rightfully so, all of those types of teams are going to be mentioned at the top.

SLAM: On the Club 520 Podcast, you talked about how consistency tends to get boring for people, to the point where it starts to go overlooked. Can you elaborate on that a bit and how you’ve seen that play out during your career?

DL: I think early in my career, I always felt like I was underappreciated. I had an underdog mentality. Sometimes even when I was getting credit, I felt like I wasn’t getting enough credit or they were ignoring what I was doing. And then I think I reached a point in my career where I started to get acknowledged how I felt I should be acknowledged. And then fast forward to being named to the 75th Anniversary Team, [that was] like, the ultimate nod to what my body of work has been and how consistent I’ve been since I stepped foot in the NBA.

But on the podcast, I was really just saying, like, I’m not loud and I’m not saying too much and doing all these things, but I’m always productive. Even in a season like last season where I feel like I could have been better in a lot of areas, I still had a productive season, and we were still a successful team throughout the season—a two-seed for pretty much the entire season. I think people just kind of look past it because of what they think we should be or whatever their personal opinions are. But the fact of the matter is, I’ve always been productive. This is gonna be my 13^th season, and I continue to just show up and be productive. And my team is always a good team. Over time, people are just like, Yeah, you don’t have a ring. What’s next? But I think they get bored with the fact that I just do it over and over and over and over and over. It’s like, Do something else. When it’s really, like, I’m showing up, putting my best foot forward.

SLAM: We see how much fun you’re having with your kids today. Can you describe the motivation that you get from them?

DL: I get a lot of motivation from being a dad and from my kids because how I was raised—like, the principles and the values that my parents raised me with—having my own kids, now I got even more pride about those things. There are some mornings where I gotta work out at 6:30 and I’ll get my kids up and bring them in here. They might have a tablet or whatever it is so they’re entertained and not getting in the way, but they’ll sit over there while I work out because I want them to be able to see, like, this didn’t just come out of nowhere. You gotta work hard for stuff. You gotta do stuff that you don’t want to do. A lot goes into the life that you guys have. And I want them, from a young age, to understand what it means to work hard for things and sacrifice. I say that to say, they have to see me be the ultimate example of what I preach to them.

And the motivation comes in where, if I’m being criticized, or if I’m struggling, or if something makes me uncomfortable, I think about my kids when I’m having to respond to those types of situations. I know that, especially with the internet and cameras being everywhere, there’s gonna come a day where my kids will be old enough to understand like, This was happening to my dad or, This was what people were saying about my dad, and there will also be evidence of how I responded to those things. Whatever the situation is, I’ll be the example for my kids and my nephews and nieces, where they’ll be like, He’s not just telling us this, there will be proof of, like, This is who I am. I think that’ll give them a sense of pride, because they’ll see it with their own eyes. And I feel that way because that’s how I feel about my dad. He said all this stuff to me and I see him walk that out. So that’s the kind of motivation I have. It’s not about—if I win a championship, that’d be great. That’s a cherry on top. But how you represent yourself and what you stand on as a human, I think that’s most important. So I get a lot of motivation from the opportunities to show that even when it’s a tough or a bad situation.

Portraits by Gabe Pineda, Victory Creative Group.

The post Home Team: Damian Lillard Talks Offseason, Building Chemistry with the Bucks and How His Family Motivates Him appeared first on SLAM.

There was a time when every hooper wanted to rap, and every rapper wanted to hoop.

Hip-hop and hoops is a marriage that can’t be divorced. In its truest essence, they’ve been partners since the musical genre was first created in the early 1970s. Hip-hop’s rhythm resonated from the Bronx and cascaded over hardwood surfaces and blacktops across the globe. It’s a dance that moves through crowds and invites participants to sing along to the melody of its hook.

This inseparable union is why Shaq featured Biggie, why AI sparked a dress code, why Kobe took Brandy to the prom. It’s Funk Flex DJing the Dunk Contest. It’s Drake’s commitment to the Raptors games. It’s LeBron throwing up the Roc. It’s The Knuckleheads. It’s Stephon Marbury. It’s Jigga bringing the Nets to Brooklyn. It’s an AND1 Mixtape. It’s the Knickstape. It’s why SLAM exists.

It’s why a young rapper named Dame D.O.L.L.A. would raise the bar by rocking a throwback Bill Walton Blazers jersey and a mic around his neck for SLAM 205. It was 2017, and at just one album deep (another would drop later that year), he had proven that music was more than a mere hobby. It had started from childhood when his cousin drove from New York to Dame’s boyhood home in Oakland in the early ’90s, bringing hip-hop with him. Dame just wanted to be in the car. Another family member and gifted MC, Brookfield Duece, would demonstrate that music was in his blood. It would never leave.

Although Drake had broken new ground by joining Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan on a SLAM cover the year before, SLAM 205 was the first time that we’d ever had a solo cover with a rapper front and center. It was “The Music Issue,” a momentous celebration of the basketball/music crossover that was executed with an intentionality that had only been alluded to previously.

Following this introduction to the basketball universe, Dame D.O.L.L.A. would go on to release four more albums and gain ongoing respect in his field. He would work with the likes of Jadakiss, 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. He would contribute to the soundtrack of NBA 2K and enjoy recognition on the indie album charts. And he shows no signs of putting the mic down.

There was a time when every hooper wanted to rap, and every rapper wanted to hoop. Dame is pretty good at both.

The post The SLAM Archives: SLAM 205 Featuring Damian Lillard From March of 2017 appeared first on SLAM.

Quickley is actually so dialed in that he forgets to do his own warm-up entirely. “I was just watching him shoot the whole time, and he was making every single shot,” the Knicks guard tells us.

It’s been three years since, but this season, it’s Quickley who has had plenty of eyes on him. The Havre de Grace, MD, native emerged as a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award (finishing second in voting) while averaging career highs in field-goal percentage and points per game as the Knicks headed into the playoffs. As a starter, Quickley stepped up big in the final weeks of the regular season while Jalen Brunson was out with an injury: he had a career-high 38 points against the Celtics on March 5 and a 40-ball against the Rockets at the end of the month.

All that momentum continued when Quickley dropped 39 points and hit 7 threes against the Pacers on April 5. Two days later, his phone suddenly started blowing up with notifications of people tagging him on Instagram—Damian Lillard had just endorsed him for 6MOY. 

“Just knowing that [an] NBA superstar is vouching for you is something that’s pretty cool,” Quickly says. He first got connected to Dame during his rookie year through Knicks assistant coach Johnnie Bryant and says the NBA All-Star has given him advice on “working hard and believing in the work.” 

While the award ultimately went to the Celtics’ Malcolm Brogdon, the moment is a testament to Quickley’s commitment. 

Then there are the words of wisdom he received from Stephen Curry. During what Quickley calls a “tough time where I couldn’t make any shots,” he decided to reach out to Curry and pick his brain. He asked the four-time NBA champ for his opinion on shooting when a player thinks they’re in a slump or not playing well. 

He got a reply, and the recording is almost three minutes long. In it, Quickley can hear the sound of a car’s windshield wipers and blinker lights in the background as Curry recorded his message: 

“Honestly, shooting is all confidence. Even if you miss some shots, your confidence shouldn’t change because you could miss 50 shots in a row, but if you know you’re still a shooter, you’re still a shooter. That doesn’t change.” 

Quickley still has the recording saved on his phone. He says he listens to it all the time.

“He’s the greatest shooter ever, why would I not listen to it as many times as I can?”

In times when shots haven’t been falling like he’d want them to, Quickley has still managed to channel Curry’s advice. After going scoreless in Game 4 in the first round of the playoffs this spring, he dropped 19 points in a series-clinching Game 5 win against the Cavs. 

“It’s part of the game, as far as, you know, shots not falling,” Quickley says. “But that’s never a reason to not play hard or not play defense or keep encouraging your teammates and things like that. So that’s something I’ve learned at a young age, and it’s something I’ve kept with me through the NBA.”

Another part of his approach is positive affirmations. Quickley says he’ll say things to himself while on the court, like, The next shot is going in. “I talk to myself like I’m my best friend,” he says.

But more than anything, it’s his faith that plays the most important role in his life. He still does 15 minute Bible studies with his mom whenever he needs and has pastors that he’s known throughout his life who give him words of encouragement throughout the season. He also has a scripture from Romans 8:28 as the screensaver on his phone: We know that all things work together for the good of those that love him and are called according to His purpose. 

In discussing the things he’s learned about himself over the last year, Quickly sounds wiser than his years: “I think the biggest thing for me is I’m just much more aware, spiritually, of when I’m not doing enough. Sometimes, we can get caught up throughout our day or throughout working out. We can get busy.”

Before games, Quickley will sometimes listen to a church service. “I think, for me, definitely just seeing the bigger picture [has] helped me to lock in and [to] always remember the reason that I’m playing basketball and who’s giving me the gift that I’m able to share with others.” 

He’s hip to legendary gospel singer Kirk Franklin and is an avid listener, comparing his game to Franklin’s music because of it’s upbeat style (“Just good vibes,” he says). He’s had moments this year—like his 38-point performance against the Celtics in double overtime—where he’s found his rhythm on offense and was simply just having fun with it all. That’s really when he’s playing at his best, and he is not the type to hesitate showing it. 

“Honestly, when I’m having those big games, it kind of feels like I’m at the park playing with my friends. There was a game against Boston, I made that layup and I was skipping down the floor. Some people think that I’m just, you know, being funny, but I was honestly just having so much fun that game that I just started skipping down the court.

“Before the game even started, I knew I was gonna have fun whether I played good or not,” he adds. “And that kind of just propelled me to have that game because I had that mindset of, you know, just having fun on a nationally televised game. I knew I was gonna have a fun night.” 

Since Day 1 of training camp, and even going back to the summer, Quickley says his mindset has always been to “just have a great year.” Despite what happens next or how far the Knicks go in this year’s playoffs, it’s a fact that the Knicks have become one of the most fun teams to watch this season—and Quickley is a major reason why. 

“Really, I feel like it’s the joy that I play with [is] where it shows the most—unselfishness, togetherness, unity,” he says” “All of those things kind of embody what it means to me to be playing and the gift that God has given me.”

Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

The post Immanuel Quickley Opens Up On How Faith Has Helped Him Level Up This Season appeared first on SLAM.

February 2, 2023. Evening.     

James Harden is in his hotel room hanging out with his newly appointed agent and longtime business confidant Troy Payne. The Sixers are playing the Spurs tomorrow, and the two Cali natives find themselves in deep conversation when the news breaks. Payne looks over at Harden. He notices the NBA superstar’s body language. That’s all he needs to see to know how Harden truly feels at this very moment. Natural human emotions and passion take over. Expletives may or may not be flying around. Payne steps in and offers some words of encouragement, and a new conversation ensues. One that’s very different from the one the two were having just a couple minutes ago. This one is about the next four months, about maintaining the tunnel vision strategy for the ultimate goal at hand, and about how to use the news that just broke as ammunition for it all. 

The aforementioned news? The 2023 NBA All-Star Game reserves were just announced, and Harden, after 10 consecutive All-Star selections, was not chosen for this year’s festivities. And while other stars try to play it off cool and pretend not being selected doesn’t bother them, Harden isn’t holding back how he feels. 

A few minutes later, he pulls out his phone, taps the Instagram icon and writes on his IG Story “The disrespect.” in white text on an all-black backdrop.

“I said it already, disrespectful!” Harden tells us of the All-Star snub. “Most of the people that understand basketball get my value, but some just get bored with my numbers.”

“[We were] hanging out, talking about some stuff, and then [the news] just came out,” recalls Payne of the night in San Antonio. “And I was like, Oh shoot, here we go. He didn’t get selected…But from a brother perspective, and as his agent, I [wanted to] encourage him to use it as fuel, to go out there and just prove everybody wrong. Let’s go out there and get All-NBA. And that’s the goal—play at a high level, finish top two in the East, push for All-NBA. I think he’s playing at an All-NBA level. 

“I saw his emotion [that night], but it was more hunger than anything. He wasn’t happy about it. He felt like he should have been in the game; he felt like he did enough to play, to be selected. I think it’s more of a perspective based on the years of his success. And it kind of hurt him. We were used to seeing James score at a high clip in terms of production in the basket, but he still was contributing in a different way at the same high level, it just wasn’t talked about enough.”

SLAM 243 featuring James Harden is available now. Shop here.

When ASW came around a couple weeks later, Harden decided to spend some time in Tempe, where he got a chance to watch his alma mater Arizona State play, before returning to the home he built in Houston for a few days. There, Payne says, he watched Harden schedule out workouts…twice a day.  

Lil Baby tunes are blaring out from a nearby speaker on this Thursday afternoon in early March. We’re at the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, NJ, for our cover shoot with The Beard. He rhythmically nods his head to the music while reciting lyrics in between shots. At one point, he takes the lead on creative direction and starts freestyling new poses, without our photographer even having to prompt him. He’s feeling it—the shoot, life, all of it.

And it’s easy to see why. This is Harden’s 14th year in the League. And yet, here he is, still putting up some of the best shooting numbers he’s ever had—yes, almost a decade and a half into his NBA career.

On the day of the shoot, Harden is shooting the best percentage he ever has from behind the arc. Last season, he had the second-best free-throw percentage of his career. And the season before that, he put up the second-best overall shooting percentage of his career. And this is despite having to deal with mid-season trades to Brooklyn and Philadelphia the previous two years. He leads the League in assists with an average of 10.8 dimes a night, as of late March. The only time he’s finished with a higher assists average was six years ago (2016-17), when he posted 11.2 assists and was second in MVP voting (and eventually won MVP the following year). 

“I’m a master of this game. This is year 14 for me—I adjust to how teams are guarding us and I pick and choose where to facilitate,” Harden tells SLAM. “My role on the Sixers is different from 2017. So yes, the approach is different, but I’m still the same player as 2017, my role just changed slightly.

“It’s a combination of the work I put in each summer, getting healthy and trusting the work when I am on the court. I have been a student of the game and have been coachable throughout my career. This season, I have been tasked to be a leader on the court and to get everyone involved and still maintain my aggression. If I said it was easy, I’d be lying, but I am committed to do whatever I need to do in order to help my team win.”  

The shooting efficiency and assist numbers are just a couple of metrics that one can utilize to measure Harden’s impressive career longevity and consistency at this stage. Even the sneakers he’s rocking on set, a blue colorway from his super well-received Harden Volume 7 collection (which, at the time, wasn’t set to debut for another month), are indicative of how good he’s been for so long. This is his signature line’s seventh model, and there have only been two other adidas athletes to ever reach that many signature sneakers in the history of the brand: Derrick Rose and Damian Lillard. That’s it. That’s the list.

I’m a master of this game.

– James Harden

“First off, I am thankful to have a signature shoe. Having a signature line is a nod to the work that I’ve put into my craft, and having 7 volumes and counting is a blessing and I don’t [take] it for granted,” says Harden. “HV7 is my favorite model to date and the response from my fans speaks volumes to me, so I am grateful for the support. I like to express myself through my fashion, so hopefully I did that with the colorways for Volume 7. This seventh shoe is up there on the milestones for sure!”

But as he says so himself, he’s been doing it for so long that people may indeed have just become “bored” with his output these days. He’s spoiled basketball fans for over a decade. The casuals only notice that he’s no longer averaging the 36 points per game he once did. (Fun fact: Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have averaged more points in a single season than James Harden. Yup, that’s the list.) 

Numbers aside, though, his influence on a cultural level is just as impactful. It transcends statistics. His signature step-back move has been a hot topic on the internet for years. A quick Google search and you’ll find articles and message boards doing deep dives on the move and whether or not it should be allowed. One thing is for sure, Harden’s creativity has paved the way to a Hall of Fame career and introduced a move that seemed unimaginable prior to his arrival.   

“Biggest innovator to play the game!” says Harden, when asked what he wants to be remembered for the most when it’s all said and done. 

While some have tried to push a particular narrative regarding Harden’s work ethic in the past, Payne says that those who are really around know what it is. Harden has built a routine around postgame workouts, something that’s always done away from the cameras and fans. Home or away, with his game uniform still on, Harden has a list of exercises he likes to check off the list, explains Payne.

“Postgame workouts have been something that’s been prevalent in the past. I know in Houston he was doing that a little bit, working out postgame, where he’s running the stairs in the arena or lifting weights with a trainer—we’ve done a lot of that. And I’ve seen James do that a lot now,” says Payne, a former hooper at Santa Clara and overseas who’s known Harden since middle school. “So, when he has time, he’s there for three hours. He will sit there and work out with the training staff and get a workout in…I started seeing him do it during his MVP run when he was in Houston. And then I didn’t see it as much in Brooklyn.

“When the game is over, they’re in the back, they’re working out—squats, working on shoulders and RDLs. They’re getting after it, like, at least 20 minutes. That’s the quick twitch muscles when your body is fatigued, just trying to make the body stronger. So that’s something that he’s implemented with [this] team. And if you go and you look at the weight room postgame, you’ll see about six to eight guys in there getting after it. So I think that’s a testament to his leadership and just trying to keep the younger guys motivated and hungry.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve been coachable on every team I’ve been a part of,” adds Harden. “Whatever is needed of me for the team to win is what I will deliver.”  

Coachable is a term that Payne also emphasizes, pointing to the time Harden was asked to take over the PG position when playing for Mike D’Antoni in Houston. On the fly adjustments, wherever, whenever. 

“Credit to D’Antoni for putting the ball in his hands when he was in Houston. He came back home one day and was like, Man, Coach wants me to run point guard. He’s like, Point guard? I ain’t about to run no point guard, man. What is he trying to do? And after two practices, he’s like, Oh my God, this is about to work!” recalls Payne. “So it’s a credit to him being coachable. And then when he gets in that situation, [he’s] figuring it out, how to make his team successful, how to make himself successful. And the rest is history.”

With so much to highlight in his long, illustrious career, we asked Harden which accomplishment or milestone he’s proud of the most. But it’s a question he doesn’t have an answer for…yet.

“The one I want,” says Harden, “hasn’t happened yet, so let’s revisit when I win a championship.”

SLAM 243 is also available in this exclusive Cover Tee and Gold Metal Edition. Tap in.

Portraits by Alex Subers.

The post James Harden Opens Up About His Legacy and Being the ‘Biggest Innovator’ of the Game appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The former Kentucky floor general won the game after hitting baseline fadeaway to beat the buzzer. The buzzer-beater capped a 35-point performance for the emerging Canadian superstar.

“I caught it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said per ESPN. “I was going to try to face up, but I saw the double team so I tried to spin away from it into the shot.”

The shot heard round the world pic.twitter.com/GGRv5IvTZj

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 20, 2022

SGA’s heroic moment was the perfect response to Dame Time’s usual clutch moment. Lillard (28 points) knocked down a reverse layup with 3.5 seconds left to tie the game 121. The loss makes Lillard’s clutch bucket and record-setting performance moot, but he couldn’t help but heap a ton of praise on to the 24-year-old guard who ranks third in scoring.

“He’s impressive,” Lillard said. “He’s obviously a really good player. Not just a good young player. He’s coming into his own. I can remember when I was younger and I became the leader of a team. And I was basically introducing myself as the lead guard on the team, and I was going after it, you know, being aggressive. And I see that he’s in that state. He’s trying to show what he can do.”

Lillard also said he likes how SGA is “playing free” and how OKC “believes in him” and that his teammates “understand

Lillard, on Gilgeous-Alexander: “He’s in a situation where he’s playing free. You know, they believe in him. He’s got a group of guys that understand that he’s the leader. He’s the guy. He’s in a great position. He’s off to a great start.”

OKC will look to build on this dagger win with second consecutive win over the Trail Blazers.

Best caption ever? pic.twitter.com/mIiWHmmOfY

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 20, 2022

When it was all said and done, SGA posted the coldest buzzer-beater IG post caption ever.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander On His Buzzer Beater Heard Around the World appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard (18,047 career points) entered Paycom Arena 21 points short of passing Drexler (18,040 points as a Blazer). By the time the final buzzer sounded, Lillard had dropped 28 points on 9-17 shooting from the field, 6-12 from beyond the arc, three rebounds, and six assists. Lillard tied Drexler with a deep triple in the third quarter and then took over the franchise record with a free throw with 1:33 left in the third.

“It’s a great feeling to reach the top,” Lillard said per ESPN. “It’s been a goal of mine, and the list has so many players, great history of our organization, so to finally be No. 1 is a special accomplishment that I’m proud of.”

Icon #RipCity pic.twitter.com/fwUDGcATFl

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 20, 2022

Lillard is the 10th active player to become a franchise’s all-time leader in points. He is one of three scoring leaders who currently plays for that team, too, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry in the exclusive list. Lillard is a celebrated hooper in the NBA community, and the fans at Paycom Arena gave him a standing ovation after the Thunder PA announcer told the crown Lillard had reached the historic achievement.

“Even during the game tonight, I wasn’t playing focused on getting to the record,” Lillard said. “I was playing the game just trying to win. I knew it would happen eventually.”

Lillard took over the record after playing 730 career games with Portland, 137 less than it took Drexler to reach (867). The Blazers drafted Lillard sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Weber State.

The six-time All-Star is averaging 28.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field and 40.4 percent from downtown. For his career, Lillard has put up 24.7 points, 4.2 boards, and 6.7 dimes per game on 43.8 percent shooting and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.

“Damian’s commitment to Portland is now incapsulated with this prestigious career milestone,” Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said in a statement. “His dedication, humility, and hard work have been pillars for his path to this very moment. On behalf of the organization, we would like to congratulate Damian on this great achievement and look forward to many more.”

Dame Time and the Trail Blazers will look to get back on track against the Thunder on Wednesday.

The post WATCH: Damian Lillard Pass Clyde Drexler as Portland’s All-Time Scoring Leader appeared first on SLAM.

However, the two threes that Thompson hit moved him into some very elite NBA company. Coming off a recent game where he had just moved up to 13th in the NBA’s all-time made three-pointers list, Thompson is also the 13th NBA player ever to make 2,000 career three-pointers.

Thompson now joins Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, James Harden, Kyle Korver, Vince Carter, Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Damian Lillard, LeBron James, Kyle Lowry, and Paul Pierce as the only NBA players ever to accomplish such a milestone.

Becoming a part of such an elite group of sharpshooters must feel great to Thompson after battling his way back to form after suffering an Achilles injury in 2020 after just returning from an ACL injury in 2019.

This 2023 season has been sort of a “revenge tour” for Thompson, as he has trying to block out the noise and prove to the doubters that he’s still got it. Admittedly Thompson has come out and said that comments about his game “slipping” have hurt, but he knows that he can’t please everybody.

While it is a great career moment for Thompson, he and the Warriors look to get back on the winning track Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.

The post Klay Thompson Becomes the 13th NBA Player to Knock Down 2K Threes appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard’s last game versus the Timberwolves was a special one not only because of his dominant play but because he tied his own Blazers franchise record for three-pointers made in a game and found out that he was just 106 points away from becoming the Trail Blazers’ new all-time leading scorer.

“I think it’s one of those situations where you start seeing the ball go in, I think you’ve just got to let it ride, and that’s what I was doing,” Lillard said postgame via ESPN, “Each opportunity where I felt like it was a window where I could get a three off, I was shooting it. It didn’t matter the distance; if I felt like I could get it off pretty clean, then I was going to get it off.”

When Lillard was asked a follow-up question about how he felt about closing in on being the all-time franchise record surpassing Clyde Drexler, Lillard replied;

“I think everybody here knows this; it’s documented that I’ve always said I want to be the best, to be the guy where when they say ‘Who was the best to come through here?’ I want people to look and say, ‘It was Dame. Obviously, scoring isn’t everything, but when you start to get up in these types of numbers, that’s a major thing. And the fact that it’s Clyde Drexler, anybody who knows the history of the NBA is going to respect and honor that. So, being a part of one organization for this long and being able to sustain this level of success and to catch a record like that, it means a lot to be in that position. And once it does happen, I think it’ll be just a major step in even furthering the direction of being what I want to be as far as being a Trail Blazer. It’s a major accomplishment.”

Just because Lillard has yet to win a ring should not diminish what he has done or meant to the city of Portland. Because each time Lillard takes the court, he plays with the heart of a true champion.

Shout out to Damian Lillard, a humble beast, and genuine people’s champ!

The post Damian Lillard Ties His Franchise Record While He Inches Closer to Another appeared first on SLAM.

All-Star guards Jamal Murray and Damian Lillard had quite the duel as the game came down to the wire, as they both scored 14 points each in the 4th.

It looked like Dame Time in Portland was coming down the stretch, with Lillard dropping 40 points on shooting 12-22 from the field (54.5 percent). Lillard hit a clutch three-pointer from the top right corner to put the Blazers up 120-118 with just 8.8 seconds remaining on the shot clock.

However, Murray seemed to have other plans.

As the Nuggets inbounded the ball on their side of the court, Murray used his crafty handling abilities to make enough space in the left corner to get a long-distance shot off over Blazers forward and former teammate Jerami Grant.

As time winded down 3, 2, 1 — Murray delivered a cold-blooded dagger that sealed the Nuggets’ victory over the Trailblazers 121-120.

“I’ve come a long way,” Murray said, per The Athletic.

Postgame, Murray spoke to AltitudeTV about his game-winning shot;

“We just wanted to get the ball in going to Jokic, he fumbled it kinda on the sideline, and he just gave it back. I realized we had a lot of time, so I didn’t have to rush my shot, got to my spot, and made it.”

Murray finished the game with 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Just another regular day in the office for the SLAM 230 cover athlete. Murray and the Nuggets look to build on the momentum from Thursday’s win as they return home to Denver to take on the Utah Jazz tomorrow.

The post Jamal Murray Spoils Dame Time With a Clutch Game-Winner Over Portland appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers)

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

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

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

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

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

Simons reiterated some of the same points. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lillard has already missed five games because of this same injury in his calf. After returning from the injury on Nov. 7 versus the Phoenix Suns, the six-time All-Star first started experiencing tightness in that calf on Saturday, forcing him to leave during the third quarter of the Blazer’s game versus the Utah Jazz. 

“The last time was worse,” Lillard said on his calf, per NBA.com. “When I first strained it, I knew right away. The reason I took myself out is so hopefully, this time, we can get ahead of it instead of me staying out there and putting myself in a worse position.”

In 11 games this season, the 32-year-old is averaging 26.3 points and 7.0 assists per game on 42.2 percent shooting from the field.

Without Lillard this year, the Blazers are 3-2. With him, they are 7-4. Portland has already shown that they can win without their superstar, but doing so again, just like they did in the short time he was out for earlier this season, may not happen again. Nevertheless, this is yet another challenge the Blazers must welcome and attempt to overcome until Lillard returns.

Portland will play the Milwaukee Bucks Monday at 8:00 P.M.

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard Set to Miss 1-2 Weeks with Calf Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The former No. 1 overall pick out of LSU nearly dropped a triple-double after scoring 15 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and passing seven assists in 32 minutes of action. It was the kind of performance that led to Kevin Durant (35 points and eight rebounds on 13-22 shooting from the field and 1-4 shooting from beyond the arc) calling him “incredible” after his best performance of the young season.

“I’m just happy for him because he’s been trying to get his form back,” Durant said, per ESPN. “Trying to figure his rhythm out. Tonight I think he did a good job just talking up, commanding the offense, commanding the team on the defensive side of the ball. He was incredible tonight. So we’re going to keep building on that, and hopefully, we’re able to get this next one, but he controlled the game and was able to get us back into it.”

File this under things you love to see pic.twitter.com/4kYbg20tfZ

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 18, 2022

Simmons was already riding high after posting an 11/5/3 outing against the Kings. Just two days later, Simmons was able to follow that up by taking his game to another level as he attacked the rim frequently and showed no hesitation when the Blazers sent him to the line when they deployed a “Hack-a-Ben” strategy in the final minutes of their eventual loss.

Simmons went 3-4 from the line down the stretch and played at a level that the Nets were hopeful they’d get out of the gates when they traded for him at last season’s February trade deadline.

“I love those moments,” Simmons said. “I’m not going to shy away. That was their plan. Obviously, it didn’t work. We were able to convert a couple free throws, get some stops. Just keep building. I like those moments.”

Another KD/Ben connection pic.twitter.com/Ll7TTmdoNp

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 18, 2022

Head coach Jacque Vaughn said Simmons’ out was “very encouraging” after he played a season-high 32 minutes, the most he’s played in November. Vaughn also praised Simmons’ ability to guard Jusuf Nurkic and Damian Lillard and said that Brooklyn “envisioned him doing everything for us.” Vaughn attributed Simmons’ strong performance to “just feeling good” from missing the last five games due to a swollen left knee.

Simmons and the Nets will look to keep the good vibes going and win their third game in a row against the Grizzlies on Sunday.

“I’m coming,” Simmons said. “I’m getting there, man. It’s taking a little bit of time, but I got my own back. My teammates got my back, my coaches.”

The post Kevin Durant Calls Ben Simmons ‘Incredible’ After Season-High Outing appeared first on SLAM.

While Portland’s Tuesday night 117-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs wasn’t a defensive clinic, both teams shot 52 percent from the field; the Blazers won because of their mentality to get stops instead of simply preventing the Spurs from getting buckets.

“I think in the past we would be like, ‘Alright, somebody got to get it going,’ Lillard said, per NBA.com. “The energy on our team now, it feel like ‘We’ve got to get some stops. We’ve got to stop them, and we’ve got to get rebounds.’ I think that’s the difference; that’s why we’re able to win a lot of these games.”

Dame Time (22 points and 11 assists) was the personification of that energy after he got a stop late in the fourth quarter. The Weber State product was switched onto Kieta Bates-Diop in the post, a 6’8 forward out of Ohio State, but don’t let his reputation as a non-defender make you think he’d go like that against a fifth-year forward. Bates-Diop took one drip into the paint and went up for a hook shot, but Dame was ready, elevated, and blocked that s—t.

“When guys see how personal I’m taking it and how personal Josh (Hart) is going to take it, when we take that challenge like that, and we care about it, it’s infectious,” said Lillard. “I think people have said things about me defensively without understanding what real responsibility is when you’re leading a team and how hard that is. So I make it a point: We gonna see about it.”

"I think people have said things about me defensively without understanding what real responsibility is when you’re leading a team and how hard that is. So I make it a point: We gonna see about it." — @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/POACyn9a1n

— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) November 16, 2022

On the ensuing possession, Lillard made a play he’s more known for, knocking down a triple three feet beyond the line to give the Blazers a 110-106 lead with 3:24 to play.

“Say what they want, but it’s been a lot of those moments, and there’s going to be more of those moments where I’ve got to step in there and be willing to take that challenge. And I’m going to keep doing it. That just was one possession, and it was a big possession.”

The Blazers brought the dub home after holding the Spurs to just four points over the game’s final six minutes and 50 seconds. Drew Eubanks converted an and-one, and Anfernee Simons (23 points on 5-10 shooting from beyond the arc) knocked down a trip to secure Portland’s seven-point win.

Portland will host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday at 10 PM EST.

The post Damian Lillard On His Defensive Reputation: ‘We Gonna See About It’ appeared first on SLAM.

Damian Lillard (right calf strain) – Will not return

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 27, 2022

Lillard said that his calf was bothering him during pregame warmups, calling it a “little bit tight, like a little bit irritated, but nothing that I hadn’t felt before.” Lillard said that he was aware that his calf got progressively worse “as the game went on.” At halftime, Lillard put on a calf sleeve “to put some compression on it.”

The injury reached its climax through the third quarter after Lillard seemed to aggravate his right calf on a made three-pointer. He stayed in the game for another possession but quickly exited after he turned the ball over.

“It felt the same to start the third, and on the last shot that I made, when I rose up real quick, I just felt it get real tight,” said Lillard. “Went back on defense just to see how it would feel; it felt fine running up the court, and then the next time I did another move, I tried to stop, and I just felt how tight it was. It wasn’t like something happened; it was just like, let me get it off the court and see what’s going on.

“It wasn’t nothing I was overly concerned with; I just knew it wouldn’t make sense to try to push through it in the fifth game of the season.”

Quick deposit #RipCity | @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/whiNM1yWWO

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 27, 2022

Postgame, Lillard announced he went through tests to see how severe the strain was. The injury didn’t require an MRI, and Lillard said that he was able to compete, suggesting that his calf strain is moderate at best. The six-time All-Star thinks he would’ve played if it was a playoff game. Dame Time was adamant that the injury wasn’t severe but admitted that he would likely sit out Friday’s game against the Rockets, Portland’s fourth contest in six days.

Portland will have four days off after Friday and won’t play again until Nov. 2, giving Lillard nearly a whole week to heal before they resume action against the Grizzlies. Jeff Stotts, the co-host of In Street Clothes podcast, reported that last season the average time missed for a calf strain was 16 days. He also said that Lillard missed two games during the 2017-2019 season due to a calf strain on the same leg.

“Now I’ve got to be smart,” said Lillard. “Just make sure I’m getting a couple treatment sessions in each day and just try to stretch it. Probably not going to be playing in that game Friday, that’ll give me six days of maybe two sessions, some days three sessions some other days, try to be ready for (Memphis), but we’ll see.”

The post Damian Lillard Isn’t ‘Overly Concerned’ About Calf Injury He Suffered Wednesday appeared first on SLAM.

Damian Lillard scored 41 points, and Jerami Grant (16 points) put on the finishing touches with a game-clinching layup to help Portland hold off the Lakers, 106-104, on Sunday. The clutch win continues Portland’s (3-0) stay unbeaten while the Lakers are still searching for their first win of the season under Coach Darvin Ham.

Portland was down on its luck 102-85 with 1:56 left to go in the game. The Trail Blazers won after a late 11-2 run over those final 110 seconds. What’s been most impressive is Lillard’s fourth-quarter performance (12 points) over the final 5:06 of the game. Dame Time’s explosive scoring surge led Billups to say that a healthy Lillard has put “the League on notice.”

“Obviously, Dame is back, and he’s pretty much putting the league on notice,” Billups said, per ESPN.

"Damian Lillard has done it again!"

41 from Dame last night in Los Angeles.

(via @trailblazers)pic.twitter.com/UIR209j0pv

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 24, 2022

Dame Time is averaging 28.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 39.3 percent from the three-point line. While the Lakers were unable to get any shotmaking when it mattered the most from LeBron James, Patrick Beverley, and Russell Westbrook, the Trail Blazers triumphed after Lillard hit his sixth triple of the night to give Portland a two-point lead with 7.7 seconds left.

James followed up with a dunk to tie the game up, but Grant finished the game with his game-winning drive to the rim. Portland’s win was solidified after The King missed a 17-footer.

“We all trusted the next guy to do their job,” Lillard said. “We were able to get stops, not turn the ball over and hit our shots.”

GRANT. GAME. WINNER.#RipCity | @JeramiGrant pic.twitter.com/uDqxZgcdwo

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 23, 2022

Portland will finish the back half of their first back-to-back of the season against the Denver Nuggets (2-1) on the road. The Lakers have a break until Wednesday and will play the Nuggets on the road.

The post Chauncey Billups: Damian Lillard ‘Is Back’ and He’s ‘Putting the League On Notice’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

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

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

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

Anthony Holt, Slam Goods Apparel Designer

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Bucks vs Grizzlies

Deyscha “Sway” Smith, Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

ECF Matchup: Celtics vs Nets

Joshua Tapia, Editorial Intern

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

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

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

Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer

The Sixers are winning the championship.

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

Michael Harris, Editorial Intern

The Lakers will make the Western Conference Finals.

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Heat vs Lakers

Ajayi Browne, Editorial Intern

The Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Finals.

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

Theus McBee, Co-Host of No Pump Fakes

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

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

Check out the latest episode of No Pump Fakes below:

Najee AR Fareed, Editorial Intern 

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

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

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

Colby Cusano, Brand Partnerships and Analytics Intern

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Mavs vs Celtics

Delon George, Marketing Manager SLAMgoods

The Brooklyn Nets will win the title.  

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

Brooke Brennan, WSLAM Intern

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

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

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

Andrew “Pitt” Pitagorsky, VP of Brand Partnerships

RJ Barrett will win Defensive Player of the Year. 

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

Andres Puerta, Social Media SLAMFTW 

The Miami Heat will win the Eastern Conference Finals. 

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

Arvind Pitchai, VP of Social Media

Luka Doncic will average a triple double and win MVP. 

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

Marcus Allen, Social Graphic Designer

The Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

Dave Schnur, President

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

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

Max Resetar, Editor 

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

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

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

Photos via Getty Images.

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

ESPN story on Portland Trail Blazers F Nassir Little agreeing on a $28M extension https://t.co/hr50OUce6I

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 17, 2022

Little has slowly seen his minutes grow over his first three seasons in the League.

The Blazers are a squad with a heavy veteran presence, and following injuries to key rotational players, Little finally got his chance to showcase his skills in the 2021-2022 season. His minutes jumped from 13.3 minutes per game to 25.9 minutes per game. Little’s counting stats grew as well. He went from 4.6 to 9.8 points per game, 2.7 to 5.6 rebounds per game, last season he passed out a career-best 1.3 assists per game. 

His fully guaranteed extension is coming after Little suffered a season-ending shoulder injury he sustained during a strong stretch of play in January 2022. Little averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds on 45.4 percent shooting, including 40 percent on three-pointers, for the month. Portland was 7-5 in the stretch.

Damian Lillard’s longtime backcourt running mate, CJ McCollum, is no longer in Portland and the roster of players Portland has built around their All-NBA guard seems to be getting younger. A new era of Trail Blazers’ hoops is beginning this season and Nassir Little is expected to be a part of it through 2027. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post REPORT: Nassir Little Locked in with Portland After Signing Four-Year Extension appeared first on SLAM.

After Beal opted out of signing his player-option, the three-time All-Star emphatically answered that question when he signed a five-year extension, a deal that includes the 10th ever no-trade clause, to play for the Wizards until 2027. Beal signed the max contract following a season cut short due to wrist surgery, where he averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game on 45.1 percent shooting from the field.

Beal’s signing marked an interesting debate on NBA Twitter. For many, loyalty to where you first played and winning a title with them make a player legendary. However, by today’s player-empowerment standards, players are expected to be willing to leave and team up to create the best scenario to win a title.

“I feel like if I win a championship here in D.C., the grind of it, with everything I’ve been through, all the adversity and ups & downs, that would make a win that much sweeter, make me appreciate it that much more. I do love the grind.” Beal said per Haute Living Magazine.

Players like Beal, Damian Lillard, or four-time champ Stephen Curry who remain loyal to their first teams, are uncommon. Beal is here to say that none of that outside noise matters, and his goal remains the same. To lead the Wizards to their first championship run since winning it all in 1978.

“People always look at me like I’m crazy, but I have a huge desire to want to make it work here and win here. This is the team that drafted me. They’re super loyal; I have a great relationship with ownership and a great relationship with our front office.”

The deal makes Beal not only the face of the franchise for the long haul but also the leader of a team filled with new faces after the Wizards signed Taj Gibson and Delon Wright and drafted Johnny Davis 10th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Heading into 2022-23, the Wizards will look to return to the playoffs led by a potentially dangerous 1-2 punch headlined by Beal and Kristaps Porzingis as the anchor in the paint. The Wizards last made the playoffs in 2021, led by Beal and Russell Westbrook.

“Plus, there’s not a lot of chances in the careers of NBA players to be notated as the franchise guy, you know? To be able to have that opportunity, to be able to be in a position to where I can write my own story, that’s everything.”

By the time Beal suffered a season-ending wrist injury in February, the season was washed. Beal and the Wizards started the season hot, owned the top record in the East for a moment, and had a top 5 defense. That sweet moment was short-lived, though. The team went through a cold December, losing three games in a row twice. They lost six straight in January as well. The Wizards finished the season 35-47, good for 12th in the East.

The key is to figure out how to make that early-season success consistent. A tall task that Beal and Coach Wes Unseld Jr. will have to figure out.

The post Bradley Beal Speaks On What It Would Mean to Win a Title in D.C. appeared first on SLAM.

Right after the butterfly finds its way back outside, the conversation with Lillard switches. We’re on to intention leading to instinct, training leading to reacting. Lillard’s a multi-disciplinary expressionist. He uses basketball, sneakers, music and boxing, all to express himself. Every single one of those methods requires practice. Now at 32, with eight adidas signature sneakers, four albums (he confirmed the fifth is on the way) and an NBA career plentiful in the absurd, he’s as experienced as he’s ever been. The work has worked. 

KICKS 25 featuring Damian Lillard is out now.

“When I’m in a workout, in a game, that’s when I’m lasered in,” he says. “Like, it’s intentional. Or when I’m in the studio, the beat is looping and it’s just playing over and over and over. And I’m focused on it. When it comes to boxing, sometimes I’ll just be sitting there and I’ll just be shadow boxing to myself. But, like, I’m not thinking about training, you know what I’m saying? It’s still instinctual, you know what I’m saying? The twitch of when I’m training and being able to pay attention and being alert, it’s instinctual. Like, somebody over there just moved and I can see it out of my peripheral.”

He motions to his left side, where a group of his people are watching us. They’re sitting by the same strength training equipment that has helped, in part, to develop the very ability he’s currently talking about. They too have caught his eye. 

“That’s boxing,” he goes on. “That’s the instinct to me. So it’s stuff like that. Or when I just come home from training and I’m in the shower and I’m playing my music off my phone, but as the beat is happening, I just randomly start thinking of my own stuff to whatever I’m hearing, you know? I’m not consciously saying shut it off, but when I’m not on, it’s still instinctually happening.”

It all exists at the same time. The thoughtfully-penned lyrics come from the same mind that now knows how to throw a knockout punch. The multicolor variations of his signature sneakers are worn at the same time as when he only sees red on the court. And each version of himself says things that the other versions can’t necessarily get across. He says that words really don’t convey the emotions he feels on a basketball court when he’s in the middle of proving again and again that he’s a Hall of Famer. But, he then says, his face conveys those emotions, as does his body language. The feelings that come with the snap of a sharp punch can’t be described with words either, but he says that hearing contact made from the perfect hit does justice to how incredible and empowering it is. 

As an audio artist, he’s become acutely aware of the world’s acoustics. 

He brings up his two legendary buzzer-beating, series-ending three-pointers, the first against the Houston Rockets and the second against the Oklahoma City Thunder as examples of the emotion-conveying sounds he’s talking about. 

“As the game goes on, sometimes people cheer. You’ll hear the crowd roar a little bit. But when you hit a game-winner, it’s just different,” he says. “It’s like something coming down on you. So I would say that was, like, a perfect moment when you hear it. So against the Rockets and against OKC, I had hit other big shots, but that was, like, the perfect moment.”

And what does he mean by coming down?

“Typically on the court, you hit a buzzer beater in the second quarter, everybody cheers, or you get an and-1,” he says. “But those two specific shots, it felt like the crowd was on top of us. It wasn’t like an everybody’s-in-their-seat type of feeling. It felt like everybody was all up in my space. That’s what it seemed like, because everybody’s standing up and everybody’s jumping up and down and yelling. So it looked different because usually in the game, half the crowd stands up and some people are walking around and a lot of people just sit, you know, throughout the entire game. But in those moments, it’s like everybodys standing up, everybody screaming to the top of their lungs and you can feel it.”

Lillard was wearing the Crazyquick 2 for the Rockets shot and the Dame 5 for the Thunder shot. This season, when he returns after playing only 29 games during the 2021-22 season to recover from abdominal surgery, he’ll be wearing the Dame 8. He’ll have it on his feet while he reminds the far too many people who seem to have forgotten that he’s rightfully earned his way to the NBA’s Top 75 anniversary team, to the $122 million extension he just signed to bring his deal with the Blazers to $225 million overall, to all of his signature sneakers. 

The 8 is here in Dame’s weight room. He plays around with the two colorways we have a few times in between the photo setups that are now blocking his row of dumbbells. The 8 is home to a dual-density cushioning system made out of a Bounce Pro (the Dame line has long used Bounce) midsole. The foam used in Bounce is made out of elastic-like EVA (ethel vinyl acetate), providing lots of support and a high return in energy with each step. In this dual-density version, there’s a firm version of Bounce on top of a soft version of Bounce. The Stripes are on the road to sustainability, so the 8 is one of their many silhouettes being made with recycled materials. Those materials include textiles and synthetic overlays on the upper and mesh on the tongue. The medial quarter is carved out for space to let the namesake express himself. The variation he’s holding on the cover of this magazine has a fluffy pull tab inspired by boxing. 

The real star of the 8, though, is the outsole. A unique traction pattern gives a peek at the Bounce Pro in action. From colorway to colorway, too, the traction has gotten the chance to look extra spicy. 

“The 8 is a shoe that I feel, like, I can wear it straight out the box,” Lillard says. “You know, I’ve had some foot issues over my career, so some shoes feel a little more stiff. And sometimes it’s like, Man, I can’t wear this tonight, I got to break them in. But this is the first one where, like, every time I put these on, even when I wear a brand-new pair, it’s like I can play in them right away. So the comfort is there, the padding and cushion inside the shoe. The grip is really good. I’ve never lost traction with this shoe. Usually, shoes, as you wear them and wear them, you lose traction. This one hasn’t done that. So the way the shoe looks means something to me because it’s one of the best performing shoes that I’ve had, if not the best, and it looks good. A lot of basketball players like to wear shoes that look good or, you know, they flashy colors or loud or whatever, you’re seeing it more and more. And I’m having a lot more colorways like that. But it’s a shoe that’s not just a look-good type of shoe, but then it’s a terrible performance shoe. This shoe is hitting on all cylinders.”

Speaking of those colorways, Lillard cracks the door just a little bit on an upcoming story to be told by a colorway of the 8.

“I just literally came up with this idea,” he begins. “It’s called ‘Damn Gina.’ And it’s a ’90s pack, like, a ’90s theme. I had a bunch of ’90s-themed ideas and it’s called ‘Damn Gina’ because I was a huge fan of the show Martin. I was born in the ’90s and I’ve always done a shoe that was, like, a nod to my mom. My mom’s name is Gina, and it’s kind of, like, how I was saying people are wearing more and more just wild colors? You know, just a mix of different colors. And the Martintheme, when you think of Martin, you think of that old school ’90s, you know, triangles and squiggles, all these different shapes and patterns, but with all these different colors, too. So it’s a shoe theme like that. I thought that was pretty cool, with a bunch of other ones, too. But there’s one that I will mention.”

More expression from Dame. 

He’s also learned to, as he said, listen to how his body expresses itself through injuries. After fighting through it for what was probably too long, he had that aforementioned surgery in January. The foot issues he mentions have led him to co-founding Move, a company that makes scientifically-researched insoles for athletics. They have the Game Day Pro model, which Dame uses for his matchups in the League, and they have the Game Day model, which can be substituted into any pair that gets worn while walking around. 

“The fact that these kids are constantly training, constantly playing on different teams and travel and doing all these different things, the game is much harder on their feet than it was on ours,” Lillard says. “So that should just tell you how important something like [Move] is for these kids, because the lack of knowledge or even the thought of my foot health led to a foot injury for me. I broke my foot when I got to college because I got flat feet and I never had support in my shoes. I wore flip-flops all the time. And then a couple of years into the League, I had tears in my plantar fasciitis under my feet because I needed some type of support in my shoe and I never had it.”

He’s helped the company to develop the research they started about a decade ago. Their Pulsion Energyfoam combines with the X-Frame torsional support and Active Heel tech to offer as much protection as possible.

Lillard wore the Game Day Pro in last summer’s Olympics, when he and the squad brought back the Gold from Tokyo. He again stresses the importance of foot health, saying “that’s what we live on as athletes, is our feet.” 

For as much as he takes care of his feet, through both Move and his signature adi line, he also takes care of his mind, which he’s referred to as a “lethal weapon” in his song “GOAT Spirit.”

It’s easy for us as the public to see all the reps he’s put into his body, into his shot. He’s a marvel in conditioning, able to consistently hit from 35-plus feet out. That takes a ridiculous amount of time in the gym, time that we can physically comprehend through minutes planked and jumpers swished. 

Calmly, seated in a chair that came from the back room of his weightlifting gym on our red seamless backdrop, his mind starts to unfurl. It doesn’t take much. As deep a thinker as he is, as willing an expresser as he is, it’s all right there. 

“It would be a long timeline, because the way I train now, I didn’t train this way in high school,” he says about being able to visualize his mental journey. “I needed somebody to push me. I got pushed in high school by Raymond Young, but when I got to college, Phil [Beckner] pushed me a little bit more. And he still pushes me now. When I got to the NBA, David Vanterpool pushed me a little bit more. And my dad had been pushing me all the time, just in mental ways. When something would happen in the neighborhood, he’d be like, Man, ain’t nobody worried about them. It was almost like there should never be fear. Why? Why would you be scared? What are they going to do? You know, it was always that type of mentality in my life. So it’s not now, where I’m like a lethal weapon. My whole life has been just developing and people pushing me to develop that way to where, like, in my head, I feel like I got full control mentally, regardless of what the environment is or if it’s going good or it’s going bad. And I also know that a lot of people don’t have that. So that makes it more lethal to me. It’s like I can see that it’s not there.”

Fear isn’t gone. It’s just a different type of fear. 

“No, I have fear,” he says. “But my fear is more, like, I’ve got three kids now. So I fear stuff for my kids or my parents getting older or my grandparents getting older and, you know, my cousins being in Oakland, you know, being around stuff. I fear that kind of stuff. But I don’t fear not winning the championship. I don’t fear missing shots or people talking about me on Twitter or a confrontation breaking out. I don’t fear that kind of stuff.”

Because he’s constantly paying attention to his surroundings (a black-winged butterfly, for example), he can see when other people don’t have that type of mental fortitude. He notices body language and picks up on slight cues. He’s barely shifted in his chair throughout this entire answer. Completely relaxed, resolute in all his words, not breaking eye contact. It’s for real. It’s all really for real. 

He’s been in enough situations where he chose fight instead of flight to notice when somebody makes the other choice. He decided long ago that he’d remain militant in those moments because confronting was more comfortable than retreating. 

“I could fail three times or four times, and I’m just going to keep walking toward it, where you have people that will try to try their best to not be in that situation again, because it’s hard,” Lillard says. “It’s a hard situation to be in. But in my head I’m just, like, I’ve made my mind up that I’m willing to deal with whatever the outcome is and whatever it comes with, good or bad. They don’t have that, you know? They can’t do it. And to me, that’s what I mean by I can see that people don’t have that mentality. And that makes me feel even more dangerous mentally. I feel even more sure about the way I see it.”

Lillard has been showing the nation that he’s a person capable of seeing the unseen ever since he made it to Rip City back in 2012. But there’s a problem; people don’t understand what they can’t see. So he’s still not properly appreciated. 

In these pages, that skylight in his gym is a spotlight to properly regard him as an all-time top-five three-point shooter, as one of a small handful to have eight signature sneakers, as an expanded mind, as one of the 75 best players in NBA history, as a multi-disciplinary expressionist, as a man who will stop to watch a butterfly. 

“I think through all of those things. I would want people to know who I truly am,” he says about expressing himself. “You know, not just a rapper that’s just saying random stuff. I’m telling my real story and my real thoughts and feelings. As an athlete, I’m really doing what I love, I’m not trying to be another player. I’m not trying to join any other team. I’m just being me. So everything that I’m doing, I’m just trying to get people to see the different layers of me, but not a different me. Just the same, the same person, all around.” 

KICKS 25 is available now in this exclusive gold metal edition. Shop now.

Portraits by Alex Woodhouse.

The post Damian Lillard on the Art of Self-Expression and the Originality of the Dame 8 appeared first on SLAM.

Since the turn of 2010s, future Hall-of-Famer LeBron James was able to leverage his status as the best player in the NBA and the threat of him leaving to make sure the Cavs and Lakers front office did all they could to build a title threat around him. From there, superstars like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Anthony Davis were able to negotiate trades or sign with other teams so they could win a ring or be in a better position to do so from behind the scenes.

Well into the 2020s, Durant has used his status as another surefire HOFer to demand a trade out of Brooklyn just three seasons after first signing with the team in 2019.

The reasoning behind the trade demand comes after the Nets have failed to win a title with a core of Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Harden himself demanded a trade out of Brooklyn due to the uncertainty around Irving’s vaccination status and wanting to reunite with 76ers president Daryl Morey. Irving’s complex extension negotiations also played a part in Durant wanting out of playing with the Nets.

Durant reportedly wanted to play with the Suns or Heat, two teams with title aspirations that have fostered great team cultures within their locker room. Irving’s preferred destinations were the Clippers, Lakers, Heat, and Dallas, amongst others.

The concerns about the rise of trade demand may be overstated, but it’s nothing new for the most prominent names. Even guys who played for one franchise their whole career (i.e., Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan) threatened to leave via free agency or trade. Guys like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal could be the next iteration of one-team players.

For the middle class of players like Draymond Green, he applauded players for treating themselves like “businesses” during a recent episode of his podcast. His voice has been joined by Alex Caruso, who is happy to see that “players are finally treating this like the teams and organizations have for so many years.”

“(The players) finally are realizing the business side of this,” Caruso said. “Like, ‘oh okay, I have leverage, I am an asset; let me make this work to the best of my ability because if the organization or the team has a chance to upgrade, they’re going to upgrade.'”

On tomorrow's episode of the show, @jj_redick and @ACFresh21 discuss the recent trends of trade requests by big time players like Kevin Durant with several years left on his contract with the Nets.

Watch the full conversation: https://t.co/Xd3GSeqJrM pic.twitter.com/ydZYxDXJIn

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) July 15, 2022

Caruso saying that probably stems from the fact that fans expect players to be loyal to teams but not necessarily the other way around. Think of the recent example of what happened between the Celtics and Isiah Thomas after IT4 suffered a career-altering hip surgery on top of losing his sister to a car accident while leading the C’s to a conference finals appearance.

Or the divorce between DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors. On the other end, though, teams have made sure to do what’s best for players after a long tenure with their first teams. Think Kevin Garnett to the Celtics, or what happened just a few weeks ago when the Spurs traded All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Hawks so that he could play on a playoff team instead of wilt away on the lottery-bound Spurs.

Like I said earlier, ‘you’re a victim of circumstance.'” Caruso added. “If you’re in the League and you have this type of wealth and income, it’s a different type of thing than if you’re sitting at home reading about this guy tryna get from $40 mil to $50 mil.

“I understand that that’s a real thing, but you have to sit back and look at it and just think, there’s so many years, you’ve heard horror stories of guys finding out on Twitter or finding out on TV that they got traded. I think it’s finally just to the point where players are just like, ‘well alright, well I’m gonna do the same thing.'”

The tensions between who has power between players and team owners will always be present. When you go through a decade of unprecedented growth that coincides with player empowerment, the players union and its constituents will be less likely to wanna give that up.

The CBA between the owners and players can be negotiated as soon as December. Negotiations will likely get contentious as players and team owners will battle about the player empowerment era, particularly around the issue of players demanding trades with multiple years left on their contract, skipping games, and a plethora of other labor issues.

The post Alex Caruso Speaks on Prominent Players Requesting Trade Despite Big Contracts appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard’s new deal is expected to be a maximum two years and $120 million, sources said. https://t.co/1QyoJKvdNa

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

According to Charania, the deal will ensure Dame Time lasts five years. Lillard’s extension also means that he is one of the top earners in NBA history, as he is estimated to make $451 million in career earnings.

Lillard’s new deal will give him a total of five years and nearly $270 million on his current NBA contract. He now becomes one of the top earners – estimated $451M in salaries – in NBA history. https://t.co/cjLutaveZu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

Lillard has spent his entire career in Portland and ranks third all-time in points scored and second for minutes played. Lillard has averaged 24.6 points and 6.6 assists per game for his career. Last season, Lillard put up 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game in 29 games before the franchise shut him down due to an abdominal injury.

The 2021-22 season was the first time Portland missed the playoffs since 2013.

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard Expected to Ink Max Extension appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2022

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

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

The list of assistants includes current Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, Bucks assistant Charles Lee, Celtics assistants Will Hardy & Joe Mazzulla, and in-house candidates Alex Jensen & Lamar Skeeter, who were assistants under Snyder.

Former Portland coach Terry Stotts is expected to be in the mix. Stotts spent time with the Jazz later in the year as a personal guest of Snyder’s, according to ESPN. Stotts spent nine seasons in Portland, where he won 402 games and coached players such as Damien Lillard, CJ McCollum, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Wesley Matthews. He took the Trailblazers to the 2019 Western Conference Finals and made the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons.

Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel is also expected to be in the mix; he spent the last three seasons in Los Angeles and managed a 127-98 overall record with an NBA championship in 2020.

Bryant spent the past two years as an assistant under Tom Thibodeau’s staff with the Knicks and was a six-year assistant with Snyder in Utah before departing for the Knicks. Bryant also has a very close relationship with Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell.

In a press conference this past Monday, Jazz owner Ryan Smith had said that the list of candidates could expand during their coaching search. CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge echoed this message while also saying there is no urgency to hire a new coach before the draft.

“We’ve got to get this choice right,” said Ainge. “We’ve got big shoes to fill.”

The post REPORT: Utah Jazz Begin Search to Replace Quin Snyder appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post REPORT: Hawks and Trail Blazers Main Leaders to Trade for Jerami Grant appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 16, 2022

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

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

On Windhorst’s Hoop Collective podcast, he revealed that teams around the League had gotten the impression that LaVine was “off the market.”

However, there isn’t a guarantee about him staying in the Windy City with the Bulls. According to Windhorst, the Trail Blazers have “popped up” as a potential landing spot for the two-time All-Star. While there is no indication that LaVine intends to leave, Windhorst reported that LaVine’s recent comments made people around the League alter their expectations.

“I plan to enjoy free agency,” he said per ESPN. “We’re going to have to experience A through Z without making any fast decisions. I think that’s something me and [agent Rich Paul] are going to go through and experience.”

The Blazers are in the market for a star like LaVine, with a projected $48.4 million in salary-cap space after Portland traded CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., Robert Covington, and Norman Powell ahead of the trade deadline. The real question is, will LaVine be worth signing to help build a contender around Damian Lillard. LaVine can reportedly earn as much as $213.3 million over five years with the Bulls. If he leaves, he can $157.4 million over four years.

LaVine has averaged 24.4 points and 4.4 assists on shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc in his five seasons with the Bulls. He is also reportedly considering surgery to address a lingering issue with his knee.

The post REPORT: Trail Blazers ‘Pop Up’ As Zach LaVine Landing Spot appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

6-3 AND BELOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-4 TO 6-8 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-9 AND UP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— SLAM Newswire (@SLAMnewswire) May 3, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of just a couple dozen players in the G League and NBA to have played college basketball outside Division I, Demers’ mere presence in the G League cuts against conventional knowledge that the best basketball players can all be found at the top of high school recruiting lists and draft boards. He averaged 8.1 points and 1.2 assists in his first season as a pro in the G League. 

For a professional athlete, Demers is surprisingly unassuming. A 6-1 shooting guard who likes to golf and hang with his family, Demers is easy to hang with. Michael Rejniak, Demer’s coach with team We Are D3 in the TBT remembers when Demers first walked into the pre-tournament workouts. “Eric might be the last guy you pick, like, from a visual viewpoint to be the G Leaguer. But he is.”

Looking out onto the court where players he used to watch on ESPN warm up, the Gordon College alum points out that he’s “the one guy in the G League that has loans.” Division III rules do not allow schools to offer athletic scholarships, and at nearly $40,000 a year, Gordon’s tuition is nothing to scoff at. Ask him if he would change his path to the G-League, though, and Demers will tell you that he wouldn’t change a thing.

During his senior year at Gordon College, Demers led the nation in scoring with 32.4 points per game, dropping 42 against Hartford in an exhibition game, his only Division I opponent that year. Last summer, he went off for 25 points in his TBT debut for team We Are D3, off the bench. 

Rejniak proudly calls Demers “one of the best shooters I’ve had the pleasure to coach,” while Maine Celtics assistant coach Craig Luschenat, a fellow DIII alumnus, was “shocked by his quick release” when first watching Demers play. But for all the things he does well, Demers has some adjusting and learning to do since entering the G-League, and he has to overcome ageism too, all while playing against the best competition he’s ever faced.

What’s more, the G League is molded in the NBA’s image, and as such, is dominated by the pick and roll, an offensive scheme which calls for defensive assignments that Demers has never played and for a brand new offensive approach for him, too. Where in college he had the green light like Damian Lillard, in the G League he’s tasked with emulating Jae Crowder, a typical three-and-D wing.

“Coming from DIII, he’s so used to being able to kind of do whatever he wants,” Luschenat explains. At Gordon, Demers would set up shop above the break. He had the freedom to attack the rim off the dribble, shoot deep pull-up threes, and even post up on occasion, as he did in his 25-point TBT performance. But in the G League, Demers now lives in the corner, waiting for more higher-profile players to pass him the ball, rebuilding his game to fit the new level. 

“I didn’t have any scholarships coming out of high school or anything like that. I just fell in love with the process of getting better,” he explains. “I loved basketball so much, I wanted to become the best I can. And I still do. So I try not to put a ceiling on myself or a window of opportunity. I just truly want to find my potential.”

After solidifying himself as one of the top scorers in college basketball, Demers was in Los Angeles training with professional trainer Jordan Lawley—also known as JLaw, who counts Zach Lavine, Klay Thompson, and Alex Caruso among his many clients—when COVID-19 hit. An early Instagram post from 2020 shows Demers working out with a EuroLeauge ball, underlining his impression that his first gig was going to come overseas. Freshly married and coming off a successful senior season at Gordon, Demers looked to sign with an agent and begin his pro career, but he found that “meeting with agents is a lot different for Division III athletes rather than Division I athletes.” 

Conversations over Whatsapp with agents speaking broken English trying to convince Demers to play in the country where they lived proved unfruitful, and a contract to play in New Zealand fell through because “they were kind of COVID-free at the time and didn’t really want anyone coming into their country.” With just half of G League teams going to the bubble, Demers didn’t get an invite and found himself teamless for the first time in years. 

Though Demers and his wife Lauren were “100% locked in” on Demers playing professional basketball, the financial realities of starting a family set in, and Demers was forced to take a job at a mortgage company through a friend at church, working out every day in addition to his office and family duties. (Lauren and Eric welcomed their first child, Jordan, in August 2021.) Months in, Demers says there were “moments in time where I had some hard conversations with my wife, and it was like, is it time to just move on from basketball?”

Ultimately, the pair decided that they’d wait to see what professional opportunities would come his way. Six months later, Demers earned an invitation to NBA Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs. Having quit his day job and now beginning his professional journey, Demers arrived in Las Vegas, only to find more doubters.

Walking around the Summer League arenas, someone even asked him if he worked in the Spurs front office. Looking for a table at a restaurant with former teammates from Gordon College, Demers was about to be turned away from the restaurant until one of his buddies told the restaurant workers that Demers was a Summer League player. 

And yet, Demers isn’t sweating any of it. He says the story about the restaurant is one of his favorite moments since becoming a professional basketball player. For JLaw, Demers’ ability to be “able to turn off the basketball side” when he’s not on the court is what sets him apart from other players.

Luschenat and Rejniak echo JLaw’s sentiment: “He doesn’t care whether you’re 6-8, 6-7,” boasts Rejniak, “he’ll cook you.” It seems from the outside that Demers is the ever-elusive, even-keeled player, never too high and never too low. 

Demers’ coachability is reflected in the ways he challenges his teammates. Sam Hauser, a two-way player for the Boston Celtics, is Demers’ main matchup in practice, says Demers is “consistently moving and keeping the defense on edge,” a skill that wasn’t important for him in college, but is now a key facet of his game. 

In the words of  Luschenat, Demers is “always ready.” After the game against the Knicks, the pro reflects on his rookie season thus far, and how unlikely it’s all been. This is just the beginning for him; he says that he can see himself playing in the G League for “two to three years,” and then potentially taking his talents overseas. 

 “Not many rookies especially come from where I’ve come from [and] get the opportunity to impact the team the way I have.”

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Former DIII Guard Eric Demers is Ready to Tap Into His Potential in the G League appeared first on SLAM.

“I haven’t had a chance in 10 years to take a step back and let my mind relax and to let my body fully recover and relax and have a true opportunity to ramp up and train and start back with my foundation, who I am as a player and spend time with my family, my kids and my wife. So, I feel strong, mentally and physically,” he said.

“It’s the first time that I can say I was pain-free since maybe 2016, 2017… It’s a good feeling working out the other day, and the coaching staff kept asking what I was thinking about because I had a smile on my face. I was just like, ‘Damn, I got so used to playing with that pain that I didn’t realize how limited I was and how much I was just catering to playing around it,” Lillard said of his abdominal pain.

Although there have been multiple whispers of Lillard’s desire to leave, Dame Dolla made it abundantly clear his heart remains in Portland.

“That’s the only thing I care about, honestly… like I said, my best is yet to come. And the only things that I play for at this point is I want to be the MVP of the league, and I want to win the championship.”

The post Damian Lillard on Injury Rehab and Title Hopes: ‘My Best is Yet to Come’ appeared first on SLAM.

Dame Lillard injury update: https://t.co/kOy7Wz7Sug

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 21, 2022

Lillard has been out since New Year’s Eve after the Blazers shut him down for 10 days to recover from an abdominal injury. He first suffered the injury while playing for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics. Lillard decided to undergo surgery on his abdomen in January.

The injury seemed to impact his performance this season; Dame averaged 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on a career-low 40.2 percent clip from the field and a career-low 32.4 percent shooting from the three-point line.

The announcement that Lillard will miss the rest of the season with the Blazers only having 12 games to go in the regular season. At 26-44, it’s been a season full of unexpected struggles, and a little bit of drama after longtime head coach Terry Stotts agreed to part ways. The Blazers also relieved Neil Olshey of his front office duties in December.

The post Blazers Announce Damian Lillard Will Miss Rest of the Season appeared first on SLAM.

As the tryouts progressed, Miller started scouting not just for players who could sink a pull-up jumper from the elbow or who could put a defender on his heels with a crossover, but also for the kids who offered up a hand to someone who had hit the deck or who encouraged a classmate to grab some water between drills. He wanted to identify not only the teens who would round out the roster, but also those who would support the team without ever wearing a uniform. That, after all, was the design of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School.

“Not everyone could make the basketball team, but everyone could be an important part of the community we’re building,” Miller says. “That’s why we asked some kids who didn’t make the cut to be managers or run the scoreboard or take pictures. Those opportunities can be life-changing, too.”

For the 110 freshmen who signed up to be a part of this inaugural class, Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School was an opportunity to prepare for a career around the game of basketball. Founded by filmmaker Dan Klores, who directed Reggie Miller’s 30 for 30 and Basketball: A Love Story, the program is an antidote to the myriad prep schools that have proliferated in the past two decades. 

Earl Monroe is a public charter school only available to students in New York City. Its inaugural class will expand to a total student body of 440 during the next four years, and the students will have the chance to “major” in fields that support the sport—like media, marketing, analytics, law and health care. In other words, in a world awash with basketball schools, Earl Monroe is a basketball school. 

“You probably won’t see any of our kids on the cover of SLAM,” Klores says. “But they’ll be in the background, helping to support the next generation of Hall of Famers.”

The door to James Ennis’ classroom is emblazoned with the Portland Trail Blazers logo. Around Earl Monroe’s campus, which is housed in a former Roman Catholic school in the Bronx while a $25 million facility is being built, all the rooms are named after NBA teams. (There are no rooms named after either of New York’s teams, though, to avoid the endless debates.) And Ennis takes his team connection seriously. On a Wednesday morning in early December, the 29-year-old teacher, who was wearing a ribbed tan turtleneck beneath a fitted blue suit, began a PowerPoint lesson about résumés with a quote from Portland superstar Damian Lillard: “To look good in front of thousands, you must outwork thousands in front of nobody.”

The school’s existence is a testament to the work Klores was willing to put in while no one was watching. Klores, who also founded the prestigious NY Renaissance (aka the “Rens”) EYBL program, first came up with the concept eight years ago. He slowly built a board of advisors that included former NBA Commissioner David Stern and Knicks legend Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, after whom the school takes its name. And he managed to raise nearly $5 million from the likes of Nike and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The school officially launched during a ceremony in October, which was attended by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA executive director Michele Roberts, who are both native New Yorkers. “For every NBA player,” Silver told the students, “there’s 100 related jobs in the NBA and its teams.”

Ennis teaches Foundations of Basketball, which is designed to introduce students to those jobs. For now, it’s the only course that focuses on the game. Classes on specific subjects like broadcast journalism and coaching will come later, as students become upperclassmen. Right now, Earl Monroe’s educators are focused on foundations of education for their pupils. Although Earl Monroe—like all public schools in New York City—is open to any student from the five boroughs, a disproportionate number of kids are from the Bronx. The borough has been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the students at Earl Monroe have not attended in-person school full-time since they were in the seventh grade. And during the two years of remote learning, many struggled with connectivity, because they were on unreliable devices or unstable internet connections.  

“Not everyone was connected to learning equally during the pandemic,” says Kern Mojica, the school’s principal. “We’re focused on the core classes that all students need first, and then we’ll branch out into niche areas of interest. But we make an effort to infuse basketball into every aspect of the curriculum.”

When Mojica was in the classroom as a teacher early in his career, he tried to infuse sports into every subject. He’d use Stephen Curry’s shooting to talk about parabolas, or Super Bowl start times to discuss distributions. A former defensive lineman at the University of New Hampshire, Mojica connected to the vision of Earl Monroe straight away. 

“The odds of making it to the NBA are about the same as winning the Powerball,” he said. “We wanted to provide our kids with other possibilities for the future—with other dreams. For us, a student going pro means that they work in a law firm, or the League office or TNT.”

In class, Ennis explained how a strong résumé could help the students get any job they want, from summer employment in the city to their dream gig at Nike. A boy in the back raised his hand and asked, “Why do I need a résumé? I want to be a streamer on, like, Twitch and YouTube, and you don’t need a résumé for that.”

“That’s a great question,” Ennis said. “You still need a résumé because that’s how you build partnerships and attract sponsors. That’s how you make money.”

Ennis then broke the classroom up into small groups. The school provids all students with Chromebooks, and they wrote their résumés on a Google Docs template that he designed. As the students worked, Ennis and Mojica checked in with each group, asking them about what jobs they could see themselves in long-term. One student named Alvin told Mojica, “I thought I was gonna be an NBA player, but I didn’t make the basketball team.” Mojica nodded, as 

Alvin continued. “So I’ve been thinking about some other stuff instead.” He wrote on his résumé that he wanted to be a broadcaster.

Before dismissing the class, Ennis reminded them that their podcasts were due next week. As part of their discussion of sports media, Ennis had them each come up with a concept for a show, design cover art for it, record an episode and upload it to Spotify. A student named Corey said that the podcast project has been his favorite thing he’s ever done in school. It’s called “The Greatest,” and it’s about the NBA GOAT debate. For the record, Corey is on Team Michael Jordan—even though he was born several years after MJ’s final game. 

“People like to bring up stats,” he said, “but I don’t see it in stats. If you last 19 years in the NBA, I’d expect you to pass somebody. I look at it like, his mental greatness—MJ lost and came back and still won it. Plus, he’s still beating LeBron in chips right now.”

Ennis smiled brightly when he saw students so excited about their schoolwork. “That’s what separates our school,” he said. “A lot of public schools are still using a 1970s format in the sense that they’re preparing students for life in the 1990s. Our school is preparing kids for 2021 and beyond.”

Of course, there’s still plenty of actual basketball. If they have spare time between classes, students are allowed to go to the gym to shoot hoops. On the weekends, Kenneth Miller hosts an empowerment program that helps kids develop their skills—in basketball and in reading. And on a Thursday afternoon in December, a crowd of about 75 stuffed into the school’s small gymnasium to watch the boys team play The Cathedral School. Because of scheduling challenges, it was only the team’s second game of the season. And it wasn’t technically a game—it was a six-quarter scrimmage, with the score resetting after each period. But that didn’t bother the crowd, who were mostly students and who were raucous from the first whistle to the last.

Miller coached Earl Monroe to an easy win in every quarter. Meanwhile, on the sidelines, athletic director Andy Borman coached the managers on how to run a game. Borman, who is also the executive director of the Rens and the nephew of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, hovered over the scorer’s table, reminding the shot-clock operator to switch the possession arrow and the bookkeeper to mark turnovers. When a manager named Anthun abandoned the bench to say hi to some friends on the other side of the court, Borman tracked him down and pulled him into a tight, friendly hug. “Come on, buddy,” he said. “The team needs you!” 

Anthun had originally tried out for the basketball team, and he was disappointed when he didn’t make the final cut. But Borman and Miller told him that being a manager was a way to still contribute to the team. By the end of the game, he’d handed out every bottle of water and had even begun keeping individual stats for the players. After it was over, he helped clean up the gym—throwing away trash and putting chairs back in the closet. “Playing didn’t work out for me this year,” he said, “but I learned that I really love coaching. If I keep it up as a manager, I’ll show them I’m worthy of being a coach. That’s what I want to do now.”

He paused.

“Well, either that or work in real estate. Maybe I could sell houses to NBA players.” 

Photos via Mike Lawrence.

The post The Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School is Preparing Students For Careers Around the Game appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday night, Jackson announced via Instagram that he had released his first album titled “Suddenly.”

The album is a rap album released under Jackson’s pseudonym “Triple J” and features a seven-song tracklist with a total run time of 16 minutes and 46 seconds.

Players across the NBA flooded Jackson’s Instagram to show love for the release, including Denzel Valentine, Brandon Clarke, Wayne Selden Jr., and Miles Bridges, who’s another hooper turned rapper during his free time.

Jackson joins a growing club of NBA players with side hustles in music, including Bridges, Damian Lillard, Marvin Bagley III, Andre Drummond, Lonzo Ball, and Aaron Gordon, among many, many others.

Jackson’s having a strong season on the court for the Memphis Grizzlies as well. Through 59 games this season, Jackson is averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for a Grizzlies team currently sat third in the Western Conference with a record of 41-19.

As for Jackson’s debut album, you can stream it now on Spotify or Apple Music.

The post Jaren Jackson Jr. Releases Debut Rap Album Titled ‘Suddenly’ appeared first on SLAM.

After a heartbreaking series of trades involving longtime backcourt partner CJ McCollum and a few other important star role pieces apart of the Blazers team, Dame made it known that his loyalty remains with the Blazers.

The star duo had been together since 2013-2014 but hadn’t reached the peak of their potential until McCollum’s MIP season back in 2015-2016. Despite making the playoffs every season since acquiring McCollum, hardships always presented themselves in the postseason.

Following the trade that sent McCollum, Larry Nance Jr, and Tony Snell to the Pelicans, Trail Blazers insider Casey Holdhal spoke with Lillard about the current state of the franchise and how he is handling his surgical recovery on his abdominal injury.

“For me, my heart is Portland Trail Blazer. I want to win it. I know that I have a plan that’s going to put me on my best level when I come back to play. And I want our team to fit that,” Lillard said per Blazers.com. “I’m just waiting patiently to let things unfold and allow him to execute his plan. Once we get there and we see what that looks like and what that is, then I’ll have, I guess, more feelings than I have now, but you’ve got to allow him to do his job and see what that finished product is. That’s just where I am.” Blazers.com.

Lillard told Holdahl that he and McCollum had had conversations in the past about how their breakup could be imminent.

“This is something that me and C, we talked about it over the years, like, this being a possibility,” Lillard said. “But time went on, we both knew that it’s going to come a point where we might not be a backcourt anymore, whether that was him getting traded or me getting traded.

Being that the six-time All-Star has been in and out of the lineup this season with an abdominal injury, it is still unclear when, or if, Lillard will return this season.

The post Damian Lillard: ‘My Heart Remains With the Trail Blazers’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It hasn’t been all bad, though. Tyrese Haliburton, the Kings second-year guard out of Iowa State, has taken a major step forward in the absence of De’Aaron Fox, averaging 20.2 points and 8.2 assists on the team’s recent road trip. And so has rookie Davion Mitchell. 

The ninth overall pick from Baylor joined the starting lineup last Wednesday. Since then, he has averaged 19.4 points (on 49 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from three) and 5.6 assists per game. When Sacramento drafted Mitchell this summer, the decision was met with some backlash, given his small size (6-0) and the number of young guards—Haliburton, Fox, Buddy Hield—already on the Kings roster.

“Certainly, when you just look at the team we had and who we had drafted the year before and Tyrese and who we already had on the team with De’Aaron, and you say, ‘Why would you draft another point guard?’” general manager Monte McNair told The Athletic in November. “[But] this is where we talk about being a best player available in the draft. And it’s a hard thing to do sometimes, but we truthfully sit here and try to [draft] best player available. And when Davion is sitting at the top of our board, we do not hesitate to draft him.”

It was hard to argue with Mitchell being there. Here’s what the 23-year-old managed to accomplish during his two seasons at Baylor: 2021 NCAA Champion, 2021 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 NABC Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 Lefty Driesell Award winner and two-time All-Big 12.

As those accolades suggest, Mitchell was renowned primarily for his defense coming into the NBA, having averaged just under two steals per game the previous year. He was undoubtedly one of the best on-ball defenders in all of college basketball, using his energy, quickness and athleticism to pester opposing guards. That lockdown ability has carried over to the League, where Mitchell now faces elite scorers on a nightly basis. Below is a rundown of how some of those guys have fared in head-to-head clashes with the Kings rookie, per NBA.com: 

Russell Westbrook in 11:31 matchup minutes: 1/11 from the field

Damian Lillard in 9:16 matchup minutes: 1/14 from the field

Trae Young in 4:47 matchup minutes: 1/8 from the field

Jalen Brunson in 11:55 matchup minutes: 2/8 from the field

Jordan Clarkson in 10:21 matchup minutes: 3/10 from the field

Tyrese Maxey in 11:41 matchup minutes: 3/11 from the field

Numbers like that are the reason Mitchell earned the nickname “Off Night” while at Baylor. All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland shot well against him, but combined for seven turnovers in 19 total matchup minutes.

Mitchell’s offense has been steadily improving, too. He was an incredibly efficient scorer in college, shooting 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep in 2020-21, but has struggled to find his rhythm at times this season. His confidence hasn’t wavered, though. He dropped 20 points and hit four three-pointers against the Hawks last week. Three days later, he had 15 points and knocked down 3/7 from behind the arc against the Sixers. Then, in his first game at Madison Square Garden, he put up 18 points, 6 assists and 2 blocks. 

On Wednesday, Mitchell helped Sacramento get a 112-101 win over Brooklyn, posting 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and defending Kyrie Irving extremely well, holding him to 2/6 shooting in seven matchup minutes. He also spent time on James Harden, who had one of his worst performances as a Net (4 points, 6 turnovers).

Just look at the activity in the clips below. This is why they call him “Off Night.”

Davion Mitchell since being moved into the starting lineup (four games):

17.7 PTS
2.7 REB
5.0 AST
44% FG
35% 3PT

Limited sample size, but it’s hard to not be impressed by what the rookie has done in a starting role.

Also, the defense… pic.twitter.com/rrLwPsy3Lx

— Franklin Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) February 3, 2022

Davion puttin’ the pressure on Kyrie pic.twitter.com/amj7BHsJDH

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) February 3, 2022

Davion steal -> Damian pic.twitter.com/vESWMANuED

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) February 3, 2022

He followed that up with perhaps the best game of his young career at Golden State: 26 points (on 11/17 from the field and 3/5 from three) and 8 assists.

Davion Mitchell drives and finishes to set a new career-high (23 PTS)

Watch Now on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/54J3aqWVe6

— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2022

For the season, Mitchell is now averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He will represent the Kings in the Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, along with Haliburton.

With losses mounting and trade rumors swirling as the deadline nears, things have been bleak in Sacramento lately. But Mitchell’s success, development and potential have provided a glimmer of much-needed hope. 

The post SLAM x Panini Rookie Spotlight: Davion Mitchell appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The list of players the Sixers currently are monitoring is just as long as the rumors in the news cycle of potential players that included Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, and Draymond Green going back to last summer.

Morey and the team recently discussed a potential Simmons package with the Atlanta Hawks for John Collins. But as soon as Tobias Harris was added to the deal, the Hawks quickly said no, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

“The 76ers and Hawks briefly kicked around a trade of Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris for John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Danilo Gallinari, League sources told HoopsHype. However, those talks stalled quickly, with Atlanta uninterested in Harris and unlikely to be able to flip him to a third team.”

This year, the Sixers have been looking for specific pieces to put around Embiid for a championship run. Collins’ athleticism and his ability to defend inspired Philadelphia to put an offer together. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick, the asking price for the Sixers hasn’t changed.

“In return for Simmons, the 76ers have wanted a top-level All-Star or a package featuring a bevy of first-round draft picks for Simmons.”

It is understood that this Simmons deal may be pushed back to the offseason, especially with rumors of James Harden being unhappy in Brooklyn.

The post REPORT: Philadelphia 76ers Made A Ben Simmons Offer For John Collins appeared first on SLAM.

‘Top Class’ is back for a second season and continues to draw back the curtain, revealing how the team grappled with the pandemic, fame, and the pressure of trying to win their third-straight Southern California regional title.

Telling honest, real and impactful stories that reveal the human experience has always been important to Tavares. “At the end of the day, it’s all about human emotion and feeling. I think that we all as humans, whether you’re Black, white, Mexican, Asian, I think we all can feel a way when we watch something [and] experience something. The biggest thing that I go into any shot, score, color selection [and] storyline is how do we create an experience where people can feel something, whether that’s good or bad, or motivational, or sad. You may not remember certain scenes and what you watched, but you know what you felt at the end of watching it. Who knows how that could impact your life moving forward—that  might inspire you to go create something, [or] go visit your grandma who you haven’t talked to in some years, or just send a text message to somebody who you haven’t seen in a while, saying I love you.

“Those human pillars and those emotions that we face on a day to day basis is something that I put in my filmmaking, [and it] becomes relatable. That’s my goal with any film that I touch.” 

Tavares first made waves with a short film he created that was inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s song “Lust.” He was attending the University of Oregon at the time and had heard the song playing in his car one day and instantly was moved: he heard, repeatedly, what a Black man was taking on and having to deal with on a day to day basis. Tavares then hit up his friend Eugene and asked if he wanted to make a film. 

The powerful video instantly caught everyone’s attention, including outlets like XXL and Complex. “People actually thought it was the music video for the song,” Tavares says. 

SLAM caught up with Tavares last month to learn more about what led him into filmmaking, what it was like working with Dame, and what his vision was when capturing the most famous high school basketball team in the world. 

SLAM: We know you’ve worked on a number of different projects before ‘Top Class,’ but can you take us back to when you first started getting into filmmaking and directing?

Tevin Tavares: There was this commercial called The Ring Maker by Nike, and it was when LeBron [James] had won his first ring. Ironically enough, I broke my arm my senior year of high school and I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was kind of going through a moment where my grades were kind of so-so [and] I really know what I wanted to do moving forward.

Then, I remember I saw this commercial [of] LeBron going through trials and tribulations as he got his first ring… [When] I saw, “Just Do It” in the end, it made me cry. It inspired me and it made me feel a certain type of way. That’s when I was like, ‘Yo, you know what. I’m about to go to University of Oregon [and[ I’m gonna try to do work for Nike and make commercials. Eventually that led to doing filmmaking. 

And Ryan Coogler. We’re from the same hometown and seeing what he did, going to watch Fruitvale Station, Creed and Black Panther, it’s kind of like you’re watching in the shadows of this big figure. I’m going to theaters that are packed with people like, ‘Oh, man, I gotta go support Ryan Coogler because he’s from Oakland, too.’ You hear those rumblings [and] you see newspaper clippings, like ‘Bay Area Filmmaker is Putting On’—when I saw that, it just added fuel to the fire, like, I could do that, too. Fortunately enough that is what’s happening. When I see people talk about ‘Top Class’ in the Bay Area and they’re like they’re watching it, it’s kind of reminiscent of when I was growing up, and I was seeing Coogler doing what he’s doing now. 

SLAM: After the “Lust” short film dropped, how did you start working with Dame and other artists? 

TT: My best friend, Marcus, had just hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, Tev, Dame is doing a music video in Oakland and he’s looking for directors. You should do it.’ And I was like, ‘Man, he ain’t going to pick me.’ So, I just DMed his cousin, Brookfield Duece the Forbes article and he was like, ‘Yo, let’s do it.’ 

I got a chance to form relationships with Dame from that video, and then from there, the next music video that I did was for Guapa Le for the film called, “Homeroom.” I got to work with the legendary director, Pete Nicks and with Proximity, Ryan Coogler’s production company.

SLAM: What was it like to see Dame in his musical element? 

TT: He’s a genuine hometown hero. I think probably one of my most proud moments in the video was when people talk so highly about him coming back. And, when we filmed that there was a moment where he legit was in the back of a scraper and it was like a parade almost in a way. It’s him and his cousin, and I literally watched kids run outside towards the scraper to try to get on camera. It was like a parade in Oakland, in his neighborhood. 

The one thing that I learned is that Dame is probably one of the most humblest, down to Earth, real people that I’ve ever met. He’s always down—I remember I was like, ‘Dame, I want to get on top of this roof for one shot’ and he was like, ‘Yo, let’s do it.’ That’s the thing that was dope about working with him is he’s always down for the art and when you work with people [like that], they’ll do anything to make good art. Damian Lillard, him being an artist himself and realizing what things look like on screen, that was what we were able to create. I see that music video as a piece of art.

SLAM: That’s fire. On that note, what was your initial vision with ‘Top Class’ and what were you looking to capture or show people going into season two? 

TT: Even dating back to season one, we wanted to capture cinematic rage. Cinematic rage is, you have these young kids in season one that are rock stars. Season two wasn’t about cinematic rage, it was about family ties and intimacy. I think that you take on certain themes every year—our first first year was like gang gang, it was Travis Scott [and] going crazy. [Going into] the second year, I remember writing in my notebook before every season, what’s the theme? What do I want to capture? I was like, Okay, well, what’s the theme? What do I want to capture? Around March I put intimacy and family ties, and “Family Ties” the she song hadn’t even come out yet. I was still spooked by that because when I read it, ‘I was like, dang, I wrote family ties?’

I think that this year, the theme of season two was more about emotion, not high flash dunks and crazy fans and all that. No, it’s about intimacy, emotion and watching these kids go from boys to men. It’s about watching a family come together through struggle [and] watching these young men deal with adversity. But how do they overcome that adversity? It’s about watching these young Black men figure out this world and I think that’s what we captured in season two.

In comparison to season one, it was more fun, but season two is less about having fun and more about the lessons that are needed to become a man.

SLAM: Were there any moments while filming that surprised you most? 

TT: I would say that the moment that I love the most is when Coach Andre says, ‘We live in a one strike world.’ In episode two he talks about why [he doesn’t] let Amari get away with so much because he tells them that as a team, as young Black men, you live in a one strike world. 

I remember when I was sitting there doing the interview with him, I asked him what [that] meant and he started crying. He literally said that could [mean] walking on the wrong side of the block, getting pulled over by the police, just any little mishap, one strike. This polarizing figure, I watched him as he cried talking about that [and] it showed how much love he has for these kids. When you watch that, I think that’s going to be a moment that really makes people sit down and be like, Wow, these young Black men really do live in a one strike world. That was probably the most rewarding experience, being able to interview him and witness him have that comfortability with me, as a young Black man, and talk to me about that and let his emotions out on camera. 

SLAM: With that, how did you get him and the players to be vulnerable and open up like on camera? 

TT: It’s therapy. Sometimes people don’t ask you those questions. And when you get asked those certain questions, it really makes you think. So there’s moments where I interviewed Bronny or Shy or Amari and it [was] almost like a sense of like, let me collect my thoughts and actually think about how I felt in that certain moment. Sometimes when you let it off your chest, it’s therapeutic. I could ask them a certain question and maybe it’s been on their mind for months, and they’ve been thinking about it and they finally are able to let it out, [like] a sense of relief. 

I think filmmaking is a sense of therapy for myself, an actor [or] could be somebody who’s a character in a documentary or a fictional film. You’re able to let out and express emotions that you hold back. I think that’s the beauty of the art of it. 

Photos by Cameron Look.

The post How ‘Top Class’ Director Tevin Tavares Went From Directing Damian Lillard’s Music Video to a Docu-Series on Sierra Canyon appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported that Lillard had successful surgery on his abdomen and was in good spirits. Haynes also said that Lillard is expected to be out another 5-6 weeks before the team re-evaluates.

Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers have not had the season that they likely expected heading into the 2021-22 season. Not only has Lillard been in and out of the lineup, but so has CJ McCollum. Numerous teammates have been in and out of COVID-19 protocols as well. Coach Chauncey Billups and the Blazers are still adjusting to each other. The Blazers also fired longtime general manager Neil Olshey after being investigated for office harassment.

Lillard, who reportedly had been dealing with the abdomen injury since the start of the season, has also not had the season he’s become accustomed to. Before the injury, Lillard was averaging 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game but doing so on a career-worst 40.2 field goal percentage and 32.4 three-point percentage.

Portland is currently 10th in the west with an unimpressive record of 16-25, only six games ahead of the Western Conference’s worst Houston Rockets. On Saturday, the Blazers are on the road and will play the Wizards (22-20).

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard ‘Feeling Good’ Following Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Windhorst also reports that the surgery will not put him out for the season, and according to Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes, the Blazers will reevaluate Lillard in six to eight weeks.

Damian Lillard is planning to have surgery in the near future to address a lingering abdominal injury, sources told ESPN. The procedure isn’t expected to be season-ending but that is to be determined.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 12, 2022

This decision is a part of a season reset after the guard was shut down for 10 days last month for the abdominal injury and is out for at least three games, as reported last week.

When the Blazers announced they were shutting Lillard, Coach Chauncey Billups discussed the possibility when asked about the possibility of shutting Lillard down.

“I think that’s probably going to be the route that we go if he doesn’t get some kind of relief there,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said last week per the Oregonian.

It’s no secret that the workload for Lillard has been heavy. Lillard’s gutsy performances in the NBA Bubble allowed Portland to get to the first round of the playoffs. Then after a short offseason with the season starting on Christmas week, he carried the team to yet another first-round playoff loss. Then he immediately went to play with Team USA in Tokyo.

Dame is off to the worst shooting start of his career, shooting only 40.2 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three-point range.

Lillard said in November that the abdomen injury has been affecting him for “three and a half or four seasons.”

Damian Lillard says his ab issue is something he’s been dealing with for “three and a half or four seasons” and is “something that I’ll have to manage.”

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) November 16, 2021

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard Will Undergo Abdominal Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard will also miss Portlands’s next three games due to his recurring abdominal issues. Coach Chauncey Billups remained coy as recently as Tuesday on a timetable for Lillard. Still, he said that the franchise would develop the best plan possible for Lillard to return healthy, whether through surgery or rehab. Lillard will be reevaluated sometime next week.

“I think what we’re gonna do is just kind of meet, put all our heads together here soon and then talk through some of those things,” Billups said, via The Oregonian. “I think that’s probably gonna be the route that we go if he doesn’t get some kind of relief there. Because I can only imagine how frustrated he is. We all know that this dude wants to play every game and play every minute of every game.”

Lillard has averaged 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on career-low 40.2 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent shooting from long distance this season. The Blazers are 2-7 without Lillard and have lost 14 of their last 18 games, including four out of their previous five headed into their Wednesday game against the Miami Heat (23-15).

The post Trail Blazers Announce Damian Lillard Will Miss Next Three Games appeared first on SLAM.

Durant is the first player in the League to do so since Damian Lillard in late January of the 2019-2020 season.

14th triple-double of @KDTrey5’s career in the bag pic.twitter.com/8drVl4IFWy

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 15, 2021

With seven Nets players, including James Harden and Bruce Brown, entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols just hours before Tuesdays tip, Durant was the lynchpin in the Nets win, both on the court and in the locker room beforehand when he elected to play despite being listed as questionable with right ankle soreness.

Nets Coach Steve Nash said ultimately, Durant’s will to play led to his presence on the court and the Nets not forfeiting the contest. Playing the most minutes in a single-overtime regular-season game since his days in OKC in 2014, Durant carried the Nets over the finish line with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists on 12-for-29 shooting from the field in 48 minutes.

“Man, I can’t even explain how I feel,” Durant said in his postgame interview. “It’s December, and we’re down seven players, and we easily could’ve punted this game. But we saw an opportunity for us to grow and get better, especially the younger guys who haven’t played a lot of meaningful games in the NBA, especially against a championship organization like Toronto (and it) was an amazing test for us.”

Durant has been on an absolute tear in December, averaging 35.0 points, 8.0 boards and 7.2 assists on 42 minutes per game during the Nets four-game win streak. Durant averages the second most minutes per game at 36.9.

The (20-8) Nets will have an off-day today as they prepare for their Thursday night matchup against the (15-13) Philadelphia 76ers.

The post Kevin Durant Follows 50-Point Performance with 30-Point Triple-Double appeared first on SLAM.

“My thing to the guys was like, I’ve been here before, we’ve been here before. It’s not ideal. You don’t want to keep telling yourselves in the locker room, ‘Alright, We’ve got to keep pushing; it’s going to get better.’ You know, it’s a situation that we have to make better,” Lillard said. “We have to do things better. And that starts with me.”

After missing the previous five games with an abdominal injury, Lillard returned to the lineup and recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists on 5-for-17 shooting from the field. According to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress, Lillard took a cortisone shot to speed up his return to the court.

Head coach Chauncey Billups noted Lillard’s noticeable off-shooting night, 3-14 from three, resulted from a lack of basketball reps that Lillard has been able to go through over the past few weeks.

Since boasting a 53-win season in 2018-19, the Blazers have struggled to stay ahead of an ever-changing and stacked Western Conference. With guard CJ McCollum out for the foreseeable future with a collapsed lung, Lillard is confident he and his squad will turn things around, given all they’ve endured over the years.

On Tuesday night, Lillard and the Blazers will continue their four-game homestand against Phoenix (21-4).

The post Damian Lillard Says Turning Things In Portland Around Starts With Him appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN’s top NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, Damian Lillard is unavailable. New interim general manager Joe Cronin plans to execute the franchise’s goals of building around their All-Star.

Lillard has repeatedly expressed his commitment to want to remain in Portland on his current long-term contract, and interim GM Joe Cronin has also expressed a strong commitment to continue building the franchise around the All-NBA guard.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 10, 2021

Instead, the Blazers tried to discuss another deal that included possibly moving guard CJ McCollum instead but were quickly rebuffed.

Simmons has not suited up to play for the Sixers this season after requesting a trade shortly after last year’s playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Then after initially refusing to show up for training camp and being fined, he told the team he did not feel mentally ready to play. The Sixers, however, continued to fine Simmons at times throughout this period while refusing any deal that they believed would be a fair return. A hard stance that Philly executive Daryl Morey stated could go on for a long time.

What is being factored in all of the potential Simmons trade talks is the options Philly has on Wednesday. As of December 15, free agents who signed new contracts over the summer are considered eligible to be traded. All told, that’s an additional 106 players or almost 25 percent of the league. According to ESPN, 84 percent of the 446 players are eligible. This potential flexibility explains why Morey and the Sixers were content to play the waiting game. 

The post REPORT: Blazers Remove Damian Lillard From Ben Simmons Trade Talks appeared first on SLAM.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Lillard wants a two-year $107 million extension this summer. Still, potential candidates for the Blazers open general manager position are reluctant to give it to him.

“Among several top-level GM candidates who fit the profile of Portland’s applicant pool, there’s no enthusiasm to grant Lillard his massive extension contract through the 2026-27 season,” Wojnarowski reports.

Wojnarowski reports that several candidates for the Blazers general manager position would be more interested in the job if they were able to trade Lillard instead of extending him.

“In fact, several executives told ESPN they would be far more interested in the Blazers job with ownership’s blessing to move Lillard sooner than later,” Woj said.

The Blazers’ front office is in turmoil after firing long-time general manager and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey after an internal investigation into him creating a hostile work environment on Friday. Portland promoted Joe Cronin to interim general manager after ousting Olshey last week.

Were Lillard to depart the Blazers, it would be the end of an era. Lillard has played in 702 career games, all for Portland has been named to six All-Star teams, six All-NBA teams, and was a member of the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team.

Over his 10-year career, Lillard has averaged 24.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.

The post REPORT: ‘No Enthusiasm’ Among Portland GM Candidates to Give Damian Lillard Extension appeared first on SLAM.

According to sources close to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has expressed interest in playing alongside Philadelphia 76ers three-time All-Star Ben Simmons.

The 11-13 Blazers’ defensive struggles have persisted, ranking 30th in the League in defensive rating (113.3). The acquisition of Simmons would surely invigorate the teams’ defensive ability and mindset, allowing head coach Chauncey Billups to utilize a small-ball lineup capitalizing on what would be their newly acquired athleticism and length on the court.

There were also reports of Lillard growing frustration with the team’s play alongside a rise in tension between the group and Billups. The initial tweet was quote tweeted by a user questioning the report’s validity if it hadn’t come directly from Lillard, to which the six-time All-Star jumped in and cleared the air.

These mfs love drama too damn much. https://t.co/ej15TkAybZ

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) December 6, 2021

Lillard’s production this season has seen a dip as well, averaging 21.5 points and 7.8 assists per game on 39.7 percent shooting from the field. However, an MRI last week confirmed Lillard has been playing with an abdominal injury since capturing gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

The pairing between Lillard and Simmons has been rumored for months. In October, the Blazers rejected a trade package including CJ McCollum, three first-round picks, and three pick swaps for Simmons. Following Neil Olshey’s firing after an investigation into workplace harassment, interim general manager Joe Cronin will have a run of the gambit for potential suitors to place around Lillard.

The post REPORT: Damian Lillard Interested in Playing Alongside Sixers Ben Simmons appeared first on SLAM.

Chauncey Billups: “It’s the NBA. You can’t underestimate anybody. You can’t disrespect anybody being a professional NBA player. I felt like we came in here thinking they were just going to lay down.”

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 3, 2021

Despite missing a few players on the roster that included Damian Lillard (abdominal problems), Norman Powell (sore quad), and Nassir Little (ankle), Portland was blown out by the San Antonio Spurs, 114-83, on Thursday. The Blazers put up little resistance as the Spurs controlled both ends of the floor.

Billups did not hide his frustrations after the game.

Chauncey Billups: “I want us to compete harder. I want us to be more competitive in every game. I don’t feel like we do that, and it concerns me. And I’ve felt that way in a lot of our wins. This is not just after a loss, me saying that.”

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 3, 2021

This is the latest chapter of issues the franchise has faced in the last few months. After yet another first-round exit, Terry Stotts was released as head coach. Then rumors of Damian Lillard wanting to be traded dominated the headlines throughout the summer to the point he stated he would stay quiet. Even the Billups hire brought controversy.

Now that Neil Olshey was let go as the team’s lead executive, Billups is trying to find ways to light a fire under this 11-12 team now that Lillard is not playing at an All-NBA level up to this point.

The post Chauncey Billups Calls Out Blazers Saying “I want us to compete harder” appeared first on SLAM.

Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard will miss at least 10 days with lower abdominal tendinopathy, team says.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2021

Lillard’s abdominal injury has been lingering on and off for weeks, missing a November 14 game against the Denver Nuggets and Tuesday’s contest against the Blazers 110-92 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported back in August that Lillard played through the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with an abdominal injury. It has since hampered his production at the start of his 10th season with the Blazers.

Through 20 appearances this season, Lillard is averaging 21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 35.7 minutes per game on 39.7 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from three-point territory.

In his absence, the Blazers will turn to their 2018 first-round pick Anfernee Simons and Dennis Smith Jr. Simons is averaging a career-high 12.5 points and 2.2 assists on 46.5 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three on 23.6 minutes per game.

The Blazers’ next test without their star guard will be Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

The post Damian Lillard to Miss At Least 10 Days Due to Abdominal Injury appeared first on SLAM.

Portland was out three key players; Damian Lillard (abdominal tendinopathy), Norman Powell (right quad contusion), and Nassir Little (left ankle sprain).

In their stead, McCollum bore the weight, dropping 28 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the Blazers 110-92 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. In his 22nd game with Portland this season, McCollum surpassed Clifford Robinson to become the organization’s 5th all-time leading scorer.

McCollum has now scored 10,425 in his career, needing to score 905 points to overtake Terry Porter, who holds down fourth place with 11,330 points.

Congratulations, @CJMcCollum! pic.twitter.com/x7xIDLYCMC

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 1, 2021

McCollum is averaging 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season. He’s shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Trail Blazers will host the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night.

The post CJ McCollum Becomes 5th All-Time Leading Scorer in Trail Blazer History appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to Howard Beck on the Crossover Podcast, Olshey may be fired as a result of the investigation, and his replacement could be former Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge.

“If Neil Olshey winds up getting forced out, do not be surprised to hear Danny Ainge’s name connected to that job,” Beck said. “I don’t know if Danny would take it, but I would expect him to be in the mix for a vacancy in Portland.”

Adds Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix (per NBC Sports): “If Portland does move on from Olshey, there is an expectation that former Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge could be a target to run the team’s basketball operations. Ainge retired from Boston’s front office at the end of the 2021 season and has remained a consultant to Brad Stevens and the Celtics…

Ainge is from Oregon, having grown up in Eugene. Ainge was a three-sport star at North Eugene High School. Ainge garnered first-team All-American honors in football, basketball and baseball.”

Ainge stepped away from the Celtics following the end of last season but led the team to a lot of success during his 18 years at the helm, including winning an NBA Championship in 2008.

The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled to make an impact in the postseason despite having one of the League’s most dynamic guards, Damian Lillard. Under new head coach Chauncey Billups, the Blazers are 5-7 to start the season.

The post REPORT: Danny Ainge Could Be a Candidate for Blazers GM Position appeared first on SLAM.

Against the Sixers, Lillard finished with 20 points and 10 assists, shooting 7-for-20 from the field and 2-for-9 from behind the arc.

“I always look at struggles as an opportunity to show my true character,” Lillard says, per ESPN. “When things go great there’s a lot of praise that goes along with that. A lot of people give you a lot of credit. They speak highly of you on social media, TV. ‘Oh Dame had 60, Dame had 50.’ They speak really highly of you. But I think it says more when you’re going through something and s— is kind of hitting the fan and you’re struggling and everybody’s got something to say and to me the real ones, they can keep on trucking and keep on going and still find a way to get the job done.”

According to ESPN, Lillard hit the floor against Philly with low averages in points (18.6), field goal percentages (34.9%), and 3-point shooting (23.1%). However, the guard is embracing the low-point that he is currently in and sees this as a challenge to beat the odds and prove the naysayers wrong:

“And, me personally, I love when those opportunities present themselves,” Lillard says, per ESPN. Because when I am riding high and when I do get smoking hot and when I get going people are going to look at it and be like, ‘We remember when you were struggling and you didn’t shy away from it.’ I think it will be more respect for the success when they see how you handle failure and how you handle struggle.”

“So, personally, I embrace that. It’s not fun. It’s not easy but it’s part of my DNA. That’s how I got to this position. I’m not angry about it. I’m frustrated with it. I do see it as a challenge and it’s one I accept and I know I’ll come out on top like I always do.”

The post Damian Lillard Views Struggles As ‘An Opportunity to Show My Character’ appeared first on SLAM.

The top ranked prospect in the class of 2023, who committed to UCLA back in March, has continued to make a name for herself on the court. From her elite mid-range jumper to her athleticism on the court as a scorer, the La Jolla Country Day High School point guard won the JR NBA Championship in 2021 and was selected to play for Team USA at the FIBA Americas U16 tournament. There, she averaged 11.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while helping lead the team to a 6-0 record and a gold medal.

In September, Williams turned up at the Nike Nationals and effortlessly showed off her versatility, knocking down shots from three-point range and dishing out dimes to her teammates. Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony was even in attendance.

When we caught with Jada earlier this month, it was clear that not only is she confident, but her passion for the game runs deep.

“A lot of people say, Oh, how come you don’t average 30? At the end of day, I want to win,” Williams told SLAM over the phone. “I’m gonna do whatever I have to do in the game to win, I’m gonna be the person that dives on the floor every possession. I’m going to be the person that guards the best player on the floor. I’m gonna do all that…If my thing that game is to have 30 assists, that’s what I’m gonna do…My whole heart is into this game. This is my passion, this is one of my purposes.”

 “Every time I step out there, I’m going to communicate with my teammates, I’m going to be a leader of the team, I’m gonna do all that because, like, in my head, I’m a true PG…That’s my goal: to be able to lead the team on the court. Yes, there’s a coach off the court, and I’m going to have a special relationship with them, but when we’re in between those [court] lines, it’s us five versus the other team, right? So when I step out there, I’m going to be the leader of the pack. It’s me and my mine versus you and yours. I think that’s what really separates me, just knowing that I can impact the game more than just scoring.” 

That passion will serve her well at UCLA and as the newest brand ambassador of Spalding. Williams says she’s ready to use her platform to help elevate the women’s game, and through the multiyear partnership, she’ll help front campaigns, collaborate on a limited-edition basketball series, and even engage in programs focused on growing women’s youth basketball. 

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always played with a Spalding. [I’ve heard] that I played with other balls, just because I had to because the game ball was something different, but usually it was always Spalding or Wilson. So, just being able to be here now, like, when I was younger, I just remember getting my first ball for Christmas and being able to play outside with it, taking it everywhere basically, not really knowing where it was going to take me in life.”

“To be in this position and grow the women’s game [as] one of the first girls to sign with the basketball company and still being a junior in high school is something that I never [knew] I would do. But, I’m super blessed. I prayed for times like this and God put it on my plate because He knows I can handle it. So, [I’m staying] grounded, being humble [and helping] grow the game and use my platform to the best of my ability.”

As a standout female hopper on the rise, Williams says it’s always been a priority of hers to use her platform to inspire others, especially young girls. Growing up, she looked up to players like Sue Bird and Skylar Diggins-Smith, who showed her that she could be into modeling and fashion and hoop at the same time. 

“When I was younger, [people would] say, Oh, well, you can’t be a girly girl and play basketball. She kind of paved the way for me [where] I could be cute, I could take pictures if I want to and can still get on the court and hoop with the boys if I have to. The WNBA in general, these women go through so much adversity with the haters…The WNBA just inspires me.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jada Williams (@cbg.jada24)

With that, Williams says she cherishes the moments she got to spend talking to the late-Kobe Bryant, and wants to continue to honor both his, and Gigi’s legacy.

“Kobe, [he] was probably my biggest inspiration ever. I would definitely call him like an uncle to me. Every time I spoke to him, he always had wise words and made me wake up every day and really think to myself, how can I push myself beyond the limits that other people don’t…When I wake up in the morning, I think about, How can I live their legacy? I just feel like God is just telling me to just go hard, go hard, go hard.” 

She admits that when her mom told her about the opportunity to work with Spalding, her immediate reaction was, Spalding, as in the basketball company? To her own surprise, the legendary basketball brand—who has been changing the game since it debuted its first-ever product in 1937—wanted her to be their brand ambassador alongside NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, DeMar DeRozan and even Australian pro hooper Ezi Magbegor.

“I’ve done other stuff where I post on my instagram with one ball, but I had never signed a contract because up until now, it wasn’t allowed because of NCAA rules,” she says. “I knew stuff was gonna come in, but I didn’t know that it was going to come in as soon as it did.” 

 “What better platform to be [an] ambassador for the company and be able to grow the women’s game,” she adds. “That’s one of my ultimate goals: to grow the women’s game and be somebody that the younger girls can look up to. People ask me, well what do you want to do? and I’m like, inspire young kids.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jada Williams (@cbg.jada24)

And, now that college student-athletes can profit off of their own name, image and likeness (NIL), and high school athletes can do so in the state of California, brand deals such as this one will also give Williams the opportunity to give back to her family. 

“I think for all athletes, whatever we get to do now is a blessing because we’ve always dreamed about this. Everyone’s always been, you know, debating why we shouldn’t [and] why we should get paid and stuff like that, but when they passed [the NIL legislation], I feel like we do so much and we give our life to this and [now] we’re able to give back and provide for our families. That’s really my goal, like, I’m not trying to get money to buy shoes right now. It’s for the long run—to be able to start those connections.” 

Don’t get it twisted though, Williams says her aspirations aren’t just financial. She’s looking to use her platform and fulfill her purpose:

“Money is not the end goal here, it’s to grow the game,” she clarifies. “Everybody’s passionate about something, basketball and something. It’s not just basketball, you know? My purpose is much bigger than basketball. If I can be that light in someone’s dark world now, that’s my end goal.” 

Spalding is releasing a new collection of apparel, the Fundamentals—which features an exclusive collection of tees, sweatpants, shorts and hoodies that make for the perfect on, and off, court fit. It’s available starting November 5.

Photos via Spalding and Getty Images.

The post UCLA Commit Jada Williams Wants to Elevate the Women’s Game as a Brand Ambassador for Spalding appeared first on SLAM.

Despite the coaching changes in the offseason—from the departure of Terry Stotts to the hiring of current head coach Chauncey Billups—Lillard says he’s had a conversation with Billups and is “all in” on the team being a contender this season.

“I’m optimistic. I’m a believer,” Lillard told NBA.com. “And I love this organization.”

“It was never out of hate or that we don’t like each other,” he added. “It was just, ‘This is how much I want to win it.’ So, once it was time to come back and I had a conversation with Chauncey and had a conversation with Neil, I’m not going to come back halfhearted. I’m going to come back and be all in.”

While Dame’s averages of 17 points per game while shooting 36 percent from the field and 8.3 percent from three-point range are below his career averages of 24.6 points per game, 43.8 percent shooting and 37.4 percent from behind the line, Billups says things will “work itself out”:

“I think Dame is probably in the middle of trying to play and do some of the new things that we’re asking, but also [figuring] out when to really be aggressive,” Billups said. “He’s one of the best players in the game for a reason. You play through him, and everything kind of works itself out.”

Damian and the Blazers take on Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday October 27th.

The post Damian Lillard Says He’s ‘Optimistic’ About Portland Contending for NBA Title appeared first on SLAM.

The latest development in this ongoing story comes on Friday when the The Athletic’s David Aldrige reveals that Simmons would be open to a trade to the Sacramento Kings.

“I’ve written this on Simmons to Sac before, and the rationale still holds. Simmons is an elite defensive player. He’s an elite passer. He has four years left on his deal. (He would have no problem going to Sacramento, I’m told, so strong is his desire to get out of Philadelphia.)”

It remains to be seen whether Ben Simmons gives in and shows up to the Sixers.

What was made clear to @sam_amick is that all hope of reconciliation is gone.

More: https://t.co/5z4nkg2gr3 pic.twitter.com/hkKBOrSaCe

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 8, 2021

Earlier in the Summer, reports came out that Simmons had an interest in playing for three different California teams leaving Kings fans to question if they were amongst one of those group teams.

It was also reported that the Sixers asking price was too steep for the Sacramento with the Kings having no interest in trading franchise centerpieces such as De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.

Sacramento has since drafted former Baylor standout Davion Mitchell, and Aldrige notes that the Kings’ current backcourt log jam could be fixed if Haliburton or Mitchell is utilized as the main piece in a Simmons trade.

Veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield’s name has also shown up in multiple trade rumors regarding the 76ers.

While Kings have struggled to gain any consistency, missing the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons, pulling off a trade for one of the best young players in the game in Simmons could certainly help trigger the turnaround. Stay tuned for more details and updates as Simmons’ time in Philadelphia comes to a close.

The post REPORT: Ben Simmons Open to Trade to the Sacramento Kings appeared first on SLAM.

“Man, most memorable…well, really this right here, I ain’t never been in nothing like this!” she said. “Flew out, penthouse, A-Boogie performed, this was crazy. This is probably the highlight of my whole basketball career.”

She probably should’ve added “so far.” In a game increasingly dominated by unicorns, Flau’jae is about to redefine the idea of the supremely versatile hooper, thanks to her ability both on and off the court. If you already know her name, there’s a good chance it’s due to her rhyming skills. Her ability as an MC is the biggest reason she claims nearly 650,000 Instagram followers and close to 120,000 YouTube subscribers—a following that began building from the time she appeared on Lifetime’s The Rap Game back in 2017, when she was just 12 years old.

Now a senior at Sprayberry (GA) High in Marietta, the Savannah native has never stopped polishing her music skills—check last year’s XXL freestyle or the array of singles on her YouTube channel for confirmation—even as she’s emerged as one of the best players in the 2022 class. And yes, she’s got the credentials to back up that claim, too: Defensive MVP at this summer’s Nike Nationals, and MVP of the SLAM Summer Classic after a performance loaded with highlight plays. Increasingly, it looks like there’s not much the 5-10 combo guard can’t do.

“A lot of people go to the next level, but it’s like, who’s really gonna excel?” she says. “I’ve always been the best at my level…When I go to the next level, I don’t want to be no regular player. Every time I step on the floor, I bring that demeanor that nobody else got. I play with a different type of energy.”

She credits her hometown for that energy. “Where I’m from, that’s how we get down—we get in your face, we talk, we pop our junk. So that’s what I do, every time.” But her success is down to more than just intensity and a killer crossover. She’s proud of the grind that allows her to maximize her talent. “I don’t ever let nobody outwork me, ever,” she says. “I work hard. I don’t play around. What you see on the court, it’s like a replica of what I already put in.”

By her own admission, it wasn’t that long ago that basketball was something Johnson did mostly for fun. “I didn’t even know you could go to college for basketball until they started offering me,” she says. “I was focused on my music. It wasn’t even on my mind.”

That changed when it became clear she was a high DI talent, an assessment confirmed by an offer list that she recently narrowed to five finalists: Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ole Miss and Texas. Needless to say, basketball is now very much a priority.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flau’jae (@flaujae)

But it’s not the only one. Music is in her blood—her father, Savannah rapper Camoflauge, was killed shortly before Flau’jae was born—and she’s too good not to keep at it. And no, it’s not crazy to think she can be elite in both arenas. 

“I wanna be like how—no disrespect—Damian Lillard’s doing, but for real, for real. I want to be the first to ever do it, like, for real.”

The games require very different skill sets, of course, but whether on the court or on the mic, Flau’jae says there’s a common thread running through her performance. 

“My delivery, how I rap, I’m coming for you every time,” she says. “You gonna feel that, like, she talkin’ to me. On the basketball court, I’m coming at you the same way.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flau’jae (@flaujae)

Portraits Jon Lopez and Jonathan Lewis.

The post Listen Up: Flau’jae Johnson is Ready to Takeover the Game appeared first on SLAM.

Morant recently told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto that he is a top-five point guard in the NBA today. He put himself on that list alongside Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook.

“The point guard position is so loaded. Some guys have to get left out,” said Morant.

The former rookie of the year averaged 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game last season. While he does need to improve on his 3-point shooting, he certainly is on his way to becoming one of the top point guards in the NBA.

As Morant enters his third NBA season, he has extremely high expectations for himself.

The post Ja Morant Says He Is A Top-Five Point Guard in NBA appeared first on SLAM.

More than a century later, Spalding’s legacy continues with their newest TF line of performance basketballs that are engineered for hoopers at every level, whether it’s on the hardwood or outdoors on the blacktop.

To announce the launch, Spalding has linked with All-Star Damian Lillard, who has been an ambassador for the brand since 2016.

In fact, Dame has been rockin’ with the brand since he was a youngin’ growing up in Brookfield Village in Oakland, California. 

“Once you pick up a Spalding TF ball, you’ll never let it go. Spalding TF has always been my go-to rock,” Lilllard wrote on Instagram. “From my first bucket on a milk crate hoop in Brookfield, to my first big #DameTime moments. Every alley. Every gym. Anytime, anywhere.”

Spalding’s latest launch is a testament to their commitment to revolutionizing the game. In 1937, the brand debuted its first-ever “Last Bilt” basketball, a stitchless, laceless, oh-so perfectly balanced basketball that would later be renamed to the Top-Flite 100, the first rock in the brand’s TF line that eventually led to their first NBA game ball in ‘83. 

Spalding continued to make waves in the ‘90s with the TF-1000, the first-ever basketball made with composite leather material. Today, their innovative approach to design continues with their latest line of TF basketballs, which are engineered for performance—from the rubber to the composite to the genuine leather. The Spalding TF line is here to help you elevate your game even further, anytime and anywhere.

Better yet, Dame said it best: From the moment you pick up a TF ball, it’s always there for you. Now do something with it.

The Spalding TF line of performance basketballs debuted on September 2, AG Spalding’s birthday.

The post Spalding Continues to Change the Game with New TF Line of Performance Basketballs appeared first on SLAM.

As they continue to try to capitalize on Damian Lillard‘s championship window, the Portland Trail Blazers have been making noise in this year’s free agency by taking flyers on a number of players whose current reputations don’t match their upside.

After signing 23-year-old Dennis Smith Jr. to a non-guaranteed contract, the Blazers followed up that low-risk, high-reward move by agreeing to a training camp deal with 24-year-old Marquese Chriss; both of whom were top-10 NBA Draft selections.

This signing might be the best for the Blazers yet, as they look to add more offensive weapons to their already large arsenal.

An 11-year vet who played 38 games last season for the Los Angeles Clippers, Patterson shot 35.7 percent from 3-point range in 2020-21 while having a career 3-point percentage of 36.9. Having long-proven he can space the floor well and make smart plays when needed, Patterson’s offensive skillset meshes well with the Blazers crop of defensive-minded combo forwards.

The Blazers are also considering signing veteran forward Michael Beasley to a training camp deal after he played well for their Las Vegas Summer League team.

Beasley, 32-years-old, has a career scoring average of 12.4 points per game.

The post Patrick Patterson Agrees to Training Camp Deal with Trail Blazers appeared first on SLAM.

Furthermore, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto recently reported that Portland has interest in bringing in more forwards, with guys like Michael Beasley and Patrick Patterson being among the top of their list. 

Patterson was signed on Thursday, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, but Beasley could still be another intriguing option to bring into camp. With nothing to lose, the Blazers could sign him to a non-guaranteed deal and give him a shot. 

Beasley is the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He last played in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018-19 season. The forward played in 26 games while averaging 7.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest. 

It would make sense for Beasley to join the Blazers in training camp, especially considering he just played for them in NBA Summer League last month. 

The post Portland Trail Blazers Interested In Bringing Michael Beasley In For Training Camp appeared first on SLAM.

No more deafening screams. No more thunderous ovations. No more “F you” chants.

Just silence. 

The type of silence that’s palpable. The type that’s uncomfortable. The type only preceded by deafening screams, and thunderous ovations, and “F you” chants.

Swaggering back down the court, Trae Young peers up at the crowd and scrunches his face into a scowl. Thousands of shocked fans return his gaze, suddenly tight-lipped. Young slowly lifts a finger to his own mouth. Shhhh. 

Yeah, it’s quiet now. Real quiet. 

About three hours earlier, Young sat in the visitor’s locker room at Madison Square Garden, eagerly awaiting his playoff debut. He was finally here, finally on the big stage, despite every bit of criticism and doubt directed his way. He began the mundane routine of lacing his sneakers; only this time, things were slightly different. He wasn’t wearing the hi-top, futuristic adidas N3XT L3V3Ls, as he had been previously. This time, he was lacing his sneakers for real. A bright orange, size 13 pair of Trae Young 1s, his first signature sneaker with the Three Stripes—a low-cut model that features a combination of BOOST and LIGHTSTRIKE cushioning.

“To be honest with you, I wasn’t supposed to wear them until next year,” Young tells KICKS. “Probably game 1 of next year. But I really wanted to play in my first playoff series in my shoe.”

Get your copy of KICKS 24 featuring Trae Young NOW!

So adidas got to work. They expedited the product’s original timeline, one that can take up to two full years from conception to release. The new plan had been set in stone a couple of weeks prior to the series, but Young had kept it mostly hushed. Only a handful of reps from the brand and people in his inner circle knew what was coming.

“He had mentioned it, but I didn’t know for sure he was going to wear them,” says NBA trainer and close friend Irv Roland, who’s from the same area in Oklahoma as Trae and has become like family through the years. “We FaceTime every couple of days and I had seen him. We had talked about it but I wasn’t sure he was going to do it.”

Now, as Young tightened the knots on the “Peachtree” colorway (a nod to the Atlanta street of the same name), teammates started to take notice. “Obviously when you put them on for the first time, everybody knows it’s your first time,” recalls Trae. “Your teammates are talking you up and hyping you up. It was a cool moment because I had really cool teammates who were doing that to me and wanted me to play well in my debut in them.”

Signature sneaker debuts are rarely calm—they are methodical, well-thought-out and tactically organized around a marquee game. There’s an elaborate marketing strategy in place with detailed photos and promotional videos to drum up excitement. The debut of the Trae Young 1 didn’t have any of that—considering the sneaker wasn’t scheduled to hit shelves for months—but it was perhaps the loudest sneaker unveiling in NBA history. 

“Adidas did a great job of helping me, making it possible for me to wear my shoe in the playoffs. When they gave me the opportunity to do that, I knew I needed to take advantage of the moment,” Young explains. “Playing in the Garden, playing the Knicks in the first round, I knew it was a great opportunity for people to see not only our team and me, but they get to see my shoes, too.”

In the predictably hostile MSG environment, Young dominated from the jump. He controlled the flow of the game and, despite the deafening screams and thunderous ovations and “F you” chants, was completely composed. He torched the Knicks’ defense out of the pick-and-roll, hitting floater after floater and throwing perfect lobs to Clint Capela and John Collins. And then, with less than 10 seconds left and the score tied at 105 apiece, he danced his way to the paint and nailed yet another floater. 

The game-winner.

The silencer.

He finished with 32 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in the 107-105 victory, becoming just the fourth player ever to record at least 30 and 10 in their postseason debut. “It’s still kind of surreal to me,” Young says, thinking back on that night. “When you’re in those games, you’re in those moments, you’re so locked in that you don’t really appreciate them until later on. So after the playoffs and everything, it’s been kind of crazy just knowing that our team did what we did and I was able to go in there and hit a game-winner in my first playoff game ever. It’s definitely an experience I won’t forget.”

A few days prior, Young had actually teased the sneaker debut on his Instagram. He posted a short video of the sample box, revealing the message printed in his handwriting across the top: “Always remember when they doubted you…” 

The line has become a mantra for Trae, a code that he’s lived by ever since high school, when the doubters began to emerge. He has the words “Always Remember” tatted on his right forearm and constantly shares the message on social media. He remembers when critics said he was too small, not athletic enough, couldn’t thrive at the highest level. He remembers when they said he was an empty-stats guy, all flash and no substance, not a winner. He remembers all of it.

From day one, that negativity has been fuel for his rise. 

“A lot of people say they don’t look at social media and stuff like that. But I’m not going to lie to you: I’m a 19-year-old kid, I look at Twitter, I look at Instagram, I look at the mock drafts,” Young told SLAM in January of 2018, when he was still at the University of Oklahoma. “I noticed in the summertime that I wasn’t on anything.”

“Keep that same energy is something that I live by today,” he said almost two years later, gracing his second SLAM cover. “People that had that energy of just always talking bad or just not believing in me, it’s just something that has motivated me. Every high-level player has something that motivates them. And criticism is one thing that motivates me.”

It’s not the only thing—Young draws inspiration from a number of sources. But he also hears the outside noise. Often, it’s impossible not to. 

“You ain’t got no choice but to hear it when a whole arena is chanting ‘F you,’” he says with a smile. “That’s just fun. Me, I’m a competitive person in whatever I’m doing. Anytime somebody’s talking trash, whether it’s my little brother, my dad, or a random person playing pick-up ball with me, I’m going to be the same way. That’s just my mindset. I’ve had this approach with everything I’ve done up until now. And I ain’t gonna change anytime soon, for sure.”

To represent him properly, Young’s signature sneaker had to incorporate that message. Always remember. It’s a mindset that has helped him achieve remarkable success at a rapid pace. He was the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in scoring and assists. He was named an All-Star starter in merely his second season in the NBA. He averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists in his first playoff run, leading the Hawks on an unexpected journey to the Eastern Conference Finals. And, after signing a long-term extension with adidas, he’s set to drop his own sneaker and apparel line at the age of just 22. He joins James Harden, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell and Derrick Rose as the fifth active adidas basketball signature athlete. 

Trae’s younger brother, Tim, played a significant role during the design process, sharing his creative, outside-the-box ideas. So far, we’ve seen Trae wear colorways that pay homage to his new hometown (a green pair inspired by the imagery for the 1996 Summer Olympics in 
Atlanta; a black edition to match the team’s MLK jerseys, including hues that mimic the stained-glass design on their court) and reflect his own persona (a light blue version with red accents and a polar bear printed on the heel, alluding to his “Ice Trae” nickname). There are plenty more flavors with innovative themes on the way next season, too.

Young doesn’t need further validation, but the arrival of his signature sneaker is yet another sign that he’s proved his doubters wrong. The shoe is a symbol of what’s possible when you don’t let the doubters deter you—when you use them as extra motivation instead.

KICKS 24 featuring Trae Young is available NOW!

Though less orchestrated than usual, the Trae Young 1’s debut seemed flawlessly scripted in hindsight. The 6-1 guard has relished silencing his critics forever—and in his first playoff game, wearing his signature sneaker for the first time, he literally got to silence an arena full of them.

“I was at the game and excited to see him because coming from a small place, a kid like this that has received so much doubt and so many people saying what he wasn’t gonna be, and for him to now be a max-deal player with his own shoe, playing in his first playoff series in his third year, it was pretty incredible,” describes Roland. “It was almost like a movie scene. For him to come to New York, one of the toughest places in the League to play, with those fans—I mean, on the first play of the game, he gets the ball and they’re yelling ‘F you, Trae Young!’ His whole family was there. It was his very first playoff game. And for him to get the game-winner in Madison Square Garden. You can’t really draw up a better script. I’ve seen him hit big shots and stuff like that before, but that was literally like something out of a movie.”

The lasting image of Young standing in the middle of the Garden floor, a finger to his lips, the orange of his “Peachtree” 1s glistening under the bright lights is a perfect embodiment of who he is. Self-assured. Confident. Defiant. Fearless.

“He’s always been a guy who was putting in hours where other people were just doing the minimum,” Roland continues. “He was doing extra to separate himself. And I think that’s where the confidence comes from, from the hours and the reps that he’s put in. And so with all the doubt, with all the noise that comes from the outside, he’s able to just stay cool because he’s so confident in his skill set.”

“He’s small, but he’s a tough kid and he’s not afraid. He’s not afraid of taking that shot,” Hawks head coach Nate McMillan told reporters afterward. “He’s a guy who believes in himself.”

The hope is that everyone who laces up the Trae Young 1 will believe in themselves the same way; that they are inspired to be like Trae, undaunted by obstacles and doubt, bolstered by that inner-confidence.

“I’m always going to stay true to myself no matter what,” Young says. “I think this shoe is going to bring out a lot of the creative ideas in my mind and hopefully influence [people] and give a lot of people inspiration when they put them on.”

“When I put these shoes on, I want to have fun with whatever I’m doing,” he adds. “So if I’m on the court and I got them on, I’m gonna put on a show.” 

KICKS 24 feat. Trae Young is available now in gold and black metal editions.

Shop here.

Portraits by Atiba Jefferson. Follow Atiba in Instagram, @atibaphoto.

Action photos via Getty Images.

The post Trae Young on the Debut of the adidas Trae Young 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Beal was recently asked what he’s been working on during the offseason, going more in depth on his shooting. 

“Deeper threes. I’m not trying to compete with Dame [Lillard], I’m not Logo Lillard. But I want to shoot deeper threes and shoot more threes,” Beal told Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.

In what was actually a down year in Beal’s terms from deep, he shot just 34.9 percent from three. 

“You know I need to shoot more threes. You probably say it all the time,” said Beal. “And, obviously, make them. I have to make them.”

On a new-look Wizards team, Beal will still be the best player. However, he’ll have to get acquainted to all of the new faces on the roster as he looks to score points in bunches. 

The post Bradley Beal: ‘I Want To Shoot Deeper Threes’ appeared first on SLAM.

In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, McCollum says that the current Blazers roster could absolutely win an NBA Championship.

“I think whenever we step on the court, we have a chance to win a championship,” McCollum says. “If you don’t have that mindset and that mentality, then you shouldn’t play.”

The future of the Blazers has an air of uncertainty heading into the 2021-22 season, after an offseason of rumors surrounding both Lillard and McCollum potentially being traded out of Portland.

Nothing has come of these rumors so far, and it currently looks as though both of them will remain on the team for the start of the season.

The Blazers finished sixth in the Western Conference last season, with a record of 42-30, and were eventually bounced out of the NBA Playoffs in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. Portland has only managed to get past the first round once out of the past five years.

Now under new head coach Chauncey Billups, the Blazers will look to prove McCollum right in the 2021-22 season.

The post CJ McCollum Says Current Trail Blazers Could Win Championship appeared first on SLAM.

Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard is just leaving Tokyo, with Team USA emerging victorious in their gold medal game against France and while the nation revels in his performance on the court, Lillard continues to excel off of it as well.

and Dame D.O.L.L.A. just blessed the hip-hop scene with his latest single from his upcoming album, Different On Levels The Lord Allowed.

Last night, Lillard—known by the moniker rap name Dame D.O.L.L.A. in the music industry—announced the release date for his fourth album, Different On Levels The Lord Allowed.

Dame also blessed the hip-hop scene with a peak behind the curtain, dropping his first single from the project, “The Juice.”

D.O.L.L.A. ≠ $

The pre-order/pre-save for my 4th album Different On Levels The Lord Allowed drops tonight at 9 PT/Midnight ET with the 1st single “The Juice”. Full album drops August 20th.#DameDOLLA #FrontPageMusic pic.twitter.com/ujHHLozUVP

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) August 5, 2021

While Different On Levels The Lord Allowed won’t drop on streaming services until Aug. 20, Dame has dropped now four singles from the album, “Home Team,” “Kobe” and “GOAT Spirit,” along with the opening track of the LP, “The Juice” — demonstrating the cohesive feel of the project.

Possibly the most gifted lyricist of the current generations hoopers-turned-rappers, Lillard’s talent in front of the mic garnered him a feature on the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack, “About That Time,” where he would team up with G-Eazy, P-Lo and Noah David.

The post Dame DOLLA is Back with His Newest Track, ‘The Juice’ appeared first on SLAM.

The USA men’s basketball team has now won three straight games and will face Australia in the semifinals Thursday and a chance to play in the gold medal game on Saturday. A win over the weekend will land the Americans their fourth Olympic gold medal in a row. 

Just went off for a top-10 scoring performance in U.S. Men’s Olympic history @KDTrey5!

KD’s 29 PTS vs is good for 9th all-time on the single game leaderboard. KD also holds down a tie for 4th (30 PTS, twice) & 10th (28 PTS).

#USABMNT x #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/jA1q5gSFx2

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 3, 2021

The Americans took over in the second half despite Spain’s Ricky Rubio putting on a masterful 38-point performance. It was the highest point total ever against Team USA in any international event.

Kevin Durant was one of five U.S. players in double figures, with Jayson Tatum (13 points ), Jrue Holiday (12), Damian Lillard (11), and Zach LaVine (10).

The post USA Men’s Basketball Team Defeats Spain, Will Face Australia in Semifinals appeared first on SLAM.

All of those accomplishments added up to Duncan Robinson signing the largest contract by an undrafted player in NBA history. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he’s signed a five-year, $90 million extension this week.

Duncan Robinson – host of the @TheLongshotPod – has agreed to a 5-year, $90M contract to stay with the Miami Heat, his agent Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. The deal, largest ever for an undrafted player, also includes an ETO after the fourth year.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 2, 2021

The Athletic’s John Hollinger reports that even though the market for Robinson was in the $16-$18 million range, the Heat would match the offers for him.

“One thing that seems more clear – League sources expect the price on Duncan Robinson to land in the $18 million a year range, and that the Heat will likely match offers on the restricted free agent at this price point,”

Last season, Robinson averaged 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on the strength of an impressive shooting display of 40.8 percent from behind the three-point line. Duncan finished fifth in the NBA in three-pointers made behind Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Damian Lillard, and CJ McCollum.

The post REPORT: Miami Heat Reward Duncan Robinson With Contract Extension appeared first on SLAM.

As first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Portland was able to make this happen, agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with the high-scoring guard.

During the 2020-21 season, Powell averaged 18.6 points while shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. Still just 28 years old, he significantly raises the ceiling of the Blazers as they look to be a legit contender this season.

The post Norman Powell Set To Return to Portland on Five-Year, $90 Million Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Dues paid. Inside #USABMNT practice ahead of Wednesday’s #Tokyo2020 matchup with Iran (12:40 AM ET, Peacock)! pic.twitter.com/MVkssq0yTK

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 27, 2021

The intensity carried over into the game and after the first quarter, the game was basically over thanks to the U.S. finding their three-point stroke. The U.S. made 19 shots from beyond the arc and shot 55 percent from the field.

Damian Lillard improved from the last game, scoring 21 points. Devin Booker had 16 and Jayson Tatum finished with 14 in the 120-66 win on Wednesday. The win marks their first victory after having their 25-game Olympic winning streak snapped.

The Americans finish out their Group A competition against the Czech Republic on Saturday. If they win, the U.S. qualifies for the quarterfinals. Even if they lose the game, there’s a solid chance that they would advance. Due to the huge point differential of this game, it helps fill out the lower seeds of the single-elimination quarterfinals.

The post Post Up: Team USA Gets Bounce Back Win Over Iran in Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

NBA Champion Jrue Holiday led the U.S. with 18 points, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter. While that effort helped give Team USA a 74-67 lead with 3:41 left in the game, it wasn’t enough as France went on a 16-2 run to close out the game.

France was led by Evan Fournier‘s 28 points, while Rudy Gobert scored 14 and Nando de Colo had 13.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant struggled, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and finishing with only 10 points. Bam Adebayo had 12 points and Damian Lillard had 11. 

This loss does not eliminate the U.S. from a chance at the gold medal, but they can’t afford any more losses. The Americans finish out their Group A competition against Iran on Wednesday and the Czech Republic on Saturday. If they win both games, the U.S. qualifies for the quarterfinals. However, one more loss and the Americans will need to finish in the top eight of this 12-team tournament.

The post Post Up: Team USA Loses to France in Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

Knicks’ general manager Scott Perry was offered a multi-year contract extension by the team, according to The Atheltic’s Shams Charania.

Perry was brought into the organization in 2017 and was responsible for acquiring assets like 2020-21 Most Improved Player Julius Randle and Derrick Rose. Perry was also notably on an expiring deal and needed a new deal to remain with the organization.

The Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2013, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference but losing to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs in five games.

Perry and the Knicks are looking to have a potentially big offseason, with rumors linking them to NBA stars like Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, and Collin Sexton.

The post Scott Perry Reportedly Given Contract Extension appeared first on SLAM.

The resulting play, a masterclass of grit, pure athleticism, and an undying will to win, sent ripples through the NBA world.

Giannis Antetokoumpo, Milwaukee’s affable superstar, went from guarding Booker to almost instantaneously turning 180 degrees before springing into the air and blocking Ayton’s shot before he even had a chance to make contact with the rim. This block was the catalyzing factor in a late 7-0 run for the Bucks, who clawed back to win the game 109-101 after trailing for much of the four quarters.

One of the most fluid and forceful defensive plays in NBA Finals history, this impressive moment is already being immortalized as “The Giannis Block.”

CLUTCH BLOCK BY GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/jwB0b75o65

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2021

It immediately garnered the attention and praise from players around the league, who took to social media to express just how unfathomably clutch and impressive Giannis’s block was.

“That block by Giannis might have won them the game,” tweeted All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard.

That block by Giannis might have won them the game

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 15, 2021

“That block by Giannis one of the best i ever seen,” tweeted six-year NBA veteran Richaun Holmes.

Those in the game itself also expressed amazement at Giannis’ play. Following the game, Bucks guard Pat Connaughton was asked about the block, which he called “the best block of all time.” 

When asked himself about the play, Giannis’ first remark was not one of total self-assurance. he, instead, was forthcoming about what he thought was going to happen.

“I thought I was going to get dunked on, to be honest with you,” he told the media.

Luckily enough for the Bucks, he wasn’t, and now Milwaulkee has a serious and tangible chance to become the next NBA Champions. 

The post NBA Community Reacts to Giannis’ Incredible Block appeared first on SLAM.

But what if they were on the same team?

While it may seem like the type of transaction more likely to play out on 2K than in real life, according to The Atheltic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors have discussed the idea of acquiring Logo Lillard and pairing him with Chef Curry in the backcourt.

“Would the Warriors get involved? Yes. They’d make a call and have already internally discussed the idea, as I’m sure most contenders have, considering the rising smoke out of Portland,” Slater wrote.

Slater theorized that the Warriors could use an asset like their first-round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with young pieces like 20-year-old center James Wiseman and 26-year-old former first overall pick Andrew Wiggins, to get a deal done with Portland.

Both the Blazers and Warriors had disappointing seasons in 2020-21, with Golden State missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, finishing eighth in the Western Conference but losing both play-in tournament games to the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. Portland, who finished the season sixth in the Western Conference standings, lost in six games to the Denver Nuggets (subsequently costing former head coach Terry Stotts his job).

Lillard and Curry, on the other hand, both had tremendous individual seasons.

Curry put up a league-leading 32.0 points per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three. Lillard wasn’t far behind Curry’s numbers, dropping 28.8 points per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three.

The post Warriors Reportedly Discussed Damian Lilliard Trade appeared first on SLAM.

During a recent Olympics media availability, Lillard gave his thoughts on the situation. 

“It’s a lot of things being said, sometimes words being put in my mouth when I haven’t said anything. It’s been a lot of talk. I don’t really have nothing to say to you guys about it.”

Lillard seems to be focused on the upcoming Olympics, as he should be. While he will certainly have input on his future in Portland, the NBA Finals haven’t even concluded. There will be plenty of time to sort that out over the next few months. 

Either way, at age 30, Lillard is one of the best players in the NBA and his situation this offseason could make huge waves across the league. 

The post Damian Lillard On Trade Speculation: ‘It’s Been A Lot of Talk’ appeared first on SLAM.

.@KDTrey5 on the glass, @Dame_Lillard loading up at the arc. You gotta love it.

#USABMNT pic.twitter.com/gTY0f22gnU

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 8, 2021

After dealing with constant speculation of Portland’s coaching change, starting with his public endorsement of Jason Kidd, Lillard said this week that he’ll keep his thoughts on the direction of the team between himself and the franchise, via ESPN.

“Anything that I have to say, I’m going to say directly to [Blazers general manager] Neil [Olshey] and I’m going to address it directly with my team,” Lillard said after the third day of Team USA training camp in Las Vegas. “There’s really nothing else I have to say about it.”

Yahoo! Sports reported last month that the Blazers’ coaching search that landed Chauncey Billups and the possible inability to build a contending roster could lead to a Lillard trade request. Lillard didn’t deny the report, only regretting that his feelings were made public.

Portland received social media backlash over the hiring of Billups when details of a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced prior to him being named as head coach. Lillard’s criticism on social media because of his support during the search process caused tension between Lillard and the franchise’s fanbase.

Really? I was asked what coaches I like of the names I “heard” and I named them. Sorry I wasn’t aware of their history I didn’t read the news when I was 7/8yrs old. I don’t support Those things … but if this the route y’all wana come at me… say less https://t.co/N1GPkX3Ohd

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021

When asked about his endorsement of Billups’ hire, Lillard claimed the process of making and vetting the decision was done by the team.

“In the past I’ve never stepped on anybody’s toes or demanded anything or told anybody what to do, and it was no different in this situation.” 

The Portland Trail Blazers recently hired Scott Brooks to Chauncey Billups’ staff.

The post Damian Lillard Says He’ll Keep His Thoughts On Future Between Himself, Team appeared first on SLAM.

As his longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter, the CEO of The SpringHill Company and a producer of Space Jam: A New Legacy, tells us, it was important, first and foremost, to honor the OG. 

“The main thing was that the first one is a well-known brand and franchise and did so well, so we had to make sure that we honor the legacy of the first film, and the title [of] Space Jam, while also producing something new and interesting and different, which is not going to be an easy task,” Carter says. 

SLAM 233 featuring Bugs Bunny and LeBron James is available now!

Those behind the second installment knew the weight of taking on a movie like this. Especially LeBron. 

James originally turned down the film when approached about it 15 years ago. “I didn’t think I was ready to do anything of that magnitude,” he told Entertainment Weekly this past March. “I wanted to continue to focus on my game and give it as much as I could.” 

And James wasn’t the only one who initially hesitated. The film’s director Malcolm D. Lee admits that he, too, was reluctant at first. It wasn’t until he read the script and saw the “emotional spine” of the film that he became intrigued. 

Having directed films that reflect the Black experience, such as The Best Man (1999), Roll Bounce (2005), and Girls Trip (2017), Lee says his goal has always been “to make the so-called African-American movie or Black movie universal,” whether it be marriage, fatherhood or taking a trip with a group of friends. 

In the case of Space Jam: A New Legacy, Lee saw those universal themes represented in the very foundation of the film’s script. The story is about a Black father, played by James (and bearing the same name), who struggles to connect to his younger son, Dom (played by Cedric Joe). James, a pro basketball player, wants his son to follow in his footsteps, while Dom is more interested in video game design and wants to attend a gaming convention instead of a basketball camp. He’s nervous about disappointing his father, who, in an attempt to connect with him, ends up bringing Dom with him to a meeting on the Warner Bros. lot. There, execs pitch James the technology for the super-transformative Warner 3000 that can digitally transport him into any movie or film. 

The dynamic between a Black father and his Black son intrigued Lee. “It’s a family and it’s a father and son who are having a bit of a disconnect because the father was like, I was successful doing this one thing, which was basketball, and you should do that too,” Lee says. “And the kid is more interested in coding and building video games. So that was intriguing, because when do we ever get to really see Black kids engage in that way with computer science?” 

Without spoiling the movie, here’s the gist of how things go down: After James chooses his pro ball career over entertainment and declines the Warner 3000, the algorithm of Warner’s server-verse, a CGI humanoid who goes by the name of Al G Rhythm (played by Don Cheadle) starts feelin’ some type of way. He kidnaps James and Dom and sends them into his “digital-domain.” To save his family from the server-verse, Bron teams up with the Looney Tunes to compete in a basketball game against the Goon Squad, Rhythm’s virtual avatars, to get his son back. 

Based off a handful of real-life athletes who dominate the game today, the Goon Squad includes: Chronos, played by Damian Lillard, who can “trigger Dame Time” and force his opponents into “slow motion;”  an arachnid named Arachnneka, voiced by Nneka Ogwumike, who can dominate and dish dimes with six arms; The Brow, played by Anthony Davis, who lingers above his competitors with incredible power and speed thanks to his 30-foot blue wings; Wet-Fire, voiced by Klay Thompson, who can control weather elements like water and fire; and the White Mamba, played by the legendary Diana Taurasi, who turns into an actual snake that can play some lethal defense. 

“I was excited because the first Space Jam is one of my favorite movies of all time,” Davis says. “It was my first time doing animation and the process was definitely different for me, but I wasn’t nervous and it was a great experience. Seeing my character for the first time was amazing and watching everything come to life step by step was cool to see.” 

One of the guiding forces of Space Jam: A New Legacy was to show the importance of representation. From a successful Black father with a passionate son who loves computer science to the inclusion of female hoopers, the movie was created with the intention of making these concepts more universal. 

“I’m very proud that we were able to include all those folks and normalize what it means to be an American and a sports fan and an athlete, whether it’s male, female [and] a Black family,” Lee says. “It’s all a normal thing. Let’s not say, Oh, that’s an exception. I talk about the word universal, and that’s exactly what this is.” 

Lee also saw an opportunity to continue to make Space Jam: A New Legacy an immersive experience for viewers. While the first film defied gravity (using “three-dimensional computer animation,” as film critic Roger Ebert wrote in his ’96 review), this installment is a blend of classic and new-school CG animation work.

“For me, it was like, Let’s have as much of a technical and fun video game experience,” Lee says. “I wanted to make it a very immersive experience, you know, as if we were all at the game as audience members.”

Production for the film began in the summer of 2019, with the live-action animation taking place through September. Filming, Lee recalls, mainly took place on the Warner Bros.’ lot, with the exception of a few locations off-site, such as when they were tracking young LeBron at a high school in South Central L.A. 

During that time, Lee recalls that James, who had come off an injury during the 2018-19 season (when the Lakers finished 37-45, missing the playoffs), was “trying to get back to his greatness.” That summer, after early 2 and 3 am workouts and training sessions, James would report to set around 7 or 8 am showered, ready to rehearse and, most notably, ready to do whatever it took to make the film great, even if that meant taking direction on things like jumping higher to do an alley-oop dunk for a scene. 

“I remember one moment, one of our motion capture performers had to throw LeBron an alley-oop, and we put the camera behind the basket,” Lee says. “So, it was a very small window to get the shot. So, I said, Hey, don’t throw it too high. And LeBron said, Too high? That was after the third take because the first two takes weren’t quite there. So, LeBron caught it kind of high and really just threw his arm back and threw it down and I jumped out of my seat. And he didn’t say anything after that, but I know he wanted to say, Was that too high? And I loved it because I wasn’t really trying to motivate him, but it was kind of a happy accident.”

“It’s so challenging when you’re doing a scene and you gotta visualize the Tunes actually being there,” James said in a teaser for the movie. “For me, being able to produce a movie like this, but also be able to star in a movie like this, it’s very humbling.”

ORDER YOUR COPY OF SLAM 233

After filming the live-action portion, the next task was refining the visual effects and animation. And yet, as the pandemic hit in 2020, meetings, even recording sessions, were suddenly forced to happen virtually.

Jeff Bergman, the voice of Bugs Bunny, says that unlike other films he’s been a part of, he didn’t get to meet the other voice actors or record with them in person.

And yet, even with the limitations, there was still a sense of purpose to make Space Jam: A New Legacy as iconic as the original Space Jam. Bergman knows probably better than anyone what it’s like to not only have to uphold the legacy of a beloved franchise, but to do it justice. He did, after all, replace the legendary Mel Blanc, the long-time voice of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Daffy Duck, after Blanc’s death in 1989.

“I don’t even think I was fully aware of it, but I just think that my nerves were responding to what it [making Space Jam: A New Legacy] meant,” Bergman says, recalling what it felt like to take over for Blanc. “It was daunting, but I think one of the things that helped me through it was staying connected to what I loved, which were those characters.”

Connection, Bergman goes on to explain, is what drew him to voice acting in the first place. And although he wasn’t the voice of Bugs in the first Space Jam, Bergman knows that Space Jam: A New Legacy is a film that everyone, regardless of whether you were old enough to have marveled at the first one, can connect with and enjoy. The film’s arrival is also a testament to James’ legacy.

“He is probably one of the most important people in our world today, not just as a basketball player but how he lives his life and the human being that he is, and what he does for so many people,” Bergman adds. “To have that, plus the fun and silliness of the Looney Tunes, I just can’t even tell you. I had no idea what it was going to be until we saw the script and started to get into it, and it was so much more special than I could have ever imagined.” 

Space Jam: A New Legacy has a lil’ something for the culture, too, from the alter-egos of the Goon Squad to the movie soundtrack, which includes tracks that feature artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Saweetie, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Kirk Franklin, Chance the Rapper and more. 

“You know, you never can tell how people are going to respond, but we tried to be as up to date with the sneakers, the fashion, how the game is played, trying to find great angles and really have the authenticity of basketball,” Lee says. “That was certainly something I was concerned about, like, you know, Space Jam, I don’t know if I want to do that because we’re going to break too many rules for basketball. But I think that the hoopers will feel good about the movie and I think that we’ve got some things that will be indelible for the culture and that will last long after the movie is gone out of the theaters.”

In many ways, the arrival of Space Jam: A New Legacy is as timely as the times we’re in right now. Many, many people, over the span of generations, have been waiting for the franchise’s return after 25 long years. For the younger generation, this might be their first-ever experience with the franchise, or their first time watching the Looney Tunes in a minute—if ever. And for others, seeing this movie will be the first movie-going experience since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Lee created the film with the intention of it being viewed in the theaters. While streaming services have given us blockbuster flicks from the comfort of our homes, enjoying a film like Space Jam: A New Legacy is a different experience when being viewed in a proper theater. 

“I think we all want, I can’t say all people want it, but a lot of people do want that experience of being in a movie theater and smelling the popcorn, having soda and having a shared experience, theatrically,” he says. “Like, Oh my gosh, did you see that? Yeah, you could watch it at home on your surround sound, or you can see it on an iPad or whatever, but you know, nothing beats that theatrical experience, you know? Where you can have that collective ooohhh or that collective laugh or that collective sigh together. And, you know, I think that this could bring people back to the movies. I mean, hopefully there’s movies before that pave the way, but I’ll just say that Space Jam was meant to be seen on the big screen.” 

And with everything we’ve experienced over the past year, the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy couldn’t have come at a better time. Normalcy, as we’ve learned, isn’t guaranteed, and while we’re not all the way there quite yet, things are starting to look up. Theaters are making their return, too, and with that, a blockbuster movie, starring the biggest basketball star on the planet alongside some iconic cartoon characters, is exactly what we’ve been waiting for.

ORDER YOUR COPY OF SLAM 233

SLAM 233 featuring cover stars LeBron James and Bugs Bunny is available now in these exclusive gold, black and cosmic metal editions. Grab your copy on SLAMgoods.com.

Photos Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

The post LeBron James and Bugs Bunny Cover SLAM 233 appeared first on SLAM.

With a team finally capable of competing, the Knicks are reportedly looking to make a huge splash this offseason.

According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, the Knicks are looking to acquire a superstar this offseason, and two names that have come up are Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.

Lillard and Beal are both locked into long-term deals with their respective teams, so the Knicks would have to make a trade. Winfield reports that the Knicks are willing to part with second-year forward RJ Barrett to get a potential deal done.

The Knicks are also “monitoring” a trio of young guards in Collin Sexton, Terry Rozier and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, according to Winfield.

Lillard is coming off his fourth first-round playoff exit in five years, and Beal has never progressed past the second round with the Washington Wizards, making them both excellent candidates for potential trades this offseason.

Barrett is coming off a much improves sophomore season that saw him average 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, which could draw the eye of a potential trade partner.

The post Knicks Reportedly Interested in Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal this offseason appeared first on SLAM.

However, those medals James has collected with the Team USA basketball program might be his last. The USA Basketball managing director, Jerry Colangelo stated this week on ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill, and Zubin Show that age will be the reason that he will not be selected to participate again.

“I think his time is over.”@usabasketball’s Managing Director Jerry Colangelo says that we’ve likely seen the end of Olympic LeBron.

(@MyStraightTalk) pic.twitter.com/6Hn5xGS4Mv

— Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin (@KeyJayandZ) June 30, 2021

LeBron’s opting out of the last two Olympic cycles and Colangelo’s decision means James’ last game for Team USA was in the gold medal game against Spain in the 2012 Olympics. That was LeBron’s second career Olympic gold, following the one he got in 2008 as a part of the “Redeem Team.”

In LeBron James’ international career, he has played 68 games for Team USA starting in 2004, when he rarely played. That team was beaten in the semifinals by Argentina and wound up with the bronze medal. He was originally among a pool of 57 players for the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team but was not selected.

The newly named roster will be led by Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and a list of new players.

The post USA Men’s Basketball Managing Director Says LeBron’s Time Has Passed in the Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

Portland signed Chauncey Billups to a five-year contract on Sunday night.

Breaking: Chauncey Billups has reached an agreement on a five-year deal to become the head coach of the Trail Blazers, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/r9C6JzHrU5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 28, 2021

The conflicting reports of Lillard’s involvement in the coaching search along with concerns on building a contender may lead to Damian leaving according to Chris B. Haynes of Yahoo! Sports.

“The enormous backlash from the Portland Trail Blazers’ process to hire a new coach and his concerns on whether a championship contender can be built have become factors that may push the franchise player—Damian Lillard—out the door, league sources tell Yahoo! Sports.”

Social media backlash has been mounting on the hire based on a sexual assault allegation made against Billups back in 1997. Billups denied it and was never charged criminally. A civil settlement was reached.

Some of the backlash fell back on Lillard, who answered critics on Twitter.

Really? I was asked what coaches I like of the names I “heard” and I named them. Sorry I wasn’t aware of their history I didn’t read the news when I was 7/8yrs old. I don’t support Those things … but if this the route y’all wana come at me… say less https://t.co/N1GPkX3Ohd

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021

According to Haynes’s sources, the search was done by Neil Olshey, the president of basketball operations and none of the candidates interviewed were from suggestions from Lillard.

Lillard did endorse Jason Kidd for the job, but Kidd took his name out of consideration and eventually landed in Dallas last week.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on his podcast that Damian was a part of the hiring process.

“I was told that he sat in on the interview for Chauncey Billups. It was virtual… he joined the Zoom meeting, but it’s not a normal thing I think for players to sit in on that.”

The Trail Blazers are scheduled to announce Chauncey Billups in a press conference on Tuesday.

The post Damian Lillard and Blazers Reportedly At Odds Over Chauncey Billups Hire appeared first on SLAM.

Two of the top NBA insiders reported the proceedings at the start of the weekend. First, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Friday night that the Blazers put Billups at the top of their wish list.

Billups — the 2004 NBA Finals MVP — was offered the Trail Blazers job tonight and will be the new Portland coach. https://t.co/R05tXu0KLP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2021

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the two sides had started their contract talks to reach a deal.

Billups will be replacing Terry Stotts, the Blazers coach since 2012 until the team parted ways with him after their first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Chauncey’s history with franchise superstar Damian Lillard, who reportedly went on record preferring either Billups and Jason Kidd along with Portland’s president of basketball operations, Neil Olshey most likely played a part throughout Portland’s search process.

The Blazers have made the playoffs in eight straight seasons, but have been eliminated in the first round four out of the last five, including this season.

Chauncey Billups played 17 seasons in the NBA before spending time as an NBA analyst with ESPN and Clippers games before joining Ty Lue’s staff with the Clippers. He’s a five-time NBA All-Star and the MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals with the Detroit Pistons.

The post Chauncey Billups Officially Becomes Portland Trail Blazers Coach appeared first on SLAM.

The 12-man roster is as follows.

• Kevin Durant, F, Brooklyn Nets
• Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
• Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns
• Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
• Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
• Khris Middleton, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks
• Zach LaVine, G, Chicago Bulls
• Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
• Draymond Green, F/C, Golden State Warriors
• Jrue Holiday, G, Milwaukee Bucks
• Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Jerami Grant, F, Detroit Pistons

Team USA’s basketball program had to whittle down a field of 57 potential roster additions down to 12 for the Olympic Games and several commitment decisions were very recent due to playoff scheduling. Nonetheless, the United States still managed to fill out a roster that will be considered favorites for the gold medal.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden had initially committed to the team, but withdrew to recover from a hamstring injury, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, whose team is currently in the Western Conference Finals with a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, recently withdrew his name as well (according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.)

That said, its possible that other players on the roster (namely Booker, Middleton and Holiday) could play in the NBA Finals. If that occurs, they could miss training camp for the Olympics.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for July 22, one day before the Olympic Games are set to begin.

The last time Team USA competed on the international stage, it finished in seventh-place in the 2019 FIBA World Cup due to a number of the league’s preeminent stars withdrawing from the competition. Before that tournament, the team had won 58 consecutive games in international competition dating back to the 2006 World Cup, 

The post Team USA Men’s Basketball Announces 12-Man Roster for Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

Embiid—under contract through the 2022-23 season—received 28 first-team votes and 70 second-team votes. He joins Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard, Phoenix Suns floor general Chris Paul, Most Improved Player Award winner Julius Randle, and Los Angeles Lakers leader LeBron James on the 2020-21 All-NBA Second Team.

ESPN’s salary cap expert, Bobby Marks, broke down the potential year-by-year salaries here:

Joel Embiid has earned All-NBA and is now super max eligible. The 76ers and Embiid are now allowed to negotiate an extension of four-years and a projected $191M. The extension would begin in 2023-24.

Breakdown:

2023/24- $42.5M
2024/25- $46.0M
2025/26- $49.4M
2026/27- $52.8M

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 16, 2021

In sum, the Sixers and Embiid can negotiate a projected four-year deal worth around $191 million that runs until the 2026-27 season.

Embiid is currently in the middle of a five-year, $148 million deal.

The post Joel Embiid Eligible to Sign Four-Year Super Max Extension with Sixers appeared first on SLAM.

In what’s become one of the most arduous processes, with so much talent at every position and only 15 spots to fill, debates have raged about players thought to have been snubbed. Nonetheless, most would be hard pressed not to agree with the honorees.

All-NBA First Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA First Team:

Giannis Antetokounmpo
Stephen Curry
Luka Dončić
Nikola Jokić
Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/WYSz2le2Be

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

The recently crowned Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (99 votes); Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (100 votes); and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (98 votes) dominated the 2020-21 All-NBA First Team voting.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard rounded out the top five players on the All-NBA First Team.

All-NBA Second Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA Second Team:

Joel Embiid
LeBron James
Damian Lillard
Chris Paul
Julius Randle pic.twitter.com/t5iZu1MahA

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

With his second team selection, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James added to his record for most All-NBA Team selections with 17, including: 13 First Team selections (also a record), three Second Team selections and one Third Team selection. Friend and Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul collected his 10th All-NBA Team selection, which ranks second among active players behind LeBron.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle—the 2020-21 Most Improved Player—rounded out the Second Team.

All-NBA Third Team

The 2020-21 All-NBA Third Team:

Bradley Beal
Jimmy Butler
Paul George
Rudy Gobert
Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/s4aEK3ivcs

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021

With his selection, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal made his first All-NBA team after battling Curry for the NBA’s 2020-21 scoring title. Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George made his All-NBA sixth team while three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler each notched their fourth selections.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made his third All-NBA team.

The All-NBA teams were voted in by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center for each team.

The post All-NBA Teams Announced for 2020-21 Season appeared first on SLAM.

Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard and Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green are among the initial commitments to Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, sources tell me and @joevardon.

Story: https://t.co/jps6mGuQ4U

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2021

Speculation about Lillard joining the team began as early as 2016, when he dropped out of consideration for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, instead deciding to rehab a plantar fasciitis injury he dealt with the previous season.

In December 2020, Lillard mentioned he would not be playing in the Olympics if the Trail Blazers reached the 2021 NBA Finals.

However, Portland lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, freeing Lillard’s schedule and making his decision a bit easier. Lillard, who just wrapped up his ninth season in the league, averaged 28.8 points in the 2020-21 season and finished seventh in NBA MVP voting.

Green, unlike Lillard, was a part of the gold medal-winning squad in 2016. However, Green only played sparingly, averaging 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in eight games.

That being said, due to speculation that many players will abstain from joining Team USA (instead opting to rest and rehab after the shortened COVID-19 season), many expect Green to have a much larger role in 2020.

Per Charania’s report, Team USA should be putting the finishing touches on their roster for the Tokyo Olympics in late June, as training camp begins on July 7.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is also expected to join Team USA’s ranks, after a sprained ankle knocked him out of the 2019 FIBA World Cup (a tournament in which Team USA finished with a disappointing seventh-place finish.

The post Damian Lillard, Draymond Green Commit to Team USA Ahead oTokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

While franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard initially mentioned Jason Kidd as someone he’d like to play for, Kidd pulled his name out of consideration for the position. 

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Blazers have a new list of top candidates for the head job in Portland. Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups, Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, Univ. of South Carolina/USA women’s coach Dawn Staley, Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni and Spurs executive Brent Barry are expected to be among those who receive the most interest from the Blazers’ front office to fill the role. 

Charania would go on to report that Hammon, who this season became the first woman to serve as head coach in an NBA game, will also be interviewing for the Orlando Magic vacant head coaching job as well. 

According to Jabari Young of CNBC, Damian Lillard is expected to wait to see what the Blazers do this off-season before deciding his future with the team. In 2019, Lillard and the Blazers agreed to a four-year, $196 million supermax contract extension. While he will likely play a huge role in choosing Portland’s next coach, the Blazers need to keep Lillard happy. 

The post Becky Hammon, Chauncey Billups Among Top Candidates in Trail Blazers Coaching Search appeared first on SLAM.

In the Trail Blazers annual end-of-season interviews, Olshey led the blame away from the players, saying that “the first-round loss and the defensive rating at 29 was not a product of the roster.”

Olshey went on to explain how Portland’s coaching search will play a large part in the team’s success next season.

“When the coaches interview, they will have to provide a vision,” Olshey said. “The mission is clear. If we’re going to take the next step, they’re going to have to make an impact on the defensive end of the floor. So, that will be a criteria.”

In no uncertain terms, the longtime executive shifted the blame towards the coaching performance of former head coach Terry Stotts. After nine seasons in Portland, Stotts and the Blazers made “mutual decision” to part ways following the team’s first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Stotts finished his time in Portland with a record of 402-318, with his crowning achievement coming in 2019 Western Conference Finals appearance.

The Blazers will have the majority of their roster returning next season but, with Damian Lillard turning 31-years-old before the start of the 2021-22 season, the clock is certainly ticking in Portland.

The post Blazers GM Neil Olshey: First-Round Loss ‘Not a Product of the Roster’ appeared first on SLAM.

Just days ago, the Los Angeles Lakers—the 2020-21 NBA champions—were sent home in the first round, along with their opponent in the 2021 NBA Finals (the Miami Heat).

With the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum—many of the league’s preeminent stars— are already on vacation, the NBA is seeing yet another year of statistical anomalies.

For first time since 2016, an Eastern Conference team could walk away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and, amidst all of the potential outcomes, one stands above the rest; the NBA naming it’s first first-time champion since the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals.

There’s a 62 percent chance the league crowns a brand new league champ in June.

None of the eight teams still alive in the NBA playoffs have won a title since the playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984. pic.twitter.com/1XN3vYRcw3

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 7, 2021

As none of the remaining teams have won the title since the League expanded to 16 postseason teams in 1984, they combine for 384 seasons without a title.

Five of the eight remaining teams haven’t won a title in their franchise’s history; the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz all have the opportunity to chase their first franchise championship.

The Jazz, perhaps the closest of the group to winning an NBA championship, were handed back-to-back NBA Finals losses in 1997 and 1998. The Suns have lost both of their appearances as well, one in 1976 and the other in 1993.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t brought back the trophy since 1958, the Milwaukee Bucks since 1971 and the Philadelphia Sixers since 1983.

The post The NBA Could Crown a First-Time Champion Come July appeared first on SLAM.

In response to Lillard’s vote of confidence, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Kidd would withdraw his name from consideration for the job. Kidd had nothing but great things to say about the Blazers, but it’s not the job for him.

“Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates for its head coaching job, but I’ve decided not to be one of them. Whoever they choose will have big shoes to fill from Terry [Stotts].”

According to Jabari Young of CNBC, Lillard is expected to wait to see what the Blazers do this off-season before deciding his future with the team. In 2019, Lillard and the Blazers agreed to a four-year, $196 million supermax contract extension. If Lillard ultimately ends up on another team next season, it will have to be through a trade.

The Trail Blazers recently fell to the Denver Nuggets in their opening playoff series, as Lillard looked like one of the best players in the league but didn’t always get the help he deserved from his teammates. 

The post The Latest From the Trail Blazers Coaching Search and Damian Lillard’s Future appeared first on SLAM.

Congratulations, @Jrue_Holiday11!! pic.twitter.com/1ujUYOnBJt

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 4, 2021

“It means a lot,” Holiday said after receiving the Joe Dumars Trophy, which is given to the NBA player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. “Just knowing that it came from the players, the guys that go through this with me and put their bodies on the line, train in the offseason, it means a lot.”

Holiday received 130 of 343 first-place votes and was one of six finalists selected by a panel of NBA executives after all teams nominated a player from their rosters. The award honors a player who best represents sportsmanship on the court.

The other finalists included two-time winner Kemba Walker (Boston Celtics); Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat); Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings); Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs); and Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves).

The NBA Sportsmanship Award honors Hall of Famer Joe Dumars, a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion. Dumars, who spent all 14 seasons of his career with the Detroit Pistons, won the first Sportsmanship Award after the 1995-96 season.

Holiday, a 12-year veteran that’s long been known to be well-respected by his peers and community, donated a portion of his 2019-20 salary to form the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund. His foundation funded close to $1 million in grants for African American-owned businesses and other African American organizations in the Milwaukee, New Orleans, Indianapolis and Los Angeles areas.

The 30-year-old won the Twyman-Stokes award as the league’s best teammate last year. This past week, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers was selected as the award winner.

The post Bucks’ Jrue Holiday Takes Joe Dumars Sportsmanship Award appeared first on SLAM.

After a fourth first-round playoff exit in five seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers and coach Terry Stotts mutually agreed to part ways on Friday, sources told ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2021

The mutual separation should not be much of a surprise. There were numerous reports that Stotts would be fired if the team did not make a deep playoff run. A bad slump in April with a record of 5-10 was the beginning of the end along with the lack of playoff success.

Blazers’ executive Neil Olshey weighed in on the final decision via ESPN.

“I have the utmost respect for Terry and what he has accomplished these past nine seasons,” president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision on both a personal and professional level but it’s in the best interest of the franchise to move in another direction.

“Terry will always hold a special place in the Trail Blazer family and the Portland community. We relied on the integrity, professionalism and consistency he brought to the job every day and we wish he and Jan nothing but the best.”

Stotts finished as the second-winningest coach in franchise history behind the late Dr. Jack Ramsey with a record of 402-318. He has eight consecutive playoff appearances which currently stands as the longest streak in the League.

Yahoo! Sports, insider Chris Haynes reports that Damian Lillard will be consulted on the immediate coaching search and Jason Kidd is his preference.

“Jason Kidd is the guy I want,” Lillard told Yahoo Sports on Friday night.

Source: Damian Lillard to have major input on the next head coach. Stotts was the only coach he’s played for in his nine seasons in the league. After the way the season ended, it was time for a change. https://t.co/opzDtX7LP3

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 5, 2021

Early candidates include Chauncey Billups, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike D’Antoni and Juwan Howard.

The post Terry Stotts’ Portland Trail Blazers Coaching Tenure Comes to An End appeared first on SLAM.

This award is selected by NBA players & recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to his team. pic.twitter.com/2aQOzu9A92

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 3, 2021

The Twyman-Stokes award recognizes the one player considered the best teammate based on a combination of selfless play, leadership, mentorship, and commitment and dedication to their own team.

The other award nominees were Malcolm Brogdon (Indiana Pacers); Joe Harris (Brooklyn Nets); Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers); Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat); Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz); Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors); Boban Marjanović (Dallas Mavericks); Paul Millsap (Denver Nuggets); Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns); Theo Pinson (New York Knicks); and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves).

Lillard received 40 first-place votes adding up to 1,012 total points. Paul finished in second place with 1,001 points.

At this point, Dame’s off-the-court achievements are starting to rival his on the court excellence.

This season, he received the April NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente for the third time thanks his continued efforts in the Portland community. Two years ago, Lillard won the 2018-19 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

However, Dame continues to cement his legacy as one of the clutch superstars in the NBA averaging 28.8 points, 7.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds this season.  His exploits helped lead the Trail Blazers to their eighth straight playoff appearance.

Despite losing in the first round, he gave a technicolored example of what Dame Time is by scoring 55 points in a record-setting performance in Game 5’s double-OT loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The post Blazers’ Damian Lillard Wins Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down each of the Thursday’s matchups below.

No. 3 Nuggets 126, No. 6 Trail Blazers 115

DEN wins series 4-2

While the Nuggets struggled early overall, Michael Porter Jr. kept the team afloat with 22 first quarter points. From there, MVP-favorite Nikola Jokic finished the job with a final line of 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Monte Morris continues to fill Jamal Murray’s void as well as Denver could ask, finishing with 22 points and nine assists off the bench.

For Portland, there will be decisions to be made this offseason as the duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum once again fall short in the playoffs. After the best postseason game of his career earlier this week, Lillard finished with just 28 points in this elimination game, although he dished out 13 assists. The Nuggets will take on the Phoenix Suns in round two of the playoffs.

No. 2 Suns 113, No. 7 Lakers 100

PHX wins series 4-2

Although Anthony Davis returned in Game 6 for the Lakers, he re-aggravated his groin within five minutes of the game and would not return. Devin Booker set the tone early, scoring 22 first-quarter points while the Lakers scored only 14 points as a team in the opening frame. Los Angeles clawed back into the game late, but Phoenix held on.

This marks the first playoffs series win for the Suns in 11 years. It’s well deserved, as Chris Paul and Devin Booker are the perfect duo for the biggest of stages. LeBron James and the defending champion Lakers will head home, as there will officially be a new NBA champ this season. The Suns will take on the Denver Nuggets in round two of the playoffs.

The post Post Up: Lakers, Trail Blazers Eliminated appeared first on SLAM.

Lillard, living up to his “Dame Time” moniker, scored two seemingly impossible stepback three-pointers to send the game into the first, and then second, overtime. 

His scoring outburst was also a historical one; he nailed 12 3-pointers in the contest, a playoff record. His 80 combined points from his own baskets and those he assisted on tied another playoff record.

Lastly, his masterpiece was historically efficient. Dame shot 17-24 from the field, and 9-10 from the free-throw line – good for a 96.8 percent true shooting percentage, the highest in playoff history. 

All around the league and on social media, players voiced their utter amazement and respect for Lillard’s performance.

“I had like 4 tweets I wanted to write to describe this MASTERPIECE by Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr, but I am seriously at a loss for words…,” tweeted Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant.

“Someone gotta put this Dame Dolla performance in The Louvre!,” wrote Golden State Warriors wing Damion Lee. “This is a masterpiece!”

“It was kind of a pleasure to be on the court just to witness that,” admitted Nuggets leader Nikola Jokic.

“The degree of difficulty in which he hit some of those shots is god-like,” said teammate CJ McCollum.

However, while all across the league those in the NBA community were singing his praises, Lillard shrugged off his accomplishments after the game. Looking to avoid his second consecutive first-round exit from the playoffs, the 30-year-old was more concerned with the fact that his team wasn’t able to pull out the victory.

“Doesn’t matter,” Lillard said of his performance. “We lost the game. I mean, at this point, all that matters is that we can’t lose another game in this series.”

The Blazers and Nuggets play Game 6 on Thursday, June 3 at 8:00 EST.

The post Damian Lillard Delivers Historic Performance in 2OT Playoff Loss to Nuggets appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down each of the Tuesday’s matchups below.

No. 2 Nets 123, No. 7 Celtics 109

BKN wins series 3-1

While it wasn’t surprising, the Brooklyn Nets were able to finish the Boston Celtics off on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the series. Without a handful of key pieces, the Celtics were just no match for the most talented team in the NBA.

Jayson Tatum continued his hot scoring streak with 32 points on the night, but was matched by James Harden who put in 34 points of his own. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also combined for 49 points to help the Nets move to the second round with ease.

No. 3 Nuggets 147, No. 6 Trail Blazers 140

DEN leads series 3-2

In a contest that went into double overtime, Game 5 of Nuggets/Blazers was the game of the night without a doubt. In fact, it might go down as the best game of the entire first round. Damian Lillard went off for 55 points and ten assists, including two shots that sent the game into the first and second overtime periods respectively.

Nikola Jokic continued to impress and led the Nuggets with 38 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Monte Morris had a huge night with 28 points, 23 of which came in the second half. Michael Porter Jr. knocked down a huge three in the second overtime and finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Lillard broke the NBA playoff record for most threes made in the game with 12, but it wasn’t enough in this instant classic.

No. 2 Suns 115, No. 7 Lakers 85

PHX leads series 3-2

Without Anthony Davis on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers looked lost. LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers struggled tremendously and were out of the game early on. Down by 30 points at half, Los Angeles only scored ten points in the second quarter and never recovered.

LeBron James finished with only 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds while Kyle Kuzma was the only other Laker who showed up offensively, finishing with 15 points. Phoenix looked excellent, with Devin Booker leading the charge offensively with 30 points. Cameron Payne continues to be a huge spark plug off the bench, finishing with 16 to lead the reserves. If we learned anything as the Suns took the series lead, it’s that the Lakers need Anthony Davis back as soon as possible.

The post Post Up: Nets Advance While Suns Take Series Lead and Lillard Has Career Night appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down each of the Thursday’s matchups below.

No. 3 Bucks 113, No. 6 Heat 84

MIL leads series 3-0

In Game 3, the Bucks once again took care of business, proving they’re different from their playoff teams of the past. While they’ve mastered regular season success over the past few years, they couldn’t ever get over the hump in the postseason.  

With the addition of Jrue Holiday, this looks like a completely different team on both ends of the floor. Their ceiling appears higher and their role players are stepping up to help their talented trio. At this point, it’s hard to see a world where Miami climbs out of this hole. 

No. 2 Suns 95, No. 7 Lakers 109

LAL leads series 2-1

Thursday night marked the first time LeBron James played a playoff games in Staples Center as the Lakers took on the Suns in Game 3.  As the series continues to shift, the Lakers have all the momentum heading into Game 4 with yet another home game ahead of them and a series lead.

Chris Paul was able to play 27 minutes on Thursday night, which is a promising sign for the Suns. However, he still didn’t look full strength and his numbers showed it. Devin Booker struggled as well, but DeAndre Ayton continues to show flashes of greatness. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 55 points and 17 rebounds in the win.

No. 3 Nuggets 120, No. 6 Trail Blazers 115

DEN leads series 2-1

Damian Lillard continues to show that he can’t be guarded, but it wasn’t enough Thursday against the Nuggets. He dropped 37 points alongside CJ McCollum who scored 22 points. Portland just couldn’t slow down Denver from beyond the arc, as they converted on 20 3-point attempts.

Nikola Jokic looked like a real MVP, producing 36 points, 11 rebounds and five assists on Thursday night. Recently-acquired Austin Rivers continues to look like a quality pickup as he chipped in 21 points of his own. Even without Jamal Murray, the Nuggets look like the better team in this series.

The post Post Up: A Change of Scenery appeared first on SLAM.