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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos via Getty Images and Nike.

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

The closest public court to Maluach was a 45-minute walk away and shared by multiple areas. “It was always packed,” he says. “If you had to go work on your skill set or work by yourself, you had to come maybe at 2:00 pm, when nobody’s there because it’s hot.” 

Such limited access led Maluach to pursue other hobbies as a kid—primarily soccer. “The lack of facilities is the main thing,” he tells SLAM. It wasn’t until the end of 2019 when Maluach, then 13 years old, was persuaded to attend a basketball camp organized by former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, who also hails from South Sudan. Merely a spectator that day, Maluach was encouraged to see people his height (6-8) thriving on the floor. Basketball seemed like a game that he, too, could dominate. He had always been taller than his peers, eventually sprouting to a towering 7-2.

Not long after, a chance encounter in Kawempe launched Maluach’s own basketball journey. He was walking home one afternoon when Akech Wuoi Garang, a local high school coach at Bethel Covenant College, spotted him. Mesmerized by Maluach’s stature, Akech slammed the brakes on his bike and immediately went into recruiting mode. It mattered little that this rail-thin teenager had basically no basketball experience—Akech urged him to come play at Bethel Covenant, where his tuition would be taken care of. 

“I trusted Akech because he was a South Sudanese coach,” Maluach explains. “He gave me a scholarship to go study at school. By then, school tuition was hard, so I took the scholarship and it motivated me. That’s how I got into the game.”

Maluach arrived at Bethel Covenant in January 2020, determined to make the most out of the opportunity. “As soon as I knew I could get a scholarship to a high school in Uganda, I knew that basketball could change my life,” he says. But a few months later, COVID-19 shut down life in the country, disrupting Maluach’s training. Stuck at home, he found creative ways to keep working. A big tire served as his hoop. He dribbled the ball Akech gave him everywhere. He watched clips of the NBA, studying stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. By the time he returned to school, Maluach was a completely different player.

The NBA Academy program, a year-round basketball development initiative, provides top high school prospects from outside the U.S. with elite coaching. Through a vast network of scouts and relationships with federations around the world, the academy is able to identify promising young athletes, all of whom receive full scholarships and become full-time students. NBA Academy Africa was founded in 2017 in Saly, Senegal, at the same time that academies opened in India and Australia. Since then, it has uncovered emerging talents like Thierry Darlan and Babacar Sané, both of whom play for G League Ignite, and Portland Trail Blazers center Ibou Badji. 

“All over the world there’s so much talent,” says Chris Ebersole, head of international basketball development at the NBA. Other prominent NBA Academy graduates include Josh Giddey (Australia), Dyson Daniels (Australia), Bennedict Mathurin (Latin America) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Latin America). Ebersole continues: “If we can be proactive in making sure that that talent has the resources, the coaching, the infrastructure, and the competition, that helps make sure that there’s not a gap for people to slip through, which is a real thing in a lot of places around the world. For us to have a small part in trying to do that and build a pipeline—build a pathway—so that no matter where you’re born you have a shot, it’s really meaningful for us.”

On Wednesday, April 16, 2021, NBA Academy Africa offered Maluach a scholarship. For the next three nights, as he prepared for his trip to Senegal (and his first-ever plane ride), Maluach barely slept, overwhelmed with excitement. When he arrived, the jovial and driven South Sudanese kid—who’s always wearing a smile—made an immediate impression. 

“He’s one of the most impressive young people you’ll ever meet,” Ebersole says. “It’s amazing how he carries himself with humility, with respect. That’s the thing that we love the most about him.”

Adds Franck Traore, head of basketball operations for NBA Africa: “Khaman is one of the most genuine and wonderful kids that we’ve ever seen. We’ve never had any single issue or complaint from a coach—from anyone—since he joined the academy. Always trying to do the right thing, always on time, always wants to do extra, have to kick him out of the gym.”

Days at the academy are long and busy—six hours of school plus four hours of training—but Maluach doesn’t mind the work. He has embraced a holistic approach to his development, which includes an emphasis on nutrition as well as strength and conditioning. “I never spend a day without working on my skill set,” Maluach says, “so that I can catch up with the guys who started way before me.”

Alfred Aboya, head coach of NBA Academy Africa, was born and raised in Cameroon and played at UCLA (2005-09) before a six-year professional career that included stints in France, Japan, Venezuela, Turkey, and the G League. Aboya knows firsthand the obstacles African players face without the support of the academy. 

“I think the Achilles heel of African basketball has always been infrastructure,” he says. “We don’t have a lot of it. With NBA Academy being in Africa and having a gym open 24/7, you can go there and work and work. I think hard work works. If you’re in the gym all the time working on your craft, it will just be a matter of time until you start flourishing.”

For Maluach, improvement came at an unbelievably fast pace. He has developed a skill set that’s unique for seven-footers, especially those who just picked up the sport in 2020. On defense, he protects the rim with his 7-6 wingspan and has the versatility to switch onto smaller guards. He runs the floor exceptionally well, finishing fastbreaks with thunderous dunks. According to Traore, player development at the academy has started to focus increasingly on shooting. The evidence is clear with Maluach, who displays a smooth stroke and launches three-pointers without hesitation.

Those around the academy have been struck by how easily Maluach seems to pick up new skills. To call him “a sponge,” Traore says, undersells it. What Maluach has is “a gift,” an extremely rare ability to see something, replicate it and excel at it very quickly. “You take this kid and you put him next to Embiid—just put him there for a week. Every single thing that Embiid is doing, he will perfect it in a shorter period of time,” says Traore. “He watches and he listens to the coaches. Very smart kid.”

I never spend a day without working on my skill set.

— Khaman Maluach

Ulrich Chomche, a 6-11 forward from Cameroon also considered an NBA prospect, was at the academy before Maluach. The two have grown close since Maluach’s arrival. “He came when he was a baby; now he looks like a man,” Chomche says. “He has improved a lot. Before, when he just got to the academy, he was a mismatch for me. But now… he’s not anymore [laughs].”

The experience Maluach has received over the past few years is remarkable. He has traveled far and wide with the academy, competing against top talent from around the globe, and played a handful of games in the newly established Basketball Africa League (BAL). He was named MVP of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp in early August. Later that month, he joined the South Sudan senior national team and became the third-youngest player in FIBA World Cup history. During BAL qualifiers in November, he averaged 21 points, 15.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks, shooting 40 percent from behind the arc. 

Maluach’s height alone made him an intriguing prospect, but his budding talent has turned him into a potential top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

“In Africa, we have a lot of seven-footers. Being a seven-footer is not special—definitely when you go to South Sudan,” says Traore, a former center himself who was born in Koudougou, Burkina-Faso, Africa, and went on to play at Manhattan College. “I was in South Sudan three weeks ago, where the security guard who is telling you don’t go this way is like 7-0; where the police officer who stamped my passport is 6-8. It’s incredible. When you [look] left and right, it’s like, What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be rebounding somewhere [laughs]. It’s the craziest thing. But [Maluach], he has that—obviously genetically—but he has other stuff. In South Sudan, being tall is not enough. What he has is the character piece and the work ethic piece and the talent. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of tall guys that are not talented. He is that and he’s willing to really harness that [ability] and continue to work.”

Adds Ebersole: “There’s definitely high-end talent that’s come through the [NBA Academy] program but he’s right up there with any of them when you talk about Ben Mathurin, Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey and O-Max. He’s in the mix with all those guys.”

Fans are not allowed at the annual G League Winter Showcase, so the event is always oddly quiet. Scouts, coaches, executives, and reporters seated at small tables around the court can hear all the action. On this Thursday morning at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, no voice stands out more than that of Khaman Maluach. NBA Academy Africa is playing an exhibition game against NBA Academy Latin America. Two days ago, on this same floor, Maluach had 22 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks—including four dunks and three three-pointers—against NBA Global Academy. The scouts are back to watch the blossoming big man, and he is once again making his presence known. His size is striking, yes, but also his energy and communication. 

“He’s our leader on the team,” Chomche tells SLAM. “He’s the one who teaches me how to talk on the court. The day before, I was very quiet when I was playing defense. He told me, ‘You know if you start talking more on defense, you will impact more on the defensive side.’”

Maluach hit three more threes and held down the paint in a win over Latin America, leaving little doubt that he’ll be ready to make the leap to the NBA in 2025 (previously slated to graduate high school that year, Maluach reclassified just prior to the Showcase, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony). Until then, he could stay with the academy and become the first player drafted directly from Africa, commit to one of the many blue bloods recruiting him (Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, Baylor), or turn pro (both the G League Ignite and NBL Next Stars program have expressed interest, according to Givony).

“I think it’s the right decision because why not now?” Maluach says of his choice to reclassify. “That’s what I was asking myself. Why not now? I feel like it’s the right decision and I feel like it’s God’s plan.”

Alex Squadron is a writer from New York. His byline has appeared in SLAM, the New York Post, The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, Defector and SB Nation. His first book, Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA, was released in October 2023. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The Incredible Rise of NBA Academy Africa Star and Top Prospect Khaman Maluach appeared first on SLAM.

It’s the latest build in the two-time Blocks champion’s overtly extensive Lego collection: the set allows users to shoot baskets with Lego minifigures via exclusive spring pieces placed in the figurine’s legs. The 1.5-inch figures resemble the League’s stars from two decades ago, including Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Antoine Walker, Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant. They are all represented in their respective ’03-04 uniforms. 

“I actually just finished this, the one from when I was a kid,” Turner says of the Lego NBA Set. “I just got it on eBay and I’m like man this is nostalgia, this is one of the first sets I ever had. I knocked that out within three-four hours, put all that together. I’ve got a little mini-figure of myself, I just take the legs off and put myself on the court and flick it back.” 

Those short four hours were a full-circle moment for Turner. Merging two of his greatest passions is a reality a younger version of himself would be baffled to see realized. As a kid, Turner’s parents prevented him from playing video games frequently, and going over to his friend’s house for a Halo 3 marathon was a bit like walking on eggshells. Thankfully, friends like Robert had a backroom stocked full of buckets of Legos. 

“So while they were playing video games, I would always go to the back room and start building stuff and just make all my little imaginations and all this stuff come to real life,” Turner tells SLAM. “ I just never really looked back. My dad’s the one who really introduced me to it. And I kind of took it and made it my own.”

Instead of staring at a screen with a controller in hand, Turner’s father wanted his son to have a more hands-on approach to his burgeoning creativity. The answer was Bionicles. Housed within a cylindrical plastic container, the Lego robot figures captivated Turner and pre-teens alike for over two decades before being discontinued in 2010. 

People think it’s gimmicky having Legos around the house. I actually do this shit bruh.

— Pacers’ Myles Turner

To accompany his biomechanical collection, Turner built all types of vessels; from pirate ships and rockets to ships from movies or shows he was enamored with as a kid. Except, he wasn’t using the step-by-step construction booklet that typically accompanies a Lego set. Turner was building his creations straight from scratch and memory. 

The Pacers center sees several parallels between his dominance on the hardwood and his ability to create his own Lego constructions. His ethos is creative, determined, precise, and exacting. He’s the conductor and the pieces are his orchestra, much like how the paint and the ball are his symphony. 

“I think of myself when I’m on the basketball floor like I’m an artist and what I do on the floor itself is my art, it’s how I create. The stuff you work on in the gym, in the lab in the offseason, is the stuff that you put on display when you’re actually in the middle of an NBA game,” Turner tells SLAM. “It’s kind of the same thing (with Legos). All the stuff that you come up with in your head, you’re able to take a few pieces and throw something together. And it’s like, ‘Damn I really did that.’ It’s something to be proud of.”

From the minds of kids on Christmas day to professional builders on social media, every Lego fan has at one point pondered the idea of crafting a Lego City that sprawls across various tables. As a self-proclaimed Lego BricksConnoisseur—peep his IG bio—and a Lego VIP Member, Myles’ immense connection to the brand wouldn’t be complete without his own form of a clad-brick city landscape. 

“People think it’s gimmicky having Legos around the house. I actually do this shit bruh,” Turner says. “It’s fun for me, I do this shit all the time.”

Next summer, Turner plans to fully expand his own Lego City to an area in his Austin, Texas home that’s more accommodating to the expansive metropolitan area. Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum, the Daily Bugle from Spider-Man, a windmill turbine and the 6,000-piece Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter—which he’s currently in the midst of—will each connect in their own unique way. 

“There’s a whole bunch of little things that I want to do to make them all come together,” Turner tells SLAM. “That’s the beauty of it because you can make it all your own. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s guide or regime, and that’s the fun part about this.”

Amidst the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, Legos became both a popular pastime and collector’s item for millions of us stuck at home. Met by the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Lego creators began to showcase their extensive set-ups and jaw-dropping collections. However, Myles had already established his brick fandom well before Lego saw a social resurgence. In 2018 he posted a timelapse of him completing the 2,000-piece Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer over seven-straight hours. 

The long grey Empire ship is just one of the many vessels in Turner’s armada of Lego constructions. Walk up the jet-black spiral staircase in Turner’s Austin home and you’ll find a sleek metal and glass shelf outfitted with Lego versions of the Death Star, a Clone Wars Gunship, Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing, the Millennium Falcon, the Batwing and Batmobile. The shelf sits tucked behind a wall that also displays a two-foot-tall Lego Mario figure, a nod to Turner’s extensive video game fandom. 

Directly ahead of the upstairs entrance sits further display cases that showcase a detailed look at Cinderella’s Castle, a WWE belt, the Home Alone house and the beginnings of his aforementioned Lego City. Hundreds of exclusive and highly valuable minifigures, like the original $3,000 Boba Fett figure, are stacked in neat rows behind a translucent plexiglass case on another table. 

Soon, he’ll be adding a foot-tall Lego R2-D2 and AT-AT Walker, which he holds up on our Zoom call showcasing four fully complete legs and a half-built chassis. 

“The biggest thing for me in this Lego thing is, it’s not gimmicky. It’s not like I’m just trying to go out here and get a sponsorship. This is actually something I love and I’m passionate about,” Turner tells SLAM. “The ingenuity that goes behind all of it, the imagination that people have and just the different lanes that you open up and different worlds that you can open up stepping into this space is unreal. I have a lot of fun with that, man. It’s been it’s been real dope.”

While each of the latter ships is extravagant in its own right, Turner credits his most difficult build to the 9,000-piece 1:200 scale replica of The Titanic – which occupies the top-most section of the “ship shelf”. 

Garnering over 145,000 likes on X (formerly known as Twitter) immediately after its completion in March of 2022, Turner was quickly alerted to a mistake within his prize possession. One of the four yellow and black smokestacks was facing the opposite direction, a misstep that Turner has left alone to this day as an endearing personalized detail. “You know what bruh, I’m not about to go back and fix this. Like the Titanic didn’t work the first time in real life, so this is my version of it,” Turner tells us with a laugh. 

Given the vast amount of sets he’s built, Turner is more than acclimated to backtracking a few pages here and there for corrections. Over the years he’s also become used to the solitary construction process for his builds and creations. It wasn’t until recently that Turner began letting his girlfriend join him during builds, tag-teaming a custom 2,500 piece-by-piece image of his poster on Giannis Antetokounmpo from the 2022-23 season. The process, growth in routine, and intricacies of the latter have all become ingrained in the Pacer’s big man. 

So when Myles’ mother and team gifted him with a life-size version of himself as Darth Vader made entirely out of Legos, he was instantly taken aback. Constructed by professional Lego builder Ekow Nimakoj, “Darth Myles” stands at 7’3 composed of over 100,000 pieces. The statue took roughly 716 hours to complete in early June of last year.

“When they actually showed me that I was dumbfounded. I was like ‘Yo this is like this is amazing. This is sick. No one’s gonna have anything like this. I can make this the centerpiece of my house,’ Turner tells SLAM. “Whether you like Legos or not, you’re gonna look at this and be like, ‘Oh yeah, this is dope.’ You know what I mean? It doesn’t matter what you’re into.”

While we conversed, Turner fiddled with a few small dimensional pieces from the half-built AT-AT Walker, rolling the pieces around in his giant palms like peas. Booklets are sprawled out across the cherrywood desk he sits at, beckoning his attention to the number of unfinished projects he still has to dive into. There’s a neatness in the chaos, a fortress of solitude. Amidst the thralls of the regular season or coming back home to Indy after a four-game road trip, Legos have become a form of meditation for the Pacers center. 

“I can have a great game, or I can have a bad game, but once I come in here, once I’m in my little space I just tune everything out and get my music going, I’m sitting here and I just build bruh. I don’t really think about anything else in the world, I’m in my own space, if you will. And it’s a good little mental reset for me because like I said, no one’s bothering me. Sometimes I put my phone on Do Not Disturb. I’m literally sitting here, in my own world, doing my thing. And that comes in a lot of different forms for people,” Turner tells SLAM. 

In the 6-11 center’s case, watching small inconsequential pieces come together to form something magnificent is a therapeutic process. Carving out time to visit cities for stops at Lego Stores or Beyond The Brick locations is Turner’s self-care. So what would his younger self think if he saw it all?

“He’d be dumbfounded, he wouldn’t believe it. It’s one of those things where when I was younger, basketball was fun for me but I never saw myself making it this far,” Turner tells SLAM. “Now you look at it, I’ve literally changed so many people’s lives around me, I’ve changed my family’s lives, I’ve changed a whole bunch of my friends (lives), people that I work with. Looking at it from that point of view, when I’m that young I don’t think I would’ve been able to fathom what I was able to put together in less than ten years.”

Photos via Myles Turner.

The post The True Story Behind Myles Turner’s Dedication to His Legos Craft—from Childhood to the Pacers appeared first on SLAM.

The United States will enter the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in August as the second- ranked country in the world.

Yes, the second-ranked country.

For the first time in more than a decade, US men’s basketball slipped to No. 2 in the FIBA world rankings back in November. The top spot currently belongs to Spain, winners of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket—the championship of Europe for men’s national teams—and the 2019 FIBA World Cup (a tournament in which the Americans finished seventh). The US does not send its A-team to events such as the FIBA AmeriCup, where it came in third last year after being knocked out by Argentina, but the results of those tournaments still impact the rankings. And while the squad put together for the Tokyo Olympics emerged victorious two summers ago, it lost to France during the preliminary round and only won by 5, 87-82, in a rematch in the Final. 

You don’t have to look hard for proof that the game is growing around the world. The three finalists for the 2023 NBA MVP hailed from countries outside the United States—winner Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and runners-up Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)—as well as six of the top eight vote-getters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) finished fifth, followed by Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) in seventh and Luka Doncic (Slovenia) in eighth. This marked the fifth straight season that a foreign-born player was crowned MVP, dating back to Antetokounmpo’s first triumph in 2019.

Most of those stars have confirmed that they intend to play in the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. This year’s event will be the second to feature 32 teams and the first to be hosted by multiple nations. It’s also the gateway to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as seven countries will qualify based on their performances: two from the Americas, two from Europe, one from Africa, one from Asia and one from Oceania.

For the US, the tournament will be far from a cakewalk, regardless of who lands on the team’s final roster. 

“There are quality players around the world—I think we’re starting to see that,” says Carlan Gay, deputy editor at The Sporting News and an announcer for international competitions. “Four of the five that finished at the top of the MVP voting aren’t American born—that just tells you that the world isn’t catching up, it has caught up.” 

“I think that we have this idea that, well, if it’s not American, it’s not as good,” says Jeff Taylor, an international basketball commentator since 1997. “I understood immediately watching the [1997] EuroBasket—watching a game between Poland and Germany—I was struck by how good they were.” 

Taylor has covered most of FIBA’s flagship events since then, observing firsthand how the level of talent has risen in other countries. “It’s grown exponentially,” he tells SLAM. “I think it was already good at the time, but I think there are different factors at work here [that have made it even better].”

For one, an increasing number of Europeans jumped to the NBA in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The success of guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker helped erase stigmas about foreign players—mainly, that they were too soft and not athletic enough to succeed in the States—and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

Emerging talents overseas join top professional organizations as teenagers, where they are exposed to elite coaching and stiff competition that accelerates their development. Doncic signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid at the age of 13, and No. 1 NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama has been a pro since he was 15. Of course, those high-level prospects also join their respective national team programs early on, which facilitates even more growth.

“There’s more opportunity for development within your national team program [overseas],” says University of Alabama assistant coach Ryan Pannone, who has previously coached in the NBA, G League, China Germany, Slovakia and Israel. “And the pressure those guys are playing under and the pride for their national teams is really high. [For example], Luka was playing within the national team obviously from a very young age in Slovenia, and he was in the academy within Real Madrid in Spain. So he’s getting professional coaching seven days a week from coaches whose full-time jobs are to make sure he develops; and then in the summer, he’s in the national team system of Slovenia, where he’s playing in high-pressure-filled games.”

Basketball journeyman Scotty Hopson, who has played in 10 countries and suited up for the 2018 USA World Cup Qualifying Team, notes that the “athleticism level” has increased among international players. “Whenever I go to these countries and play against other teams and players, I feel like they always have a knowledge of basketball that’s pretty high level,” says Hopson. “And now you add the component that guys are starting to get more athletic, starting to understand how to take care of their bodies, how to train more.”

It’s important to mention that the FIBA game is different—harder, in a lot of ways. Quarters are 10 minutes long as opposed to 12. The court is smaller (91 feet-10 inches by 49 feet-2.5 inches, compared to the NBA’s 94 feet by 50 feet), and the three-point line is about a foot closer. There’s no defensive three seconds, and goaltending rules are modified: players are allowed to swat the ball off the cylinder as soon as it touches the rim.

All of these changes result in a distinct style of play: more strategic and methodical, less spaced. Teams value possessions more because there are fewer of them. On defense, it’s easier to pack the paint and provide help. Closeouts are faster—there’s not as much ground to cover—so coaches emphasize shooting and making quick reads. “The game internationally can be very physical, very tactical. And if you’re going to play it, you have to be very intelligent,” explains Taylor.

“The game in Europe is way harder than the game in the NBA,” Antetokounmpo said last September. “The talent obviously in the NBA is way higher, but the space [is better]—you have a lot of lanes to drive the ball, a lot of lanes to create. Over there it’s more intense.” 

During the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket last summer, Antetokounmpo had to work extremely hard for his points, as opponents clogged the middle and sent double or triple teams his way. “And in the past, this has helped me a lot, like when I came back from [the World Cup] in 2019,” he added. “That was the year we went to the bubble. The first couple of games, I felt like the court was huge.”

“Is it harder? Yes, because I think you really need to have quick thinking,” Jokic said about the international game after EuroBasket. “In the NBA, if you go by the guy, you can see the help is coming. In Europe, help is always there. So you need to think and play ahead.” That challenge helped Jokic evolve into the playmaker that he is today and made transitioning to the NBA much easier. Similarly, Doncic told SLAM in 2022: “I think from [Europe] comes my reading the game, all the passing skills.”

Thus, current and future NBA players can benefit tremendously from participating in FIBA events, especially given the intensity of those environments. Many of those players also assume bigger roles for their national teams, which allows them to showcase other parts of their games. Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, for example, shined as the number one option for Finland at the 2022 EuroBasket, averaging 27.9 points on 54 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from three.

When he returned to the States for the 2022-23 NBA season, Jazz head coach Will Hardy encouraged Markkanen to play exactly as he had for Finland—confident, assertive, in more of a central role. And Markkanen had the best year of his NBA career, making his first All-Star team and winning the Most Improved Player award.

Says Coach Pannone, who was an assistant for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022-23, “Obviously, Lauri Markkanen and the way that panned out doesn’t happen for every [NBA] team, but [FIBA events] certainly give you the chance to see one of your players in more of a star role—how they’re used, how they handle it, how successful they are. And you get that opportunity without it costing you games by trying to experiment with that throughout the NBA season.”

Markkanen will be with Finland again this summer for the World Cup. Other international players expected to compete include Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Sabonis, Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert (France), Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic), Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia), Franz Wagner (Germany), Josh Giddey (Australia), Nikola Vucevic (Montenegro), Jordan Clarkson (Philippines) and more. The US will likely enter the tournament as a significant favorite, but the depth of talent this year will once again make the road to the Naismith Trophy very difficult.

“Whether you’re from the United States or not, there’s going to be amazing competition here because the level of basketball in this World Cup, I think, will be unprecedented,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said during an episode of One Sports’ The Game.

Defending champions Spain should have another formidable roster, led by veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, MVP of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Willy Hernangomez, MVP of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket. Australia, ranked third, should have Giddey and several other NBA players, including Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, Josh Green and Jock Landale. The likely presence of Antetokounmpo, Doncic and Jokic ensures that Greece, Slovenia and Serbia will all be tough opponents. Canada could be stacked with household names: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks and more. And then, of course, there’s France, a country that nearly toppled the United States in the Tokyo Olympics and should have a similar squad, plus the 7-4 phenom Wembanyama. 

The list of worthy competitors for the ’23 World Cup title goes on and on—each one composed of prideful players determined to reach the podium for their countries. 

“You can go down the list of guys who really take pride in putting on that [national team] jersey,” says Gay. “I don’t think it’s something that we truly understand in North America—how much passion there is for basketball outside of these borders and how much passion there is for performing on the world stage for your country—because of the NBA factor. I think kids around the world grow up not dreaming to be in the NBA but dreaming to play and win a World Cup and win an Olympic gold medal.”

“Representing your national team, it’s heavy,” said Antetokounmpo in September. “You represent your whole country.”

Asked about facing Antetokounmpo during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, then-United States head coach Gregg Popovich said this of international superstars: “When they play for their countries, we like to say that they become superheroes. They get together and, through their relationships and their views about their game, they just form a team that—they fall in love with each other. They enjoy playing with each other. And that goes across the board for everybody that’s in the tournament. A lot of them have grown up together, a lot of them have spent a lot of time playing together, and you can see that.”

“The biggest advantage I felt like [other countries] had was that those teams play together for years and years and years,” Hopson reiterates. He speaks from experience, having lost to a cohesive and well-coached Argentina squad during qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. “You’re going into a situation where you’re playing against guys who have probably been playing together since they were kids. They have an advantage with that because the chemistry is already built.” 

Combine that chemistry with the rising talent and the hunger of players to win for their countries and the US will certainly have its hands full trying to reclaim the World Cup title and the No. 1 FIBA ranking.

“The gap has closed, but also, the fear factor is gone,” Gay says. “No one’s afraid to play Team USA. In fact, they’re circling that date on the calendar to try to make history.”

SLAM 244 is also available in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post International Superstars are Now Dominating the Game More Than Ever Before appeared first on SLAM.

Antetokounmpo dropped 30 points on 7-18 shooting from the field, 1-3 from beyond the arc, and he went 15-21 from the free-throw line, 10 assists including the game-winning dime to Grayson Allen (16 points and the game-winning triple from the corner), and a season-high 21 rebounds to secure a 104-101 win over the Toronto Raptors (16-22) on Wednesday.

His second triple-double performance comes off a career-high 55 point performance against Washington the night point. Before that, he posted at least 40/10/5 in each of his past three appearances. The back-to-back MVP being able to summon that kind of outing on the back end of a back-to-back is indicative of his desire to make his dominance “boring.”

“On a back-to-back, he used a lot of energy both last night and tonight,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said per ESPN. “They (Toronto) are very physical. For him to find a way to get us over the top was huge.”

Embrace every moment. pic.twitter.com/LCd9XGGpPV

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) January 5, 2023

Antetokounmpo’s triple-double wasn’t just noteworthy for the fact it made Milwaukee 4-0 on the second game of a back-to-back. It also placed the Greek Freak beside Kareem Abudl-Jabbar for another outstanding accomplishment. This time Antetokounmpo became the first player to drop 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a five-game stretch since the Hall-of-Famer center did it in 1972.

“Obviously your body is tired,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s more mental than physical, just being about to go out there and get the job done on a back-to-back always feels good.”

Giannis’s last 5 games:

30 PTS, 21 REB, 10 AST
55 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST
43 PTS, 20 REB, 5 AST
45 PTS, 22 REB, 7 AST
27 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST

He's the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972 to drop 200+ PTS, 80+ REB, and 30+ AST over a 5-game span. pic.twitter.com/gktMMk1a9Y

— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2023

Antetokounmp is averaging 32.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game and has led the Bucks (25-13) to a tie with the Boston Celtics (26-12) for the top record in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have Wednesday off and then they’ll play the Charlotte Hornets (10-29) on Friday.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Reaches Another Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Milestone appeared first on SLAM.

After 10 seasons and one championship with the Bucks, the Greek Freak is ready to be so dominant that it becomes a regular thing to expect. That it’s “boring” to see him put up the type of performance he recently had against Washington. Antetokounmpo dropped 55 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists on Tuesday as the Bucks beat the Wizards 123-113, snapping Washington’s five-game winning streak.

“I want to get in a position … that my game is boring,” Antetokounmpo said. “I just do what I do, and people don’t talk about it because it becomes boring — I do it every single night. That’s what I want to do. I want other people to feel like my game is boring. But I don’t get bored. The greats — the best players — never get bored. They go out there, and they always give their best any given night.”

Giannis joins Moses Malone and Russell Westbrook as the only players since 1976-77 with 40+ points and 10+ rebounds in three consecutive games!

Dec. 28: 45 & 22
Dec. 30: 43 & 20
Jan. 3: 55 & 10 pic.twitter.com/UdU37BCc9D

— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2023

The back-to-back MVP has put at least 40/10/5 in all three of his last outings. The only other players to replicate that kind of stat line in NBA history are Elgin Baylor in 1961 and ’63 and Russell Westbrook in 2016. The only other Bucks to score at least 40 in three straight appearances are Flynn Robinson in February 1969 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 1972.

Create art. pic.twitter.com/t4JIc1yYYh

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) January 4, 2023

The 2021 Finals MVP is averaging a career-high 32.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.2 rebounds on 53.6 percent shooting from the field. The Bucks are set to take on the Raptors to end their latest set of back-to-back games

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo is Aiming to Make His Nightly Dominance ‘Boring’ appeared first on SLAM.

Here’s what happened across the L over the weekend. Let’s get it.

James Harden is Reportedly “Seriously Considering” Returning to Houston:

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski at ESPN, Harden is reportedly considering a reunion with the Rockets if he doesn’t re-sign with Philadelphia as a free agent in July.

However, after the Sixers’ win over the Knicks on Christmas Day, Harden addressed the media and let them know how he really feels about being in Philly.

“I’m here, we’re playing very well, and I don’t know where that report came from,” Harden said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. “But I’m excited to be here, and we’re playing well. We’re continuing to get better.”

Meanwhile, Harden caught everyone’s attention with this colorful holiday fit. Hide y’all presents.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LeagueFits (@leaguefits)

Joel Embiid and Harden Combine to Score 64 Points against the Knicks:

The Beard (29 points and 13 dimes) and Joel Embiid (35 points) put up a combined 64 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists to help the 76ers extend their win streak to eight games with a 119-112 dub over the Knicks on Sunday.

The Sixers outscored the Knicks 24-9 to open the fourth and turned a one-point deficit into a 116-102 lead late in the fourth quarter.

“It was one of those games where you’ve just got to stick around,” Harden said per ESPN. “Like, stick around, stick around, and then fourth quarter, you give yourself a chance.

64 PTS | 12 REB | 14 AST @JHarden13 & @JoelEmbiid‘s combined Christmas Day stat line. vote both for NBA All-Star: https://t.co/kNf5hhEIQx.

presented by @palottery pic.twitter.com/Lu2cQROE6c

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 25, 2022

Jayson Tatum Torches the Bucks For 41 Points while Jaylen Brown Takes Over:

Jayson Tatum posted 41 points, including a ferocious first-half yam over Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jaylen Brown scored 29 points to help Boston (24-10) reclaim the top record in the League with a 139-118 win over the Bucks (22-11).

Boston grabbed a 100-86 lead after Tatum scored 20 points in the third quarter, and Brown brought the Celtics home with 13 points in the final frame; he also refused to back down after posting a screen that sent the Greek Freak to the ground. Brown and Antetokounmpo had a back-and-forth, but y’all know it’s only basketball. The players don’t take it seriously, and neither should basketball fans.

Boston gave Milwaukee their first three-game losing streak, while the Celtics have now won back-to-back contests after losing five out of six recent games.

HE CAUGHT ONE @jaytatum0 hammered it home in tonight’s @JetBlue Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/ZU6oCbvRB0

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 26, 2022

Jordan Poole Put Up a Dominate 32 Points to Lead Golden State Past Memphis:

Jordan Poole did what he had to do to play Grinch and ruin the Grizzlies’ Christmas after he dropped a team-high 32 points to lead the Warriors past Memphis on Sunday. Draymond Green (13 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks) and Klay Thompson (24 points on 8-25 shooting) also put up some solid performances. They played up the burgeoning rivalry they have with Memphis with some sublime shi*t talking toward Dillon Brooks as well.

“He knows that he can’t get a second one. He’s still a young player,” head coach Steve Kerr said per ESPN. “Jordan was fantastic tonight, and we needed his offensive firepower.”

Dray Jordan

» https://t.co/ocDF2EGGU9 pic.twitter.com/HL0YggMOBa

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 26, 2022

Nikola Jokic Drops a Christmas Day Triple-Double Against the Suns:

Nikola Jokic (41 points, 15 boards, and 15 dimes) dropped his 83rd career triple-double and led the Nuggets to a 128-125 win over the Phoenix Suns. The two-time MVP recorded a 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist performance a week ago. It was the fourth 40-point, 15-rebound, 15-assist game in League history. Oscar Robertson (1961, 1962) accomplished it twice, and James Harden did it in 2016.

“Sick,” Aaron Gordon said of Jokic’s outing, per ESPN. “Those are video game numbers.”

Another MVP performance

41/15/15. Triple-Double 8⃣3⃣ pic.twitter.com/W5PNYlDFar

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 26, 2022

Jamal Murray (26 points, five rebounds, and five assists) forced overtime with a game-tying dunk, and Aaron Gordon put the exclamation point on the win with a poster over Landry Shamet.

“Yeah,” Gordon said. “Because of the time and score.”

Nuggets Nation BROUGHT THE ENERGY tonight. For that, we leave you with this

Goodnight, Wuggets Wation pic.twitter.com/WOYUm1twk7

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 26, 2022

The post NBA Weekend Recap: Elite Christmas Day Matchups and James Harden Addresses Reports of His Return to Houston 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 Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Lakers for a holiday. As the face of the franchise’s cherished history since 1998, Nowitzki will never be forgotten for leading Dallas to an NBA Championship in 2011. The championship victory came in six games against the star-studded Miami Heatles led by LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.

The 2011 Finals MVP was pleased to hear he will be getting a statue built after him on the global holiday.

“That’s going to be there forever,” Nowitzki said per NBA.com. “I think that’s what’s so unbelievable, that this statue will stand there, and my kids will grow up with it. That’s what’s really mindboggling and so amazing about it –  That this piece is for really for eternity and will be there long, long after I’m gone.”

During his time with the Mavericks, Nowitzki solidified himself as an NBA legend and a building bridge between the inspiration the Dream Team created during their Gold Medal campaign in the 1992 Olympics. Nowitzki saw what Team USA did, and his success paved the way for more international players to cross the world and become NBA stars, like former teammate Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo.

When talking about his impact on the game in this aspect, the former superstar admitted it is a humbling feeling.

“Along the way, if I inspired somebody to pick up a basketball or if I motivated a guy to work harder or dream of the NBA, of course, that’s humbling to me,” said Nowitzki. “Super humbling. That makes me proud, for sure.”

The post Dallas Mavericks Set to Unveil Dirk Nowitzki Statue on Christmas 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.

The last time these two powerhouse squads went at it, the Bucks defended home court and got the 124-115 win over Dallas. Antetokounmpo had himself a night, scoring 30 points on 11-19 shooting and also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Bucks shooting guard Grayson Allen also had a huge game to help seal the victory. Allen finished the game with 25 points on 8-10 after having a scorching hot first half where he shot 7-7 from the field.

Milwaukee (18-6) comes into Friday’s matchup as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and looks to put their stamp on this regular-season matchup with another wire-to-wire dub.

On the flip side, we have Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to bounce back from the loss they took last time out. Doncic was in his bag in their previous matchup, putting up 27 points on 10-20 shooting to go along with 12 assists.

Doncic and the Mavs have been a tear as of late, winning their last three matchups versus the Knicks, Suns, and Nuggets. Mavericks forwards Tim Hardaway Jr and Dorian Finney-Smith put up big-time offensive outbursts during this stretch of games.

Finney-Smith scored 19 points, shooting 7-13 from the field against the second-place Nuggets. Hardaway Jr also had a great game, dropping 29 points while shooting 7-12 from the field.

With the Western Conference standings so tight, every win matters. The Mavericks picked the right time to get hot, but will it be enough to even the season series tonight? All questions will be answered tonight on ESPN at 10 pm.

The post Preview: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic Lead Bucks and Mavs Into Final Encounter appeared first on SLAM.

It’s about time to acknowledge that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s nickname sells the man short.

“Greek Freak” is still an all-timer, of course, a perfect rhyme that speaks volumes about the player in two short syllables. Before he was an NBA champion and a two-time NBA MVP, Giannis was just that—a kid from Greece with a freakish (if still raw) mix of size, athleticism and talent. The nickname was easy to remember, and it did its job.

But now, in his 10th season, it doesn’t say nearly enough. It doesn’t speak to his remarkable journey, the way he’s come to embody the American dream; nor does it capture the evolution of his game. It’s hard now to remember, given everything he’s accomplished, just how raw young Giannis really was as a skinny, often-overmatched 18-year-old rookie in Milwaukee. Even then, there was something joyful in his game and his smile, but his actual game still had a long way to go.

He knew it, and he built steadily toward greatness, doubling his scoring average from his first season to his second, starting 79 of 80 games in his third season, earning his first All-Star selection in his fourth. Two years after that, he earned the first of his two League MVP awards. Finally, in 2021, he became an NBA champion.

The freakishness has never gone away, of course. His explosiveness and wingspan make him seem somehow much taller than his 6-11 frame. His quickness and hand-size enable him to handle like a guard. Even in a League filled with some of the world’s best athletes, his physical advantages can sometimes seem almost unfair. You see it when he faces up to set up defenders for that spin move, an impossible moment of speed, dexterity and balance for a player his size, one that only the savviest (and bravest) defenders can hope to survive.

Most impressively, you see it on the break, those moments when he gathers a defensive rebound and sees a lane and goes, moving upcourt with strides so long they look like special effects. No trailing defender can keep up with him, and any defender already upcourt has a decision to make. The smart ones know to just get out of the way.

So, yes, he remains a freak, but he’s become so much more than that. He’s a hero in Milwaukee, both for bringing the Bucks the team’s first NBA title in half a century, and for not leaving for a more fashionable destination when so many observers assumed he would. He’s a man of the people who hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s a complete player on both ends of the court. And somehow, he’s still only 27 years old. So maybe just call him Giannis—like so many of the game’s all-time greats, he is immediately identifiable by first his name alone.

The nickname no longer seems necessary.

The post Starting Lineup’s Giannis Antetokounmpo Action Figure Captures the Greatness of the Greek Freak appeared first on SLAM.

It was nearly 35 years ago when a new, first-of-its-kind line of sports collectibles landed on store shelves and changed, well, everything. A slight overstatement, perhaps, but for collectors and diehard sports fans, the arrival of the Starting Lineup brand really was a game-changer, an unprecedented way to express their fandom, scratch their collecting itch and rep the players whose games inspired them. The line quickly became iconic, and more than two decades later, the Starting Lineup brand remains just that—a classic, cultural reference point and a coveted collectible.

And now, to paraphrase one of the stars of the original Starting Lineup NBA run, “They’re back.”

After hinting at it last spring and summer, Hasbro this fall confirmed the return of Starting Lineup for a new generation of fans and collectors—and fittingly, the new line not only highlights the best and most dynamic players in today’s NBA, but does so with cutting-edge technology that adds brand-new digital components and brings an almost unbelievable level of realism to play. The result? Once again, Starting Lineup has changed the game.

And while the brand will once again run across all the major sports leagues, it’s the NBA’s unequaled star power that will lead Starting Lineup’s rebirth.

“If you look at the history of the original line starting in 1988, one of the most iconic Starting Lineup figures was that ’88 Michael Jordan,” says Justin Spagnuolo, Director, Global Brand Strategy & Marketing for Hasbro. “The NBA just felt like the right way to go, and the League and the Players Association have been great partners in getting us there.”

While everything about the new line nods to the brand’s history, the line itself couldn’t be more of the moment. Just look at that list of players: LeBron James. Stephen Curry. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ja Morant. Luka Dončić. Joel Embiid. Jayson Tatum. Trae Young. An eight-man rotation you could put up against pretty much any lineup in NBA history, with a barrel full of championship rings, MVP awards and All-Star bids among them. 

Now look closer, literally, at the players themselves. The level of detail, the accuracy, the video-game realism…it’s crazy. And yes, that’s very much by design. “For us, the player likeness is the No. 1 thing—that’s been the Hasbro specialty, being as authentic to the player as possible,” Spagnuolo says. “We know from a consumer standpoint, that’s what the fans want, to be as lifelike as possible. To get that kind of likeness on a 6-inch figure is staggering.”

As an example, Spagnuolo points to Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ all-everything, highlight-generating young guard. From his hair to kicks—literally, from head to toe—Morant’s likeness is incredibly lifelike. Spagnuolo says that when Morant first unboxed his own Starting Lineup likeness, he was “blown away by how much it looks like him. It’s all about that level of detail, and we’ve carried that across the board.”

As one of the League’s most exciting young players, Morant represents everything the new Starting Lineup is striving for: a signature look, a dynamic style of play and a game worthy of immortalizing. Beyond marveling at the detail of his own replica, Morant shared with the Starting Lineup team how much he appreciated being included in the line as “a sign of how hard I’ve worked.” It’s a message that resonates with the Starting Lineup creative team.

Of the full lineup, Spagnuolo notes the unique mix of personalities and skill sets they bring, and the range of up- and-coming stars to Hall of Fame-bound veterans. 

“You’ve got guys like Ja, who’s absolutely ridiculous and ready to take over, and then a global icon like LeBron James. We’re just trying to cast the widest net and bring all these personalities to life.”

Of course, it’s not only the personalities and the game that have changed—this new generation of NBA superstars exists in a very different world than the original Starting Lineup run. That’s reflected throughout the new line, from each player rocking highly detailed shoes that are accurate to brand, model and colorway—which the players themselves determined, of course—to relative heights that are realistic to scale, to articulation that allows fans to recreate signature poses and shots, from dunks to dribbles to jumpers. Then there are the accessories: two extra sets of hands to customize the action, a display base and flight stand, a Panini trading card and a link to a Panini NFT trading card.

There will be much more to come in the resurgent Starting Lineup run, including more NBA players (hey, no spoilers), the recently announced NFL line, and…well, you’ll just have to wait and see. But it feels appropriate that the NBA line is leading this return. In the same way that the greatness of today’s stars, from LeBron to Luka to Ja, has been built on the foundation of Jordan and those who came before and after, there’s a direct line running from those original Starting Lineup figures through the newly launched line. In both cases, they’ve evolved, taking the best of the past and lifting it to new heights.

As Spagnuolo puts it, “History is a big part of our story.” Indeed, it’s the combination of that rich history with next-level tech innovation and the NBA’s biggest stars that makes the present and future of Starting Lineup so cool to be a part of. 

The post The Rebirth of Cool: Starting Lineup is Back with the First in a Series of NBA Action Figures appeared first on SLAM.

The last time Middleton was on the court, he went down with an MCL sprain during the first round of last year’s playoffs versus the Chicago Bulls. Despite still winning the series, the Bucks would later lose in seven games to the Boston Celtics in the semifinals. Milwaukee missed Middleton’s contributions, and it left many wondering what would have happened if he had been out there.

In response, Milwaukee has bounced back well to start the season. The Bucks are second in the East with a 15-5 record, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing out of his mind, averaging a career-high 31.3 points per on 53.3 percent shooting from the field. 

When Middleton is back, this will certainly make Antetokounmpo’s job easier. He will have less of a scoring load to carry for Milwaukee, thanks to his co-star.

Last season, the 31-year-old averaged 20.1 points and 5.4 assists per game. The offense will significantly improve as well because of Middleton’s ability to play off the ball. Expect Milwaukee’s 17th-ranked 111.2 .offensive rating of to shoot up. Having such a middling offense really highlights this team’s top-ranked defense (106.5 defensive rating) for their early success.

If the Bucks can win their Friday matchup with the Lakers, that will make it four consecutive wins for this team.

The post REPORT: Bucks Star Khris Middleton Set to Return on Friday appeared first on SLAM.

“No, nothing close,” Brogdon told NBCSports if he’d ever played on a better team like this season’s Celtics. “This is a treat for any NBA player. Whether you ask Marcus Smart, Tatum, Brown, anybody, it’s a treat to play on a team like this.”

While playing alongside all-stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Brogdon is averaging 14 points a game with a 48.8 percent field goal average and 46.9 percent from beyond the arc.

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The 29-year-old joined the Celtics hoping to contribute to a veteran role for when they are again pushing towards a championship, similar to last season. However, this isn’t the first time Brogdon has been part of a title contender and playing alongside an MVP candidate like Tatum.

In 2019, the Milwaukee Bucks reached the Eastern Conference Finals and were two wins away from reaching the big stage. Brogdon averaged 13.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 rebounds per game during Milwaukee’s run to the ECF. The 2019 MVP, Giannis Antetokumpo, was just getting into the flow of superstardom, but the team ultimately fell to the eventual champion Toronto Raptors.

In just 25 games as a Celtic, Brogdon says his teammates and the front office have developed their leadership from and have encouraged younger players “to be appreciated of what they have here.” Holding each other accountable while maintaining the good vibes around the team will help the Celtics reach their ultimate goal of hanging an 18th banner.

“There’s a lot of good here, from the top down — the leadership down to the PTs, the players,” said Brogdon. “I remind the guys of that when times get tough because there’s always going to be times and days when there’s lulls, but for me and Blake (Griffin), we’ve been in situations where the team is not winning, and the team is really struggling, and there’s chaos. I try to encourage guys to be appreciative of what they have here.”

The post Malcolm Brogdon: ‘It’s a Treat to Play’ On High-Powered Celtics appeared first on SLAM.

The Greek Freak won the duel by putting his stamp all over the game, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Doncic was left praising the 2021 Finals MVP after the buzzer. 

“It’s hard to go against a guy like that,” Doncic said per CBS Sports. “He’s the best player in the NBA right now. He’s almost impossible to stop. It’s really fun to see him play, but it’s not that fun to go against him — He improves every day. He works really hard, you can see it. He works on everything, he works on his shot, and he’s gotten better at a lot of things. He just gets better every day.”

Antetokounmpo was delighted to hear what Doncic said about him following Milwaukee’s win, and he made sure to let us know what it meant to him coming from one of the game’s best.

“That’s a great compliment, and I appreciate that,” Antetokounmpo said. “When you play against the best players in the League, being able to say something like that feels good. No matter wins or losses, just being respected by your peers, it’s always a good feeling.”

Doncic is putting up insane numbers to kick off the new season. The Mavericks guard is scoring 33.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists on 50.4 percent accuracy from the field. Despite Dallas getting off to a 9-10 record, there should be no reason why Doncic is not in any MVP conversation.

As for the Bucks star, he is putting together quite a campaign of his own. Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 53.4 shooting from the field. His efforts have his team sitting with a 14-5 record, which is good enough for second in the Eastern Conference.

The post Luka Doncic Says Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘the Best Player in the World’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Bucks started 9-0 out the gate but have gone 5-5 over their last ten contests. On Sunday, the good vibes came out after the Bucks held on for a wire-to-wire victory over the Mavericks, who lost their fourth consecutive contest. Allen finished the game with 25 points on 80 percent shooting. He also had five assists, two steals, and one block. 

“The hoop looked huge,” Allen said per ESPN.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo had his usual outstanding performance as well. He led all scorers with 30 points on 57.9 percent shooting, 11 rebounds, and four dimes. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was complimentary of how Antetokounmpo and Allen’s games complimented each other last night. 

“He was on fire,” Kidd said. “We gave him a lot of great looks, and he knocked them down. Giannis put pressure on the rim, and we just couldn’t get to their shooters.”

The Milwaukee Bucks shot 17/37 from behind the arc, matching their season-high mark for made three-pointers. Allen’s sizzling shot-making led this in the first half, but Antetokounmpo was ardent about ensuring the other parts of Allen’s game were also acknowledged. 

“He’s not just a good shooter,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you’re sleeping and you’re being lazy, he’s going to drive the ball, drive the close-out and go and dunk it. It just makes him dangerous. As much as they respect the 3, they’ve got to respect the drive also.”

Coming into the game, it was touted as a battle between two MVP candidates, Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. Despite spectacular performances from both, Allen completely stole the show, which may be enough to get Milwaukee’s season back on track. 

The post Grayson Allen’s Hot Shooting Starts Lifts Milwaukee Over Dallas appeared first on SLAM.

Well, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer has had enough. He’s seen teams resort to fouling The Greek Freak hard or even giving “cheap shots” when they can’t stop him from getting to the rim. It’s gotten to the point where Budenholzer recently called for the NBA to step in to “protect him” from physical harm.

Most wanted. pic.twitter.com/YpEruI1JDY

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) November 22, 2022

Budenholzer’s call for tighter officiating came after the two-time MVP faced multiple hard fouls during their 119-111 win over the Trail Blazers. The Greek Freak ended the evening posting 37 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 16-24 shooting from the field and 5-12 shooting at the free throw line.

“The shot the other night in Philly was a significant shot; they don’t upgrade that. I just think sometimes, the hits that Giannis is taking; the league needs to look at; the League needs to protect him. It’s not just him; anybody takes those hits; the league needs to protect players,” Budenholzer explained, per CBS Sports .

Clearly Coach Bud doesn’t want the 2021 Finals MVP to go down with an injury since Antetokounmpo plays such a huge role on the team.

Highlights from last night's WIN vs. Trailblazers.

@we_energies pic.twitter.com/ONlFjj8Oau

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 22, 2022

For what it’s worth, The Greek Freak admitted he’s been taking a lof hard fouls but says that he enjoys the physicality that he’s dealing with at the moment.

“I’ve said it multiple times, I enjoy physicality,” Antetokounmpo said. “I enjoy putting my body on the line. It puts a fire under my belly, it wakes me up,” Giannis explained.

The post Mike Budenholzer On Officiating Giannis Antetokounmpo: ‘The League Needs to Protect Him’ appeared first on SLAM.

MarJon picked up a new ritual recently that *may* have helped his game. pic.twitter.com/S3WOidJHJt

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 15, 2022

The 24th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft in this year’s draft finished with a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds on 7-9 shooting. Teammate and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was once in Beauchamp’s shoes as an uber-athletic rookie prospect, and he has advice for him: stay humble. 

“It reminds me a lot of how it used to be when I was younger,” Antetokounmpo said, per The Athletic. “When I was younger, I remember when I had some good stretches, and I heard you guys talk, or my teammates talk about me, I felt good about myself, and then I played terrible. I hope he can stay humble, and I’m going to try also my best not to talk about him in the media all the time because I know he’s gonna be on Twitter somewhere. So he’s going to go through his feed and see this. Marjon – stay humble, keep hooping, playing great. But at the end of the day, it’s not about now, tomorrow, whatever the case might be; it’s about being the best that he can be. And right now, he’s playing well.” 

Giannis sends it off to MarJon!!

Learn how @clovercommerce powers small businesses through every stage of business growth https://t.co/7hl0Cf8LbG pic.twitter.com/z1z2cp7nHq

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 15, 2022

Beauchamp was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult night for the Bucks in their 121-106 loss. The Bucks fell to 10-3, 1-3 in their last four games. It was their second consecutive loss and their second straight to the Hawks. The Bucks are now 1-2 in their season series against Atlanta.  

MarJon getting it done on both ends tonight.

20 PTS | 8 REB | 78% FG% | 3-4 3PM pic.twitter.com/tEDg2YdrHG

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 15, 2022

Beauchamp’s minutes and production have steadily risen over Milwaukee’s last few contests. He is now averaging 7.5 points and 3.7 rebounds on 42.2 percent shooting from the field while playing 18.1 minutes per game. The Bucks have the opportunity to end their losing streak on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Shares Advice For Marjon Beauchamp: ‘Stay Humble’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I played with a really dominant, great leader in Milwaukee in Giannis,” DiVincenzo said when talking about the leadership of the Greek Freak and Stephen Curry, per NBC Sports. “And coming here, obviously hearing a bunch about Steph, he’s really shocked me in terms of how down-to-earth as a person, down-to-earth as a leader and as a basketball player, how damn good he is.”

The 25-year-old is “blown away at how great a leader Curry is both on and off the court and how the four-time NBA champion has exceeded all his expectations.”  

DiVincenzo is particularly impressed by Curry’s ability to listen. 

“I think that’s what makes him such a great leader and such a great player because, obviously, he knows other people see different things and he could blow you off at any time, but he doesn’t, and I think that’s the biggest thing as a leader that’s important,” the Villanova product noted.

After straining his left hamstring and watching the Warriors’ 0-5 road trip from his couch, DiVincenzo will likely return to play Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

“It was frustrating not being with the guys,” DiVincenzo said, per East Bay Times. “I knew, selfishly, it was the best thing for me getting back on the court. But I’m all about everyone being together. That was frustrating.”

The Warriors hope DiVincenzo’s veteran presence can boost the struggling bench. The guard averaged 15 minutes in his first three games with the Dubs. Upon returning, he wants to “take the energy to a whole other level” and have a “plus/minus in the energy and be really high on that end.”

On the hardwood, DiVincenzo can help loosen up the scoring load and, hopefully, give Jordan Poole a jumpstart. 

“Not going to come here and try to be a hero on Friday. Just coming in with that second unit and letting Jordan get back to his, letting his mind go free and letting him do his thing,” DiVincenzo said of his role. 

“For me, to keep the offense moving, facilitate everything. So when it comes back to JP, he doesn’t have so much pressure to initiate everything and try to be aggressive scoring the ball. Take a little bit of that load off him.”

DiVincenzo and the Dubs take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow night in the Bay Area.

The post Donte DiVincenzo ‘Blown Away’ by Stephen Curry’s Leadership appeared first on SLAM.

He may have encountered some bumps in the road fighting multiple injuries, including a broken foot that prevented him from playing at all last year. However, through five games of his comeback season, Williamson has proven that the talent is still there and that he’s going to be one of the best players in the League for years to come.

CJ Zion pic.twitter.com/1pV3p974k4

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 3, 2022

After the Lakers beat the Pelicans 120-117, LeBron James (20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists) was full of praise for Williamson. The former Duke Blue Devil scored a team-high 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out seven dimes to his teammates. The four-time MVP believes that Williamson “is on the verge of being great” and that his performance on Tuesday “showed why he’s gonna be who he’s gonna be.”

“Zion is on the verge of being great — he’s going to be great in this League for a long time. Tonight he showed why he’s gonna be who he’s gonna be.”

"Zion is on the verge of being great, and he's going to be great in this league for a long time…"

LeBron James on Zion Williamson after their battle in the Lakers' OT win! pic.twitter.com/jcXEL8AAmB

— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2022

James said that Williamson is the type of talent the League has “never seen before,” while comparing his physical talent — “his size, his spend, high athleticism” — to NBA legends like Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“He’s in great shape right now — a great talent, someone we’ve never seen,” James said of Williamson, per Sporting News. “We’ve never seen a talent of his size, his speed, high athleticism — just like Giannis. Just like a (Charles) Barkley or Shaq (O’Neal). There’s certain talents in our League that you’ve never seen before.”

Lakers’ LeBron James on Pelicans’ Zion Williamson: “He’s in great shape right now… We’ve never seen a talent of his size, his speed, his athleticism. Just like a Giannis. Just like a Barkley or Shaq. There’s certain talents in our league that you’ve never seen before.” pic.twitter.com/JmQXeCs1VR

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 3, 2022

He also said guarding Williamson and trying to prevent him from going to the rim with his dominant left hand is comparable to saying the same about other tough-to-guard lefties like Manu Ginobli or Lamar Odom.

“It’s so funny when you hear people say, ‘stop him from going left’ … It’s the same thing I heard for so many years with (Manu) Ginobili — Lamar Odom — When you’re great, it doesn’t matter what you do, they’re going to figure out a way.”

Zion pic.twitter.com/ex7KmFc0K4

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 3, 2022

For the season, Williamson is averaging 22.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 50.5 percent shooting from the field while playing 31.2 minutes per contest.

The post LeBron James: Zion Williamson ‘On the Verge of Being Great appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos curtesy All Star Press Chicago

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

When it comes to pure skill and dominance, there are only a few names that make the shortlist of the greatest hoopers to lace them up. On that short list would Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, who all share the ‘killer’ mindset that has broken the hearts of many opposing fanbases and elevated their status to all-time heights.

Antetokounmpo aims to be on that list and may already be there, as he psychologically challenges himself to dominate whatever is in his way of becoming the greatest of all time.

In a group text to his siblings, Antetokoumpo was inspired by a ‘Redeem Team’ movie scene that featured Bryant running through his then Los Angeles Lakers teammate Pau Gasol in an Olympic game. Let’s not forget, it was Bean who once challenged Antetokounmpo to become MVP in 2019. The late great Laker always had confidence in Antetokounmpo, so to see the multi-time All-Star embrace his inner “crazy” would make the Black Mamba happy.

“In order for you to be great, you have to be a little bit crazy.”

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Through whispers in his head telling him he can’t do the impossible, Antetokounmpo responds to that inner monologue by overworking on areas of the game that he’s not elite in. Though that’s what a coach wishes to hear from their star player, Antetokoumpo adds a statement that lets you know he’s operating on a different level.

“I’m working so hard on things that I’m able to do, but I’m not unlocking it,” Antetokunmpo told The Athletic’s Eric Nehm. “And that’s the next step for me: to unlock things that I’ve worked on this summer and make my game easier.”

Season 10. Let’s gooooooo!! pic.twitter.com/k8W6jZEtPB

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) October 19, 2022

Essentially, the back-to-back MVP has enforced the idea upon himself that no one can guard him effectively. Though it comes off a tad bit disrespectful, who really gets in the way of Antetokounmpo nowadays? The 2021 Finals MVP won his first championship off a ridiculous 50-point game that featured him making 17 made free throws, silencing critics who complained about his accuracy from the line and perceived it to be a weakness of his game.

When you factor in how the 2021 Finals MVP has evolved into an elite physical specimen capable of finesse scoring at times, you understand that the work ethic is there, and it’s resulted in Antetokounmpo becoming the most physically dominant player in the NBA today.

The Greek Freak is entering the early years of his prime as he turns 28-years-old on Dec. 6. Although NBA fans may consider Antetokounmpo the best player in the world, his legacy rides on just how far he’s willing to take the term ‘crazy.’

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Chasing Greatness by Becoming ‘a Little Bit Crazy’ appeared first on SLAM.

Andrew Wiggins’ deal includes a player option, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V51QrQ7tkr

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 15, 2022

When Wiggins came to Golden State, he had a complicated resume as a “empty-calorie” scorer that hadn’t lived up to the massive contract he signed to be the leader in Minnesota. There was also questions about his intensity and whether or not he would live up to the moniker of Maple Jordan.

Since then, Wiggins has evolved into a first-time All-Star, two-way star, and third-scoring option who helped Golden State win their fourth title since starting their dynasty run in 2015. Maple Jordan took a paycut to stay in Golden State, going form making $33 million this year and will earn up to $24 million in 2023. Wiggins is set to make $15 million less than the max he could’ve made if he tested the open market next summer.

What makes this extension even sweeter is the fact that it cames just hours after teammate Jordan Poole signed his contract extension over the weekend. Golden State being able to lock down two of their young stars bodes well for a franchise that is looking to make the most out of their “foundational six” still being on the roster while aiming to develop the stars that they hope will carry the Warriors into the future.

“You never know what the future holds. I’m happy here,” Wiggins said. “We have a chance to do something special. I believe in the guys, the organization. So we have a deal done and I’m happy about it.”

Heading into the 2022-23 season, Wiggins will be asked to reprise his role as the ideal wing next to Stephen Curry. Namely being a primary defender against opposing teams’ best offensive players that attacks the boards at a high clip while filling in as the third option capable of being a strong shotmaker when the shot clock is winding down. In fact, it was

That’s the role he mastered on the way to his first title, and that’s the role he can be expected to refill while the Warriors look to successful defend their title.

“What I see with Wiggs is just a comfort level with his daily routine and our style,” Coach Steve Kerr said. “The way we play is very different from the way he played his first years. So he looks relaxed and ahead of the game compared to the first years where ehe had to figure out how we played, he’s comfortable in it because he’s got a couple of years of work within the style.”

When asked about that he wants to bring over from the playoff run of his life, Wiggins said that his main priority is continuing to rebiund the ball and play defense at a high level. Wiggins believes that he “took a step with the playoffs” that’s capable of continuing to play at that level. Heading into his second full year with the Warriors, Wiggins will look to prove Kerr’s thoughts about him correct.

“There are a handful of guys like Steph or LeBron (James), Giannis (Antetokounmpo) who are going to be great no matter where they are,” Kerr said. “But most of the league, you have to find a good spot. And Wiggs found a good spot.”

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Andrew Wiggins: Warriors ‘Have a Chance to Do Something Special’ After Signing Extension appeared first on SLAM.

The former All-Star went viral on social media for a fadeaway airball he took at the Nets’ “Practice in the Park” in Brooklyn. Simmons had some displeased words for the audience of that video and took a jab at an NBA superstar that has also struggled to shoot in the previous years.

“They’re going to say that regardless,” said Simmons on fans’ criticism of his shooting. “Even if I hit a shot, what are they going to say? ‘I still can’t —That’s like saying can, Giannis [Antetokounmpo] shoot? Can he?”

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Simmons didn’t play for the 76ers with mental health issues, and a back injury prevented him from playing with Brooklyn last season. He ultimately received back surgery to fix the “lower spine irritation” he was experiencing. Simmons missed Brooklyn’s first-round loss to the Celtics due to that back injury and reportedly received some backlash from his teammates about his unavailability.

In the wake of all the criticism he’s had to deal with, Simmons fired back that all the backlash “comes with being Ben Simmons right now.”

“It finds me all the time,” Simmons said. “And it doesn’t f—ing stop. Sometimes I’m even sick of it, but then I’m like, ‘OK, I’m Ben Simmons, you know? It comes with being Ben Simmons right now.’

In a recent preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Simmons held Giannis Antetokounmpo to 6-21 shooting from the field, showing his defensive abilities are still at the top of the rest of the League. In addition, Coach Steve Nash has made it clear that no matter the position Simmons plays, he’ll settle for whatever jump shot he takes.

Through all the controversy surrounding his name, Simmons is more than confident to be a better version of himself from previous years and is siked to take on one of his biggest challenges this season, play at Wells Fargo Arena against his former Sixers squad.

“F— I can’t wait to go there,” said Simmons.

The post Ben Simmons Responds to Recent Media Criticism About His Jump Shot appeared first on SLAM.

Of course, 15 seasons of professional basketball can take a toll on anyone’s body, and Dragić hinted that the 2022-23 campaign could be his last year at it.

“It’s a lot of mileage that’s on my body,” Dragić per Sports Illustrated. “After every NBA season, I play for my national team for 12, 13 years. In those years, I didn’t have a break. Now, it’s a little bit different. But I’m still here. I’m still enjoying basketball. That’s the most important thing.”

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Dragić made a name for himself as a member of the Phoenix Suns. His breakout season came during the 2013-2014 season when he averaged 20.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 50.5 percent shooting from the field and 40.8 percent from beyond the arc. Dragic capped off that tough season by winning the 2014 Most Improved Player award and an All-NBA third-team selection.

That same year, Dragić struck big in free agency after signing a five-year $90 million deal with the Miami Heat to play with all-time great Dwyane Wade. He’d spend the next seven years in Miami, where he would be selected as an All-Star in 2018 and was the starting point guard for the 2020 Heat team that made the NBA Finals after beating Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.

“I never thought I was going to be in the League for 15 years,” said Dragić. “But I always worked hard. I always tried to be better the next season. I feel like because of that; I’m still here.”

If the Dragon retires after this season, he will start his farewell tour against his old Miami Heat team on October 19 at FTX Arena.

The post Goran Dragić Contemplating Retirement Heading into 15th Season appeared first on SLAM.

As the game continues to evolve, superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo are now mentioned in the conversation as greats. The NBA champion and Finals MVP recently shared his thoughts on what it takes to make waves in the League.

“It takes more than skills to be great,” said Antetokounmpo in an interview with SiriusXM Radio. “…But the thing that makes me a step further…is the obsession and the discipline I have towards the game.”

The Greek Freak’s resume includes winning the Most Improved Player award in 2017, which jumpstarted a long list of All-NBA teams as well as a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, a back-to-back Most Valuable Player award from 2019-2020 and an NBA title to go along with a Finals MVP award in 2021.

For him, greatness goes beyond just one’s skillset—and he uses James as an example of how he’s not only dominated throughout his career, but has been consistent.

“You think about LeBron [James] you think about consistency,” said Anteteokounmpo as his example. “He’s been great for 20 years… it’s about getting better, obsession… it’s not just skills.”

It’s that commitment that has made James, and Antetokounmpo, superstars that are continuing to make waves today. Anteteokounmpo continues his pursuit of greatness with the Bucks on Oct. 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Believes It Takes More Than Skills to Make the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

“Me, and I give Draymond [Green] and probably Giannis [Antetokounmpo],” said Adebayo when naming players that can defend the best players at each position to NBA writer Couper Moorhead. “Three guys who can literally guard 1-through-5 and be effective.”

The Heat used Adebayo to matchup against superstar scorers such as Atlanta Hawks‘ Trae Young and Philadelphia 76ers‘ Joel Embiid in their playoff meetings last season. Young shot 31.9 percent from the field and 18.4 percent from beyond the arc, netting an average of 15.4 points a game, while Embiid was 11 of 29 shooting when guarded by Adebayo during the games he appeared in.

“I’m going to always go for the award,” said Adebayo on the Defensive Player of the Year award. “I’m never going to give up on anything that I set my mind to. It’s set in stone.”

Nonetheless, his three-peat in the All-NBA Defensive Second Team speaks for his case and for how far the Heat get every season is in part to his play against the League’s best scorers. As he enters Year 6 of his career, it’s clear that Adebayo is ready to take his defensive talents to all-time great heights as the Heat look to bring a title to South Beach.

The post Bam Adebayo Lists His Top 3 Players That He Believes are ‘Effective’ at Defending Every Position appeared first on SLAM.

Former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo started the festivities with some interesting comments about who he believes is the best player in the world.

“I think the best player in the world is the person that is the last one standing, the person that takes his team to the finish line and helps them win games and become champion.”

“Two years ago when we did that, yeah, when I was sleeping in my bed, I was like, ‘Ah yeah, maybe I’m the best player in the world.’ But now, no. In my opinion, the way I view it, the winner is the best. The guy who wins is the best — I believe that the best player in the world is Steph Curry until the next player.”

When reigning Finals MVP and defending champ Stephen Curry heard the Greek Freaks’ comments, he was appreciative and said he would’ve said the same thing.

“I don’t know if it was gamesmanship to set the table for — I would say the same thing when you’re facing the champions,” Curry said. “That’s part of like the nature of the league. We all want to win the championship, and when you look at the team that’s the last team standing and who was playing the best, I was thinking the same thing about him last year, coming off their run.

“So I appreciate the compliment. It’s not going to soften me up to get complacent at all. But you do appreciate the respect of your peers to say stuff like that, and I’ve been in the situation where I’m complimenting guys around the league a lot as well.”

Curry will look to defend his fourth championship and go back-to-back for the first time since the Warriors did it in 2017-2018. Antetokounmpo will look to avenge Milwaukee’s second-round exit and return to the Finals for the second time since their championship run in 2021.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Stephen Curry ‘the Best Player in the World’ appeared first on SLAM.

Greek Team too much fun with the Antetokoumnpo brothers. (via @EuroBasket) pic.twitter.com/lgSmTIz6UY

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 8, 2022

Antetokounmpo suffered the injury while Greece was playing Estonia. Antetokounmpo didn’t return after tweaking his ankle, per multiple reports. The Greek Freak had his right knee wrapped in ice afterward as well. Antetokounmpo sat out Greece’s contest against Great Britain due to a right knee issue but did play against Ukraine on Tuesday. Coach Dimitris Itoudis said the Finals MVP sitting out was “nothing major.”

The back-to-back MVP has experienced knee and back soreness during Eurobasket, but an MRI in August came back clean.

Four minutes of Giannis leading Greece to a 20 point victory over Ukraine.

41 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast and a W. @EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/NybtVKoodk

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 6, 2022

Before Antetokounmpo sat out, he was on pace for a 50-piece against Estonia. Greece eventually beat Estonia in dominant fashion, 90-69.

Last season, the six-time All-Star averaged a career-high 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on 55.3 percent shooting from the field. Antetkounmpo is a two-time MVP, DPOY, and a Finals MVP after leading Milwaukee to a championship in 2021.

Antetokounmpo and Greece were scheduled to play on Sunday in the Round of 16 after going 5-0 in group play.

The post REPORT: Giannis Antetokounmpo Suffers Ankle Injury at Eurobasket appeared first on SLAM.

With a resume like that, the Greek Freak is the epitome of hard work, undergoing a physical transformation that has helped him become, if not a top 3 player, a top 5 player in the League today. He averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 55.3 percent shooting from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The Bucks lost in seven games to the eventual ECF champion Boston Celtics this year. During that second-round series against Boston, Antetokounmpo became the first player to post 200/100/50 in a single playoff series. The six-time All-Star finished with 237 points, 103 rebounds, and 50 assists and averaged 31.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in the 12 playoff games he played.

However, despite everything the six-time All-NBA selection has accomplished since being drafted 15th in the 2013 draft, one former superstar believes Giannis Antetokounmpo has a lot to learn.

The Giannis disrespect is WILD.

And he’ll just keep making them look like idiots. pic.twitter.com/JJEBGRGejP

— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) August 26, 2022

Last week, Gilbert Arenas stated on his podcast that Antetokounmpo “doesn’t really understand how to be great,” reiterating in a later post that while Antetokounmpo has become “stronger on his rim runs and wiser,” he still has to improve his jump shot and passing. Overall, Arenas believes Antetokounmpo has “the same flaws he walked into the game with.”

“Give him Tim Duncan’s knowledge, a whole different player isn’t he?”

Longtime NBA guard Gilbert Arenas joined @RickKamlaSports & @adaniels33 to clarify his comments about Giannis.#FearTheDear pic.twitter.com/G6it9PsDoG

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 31, 2022

Although Arenas has a point that Antetokounmpo does rely on his unguardable physical tools, to say he hasn’t improved his jump shot is misleading. He’s a 41.5 percent shooter from midrange, better than LeBron James (41.5 percent), Kyrie Irving (39.2 percent), Jimmy Butler(37.8 percent), and Jayson Tatum (37.0 percent). He’s also hovered around 30 percent as a long-distance shooter since 2017-18.

By the raw numbers, The Greek Freak has averaged better than five assists per game for five of the last six seasons. By advanced stats, Antetokounmpo earned a 30.4 assist percentage and owned a 1.77 assists/turnover split while carrying a 34.0 percent usage rating.

Regardless, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo are entering 2022-23 a season of winning the 2021 title. If they can remain healthy when it matters the most, the Bucks should reemerged as a 2023 NBA title contender.

The post Gilbert Arenas: Giannis Antetokounmpo is a ‘Whole Different Player’ if ‘Given Tim Duncan’s Knowledge’ appeared first on SLAM.

While speaking with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Tatum revealed that he was playing with a “small” wrist fracture over the last two months of the season.

“It was small, but it was still like a non-displaced chip. So like, I chipped a bone, but it didn’t leave the surface,” Tatum said.

“But it had shown that the bone had grew over it, so it healed. But I was still in pain because I kept getting hit or falling on it. So I guess I played with somewhat of a fracture for like two months.” 

"I played with somewhat of a fracture for two months"

Jayson Tatum opens up about playing through an undisclosed injury during the playoffs in live interview with Taylor Rooks in B/R app pic.twitter.com/kt7xZCV36W

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 21, 2022

Tatum said he aggravated the injury during the playoffs against the Bucks when Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled him on a dunk attempt in Game 3.

“Then in the playoffs, there was a play against Milwaukee in Game 3. I dunked it, Giannis (Antetokounmpo) chased me down and fouled me, and I fell into the crowd,” the Celtics’ star continued. “That was the most painful it’s been since that day that I hurt it. I ended up getting a cortisone shot in my wrist that night, and you could see it. I’ve lost color in my hand because it kills the fat cells, and there’s not a lot of fat in my hand, so I’ve lost color right there. After each game, I would have to wear a brace to shootaround, and I would take it off before the cameras saw me.” 

Tatum averaged 25.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game during the Celtics’ run to the Finals. When he got to the Finals, it seemed as though the wear and tear of his heavy minute load and wrist injury contributed to Tatum averaging 21.5 points per game on 36.7 percent shooting from the field while committing a Finals-record 23 turnovers.

The post Jayson Tatum Reveals He Played With a Wrist Facture ‘For Two Months’ appeared first on SLAM.

His accent to the upper NBA echelon started when he was named the Most Improved Player in 2017. Since then, his accolades include winning back-to-back MVPs, winning a world title in 2021, and becoming Finals MVP after a historic 50-point effort to close out the Finals in Game 6. He’s a six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, five-time All-Defensive team pick, and won the DPOY in 2015.

Now that he’s reached his promise to make the Bucks a championship franchise, there’s a possibility that he could leave Milwaukee once his current contract is up in 2026. The Greek Freak threw out there’s potential for him to don No. 34 for the Bulls. During an appearance on The Sports Zone on Fox 32 Chicago, Antetokounmpo admitted he’s open to the idea because of the history of the Bulls and Michael Jordan.

“I think anybody who is asked that question and would say no, he’s a liar. It’s a team that won multiple championships; it’s the team with one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players to ever play this game played for. It’s a no-brainer; everybody would love to play for Chicago. Down the line, you never know. Maybe I play for Chicago, but right now, I am committed to Milwaukee.” 

Giannis on playing for the #Bulls someday tonight on The Sports Zone on Fox 32 Chicago.@fox32news @foxkickoff @LouCanellis @CassieCarlsonTV @Giannis_An34 pic.twitter.com/mgvvAXwMej

— Fox 32 Chicago Sports (@foxkickoff) August 15, 2022

Antetokounmpo’s loyalty to the Bucks is unquestionable at this point. Especially after he signed a long-term extension with the franchise before they won a title, it’s a move that some don’t expect during a time of unprecedented player empowerment and movement. However, the Greek Freak is known to embrace that grind of winning a title with the team that drafted you.

After the Bucks won the 2021 Finals, Antetokounmpo spoke about how his path was “the hard way to do it.” Antetokounmpo, later on, said that “the next challenge might not be” in Milwaukee, but knowing how much he loves the Bucks and how loyal he’s been to the franchise, it’s hard to think of Antetokounmpo in another jersey.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Open to Playing for Chicago ‘Down the Line’ appeared first on SLAM.

Per CBS Sports, When it comes to who’s currently the best player in the world, the Greek Freak believes it’s LeBron James’ job to lose. The 37-year-old future Hall-of-Famer is still doing incredible things after 19 seasons and 51,899 minutes of action. Last season, James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 52.4 percent shooting from the field.

“It’s interesting to me how LeBron is still [in] one of the best shapes [of] his life and being the best player in the world and still being in year 18,” Giannis told Marca Basket. “Like, that’s really interesting. I want to know how he does that. He’s been consistent for 18 years. He’s always there. He’s always showing up. That’s unbelievable.

“He obviously gets credit, but I think we’ve got to give him more credit. Doing it for 18 years guys, that’s hard. And hopefully, hopefully I can be there. Hopefully, I can do this for 18 years, 20 years. That’s the goal.”

James is on an uphill battle to add a fifth title to his legendary resume at this point in his career. The Lakers are going into the 2021-22 season with a new head coach in Darvin Ham but plenty of questions surrounding the viability of keeping Russell Westbrook on the team.

The Lakers added some youth and athleticism to their lineup, but questions also linger about their long-range shooting capabilities. Add in James fighting off Father Time, Anthony Davis’ durability, and the rise of Western Conference rivals like the Nuggets and the Grizzlies, and the resurgence of veteran units like the Warriors and Clippers, and the Lakers’ climb to playoff contention and becoming a championship contender will be an exciting storyline next season.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls LeBron James ‘the Best Player in the World’ appeared first on SLAM.

So far we have seen the Knicks land, Jalen Brunson, on a massive four-year deal, and Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns have re-signed to their teams on supermax deals. Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal will remain with the Bulls and Wizards respectively after signing max deals. Young All-Stars like Ja Morant, Darius Garland, and Zion Williamson have also signed max extensions with their teams.

The Warriors will also look to be putting a different bench mob on the court this coming season after they let Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., and Juan Toscano-Anderson walk away in free agency. The decision seems to imply that the Warriors will invest 100 percent into their win-and-develop model as they keep their championship core intact while empowering Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, and Moses Moody.

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber is finalizing a three-year, $33 million contract extension, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kleber was entering the final year of his deal, now under contract through 2025-26.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 8, 2022

Montrezl Harrell is headed to Philly after a tumultuous offseason where he dealt with some legal troubles surrounding marijuana trafficking that was later reduced to misdemeanor possession in a Madison County (KY) courthouse. The charge will be expunged from his record in 12 months if Harrell doesn’t get in any more legal trouble.

James Harden recruited Harrell due to their relationship as teammates on the Rockets. Harrell is expected to bring some toughness and grit to a Philly team that needed a backup big man behind two-time MVP runner-up Joel Embiid.

ESPN Sources: Free agent C Montrezl Harrell is signing two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a player option. Harrell brings more toughness to a team searching for it this offseason. He was Sixth Man of the Year with Doc Rivers/Sam Cassell in 2019-2020 w/ Clippers.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2022

Sources: The Toronto Raptors signed Thaddeus Young to a two-year, $17 million extension, which includes player incentive bonuses and a $1 million partial guarantee for the 2023-24 season, @hoopshype has learned.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 5, 2022

Gary Harris’ two-year extension with the Orlando Magic is flat $13M each season. The second season is fully non-guaranteed, a league source told @spotrac.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 5, 2022

Sumner is fully recovered from a torn left Achilles that cost him the entire 2021-2022 season. He had been coming off his best NBA season with the Pacers prior to the injury, and now he’ll join the Nets’ backcourt rotation. https://t.co/5HfzZmkDZN

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2022

Free agent TJ Warren has agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2022

Free agent center Gorgui Dieng has agreed to a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2022

Cole Swider signed a two-year Two-Way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source tells @spotrac.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 4, 2022

Free agent center Serge Ibaka has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 4, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets signed Wake Forest Alondes Williams to a 2-way deal.

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) July 4, 2022

Dragic is signing a one-year, $2.9M deal with the Bulls, sources said. https://t.co/f6VK9np1cf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2022

Free agent Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2022

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has agreed on a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookie extension that could earn him as much as $231 million, CAA Sports’ Co-Head of Basketball Austin Brown tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/z4lnVLD1GM

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Restricted free agent Cody Martin has agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2022

Free agent G Eugene Omoruyi has agreed to a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his agent Mike George of @OneLegacySports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland has agreed on a five-year, $193M maximum designated rookie contract extension that could be worth as much as $231M, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. It is the largest deal in franchise history.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Free agent guard Damion Lee has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

Free agent Donte DiVincenzo has agreed to a two-year, $9.3M deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent guard Raul Neto is signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a three-year, $25.5M deal to return to Golden State, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. has agreed to a two-year, $6.6 million deal to return to the Chicago Bulls, with player option in second season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Robin Lopez has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent F/C Drew Eubanks is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers on a one-year deal, his agent James Dunleavy of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

John Wall officially agrees with the Clippers on a two-year deal for the taxpayer midlevel. https://t.co/5yCuV4cePg

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 1, 2022

Free agent C Jusuf Nurkic has agreed on a new four-year, $70 million deal to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6vmHrdOZI3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

NBA All-Star Zach LaVine has agreed to a five-year, $215.2 million maximum contract to return to the Chicago Bulls, with a player option in Year 5, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

The defending champs lose another valuable two-way star after Otto Porter Jr. signed with the Raptors on a two-year deal that has a player option.

Free agent Otto Porter Jr. — vital member of Golden State Warriors championship team — reached an agreement with the Toronto Raptors on a two-year deal with a player option, league sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/ck81fptKZh

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2022

Free agent G Theo Pinson is returning to the Dallas Mavericks on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Free agent Aaron Holiday has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed on a new four-year, $60 million contract to stay with the New York Knicks, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @Wassbasketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/dnKtVQmln9

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Bruce Brown has agreed to a 2-year, $13M+ deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 1, 2022

#Pistons to re-sign Marvin Bagley III, add Kevin Knox as free-agent frenzy begins: https://t.co/WVHahAmeKR

— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) July 1, 2022

Ricky Rubio played an integral part in the Cavs’ resurgence to the playoff scene last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in December. Rubio was traded to the Pacers near the trade deadline but the Cavs and Rubio were mutually interested in bringing back the former lottery pick point guard.

Free agent guard Ricky Rubio is nearing a deal on a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Zion Williamson, the 2021 All-Star phenom, has locked in on signing a max extension deal with the Pelicans. Williamson missed all of the 2021-2022 season while he recovered from foot surgery. The deal keeps Williamson in New Orleans through 2027-28.

Williamson said after the season ended, “I couldn’t sign it fast enough.” Indeed, the All-Star locks in commitment to New Orleans.

The deal is expected to include protections that both sides were sorting through overnight and will finalize, sources said. https://t.co/n0hyRwRk9e

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

The Golden State Warriors lose one of their best and most versatile defenders after Gary Payton II decided to head towards playing for the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year deal. Payton led the League in steals per 36 minutes.

Warriors were unwilling to meet that high of a price tag (and resulting tax spike) for Gary Payton II and have now lost their defensive ace off the bench to the Blazers. He led the NBA in steals per 36 minutes last season. https://t.co/iaY6xmUrG7

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 1, 2022

Free agent center Andre Drummond is finalizing a deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent Kevin Knox has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent Kevin Knox has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

Free agent JaVale McGee has agreed to a three-year, $20.1 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, with player option for third season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Ja Morant is locked in with the Grizzlies after his agent told Woj that he signed a five-year max extension to lead Memphis as its lead guard for the foreseeable future.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has agreed on a five-year, $193M designated rookie maximum extension that could become worth $231M, his agent Jim Tanner of @_TandemSE tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Karl Anthony-Towns has reportedly agreed to a four-year super max extension per his agent. KAT’s contract will begin during the 2024-2025 season.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns has agreed on a four-year, $224M super max extension, his agent Jessica Holtz of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN. Deal begins with the 2024-25 season and delivers Towns’ total contract value to six years and $295M.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Jalen Brunson has reportedly agreed to the four-year deal that the Knicks offered him. Woj reported that the near-max deal includes a player option on its final season.

Free agent guard Jalen Brunson has agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal with the New York Knicks, his agents Aaron Mintz and Sam Rose of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option on the final season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Wizards have added three veteran guards to join Bradley Beal in recent days — Will Barton, Monte Morris and now Delon Wright leaves the Hawks for Washington. https://t.co/4YFMxR2o7Z

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Kyle Anderson has agreed to a two-year, $18M deal to join the Timberwolves, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @wassbasketball tell ESPN. https://t.co/fWzhFhVfkx

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris has agreed on a two-year, $26 million contract extension, his agents Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Anthony Gill is signing a two year-deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Restricted free agent C Nic Claxton has agreed on a two-year, $20 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent Troy Brown Jr. has agreed to a minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Lonnie Walker IV is signing a one-year, $6.5M deal with the Lakers, sources said. https://t.co/7xBnStLWfo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Rockets restricted free agent Jae’Sean Tate has agreed to a three-year, $22.1 million deal to return to Houston, his agents E.J. Kusnyer and Jordan Cornish of @beyond_am tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center Dewayne Dedmon has agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, agents Mike Silverman and Brandon Grier of @steinbergsports tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Davon Reed has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent guard Jevon Carter has agreed to a two-year deal to return to Milwaukee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Wesley Matthews has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Trevelin Queen has agreed a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent F Nic Batum has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Lu Dort has agreed to a five-year, $87.5M deal to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his agent Thad Foucher of Wasserman tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Chris Boucher is returning to the Toronto Raptors on a three-year, $35.25M deal, his agent Sam Permut of @RocNationSports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Jones’ agent, Austin Brown of @CAA_Basketball, tells ESPN the second year is a player option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Amir Coffey has agreed to a three-year, $11M deal with the Clippers, his agents Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of @BDA_Sports and WME Sports tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent G Tyus Jones is returning to the Memphis Grizzlies on a two-year, $30M deal, his agent Kevin Bradbury of @REP1Basketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Free agent Danuel House has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Bobby Portis has agreed to a four-year, $49 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Deal includes a player option in Year 4.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent PJ Tucker is finalizing a three-year, $33.2 million fully guaranteed deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent Andre Buck (@andrebuck14) told @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent Victor Oladipo has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein has agreed to a two-year, $16 million-plus deal with the New York Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Fully guaranteed deal for Hartenstein.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Free agent center DeAndre Jordan has agreed to a deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Sources: Malik Monk is signing a two-year, $19M deal to join the Kings. https://t.co/spgbvRZspx

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns have reportedly finalized a four-year supermax extension that he will likely sign sometime next week. Shams Charania reports that he will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23.

The Phoenix Suns and All-NBA guard Devin Booker are finalizing a four-year, $214 million supermax contract extension that he’s set to sign as soon as next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

Booker will also be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23, per sources.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Nikola Jokic has reportedly signed the richest deal in NBA history after signing a supermax contract extension with the Nuggets on Thursday.

Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, the richest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Fifth season (2027-28) will be a player option at $60M.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Bradley Beal will stay in the Nation’s Capital after he reportedly signed a five-year max deal.

All-Star guard Bradley Beal has agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to stay with the Washington Wizards, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons has agreed on a four-year, $100 million contract extension, his agent Bill Duffy of @BDA_Sports + WME Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

The Spurs are pulling the qualifying offer on Lonnie Walker IV, making him an unrestricted free agent, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Expect a strong market for Walker immediately.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

Jalen Brunson is headed to New York after Shams Charania reported that he intends on signing a four-year deal with the franchise.

Free agent Jalen Brunson intends to sign a four-year, near $110M deal with the New York Knicks in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Mavericks never received chance to make offer, sources said.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, P.J. Tucker will be pursued by Atlanta, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Chicago. and Philadelphia during the free agency period of the NBA offseason. Furthermore, Schiffer reports that Tucker is unlikely to return to South Beach.

Multiple teams — including Atlanta, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Chicago and Philadelphia — are expected to compete for PJ Tucker in free agency. All are expected to offer the full mid-level/TPMLE exception. He is unlikely to return to Miami, per sources.

— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) June 30, 2022

Trent Forrest will be an unrestricted free agent after the Jazz decided not to extend a qualifying offer to the point guard out of Florida State.

The Utah Jazz will not extend a qualifying offer to point guard Trent Forrest, making him an unrestricted free agent, League Sources tell The Athletic. There is interest in working something out during free agency. Forrest was a member of the rotation this past season

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 30, 2022

Per Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Juan Toscano-Anderson will be an unrestricted free agent once the free agency period of the NBA offseason begins on Thursday. The 29-year-old became the first Mexican-American to win an NBA title after the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals.

“I got a championship with my hometown team,” JTA told Thompson during a phone interview Wednesday night.

“I’m stamped in the Town. I’m stamped in my country. That shit can’t nobody take from me. You’ve got to give a little to get a little. And I gave up playing time to, you know, become a legend. I’m a legend in the Town. I’m a legend in Mexico. And I’m not saying that myself. It’s showing, know what I mean?”

Juan Toscano-Anderson is at peace with leaving the Warriors.

“I’m stamped in the Town. I’m stamped in my country. That shit can’t nobody take from me.”

It’s time for the next chapter of his storybook journey.https://t.co/m94B7ILm2u pic.twitter.com/5OxoGWXG6P

— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) June 30, 2022

According to Tim Reynolds, the Heat does not have a meeting scheduled with restricted free agent Jalen Brunson on Thursday.

The Heat are not planning to meet with Jalen Brunson today, and they did not have such a meeting scheduled, per league source.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 30, 2022

The Cavs are reportedly expected to match offers given to restricted free agent Collin Sexton. Multiple reports say Sexton wants a “starting guard” extension. The Alabama product is coming off a season-ending torn meniscus.

Cavs Expected To Match Outside Offers For Collin Sexton – Hoops Wire https://t.co/9k5zuRmUAd

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 30, 2022

The Jazz won’t extend a qualifying offer to forward Eric Paschall, sources tell @Tjonesonthenba.

He will become an unrestricted free agent.https://t.co/fcOCtqEmMN pic.twitter.com/ok07Xpx9Dr

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 30, 2022

Kemba Walker and the Pistons have reportedly agreed to a contract buyout. Walker will be a free agent after he clears waivers. Walker last played for the Knicks last season before he was traded to the Pistons as New York clears space to sign fellow free agent Jalen Brunson.

Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker and the Detroit Pistons are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell ESPN. Once Walker clears waivers, he’ll join free agency.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

Per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat have guaranteed the contracts of Max Strus, Gabe Stevenson, and Omer Yurtseven as of Thursday morning.

Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Omer Yurtseven are still on the Heat’s roster this morning, which means their full $1.8 million salaries for next season are now guaranteed. This was seen as a formality. Carry on.

— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 30, 2022

The Sacramento Kings are exercising the option on PF/C Chimezie Metu for the 2022-2023 season, sources tell ESPN. Metu averaged 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21 minutes a game for the Kings last season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Patty Mills will be exploring his options on the free-agent market after declining to sign his player option with the Nets on Wednesday afternoon.

Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills declined his $6.2M option and will become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Kings won’t be offering a qualifying offer to Donte DiVencenzo, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Sacramento Kings are declining to offer Donte DiVencenzo a qualifying offer, which will make him an unrestricted free agent, sources tell ESPN. There will be significant interest in DiVencenzo on the open market.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Lu Dort will be a restricted free agent after the OKC Thunder decided to not sign Durt’s team option for the 2022-23 season, per Shams Charania.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are declining the $1.9 million team option on froward Lu Dort for 2022-23 season, which makes him a restricted free agent and allows sides to negotiate a new deal in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022

James Harden will hit the free-agent market for the first time in his career but he is likely to re-sign with the 76ers.

ESPN Sources: 76ers star James Harden has declined his $47.3M option and become a free agent. He keeps real the possibility of negotiating a new deal that would deliver the Sixers roster-building flexibility in free agency – including use of the full $10.5M exception.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Bobby Portis told the Bucks that he’ll decline his player option and will instead become a free agent.

Portis has early bird rights in Milwaukee.

The maximum that he can sign for is 4 years/$49M.

The contract has to be for a minimum of 2 seasons and cannot include an option in year 2. https://t.co/Nu5KC9G8D9

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2022

Bradley Beal has made his long-awaited decision and will become a free agent for the first time in his career after declining his player option.

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4M option and become a free agent, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Beal is eligible to sign a 5-year max to return to Wizards – or sign elsewhere on a 4-year deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Jae-Sean Tate will be a restricted free agent after the ROckets declined his team option for the 2022-23 season. Shams Charania reports that Houston and Tate are mutually interested in signing a new deal once free agency begins on Thursday.

The Houston Rockets have declined forward Jae’Sean Tate’s $1.8 million team option for next season, making him a restricted free agent, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Rockets and Tate have mutual interest in discussing new deal in free agency beginning Thursday night.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022

The Cavaliers have reportedly elected to not offer Moses Brown a qualifying offer to Moses Brown, per Michael Scott of the Hoopshype. The decision allows Brown to enter the free-agent market as an unrestricted free agent.

Sources: The Cleveland Cavaliers won’t tender a qualifying offer to center Moses Brown, @hoopshype has learned. The 7-foot-1, 22-year-old center will become an unrestricted free agent. Brown could be an intriguing development option for NBA teams around the league.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2022

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Taurean Prince and the Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Minnesota Timberwolves F Taurean Prince has agreed on a two-year, $16 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Ivica Zubac and his reps have reportedly agreed to a three-year extension with the Clippers, per Woj. The Clippers declining to sign his team option led to the agreement with Zubac.

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac has agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. The Clippers declined his $7.5M team option for 2022-2023, clearing the way for Zubac’s new deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

Tony Bradley is reportedly opting into his player option and will remain with the Bulls next season, per Woj.

Chicago Bulls center Tony Bradley is exercising his $2M player option for next season, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

The post 2022 NBA Free Agency Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

Boston enters the Finals after beating the Nets, Bucks, and Heat, who each beat the Celtics during the last three postseasons. The Celtics were able to make this run despite a slow start to the season. Boston went .500 over the first 50 games of the season but won after 26 of their last 32 games, finishing the season with the best defensive rating in the League.

The Warriors beat the Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Mavericks during their run to the Finals. They finished the regular-season with a 53-29 record, good for third in the West. They’ve had a season of triumph with Stephen Curry breaking the all-time record for made three-pointers and creating the 3k club and the happy return of Klay Thompson following 942 days away from the hardwood.

They also had to deal with injuries to Curry and Green that almost knocked them off the top of the West, but the emergence of Jordan Poole and some timely big games from Thompson helped them stave off any trouble.

The regular-season series between the Warriors and Celtics ended in a 1-1 tie, with both teams winning their home games; Boston won the last matchup 110-88, but the Warriors were missing Andrew Wiggins, and Curry suffered a foot sprain that night that sidelined him until Game 1 of the first-round after colliding with Marcus Smart as the two fought for a loose ball.

Here, we take a look at these two powerhouse squads:

Can Golden State Solve Boston’s Defense?

Boston has the top-ranked defense remaining in the Finals and is designed to stop the chaotic motion offense of the Warriors. The Celtics’ ability to wear teams out physically and their switching makes them the best defense in the League.

On the other side, the Dubs are the top-ranked offense in the playoffs, scoring 116.1 points per game—up to four points from what they scored during the regular season. Will Golden State rely on their typical offensive actions against a defense that’s been excellent at stopping superstar scorers like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Giannis Antetokounmpo? We’ll have to find out and see.

Tatum Exploiting Mismatches

While Boston is equipped with a squad full of bucket-getters, one standout has been Jayson Tatum, who has hunted mismatches against the Warriors—whether it’s shooting over defenders or whipping the ball around so that Boston can attack Golden State when have a 4-on-3 advantage. As JT continues to step up as a playmaker, Boston has continued to thrive.

Coach Steve Kerr’s solution may be to mix different coverages against him, likely doubling, switching, and mixing in some zone looks like the Warriors used against Luka Doncic. Another question is if Derrick White, Smart, and Brown can continue to show out and knock down shots, including the ones Tatum helps create for them.

X-FACTOR

An x-factor for Golden State has been two-way play of Andrew Wiggins. As a member of the Warriors, Wiggins has emerged as an All-Star after thriving as a third option scorer. His shot creation, defensive versatility, and offensive rebound makes him indispensable players. Will Wiggins make the most of his opportunities against a physical defense that thrives at reducing ball movement and forcing some iso play?

Robert Williams is another x-factor for the C’s. The Time Lord’s shot-blocking at the rim and perimeter has been invaluable when he was healthy. On the offensive end, Williams is a primetime lob threat.

The post 2022 NBA Finals Preview appeared first on SLAM.

5. 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks

Coach: Larry Costello

Record: 66-16

Roster: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lucius Allen, Bob Boozer, Dick Cunningham, Bob Dandridge, Gary Freeman, Bob Greacen, Jon McGlocklin, McCoy McLemore, Oscar Robertson, Greg Smith, Jeff Webb, Marv Winkler, Bill Zopf

When fans and media talk today about some of the “unicorns” who populate the NBA, and marvel at seven-footers who have the athletic ability of players a foot shorter than them, there is something of an underlying belief that stars from the old days would be hopelessly overmatched in any competition with today’s heroes.

In some ways, they are correct. It’s hard to imagine some of the plodding big men of the ‘70s having any shot against Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid. But anyone who knows basketball will stop the discussion with one reference: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In 1969, the Bucks won a coin flip with Phoenix to earn the rights to draft the UCLA center, who had posted an 88-2 record and won three national titles with the Bruins. It was a seminal moment in the history of the franchise, which was just a year old at the time.

Abdul-Jabbar won the Rookie of the Year award for the ’69-70 season and averaged 28.8 ppg and 14.5 rpg. He was 7-2, but had rare speed for someone that tall and the kind of basketball skill that could not be found in NBA frontcourts. 

By the time the ’70-71 season dawned, the Bucks and Abdul-Jabbar were ready for more than just an Eastern Finals appearance. It didn’t matter that the big fella was in just his second year in the League. He was already a superstar and proved it again in ’70-71 by averaging 31.7 ppg and 16.0 rpg and winning the League’s MVP award.

And before the season, Milwaukee added another legend, Mr. Triple-Double, Oscar Robertson. Although the Big O had 10 years of wear on his tires, he was still extremely dangerous and gave the Bucks the kind of backcourt production they needed. Any team that wanted to double (or even triple) the post would have to deal with one of the best all-around players in NBA history. How was that for a pairing?

But the Bucks were way more than a two-man team. Forwards Bob Dandridge and Greg Smith were productive counterparts to Abdul-Jabbar, while Jon McGlocklin’s ability to score from the midrange and off the dribble created trouble for opponents concentrating on anyone else.

There wasn’t a lot of depth—forward Bob Boozer and guard Lucius Allen were the main bench weapons—but it didn’t matter. The Bucks rolled to 66 wins—14 better than the next-best NBA team. They won the Midwest Division by 15 over the Bulls and cruised into the playoffs as the prohibitive favorites to win it all. The Bucks led the NBA in scoring and were third in fewest points allowed. They shared the ball like no other team and hammered the boards.

The Bucks bolted to a 3-0 series lead in their Western Semifinal series against San Francisco, and though the Warriors took the fourth game, Milwaukee rebounded to close out the Warriors in resounding fashion, 136-86. The Lakers took a game from the Bucks in the Western Finals, after Milwaukee had won the first two of the series at home, but that was all L.A. could muster. Milwaukee throttled the Lakers in the next two games to earn a Finals clash with Baltimore, which had outlasted the defending NBA champion Knicks in the East.

The Bucks made the Finals a ho-hum affair by sweeping away the Bullets and winning all but one of the four games by double digits. In fact, Milwaukee did not trail at the intermission of any game—quarters or halves—and were not in significant trouble at any time. Abdul-Jabbar was the MVP, and Robertson and Dandridge made key contributions throughout the series. No expansion team ever won a title more quickly than did the Bucks.    

Then again, no other team had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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

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

54. 1978-79 Seattle Supersonics

Coach: Lenny Wilkens

Record: 52-30

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

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

53. 1974-75 Golden State Warriors

Coach: Al Attles

Record: 48-34

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

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

52. 1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Pat Riley

Record: 62-20

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

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

51. 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks

Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Record: 46-26

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

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

50. 2009-10 Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson

Record: 57-25

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

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

49. 1973-74 Boston Celtics

Coach: Tom Heinsohn

Record: 56-26

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

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

48. 2010-11 Dallas Mavericks

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Record: 57-25

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

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

47. 2005-06 Miami Heat

Coach: Stan Van Gundy, Pat Riley

Record: 52-30

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

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

46. 2003-04 Detroit Pistons

Coach: Larry Brown

Record: 54-28

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

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

45. 1998-99 San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Record: 37-13

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

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

44. 1994-95 Houston Rockets

Coach: Ruddy Tomjanovich

Record: 47-35

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

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

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2021-22 All-NBA teams:

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

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Celtics announced Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both out tonight. Horford is in the health and safety protocols, and Smart suffered a foot sprain in Game 7.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 17, 2022

Smart (right mid-foot sprain) suffered a foot sprain in Game 7, while Horford is out due to Healthy and Safety protocols.

Smart has averaged 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 35.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Horford has averaged 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 52.4 percent shooting from the field and 45.1 percent from deep. Horford was the star of Boston’s Game 4 win over Milwaukee after scoring 30 points, including a poster over two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics are prepared for the likely scenario that Horford will remain in the League’s virus protocol through Game 2 of the ECF.

Boston is prepared for the likely scenario of Al Horford remaining in the league’s Health and Safety Protocols through Game 2 on Thursday, sources said. https://t.co/QsWWjKDRcq

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 17, 2022

The post Celtics Announce Marcus Smart and Al Horford Are Out For Game 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first player ever with 200 points, 100 rebounds and 50 assists in a single series pic.twitter.com/nuLx85wUkH

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 15, 2022

The Greek Freak shot just 3-11 in the second half, including going 1-6 in the fourth quarter. Antetokounmpo fired 27 or more shots in seven games throughout his career, with five of those coming in this second-round series against the Celtics. The two-time MVP had to carry that burden to help the Bucks win due to Khris Middleton being out after suffering a knee injury during the first round of the playoffs.

“Shots that I usually make wasn’t going in. That’s basketball. That’s sports,” Antetokounmpo said. “Sometimes, you win. Sometimes you lose. There’s a winner. There’s a loser. You’ve just got to live with it.”

If Giannis starts hitting these, it's over.

(via @NBAU) pic.twitter.com/S4gsJ6ltps

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 15, 2022

Antetokounmpo finished the seven-game series with a 237/103/50 stat line, averaging 33.9 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. The Greek Freak finished the playoffs averaging 31.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 12 playoff games this year, becoming the first player to average 31/14/6 during an entire playoff run. He became the first player in NBA history to finish single series with 200 points, 100 rebounds, and 50 assists.

Jrue Holiday finished the night with 21 points and eight dimes, followed by 15 points and 10 rebounds from Brook Lopez.

“Legs heavy. Body heavy. Mind heavy. Everything was heavy,” Antetkounmpo said after being asked if his legs felt heavy after the first quarter. ” I was just trying to be aggressive. At the end of the day, it’s Game 7, and I’m not gonna hold the ball and not look at the rim. I’d rather miss a bunch of shots and keep playing and keep coming and keep being aggressive. Keep looking for my teammates, keep making the right plays, then go into passive mode.”

The Eastern Conference Finals will start on Tuesday and will be contested between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Both 2021 NBA Finals contestants were eliminated on Sunday after the Mavericks blew the Suns out, 123-90.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo After Game 7 Loss: ‘Everything Was Heavy’ appeared first on SLAM.

The St. Loius legend outdueled Giannis Antetokounmpo (44 points, 20 rebounds, and six assists), responding to a challenging Game 6 loss at the perfect time to force a pivotal Game 7. The Celtics’ 108-96 win was cemented by Tatum’s 16 points effort in the fourth quarter.

“I wasn’t going to leave anything out there and have any regrets,” Tatum said. “Just trying to do what it took.”

St. Louis’ Finest.

46 PTS
7 3PM
9 REB

: @tb_works pic.twitter.com/VekFBGX5p8

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 14, 2022

Tatum’s primetime effort was a response to the Greek Freak unleashing an 8-0 to cut a 14-point deficit to within four with just eight minutes to go in Game 6. The Celtics then responded with their own burst led by Tatum. The former Duke Blue Devil scored Boston’s next 11 points on a fadeaway, plus a pair of three-pointers.

JAYSON TATUM, BAG TALK.
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/X9Hm6EDW1h

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 14, 2022

The Celtics then went on their own 8-0 run, powered by two triples from Tatum and Jaylen Brown and punctuated by a Marcus Smart step-back to give Boston a 100-87 lead with 4:20 remaining in the game.

“I was excited to play today,” Tatum said when asked what got him going during Friday’s Game 6. “Game 6, this is a big moment for all of us. For myself and the team, how we would respond. Losing Game 5 was gonna make us or break us, and I think we showed a lot of toughness and growth coming out here and getting a win on the road and giving us a chance.

Ain't nothing stopping this man tonight. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/ThGhMZmH1L

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 14, 2022

Game 7 between the Celtics and the defending champion Bucks will shift back to Boston on Sunday. The last time these two teams met in a Game 7 setting was in 2018, with the Celtics prevailing at home, 112-96. This year, the Celtics-Bucks semifinal series has been entertaining and intense but has yet to feature a winner that has won more than two games in a row.

The post Jayson Tatum On His 46 Point Outing: ‘This Was a Big Moment For All of Us’ appeared first on SLAM.

But when it mattered most, it was Bobby Portis (14 points and 15 rebounds) and Jrue Holiday (24 points, eight boards, eight assists) that delivered the biggest plays of the night to help the Bucks take a 3-2 lead through five games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“Obviously, in Boston, you’re down 14 in the fourth quarter, people would say everything’s against us. But we come together,” said Holiday, who also hit the tying 3-pointer with 43 seconds left, per ESPN. “We live and die like that.”

The clutch plays happened with 14.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Bucks came all the way back from 14 down, outscoring the Celtics 33-21 in the final frame, and had a chance to tie the game up at 107-all with their two-time MVP at the free-throw line for two shots. However, Antetokounmpo split his trip to the line, but Portis cleaned up the Greek Freak’s miss and sank a put-back layup to give the Bucks a 108-107.

Bobby Buckets coming up big with an offensive rebound.

(via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/kz2qT1oEr9

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 12, 2022

After Boston called their last full timeout of the night, it was Jrue Holiday’s chance for some late-game heroics.

On the next ATO play, Marcus Smart caught the ball in Boston’s frontcourt, driving through the right baseline to attempt a game-winning layup, but Holiday, perhaps the most underrated two-way point guard in the League today, swopped in for a game-altering block while also having the presence of mind to throw the ball off Smarts body as their momentum carried them out of bonds.

After Pat Connaughton knocked down a pair of free throws in Milwaukee’s next possession, Holiday showed up again to make a big play as Boston attempted to go the 90 feet court for a potential game-winner. But Holiday stopped all that before Smart could even make it to the halfcourt line, taking his cookies just before Smart could stop past the halfcourt line, dribbling out the final seconds to cement Milwaukee’s clutch win.

“Just a great instinctive play by Jrue,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. ”He’s a winner. Jrue Holiday’s a winner. You ask any player in this league or any coach in this league. He’s a winner.

Enough said.

(via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/lzFRBVpOxv https://t.co/DXDMXHWD7N

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 12, 2022

Milwaukee has the chance to close out their series with Boston on Friday in Milwaukee.

The post Mike Budenholzer on Jrue Holiday’s Clutch Defensive Plays: ‘He’s a Winner’ 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.

Count Coach Doc Rivers amongst the masses, the 76ers coach advocated for his MVP candidate Joel Embiid to be the winner of the prestigious award.

“I don’t know if I could’ve done more than he did this year, play without the second-best player all year. Listen, his resume was great. I’m not taking anything away from Jokic either because he’s a hell of a player. I do think this whole analytic-drive society world is out of control at times with some of the measures that they use. Like, watch the dang game and decide is what I’ve always said.”

“But at the end of the day, if Joel had won, which I thought he should have, there would have been criticism that way if Giannis (Antetokounmpo) had won. Only one guy could win, unfortunately.”

Doc Rivers on the MVP race: “I do think this whole analytic-driven society, world is out of control at times with some of the measures that they use. Like, watch the dang game and decide is what I’ve always said.”

Full quote below. pic.twitter.com/3gWVQBvmAA

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 10, 2022

The case for Jokic is that he put together a historically great season this season without Jamal Murray (torn ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (lower back) by his side for most if not all of the regular season. Jokic finished the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58.3 percent shooting from the field. He also led the League in PER (32.8), win shares (15.2), box plus/mins (13.7), and value over replacement player (9.8).

The Joker also became the first player in NBA history to hit 2,000 points, 1,000 boards, and 500 dimes in a single season.

For Embiid, he led the Sixers (51-31) to a tie with the Bucks and Celtics for second best in the Eastern Conference while becoming the first center since Shaquille O’Neal to lead the League in scoring with 30.6 points per game. Embiid also finished fifth in rebounds (11.7) and played in a career-high 68 games this year. All without his All-Star partner in crime Ben Simmons.

Embiid has finished as the runner-up twice in a year now, both times to Jokic, who completed both seasons with historical numbers. Jokic becomes the first player since Russell Westbrook to win MVP with the sixth-best record in their conference. Brodie won the MVP after becoming the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson.

The post Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid’s MVP Snub: ‘Only One Guy Could Win, Unfortunately’ appeared first on SLAM.

“Nobody said it’s going to be easy.”

Giannis talks about staying aggressive and doing what he does best, playing physical basketball. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/xJ7BzLpPb2

— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) May 10, 2022

The Celtics-Bucks are quickly becoming a fun and intense series as the two Eastern Conference foes share stare-downs and plenty of trash talk during a semifinal playoff series that’s been lauded for its physicality.

Game 4 left its rugged signature with a couple of plays, one each from The Greek Freak and Horford. Antetokounmpo’s third-quarter poster woke Horford up and set the tone for a momentum-shifting second half for the C’s, poking the proverbial bear into posting a vintage performance that forced the semifinal series into a 2-2 tie.

There’s just simply no stopping this. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/ZRQzJP2Nil

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

Horford got his revenge on the two-time MVP, yamming one hammer so viciously that Horford was given a technical foul after accidentally elbowing Antetokounmpo in the face as he celebrated from sideline to sideline. The big-time play was the impetus to the Celtics going on a 10-0 that helped them outscore the Bucks 68-54 and led to the two-time national champ outscoring Antetokoumpo 19-17.

HAMMER TIME FROM HORFORD. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/M5S0vLSxxu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

“Nobody said it’s going to be easy,” Antetokounmpo said when asked about how the series feels like on both ends of the floor. “At the end of the day, we know what the deal is now. We gotta go to Boston. We gotta play good basketball.”

“But now with how (my) body feels and what we feel in our mind and all that — who really cares. Nobody really cares; we know what the deal is; we gotta keep going there. Boston plays good basketball, play together, have fun, enjoy the game.”

Heading into a pivotal Game 5 back in Beantown, Milwaukee and Boston will be looking to make some adjustments that will give them an edge. In a series as competitive and entertaining as this series, just the slightest mistake could be the difference between going home or playing the Eastern Conference finals against the winner of the Miami-Philadelphia semifinal.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo On Staying Aggressive While Playing Physically: ‘Nobody Said It’s Going to Be Easy’ appeared first on SLAM.

The former Florida Gator poured in 30 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, along with guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo (34 points, 18 rebounds, five assists). Jayson Tatum (30 points, 13 rebounds, five assists) matched Horford’s offensive output. Horford’s herculean effort seemed to begin after Antekounmpo stared him down after putting him on a poster, activating a mode that even Horford’s sister, Anna recognized instantly.

“I don’t really know what he said to me, but the way he was looking at me and the way he was going about it really didn’t sit well with me,” Horford said per ESPN. “At that point, I think just something switched with me in the game.”

There's just simply no stopping this. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/ZRQzJP2Nil

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

Boston relied on their drive and kick game to wear out the Bucks as they forced Milwaukee to scramble on defense while they chased Boston’s shooters around the perimeter. For the night, the Bucks knocked down 14-37 three-pointers, with Horford and Tatum combining to hit eight of them. Horford also made sure he got his get-back against Antetkounmpo, throwing down a hammer on The Greek Freak early in the fourth quarter.

“We all understood the importance of this game,” Horford said. “We felt at the end of Game 3 we were in position to win the game, and we didn’t. I was just really locked in. I understood the moment, what we needed to do as a group. I really just did whatever it took tonight. It was one of those type of nights.

HAMMER TIME FROM HORFORD. (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/M5S0vLSxxu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

Both Boston and Milwaukee will be making their adjustments heading into a pivotal Game 5, shifting back to Milwaukee on Wednesday. The series has undoubtedly lived up to and might have exceeded expectations, and after this intense series is over, a new Eastern Conference rivalry has been born.

Playoff career-high 30-piece. Al Horford is going crazy. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/FS7qOkew3V

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) May 10, 2022

The post Al Horford On His Vintage Game 4 Performance: ‘I Think Something Switched With Me in the Game’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Celtics believe that Jrue Holiday fouled Marcus Smart when the reigning DPOY attempted a three-pointer and that he should’ve gone to the free-throw line to win Game 3 potentially or at the very least send the game to overtime. What ultimately transpired was the referees awarded Smart two free throws despite passionate pleas from Smart and Coach Ime Udoka.

Smart subsequently executed Boston’s strategy to make the freebie and miss the second, but Boston could not get a game-tying bucket, and Milwaukee closed out the game to take a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4. Udoka continued to advocate for Smart that the refs should’ve given Smart three free throws, adding that he should be the one that speaks to the referees about what fouls they’re calling during a highly contentious and physical game like Game 3.

“He caught the ball; he was turning into his shot, both feet set. You can’t say that was a sweep. You’re going into a shot,” Udoka said per The Athletic. “Poor call, poor no-call. I saw it in person, but also just saw it on film. It’s a shot. Curling into a shot, he’s getting fouled on the way up. Bad missed call.”

Per the NBA’s L2M officiating report for Game 3, the League confirmed that the controversial call was correct, their reasoning being, “Holiday (MIL) commits a foul by making contact with Smart’s (BOS) arms before he is bringing the ball upward toward the basket. A personal foul is correctly called.”

“If they’re going to call it that way, consistently on both ends, we got to play through it and not bitch about calls and get back,”

On the other side, Coach Mike Budenholzer and Giannis Antetokounmpo decided not to take on the subject of the referring and how tough the second-round series has been through three games.

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo: “How much does it cost if I say something, a comment about the refs? Is it $20,000? It’s a lot of money. So, I should not do it. I’ll save my money. I’ve got to pay for diapers.” pic.twitter.com/xOQKTQVYXi

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 7, 2022

However, the man in the middle of the storm, Jrue Holiday, praised Antetokounmpo for being able to play through the Celtics’ rugged defense and finishing Game 3 with 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists on 16-30 shooting from the field and sinking 9-12 free throws.

“It’s what he does, to be completely honest,” Holiday said. “We didn’t have but half of their free throws, but it was a pretty physical game. I don’t know. Two aggressive teams, two teams that love to sit down and play defense. I imagine it’s gonna be like that for the rest of the series.”

Like the Celtics, the Bucks have had problems with the officiating in Game 3, especially the disparity in free throw attempts, 34 for Boston and 17 for Milwaukee. The Celtics attempted 17 free throws, including 11 in the fourth quarter) in the last 16 and a half minutes. The Bucks did not get to the line once during that same period.

During a conversation Bucks GM Jon Horst had with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, he noted the difference in fourth-quarter free throws, claiming that Boston shot 11 freebies on 14 drives while Milwaukee shot none in 10 drives. The Greek Freak established his will going to line 12 times on 12 shots in the paint in the first 36 minutes but didn’t shoot a single free throw despite going to the rim eight times.

“I mean this sincerely: I do respect that, at the end of the day, it is a hard job, right? I couldn’t do their job. You couldn’t do their job,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said Sunday evening in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. “Officiating is hard, just like playing is hard, and coaching is hard, and I think we all have a standard of trying to get better and improve. And at the end of the day, that’s what stood out to me. We have to improve. That wasn’t a quality playoff basketball game, and I think officiating played a role in that.”

The Bucks look to take a 3-1 series lead on Monday.

The post Bucks/Celtics Figuring Out How to Play Through Tight Whistles in Physical Series appeared first on SLAM.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive season, sources tell ESPN. A formal announcement is expected this week.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 9, 2022

The League will make a formal announcement sometime this week, according to Woj. The Joker became the 14th player in League history to win back-to-back MVPs and the first since Giannis Antetokounmpo did it in ’19 and ’20. Stephen Curry went back-to-back in ’15 and ’16.

Jokic put together a historically great season this season without Jamal Murray (torn ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (lower back) by his side for most if not all of the regular season. Jokic finished the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58.3 percent shooting from the field. He also led the League in PER (32.8), win shares (15.2), box plus/mins (13.7), and value over replacement player (9.8).

The Joker also became the first player in NBA history to hit 2,000 points, 1,000 boards, and 500 dimes in a single season.

Denver posted a 48-34 record for the year, good for sixth in the Western Conference, with Jokic guiding the Nuggets’ sixth-ranked offense in the League.

The other finalists for the MVP were Giannis Antentokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

The post REPORT: Nikola Jokic Wins Second Straight MVP appeared first on SLAM.

Al Horford on Robert Williams: “All the off the court stuff is what has really impressed me with him. He’s taken a huge leap just in this year” pic.twitter.com/QcSfh7Fyl4

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 6, 2022

“All the off-the-court stuff is what has really impressed me with him. He’s taken a huge leap just in this year,” the 15th-year veteran said. “So it’s a lot of credit to him, and the time he’s put in, and the work he’s put in is showing.”

In his fourth year in the L, Williams averaged a career-high 10 points, 9.6 boards, and 2.2 blocks per game. While he’s only played in four games since returning from a surgically repaired meniscus, Williams has been highly successful in shutting down the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, holding the Greek Freak to 0-for-5 in Game 1.

“Just trying to do as much as he can to help us. He knows how much we need him, and I was just really impressed with his consistency. And that just speaks to him all year; he’s been that consistent,” Horford continued.

The Time Lord and the Celtics will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 3 in a 1-1 tied series in Milwaukee on Saturday.

The post Al Horford Explains the ‘Huge Leap’ Robert Williams III Has Made Since Returning From Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The man behind the attempted comeback bid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, finished the game with 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. However, he shot 11-27 from the floor and 1-4 from beyond the arc.

Antetokounmpo was 2-12 from the field in the first half before taking over the third quarter with 18 points. The Greek Freak told assembled media that he just had to keep making plays even if he wasn’t at his absolute best.

“Just gotta keep making plays; this is what basketball is about; you’re gonna make shots, and you’re gonna miss shots, but at the end of the day, you play to make right plays and finding your teammates.”

He followed up by saying that he’s moving on from the Bucks’ tough Game 2 loss and is focusing on Game Three on Saturday.

“At the end of the day, I’m not gonna sit down and complain that I’m frustrated,” Antetokounmpo said. “I just keep achieving and finding more winning solutions for myself and my teammates. We did our job, and they did there’s, so now we gotta go back home and do our job again.”

The Bucks look to take back the series lead Saturday as they host the Celtics back home in Fiserv Forum.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Moving On From Game 2 Loss: ‘I’m Not Gonna Sit Down and Complain That I’m Frustrated’ appeared first on SLAM.

The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics and combined for 59 points— Brown dropped a 30 piece and was 6-of-10 from deep, while Tatum finished with 29 points and 8 assists.

“Locked in from last game, locked in from shootaround,” Tatum says, per The Athletic. “If I was a betting man, I would have bet that JB was gonna have a great game. And he set the tone, and that was big for us. Just how aggressive he was coming out making the right plays for himself and for others. He got us going tonight.”

Brown was electric in the first half, scoring 17 points in the first quarter.

“Just how you respond means everything in this League,” Brown says. “We didn’t play how we wanted to in the first game, and we couldn’t come back and drop another game at home. We knew we had to come out and play like our season was on the line.”

While the Celtics were without DPOY Marcus Smart, who was out with a bruised right thigh he suffered in Game 1, the C’s still held it down on the defensive end and limited Giannis Antetokounmpo to 28 points, which he scored mostly in the second half of the game.

“Strong bodies, being active, being physical—that’s pretty much it,” Antetokounmpo says on the Celtics’ defense making it tough for him inside. “It’s gotten tougher to find your teammates.”

Game 3 is set to go down on Saturday in Milwaukee.

The post ‘He Set the Tone’: Jayson Tatum on Jaylen Brown’s Electric 30-Point Performance in Game 2 appeared first on SLAM.

“I view it as guarding him on an island where it’s just you and him, and you have to do your job… he started being a lot more aggressive in the second half and getting downhill and creating for himself. But, it’s just one of those things you just hunker down and trust the work you’ve done and do your best to contain one of the best players in the world.”

Through the two games thus far, the two-time MVP has been guarded by Williams for ten minutes and 20 seconds. He’s shot 44.4 percent from the field, a drastic 12.4 percent difference from his field goal percentage in the first round (56.8 percent).

For comparison’s sake, when you add up the minutes total of Giannis being guarded by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams III, the Greek Freak has shot 72.3 percent from the field in six minutes and 31 seconds.

Grant Williams will look to bring that number down in Game 3, which is Saturday at 3:30 pm EST in Milwaukee.

The post How Grant Williams Approached ‘Containing’ Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 2: ‘It’s Just You and Him’ 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.

Coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Middelton would miss Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday.

“After Game 2, the team knew what the deal was,” Antetokounmpo said per ESPN. “We knew what we had to do. We had to be desperate. We had to go out there and compete at a high level. Pay attention to detail as much as possible. Help one another defensively. We’ve got to do it as a team. It’s not a one-man show or two-man show.

While the Bucks were down a man, the Bulls were down a few too. Zach LaVine (virus protocols) and Alex Caruso (concussion) missed Game 5, allowing Milwaukee to target solely on taking DeMar DeRozan out of his comfort zone, only allowing the USC product to score 11 points on 5-10 shooting from the field.

According to ESPN, DeRozan was double-teamed 27 times in Game 5, the most doubles of a single player in a playoff game in the past three seasons. He faced 24 double-teams in the previous four games combined.

“We threw everything at him,” Budenholzer said. “He’s such a good player, the season he’s had. The ability to make shots, the ability to get to the free-throw line, he’s phenomenal. He saw a lot of people in front of him, around him, just basically always.”

Along with making DeRozan a nonfactor, the defending champs held the Bulls to under 100 points in three out of five games, winning each of their final three games by double-digits. DeRozan attempted to get his teammates involved, but Chicago had an off night, shooting just 7-25 (3-18 on three-pointers) off Deebo’s passes. Overall, the Bulls hit 15-52 treys on Wednesday.

The post Milwaukee Blankets DeMar DeRozan to Advance to Second Round appeared first on SLAM.

“It’s nothing they’re doing defensively. Most of the shots I took were wide open… No way in hell I shoot 6-of-25 again.”

DeRozan followed up by saying that defense is going to give them the “opportunity to win” this series and that they need to turn it up.

“Offensively, I guarantee you we won’t shoot like we shot tonight again, but defense gives you an opportunity to win. In the 4th quarter, a couple plays got away from us, but a good learning experience. Gotta keep it up defensively and go to another level.”

The Bulls will look to tie the series in Game 2 on Wednesday.

The post DeMar DeRozan After Game 1 Loss to Bucks: ‘[Gotta] Go To Another Level’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Bucks entered the game having won 17 of their last 18 games against the Bulls. An early 32-16 lead looked promising, but then, scoring troubles, and 14 turnovers in the second half, caused the game to close in.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the team with 27 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks, praised teammate Brook Lopez for his performance, especially late in fourth quarter. When Antetokounmpo picked up his fifth foul during a stretch in which the Bulls cut the deficit to just one point, Lopez scored seven points, along with two boards and a blocked shot.

“Tonight in the fourth quarter he was amazing,” Giannis says, per CBS. “He was able to get to his spots, shoot his floaters, get to the rim, make his free throws. Defensively he was amazing, contesting shots. He’s big for us, he’s big. He had a great game, we need him to keep playing this way, we need him to keep helping the team any way possible. He is a big piece of who we are.”

Lopez finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two blocks as the second leading scorer for the team in Game 1. He also was a force on defense against the Bulls, who shot only 32.3 percent from the field, a season-low, and went 11-of-27 at the rim and 9-23 from mid range.

“We showed resiliency tonight,” Lopez says, per ESPN. “Things didn’t go our way offensively for a lot of the game, and we fought through it and did a good job defensively.”

The Bucks will now get ready to face off against Chicago at home for Game 2 on Wednesday.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo on Brook Lopez’s Performance in Game 1 against Bulls: ‘He is a Big Piece of Who We Are’ appeared first on SLAM.

NBA HISTORY

(Stat via @NBABlackburn) pic.twitter.com/hXmrp1wgKs

— x – Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 8, 2022

Joker was serenaded with “M-V-P” chants after scoring a fourth-quarter bucket to become the first player in NBA history to accumulate 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. Jokic also became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to register at last 35 points and 12 rebounds in five straight games.

We liking the headband ? The Joker always has something up this sleeve.

(via @nuggets) pic.twitter.com/Ukl8VQbqae

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 8, 2022

The only other player who’s come close to accomplishing the same combination of stats was Wilt Chamberlain during the 1967-1968 campaign when he led the League in assists but came up eight points short of 2k. However, Wilt the Stilt won his third straight MVP that season. It remains to be seen if Jokic will. He’s in a tight race for the award with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

“I mean, it’s cool,” Jokic said per NBA.com. “I like it. Hopefully, I can do it a couple of more times.”

To top off all the good news, the Nuggets (48-33) clinched their fourth straight playoff appearance after beating the Grizzlies, 122-109, led by Jokic’s 35 points, 16 rebounds, and six assist double-double performance. If they beat the Lakers on Sunday and the Jazz suffers two more losses against the Suns and Trail Blazers, the Nuggets can win the Northwest Division, their third divisional title since 2019.

Jokic has averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 boards, and 7.8 dimes per game this season while leading the Nuggets to a sixth-place finish in the always-packed Western Conference without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. by his side. When it comes to winning a second straight MVP award, Jokic says, ‘if that’s enough, it’s enough. If not, you cannot control that.”

Coach Michael Malone wasn’t so subtle with his compliments on the Nuggets’ franchise cornerstone.

“The MVP isn’t even a competition,” Malone said. “There’s other great players. I’m not saying they’re not great players. But what Nikola Jokic has done this year — with this team — everything we’ve had to go through is just incredible. He was good last year, and he’s even better this year.”

The Nuggets can still win the Northwest Division with a victory Sunday night against the Lakers and two losses by the Utah Jazz (48-32), who finish up against Phoenix (63-17) and Portland (27-53).

The post Nikola Jokic First to Hit 2k Points, 1K Rebounds, and 500 Assists appeared first on SLAM.

The monumental moment came on a three-pointer to force overtime. The Greek Freak then knocked down a pair of game-winning free throws to clinch the defending champs playoff spot.

GIANNIS 3 TO TIE IT UP OMG (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/edPHQQ7QZL

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2022

Although there was plenty to celebrate after the overtime victory, Antetokounmpo kept it a bean and said that the jobs not finished.

“When I’m done, we can talk about it, but now there’s no time,” Antetokoumpo said, per NBA.com, “There’s things that have to be done.”

A fitting locker room celebration. pic.twitter.com/t0wY5AuPNG

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 1, 2022

The two-time MVP came into the game 39 points behind Abdul-Jabbar, who scored 14,211 points in his six-tenure with the Bucks, winning a title in 1971, won three MVPs, and was selected to five All-Star games, four All-Defensive teams, and five All-NBA selections before he left to play for the Lakers during the 1975-1976 campaign.

44 & 14. MVP season for Giannis? (: @Silkyyphotos) pic.twitter.com/ORnhK1eXan

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2022

Antetokounmpo has now scored 14,216 points as a Bucks and is the franchise leader in not only points but also blocks and triple-doubles. He’s also second in franchise history for field goals made, free throws made, seventh in made triples, second in rebounds and assists, and fifth in steals.

The 27-year-old has won back-to-back MVPs, a Finals MVP and title in 2021, a five-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and was named to the NBA 75th anniversary team. The 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft accomplished that in 652 games.

Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 boards, 5.8 dimes, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game on 55.2 percent shooting from the field for the second-place Bucks (48-28).

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar As Bucks’ All-Time Leading Scorer appeared first on SLAM.

But on this night, many die-hard hoops fans are glued to their television screens and phones while the NBA celebrates the culmination of the 2018-19 season. The third annual NBA Awards, live from the Barker Hangar in Los Angeles and airing on TNT, will reveal the winners of some of the League’s most prestigious accolades. Giannis Antetokounmpo is about to earn his first of back-to-back MVPs. Luka Doncic is picking up his ROY hardware. Superstar hoopers aside, though, the night also features celebrity presenters. Samuel L. Jackson. Tiffany Haddish. Issa Rae. Shaquille O’Neal. And then there is actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj, who takes the stage to let off a few jokes. One joke in particular is about to become a trending topic on Twitter. 

“In the past two months, AD got traded, Zion went first and LaMelo Ball got shipped to boarding school in Australia. I can say that joke—neither of us will ever make the NBA,” says Minhaj, as some laughs break through the crowd.

Comedians crack jokes. That’s the point. But whether Minhaj actually believed what he said, only he knows. 

The irony of it all (aside from the fact that Melo went on to become the third overall pick in the draft the following year and won ROY a few months later) is that here was a 17-year-old kid who had become such a staple of hoops culture that he was the subject of a joke on a night meant to celebrate the game’s current greatest.  

About 50 miles east from where the awards were taking place, it didn’t take long before LaMelo, at home in Chino Hills, reacted online. He posted a comment, which was later deleted, that essentially questioned if Minhaj would say that to his face. Normal teenager reaction. All harmless. 

Almost three years later, LaMelo is now sitting on a table in a Charlotte hotel conference room on a late February afternoon. He’s wearing a custom 1-of-1 LaFrancé-branded basketball uniform (his personal lifestyle brand, named as a nod to his middle name) while rocking a No. 1 jersey, which he says he expects to be his new number starting next season. And then there’s the humongous iced out double chain around his neck with a 3D UFO spaceship. Casual. 

We just wrapped up his cover shoot and he is comfortably lounging as he reminisces on his journey so far.

SLAM 237 featuring LaMelo Ball is available now!

He’s no longer that bubble gum teenager who many predicted was all internet hype and would eventually fade into obscurity. To be fair to Minhaj, he was probably just repeating what he had heard others say—some who even consider themselves basketball experts repeated those same sentiments back then, too. On the night of the 2019 awards ceremony, ESPN had Melo projected as a second rounder in the draft. The 32nd pick, to be exact. 

As Melo is reminded of the days when many doubted him, and specifically the night of the awards, he begins cheesing hard. It’s the smile of someone who knows he’s had the last laugh. He always knew he would. And he enjoys every bit of it these days. But as I remind him of his deleted comment from that night, he can no longer control his laughter.    

“Oh, I said that?! That was probably me on some young shit. I’ll smack that n—a, for real!” he says before breaking out into more laughs. 

“Nah, I don’t really give a fuck when people said stuff like that. It’s all jokes to me, for real. When you say something, I’m gonna say something back. You mean it? Eh, I don’t mean it. Could mean it. Probably don’t. Probably do. It’s whatever.” 

Melo ain’t really sweating it. He never has. His nonchalant demeanor has lowkey played a big role in getting him here. If anything, it’s probably what kept him sane when his notoriety was exploding in high school, and yet media outlets and online trolls alike refused to acknowledge him as a legitimate high-level NBA prospect. Talent is obviously needed to get here. But ask all of the cautionary tales and highly touted high school players who never panned out about their voyage, and the importance of mental strength will be a common theme. Goes without saying that being under a microscope and the type of spotlight that Melo grew up in is not for the faint of heart. 

Melo, though, shrugs and scoffs at the thought (technically, the question) that there was ever even the smallest of chances that all that noise was ever hard on him. That lowlight mixtape that accumulated millions of views online when he was only 15 years old? He’s practically offended at the thought that he would ever be offended by it. 

“I ain’t gonna lie, everything was just normal to me. I give a lot of credit to my pops, just the way he had us. Pretty much saying, If they not talking about y’all and they not hating on you, you’re pretty much not doing nothing. You feel me? If they not hating on you, you obviously not doing something. If they talking about you good, if they talking about you bad, they’re still talking about you,” says Melo. “I never really looked at it like, Oh, why are they talking about me like that? If you not really in my household, I don’t really care what you got to say. No disrespect, but it’s like that.” 

Continuing to look back on his father’s words: “He said, Y’all destined for the League, type-shit. Made us really believe it. I came out the womb believing it. When you got that factor and really believe it, that’s really it. All you could do is make it, for real. That’s what our mindset was…I felt like I could play in the League when I was 14, 15. I probably couldn’t have, but that’s just how I thought. I was like, It’s just basketball. He could shoot, I could shoot. He dribbles, I dribble. From the beginning, I thought I was always—no one could really f**k with me. I just always had that attitude.”  

In late 2017, when Melo left Chino Hills High School at the beginning of his junior year and turned pro in Lithuania, he says that’s when he received his big affirmation—or rather, revelation—that there was nothing that could stop him. At the time, people criticized the move, saying it would hinder his growth and development, and ultimately obliterate any probabilities of him making the NBA.     

“Honestly, after Lithuania, I didn’t give a fuck where I got drafted to. The beds? You roll off to the left, you fall off. You roll off to the right, you fall off. Motherfucking calves hanging off the bed—not feet, calves hanging off the bed! It was bad, bro. Once you get through that, it was like, I don’t care where y’all put me in. As long as I’m in the States and I got water, I’m good,” Melo says confidently. “That whole shit, bruh—it felt like one big ass night! That shit was crazy. Food was hard to eat out there. Hella cold. Nobody around. That’s pretty much when I just locked in. I’m like, Yeah, I don’t really need too much. Just get it done and grind. That right there was big, I feel like. Sacrifice—you feel me? That’s what I looked at it as.  

“The mental shit goes back to Lithuania. Ever since all that, I aint gon’ lie, my mental has been straight. It ain’t nothing you can do. I even sat the bench there. I literally did everything out there.” 

LaVar still remembers Melo getting in trouble in preschool as if it was yesterday. One day, the teacher had asked the class what their favorite song was. Every kid took turns as the teacher went around the room. When it was finally Melo’s turn to speak, he excitedly shared with the class his favorite lyrics. 

“This dude starts reciting a DMX song with all the cuss words in it! His teachers said, Hold up, wait a minute! He had never been [in a situation] where someone would say, Hey, don’t say those cuss words! ’Cause I let him listen to rap when getting ready for the games. So he was always listening to DMX and what his older brothers were listening to,” recalls LaVar. In 2016, Zo did say that his five favorite rappers of all time were Lil Wayne, Future, DMX, 50 Cent and Tupac, so it’s easy to see where that came from.   

LaVar shares the childhood story to get to a bigger point. Being the youngest, Melo would always hang around his older brothers. Wherever Zo and Gelo went, Melo was there. That included the basketball court. Melo felt he could hang with them on the court, but then also invited himself to hang off the court, too. It got to the point where Melo was practically hanging with Zo’s and Gelo’s friends more than kids in his own grade. It was really just an extension of what was happening on the hardwood. LaVar had his boys playing up in age in AAU. Do some Googles and you’ll find videos of an 11-year-old Melo playing against high school kids next to his brothers at AAU events. Not just playing against high school kids at 11, giving them buckets.    

“We used to have movie night every weekend. I used to say, Each of you guys invite a couple of your friends. And Melo never invited his. He always invited Lonzo’s and Gelo’s. The older guys. Melo never wanted to hang out with no little guys,” LaVar says. “By the time we were playing in the high school leagues, and the boys were super young, I always had a couple of guys on the team that were 17 to balance that stuff out—needed some big boys to rebound. These dudes had tattoos and goatees and my dudes were barely in elementary. But they looked at [Melo, Gelo and Zo] as little brothers and protected them. [Melo] always talked crazy. He talked like them. You’d hear a little kid’s voice talking, and then you hear him talking about stuff that grown folks talking about. He was always like that.”  

But on-court development was only part of the plan. There was a whole other social aspect to it. LaVar decided to raise the family in the relatively affluent Chino Hills enclave, far away from the South Central L.A. streets he grew up in. He and his wife Tina would end up taking the boys back to W. Slauson and S. Van Ness all the time, though. After all, their grandparents still lived in the neighborhood. And aside from visiting family, he also wanted the boys to build up that same inner-city grit and toughness he had mastered. He wanted the boys to appreciate the unique situation they were in back in Chino Hills, and to also be cognizant and understanding of the different social conditions others less fortunate were born into. The routine trips to South Central ultimately became a major part of the boys’ development. 

Still, part of that preparation was also about making sure that Melo and his brothers wouldn’t get caught up in the glitz and glamour when they finally made it to the League. That the transition would be as seamless as possible because their lifestyle would be no different when that day came. Growing up around gated communities in Chino Hills was one thing. But Zo pulling up to high school in a new white BMW 7 Series and Gelo pulling up in a separate one—yes, to the same school parking lot—was just as much about preparing for the League as any drill was. When Melo finally turned 16, he famously got a Lamborghini gifted to him. Not many outside of the family understood the purpose of it all at the time. 

“If I wanted my sons to live the NBA lifestyle, you can’t dangle no fucking shoe in front of them, like you can do with the other superstars. You offered them some shoes, they were gonna be like, What am I supposed to do with these shoes when I got a BMW outside? You get to the League and now you can finally buy that BMW or Escalade you always wanted. [Melo, Gelo, and Zo] already had that in high school,” says LaVar. “Just like with Melo, when the media asked him if he was happy to have his own signature shoe [with Puma], he told them he’s had that since he was 16. He’s not gonna feel any different if we made sure that he felt those experiences at 16. Guys are out there breaking their neck trying to get a signature shoe. He’s been through all of that. You can’t re-do it. You can only have that feeling one time.” 

Adds Melo: “Right when I hit that age, everything started making sense. I had been through everything. Even with the whole playing on teams—I really started to see what my pops was doing. Even when we were younger, we always used to play on our own team under him, with just local kids. We wouldn’t go find the best teams. Then you look back at it and it’s like, Damn, that’s ’cause he wanted me to pass, shoot, rebound, steal. Damn near do everything. So, when you do get on those types of teams and you got that [NBA] talent around you [now], it’s way easier.”

So here we are today. Melo is now the face of an NBA franchise at only 20 years old. A franchise and a city that didn’t have much to cheer about prior to his arrival in 2020. The impact is evident in the significant increase of new season ticket holders that the team has reported since he touched down in the Queen City. In the fact that they’ve been in contention for a playoff spot the last two seasons after finishing almost 20 games under .500 right before he got to town. 

Some of his early accolades make his trajectory scary—in the best way. He’s already joined some elite company in his short time in the League. Fourth-youngest ever to be an NBA All-Star, behind only Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Magic Johnson. He finished with 18 points off the bench that night. There was a period earlier this season when he was the team’s leader in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game (Mason Plumlee has since taken over the rebounds category). The only other player in the League who was leading his team across all four categories at the same time this season was reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Melo became the second youngest player in NBA history to reach 700 career assists in February, behind only LeBron. There’s a bunch of other similar milestones, where his name sits next to some of the best.

But it hasn’t all been peaches and cream. As we headed to press, the team had dropped 13 of its last 17 games. The Hornets are fighting tooth and nail to hold on to one of the last remaining play-in game spots. And while Melo is focused on securing a postseason opportunity, he’s also aware that it’s all just a process. Just like his road to the NBA. From Lithuania to LaVar’s JBA world tour (which took him across Europe) to Australia, he’s become confident in knowing that not much in his life has been a matter of if, only when.    

“When they really put them keys in my hand, I feel like it’s gonna be a whole new situation. But until then, I’m gonna keep doing what I need to do, just try to get these wins,” says Melo. “I ain’t gonna lie, every game I feel like I can do more than what I’m doing. It’s just [about] reading the whole game and reading the whole situation. And everybody being on the same page. The consistency part. Once all that clears, I feel like we’ll be straight. 

“The season isn’t successful until you win a championship. But it’s [also] pretty much always about being better than the last year. So, last year we were in the play-in. This year hopefully we get in the playoffs, win a first round, something like that. Just keep going up from there. I just feel we’re like a big away. One that can clog up the whole paint, rebound. Put that bitch in my hands [and] let me rock! That’s how I be feeling. And then we’re gonna be straight.”

SLAM 237 is available now in these gold and black metal editions, plus an exclusive SLAM 237 Cover Tee.

Portraits Diwang Valdez.

The post The King of Queen City: LaMelo Ball’s Ascension to the Top is Only a Matter of Time appeared first on SLAM.

We have never seen a basketball player like Joel Embiid. Like it or not, it's just a fact.

(: @goodlooksfamily) pic.twitter.com/F5UWkiHsAG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 24, 2022

After a dramatic offseason and even messier divorce surrounding Ben Simmons, Embiid has emerged as the leader of a 76ers squad that has relied heavily on 29.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game production. At 46-28, the Sixers are in second place and just one game behind the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat (48-28). Since the 76ers added James Harden via trade, Embiid has averaged 31.0 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.

“Last year, I got hurt. That was the knock on me with not being healthy,” Embiid said per NBA.com. “This year, I’ve gone to a different level. I’m healthy. I don’t know what else I have to do to be able to [win MVP]. I feel like it is my time. But I have a lot of respect for the other guys, and I think they’re great players.”

“It’s nice to be recognized as the MVP,” Embiid said. “That’s the biggest thing you can win. I would love that. But then again, I want to win a championship. The championship trumps everything.”

Embiid was just inches away from winning his first MVP award last season, getting injured late into the season, and losing the MVP to Nikola Jokic. The perceived slight and falling to the Hawks in the second round inspired, Embiid to enter the offseason hungrier and more determined than ever. Over the summer, Embiid worked on his game with vaunted NBA trainer Drew Hanlen.

Instead of worrying about what Simmons would do, the former Kansas Jayhawk just went to work and trusted the process.

“Joel paid no attention to it,” Drew Hanlen, Embiid’s trainer, said. “Joel was more focused on how he can improve as a player and what he needed to do to make up for the talent that they lost in Ben. Why waste energy on things that don’t deserve energy? There was nothing Joel could do about it.”

Embiid was also entrusted with leading the 76ers on his own, implementing an offseason training regimen that helped include studying Kobe Bryant’s game film, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Dirk Nowitzki to breakdown how to get buckets in various ways. Embiid also addressed his conditioning, nutrition and improved his handle and ability to pass out of double-teams.

“We’ve always talked about, ‘Can you carry a team. Can you do it, not by yourself, but can you do it without another All-Star?'” Embiid said. “I just wanted to go on and prove that. To win a championship, I can’t win alone. I need great teammates. But I just wanted to set the foundation.”

“The game has started to slow down for him. The countless hours of film, plus the countless hours of decision-making in workouts, has allowed him to really grasp what is coming next and seeing the play before it unfolds.” Hanlen added.

With eight games remaining in the regular season, Embiid ranks ahead of fellow frontrunner Jokic in points and defensive rating, while Joker has the edge in rebounding and assists. Jokic also leads the League in triple-doubles (18), but Embiid has a 50-point game and six 40-point outings, while Jokic has scored at least 40 just two times this season.

The post Joel Embiid on MVP Chances: ‘I Feel Like It Is My Time’ appeared first on SLAM.

So far, Antetokounmpo has gotten less attention in the MVP race behind entrenched candidates like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic despite averaging 29.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game and leading the Bucks (44-27) to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. The stats rank him second, fifth, 20th, and 11th in the League, respectively.

“Oh, hell no. I’ve done it. I’ve done it. I’m OK. I’m OK with myself. You know, I don’t have social media on my phone. Like I cannot follow it,” Giannis said about keeping track of the MVP race.

However, the lack of acknowledgment from media and fans doesn’t seem to impact Antetokounmpo and his ultimate goal this season, winning a second championship and regaining that feeling the Bucks had when they beat the Suns in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals, winning their first title since 1971.

In his latest performance against the Kings, Antetokounmpo posted 36 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block as the Bucks edged the Kings, 135-126. It was Antetokounmpo’s fifth straight game with 30 or more points.

“Nah, I want another championship. You know, like, the joy that I felt when I won the MVP was unbelievable. I was with my family. I wish my (late) Dad was there. That was an unbelievable feeling. Grateful. But the joy that I felt when I won a championship, there’s no comparing. There’s no comparing (an MVP) to the joy of being on the bus and seeing 200,000 people celebrating—white, Black, Hispanic, or whatever the case may be. Everybody was celebrating, and you’re giving everybody that joy.”

“There were people that had never seen a championship for 50 years. (They’d say), ‘The last time I saw the championship, I was two years old.’ You know? That’s a different type of joy. It’s not just me being able to win the award. The whole city won an award. That’s what I want, you know? And hopefully, God can bless me and give me that. I’ll do whatever I can do to do it.”

The Bucks have won eight of their last 10 contests, including three of their previous five. On Tuesday, the defending champs will be hosting the Bulls (41-29).

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo on the MVP Race and the ‘Joy’ of Winning a Championship appeared first on SLAM.

At the end of the day, settling on Trace ’N Chase as the brand name made all of the sense considering that the hobby of collecting (trading cards, jerseys, sneakers—you name it) is purely about seeking and landing deals on unending indefatigable effort. This sports museum and safehouse for collectors has everything from Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan signed basketballs, to a corner exclusively dedicated to Giannis with replica rings and trophies, to a mini basketball court full of player-inked jerseys…and the SLAM Wall of Fame, of course.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trace N Chase (@tracenchase)

In content producer Dio Nikiforos’ own words, “The vision of Trace ’N Chase is to grow and develop a strong basketball culture, and SLAM is and has always been a major part of the hoops culture.”

A 60-cover-on-rotation, hand-crafted and meticulously curated hardwood panel, the SLAM Wall of Fame guards the entrance to the world of Trace ’N Chase. “We really love the NBA, so everything up there is the direct result of our admiration for all athletes.” Real recognize real. For more info, check out @tracenchase on IG.

 Courtesy of Trace N Chase and Stefanos Tsakiris.

The post Trace ‘N Chase Sports Museum in Greece Celebrates the Game with Memorabilia and a SLAM Wall of Fame appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2022

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2022

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

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

First Quarter:

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

“Why are you playing so much defense bro?”

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

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

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

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

TNT & TBS pic.twitter.com/6iEs9nuxD2

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

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

Second Quarter:

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

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

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

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

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

Third Quarter:

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

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

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

He’s got 13 threes.

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2022

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

Final Quarter:

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

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

BRON. CALLED. GAME.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three players from the Cleveland Cavaliers teamed up to participate in the All-Star Skills Challenge. First-time All-Stars, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen teamed up with rookie Evan Mobley, whose star shined brightly in the NBA Rising Stars tournament, took on the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and a team of rookies that consisted of Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey and Scottie Barnes.

The Skills Challenge received a new look as the NBA revamped All-Star Weekend. The format featured the three teams participating in a competition broken down into three rounds of shooting, passing, and dribbling ability.

Round One (Shooting):

Team Cavs should thank their lucky stars they dominated this part of the competition because the next two rounds were not as kind. The Cavaliers trio played strategically, placing Jarrett Allen first and downsizing to Evan Mobley then Darius Garland. Garland dropped 24 points, outscoring the Antetokounmpos brothers by himself, followed by Mobley with 18.

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland close out the first round of #TacoBellSkills with a show for the Cleveland crowd!

Team @cavs in the lead on TNT pic.twitter.com/5vMS172BPh

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022

Round Two (Passing):

At this point of the competition, it looked like it was a two-team race between Team Cavs and Team Antetokounmpo despite the smooth execution of the weave to pile up the points by Team Cavs.

“This is poetry right here”

Cavs were in sync during the #TacoBellSkills challenge pic.twitter.com/pGugDBdLCw

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 20, 2022

The Greek Freak turned on the competitive drive that captured him two MVP awards, and his brothers tied Team Rooks at the end of round two. However, Team Antetokounmpo won the tiebreaker to collect 100 points from the passing competition for a tie leading into the skills competition that counted 200 points.

Round Three (Skills competition) and tiebreaker:

The idea of giving 200 points to the winner of the third round made this competition much more exciting. At this point, Team Rooks looked dead in the water when they put up a time of 1:18.5. That time presumably wasn’t fast enough to win the round.

In the end, poor shooting by Team Giannis and slow times by Team Cavs bailed the rookies out, and they took the 200 points to go to the final round. That left Team Giannis and Team Cavs with one shot for a chance to take on the rookies in the final round.

Darius Garland knocks out Team Antetokounmpo

Cavs move on to the final of the #TacoBellSkills pic.twitter.com/mfmkFOftPt

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 20, 2022

In a surprise to some, Giannis did not take the shot, and Thanasis missed to the right. On the other hand, Garland hit his attempt to win the tiebreaker and a trip to the finals.

Final Round (Half-court shot):

The rules were simple, whichever team could make a half-court shot the fastest would be declared the winner of the Skills Challenge. Cade Cunningham knocked down the half-court shot for the rookies to set the bar at 9.9 seconds.

It didn’t take long for Evan Mobley to close the deal for the hometown Cavaliers. The moment became a classic after legendary sharpshooter Reggie Miller screamed, “Cleveland, this is for you!” over the airwaves as the competition concluded.

“CLEVELAND THIS IS FOR YOU!”

Evan Mobley wins the #TacoBellSkills Challenge for Team Cavs pic.twitter.com/hORIPbs6mS

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 20, 2022

The post Cleveland Cavaliers Represents By Taking the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge appeared first on SLAM.

Joel Embiid finished with 42 points, 14 rebounds, three triples, and 11 free throws while shooting over 65 percent from the field. After getting his 23-game streak of scoring 25+ broken on Tuesday, Embiid came back with a vengeance.

Thursday’s performance now brings Embiid to nine total games scoring 40+ — the most in the League. Embiid now leads the NBA in points per game, barely edging Giannis Antetokounmpo by 0.2 points with 29.6. Embiid also broke the tie with the Greek Freak for the most games this season with 35+ points and 12+ rebounds with 10 total.

This win comes without Philadelphia’s newly acquired superstar guard James Harden, but Embiid remains optimistic on what the 76ers will look like when the 2018 MVP takes the floor.

“I mean, he used to say Scary Hours. I say scary minutes,” said Embiid after the Bucks game per Yardbarker. “For all the 48 minutes, we’re going to be on the floor all together. I’m just excited for us to be healthy. I got to keep doing what I’ve been doing, and I’m sure my teammates are gonna follow. We’re pretty excited about what we can accomplish.”

There’s now a three-way tie between the 76ers, Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers for the third seed in the Eastern Conference heading into the All-Star break. With the way Embiid has been playing recently, it’s not out of the realm of possibility the 76ers take that place — and maybe more.

That’s certainly true when Scary Minutes takes the floor.

The post Joel Embiid Wills 76ers Past Bucks, Furthering His MVP Case appeared first on SLAM.

Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen has replaced James Harden in the NBA All-Star Game.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 14, 2022

Darius Garland is the other player that will be representing the Cavaliers at the All-Star game. Both Garland and Allen will be on Team LeBron this year.

Cleveland officially has TWO All-Stars this season.

Darius Garland AND Jarrett Allen (replacement for James Harden) are going to the All-Star Game #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/0VdRU2sSy8

— Whistle (@WhistleSports) February 14, 2022

As of Monday, Allen has averaged a career-high 16.2 points and 11.2 rebounds, along with 1.4 blocks per game as a vital piece of the Cavs’ three-headed monster of seven-footers that Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has utilized throughout the season.

The Cavs have been the darling of the NBA as they’ve seemingly taken a considerable step forward as playoff contenders, sitting at third in the Eastern Conference at 35-22.

The post Jarrett Allen Named to First All-Star Game appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to ESPN, the Lakers are facing an uneasy admission that’s building up around the locker room: “The roster is not working, and something must be done to get the team back on course.”

The whooping the Lakers took only proved the mounting suspicion the Lakers realize maybe the truth. Milwaukee built a lead as large as 30 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a dominant 44 point, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks night. Even four-time MVP LeBron James had to admit there’s a massive gap between the Lakers and the Bucks.

“It tells me we ain’t on their level,” LeBron James said. “I mean, I could have told you that before the game.”

“Obviously, you always kind of use games to see where you are at that moment, but we know where we are at this moment: sitting at a couple, few games under .500,” he said. “Haven’t played the basketball that we’d like to play.”

When the Lakers did wake up and start playing up to their championship standard, it came in the fourth quarter with James and Anthony Davis leading the way after Coach Frank Vogel sitting former MVP Russell Westbrook on the bench for the third time this season. During that stint, LA outscored Milwaukee, 37-28, cutting the lead to 10 after Malik Monk threw down a dunk midway through the final frame.

The Lakers comeback bid ultimately fell short, however, falling to the Bucks 131-116. In the closing seconds, Westbrook could be seen trying to brighten up the mood of his superstar teammates with pats on the head and shoulders of James and Davis.

“Listen, I want to help AD, I want to help Russ. AD wants to help me, help Russ, and Russ wants to help us,” James said about the exchange. “Obviously, lately, Russ hasn’t felt like he had an opportunity, or with the opportunities, he’s been given, he hasn’t helped us as much as he would like. We haven’t done a great job of helping him.”

Following the game, Westbrook, who accepted his previous benching, did not take too kindly to not being on the floor as the Lakers attempted to close in on upsetting the Bucks on Tuesday. When asked what he has to do for Vogel to play him late in the fourth quarter, Westbrook had this to say:

“I shouldn’t have to hit any benchmark, to be honest,” Westbrook said. “I’ve put a lot of work, and I’ve got a lot of respect in this game. I don’t got to hit a benchmark, or I shouldn’t have to. I’ve earned a right to be in closing lineups.”

According to Westbrook, some of the Lakers’ woes could be solved by “creating some consistency within our team, which we don’t have at the moment.” That remark might ring true once you realize Vogel put out a 27th different starting lineup in their 55th game of the season and that Westbrook, James, and Davis have all played together a grand total of 18 times this season.

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Lakers have only made Talen Horton-Tucker available to trade. They also decided they didn’t want to move Westbrook or make a midseason coaching change. It remains unclear if the Lakers have any assets that opposing franchises would like to acquire after trading away so much of their youth through the years.

The Lakers will look to get back into the winning column on Wednesday against the Trail Blazers (21-34).

The post Lakers Left Searching For Answers After Loss to the Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

Monroe has been preparing himself for this opportunity by playing the last 12 games for the Capital City Go-Go of the G League and two other 10-day NBA contracts spanning five games with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards. In those games, Monroe averaged 5.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks.

The veteran big man shared his feelings on being signed after a team shootaround recently via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“I’m not coming from the couch,” he said. “I’ve gotten in a full season. I’m ready to play. It’s just about getting caught up with exactly what they do here. I’m definitely ready to play. Excited to be back here. Looking forward to getting out there.”

“It’s fun being back. Loved being here. Just feels good. Excited to play with these guys and excited to get back to Milwaukee, too, and play in front of those fans as well.”

Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned how Monroe’s addition could help the team.

“I think another big has been something we’ve just been, kind of constant dialogue with Jon (Horst) and the front office and coaches, and he’s a proven pro, a veteran, has some relationships, some familiarity with guys in our locker room, felt like he fit a lot of things that we need,” Budenholzer said. “So, excited to have him, and hopefully he help us.”

Welcome back to Milwaukee, Moose!! pic.twitter.com/0mms8ZFGfp

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 5, 2022

During his previous stint with Milwaukee from 2015-17, Monroe averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 165 games. He’s also played for the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He has averaged 13.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals for his career.

The post REPORT: Milwaukee Bucks Sign Greg Monroe to A 10 Day Contract appeared first on SLAM.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex Antetokounmpo (Raptors 905) are “strongly considering” joining forces in this year’s Skills Challenge in Cleveland.

Sources: Three Antetokounmpo brothers – Giannis and Thanasis of the Milwaukee Bucks and Alex of the G League’s Raptors 905 – are strongly considering participating together in the Skills Challenge at NBA All-Star. A revamped competition is expected to have teams of three players.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2022

Due to the League’s recently announced revamped competition, the Skills Challenge will host teams of three players competing against one another instead of individuals duking it out.

The Taco Bell Skills Challenge will kick off Saturday night’s All-Star festivities on February 19th, followed by the 3-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest.

The participants for the 2022 Skills Challenge have yet to be announced.

The post REPORT: Antetokounmpo Brothers ‘Strongly Considering’ Team Up for All-Star Skills Challenge appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Thursday, the NBA announced the five starters from both the Western and Eastern Conferences, with a few first-time All-Stars making the list.

The two captains are a pair of familiar faces to the All-Star Game in LeBron James, making his 18th All-Star appearance, and Kevin Durant, making his 12th All-Star appearance.

Joining James in the west as starters are Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Andrew Wiggins and Ja Morant. Joining Durant in the east are DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid, Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

There are two first-time All-Stars among the 10 starters, both in the west, in Wiggins and Morant. Young will be making his second All-Star appearance.

The All-Star reserves, which are voted on by the head coaches across the NBA, will be announced on Feb. 3.

The All-Star Game will take place in Cleveland on Sunday, Feb. 19.

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

According to Camryn Justice from News 5 Cleveland, Antetokounmpo praised the young Cavs team on their surge up the NBA standings following the game.

“This is not the Cleveland that we knew in the past years…they’re a playoff team, they’re out there fighting for the title themselves,” Antetokounmpo said.

That change in mentality from the Cavs is clear to see on the court and is reflected in their current position in the standings. The Cavaliers are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-19, and only 1.5 games back of the first-place Miami Heat.

Cleveland had already surpassed its win total from last season when the Cavs finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-50. The Cavaliers haven’t even made the playoffs since the departure of LeBron James following the 2017-18 season.

The last time the Cavaliers made the playoffs without James on the roster was in 1998.

The Bucks dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference after the loss with a 30-20 record.

The revamped Cavs are led by their homegrown Big 3 of Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. This season, that trio of players has combined to average 50.8 points, 12.7 assists, and 22.4 rebounds per game, with Garland and Allen getting All-Star considerations and Mobley being a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

The Cavs will go again this Sunday when they head to Detroit to take on the Pistons (11-36) at 6:00 p.m. EST.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo on Cavaliers: ‘They’re a Playoff Team’ appeared first on SLAM.

Giannis Antetokounmpo shined in the spotlight, collecting a triple-double with a stat line of 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in only 30 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) went off for a 30 point triple-double..in under 30 mins played!

30 PTS | 12 REB | 11 AST pic.twitter.com/9vJ6oD97E8

— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2022

With the Bucks taking games from the Warriors and Brooklyn Nets (26-15) in a dominating fashion last week, The Greek Freak credited the significant win to the Bucks practicing good habits per ESPN.

“I don’t know why we play well in big games, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to just keep building good habits moving forward,” Antetokounmpo said. “Big games with big excitement or even games nobody watches, nobody cares about, we have to keep building good habits, so we can be good in May and June.”

Antetokounmpo’s overall performance against Golden State is backing up his words. Not only is he scoring efficiently, but the reigning Finals MVP is also focused on making the right reads based on what the defense shows him.

“My mindset is, I have something I’m going to take it. I’m not going to second guess it,” Antetokounmpo said. “If somebody is wide open, I’m going to try and deliver that ball to him. If I cannot, I’m going to see what’s next. I always try to be in the moment. But having an assertive mindset, an aggressive mindset, that’s how I start the game. That’s what I think in every possession.”

Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks play the Toronto Raptors (20-18) on Saturday night.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Talks About Good Habits Against Elite Teams appeared first on SLAM.

The 26-year-old center being so overlooked has riled up Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. During his postgame press conference with media following the Nuggets’ 87-85 to the Clippers, the veteran coach didn’t hold back on the perceived Jokic slander.

“I think he is one of the more disrespected reigning MVPs that I can think of in terms of the attention,” Malone said per ESPN.

“But if you open up the dictionary, look up the word consistency, there’s going to be a picture of Nikola there. That’s going back to the bubble, that’s going back to a 72-game season last year, and this year we knew Jamal [Murray] was going to be out for an extended period. When you add a Michael Porter, when you add a P.J. Dozier to that [injured] list, it even becomes more incredible what he’s doing.”

As of Wednesday, Jokic is putting up 25.7 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. As far as analytics goes, Jokic holds a 112.4 offensive rating, 103.6 defensive rating and leads the League in player impact estimate. The Joker is also in the top 5 for usage, assist percentage, defensive rebound percentage, and rebound percentage.

Compared to last season when Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists on 56.6% shooting, Jokic holds even more responsibility with Murray, Porter, and Dozier out with injuries. Like no other time during his Nuggets tenure, how Jokic goes is how the Nugget will go. The Nuggets are currently sixth in the West with a 20-19 record.

A big reason Jokic hasn’t been in the MVP conversation with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Nuggets’ record. The last MVP to win without having a top-three record was 2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook. The former Thunder guard won it after averaging a triple-double, the first since Oscar Robertson did it during the 1961-1962 season but didn’t win the MVP after guiding the Cincinnati Royals to a 43-37 record.

“I mean, Nikola Jokic is not sexy,” Malone said. “He’s just not. There is nothing about Nikola — his wife might disagree. But if you are a true student of the game, a coach, someone that loves the game being played the right way, then you appreciate him at the level that he should be appreciated at.

— But if you appreciate passing, IQ, reading the game, just what he does every night from a scoring, rebounding, playmaking standpoint, and finally, I am starting to hear that he is getting a little more credit as a defender, and it is well deserved.”

The post Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: ‘One of the More Disrespected Reigning MVPs That I Can Think Of’ appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, the NBA released its first returns on All-Star fan voting, and there are a few surprises sprinkled throughout.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry leads the way in voting, who has accumulated nearly 2.6 million votes, almost around 200,000 more than the second-place vote-getter, Kevin Durant. A familiar face rounds out the position leaders in LeBron James, the top vote-getter among forwards in the Western Conference and an unusual but deserved face in DeMar DeRozan, the top vote-getter among guards in the Eastern Conference.

DeRozan’s lead and now expected All-Star appearance is much deserved, as he is having a career year for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 26.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

Other players to accumulate over one million votes thus far include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Paul George. Andrew Wiggins just missed out at 933,355 votes.

Every year, a few unexpected names pop up and receive hundreds of thousands of votes, and this year is no different. Klay Thompson has yet to play a game this season for the Warriors, but he is still the fourth-highest vote-getter among Western Conference guards. Kyrie Irving is sixth amongst guards in the East, despite just making his season debut on Wednesday.

Derrick Rose is averaging just 12.0 points per game for the New York Knicks coming off the bench and has received nearly double the votes of Darius Garland and Fred VanVleet. Two other vets coming off the bench received a hefty number of votes: LaMarcus Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony, who have started a combined 13 games between them.

If you want your favorite player to be further up the list, you still have some time! NBA All-Star fan voting doesn’t close until Saturday, January 22, and the full rosters will be announced in full on February 3.

The NBA All-Star game will take place in Cleveland at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday, February 20.

The post Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant Lead NBA All-Star Fan Vote Returns appeared first on SLAM.

The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Wes Matthews now. Rest of team continues to undergo testing. https://t.co/M6hwEir2YV

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2021

The Milwaukee Bucks can’t catch a break with injuries and illness in general. Khris Middleton was listed as questionable after suffering hyperextended knee Monday against the Celtics; Shams Charania reported that Donte DiVincenzo entered protocols too ahead of his season debut DeMarcus Cousins (personal reasons), Brook Lopez (back surgery), and Semi Ojeleye (calf strain).

Antetokounmpo averages 27.0 points,11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while Wesley Matthews has averaged 2.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in four appearances. Matthews signed with the Bucks two weeks ago.

Tuesday’s report leaves the Greek Freaks status for a Christmas Day matchup against Boston in jeopardy. Antetokounmpo, Matthews, and DiVincenzo must return two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart or miss 10 days. The Bucks (18-11) will be playing six games over the next 11 days, starting with their Pacers game. The gauntlet concludes next week against the Celtics at home.

The post REPORT: Giannis Antetokounmpo Out Against Pacers After Entering COVID-19 Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2021

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

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

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

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

Antetokounmpo said during an interview with GQ’s Zach Baron that his future could lie elsewhere than Wisconson.

“One challenge was to bring a championship here and we did,” he told GQ. “It was very hard, but we did. Very, very hard. I just love challenges. What’s the next challenge? The next challenge might not be here.

“Me and my family chose to stay in this city that we all love and has taken care of us—for now,” Giannis continued. “In two years, that might change. I’m being totally honest with you. I’m always honest. I love this city. I love this community. I want to help as much as possible.”

Regardless of Antetokounmpo’s future plans, he is one of the best players in the franchise’s history, getting named to five All-Star teams, winning two MVP awards, and helping Milwaukee win the 2021 NBA Championship. Through nine seasons, Antetokounmpo has career averages of 21.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

The Bucks are experiencing a bit of a championship hangover to start this season, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-8. Antetokounmpo, however, has been excellent, averaging 26.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.

On another positive note for Bucks fans, Antetokounmpo still has three guaranteed years left on his contract, as this is the first year of his five-year $228,200,420 contract extension. The fifth and final year of the deal contains a player option for Antetokounmpo.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo on Future in Milwaukee: ‘Next Challenge Might Not Be Here’ appeared first on SLAM.

Let’s get something out of the way right up front—Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 not being retired by the Timberwolves yet is some straight-up bullshit. Garnett retired in 2016 after 21 seasons, was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, finished his career back in Minnesota out of respect for Flip Saunders when he could have just let the clock run out in Brooklyn. But that’s not who Kevin Garnett was. That’s not who Kevin Garnett is. Did he want something from it? Yes. He wanted a chance to finally get equity in the franchise that he elevated, to own part of what he built. That didn’t happen. It still hasn’t happened. Maybe it never happens. Maybe certain bridges that burned never get rebuilt. Because of all that, Garnett has flatly stated he doesn’t even want the Wolves to retire his number. But dog, you do it anyway. You give him his day at the arena he poured so much blood, sweat and tears into. He may not have delivered the Wolves a championship, but he gave them so much more than that.

Look too closely for Kevin Garnett’s legacy and you just might miss it. There’s more obvious ones out there. Watch a game on any given night and you have guys pulling up from midrange like Kobe or pulling their version of Iverson’s crossover. You have guys shooting one-legged stepbacks like Dirk or going glass like Timmy. More blatantly there’s a lot of people wearing Michael Jordan’s number or Kobe’s shoes. Garnett wore 21, 5 and 2, numbers that were already common enough. Jimmy Butler wore 21 for his draft position and an old college teammate. Joel Embiid wears 21 for a guy who is entering the Hall of Fame next to Garnett—longtime foe Tim Duncan. And sneakers. KG wore a lot of sneakers, bouncing from Nike to AND1 to adidas to Anta. He doesn’t have an ongoing line with any of those brands, doesn’t have a retro signature model at the moment. Maybe PJ Tucker will eventually break out a pair of KG’s old Nikes, assuming they can still hold up to NBA action. There’s nothing super specific you can point to and say, Oh yeah, that right there, that’s for KG.

But don’t look even closer trying to figure it out. Do the opposite. Pull back. Take a wider view. Not to get too Obi Wan Kenobi with it, Garnett’s legacy in the NBA is everywhere. So much of the NBA now is made in his image. It’s younger, less position-centric, filled with players in full control of their own destiny. A lot of that gets credited to LeBron James and The Decision in the summer of 2010, when he told a national audience he was taking his talents to South Beach. And yes, that was a moment that made a difference. But the groundwork for that was laid 15 years earlier, by a mature-beyond-his-years kid from South Carolina by way of Chicago. A pickup game against some Bulls superstars, a deep conversation with a Pistons legend, and he was ready to do something no one else had done in 20 years.

In the two decades after Darryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby went pro straight out of high school in 1975, no one else even tried it. Which is surprising, seeing that both Dawkins and Willoughby did OK. Dawkins played 14 seasons primarily with the 76ers and the Nets, shattered a couple backboards, built up a whole mythology around himself. And while Willoughby might be remembered as a bust by some, he was still in the League for nearly a decade. Blocked one of Kareem’s skyhooks, too. A confluence of events drove Garnett to follow their path. He moved to Chicago for his senior season, hooping for Farragut Academy alongside Ronnie Fields and looking after his younger sister. He got pulled into a pickup game with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and held his own. He had a long conversation with Chicago native Isiah Thomas about life in The Chi and his NBA readiness. And his test scores weren’t up to par. By the time they were, it was too late. He had already plotted his course. Garnett was selected fifth overall and pushed open a door that had long been shut. The following year, two high schoolers went in the first round. Six years after his selection, Kwame Brown was the first overall pick. From 1995 to 2006, when the NBA imposed an age limit, 39 high schoolers were drafted by NBA teams. Ten became All-Stars. When Garnett is finally inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, the pandemic having scuttled last summer’s ceremony, he and fellow 2020 inductee Kobe Bryant will become the second and third straight-outta-high-school Hall of Famers. They won’t be the last.

Long before LeBron made his Decision, Garnett made his. The flood of high schoolers and college freshmen who followed after made it seem like a matter of course. But Garnett was the pioneer. When Garnett declared for the Draft in ’95, he was doing something that hadn’t been done since before he was born. He wasn’t going to play at junior college, wasn’t going to wait for his latest set of test scores to come back. He was ready and he was going to go. He took control of his own destiny and molded others to it.

Convinced he was ready, he convinced others. He convinced agent Eric Fleisher to take him on, used a single 90-minute solo workout to convince NBA GMs that they absolutely had to use the fifth overall pick on a high school kid. Timberwolves VP Kevin McHale and GM Flip Saunders went into that workout plotting to overstate their enthusiasm over Garnett in order to get a team picking ahead of them to bite, that way one of the four college can’t-miss guys would slip to them. They came out of it with the realization that Garnett was the guy. And Garnett’s faith in himself never wavered. He signed a three-year rookie deal, then two years into it turned down an extension that was worth more than Wolves owner Glen Taylor had paid for the team two years earlier. Garnett knew his worth. And when the Wolves came back with a higher offer and he signed that historic deal, he ignored all the doomsayers about what it would mean and just worked harder.

Garnett’s NBA legacy is complicated, because he did things that rule changes ensured no one could do again. That huge contract he signed prompted a lockout and restructuring that imposed limits on extensions—and structured rookie deals so they couldn’t sign them so quickly. In 2006, the NBA put in an age limit requiring a would-be draftee be 19 years old plus one year removed from high school. Only three active players—LeBron, Dwight Howard and Lou Williams—remain who entered the League straight out of high school. And then the way the game itself is played has changed. Garnett took 632 three-pointers over his 21 seasons. Embiid took less than four seasons to top that. Ask KG who in the League reminds him of himself these days, and he cites Embiid, along with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. But then he gets to talking about someone else and woo, does it sound like he’s talking about himself. “Giannis is what, Giannis is 7-foot, yo,” Garnett says excitedly. “He keep talkin’ about this 6-10 shit, that motherf***er’s 7-1, he won’t get measured, he’s 7-1 and he plays like he’s 8-11. You know what I’m sayin’? It’s a different league, bro.”

Maybe so. But a league where a 7-1 guy (not saying names here) who insists on never being measured can guard every position on the floor, both start the break and finish it, and fill stat sheets while winning an MVP in the process sounds awfully familiar, whether you’re talking 2004 or 2020. Sure, Westbrook displays Garnett’s ferocious intensity and Durant combines spidery length with height-defying moves on either end, and Embiid is a self-taught, self-assured terror. But if anyone singlehandedly carries forth the blueprint Garnett laid down, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, 6-11 (lol) unicorn.

At this point it’s almost a throwback, a guy who’s clearly seven feet tall not being listed as a seven-footer, seeing that the NBA is a league where the openly 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis can spend a majority of his time floating around the perimeter and firing up threes like a funhouse mirror Stephen Curry. Garnett famously insisted on being listed at 6-11 since seven-footers inevitably found themselves lodged in the paint—and while he never really took to shooting threes, coming up as he did in the Jordan era, he was able to feast on face-ups and operate out of the high post while being the ultimate disrupter on defense. Get by him somehow and well, you still weren’t out of his long-armed range. Garnett’s true height was always the NBA’s worst-kept secret, and something he could have copped to long ago—no one was going to force him to be a back-to-the-basket center—but he kept insisting he was 6-11. Still does.

Garnett’s career was bracketed by team excellence in a way no one else’s was. He entered the NBA the season the Chicago Bulls went 72-10 and retired from it the season the Golden State Warriors went 73-9. Two historic teams that set records playing distinct styles. Garnett can be seen as a throughline between them, alchemizing Pippen and Jordan (and Rodman, too) into Durant and Draymond Green. Garnett was the ultimate complementary superstar, a defensive juggernaut and matchup nightmare who made everyone else’s job easier. “I was really an unselfish player to a fault,” he says, “and my mentality was more of, Man, if I can get everybody else involved and they get going, then I can take advantage of one-on-one opportunities.” 

The game changes, but the mentality stays the same. Remember to thank KG for that. 

KEVIN GARNETT: Anything Is Possible is a feature-length chronicle of Kevin Garnett’s remarkable career and the pivotal moments that defined it. Stream the documentary on SHOWTIME. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Looking Back at Kevin Garnett’s Legacy and His Monumental Impact on the Game appeared first on SLAM.

Paul George is playing at an MVP level this season.

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

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

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 10, 2021

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

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

Tough move. Tough finish.

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

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 10, 2021

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

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

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

If you search “Scottie Barnes player comparisons” on Google, you get a wide range of responses. Draymond Green. Jabari Parker. Bam Adebayo. Patrick Williams. Pascal Siakam. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lamar Odom. OG Anunoby. 

The website NBA Draft Room offers perhaps the broadest spectrum of possibilities: 

“stronger Nicolas Batum”

“dare I say a poor man’s Magic Johnson?”

“taller Draymond Green” 

When we profiled Barnes back in 2019, Jim Carr—his then-coach at University School—brought up two other interesting names: “We were watching clips the other day when they were announcing the All-Americans and they were showing Penny Hardaway,” he told SLAM. “Penny loved to pass the ball. The flare. People say [they see] a lot of Ben Simmons in him, but I always go back to Penny Hardaway.” Barnes himself—who was just a sophomore at the time—likened his game to the Greek Freak: “I would say Giannis, because I’m very long, get to the basket, I’m athletic, and I could rebound the ball and do multiple things.”

For what it’s worth, Draymond Green is probably the name that pops up the most. But all the comparisons—even the ones that seem far-fetched or not quite bold enough—allude to three key characteristics that have come to define Barnes as a player: his size, athleticism and versatility. 

At 6-9, 227 pounds, with a crazy 7-3 wingspan, Barnes has the build of an imposing forward and the agility of a traditional guard. In fact, he ran the point during his sole season at Florida State. While “officially” listed as a forward by the NBA, Barnes’ own Instagram bio reads: “6-9 PG.” He is the prototypical position-less player in an increasingly position-less NBA. He can defend pretty much anyone who steps on the floor (like a combo forward) and orchestrate the offense up top (like a true guard), having led FSU in assists per game last season (4.1). Just check out the two clips below from the Raptors’ win against the Celtics. Dare I say… a poor man’s Magic Johnson?

Barnes finished that game—just his second as a pro—with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists. 

His outside shooting has always been the biggest question mark. He connected on just 28% of his 1.7 three-point attempts per game in college. But when Barnes gets downhill and attacks the paint aggressively, he is very, very difficult to stop. In other words, while his jumper continues to develop, Barnes can find ways to score just by relying on his physical gifts. Through five games, he’s averaged 17.0 points on 54% shooting from the field. Of his 67 total FGAs, 55 have been within 15 feet of the basket; and he has converted 71% of his attempts at the rim (17/24).

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse wants Barnes to be even more assertive, as he told reporters following a recent loss to the Mavericks, in which the rookie put up 17 points (10 in the fourth quarter alone) and 8 rebounds. 

“What I think he needs to do is more of the things he did at the end [of the game]. Like, when he has the space in a one-on-one matchup, he’s gotta put them in the rim until they stop him,” Nurse said. “He’s gotta put them in the rim until they stop him. Over and over and over and over and over again. And if they do back off and he has to pull up for a 10 or 12-footer, that’s fine, too. But there’s where we’re going to see his passing show up, once he starts drawing other defenders. And again, that’s just him being—he needs to be more aggressive. All those layups you saw in a row, we need to double that number of attempts or triple it even until they stop it. And then we’ll be in the paint and we’ll be firing it out to our open shooters.”

Forget the scoring for a second, though. Toronto drafted Barnes with the No. 4 overall pick because he doesn’t have to score to be impactful (there were plenty of pure scorers available). It’s certainly a welcome bonus when he does—especially since the Raptors have the 23^rd ranked offense in the NBA as of this writing—but the former Seminole does so much else to impact winning. He competes with great energy and intensity (see below—another reason the Draymond comparison is fitting). He crashes the boards effectively (averaging 8.2 rpg so far) and embraces any challenge on defense (he’s already guarded Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic). He handles the ball well and pushes the pace in transition. And, as Nurse touched on, the more he gets in the paint, the more opportunities he’ll be able to create for others.

When a 20-year-old can do all that, finding the right comparison isn’t easy. Even Hall of Famers are in awe of Barnes’ talent at this early stage in his career.  

“Scottie Barnes is a heck of a rookie. He’s a great player,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said recently. “He is really, really good. He causes a problem on both ends of the floor and he knows how to play the game. He’s gonna be a star in this league, if he’s not already a star.” 

The post SLAM x Panini Rookie Spotlight: Scottie Barnes appeared first on SLAM.

“With a guy like that, you can’t stress about him scoring. That’s what he gonna do. Motherf–ker’s 7’2″, 280 pounds.” Edwards says per Bleacher Report.” There ain’t nothing you can do about it. Like s–t, we put four people on him, and he still score the ball. I was telling [Leandro Bolmaro] today—because we played against him last year—I’m like, ‘Bruh, I ain’t never seen nothing like it.’ You can put four people on him, he might miss it, jump right back up and dunk that bih…He’s unstoppable. I don’t know what to say.”

Scoring was exactly what the Greek Freak did in last nights contest, dropping a season-high 40 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.

Although guarding Giannis may have been a challenge for the TWolves, Edwards held it down on the front-end, scoring 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Last night’s matchup was the rookie’s fourth consecutive game dropping double-digit points.

The post Anthony Edwards on Giannis Antetokounmpo: ‘He’s Unstoppable’ appeared first on SLAM.

I remember getting that text in 2018, shortly after I came back to the Bucks for a brief time. I was hosting a team party at my house in Los Angeles and invited everybody on the squad. And Giannis, who’s a star by then, hits me up to ask if it’s OK if he comes through. Giannis! I’m like, “Hell yeah! Of course!”

That’s just who Giannis is. He’s one of the humblest people I’ve ever met. You can just tell he’s very grateful for everything. When he was walking out of my house after the party ended, he was like, Yo, BJ! Crazy party. Crazyyy party! It’s little moments like that. Giannis being Giannis. 

SLAM 234 featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo is available now!

He and I connected a bit during that 2017-18 season. After I left the Bucks and he became an MVP, he showed up to the Drew League in L.A. when I was hooping. He watched the game and we talked for a bit. I always wanted to respect his peace but was tuned in and rooting for him along the way. He was one of the best players in the League by 2018 but was still coming into his own as a leader. I think these last couple of years he’s probably become more vocal than he was. I mean, we all saw in the playoffs, when he was in the huddle screaming at his teammates to motivate them and stuff like that. He wasn’t really like that when I was there, but that’s just growth. That’s just becoming more comfortable. To me, he was always trying to learn and get better. Always. His work ethic really stood out to me. He was showing up to the gym early and would be the last person to leave. Everything was consistent. That’s one thing I’ve always admired about him—that consistency.

From day one, even when we weren’t teammates [Giannis’ rookie season in Milwaukee was the first season Brandon played for Detroit after four seasons with the Bucks.—Ed.], I could tell Giannis had potential. I remember playing against him during his first few years when I was with the Pistons. Learning about his history and how long he had been playing ball, I knew he had a chance to be great. I have to mention, though, because I was re-watching old highlights recently—I was reminded of this play from my time in Detroit. I stole the ball, had a breakaway and dunked it when Giannis was trying to block it. Then I looked back at him. So yeah, that was my one dunk on the Greek Freak. I’ll take it. 

Now that same guy—the one who once texted me for permission to come to my party—just brought a championship to the city of Milwaukee. Not just that, but in my opinion, he’s become the best player in the world. A two-time MVP. The 2020 Defensive Player of the Year. 

An NBA Champion.

The 2021 Finals MVP. 

I was very grateful for the opportunity to witness those latest accomplishments in person. Being at Game 6—it was indescribable. The emotions, the excitement, the energy, 65,000 people outside. It was the first time I had been to the new arena. I had never seen the city that turnt. Going to the game, I was looking at all the Giannis jerseys and joking with my girl, like, “Wow, those used to be my jerseys.” It was surreal.

Truth is—those courtside seats were supposed to be for Kanye. Two hours before tipoff, he told them he couldn’t make it, so they ended up giving them to me. I was just, like, “Yo, it’s lit!” I had been stuck at home because of COVID and working hard on my brand, Tuff Crowd, so that was my first NBA game all year. I was just soaking up the moment—sitting next to Dave Chappelle, connecting with the fans, and, of course, cheering for the squad. 

The atmosphere in that arena was insane. It really took me back. It brought back some incredible memories. While I was sitting there, in my mind, I thought about my 55-point night as a rookie against Golden State. I thought about my game-winning three against Cleveland. I thought about us being down 0-2 against Atlanta, returning to the Bradley Center and winning Games 3 and 4. I thought about those special times when the city was alive.

When I first came to Milwaukee in 2009, the Bucks hadn’t made the playoffs for three straight seasons. I came in with a lot of fire because I didn’t get to play a lot the year before when I was in Italy. I had a lot to prove entering the League. I had a chip on my shoulder. And I was talking crazy. I don’t know if Milwaukee knew what they were getting with me. I just know that those first handful of games when I came out, was rocking with the crowd and had all those different hairstyles—I just felt like an early trendsetter. It felt like the start of a new era in Milwaukee. 

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And I felt a strong bond with the city immediately. What’s crazy is, during my first few seasons, I didn’t even go back to my hometown in Los Angeles. I stayed in Milwaukee for the summer and everything. I was living there all throughout the year, just being around the city and getting involved in the community. My years in Milwaukee were about more than just basketball. The fans were so loyal. We made the playoffs twice while I was there, so I had a pretty good four-year run before being traded to the Pistons. I was able to leave a little mark. And to see how the culture has continued to grow—you know, that “Bucks in 6” culture. It’s amazing. What a time to be alive right now.

To me, “Bucks in 6” is not just an expression—it’s a mindset. It defines the city of Milwaukee. It’s an approach to battle. The harder you work during peace, the less you bleed during war. When you’re battling and you’re down, no matter what, you gotta keep fighting and keep pushing through that wall. Because you just never know. When I said it back in the day, people thought I was crazy. We were the No. 8 seed playing LeBron James and the Heat—the best team in the world. The future champs. But I had this mindset of just keep fighting. That’s that blue-collar, Milwaukee mindset. Obviously, you’re not going to say you’re going to lose at anything in life. We’re always trying to win. Sometimes it’s going to be harder, if we’re being realistic. But I’m not going to say we’re going to lose. Ever.

This Bucks squad had that mindset this season. And now they’re champions. The parade—man, that was ridiculous. I initially thought I was getting on the team bus. They were like, “Nah, we got you your own car.” So in my head, I’m like, “Oh, shit! Okay, let’s do this.” I could hear the “Bucks in 6” chants from the crowd. We hit that first corner and someone tossed me my first beer. I drank it and chucked it. The fans were just going nuts. By the time we got toward downtown, I was already, like, 10 beers in. Everybody who was tailgating and celebrating just kept giving me beers. And I kept drinking them and kept chucking them. I almost threw up, like, twice to be honest. It’s like, “Bro, I’m on my 15th one. I’m tired.” By the time we got to the speeches, I had drunk about 20 beers. I was done. 

But overall, I had an amazing time. I was so thankful to be a part of that celebration with the city, and to have the fans embrace me. Partying with PJ Tucker was wild, too. After the parade, we were getting drunk at some water park bar. It was unreal, enjoying those moments with the entire team. Hopefully I can develop an even stronger connection to the organization going forward. My dream is to become creative director, so we’ll see…

I also have to shout out Giannis for repping Tuff Crowd at the parade. That was really big for me given how hard I’ve been working on the brand. I actually gave that stuff to Giannis before Game 6. I gave him, PJ Tucker and Jrue Holiday a little package. But Giannis putting it on for that day, for the championship celebration, that’s history. That meant a lot to me and shows the type of respect that he has for me. And I got the same for him. 

For Giannis, I got one message: Just keep going. Keep God first. And I’ll say it again—the harder you work during peace, the less you bleed during war. Stay on that path. And become more than basketball. 

Lastly, to the faithful Bucks nation: 50 years. The drought is over. This is what you waited on. This is what you wanted. Now it’s time to take that same energy and keep bringing it every year. Because once you’re a champion, you’re forever a champion. You can’t turn down now.

It’s still, and always will be, Bucks in 6. 

SLAM 234 is available now in these exclusive Gold and Black Metal Editions.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Brandon Jennings on Giannis’ Rise, the 2021 Championship and Being a Part of History appeared first on SLAM.

The future Hall of Famer is fresh of off an appearance in the NBA Finals where a team that he led fell to two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks, and he’s still widely regarded one of the best players in the game even at a ripe age of 36.

However, before his time with the Phoenix Suns, Paul had a legitimate chance to reach the Finals for the first time in his career prior to 2021. Having been traded to the Houston Rockets in 2017, Paul became teammates with another future Hall of Famer in superstar guard James Harden. Nonetheless, despite the two-headed monster the two appeared to be on paper and could be between the lines of the basketball court, the Rockets were unable to capitalize on the potential of the duo.

Paul, who appeared on the No Chill Podcast with Gilbert Arenas, opened up about his time with the Rockets and the reasons why he felt they weren’t ale to achieve penultimate success:

“And the thing that frustrated me the most was that first year, I wasn’t healthy. It’s crazy. Them years in Houston are kind of a blur, to a certain extent, because there was so much going on at the time. But dang, we was good. We was real good.”

Paul also spoke up about playing alongside Harden:

“And James, I still say it, can’t nobody score the ball as he can. It’s crazy, man…I wouldn’t trade any experience or whatnot, but I wish we would’ve had some of those conversations. But most of all, I wish I would’ve been able to stay healthy.”

Paul has battled with injuries throughout most of his storied 16-year career. That being said, during his time in Houston, he was plagued by injuries; he would sustain an injury in both of the Rockets’ playoff runs that he was a part of.

This includes a Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors in 2018; one that the Rockets led 3-2 at one point.

He went on to miss the final two games due to a nagging hamstring injury, which many fans believed cost Paul and the Rockets a trip to the NBA Finals, as Houston fell in both contests.

Paul would eventually be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 offseason, as his strained relationship with Harden fell under the microscope.

The post Chris Paul Opens Up About Brief Tenure with Houston Rockets appeared first on SLAM.

As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Antetokounmpo has agreed to a two-years $3.6 million deal to stay in Milwaukee.

Last season with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo played in 57 games, averaging 2.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per contest. 

As Milwaukee looks to run it back and win a second-straight NBA Championship, Antetokounmpo is great to have both on the floor and as a key piece of the locker room off the floor. 

The post Thanasis Antetokounmpo Re-Signs With Bucks For Two More Seasons appeared first on SLAM.

Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., but based in Los Angeles, Calif., Rashad was once heralded as “next up” and “rising star” amongst a TDE superteam of Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock and SZA. With The House Is Burning debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart as of Aug.8, it’s safe to say that 30-year-old Isaiah Rashad (who also goes by Zay) has arrived in fully-fledged superstar mode. 

“In my mind, I’m three-for-three with this shit as a young n****,” Rashad tells SLAM. “I’m thinking about being Tim Duncan in 2003 type of shit.” 

The Spurs comparisons don’t stop there. In fact, his father was a huge Spurs fan, so Rashad himself grew up with a deep appreciation for the pass-heavy San Antonio system of the early 2000s. “Being able to be programmed early watching basketball, I kinda appreciated the fundamentals of basketball, and the teamwork aspect,” Rashad says. 

There is a parallel between Rashad’s love for teamwork and how he approaches his own artistry. “I treat my features like weapons. I’m like, ‘who’s gonna come in right now, and who can I pass this rock to?’ I think I get damn near the best verses anytime somebody gets on my song. Artistically, that shit is like an oop.” 

On The House Is Burning, Rashad enlists help from collaborators including Lil Uzi Vert, 6LACK, Duke Deuce and Smino, and calls on labelmates SZA and Jay Rock to round out the 16-track album. “[The songs] are catered to them more than myself,” Zay says. “I know I could come up with some crazy shit on my own, but it feels cooler being able to call somebody and be like ‘Yo—we did that shit.’”

Apart from being super f**kin’ skilled in his own right, one of Rashad’s biggest strengths is he knows how and when to rely on other talented people, whether it’s a fellow artist, a producer, or a manager.

“There’s really good freestylers or battle rappers who have really good fundamentals down, and they be one of those guys who kill your ass at Venice right now—they’ll ball out like Kobe at Venice. But if you put them on the fuckin’ floor, they don’t know how to work in a team system,” Zay says. “It’s a team thing with you and the beat, and you gotta know who you playin’ with, and with the producer and what you can do with that shit.”

Rashad taps into a diverse range of emotions in his music—an outcome born from his versatility in the studio, where he puts care and thought into every chord, ad-lib, or car ignition sound effect. The Southern influences on The House Is Burning are well-placed, from the Project Pat and Three 6 Mafia-sampled tracks to the more subtle trademarks like slow pacing and scratches. “I try to modernize something that’s not going on right now,” Rashad says, citing Aretha Franklin and Lupe Fiasco as other artists he studies and admires.

The album’s eclectic sound makes for a polished product. 

 “I’m not gonna rap ideally how I want to on every beat, so I gotta adjust to it,” Rashad says. “Sometimes I gotta get on a beat and I gotta just play defense the whole time and do countermelodies. Like, I might be known for riding beats, but I can’t ride that beat—but I like that mothaf**ka, so I gotta come up with another way to adjust, so at the end, I can know that I conquered that mothaf**ka.” 

Throughout our 30-minute interview, the conversation always circles back to the NBA. Zay’s been rocking with Giannis Antetokounmpo for the past eight years and was happy to see him get a championship with the Bucks. Looking ahead, Rashad thinks the Lakers have a good chance of winning the ‘chip next year, citing the addition of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza and Dwight Howard as evidence that LeBron James can now facilitate even more within the offense, and potentially even go after a DPOY trophy if he so chooses. Rashad ranks LeBron over Michael Jordan as a basketball player, but gave Jordan the nod over ‘Bron as a ‘pure athlete.’ Bottom line, the TDE rapper is a terrific hoops analyst, in addition to his many other talents. 

So, what’s next for a rap star coming off three successful projects? After a five-year hiatus between his previous two projects, Zay could potentially supply his fanbase with more consistent music in the near future.

“My ideal schedule would be I drop some shit every year that was just tester music. And to some people, it might be the best project I did, so maybe 10-11 tracks every year. And then every third or fourth year, like the Olympics, is when I summarize what’s really going on in my life, and give [the fans] a real piece of work, and not just an exhibition.”

If Rashad attacks his future projects with the same work ethic, dedication, and focus as The Big Fundamental, then he’s on the right path.

“The way I be winning, some people don’t like it…And I’m like, that sounds like the way people talk about Tim Duncan. That sounds like how people talk[ed] about him his whole career. I’m like, I love it. I’m finna get this fuckin’ mid-post jump shot on your ass, and I’m finna make it look real, real, real easy. And it’s gonna look like I’m not trying at all.” 

Eli Schwadron is a freelance writer and youth basketball coach based in Washington, DC. You can follow him @eschwad on Twitter and Instagram.

Photos via Vince Nolan and Getty Images.

The post Isaiah Rashad Talks New Album, ‘House is Burning,’ and How He’s the Tim Duncan of Rap appeared first on SLAM.

While the length of the contract has caused reasonable concern due to Paul’s age (36), FS1’s Ric Bucher reports that the third season of Paul’s contract is partially guaranteed while the final year is non-guaranteed.

One of the most decorated players of all-time, Paul’s trade to the Suns last season was seen as the primary catalyst for the team’s impressive run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Though Paul, Devin Booker and the Suns would eventually fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, Phoenix proved themselves to be a formidable opponent from the start of the 2020-21 season to the finish.

The Suns obviously hope to recreate that magic by bringing back a point guard with a reputation for being as tough as he is intelligent, and as talented a player as he is dedicated to being a leader.

Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season while shooting 49.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range. In the postseason, Paul would average 19.2 points, 8.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from deep.

The post REPORT: Chris Paul Returns to Phoenix with Lucrative Four-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Can you name the biggest player taken in the 2003 Draft? Here’s a hint: He’s Greek.

Nope, Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t been around that long. 

The answer is Sofoklis Schortsanitis, aka Baby Shaq, aka Big Sofo, and while he ultimately never played a second in the NBA, he had one heck of a pro career. A career that basically just ended, in fact, putting him near the top of the list for length of careers amongst all the legends selected back in June, 2003.

“I am totally retired now,” Schortsanitis says over a WhatsApp call from his home in Athens. “I had a lot of injuries and I wasn’t able to return 100 percent so I decided to retire.”

Schortsanitis, a 6-10 center whose weight was all over the map (Basketball-reference lists him at 345 pounds) during his 20-plus years as a pro, made the announcement last December. While it didn’t make any waves in the US, hoops fans throughout Europe, especially in Greece and Israel, took notice.

Schortsanitis was born in Cameroon on June 22, 1985. He moved to Greece with his mother and father, a Greek man who’d been working in Cameroon, shortly after. He got Greek citizenship through his father from the moment he arrived.

Sofo wasn’t always big, and he did not instantly take to basketball. “In Greece everyone cares about soccer,” he told ESPN in 2010. “So when I first played basketball when I was like 7 or 8, I didn’t like it very much.”

He grew, though, and that inevitably led to a push towards hoops. By 14, he was playing regularly—and often dominating the low post.

By 16, he was getting paid to play for Iraklis, a pro club in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. In 2003, having gained some buzz for his club play as well as with the Greek Junior National Team (he was MVP of the international Albert Schweitzer tourney in ’02), Schortsanitis entered his name in the draft.

GET YOUR COPY OF SLAM PRESENTS THE ’03 DRAFT NOW

European scouting was not as refined as it is today, but NBA teams were certainly intrigued by prospects from the continent (more than a third of the picks in the ’03 draft were from Europe). Confident he’d get picked, if unsure when, Schortsanitis came to New York City for the draft, which was held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

“That was my first time in the States,” Sofo recalls. “It was overwhelming but fun. I was at the draft and when they start announcing names you start to get anxious. But eventually I got drafted by the Clippers and I was really happy.”

A first-round selection would have meant a guaranteed NBA contract. Going in the second round placed Schortsanitis in a purgatory of sorts, with his rights belonging to the Clippers but buyouts attached to his contracts overseas.

While he was generally playing well and having fun with the Greek National Team and several high-profile Greek teams (most prominently Olympiacos, with whom Sofo played exhibitions against the likes of the Spurs and the LeBron/Shaq Cavs in ’09), Schortsanitis wasn’t talked about much in NBA circles through most of the ’00s. He was also occasionally disciplined for exceeding weight limits.

In the summer of 2010, a fit Schortsanitis returned to the States and took part in Summer League with the Clippers, who still owned his rights. He was 25 and the window to make the NBA was still open. Alas, it didn’t happen. In the years that followed, his rights were involved in a couple of NBA trades but he never really got close to the NBA again.

“It’s OK that it never happened,” Sofo says today. “If I was in the United States for a career, I wouldn’t have met my beautiful wife or have my kids, so it all worked out.”

While the NBA wasn’t in the cards in 2010, Schortsanitis still advanced his career, joining the EuroHoops power Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, with whom he spent the better part of four years.

“The highlight of my career was my years with Maccabi,” he says. “The people there were great and I had a lot of fun. I was blessed with having really good teammates all the time. We won the Euroleague. That was great. I still have a lot of good friends over there.”

From 2015-20, Schortsanitis played primarily in Greece, slightly diminished by age and injuries but still a big, popular player.

Being in Greece, which was on strict lockdown for much of the pandemic, meant a lot of family time. As things open back up, Schortsanitis says he may not want to ever become a full-time basketball coach, but that he does like working with kids on their skills. That could include his kids, a 9-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.

“They tell me they want to do basketball like I did,” Schortsanitis says. “But I don’t want to be that kind of dad that tells them they have to play. They’ll decide what they want to do. We’ll see. I’m happy that they’re thinking about that.”

In the meantime, he’ll support his friend Giannis and the Bucks (“Of course!”) and be hit up for historical pieces like this one every once in a while. Extremely modest on the phone and showing a humility typical of Greek culture, Schortsanitis declines my claim that he is a part of history. But he doesn’t deny that, at least because of the greatness of his peers, his draft class was something special.

“Carmelo, Wade, LeBron, Bosh? We had so many great players.”

SLAM PRESENTS THE ’03 DRAFT AVAILABLE NOW.

Ben Osborne is a former SLAM Ed. and is now Head of Content for Just Women’s Sports.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Long Before Giannis, Sofoklis “Baby Shaq” Schortsanitis Blazed a Trail as a Greek Hooper appeared first on SLAM.

After winning the championship, Antetokounmpo has been getting well-deserved praise, especially from Bucks legend Oscar Robertson. One of the most difficult players to defend in the entire NBA, Robertson said that only Anthony Davis has the ability to shut Antetokounmpo down.

“The only person I think has the size to have a decent chance at guarding Giannis is A.D. from the Lakers. No one else,” said Robertson on SiriusXM.

Antetokounmpo averaged 35.2 points and 13.2 points per game in the Finals, while shooting 61.8 percent from the floor. This was capped off by a historic 50-point performance in Game 6 when the Bucks won the series.

The post Oscar Robertson Says Anthony Davis Is The Only Player Capable of Shutting Down Giannis appeared first on SLAM.

Up-and-coming players such as Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Devin Booker, and Nikola Jokic have continued to shine brightly, thriving in what have been perceived to be less glamorous NBA markets, while the parity amongst teams provided the thrillingly unpredictable season that fans have been clamoring for.

On top of all that, as the league’s collection of stars continues to grow, the pantheon of current all-time greats does as well. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have been joined by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in recent years.

With that said, although today’s fans have a natural inclination to try to establish who the best player in the NBA is (perhaps due to what will be a never-ending ‘GOAT’ debate), what’s become clear is that the days when that was possible—if there even has been in the post-Michael Jordan era—is gone.

There’s no sole Wilt Chamberlain that’s performing athletic feats that lead to astronomical numbers that don’t look real on paper. There’s no, as previously mentioned, sole player reminiscent of a matured Jordan whose playmaking was as masterful as his aggressive play style was menacing.

These days are a lot like the ones is Jordan’s early years, where he, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Larry Bird could have been considered equal. Or like James’ early years, with he, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan vying for the title of best player in the world.

There’s no longer one king of the court, and perhaps there may not need to be.

Instead of one face of the NBA, there are now several players deserving of the title:

King James, commander of the 10th Legion (pointed Julius Caesar reference).

King KD, basketball savant (and renowned tweeter).

King Curry of the Bay, master archer (and golfer).

King Giannis the Humble, of Greece and Nigeria.

King Kawhi, the second cyborg on this list.

The five players with a right to claim the title as best player in the league due to the combination of their abilities, impact and accomplishments.

This coregency is routinely noted by fans that would rather rank players by tiers but the idea hasn’t gained enough traction among mainstream analysts and media. If it had, the mystifying debates about the best player in the league would have given way to discourse about how this quintet has succeeded in very different ways and the different groups of people each represent.

One last thing: the Hardens, Jokics and Westbrooks also deserve praise as recent MVPs. Their crowning—their coronation as kings—occurred during their award ceremony.

Without multiple championships or MVP awards (either in the Finals or regular season), they won’t be seen in the same light as the aforementioned players.

Even still, in an empire, there are multiple kings.

[Editor’s note: In this metaphor, one may still wind up wondering who the emperor—the king of kings—is (if anybody, it would likely be LeBron, who’s also known as “the Little Emperor” in China).]

The post State of the NBA: There’s No Longer, and No Need For, One King appeared first on SLAM.

On the 27th, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his: MVP. He delivered twice, the very next season (2018-19) and again in 2019-20.

MVP https://t.co/cjmWH5Mqyz

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 27, 2017

The Black Mamba acknowledged the now two-time MVP with his next challenge: an NBA Championship.

On Tuesday night, Giannis delivered on his second challenge from the late NBA Hall of Famer, just two years later.

He did it. pic.twitter.com/1MSLjHfEFc

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 21, 2021

The Greek Freak (now also known as Superman) walked out of Fiserv Arena, a champion and a Finals MVP after a scintillating 50-point, 14-rebound, 5-block performance.

Antetokounmpo is just the seventh player in NBA history to have a 50-point Finals game while becoming the first player since Shaquille O’Neal to tally 40 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a playoff game per ESPN Stats & Info.

“Kobe Bryant thinks I can do this… I had to do it. I had to work hard.”

Giannis reflects on Kobe challenging him to win MVP and an NBA title

(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/ZBhb2UNp4t

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 21, 2021

“At first, I was like joking. I didn’t even think he was going to respond to me,” Antetokounmpo said in the Finals press conference.

“But when he did, he made me believe. I’m like, ‘Kobe Bryant thinks I can do this? I can play in the high level and lead my team and win MVP?”

The post Giannis Answers Kobe’s Championship Challenges Two Years Later appeared first on SLAM.

The Phoenix Suns coach first congratulated the Bucks in his press conference after the game that caused him to become emotional. Then afterwards, with his arm around the Finals MVP, Williams extended his congratulations to the Milwaukee players and coaching staff.

Monty Williams had an emotional press conference and then congratulated the Bucks in their locker room pic.twitter.com/SIWhOowcfm

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 21, 2021

“I just wanted to come and congratulate you guys as a man and a coach because you guys deserve it. I’m thankful for the experience. You guys made me a better coach and you made us a better team. Congratulations.”

His actions after the Finals comes less than a year after his heartfelt speech to his team last year in the bubble after his team barely missed the play-in tournament after achieving an 8-0 record. A speech that sent notice to the NBA that the franchise culture had changed and something special was on the horizon.

Monty Williams constantly stressed to his team throughout the postseason that winning a championship was a hard task. The words were spawned from a career where his Finals aspirations were doomed by bad timing.

Williams had already made himself a coaching star last year in the bubble, but his actions after this loss continued to exemplify his character.

The post Phoenix Suns Coach Monty Williams Congratulates Bucks With Class appeared first on SLAM.

“This is such a blessing, man. This is only God,” Holiday said prior to the trophy presentation. “Like I said before, as a kid, you only dream of this moment, so to be able to actually do it, to see the confetti, to do it with my brothers, there’s nothing like it. Coming here was obviously the greatest thing in my career.”

"Coming here was obviously the greatest thing in my career." pic.twitter.com/QRxqKNafbp

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 21, 2021

Holiday finished the Bucks’ close-out Game 6 win with 12 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds and 4 steals in 46 minutes. But his defense which included at least 3 steals in each of the last three games of the Finals helped change Milwaukee’s fortunes. His averages of 16.7 points, 9.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals defies the narratives of analytic effectiveness.

After the Bucks traded Eric Bledsoe to the New Orleans Pelicans for Holiday, that move appeared to be a gesture of good faith to their franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo that winning a championship was a top priority. Holiday stepped up in the final seconds of a pivotal Game 5 matchup, snagging a steal and dishing an alley-oop to Giannis for a crazy finish that helped solidify the win.

All respect to Jrue Holiday for the steal. Giannis for the finish.

Crazy way to end the game. (via @bucks) pic.twitter.com/qEQAR2Cwbb

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 18, 2021

It was poetic that the player that played a part in solidifying the franchise’s future came up with the most underrated play of the NBA Finals. But this is a small part of a story that might get overlooked due to the historical performance of NBA Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Jrue Holiday’s overall play helped turn around the series when the Bucks were down 2-0 and doubted by some experts. He finished with 27 points and 13 assists in Game 5 while stepping up on the defensive end and guarding Chris Paul, picking him up full-court to slow his production after Game 1 while defending Devin Booker as well. As the series wore on, the Phoenix offense became stagnant and they struggled down the stretch to lose Games 3 and 4.

And last night, Holiday’s ability to continue to set up his teammates was crucial in supporting Giannis’ 50 point night and bringing an NBA title to Milwaukee after a 50-year hiatus.

Jrue finds a cutting Brook.. liftoff @Bucks back in front on ABC pic.twitter.com/ukjLh5QtjL

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2021

The post How Jrue Holiday Quietly Changed the Bucks’ Championship Fortunes appeared first on SLAM.

Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks made history last night by becoming the NBA’s newest champions. Finishing Game 6 with an astounding stat line, Giannis finished with 50 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, making his performance one of the first to ever happen during an NBA Finals.

After the game, an emotional Giannis went into detail about his journey, and why it was important to him that he re-signed with Milwaukee:

“I could go to a superteam … but this is the hard way to do it and this is the way to do it.”

Giannis spitting bars. pic.twitter.com/Hz07RJyxSx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 21, 2021

“Coming back, I was like, ‘This is my city. They trust me. They believe in me. They believe in us,'” he said, per ESPN. “Obviously I wanted to get the job done. But that’s my stubborn side. It’s easy to go somewhere and go win a championship with somebody else. It’s easy. I could go to a super team and just do my part and win a championship.

“But this is the hard way to do it and this is the way to do it, and we did it. We f—ing did it.”

While his free throw shooting caused major criticism, Giannis was clutch and shot 17-of-19 from the free-throw line. He had something to say about all of the backlash, too:

“People told me I cannot make free throws,” he added. “I made my free throws tonight and I’m a freaking champion…I made them when I’m supposed to make them.”

While his athletic dominance helped lead the Bucks to victory, Giannis also made sure to acknowledge that his teammates stepped up big as well. He gave a special shoutout to Khris Middleton—who was clutch in the Finals and posted 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in Game 6. Middleton has continued to prove to the world that he, too, is a star on the Bucks.

As the Bucks bring the LoB trophy back home with them, let the celebrations begin.

The post Giannis on Sticking With the Bucks and Winning an NBA Title: ‘This is the Hard Way to Do It’ appeared first on SLAM.