After dropping 30 points and securing the win in a momentous game held halfway around the world from home, LaVine spotted a little girl rocking a No. 8 Chicago jersey on his way to the locker room. Something told the two-time All-Star to slip off his blue New Balance Fresh Foam BBs and hand them over to a fan he never knew he had and who may never see him play again in person. 

On the evening the NBA returned to Europe for the first time in three years, it was a special gesture by the Chicago superstar. His way of showing love after his squad was showered with the kind of adulation that made Paris’ Accor Arena almost sound like Chicago’s United Center. 

“Only time we might be able to play in Paris so give some stuff away and show some appreciation to the fans,” LaVine said after the game. 

That little girl was one of the thousands at the Association’s second regular season game ever held in the French capital, an otherwise forgettable affair in January between Chicago and Detroit, who vividly and vociferously backed the Bulls. 

Among the cosmopolitan Parisian crowd, designer Chicago letterman jackets, immaculately maintained Starter pullovers and limited-edition hoodies were almost as ubiquitous as red Bulls jerseys. The numbers 8 and 11—worn by Chicago’s current stars LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, respectively—were as well-represented as the numbers of the franchise’s legends like Derrick Rose’s No. 1, Scottie Pippen’s No. 33 and, most especially, Michael Jordan’s iconic 23.  

When the Bulls were introduced, the crowd cheered like crazy. They booed lustily when the Pistons took the floor for warmups. And as the Bulls raced out to an early first-quarter lead they’d never relinquish, the vibes inside the sold out arena, located in the city’s 12th arrondissement, were distinctly Windy City-ish. Every dunk, swish and positive play by a player in red was admired, appreciated and applauded.  

“I know for me, I’m going to look back years and years down the line and realize how great of a moment this was,” DeRozan said after the game. “It definitely was a beautiful atmosphere and definitely was a privilege to be part of this whole thing.”

While the NBA didn’t exactly take over Paris the way some American journalists covering the game suggested—it was, after all, Men’s Fashion Week and the city experienced a major labor strike that shut down the Metro on game day—it was a reminder, or a statement for those unaware, that the Bulls remain one of the most popular NBA teams among basketball-crazed Europeans. 

That might catch followers of the sport in the States by surprise, but the League has plenty of data points to illustrate just how far and wide the Bulls fan base stretches. According to the NBA, Chicago is No. 2 in international merchandise sales, ranks among the top 5 most popular League Pass teams outside the US and is scheduled to make multiple appearances in primetime on Sundays in the European and Middle East TV markets this season. Bulls merchandise out-sold all others at the NBA Store in Paris leading up to the game against the Pistons, and the highest-selling jersey that week belonged to a Bulls player with a distinctly French surname.   

“It just shows how much our fan base is growing,” said LaVine, who says his great-grandfather was French. “It’s not just Chicago or the United States. That’s just a tribute to how much success they had and how much the brand has grown.”

The “they” LaVine referred to was, of course, the Bulls of the ’90s starring Jordan, the man who shifted and shaped basketball culture on and off the court unlike any other player in the game’s rich history. While Jordan and the ’92 Dream Team were responsible for galvanizing a generation of European athletes to forsake soccer and pick up a basketball, the continent hadn’t fallen for his Bulls following the ’92 Olympics. That came five years after the Barcelona games when Jordan, with five NBA titles to his name, and his Chicago teammates touched down in Paris for a preseason tournament against international squads. 

Four months removed from repeating as NBA champs, the Bulls—minus Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, neither of whom made the trip—were welcomed like rock stars for the McDonald’s Championship. Fans flooded the streets outside the Bulls’ hotel, hoping to catch glimpses of the team or miraculously score an autograph from the man who became as synonymous with sneakers as he did with dominating the competition. With hundreds of credentialed media members from all points of Europe there to document his every move, Jordan, in typical fashion, dazzled with 27 points in 29 minutes in the final against Greece’s Olympiakos, the ’97 European champs. Barely touching the floor in the fourth quarter, guess who earned MVP honors? 

“I just do my job whenever I’m on the basketball court, and I don’t know if I pleased them,” Jordan, referring to the Parisian crowd, told NBC’s Ahmad Rashad after the game, “but I did my job.”

One of the fans lucky enough to witness it was a pre-teen Joakim Noah. The son of acclaimed tennis pro Yannick Noah was blown away by MJ’s athleticism and magnetism, just like everyone else in attendance at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. Ask Noah, who spent many of his formative years in Paris, why the Bulls remain so popular abroad and he’ll immediately talk about that transcendent day. It’s the genesis of Noah wanting to be like Mike instead of his legendary father and Europe’s crush on Chicago’s professional basketball team featuring the most famous athlete on the planet. 

“Don’t overthink it,” says Noah, the Bulls’ first-round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. “It’s Michael Jordan. I was at that game. I was a young kid, just so inspired by watching his grace and how beautiful he was on the court.”

The influencer decades before any hack with a smartphone could become one, MJ’s gravitational pull was so strong in 1997—with four MVPs, five Finals MVPs, 13 signature sneakers and one blockbuster (Space Jam) on his résumé—that the Bulls became your team if Jordan was your guy. 

“If you look at Mike, and what he means to the culture, this is how the Bulls have transcended,” says fashion designer Chaz Jordan, who is not related to MJ. “The Bulls and Michael are symbiotic. You cannot separate the Chicago Bulls from Michael Jordan just because of all he has achieved on the court as well as the brand off of the court.”

A native of Chicago who had Bulls season tickets and worked alongside Don C and the late Virgil Abloh at RSVP Gallery, Chaz Jordan has spent a chunk of his adult years living abroad. He laughs thinking about all the times he’s hooped in Paris, where his 1989 STUDIO brand debuted its FW23 collection a day after the Bulls and Pistons played, and whenever he’s asked where he’s from, he knows what’s coming next. “I tell them Chicago and they immediately say, Oh, Michael Jordan and the Bulls,” says the designer. He’s also amazed at the random places where MJ disciples—and Bulls fans—pop up around Europe. 

“You have these pockets in these smaller towns where people are literally bigger fans of the Bulls and Jordan than some Chicagoans, which is so crazy,” says Chaz. “They eat, sleep and bleed Michael Jordan.” 

Members of the fashionable set might point to the iconic Bulls jersey, easily one of the most recognizable, as a low-key reason for the team’s international popularity. Since it’s a statement to be a basketball fan in Europe, where soccer will forever reign supreme, rocking a red throwback with “Chicago” in script on your chest attracts a certain amount of attention. And possibly new additions to the fan base. While Bulls’ merch sells extremely well overseas, Noah ain’t buying it.

“It’s one of the most recognized jerseys around the world because of His Highness, the Black Cat, Michael Jordan,” says Noah. 

And even though the franchise hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency since MJ’s last game with Chicago—two playoff appearances over the past seven seasons and just one conference finals appearance since ’98—you can’t accuse Europeans of being fair-weather fans since support and interest in the team hasn’t demonstrably nosedived. One recent seismic event may have actually reignited the continent’s love for the franchise. 

Amidst the black hole that was the first half of 2020, as the pandemic raged across the world, one of the few beacons of light for sports fans was The Last Dance. The acclaimed documentary about Jordan’s final season with the Bulls, whose first episode featured behind-the-scenes footage from the ’97 trip to Paris, debuted when the sports world was dark. A fresh wave of Bulls and Michael Jordan nostalgia washed over Europe. 

“I think we’re all familiar with the fact that we were starving for programming. We didn’t have the games on, and then The Last Dance drops, and it was just perfect in terms of feeding that fandom,” says Ralph Rivera, NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East. “But it also introduced a whole new set of fans to the game and to Michael Jordan and the Bulls. I think that reignited the fandom.” 

The Bulls arrived for their most recent Paris trip a few days early so they could take in the sights and sounds. Just like during the franchise’s first visit, the team took a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike 26 years ago, when every Bulls player aside from Jordan could walk around the city without being bothered, times had changed. While Jordan lamented his lack of anonymity during that trip, the current Bulls embraced it. LaVine and his teammates were easily recognized approximately 4,130 miles away from Chicago without any issues. 

“Obviously, the Bulls are one of the most popular franchises in the world, and it’s just an honor to come over here after Michael,” LaVine said. 

One thing he made sure he did before touching down in Paris was queue up MJ videos. Emulating the work ethic and mindset of one of his idols has always been part of LaVine’s preparations, so consuming Jordan highlights was nothing out of the ordinary. But on the long flight from the States, before he would ball out in front of a French arena filled with Bulls fans, LaVine watched a 34-year-old Jordan cook up the competition in the McDonald’s Championship.

LaVine chuckled when he saw Artūras Karnišovas, the current Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations, matched up against MJ. A native of Lithuania who had an excellent four-year stint at Seton Hall before a standout international career, Karnišovas scored 19 points that day for Olympiakos. Like so many other basketball fans across Europe, he grew up watching and rooting for the Bulls. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post How a Trip to Paris and the Legacy of the ’90s Chicago Bulls Inspires Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan appeared first on SLAM.

If the Bulls make Zach LaVine available before the trade deadline, rival NBA executives are keeping an eye on the Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, and Heat as potential suitors.

More on players who can be moved after January 15 with @YossiGozlan on @hoopshype. https://t.co/kN2RBmIy5I

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 5, 2023

Each team has assets, connections, or an ideal player they’d like LaVine to play with if they can acquire him.

The Knicks have endless draft capital they could trade, LaVine is signed with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, and LaVine played college ball at UCLA, so joining the Lakers is a possibility. Dallas can only rely on Luka Doncic so much, and pairing him with another All-Star like LaVine could yield fantastic results. According to Scotto, the Mavs don’t want to trade a first-round pick unless they think they’re trading for a championship-caliber player.

Miami is Miami, and they can include reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner Tyler Herro in any package they offer.

However, this is all contingent on Chicago’s willingness to part ways with LaVine. The Bulls (17-21) are in 10th place and squarely in the fight for a play-in tournament spot.

The post REPORT: Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, and Heat Listed as Potential Zach LaVine Suitors appeared first on SLAM.

DeRozan has been Chicago’s best and most consistent star this year, averaging 25.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 50.8 percent shooting from the field. He’s also set to play one more season on the three-year 81.9 million deal he signed when the Spurs traded him to the Bulls on a sign-and-trade move.

Natural bucket getter.@DeMar_DeRozan | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/YZEgWuKFy7

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2022

The Bulls have two options when it comes to trying to retain a high-caliber player like DeRozan, improve and extend him or let him walk if they can’t win this season or the next. It’ll be interesting to see how the three-time Alll-NBA selection and the Bulls respond to reports of dysfunction in the locker room surrounding DeRozan and fellow All-Star Zach LaVine.

Chicago will look to get back on track when they take on the Knicks on Friday. In order for that to happen, the finger-pointing and lack of accountability will have to be solved so that the Bulls can maximize their potential over the next two seasons.

The post REPORT: DeMar DeRozan Could Ask to Get Out of Chicago appeared first on SLAM.

The downplay continued at home Wednesday night against the Knicks when Jalen Brunson made Alex Caruso hit the floor and knock down the dagger that sealed the Knicks their fifth straight win.

The efforts defensively down the stretch may seem like the glaring weakness of the Bulls, but it isn’t just that part. Instead, the problems are at the start of their matchups, where Caruso believes the team isn’t putting a significant emphasis on making the right play.

“We have to do a better job paying attention to details earlier in the game,” said Caruso after their loss to the Knicks, per Sports Illustrated. “Some nights, we’re not there for 48 minutes, and then it’s a coin flip at the end.”

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Caruso’s reasoning is based on the Bulls’ struggles to score points in the first two quarters. Chicago averages 56.1 points in the first half of games, which is tied for the seventh worst in the League. It doesn’t end there as they give up the second most three-pointers made to their opponents in the first half (7.4) and the third highest field goal percentage to their opponent (49.2).

“We just don’t have the margin for error,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said after the loss Wednesday night. “We’ve got to be really disciplined in a lot of specific areas.”

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Even their star players were slumped through the 24 minutes against the Knicks. Had it not been for his six free throws made, DeMar DeRozan would have ended up with two points off 16.7 percent shooting from the field (1-6). Although Zach LaVine opened the bout against the Hawks with nine points (4-6 from the field), he struggled to take care of the ball ending up with five first-half turnovers.

Though the tandem of DeRozan and LaVine pick up the slack in the second half of games, winning recipes don’t come off playing from behind. Caruso demands the group starts focusing on the little but large keys to victories, like communicating or finding the better shot.

Hence they don’t find that formula; the ship will continue to sink for a team that was once thought of as ‘championship-caliber’ last season.

“Sometimes it’s been ball-screen coverage or weakside coverage,” Caruso said. “I think it goes to show how hard it is to win in pro sports. Obviously, it’s something we’ve got to get better at.”

The post Alex Caruso Believes Bulls Need to Focus On the Details Early in Games appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine told reporters he wasn’t experiencing specific pain or soreness in the knee and described his absence the same way the Bulls did, injury “management.” The injury hasn’t sparked concerns in LaVine, especially after they decided to re-sign the former UCLA Bruin.

“I just want to make sure I’m safe with bringing myself back in and managing it the way it is,” LaVine said, per the Chicago Tribune. “Just going forward, I want to make sure I’m 100% at the end of the season.”

Zach LaVine (left knee management) is OUT for tonight’s season opener in Miami. pic.twitter.com/U6njQJ833h

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 19, 2022

The Bulls haven’t announced LaVine’s availability in a road game against the Washington Wizards or their home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sources: Zach LaVine may also miss Friday’s game vs. Wizards, with likelihood the two-time All-Star makes his season debut in Saturday’s home opener vs. Cleveland. https://t.co/YdRRrgua5y

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2022

However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that LaVine would miss Chicago’s contest against Washington. Furthermore, Chicago said that there’s no timeline or goal date to determine what his availability will be going forward.

“I wish I had a crystal ball to look into the future. I really do,” LaVine said. “It’d be great if I could figure that out. I’d look up some lottery ticket numbers if I could do that.”

The post REPORT: Zach LaVine Ruled Out for the First Two Games of the Season appeared first on SLAM.

This team looked destined for glory once more.

However, in a game against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 14, Ball would suffer a catastrophic injury to his left knee that would keep him sidelined for the rest of the 2021-2022 NBA season.

Concerning news for Bulls fans came from Ball himself as he made it clear his injury still bothers him, and it may be possible he’ll be sidelined to start the season. Ball told reporters he is unable to run or jump as of yet, and it’ll be up to his arthroscopic debridement on Sept. 28 that will determine whether he’s eligible to play.

“This is something I’ve never dealt with,” Ball said. “Even the doctors are surprised a little bit.”

Ball’s contribution is a must-have in order to find success for this Bulls team. Doubts will continue to rise if Ball is unable to return, but proper conditioning may see him reach his elite status once more.

“That’d be the worst-case scenario,” said Ball when asked if there’s a possibility he’ll miss this entire upcoming season. “I’m at a point now where I can’t get back out there until I’m comfortable playing and can actually play. When that day comes, I’ll have the jersey back on.”

The post ‘Even the Doctors Are Surprised a Little’ About Lonzo Ball’s Nagging Knee Injury appeared first on SLAM.

The pivotal match-up would define the Bull’s season, but not as Chicago hoped. In the first quarter, Zach Lavine left the game with a knee injury that bothered him for the rest of the season. Lonzo Ball followed him, exiting with a knee injury in the fourth, and the Warriors left United Center with a decisive 138-96 victory.

While his injury seemed minor then, Ball’s left knee injury developed into a long and arduous recovery process. The UCLA product was ruled out of the Bulls’ game against the Celtics the following day, officially diagnosed with a bone bruise and small meniscus tear on Jan. 20. On Jan. 28, he underwent surgery with a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.

Ball’s initial recovery timeline post-surgery was eight weeks. It has now been eight months. Ball suffered a couple of setbacks due to his knee not responding to his recovery program from his January surgery. Ball’s ramp-up process to make a return in the playoffs was cut off due to him suffering some knee discomfort in his knee during his rehab process.

Lonzo Ball’s elite defense and high-IQ, high-pace style played a critical role in Chicago’s 27-13 start to the 2021-22 season. Ball shot a career-high 42.3 percent from beyond the arc, ranked in the top 10 in the League in transition assists, and according to DeMar DeRozan, brought “swagger and excitement to the team.” With Ball at point guard, the Bulls ranked sixth in points per game off turnovers and connected on 38.6 percent threes. 

Vice President Arturas Karnisovas stated it clearly: “We missed [Ball] greatly this year. We missed his size, we missed him pushing the break”.

Lacking Ball’s defensive presence and his creation of easy transition buckets, the Bulls fell to 26th in points per game off turnovers, 22nd in the League in three-point percentage, and went 19-23 without Ball in the lineup. 

While his precise return timeline remains unclear, Ball is expected to miss the start of the regular season. The Bulls begin their push back to the top of the East on Oct. 19 against the Heat.

The post Lonzo Ball Expected to Miss the Start of the Season appeared first on SLAM.

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

LaVine’s contract contains a player option for the last year of the deal.

LaVine has emerged as a two-time All-Star during his tenure in Chicago. LaVine arrived from Minnesota after the Bulls and Timberwolves exchanged LaVine for Jimmy Butler. Along with the arrival of DeMar DeRozan last summer, the Bulls returned to the postseason for the first time since 2017, when they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics. Chicago’s five-game loss to the Bucks marked LaVine’s first trip to the playoffs.

LaVine has averaged at least 23.7 points per game in the past four seasons while being a dynamic three-level scorer and passer while dishing at least four assists per game. Last season. LaVine put up 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 47.6 shooting from the field and 38.9 percent from deep.

LaVine will be entering the 2022-23 season, coming off an offseason knee surgery.

The post REPORT: Zach LaVine Agrees to Five-Year Max Contract appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zach LaVine has entered health and Safety protocols, per Bulls PR.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 26, 2022

The Bulls are down 3-1 to the defending champion Bucks.

LaVine has emerged as a go-to option for the Bulls, averaging 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 47.6 percent shooting from the field and 38.9 percent from long distance. Through the first round, LaVine has put up 19.3 points per game.

Without LaVine in the lineup, the Bulls will have to rely on DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic to anchor the Bulls.

The post Zach LaVine in Health and Safety Protocols, Bulls Say appeared first on SLAM.

ESPN Sources: Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (left knee) is likely to be out vs. the Milwaukee Bucks tonight (8 o'clock, ESPN). LaVine has only missed one game since the mid-February All-Star break. Bulls are fifth in East, tied with sixth-place Raptors at 45-33.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 5, 2022

LaVine has missed one game since the All-Star weekend break in February.

LaVine has posted 24.7, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 65 appearances. The Bulls (45-33) are fifth in the East and have an identical record to the Raptors.

The post REPORT: Zach LaVine Ruled Out for Contest Against Bucks appeared first on SLAM.

“I think right now we’re the best duo in the NBA. I think we are, personally. Just where we’re at right now, obviously in the standings and the level of play that we’re at. We came into the year with people having different narratives about us and our team, and I think we [proved those wrong]. So I think we’re gonna continue to grow on that and get better.”

The duo combines for 52.7 points per game as the engine of the Chicago Bulls team tied for first place in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat at 38-21. When DeRozan was shown LaVine’s comment, the five-time All-Star agreed with his teammate.

“I don’t see why we’re not. You know what I mean?” DeRozan said. “He’s completely right.”

LaVine continued to pour on the praise for the 32-year-old veteran from Compton.

“I’m glad to have another guy that’s been in these situations, these big-time games, where we haven’t been in that before,” LaVine said continuing to praise teammate. “He’s been to the Eastern Conference Finals and been in big moments. His calmness is something that’s always been impressive to me.”

This comment comes not even a week after DeRozan broke a record held by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain since 1963. When DeRozan scored 38 points on 16-for-27 shooting in a win against the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday, he broke Chamberlain’s record of most consecutive games, scoring 35+ points while shooting better than 50 percent from the field.

At seven games, DeRozan has a chance to extend that record when the Bulls face off against the Atlanta Hawks (28-30) on Thursday.

The post Zach LaVine on Playing With DeMar DeRozan: ‘We’re the Best Duo in the NBA’ appeared first on SLAM.

With that in mind, LaVine is set to become a restricted free agent in July. Based on his individual performance and how he’s helped the team, he is set for a huge payday. 

LaVine recently spoke to Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, giving insight into his upcoming free agency. He’s looking forward to getting paid what he thinks he has earned during his time in Chicago. 

“I think we all get what we deserve at the level we play at, for our team and around the league. I think I stack up with everybody at that level,” LaVine said. “We’ll let the chips fall. Is [a max contract] the goal? I don’t know if it’s the goal, but I should be getting what I deserve.”

While LaVine hasn’t necessarily made a max contract extension a goal, he certainly believes he is worth that type of deal. Playing at an All-Star level, he’s emerged as one of the best guards in the entire NBA. Alongside new teammate DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls have one of the deadliest offensive duos in the league. 

Right now, LaVine is focused on winning games and taking Chicago to the playoffs. The end goal is a championship, with his free agency situation being something he believes will work itself out when the time comes. 

“That’s why I don’t have to talk about it,” LaVine said. “I’ll go into the offseason, after this year and be very satisfied with what I think I’ll get and I’ll be happy for me and my family.”

With a record of 38-21, the Bulls currently sit at second in the Eastern Conference. With LaVine being a key piece of the roster, it’ll be up to him to ensure they make a deep playoff push. 

The post Zach LaVine Gives Insight Into Upcoming Free Agency with Bulls appeared first on SLAM.

The Bulls announced on Wednesday that after Zach LaVine‘s results from a visit with a knee specialist in Los Angeles went ‘very well.’

Billy Donovan says Zach LaVine’s visit with a specialist in LA went “very well.”

He says the Bulls expect to have him back after the All-Star break: “The doctors don’t feel like he’s in any harms way of continuing to play”

— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) February 16, 2022

LaVine went to Los Angeles after reportedly experiencing several weeks of discomfort in his left knee. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls have some concerns about LaVine’s knee. No structural damage was revealed in a January MRI, but Coach Billy Donovan said that LaVine’s knee still swells up after games.

“He swells after games sometimes, and sometimes he doesn’t,” Donovan said via ESPN. “So I think getting to the bottom of some of that stuff, you know, they’ve obviously done imaging. He is cleared to play. There is discomfort there. He doesn’t feel great. It’s really kind of just depends.”

So with the happy news that “the doctors don’t feel like he’s in any harm’s way of continuing to play,” LaVine hopes to play in his second All-Star game. If he decides to shut it down ahead of the All-Star break, it could clear the way for Jaylen Brown to become a replacement for the All-Star game, his second career selection.

The post Zach LaVine Visit With Knee Specialist Went ‘Very Well’ appeared first on SLAM.

As such, LaVine will be traveling to Los Angeles this week to see a specialist for a further evaluation of his knee. For the Bulls, a healthy LaVine will be crucial in the postseason as they have championship aspirations. 

Even with all of this going on, LaVine is still planning to participate in All-Star Weekend, which will take place later this week, starting on Feb. 18. He earned the honor of participant in the All-Star game by averaging 24.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists on the season thus far. 

LaVine has emerged as one of the premier guards in the NBA at this point.

The post REPORT: Bulls’ Zach LaVine to see Knee Specialist This Week appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Tuesday night, the NBA announced the eight players participating in the All-Star weekend three-point contest.

It’s a list of participants all seeking a first three-point contest championship, with most of the players participating in the event for the first time in their careers.

CJ McCollum and Zach LaVine are the veterans of the contest, with each having participated in two prior three-point contests. Trae Young is the only other player of the eight to have participated in a previous three-point contest, and this will be his second.

Karl Anthony-Towns, Fred VanVleet, LaVine, and Young, will also be playing in the All-Star Game the following night.

Patty Mills is the oldest player in the group at 33 years old, and there’s no question he can shoot the rock as a career 39.2 percent three-point shooter and is shooting 42.4 percent from distance so far this season. On the flip side, Desmond Bane – who is in his second NBA season – is the contest’s least experienced player but is shooting 42.1 percent from deep over his career.

Luke Kennard, though, maintains the highest three-point percentage of the eight players this season, knocking down 40.8 percent of his shots beyond the arc this season. Every player on the field is shooting better than 38 percent from three this season.

In addition to the three-point contest, the NBA also announced the dunk contest participants and skill challenge participants.

The NBA All-Star weekend begins on Friday, Feb. 18, with the three-point contest taking place on Saturday, Feb. 19, and the All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 20.

The post NBA Announces Three-Point Contest Participants appeared first on SLAM.

For the first time in a decade, you can read that sentence with a straight face.

And yet, coming into the 2021-22 season, talking heads pegged the Bulls as play-in tournament participants at best. Maybe worse.

The most optimistic prognostications all still had Chicago behind Milwaukee, Brooklyn and Philly. But ESPN’s panel of NBA experts picked Miami, Atlanta, Boston and New York to all finish with better records than the Bulls, too. The Athletic predicted Chicago would finish 11th in the East. The pessimism around the Bulls, from all those sources, seemed to center on an assumption that the team’s newest addition, DeMar DeRozan, and its franchise player, Zach LaVine, weren’t a star pairing that could lead Chicago to more than a .500-ish record.

“Fake experts” is what DeRozan calls them, making air quotes with his fingers. He’s sitting in front of his locker inside the United Center, leaning over into a laptop on Zoom. “Obviously, you hear it all, about how it’s not going to work, this and that. Just every negative. As competitors, you hear all that. That was one of the first conversations we had. I told him, It’s gon’ work. And he said the same thing to me.”

SLAM 236 is available now featuring Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan

They were right. It is working. It’s the first week of January in Chicago, so temps are in the single digits. But the Bulls are the hottest team in the NBA, riding a 9-game winning streak, during which DeRozan became the first player in NBA history to hit game-winning buzzer-beaters on back-to-back nights. At press time, Chicago’s 26-10 record was good for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference—2.5 games up on the Nets and Bucks. DeRozan (26.5 ppg, career-high 36 percent from behind the arc) and LaVine (26.4 ppg) are both top-8 in the NBA in scoring.

Deebo’s resurgence into the national spotlight as a bonafide All-NBA level player is one of the major headlines of this NBA season. DeRozan, now 32, hasn’t made the All-Star Game since 2018, but he leads all Eastern Conference guards in fan voting as of early January. (He’s seen all your “King of the Fourth” memes, by the way—”One thing you can’t miss these days is the internet,” he says with a laugh.)

“I’ve never played with somebody of his caliber,” says LaVine, who was still in Tokyo collecting a Gold medal with Team USA when he got word that a sign-and-trade which would bring DeRozan to Chicago was imminent. A first-time All-Star last season, LaVine is the longest-tenured player on the Bulls roster. Chicago hasn’t finished better than eighth in the East since 2015, and hasn’t won more than 31 games in a season since LaVine arrived in 2017.

At last, the 26-year-old star will get his first taste of playoff basketball this season. Because with DeRozan and LaVine leading the way, Coach Billy Donovan at the helm, and a supporting cast of contributors that includes two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, playmaking PG Lonzo Ball and sixth man Alex Caruso, the Bulls have rapidly transformed into a top-5 offense and one of the most exciting teams to watch in the League. 

SLAM: How did this Bulls team develop chemistry so fast?

DEMAR DEROZAN: You have high character guys. Everybody respects each other. When you have that foundation, first and foremost, everything else is going to take care of itself on the court. I noticed that on the first day we were all together, it was that feel. Everybody on the team just got a cool demeanor towards ’em. No egos and everybody wants to win.

SLAM: Did you know you guys would find success so quickly?

DD: I knew it would get to this point, at some point, but I’d be lying to you if I told you I expected it to be this fast. We still feel like we haven’t gotten to where we know we can get, that’s the crazy thing.

SLAM: You dropped 38 in a win over the Lakers while Zach was out due to health and safety protocols. Do you circle games like that one and tell yourself that you need to have a big game?

DD: I texted Zach after that game saying, Man, god damn, I’ll be glad when you get back. And vice versa, in games I’ve missed, he told me the same thing. Every game, we lean on and count on each other. Every time I step out there, I want to step out there with him and dominate, and that’s the beauty of our friendship, our teamwork, and just the competitive nature that we have. We want to do it together. There’s never a moment where I feel like I want to go out there without him. I need him there every step of the way.

SLAM: What have you learned about Zach now that you’re around him every day?

DD: You would think he’s older than me. He’s mature. The confidence he has within himself is not arrogant at all, he just knows who he is. That’s a great quality to have, when someone has the utmost confidence in themselves but it doesn’t come off in an arrogant or pushoff way. He’s just one of those dudes that you can hang with, you can talk to about anything. He’s got an old spirit to him, and that’s dope to have. I’ve always been a fan of his, ever since he played in college at UCLA. I told him, I want to see him have everything he deserves. He’s too talented, he’s too gifted to not have the world really know who Zach LaVine is, on and off the court.

SLAM: What would it mean to win a championship playing in the city of Chicago?

DD: Everything. That’s why you go out there and compete. That’s why you figure out what team you could join, which city you could represent. It’s a historic franchise. It’s the team—outside of the Lakers—that I grew up watching. This city being the ultimate sports city that it is, and the love and appreciation that we get for competing for this city, the way we play and the way we carry ourselves is the epitome of what Chicago is. And for that energy to be reciprocated by our fans, it’s only right that we go out there and give them our best every single night. Playing for Chicago has been awesome.

SLAM: What is the ultimate goal for the Bulls this season?

ZACH LAVINE: If you don’t have championship aspirations, you’re selling yourself short. As an individual player, when I step on the court, I think I’m the best player. And I think that’s how your mindset should be, because you put the work in for it. It’s not a cocky thing, that’s just a confidence thing. So, if you don’t think as a team that you’re going to go out there and win every game that you play, or you don’t think you have a chance of winning a championship, there’s no reason to even play. We have championship aspirations, and we’re trying to build championship habits.

SLAM: Some NBA superstars would have an ego about other great players joining “their” team. How did you approach it?

ZL: I never understood that. That’s not me. I’ve been here in Chicago for the last five years doing everything I can to develop my game to get to a place of individual play where I wanted to be at, but it wasn’t resulting in any wins, and that’s very frustrating. To go out there, you put up numbers, you play against these guys, but you don’t have that winning behind your name. Having those new guys over here, we have a complete team now, and I have no ego with that. It’s not my team, or DeMar’s team, or Lonzo, or Vooch. We’re all leaders in our own way, and on any given night it could be one of our nights. Obviously, we each have roles, but our main goal we talked about was “do whatever it takes to win.” Whoever has it going that night, we’ll go through them and just try to help this team grow. We see ourselves as a championship-caliber team.

SLAM: What’s the vibe like in the locker room?

ZL: Everybody is close. Everybody has had to make sacrifices on this team to be successful. We all came from places where—Vooch was a No. 1 option, DeMar was a No. 1 option, I’m a No. 1 option, Zo was the second pick in the draft, Caruso came from championship habits—like, we’re all coming together and meshing our talents together. It’s been really fun to see everybody give a piece of themselves to help the team win.

SLAM: With your Bulls teams having struggled the last few seasons, what does it feel like to find team success this year?

ZL: I’m having the most fun I’ve had in my career. Over the last couple years, it’s been tough for me personally because I try to keep progressing my game, I try to do everything I can do to help the team win. But I feel like in the media, if you’re a successful player on a team that loses, you get criticized for it. It never made sense to me. It’s tough, but all I care about is winning. I want to be a winning player, and having this team this year, playing this well, has been the most fun I’ve had in my career, so I just want to keep it going. We have a bunch of dogs on this team. Practice gets scrappy, in games it gets real scrappy. That’s something I’ve really looked forward to this year because we haven’t had that in the past.

SLAM: You and DeMar have both talked about being doubted in the media. How did those preseason predictions motivate you?

ZL: I use a lot of things for motivation. I’m not the most outspoken person in the media. There’s certain things you don’t need to go out there and talk about, you just let your game do the talking for you. But there were a lot of things said about DeMar coming here. DeMar Derozan is an All-NBA, All-Star caliber player. He’s putting up MVP numbers this year. Obviously, I know who I am as a player, but there’s been a lot of critics about my game and the way I’ve played: Zach’s an empty stat guy because they’re not winning. I think this year, we’re shutting a lot of people up and making them really look at their basketball IQ and seeing how they’re just talking on TV for viewership. Sometimes I feel like that’s what it is.

SLAM: Did you know DeMar was this good before becoming teammates?

ZL: Yeah, DeMar has been this, and DeMar is still in his prime. Even when I was younger in Minnesota going up against him, they were the No. 1 seed in the East. [Toronto] ran into LeBron James multiple years in his prime, but DeMar DeRozan is a multiple-time All-Star guy. It’s not like that guy left. It’s weird how the narrative changes. So, when you have the chance to have a guy like that come to your team in the prime of his career, and me entering the prime of mine, I think it was a match made in heaven. 

SLAM 236 is also available in these exclusive gold and black metal editions. Shop now.

Portraits by Joe Pinchin.

The post Bull Market: DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine Cover SLAM 236 appeared first on SLAM.

Our game against the Lakers on Sunday (originally scheduled for 2:30 pm CT) will now be at 7 pm CT. pic.twitter.com/j2NsD1VkYW

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 14, 2021

The scheduling problems are due to ten Chicago players, some coaches, and media announcers currently being in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. With so many players unavailable, the Bulls used their hardship exemption to sign Stanley Johnson. However, they still face the possibility of not having the minimum amount of players (eight) to compete.

Reports from NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson claim DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Derrick Jones Jr., and Javonte Green could return for Sunday’s game pending the mandatory two negative tests in a 24 hour period.

By Sunday, White, Green, DeRozan (Dec. 15), Thomas (Dec. 17), and Jones Jr. (Dec. 18) will have passed 10 days in protocols, but they have more steps to take before becoming eligible to play. Zach LaVine, Stanley Johnson, Alize Johnson, Troy Brown Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, and Matt Thomas are out.

The Los Angeles Lakers have COVID issues with Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk recently being placed into protocols.

The post NBA Delays the Los Angeles Lakers-Chicago Bulls Game Due to COVID-19 appeared first on SLAM.

The news comes after Woj reported that Alize Johnson entered health and safety protocols after testing positive for COVID-19 early Monday.

The NBA has postponed the Bulls-Pistons game on Tuesday and Bulls-Raptors on Thursday, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 13, 2021

Last season, the League postponed 32 games due to virus related issues. The Bulls have 10 players in COVID-19 protocols, including their two leading scorers Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Chicago was expected to have at least eight healthy players for Tuesday if nobody else entered health and safety protocols.

At least four players, Javonte Green, Coby White, Derozan, and Matt Thomas are reportedly expected to clear protocols and come back this week. LaVine, Derrick Jones Jr., Stanley Johnson, Ayo Dosunmu, Troy Brown Jr. and Johnson are expected to be cleared next week.

Nikola Vucevic recently returned to action after his bout with COVID-19. Chicago has reportedly been testing players and coaches multiple times per day amid the team-wide outbreak. The Bulls are reportedly vaccinted and have not dealt with any severe symptoms.

The Bulls return to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday but will have some time between Tuesday and Sunday to clear protocols and regain their fully healthy roster.

The post NBA Postpones the Chicago Bulls’ Next Two Games appeared first on SLAM.

Nine Bulls players in protocols now, including, as @KCJHoop reports, Troy Brown. https://t.co/WY73OmPcAd

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 12, 2021

This is the second time LaVine has entered protocols after entering April 15. He returned May 6 against the Hornets after missing 11 games and played until the Bulls were eliminated from a play-in spot in mid-may.

The Bulls have nine players in COVID-19 protocols as of Sunday but still have the required nine players to avoid a COVID-related game postponement. One of their hardship replacement players, Stanley Johnson, will need to be replaced after entering protocols along with rookie guard Ayo Dosunmo.

Lavine is posting 26.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 49.0 percent (39.1 percent from distance) shooting from the field. The Bulls are 17-10 heading into their Tuesday matchup with the Pistons (4-21).

The post REPORT: Zach LaVine Enters Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

So far this season, DeRozan has been a vital piece in the team’s 10-4 start to the season, as he’s averaging 26.9 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shooting 51 percent from the field. As of right now, he’s ranked third in the League in scoring so far this season.

According to Jamal Collier of ESPN, DeRozan is aware of the naysayers calling him “washed” and questioning his capability:

“I can go down the list of just being counted out, being looked over,” DeRozan says, per ESPN. “So many chips that’s on my shoulder that I carry. And just wanting to be a winner and wanting to enjoy this ride. We can’t play this game forever, so I want to get as much as I can out of it.”

At 32-years-old, DeRozan doesn’t view his age as an “issue” or a “limit” to how he can continue to contribute to the Bulls:

“I never looked at age as being an issue,” DeRozan added. “I never looked at it. People put the age limit on everything, and I never did. The way I worked, the way I take care of my body, the way I prepare, I knew what I was capable of doing. I just took different roads the last couple years of playing basketball, trying to do the right thing, figuring it out.

“This time, just knowing my ability was always there, I never lost confidence. I never thought I couldn’t be who I was before. Chicago allowed me to completely be myself.”

The post DeMar DeRozan: ‘I Can Go Down the List of Just Being Counted Out, Being Looked Over’ appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

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

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, LaVine has a small ligament tear in the thumb of his non-shooting hand, however, he plans to play through the injury after the Bulls became the third undefeated team in the League. Charania reports that it depends on LaVine’s pain tolerance, but that he wants to play through it.

Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine has a small ligament tear in the thumb of his non-shooting hand but intends to play through the injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. It’s a matter of pain tolerance and LaVine wants to play as Chicago starts the season 4-0.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2021

NBC Chicago Bulls’ Insider K.C. Jones reports that LaVine underwent an MRI on his left thumb during the Bulls off-day on Tuesday. LaVine is currently averaging a team-high 25.5 points, 4.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game this season.

On Monday, the Bulls posted a 111-108 win over the Toronto Raptors, which confirmed the team’s first undefeated start since the 1996-1997 season. As for LaVine’s return, we’ll get a chance to see tomorrow night as the Bulls look to defend their record from the New York Knicks on Thursday.

The post REPORT: Zach LaVine ‘Plans to Play Through’ Small Ligament Tear in Left Thumb appeared first on SLAM.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe theorizes that the Celtics could have interest in either Bradley Beal or Zach LaVine if either were to become available.

Beal has been perpetually in trade rumors for the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. In nine seasons with the Washington Wizards, Beal has averaged 22.0 points, 4.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game, and in 2020-21 Beal upped his scoring average to 31.3 points per game.

Similarly, LaVine is another big-time scorer who could help add some points to this Celtics roster. LaVine is coming off his best season ever in the NBA, averaging 27.4 points, 4.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three.

The issue with LaVine and Beal is not with their talent but rather their availability. Beal has been a rumored trade target for years now, but all the communication from the Wizards is that he is not actually for sale.

The Bulls are clearly looking to compete this season, as evident by the acquisitions of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, but LaVine notably will be an unrestricted free agent. If things don’t go well for the Bulls early on this year and LaVine doesn’t want to stay in Chicago, that could theoretically make him available, as noted by Washburn.

The Celtics finished seventh in the Eastern Conference last year with a record of 36-36.

The post Celtics Could Have Interest in Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine appeared first on SLAM.

As he finishes out his current four-year, $78 million deal, LaVine is set to become a free agent in 2022. As such, he’s looking for a massive payday and is well deserving of one. 

With contract negotiations upcoming, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago has reported that LaVine is leaving Innovate Sports and BDA Sports and is expected to sign with Klutch Sports Group. 

One of the top agencies in sports, Klutch represents some of the best players in the world. Guys like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Trae Young headline as some of the top clients they represent.

For LaVine this is a very strategic move heading into what should be the most lucrative contract of his career to this point. Last season he was an NBA All-Star, averaging 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. 

The post Zach LaVine To Sign With Klutch Sports Group appeared first on SLAM.

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Team USA’s Zach LaVine has cleared health and safety protocols and will join the team in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2021

LaVine is the third USA player to undergo health and safety protocols in the last week; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant underwent a contact-tracing quarantine for four days while Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal left the team under such protocols.

The Chicago Bulls star has started in place of Beal for the past two games and averaged 10.3 points in the teams four exhibition games.

LaVine will join the team just a day before the Olympic games start—three days before the team tips off its first pool play-game against France on Sunday.

The back-to-back Slam Dunk champion won’t be the only late arrival in Tokyo this week as first-time NBA champions Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, as well as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, will be taking the 15-hour flight to meet Team USA on Friday.

The post Zach LaVine to Join Team USA in Tokyo on Thursday appeared first on SLAM.

On Monday afternoon, Team USA announced that Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will not be traveling with the team Tuesday due to health and safety protocols.

Although this may be heartbreaking news to many, LaVine is only the most recently announced player that has been placed under health protocol. Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal and Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant have also been placed under health and safety protocols.

Unlike Beal and LaVine, it is still unknown wether or not Grant will step down from playing with team USA, which is a good sign.

Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love is another player who has stepped away from the team, though his decision was due to his belief he wasn’t in peak physical condition rather than a COVID-19 infection.

Team USA will face Spain in the 2021 Olympic games opening on July 25, with new additions Keldon Johnson and JaVale McGee to replace Bradley Beal and Kevin Love.

The post Team USA Men’s Basketball Team to Travel with Only Eight Healthy Players appeared first on SLAM.

Jerami Grant is expected to be cleared from quarantine and will be available to travel with Team USA to Japan, sources said. Americans have final exhibition against Spain set for 9 p.m. ET.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 18, 2021

Initially reported by The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania, Grant entered health & safety protocols on Thursday alongside Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal, despite not testing positive for the virus.

Team USA’s Jerami Grant has entered health and safety protocols at Team USA camp, sources tell me and @joevardon. Grant has not tested positive for coronavirus. He and Bradley Beal are in protocols in Las Vegas.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 15, 2021

The runner up to the Most Improved Player award in the 2021 season was officially cleared to play hours before USA’s final exhibition game against Spain in which Grant scored five points and grabbed three boards in their 83-76 win over Spain.

While Grant will travel with the team to Tokyo, another key player will not initially travel with the team, Chicago Bulls star guard Zach LaVine.

Team USA’s Zach LaVine has been placed under health and safety protocols and will not travel with the team to Tokyo today. USAB hopes LaVine will be able to join the team in Tokyo later this week.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2021

LaVine is the third player to undergo USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols and will not travel with the team this week to Tokyo.

USAB hopes LaVine will be able to join the team later this week in Tokyo as their first matchup of the Olympics takes place on the 25th against France.

The post Jerami Grant Expected to be Cleared from Quarantine, Zach LaVine Enters Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

Eligible for an extension this summer, LaVine recently told NBC Sports Chicago Bulls reporter Rob Schaefer that he wants to be in Chicago long-term on the Bulls Talk Podcast. 

“I want to be here long-term, and I feel like I deserve what I get,” said LaVine. “So, it is what it is. We’ll figure (it) out when that comes. If it’s this year, next year, we’ll just see what happens.”

Still young and just entering his prime, this is great news for the Bulls who should be willing to throw max contract money at LaVine. Last season, he averaged 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. LaVine also shot an impressive 41.9 percent from deep on 8.2 attempts per contest. 

As Chicago continues to build their roster, adding guys like Nikola Vucevic to their core, extending LaVine is the next step towards becoming a playoff team long-term. 

The post Zach LaVine Says He Wants To Be In Chicago Long-Term appeared first on SLAM.

The 12-man roster is as follows.

• Kevin Durant, F, Brooklyn Nets
• Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
• Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns
• Jayson Tatum, F, Boston Celtics
• Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
• Khris Middleton, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks
• Zach LaVine, G, Chicago Bulls
• Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
• Draymond Green, F/C, Golden State Warriors
• Jrue Holiday, G, Milwaukee Bucks
• Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Jerami Grant, F, Detroit Pistons

Team USA’s basketball program had to whittle down a field of 57 potential roster additions down to 12 for the Olympic Games and several commitment decisions were very recent due to playoff scheduling. Nonetheless, the United States still managed to fill out a roster that will be considered favorites for the gold medal.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden had initially committed to the team, but withdrew to recover from a hamstring injury, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, whose team is currently in the Western Conference Finals with a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, recently withdrew his name as well (according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.)

That said, its possible that other players on the roster (namely Booker, Middleton and Holiday) could play in the NBA Finals. If that occurs, they could miss training camp for the Olympics.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for July 22, one day before the Olympic Games are set to begin.

The last time Team USA competed on the international stage, it finished in seventh-place in the 2019 FIBA World Cup due to a number of the league’s preeminent stars withdrawing from the competition. Before that tournament, the team had won 58 consecutive games in international competition dating back to the 2006 World Cup, 

The post Team USA Men’s Basketball Announces 12-Man Roster for Tokyo Olympics appeared first on SLAM.

With that in mind, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times recently reported adding key role players around him could persuade LaVine to give Chicago a slight discount.

A guy who’s completely deserving of a max contract, it appears the Bulls may not have to pay full price to keep LaVine around if they’re able to convince him they can use the savings to improve the team. LaVine hasn’t made the playoffs yet in his seven-year NBA career, so adding talent around him to change that is something that should be intriguing to him.

Just 26 years old, LaVine made his first NBA All-Star team this season and has emerged as one of the best off-ball guards in the NBA. Through 57 games this season, he’s averaged 27.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting .419 from deep.

The post Zach LaVine Would Take Discount if Bulls Can Add Talent Around Him appeared first on SLAM.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski, All-Star guard Zach LaVine is expected to miss “several games” due to the NBA’s health and safety protocol.

Consequently, LaVine could miss up to 14 days, which would be equivalent to eight games for the Bulls. Chicago only has 18 games remaining in the regular season, and are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 22-32.

It isn’t clear if any other members of the Bulls will have to enter health and safety protocols but the team had to cancel practice Thursday.

LaVine has had a career year thus far, averaging 27.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting .506 percent from the field, .416 percent from 3-point range and .848 percent from the free-throw line. The high-wire act was also named to the All-Star team for the first time of his career.

The post Zach LaVine to Miss Several Games Due to Health and Safety Protocol appeared first on SLAM.

A participant in the 2021 MTN DEW 3-Point Contest — an All-Star Weekend event since the 1985-86 season — Curry defeated Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, Utah Jazz guards Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell, along with Boston Celtics wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to emerge as the victor.

While Brown, LaVine and Mitchell would be eliminated in the first round (with LaVine and Mitchell attempting to become the first former Slam Dunk champions to win a 3-point contest), Curry looked hot from the start as he scored a record 31 points.

Despite Conley (a late addition for injured Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker) giving Curry a run for his money in the final round, the Warriors icon is now a two-time 3-Point champion and the first since Jason Kapono (2007, 2008).

He would dedicate the victory to teammate Klay Thompson, who will miss the entire 2020-21 season with an Achilles tear.

During the contest, MTN DEW would award $100,000 in scholarships to two students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The post Stephen Curry Wins 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest appeared first on SLAM.

The three-point contest will be headlined by two former champions of the event, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker. The remainder of the three-point contest will be made up by the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell and Boston Celtics’ duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. All six of the players competing in the three-point contest will also be playing in the All-Star Game.

The NBA skills challenge will have a first-time winner, as all six entrants have yet to win the event. Five of the six players competing will be playing in the All-Star Game, those are the Suns’ Chris Paul, Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Doncic, Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis, New York Knicks’ forward Julius Randle and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic. Portland Trailblazers’ forward Robert Covington is the lone participant in the skills challenge who will not feature in the All-Star Game.

That is in sharp contrast to the dunk contest participants, none of whom will be playing in the All-Star game and all of whom will be participating for the first time. The dunk contest features just three players this year, two rookies in Pacers’ Cassius Stanley and Knicks’ Obi Toppin, and the Trailblazers’ Anfernee Simons. The dunk contest has a star-studded cast of judges, all of which are former winners. Dominique Wilkins, Dee Brown, Spud Webb, Josh Smith and Jason Richardson will be the five judging the event.

These events will take place on the same day as the All-Star Game, Sunday, March 7. The skills challenge and three-point contest will occur before the game, with the dunk contest being performed at halftime.

The post NBA Announces Participants For All-Star Skills Challenge, Three-Point And Dunk Contest appeared first on SLAM.

These 14 reserves will join the starters (10 in total) that were named last week — a list headlined by team captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant (of the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, respectively).

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul leads the way in All-Star appearances among this group, playing in his 11^th All-Star Game this year. Paul is only one of three players in this year’s event with at least 10 All-Star appearances, the other two being LeBron and Durant.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden has the next highest mark among the reserves. The Beard is playing his ninth All-Star game but his first representing the Eastern Conference thanks his well-publicized trade from the Houston Rockets.

Harden is one of three Nets in the All-Star Game alongside starters Durant and Irving.

Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis is an All-Star for not just the eighth time in his career but the eighth time in a row. Davis has been an All-Star every season of his career, with the only exception being his rookie season in 2012-13.

Another veteran of the All-Star Game, Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George, makes his return to the All-Star Game for the seventh time after missing last year’s festivities.

Right behind him, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard finds himself in his sixth All-Star Game.

Dame Dolla has the highest scoring average of the All-Star reserves, averaging 29.6 points per game, the fourth-highest number in the league. Lillard will also participate in the All-Star 3-Point Contest.

On the flip side, Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is averaging just 15.7 points per game but is making his third All-Star Game because of his excellent playmaking – 7.9 assists per game – and defense for the Sixers.

Nikola Vucevic, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum will all be making their second appearances.

Four players from the reserves will be playing in their first-ever All-Star Games. Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Jaylen Brown and Zion Williamson will make their first All-Star appearances.

The post NBA Announces 2021 All-Star Game Reserves appeared first on SLAM.

Regardless of the contract situation of Lauri Markkanen and the injury issues with Wendell Carter Jr., the Chicago frontcourt looks promising. Between Zach LaVine and Coby White, it appears the Bulls have found their guard duo of the future to build around. 

In fact, earlier this week against the New Orleans Pelicans, White and LaVine became the first teammates in NBA history to each make 8 threes in a game. These two combined for 76 points in this game to ensure a 13-point victory. 

With LaVine in a position to make the NBA All-Star team this season and White becoming one of the best young point guards in the league, they could be one of the best duos in the NBA 25 or younger. LaVine is averaging 28.2 points per game while White is averaging 15.5 points. 

The post Zach LaVine And Coby White Are Making History For The Chicago Bulls appeared first on SLAM.

So far this season, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft has averaged 20.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting .413 from beyond the arc. In his last two games, he’s combined for 61 points with back-to-back 30+ point performances. 

Zach LaVine was recently asked if he’s surprised about Markkanen’s level of play of late. According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, LaVine isn’t at all surprised. 

“I wouldn’t say surprising. I just think his hard work has been paying off. We all know Lauri’s extremely talented, and we’re seeing his full game right now.”

After not coming to terms on an extension with the Bulls prior to the season, there’s still a chance they are able to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason. Regardless, if Markkanen is able to continue to play like he has all season, there will be a long line of teams looking to make him offers. 

The post Lauri Markkanen Could Earn Huge Payday This Offseason appeared first on SLAM.

In a guard-driven league, the exceptional athleticism and upper echelon perimeter skills that LaVine possesses at 25 years old will undoubtedly make him a hot commodity. As such, Chicago could find themselves the receivers of tempting overtures as opposing teams attempt to pry the two-time Slam Dunk champion away from a franchise in need of a facelift.

Per SNY TV’s Ian Begley, the New York Knicks have maintained their interest in acquiring LaVine after monitoring his situation with the Bulls during the summer.

The Knicks, 9-11, are in the Eastern Conference Playoff picture for the first time since 2014-15 and adding LaVine would not only improve their chances of maintaining their status as a playoff team but the overall interest in the team as well.

It’s unclear what the Bulls would want back in return for the star guard but the Knicks have a variety of trade pieces and draft capital that could serve as a jumping off point in negotiations.

The post Knicks Maintain Interest in Zach LaVine appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Durant said that the Hornets’ Devonte’ Graham, Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Mavs’ Kristaps Porzingis “are going to be some forces going forward.”

Durant admitted that he initially thought that Graham wouldn’t make it in the NBA. But Graham made a huge jump this past season, emerging as Charlotte’s full-time starting point guard. “Just to see his ascent from where he came from,” Durant said. “I didn’t think he could be in the League, to be honest.”

In this third season with the Bulls, LaVine finished 11th in the League in scoring and narrowly missed an All-Star berth. “I think he has superstar potential,” KD said of the 25-year-old.

Durant added that Porzingis also has superstar makeup because of his mobility and ability to shoot the ball with a 7-3 frame. He disputed the claim that Porzingis is soft: “He plays with some toughness and he wants to play a little bit stronger and harder,” Durant said.

The post Kevin Durant Impressed by Graham, LaVine, Porzingis appeared first on SLAM.

Thunder point guard Chris Paul, Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine and Hawks floor general Trae Young are reportedly set to face off.

The showcase, inspired by the League’s current hiatus due to the coronavirus global pandemic, is also expected to include WNBA stars and retired NBA players.

Per ESPN:

The NBA and ESPN are finalizing plans to televise a H-O-R-S-E shooting competition, with stars Chris Paul of Oklahoma City, Trae Young of Atlanta and Zach LaVine of Chicago among those expected to participate, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

LaVine competed in the NBA 2K20 Players Tournament, losing in the first round last week.

The NBA suspended play on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and there is no expectation that the league can resume play anytime soon.

Current NBA isolation protocols governing players prohibit them from competing together in the same location.

Related Adam Silver: NBA Won’t Decide on Season Until at ‘Least’ May

The post Trae Young, Zach LaVine, Chris Paul to Compete in H-O-R-S-E appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine told reporters it wasn’t directed at head coach Jim Boylen, knocking down assumptions based on their once-rocky relationship.

The 24-year-old finished with a game-high 41 points for Chicago, who fell 124-122 to the visiting OKC Thunder.

Per ESPN:

“You get into the heat of the battle and between players when you guys are talking, you talk smack sometimes, right? And that’s all it was,” LaVine told ESPN, after finishing with 41 points.

“We were still down. [Oklahoma City’s Dennis Schroder] was talking a little mess to me and I just let him know, ‘Look, I’ve got 40, I don’t know why you’re talking to me,'” he added. “I don’t know why they said they thought I was talking to Jim, but it was just people being competitive in the game talking.”

It was LaVine’s sixth 40-point game of the season. The only Bulls player with more in a season was Michael Jordan, who posted at least seven in 11 seasons.

“I’ve got to do a better job,” LaVine said. “The cameras have been following me lately, so people are going to make their own assumptions on what’s going on between me and Jim or me and the team, but our relationship is fine. I’m a competitive and fiery guy on the court, so that’s pretty much what happened.”

Related Zach LaVine and Bulls Coach Jim Boylen in a Better Place Now’

The post Zach LaVine Denies Cursing at Coach Jim Boylen appeared first on SLAM.

Domantas Sabonis led the way with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists on 8-10 shooting as Indiana cruised to a win at home. Five other Pacers scored in double figures, including T.J. Warren (19) and Malcolm Brogdon (15). Myles Turner was dominant on the defensive end, finishing with a career-high 8 blocks. The Hornets were led by Miles Bridges who dropped 17 in the loss.

Bucks 108 (50-8), Raptors 97 (42-16)

In a much-anticipated battle between the top two teams in the East, the Bucks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Raptors 34-19 en route to their 50th win of the season. Khris Middleton dropped a team-high 22, while Giannis stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists. Eric Bledsoe added 17 and 7 rebounds, and Brook Lopez finished with 15 points and 5 blocks in the win. Pascal Siakam finished with 22 points and 5 3PM in the loss.

Thunder 124 (36-22), Bulls 122 (20-39)

It was a wild one in the Windy City. The Bulls erased a 24-point second half deficit to tie the game late. The comeback was led by Coby White (35 points, 6 3PM, 7 rebounds) and Zach LaVine (41 points). But big-time buckets from Chris Paul and clutch free throws from the entire Thunder team held off the Chicago surge and secured the road win. Danilo Gallinari finished with a team-high 24 points, and Dennis Schroeder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each dropped 21 in the win. CP3 added 19 points and 9 assists for OKC.

Nuggets 115 (40-18), Pistons 98 (19-41)

The Nuggets picked up their 40th win of the season, led by 29 points off the bench from Jerami Grant. Jamal Murray added 16 points and 8 assists in the win. For Detroit, Derrick Rose and Christian Wood each dropped 20 in the loss.

Celtics 118 (40-17), Trail Blazers 106 (26-33)

Boston also secured win number 40 on the road in Portland. Jayson Tatum was unstoppable, dropping 36 points, including a career-high 8 3PM to lead the Celtics. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, and all five Boston starters finished in double figures. Without Damian Lillard, the Blazers were led by CJ McCollum, who dropped 28, and Hassan Whiteside, who finished with 18 points and 19 rebounds in the loss.

Lakers 118 (44-12), Pelicans 109 (25-33)

It was the game every NBA fan had been waiting for: the first installment of LeBron vs. Zion. And it did not disappoint.

The Pelicans battled tough with the West’s top team, but the Lakers pulled away in the fourth, outscoring New Orleans 30-23 in the final frame. LeBron showed out, dropping a season-high 40 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Anthony Davis finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks, and Danny Green added 17 points on 5 3PM. Brandon Ingram led the way for New Orleans, dropping 34 points on his former team. In Zion’s first matchup with the King, he finished with 29 points, including 13-19 from the free throw line.

Kings 112 (24-33), Warriors 94 (12-46)

Harris Barnes and De’Aaron Fox each finished with 21 points to lead the Kings to the win on the road. Bogdan Bogdanovich dropped 17, and Buddy Hield added 19 off the bench in the win. The Warriors had all five starters finish in double figures, led by Marquese Chriss with 21, and Andrew Wiggins with 16.

The post Post Up: LeBron Drops Season-High 40 in Win Over Pelicans appeared first on SLAM.

—

The merchandise mart in downtown Chicago is the largest privately held commercial building in the United States. It’s a building so damn big, it literally had its own zip code until 2008. The south side of the Mart overlooks the Chicago River, where tour boats float past year-round, kayaks come out in the summer and the water’s dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. On the north side of the Mart, in the shadow of the El train between Franklin Street and Wells Street, there’s a famously delicious, but eminently inconspicuous speakeasy-style steakhouse called Bavette’s.

This is one of Zach LaVine’s favorite restaurants in Chicago. You might find him ordering a steak here on an off-day, if he isn’t at home playing video games with his boys or out catching a movie with his girlfriend. Since arriving in a 2017 Draft-day trade in exchange for Jimmy Butler, the Seattle native has made the Windy City his home—and we know this, because he knows about Bavette’s.

The streetwise Bulls star won’t turn 25 until March and yet, in his sixth season, he’s an elder statesman on a roster that features only two players (Thaddeus Young and Otto Porter Jr) with more years of NBA experience. “It’s just how the NBA works now,” LaVine points out, “but it is kinda weird saying that I’m a veteran.”

With a 19-33 record as of this writing, the Bulls look unlikely to seriously contend for a playoff spot in 2020, but LaVine is still having a great season. Yes, the out-of-this-world dunks are what he’s recognized for around the globe, but with the newfound responsibility of being the lead dog in Chicago, he’s worked on his D, his shooting and his leadership to round into much more than just a dunker.

To go along with a career-best 24.9 ppg in this, his third season with the Bulls, LaVine is averaging 4.9 rpg and 4.0 apg. Not to mention his alien-type bounce and that je ne sais quoi silkiness to Zach’s game that makes it look like he’s hardly breaking a sweat when he’s lighting someone up for 30+, often with a dazzling mix of long-range bombs and twisting finishes at the rim.

“As easy as it looks on TV, it’s that easy,” Bulls teammate Shaq Harrison says with a laugh. “It still amazes me how easy it is for him.”

It’s a Saturday afternoon in January, about a month before NBA All-Star Weekend descends on Chicago, and last night was one of those nights for LaVine: he erupted for 43 points against the Pacers, albeit in a loss. “I can’t say it enough, Zach LaVine is a problem,” Dwyane Wade tweeted afterward. “I can’t wait to watch him over the next few years blossom.”

The team landed in Detroit around 1:30 a.m., so LaVine slept in before heading down to the hotel restaurant for lunch. A few hours from now, he’ll lead the Bulls to a much-needed win over the Pistons with a game-high 25. In between bites of salmon and rice, LaVine reflects on the evolution of his game, how he’s matured since entering the NBA as a teenager, and what it’s like to play every home game in the stadium that MJ built.

—

SLAM: How have you changed as a person since entering the NBA?

ZL: Tremendously. Coming into the NBA at a young age, at 19, the League grows you up. You can still be a kid, but you’re dealing with grown men, and you’re trying to be a professional. I feel like I’m in a different place now. I’m still young, I’m 24, I don’t have any kids, but I’ve got a really stable relationship, me and my girlfriend. I feel like a more mature person, not just with basketball, but in my personal life.

SLAM: What did you struggle with in your first few years in the League, looking back?

ZL: It’s all just learning experiences. There’s growing pains, there are ups and downs, especially as a rookie or in your second year. Playing the point guard position my first two years helped me out a lot. I don’t think I was, conventionally, an extremely good point guard, but it helped me make reads, helped me learn what to do with the ball. Me playing both point guard and shooting guard now, I feel like that experience helped me.

SLAM: How did you handle being traded from Minnesota to Chicago as a 22-year-old?

ZL: I had some help. My family is a big part of who I am and what I do. My dad was a professional football player [Paul LaVine played briefly with the Seattle Seahawks in the late ’80s. —Ed.], he’s been through the pro life, so I was a step ahead coming in, and I’m thankful for it. I understand it’s part of the business, and that it didn’t work out in Minnesota, even though I pretty much blew up there. But you understand how basketball works with trades and free agency and stuff like that. I was welcomed with open arms in Chicago, and I’m trying to do the best I can here.

SLAM: Your dad became an internet sensation last summer when you posted a video of him coaching you in a workout. How did he react to going viral?

ZL: He gets mad at me when we record sometimes. He was like, “Man why are you always making me look crazy?” He’s such a funny dude, he acts like that 100 percent of the time. My girlfriend was recording what we were doing, it’s just organic, that’s how we interact. He talks a lot, but that’s my best friend in the world. We’ve been through a lot together.

SLAM: On the court, what’s different about playing with the Bulls now as opposed to your first three years in Minnesota?

ZL: It was just a different type of opportunity coming here, being able to be a premier guy, a No. 1 option. In Minnesota, it was me, Karl [Anthony Towns] and Andrew [Wiggins]. I had to play a role—some games I was able to showcase my talents, but I was pretty much the third option, and I had to play my role on the team, and you have to understand that when you’re on a team. But I think here, I’m able to show my entire game.

SLAM: What would you say is the best part about playing in Chicago?

ZL: It’s just such a historic franchise. We’re in a little bit of a downslope right now, we started the rebuilding process and right now we’re underachieving to what we thought our goals for the year were. But it’s a great opportunity to help get this franchise back to a place where it should be—a top-3 franchise, a top-3 market in the world. The fan base here is incredible. What’s not to love? It’s a great city.

SLAM: What’s it like to look up in the United Center every night and see No. 23 hanging in the rafters?

ZL: That’s the best player ever. It’s inspiration to me. I feel like everybody in my generation was a big Michael Jordan fan. I watched all his videos—Michael Jordan’s Playground, His Airness—all those different VHS movies that kids don’t know about nowadays [laughs]. When I grew up, when I was a little kid, it was on a VCR, so we’d pause or rewind it and then go outside and try to do the same dunks, re-enact it. I think that’s what makes basketball so cool—there’s so many different things that can inspire you when you’re younger.

SLAM: How do you react when you hear people say you’re “just a dunker?” Does it bother you?

ZL: If you’re in the NBA, I think you know what I’m about. It’s funny, I remember this from when I was younger with Vince Carter. It’s just how fans see you. We’re not a team that’s on ESPN every day. We have some ESPN games, but the only time that global, regular fans are seeing you is the Dunk Contest. I don’t blame anybody, it’s not a bad thing to be known as [laughs]. People still don’t really understand how good Vince Carter was, or Dominique Wilkins, dudes that scored 26-27 points a game—All-Star, All-NBA guys. Because when you think of Vince Carter, you think of the Dunk Contest. It’s a little unfortunate, but I know what I’m about. I know how good I am. I know how much work I put in during the offseason. I don’t go out here and just dunk the basketball, it’s just one facet of my game. But I enjoy putting on a show for the fans.

SLAM: What career goals have you set for yourself?

ZL: I want to be a winning player first. I want to be in the playoffs. With that comes the All-Star selections, the All-NBA selections, being in the MVP conversation. I think it’s the same goals for most players, it’s just—can you achieve them? 

—

GRAB YOUR COPY OF SLAM 226

Abe Schwadron is a social editor at FanDuel and former Senior Editor at SLAM.

Photos via Getty.

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San Antonio played their fourth-straight overtime game and came away with, incredibly, their third win during that stretch.

Patty Mills dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench. Dejounte Murray added 18 points (8-12 FG) with 7 boards and 5 dimes.

Nets 102 (13-12), Raptors 110 (17-8)

Toronto took a 7-point lead after scoring 38 points in the first quarter and would lead the rest of the way.

Pascal Siakam dropped a game-high 30 points with 10 boards, 5 dimes, 3 blocks and 3 steals.

Wizards 111 (7-17), Grizzlies 128 (9-17)

Memphis outscored the Wizards by 15 points in the first half and would go up by as much as 24 points during the fourth quarter.

Brandon Clarke dropped 25 points (11-14 FG) off the bench, and submitted his name into the Dunk of the Year running. Dillon Brooks added a team-high 27 points.

Clippers 106 (20-8), Bulls 109 (10-18)

One night after putting up just 73 points against the Hornets, the Bulls scored 109 points against the Clippers.

Zach LaVine dropped a game-high 31 points and the go-ahead bucket. Lauri Markkanen added 13 points and 17 boards.

Cavs 108 (6-20), Bucks 125 (24-3)

Milwaukee built an 18-point lead by halftime and would cruise the rest of the way to their 18th (!!) straight victory.

Giannis Antetokounmpo needed just 24 minutes to score a game-high 29 points.

Heat 122 (19-7), Mavs 118 (17-6)

Dallas battled back from a 24-point deficit after losing Luka Doncic to an ankle injury, but would fall short in overtime.

Bam Adebayo dropped 18 points with 11 boards and 10 dimes. Jimmy Butler added a team-high 27 points.

Pistons 115 (11-15), Rockets 107 (17-9)

After losing Blake Griffin in the first half to a left knee injury, Derrick Rose would lead the Pistons to a big road victory.

Rose dropped 20 points and 12 dimes off the bench. Luke Kennard added a team-high 22 points.

Thunder 102 (11-14), Nuggets 110 (16-8)

Outside of the first couple minutes, Denver would lead for the entire game.

Nikola Jokic dropped a game-high 28 points with 14 boards and 12 dimes.

The post Post Up: Zach LaVine Drops 31 Points to Lead Bulls Past Clippers appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine erupted for a career-high 49 points and a game-winning three-pointer Saturday night in Charlotte, one day after being benched for “three egregious defensive mistakes” in Friday’s home loss to Miami.

“That’s the greatest love you can show somebody,” Boylen told reporters about singling out Chicago’s best player.

Per NBC Sports Chicago:

“I let him know how I felt,” LaVine said. “We’re not going to try and drag this out. We had a misunderstanding. We still have a lot of things to work out as a team — personal, coaching. We all have to be accountable for our actions.”

Boylen said LaVine’s postgame comments from Friday, in which LaVine said he felt singled out, didn’t bother him because he knows “Zach’s heart and what kind of person he is.” He said he and LaVine talk regularly. “I know he cares about the team. I know he cares about playing good basketball. I know we all can get frustrated with a poor performance, me included with my performance. Those things happen,” Boylen said. “I just want him to be more consistent. He wants to be more consistent. We have a whole team I think that needs to be more consistent. I’ve held Lauri [Markkanen] out of fourth quarters. I’ve pulled Hutch (Chandler Hutchison) the other day because I wanted him to play better in that situation. My job is to try to get this team to move in the right direction. That’s what I try to do.”

Does LaVine want to be coached that way?

“To each their own. If that’s how he feels he has to coach me, that’s his prerogative,” LaVine said. “Like I said, I let him know how I felt and we’re in a better place now. So we’ll see how it goes.”

Related Zach LaVine: Lack of Trust With Bulls Coach Jim Boylen

The post Zach LaVine and Bulls Coach Jim Boylen in a Better Place Now’ appeared first on SLAM.

Devin Booker (35 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (25 points) gave Phoenix the scoring push to edge out Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 31 points for the Wolves.

Bulls 116 (6-11), Hornets 115 (6-11)

Zach LaVine had a career night that ended with a game-winner. LaVine poured in 49 points, including 13 made threes. His steal and fadeaway 3-pointer put Chicago ahead for good with just 0.8 seconds left.

Magic 106 (6-9), Pacers 111 (9-6)

Indiana enjoyed double-digit scoring from six players, led by Domantas Sabonis’ 25 points. Orlando received 51 combined points from Evan Fournier and Jonathan Isaac but came up short.

Raptors 119 (11-4), Hawks 116 (4-12)

Pascal Siakam continues to tear up opposing defenses, finishing with 34 points on 61.1% shooting from the field. Trae Young scored 30 points in the loss.

Spurs 111 (6-11), Knicks 104 (4-12)

LaMarcus Aldridge (23 points) and DeMar DeRozan (21 points) helped San Antonio finally snap its eight-game losing streak. Marcus Morris scored 20 points against the team he spurned to sign with the Knicks this offseason.

Heat 86 (11-4), 76ers 113 (11-5)

Philadelphia spoiled Jimmy Butler’s return with a stifling defense that gave Miami trouble all night. Josh Richardson, also facing his former team, scored a game-high 32 points in the win. Butler finished with 11 points.

Blazers 104 (5-12), Cavaliers 110 (5-11)

Portland can’t shake out of its funk, dropping its fourth straight game. Jordan Clarkson and Tristan Thompson combined for 53 points in the win. Damian Lillard scored 23 points in the loss.

Lakers 109 (14-2), Grizzlies 108 (5-10)

The Lakers locked in late to steal the road win. LeBron James put up 30 points, while Anthony Davis added 22 points. Memphis stud rookie Ja Morant impressed with 26 points.

Pistons 90 (5-11), Bucks 104 (13-3)

Milwaukee secured its seventh straight victory with the home win against Detroit. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 28 points in 27 minutes, adding 10 rebounds. Derrick Rose led the Pistons with 20 points.

Pelicans 120 (6-10), Jazz 128 (11-5)

Utah held the lead for the entire game even as the Pelicans rallied late. Donovan Mitchell (37 points) and Brandon Ingram (33 points) put on an offensive show, though it was the Jazz that came away victorious.

The post Post Up: Zach LaVine Drops 49 Points, Hits Game-Winner appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine responded by telling a reporter that he feels a lack of trust with the Bulls’ head coach.

The 24-year-old guard is currently putting up 19.5 points (on 40.9 percent shooting from the field), down from career-best averages of 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season.

Per Yahoo Sports:

“Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen and our starters have to play better. They’ve got to play better for us to become what we can become. That’s how it works,” Boylen said. “I didn’t want [LaVine] in the game anymore. I think he needed to come over and think about it.”

Does [Boylen] trust you?

LaVine: “I feel I earned that trust, but I guess he feels differently. Other players around the league — and everybody’s situation isn’t the same — I feel other players around the league have that trust. I guess we haven’t got there.”

Do you trust him still?

LaVine: “I’m trying my best, I’ll say that. I’m playing my minutes and trying to do the best I can do. It’s tough, especially when you’re in a rut. If he doesn’t trust me, it’s hard to trust someone who doesn’t trust you.”

Related ‘Ain’t This Crazy’: Zach LaVine Unhappy Giving Up Midrange Shots

The post Zach LaVine: Lack of Trust With Bulls Coach Jim Boylen appeared first on SLAM.

The number-crunchers want him to only launch three-pointers or go to the hoop; LaVine is saddened by the marginalization of the midrange.

The 24-year-old says playoff basketball necessitates a deadly midrange repertoire.

Per The Chicago Sun-Times:

“I know … ain’t this crazy,’’ LaVine told the Sun-Times on Friday, when asked about his mid-range game being grounded.

“I mean I grew up being a Michael Jordan, Kobe [Bryant] fan,’’ LaVine said. “I know that some of the greatest scores in NBA history were mid-range, mid-post guys. It’s sad to see it be pushed to the side. I mean Carmelo [Anthony] is one of the greatest scorers ever, but he’s out of the NBA right now somewhat because the analytics don’t want mid-range twos.

“I think it takes away a little bit of the skillfulness and it takes away some of the weaponry. But I’ll tell you this, there’s still guys in the NBA – and I think I’m one of them – that can still get it done.’’

Of course the Bulls need improvement, but LaVine also pointed out that Kawhi Leonard was not only an NBA Champion last season, but the series MVP. And his mid-range game destroyed the Warriors.

“I’ll one-up [the analytics guys] – the best mid-range shooter in all the NBA played for Golden State – Kevin Durant,’’ LaVine said. “Playoff basketball will show … I mean guys like DeMar DeRozan or C.J. McCollum, I mean [McCollum] killed Denver [in the playoffs last year] because he got into his mid-range.

“Playoff basketball [defenses] are eliminating the threes, they become tougher shots, so you want to get to a shot where you know you can make it and you worked on it. I think the mid-range is a lost art now because everyone is moving towards the threes and the analytics. I understand that because how it looks and how it sounds like it makes sense, but sometimes there’s nothing better than putting the ball in your best play-maker’s hands and letting him get the shot he needs rather than the one you want.’’

Related Zach LaVine: ‘I’m Just Tired of People Talking Sh*t About My Defense’

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LaVine, 24, says he is now “taking more pride” in his defense.

Chicago Bulls head coach Bulls coach Jim Boylen has challenged the high-flying guard to become an elite two-way player.

Per The Athletic:

“I’m just tired of people talking shit about my defense,” LaVine said. “I’ve always been a good on-ball defender. But there’s no reason I can be this good offensively and not be that good on the defensive end. So I’m taking more pride in it. I’m pretty sure it’ll show. I’ll make sure of that.”

That starts, LaVine said, with a shift in mentality.

“I think that’s helped me,” LaVine said. “Just focusing and taking pride in stopping your man and doing your job. We have one or two assignments. If you’re in help, you’re in help. If you’re supposed to pick up the ball, you do that. You do your job and everybody else is doing theirs as well. I think the intensity and the focus on that will help definitely.”

Defense has been the biggest problem area for LaVine, largely overshadowing his offensive brilliance.

“What he’s talked about and what we’ve talked about is him becoming the best two-way player he can become,” Bulls coach Jim Boylen said. “Two-way player, meaning he is engaged and committed to both ends of the floor. And he is doing that, and it’s fun to see. And it helps him, helps our team and it just shows another level he can go to.”

Related Zach LaVine: ‘No Reason I Shouldn’t Be an All-Star or All-NBA Type Guy’

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He’s also keenly aware that those individual accolades are inextricably tied to how many wins he leads Chicago to.

LaVine says his “All-Star caliber year” last season—which produced career-high averages of 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 46.7 percent shooting—was “swept under the rug” due to the Bulls’ futility (22-60) as a team.

Per ESPN:

“Everything comes with winning. I feel like if we win and we’re in the right positions, the sky is the limit for me,” LaVine told ESPN following Thursday’s practice. “I had an All-Star-caliber year last year, but we had 22 wins so it got a little bit swept under the rug. But that’s how it’s supposed to be when you have 20 wins. But if I continue to play the way I’m supposed to, there’s no reason I shouldn’t be an All-Star or All-NBA type guy.”

With All-Star Weekend set to return to Chicago for the first time in three decades this February, the two-time slam dunk champion is certainly eyeing this year’s festivities. But not just the ones on Saturday night.

“I expect to be there through the whole weekend, and if my legs are right, obviously I would love to [compete in the dunk contest], but I’ve got to make sure what’s best for me and the team,” LaVine said. “I’ve been on that stage before, but I haven’t been on the Sunday night one, so I expect to be there and I expect us to move forward.”

Since the 2009-10 season, there have been 44 instances of a player making an All-Star team with his team finishing with a sub-.500 record, according to Elias Sports Bureau research.

“I view myself as an elite guy. Whenever I’m on the court, obviously confidence-wise I think I’m the best player on the court,” said LaVine. “I draw the No. 1 scouting report every night, I draw the best defender, but whatever I’ve got to do to make the team better and continue to work on my craft, but like I said it’ll come with winning.

“I think I’m a little underrated, but who’s going to be looking at a 22-win team obviously, so I think the national media coverage is a little bit slacking on that.”

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The post Zach LaVine: ‘No Reason I Shouldn’t Be an All-Star or All-NBA Type Guy’ appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine, 24, is determined to reach the playoffs for the first time in his five-year NBA career.

The high-flyer says Chicago is aiming to “surprise people” in 2019-20.

Per FanSided:

Speaking more about that health factor, obviously it wasn’t a major [knee] injury for you down the stretch last year, but was it disappointing to be shut down for the remainder of the season in that last month? And how are you feeling now?

LaVine: “Yeah, I mean that’s tough, man. It’s all a little bit of a good and a bad thing because you always want to look out for your health and the team is a business at the end of the day too, but we’re very competitive. But I’m good, I’m healthy, I’m ready to start the season. I want to play all 82 next year — actually, I wanna play more than 82, I don’t wanna go home in April. I’ve been in the NBA for five years now going on six. I’ve had some big nights in the NBA, but I haven’t played in a playoff game. I’m looking forward to trying to compete for those.”

You guys have a young core but also added a few vets this summer. Do you feel like the Bulls are being slept on in that playoff conversation out East?

LaVine: “I mean, of course, but I feel like that’s the way it has to be though. You know, until you show the caliber of play that you guys are capable of, you’re going to get slept on. It’s all speculation anyway for people judging that, so I feel like it’s a good thing. You go in there with a chip on your shoulder. It’s always good to surprise people.”

Related On The Rise: Zach LaVine is Back and Ready to Put on for Chicago

The post Zach LaVine: ‘I Don’t Wanna Go Home in April’ appeared first on SLAM.

Who knew that when the Bulls and Hawks tipped off on Friday night, the game would seemingly last forever. The two teams combined for 329 total points as one, two and three overtimes weren’t enough to decide a winner.

Trae Young dropped 49 points for Atlanta, adding 16 assists and eight rebounds. Zach LaVine scored 47 points in the win for Chicago.

Blazers 117 (38-24), Raptors 119 (46-17)

Portland was feeling good after Damian Lillard hit three free throws to tie the game at 117. But then stepped in Kawhi Leonard, who hit a leaning jumper from the baseline to give Toronto the lead for good. Leonard finished with 38 points in the intense, playoff-level game.

Hornets 123 (29-33), Nets 112 (32-32)

Charlotte cruised in the second half to a road win in Brooklyn. Jeremy Lamb came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 22 points. Spencer Dinwiddie returned from a thumb injury to score 15 points for the Nets.

Wizards 96 (25-37), Celtics 107 (38-25)

Boston closed out the game with 25 points in the fourth quarter to take back the lead and take home the win. Seven players scored in double digits, led by Al Horford’s 18 points. Bradley Beal had 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the loss.

Pelicans 130 (28-36), Suns 116 (12-51)

Julius Randle (22 points) and Jrue Holiday (21 points, nine assists) paced the Pelicans in a comfortable win over the Suns. Devin Booker scored 26 points for Phoenix.

Clippers 116 (35-29), Kings 109 (31-31)

Seven Clippers managed double-digit scoring, led by recent addition Landry Shamet’s 20 points and Danilo Gallinari’s 19 points. Buddy Hield scored 23 points for the Kings.

Bucks 131 (47-14), Lakers 120 (30-31)

Eric Bledsoe had himself a day. After signing a four-year, $70 million extension with the team Friday afternoon, he then went on to score a season-high 31 points to lead the Bucks over the Lakers. Brandon Ingram scored 31 points for Los Angeles.

RELATED: ‘We Need Him to Stay’: Raptors Bracing for Kawhi Leonard’s Free Agency

The post Post Up: Kawhi Leonard Hits Game-Winner; Bulls Beat Hawks in 4OT appeared first on SLAM.

They were upset with new head coach Jim Boylen‘s substitution patterns in Saturday night’s franchise record 56-point loss to the visiting Boston Celtics.

A Bulls players' group text Sunday had some calling for a boycott of Sunday's practice.

Ultimately, all players showed up for what ended up being meetings instead.https://t.co/RKkELTCM1P via @KCJHoop pic.twitter.com/54opvzi6sg

— Chicago Sports (@ChicagoSports) December 10, 2018

Instead of a boycott, however, there was a players-only meeting followed by a wider team meeting with coaches and management.

Per the Chicago Tribune:

“I think it was a collective thing,” rookie Wendell Carter Jr. said on how the day went down. “We both agreed on something, the players and the coaches. We came to them as men. We talked, told them how we felt. And they responded very well.”

If Boylen and his staff hadn’t been receptive to the players’ desire to meet instead of practice, things could’ve gone south. According to multiple sources, a group text exchange began with “two or three players” advocating for not even showing up for the rare practice called the day after a set of back-to-back games with another game scheduled Monday.

“Um. No. Ah, I think it was just a communication, a little bit of both,” Boylen said, when asked who decided not to practice. “This is what I think is necessary today. And players felt they needed a voice and to talk too. And that’s cool. That’s good. This is a family thing. This is open lines of communication. We’re still learning about each other. I’ve moved over the 18 inches (from assistant coach’s chair). They’re still learning how I want it. There’s been a little shock and awe here in the last seven days. And there’s an adjustment to that. And that’s OK.”

By benching the starters twice in five-for-five substitutions, Boylen walked the fine line between holding players accountable and embarrassing them.

“We needed to get a lot of stuff off our chest and be transparent,” guard Zach LaVine said Sunday. “I don’t think the players’ toughness should ever be questioned. I think that’s on us. I think that is a little bit of what we discussed in our meeting.”

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The post Report: Bulls Players Considered Boycotting a Team Practice appeared first on SLAM.

Check out the vid with LaVine above and our previous “Bag Talk” episode with Jayson Tatum below.

The post Zach LaVine Eats Candy DURING NBA GAMES?!? 🍫 | SLAM Bag Talk appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine’s free-throw with 0.2 seconds to go clinched the road win.

From Seattle Rotary to the big lights

— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) November 6, 2018

The 23-year-old scored all eight of Chicago’s points in double OT.

Per the AP:

“I was doing what I do to get us a lead,” LaVine said. “I try to get to the cup, get to the free-throw line. At the end of the day, I am going to do what I do to help us get a win.”

Emmanuel Mudiay’s coast-to-coast layup had tied the score with 2.7 seconds left in the second overtime. But, his foul sent a driving LaVine to the line for the winning free throw.

“I love the attack on that last possession to get to the free-throw line, which was obviously needed,” said Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. “Our guys needed to get a close one. The guys hung tough and they stuck together. We found a way to get it.”

The post Zach LaVine Drops a Career-High 41 Points on the Knicks appeared first on SLAM.

“Wake up around 9:00 am, get some food, head over to the gym with my trainer and work on whatever I’m working on that day,” he explains. “I do about an hour and a half workout there, then go get some more food. I either do a stretching session or what they call the R3Bar – you work on that for your core. Then drive up to my dad’s spot, lift or do a field workout. And then shoot again at night.”

The moments when Zach is not fixated on basketball are few and far between, but SLAM caught up with him on one of those atypical afternoons.

It’s about 2:30 pm on the West Coast and he has just finished testing out the new “Gambit” mode in Destiny 2: Forsaken – the most recent version of his favorite video game. The event, which took place at a studio near Zach’s hometown in Bellevue, Washington, was also attended by Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic.

Normally LaVine won’t throw on the headphones to play Destiny until very late in the evening, once all those hours of training have been completed. As a kid, his father actually worried that video games would sidetrack from his ambitious dream of making it to the NBA.

“I had a Game Cube all the way up until high school,” LaVine admits with a laugh, seeing that the console was extremely outdated by the time he reached that age.

But those potential distractions — either then or now — never truly got in the way. In fact, much of Zach’s “downtime” is spent on a court anyway.

“My hobby is playing basketball. When I’m messing around – I just bought my parents a house with a little workout facility and a court in the back – we go out there and play horse or one-on-one or something like that,” he says. “So basketball is pretty much my life.”

Living without the Playstation was tolerable. Living without basketball was not.

It wasn’t until February of 2017 that Zach got to experience that void. In a game against the Pistons, the Timberwolves guard elevated for a layup and came down awkwardly on his left knee. After being examined by the medical staff, LaVine actually battled through considerable pain for another six minutes of action until it became too much to bear.

An MRI the following morning revealed the extent of the damage: Torn ACL.

For an ambitious 21-year-old just beginning to solidify himself in the League, having to suddenly watch from the sidelines in street clothes wasn’t easy. The former UCLA Bruin was having the best season of his career to that point, averaging 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest.

“It was terrible sitting out the season. It felt like it was so long because I was waiting to play,” he describes. “Obviously it makes you hungrier because you’re not able to go out there and show what you can do. It’s not that you get forgotten about, but other things come into people’s minds because you haven’t been playing. So you want to get back out there – take a hold of what was yours.”

That opportunity would have to wait nearly a year, as LaVine worked to regain his health and explosiveness. The long road back would require a lot of patience, a lot of Destiny and even a change of scenery. Roughly four months after sustaining the injury, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in the blockbuster deal for All-Star Jimmy Butler. Amid his summer of rehab, Zach had to gather his things and relocate to the Windy City.

His Bulls debut came the ensuing January, midway through the 2017-18 campaign. LaVine had to get re-acclimated to the NBA speed and learn to mesh with his new team all at once – a task that, unsurprisingly, proved challenging.

There were flashes of what makes LaVine such an intriguing player to build around. He has exceptional athleticism (as the two dunk contest titles have made clear) and can score in a multitude of ways, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses with his quick first step and range from the perimeter.

Against his former team in early February, Zach led the Bulls to a 114-113 victory with a season-high 35 points, including the final 11. He caught a body in Sacramento, showing that elite elevation to get above the rim.

Yet the talented wing would struggle to establish a good rhythm, averaging just 16.7 points on a career-low 38 percent shooting in 24 outings. With the Bulls out of playoff contention, LaVine was shut down in March due to tendinitis in the same troublesome knee.

The impression you get in talking with Zach is that the real, full-blown return still looms – and the entire summer has been dedicated to ensuring it goes as planned. From the early morning workouts to the evening shooting sessions, LaVine has seen enough results to tell SLAM definitively, and repeatedly, that he is “back 100 percent.”

“I got my speed back, my jumping back,” he says. “Once you get off an ACL injury, you’re lifting and eating. So I got up to, like, 210 pounds. I’ve never been that heavy before. I’m not a post-up player. I’m fast, a more athletic guy. I got back down to the weight I need to be at [185 pounds], but still I feel strong. I feel really good, man. I’m excited for the season.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls re-affirmed their faith in LaVine, swiftly matching a four-year, $78 million deal he signed with the Kings as a restricted free agent. Zach has since clarified that he never wanted to leave and was hoping Chicago would meet the offer.

“We’re excited to have him back,” Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said at the recent Summer League. “He’s a 23-year-old. He has as good athleticism as anybody in this League.

“Obviously there’s a ton of value in Zach and what we feel he can bring long-term to the organization. And again, he fits with the way we want to play with his athleticism. Now that he’s got a taste and a feel for how we want to play, to have that full summer leading into training camp this year is very important.”

Not everyone sees the value that Hoiberg alluded to and some have made that known, voicing their opinions that the Bulls paid too steep a price to retain LaVine. These critics mostly point to defensive flaws and offensive inconsistency – two things Zach has been addressing in his training.

As for the dip in his field goal percentage, LaVine has studied plenty of film and is determined to eliminate all the deep 2’s from his game, knowing that he can create better looks using his handles and agility.

To be honest though, the outside noise really doesn’t bother Zach. You can detect in his tone just how confident he is in his own abilities.

“Over the last couple years, I’ve been trying to get better and better and I feel like I’m at the stage now where I should be trying to reach accolades like an All-Star and things like that,” he says. And as someone who has never made the postseason and is tired of going home early, Zach intends to help Chicago return there as fast as possible.

The front office has assembled a core of youngsters that they believe will blossom nicely as a unit. LaVine, point guard Kris Dunn and forward Lauri Markannen – all foundational pieces who came over in the Butler deal and have only appeared in 12 games together – will be joined by newcomers Jabari Parker, Wendell Carter Jr, and Chandler Hutchinson. Big man Bobby Portis has grown into a serious contributor off the bench. None of those players have celebrated their 24th birthday yet.

According to Zach, most guys reported early to camp by choice in order to make sure they develop the utmost chemistry. The team, which had the best attendance in the NBA despite going a woeful 27-55 last season, wants to give their passionate followers much more to cheer about in 2018-19.

A glance into the rafters at the United Center should provide all the motivation one needs. Six banners from the Michael Jordan era hang from the ceiling – mementoes of their storied past and not-so-subtle reminders that there is a history of winning in this building.

“Be ready,” Zach says, when asked if he has a message for Bulls fans. “Chicago is a big-time sports town and you deserve winners, and we’re going to try to get back to the glory days of the 1990s when you guys got spoiled.”

It’s going to take some time to be sure, but those fans can find hope in the fact that cornerstones like Zach LaVine are working tirelessly each and every day, from 9 am until the sun goes down, to get there.

—

Alex Squadron is an Associate Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @asquad510.

Photos via Getty Images. 

The post On The Rise: Zach LaVine is Back and Ready to Put on for Chicago 😤 appeared first on SLAM.

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The video has gained traction recently with Griffin causing the young group of future NBA players—including Devin Booker, D’Angelo Russell and Zach LaVine—to go nuts.

Last week, Griffin saw the video and had a good laugh:

“It’s crazy now, though, all these guys are in the League. It makes me feel old, but also I’m only like four years older than them. Crazy how fast that happens.”

Griffin also made sure to poke fun at Booker—who also took part in this summer’s Team USA training camp—for his haircut.

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The 23-year-old says the goal is to be “great on both ends of the floor.”

Sit-down with Bulls guard Zach LaVine, talking free agency, leading, defense and internal competition being fun (video in the link) https://t.co/0Fs4rioaf3 pic.twitter.com/NPbqDN2CAI

— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) July 23, 2018

The Chicago Bulls matched Sacramento’s four-year, $78 million contract offer for LaVine this summer.

Per NBC Sports Chicago:

“I never wanted to leave, that’s the main thing. But business is business,” LaVine said. “The offer sheet happened and thank God the Bulls matched it. That’s exactly what we wanted to happen. I never wanted it to get to that point.”

The goal, LaVine said, is to be great on both ends of the floor. He’s watched clips of his best and worst defensive moments this season, calling himself “my harshest critic” and said he’ll do what’s necessary to get better.

“I’m not gonna slack off from that,” LaVine said. “I hear people talk: ‘You can’t do this.’ it helps me pay more attention to it and get better. I could care less. It’s something I want to be better at, and I want to be great on both ends.”

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RFA Zach LaVine has agreed to a four-year, $80M offer sheet with the Sacramento Kings, league sources tell Yahoo. The Chicago Bulls have 48 hours to match.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2018

The Bulls have decided to match Sacramento's $78M offer sheet to Zach LaVine, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2018

The $78 million deal is the richest non-max contract deal signed so far in free agency.

LaVine played 24 games last season after coming back from an ACL injury he suffered while with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. The athletic guard had little issues getting back up to game speed with his new squad in Chicago, averaging 16.7 points per contest over that span.

RELATED: Zach LaVine Says ‘I’m Not Going To Stop’ Until I’m ‘An Elite Player’

The post Report: Bulls Match Kings’ $78 Million Offer Sheet to Zach LaVine 💰 appeared first on SLAM.

https://t.co/GtiV82SRku

— Sun-Times Basketball (@suntimes_hoops) April 10, 2018

The Bulls went 27-55 this year, but LaVine says it’s only a matter of time until they’re a good team again.

LaVine, 23, returned from an ACL injury to average 16.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 24 games.

Per the Chicago Sun-Times:

“We’re going to be good,” LaVine said confidently. “We are. Not just saying that, either. You can’t let opportunity knock on the door and not open the door — that’s a quote from my dad by the way — but that’s the way I look at it. We could be something very special.”

False bravado from the Bulls guard? Maybe, especially considering a lot of the good feelings from this season are basically based on a six-week showing from early December through mid-January.

“I think individually what’s shown is that we’ve all had really strong points, so what would be the reason that when we did play together make it fool’s gold?” LaVine said. “We’re still getting used to everybody and there were some inconsistencies with guys not being there. There were some ups and downs . . . we had a really wacky season.

“All of that somehow plays a factor, but regardless, I don’t take that as fool’s gold or anything that people might say, because at the end of the day we’re going to make it work. We’re going to make sure it happens, because we’re all competitive as individuals and have team goals. Me personally, I know how big this progression is and the position we’re in, the opportunity we’re getting.”

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But in his brief return from an ACL injury, the athletic 6-5 guard showed flashes of what he’s capable of, averaging 16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists through 24 outings.

In a recent interview with Bulls.com’s Sam Smith, LaVine stressed his intense desire to reach a high level:

Bulls.com: What did you feel you showed about your game?

LaVine: “That I can be that consistent number one scorer guy, that number one option. I think everybody sees me as being one of the leaders on the team. I want to be that guy in that role and continue to show that. I’ve shown some spots of that and I’m going to continue to work at that. Going to the offseason that’s what I’m working at. I want to be an elite player in this league and I’m not going stop until I’m at that stage.”

LaVine, a UCLA product, was selected 13th by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 draft. He was shipped to Chicago in the blockbuster deal for Jimmy Butler this past summer.

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The post Zach LaVine: ‘I’m Not Going To Stop’ Until I’m ‘An Elite Player’ appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine and Dunn have missed the Bulls previous 9 games as they deal with a sore knee and turf toe, respectively.

Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn are done for season, per Bulls. Not enough time/practices to get them in game shape.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 2, 2018

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With five straight wins since acquiring Blake Griffin, it seemed nothing could stop the Detroit Pistons–that is, until Lou Williams took over the second half as the Clippers pulled away in the fourth quarter to snap the streak. Williams scored 26 points for Los Angeles while Griffin had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

No handshakes for Blake Griffin following a loss to the Clippers (via @DefPenHoops) pic.twitter.com/AjsszG8r7C

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

LOU WILL SHOOTS IT FROM SOUTH GWINNETT…

…BANG (via @LAClippers) pic.twitter.com/nEyXCBWvMg

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

BLAKE GRIFFIN IS FEELIN’ ’D UP AFTER THIS BLOCK (via @DetroitPistons) pic.twitter.com/ZENjVX7Y91

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Pelicans 82 (28-26), 76ers 100 (27-25)

The 76ers outscored the Pelicans 32-14 in the first quarter and never looked back as Dario Saric and Joel Embiid each scored 24 points to lead the way. Ben Simmons flirted with a triple-double, notching 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

JOEL EMBIID SAYS NOPE

(via @Sixers) https://t.co/2Jtv1JasHP

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Cavaliers 123 (32-22), Hawks 107 (17-39)

The Cavaliers didn’t have use of the six players acquired during Thursday’s trade deadline day, but it didn’t matter as LeBron James set a career-record in assists in his 22-point, 18-assist and 12-rebound triple-double. Kyle Korver led all scorers with 30 points as he hit 7-of-13 from behind the arc.

Hawks fans chanting “LeBron will leave you!” Savage. (via @BBallSociety_) https://t.co/QYyvg3CqlS

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

LeBron got DIMES (via @Cavs) https://t.co/mNfz4CnmzK

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

LeBron joining #JellyFam? (via @johnschuhmann) pic.twitter.com/MNawQQIPeY

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Pacers 97 (31-25), Celtics 91 (40-17)

The Celtics have had a knack for comeback wins this year and nearly overcame a 26-point deficit against the Pacers, but it wasn’t enough as Victor Oladipo scored 35 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and snatched five steals for Indiana to hold off the Eastern Conference leaders.

Bucks 85 (30-24), Heat 91 (30-26)

Dwyane Wade didn’t light up the stat sheet as he scored just three points in 22 minutes, but his presence brought the American Airlines Arena crowd to life as Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside combined for 27 points and 26 rebounds.

BAM WHITESIDE JUST SNATCHED A SHOT OUT OF THE AIR (via @MiamiHEAT) https://t.co/WUj2mEZtCN

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Another look of the crowd reaction when Dwyane Wade checked in (via @WillManso) pic.twitter.com/xdFnWAUWEE

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

HEEEE’S BAAAAAACK (via @MiamiHEAT) https://t.co/lZMn9i6ePH

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Nuggets 104 (29-26), Rockets 130 (41-13)

The Rockets’ offense rolled from start to finish, largely in part from Clint Capela’s 23 points and 25 rebounds (seven offensive). James Harden scored 28 points in 27 minutes.

Trey Lyles scored 24 off the bench for the Nuggets.

I fell three times just watching Chris Paul dribble (via @HoustonRockets) https://t.co/TF17kETUVw

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Hornets 94 (23-32), Jazz 106 (27-28)

Donovan Mitchell continued to send a message to the mid-lottery teams that passed on him, scoring 25 points and punching home a jaw-dropping dunk against the Hornets. Joe Ingles added 23 and Rudy Gobert scored another 20.

TAKE FLIGHT DONOVAN MITCHELL (via @utahjazz) https://t.co/z5x3Uzaruy

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Timberwolves 113 (34-24), Bulls 114 (19-35)

Jimmy Butler said he’s had this game marked on his calendar for a while now and it showed as he dropped 38 points against his former team; however, Zach LaVine, one of the three players the Bulls got in return for Butler in last summer’s trade, took over the fourth quarter as he scored all 11 of Chicago’s final points en route to 35 for the night.

Five other Bulls–Bobby Portis (11), Lauri Markkanen (12), Robin Lopez (19), Jerian Grant (14) and Justin Holiday (12)–supported LaVine with double-digit points.

ZACH LAVINE IS COLD BLOODED (via @chicagobulls) pic.twitter.com/7uZFVTEogy

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Karl-Anthony Towns is STRONG (via @Timberwolves) https://t.co/NsjjZ4mf0E

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Trail Blazers 118 (31-25), Kings 100 (17-37)

Dame Lillard became the second Trail Blazer to score 50 points in just three quarters of work in two weeks (C.J. McCollum did it on Jan. 31) as Portland rolled over Sacramento. On top of the points, Lillard also had six assists and just two turnovers.

Buddy Hield hit five 3-pointers in 16 minutes off the bench for the Kings.

The Kings want NOTHING more to do with Dame Lillard. pic.twitter.com/H3xU7UzEL9

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

Dame from the logo! (via @trailblazers) pic.twitter.com/jjpVWC1uXF

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 10, 2018

The post Post Up: Dame Lillard Scores 50, Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler Duel appeared first on SLAM.

Saturday’s opener set the tone for the ensuing games as Julius Randle (23 points, 15 rebounds) stepped up in overtime to lead the Lakers to a victory in his hometown of Dallas. Dennis Smith Jr. out-dueled fellow rookie point guard Lonzo Ball in a 23-point performance.

Jordan Clarkson with some Mamba moves (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/iADtIYekYn

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 13, 2018

Kings 105 (13-29), Clippers 126 (21-21)

Los Angeles won the 10th game of its last 13 contests as Lou Williams’ hot streak continued with 26 points. It was a collective effort, though, as eight different Clippers scored double-digit points while DeAndre Jordan sat out the first game of his NBA career due to an ankle sprain. De’Aaron Fox had 17 points and 10 assists for the Kings.

The Clippers’ Carolina kids hook up for points (via @LAClippers) pic.twitter.com/2xPSl6fk3U

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 13, 2018

Thunder 101 (23-20), Hornets 91 (16-25)

Neither team shot higher than 41 percent from the field, but the Thunder were able to capitalize off of the Hornets’ 14 turnovers to earn a win on the road. Russell Westbrook had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 7 dimes.

That Queen City classic look pic.twitter.com/jTHMum5Ed1

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 13, 2018

Nets 113 (16-27), Wizards 119 (25-18)

The Nets continued the inspiring, gritty play that has been a theme of their 2017-18 campaign, but couldn’t get the job done in overtime after overcoming a 23-point deficit. John Wall capped off a 23-point, 16-assist night with a dagger shot with 9 seconds to go in overtime to make it a two-score game. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 24 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Nets with 22.

Oh, Jarrett Allen is like THAT (via @BrooklynNets) https://t.co/k27kWecopG

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

2⃣3⃣ points.

1⃣6⃣ assists.

1⃣ dagger in OT.

That’s #WallWay. pic.twitter.com/xY1Di0O6Uk

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

Warriors 127 (35-9), Raptors 125 (29-12)

DeMar DeRozan got off to a fast start as he scored 19 first quarter points, but the game still looked far out of reach as the Warriors led by as many as 27 in the first half; however, Drake and the home crowd in Toronto had the Air Canada Centre rocking as the Raptors charged back to cut the deficit to one late in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t enough, though, as clutch buckets from Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry put the game to bed. DeRozan finished the night with 42 points.

Drake let KD know what he though of that missed dunk

“That was ” (via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/ZUqrO9MO1N

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

Pistons 105 (22-19), Bulls 107 (16-27)

These Bulls may not be who we thought they were. Seven different players scored at least nine points and Zach LaVine made a triumphant return as he dropped 14 points in 19 minutes. Rookie Lauri Markkanen continued to impress as he led the Bulls with 19 points in 27 minutes. Avery Bradley scored 26 points for the Pistons.

ZACH LAVINE IS SHOOTING 100% FROM THE FIELD IN 2018 (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/YUcoo5Mhin

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

Getcha’ popcorn out because the Zach LaVine show is here to stay in the Windy City (via @chicagobulls) pic.twitter.com/UQSQIUHFMj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

Zach LaVine is soaking in the Windy City Love (via @nbatv) pic.twitter.com/BWpwj41elj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

Spurs 112 (28-15), Nuggets 80 (22-20)

Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points and had 4 steals as the Spurs throttled the Nuggets. Danny Green also made his return to the Spurs’ starting lineup and scored 11 points in 18 minutes. Nikola Jokic stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

GINOBLI DUNKS FOREVER (via @spurs) https://t.co/fycjJf4SUp

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 14, 2018

The post Post Up: Zach LaVine’s Return Highlights Night of Close Games appeared first on SLAM.

The Bulls assigned LaVine to their G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, to complete his rehab. Watch the video below to see how the high-flying LaVine’s progressing:

LaVine averaged nearly 19 points in his 47 games last season. The Bulls have a 5-20 record but have talented youngsters in Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn to help LaVine when he returns at some point in the next month.

Related
Zach LaVine Reportedly Agrees to Four-Year Contract with Adidas

The post Zach LaVine Working Out with Bulls G-League Team appeared first on SLAM.

The 22-year-old is moving on, though, agreeing to a four-year contract with adidas worth $35 million.

“I was looking for a partner that would grow with me as my career continues to unfold,” LaVine told ESPN. “Adidas convinced me that I have a chance to legitimately become a face of the brand.

“The direction the company is going in from a branding perspective has been impressive,” LaVine continued. “In recent years, they’ve been innovative and creative with both their marketing strategies and products. The way they positioned themselves and explained to me that I’d lead their next wave of players was huge.”

Adidas, with their focus on lifestyle sneakers and apparel, as well as innovative basketball silhouettes, has built out a roster of young and athletic players, including Andrew Wiggins, James Harden and Damian Lillard, among others. LaVine will return to wearing their products, like he did during his lone season at UCLA in 2013-14.

LaVine tore his left ACL last February and is on track to make his Chicago Bulls debut at some point this February. He was the key piece in a draft night trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Minnesota.

LaVine’s contract with Nike included a match clause, allowing the Swoosh to retain LaVine. They declined that option, freeing the two-time Dunk Contest champion up to become one of the faces of the Three Stripes brand moving forward.

h/t ESPN

The post Zach LaVine Reportedly Agrees to Four-Year Contract with Adidas appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine’s original contract with Nike is set to expire at the end of September. According to ESPN, he’s about to look at the open market and take meetings with adidas, Anta and Nike, where his mix of on-court success and off-court fame will make him a big draw.

“He’s now in the same market that former MVPs Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose created their legacies in,” Nima Namakian, LaVine’s agent at BDA Sports, said to ESPN. “Being the focal point in Coach [Fred] Hoiberg’s up-tempo offense, focused on movement and spacing, plays to Zach’s strengths and should elevate his overall game and performance to an elite level.

“For the next phase of his career, Zach is looking for an organic partnership where the brand’s belief and vision is genuine and aligned with his,” Namakian said. “He wants to be a creative and engaged partner working together in continuing to grow his brand globally.”

A deal with Anta could push LaVine’s brand far outside of America. Klay Thompson, another BDA client, has an $80 million deal with Anta. His products reportedly appear in more than 8,000 stores across China. And LaVine will most likely be more interested in marketing than the relatively reserved Thompson, making the possibility of a signature line much more enticing for Anta.

Adidas will be in the mix too, banking on their red-hot success of late, both on and off the court. The incumbent Nike’s not going anywhere, either. ESPN reports that the Swoosh is going to make a hard push to keep LaVine on their roster. They also hold a match clause, giving them 10 business days to match any offer that LaVine receives. We recently spoke to LaVine about his love of Kobe’s Nike silhouettes. He counts the Nike Kobe 1 as one of his favorite sneakers. He’s worn Air Jordans, contemporary Nike models and nearly all of Kobe Bryant’s sneakers since coming into the League.

LaVine’s expected to make a decision by the end of September. Keep it locked for more updates.

h/t ESPN

The post Zach LaVine to Reportedly Meet With Domestic and International Brands About Upcoming Sneaker Deal appeared first on SLAM.

Watch the video above to see J. Crossover get messed with by actor Thomas Lennon, from Reno 911! Crawford has to spin around in circles and put fake tears in his eyes, all to LaVine’s amusement.

Related
Zach LaVine Talks Dunking on Alex Len and His Favorite Kobes
Jamal Crawford and Zach LaVine Duel at the Seattle Pro-Am

Video courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live

The post Zach LaVine Pranks Jamal Crawford appeared first on SLAM.

Last week, LaVine was one of the first people to get their hands on the all-new Destiny 2 (releasing September 8). We caught up with a very hyped LaVine after he had ran through the game a little bit.

SLAM: You’re one of the first people to play Destiny 2. What’s your reaction?

Zach LaVine: It’s ridiculous. They’ve got so many new, different things in the game. The guns, the gameplay, it’s a totally different vibe. It made my day.

SLAM: Is there anything that surprised you when you jumped in?

ZL: The shooting is really smooth. Everything is on point. It registers really fast. The movements are a little bit different. They have a whole new system. They have a new ability, instead of just your melees, your grenades. It’s really cool.

SLAM: In the introduction to the game, the developers said that it was built for both vets and rookies. Where do you fall on that scale? What’s your playing style like?

ZL: I’ve been playing Destiny since it came out, but I’m still not the best at it. I would say I’m a really competitive decent player (laughs). I’m not gonna be the best, but I’ll play the hell outta it.

SLAM: Karl-Anthony Towns is a big video game guy. You gonna pass him the sticks any time soon?

ZL: He’s really good on Call of Duty, but I gotta try to get him over to Destiny. It’s a totally new thing over here. Me, him and Andrew could all be running strikes together (laughs).

SLAM: You played in a lot of Kobes this past season. How many pairs of Kobes you have?

ZL: I have the whole FTB pack. I’m sponsored by Nike so I try to bring back some of the old school Kobes. I can’t wear adidas, but when I was at college I used to wear a lot of the Crazy 1s. My favorite ones are the Kobe 1s, the ones with Nike, that he scored 81 in. I wore those a couple of times this year. And then I think it might be the 5s that are favorites as well. Those are comfortable.

SLAM: What about off the court? A lot of people wear Kobes everyday.

ZL: The Mentality’s are cool to train in if I’m doing a field workout. I just got on my hands on a pair of the ADs. I’ve been wearing those on the treadmill. Outside of that, I think Kobes are more of a basketball and training shoe. You could still wear it but for more outfits, swag type things I might put some designer shoes on.

SLAM: You’ve said that your dunk against Alex Len might be your best body-to-body, but you didn’t really show any reaction after that dunk. What was the reaction from the squad after that joint?

ZL: Nah, they all went ballistic. They were really surprised that he jumped because I had a clear lane. That’s how basketball is though, man. You don’t wanna get too high or get too high. I’ve dunked on people before so it’s not anything. I kinda stared him down a little bit, looked at the bench. But it’s in the middle of the game, so Thibs is always yelling to get your ass back. You can’t really celebrate too much.

SLAM: Is that your favorite dunk?

ZL: I caught a tip-dunk my rookie year that I really enjoyed (watch it below). I feel like [the Len] one was probably it, because it was on a big stage game, it was highly televised. I feel like it’s the most known.

https://youtu.be/aEBOffHcpBc?t=3m3s

–

Max Resetar is an Associate Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @maxresetar. Photos by Randy Shropshire and Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Activision

The post Zach LaVine Talks Destiny 2, Kobes and Dunking appeared first on SLAM.

Fans will able to vote on NBA.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag of the award name, followed by the first and last name of the player. So if you would like to vote for Zach LaVine for Dunk of the Year, you would write #DunkOfTheYear Zach Lavine. Easy.

Check out the nominees for the aforementioned categories below:

#DunkOfTheYear

Los Angeles Lakers’ Larry Nance, Jr. vs. Brooklyn

Minnesota’s Zach LaVine vs. Phoenix

Oklahoma City’s Victor Oladipo vs. Atlanta

#BestStyle

Cleveland’s Iman Shumpert

Chicago’s Dwyane Wade

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook

#BlockOfTheYear

San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard vs. Houston

New York’s Kristaps Porzingis vs. Brooklyn

Miami’s Hassan Whiteside vs. Toronto

#GameWinnerOfTheYear

Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving vs. Golden State

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook vs. Denver

Phoenix’s Tyler Ulis vs. Boston

#TopPerformanceOfTheYear

Phoenix’s Devin Booker 70-point game vs. Boston

Houston’s James Harden nets 53-16-17 triple double vs. New York

Golden State’s Klay Thompson scores 60 in three quarters vs. Indiana

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook with most points in a triple double, 57-13-11, vs. Orlando

#AssistOfTheYear

Golden State’s Draymond Green to Stephen Curry to Kevin Durant

Denver’s Nikola Jokic with no-look pass

LA Clippers’ Chris Paul with wraparound pass

Related
Drake To Host, Produce Inaugural NBA Awards Show

The post NBA Unveils Nominees For Six Fan-Voted NBA Award Categories appeared first on SLAM.

Featuring the classic ‘Nique vs. Jordan showdown from ’88 to last year’s epic Aaron Gordon vs. Zach LaVine dunk off, the video covers it all. Check it above.

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2017 Slam Dunk Contest Participants Announced

The post WATCH: Best of the NBA Dunk Contest From 1984-2016 appeared first on SLAM.

LaVine injured his knee during the fourth quarter of Friday’s game against the Pistons.

#Twolves guard Zach LaVine will miss the remainder of the season after MRI reveals a torn ACL in left knee. Full Release: pic.twitter.com/5XLd9P0MMK

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) February 4, 2017

LaVine was third in the NBA in minutes at 37.2 mpg, with a career-best 18.9 points, 3.4 boards and 3.0 assists.

The post Zach LaVine Out For Season With Torn ACL appeared first on SLAM.

In other news, the Knicks recently called the Cavs, Clippers and Celtics to “probe their interest in a trade” for Carmelo Anthony. The Melo Era in New York appears to be nearing its end.

And lastly, Melo, Dwyane Wade, Damian Lillard and Joel Embiid were among the list of snubs for the 2017 All-Star Game. The All-Star reserves were announced this week.

Make sure you follow SLAM on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all your NBA news as it breaks.

The post SLAM Week in Review: Carmelo On The Trade Block appeared first on SLAM.

No such luck.

LaVine will decline his chance at a threepeat, according to Basketball Insiders.

Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine won't compete in the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, sources told Basketball Insiders.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 25, 2017

Back in November, LaVine looked in prime dunk contest form, when he pulled off a 360 free-throw line dunk with apparent ease.

https://vine.co/v/5tV7P0Ql2YJ

LaVine is playing 37.1 minutes per game—third in the NBA—and had hinted at using the All-Star break to rest while on a December podcast with Chris Mannix of The Vertical.

RELATED:
WATCH: Zach LaVine With 360-Degree Free-Throw Line Dunk
Zach LaVine Drops Career-Best 40 Points

The post Report: Zach LaVine Declined 2017 Dunk Contest Invite appeared first on SLAM.

#TWolves' largest lead of the night after @ZachLaVine's 3! Watch @Timberwolves now on @FSnorth PLUS, #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/O7Aik4jfPR pic.twitter.com/8UcrCTe4K5

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) January 18, 2017

The post WATCH: Zach LaVine Elevates for Alley-Oop appeared first on SLAM.

Slam dunk king, @ZachLaVine takes flight and throws it down! #PowerOfThePack pic.twitter.com/mERSzan13A

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) January 2, 2017

The post WATCH: Zach LaVine Pulls Off the Steal and Slam appeared first on SLAM.

Nic Batum registered the night’s first big game. He racked up 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block and 1 steal. It’s his first trip-dub of the season and the Hornets third straight win. Kemba Walker had 20 and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Both Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson were ejected late in the game for retaliating to what they thought was dirty play. Jimmy Butler did his best to keep Chicago in it, scoring 26, but he couldn’t get the Bulls to recover from their 38% shooting from the field.

Damn, RoLo. https://t.co/p8RhdzDHEf

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Magic 109 (14-18), Lakers 90 (11-22)

The Magic set a franchise record with 9 blocked shots in the first quarter. The Lakers never got close after that. They shot just 35% for the game.

The @OrlandoMagic set a franchise record with 9 blocks in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/pKeq6cgkWq

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

For Orlando, Elfrid Payton had 25 points and 9 dimes. He was backed up by four other Magic players in double-figures. They never trailed and built as much as a 25-point lead.

Cavs 119 (22-6), Nets 99 (7-22)

Gotta feel bad for the Nets. 24 hours after they surrendered a 16-point lead to the Warriors, they get absolutely jumped by the Cavs. LeBron James scored 19, Kevin Love grabbed 15 boards and Kyrie Irving dished out 10 assists. The wine & gold led by as many as 46 at one point. This one was never a contest. The Nets have now lost five in a row.

The King making his presence felt. https://t.co/waT7NUgwhc

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Thunder 117 (18-12), Celtics 112 (17-13)

Russell Westbrook isn’t human. He’s a basketball robot sent from the future to change the way we think about hoops. He went off for 45 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Boston. Isaiah Thomas had a masterful 34 points and 10 dimes, but it doesn’t matter because Russ just sucks up all the life that’s around him on the floor. He’s become a force. He stepped up huge in the clutch, scoring OKC’s final 15 points of the game. ROBOT.

Dagger. https://t.co/QIN4CBoFIJ

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Warriors 119 (27-4), Pistons 113 (14-18)

This game was tied with 1:31 left. Draymond Green broke free for his first basket of the night and the Warriors were able to hold on. Kevin Durant shot 13-18 for 32 points and Stephen Curry had 25 and 8 assists. JaVale McGee chipped in 15 off the bench.

The Pistons forced 23 turnovers, the most that the Warriors have coughed up this season. Tobias Harris had 26 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 25. Despite the turnovers, the Dubs shot 55% and overcame 18 lead changes and 10 ties.

Steph https://t.co/W4M0piiiqo

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Bucks 123 (14-14), Wizards 96 (13-16)

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s getting better by the day. The Greek Freak scored a career-high 39 tonight, to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He was hitting midrange pullups, driving finger-rolls, sweeping baby hooks. He was dunking on folks. He did it all. There was no way he was going to let the Bucks lose this game. Jabari Parker added an efficient 21 points and 8 ‘bounds, while Greg Monroe pulled down 11 rebounds and Malcolm Brogdon had 7 assists. The Bucks shot 56% from the field, 24-27 from the line and led by as many as 31. John Wall had 18 and 10 in the loss.

.@Giannis_An34 was flying! https://t.co/qRpKqZshP2

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Grizzlies 115 (20-12), Rockets 109 (22-9)

The Grizzlies showed up late, using a 21-5 fourth quarter run to take the lead from the Rockets. Mike Conley had 24 and Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph both scored 16.

Jarrell Martin gettin' up for the putback. https://t.co/aOz8Hbc0Mi

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Ryan Anderson shot 8-14 from distance on his way to 31 points. James Harden had 17 assists, 16 points, 9 turnovers and 7 rebounds.

Pelicans 91 (11-21), Heat 87 (10-21)

Even though the Pelicans haven’t been able to win consistently, Anthony Davis is still balling. The Brow had a career-best 22 rebounds to go with his 28 points and 4 blocks. He shot 10-17 from the field, out-dueling Hassan Whiteside’s 10 points and 18 rebounds.

The Heat had a 14-point lead in the third and the Brow had 19 of his points and 14 of his rebounds in the second half. Jrue Holiday and Langston Galloway helped Davis. The Pels scored 37 points in the last 16 minutes to seal it.

Kings 109 (13-17), Wolves 105 (9-20)

Zach LaVine hit 40 points for the first time in his career, also making 7 three-pointers, which is another personal best. He’s proving himself to be a dynamic offensive threat, capable of scoring binges.

But DeMarcus Cousins is also a beast. Kinfolk had 21 of his 32 in the second half, and also had 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. He led the Kings back from a 9-point second half deficit. Sac-Town hit a season-high 15 treys, with 5 coming from Anthony Tolliver’s cannon.

But @boogiecousins is 6-11. Is he allowed to cross people up? Isn't that unfair? https://t.co/zadtYsk6Ca

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Hawks 109 (15-15), Nuggets 108 (12-18)

The Hawks were down 108-100 with 1:38 left. In that final stretch, they didn’t make a single field goal. Instead, they shot 9-9 from the free throw line to secure a very strange road win. Paul Millsap made the g0-ahead buckets after getting fouled on a jumper from the left baseline with 6 seconds left. He had 20, Dennis Schroeder had 27 for Atlanta, who was without Dwight Howard.

Raptors 104 (21-8), Jazz 98 (18-13)

After missing most of the third quarter because of a busted lip that required stitches, Kyle Lowry delivered one of his best quarters. He shot 9-10 in the final frame, scoring 19 of his 36. He was devastating. He got to the rack, hit a three from the parking lot and hit backbreaking middies. The 36 points (15-20 shooting) is a season-high for Lowry. Gordon Hayward had 23 for Utah. The Jazz lost a 5-point fourth quarter advantage.

Suns 123 (9-21), Sixers 116 (7-22)

The Suns shot 12-26 from distance and 27-37 from the line. Behind a combined 47 points and 17 assists from Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker, they survived 27 points and 7 boards from Joel Embiid.

Spurs 110 (24-6), Blazers 90 (13-19)

Kawhi Leonard hit 5 three-balls to finish with 33 points. It’s his eighth game of 30 or more this season. He was 9-15 from the field and 5-7 from deep. As a team, the Spurs shot 12-20 from outside the arc and 20-21 at the foul line. They had more steals, blocks and rebounds than the Blazers and Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum only scored a combined 32 points. The Blazers have now lost five in a row.

Patty –> Kawhi. https://t.co/KytLTzfmJM

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

Mavs 90 (9-21), Clippers 88 (22-9)

Harrison Barnes sank the game-winning bucket with 3 seconds remaining to give him 24 points on the game. Deron Williams had 12 points and 9 assists and Dirk Nowitzki made his return after sitting the previous 14 games because of a strained right Achilles. He dropped a light 17 points in 14 minutes, but he didn’t play at all in the second half.

Game-winner for @hbarnes! https://t.co/q7ggOGMJ7n

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

The Clippers were without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Austin Rivers picked up the scoring slack, drilling 4 three-pointers on his way to 16 points. Jamal Crawford had 26 points. DeAndre Jordan pulled down 17 rebounds but only had 7 points. JJ Redick also struggled, scoring 11 points.

So good to see Dirk back on the court. https://t.co/4yK5PBPC4m

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2016

The post Post Up: Stat Sheet Stuffing appeared first on SLAM.

The post Zach LaVine Drops Career-Best 40 Points appeared first on SLAM.

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WATCH: Top-25 Crossovers and Ankle Breakers From Week of Nov. 22

The post WATCH: Top-10 Crossovers From November appeared first on SLAM.

It took the Spurs a little bit of time to wake up for this early game in Boston. The Cs led by 14 in the first quarter thanks to a slow start from the Spurs’ starters. David Lee then led a big charge from San Antonio’s bench. The second unit finished with 56 points, including 15 points and 12 rebounds from Lee. With 19 from Patty Mills and a career-high 15 from rookie Davis Bertans, they outscored the Spurs starters.

The Celtics won the assist battle and had fewer turnovers than the Spurs, but they shot only 9 free-throws, compared to 25 from the silver & black. Isaiah Thomas had 24 and 8 for Boston, Jae Crowder chipped in 18 and Avery Bradley got 19 points and 8 rebounds.

David Lee goes strong to the rim. https://t.co/hIWlNnlhxT

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 25, 2016

Wizards 94 (5-9), Magic 91 (6-10)

John Wall jumped on the Magic early, helping the Wizards build a 26-7 lead. He had 5 dimes and 3 steals midway through the first. But Orlando slowly climbed back into the game by keeping the Wizards out of the lane after that big first quarter. Washington had just 10 free-throw attempts.

In the end, Wall proved too much for Orlando. He scored the final 8 points for the Wizards. The Magic had 19 turnovers and 18 assists. Serge Ibaka had 19 points and 4 blocks and Nik Vucevic had 17 points and 17 rebounds. Wall led the ‘Zards with 26 points and 10 helpers. All five starters scored in double-figures for Washington. Bradley Beal had a season-high 8 assists.

Bradley Beal got Evan Fournier in a chokehold tonight. (via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/7h4romcHd0

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Cavs 128 (13-2), Mavs 90 (2-13)

The Cavs are on fire. A game after scoring 40, Kevin Love led Cleveland with 27 points and 10 rebounds. He was backed up by 25 from Kyrie Irving and 19 points and 11 assists from LeBron James. The wine & gold led by as many as 45, limiting Dallas to 8-35 from downtown and 8-12 from the foul line. The Cavs made 20 threes and every player on their roster scored. Dirk Nowitzki had 15 for Dallas.

Knicks 113 (8-7), Hornets 111 (8-7)

There were 22 lead changes and 17 ties in this one. The Knicks led early, then the Hornets took control between the second and third quarters. During the fourth, they traded body blows, eventually needing overtime to decide a winner.

Carmelo Anthony stepped up for New York, registering a season-high 35, making the game-winner with 3 seconds remaining. The Knicks have now won six in a row at the Garden and three straight overall. The Hornets get a shot at revenge when they host the Knicks on Saturday night.

Game winner for @carmeloanthony. Slight work. pic.twitter.com/xAUx24lkgu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Bulls 105 (10-6), Sixers 89 (4-12)

The Bulls ended their six-game road trip with a 4-2 record, capping off two weeks on the road with a wire-to-wire win against Philly. Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler both had 26. Rajon Rondo had team-highs in assists and rebounds, with 10 and 8, respectively. Without Joel Embiid (rest), the Bulls built the lead up to 28, giving their starters some much needed rest towards the end of this game.

Pistons 108 (8-9), Clippers 97 (14-3)

The Clippers suffered just their third loss of the season because of a balanced team effort from Detroit. The Pistons grinded their way to this win with 17 from Marcus Morris, 16 from Andre Drummond, Ish Smith and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 15 from Tobias Harris and 11 from Jon Leuer. They simply outplayed LA, earning this win with pure determination. The Pistons had more rebounds, three-pointers and steals, and fewer turnovers than the Clippers.

LA grabbed an 82-80 lead thanks to a JJ Redick barrage late in the third. But there was no way Detroit was losing this game, overcoming 24 from both Redick and Griffin, and a season-best 15 assists from Chris Paul.

.@AndreDrummond coming through for the big finish! https://t.co/7IlTOCfCcz

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Jazz 95 (9-8), Hawks 68 (10-6)

The Hawks hadn’t scored fewer than 92 points all season. But Utah put the clamps on them. Atlanta also had season-lows in assists and field goals, getting only 11 dimes and 26 buckets. Dennis Schroder scored 16 for the Hawks, but needed 19 shots to do it.

Utah had their best defensive performance of the season, which is saying a lot. The Jazz currently have the second-best Defensive Rating in the League, trailing only the Hawks. The Jazz had 55 total rebounds, 9 blocks and 9 steals. It marked the third time this year that they’ve gotten at least 50 rebounds. They’ve won all three of those games.

Rudy Gobert had 5 rejections and Shelvin Mack had 4 takeaways. Gordon Hayward led the Jazz in scoring with 24, while George Hill had 23.

Gordie with the swat! https://t.co/SzeFZsWigd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Raptors 105 (10-6), Bucks 99 (6-8)

Somebody gotta stop DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in the clutch. DeRozan hit a downhill midrange jumpers with two defenders in his face, Lowry drilled a 27-footer with 1:06 left, then he got a steal to put the dagger in Milwaukee. The duo combined for 45 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. They scored Toronto’s final 13 points.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds on 12-17 shooting. But that monster performance will go unnoticed because of how lethal DeRozan and Lowry were. DeRozan led Toronto in rebounding and Lowry led them in assists.

Gonna take more than two defenders to stop @DeMar_DeRozan these days. https://t.co/WQD4S31vB3

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Heat 90 (5-10), Grizzlies 81 (10-6)

The Grizzlies inexplicably brought Mike Conley off the bench tonight in their loss to the Heat, citing minutes-management as the reason. Conley still led the team in scoring, but didn’t get any help. JaMychal Green was the only other member of the Grizz to score in double-figures. Without Zach Randolph (indefinite leave of absence to mourn the passing of his mother), Memphis didn’t have the firepower.

Tyler Johnson had 22 for Miami. Four other Heat players scored at least 10 points and Miami led for the whole game.

.@dionwaiters3 with the ill crossover. https://t.co/R7GvSDttzu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 26, 2016

Pacers 118 (8-9), Nets 97 (4-11)

The Pacers are dealing with some major injury problems at the moment. Paul George sat out yet another game, and will miss the next three because of injuries to his left ankle and back. CJ Miles’ return is uncertain and Kevin Seraphin will also miss at least the next three games to rehab his sore knee. With three rotation players out, the Pacers used their depth to rout the Nets.

Glenn Robinson III made the most out of his second appearance in the starting lineup, dropping 20 points. Al Jefferson and Rodney Stuckey combined for 34 of Indiana’s 48 bench points. Myles Turner, Monta Ellis and Thad Young all scored at least 11 points.

After a close first quarter, the Pacers blew the game open and were up by as many as 31. Jeremy Lin hasn’t played since November 2 and his absence has really made a difference for the Nets, who have now lost six in a row.

Thunder 132 (9-8), Nuggets 129 (6-10)

Russell Westbrook put up yet another triple-double tonight, going for 36 points, 12 rebounds and an NBA season-high 18 assists. It’s his sixth of the season and 43rd of his career. He’s now sitting with season averages of 32 points, 10.9 assists and 9.8 rebounds. Yeah.

OKC had trouble putting the Nuggets away. Behind Wilson Chandler’s 32 points and a no-fear performance from 19-year-old Jamal Murray (20 points), Denver was able to keep Westbrook under wraps for three quarters. Even when Russ scored 24 points in the fourth and OT, the Nuggets were still right there, narrowly missing out on this win.

Wolves 98 (5-10), Suns 85 (5-12)

Zach LaVine had one of the best dunks of the season and the young Timberwolves were able to outlast the Suns for an impressive road victory, just their second win away from Target Center this season. Andrew Wiggins broke out of his three-game shooting slump to lead Minnesota with 25 points. Along with 22 from Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves pulled off a 23-point turnaround in the fourth quarter. The Wolves also got good minutes from Tyus Jones. The Suns committed a season-high 26 turnovers and scored only 10 points in the fourth.

Blazers 119 (9-9), Pelicans 104 (6-11)

This wasn’t an easy win for the Blazers. Anthony Davis and the Pelicans hung tough till late in the fourth, trailing 105-101. Then the Blazers responded with a quick 8-0 burst to seal the game. Davis went for 31 and 13. Jrue Holiday had 16 points off the bench. Langston Galloway and Terrence Jones helped New Orleans stick around, making timely buckets and key defensive stops.

Damian Lillard went off late in the third, pushing the Portland lead to 94-78. He finished with 27 points and 11 helpers. CJ McCollum had 24, Mason Plumlee had 12 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists, Mo Harkless had 19 points and 11 boards. Portland outrebounded New Orleans 52-34.

Warriors 109 (14-2), Lakers 85 (8-9)

No Nick Young, Julius Randle or D’Angelo Russell meant for trouble for the Lakers tonight. They played hard but Golden Sate’s on a roll. The Dubs last loss was on November 4, to the Lakers. They’ve seemingly figured out how to play together since then. Tonight, they had 31 assists on 43 field goals, getting 29 from Kevin Durant, 24 from Stephen Curry and 18 from Klay Thompson. That trio combined for 8 of GSW’s 11 triples on the night. Durant also chipped in a season-high 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

Jordan Clarkson had 20 for the Lakers. Luke Walton got great minutes of out Tariq Black and Thomas Robinson. They combined for just 14 points and 15 rebounds, but they infused LA with much needed energy and a willingness to compete.

Rockets 117 (10-6), Kings 104 (6-10)

The Rockets set a single-game NBA record with their 50 attempted three-pointers tonight. They made 21, paced by Trevor Ariza, who hit 6-11. Of the 10 Rockets that played, only Nene, Clint Capela and Montrezl Harrell didn’t make or attempt a three-ball. Everyone else hit at least one.

James Harden picked up his fourth triple-double of the season, getting 23, 10 and 10. He was one of seven Rockets to score in double-figures. Houston had 27 dimes on 40 baskets.

They held Sacramento to 9-32 shooting from outside. And though DeMarcus Cousins had 32, no other King had more than 12. Cousins made a career-best 5 three-pointers, but that couldn’t overcome the Rockets’ lead of as many as 29.

The post Post Up: Full Day appeared first on SLAM.

Alex Len definitely didn’t get the memo. Poor kid. He was just tryna do his job. But LaVine was not playing with this one. In what’s been a career full of huge dunks, this one might be his best yet. Check it out above.

The post Zach LaVine Dunks All Over Alex Len appeared first on SLAM.

Wiggins added a caption (rhetorically) asking if LaVine is headed for a three-peat at the Dunk Contest.

(H/T: reddit)

Related
Dr. J: 2016 Dunk Contest ‘As Good as the Wilkins-Jordan Showdown’

The post WATCH: Zach LaVine With 360-Degree Free-Throw Line Dunk appeared first on SLAM.

And yes, he definitely cheated his way a little bit, but who doesn’t love to see a huge flush from LaVine?

The post Zach LaVine Flies in for Putback appeared first on SLAM.

After the game, the UCLA product spoke on the team’s talent and what can happen if everyone is on the same page:

“It doesn’t matter whose hitting in a game, we find the man with the hottest hand,” he told ESPN. “We have so many dynamic players on this team. Once we get it all clicking you get a result like this tonight.”

LaVine is averaging 20.4 points, 2.3 assists and 3.9 boards per game. Check the highlights above.

Recap
WATCH: Zach Lavine Flies For the Dunk
WATCH: Best Dunks of 2016 NBA Preseason

The post WATCH: Zach LaVine Scores Career-High 37 Points appeared first on SLAM.

But it’s ridiculous how easy he makes this all look. First, he picks off the pass, then he soars from 10-feet out for a one-handed tomahawk. It’s just another Thursday night for Zach LaVine.

The post Zach LaVine Flies for the Dunk appeared first on SLAM.

As an appetizer for the regular season, feast your eyes on some impressive preseason dunks from the likes of Russell Westbrook, Karl-Anthony Towns, Brandon Ingram, Vince Carter, Zach LaVine, Kristaps Porzingis, Blake Griffin and more.

MORE SLAM MIXTAPES:
NBA Draft Class of 1996 Mixtape
LeBron James’ Top-10 Chasedown Blocks

Video by Meir21. Follow him on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

The post WATCH: Best Dunks of 2016 NBA Preseason appeared first on SLAM.

Peep the highlights above.

Video via NBA

Related
Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine Connect on Insane Alley-Oop in Nike Ad
Zach LaVine and Jamal Crawford Ball Out at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO)
WATCH: All 49 Zach LaVine Dunks from 2015-16 Season

The post WATCH: Zach LaVine Scores 30 Points Against Hornets appeared first on SLAM.

Crawford hit the game-winner, but it was LaVine who provided the night’s most ridiculous highlight—which, shockingly, was NOT a dunk. On his way to a smooth 49 points, LaVine delivered one of the nastiest moves of all Summer Sixteen. Check it out via multiple angles below:

Sheesh!

The post Zach LaVine Breaks Ankles, Jamal Crawford Hits Game-Winner in Seattle Pro-Am All-Star Game appeared first on SLAM.

After LaVine and Gordon stole the show on All-Star Saturday night, it got the folks at Wieden+Kennedy dreaming up scenarios that were equal parts amazing and insane.

They accomplished just that in the video above, as the duo performs a dare-devilish feat straight out of one’s imagination.

Watch the full spot here:

https://youtu.be/VEX7KhIA3bU

The post Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine Connect on Insane Alley-Oop in Nike Ad appeared first on SLAM.

As expected, LaVine and Crawford put on a show, racking up plenty of ridiculous passes, circus shots and in LaVine’s case, a few jaw-dropping dunks. Peep the highlights above via BallIsLife.

Previously
Jamal Crawford Drops 44 Points at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO)
Jamal Crawford Shows out at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO)

The post Zach LaVine and Jamal Crawford Ball Out at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

According to Dr. J, the Zach LaVine-Aaron Gordon battle was on par with Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins squaring off back in 1988.

The Hall of Famer, however, believes the title of greatest dunker ever still belongs to Vince Carter.

Per Complex:

Who is the best dunker you have ever seen?

 

JE: “I’ll tell you; Zach has put on a show the last couple of years. He has to get kudos. I don’t know if the surprise factor and the timing coordination dunks that he does are as impactful as what Vince Carter brought to the scene when he did a few things that hadn’t been seen before. I think with Connie Hawkins, myself, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, there’s a lineage there, and I think Vince shook it up a little bit there with a couple of dunks there. I’m gonna let him reside in that spot right there.”

 

Where did this past dunk contest rank on your all-time list?

 

JE: “It was clearly as good as the Wilkins-Jordan showdown, and I had a showdown with David Thompson back in ’76 which was the last year in the ABA. It doesn’t get acknowledged as much, but it was a great showdown. But Zach and [Aaron] Gordon, in terms of the guys who are judging and to hear what they had to say during that time, records are made to be broken, and standards of the bar are established to be challenged so somebody can go above it. I would put those two guys, the things they did this past show in Toronto, at the top of the bar. Even for them to chase next year, or put some new guys next year to go after it…they have raised the bar to a different level.”

The post Dr. J: 2016 Dunk Contest ‘As Good as the Wilkins-Jordan Showdown’ appeared first on SLAM.

Karl-Anthony Towns, last season’s Rookie of the Year, says his squad is ready to take a major step forward.

Stocked with young, burgeoning talent and one of the best coaches in the NBA, the T-Pups have the makings of a force for years to come.

Karl-Anthony Towns held his first MN basketball clinic at Hopkins: "I love being here. Hopefully I can spend the rest of my career here"

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 27, 2016

Asked Karl-Anthony Towns about his "Remember Us" tweet a little while back: pic.twitter.com/2Ca5ugiC1s

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 27, 2016

Per the Star Tribune:

Towns — between posing for pictures and signing autographs for campers — said that Minnesota has become his home, that he hopes to play his entire career with the Wolves and that nobody should underestimate the Wolves’ chances. […] “A lot of people tend to think we’re the Timberwolves, we’re at the bottom of the barrel,” Towns said. “I want everyone to know we’re coming. Just remember us. Remember how we were the last 13 years, ’cause things are about to change.”

 

It’s been a busy summer for Towns. He appeared on a Disney TV show, attended the ESPYs. […] But he said he has found the time to continue working on his craft. He said he has added some new moves he promised to unveil this upcoming season. And he clearly worked on his three-point shot, too.

 

“I went back to my roots,” he said. “When I was in high school I shot a lot of threes. So I went back to my roots, did some drills I used to do. And it has paid dividends. My shot looks the best it’s looked in four years. I’m really happy.”

The post Karl-Anthony Towns: ‘I Want Everyone to Know We’re Coming’ appeared first on SLAM.

WATCH: All Of @ZachLaVine's Dunks From The Dunk Contest https://t.co/sbQofL4cbK pic.twitter.com/925S7W8Bu3

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 14, 2016

The post WATCH: All 49 Zach LaVine Dunks from 2015-16 Season appeared first on SLAM.

It was a Saturday in August. An empty high school gym in Minnesota. Empty save for the sounds of a power saw. A security guard, hearing the racket, rushes in. “What’s going on here?!?” The man cutting the lane from the court looked up, clearing sawdust from his goggles as the saw wound down. “Hey, it’s cool,” he said, “Zach paid for it.” He nodded toward the other end of the court, where a tall figure waited, ball in hand.

“Well, if you say so,” the guard said, backing out the door. “I’m still going to have to put this down in my report.” The man with the saw just waved him off, as the saw spooled back up, sawdust spraying. He shut it down again, pulling the last piece of wood out, leaving a 12 x 18-foot hole. “Is that cool, Zach?” The figure nodded, dribbling once.

The man got up, dusted off his hands, and went to the sideline, where a large translucent container waited. He wheeled it over on to the court, water sloshing. Before he undid the straps holding the cover on, he looked back once more. “There’s like six alligators in here, though.”

“Go ahead,” Zach LaVine said, “push the whole thing in. This is how I win.”

The post Slamadamonth, SLAM #197, Zach LaVine appeared first on SLAM.

If you’re Shabazz Muhammad and you have Zach LaVine running the wing on the fast break, you have to give it up.

The two-time reigning dunk champ hung in the air for a split second before throwing it down with authority.

The post Zach LaVine Flushes Lob From Shabazz Muhammad (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Talk about rare air …

The post Zach LaVine Soars For Fast-Break Dunk (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

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