From championship titles to kicks and more, here’s our official SLAM Replay:

CELTICS COLLECTION

It started with a vision. Read all about how Dennis Page founded SLAM and transformed sports media.

READ FULL STORY

The post SLAM Replay: Looking Back on a Year of Hoops, Moments and Kicks appeared first on SLAM.

As for our SLAM Fam, we’ve got a whole collection just for and yours. Whether you’re tuned in to the NBA, the W, college hoops or you’re an OG collector of the magazine, here’s the ultimate SLAM Gift Guide.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, SLAM Night at Barclays, hundreds of magazines and cover stars. We really out here. Thanks for rocking with us for the past 30 years.

AP Freshman of the Week is just the beginning. From Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils to BBN and more, rep your fav college squad.

SHOP

Whoever said the L is getting boring is actually the boring one. From the C’s to the Kings, this collection is for true hoopers.

SHOP

Juju is dropping 40, the Gamecocks are beating teams by that amount and before we know it, the WNBA will be back. We’re readyyyy.

SHOP

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That’s how many times Kentucky has played Gonzaga, ever, dating back to ’02, but only once have the Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs. Saturdays matchup at Climate Pledge Arena is a must-see game for college hoops fans: the No. 4 ranked Wildcats are looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season to Clemson; meanwhile, the No. 7 ranked Bulldogs have momentum after having beat Davidson by 25-points back in November.

It’s also a battle of the Marks: Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who is from Washington, revealed to UK Athletics that he knows the Zag’s head coach, Mark Few, “pretty well,”:

“I got to know coach pretty well. He’s been a great friend,” Pope said. “He’s one of the best people in the business. He’s really special. What he’s done in basketball is almost unfathomable. He puts together incredible teams every single year. He’s got a really distinctive style.”

But as for what goes down on the court, that’s another story. Despite the loss to the Tigers, Pope is “feeling good” about his squad after that game because he saw firsthand how they’re able to handle tough moments, even when things aren’t going their way. In many ways, they’ve stepped up to the plate even before the season began: with a new head coach and all eyes on them in this post-John Calipari era, Pope has been able to bring together a group of standouts that includes only one returner from last year, and mostly transfers (9), freshmen (3) and a walk-on.

The rebuild has been real, but don’t sleep, this new-look squad has serious game: as of writing this, the Wildcats are leading the nation in points (92.9) and are fourth in the AP Top 25. Their roster includes leading scorer Otega Oweh, who is averaging a career-high 16 points per game, as well as 1.3 assists and four rebounds, a smooth guard in graduate student Lamont Butler (3.9 apg) as well as Amari Williams holding it down on the boards with 10.9 per game.

“Seasons are hard and that’s why they’re great,” Pope said. “What really is special is when you answer, when you ring the bell. I think we have a locker room full of guys who can take on some adversity. Wins or losses, I think they go into the locker room the same way, hungry to get better. I think that bodes well for us throughout this season.”

They’ll need to keep that same energy against Gonzaga, who boasts a talented roster and the best dime-dropper in the country, Ryan Nembhard, who is averaging 10.8 assists per game. Are the odds in Kentucky’s favor?

Forget the parlays, we’ll see what goes down tonight. And if you’re part of BBN, do we have a treat for you just in time for the holidays.

The post KENTUCKY vs GONZAGA: Who You Got? appeared first on SLAM.

Paige Bueckers and Nike announced on Monday that the UConn star is the first-ever NIL athlete to design and drop a Nike Player Edition basketball sneaker, the Nike G.T. Hustle 3. She’s ready to get to work in them, too.

“It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Paige says in an official press release. “I grew up wearing Nikes —all the signature shoes —so it’s surreal to have this Player Edition model. I just want to show out in it.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the kicks, from the inspiration behind the design to when they’re dropping and more.

Wait, Paige Buckets is getting her own sneaker!

Her own Nike Player Editions, that is. The Nike G.T. Hustle 3 is meant to “propel her performance during the final season of her illustrious collegiate career,” at UConn.

What do they look like?

The silhouette was made with her style, and elite game, in mind. The beauty is in the details: from the baby blue and lavender purple colorway—her favorite colors—to the area codes for the University of Connecticut and Paige’s hometown in Minnesota that are on the left tongue, as well as an embroidered bucket on the right (iykyk).

There’s also a text bubble with the very message Bueckers gets from her dad before every game: “Be You, Be Great.”

When do they drop?

Mark your calendar: the Nike G.T. Hustle 3 will be available December 7 on SNKRS and at select retail locations.

The post Paige Bueckers is Getting Her Own PE: Everything You Need to Know About the Nike G.T. Hustle 3s appeared first on SLAM.

Back when FILA was a major player in the basketball space and Grant Hill was at the forefront of its marketing efforts, SLAM featured bold, wild and hella fun ads throughout the magazine. Over the past 30 years, we’ve had everything from a Jordan perfume ad to brands that marketed products that allegedly helped increase your vertical jump or even helped you grow taller.

In honor of all those timeless classics, we’re hyped to announce SLAM Presents OLD SLAM ADS.

In this exclusive special collector’s issue, you’ll get to peek behind the curtain and hear from those members of the brand partnerships team who were tasked with selling ad space at SLAM throughout the years, as they offer up some behind-the-scenes gems of how many of these ads ended up in the pages of the publication.

You’ll also find a couple of other features that dive deep into the phenomenon of the aforementioned jump higher/strength category of ads that ran in SLAM throughout the decades, as well as a look back at the legendary D-Band headband product of the early 2000s and more.

The post The Best, Boldest and Wildest Ads Ever Published in SLAM appeared first on SLAM.

In the wake of tragedy, Money stepped away from the team and has since coordinated a GoFundMe campaign with his sister to help cover funeral expenses and provide stability for their sibling’s education and new family challenges. While dealing with the weight of two seismic losses and assuming the responsibility of his younger sibling’s futures, Money’s simultaneously returned to fulfill his commitment to the program and his journey. After dropping 30 points against the Tennessee Volunteers on November 13, over $10,000 in donations reportedly poured in. 

As of November 15, the GoFundMe has raised over $100,000 with a goal set of $150,000.

“We understand that times are tough for everyone, and there is no obligation to contribute. However, any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference in our lives,” Money and Mo’Ney wrote in the GoFundMe post.

To help support the Williams Family, you can visit their GoFundMe here.

The post Help Support Montana Guard Money Williams After Tragic Family Losses appeared first on SLAM.

Now that we’re back, it’s only right that we predict what this insane rookie class will achieve. Some of the most versatile players of the new generation have arrived and we suggest you buckle up for the ride.

So check out our official Rookies Most Likely To list, which appears in SLAM 252. Get your copy and cover tees here.

Houston, we solved your problem. After averaging 20 points in Summer League, Reed definitely proved he’s got that shooter’s touch. He’s our pick to take home ROTY honors.

Greatness flows through his veins. Since he was young, Bronny’s always had some of the best feets on the court, and nothing changes now.

That massive poster dunk Matas Buzelis had against the Warriors in Summer League was just a preview of what he’ll do to opposing players this season. If anyone’s going to end the 36 year dunk contest win drought for the Bulls, it’ll be this guy. The last winner in Chicago, who we all know, went on to have a pretty good career…

The 7-foot Duke product is underrated and we don’t really know why. When he wakes y’all up and starts balling with the Jazz, we told you so.

The shiftiest rookie in the class will be a walking highlight reel. Scary hours coming soon from the Timberwolves…

There aren’t many players with a smoother shot than Risacher. The number 1 pick will put the League on notice as he and Trae light it up from downtown.

Zach Edey is a walking double-double and he’s our lock to average 10 boards a game. Being one of the tallest players in the league will undoubtedly help.

Jared McCain is a man of many talents. The social media star is always turning heads with the latest trends and he’ll be turning heads on the court this year as well.

Already one of the best dressed players in the League, Cody Williams is always going to put that ish on. Don’t be surprised when you see that same swag on the court…

Arguably the hottest shooter in the class, Reed Sheppard is a certified scoring machine and he’s going to prove that this season.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post SLAM’s Official 2024-25 NBA Rookies Most Likely To List: Rookie Superlatives and MORE appeared first on SLAM.

At the forefront of hoops and youth athletic development, ACES has transformed into a platform that’s impacting every aspect of the game, from the grassroots level to the pros. The numbers speak for themselves: 30-plus NBA and WNBA players and 100 Division 1 hoopers have all dropped buckets in the Classic. But this weekend is for the kids that are dreaming of getting there.

For its third annual installment, the Hustle & Heart Classic is bringing the nation’s top-ranked high school hoopers together on the national stage. Kiyan Anthony, Kayden and Dylan Mingo and Warren Keel headline the boys showcase while the girls showcase features both Mya and Mia Pauldo and the NJ Crusaders and Jordyn Jackson leading the DC Crimson Warriors.

The preseason action is just the beginning of the high school basketball season, but the Hustle & Heart Classic provides the nation’s top prospects with a diverse array of activations that bridges the sports, entertainment and corporate worlds. 

“ACES was born from the grassroots of basketball, earning its way into hoops cultural relevance by allowing athletes to tell their stories, bridging corporate to culture, while bringing local communities together through our annual events,” says founder and CEO Brian Kortovich. “AECS consistently attracts the top-ranked high school players in the country to New York City and empowers them with a platform to showcase their talents on a national level, organically share their stories and expand their opportunities.”

ACES will host a media day for all four teams on Friday, October 25 with a focus group featuring NBPA executives, followed by the Girls and Boys National Showcase at Elmcor Gym in Queens on Saturday, October 26. The Girls National Showcase tips off at 5 p.m. with the NJ Crusaders taking on the DC Crimson Warriors. The Boys National Showcase follows at 7 p.m. with the star-studded Long Island Crusaders going up against the Putnam Science Mustangs. 

If you can’t make it out to the games, you can catch all the action on the NBA App this year as the official streaming partner of the 2024 ACES Heart & Hustle Classic.

Portraits by 2BMedia LLC.

The post The Third Annual ACES Hustle & Heart Classic Returns to New York City on October 26  appeared first on SLAM.

5 Dwayne Aristode just committed to Arizona! @ArizonaMBB @Dwaynearistode2 pic.twitter.com/ycaNrrssSg

— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) October 13, 2024

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After last year’s buzzer-beating thriller courtesy of Cooper Flagg, Vol. 6 is slated to match the energy as 28 of the top ranked hoopers from across the nation descend on the Mecca of Basketball.

If you can’t make it out to catch the action, don’t worry. Just like last year, the SLAM Summer Classic will be live streamed via the NBA App. For those in the city, doors open at 4 p.m. EST at Rucker Park. The Girls game starts at 5 p.m. EST, headlined by Aaliyah Chavez, Sienna Betts and Jerzy Robinson while the Boys game–featuring Kiyan Anthony, AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson–kicks off at 7 p.m. EST.

For more information about the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6 Presented by NBA2K25 and real-time coverage of the event later this weekend, follow @SLAM, @SLAMHS and @WSLAM on all social media platforms.

Photo via SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5.

The post The SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6 Presented by NBA 2K25 Returns on August 21 at Rucker Park appeared first on SLAM.

To celebrate Boston winning their 18th title, we just dropped SLAM 251, the Champs Issue, featuring none other than the Jays; Jayson Tatum and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

SLAM 251 FEATURING THE CELTICS IS OUT NOW

Get your copy of SLAM 251 right now so you can reminisce on the season, whether that’s in Beantown or beyond. And we’ve got Gold Medal Editions on lock, too. Go grab a piece of history and celebrate the champs accordingly.

The post The Champs Are Here: The Boston Celtics Cover SLAM 251 appeared first on SLAM.

Join us on Saturday afternoon ahead of the weekend’s headline event to get your best look off in an official “Fit Check” Tunnel before bearing witness to a host of on-site activations centered around shopping, thrifting and personal branding.

Take in a gallery of items and guess the price, unleash your creativity at an on-site customization station or just enjoy the installation and DJ vibes of the can’t miss event.

Finally, with an All-Star cast of panelists, LeagueFits and Chime are proud to present a Money Moves conversation about the current WNBA landscape, the evolution of personal branding, fashion, finance and more.

When? Saturday, July 20th from 12pm to 6pm

Where? Monorchid at 214 E Roosevelt St., Phoenix

The post The LeagueFits Experience Presented by Chime appeared first on SLAM.

Now honoring banner 18 with an all-Boston special edition collectible item. This magazine is entirely dedicated to the Celtics and it features both new and old stories from SLAM’s past coverage of Boston’s squad.

The post SLAM Presents Celtics is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

We’re commemorating Luka’s unbelievable run to the 2024 NBA Finals with this cover of SLAM 250, which is also available in an exclusive orange and gold metal edition. Tap in.

The post The World is Mine: Luka Doncic Covers SLAM 251 appeared first on SLAM.

Founded by Brian Kortovich, the initial vision was to put together a star-studded high school basketball All-American game in New York City, but since then, ACES has transformed into a platform that’s at the forefront of basketball, youth athletic development, and culture. The mission is to showcase young talent and help them gain exposure, all while introducing them to the business side of basketball and what it’s like to work with trusted brands like Google Pixel, Nike and Jordan Brand, to name a few. 

“At ACES, we’re positioning ourselves as the premier storytelling platform centered around sports, music & entertainment. What we’ve seen since the start, is how ACES resonates with iconic athletes, musicians & entertainers, and globally renowned brands. ACES is being recognized across the board for our unique ability to connect corporate partners with the real culture of sports and entertainment.”

What makes this year’s games even more special is that ACES is spotlighting the players who got next and right now—not only will seniors play, but incoming juniors and sophomores have also been invited to compete in the All-American Games. 

The ACES Elite Classic will give fans a front row seat at the future of the game and the value of investing in an innovative grassroots high school basketball experience. Notable alumni, which include Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony, UCONN standout Azzi Fudd and Notre Dame phenom Hannah Hidalgo, who was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in her first season, all continue to praise ACES for giving them an alley-oop opportunity in exposure so early on in their careers. 

“I’m so excited to partner with ACES to host one of the premier high school games in the country. Supporting the next generation of hoopers has always been a passion of mine,” Sheryl Swoopes says, who is represented by LIFT Sports Management. “We’ve got the top ranked girls coming together for one of the final showcases of the season and the ACES Elite Classic in NYC is going to be a good one!”

“Being able to play at some of the historic courts in NYC is always special,” says Hidalgo. “This area has produced some of the best basketball players in the world and a game like the ACES Elite Classic showcases just that. I’m truly blessed to represent Jersey hoops and am excited to continue doing so at the next level.”

Meanwhile, North Carolina commit Ian Jackson is ready to carry the torch at this year’s games: 

“In NYC basketball is bigger than just a game, it’s a lifestyle, a movement,” he says. “New York produces some of the toughest players in the world and the ACES Elite Classic showcase is an event that highlights just that. There’s a lot of talent in NY right now and I can’t wait until we all showcase it at the next level.”

ACES will host a Media Day on May 21, followed by the ACES All-American Games on May 22 at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx. The Girls National Game will start at 6pm ET and the Boys National Game is scheduled to start at 8pm ET. 

The game is will also stream live on the NBA App. Download on the App Store to watch! 

The post Top Players In The Country Will Compete at ACES Elite Classic in The Mecca on May 22  appeared first on SLAM.

As we get ready to celebrate the start of the 2024 WNBA season, WSLAM is hyped to spotlight some of the many talented creatives in the industry who are making waves, growing the game and helping push women’s basketball coverage forward, all on their own terms. We asked them a range of questions, from how they got into social to their approach to building their personal brands, what they’re most excited for this season and, of course, their average screen time.

Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t an exclusive list or “club,” but rather a celebration. And if you’re passionate about women’s hoops, too, we invite you tune in, tap in, and share how much you love the game, one post at a time.

How do you balance being a journalist with your social presence: I think it’s a combination of the two: between being authentic and real and then naturally building a following. I feel like that for me is what works best. There are some other journalists who really try to stick to having their social platforms be just fact based…And that’s fine because that might work for them. For me, I feel like the reason why people tapped into me is because not only did I present whatever story I was working on or whatever information I had, but I did so in a way that was authentic to who I was and was relatable. That seemed to be what my brand has always been: being authentic [and] being unapologetically me, but also being factual and presenting the information that people want to know.

What is your advice to journalists and creators looking to get into this space: For anyone up and coming in this space, I would definitely tell them that one: never lose who you are because that’s important. The more that we are starting to see social platforms and content creators take off, the more we realize that people are really going to relate with what resonates with them. And so being yourself is so important. Don’t lose that [and] anything that makes you feel funny when you sleep at night is probably not something that you want to associate yourself with…But also, there’s no limit to creativity. I think over the last 10 years I’ve done maybe 50 to 60 different things creatively and some have worked and some haven’t, but it’s the fact that you have to try it.

The way that algorithms and things work in the social space, something could be a hit today and two months later, no one’s thinking about it. Always be willing to be adaptable change or not necessarily change, but improve and be willing to step outside of the box to do things..Adaptability is definitely something that I would share with any young up and coming journalist.

Screen time: 12 hours.

How did you start building your personal brand on social: I got into social media because none of my friends in high school cared about basketball as much as I did and they stopped answering my text messages about it. I had to go out and find freaks like me on Twitter, and once I started having fun and making friends online I kept going with it. 

How would you describe your approach to content creation: I’m here for vibes, jokes and highlights – but I think my best work is when I can let my passion for the game and its athletes shine through. I’m never going to be as smart as coaches or players on X’s and O’s, but I think I’m good at describing why someone is easy to root for, what makes a person interesting or why an event was monumental.

What you are most excited for this season: I promise if I had a favorite team I’d tell you! But I don’t. Probably because they’ve all bullied me online at some point (I see you, 2x champs). I’m really excited for both sides of the rookies vs. vets battle, though. Are the new kids as good as advertised? But more importantly, can the vets show us why the W is a different level from college?

Screen time (how long are you on your phone per day?): 9.5 hours last week.

What does content creation mean to you: Covering the WNBA and covering women’s basketball is a public service because there are legions and legions of fans that have been essentially underserved for a very long time. And this is an opportunity to give them, the fans, coverage that women’s sports and women’s basketball should be getting. If we want to talk about the spirit of equality and equity and what that all means. And so I was gonna put my head right into this. I was gonna dive right in.

What you are most excited for this season: What I’m most excited for is actually seeing which pop cultural icons and other folks come to WNBA games. That’s gonna be something that I will be all over because obviously Caitlin Clark has brought so many eyes to the sport. You know that Beyonce sent Dawn Staley a huge flower basket, I believe. And there have been many WNBA players, including New York’s own Betnijah Laney, who has been trying to advocate to get Beyonce at Barclays Center for a Liberty game…I’m looking forward to who is gonna come to games. I’m looking forward to how the ratings are going to grow. I’m looking forward to more Aces vs Liberty battles. I mean, those are the best, right?

Screen time: 4 hours and 8 minutes.

How did you start building your personal brand on social: The Girls Talk Sports TV brand is built off of three pillars where athletes can be seen, heard and valued. I built my brand off of the aspect that women’s sports only receive less than 4% of all media coverage and less than 1 percent of that representation in newsrooms are black women. So those three aspects was important to me when I was building my brand, but also building community was super important, especially in the digital space. For me, I’ve always been a hands-on game grower, especially in my community in terms of with helping with youth basketball programs and the nonprofit sector. So for me, building a brand was all about just being true to myself, but also just true to that aspect of wanting to be a community builder.

What you are most excited for this season: I’m most excited to see the athletes in the spotlight where they need to be. I’m excited to see not only casual fans, but new fans get to know these athletes through their game, but also through the off the court storytelling. I think that women’s sports is more than just a moment, it’s a movement and it’s at its inflection point right now. And I’m just excited for not only the athletes to get what they deserve in terms of the coverage and the spotlight, but also for the people that are doing the storytelling to get bigger opportunities.

Screen time: 15 hours per day.

How would you describe your approach to content creation: What’s unique is I’ve been a photographer, but I’ve also been a social media manager for my jobs. And so I think what I bring with photos is being able to bring storytelling into my like social media platforms with my photos. So when I take photos, especially on the women’s side, and I share them, I really try to share, like using the captions and words, I try to tell stories about these players or about these teams and programs. Using my photos, not just you know, dropping the photos is like, Hey, look at these cool photos. It’s like, Hey, look at these photos. And here’s some interesting thing about these women, or here’s something like here’s a crazy game that this player had, and really try to connect the stories to the photos using my social media platforms.

Favorite photo: I probably have a bit of recency bias here because I just recently followed Iowa and Caitlin Clark on like their tournament run. I’m also from Iowa. So that was like extra special for me. So I would probably say, the Caitlin Clark trophy Kobe photo was probably one of my favorites just because I got to pay homage to like Kobe and a very well-known photographer while also showing like Caitlin’s greatness with three back to back the Big 10 titles. I would say that’s probably my favorite. But again, there’s some recency bias there. I think another special one of Caitlin is just like her with her arm stretched out and her tongue out which was like a signature Caitlin move. That’s a really special one to me because it was like the first game of the Big 10 tournament and it shows her personality. I think that’s one of the marks special things about her is like the personality that she has on the court. So, being able to tell that through my photos, I think is really special.

What you are most excited for this season: I’m honestly excited for the new faces in the League and the new fans that it’s going to bring, I think that the WNBA is at a true turning point in regards to the attention that it’s getting and the excitement and buzz around it. And so I think I’m most excited to see, like the records that this season breaks the history that we get from the season that I think will be talked about for decades to come. I’m excited to see this like new generation of fans see this league and how special it is and how special the players are and the level of talent that are in this league. I’m just, it’s honestly the most excited I’ve been for a season in a really long time, I think that this is going to be I think the 2024 season is something that we’re gonna look back on as like a needle mover in regards to the WNBA. So I’m very excited for that.

Screen Time: 9 hours and 12 minutes.

How did you get into covering the WNBA: I had a background in marketing long before I became a journalist. I was actually a content marketing manager right before I transitioned into sports full time. But essentially, I just, when I decided I wanted to transition to sports, I really wanted to look for a place that needed more authentic stories. And a really good friend of mine suggested the WNBA because he knew I was a good storyteller. And he also knew that, you know, the League needed some more storytelling. So once I just opted in certain covering games, I was hooked. And I’ve been here ever since.

What’s your approach to content creation: Once I [started] really focusing on women’s basketball, the following kept coming really quick, and it just escalated I would say in the last couple of weeks. I got the awesome chance to go to the WNBA draft. And in the middle of the draft, I went viral…It’s just been a fun ride to be able to lean into that and keep going.

What are you most excited about this season: I think it’s for everyone to kind of see what I’ve been seeing. I think when I when I got to the WNBA last season, I was kicking myself because I’m like, Where have I been like? Why did I not get here sooner?…To see the League growing and then women’s college basketball growing and now they’re kind of colliding in real-time with this exponential growth, I’m so excited for anyone to get to come to a game or watch a game on TV or really just enjoy the League. The [W] is super, super talented.

Screen time: 10 hours and 33 minutes a day.

How did you get into content creation: If I’m being honest, it was kind of an accident. It was something that I kind of fell into. I love women’s basketball [and] I’ve always been tweeting about it on Twitter cause that’s just what I do. Posting about it on Instagram and stuff just naturally—it’s just something that I’ve been in love with since I was a little girl. I noticed that I had like a following and I would say stuff and I see people repeating it and people would be latching on to some of the things I say.

What’s your approach to your content: It’s authentically me. I mean, in every sense of the word. At this point, people will be able to tell if I’m not being authentically me and then they’re going to be like, Oh no, we’re not messing with you no more. So at this point [for] my brand, it has to be.

Screen time: 4 hours and 31 minutes.

How did you get into being on social: I’m a sports writer more than I’m a content creator. I think it comes with the territory when you’re on social media. The only social media app I have is Twitter. I’ll do funny memes and stuff like that…I’ve tried to leverage it to grow my platform and share my work.

What are you most excited for this season: I think, like everybody, this new draft class, there’s just so much talent, but also, you know, NIL changed things so much that they’re more well known than say other rookies who have come in. They’ve already established platforms. They already have their own brands. They already have their own followings. So, all of that bringing it into the League is like this injection of excitement. I know women’s sports seems to be exploding right now and they are, but this WIC was led a long time ago. Now we’re just seeing the explosion from it. It’s been slowly building to this. And I wanna see how that translates over to the season [and] how the WNBA can capitalize on it.

Thoughts on content creation: Seeing now, especially since I first got into sports writing, so many more people who are contributors, who are writers, who are content creators in the space now is awesome. There’s just so much coverage happening on different levels and in different creative ways. As someone who’s been around for a little while, it’s really cool to see.

Screen time: I watch a lot of games on my phone or tablets or whatever if they’re not on television. But with social media, I try to take breaks on the weekends.

How did you get into content creation: I came across tunnel fits, I want to say like two years ago, and decided to make a video about it. I ended up making a few but they did really well, surprisingly well, and that kind of made me think like, oh my goodness…I just decided to kind of start talking about it here and there and I did the same thing with NWSL. The more I did it, the more I realized that: A, there’s people watching this and love to see the videos and they’re commenting on it and everything. But there’s also the people who are like, oh my gosh, like I had no clue this was a thing, didn’t know tunnel fits were a thing, didn’t know about these players, yada yada. And that kind of made me want to pursue it.

What’s your approach to building your brand: Once I realized that there was kind of a niche for women’s sports, I decided to really expand it and kind of give myself the job to cover everything. And I think it has coincided really well with the rise of women’s sports because I started [in] 2022, maybe ’21. That’s kind of when we saw like this big push to get to where we are now. So it’s been really cool because with that growth, I’ve also been growing as a creator. And there was a little bit of a switch in the fall of last year, where brands started coming to me and all these platforms saying, ‘We want you to make content. We love what you’re doing. We want you to do it for us.’ And that’s kind of honestly how I built it into a career today.

Screen time: 8 hours.

What your approach to building your brand on social media: I’m a freelancer. And what that means is that most big stories are being covered by beat writers or staff writers will say, not always in women’s sports, and particularly the W that’s obviously been growing, and we’re seeing a massive change ahead of this season. But I would say that most of my time covering this League has been really trying to convince publications, that there’s an audience for this. And what has been successful for me is trying to find angles that aren’t, you know, this sports journalism market is really oversaturated. And so for me, either going to try to find a really unique angle that no one has covered.

An example I can think of that’s probably my biggest story to date was I wrote for Sports Illustrated about nonbinary athletes and where they fit and Layshia Clarendon was kind of the focus, the centerpiece of that story. That was in 2021 and that was a space that no one had entered. We were starting to talk about trans athletes, but non-binary athletes really weren’t being talked about. And so that was like a place I could enter. I think also trying to pitch women’s publications things about women’s athletes. I’ve been in the New York Times several times, and I’ve never been published in the sports section, right? I’m really creative about whether I’m writing about in-game proposals for the vows section, or I’m writing about WNBA fashion for like the opinion section. I’ve always tried to be really, really creative about where and how and bringing my coverage and what other communities might be overlapping aside from score.

What are you most excited about this season: The W was really my entry point into becoming a basketball fan and what I loved was how many athletes were queer. I’m like, Oh, I’m queer. And I love their heart and I love rooting for them and seeing them be amazing. I think the women’s soccer team, we hear a lot about that and lesbian spaces, but the W has like been really overlooked I think for a long time…I think to me, that’s really cool—finding people who are not only invested in the game, but can find other reasons to buy in…I’ve loved all of the shit talking before the season. I love all the fact that everyone’s already getting chippy…I’m just excited to watch people see what the W really is. 

Screen time: 4 hours and 32 minutes.

How did you get into sports media: In addition to creating content, I’m a journalist, host and producer, so I am really a jack of all trades. I can do many things, including content creation. I started my career off at ESPN on the business side, and after three and a half years, I realized I wanted to do something different. I wanted to storytell. I wanted to be around people. And I didn’t want to be in my cubicle anymore. I was at the headquarters in Connecticut, and I wanted to bet on myself, so I decided to do that and that changed my life. I really have kind of built this sort of lane for myself. I never saw anybody who looked like me doing what I’m doing. And it’s been a lot of learning along the way.

What’s your approach to building your brand: In every single space and I show up as me. I’m proud of who I am. Part of my journey, it has not been easy at all and I never tell folks that it has been easy but I’m also proudly Dominican and Puerto Rican and you know that’s a huge part of my identity. I’ve realized [that] the more I lean into that, the more I celebrate myself and people who look like me, the more opportunities come.

What are you most excited about this season: There’s a lot of change within the teams— Natasha Cloud in Phoenix, Skylar Diggins-Smith in Seattle, Candace Parker retired. All these changes within women’s basketball. Change can be really good and I’m excited to just see all the competition. There are a lot of eyes, a lot of young players from Caitlin Clark to Angel Reese to Kamilla Cardoso. There’s a lot of excitement right now.

Screen time: 7 hours and 18 minutes.

How did you get into content creation: What has always been important to me was taking the access that I had from being in these spaces [as a sports writer] and finding ways to get that information to the fans. I started just by live tweeting all these press conferences because they weren’t on TV and I knew that fans wanted to know what these players were saying. I guess my brand kind of grew out of that and since then I’ve gotten to write about so many players in the League…It all started with just trying to share and tell stories and the brand, whatever my following has come from there has kind of all grown from that.

Favorite WNBA team: I think so much of my job is easier when things are going well, but the longer I’m in this space and the more players that I get to know and the more that there’s just so much movement in the league that I’m rooting for these players that I’ve built connections with. So now I’ve got players on every single team that I’m rooting for because I know them personally on some level, but I also am just rooting for kind of the overall League success.

Anything else you’d like to add: To have a League that’s majority queer women, to have a League that’s majority Black women and to know that these are spaces, that those stories are very rarely told. And to be aware of my privilege as a white man in this space, but to be able to use whatever platform I have to be able to amplify those stories is really important to me. It’s an honor for me.

How did you get into content creation: It was really something that just randomly happened back in 2018 or so. First of all, I was always a fan of the WNBA and, back in around 2019, a few people reached out to me and said, ‘Hey, we see these opportunities. We think you’ll be good for it. You’re always talking about sports.’…I was like, ‘I don’t have a journalism background.’ I was working in finance, doing the whole corporate America thing at that time And I was like, Okay, I’ll give it a try. And it really just snowballed from there. Went [from] just starting out as a writer and then it grew to working in social and then to being an on-camera host and a photographer. I’ve been able to do a lot of things just by me [and] someone taking a chance on me and thinking that I would be good for the job.

What’s your approach to building your brand: I think what a lot of people enjoy, for me is just, I won’t say hottakes or anything, and I don’t think I’m a comedian, but a lot of people just think that, Oh my God, you’re so hilarious...People just always think that it’s been something of just a breath of fresh air when it comes to especially the women’s sports space surrounding women’s basketball. They just really love my following, or what I’ve done, whether it be written work or on air work or photography, or just something as simple as live-tweeting about the game. I’ve always just made sure that I try to stay true to me, right? Things that I like, I just share that with people. I don’t try to be anyone else. I’m always me. I talk about being late for traveling, food, sneakers and sports. And that’s what I love and for some reason, it resonates with everyone else. They [see] that I have a real life apart from what it is that I do for work.

What are you most excited about this season: This season, I’m really just looking forward to competitive basketball. I’m looking forward to seeing these amazing women being able to play on such a larger stage. We know that over the past few years, women’s basketball and the attention that is received has been on the uptick and, you know, we’re familiar with it. We’ve been here. We’ve been in the trenches covering it. And so now I’m excited that everyone else is finally starting to take notice to something that we’ve known or I’ve known has been great for just so many years. So, that’s what I’m really looking forward to. And I think that this new wave of talent that’s coming in, they’re ready to compete and I’m all for it.

Screen time: 9 hours and 50 seconds.

What’s your approach to building your brand on social media: I think my biggest thing is that I’ve always been unapologetically me. I remember in grad school, one of my professors had said to me, ‘When you become a professional, you have to keep your biases aside.’ But you look at certain broadcasters or radio personnel, who they root for. I think that’s been my biggest thing. I know, too, that I am a little bit of an overshare. I kind of share both the good and the bad of my life, the industry and people really resonate with that because it isn’t all roses. People always say [that] social media is a highlight reel, but I try to be super real with things. And so I’m just kind of a goofy person, I try not to take things too seriously, but also in the same breath, when life gets me down I share that with other people because I think that it’s really important to share that things aren’t perfect all the time.

I think that’s kind of how I built my personal brand. It’s just being true and open and honest all the time. And at the end of the day, I’m still a sports fan. I think that’s the biggest thing, too, is that a lot of the time you see reporters and they’re doing their job, of course, but they’re just tweeting things that are professional and I think I have a lot of fun with it. I still am a fan. At the end of the day, even when I’m covering the WNBA, when you see a sick player or a sick shot, you want to enjoy it the way you would as a regular fan. Yes, reporting is my job. And when I’m going to [do] a story, I’m going to do it without bias, but I still want to enjoy the game. Enjoy the players, enjoy the teams the same way any fan would…Yes, I think I’m good at my job and I try to be as professional and unbiased in my work, but at the end of the day, I’m still a fan and I like to pass on with it. That’s kind of why we all got into sports in the first place.

Thoughts on the growth of women’s sports and content creation: Thank you guys for showcasing these creators. I think it’s huge, especially in the women’s sports space. As much as women’s sports has been growing and we’ve seen the data grow and not even just in women’s basketball, but across women’s soccer you’re seeing like the pro leagues for volleyball and things like that…There’s so many people who have been covering the W. This is my fifth season and I still feel like a rookie because there’s been people who have had boots on the ground since the early days. It’s really amazing that you guys put in the work to showcase these incredible women who have been putting in the work since before everybody else saw the vision and now everybody’s catching up.

Screen time: 8 hours and 37 minutes.

When did you get into content creation: I created a Twitter account in like 2018 because I kept going on Twitter to check [game] scores. I figured I might as well create an account, so I just started out as a fan. But I think when I started to get more into the writing side, that’s when I started to meet more people, especially on WNBA Twitter, too. I think the first year that I started covering in 2021, people were very welcoming and it was just a matter of putting myself out there…Just to kind of put my name out there, I would comment on live games, things like that. I would share where the W games are on what channels because as we know, it can be a little bit difficult at times to accept those and so I think just by doing that, and getting my name out there and more people started to see me and they started to follow me as well. I think being from Toronto, too, there are a large number of Raptors fans that are now WNBA fans as well. I think when I moved into that space of covering a W, a lot of the fan base I had built from the Raptors side kind of follow through and move along with me through this journey. I think that’s just how my platform grew and my brand kind of became covering WNBA and women’s basketball as well as tennis because that’s also my other main sport that I love to watch and to cover.

What are you most excited about this season: I’m so excited to see how all the new additions to different teams kind of paired out, like with the Storm getting Skylar and Nneka… I think there was so much movement in the offseason and so I’m very curious to see a lot of players who are now wearing new jerseys after wearing, you know, one jersey for the entirety of their careers. I think that’s going to be really exciting.

Screen time: 5 hours.

What’s your approach to building your brand: Just kind of having fun with it. That’s kind of my biggest thing is just—I know I like to do video content. I like to be on camera, but ultimately for me, it’s just, [do] I want to watch this and do I have fun making it? And normally if I have fun making it, someone’s going to have fun watching it whether that be social media videos or YouTube videos or whatever that might be. Just kind of just having fun with it. And if I can have fun with it, someone else can have fun watching it.

I love women’s basketball. This is what I love to watch. If I wasn’t doing content for it, I would be talking about it the same way, just in a different manner. For me, my biggest inviting factor is the fact that I’m a fan just like everyone else. Yes, I am in the media. Yes, I am credentialed to things, but I’m a fan and I love women’s basketball.

What are you most excited about this season: I think you can feel the different level of excitement for this season coming into it. I’m personally most excited [about] all the new fans to be able to see what we’ve known about and how incredible that this League truly is. And a lot of that has to do with how widespread the talent is and how good I think the teams are this season. I’m ready to see these teams go to war and just have some good games. I’m excited for some real, genuinely good basketball this season.

Screen time: 11 hours.

How did you get into content creation: I think social media—I didn’t realize its power in connection with sports. I think until I was working at The Ringer and I just saw how not only the company’s media presence was important but each individual writer and personality had their own following. I was like, Wow, that’s really cool and I kind of had a talk with myself, OK, what do I want my following to really be about? I don’t want to have my hand in everything. What do I want the people following me to really follow me for?

I remember I went to my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, I was like, I want people when they think of the WNBA, that they mention my name [and] that they have me in those conversations. So, what do I need to do to do that? I learned by sharing my story with my fandom with the WNBA and with the Sacramento Monarchs, really just pulled at the heartstrings of a lot of people…Once I tapped into that fandom, that’s when I started wanting to grow the game by sharing more of those stories and more of those stories about the players as well. I’m not gonna be breaking news, but I want to make sure that players know that they can talk to me and I’m gonna see them as a human.

I’m going to make sure they know that I’ve been here from the beginning and as a former women’s basketball player myself, I see them. I’m not just here for the moment or the movement, I’ve been here.

What would your advice be to people, especially young Black women that are looking to get into the space and questioning whether they should go the traditional media route or content creation: I think having your own brand and going into content creation right now, you have the power to do that. I think that’s both a positive and a negative because sometimes as someone who went to journalism school. I have my degree in this, I’m on the same platform as somebody who has none of those accolades or none of that schooling. You can also just pop up and have your own video and make your own YouTube show, like, the power is very much in the hands of the creator.

[For] the longest time, I was so hesitant and so nervous and looking at a lot of people in the space and saying, well, I can’t do that. I’ll just stay over here or I’ll never get there, I’ll just stay over here.And once I just started and also going into freelance, I just really bet on myself. That is always my advice to young girls, especially young Black girls: you’re always told to stay in this box or stay in this lane or do things that everyone else is doing to get better. When I made the decision to cover the W NBA and women’s basketball, it was very much a, I’m doing something completely different than what you guys are wanting me to do or, you know, just to cover the NBA only. I followed my passion and I said, I have the skill set, I have the knowledge and I’m going to bet on myself.

Screen time: 8 hours.

What’s your approach to building your brand: I think honestly the biggest thing is just authenticity. Anyone who follows me on Twitter, anyone who listens to our podcast, I think you’re always getting me in my truest form. I’m always going to be a fan of my favorite players and I’m always gonna rep the teams and the players that I love while also trying to remain objective and provide insight and analysis and my opinion on things. So I think that rather than like having this perfectly curated brand where everything’s so pristine and whatever, I think I’ve went in the opposite direction where I’ve found that the easiest way to be myself and give people like original unique content is to kind of let that personal fan side come out a little bit more. I think that allows me to access a deeper level of storytelling when I’m writing pieces because it’s more about the person I’m writing about. I’m not as concerned with how it looks or whatever, I just wanna be spreading the stories of these players.

Favorite WNBA team: It’s two answers: the real answer is the Aces, and then the other answer is whatever team Kahleah Copper is currently playing for. For a long time, it’s been the Aces and the Sky, but now I’m gonna have to rep the Mercury, which is gonna be a little weird for me, but wherever Kai goes, I’m gonna be a fan of them. But Aces, you know, Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson are two of my all-time favorites.

Screen time: 4 hours and 20 minutes.

How did you get into content creation: I feel like everyone really started during COVID. I was like, well, I might as well just post some stuff on tiktok because that’s the thing and once school started opening up, I started doing like a little bit of basketball content with the varsity team that I was coaching and that would blow up here and there and then the big blow up was my niece and nephew being as cute as they are. Me being their aunt, it was literally nothing like that special—I mean, it is special to me that I’m their aunt but nothing that special where it was like some big break. It was just like, Wow, that girl loves her niece and nephew.

There was one video I did, it wasn’t even with the kids, it was a dancing video by myself and I kid you not every single comment was like, ‘Get it Auntie Nae! Go Auntie. Yeah, Auntie! I was like, OK, is that my name? Is that what people call me. So, that’s been the thing ever since then.

I’ve always been a fan of the W. I post Detroit Shock throwbacks all the time, but never really had the chance or really never knew l could be someone to talk about it in that way just because I’m not a reporter, I’m not a journalist. I just love the game, love being there. But I was in the right place at the right time: I was in Dallas at the Final Four last year and someone from the League was like, ‘Hey, I’ve seen some of your Tik Toks, I really want you to come to the draft next week…Before going into the draft, I was talking to my wife and I was just like, ‘I’m so scared. I don’t know anybody. I’m not sure how I’m going to be received there because I don’t know if people know me. I don’t want to step on toes. I just wanted to be in experience and all that. And my first interaction walking in, I turned around and I saw Aliyah Boston walking towards me. inside, I’m freaking out, I’m like, Oh my God, it’s Aliyah...That’s the moment I was like, OK, maybe I am supposed to be here.

What’s been your approach to content creation and building your brand: I don’t take a different approach at all with my personal versus my professional brand. I think that if you remain consistent, your audience knows where you are, what you’re going to do. And so by me just authentically wanting to really get to the meat of the story and get to know the players as humans, it’s beyond just rapid fire, right?… People want to get to know people but it doesn’t have to be those quick hitting things. I think I do a great job of long-form, get to know you content, as opposed to short form heavy hitting. I mean, I can do the short form but I keep that consistent in how I talk to people as humans and meet them where they are as humans with the way I tell stories. My personal brand, you see a lot of athletes just having fun, getting real, and just being open and trusting and vulnerable and recognized as a privilege. They feel comfortable enough to do that. And then you see that when I take it to a professional setting, I have a show with the WNBA called Off Top and that’s where we just sit down [and] I don’t have a preconceived notion of what I want to talk about. I just say, Hey, welcome to my Big Comfy Couch. And I let them take it where they want to take it. So I, no matter what I do between my purpose, personal brand or professional brand, I want to open up space for people to be themselves. And I want to facilitate that conversation in a way that it sticks with the general masses, and amplify that I’ve been a cheerleader to my core. And that’s what I bring in my journalism, too.

What are you most excited about this season: I’m really excited to see players take ownership of their stories. I’m really excited to see them step into a landscape that is ready to fully digest the fact that they belong there. And for them to be celebrated the way they’ve always deserved. And because of the empowerment around the game right now. It allows players to show up as fully themselves. So whether that’s translating by how they play basketball stylistically, or how they dress in the tunnel, or how they communicate their stories with media. I’m just excited about the individuality being showcased this season…

I want the general public to not be reliant on the bigger names and really know that when you look around in that locker room. For the W, there are 11 or 12 players in there. Every single person’s story matters. And so going into this season, every single person’s story should be told because we have so many more eyes on it. What I fear is that the legacy players, the players who have been around the super vets, they’re gonna be overshadowed in that. I want media to know like, it’s our responsibility to tell that history and it’s our responsibility to really go out and showcase the excellence. We have greats stepping away, [like] that Candace Parker retirement, which crushed me. And I never thought we gave her enough credit for how transformative she was. I’m a big Candace Parker and really I’m very underwhelmed about that. But like I don’t think we ever gave her enough credit about how transformative she was. And I want these vets [that] decide to step down and step away from the game, an active player role, for them to feel like they’ve been appreciated their entire career. And so, whether that’s us reconciling and having this heavy reconciliation in pushing their stories forward in a way we haven’t before, that’s what we need to do. We need to make the effort to really push them in to knowing that their flowers are there and they should receive them. 

Screen time: 9 hours and 37 minutes.

How did you get into content creation: I’ve always been obsessed with creating content. Even in high school, I had an anonymous Twitter page covering my high school sports. And then when I got to college, I was covering Wichita State Athletics [and] men’s Basketball was like, the biggest thing in the city. This was in 2016, 2017, I was so adamant about using my own social media or like different social media channels to promote our coverage, like the newspaper and everything. Long story short, I was told that using my social media is unprofessional and it wouldn’t get me anywhere. But I really didn’t listen to that. And that’s when I started Sports with Aliyah my junior year of college, and that’s where I’m like, Okay, I’m gonna write articles, do interviews, create content on my terms, and I know I can create an audience that likes me for me and my coverage.

From there, Sports with Aliyah has just grown so much. It was a talk show in Wichita— I’d love to get back to that—but a talk show or just going to any sports-related thing I could possibly go to and just show it from my point of view. I love focusing on things that make the athletes more human instead of just like their stats, like, I want to know their personal stories, I want to show their personalities. I also love the way basketball intersects with fashion, music culture, that’s just my favorite thing.

And when it comes to women’s sports, a lot of people saw me covering women’s sports as like a charity, like, Oh, that’s so nice that you’re covering the women’s game, too. And I’m like, ‘It’s not nice. It’s what I want to do.’ This is what I’m passionate about. That’s kind of how I approached it in my content. I have a lot of men’s sports fans following me, but I would just continue to talk about women’s basketball, women’s sports very casually [and adding] it in with my normal content, instead of just being like, Guys, look, I’m doing such a great thing by covering women’s sports. I’m just like, Yeah, this is what I’m talking about and get with it. And I think that’s kind of how I’ve kind of converted some men’s sports fans into liking women’s sports, and it’s been just integrated into my life at this point. 

What’s been your approach to building your personal brand: My approach has always been community first and not getting wrapped in with the numbers. I mean, it’s social media, things can go viral left and right. But what are you doing to sustain it? I’ve always valued a community, that’s why I started a group chat with my followers to help them break into sports or talk about sports. Community is everything and then also just capitalizing off of what makes me unique in the space. The human stories or the culture, I like to make a big deal out of the little things. I like to show what a normal broadcast wouldn’t show, those small moments between a player and a fan. Or, two players having a nice moment. I want to show things that you can’t see by just reading an article or watching ESPN or the broadcast. I think that’s been my key. 

Screen time: 8-9 hours.

How did you get into content creation: I feel like TikTok really became big my senior year of high school. [In] college, I had a very small platform, not really a lot of followers, but it just gave me a place to be creative and post about my life, post about being a student-athlete. I grew up watching a lot of YouTube and I feel like YouTube is definitely tedious, so having a platform where you can kind of share more short form videos and it’s an easier lift was really appealing to me. I kind of just got started there.

I also am a journalist, so I do some more traditional work, but I feel like TikTok is a place for me to kind of have my own little community and be a little bit more creative and do some untraditional things, whether it be sharing my opinions or doing fun interviews. That is really how I got into it and I’ve continued to post around big sporting events and just kind of giving my takes or getting opportunities to interview players and my platform has grown from there.

What’s your approach to building your brand: I think reporting and being a journalist is a huge part of my brand and I always want that to be the first thing that is conveyed when I’m posting and sharing online, but also sharing that fun side of me and knowing that a lot of these student-athletes who I’m interviewing, especially in college, are similar in age to me and probably people that I could be friends with if I wasn’t working because I was also a student-athlete. So, I totally get the ins and outs of what they’re going through. Trying to combine that perspective in the interviews, in my content, I think reaches them a little bit more because they’re human, too. They have their favorite artists off the court. They have hobbies that they like to do. I think it’s just a really good way for me to connect with these athletes.

Screen time: 5 hours.

How did you get into content creation: I had already been in the queer content creation space…Soccer’s always been my thing and that’s the thing I knew the most about—the intersection of queer and World Cup content. I was able to make like a bunch of like breakdown videos with the World Cup and now I just talk about sports and kind of try and make women’s sports as accessible as possible to as many people and tell the kind of human interest stories behind everything that happens. [It]s] just kind of the stuff I already am interested in and now I get to talk about it on TikTok.

What’s your approach to content creation: I think that a lot of it is that I think that I’ve created a community of people that watch my videos, they care about women’s sports, they care about women’s basketball, they care about what’s going on, and I like being around those people. And so it’s just kind of like, I, in my life, have had friends who I talk to about things happening in the W or things happening in the sports world. And now it’s like, I have a giant community of those people and like so many more friends to talk about…The thing that I always come back to is just like, I wanna grow the conversation and that kind of is the driving force [in] how many more friends can I get to talk about women’s basketball and all that, everything with?

Favorite WNBA team: I’m a DC girl. I’m excited for Aaliyah [Edwards]…that is gonna be exciting for us for the Mystics.

Screen time: 9 hours and 15 minutes.

How did you get into content creation: I have always been very vocal and extroverted and somebody that’s been taking pictures since I was a young age. I always felt that sharing videos [and] pictures as well as my thoughts as a way of bringing people into my life and I guess I never thought of myself as a content creator, I always just thought of myself that was kind of sharing what was going on in my life…

I’ve always just cared about curating. I would say not only an image, but not an image or a brand, but authenticating and showcasing my life, what I’m doing, what I aspire for, how I can help other people, how we can bring more people in. So I would say on Instagram, I really want us to just showcase the ups and downs, but also the possibilities for everybody in their life…On Twitter, which is the app that I have the most following on, I just talk. I’ve always been very vocal and I’ve always wanted to share how my background in African American studies and history has allowed me to look at a lot of things a bit more critically and provide some insight as well as my own personal feelings and thoughts.

What are you most excited about this season: The competition, the outfits, the brand deals that clients get. I think that the Liberty have the best court side experience with the Crown Club, with celebrities that come to games. It’s immaculate. I’m excited for the film pictures that I’m going to take this year—I think I’ve really found my lane in regards to capturing things between my phone and my cameras, and really being able to support W and be a face of the League and people know.

We get down in New York. I’ve been called the mayor. I wouldn’t consider myself as such, but it’s fun to know that when people are coming to game in New York, they know they’re gonna see me and that I’m gonna bring that energy to every game.

Screen time: 4-6 hours a day.

What’s do you think makes your content unique on social: I really like looking at and understanding personal development: why is a player growing? How did they adapt over an offseason? What did they start seeing differently? It’s amazing watching the consistency that they grow into, and understanding them as players and people is what I’m all about.

What are you most excited about this season: I’m excited about a plethora of things, but I’m most excited to watch the Seattle Storm find their way as a team this year. There’s so much talent coming together, and I can’t wait to watch Noelle Quinn fit everything together

Screen time: It’s around 8 in the off-season and then about 11.5 or 12 on average in-season.

The post WSLAM Presents: The WNBA Creators, Journalists and Creatives Making Waves and Growing the Game appeared first on SLAM.

Since its inception during the 2017-18 season, the All-LeagueFits awards have only gotten more contentious. LF legends like Russell Westbrook, Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Oubre are still dominating the landscape, but this next generation of tastemakers are rapidly closing in. From the lottery to the second round, the rookies put it ON for their first bout in the tunnels. Between Victor Wembanyama diving headfirst into San Antonio’s cowboy culture, Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s refined vibes echoing the beaches of Miami and Alperen Sengun walking away with Most Improved Player, the L has been left in more than capable hands.

Fresh off of his Rookie of the Year award last season, Jalen Williams has cemented a spot on the All-LeagueFits First Team. The OKC Thunder in general were consistently dressed to the nines, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becoming the first player in LF history to win MVP in back-to-back seasons while Lu Dort rounded out the Third Team.

This year’s All-LeagueFits teams were carefully selected. The voting system was split into three categories: 25 percent of the votes were calculated from the LeagueFits discord, another 25 percent were derived from a legendary LeagueFits panel highlighted by Dwyane Wade, Serge Ibaka and Ty Young. The remaining 50 percent of the votes were weighted by LeagueFits producer Ian Pierno.

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: FIRST TEAM

Three players made their debuts this season on the All-LeagueFits First Team— Bol Bol, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Williams—and joined a squad rockin’ sleek, suave and braggadocios attire with flashy accessories.

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: SECOND TEAM

LeBron James easily had the best-dressed season of his career this year while Ty pushing the limits of his style, from pea coats to berets and a stream of loafers. Longtime LF legend Russell Westbrook locked in his seventh-straight All-LeagueFits appearance. And after back-to-back honorable mentions, Jordan Poole finally cracked the code with his consistent workwear wardrobe.

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: THIRD TEAM

Jarred Vanderbilt made his third-straight All-LeagueFits team while Jerami Grant’s eclectic style turned heads constantly. On the other side of the aisle, Kelly Oubre and D’Angelo Russell put another stamp on their historic LeagueFits passport, marking their fifth and fourth placements, respectively.

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: ROOKIE TEAM

Let’s be real, the rooks went absolutely crazy this year. After becoming Louis Vuitton’s latest ambassador, Victor Wembanyama fully enveloped the legendary brand’s new wave led by Pharrell Williams. An insane amount of ice spearheaded Scoot Henderson’s selection amidst the backdrop of Amari Bailey’s puffer campaign and Brice Sensabaugh’s break-out year.

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: HONORABLE MENTIONS

Honorable mentions are a must. Don’t get it twisted. With only 15 slots on the All-LeagueFits teams and an otherworldly amount of drip, the guys on this years list stayed laced in layers of palettes, fabrics and textures.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: 2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

2023-24 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

Check out the award winners from years past below:

2017-18 Awards

2018-19 Awards

2021-22 Awards

2023 WNBA Awards

The post The 2023-24 All-LeagueFits Awards: SGA Named MVP, Wemby Wins ROTY (Again) appeared first on SLAM.

30 YEARS OF SLAM fully chronicles our history in 256 beautiful pages and includes a forward written by Allen Iverson.

The post The 30 Years of SLAM Book is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

From legends like Christian Laettner and Grant Hill to the rim-piercing Zion Williamson, there was always a star to carry on the legacy of the Blue Devils. Now, it’s Cooper Flagg’s time. Get ready, Cameron Crazies, because Flagg’s about to ignite a frenzy unlike anything seen before. 

The light is always green for Isaiah Evans. No matter the defender, no matter the team, the lethal scorer will never settle for anything less than a bucket. Despite being largely overlooked in his early playing career, bucket by bucket, Evans has climbed up the rankings. The forward—nicknamed “Baby Brandon Ingram”—will suit up for one of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate programs, where he will continue to prove the doubters wrong. 

The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan Harper has all of his father’s best attributes and more. The shifty floor general wears mismatched shoes and talks his talk any chance he gets, but with the ball in his hands, he is also deadly composed. If his high school performances attest to anything, it’s that Harper is bound to be a star. 

V.J. Edgecombe is a blazing bolt of thunder in transition. The uber-athletic guard led the NIBC in scoring as a junior and stuffed the stat sheet en route to a 21-5 record in his senior season. Make no mistake—as soon as he touches down in Bears territory, the high-soaring scorer will be cleared for takeoff.

Go ahead and throw any defensive scheme at Tre Johnson, it won’t matter: the sharpshooter will always find a way to put the ball in the basket. Any spot on the floor is fair game for the guard who has made a living putting defenders on skates. The addition of Johnson alone is enough to make Texas hoops must-watch television.

The post  The 2024 SLAM HS Boys All-Americans appeared first on SLAM.

Sarah Strong’s a dawg in the paint with the lightest touch around the three-point line. She helped lead the USA basketball women’s 3×3 team to the gold in the 2022 and 2023 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup, won 2024 Naismith High School Player of the Year and led her high school team to a perfect 30-0 record this past season.

Joyce Edwards’ insane versatility on both ends of the court led to her being named 2023-24 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She also led the Bulldogs to the Class AAA state championship and was named a 2024 McDonald’s All-American. Not only is Edwards a menace on the court, she has maintained a 5.08 weighted GPA in the classroom. 

With crazy court vision, Jaloni Cambridge plays with passion and a quickness that doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s a McDonald’s All-American and played in the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup All-Star Five. But will never forget her run at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5 in 2023. 

Kateryna Koval’s competitiveness and dominance helped her claim 2022-23 Gatorade New York Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She has represented her home country of Ukraine for almost six years, and at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Challengers in 2021, she averaged a smooth double-double of 26 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. 

Kiyomi McMiller is making waves both on and off the court. The McDonald’s All-American nominee and Jordan Brand Classic All-American can drop buckets with her flashy, smooth-style of play. McMiller made history as the first high school athlete to sign an NIL deal with Jordan Brand. 

The post The 2024 SLAM HS Girls All-Americans appeared first on SLAM.

Held in Atlanta at Quavo’s alma mater, Berkmar High School, Huncho Day featured a 7v7 football exhibition game between Team Huncho Basketball and Team Huncho Elite, as well as a celebrity flag football game and a Team Huncho basketball game.

Guest coaches included none other than LSU standout Flau’jae Johnson—who can drop buckets on the court and spit bars in the booth—as well as comedian/social media sensation, Drusk, former NBA Champion Stephen Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Richard LeConte III, Utah Utes’ guard Deivon Smith, rapper King Harris and more.

Johnson even coached the white team alongside Quavo, while the orange team was led by Druski and McCloud. 

The sold-out event, which brought together both sports and culture, was all for a greater cause, raising $50,000 for The Rocket Foundation in support of gun violence prevention. Quavo founded the Rocket Foundation in November of 2022 to honor the life and legacy of Takeoff.

Photo credit Chris Shine

The post Quavo Hosts 7th Annual Huncho Day in Atlanta with Druski and Flau’jae Johnson appeared first on SLAM.

Get your copy of SLAM 249, also featuring Caitlin Clark, the Knicks and Jimmy Butler, right now.

The post Anthony Edwards Covers SLAM 249 appeared first on SLAM.

The story of what’s unfolded this month is mad interesting, but we dug into what else he’s been up to off-the-court to stack his bread, and it’s arguably just as good. Let’s work backwards and cover it all real quick. 

2024

Before the Raptors’ game against the Clippers on Jan. 26, sportsbooks predicted Porter would have 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 made threes. 

If you don’t know sports betting, this means that if you wanted to bet on Porter points that night, you’d either pick the “under”—meaning you think he’d score 5 points or less, or the “over”—meaning you think he’d score 6 points or more. Same gist applies for each of the other statistical categories. Now that we got that out of the way… 

Porter played 4 minutes that game before exiting due to what was recorded as a re-aggravated eye injury. He recorded a dime and 3 boards. He didn’t attempt a shot. Whatever. Dude only played 4 minutes; that’s not unheard of. 

The next day, though, ESPN reported that DraftKings reported that the most money bettors made the previous night was betting the under on Porter’s made threes line (basically, a ton of money was bet, and made, on people betting that Porter wouldn’t make a 3 against the Clippers). January 26 was a stacked night in the NBA, too. Sixteen teams played that night, including plenty of stars (Luka had 73 that night and Book dropped 62) who generally attract the lion’s share of bettors’ interest.

Fast forward a bit to March 20. The Raptors play the Kings, Porter logs just 3 minutes and his statline is lower than what the sportsbooks predicted. The next day, per ESPN, DraftKings reports that people who bet against Jontay Porter made more money than anyone else who bet on basketball that night. 

So now it’s happened twice. Red flags go up, and dude is placed on leave. 

A source from another sportsbook told ESPN that people were attempting to place bets up to $20,000 on Porter. 

By the way, if you tossed $100 on all of Porter’s unders to hit that night, you’d turn your $100 into $1,400. If you threw down $80,000, you’d stand to walk away with $1,120,000. 

PRE-2024

Let’s start with a money-focused Twitter account Jontay has linked to from his main Twitter account: @TayTrades11. It’s full of advice and commentary on stocks and crypto trading. It was most active in 2022, when Porter wasn’t signed to an NBA team, but the account has posted as recently as this month.

A lot of the financial lingo is way out of this writer’s ballpark, but the account posts about making between $20K and $40K.  

The account has referenced college hoops parlays in the past. 

Porter backed up his online presence when he went onto the “Bound to be Rich” podcast in September 2022 and told stories about turning $5K into $100K and even $50K into $200K in just three days through trading on RobinHood, an app for trading stocks and crypto. 

On the pod, whose thumbnail says that Porter “outperforms hedge funds,” he says, “I think I go against a lot of the typical rules of safe traders … I just try to grow it as quickly as possible.” 

Porter is listed as a co-founder of a company called The Financial Cloud, whose mission is “To help members pursue Financial Freedom Through Trading by designing a system that makes trading easier, faster, and more accurate, so members can spend more time doing what they love.” In the company’s official Discord server, a TayTrades11 is listed as the owner of the server and chats amongst its users about making money via trading. 

We hopped into the server to find members in the free section of the server discussing the news. 

The premium section of the server was locked when we joined Tuesday afternoon. 

Photo via Getty Images.

The post What We Know So Far About the Jontay Porter Situation appeared first on SLAM.

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month—and Black history every day—WSLAM and the Black Coaches Association are spotlighting those coaching DI, DII and DIII college hoops.

Regardless of whether they’re competing in the NCAA tournament right now or not, these are the women leading favorite squads.

Dawn Staley:
South Carolina | Began as head coach in 2008 |

Accolades include getting inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, leading the program to two National Championships (2017, 2022) and five NCAA Final Fours

Felisha Legette-Jack:
Syracuse | Coaching Career began in 1989 | Joined Prior to 2022 season

2024 ACC Coach of the Year and CAA Coach of the Year in ’04

Ashley Langford:
Stony Brook | Coaching career began in 2009 | Joined Prior to 2021 season
Has the ​​best winning percentage (.683) of any head coach in program history and has led her squad to an average of 20 wins per season

Vanessa Blair Lewis:
George Mason | Coaching career began in 1996 | Joined Prior to 2022 season
1998-99 NEC COY and 4x MEAC COY

Niele Ivey:
Notre Dame | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined prior to the 2020 season
Led the program to its first regular season ACC title since 2019 and named the 2022-23 ACC Coach of the Year

Aqua Franklin:
Lamar | Coaching career began in 2009 | Joined prior to the 2019 season
Finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award

DeLisha Milton-Jones:
Old Dominion | Coaching career began in 2016 | Joined prior to the 2020 season
Ranks top-10 in NCAA all-time wins; three national championships, 25 tournament appearances, 17 conference championships and 55 All-Americans

Tomekia Reed:
Jackson State | Coaching career began in 2006 | Joined prior to the 2008 season
Led the program to four straight SWAC regular season titles, back-to-back SWAC tournament titles and NCAA appearances, as well as the program’s first even WNIT appearance

Mary Grimes:
Le Moyne | Coaching career began in 2009 | Joined prior to the 2021 season
In the first two years of being head coach, led the team to two Northeast-10 Conference Regular Season Championships, and 2023-24 NEC Coach of the Year

Dawn Thornton:
Arkansas Pine Bluff | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined prior to the 2019 season
Qualified for the conference tournament for the first time since 2017

Erin Dickerson Davis:
William & Mary | Coaching career began in 2020 | Joined prior to 2022 season
Led the team to the most wins by a first year head coach in program history

Jesyka Burks-Wiley:
Florida International | Coaching career began in 2013 | Joined prior to the 2020 season
Led the team to their first winning season since 2012-2013 and matched single-season win record by having 12 CAA wins

Carrie Moore:
Harvard | Coaching career began in 2010 | Joined prior to 2023 season
Led Harvard to highest NET ranking in program history and was named ESPN coach of the week in January 2023

Margaret Richards:
Alabama A&M | Coaching career began in 2005 | Joined prior to the 2016 season
Led the team to SWAC tournament semifinals and to a program record of 17 wins against Division 1 opponents

Freda Freeman-Jackson:
Alabama State | Coaching career began in 1991 | Joined prior to the 1998 season
Has led the program to three SWAC Regular season titles, numerous trips to theNCAA Tournament and one WNIT berth. 

Adia Barnes
Arizona | Joined in 2016
WNIT champion and led the program to the Final Four in 2021.

Natasha Adair
Arizona State | Coaching career began in 1998 | Joined prior to the 2023 season
Started the season 5-0 for the first time since 2002 and CAA coach of the year in the 2020 season

Destinee Rogers:
Arkansas State | Coaching career began in 2015 | Joined prior to the 2018 season
First African-American female head coach to win a game in school history and reached the Sun Belt Conference tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2017

Johnnie Harris:
Auburn | Coaching career began in 1998 | Joined prior to the 2022 season
Inducted in Watson’s Chapel High School Hall of Fame and defeated Texas A&M for the first time in 2019

Brittany Young:
Austin Peay | Coaching career began in 2013 | Joined prior to 2023 season
First head coach in program history to lead the team to back to back conference tournament semifinals and the 37 wins are the most by head coach in their first two seasons

Janell Crayton:
Bethune-Cookman | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined prior to 2021 season
Member of Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and in the first year recorded five wins in BCU’s inaugural season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

Charmin Smith:
California | Coaching career began in 2003 | Named head coach prior to 2019-20 season
First Black female coach in program history. Led team to most overall (19) and Pac-12 (7) wins in five years. Listed as 2020’s top 100 Most influential figures in Women’s College Basketball.

Katrina Merriweather:
Cincinnati | Coaching career began in 2001 | Joined in 2023 season
3x Horizon League Coach Of the Year

Ganiyat Adeduntan:
Colgate | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined prior to the 2022 season

Tamika Williams-Jeter:
Dayton | Coaching career began in 2002 | Joined prior to the 2023 season
Led the team to A-10 Championship Tournament

Sarah Jenkins:
Delaware | Coaching career began in 2006 | Joined prior to 2023 season
Led the team to the Colonial Athletic Association regular season title

Jazmone Turner:
Delaware State | Coaching career began in 2014 | Joined prior to the 2022 season
Part of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association 30 Under 30 Class

Doshia Woods:
Denver | Coaching career began in 2001 | Joined in 2020
Led the team to be in the top 50 in NCAA free throws made and ranked 12th in the country for blocked shots per game

Kara Lawson:
Duke | Coaching career began in 2019 | Joined in 2020
Led the team to the best season in recent history, a 26-7 record; ranked third in NCAA in scoring defense (51.0).

Kim McNeill:
East Carolina | Coaching career began in 2013 | Joined in 2019
Named AAC Coach of the Year and won the 2023 AAC Tournament championship

Ke’Sha Blanton:
Eastern Michigan | Coaching career began in 2010 | Joined in 2022
Led the team to Horizon League Women’s Basketball Championships

Charlotte Smith:
Elon | Coaching career began in 2002 | Joined in 2011
Led the team to four consecutive years of advancing to the CAA championships and was the 2016 CAA Coach of the Year

Bridgette Gordon:
Florida A&M | Coaching career began in 2004 | Joined Prior to the 2023 season
Coached six players to the WNBA

Jennifer Sullivan:
Florida Atlantic | Coaching career began in 2008 | Joined prior to the 2022 season
Guided a 140% increase in wins and season sweep over rival FIU

Bridgette Mitchell:
Fordham | Coaching career began in 2013 | Joined prior to the 2023/24 season
Won CAA Coach of the Year

Anita Howard:
Georgia Southern | coaching career began in 2012 | Joined Prior to the 2019 season
Led the team to the first 20-win season since 2002 and ranked 5th out 348 NCAA Division 1 in scoring offense (79.3 ppg)

Courtney Simmons:
Grambling State | Coaching career began in 2008 | Joined prior to the 2023 season
Guided prior teams to Sun Belt Tournament Championships

Danielle Santos Atkinson:
Hofstra | Coaching career began in 2006 | Joined in 2019
Led the team to CAA Women’s Basketball Championships and the first 12-seed in the CAA Championship that advanced to quarterfinal since 2006

Ty Grace:
Howard | Coaching career began in 1998 | Joined in 2015
Won first MEAC Tournament title since 2001 and 2020-21 MEAC Coach of the Year

Special Jennings:
Jacksonville | Coaching career began in 2016 | Joined in 2023

Octavia Blue:
Kennesaw State | Coaching career began in 2008 | Joined in 2020
Fasted KSU head coach to 30 Wins

Kia Damon-Olson:
Lafayette | Coaching career began in 1993 | Joined in 2017
Brought the team to Patriot League Semifinals

Lauren Sumski:
Lipscomb | Coaching career began in 2014 | Joined in 2019
First Female in Lipscomb History to be Head Coach and tied the program record for wins (20)

Rene Haynes:
Long Island | Coaching career began in 2012 | Joined in 2019
12th Head coach in 54 years and Greater Columbus Legends Hall of Fame

Erika Lang-Montgomery:
Longwood | Coaching career began in 1995 | Joined in 2022
In the first season, Longwood to a sixth place finish in Big South standings

Danielle O’Banion:
Loyola (MD) | Coaching career began in 2002 | Joined in 2021
2023-24 Patriot League Coach of the Year

Aarika Hughes:
Loyola Marymount | Coaching career began in 2011 | Joined in 2021
Named Top 21 Coaches by The Athletic Magazine and recognized by Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s Top 30 Coaches Under 30

Alex Simmons:
Memphis | Coaching career began 2009 | Joined in 2018 but named head coach in 2023
Named Big South Coach of the Year

Kimberly Anderson:
Mississippi Valley State | Coaching career began in 1982 | Joined 2022
6th Women’s basketball head coach

Trelanne Powell:
New Orleans | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined 2023
Second Coach of the Year in 2023

Jada Pierce:
Niagara | Coaching career began in 2004 | Joined 2015
Set new program record with 16 MAAC wins and earned a bid to WNIT

Priscilla Edwards-Lloyd:
Northeastern | Coaching career began in 2010 | Joined 2023
8th Head Coach in Program History

Tanya Warren:
Northern Iowa | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined 2007
3x MVC Coach of the Year

Yolett McPhee-McCuin:
Ole Miss | Coaching career began in 2004 | Joined 2018
Led the team to 11th Sweet 16 in Program History and 19th NCAA Tournament appearance

Carrie Banks:
Omaha | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined 2020
Led the team to 29 Wins and made it to the Summit League Tournament in 2022

Sandy Pugh:
Prairie View A&M | Coaching career began in 1987 | Joined 2018
Led the team to WNIT Appearance

Erin Batth:
Providence | Coaching career began in 2004 | Joined 2023
Guided former teams to NCAA Tournament appearances and 11th coach in the program’s history

Jen Brown:
Queens University | Coaching career began in 2005 | Joined 2020
Led the team to the D1 Level

Coquese Washington:
Rutgers | Coaching career began in 1999 | Joined 2022
WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award and 3x Big Ten Coach of the Year

Ravon Justice:
Sam Houston State | Coaching career began in 2004 | Joined 2019
Led the team to 35-23 record and 2018-19 Southland Coach of the Year

Stacie Terry-Hutson:
San Diego State | Coaching career began in 1999 | Joined 2013
Made the WNIT which is the First Postseason Appearance Since 2012

April Phillips:
San Jose State | Coaching career began in 2013 | Joined 2022
Led the team to first Mountain West Conference Tournament win since 2020

Yolisha Jackson:
South Alabama | Coaching career began around 2016 | Joined as assistant coach 2019
10th women’s basketball Head Coach in program history

Rekha Patterson:
Southeast Missouri State | Coaching career began ain 2022 | Joined 2015
Led the team to second OVC Tournament Title and 2019-20 OVC Coach of the Year

Kelly Bond-White:
Southern Illinois | Coaching career began in 1999 | Joined 2022
Coached the team to score at least 100 points on three occasions and 2021-22 MVC Coach of the Year

Toyelle Wilson:
Southern Methodist | Coaching career began in 2003 | Joined 2021
First Black Female Head Coach at SMU and brought the team to its second consecutive WNIT appearance

Keila Whittington:
St. Francis (PA) | Coaching career began in 1991 | Joined 2023

Led the team to 1st in free throw percentage (.810) and defensive rebounds per game (27.1)

Diane Richardson:
Temple | Coaching career began in 2000 | Joined 2022
Led the Team to 11-18 Record with Eight Players and 2018-19 CAA Coach of the Year

Joni Taylor:
Texas A&M | Coaching career began in 2002 | Joined 2022
2021 SEC Coach of the Year

Vernette Skeete:
Texas Southern | Coaching career began in 2009 | Joined 2022
Reestablished the TSU brand in community

Zenarae Antoine:

Texas State | Coaching career began in 1999 | Joined in 2011

All-time winningest coach and 2023 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year

Shereka Wright:
Texas-Arlington | Coaching career began in 2006 | Joined 2020
Won Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2021

Styia Messer:
UCF | Coaching career began in 2000 | Joined 2022
Led the team to 6-0 Start since 1984

Denise King:
UMass Lowell | Coaching career began in 2005 | Joined 2018
Led the Team to Two Straight America East Playoff Semifinal Games

Dionnah Jackson-Durrett:
UMKC | Coaching career began in 2010 | Joined 2022
Led the Team to Summit League Championships

Trina Patterson:
UNC Greensboro | Coaching career began in 1991 | Joined 2016
2x SoCon Coach of the Year, 1993 CAA Coach of the Year, and 2007 AEC Coach of the Year

Nicole Woods:
UNC Wilmington | Coaching career began in 2009 | Joined 2023
Inducted into the Gatson Sports Hall of Fame

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton:
Virginia | Coaching career began in 2006 | Joined in 2022
Two-Time MVC Coach of the Year

Semeka Randall Lay:
Winthrop | Coaching career began in 2007 | Joined in 2020
Led Rivalry Wins in 2021-22 against Presbyterian, UNC Asheville and Charleston Southern

Marisa Moseley:
Wisconsin | Coaching began in 2005 | Joined in 2021
Won the 2019 Patriot League Coach of the Year

Dalila Eshe:
Yale | Coaching began in 2006 | Joined in 2022
Coached Ivy League Co-Defensive PLayer and Top 10 finalist for Nancy Lieberman Award

Michelle Clark-Heard

Mercer College | Coaching career began in 2018 | Joined in 2024

Photos via Getty Images. Portrait via AAMU and Harvard Athletics.

Featured graphic designed by Abdel Kyle Traore.

The post WSLAM x BCA: Meet the Black Women Coaching DI College Hoops appeared first on SLAM.

W LEGENDS OF THE PAST

From the first woman, ever, to grace the cover of SLAM to the icons that changed the game. 

COP COVER TEE

W LEGENDS OF THE PRESENT

Breaking boundaries. Defying any and all expectations. For these women, limits don’t exist.

COP COVER TEE

W LEGENDS OF THE FUTURE

From the legendary impact of Dawn Staley to college basketball’s brightest stars—including Juju, Angel, Flau’jae, Paige, Azzi and Cameron—women’s hoopers don’t just have next, they have right now.

COP COVER TEE

SHOP THE WOMEN’S HOOPS COLLECTION

The post Celebrating the W Legends of the Past, Present and Future  appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

Think of any great college team. Usually, it’s only two to three guys carrying that IT factor. On rare occasions, the whole starting five possesses unyielding star power. Now try 10. Yeah, ten future NBA players on one single college roster. The 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats weren’t just stacked; they were nearly insurmountable. 

Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer, Walter McCarty, Mark Pope. Six high school All-Americans. Out of 36 contests, they’d only drop two under the direction of Rick Pitino. In the land where hoops are equivalent to religion, the Wildcats returned to Lexington with the program’s sixth NCAA championship in tow. 

And they did it all in denim. Bold. Bizarre. But man, did they turn heads. The white kits favored a more reserved approach, with the royal blue textile incorporated into the piping of the jerseys and shorts. Away contests served as the runway with a pseudo-denim base sparking debate and controversy across the country.  

Enacting a 27-game win streak, the Wildcats roared through the SEC and NCAA tournament, burying their first four opponents by 20-plus points. They were a blend of collective brilliance on both ends of the floor, leading the nation in points, assists and steals per game. Cycling between a 10-man rotation, Pitino could look to the pine at any point for an instant boost. Simply put, the Cats would put up NUMBERS. Long before reaching the 90s and 100s in the scorebook became a norm, the Wildcats dropped 100 points per game on nine occasions. Just ask LSU, who got a whopping 86 put up on em in the first half. 

The term “Untouchable” rumbled throughout the basketball ecosystem. From the first week of the season to the first day of April, the Wildcats simply were that. Untouchable. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘96 Kentucky appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

It’s impossible to reference the most impactful college teams without including Allen Iverson and the Georgetown Hoyas. We’ve got a storied history with Bubba Chuck, which started in ‘96 with Issue No. 9 when SLAM Shakespearean Scoop Jackson lobbied for the first of AI’s eventual 15 covers. Led by the infamous John Thompson, Hoya Paranoia was synonymous with the iconic kente cloth-stitched threads and high expectations, entering the season with a Top Five preseason ranking. With AI returning for his sophomore campaign in ‘95, the basketball ecosystem gravitated to Washington D.C. And outside the nation’s capital, everybody wanted to be down with the Hoyas. Replica Nike unis, baggy gray and navy sweat suits. Georgetown was more than a basketball powerhouse; it was a culture—a culture led by Allen Iverson, a simply unstoppable force. 

The 6-foot phenom left every crowd in awe with his signature cross, unmatched rhythm and smooth jumper. Jumpstops were his specialty, buckets were his major while studying at the College of Next Up. Back in ‘96, Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson put it plainly; “I’ve been to three calf shows, nine horse ropings–I even saw Elvis once. But I ain’t never seen anyone do what Iverson does. We doubled him, trapped him and he broke it.” 

Big East Freshman of the Year and Big East Defensive Player of the Year just last season. Nobody could punk, mess or even dream of stopping the Hampton, VA native. 25 points and 3.4 steals per, Iverson’s craftiness was unparalleled. Down low, Othea Harrington continued the program’s well-earned reputation as a big-man factory, dominating the Big East boards alongside Jerome Williams.

In the fast break, freshman sensation Victor Page truly shined. The 6 ‘3 backcourt complement was thrown more lobs than spot-up threes as he and Iverson skied to the rims for constant highlight connections. One-handed cross-court bounce passes, no look dots and emphatic hammers—just another day at the office.

The phrase ‘look good, play good’ might be overused, but it was a decree regarding the Hoyas of ‘96. From the debut of the Terminators back in ‘85 to the inclusion of kente patterns in ‘93, John Thompson’s chess-like approach to visual excellence was singular. While grey and navy may have been the base for the most popular uniform in college basketball, Thompson’s decided to throw one more into the mix—the heralded sleek all-black threads. Decades later, the trio of hues continue to spark the influence of the 95-96 Hoyas. 

Finishing the season with a 29-8 record while refusing to fall out of the Top 14, the Hoyas stamped their ticket to the big dance despite falling to UConn in the Big East Tournament championship. After receiving a No. 2 seed in the East region, Iverson went berserk, exploding for nearly 28 points and two steals per game throughout March as Georgetown marched to the Georgia Dome for the Elite Eight. 

Despite falling to Marcus Camby and Massachusetts, the 95-96 Georgetown Hoyas remain one of the most impactful teams in collegiate history, period. We’d implore you to find a team whose threads have remained relevant for over three decades. The fabric of Georgetown’s prominence may have been initially stitched by Thompson and Patrick Ewing, but the immortalization of the Hoyas was cemented with AI and the ‘96 squad. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘96 Georgetown appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

The Coney Island kid and SLAM’s golden child. A blossoming national talent hailing from Cincinnati. A 6-5 dimer leading the program in all-time assists. Stephon Marbury, Matt Harpring and Drew Barry formulated one of the greatest squads in Georgia Tech history. But their Sweet 16 appearance and dominance in the ACC pales compared to the lasting imprint left by Starbury and the Yellow Jackets cohort. 

Hailing from Lincoln High School, Marbury was shifting the culture long before he came to dawn the gold and navy. Two-time SLAM All-American. The first SLAM Diarist and a future great who we’d honor as one of the 30 players who have defined our 30 years. To put it into perspective, Marbury had dudes in the barbershop asking for a line cut down the middle of their heads. He had Alexander Memorial Coliseum rocking to a different type of rhythm. His vision was top tier, his style of play was ruthless, mean muggin’ as he trotted back down on defense. 

The Yellow Jackets already had a solid core in place between Harpring, Barry and Michael Maddox, but the arrival of the wiry high school sensation would put Tech over the top with a regular season ACC Championship and a final No. 13 AP ranking.

Led by ACC Coach of the Year Bobby Cremins, the Jackets looked to their sharp-shooting sophomore in Matt Harpring for never-ending consistency. Good for 18.6 points and 8.1 boards a game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, the 6-8 forward would secure his second of three All-ACC honors during the year. Meanwhile, Drew Barry – the son of Hall of Famer Rick Barry – formed the second half of Tech’s insurmountable backcourt. 

The Yellow Jackets may not have found ultimate success in March – despite reaching the Sweet 16 – but they found it in cultural relevance. Starbury was born. A modernized swagger imbued the hardwood of Alexander Memorial Coliseum. The Yellow Jackets weren’t all hype. They were emphatic. 

Photos via Getty Images.

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As the pinnacle of college basketball begins, sneaker trading app Tradeblock is celebrating accordingly, kicking off a first-of-its-kind tournament challenge featuring the best sneaker drops from 2020 to 2023. All you’ve got to do is hit a perfect bracket, and $25,000 could be yours. 

Instead of your typical geographical regions, Tradeblock has sectioned off all four areas of the bracket based on a sneaker release year. After polling their online community for accurate seeding, a total of 68 different sneaker releases have been pitted against one another. Collaborations run rampant from Travis Scott and Off-White to J. Balvin while Zion Williamson’s “Voodoo” Air Jordan 1 Lows and a duo of Kobe Bryant signatures make for the perfect tournament sleepers. 

For us, there was only ever one championship matchup in mind; the Nike Kobe 6 Protro in the “Reverse Grinch” and “Mambacita” colorways. In the end, the “Reverse Grinches” got the nod for their striking clad-red color blocking that’s become just as heralded as the regal purple and gold pairs the Black Mamba became synonymous with. 

Inspired by the millions of college basketball hopefuls itching to craft that one perfect bracket every year, a grand prize of $25,000 will be awarded to the individual(s) whose brackets align perfectly with the selections of Tradeblock’s internal committee. And just like March, upsets are inevitable. In the event that no perfect brackets remain, Tradeblock will award $10,000 to the individual(s) who accumulated the most points in their bracket; with one correct matchup prediction equaling one point. 

Head over to Tradeblock to fill out your own bracket with a chance to win $25,000 at the end of the tournament. In order to qualify, make sure you’ve got your bracket set before March 31st at 11:59 pm CT. 

The post Tradeblock Announces Sneaker March Mania Bracket Challenge appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

Just like the checkered pattern woven into their uniforms, the Tar Heels’ decisive strategy included a stacked squad and five powerhouses putting up double digits: Rasheed Wallace, Jerry Stackhouse, Jeff McInnis, Donald Wiliams and Donte Calabria. 

The tandem of Stackhouse and Wallace injected the Dean Smith Center with an infectious energy that permeated the nation. Wallace was known for his defensive skill set, but he would also wreak as much havoc on the offensive end. Long before Zion Williamson was shaking the bedrock of Tobacco Road, Rasheed Wallace was dubbed “the most exciting dunker in college basketball” by none other than Dick Vitale. But the 6-10 center truly shined with his display of basketball acumen. In the post, he was constantly surveying gaps, cutting lanes and the position of his defender. He’d sky for a block with picture-perfect timing and repelled guards from the paint with sheer passion and will. 

From across the nation to the ACC and the Dean Smith Center, the ‘95 Tar Heels enacted a slam fest in every arena they found themselves in. Rolling to the rim was an automatic two points. Stackhouse and McInnis—who transitioned their backcourt connection from Oak Hill to Chapel Hill—could find you anywhere, anytime. And in between, they found the bottom of the net. 

Meanwhile, Stackhouse and Wallace marked one of the most entertaining duos in college basketball history, while the squad’s starting five sent nightmares throughout the ACC. Seriously, imagine game-planning for this roster. At some point, you come to the realization that they’re going to get whatever they want. You’ve just got to stay with them. And if we’re being real, the latter wasn’t that likely. 

Their season-long reign would eventually come to an end as the Tar Heels fell to Arkansas in New Orleans. But the legend of these young Tar Heels would only be the beginning of a storied connection stitched together by lobs, dubs and Carolina blue threads. 

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘95 North Carolina  appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

With future legends Tim Duncan and Randolph Childress, the ‘95 Demon Deacons carried themselves with a sinister swag that separated them from the rest. The birth of the Big Fundamental began in Duncan’s sophomore year—posting 16.8 points and 12.5 boards, the skinny 6-11 sophomore dominated the ACC, where he lulled defenders to sleep on the wing and left opponents shook in the post.

Then there was Childress. We’re talking about the dude who dropped 107 points in three days during the ACC Tournament in his senior season. The highlight that made Childress an integral part of the Deacon culture would come from the ACC tournament against the Tar Heels, who had stars like Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace. Childress capped off his 37-point performance with a game-winning jumper that ignited fans from Winston-Salem to Greensboro Coliseum. 

Head coach Dave Odom knew what it took to win within a stacked conference, securing his third ACC Coach of the Year honors in ‘95 with Wake Forest achieving the No. 3 national ranking ahead of the NCAA tournament. Freshman guard Tony Rutland referred to the culture as a “brotherhood, a camaraderie.”

The type of culture that had Odom cracking jokes and Duncan cracking a sly smile at the top of the ladder for the ACC Championship. In the end, it was all business.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘94 Wake Forest appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

The All-American sensation of Jason Kidd. The prolific scoring of Lamond Murray. The 1993-94 California Bears saw a season full of gold headlined by their fifth-ever Sweet 16 appearance. Draped in shimmering yellow-gold threads, this Cal squad was at the epicenter of the Golden State.

Fresh off being named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Jason Kidd dropped 16.7 points per game as a sophomore, dishing out 9.1 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 steals. The stocky 6-4 Bay Area native breezed past the school’s previous record of most assists in a season with 272.

Pair Kidd with a scintillating scorer like Murray, and it was game over for the Pac-10. Murray scored a team-high 24.3 points in the ‘94 season and hauled down 7.9 rebounds per game. The Pasadena native was one of the best scorers the program had seen, and he would become the Bears’ all-time scoring leader with 1,688 points, ranking him at No. 4. Kidd’s sorcery and Murray’s athleticism forced opponents into a persistent state of fear. Lobs, behind-the-back dimes, no-looks, skips and shovel passes could come from anywhere at any time. With the ball in Kidd’s hands, even if you thought you weren’t open, you were open.

While Murray was known for his quiet and stoic demeanor—word is he’d rock his headphones and Walkman around campus with no music playing—the 6-7 junior forward’s game was anything but silent. If you needed a bucket? Lamond Murray. Looking for a transition highlight? Lamond Murray. Who was getting the play call in the huddle? Again, Lamond Murray.

As for Kidd, he was cemented as one of the best players to come out of the Bay Area, a true hometown hero of the West Coast. The former Naismith Player of the Year in high school introduced the program to their first taste of national prominence. With Kidd constantly drawing nationwide allure, The Golden Bears were forced to move some of their home games to the Oakland Coliseum the year prior as ticket sales demanded a larger venue. Kidd’s showmanship on the hardwood was so enticing that the Golden Bears were hooping in front of sold-out crowds for two straight seasons. Now, Kidd’s illustrious No.5 jersey hangs in the rafters of Haas Pavilion, cementing his legacy in Golden Bears history.

Then there were the likes of Monty Buckley, Ryan Jamison, Alfred Grigsby and K.J. Roberts. The recruiting Class of ‘91, alongside Kidd and Murray, were the giants of the West. Their preparation was different. Summer workouts at Harmon Gym consisted of going against the NBA’s best. Game reps with the likes of Tim Hardaway, Gary Payton, Brian Shaw, Antonio Davis, Mitch Richmond, Steve Nash and Chris Mullin were almost an unfair advantage. But hey, that’s the perks of being in Cali. Constant battles against the League’s best eviscerated any fear that may have arisen throughout the 93-94 season.

Showtime was truly taking place in the Oakland Coliseum. With Kidd as lead orchestrator, the Cal Bears enacted a masterful symphony each night. Fans thrived for fast break opportunities, and the Bears delivered. Baggy mesh threads flying across the hardwood. Nasty no-look dimes leading to rim-rocking dunks. This brand of basketball was just different.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘94 Cal appeared first on SLAM.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

If we’re talking intimidation, you don’t have to look much further than the ‘93-94 Arkansas Razorbacks. Spearheaded by the 40 Minutes of Hell, the Hogs were captivating from baseline to baseline. Even then-President Bill Clinton wanted to watch the No. 1 squad in action. Bud Walton Arena became a sanctuary from November to March. A win was expected, and the Hogs never disappointed, going undefeated at home on the season.

The Razorbacks easily dismantled opponents with their youthful roster, whose pure tenacity made up for its lack of seniors. At the helm was Nolan Richardson, who imposed the renowned defensive tactic “40 Minutes of Hell.” Throughout the season, the Razorbacks would quickly become a nightmare matchup in the SEC as a persistent full-court press transpired throughout each and every contest. 

While Corliss Williamson was regarded as a “Teddy Bear” by his head coach, the 6’7 245 pound power forward was anything but on the court. He was “Big Nasty”. Defenders were an afterthought. Forget trying to front him in the post. As soon as Williamson touched the ball on the block, it was game over. The 6-foot-7 forward exuded a seamless swagger and tenacity that perfectly paired with the baggy unis he and his squad wore. The Razorbacks played big, and with every bucket and big-time play, they were nothin’ but nasty to opponents.

Yet the legacy of the ‘94 Razorbacks wouldn’t be cemented if not for their improbable success in March. Arkansas already matched up against North Carolina A&T, Georgetown, Tulsa, No. 11 Michigan and No. 9 Arizona. But the final matchup was even tougher; college phenom Grant Hill led the Blue Devils. Duke entered looking for its third championship in four seasons. Adding to the mess, the Blue Devils were riding a hot hand after a 13-point comeback in the semifinals versus Florida.

As the first half ensued, a tight contest emerged. Although the Razorbacks went into the locker room with a slight one-point lead, they would soon find themselves climbing back from a 10-point deficit. With less than a minute until the final buzzer with the score locked at 70 a piece, sophomore Scotty Thurman rose to the occasion. He caught the ball on the right wing and elevated into his jumper. Thurman let the ball fly with a high-arching shot that narrowly cleared the outstretched hand of the Blue Devils’ Antonio Lang. It was fouls and free throws for the remainder of the game.

Photos via Getty Images.

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For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday—we’ll be spotlighting the 30 most influential men’s college teams from SLAM’s past 30 years. Stats, records and chips aren’t the main factor here, and if we’re being honest that’s never been our MO. Each historic team we mention in this list has stitched their own contribution to the game’s cultural fabric. Here at SLAM, that’s the end-all be-all metric. 

Stay tuned as we unveil the 30 most influential men’s college teams in our history. And if you’re feeling nostalgic like we are, make sure to check out our latest retro collegiate collection. Shop here.

The post The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: Full List appeared first on SLAM.

RTG Features have partnered with Heartland Film to launch the first annual event, which will take place February 16-18, 2024 at Living Room Theaters in Indianapolis. There will be a mix of world premiere titles, recent festival circuit favorites and iconic films.

In addition to screenings and post-screening Q&As, the festival will also feature panel conversations with filmmakers, player-owned production companies, and network executives in the sports film and documentary space. ESPN Films, celebrating the 15th anniversary of their award-winning 30 for 30 series this year, joins the festival as a Supporting Sponsor and will host a must-see conversation looking back at the basketball documentaries they’ve produced.

Check out the full lineup below.

Above the Rim

In New York City, where thousands of teenagers compete for very few chances to play professional basketball—and the fame and money that come with it—one talented young man must choose between a scholarship to college and immediate wealth in this drama set on the blacktop courts of Harlem.

Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks

Reggie Miller single-handedly crushed the hearts of Knick fans multiple times. But it was the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals that solidified Miller as Public Enemy #1 in New York City.

Hoop Dreams

Two ordinary inner-city Chicago kids dare to reach for the impossible—professional basketball glory—in this epic chronicle of hope and faith. Filmed over a five-year period, Hoop Dreams follows young Arthur Agee and William Gates and their families as the boys navigate the complex, competitive world of scholastic athletics, while dealing with the intense pressures of their home lives and neighborhoods.

Director Steve James and film subjects Arthur Agee and William Gates join us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Amongst the Trees

Amongst the Trees follows an upstart men’s basketball program at Copper Mountain College—a tiny community college in the middle of the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree, California—during the final week of their season. In just its second year of the team’s existence, the film drops viewers directly into the action as the Fighting Cacti make one last push for the playoffs.

Executive Producer Paul George and director/producer Jack Jensen join us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot

In 2006, the top 24 high school basketball players in the nation descended on Harlem’s Rucker Park to compete in the first annual Elite 24. Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot follows eight of those players as they showcase their skills at the most legendary playground in the world.

The Syd & TP Show

World Champions and bench warming besties Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance are determined to become the faces of the WNBA, despite the fact no one asked them to. This buddy comedy series follows Syd and TP on their quest to become the most famous basketball players on earth through a mix of stunts, interviews, hijinks and a complete lack of shame.

This 90-min event will feature Syd and TP doing a standup routine, screening the pilot episode and a reel of the funniest sketches from their series, and a panel conversation and Q&A. This event will also be filmed for Season 2 of “The Syd + TP Show” so dress to impress! By purchasing a ticket and/or being present at the event you are consenting to be filmed for “The Syd + TP Show.”

Perfect in ’76

Revisit the journey of the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers and their renowned coach Bobby Knight who led the team to a perfect season of 32-0 and a national championship.

Stephen Curry: Underrated

Stephen Curry’s former Davidson teammate, Jason Richards, joins us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Candace Parker: Unapologetic

A wide-ranging, revealing, and often intimate portrait of WNBA player Candace Parker, one of the most transcendent women’s sports stars in history.

Candace Parker joins us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

D. Wade: Life Unexpected

For a decade, Dwyane Wade intimately documented his life and career with a film crew. The result is a remarkably candid portrait of one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

Blue Chips

Championship-winning coach Pete Bell runs the cleanest program in college basketball. But when he finds himself on the brink of his first losing season, Bell decides he must make a risky trade to protect his job: under-the-table dollars for talent.

Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story

This trailblazing documentary is an exhilarating journey into the heart of professional women’s basketball, spotlighting the extraordinary lives, resilience, and triumphant achievements of WNBA MVPs Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, and Sheryl Swoopes.

Director/producer Andrea Buccilla and WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson join us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Handle With Care: The Legend of The Notic Streetball Crew

Handle With Care: The Legend of The Notic Streetball Crew chronicles the rise, fall and rebirth of The Notic, an upstart streetball collective from Canada in the early 2000s. While their creative basketball moves brought them global fame as teenagers, it set them at odds with the status quo in a battle involving self-expression, race and rejection. Driven by a twenty-year quest to finish their mixtape trilogy, the documentary charts how the group of friends from Vancouver played outside the confines of the NBA yet still left an indelible imprint on the game forever.

Directors Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux and Kirk Thomas join us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Chang Can Dunk

Chang Can Dunk follows Chang, a 16-year-old, Asian American high school student in the marching band, who bets the school basketball star that he can dunk by Homecoming.

Writer/director Jingyi Shao and members of the cast join us for a special post-screening panel and Q&A.

Game Change Game

Game Change Game tells the story of a tumultuous basketball season plagued by once unimaginable circumstances.

The post The SLAM Film Festival is the FIRST-EVER Basketball-Focused Event: Buy Tickets, Full Lineup appeared first on SLAM.

We compiled a group of individuals (programming note: 30 entries, not 30 people total) who mean something special to SLAM and to our audience. Read the full list here and order your copy of SLAM 248, where this list was originally published, here.

The post SLAM Presents: 30 Players Who Defined SLAM’s 30 Years appeared first on SLAM.

See the full schedule below:

The showcase is set to be movie-worthy and features an array of talent and players to watch, including Ian Jackson, Don Boscoe, Brady Laughlin, Kevin Kearney, Jakai Sanders, Kaylar Barr, Ariel Little, Olivia Vukosa, Maddy McDaniel and Jayden Holman.

We’ll see you there and don’t forget to RSVP.

The post The Swoosh Classic: Christ the King is going to be a MOVIE on January 6 appeared first on SLAM.

Nah, not the cassette tapes and baggy jeans. We’re talkin’ about the moments that defined the game, the biggest wins and the brightest superstars. 

SLAM Presents The Best NBA Photos of the ’90s contains hundreds of photos that visually chronicles the entire decade.

In this special collector’s issue, we hit on the biggest wins, the brightest superstars and the most hilarious memories with these photos. No long talk here, though, because a picture’s worth 1,000 words.

The post SLAM Presents The Best NBA Photos of the ’90s is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) has announced that they will be opening the world’s first and only official museum dedicated to the journey and milestones of LeBron James. The LeBron James’ Home Court, located at House Three Thirty in Akron, Ohio, will open on November 25, 2023.

The immersive multimedia experience will take visitors through LeBron’s life, from his Spring Hill Apartment #602 curated by LeBron’s mother, Gloria James, to his “Fab Five” years at St. Vincent – St. Mary’ and ten throughout his legendary career so far in the League, from the ’03 NBA Draft to his championship runs in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles, plus his gold-medal winning Olympic years.

“My dream was always to put Akron on the map, so to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me,” LeBron James said via an official press release. “I’ve been known to hang on to a lot of things over the years, and I always knew there would be a time and place to bring them out. I’m so proud that place is House Three Thirty, a space my Foundation created to serve my I Promise families and the entire community.”

The exhibit will give fans a walk-in-the-footsteps view of James’ life through items from his personal collection, including the iconic all-white ’03 NBA Draft suit, the infamous 3-1 drum set, his high school McDonald’s All-American jersey and the original TV from his Spring Hill apartment. There’s also a recreation of St. Vincent – St. Mary’s LeBron James Arena which includes the original rim and backboard LeBron played on during his time at St. V.

It also feature a collection of fan art he’s received over the years, the original shoes he’s played his biggest moments in, James family photos in his replica office, and notes from his journey along the way.  There’s also moments that touch on his business and philanthropy, plus a self-guided tour that tells the story of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s evolution from a bikeathon to a world-renowned model for community building.  

Reservations for LeBron James’ Home Court are available now for presale here, with the first public tours beginning on November 25. General admission tickets are $23.

All proceeds from tickets sales go back into House Three Thirty’s innovative job training program that provides I Promise students, parents, educators and family members with new skills and employment opportunities. 

To celebrate opening weekend, the original paintings of Dirk Rozich’s LeBron art that is featured inside the Home Court entryway will be available for sale inside House Three Thirty’s Retail Shop as well as reproductions. For more information on House Three Thirty and all of its year-round offerings, please visit housethreethirty.com.  

The post The First-Ever LeBron James Museum in Akron Gives Fans an Immersive Look at the Life of the King appeared first on SLAM.

To kick off the start of the 2023-24 NBA regular season, we looked into the future and projected what this year’s rookie class (fyi: that includes SLAM 247 co-cover star Chet Holmgren, who was out last season) will accomplish. We won’t say we told you so, but….

Stay tuned. Here’s our official Rookies Most Likely To list, which appears in SLAM 247. Get your copy and cover tees here.

Towering over the competition at 7-4, Wemby is our pick for ROTY. The French phenom and SLAM 247 cover star has already established himself as one of the most exciting young players to watch in the L. Welcome to the Victor Wembanyama Experience.

Oh and by the way, shop here for copies of the mag and cover tees.

After being drafted in the second round this year and helping the Cavaliers win the Summer League championship, Emoni Bates is reminding everyone that he’s not to be slept on. 

Utilizing his height and major hops, Chet Holmgren has proved to be someone you can count on to finish a play. His grit and determination both on and off the court make him an obvious contender for our rookie rebounder.

Chet was one of the OKC cool guys to cover SLAM 247. Get your copy + cover tees here.

Playmaker Anthony Black is our top contender for averaging 10 APGs this season. With his quick passes and efficient movement, we know Black’s got his team’s back. 

It’s been 14 years since the NBA’s last rookie, Brandon Jennings, dropped 50 points in a game. If there’s anyone who can bring it back, we know it’s Scoot Henderson. Just wait on it.

One thing about Amen is that he knows how to match the energy on the court. We know he’ll be back to his bucket-getting ways once he returns from injury.

Let’s set the scene. It’s Ocober 17, 2023. The NBA regular season hasn’t even started yet, but Whitmore is playing like it’s a Game 7. He sprints down the court, leaps over Spurs’ Doug McDermott, and dunks on him. Was it an offensive foul? Perhaps. But if this is what Whitmore has in store during the preseason, we can only imagine what else he has in his bag this year.

Brandon Miller knows a thing or two about kicks.

Mr. IG photo dump himself, Amari Bailey has already been featured on LeagueFits. Expect quite a few more appearances on our feed this season…

Ever since the Gradey arrived at the 2023 NBA draft in his Wizard of Oz tribute-suit, it was clear that the Kansas-product has personality. Didn’t he just appear in the Drake’s son, Adonis’ music video? We need to hear all about it on a podcast. Speaking of which, we’ll have a new podcast show coming to you soon…

Photos via Getty Images.

The post SLAM’s Official 2023 NBA Rookies Most Likely To List: ROTY Predictions and MORE appeared first on SLAM.

Signing with Skechers is a big move, tell us about your decision to wear and represent the brand.

Anyone who has followed me throughout my basketball career can see that originality is extremely important to me both on and off the court. I feel like Skechers is similar. I am excited to join a team that does things unconventionally and can’t wait to be part of the brand’s first launch into basketball. 

As a brand ambassador, you’ll be helping launch the first Skechers basketball shoes. What does that mean to you? How do you envision this partnership elevating your performance on the court? 

It means a lot to me to join the Skechers family and feel part of a team that places just as much value on comfort, high-performance, and quality as they do on unique style. I’m excited to partner with them as they continue to roll out more styles and build court shoes that are meant to be played by the pros.  

Tell us about your favorite performance features in the new lineup of Skechers Basketball shoes. My favorite feature of the Skechers basketball shoe is really just the comfort. I love how the SKX Resagrip basketball shoes look and feel on my feet. 

You’ve been providing feedback to Skechers to help develop a basketball sneaker that meets your needs on the court. Tell us about that process and what you needed most in a basketball shoe? 

Being a part of the process of developing a shoe has been pretty cool. I’ve been able to give feedback on things like grip and comfort, and Skechers has made adjustments based on all of my feedback. We’ve really been able to work together to create the perfect shoe for me. 

How would you describe your style of play? How does Skechers Basketball shoes help you in your game?

I’m a dynamic player and I’m all over the court. I’m the type of guy who will play whatever position and do whatever’s needed to help my team. Skechers basketball shoes reflect my style of play because they support every movement. I feel bouncy when I need to jump, light on my feet running up and down the court, and they have the grip I need when I’m trying to change directions or lock in on defense.

Now that you’ve finalized your footwear deal with Skechers, what are your aims going into the new NBA season?

I’m just looking to grow my game and be the best teammate I can be. I’ve worked super hard in the offseason, and I want to compete for an NBA Championship. 

How would you describe your style when you’re not on the basketball court? 

I would describe my style as clean, thoughtful, diverse. I love to mix up my looks and incorporate brands that maybe aren’t on everyone’s radars. 

The post Terance Mann on Signing With Skechers and Goals For This Season appeared first on SLAM.

But the battles weren’t just on the court, they were in the tunnel too. From Olivia Nelson-Ododa strutting in Diesel dresses and thigh-high boots to Natasha Cloud putting her tats on full display in her muscle tee’s, hoopers across the W were fully displaying their own individual senses of style. And our girls know a thing or two about how to accessorize. Tiffany Hayes and her iconic bags, Diamond Deshields and her beaded braids, Rae Burrell and her signature sunglasses – our First Team honorees know a thing or two about how to put together a calm luh fit.

When it comes to style, LeagueFits has officially announced the honorary All-LeagueFits Second Team award winners. There’s Dijonai Carrington, who effortlessly a sporty-chic style from cargos and skirts to sneakers and heels. Shatori Kimbrough-Walker’s got exquisite taste in piecing together streetwear look, while Courtney Williams and Arike Ogunbowale are bold and eccentric in their tunnel fits, and on the hardwood. Then there’s Kahleah Copper – the queen of the two-piece set, who knows that accessories are what makes an outfit an outfit.

Let’s get into it. Here are the 2023 All-LeagueFits First and Second Team award winners.

2023 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: FIRST TEAM

2023 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: SECOND TEAM

The post 2023 WNBA All-LeagueFits First and Second Teams appeared first on SLAM.

The SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5 took place at Rucker Park this weekend and featured many of the top high school standouts in the country.

Mikayla Blakes showed up and showed out to win MVP with her speedy, elite game; meanwhile, Ian Jackson dropped 45 points and took home the MVP award for the boys, while Flagg’s crazy buzzer shut down the park and has already been the subject of headlines.

SSC Vol. 5 started Friday at Gauchos with a dunk contest, 2v2 and celebrity game.

Jalil Bethea took home the dunk contest title and Tre Johnson and Aaliyah Chavez won the 2v2 tournament. For the celebrity game, none other than Cam Wilder pulled up and got busy.

On Saturday, fans lined up outside of Rucker Park in Harlem, NY hours before the girl’s game even started. Miami commit-Leah Harmon was in her bag with moves like this to the basket…

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All the girls, from Alabama commit-Chloe Spreen to Jaloni Cambridge, kept that same energy and more throughout the entire game. Me’arah O’Neal showed she’s got crazy bounce while Chavez’s court vision was top tier.

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With Quavo sitting courtside, the boys game lived up to the hype. Between high-flying dunks by AJ Dybantsa and a major comeback thanks to Flagg’s clutch shot making, the competitive energy was next level.

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Follow SLAM, WSLAM and SLAM HS for even more coverage and behind the scenes moments.

The post WATCH: SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5 Full Recap and Highlights appeared first on SLAM.

The NBA App will stream the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5 on Saturday, Aug. 19, adding to the growing list of elite basketball programming available year-round on the new platform. The fifth annual basketball showcase at Rucker Park in New York City will feature 28 of the top high school age players in the U.S.  Headlined by Jaloni Cambridge, Aaliyah Chavez and Kennedy Smith, the girls game tips off at 5 p.m. ET followed by the boys – featuring top high school prospects Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson – streaming at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, several members of the Jr. NBA Court of Leaders will participate in the event.

The addition of the SLAM Summer Classic is part of the NBA’s larger commitment to make the NBA App an all-in-one destination for global basketball programming. Over the past year, premier basketball content available on the app has included select WNBA, Basketball Africa League and NBA G League Ignite games, as well as Nike Elite Youth Basketball League’s (EYBL) Peach Jam, Jr. NBA Showcase, LNB Betclic ELITE, top pro-am leagues such as the Drew League, Miami Pro League and AEBL, and more. 

The NBA will produce and distribute the SLAM Summer Classic games on the free-to-download NBA App and on NBA.com.   Below are the full team rosters.  

BOYS ROSTER

 GIRLS ROSTER

* Member of the Jr. NBA Court of Leaders

The post The SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 5 Returns this Saturday at Rucker Park appeared first on SLAM.

In our cover story, Haliburton opens up about his journey thus far and how he “loves” proving all the doubters wrong. Still, the 23-year-old doesn’t take himself too seriously. Basketball, he says, is a “child’s game,” and brings him back to memories of having a ball in his crib and playing video games. That’s the joy behind Haliburton’s ever-apparent smile when he’s out there on the hardwood.

“When I’m playing basketball, it’s just fun,” he told SLAM. “It’s like I’m a kid again, you know? And that’s what I love about it. This isn’t a job for me. This is a passion of mine and something I really love to do.”

Read the full story here.

To get to know the All-Star more, we sat down with Haliburton and surprised him with items from his past for the latest episode of “Bag Talk.” Check it out below.

The post Get to Know Tyrese Haliburton: Pacers Star on High School Musical, Steve Urkel and MORE appeared first on SLAM.

Our brand new issue, WSLAM 3, encompasses all of that greatness and more. There are stories about the rising stars and vets dominating in the W, the stylists elevating the fashion game, a high school standout who has both next and now, plus some mandatory reading on a historic squad and a group of women who paved the way.

If WSLAM 1 was the foundation, and WSLAM 2 was empowering, then WSLAM 3 is all about holding the torch for the next generation.

SHOP NOW

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With so much talent, how exactly does a team full of stars work so well together? 

In our WSLAM 3 cover story, we caught up with the squad that brought the first-ever title to Vegas: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.

Here, the WNBA superstars open up about their journey to building a powerhouse franchise and how their dynamic on and off the court fuels their success.

READ THE COVER STORY

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A NEW ERA OF WSLAM

Just four years ago, WSLAM was a dream turned into a reality, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Camille Buxeda. Camille’s passion inspires us. Pushes us. We know there’s a legacy to uphold, but if there was someone who championed women, especially the two of us, it was her.

New can feel different, but it’s also exciting. In celebration of the release of WSLAM 3, we linked up with a few notable figures around the game to get a first-look at the cover.

Dawn Staley:

Patrick Beverly:

Cassy Athena:

MORE FROM WSLAM:

The post New Era: Las Vegas Aces Cover WSLAM 3 appeared first on SLAM.

Get your copy of our newest issue to see the criteria and view the whole list. Let the debates start rolling.

The post SLAM Presents TOP 100: The Greatest NBA Point Guards of All Time appeared first on SLAM.

 “Our aspiration is for players to feel comfortable and safe, so they can focus on getting in the “zone”, and enjoy the game more”, says Andy Blinds, CEO of Gamepatch.

As Gamepatch is specifically designed for basketball, the brand has collaborated with NBA player Kristaps Porzingis. All Gamepatch products are hand-crafted overseas in Porzingis’ home country of Latvia, Europe.

“It’s a great feeling to share my first impressions on new product designs from a player’s perspective, working together with Gamepatch to create quality products that help to protect players,” says Porzingis. “Basketball is getting more competitive every day,” he continues, “Players become faster, stronger and the game is getting more physical. For us, it means that we need to prepare our bodies to perform at a high level. Gamepatch has created unique products that can really help us at intense moments of the game and prevent injuries. I believe in the concept and I am proud to be the Brand Ambassador for such a great product.”

Almost every NBA player uses compression wear and a lot of players choose to wear padded gear to prevent injuries. As in any high contact game, players are constantly dealing with aches, sprains, bruises or the worse. On average 22 percent of all basketball players sustain an injury at least once a season. Every player wants to spend as little time as possible on the bench and be capable of playing harder, longer and feeling safe on the court. Gamepatch products are affordable for both amateurs and professionals.

Gamepatch’s product line was born with basketball, but its impact extends well beyond the hardwood to other sports including handball, football, volleyball and soccer. Featuring an innovative “Body Adjusting Technology,” its functionality seems like something out of the future: when worn, Gamepatch quickly reacts to your body temperature to create a softer, more custom fit that feels like a second skin. Through tests and scientific studies, Gamepatch’s team has found that their products can absorb hits 20 percent more effectively than similar products and vastly lowers the risk of injuries.

“There are a lot of athletes in different sports looking for better sportswear with improved functionality,” says Andy Blinds. “List of our users is expanding, more EuroLeague and NBA players appreciate the quality and protective properties of Gamepatch. We are convinced that we can help thousands of athletes across the world to stay safe, prevent injuries, and improve their confidence. This is the vision that drives Gamepatch.”

As the talent level overseas and in the States continues to grow, Gamepatch is ahead of the game in terms of injury prevention—that way, all you need to really focus on is going out there and dropping buckets.

Shop here: https://game-patch.com

The post Gamepatch is Committed to Player Body Protection, Backed by Celtics Newly Acquired Kristaps Porzingis appeared first on SLAM.

Last October, we had Wemby on the cover of SLAM 240. Read his cover story and get exclusive SLAM 240 Cover Tees here.

The post Read our SLAM 240 Cover Story on No. 1 NBA Draft Pick Victor Wembanyama appeared first on SLAM.

To celebrate Denver winning their first-ever title, we just dropped SLAM 245, the Champs Issue, featuring none other than the Champion and Finals MVP himself.

Get your copy of SLAM 245 right now so you can read it at your home, whether that’s in Serbia, Denver or beyond. Also, this issue is available now in an exclusive Gold Metal Edition and Cover Tee.

The post Nikola Jokic Covers SLAM 245: Gold Metal Editions, Cover Tees and More appeared first on SLAM.

Check out the video below. 

The SLAM BankShot Same Game Parlay is only available on the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

The post Get Ready for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with the SLAM x DraftKings BankShot appeared first on SLAM.

Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary, Gotham, Blue Bloods) plays Matt and Glenn Davis (actor, producer and Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company; The Christians, Head of Passes, The Brother/Sister Plays, Downstate) plays Shawn. Collectively they perfectly (serious when it needs to be, and hilarious just as accordingly) bring to the forefront themes around race, family dynamics, friendship, death and betrayal. The play was written by Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) and directed by Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Fences), while Khloe Janel absolutely kills it from the DJ booth. 

You can catch King James at the Manhattan Theatre Club until June 18.  

The post New Off-Broadway Play “King James” Examines How LeBron’s Time in Cleveland Helped Bring Two Strangers Together  appeared first on SLAM.

Check out the video below.

The SLAM BankShot Same Game Parlay is only available on the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

The post Get Ready for Game 3 of the NBA Finals with the SLAM x DraftKings BankShot appeared first on SLAM.

Check out the video below.

The SLAM BankShot Same Game Parlay is only available on the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

The post Get Ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals with the SLAM x DraftKings BankShot appeared first on SLAM.

Whether it’s through playmaking, hitting clutch shots, or having a major impact on defense, this group can make things happen from anywhere on the court. All the while, they’re building their personal brands off of it.

The future is HER. Meet our 2023 SLAM HS Girls All-Americans:

Juju Watkins’ game is showtime. After leading Sierra Canyon to a state title, being named Gatorade National Girls Player of the Year and winning two gold medals with Team USA, she’s decided to stay close to home and suit up for the USC Trojans next season. We can only wonder what big-name rappers and superstars will be sitting courtside at the Galen Center to see the “Juju Show” in-person.

Mikaylah Williams is a generational talent. With one of the most well-rounded games in her class, the USA Basketball gold medalist and Gatorade Louisiana Girls Basketball Player of the Year is set to thrive on a very stacked LSU roster.

Jada Williams is an absolute dawg. She helped the USA Basketball team win a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, led her high school squad to the 2022 San Diego Open Division Championship and plays with a passion that is unmatched.

When Hannah Hidalgo hit that Eastbay layup at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4, she nearly shut down Rucker Park. The certified bucket was named the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year award after averaging 28.8 points, 7.3 steals, 6.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.

Jadyn Donovan is a special talent. She’s a two-time gold medalist who helped lead Sidwell Friends to an undefeated record and a DCSAA Championship in 2022. Donovan committed to Duke and will soon join head coach Kara Lawson in Durham.

Meet our 2023 SLAM High School Boys All-Americans

Photo credits for entire series include Jineen Williams, Jamal Martin, Jon Lopez. Marcus Stevens, Getty Images, Matt Odom. // Design by Erica Davis.

The post Meet the 2023 SLAM High School Girls All-Americans appeared first on SLAM.

As the game continues to evolve, this group of young standouts represent the future ahead. From elite guards to versatile small forwards, they’ve caught the attention of top college programs around the country, as well as the world.

Meet our 2023 SLAM HS Boys All-Americans:

Basketball runs in DJ Wagner’s blood. He’s the son of former Memphis one-and-done star and NBA player Dajuan Wagner, and the grandson of Louisville legend and NBA player Milt Wagner. Wagner was the NJ Gatorade Player of the Year and is a top name in the No. 1 ranked recruiting class at Kentucky

Home is where his heart is. Isaiah Collier is one of the top ranked guards in his class and has family roots in Cali: his mother originally lived in Compton and his brother currently lives in Los Angeles. The talented guard is sure to make a statement at USC.

Justin Edwards has proven why he’s a top recruit with his shot making, defensive versatility and toughness as a finisher. After leading Imhotep to its second consecutive state championship, he’ll bring that winning experience to Kentucky this fall.

Jared McCain is a straight-up star. Whether he’s putting on a scoring clinic on the court or continuing to build his brand off of it on social media, McCain makes waves no matter what he’s doing. With his high IQ and work ethic, he’ll fit right in at Duke.

Matas Buzelis’ pro-ready game speaks for itself. The 2022-23 Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year has decided to bypass college and take his talents to the NBA G-League Ignite next season. He also has his sights set on the NBA Draft, but until then, it’s all about dominating.

Meet our 2023 SLAM High School Girls All-Americans

Photo credits for entire series include Jineen Williams, Jamal Martin, Jon Lopez. Marcus Stevens, Getty Images, Matt Odom.

The post Meet the 2023 SLAM High School Boys All-Americans appeared first on SLAM.

As for the talent level, well, there’s a reason why your favorite celebrities pull up to their games to watch them drop buckets. Before they go compete at top programs in college, we’re hyped to announce our 2023 HS All-Americans.

Jadyn. Jada. Mikaylah. Hannah. Juju.

Isaiah. Matas. Jared. DJ. Justin.

This story appears in SLAM 244

Featuring cover stars Rhyne Howard, Scoot Henderson and Paolo Banchero, SLAM 244 spotlights the standouts and rising stars who have next, and right now.

Photo credits for entire series include Jineen Williams, Jamal Martin, Jon Lopez. Marcus Stevens, Getty Images, Matt Odom. // Design by Erica Davis.

The post The Future: SLAM Announces 2023 High School All-Americans appeared first on SLAM.

From Denver to New York, we’ve captured Melo’s career over the years as one of the coldest scorers to ever do it. He’s graced the cover of SLAM six times, guest edited our Social Justice Special Issue and just last year, appeared on an episode of LeagueFits’ Survival of the Fitted podcast alongside Dwyane Wade.

To celebrate his legacy, here’s a look back at our Carmelo Anthony SLAM covers and more.

SLAM 105

 “I think just knowing what’s ahead of me, what’s in my future, it humbled me. That’s just making me more comfortable on the court. And when I ain’t laughin’ and smilin’ on the court, I don’t play right.”

SLAM 162

You can view every Carmelo Anthony SLAM cover ever in our SLAM Cover Gallery.

In 2020, Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan, appeared on the cover of our Special Issue.

Melo and Wade broke down the evolution of fashion in the NBA and how it has changed since the 2003 NBA Draft, why the NBA dress code came into effect and where they would like to see fashion go next. Check it out.

The post Here’s a Look Back at Carmelo Anthony’s Iconic SLAM Covers and More appeared first on SLAM.

Our latest issue of SLAM 244 is stacked and spotlights the rising young stars that are showing out, cool as hell and making waves on and off the court as the face of their own brands and team franchises. As for the style icons of the NBA, the entire LeagueFits Award list is featured in this magazine, as well as classics like SLAMadamonth, Kicks and more. Stay tuned for more.

Emerging star Scoot Henderson has been a pro since he was 17, so trust that he’s ready. Ready for the spotlight. Ready for the pressure. Ready for the League.

If you thought WNBA Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard’s first season was scary, wait until you see what’s next.

Fresh off one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in recent memory, Paolo Banchero has just one goal in mind: bring a winning culture back to the Orlando Magic. 

The post The Future Issue: Scoot Henderson, Rhyne Howard and Paolo Banchero appeared first on SLAM.

In Porretta Terme, Italy, an entire small town is connected to the spirit and oneness of basketball. It’s there that filmmakers documented The Church of Basketball, a short film about how their community is celebrating their love and spiritual connection with the game.

From hosting the first-ever celebration in honor of the patron saint of basketball to having an entire church dedicated to the game— where people play for a good season, a jumpshot and healed injuries—this film captures how basketball truly can elevate the human soul.

Check it out below.

The film includes appearances from local people in the town, as well as NYU Professor David Hollander, author of “How Basketball Can Save the World” (read here). Even from thousands of miles away, Hollander shares compelling stories of how he and his students got involved in supporting the community in Porretta Terme and more.

The post WATCH: ‘The Church of Basketball’ Captures How a Small Town in Italy is Deeply Connected to the Game appeared first on SLAM.

Directed by David Parfitt, a new documentary feature, Eight Nations, captures Team World Vision, the team that represents the United States, and their journey to the Eight Nations tournament in 2018.

Set in Suzhou, China, the film gives full access to their quest to becoming champions—from overcoming personal challenges to having to pull together as a team. Check out the trailer below.

Throughout the four episodes, Eight Nations tells a compelling story through elite game footage, reflective one-on-one interviews with players and coaches, as well as the ultimate heroic story about how far players will go to chase their dreams. Watch more here.

Photos by Shixin Lei for Atlas Sports.

The post WATCH ‘Eight Nations’: New Film Follows Team World Vision on their Quest to Becoming Champions appeared first on SLAM.

The AEC has built an extensive alumni base of top-tier players, including McDonald’s All-Americans, major D1 college stars, and current NBA and WNBA players.

This year’s AEC game features the following top Boys & Girls from across the country: 

ACES® is a storytelling platform for athletes to authentically share their stories through products, brand collaborations and events. It was founded by former pro hooper turned CEO, Brian Kortovich, who joined the ranks of Kevin Durant and Dr. J, Joe “The Destroyer” Hammond, when he won a scoring title at Rucker Park in the summer of 2012. Since its inception, ACES has always been rooted into the heart of hoops culture, which continues this year as they spotlight some of the nation’s best high school basketball players. 

“ACES was born from the grassroots of basketball, earning its way into hoops cultural relevance by allowing athletes to tell their stories, augment their brands, while bringing local communities together through our annual events, such as the upcoming ACES Elite Classic (AEC), our annual High School All-American Games,” says Founder and CEO Brian Kortovich. AEC consistently attracts the top ranked high school players in the country to New York City and empowers them with a platform to showcase their talents  on a national level, organically share their stories and expand their opportunities. We look forward to building upon that tradition this year.”

Over the past few year’s, the ACES talent showcase has featured standout participants including UConn and SLAM 235 co-cover star Azzi Fudd and NCAA national champions in both Kansas’ Kyle Cuffe Jr and LSU’s Katie Poole. In the past, Jahvon “JQ” Quinerly from Alabama, Minnesota Timberwolves’ center Naz Reid, Orlando Magic’s PG Cole Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Mo Bamba, Pelicans’ PG Jose Alvarado, Warriors’ SF Johnathan Kuminga, Charlotte Hornets’ SG James Bouknight, and the No. 3 pick by the Dallas Wings in this this year’s WNBA Draft, Villanova standout Maddie Siegrist—to name a few. 

The post Nation’s Best to Compete in the ACES Elite Classic in NYC on May 10 appeared first on SLAM.

The white and black distorted color scheme of the Rucker Park Playground Pack celebrates the legendary court where games are played under the bright NYC streetlights and in the shadows of legends. Venice Beach Playground Pack gets the bright shades treatment with a multi-color motif that reflects the crazy colors under the sun beachside in Los Angeles. The MacGregor Park Playground Pack is a white-hot collection inspired by playing under the white tin roof in the heat of Houston’s classic court.  Crombie Park Playground Pack is a nod to the artistry of the hand painted walls of Toronto’s famous playground. Finally, the Pigalle Duperré Playground Pack celebrates the bright, geometric aesthetic of the famous court in Paris where the game is art. 

One of the most impressive things about the collection is the attention to detail. Materials, rich full grain leather, textures, color combinations, patterns – they all combine to make these shoes pop and it shows how much Crossover Culture carefully considers each design. 

Crossover Culture builds their performance sneakers on top of two different cushioning systems: LP2 and Twitch Foam. The LP2 system is proprietary midsole compound that does not breakdown and flatten out like traditional foams, this means the cushioning and bounce lasts longer than regular foams. The Sniper is one style that uses the LP2 cushioning – these have a plush feel upon first putting them on and then as you start playing, you’ll feel the Wishbone Suspension shank kick in which give you the sense of extra propulsion and stability at high speed. Twitch foam is the second cushioning system Crossover Culture uses – it is engineered to have high rebound and responsiveness while simultaneously absorbing shock upon landing. You’ll find Twitch Foam in the Mayhem, Antidote, and Varsity models. These three models each have a little different feel, but overall these feel more bouncy and all three have dual full length TPU shanks that add to the responsive feel underfoot. 

Basketball is a game that uniquely mixes style and performance, where every player brings their personal style and talents to the game on and off the court – an opportunity to show the world what makes you different. With the emergence of Crossover Culture (and their reputation for performance) hoopers now have a legit new option to rock, something truly different than everyone else. You can find these collections available at www.CrossoverCulture.com, Hibbett Sports, Tradehome, and other select retailers.

So is Crossover Culture a brand worth paying attention to? We think the answer is a definite yes. With a unique blend of proprietary technology, attention to detail, and legit performance, they might be next up in the basketball category – and we all know it’s long past time for something new in this space! Grab a pair and let us know what you think.

The post A Look at the Playground Packs by Crossover Culture appeared first on SLAM.

First we hit up a bodega in Red Hook, where viral-sensation The Ocky Way makes the craziest sandwiches. Bridges even cooked his own chopped cheese right on the grill. Check it out below.

Next Bridges went on the subway for the first time, hit up Cuts & Slices in Bed-Stuy and even talked to local Brooklynites about the city. This video is definitely a must watch.

The post Mikal Bridges Tours Brooklyn, Tries First-Ever Chopped Cheese, Subway Ride and More appeared first on SLAM.

The fire track features lyrics that reflect just how intertwined hip hop and basketball truly is, plus a music video that includes game highlights from Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson and more.

This is definitely going to be the anthem for this year’s NBA Playoffs. Check it out below.

The post LISTEN: Rick Ross, Fat Joe and The LOX Drop New Single ‘The Game’ Right Before the NBA Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

King Saladeen’s Artist Series remix of SLAM 243 was inspired by the flash of James Harden. Saladeen has seen Harden catch fire so many times, drilling stepback after stepback, that he emblazoned the former MVP’s name in front of his hometown, the city of Philly.

This exclusive cover, which is available now, features King Saladeen’s signature, as well as aspects of his iconic style, including the money signs.

For the cover of SLAM 243, we caught up with the Beard to talk about his influence on a cultural level, what he thinks about the All-Star snub and most notably, how he wants to be remembered after his legendary career.

The post Artist King Saladeen Reimagines James Harden SLAM 243 Cover appeared first on SLAM.

From the Nike Air Penny 1 “Orlando,” to the Nike Air Foamposite “Galaxy,” to his most recent collabs with Stussy and Social Status, Penny’s line with Nike is a testament to his lasting influence in the game that only Jordan himself can compete with. His personal collection, a mix of new and old Nike releases ranging from lifestyle (Jordans, Air Force 1s, Dunks, etc.) to basketball (Kobe signatures), is a representation of his personal tastes and passion for the sneaker game. 

By joining the Tradeblock community, Penny will become a part of the hundreds of thousands of sneaker collectors on the platform, all of whom will now have access to his coveted collection.

This partnership will connect Tradeblock’s community with a brand ambassador and investor that understands the social and cultural importance of trading sneakers to today’s generation. Penny will serve as the first celebrity face of the brand, opening opportunities for other athletes to embrace the modern concept of sneaker trading.

“We are thrilled to have Penny Hardaway join our community and share his passion for sneakers with our members,” said Mbiyimoh Ghogomu, CEO of Tradeblock. “His legacy in the basketball world and his iconic sneaker designs have had a profound impact on the culture, and we are excited to see what he brings to Tradeblock.”

This isn’t simply a brand ambassadorship. Penny is also betting on Tradeblock to be the next big thing in sneakers by making a personal investment in the company as well.

“I invested in Tradeblock because of Mbiyimoh, Darren, and Tony. As a black-owned company, there was no way I could say no as a big fan of sneakers and understanding what Tradeblock would bring to the community.”

You can follow Penny on the Tradeblock app at @iam1cent, where you can trade directly with him or accept one of his public offers.

Tradeblock will be running a tradeaway with Penny for an undisclosed pair from his collection beginning on Monday, April 10. To learn more, stay tuned to their socials and website.

The post Penny Hardaway Announces First-Of-Its-Kind Partnership with Tradeblock appeared first on SLAM.

“The intersection of music and sports has driven our culture, our athletes and the sport they play. We rely on the impact of music to engage the fans, and share life experiences through the ‘conversation’ of music and beats,” said Terri Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA. 

The playlist is meant to inspire and motivate listeners through a power walk, spin workout, or even a work-day and includes everyone from Ashanti and Rihanna to Jhené Aiko and Coco Jones.

“Def Jam Recordings is proud to partner with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association in celebrating the powerful intersection of music and sports. Together, we will continue to uplift and empower women through the universal language of music,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway.

Through this partnership, the WNBPA and Def Jam Recordings will continue to support and uplift all women.  

Photo via Getty Images.

The post WNBPA and Def Jam Announce Partnership to Celebrate Women in Music and Sports appeared first on SLAM.

This episode features Alexys Feaster, Lisle Bowen, and Tracy McGrady as they share their stories of how they fell in love with basketball, the impact the game has had on their lives, and how they found their passion for entrepreneurship & community building.

Check it out below.

They also discuss the One on One Basketball League (OBL) and the impact they hope to have on young athletes by providing them with opportunities to grow their brands and explore other passions beyond the court.

Future episodes feature NBA team executives, player agents, basketball photographers, agency founders and more. The first season of League Biz includes five episodes in total and will roll out every two weeks over the next two months.

To follow as each episodes rolls out, follow SLAM’s YouTube channel and the @LeagueBiz Instagram page.

Photo courtesy of Tidal League.

The post LEAGUEBIZ Ep. 1: Tracy McGrady, Alexys Feaster and Lisle Bowen on the Entrepreneurship, OBL and Making an Impact appeared first on SLAM.

Hosted by Denis Boateng, the debut episode—which is now live on SLAM’s YouTube channel—features Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady and his OBL (Ones Basketball League) partner Lisle Bowen alongside Alexys Feaster, long-time NBA executive and founder of The Kinship Advisors.

Check out the first episode here.

Future episodes feature NBA team executives, player agents, basketball photographers, agency founders and more. The first season of League Biz includes five episodes in total and will roll out every two weeks over the next two months.

To follow as each episodes rolls out, follow SLAM’s YouTube channel and the @LeagueBiz Instagram page.

The post WATCH: Go Inside the Business of Basketball with Sports Agents, Executives and More in LEAGUEBIZ Series appeared first on SLAM.

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StockX Off The Grid in Salt Lake City was laced with all the gear you need to hit the court or your next icy adventure. Shop everything StockX brought to basketball’s star-studded weekend in SLC here.

Friday kicked off with an exclusive VIP night featuring DJ Spade and 400 notable guests including Travis Scott, Don C, Chase B, Trey Murphy III, Scotty Pippen Jr, Shareef O’Neal, Jarred Vanderbilt, Speedy Morman, Jae Murphy, Jamad Fiin and more.

StockX’s authenticators were also on-hand to verify that your sneakers meet the StockX standards. They interacted with thousands of consumers, demonstrating details of the StockX verification process throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a pair of basketball sneakers or a coveted grail to hit the courts, the latest outerwear, or accessories/gear for your next snowboard trip, StockX has you covered. StockX Verified guarantees that every item that is sold on the platform goes through a proprietary multi-step verification process with a team of expert authenticators. Visit stockx.com to shop the latest in sneakers, apparel, accessories and more.

The post A Look Back at the StockX Off the Grid at All-Star Weekend appeared first on SLAM.

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This special-edition publication features original artwork by Tyler Upchurch on the cover and much, much more.

SLAM Presents All-Star Vol 3: Stockton to Malone is available now. Shop here.

John Stockton and Karl Malone played nearly every game for almost two decades together, as reliable and foundational as the iron that makes up our planet. This cover was created in 2021 as part of a series of hypothetical “What if?” covers that would have come out before 1994, which was SLAM’s first year in print.

For the first time ever, Stockton and Malone’s cover-that-never-was goes from digital to physical on this special-edition tee. Shop now. 

The post SLAM Presents All-Star Vol 3: Stockton to Malone is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

While on set for their SLAM 242 cover shoot, we had Zion, CJ and BI play Point ‘Em Out—and let’s just say, they did not disappoint. The New Orleans Pelicans trio had us cracking up.

Check it out below.

Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, who just appeared on the cover of SLAM 242, recently opened up about the team’s pursuit this season and how they plan on taking the franchise to new heights. Read here.

SLAM 242 is available now, as well as Gold Metal Editions and Cover Tees. Shop now.

The post WATCH: Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram Play SLAM Point Em Out appeared first on SLAM.

Beginning the game with 38,352 points on the list—needing only 36 more points to make history in yet another category—James broke a record that not many thought would be broken. It’s another major accomplishment to add to his resume: Rookie of the Year, four-time champion, four-time Finals MVP, four regular-season MVPs, 19 All-Star selections, three All-Star MVPS, 18 All-NBA selections, six-time All-Defense, fourth in all-time assists and now the all-time scoring leader.

At 38, James has continued to consistently play at a high level and his longevity is nothing short of amazing. What’s even more noteworthy is the impact he’s had on, and off the court, as both a leader, cultural icon, entrepreneur and father.

SLAM has captured the King’s career over the years, from the time he was in high school to the superstar he is today. You can read every feature and cover story we’ve ever written about LeBron James in the SLAM Digital Archive. Subscribe here.

Here’s a look back at a few of his most iconic SLAM covers and moments.

SLAM 54: OHIO PLAYER

Okay, technically this wasn’t a SLAM cover, but as legendary photographer Atiba Jefferson recently wrote, you never know who you are shooting. Back in ’01, LeBron James was just 16 years old when he was featured in SLAM 54, and as Ryan Jones highlighted, he was already being compared to the greats and used to signing autographs. His potential was all there.

Who would’ve thought that he’d go on to become the all-time great he is today? Well, it’s safe to say that at that point, everyone knew something was special about the kid from Akron.

You can read the entire feature by subscribing to the SLAM Digital Archive.

SLAM 62: The Takeover

After much thought, there’s no getting around this, so I’ll just say it: LeBron James may be the best high school baller ever. 

It didn’t take long for LeBron James to get his first SLAM cover. When he and Sebastian Telfair appeared on the cover of SLAM 62, Bron had already been deemed the Chosen One, and as former SLAM Editor-in-Chief Russ Bengtson wrote, had solidified himself as the best high school player ever.

SLAM 71: KING JAMES

When Russ wrote that “we’ll see how ready he really is” by the time LeBron James’ rookie season started, it seemed almost like a prophecy. He was more than ready and way, way more than the hype.

Even back then, a rookie LeBron James was truly ready to rule.

SLAM 93: HERE COMES THE REIGN

Remember this kid? It’s not like you’ve had a chance to forget.

In December 2005, James appeared on a unique SLAM 93 cover that truly captured his greatness. That year, he was selected as an All-Star, won MVP and made the All-NBA First Team.

SLAM 106: BRON IS THE ONE

The SLAM 106 coverline says it all. Bron was always the one, and at 22-years old, he led the Cavaliers on their first-ever NBA Finals run.

SLAM 171: NO DOUBT IT’S BRON’S WORLD

Just a few years after The Decision, SLAM 171 captured NBA Champion LeBron James on the cover. For all the naysayers and haters, the sentiment still stands: it’s Bron’s world.

SLAM 192: CHARGED UP

In November of 2015, LeBron James was back in Cleveland would go on to lead the franchise to greatness, winning a championship in 2016.

SLAM 220: A LOVE SUPREME

The legendary Scoop Jackson wrote a masterpiece on LeBron James’ impact, connection to the game, and his new chapter on the Lakers. Read it here.

SLAM 229: ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

In December 2020, SLAM 229 featured the champs, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James and Davis won a championship with the Lakers in the NBA bubble, defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals.

SLAM 233: ‘BOUT THAT TIME

A cultural icon. SLAM 233 was a different type of cover for LBJ, who graced it alongside Bugs Bunny. The moment captured Bron’s impact as a media mogul and entrepreneur when he appeared in Space Jam: A New Legacy.

Go behind the scenes on the making of the film in the cover story. Read here.

The post Recognize Greatness: Here’s a Look Back at LeBron James’ Iconic SLAM Covers Over the Years appeared first on SLAM.

March 2016 is the last time a Kings’ player has been on the cover but it’s time to spotlight De’Aaron and Domantas. The guys open up about the stigma of playing in Sacramento, rebuilding the culture and how the two lefties figured out how to play with each other.

Here’s an exclusive, behind the scenes look from their SLAM 242 cover shoot. Check it out below.

Get your copy of SLAM 242 featuring the Kings’ superstars, plus Cover Tees and MORE!

The post WATCH: Go Behind the Scenes of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis SLAM 242 Cover Shoot appeared first on SLAM.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr joined the LeagueFits ‘Survival of the Fitted’ podcast and weighed in on everything from his top dressed players in the League to why teammate Ja Morant dresses like a rapper.

Jackson also shared whether he’d rather be an NBA All-Star or LeagueFits All-Star? (hint: there is a right answer), if SOTF hosts, Ian and Joe, can qualify to get a 10 day contract, and so much more.

Check out the latest episode, and be sure to subscribe here.

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Your favorite hoopers favorite account, LeagueFits, is set to soon announce the best of the best in the NBA tunnel this season with the LeagueFits All-Star Team selections. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their picks while keeping just this season’s tunnel looks in mind.

The post Vote NOW for the LeagueFits All-Star Team appeared first on SLAM.

For the inaugural entry in the SLAM Cover Artist Series, Alim Smith aka Yesterdaynite, known for his surrealist interpretations of pop culture, has turned the cover of SLAM 241 featuring the Atlanta Hawks star duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray into a whimsical rendering of the cover’s original portrait by Diwang Valdez.

Fans will recognize Yesterdaynite’s unique style from the Season 3 ad campaign for FX’s Atlanta, which made him an obvious choice for SLAM to work with for this cover. Shop here.

“This is absolutely surreal to me, to get the opportunity to collaborate with SLAM Magazine,” Smith says. “Just six months ago I was playing 2K in career mode talking to my agent, who I remember was wearing a SLAM t-shirt, and now I’m painting the cover of SLAM Magazine. I’m beyond honored. I never imagined as a kid my love for art and basketball would ever intersect.”

“The SLAM cover has always been one of the most aspirational goals for an athlete with hoop dreams—and now it’s a goal for an artist with hoop dreams, too,” says Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer at SLAM. “As the culture of basketball expands its influence to other areas of expression, we wanted to offer an opportunity for those inspired by the game in new, creative ways.”

Two-hundred copies of this Artist Series drop will be printed and the magazines will be identical to the other SLAM 241 magazines, except for the limited-edition cover. Following SLAM 241’s SLAM Cover Artist Series drop, subsequent limited-edition covers will roll out over the course of 2023, spanning SLAM’s six annual regu-lar issues.

All of the drops will be available exclusively on slamgoods.com.

The post The SLAM Cover Artist Series Features Limited-Edition SLAM Covers Reimagined by Innovative Artists appeared first on SLAM.

Check it out below.

To celebrate the history, legacy and future of the Duke Men’s Basketball program, we’ve got an entire special collector’s issue dedicated to The Brotherhood. SLAM Presents DUKE is available now.

The post Jon Scheyer Says He Was Dropping Buckets Against NBA Players This Summer appeared first on SLAM.

The Best NBA Photos of All Time Special Collector’s Issue is out now.

One quick note on the content: These images are in zero particular order, nothing is chronological, just incredible photo followed by incredible photo. Three legendary photographers were tasked with choosing their favorites from their respective catalogs, so Nat Butler, Andy Bernstein and Atiba Jefferson all have their own sections, but beyond that, this magazine was designed so that the reader has no idea what will be on the next page. 

Only that it’ll be absolutely beautiful and it’ll tell one hell of a story.

Peace,

Adam Figman

The post SLAM Presents: The Best NBA Photos of All Time Special Collector’s Issue appeared first on SLAM.

Long before the franchise relocated to Memphis and emerged into this year’s exciting squad, led by superstar Ja Morant, the team was based in Vancouver and had a mix of success and promise, as well as controversy throughout the years. It’s this haunting history that’s captured the attention of director Kathleen S. Jayme as she looks to uncover the answer to that very question—what led to the team leaving Vancouver in the first place?

The new film, The Grizzlie Truth uncovers the mysterious history and so much more. Featuring exclusive interviews from former players and coaches, including Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Mike Bibby and even Stu Jackson, as well as Vancouver Grizzlies fans who witnessed everything unfold, Jayme passionately investigates the history, identity, and fandom surrounding the team in an engaging and shocking film that’s a must-watch for every fan of the game.

Check out the trailer below.

The post WATCH: ‘The Grizzlie Truth’ Uncovers What Actually Happened to the Vancouver Grizzlies appeared first on SLAM.

The exclusive line features all 30 NBA teams and captures the essence of the game down to the details: the designs feature oversize team name marks on the front with the driver symbol No. 1 in team font on the back. The putter designs feature an assortment of current, throwback and city edition marks for all 30 squads.

As an official golf partner of the NBA, TaylorMade Golf also offers NBA versions of its popular TP5 and TP5 pix golf balls.

The collection is available exclusively at TaylorMadeGolf.com for 99.99 USD (driver) and 89.99 USD (putter). Shop now.

The post TaylorMade Golf Collaborates With the NBA on a Jersey-Inspired Driver and Putter Headcover Collection appeared first on SLAM.

This special issue includes a cover story on Jalen Brunson and Derrick Rose, a bunch of classic SLAM features from the ’90s and ’00s, an interview with Ronnie Fieg about his new Creative Director role with the Knicks, a look back at every Knicks home/away jersey ever, imagery of Kith’s 2022 Knicks collection and more. 

“The sport of basketball and the city of New York are tied together so tightly, and the Knicks, SLAM and Kith are all products of that synthesis, so this product made perfect sense for us,” says Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer and Editor-in-Chief of SLAM. “This issue is a love letter to a franchise that has meant so much to New Yorkers for a very long time.” 

The magazine also includes imagery of Kith’s new Knicks 2022 collection and will be gifted to everyone who attends Kith Night at Madison Square Garden on November 11, when the Knicks host the Detroit Pistons.

“There are few things in basketball more iconic than the SLAM cover,” says Ronnie Fieg, Founder and CEO of Kith. “When I first connected with Adam, I knew that was the first item on my list to discuss. I wouldn’t have imagined that the conversation would evolve from creating a cover to a full magazine. Working with the SLAM team to create this commemorative issue has been an unforgettable experience and a true notch in Kith’s timeline.”

 This special issue will release in limited numbers publicly this Saturday at Kith shops, 11AM EST on Kith.com, 11AM CET on EU.Kith.com, the Kith App and SLAMGoods.com. the NY Knicks team store.

The post Kith & SLAM Present KNICKS is OUT NOW! appeared first on SLAM.

The SLAM Retro Covers Vol 1 Collection will be available to SLAM Logo Pass holders on November 15 and to the public on November 17 on autograph.io.

The post The SLAM x Autograph NFT Retro Covers Vol. 1 Collection will be Available Nov. 15 -17 appeared first on SLAM.

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

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

Anthony Holt, Slam Goods Apparel Designer

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Bucks vs Grizzlies

Deyscha “Sway” Smith, Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

ECF Matchup: Celtics vs Nets

Joshua Tapia, Editorial Intern

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

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

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

Adam Figman, Chief Content Officer

The Sixers are winning the championship.

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

Michael Harris, Editorial Intern

The Lakers will make the Western Conference Finals.

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Heat vs Lakers

Ajayi Browne, Editorial Intern

The Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Finals.

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

Theus McBee, Co-Host of No Pump Fakes

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

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

Check out the latest episode of No Pump Fakes below:

Najee AR Fareed, Editorial Intern 

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

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

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

Colby Cusano, Brand Partnerships and Analytics Intern

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

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

NBA Finals Matchup: Mavs vs Celtics

Delon George, Marketing Manager SLAMgoods

The Brooklyn Nets will win the title.  

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

Brooke Brennan, WSLAM Intern

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

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

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

Andrew “Pitt” Pitagorsky, VP of Brand Partnerships

RJ Barrett will win Defensive Player of the Year. 

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

Andres Puerta, Social Media SLAMFTW 

The Miami Heat will win the Eastern Conference Finals. 

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

Arvind Pitchai, VP of Social Media

Luka Doncic will average a triple double and win MVP. 

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

Marcus Allen, Social Graphic Designer

The Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

Dave Schnur, President

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

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

Max Resetar, Editor 

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

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

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

Photos via Getty Images.

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

Go behind the scenes of the entire weekend with your favorite high school hoopers, including Jared McCain, Rob Dillingham, Trey Parker, Mookie Cook, Gabe Cupps, and many more. Check it out.

The SSC Vol. 4 showcase also featured an incredible girls roster, including Juju Watkins, Jada Williams, Milaysia Fulwiley, Taliah Scott, Hannah Hidalgo and many more. Watch the official SSC Vol. 4 Girl’s Movie below.

The post WATCH: SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 The Movie appeared first on SLAM.

A year from now, remember that SLAM introduced you to the kid who might just change the game. You can read the exclusive SLAM 240 cover story here.

 SLAM 240 is also available in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition, as well as Cover Tees. Tap in.

The post French NBA Draft Prospect Victor Wembanyama Covers SLAM 240 appeared first on SLAM.

From Jada Williams to JuJu Watkins and many more of the nation’s top talent, the girls didn’t hold back and brought a level of competitiveness that was truly next level. Meanwhile the boys—including Robert Dillingham, Trey Parker and more—kept that same energy with high-flying dunks and a game that went down to the wire.

Check out the full highlights from both games:

The post WATCH: SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 Boys and Girls FULL Game appeared first on SLAM.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, pull up to Rucker Park in Harlem, NY for the girls’ game at 5 PM EST, followed by the boys at 7 PM. 

Here are the rosters for this weekend’s showcase:

Girls:

• JuJu Watkins
• Breya Cunningham
• Milaysia Fulwiley
• Jadyn Donovan
• Jada Williams
• Angelica Velez
• Hannah Hidalgo
• Aalyah Del Rosario
• Taliah Scott
• Delaney Thomas
• Chloe Kitts
• Ashlynn Shade
• Mackenly Randolph

Boys:

• Robert Dillingham
• Jared McCain
• Sim Wilcher
• Mackenzie Mgbako
• Gabe Cupps
• Trey Parker
• Ian Jackson
• Mookie Cook
• Justin Edwards
• Matas Buzelis
• Aden Holloway
• Tre Johnson
• Rayvon Griffith
• Xavier Booker

For more information about the SLAM Summer Classic and real-time coverage of the event later this weekend, follow @SLAM, @SLAM_HS and @WSLAM on all social media platforms. 

The post The Official Roster for the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 appeared first on SLAM.

The details for the Champs Sports SLAM Summer Classic Sweepstakes are below.

Email contests@slammediainc.com to submit.

The post Win VIP Access to the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 appeared first on SLAM.

The teams competing in the showcase include: 

1.     K-Low Elite (Kyle Lowry)

2.     Team Curry (Steph Curry)

3.     Team Durant (Kevin Durant)

4.     Team Melo (Carmelo Anthony)

5.     Team Takeover (Victor Oladipo)

6.     Team Trae Young (Trae Young)

7.     Team Trezz (Montrezl Harrell)

8.     Team Truth (Quinn Cook)

Games will begin on Friday, August 12 and run through Sunday, August 14. See here for the full schedule of games.

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“We are thrilled to host this first-of-its-kind showcase featuring some of the outstanding travel teams of several of our members,” said Tamika Tremaglio, NBPA Executive Director. “Our players are so passionate about teaching the game to the next generation, and this showcase is about supporting their work in that space. By creating this platform with our players, we are building a unique experience for their teams to compete against one another while also providing critical educational resources — all in one of the best basketball cities in the country and my hometown, Washington D.C.!”

“This showcase is a great opportunity for these young players to prove themselves against other top talent from around the country and learn more about important topics off the court,” said Trae Young, NBPA member whose team will compete in the inaugural showcase. “To have all the teams competing affiliated with different players around the league is really special and I know I can speak for all of us when I say we will be closely following to see whose team really is the best.”

“We know it is highly critical to educate these young athletes now so that they can make informed financial decisions throughout their careers,” said Mark Jerome, Managing Partner, the Athletic Development Group (ADG). “We created and designed ADG MONEYBALL with that in mind, bringing in former players and experts to speak about financial literacy and NIL to set them up with the tools to succeed down the road.”

ADG MONEYBALL is presented in partnership with Chase and with the generous support of Events DC. Additional partners include ShowBall, BodyArmor, SLAM, Legends, and BallerTV.

“We are so excited to continue our partnership with the NBPA and provide important financial literacy content to these incredible student-athletes,” said Frank Nakano, Managing Director of Sports & Entertainment Marketing at JPMorgan Chase. “Understanding the significance that financial health plays in long-term well-being, we hope our educational sessions are able to help these athletes further develop their off-the-court confidence, especially in the arena of financial literacy”

“Events DC is honored to host and support the inaugural ADG MONEYBALL event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center,” said Ralph Morton, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Sports & Entertainment Division at Events DC. “Bringing together the nation’s top student-athletes in partnership with the NBPA and ADG combined with dynamic educational workshops is an exciting opportunity to create a valuable and enduring experience in the District. We are looking forward to presenting this elite amateur basketball tournament to the fans and our greater community from the heart of downtown Washington, DC.”

ADG MONEYBALL is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at www.adgmoneyball.com. For media interested in covering the event, please email communications@nbpa.com with your request.

The post NBPA and ADG Present the Inaugural ADG MONEYBALL appeared first on SLAM.

The five-star recruit recently committed to play for the Wildcats, and she joined WSLAM’s Camille Buxeda and Jianni Smith on the “Get With It” podcast to talk all about her decision to play for Arizona after initially committing to UCLA in March of 2021.

“I’m just doing what’s best for me, and Arizona is a better fit for me, a better style of play,” Williams told WSLAM. “Me and my family feel like I can bring more to the table if I’m at Arizona, having a different backing, having a different side of passion about me. And I feel like Arizona’s whole coaching staff, the team, a lot of my best friends go there, so it’s a better environment for me.

“I’m just being Jada, really, and I’m gonna smile because I’m really, really excited.”

Williams, who is currently ranked as the No. 20 player in the 2023 class per the ESPNW Top 100, also discussed the Team USA trials and what it means to represent USA overseas, as well as her high school track career and much more on the latest episode of “Get With It.”

Check it out below and subscribe to ‘Get With It’ here on all streaming platforms.

Williams will also be playing at the SLAM SUMMER CLASSIC VOL. 4, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, at the legendary Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, NY. Learn more here.

The post WSLAM’s ‘Get With It’: Jada Williams Talks Commitment to Arizona appeared first on SLAM.

Known as the elite high school basketball players’ favorite all-star game, the SLAM Summer Classic will again bring together the top boys and girls from across the country to take part in a weekend filled with community, culture and competition. 

For the first time, the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 will take place at the famed Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, NY. The girls game will tip off at 5 p.m. and the boys game will tip off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.

Among the players taking part are:

Mackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard School (Gladstone, NJ), Robert Dillingham, Donda Academy (Simi Valley, CA), Simeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic HS (Roselle, NJ), Jared McCain, Centennial HS (Corona, CA), Judea Watkins, Sierra Canyon HS (Los Angeles, CA), Jadyn Donovan, Sidwell Friends School (Washington DC), Hannah Hidalgo, Paul VI HS (Haddonfield, NJ).

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More than a few previously under-the-radar players have made their mark at the Classic and saw their college and pro stocks rise after the weekend. Previous SLAM Summer Classic participants include NBA stars Jalen Green, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Chet Holmgren, RJ Hampton, Josh Christopher, Jalen Suggs and Cassius Stanley, as well as rising NCAA stars Flau’jae Johnson, Diamond Johnson, Kiki Rice and Angel Reese.  

Partnering with SLAM to put on the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 are Gatorade, Spalding, Def Jam, CLOT, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Champs Sports, SHOWTIME^® and Nike.

“The SLAM Summer Classic is unlike any other high school basketball game! We’re so excited to bring it to the legendary Rucker Park and give these athletes an authentic NYC hoops experience,” says Les Green, CEO of SLAM Media Inc. “SLAM is all about celebrating the game of basketball as well as the culture surrounding the game. We’ll give all the young men and women a weekend to remember, full of energy, competitionand fun. With a roster of 24 amazing athletes and eight great partners, this year’s Classic will be the biggest one yet.”

For more information about the SLAM Summer Classic and real-time coverage of the event later this month, follow @SLAM, @SLAM_HS and @WSLAM on all social media platforms. 

The post SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 4 Returns on August 20 at Rucker Park appeared first on SLAM.

Fashion has always been a part of the game. From their on-court kicks to the fits player’s are rockin’ in the tunnel, everyone is keeping tabs on what their favorite hoopers are wearing throughout the season. LeagueFits has always been at the forefront of basketball fashion (iykyk), and they’ve even got you covered with a weekly newsletter, Where Do I Cop? that spotlights the 11 best fits featured on LF from that week and where you can cop them (subscribe here).

When it comes to the evolution of fashion across the Association, LeagueFits went ahead and chopped it up with the legends themselves. NBA greats Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, two of the most influential and iconic superstars to ever play the game, recently appeared this week’s episode of Survival of the Fitted, along with iconic Creative Directors Calyann Barnett and Khalilah Beavers to talk about the beginning of their fashion careers, how fashion has evolved since the 2003 NBA Draft (we have an entire special issue dedicated to that legendary draft class) and more.

Hosted by LeagueFits’ Ian Piero and Joe Williams, they also discussed the origins of the NBA dress code, where they want to see fashion go next and the inspiration behind “The Shop Miami”—their closet sale, which starts today, features items from some of your favorite stars on LeagueFits. You can check out The Shop Miami here.

“None of us created fashion, you just brought your own twist to it and we did what works best for me and you,” Wade told LeagueFits.

“Survival of the Fitted” is available on all streaming platforms, subscribe here.

The post Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade Discuss the Evolution of NBA Fashion on LeagueFits’ ‘Survival of the Fitted’ appeared first on SLAM.

Well, now you can finally stop lurking through the comments and tags and know exactly where to buy some of the drippiest pieces featured on LF in an exclusive newsletter, Where Do I Cop?

Each week, the visionary behind LeagueFits, Ian Pierno, will spotlight the best 11 pieces from LF and where you can cop ’em. From Yeezys to the very Dior sweater vest Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore on his birthday, the newsletter is a catalogue of fire fits delivered right to your inbox. That hoodie, graphic tee, pair of kicks or jeans you’ve been looking around for after you saw your favorite hooper rock it at Paris Fashion Week, or last season in the tunnel? We got you.

Subscribe to LeagueFits’ newsletter, Where Do I Cop? here.

The post LeagueFits’ Exclusive Newsletter, ‘Where Do I Cop?’ Spotlights Fashion Around the League appeared first on SLAM.

“This was my first year that I started wearing stuff,” Antetokounmpo said on Survival of the Fitted. “Like started saying to myself ‘you know what, I’m gonna actually wear stuff to the game.’”

“Fashion is what you express, how you express yourself,” Antetokounmpo later added. “It doesn’t have to do with luxury brands or athletic apparel, street apparel, it doesn’t have to do with what you’re going to wear exactly. It’s more how you express yourself through the outfit.”

On the pod, Thanasis also ranked his brothers’ fashion sense and revealed his top five favorite kicks. Get active and listen to the podcast below.

Subscribe to Survival of the Fitted here.

The post Thanasis Antetokounmpo Ranks his Brothers’ Style, Lists Top Five Kicks on ‘Survival of the Fitted’ appeared first on SLAM.

Participation in a SLAM internship will set you on your career path as you gain exposure into basketball media,and all things hoops. Interns will be assigned to a department based on their academic background and professional goals. Interns will have access to company meetings, events, networking, and professional development opportunities.

We are offering internships in the following areas:

• Editorial

• Social Media

• Video Production

• Marketing

While the internship position is unpaid, SLAM provides generous perks to its interns throughout the experience.

Individual Semester Cycle Opportunities: Spring, Summer & Fall

Requirements

• Must be able to earn credit through your College/University which must be validated by a school counselor or official.

•You must be able to commit to the entirety of the semester program

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to adhere to current NYC COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Candidate Profile

• Love and passion for basketball!

• Not afraid to bring ideas to the table

• Positive attitude and self-motivated

•Team-oriented; ability to develop positive relationships at all levels

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@slammediainc.com.

The post Become an Intern at SLAM appeared first on SLAM.

Without further ado, here is the running NBA Trade Rumor Thread:

7/25:

Shams Charania from The Athletic reports that the Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Kings, Heat, Hawks and the Knicks have expressed interest in Donovan Mitchell.

Per Charania, the Jazz, Knicks and Paces are also reportedly interested in Russell Westbrook and draft capital from the Lakers.

The Boston Celtics have emerged as a potential suitor for Kevin Durant, reportedly offering up Jaylen Brown as the main piece in the initial trade proposal. However, according to The Athletic, that offer was reportedly rejected. Read more here:

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly offered Collin Sexton a three year contract in the range of $13.3 million per year for three seasons. Sexton is reportedly “dismayed” with the team’s current offer.

Sexton played 11 games this year before tearing his meniscus.

“Utah had asked about a package involving Mitchell Robinson, and at least 3 first-round picks and the Knicks declined to meet that asking price”@IanBegley with the latest on the Donovan Mitchell trade front, including the Jazz asking for Quentin Grimes in a deal pic.twitter.com/4m1x30mgY5

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 15, 2022

REPORT: The Jazz-Knicks deal was “close” on Tuesday night, but the Knicks ended up declining.

The Jazz reportedly wanted Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and 6 1st-round picks.

(via @tjonesonthenba) pic.twitter.com/KxUOdLfsZx

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 15, 2022

The Nets asked the TImberwolves for the farm after asking for Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and four draft picks in order to acquire Kevin Durant.

REPORT: The Brooklyn Nets asked the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and 4 draft-picks in exchange for Kevin Durant.

The Timberwolves declined.

(via @chrisbhaynes, @VinceGoodwill) pic.twitter.com/EUdjmDXArD

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 7, 2022

According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, the Warriors are interested in acquiring Kevin Durant. KD won back-to-back titles in three years with the Dubs. Per multiple reports, the Nets have made it clear that their trading partner will have to give up the farm in order to complete the blockbuster trade. Those acquirements consist of an All-Star level player and multiple draft picks.

Marc J. Spears: Warriors ‘have interest’ in trading for Kevin Durant [report]https://t.co/5lar5wEukf pic.twitter.com/bXGN5CDgPk

— KNBR (@KNBR) July 3, 2022

League sources: For now, there are no plans by the Utah Jazz to trade star guard Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are committed to building around him. The Jazz are not done in trade talks. Expect more activity

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2022

The Jazz and Timberwolves have reportedly agreed on a trade to flip Gobert for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverly, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, and multiple first-round picks, per Woj.

Utah is trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly shipped Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless, and a 2024 lottery-protected first-round pick per Adrian Wojnarowski.

Atlanta is trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick, sources tell EPSN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

Atlanta is trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick, sources tell EPSN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

After KD’s blockbuster trade request was reportedly made official, it seems as though Kyrie Irving is most likely headed out of Brooklyn too. Irving is on the last year of his current deal and listed the Lakers, Clippers, Mavs, Knicks, Heat, and 76ers as his preferred trade destinations.

The latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets from @wojespn.

Join us now on ESPN2 for our NBA Today Free Agency special as we break it all down. pic.twitter.com/dsRBjecW8S

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 30, 2022

BREAKING: Kevin Durant has reportedly requested a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets, per his agent Rich Kleiman to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Durant has targeted Phoenix and Miami as his preferred destinations, per Woj.

Durant requested a trade with the team today, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/BkNEHwkrc0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022

The Jazz are reportedly trading Royce O’Neal to the Nets for a first-rounder .

Utah is trading Royce O’Neale to Brooklyn for a first-round pick, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

The Bulls are reportedly shopping Coby White, per Sam Amico of Hoopshype.

Bulls Remain Active In Trying To Trade Coby White https://t.co/QblzrfaVuW

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 30, 2022

Amico also reports that Julius Randle could be a name to watch on the trade market as the New York Knicks look to make it back to the playoffs next season.

Julius Randle is a name to watch on the trade market, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/Zd49mnz72R

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2022

The Wizards are reportedly exchanging Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith for Will Barton and Monte Morris. Should Smith play one game for Denver, it’ll be the record-setting 13th team he’s played for in his career.

Washington is finalizing a trade to acquire Denver’s Will Barton and Monte Morris for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Knicks are sending Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Pistons as well as some draft capital in order to free up $30 million in cap space to acquire Jalen Brunson on Thursday.

The Knicks are trading center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks will unload $19M more in salary, clearing the way for cap space to try and sign free agent guard Jalen Brunson.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

The Houston Rockets have reportedly bought John Wall’s contract as of Monday night. The five-time All-Star and the Clippers are reportedly set to reach an agreement once free agency starts, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

ESPN story with @espn_macmahon on John Wall exiting the Houston Rockets with intentions to sign a free agent deal with the LA Clippers: https://t.co/IuLK7oFwP9

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022

After a successful postseason run, a key piece for Miami may not come back. PJ Tucker is rumored to take a better offer from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The possibility of Kyrie Irving departing from the Brooklyn Nets gains more momentum by the day, as he has been given permission to seek a sign and trade.

John Wall hasn’t played an NBA game for the Houston Rockets since April of 2021, he is willing to agree to a buyout if it comes down to it.

The San Antonio Spurs have been receiving calls about all-star point guard DeJounte Murray, teams that are included are the Knicks, Timberwolves, Wizards, and Hawks. Murray publicly reacted to the rumor on Twitter.

The Cleveland Cavaliers sacrifice pick 49 in exchange for Sasha Vezenkov, who has been a euro-league stash after being picked in the 2017 draft.

The Pistons traded away Jerami Grant for a 2025 first round pick that belongs to the Bucks, read more here:

The Hawks are looking to level up for Trae Young byfinding him a better co-star, read more here:

After not being offered an extension, DeAndre Ayton’s future with the Phoenix Suns looks to be in doubt. Read more here:

The Dallas Mavericks are going all in for Luka Doncic’s win now window by trading for Christian Wood, first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

JaMychal Green was sent from the Nuggets in exchange for the Thunder’s No. 30 pick in this upcoming draft, read more here:

The post The NBA Trade Rumor Tracker appeared first on SLAM.