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Timberwolves

Defense is not a switch you flip. It is a discipline you practice, a mindset you carry from the film room to the floor, and a daily commitment that either holds or it does not. Rudy Gobert has understood this longer than most. Four Defensive Player of the Year awards tend to sharpen a man's philosophy on the subject, and right now, he is watching the Minnesota Timberwolves struggle with the very question his entire identity is built around.
Following a 153-128 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game in which Kawhi Leonard dropped 45 points, the Clippers connected on 19 of 37 three-point attempts, and Minnesota surrendered 58 points in the paint,&nbsp; Gobert was direct in his assessment when speaking to RG.org. The Wolves were not connected. They were not competing on every possession. And in his view, those problems do not originate at tip-off. They originate in the preparation that happens before the game is ever played.
"We need to be connected," <a href="https://rg.org/news/basketball/rudy-gobert-talks-dpoy-chances-wembanyama-anthony-edwards">Gobert told RG.org</a>. "We need to play with the level of urgency. All of us, all five guys on the floor, need to compete. Every possession, we have to sharpen up our awareness and focus."
What a Fifth DPOY Would Actually Mean
Rudy Gobert sits on the doorstep of something that has never been done. Four Defensive Player of the Year awards already place him in a conversation with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, two of the most impactful defenders in the history of the sport. A fifth would separate him from that company entirely and establish an individual defensive legacy that may stand for a generation.
The case is not built solely on narrative. Minnesota's defensive rating with Gobert on the floor sits at 113.7. Without him, that number deteriorates to 121.8, an eight-point swing that tells the full story without requiring any additional context. Coach Chris Finch has been unambiguous about what that data means for how the Wolves use their center: Gobert now plays through almost everything. The era of coaching him off the floor to avoid matchup problems is over. His ability to cover mistakes, protect weaker defenders, and anchor an entire defensive scheme regardless of personnel has made him too valuable to sit.
"He can anchor a defense regardless of whether there are good or bad defenders out there all by himself." &mdash; Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, via RG.org
The DPOY race this season is genuinely competitive, and Gobert is aware of who is pushing him. But his argument is rooted in the same place it has always been, not in individual plays or highlight blocks, but in the sustained, nightly transformation of a defense that becomes measurably worse the moment he is not present. That is the standard for the award, and he is meeting it.
<h2>Wembanyama: A Rival Built From a Friendship</h2>
The name that comes up most often in discussions of Gobert's DPOY competition is Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center who arrived in the league as a generational defensive prospect and has delivered on nearly every expectation attached to that label. What makes this particular rivalry different from most award races is the relationship underneath it.
Gobert and Wembanyama are not strangers. They are teammates, or at least they have been, representing France at the international level, sharing a locker room and a national team identity that creates a specific kind of bond. Gobert has spoken about Wembanyama with genuine affection and respect, the kind that comes from watching someone develop up close and understanding the full scope of what they are capable of. None of that changes the fact that one of them will win the award and the other will not.
What Gobert brings to this race that Wembanyama cannot yet match is sustained excellence across a full body of work, not just this season, but across a career that has consistently demonstrated the same principles at the highest level, season after season, in the most demanding conference in the sport. Wembanyama's ceiling is a different and genuinely exciting conversation. But the DPOY award is about what you have done, not only what you will do. On that measure, Gobert's case remains the strongest in the room.
<h2>Anthony Edwards: The Ceiling Is Still Open</h2>
If you want to understand what Rudy Gobert values in a basketball player, listen to how he talks about Anthony Edwards. The Wolves' 24-year-old star has grown into one of the most electric offensive presences in the NBA across six seasons, and Gobert has had a front-row seat to every chapter of that development. His assessment of what Edwards can still become is the kind of observation that only comes from someone who has spent real time thinking about the difference between greatness and maximized greatness.
Edwards already has the gifts. The athleticism, the confidence, the shot-making ability, and the competitive edge are all there in abundance. What Gobert's broader comments throughout this difficult stretch of the season suggest is that the next level,&nbsp; for Edwards, for the Wolves, for anyone operating in this environment, is unlocked through the habits that exist between the big moments. The preparation before tip-off. The focus on every possession when the game is not going your way. The daily approach that makes the special moments possible.
For Minnesota, the path from a sixth seed with question marks to a legitimate championship contender runs directly through two conversations happening simultaneously: Gobert earning his fifth DPOY by anchoring the most reliable defense in a fractured roster, and Edwards becoming the kind of player who does not need the game to be going well in order to compete at an elite level. Those two evolutions are not separate stories. They are the same one, and how it ends will define this era of Timberwolves basketball.

After back-to-back blowout losses, Rudy Gobert is not looking for excuses. He is looking for the Timberwolves version that shows up when it matters, and he has a clear idea of what it takes to get there.

Rudy Gobert Talks DPOY, Wembanyama & Timberwolves Growth

The NBA is not waiting for a transition. It is already happening.
For years, the league has been defined by icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Their era shaped modern basketball and carried the sport into a new global space. But as time moves forward, another truth becomes clearer each season.
The next wave is not coming: It is already here. Some of the NBA&rsquo;s young stars and their ages are the following:
Cooper Flagg is 19. Kon Knueppel is 20. Victor Wembanyama is 22. Jalen Duren is 22. Alperen Sengun is 23. Paolo Banchero is 23. Cade Cunningham is 24. Anthony Edwards is 24. LaMelo Ball is 24. Jalen Johnson is 24. Tyrese Maxey is 25. Deni Avdija is 25. Tyrese Haliburton is 25. Luka Doncic is 26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 27. Jayson Tatum is 27. Jaylen Brown is 29. Donovan Mitchell is 29. Jalen Brunson is 29.
That list alone tells the story.
These are not prospects waiting for opportunity. They are All-Stars. Franchise cornerstones. Playoff performers. MVP candidates. Players that are already shaping postseason outcomes and redefining team ceilings.
Victor Wembanyama is already altering defensive schemes league-wide at 22. Luka Doncic has been an MVP-level engine for years and is still just 26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself into best player in the world talks. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have already led championship-level teams and are still in their twenties.
Anthony Edwards has embraced the spotlight and looks ready to carry the league&rsquo;s next era of superstar charisma. Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey are redefining guard play with pace and efficiency. Paolo Banchero and Alperen Sengun are anchoring offenses through skill and versatility rather than traditional post play. Cade Cunningham is proving that control and poise can still dominate in a league obsessed with speed.
Even younger talents like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel represent what is coming next. They are entering a league that already prioritizes skill, spacing, and positional fluidity. By the time they hit their primes, the foundation will already be set by the group just ahead of them.
What makes this era unique is its balance. There is no single prototype dominating the landscape. Some of these stars are 7-foot playmakers. Some are downhill scorers. Some are defensive anchors. Some are creative offensive orchestrators. The diversity of skill sets means the league is not shifting toward one dominant style, it is expanding.
Another important factor is global influence. Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represent international excellence at the highest level. The league is no longer centered in one region or identity. The game has evolved into a global ecosystem where elite talent emerges from everywhere.
As the previous generation begins to wind down, the league is searching for its next face. But then it has several candidates. It has multiple MVP-level players under 30. It has championship-proven stars still entering their prime years. It has young bigs redefining positional expectations. It has guards who control pace like veterans despite being in their mid-twenties.
The NBA is in great hands because it does not rely on one successor. It has a wave.
A wave of players who grew up watching LeBron and Curry and Durant. A wave that understands branding, skill development, and modern spacing. A wave that is comfortable with pressure and unafraid of expectations.
The transition will not feel abrupt because it is already unfolding in real time. These players are not waiting to inherit the league. They are actively taking ownership of it.
The next era is not years away, it is happening right now.

From Wemby and Luka to Ant and Tatum, the NBA’s next generation of stars is already here and ready to lead the league forward.

Ushering the new era: The next wave of NBA stars are here

Anthony Edwards had a front-row seat to greatness during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Being part of Team USA allowed him to spend extended time around legends LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, not just during games but in practices, shootarounds, and daily preparation. What he noticed most was not the highlights or the talent, but the discipline behind it.
They have been doing the same thing every single day, and according to Edwards, that is exactly why they have accomplished so much in their careers.
Spending that much time with them gave him perspective. Watching how they prepare, how they warm up, how they recover, and how they approach each day showed him that greatness is built on routine. It is not about constantly searching for something new. It is about mastering the same process repeatedly.
&ldquo;Playing with them on the USA team, it taught me about having a routine, especially when it comes to being on the court,&rdquo; Edwards said postgame at the 2026 All-Star Game in LA. &ldquo;Watching Steph, KD, and Bron every day do the same routine, it&rsquo;s like it&rsquo;s normal for a person to get bored with the same thing, waking up, doing this every single day. But I feel like that&rsquo;s what made them great and that&rsquo;s what they taught me for sure.&rdquo;
That level of consistency is what separates sustained greatness from short-term success. For most players, repetition can feel monotonous. For players like Curry, LeBron, and Durant, repetition creates comfort and confidence. Their routines have allowed them to remain elite deep into their careers, adjusting their games as needed but never abandoning the foundation that built them.
Edwards clearly understands that now, and he is beginning to apply those lessons to his own journey.
<h3>Letting the work speak for itself</h3>
At 24 years old, Edwards is already moving in the right direction. Being named All-Star Game MVP is another step forward in his growth as one of the faces of the league. However, for him, the recognition is not the final goal. It is simply progress.
Edwards has made it clear that he does not want to be just one of the best players in the league, but instead he wants to be THe best. That mindset aligns directly with the habits he observed during the Olympics.
When asked what the All-Star MVP win meant to him, he kept it simple.
&ldquo;It is a step in the right direction for sure. We chose to compete today, and we came out on top.&rdquo;
That statement carried weight because of the context surrounding the All-Star Game in recent years. The event has been criticized for lacking competitiveness and intensity, with many fans feeling that players were not taking it seriously. Edwards embraced the opportunity to compete and help change that narrative. He understood that effort matters, even in exhibition and pickup basketball settings, because habits carry over into bigger moments.
The performance was not just about scoring or highlights. Instead, it was about showing that the next generation values competition and takes pride in it. Victor Wembanyama, a fellow young superstar like Edwards, played hard from the get go and Edwards admitted it was him who got him going.
Confidence plays a major role in that. Edwards has never lacked self-belief, but when asked where that confidence comes from, he pointed directly back to the work.
When asked about where he thinks that confidence comes from, Edwards offered a simple yet strong statement.
&ldquo;I feel like it comes from the work, all the hours I put in the gym. I am always in the gym, so being in the gym and shooting all those shots all the time you build confidence within that.&rdquo;
That answer ties everything together. The same routine that he saw from Curry, LeBron, and Durant is the same routine he is building for himself. His confidence is not random. But rather it is developed through repetition, preparation, and countless unseen hours in the gym.
Edwards is still early in his career, and he has not yet accomplished what those three legends have achieved. However, the foundation is being built the right way. He recognizes that greatness is not accidental and that talent alone is not enough to sustain dominance over time.
If he continues to apply those lessons and maintain that daily discipline, his ceiling becomes even higher. He already has the athleticism, scoring ability, and charisma to lead the next era of stars. Pairing that with routine and relentless work gives him a real chance to reach the level he aspires to.

Anthony Edwards shares what he learned from the legends of the NBA from his Olympics stint, and how it has transformed his season.

Anthony Edwards praises LeBron, Steph, and KD’s work ethic: “That’s what made them great”

Anthony Edwards was part of Team USA&rsquo;s gold medal squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics, gaining valuable experience on the international stage while sharing the spotlight with some of the league&rsquo;s biggest names. But if Paris was about learning and contributing, Los Angeles in 2028 could be about leading.
With the trajectory his career is on, Edwards is poised to be one of, if not the face of Team USA heading into the next Olympic cycle. And this time, it will be on home soil.
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles already feel different. The stage will be bigger, the spotlight brighter, and the expectations even higher. Hosting the Games in the United States automatically adds another layer of energy and pride, especially with basketball likely being played at the Intuit Dome in front of a packed American crowd.
This year&rsquo;s NBA All-Star Game added even more intrigue to what LA 2028 could look like. With USA Stars facing off against the World&rsquo;s best, fans got a small but fascinating preview of what global basketball dominance looks like when the talent is split along national lines. The international game has never been stronger, and the gap between Team USA and the rest of the world continues to shrink. This is what makes the buildup toward 2028 even more compelling for Team USA and the rest of the world.
When asked about the possibility of Team USA facing this wave of international stars in Los Angeles two years from now, Edwards gave a short but telling response:
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what it&rsquo;s gonna build up to but I know it&rsquo;s going to be packed, I know it&rsquo;s going to be a lot of people, and it&rsquo;s going to be fun.&rdquo;
That answer feels very on-brand for Edwards: confident, relaxed, and unfazed by the magnitude of the moment. But underneath that simplicity is a clear understanding: the atmosphere is going to be electric.
<h3>2026 NBA All-Star Team USA Stars squad could be a preview of Team USA&rsquo;s LA2028 Olympic team</h3>
This current crop of young American stars that are in Team USA Stars could very well be a preview of Team USA&rsquo;s LA 2028 roster. Cade Cunningham. Anthony Edwards. Devin Booker. Chet Holmgren. Jalen Duren. Tyrese Maxey. Scottie Barnes. Jalen Johnson.
These are not just promising names, they&rsquo;re All-Stars who are continuously improving year by year. They are the next wave, and they represent the future of USA Basketball.
Edwards, in particular, feels like the natural centerpiece of that group. He has the charisma, the fearlessness, and the scoring ability to thrive in Olympic play. His game translates internationally: explosive drives, shot-making from deep, and the confidence to take and make big shots when it matters most.
Cade Cunningham brings size and playmaking at the guard position. Devin Booker already has Olympic experience and understands the balance between scoring and sacrificing within a stacked roster. Chet Holmgren offers rim protection and floor spacing. Tyrese Maxey brings speed and energy. Scottie Barnes and Jalen Johnson add versatility and two-way impact. Jalen Duren gives Team USA interior strength and physicality.
That&rsquo;s what makes the thought of LA 2028 so intriguing. These players are already elite at a young age. Two more years of development, playoff battles, and growth could elevate them to an entirely different level. International competition demands cohesion and adaptability, but it also rewards talent and depth: which are two things this group won&rsquo;t lack.
Add in a couple more names in there like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Paolo Banchero, and Cooper Flagg, and it looks like Team USA will bring yet another star-studded lineup in the quadriennial global meet.
The global challenge will be real as the World team continues to produce MVPs and superstars. International programs are deeper, more disciplined, and more confident than ever before. The days of Team USA simply overwhelming opponents with athleticism alone are long gone.
But if this young core continues on its current path, Team USA will be bannered by young and hungry stars ready to bring home yet another gold for the stars and stripes.
LA 2028 will be a statement opportunity, a chance for the next generation to take ownership of the red, white, and blue. A chance for Anthony Edwards to go from rising star to unquestioned leader on the biggest international stage.
And if Edwards said proves to be right, then Los Angeles might deliver one of the most memorable Olympic basketball tournaments we&rsquo;ve ever seen.
The preview is already here, and the buildup has already started. Now it&rsquo;s just a matter of time, two years from now.

Anthony Edwards could lead Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the new generation of American stars.

Anthony Edwards on Team USA and the LA 2028 Olympics: “It’s gonna be fun”

Team USA Stars stormed to victory in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, showcasing a new generation&rsquo;s ascendancy over seasoned veterans and global icons alike.&nbsp;
The young USA squad &ndash; led by Anthony Edwards, who was named All-Star Game MVP &ndash; captured the championship in the league&rsquo;s innovative three-team round-robin format at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Edwards&rsquo; all-around brilliance anchored the Stars through three competitive mini-games, marking a defining moment for a rising star in the league&rsquo;s next era.
Team USA Stars arrived in Los Angeles with momentum but faced stiff competition from the star-studded Team World, which entered the weekend as early favorites thanks to a roster of international superstars. However, World struggled to find consistency in the new format and failed to win a single mini-game &ndash; a surprising outcome given the talent on their roster.
The Stars opened the round-robin slate with a win over Team World, racing out to an early lead before weathering a late surge to secure the victory. Edwards led the way with scoring and playmaking, setting the tone for what would become an MVP-caliber performance across the weekend.
In the second matchup, Team USA Stripes composed of the older USA stars stole one against Team USA Stars. De&rsquo;Aaron Fox made the game winner in yet another thrilling finish in these all-star festivities.
In the final round-robin matchup, Kawhi Leonard delivered a vintage scoring showcase for Team USA Stripes, erupting for 31 points in a tightly contested 12-minute mini-game, ending with a game-winning triple that electrified the crowd and tightened the overall competition and they ended up defeating Team World to advance to an all-USA championship.
In the championship game, Team USA stars ran out the gym their older counterparts in Team USA Stripes, erecting a 20-point lead at some point to end up with the victory.
Rising global icon Victor Wembanyama also put forth a strong showing for Team World, flashing the versatile skill set and defensive potential that has made him one of the league&rsquo;s most exciting young stars.
Even in defeat, Wembanyama earned the respect of his opponents, including Edwards, who publicly praised Wemby&rsquo;s effort and competitive fire after the game, noting his &ldquo;relentless energy and high-level play&rdquo; as a highlight of the weekend.

Team USA Stars stormed to victory in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, showcasing a new generation’s ascendancy in the basketball world.

Team USA Stars rule 2026 NBA All-Star Game; Anthony Edwards named MVP

The NBA has officially unveiled the full participant lists for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, giving fans a complete look at the stars headed to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, from Feb. 13-15. This year&rsquo;s festivities &ndash; highlighted by a unique USA vs. World round-robin All-Star Game format &ndash; will feature perennial All-Stars, breakout performers and standout event competitors in a celebration of the league&rsquo;s top talent.&nbsp;
Leading the headlines, Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been named as a replacement for Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry on the USA Stripes roster after Curry was ruled out due to a lingering right knee injury. The absence of the two-time All-Star Game MVP &ndash; who had been selected for his 12th All-Star appearance &ndash; opens the door for Ingram&rsquo;s second career selection, his first since 2020.&nbsp;
On the international side, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun will take the place of Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World after Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined with an abdominal injury. Sengun&rsquo;s addition marks his second consecutive All-Star nod and adds another high-octane playmaker to the World lineup.&nbsp;
Under this season&rsquo;s format, the All-Star Game breaks from the traditional East vs. West matchup and instead will feature three teams &ndash; two representing the United States and one made up of international talent &ndash; competing in a round-robin slate of four 12-minute games before the two best teams square off in a championship matchup.&nbsp;
The USA squads are anchored by the league&rsquo;s brightest names. Veterans such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown headline the USA rosters alongside rising stars including Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, the World team showcases global stars like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama &ndash; with Sengun now joining that group.&nbsp;
All-Star Saturday will also feature the State Farm Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest and additional skills competitions &ndash; giving a diverse cast of sharpshooters, high-flyers and playmakers multiple stages to shine before the main event kicks off.&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s roster announcements arrive at a pivotal point in the NBA season. With teams locked in tight playoff races and narratives building around emerging stars, All-Star Weekend doubles as both a celebration and a barometer. For Ingram, logging All-Star minutes after stepping in for Curry could be a springboard into wider MVP conversations. And for Sengun, joining the World team again &ndash; especially in place of an MVP calibre guard &ndash; reinforces his rising status on the global stage.&nbsp;
Injuries to marquee players rarely dampen excitement in All-Star festivities, but they add an undercurrent of unpredictability &ndash; a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in a 2-plus-month sprint to the playoffs.
As rosters are finalized and events approach, All-Star Weekend promises to flare into one of the most compelling showcases of the season &ndash; both in terms of star power and emerging momentum headed into the home stretch.

This year’s festivities will feature perennial All-Stars, breakout performers and standout event competitors.

NBA sets complete 2026 All-Star Weekend roster; Ingram and Sengun named as replacements

<div>Every February, LeBron James has been wondering why he didn't participate in the Slam Dunk Contest for more than two decades, one of the NBA's great what-ifs. Fans have debated the topic in barbershops, on sports radio, and across social media.</div>
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<div>Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson's recent interview with former <a href="https://bookmaker-ratings.ru/tip/sport-types/tip-nba-tips/">NBA </a>forward and 1992 dunk champion Cedric Ceballos has given new life to the conversation, even though some parts of the past need to be addressed.</div>
<div>Ceballos didn't just suggest that LeBron skipped the contest because he wasn't interested.</div>
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<div>He defined it as something deeper: the preservation of the brand.</div>
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<div>&ldquo;He had a chance his rookie year and he didn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; <a href="https://scoopb.com/2026/02/cedric-ceballos-talks-vince-carters-springs-anthony-edwards-rise-and-why-lebron-james-skipped-the-dunk-contest/">Ceballos told Robinson</a>. &ldquo;After that rookie year, anything after that would damage his credibility and his career. It&rsquo;s not really if he wins it &mdash; because he&rsquo;s supposed to win it &mdash; it&rsquo;s that if he loses it.&rdquo;</div>
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<div>According to Ceballos, the risk outweighed the reward. LeBron had already become too big, too famous, and too accustomed to dominating. Winning would be the standard operating procedure.</div>
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<div>Losing would be a headline that would follow him forever.</div>
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<div>To reinforce his point, Ceballos referenced LeBron's high school years.</div>
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&ldquo;He lost in the McDonald&rsquo;s All-American Game,&rdquo; Ceballos said, claiming that a then lesser-known Shannon Brown outshined LeBron in the dunk contest. &ldquo;Shannon Brown beat him, but he was a little bit not as famous as LeBron and they gave it to LeBron.&rdquo;
The story fits neatly into Ceballos&rsquo; narrative: LeBron experiencing early proof that even one loss could dent his aura.
The problem? It didn&rsquo;t quite happen that way.
&nbsp;
<h2 data-start="1601" data-end="1646">What Ceballos Was Really Arguing</h2>
Ceballos' fundamental basketball critique was evident, even though his memory was spotty. According to him, LeBron is a powerful power dunker - one of the best in live action - but not a specialist in dunk contests.
&ldquo;LeBron dunks on a lot of people,&rdquo; Ceballos implied, &ldquo;but trickery, suaveness &mdash; no.&rdquo;
<div>LeBron's remarkable abilities are attributed to his speed, strength, timing, and rim violence, not to his choreographed creativity. In the past, the Dunk Contest has awarded both flair and force equally.</div>
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<div>The basketball argument is fair. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter, and Zach LaVine were legends of the contest, blending athleticism and innovation.</div>
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<div>Windmills, free-throw line glides, props, timing, and theatrical moments all play significant roles.LeBron's game has always been about efficiency and dominance, not pre-planned artistry.</div>
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<h2>The McDonald&rsquo;s Contest Reality</h2>
Officially, LeBron James won the 2003 McDonald&rsquo;s All-American Slam Dunk Contest in Cleveland. The other finalists were Shannon Brown and J.R. Giddens.
However, the nuance matters.
Many recaps from that night noted that LeBron&rsquo;s dunks were solid but relatively basic &mdash; powerful, clean, but not jaw-dropping. Brown, on the other hand, pulled off one of the most impressive single dunks of the event but missed multiple attempts afterward, hurting his overall score.
LeBron benefitted from consistency, hometown energy, and others&rsquo; miscues.
So while Ceballos is wrong that LeBron &ldquo;lost,&rdquo; he&rsquo;s not wrong that the perception afterward was more complicated than a dominant victory.
Even as a teenager, LeBron was learning something crucial: when you&rsquo;re the most famous player in the building, expectations distort everything.
<h2 data-start="3213" data-end="3356">The Real Risk for Superstars</h2>
This is where Ceballos&rsquo; brand argument actually lines up with reality.
For a player like LeBron James, the Dunk Contest was always a high-risk, low-reward proposition.
If he won? Fans would shrug and say he was supposed to.
If he lost &mdash; especially to a smaller, less famous, more creative dunker like Nate Robinson, Gerald Green, or Zach LaVine &mdash; it would instantly become a meme, a punchline, a permanent footnote.
History backs this up. Dwight Howard&rsquo;s loss to Nate Robinson still gets referenced. Aaron Gordon losing twice despite incredible dunks became a running joke about being &ldquo;robbed.&rdquo; The contest doesn&rsquo;t forget.
And LeBron has essentially acknowledged this dynamic himself over the years.
He&rsquo;s said repeatedly that if he ever did the Dunk Contest, he&rsquo;d &ldquo;have to win&rdquo; &mdash; otherwise it wouldn&rsquo;t be worth it. That mindset alone shows how much pressure and perception factored into the decision.
<h2 data-start="4098" data-end="4298">LeBron&rsquo;s Own Explanation</h2>
Publicly, LeBron has always framed his absence in basketball terms rather than branding ones.
He&rsquo;s emphasized that his goals <a href="https://x.com/ScoopB/status/1668247108309118977">were championships</a>, MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year awards &mdash; not dunk trophies.
He&rsquo;s also consistently called himself an &ldquo;in-game dunker,&rdquo; explaining that he doesn&rsquo;t enjoy planning or practicing set-piece dunks. For him, dunking is about reacting in real time, attacking defenders, and finishing with force &mdash; not choreography.
That explanation fits his personality and play style perfectly.
But it doesn&rsquo;t exclude the brand reality either.
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<h2 data-start="5066" data-end="5370">So Was Ceballos Right?</h2>
Factually, no &mdash; LeBron didn&rsquo;t lose that high-school contest to Shannon Brown.
Conceptually? He was tapping into something very real.
From the moment LeBron entered the league as &ldquo;<a href="https://rg.org/news/basketball/phil-handy-jordan-kobe-lebron-goat-debate">The Chosen One</a>,&rdquo; every appearance became a referendum on greatness. The Dunk Contest, meant to be fun and experimental, would&rsquo;ve placed him in a situation where creativity mattered more than dominance &mdash; and where a single off night could live forever online.
For a generational superstar with nothing to gain and everything to lose, skipping it made strategic sense.
In that light, LeBron&rsquo;s absence doesn&rsquo;t look like fear or lack of interest alone. It looks like a calculated understanding of modern sports culture, expectations, and reputation.
<h2 data-start="5481" data-end="5659">The Middle Ground</h2>
<div>LeBron James' Dunk Contest absence was not only framed as a branding decision by Cedric Ceballos, but also by an associate of James' <a href="https://landonbuford-com-488060.hostingersite.com/lakers-lebron-james-associate-reveals-real-reason-he-skipped-dunk-contest/">Rob MC in the Walklikeus room</a> a few years back.</div>
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<div>They said it did not fit LeBron's image at the time and pointed out that the contest was less exciting after the best players stopped participating in the early 2000s.</div>
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<div>He answered those who questioned LeBron's drive by citing his famous 3-1 Finals comeback, and also reminded everyone that many great players skipped the contest.</div>
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<div>LeBron stayed out of the Dunk Contest, not because he was scared, but because he thought it could hurt his reputation more than it could help, choosing his long-term legacy over a show, according to their comments.</div>
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Cedric Ceballos explains how branding, risk, and legacy factored into LeBron James's decision not to enter the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Ex-Laker Cedric Ceballos Weighs-In on Why LeBron Skipped the Dunk Contest

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a splash on trade deadline day, acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls in a multi-asset deal that also brings forward Julian Phillips to Minnesota. In return, the Bulls receive young guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller and four future second-round draft picks.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: Minnesota receives Ayo Dosunmu, a 26-year-old guard having a career-best season with averages around 15.0 points, 3.6 assists and strong shooting splits (51.4 % FG, 45.1 % 3-point) and Julian Phillips, a young wing who provides depth on the perimeter.&nbsp;
On the other hand, Chicago will receive Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a young scorer with upside; Leonard Miller, a forward prospect with rotational experience and four second-round draft picks &ndash; significant draft capital for the Bulls to continue their roster overhaul.&nbsp;
The trade bolsters Minnesota&rsquo;s backcourt scoring and shooting as the Wolves push toward the Western Conference playoffs, giving them a proven guard who can contribute immediately next to stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Dosunmu&rsquo;s ability to hit from deep and create offense fills a major need for a Wolves team that has struggled for consistent production outside its top stars.&nbsp;
For Chicago, the trade fits with a broader roster rebuild and teardown &ndash; parting with multiple core rotation pieces this week &ndash; and adds a mix of youth and draft assets as they look to retool their lineup for the future.

The Timberwolves made a splash on trade deadline day, acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Bulls for guard Rob Dillingham.

Timberwolves nab Ayo Dosunmu from Bulls for Rob Dillingham

The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking another milestone in this season&rsquo;s midseason showcase.&nbsp;
With the league&rsquo;s annual celebration of its stars set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, fans now know exactly who will take part in the new USA vs. World round-robin format &ndash; featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad competing in 12-minute games before a championship finale.
The roster are set as follows:
<h4>Team USA Stripes</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Curry &ndash; Golden State Warriors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kawhi Leonard &ndash; Los Angeles Clippers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jaylen Brown &ndash; Boston Celtics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Brunson &ndash; New York Knicks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4>Team USA Stars</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cade Cunningham &ndash; Detroit Pistons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tyrese Maxey &ndash; Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4>Team World</h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Luka Doncic &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Giannis Antetokounmpo &ndash; Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nikola Jokic &ndash; Denver Nuggets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Victor Wembanyama &ndash; San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The starters were voted in by a combination of fans (50 %), NBA players (25 %), and media (25 %) while the reserves were selected by NBA head coaches.
Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office added Kawhi Leonard to the U.S. roster pool after strong midseason play and fan-driven support.&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s format diverges significantly from traditional East vs. West competition by introducing three distinct All-Star teams &ndash; highlighting both U.S. talent and the international flavor of today&rsquo;s NBA.
With rosters now set, All-Star Weekend will also feature the Castrol Rising Stars Game, Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and a slate of skills competitions and performances leading up to the main event. The round-robin USA vs. World tournament is designed to add competitive intrigue and showcase global NBA stars on the league&rsquo;s biggest midseason stage.

The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters revealed ahead of USA vs World showcase

The NBA has unveiled the full list of reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, complementing the previously announced starters and completing the league&rsquo;s midseason showcase rosters. With the All-Star Game set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., the 14 reserves were selected by votes from NBA head coaches and join the 10 fan and media-selected starters for this year&rsquo;s event.&nbsp;
Western Conference Reserves:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</li>
</ul>
Eastern Conference Reserves:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The reserves round out the 24-player All-Star pool, joining the 10 starters including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama from the West, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Brunson from the East.
<h3>Some notable storylines for this year include:</h3>
LeBron James Extends Historic Streak: Despite not being voted a starter this year, James was still selected as a reserve, giving him a record-extending 22nd All-Star Game appearance &ndash; a remarkable testament to his longevity and sustained performance deep into his 20th-plus NBA season.&nbsp;
Fresh Faces &amp; First-Time Selections: Six players &ndash; Avdija, Holmgren, Johnson, Murray, Powell and Duren &ndash; are earning their first career All-Star selections as reserves, highlighting a wave of ascending talent across the league.&nbsp;
<h3>&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</h3>
This season&rsquo;s All-Star Game will feature a new &ldquo;USA vs. World&rdquo; format &ndash; a three-team round-robin tournament with two U.S. rosters and one international squad &ndash; making this year&rsquo;s festivities one of the most innovative in All-Star history.&nbsp;
With starters and reserves now set, fans can look forward to the full slate of All-Star Weekend events, including the Rising Stars Game and the Draft, before the 2026 All-Star Game tips off on Feb. 15.

The NBA has unveiled the full list of reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves announced

Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama delivered another reminder of why their matchups are quickly becoming must-watch television &ndash; a duel between two players widely viewed as the future faces of the league.
On the floor, both stars put on a show. Edwards erupted for 55 points, pouring in 26 in the fourth quarter as he nearly led Minnesota back from a 25-point deficit. Wembanyama, however, had the final say, finishing with 39 points and guiding the Spurs to the win.
Performances like that continue to fuel what feels like a budding rivalry between two young superstars on parallel trajectories. With both the Timberwolves and Spurs positioned to remain competitive for years to come, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the NBA&rsquo;s most compelling headliners every season.
After the game, Edwards was candid about what it is about San Antonio &ndash; and Wembanyama in particular &ndash; that brings out some of his best performances.
&ldquo;They&rsquo;ve got [Wemby],&rdquo; Edwards said.&nbsp;
Asked about going head-to-head with Wembanyama, Edwards didn&rsquo;t hide his excitement.
&ldquo;I love it,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I wish we could&rsquo;ve just moved everybody out of the way&hellip; me vs. him.&rdquo;
When pressed on who would win in that scenario, Edwards didn&rsquo;t hesitate.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s me,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I would try to dunk on him.&rdquo;
Wembanyama, for his part, welcomed the challenge and framed Edwards&rsquo; comments as a sign of respect rather than rivalry.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s an honor, and it&rsquo;s the best thing to have the best players go as hard as they can,&rdquo; Wembanyama said. &ldquo;It makes us better &ndash; it makes me better. It&rsquo;s a show of respect. Standings-wise, we are a respectable team.&rdquo;
As for Edwards&rsquo; dunk ambitions, Wembanyama had his own response.
&ldquo;I will try to block him more than he dunks on me,&rdquo; he said.
Beyond the highlights and soundbites, the mutual respect between Edwards and Wembanyama is unmistakable. As two of the game&rsquo;s brightest young superstars, their on-court battles feel less like fleeting moments and more like the early chapters of a rivalry set to define prime-time NBA basketball for years to come.

Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama put on a show in their latest matchup, combining big performances with mutual respect.

Ant vs. Wemby: A duel between the NBA’s two future faces, built on mutual respect

With his basket in the third quarter of their game against the Cavaliers, Anthony Edwards became the 3rd fastest player to score 10,000 points or more in NBA history.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Anthony Edwards is the 3rd fastest player to 10,000 points <a href="https://t.co/PjAj458gFn">pic.twitter.com/PjAj458gFn</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/2009472490192736689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote>

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The Minnesota Timberwolves young superstar joins an elite company with LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two prolific scorers that have made their mark in the game, and the only two scorers who did it faster.
Edwards achieved the feat in 24 years, 156 days, even surpassing the great Kobe Bryant in the all-time list. Edwards also became the 7th player in league history to score 10,000 points before turning 25 years old, joining LeBron, KD, Kobe, Luka, T-Mac, and Carmelo Anthony.
Edwards, who was the 1st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, adds another milestone in his ever growing NBA career after two straight all-star seasons and back-to-back Western Conference Finals.
The 24-year-old is poised to add another all-star appearance in his career this season with career-high averages of 29.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Anthony Edwards became the 3rd fastest player to score 10,000 points or more in NBA history.

Anthony Edwards becomes 3rd fastest player in NBA history to reach 10k points

The 2025 NBA Christmas Day delivered high-level hoops and dramatic finishes across a full slate of five games, with several teams making the holiday spotlight on the national stage.
<h3>Knicks rally to edge Cavaliers in MSG thriller</h3>
The day&rsquo;s action kicked off at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks completed a stunning comeback to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124. Trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter, New York rallied behind Jalen Brunson&rsquo;s 34 points and timely contributions from Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson &ndash; turning a huge deficit into a late lead and Christmas Day victory.
<h3>Spurs dominate Thunder again, go up 3-0 in season series</h3>
In yet another heated Western Conference rivalry, the San Antonio Spurs took down the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 in a rematch from just two days ago. De&rsquo;Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama added a strong all-around showing off the bench. The win marked another impressive Christmas Day performance for the Spurs and another blemish on the Thunder&rsquo;s otherwise elite season, as they have completely outclassed the defending champs. The Spurs have now won all three games against the Thunder this season, with one more play date to happen in January.
<h3>Warriors outlast Mavericks in Cooper Flagg&rsquo;s Christmas debut</h3>
The Golden State Warriors continued their holiday bliss with a 126-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Stephen Curry led the way with 23 points, including a clutch fourth-quarter three that helped separate the Warriors from Dallas. Jimmy Butler added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Dubs, who are now on their first three-game win streak this season. Rookie Cooper Flagg starred for the Mavs with 27 points, but Golden State&rsquo;s depth ultimately made the difference. Nevertheless, Flagg showed out in his first-ever Christmas Day game and should be a fixture in the NBA&rsquo;s annual event for years to come if he keeps up his play.
<h3>Rockets roll past Lakers behind Amen, KD</h3>
Over in LA, the Houston Rockets pulled off a dominant 119-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Amen Thompson (26 points) and Kevin Durant (25 points) spearheaded Houston&rsquo;s balanced attack as the Rockets raced out to a big lead and never looked back. The defeat marked another frustrating Christmas Day outing for the Lakers despite Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James playing in the starting lineup.
<h3>Nuggets top Timberwolves in overtime shootout</h3>
In the nightcap, the Denver Nuggets survived a wild overtime battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 142-138. Nikola Jokić was sensational, recording a historic triple-double with 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists &ndash; one of the greatest individual performances in Christmas Day history. Minnesota&rsquo;s Anthony Edwards dropped 44 points to pace his team in the defeat, after hitting a wild left fading corner triple to tie the game and force overtime.
<h3>THE HIGHLIGHTS:</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">New York&rsquo;s comeback over Cleveland was one of the biggest fourth-quarter rallies of the season.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The Spurs continued their strong trend vs. the Thunder with another decisive win, seemingly being their kryptonite. The Thunder are 26-2 against the entire league, but are 0-3 against the Spurs.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curry and the Warriors remained a tough holiday matchup, a team that&rsquo;s a fixture in the NBA&rsquo;s annual premier play date.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Houston&rsquo;s balanced scoring showcased the Rockets&rsquo; roster depth, while it showed the Lakers&rsquo; flaws as a team.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jokic&rsquo;s historic triple-double capped off a memorable Christmas slate with one of the best games of the season thus far, including one of the best for Jokic&rsquo;s entire career. It spoiled an otherwise great game for Anthony Edwards, who scored 40 points after his interview with ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania where he said he will be scoring 40 points in Christmas &ndash; and he did.</li>
</ul>

The 2025 NBA Christmas Day delivered high-level hoops and dramatic finishes across a full slate of five games.

2025 NBA Christmas Day: Knicks, Spurs, Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets all take wins

Anthony Edwards has already climbed rungs most players spend a decade chasing. He&rsquo;s become an All-Star, a franchise centerpiece, a playoff force who can go toe-to-toe with the best players alive on the biggest stage. He has shown he can take over fourth quarters, silence arenas, and deliver the kind of moments that make you believe a superstar is being born right in front of you.
But for the Minnesota Timberwolves to go anywhere they haven&rsquo;t already been, he must become something more &ndash; something bigger, something definitive.
If the Wolves want to replicate or surpass the success of their previous two seasons of making the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards has to rise into the undisputed top-five players in the world and deliver an MVP-level campaign. It&rsquo;s the simplest equation in Minnesota&rsquo;s season, and also the most demanding one. Wherever Edwards goes, the Wolves go.
This is not a criticism. It&rsquo;s a reflection of the standard he has already set.
Currently, Minnesota is running it back with the same core with Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo. They&rsquo;re banking on continuity once more, trusting that their identity, defense, and experience will continue to position them among the league&rsquo;s elite. But continuity can only take you so far when the rest of the NBA keeps getting better at faster speeds than any era ever before.
The Wolves know it. Edwards knows it. The leap that pushes Minnesota from &ldquo;very good&rdquo; to &ldquo;undeniably great&rdquo; must come from the player most capable of delivering it.
The need for a new level
Over the past two years, we saw glimpses of the best version of Anthony Edwards &ndash; a relentless downhill attacker, a dynamic scorer in isolation, a growing two-way force capable of changing the tenor of an entire game, and most recently, a volume three-point shooter. Edwards already showed he can be the best player on a playoff team, the kind who produces big-time performances under the brightest lights.
But with superstardom comes a new challenge: consistency.
Not the normal kind &ndash; the elite kind. The level of consistency reached by players who live in the top tier of the league: Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic. These are players who have almost eradicated the concept of a &ldquo;bad game.&rdquo; Even when they struggle, they dominate. Even when shots don&rsquo;t fall, they find ways to control possessions, bend defenses, and dictate outcomes.
That&rsquo;s the level the Wolves need Edwards to reach.
The Wolves have been one of the league&rsquo;s premier defenses, but offensively they can grind to a halt. That&rsquo;s where Edwards must elevate them. When his jumper isn&rsquo;t falling &ndash; &nbsp; and it hasn&rsquo;t been consistently falling at times &ndash; he has to find new ways to bend defenses. He needs to attack, get to the rim, settle into rhythm midrange shots, get to the line, generate momentum, and use his gravity to create looks for others.
Every elite scorer eventually learns that shotmaking alone can&rsquo;t dictate their impact. It has to go deeper than that. For Minnesota to keep climbing, Edwards must become the kind of superstar whose influence transcends his jump shot.
Why a &ldquo;go-to move&rdquo; matters
Every great scorer eventually discovers not just what they can do, but what they can do every single night &ndash; consistently. The move that is immune to fatigue, gameplan, matchups, or defensive schemes. A shot that becomes automatic because it&rsquo;s been mastered so thoroughly that even the defense knows it&rsquo;s coming &ndash; and still can&rsquo;t stop it.
For Edwards, the next evolution might be exactly that: developing a signature, go-to scoring move.
This could take the shape of more post-up fadeaway jumpers &ndash; something he already flashes but hasn&rsquo;t fully leaned into. With his strength, footwork, and explosiveness, a polished post midrange package could unlock a completely different version of his offensive dominance. Think Michael Jordan. Think Kobe Bryant. Shots that become &ldquo;butter,&rdquo; the kind where the crowd knows it&rsquo;s good the moment it leaves the hand.
A signature shot would not only give Edwards a consistent scoring anchor; it would change how defenses scheme. It would force double teams, open passing windows, and elevate his playmaking simply by existing.
It would give Minnesota the offensive stability they have lacked during the toughest stretches of games. It would let Edwards control tempo, dictate matchups, and slow games down when everything feels chaotic.
Most importantly, it would give him the kind of unstoppable tool that the very best players in the world rely on &ndash; the kind that makes defenses helpless. Something like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander&rsquo;s midrange mastery and his two-foot plant; Nikola Jokic&rsquo;s touch in the paint for short and long floaters and hook shots; Giannis Antetokounmpo&rsquo;s relentless driving to the rim; Kevin Durant&rsquo;s pull-up jumper; Luka Doncic&rsquo;s step back and pivot steps; and Stephen Curry&rsquo;s off-ball movement and relocation shooting.
Minnesota&rsquo;s ceiling and the &lsquo;leap&rsquo; chase for Edwards
There&rsquo;s a fair argument that Minnesota may have reached its ceiling as a complete roster. Their defensive identity is elite. Their depth is strong. Their chemistry is real. Gobert and McDaniels anchor one of the toughest defensive backbones in basketball. Naz Reid remains a luxury most teams don&rsquo;t have. Mike Conley is a steadying presence who keeps everything organized. Julius Randle brings shot creation, rebounding, and physicality.
But when the postseason arrives, stars separate themselves &ndash; and separate teams.
That&rsquo;s why Minnesota&rsquo;s future rests on Edwards&rsquo; ability to make that leap. Not because he hasn&rsquo;t already been great, but because he must now become great every single night.
If Edwards averages 30 points per game or more, if he masters a go-to move, if he reaches that superstar comfort level where the game slows down and every shot feels like it&rsquo;s going in and becomes second nature &ndash; then Minnesota&rsquo;s ceiling rises with him. Suddenly, they&rsquo;re no longer a strong playoff contender. They become a legitimate championship threat.
Every champion in recent memory had an undisputed top-five guy in the league at the point of their title run:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shai and the Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tatum and the Celtics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jokic and the Nuggets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Steph and the Warriors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Giannis and the Bucks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">LeBron and the Lakers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kawhi and the Raptors</li>
</ul>
The Wolves want to join that company &ndash; but that requires Edwards becoming that kind of a player.
What makes this moment for Edwards so compelling is that he has already shown he can reach these heights. The playoff runs, the highlight-reel moments, the takeover games, and the bursts of all-time-level shotmaking.
But now comes the harder part &ndash; turning flashes into a foundation.
This is where superstars become megastars &ndash; being a top-5 player in the NBA. This is where talent becomes legacy. This is where a young phenom becomes the defining force of a franchise.
And if Edwards embraces this next step &ndash; if he masters consistency, adds a signature move, deepens his offensive reads, and becomes the top-five player he can be &ndash; then the Wolves won&rsquo;t just remain one of the league&rsquo;s best stories: They&rsquo;ll become something much bigger and become a team with a real chance.
Minnesota can continue refining the pieces around him. They can continue to defend at an elite level. They can continue relying on their depth and structure.
But their future ultimately hinges on the evolution of their brightest star.
Anthony Edwards doesn&rsquo;t just hold the keys to Minnesota&rsquo;s success &ndash; he is the key. And if he rises to that top-five tier, the Wolves&rsquo; championship window will crack wide open and place them into the best of the best in the league for years to come.

As the Timberwolves chase another deep playoff run, Edwards must take the leap into the top-five players and take an MVP-level leap.

For Wolves to break through, Anthony Edwards must make an MVP-level leap

USA Basketball is reportedly set to usher in a new era of leadership, with Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expected to take over as the new head coach of the U.S. men&rsquo;s national team, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania. Spoelstra is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Steve Kerr, whose tenure concluded after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Team USA reclaimed the gold medal.
Spoelstra, a two-time NBA champion and one of the league&rsquo;s most respected tacticians, has long been viewed as a natural successor for the role. He previously served as an assistant coach under Kerr during the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, where he played a key role in implementing defensive schemes and player development strategies. His blend of adaptability, discipline, and international awareness has made him a prime candidate to lead the next phase of Team USA&rsquo;s basketball dominance.
The appointment would mark a full-circle moment for Spoelstra, who has Filipino heritage and has been deeply involved in global basketball outreach programs over the years. His connection to international basketball &ndash; both through his cultural roots and through the Heat&rsquo;s global brand &ndash; aligns with USA Basketball&rsquo;s continued focus on bridging the gap between the NBA and the rest of the basketball world.
ANALYSIS: Under Spoelstra, Team USA is expected to emphasize ball movement, positionless lineups, and defensive accountability &ndash; principles that have defined his Miami Heat teams for over a decade. With several emerging American stars like Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton poised to lead future rosters, Spoelstra&rsquo;s steady leadership could be pivotal in maintaining the program&rsquo;s standard of excellence ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
An official announcement is expected soon, but all signs point toward a new chapter for USA Basketball &ndash; one led by one of the NBA&rsquo;s most innovative and globally respected minds.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is expected to take over as the new head coach of the U.S. men’s national basketball team.

Erik Spoelstra expected to be named new USA Basketball head coach

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fit for a King. Introducing the LeBron XXIII. Give your game the royal treatment every time you grace the court. Arriving 10.3. Get notified on SNKRS. <a href="https://t.co/en9ITzQOpl">pic.twitter.com/en9ITzQOpl</a>
&mdash; Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikebasketball/status/1963366224483815822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Anthony Edwards 2. Believe That. <a href="https://twitter.com/theantedwards_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theantedwards_</a> <a href="https://t.co/0bPW7so7Mv">pic.twitter.com/0bPW7so7Mv</a>
&mdash; adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidasHoops/status/1959655033244717547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a></blockquote>

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&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have been on a tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers.

Sneaker Diplomacy: LeBron James, Anthony Edwards bring the heat to China

Popular basketball video game NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.
Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, the last two NBA MVP winners, both earn a staggering 98 OVR, tying for the highest overall ratings in NBA 2K26 and reaffirming their league dominance heading into the new season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo lands at 97 OVR, securing the third spot and maintaining elite-caliber status for the Bucks.
Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards round out the top 5 &ndash; both rated 95 OVR &ndash; showcasing their impact with their teams as they look for playoff success next season.
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama follow suit, all clocking in at 94 OVR, rounding out the league&rsquo;s highest-rated talent.
Kevin Durant comes in at 93 OVR to round out the top 10 and just leaves the 94 club by a hair.
<h3>Notable Patterns from the Ratings</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dual Kings: The only pair sharing the No. 1 spot &ndash; a rare distinction for Jokić and SGA&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lakers&rsquo; Unique Placement: The Lakers are the only team with two players in the top 10 &ndash; LeBron and Luka.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Youth Rising: Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama's elite ratings reflect their ascent into the game's elite tier/</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enduring Legends: LeBron (94), Curry (94), and Durant (93) demonstrate that age hasn't slowed down their virtual &ndash; and real-life &ndash; relevancy.</li>
</ul>
These ratings don&rsquo;t just reflect career narratives, but shape how fans play the game. With preorders live and NBA 2K26 launching September 5, this list informs strategy for gamers &ndash; determining who you build around in MyTEAM, MyCAREER, or MyGM modes.

NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.

Jokic, SGA stand atop NBA 2K26 player ratings

One year ago, under the lights of the Accor Arena in Paris, Team USA stood atop the basketball world once again. It wasn&rsquo;t just another medal ceremony; it was a statement. A reminder that, even in the ever-evolving global basketball landscape, the United States could still summon greatness when it mattered most.
The 2024 Olympic Games marked the fifth straight Summer Olympics where USA Basketball captured gold, a streak that stretches back to Beijing 2008. But unlike some previous runs, Paris demanded everything from this star-studded roster. This was a journey defined not just by talent but by resilience, pride, and the unshakable bond of a group of legends writing their final chapter together.
<h3>Early dominance, then a true test</h3>
From the opening tip of the tournament, Team USA was locked in. Group stage matchups and the quarterfinals were clinics in execution, suffocating defense, and offensive firepower. The roster&rsquo;s depth &ndash; from its seasoned veterans to prime stars &ndash; overwhelmed opponents before games even reached the fourth quarter.
Joel Embiid&rsquo;s size and skill gave Team USA a dominant paint presence, while Devin Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and defensive grit rounded out a versatile rotation. Kevin Durant, chasing yet another Olympic gold to cement his legacy as arguably the greatest player in USA Basketball history, brought poise and scoring precision in every outing.
Even the bench guys, who are typically stars for their teams in the NBA, brought something to the table. Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Tyrese Haliburton, and Derrick White all had their moments in the Olympic run.&nbsp;
But gold never comes without a challenge, and in Paris, that challenge wore Serbia&rsquo;s colors.
The semifinal clash with Serbia was not the walkover many had predicted. Serbia, powered by relentless ball movement and elite shot-making, punched first and didn&rsquo;t let up. By halftime, Team USA found itself rattled, trailing by double digits.
The gap only grew in the third quarter. When the horn sounded to end the frame, the scoreboard told the story &ndash; USA down by 13, just 10 minutes from watching their gold medal dreams fade. The Paris crowd, sensing a monumental upset, buzzed with anticipation.
And then the OG trio happened.
<h3>LeBron, Steph, KD in the biggest stage</h3>
It&rsquo;s rare in sports to witness a moment where history, legacy, and performance converge so perfectly. The fourth quarter against Serbia was one of them. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant &ndash; three of the greatest players of their generation &ndash; seized control of the game in a way that only they could.
LeBron attacked the paint, absorbing contact and finishing through defenders, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break points. Durant&rsquo;s mid-range mastery became the dagger of the comeback, with his last jumper to put Team USA up by four a reminder of why he has been the ultimate international weapon for the U.S. for over a decade. And Curry&hellip; well, Curry turned the court into his personal stage, raining threes for the entire game that bent the momentum entirely.
By the time the buzzer sounded, Team USA had flipped the deficit into a gritty, come-from-behind win. The gold medal game awaited, and standing in the way was the host nation, France.
<h3>Paris showdown: Steph&rsquo;s Gold Medal masterpiece</h3>
France had waited for this moment &ndash; a shot at redemption after falling to the U.S. in the gold medal game at Tokyo 2020. Backed by a raucous home crowd and armed with a disciplined, physical defense, they pushed Team USA to the brink.
The final minutes of the gold medal game will forever be remembered as Steph Curry&rsquo;s night.
With the game hanging in the balance, Curry delivered a performance for the ages. In the last three minutes alone, he hit four three-pointers, each one more improbable than the last. The last one, a high-arcing rainbow over two closing defenders, was the &lsquo;golden dagger&rsquo; &ndash; as called by play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle on the broadcast. As it splashed through the net, Curry turned, eyes half-closed, hands tucked under his cheek: his iconic &ldquo;night night&rdquo; celebration has rocked the crowd in Paris and echoed throughout with the whole world watching.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read USA 98, France 87. The gold medal was theirs. The Paris crowd could only applaud the brilliance they had just witnessed.
<h3>A legacy sealed</h3>
For LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, Paris was more than another tournament &ndash; it was likely their last dance on the Olympic stage. All three had nothing left to prove individually, but together, they created a send-off worthy of their legendary careers.
Durant claimed his fourth Olympic gold medal, further separating himself as USA Basketball&rsquo;s all-time scoring leader. LeBron&rsquo;s leadership, versatility, and ability to elevate his teammates reminded fans why he&rsquo;s one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen. And Curry, finally competing in his first Olympics, delivered a gold medal moment that instantly became part of basketball lore.
Joel Embiid and Devin Booker may not have had their names in as many headlines, but their contributions were vital. Embiid&rsquo;s rim protection and all-world scoring gave the U.S. a safety net on both ends, while Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and on-ball defense kept opposing wings in check. Together, this group of stars bridged generations &ndash; past, present, and future &ndash; to keep the gold medal tradition alive.
<h3>The weight of five straight</h3>
Winning one Olympic gold medal is difficult. Winning five in a row requires decades of commitment, a system that adapts to the international game, and players willing to set aside egos for the greater good. The Paris run was proof that USA Basketball could still blend superstar power with the unselfishness and precision needed to win in today&rsquo;s global game.
The rest of the world has never been stronger. International talent floods the NBA every year, with the past 7 NBA MVP winners all coming from outside the US. Teams like Serbia, France, Spain, and Australia have proven they can beat anyone on any given day. That reality made Paris 2024&rsquo;s gold all the more special &ndash; the U.S. didn&rsquo;t just show up and dominate; they faced adversity and rose above it.
Now, a year removed from that night in Paris, the images remain vivid. LeBron, Curry, and Durant embracing at midcourt. Curry&rsquo;s &ldquo;night night&rdquo; in front of a stunned French crowd. The gold medals draped around necks as the Star-Spangled Banner echoed through the arena.
It was a night that wasn&rsquo;t just about basketball. It was about pride, perseverance, and the rare joy of seeing legends rise to the occasion one last time. For the fifth straight Olympics, USA Basketball stood alone on the summit &ndash; and in doing so, reminded the world why they remain the standard.

One year ago, Team USA claimed its 5th straight Olympic gold in Paris behind Steph Curry’s clutch heroics, cementing a legacy.

This day a year ago: Team USA wins gold in the Paris Olympics

The NBA has released its most anticipated schedule matchups in a post by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, featuring the Opening Night and Christmas Day games for the 2025&ndash;26 season, delivering marquee showdowns and setting the tone for a star-studded campaign.
Opening Night (October 21)
Opening Night on October 21 will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, spotlighting two blockbuster matchups:
&minus; Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder: A thrilling homecoming for former Thunder star Kevin Durant as he returns with Houston to face the reigning champions. &minus; Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers: A high-voltage matchup featuring Stephen Curry and LeBron James, with LeBron entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
Christmas Day (December 25)
The holiday slate promises five consecutive nationally televised games, packed with compelling narratives and rivalries, to air on ABC, ESPN, and streaming platforms. The schedule includes:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks &mdash; A high-stakes Eastern Conference preview at Madison Square Garden.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder &mdash; Featuring the defending NBA champions, the Thunder, against rising superstar Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers &mdash; A renewed Durant-versus-LeBron showdown packed with star power.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors &mdash; A fresh chapter as rookie Cooper Flagg faces off against Stephen Curry&rsquo;s Warriors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets &mdash; Closes out the day with a Western Conference clash featuring Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic.</li>
</ol>
Opening Night passages build excitement around new dynamics and rivalry renewals &ndash; especially Durant&rsquo;s return to OKC and the enduring Lakers-Warriors, James-Curry rivalry. Christmas Day continues the NBA&rsquo;s tradition of elite storytelling, blending dynasties and rising stars on a festive stage, as NBC&rsquo;s expanded footprint &ndash; including its Opening Day coverage &ndash; marks a significant shift in broadcast strategy, signaling the league&rsquo;s evolving media landscape.
These scheduling highlights promise an electrifying launch and a festive climax to the NBA's regular season, setting up what could be a memorable year of hoops.

The NBA has released its most anticipated schedule matchups in a post by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

NBA unveils 2025-26 Opening Night & Christmas Day matchups

Minnesota has taken decisive steps into the offseason, re-signing both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Randle and Reid have both been key cogs in their back-to-back Western Conference Finals runs, with Randle playing perhaps the best basketball of his life in the Wolves&rsquo; recent playoff run.
Julius Randle resigns for 3 Years, $100M Three-time All-Star Julius Randle has agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal with the Wolves, including a player option in 2027&ndash;28. Randle averaged 18.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg in his first season in Minnesota, elevating to 21.7 ppg on over 50% shooting during the playoffs. With this deal, Minnesota retains its versatile forward, officially securing its secondary scoring option around Anthony Edwards.
Fan favorite Naz Reid secures 5 Years for $125M Rising off his Sixth Man of the Year performance from two seasons ago and an integral part of the Wolves&rsquo; current young core, Naz Reid has inked a five-year, $125 million extension with the Wolves. Reid, 25, averaged 14.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and showcased 37.9% from deep, solidifying his role as a modern stretch big and a viable scoring option for Minnesota.
ANALYSIS: These moves by the Wolves signify their intention to maintain roster continuity, as both signings reinforce the Wolves&rsquo; rotation and ensure consistency following their recent deep playoff runs. Although Minnesota stays below the second luxury-tax apron, this likely means key free agent Nickeil Alexander‑Walker might walk away in free agency.&nbsp;
Securing Randle and Reid ensures Minnesota heads into 2025&ndash;26 with its championship core intact. With Randle&rsquo;s scoring and Reid's bench punch, the Wolves boast a three-man core that provides balance, floor spacing, and defensive reliability along with superstar Anthony Edwards. All in all, the Wolves are poised to build on their momentum and chase that elusive first-ever NBA Finals appearance.

Minnesota has taken decisive steps into the offseason, re-signing both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, according to Shams Charania.