Toppers

A list of 12 of the top talents in modern NBA history to have never appeared in an All-Star Game.

The 12 best modern-history players to never make an NBA All-Star team

As NBA Summer League kicks off, the <a href="https://www.tampabayprocombine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tampa Bay Pro Combine</a> will be well-represented, as a number of alumni from the inaugural TBPC have been invited by NBA teams to be a part of the Las Vegas event that begins this Sunday.
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Here's the list of TBPC alumni who will be at NBA Summer League:
<ul>
<li>Justin Turner, Bowling Green: San Antonio Spurs </li>
<li>Terry Taylor, Austin Peay: Indiana Pacers</li>
<li>Asbjorn Mitgaard, Grand Canyon: Orlando Magic </li>
<li>Tahj Eaddy, USC: Orlando Magic</li>
<li>Jordan Goodwin, Saint Louis: Washington Wizards</li>
<li>Chandler Vaudrin, Winthrop: Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li>Micah Potter, Wisconsin: Miami Heat</li>
<li>Giorgi Bezhanishvili, Illinois: Denver Nuggets</li>
<li>Chudier Bile, Georgetown: Denver Nuggets</li>
<li>DJ Funderburk, NC State: Utah Jazz</li>
<li>Ryan Daly, St. Joseph's: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Sterling Manley, North Carolina: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Troy Baxter Jr., Morgan State: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Mitch Ballock, Creighton: Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li>Justin Jaworski, Lafayette: Atlanta Hawks </li>
<li>Jahvon Blair, Georgetown: Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li>D&rsquo;Mitrik Trice, Wisconsin: Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li>Damien Jefferson, Creighton: Sacramento Kings</li>
</ul>
NBA Summer League kicks off on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET and will be running until Aug. 17, when a champion is crowned.

18 players who took part in the inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine are headed to NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Tampa Bay Pro Combine to be well-represented at NBA Summer League

Perhaps the biggest frenzy of the NBA Draft cycle comes after the draft is completed.&nbsp;
Mere minutes after pick No. 60 is revealed, newsbreakers are reporting out fully-guaranteed deals, two-way contracts and Summer-League additions around the NBA. We've created a place for you to keep track of these moves.
Below are the notable reported agreements, listed by team.
Atlanta Hawks
Ibi Watson (G), Dayton --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JShawNBA/status/1421137851316592641" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JD Shaw/HoopsRumors</a>
Boston Celtics
Sam Hauser (F), Virginia&nbsp;-- two-way contract agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420983228396101637" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Brooklyn Nets
David Duke (G), Providence --&nbsp;agreed to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/John_Fanta/status/1420974779868266496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Fanta/Fox Sports</a>
Brandon Rachal (F), Tulsa --&nbsp;agreed to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/TUMBasketball/status/1421125766197047296" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tulsa Athletics</a>
Charlotte Hornets
DJ Carton (G), Marquette --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420986452947648515" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Chicago Bulls
Ethan Thompson (G), Oregon State --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1420978552816738304" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto/HoopsHype</a>
Cleveland Cavaliers
Chandler Vaudrin (F), Winthrop --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/Winthrop_MBB/status/1421089611539955715" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Winthrop Athletics</a>
Dallas Mavericks
Carlik Jones (G), Louisville --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420991380395073537" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Eugene Omoruyi (F), Oregon --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420979430927777792" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
E.J. Onu (F), Shawnee State --&nbsp;agrees to training camp deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyWoo/status/1420979723069427713" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeremy Woo/Sports Illustrated</a>
Feron Hunt (F), SMU --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantAfseth/status/1420993320994721799" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grant Afseth/Sports Illustrated</a>
LJ Figueroa (G), Oregon --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/1421280618210603009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Zagoria</a>
Denver Nuggets
Giorgi Bezhanishvili (F), Illinois -- Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/1421113026917412871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Zagoria</a>
Detroit Pistons
Chris Smith (F), UCLA&nbsp;-- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420979150559535104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
John Petty (G), Alabama --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/mikerodak/status/1421109144896032776" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Rodak/AL.com</a>
Anthony Tarke (F), Coppin St. --&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyTarke/status/1420988333094801412" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agrees to unspecified deal</a>
Spencer Littleson (G), Toledo --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1420998599605985284" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto/HoopsHype</a>
Golden State Warriors
Jaquori McLaughlin (G), UCSB&nbsp;-- agrees to unspecified deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421072913881567233" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Jordan Schakel (F), San Diego State -- Summer League agreement, <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1420999272997261313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Bryan Kalbrosky/USA Today</a>
Colbey Ross (G), Pepperdine --&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cdot_ross/status/1421145317387366410" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Summer League agreement</a>
Houston Rockets
Matthew Hurt (F), Duke -- <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421275019322306560" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agrees to two-way contract, per Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Indiana Pacers
Terry Taylor (G), Austin Peay -- agrees to training camp deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420984014735872000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Duane Washington Jr. (G), Ohio State --&nbsp;agrees to two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420969644601614337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Los Angeles Clippers
-- None reported so far --
Los Angeles Lakers
Mac McClung (G), Texas Tech --&nbsp;agrees to training camp deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420976989918441472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Joel Ayayi (G), Gonzaga --&nbsp;agrees to two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420969546995933186" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Austin Reaves (G), Oklahoma --&nbsp;agrees to two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1420972297150779394" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bryan Kalbrosky/USA Today</a>
Chaundee Brown (G), Michigan --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1420984245250674693" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Givony/ESPN</a>
Alan Griffin (G), Syracuse --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/1421204946226143232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Zagoria</a>
Memphis Grizzlies
Romeo Weems (F), DePaul -- agrees to Exhibit 10 deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420969722217209856" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Yves Pons (F), Tennessee&nbsp;-- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420972279698231296" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Keaton Wallace (G), UTSA --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1421143975965175811" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alex Kennedy/BasketballNews.com</a>
Miami Heat
RJ Nembhard (G), TCU --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420989119702970369" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
AJ Lawson (G), South Carolina --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420987461744959489" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Javonte Smart (G), LSU -- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420981941042622464" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
D.J. Stewart (F), Mississippi St. -- Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1420974202774040576" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alex Kennedy/BasketballNews.com</a>
Marcus Garrett (G), Kansas --&nbsp;agres to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/1421138197623492618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ira Winderman/South Florida Sun Sentinel</a>
Dejon Jarreau (G), Houston&nbsp;-- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/1421138197623492618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ira Winderman/South Florida Sun Sentinel</a>
Micah Potter (C), Wisconsin -- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/1421138197623492618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ira Winderman/South Florida Sun Sentinel</a>
Dru Smith (G), Missouri --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1421127877521707011" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bryan Kalbrosky/USA Today</a>
Milwaukee Bucks
Mike Smith (G), Michigan -- Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1420974489488314371" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto/HoopsHype</a>
Jalen Crutcher (G), Dayton --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JonChep/status/1421174764979298307" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jon Chepkevich/Rookie Scale</a>
Minnesota Timberwolves
McKinley Wright IV (G), Colorado -- agrees on two-way contract, per<a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420970500071858176" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Isaiah Miller (G), UNC Greensboro --&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Nike_Beast23/status/1420982966201749506" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agrees to unspecified deal</a>
Matt Lewis (G), James Madison --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, as announced on Instagram
New Orleans Pelicans
Jose Alvarado (G), Georgia Tech --&nbsp;agrees to two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ksugiuraajc/status/1420975067232718850" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ken Suguira/Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>
New York Knicks
Aamir Simms (F), Clemson -- agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421068449963548676" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Oklahoma City Thunder
-- None reported so far --
Orlando Magic
Asbjorn Midtgaard (C), Grand Canyon -- Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420993281954045954" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Jeremiah Tilmon (F), Missouri --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1420977542056534017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alex Kennedy/BasketballNews.com</a>
Philadelphia 76ers
Aaron Henry (G), Michigan State --&nbsp;agrees to two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420968768130404353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Daishen Nix (G), G League Ignite --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/1421183526666481668" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Zagoria</a>
Phoenix Suns
-- None reported so far --
Portland Trail Blazers
Trendon Watford (F), LSU --&nbsp;plans to sign two-way contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420972774269628423" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Mark Vital (F), Baylor --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1421126065183985671" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Givony/ESPN</a>
Sacramento Kings
D.J. Steward (G), Duke --&nbsp;agrees to training camp deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420981965608693760" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Matt Coleman (G), Texas --&nbsp;agrees to training camp deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyWoo/status/1420979002383142914" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeremy Woo/Sports Illustrated</a>
Damien Jefferson (F), Creighton --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1421098072759799810" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Givony/ESPN</a>
San Antonio Spurs
Justin Turner (G), Bowling Green --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1420986657222897667" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
Matt Mitchell (F), San Diego Sate --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1420996575120314368" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bryan Kalbrosky/USA Today</a>
Biram Faye (F), Gran Canaria --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1421100846201417733" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Givony/ESPN</a>
Toronto Raptors
Justin Champagnie (F), Pittsburgh --&nbsp;agrees to unspecified deal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1420978690935169027" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN</a>
Moses Wright (F), Georgia Tech --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/moses-wright-going-to-summer-league-with-raptors/DUKAEVIODRFQ7BUBD56U6VUDO4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ken Suguira/Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>
Utah Jazz
MaCio Teague (G), Baylor --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1420974669235200005" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto/HoopsHype</a>
D.J. Funderbunk (F), NC State --&nbsp;Summer League agreement, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JShawNBA/status/1421212803151671312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JD Shaw/HoopsRumors</a>
Washington Wizards
Jay Huff (C), Virginia -- agrees to Exhibit 10 contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/FredKatz/status/1420983981667983361" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fred Katz/The Athletic</a>
Jordan Goodwin (G), St. Louis --&nbsp;agrees to Exhibit 10 contract, per <a href="https://twitter.com/FredKatz/status/1420983666877075457" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fred Katz/The Athletic</a>

BasketballNews.com tracks every report of Summer League signings and pending contracts.

Undrafted Free Agent Tracker: Reported contracts and Summer League deals

Since its inception in 1969, the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award has only been given to a player on the losing team one time in history -- when the first-ever Finals MVP Award was given to Jerry West. West got the award even though his Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games.
Fast forward to the 2021 NBA Finals, and Giannis Antetokounmpo may have put himself in position to win the award regardless of whether the Milwaukee Bucks win the series.
My, how things have changed.&nbsp;
Back in 2020, James Harden voiced a critique of Giannis, saying, "I wish I could be seven feet, run and just dunk. That takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball and how to have skill. I'll take that, any day."
It seems that many people have clung to that notion and piled on Giannis by consistently criticizing him. You heard it from sports pundits (on ESPN, FS1 and sports-talk radio) and everyday fans (in barbershops, on social media and pretty much anywhere basketball was being discussed).&nbsp;
After Game 2, ESPN's Richard Jefferson <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1413618431413391361">said</a>, "When Giannis is at his best... You don't know if everyone benefits around that."
Kendrick Perkins, <a href="https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/1413542809081163784">insisted</a> that Giannis is not &ldquo;the guy&rdquo; on the team and more of a &ldquo;Robin&rdquo; to Khris Middleton's &ldquo;Batman.&rdquo;
Jalen Rose had a take, as well.
&ldquo;Giannis struggles in close games. He struggled at the three, he struggled at the free throw line and they&rsquo;re still trying to find their identity at the end of games.&rdquo;
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Now, in their defense, their criticisms weren&rsquo;t exactly unwarranted. Last year&rsquo;s bubble performance from the Milwaukee Bucks &mdash; a first-round exit despite being a No. 1 seed &mdash; is definitely worthy of criticism.&nbsp;
However, this NBA Finals, Giannis is making his case to be the Finals MVP whether the Bucks win or lose. And he definitely deserves an abundance of credit, especially after his performance in Game 4. &nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also important to note that he is doing all of this on a hyper-extended knee, an injury he sustained in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. Immediately thereafter, he was questionable for the NBA Finals, altogether
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However, after powering his way to his second straight 40-point game after leading Milwaukee to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nba.com/game/phx-vs-mil-0042000403/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">120-100 win over Phoenix in Game 3</a>, Giannis became just the second player in NBA history to score more than 100 points and grab more than 40 rebounds over his first three career NBA Finals games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He also joined Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, becoming the second player in NBA history to light up the stat sheet with more than 40 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive NBA Finals games&nbsp;
Giannis is currently leading both the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns in points, rebounds, blocks and free throws. And for the analytics crowd, he is also leading in a stat called box plus/minus (also known as &ldquo;BPM&rdquo;). According to <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/about/bpm2.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basketball Reference.com</a>, BPM is "a basketball box score-based metric that estimates a basketball player&rsquo;s contribution to the team when that player is on the court.&rdquo;
Writing for Bleacher Report, Andy Baily <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2945839-a-2-time-mvp-with-no-bag-what-the-giannis-skill-police-dont-understand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted the following</a> with respect to Giannis&rsquo; BPM. &nbsp;
&ldquo;Giannis' <a href="https://stathead.com/basketball/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&amp;match=single&amp;order_by_asc=0&amp;order_by=bpm&amp;lg_id=NBA&amp;is_playoffs=Y&amp;round_id=fin&amp;ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B1%5D=10&amp;cstat%5B1%5D=fga&amp;age_min=0&amp;age_max=99&amp;season_start=1&amp;season_end=-1">14.3</a> BPM would be the second-highest for a single Finals on record (the number is tracked on a game-by-game basis back to the 1984-85 season). If he finished with that number, only Michael Jordan's 16.0 in the 1991 Finals would be superior.&rdquo;
Wisely, when presented with the comparison after Game 3 by three different reporters, Giannis refused to take the bait and responded with the same phrase.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not Michael Jordan,&rdquo; he said.
I bet reporters couldn&rsquo;t wait to write that Giannis compared himself to Michael Jordan, so good for him for not giving them that storyline.&nbsp;
However, he is doing something that we have rarely seen in the NBA. A seven-footer, (I don&rsquo;t wanna hear any of this 6-foot-11 foolishness, he is all of seven feet) with the ability to bring the ball up the floor, initiate half-court sets, lead the fast break or go one-on-one from any spot on the court. He can drive-and-kick, set up his teammates for open threes, keep his crossover low enough at seven feet to avoid opposing swipes and has a spin move that is NBA 2K-level unstoppable. Somehow, he&rsquo;s still able to avoid charges&nbsp;(which is on every opposing team&rsquo;s scouting report as one of his only liabilities) with his patented long-legged, long-strided Euro step or jump stop, knock down an occasional three-pointer to keep the defense honest (which is still a work in progress) and finish everything around the rim with the ferociousness that causes countless opponents to make &ldquo;business decisions&rdquo; to not challenge.&nbsp;
Giannis also blocks shots, controls the paint and protects the rim. We obviously saw that in Game 4.
Let me repaint the scene. Milwaukee had a 101-99 lead with a minute and some change left in a crucial, must-win game. Devin Booker, who put on a show, drove right at Giannis into the lane, but instead of shooting the one-handed runner he had executed all night with both hands, he lobbed a pass to Deandre Ayton for a well-drawn play by Phoenix coach Monty Williams. Giannis left his man and rotated over to help on Booker and control the paint, but possessed the lateral movement to recover back to Ayton to block his dunk attempt, one which would have tied the game. The block electrified the crowd and the team and Milwaukee ended up protecting the lead and winning the game. That&rsquo;s MVP status&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The 📸 PHOTO &amp; the 🎥 PHANTOM of <a href="https://twitter.com/Giannis_An34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giannis_An34</a>'s huge block, from the near baseline! <a href="https://t.co/GmULWgu84A">pic.twitter.com/GmULWgu84A</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1415528547154792454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
After the game, Kris Middleton, who led the Bucks with 40 points, had the following to say about Giannis&rsquo; defensive play. &nbsp;
"It was one of those 'Oh, s---!' moments," Middleton said. "It was like, 'Aww, man, we gave up a layup' -- next thing you know he's blocking it."
Jrue Holiday felt similarly.
"That's an elite block,&rdquo; he said.
"To be able to read that he's going to throw the lob and go up there and get it, that's elite."
Giannis didn&rsquo;t seem too impressed with himself, though, which is a part of his charm.
"I thought I was going to get dunked on, to be honest," he said
But that&rsquo;s what makes him special.
He didn&rsquo;t make a &ldquo;business decision&rdquo; and give up on the play in order to save face and point to whoever should&rsquo;ve rotated after Ayton dunked the ball. He didn&rsquo;t worry about making multiple memes and posters and jokes if he got dunked on. He took it upon himself to recover and make the game winning play.
When it counted most, Giannis was fearless and saved the day. And in the process, he is making a very strong case to be NBA Finals MVP, whether the Bucks win or lose the series.
Giannis apology forms are soon to come.&nbsp;

With the series tied 2-2, the Bucks may win the 2021 NBA Finals. But Giannis Antetokounmpo should be Finals MVP even if they don't.

Win or lose, Giannis Antetokounmpo should be NBA Finals MVP

The Tampa Bay Pro Combine has announced the professional draft prospects that will be participating in its inaugural event.

Tampa Bay Pro Combine announces roster of pre-draft prospects

Delaware Blue Coats forward Paul Reed has been named the 2020-21 NBA G League Most Valuable Player and NBA G League Rookie of the Year, the NBA G League announced today. He becomes the third player to win both awards in the same season, joining Tim Frazier (2014-15) and Devin Brown (2002-03).
A two-way player with the Philadelphia 76ers, Reed (6-9, 210, DePaul) averaged 22.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.93 steals and 1.80 blocks while shooting 58.8% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range in 15 regular-season games with the Blue Coats. Among qualified players, Reed ranked third in the NBA G League in scoring and rebounding and tied for third in steals. He also recorded a league-high 12 double-doubles.
Among rookies, Reed was the league leader in rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game (4.6), and he ranked second in scoring, tied for second in steals and seventh in blocks. Reed equaled a rookie season high with 35 points in Delaware&rsquo;s 129-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue on Feb. 27, a total matched only by Raptors 905 guard Malachi Flynn. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Reed led the Blue Coats to a franchise-best seven-game winning streak to start the season, a stretch in which he averaged 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.29 steals and 1.43 blocks. He was named the NBA G League Player of the Week for Week 1 of the season.
Behind Reed, Delaware posted a 10-5 record in the regular season and earned the fourth seed in the 2021 NBA G League Playoffs. The Blue Coats won two playoff games before losing to the Lakeland Magic 97-78 in the NBA G League Final presented by YouTube TV on March 11.
The 76ers selected Reed with the 58th overall pick in the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm. Reed, who signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia on Nov. 27, 2020, has appeared in seven games for the 76ers this season. NBA G League head coaches and general managers whose teams participated in single-site play at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., voted for both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards.&nbsp;
Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard Kevin Porter Jr., who was on assignment from the Houston Rockets, finished in second place in voting for NBA G League MVP. Raptors 905 forward Henry Ellenson finished third.In NBA G League Rookie of the Year voting, Lakeland forward Mamadi Diakite and Canton Charge guard Brodric Thomas finished in second and third place, respectively.
 NBA G League Most Valuable Players 2020-21: Paul Reed (Delaware Blue Coats) 2019-20: Frank Mason III (Wisconsin Herd) 2018-19: Chris Boucher (Raptors 905) 2017-18: Lorenzo Brown (Raptors 905) 2016-17: Vander Blue (Los Angeles D-Fenders) 2015-16: Jarnell Stokes (Sioux Falls Skyforce) 2014-15: Tim Frazier (Maine Red Claws) 2013-14: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants) &nbsp; &nbsp; Othyus Jeffers (Iowa Energy) 2012-13: Andrew Goudelock (Rio Grande Valley Vipers) 2011-12: Justin Dentmon (Austin Toros) 2010-11: Curtis Stinson (Iowa Energy) 2009-10: Mike Harris (Rio Grande Valley Vipers) 2008-09: Courtney Sims (Iowa Energy) 2007-08: Kasib Powell (Sioux Falls Skyforce) 2006-07: Randy Livingston (Idaho Stampede) 2005-06: Marcus Fizer (Austin Toros) 2004-05: Matt Carroll (Roanoke Dazzle) 2003-04: Tierre Brown (Charleston Lowgators) 2002-03: Devin Brown (Fayetteville Patriots) 2001-02: Ansu Sesay (Greenville Groove) NBA G League Rookie of the Year Winners 2020-21: Paul Reed (Delaware Blue Coats) 2019-20: Tremont Waters, Maine Red Claws 2018-19: Angel Delgado, Aqua Caliente Clippers 2017-18: Antonio Blakeney, Windy City Bulls 2016-17: Abdel Nader, Maine Red Claws 2015-16: Quinn Cook, Canton Charge 2014-15: Tim Frazier, Maine Red Claws 2013-14: Robert Covington, Rio Grande Valley Vipers 2012-13: Tony Mitchell, Fort Wayne Mad Ants 2011-12: Edwin Ubiles, Dakota Wizards 2010-11: DeShawn Sims, Maine Red Claws 2009-10: Alonzo Gee, Austin Toros 2008-09: Othyus Jeffers, Iowa Energy 2007-08: Blake Ahearn, Dakota Wizards 2006-07: Louis Amundson, Colorado 14ers 2005-06: Will Bynum, Roanoke Dazzle 2004-05: James Thomas, Roanoke Dazzle 2003-04: Desmond Penigar, Asheville Altitude 2002-03: Devin Brown, Fayetteville Patriots 2001-02: Fred House, Charleston Lowgators
Source: Official G League Press Release

Paul Reed, the forward from the Delaware Blue Coats, has been named the 2020-21 G League MVP.

Delaware Blue Coats' Paul Reed named 2020-21 NBA G League MVP

Each day, BasketballNews.com scours #NBATwitter to bring you the best tweets from the previous day. Some are insightful, some are just hilarious (so we had to include them).
Without further ado, here are the tweets of the day for February 2, 2021.
Another Day, Another Missed Opportunity
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Harry Potter was 6&rsquo;11 ? Bro was playing with the wrong wizards <a href="https://t.co/a5Ezzz5Bef">pic.twitter.com/a5Ezzz5Bef</a>
&mdash; Aka RJ 🛸 (@AkaRj__) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkaRj__/status/1356331493992378370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>

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It seems like every day there is someone new who should have been in the NBA, and every day it&rsquo;s funny. Today, it&rsquo;s Harry Potter.
Full Circle
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Chris Paul said the play they ran for Devin Booker is one he said Doc Rivers used to run for J.J. Redick while they were together with Clippers. Monty Williams said Paul came up with the play to run at the end. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suns</a>
&mdash; Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneRankin/status/1356462321107828737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Chris Paul is like an NBA sponge that soaks in every bit of knowledge he has ever learned, and whichever team he is on always benefits from it.
Keeping Up With The Kourtside Karens
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Courtside Karen was MAD MAD!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
&mdash; LeBron James (@KingJames) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1356467866632085504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

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It&rsquo;s sad that she&rsquo;ll probably get business deals from this, but she will always and forever be known as Courtside Karen, so there&rsquo;s that.
Whose Man Is This?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
richard jefferson is doing lebron dirty by liking all of courtside karen&rsquo;s pics on instagram <a href="https://t.co/Je4Ogyo7tX">pic.twitter.com/Je4Ogyo7tX</a>
&mdash; buckets (@buckets) <a href="https://twitter.com/buckets/status/1356468312092405771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Richard Jefferson might be the biggest troll of this generation, beating out nearly every member of Gen Z with his pettiness.
F Is For Friends That Do Stuff Together
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Sharing is caring 😆 <a href="https://t.co/DYylGOFYA1">https://t.co/DYylGOFYA1</a>
&mdash; Desmond Bane (@DBane0625) <a href="https://twitter.com/DBane0625/status/1356464947836964865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

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The Grizzlies are using every lesson learned in kindergarten as part of their game strategy, and it&rsquo;s working.
It&rsquo;s A Love Story, Baby Just Say Yes
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Hey guys!!! It's time to unite and help <a href="https://twitter.com/russwest44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@russwest44</a> to get into the NBA! Russel is a professional basketball player AND a huge Swiftie! You can reply and also tweets with hashtags <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussellWestbrook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussellWestbrook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RusselAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RusselAllStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/PrwtWgvF3X">pic.twitter.com/PrwtWgvF3X</a>
&mdash; Taylor Swift Indonesia (@TaylorSwiftIndo) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorSwiftIndo/status/1356426956313513984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Enlisting the help of the Swifties will ensure that Russell Westbrook gets the most votes of any NBA player in All-Star history. A bold, yet brilliant strategy.
Beat You At Your Own Game
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
You could tell CP be bowling for real and Bron just showed up on some &ldquo;I&rsquo;m great at everything&rdquo; and smoked him 😂. He was tight. <a href="https://t.co/OhIplcoHC0">https://t.co/OhIplcoHC0</a>
&mdash; Don Snow (@DHPBJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHPBJ/status/1355561503945093120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2021</a></blockquote>

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And every other game. Imagine being LeBron James? Even just for five minutes? Sigh.
See a tweet that should be featured in tomorrow's Tweet of the Day piece? Send it to <a href="https://twitter.com/kelsea_lately" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@kelsea_lately</a>.

Every day, our Kelsea O'Brien scours #NBATwitter to find the best posts. Here are the tweets of the day for Feb. 2, 2021.

NBA Tweets of the Day: February 2, 2021

Ethan Fuller breaks down the biggest takeaways from the NBA preseason.

NBA Sour Rankings: Preseason Overreactions

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2020-21 NBA Season Preview: Northwest Division

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Jeffery