Hawks

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Atlanta Hawks are sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The trade comes just two days after rumors started circulating about the Wizards pursuing Young when he and the Hawks were working on a trade out of the franchise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 27-year-old Young, a 4-time all-star with the Hawks, now moves on to the nation&rsquo;s capital in Washington to continue his basketball journey in his preferred destination.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Hawks will receive McCollum, who is on an expiring contract for financial flexibility to use for future trades, as well as being a great veteran that fits the team&rsquo;s playstyle. They will also receive Kispert, a nice connecting piece with shooting to put alongside Jalen Johnson.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ANALYSIS: For the Hawks, this ushers in the new era for the franchise by moving away from their franchise piece for 8 years in Young. Atlanta has been playing relatively well without Young at the start of the season with the emergence of Jalen Johnson, who has been playing at near all-NBA level. They will now move on to a different direction with Johnson as their centerpiece, continuing to develop and accumulate young talent that fits his timeline.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the Wizards, they get their franchise PG they have been searching for to anchor the young talent they have been developing over the last few years. Young joins a promising young core of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington as they try to turn the franchise around after years of struggling and rebuilding.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a developing story.</span></em></p>

Hawks trade Trae Young to Wizards for CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the Eastern Conference All-Star starters set, let&rsquo;s look at the players who deserve a reserve slot for the East All-Star team this season. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/picking-the-nbas-western-conference-allstar-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our Western Conference All-Star reserve picks here</a>.</span></p>
<p><strong>Guard: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pick is a no-brainer. Brunson is the head of the snake for a New York Knicks team that&rsquo;s been the best in the NBA since the turn of the calendar, going an NBA-best 14-2 in January. If not for falling short in fan voting (ranking just fifth), he would have been an All-Star starter. The 6-foot-2 guard ranked third and second in player and media voting, respectively, earning the respect of his peers and the media alike due to his ongoing stellar season. He&rsquo;s currently averaging 27 points, 6.5 assists and 4 rebounds per game for the third-place Knicks. Brunson is surefire and deserving All-Star.</span></p>
<p><strong>Guard: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Equally as deserving as Brunson, Mitchell is the second player (and guard) I'd select as an East reserve. He&rsquo;s averaging 27.7 points, 6.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds per outing and is leading one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as the Cavs recently went on an eight-game winning streak. What makes this recent stretch even more impressive is that Mitchell did this without All-Star backcourt mate Darius Garland and forward Evan Mobley, who have been out with injuries. Despite surfacing in some trade rumors early in the season, Mitchell put his head down and went to work, earning himself an All-Star spot this season.</span></p>
<p><strong>Forward: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Celtics forward Jaylen Brown has certainly picked up right where he left off last season after recently signing his lucrative $300 million extension. Brown has been the second-best player on the best team in the NBA, averaging 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game. He provides ample support for Celtics teammate and All-Star starter Jayson Tatum and at times carries the offensive load when Tatum is not on the floor. Boston would not be the juggernaut they are without the 6-foot-6 Brown&rsquo;s perimeter defense, dynamic three-level scoring and improved pick-and-roll decision-making.</span></p>
<p><strong>Forward: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blossoming into a true alpha for the Magic this season, Banchero has turned heads with his play. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick is averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and he has yet to miss a game (47 games played). Banchero is one of only three players with the same numbers this season while shooting 38% from three, with the other two being All-Star starters LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The Magic are in the thick of a tight Eastern Conference playoff race, and Banchero has been a big reason why. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward has produced in clutch moments and had a number of dominant performances despite being just a sophomore in this league. Without him, Orlando would be a totally different team.</span></p>
<p><strong>Center: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although the Miami Heat have been in a slump as of late, Bam Adebayo has shown up night in and night out while producing the same type of efficiency and numbers he's known for. Adebayo is averaging 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and a steal while serving as a two-way anchor for the Heat. A lot of Miami's offensive possessions have been initiated by Adebayo, whether it be dribble handoffs, screening actions or him going to work from the free-throw line. He is having a career-year in terms of scoring while still playing at a high level on defense. For a Heat team that's been missing key players all season long, Adebayo has been rock-solid and that will likely earn him another All-Star nod.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><strong>Wildcard: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Most Improved Player candidate, Maxey has taken his game to new heights this season. He&rsquo;s bumped up his scoring average from 20.3 to 25.7 points a game, and transitioned into a full-time point guard after James Harden&rsquo;s departure. Maxey has learned to balance his scoring and facilitating, emerging as a perfect No. 2 option alongside reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Their partnership has been lethal, averaging the most combined points by a duo this season. Maxey&rsquo;s ascension to a legit second option this season didn't go unnoticed, as he earned the respect of his fellow players and media, ranking second and fourth, respectively, in their voting ballots. This all adds up to the first All-Star berth for the 6-foot-3 guard.</span></p>
<p><strong>Wildcard: Trae Young, Philadelphia 76ers</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though the Atlanta Hawks have been underperforming, it's hard not to notice Young&rsquo;s exploits this season. He is the only player in the league averaging 26 points and 10 assists, and he has the most 30-point, 10-assist games (13). Although Young finished second in fan voting among East guards, he'll likely need to earn a wildcard spot in order to make the East team. Sure, one can argue Young&rsquo;s stats do not impact winning and somone like Boston&rsquo;s Derrick White deserves the nod over him because his team is atop of the standings. But I believe Young's sheer excellence this season has earned him a spot.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snubs: </span><strong>Julius Randle</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Forward, New York Knicks); </span><strong>Derrick White</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Guard, Boston Celtics); </span><strong>Kristaps Porzingis</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Center, Boston Celtics); </span><strong>Jimmy Butler</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Forward, Miami Heat)&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Probably the toughest cut was Julius Randle, who was having a good season with the now third-place Knicks before dislocating his shoulder. He might still be named an All-Star and then a replacement would be named in his place, which would allow Randle and his replacement to be recognized. White&rsquo;s impact on winning for the top-ranked Celtics stands out and should warrant an All-Star spot if the East didn't have several star guards who are putting up ridiculous stats. Porzingis and Butler, on the other hand, have missed a considerable amount of games, which weakens their case.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/picking-the-nbas-western-conference-allstar-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out our Western Conference All-Star reserve picks here.</span></em></a></p>

With the Eastern Conference All-Star starters set, let’s look at the East players who deserve a reserve slot this season.

Picking the NBA's Eastern Conference All-Star reserves

Former NBA GM Pete Babcock opens up to Etan Thomas about how the media's false narratives can greatly influence NBA front offices.

Former NBA GM on how media coverage, false narratives impact players

<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">ATLANTA (AP) &mdash; Trae Young says he has &ldquo;nothing but love and respect&rdquo; for former Atlanta Hawks coach Nate McMillan and expects to have no input in the hiring of McMillan&rsquo;s replacement.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young spoke with reporters on Friday for the first time since&nbsp;McMillan was fired on Tuesday&nbsp;with the Hawks in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Young was not available following Wednesday&rsquo;s practice and was excused from Thursday&rsquo;s practice for personal reasons.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young is preparing for his third full-time coach in five seasons. Asked if he is worried another change impacts the perception of his ability to maintain long relationships with coaches, Young said &ldquo;People are going to say what they&rsquo;ve got to say.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">&ldquo;A lot of players have played for a lot of coaches. I don&rsquo;t look at it like that. I&rsquo;m not looking at the next coach who comes in here. I&rsquo;m trying to win a championship, whatever it is, I&rsquo;m just trying to win.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young, a two-time All-Star, is Atlanta&rsquo;s on-court team leader as the starting point guard while also ranking as the team&rsquo;s top scorer with 26.7 points per game. He dismissed speculation he had a rocky relationship with McMillan.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of moments that people really don&rsquo;t understand that me and him have had and that&rsquo;s OK,&rdquo; Young said after Friday morning&rsquo;s practice. &ldquo;It will get brought up eventually. I know I don&rsquo;t tell everybody everything. I kind of let y&rsquo;all make up rumors about certain things about how I am and how my relationship is with certain people. I just play basketball.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young said he has talked with McMillan since the firing and added &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not the last time he and I are going to talk.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Hawks general manager Landry Fields on Wednesday said speculation that McMillan was hampered by conflicts with Young were unfair to Young. Fields said McMillan&rsquo;s relationship with Young was not a factor in his decision to make a coaching change.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Fields said he already has launched his search for McMillan&rsquo;s full-time replacement and said&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-hawks-nba-sports-playoffs-nate-mcmillan-cb25039415b0a651ff041b515a27a5bd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">former Utah coach Quin Snyder is a candidate.</a></p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young said &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care to have any input&rdquo; in the coaching search.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">&ldquo;I trust those guys up top,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Since I&rsquo;ve been here I&rsquo;ve always said that. Nothing has changed for me.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Fields said he believed it was time for a new voice on the Hawks bench and said &ldquo;there was slippage&rdquo; as the team lost four of six games before the All-Star break.</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Asked if he believes it was time for a new voice, Young said &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not up to me.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. I think that&rsquo;s part of it. I think sometimes it&rsquo;s not always going to be easy. Some conversations are not going to go great. That&rsquo;s just part of it. Not every situation is easy and nice.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Component-root-0-2-75 p Component-p-0-2-66">Young participated in Friday&rsquo;s practice and is expected to start in Friday night&rsquo;s game against Cleveland as the Hawks (29-30) hope for a late-season surge under interim coach Joe Prunty.</p>

Trae Young says he has “nothing but love and respect” for former Atlanta Hawks coach Nate McMillan.

Trae Young expresses ‘love and respect’ for fired Nate McMillan

<p>As Thursday's NBA trade deadline approaches, there's one player who's virtually guaranteed to be traded: Jae Crowder.</p>
<p>The 32-year-old has sat out this season while the Phoenix Suns look for the right trade, and it would be a huge surprise if he wasn't dealt over the next 48 hours.</p>
<p>Numerous playoff teams have shown interest in Crowder, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers. However, the Bucks are "considered the favorites" to acquire Crowder, according to <a href="https://action.onelink.me/eqFB/qy6dqcj4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Moore of The Action Network</a>.</p>
<p>Milwaukee was given permission to meet with Crowder recently, and they have discussed a number of potential packages with the Suns. The Bucks have floated various trade proposals including Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka and second-round picks, per <a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic</a>.</p>
<p>Crowder hasn't played this season, but he averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 threes and 1.4 steals last year while shooting 34.8% from three-point range. He's a quality role player who also provides leadership and toughness.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Crowder is earning $10,183,800 this season and he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He wants a contract extension, which is where his frustration with the Suns stemmed from.</p>
<p>It remains to be seen whether the Suns can find a better offer than what the Bucks have put together for Crowder, but it sounds like Milwaukee is the current leader in the Crowder sweepstakes.</p>

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly the favorites to acquire Jae Crowder from the Phoenix Suns.

Bucks 'considered the favorites' to acquire Jae Crowder from Suns

<p>The Utah Jazz continue to be in the playoff mix at 26-26 and in the No. 10 position in the Western Conference. The team is reportedly looking at being buyers before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.</p>
<p>Two players that Jazz have shown a strong interest in as of late, <a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Shams Charania of The Athletic</a>, are Atlanta Hawks' forward John Collins and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Dallas Mavericks. He reports that the Jazz and Hawks discussed a Collins deal earlier in the season with Atlanta wanting Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in return with Utah wanting a first-round pick as part of the deal before the talks stalled.</p>
<p><a href="https://theathletic.com/4128572/2023/01/27/rockets-trade-john-collins-turner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a> recently reportedly that the Houston Rocksts are another team pursuing Collins.</p>
<p>The Jazz have also show interest in Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith <a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with Charania adding</a> that "Dallas would be open to moving the 29-year-old in the right deal for a star-caliber player". While the Mavericks have a hige value on the two-way wing, the Mavericks will need to include him in any deal for an All-Star level player.</p>
<p>Last season, Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $55M extension through 2024-25 that includes a player option for the 2025-26 season.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

The Utah Jazz are looking to add before the NBA trade deadline with the team interested in John Collins and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Jazz interested in Hawks' Collins, Mavs' Finney-Smith

<p>The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly been in pursuit of Jae Crowder since before this season but have yet to work out a deal with the Phoenix Suns.</p>
<p>With the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline approaching, <a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic reports</a> that the Suns have given the Bucks permission to meet with the veteran forward and Milwaukee is "believed to be the only team that has received permission to visit one-on-one with Crowder".</p>
<p>He adds that the teams have been in serious talks for months with current proposals involving Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka and second-round picks. Both teams are trying to find a third team that could give the Suns a forward but so far, they've come up empty.</p>
<p>Several other teams, including the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, are also interested in Crowder <a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Charania</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

The Suns have reportedly given the Bucks permission to meet with Jae Crowder as trade talk for the veteran forward continues.

Suns give Bucks permission to meet with Jae Crowder

<p>Rui Hachimura had one of his best games of the season in the Washington Wizards' win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. The 24-year-old finished with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks while shooting an efficient 59.1% from the field and 60.0% from three.</p>
<p>However, it was Hachimura's postgame press conference that turned heads last night.</p>
<p>Several days after The Athletic's Josh Robbins <a href="https://theathletic.com/4103918/2023/01/18/wizards-rui-hachimura-trade-options/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the Wizards have talked with multiple teams about a potential Hachimura trade, the fourth-year forward was asked about his uncertain future in Washington.</p>
<p>When asked whether he wants to be traded, Hachimura smiled, raised his eyebrows and said, "I don't know."</p>
<p>Does he think he'll get traded? "I guess," Hachimura responded. "I mean, I don't know."</p>
<p>Finally, when asked if he requested a trade, Hachimura smiled and said, "No comment."</p>
<p>&ldquo;I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player," Hachimura <a href="https://twitter.com/hoop_district/status/1617002959606349824?s=46&amp;t=EiWak6pGE0tExZU35SYlPg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>. "I want to be somewhere that likes my game. I just got to play my game. I know what I can do and I can help the team to wins. It's either here or other teams.&rdquo;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rui Hachimura on if he wants a trade: [Raises eyebrows], &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; [laughs].<br /><br />On if he thinks he will be traded: &ldquo;I guess, I mean I don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;<br /><br />On if he asked for a trade: &ldquo;No comment [smiles].&rdquo; <a href="https://t.co/q8PDffLcrv">pic.twitter.com/q8PDffLcrv</a></p>
&mdash; Hoop District (@Hoop_District) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoop_District/status/1617004002335416322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Hachimura is certainly a name to watch as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches.</p>
<p>The Wizards have also reportedly had trade conversations centered around Kyle Kuzma (and our Nekias Duncan <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-rumors-examining-destinations-for-kyle-kuzma-washington-wizards-phoenix-suns-los-angeles-clippers-milwaukee-bucks-cavaliers-heat-hawks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently broke down some possible destinations for him</a>).</p>
<p>This season, Hachimura is averaging 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per game, while shooting 48.8% from the field, 33.7% from three and 75.9% from the free-throw line. He is set to hit restricted free agency this offseason.</p>
<p>The Wizards are currently 20-26, which is the 11th-best record in the Eastern Conference. Washington has the NBA's 16th-ranked defense (allowing 111.3 points per 100 possessions) and 21st-ranked offense (scoring 110.7 points per 100 possessions).</p>

When asked whether he wants to be traded, Wizards forward Rui Hachimura smiled, raised his eyebrows and said, "I don't know."

Wizards' Rui Hachimura dances around whether he wants trade

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to add another piece ahead of the NBA trade deadline and one place of need is another wing player. <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-deadline-latest-whispers?sd=pf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marc Stein writes on his Substack</a> that the Cavs have considered a three-way trade to acquire Malik Beasley from the Jazz with the Atlanta Hawks sending John Collins to Utah.</p>
<p>Stein adds that the Jazz have been interested in Collins for some time but "to this point, have given the Hawks pause by seeking additional draft compensation for taking on Collins, who still has three seasons left on his five-year, $125 million contract after this one".</p>
<p>As for what the Cavs would include in any such deal, Caris LeVert and his $18.8m expiring contract would be the most likely candidate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beasley is only shooting 39.9% from the field this season but the bulk of his shots are from deep with him averaging&nbsp;8.6 threes per game and connecting on 35.8% of them.</p>

The Cavaliers are reportedly considering a three-team trade with the Jazz and Hawks that would land them Malik Beasley.

Report: Cavaliers, Jazz, Hawks have considered three-way trade

<p>Don't forget about the other summer blockbuster.</p>
<p>You can't go online without the Rudy Gobert trade being flamed. It's hard not to question that move considering how clunky things have looked for the Timberwolves on both ends, a recent winning streak when Gobert was out of the lineup, and a slide coinciding with Gobert's return &mdash; featuring closing minutes with Naz Reid instead of Gobert.</p>
<p>You know who else has looked clunky on both ends of the floor? The Atlanta Hawks, fresh off a loss to LeBirthday and the Los Angles Lakers on Friday night.</p>
<p>The Hawks are currently sitting two games under .500 (17-19), with a bottom-10 net rating (-1.7, 24th) and more rumors swirling than a high-school hallway. The latter portion &mdash; the outside noise &mdash; is really what sucks about this Hawks season.</p>
<p>It's understandable enough that there would be growing pains when implenting former Spurs All-Star Dejounte Murray into the mix. I was ultimately <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-offseason-trade-news-dejounte-murray-fit-atlanta-hawks-trae-young-bogdan-bogdanovic-deandre-hunter-san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high on the move</a>, but the Young-Murray fit hasn't been clean. The Hawks are <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612737&amp;Season=2022-23&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=1629027,1627749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barely winning the minutes</a> &mdash; plus-1.8 in 695 minutes &mdash; with them sharing the floor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's even tougher considering the injury woes the Hawks have dealt with. Clint Capela has missed nine games; John Collins and De'Andre Hunter have missed eight. Bogdan Bogdanovic, an important spacer and secondary creator, made his <em>season debut</em> on December 2.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a perfect world, this is just a matter of on-court chemistry building. But alas, it doesn't appear to be just that. The cloud surrounding the relationship between Young and head coach Nate McMillan is hard to ignore at this point.</p>
<p>Before the season, Young and McMillan each referenced their need to improve communication with each other. McMillan took steps over the offseason <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34656193/atlanta-hawks-look-improve-communication-trae-young-coach-nate-mcmillan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with an in-house visit</a>, for a quick example. Naturally, Young missed a home game against the Denver Nuggets earlier this month due to [checks notes] <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/trae-young-reportedly-sat-out-fridays-game-vs-nuggets-after-feud-with-coach-nate-mc-millan-232604712.html#:~:text=The%20team%20said%20at%20the,to%20be%20any%20further%20discipline." target="_blank" rel="noopener">morning shootaround etiquette.</a></p>
<p>(As the story goes, Young wanted to bypass morning shootaround to receive extra treatment for a troublesome shoulder. McMillan gave Young a choice: either come off the bench [for missing a normally-mandatory shootaround], or stay home. Young opted for the latter.)</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>That's a petty story at best, another notch on the "what-the-heck's-going-on-with-those-two?" belt at worst. It didn't look good for Young, who simply could've played if he wanted to. It didn't look good for McMillan, who wouldn't have lost sleep over letting Young slide considering the circumstances &mdash; and his importance to the team, but you know.</p>
<p>Fast forward to Friday, before the Lakers loss, and we get a report from The Athletic's Shams Charania that McMillan has <a href="https://theathletic.com/4046211/2022/12/30/nate-mcmillan-hawks-considers-resigning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">considered resigning from the job</a>. When asked about the report, McMillan didn't necessarily <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/hawks-coach-nate-mcmillan-responds-to-report-suggesting-he-may-resign-well-move-on-past-that/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shut things down</a>:</p>
<p>"I read that article briefly, I've never spoke to that reporter before,"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Pat_Benson_Jr/status/1608958610905903105?s=20&amp;t=p8pumdwNvGb35E1h4W7reQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McMillan said</a>. "I think the last two weeks, he's written a couple articles with some sources in our organization that are making some comments about me, and some things that I'm saying and doing. Look, at the end of the year, I'll do as I've always done, at the end of the season I talk with my family and see if I still have that flame, that fire to continue next season. That's the end of the season. All of us think about retiring, but that's at the end of the season. So we'll move on past that."</p>
<p>What makes this dynamic &mdash; and the Hawks in general &mdash; so difficult to parse through is the chicken-or-egg nature of it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the "star &gt; coach" crowd, there are arguments to make.</p>
<p>There is a level of rigidity with McMillan from a scheme perspective. That isn't inherently bad; he provides structure, and that appeal is what helped land him the job after the Hawks fired Lloyd Pierce in the first place. But it's part of why teams have been willing to move on from McMillan after a spell, looking for a new voice or a boost in creativity. The Hawks very well could use that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the flip side, how much more can be done with this personnel? That's worth asking before factoring in the injury woes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Daryl Morey would throw up at the Hawks' shot profile: 37.5% of their shots come from the mid-range area (1st), while they lag way behind in rim (32%, 20th) and three-point rate (30.5%, 29th). But when your shooting talent underperforms (Collins, Hunter, Justin Holiday), is mostly unavailable (Bogdanovic) or trying to learn the ropes in year one (AJ Griffin), what should the expectation be?</p>
<p>McMillan, like virtually every coach in existence, has had his rotations questioned during his tenure. But with the revolving door of talent he's had at his disposal this season, what should the expectation be?</p>
<p>And then there's Young himself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He's underperformed by his lofty standards. Averages of 27.4 points and 9.9 assists are dope; averaging career-lows from just about everywhere &mdash; 31% on 7.2 threes, 47% on 13.8 two-pointers &mdash; is admittedly not dope.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/usatsi_19684868.jpg" alt="" width="629" height="419" /></p>
<p>He hasn't been able to can the pull-up threes that make him such a lethal pick-and-roll threat. His floater, one of the NBA's best weapons, has largely failed him this season. (Ja Morant's dealing with a similar floater issue, hence his career-low in two-point percentage.)</p>
<p>Young missing shots wouldn't be as tough if his play-style didn't exacerbate things. He dictates a ton of the action &mdash; and rightfully so, with his blend of playmaking and scoring chops. After <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/touches?Season=2021-22&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=AVG_DRIB_PER_TOUCH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading the NBA</a> in seconds per touch and dribbles per touch last season, Young ranks... second and first respectively <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/touches?CF=GP*GE*20&amp;Season=2022-23&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=AVG_DRIB_PER_TOUCH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this season</a>.</p>
<p>After an encouraging start to the year, the off-ball juice just hasn't been there for Young. We're back to pass-and-stand with the ball out of his hands. He's taken just 23 relocation threes this season, per Second Spectrum; that's on pace to smash last season's number (26), but still well below the threshold you'd like to see from Young.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The primary reason that people questioned the Young-Murray fit was because of the off-ball woes. Murray was a fine-not-threatening catch-and-shoot threat, while Young just wasn't particularly engaged in that area. Sadly, it's been mostly a "my turn, your turn" ordeal between the two.</p>
<p>It's fair to question if McMillan can bring this team to the next level, and if he can connect with Young enough to make that possibility a reality. It's also fair to question how much of a limiter Young's style is to building the sort of multi-faceted attack that can take the Hawks to the next level.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>That question, in addition to the weird relationship with McMillan, is why <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">executives have started chirping</a> about the possibility of Young eventually asking out.</p>
<p>This is where I pause and state the obvious: executives saying "hey, he <em>might</em> be the next star to ask out" is not a report. It's notable conversation, and fun to think about. It's not an actual trade request.</p>
<p>Even with that context, it's interesting to think about what a Young trade would even look like. The Hawks pushing that button would signify, "We can't do this," "We don't want to deal with this," or a combination of the two. How would that message be received league-wide?</p>
<p>Young is an offense unto himself; that's incredibly valuable and, oddly enough, part of the problem with building around him. Add in the defensive concerns &mdash; he's a small dude whose attention span wanes off the ball too often &mdash; and a Young trade sweepstakes won't be as simple as "this dude's good so we should sell the farm for him."</p>
<p>Go down the line of fake trade destinations, and you'll come across some roadblocks.</p>
<p>That Young-for-KAT swap seems plausible until you think about Young, Anthony Edwards and Gobert in the same locker room. Gobert was frustrated enough being blamed for Utah's defensive miscues; cleaning up for Young <em>and&nbsp;</em>Edwards' off-ball lapses feels like trouble waiting to happen.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The New York Knicks should be happy with the All-Star caliber play that Jalen Brunson has provided this season. Brunson isn't a Young-level talent, nor is he a Young-level star. I'd be shocked if they didn't at least consider constructing a package for Young.</p>
<p>In light of Chris Paul's decline, I'm sure the Phoenix Suns would sniff around. The prospect of pairing Young and Devin Booker together would be interesting, though building out an offer would induce headaches.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(I don't know if anyone wants to hear this, but there's <em>probably </em>a conversation to be had between Atlanta and Philadelphia depending on what James Harden wants to do with his player option.)</p>
<p>For a player as talented as Young, that's not a long list of suitors. And again, you could poke holes in all of those. Ideally, this doesn't become a real talking point to begin with. The Hawks want Young to be the face of the franchise, and he's already shown he's talented enough to lead them on a deep playoff run.</p>
<p>What needs to change for the Hawks to turn things around? The anwer is a little bit of everything.&nbsp;</p>
<p>More malleability from McMillan would be nice. A healthier roster &mdash; and better shooting talent &mdash; would give McMillan more room to experiment. Obviously there's no "shoot-the-ball-better" button to press, but Young can control his own engagement level off the ball &mdash; on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;</p>

What's wrong with the Hawks? Nekias Duncan breaks down the team's issues and Atlanta's options moving forward.

What's wrong with the Atlanta Hawks?

<p>It was mostly fine a month ago.</p>
<p>Through games played on Nov. 27, the Washington Wizards found themselves at .500 (10-10). Back up a week, and a shiny 10-7 record &mdash; including a six-wins-in-seven-games stretch &mdash; would be staring at you. Behind a surprisingly stout defense (sixth in defensive rating <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced?DateTo=11/20/2022&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=DEF_RATING" target="_blank" rel="noopener">through Nov. 20</a>), the Wizards were racking up wins and hoping to put together their first winning season since the 2017-18 campaign (43-39).</p>
<p>It's probably safe to say that won't be happening now.</p>
<p>The defense has fallen off a cliff &mdash; they've posted a 117.8 DRTG (No. 27) since Nov. 21, and rank 24th overall this year &mdash; and the offense has never come together. Having Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in and out of the lineup certainly hasn't helped matters on either end of the floor.</p>
<p>Because the slide has come so quickly and aggressively, it's fair to expect some moves to be made before February's trade deadline. Per Marc Stein of Substack, the Wizards have already attempted to acquire Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder in exchange for a package headlined by fourth-year forward Rui Hachimura, to which the Suns <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly declined</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But if there's anyone to keep an eye on, it's Kyle Kuzma.</p>
<p>He's been the metronome for this Wizards group, averaging a career-high 21.8 points per game on 56.4% True Shooting (also a career-high) while playing in all but one game this season. It's been a remarkable sequel to last season's campaign (17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists), where he firmly established himself as one of the best young two-way forwards in basketball.</p>
<p>It's also a timely bit of ascension for Kuzma.</p>
<p>He's in the last guaranteed year of the three-year, $40 million extension he signed back in 2020; he has a $13 million player option for next season, but short of an accounting error or attack on the power grid, there's no way he isn't declining it and hitting the market. To that point, <a href="https://theathletic.com/3994995/2022/12/12/kyle-kuzma-wizards-contract/?redirected=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kuzma himself</a> has stated his intention to opt out for a new deal.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On Monday, <a href="On%20Monday,%20Marc%20Stein%20of%20Substack%20reported%20that%20league%20executives%20feel%20that%20Kuzma%20is%20&quot;getable&quot;%20ahead%20of%20the%20dea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stein reported</a> that league executives feel that Kuzma is "getable" ahead of the trade deadline.</p>
<p>Considering Kuzma's upcoming free agency and apparent (if not obvious) desire to land in a big(ger) market next season, it's hard to argue against moving Kuzma before the deadline approaches. There's always room for a sign-and-trade over the offseason, though I'm not sure the Wizards should be putting themselves against a hard cap. (They absolutely should not.)</p>
<p>With that said, let's take a look at Kuzma's season and who could benefit the most by bringing him in.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT KUZMA BRINGS</strong></p>
<p>The bucket-getting brings Kuzma to the dance, particularly inside the arc. His blend of strength, touch and footwork allows him to generate looks almost whenever he pleases. Watching him toggle between bullying smaller defenders and simply shooting over them inside the free-throw line has been a quiet joy of tapping into Wizards games.</p>
<p>Mid-post and in is where he does a majority of his work. Kuzma has converted 54.5% of his shots between 4-to-10 feet this season, per Second Spectrum. Of the 33 players that have taken at least 100 shots within that range, Kuzma ranks fifth in efficiency &mdash; and only trails Luka Doncic (58.3% FG, third) among non-bigs.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/e479on" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Kuzma's ability to drive &mdash; the Wizards are generating 1.09 points per possession (PPP) on trips featuring a Kuzma drive this season, one of the best high-volume marks in the NBA &mdash; has continued to open up passing windows for him.</p>
<p>Quietly, he's become a slick interior passer. He's gotten comfortable making laydown or wrap-around passes when drawing a second defender. His willingness to throw lobs &mdash; and the combination of touch and placement he has on them &mdash; is impressive for a guy that doesn't have a true point-forward rep... at least, not yet.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/uyia6w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Off the ball, Kumza can't be completely ignored (more on that later). He's a heady cutter who's able to take advantage of airhead defenders. He's also more than willing to mix things up on the offensive glass, often tracking down his own missed shots in addition to cleaning up his teammates' messes.</p>
<p>Kuzma isn't just a one-trick pony though. He digs his heels in defensively as well. He's comfortable against both forward spots, though better against 4s. He moves well enough to switch onto pure wings in a pinch. And though I'd hesitate to play him as a small-ball 5 for extended stretches, his strength and rebounding prowess at least allows you to think about it &mdash; depending on what the rest of your personnel looks like.</p>
<p><strong>LIMITATIONS</strong></p>
<p>Kuzma has grown as a passer, but he's more reactive than proactive. There isn't a ton of manipulation present. Even with the rise of ball-screen usage as of late &mdash; he's running nearly 11 per 100 possessions since Thanksgiving &mdash; he's taking a shot on just under 60% of those plays, per Second Spectrum. Making a move for him to be your second option is probably too rich.</p>
<p>The real question mark for Kuzma is his outside shot. He's at career-high volume right now (7.5) while only converting 34.3% of his triples. Of those 7.5 attempts a night, 5.7 of them (76%) are of the catch-and-shoot variety; he's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1628398/shots-dash?Season=2022-23&amp;PerMode=Totals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only nailed 35.4% of those</a>, below the threshold needed for teams to think twice about helping off of him.</p>
<p>In Kuzma's six-year career, he's eclipsed the 37% mark on catch-and-shoot threes twice &mdash; during his rookie season (37.5% on 4.6 attempts) and during his last year with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020-21 (37.5% on 4.7 attempts). Those happen to be the only seasons he's shot over 36% from three overall.</p>
<p>In short: Kuzma's been a streaky shooter off the catch, and a flat-out poor one &mdash; 26.1% on 402 attempts &mdash; when taking them off the bounce. Considering his poor three-point track record in the postseason thus far (28.3% across 27 games), it's fair for contenders to worry about how defenses will treat him, and how he'll respond.</p>
<p><strong>LANDING SPOTS</strong></p>
<p>If you need a 4 to put his head down and soak up some usage, keep the chains moving within a possession and defend forwards on the other end, Kuzma should be near (or at) the top of your list. The acquiring team likely has to be prepared to pay Kuzma at least $20 million per year on his next deal, which could limit the pool a bit. Still, contenders should be knocking down the Wizards' door with offers.</p>
<p>It's fitting that the Wizards and Suns have already had discussions aroud Crowder; Phoenix should absolutely try their hands at a Kuzma pursuit. Considering Chris Paul's decline as a rim threat and interior scorer, adding Kuzma to the fray could be a necessary boost to their attack. It's worth noting that the Suns, who famously don't care all that much about the draft, control <a href="https://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Suns.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all of their picks</a> for the next eight seasons.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Clippers <a href="https://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Clippers.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">don't have the pick capital</a> that the Suns do, but they have their <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/cap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">choice of mid-tier contracts</a> &mdash; Marcus Morris ($16.3M), Luke Kennard ($14.4M), Robert Covington ($12.3M) and Nicolas Batum ($10.8M) all fit &mdash; and intriguing young guys (Amir Coffey, BJ Boston, Jason Preston) to get into the discussion. I would imagine Covington would be the most expendable of the mid-contract veteran group; Covington, a young piece and a way-off future first could likely get a conversation started.</p>
<p>The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly been lurking around the forward market, notably being linked to Crowder as a potential target. Like the Clippers, they don't have access to first-rounders in the immediate future. My sense is they'd be a little hesitant to move those considering that Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton are both over 30 years old &mdash; and they have some fun contract stuff to sort through with Middleton soon.</p>
<p>Beyond that, it's easy to see the on-court Kuzma fit in Milwaukee. He'd fit their size ethos up front, and his creation abilities could take some pressure off the Giannis-Jrue-Middleton triumvirate. They're also a team that feels a wing/forward defender short; Kuzma would help.</p>
<p>Meeting the vet + young piece + pick(s) threshold would be difficult though; I'm not sure a package of Grayson Allen, one (or both) of MarJon Beauchamp and Jordan Nwora and down-the-line capital would appeal to the Wizards. And considering how much market matters for Kuzma, the long-term fit may not be there.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers would be a fun landing spot, but they just blew their pick load in the Donovan Mitchell trade. They don't necessarily pass the market test either.</p>
<p>The Miami Heat might be the cleanest landing spot in the East considering on <em>and </em>off-court stuff, but they're:</p>
<p>1) Short on pick ammo to make a comfortable move.</p>
<p>2) Two tiers below the contending class at this point.</p>
<p>Kuzma would absolutely make the Heat better; would he improve them <em>enough&nbsp;</em>to justify cashing in their limited chips instead of going star-hunting again during the summer? I have my doubts.</p>
<p>While we're in the non-contender class: How about a make-me-feel-wanted swap between Kuzma and the Atlanta Hawks' John Collins? The Wizards would have to add more salary &mdash; Hachimura and Anthony Gill would get them there &mdash; but it's a framework I'd consider if I'm Washington. A Collins-Porzingis frontcourt would be an interesting mix; if all else fails, Collins has enough years on his deal to start the trade dance all over again if necessary.</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down possible landing spots for Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and analyzes his solid season thus far.

Examining potential trade destinations for Kyle Kuzma

<p><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report</a>, rival executives believe Atlanta Hawks star point guard could be the next player on a rookie max extension to request a trade if the situation does not improve with the team.</p>
<p>The 24-year-old Young is under contract through the 2026-27 season but can opt out following the 2025-26 season.</p>
<p>Just two years ago, Young led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals but the team has not been able to duplicate the successful chemistry. Before this season, the team made a big acquistion in adding star guard Dejounte Murray but the team has been underperforming with a 16-16 record.</p>
<p>While Young is averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 assists, he has struggled shooting, connecting on only 41.1% of his shots and 30.7% from three-point range.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the Hawks made a major change to its front office with team president Travis Schlenk stepping aside to take on a senior advisory role with General Manager Landry Fields taking over as the head of basketball operation. <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haynes states</a> that Young and Fields meet regularly and the two have a &ldquo;great relationship.&rdquo;</p>
<aside class="m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d" data-ad-group="in_content-1">
<div class="m-in-content-ad not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d" data-ad-group="in_content-1" data-zone-count="2">
<div class="not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d m-in-content-ad is-loaded">
<div id="ad-a12a87e3284f4007bee32042c7a8304f" data-google-query-id="CIO7upOJjvwCFQet0QQdAkUM3g" data-ad-size="adhesion"></div>
</div>
</div>
</aside>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

NBA executives believe Hawks point guard Trae Young could request a trade.

Report: Trae Young could request trade from Hawks

<p>This isn't how things were supposed to go in Detroit.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was hard not to be excited for the Pistons heading into the year. Strong draft class, headlined by Jaden Ivey and the traded-for Jalen Duren. A Jerami Grant trade not only netted them a future first-rounder and other draft capital, it was a move made in part to clear some of the runway for Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey, the latter of which was expected to fill more of Grant's time at forward.</p>
<p>The shooting woes that hampered Detroit last season were somewhat accounted for; adding Alec Burks into the mix was supposed to help, and an offseason trade for sniper Bojan Bogdanovic was expected to be a big add to their offense.</p>
<p>Fast forward to now, and the Pistons are without Cunningham for the year, dealing with an uneven campaign from Bey, and ultimately find themselves percentage points away from the worst record in the NBA.</p>
<p>So much for the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2022-23-nba-season-preview-central-division-chicago-bulls-cleveland-cavaliers-detroit-pistons-indiana-pacers-milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play-in ceiling</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There have been bright spots though. Ivey and Duren have been as advertised; Ivey's going to make the All-Rookie first team, and Duren could make a push for it by the end of the season. Loyal listeners of <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> know how pleased I've been with Killian Hayes' growth this season.</p>
<p>On the veteran side, Bogdanovic has somehow been better than expected.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The initial plan was to spread the floor at a high level, and act as a security blanket so Cunningham (and Bey) wouldn't have to work as hard as creators. Instead, Bogdanovic has become the defacto top option.</p>
<p>Since November 11, kicking off the stretch without Cunningham for good, Bogdanovic is averaging a team-high in front-court touches (33.8), points (22.3), shot attempts (14.8), three-point attempts (5.6) and free throw attempts (5.8).&nbsp;</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>The efficiency has been off the charts, with Bogdanovic converting a ridiculous 56.6% of his twos and nearly 41% of his threes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>League-wide, Bogdanovic is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/shots-general?CF=FG3A*GE*5:FG3_PCT*GE*40:FG2_PCT*GE*55&amp;TeamID=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of five* players</a> converting at least 55% of their twos and 40% of their threes with high volume during this month-plus stretch, joining Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins and Lauri Markkanen. (*<em>Wendell Carter Jr. is also on this list, but only has three games under his belt during this stretch. Please come back soon, Wendell. We miss you, and the Magic surely do.)</em></p>
<p>What makes Bogdanovic fun is the myriad ways he can be used. He's running nearly 15 ball screens per 100 possessions since November 11, and the Pistons are scoring roughly 1.04 points per possession (PPP) on those trips &mdash; a mark that ranks in the 72nd percentile, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>He's shooting most of the time (50.8%), with his scoring prowess popping against drop coverage or switches (1.08 PPP). Bogdanovic slow-probes his way to his spots, whether that's keeping his defender at bay when faced with drop, or picking out a matchup agains a (late) switch and posting up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/0x4kts" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>There are still limitations. Mainly, Bogdanovic's handle isn't tight enough to access&nbsp;<em>every&nbsp;</em>area of the court on a whim. When faced with more aggressive coverages &mdash; hedges or flat-out traps &mdash; he's prone to retreating without taking full advantage of the numbers game ahead of him. Even when he isn't, navigating close quarters can be an adventure. He's up to 27 "lost ball" turnovers in 30 games this season (0.9), after racking up 48 of them in 69 games last season (0.7).</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sx2o13" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Even with that uptick, it's hard to ignore the overall efficiency here. And it's especially impressive considering he's carrying a much larger offensive load than originally expected.</p>
<p>This isn't the first time Bogdanovic has had to scale up. He saw his shot volume increase by nearly three attempts between his first and second year in Indiana. In year two (2018-19), Bogdanovic averaged 18 points with shooting splits similar to what he's doing now &mdash; 53.8% on twos, 42.5% from three. That was a year where Victor Oladipo appeared in just 36 games.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>But this is different. Bogdanovic's 64.9% True Shooting clip is easily the higheest of his career, and a whopping 7.4 points above league average. It would behoove other teams to take notice.</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have, according to <a href="https://theathletic.com/3992371/2022/12/12/bojan-bogdanovic-jae-crowder-shams-charania-inside-pass/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>. The Phoenix Suns were linked to Bogdanovic before he was dealt to the Pistons, and could probably use another shot creator in light of Chris Paul's decline in that area.</p>
<p>There are others, like the Atlanta Hawks, that could use the forward's blend of creation and outside shooting. Is there a conversation to be had around a package headlined by John Collins? It's certainly worth asking. <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumors-lakers-knicks-john-collins-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency-stock-watch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Scotto of HoopsHype</a> reported that the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks have also expressed interest.</p>
<p>That would track. The Mavs desperately need more creation to take pressure off of Luka Doncic. The Heat need more shooting &mdash; they rank 21st in three-point percentage despite ranking seventh in three-point rate &mdash; and could stand to upgrade at the 4, though Caleb Martin has played pretty well this season.</p>
<p>Of course, the Pistons don't have to cooperate. They recently extended Bogdanovic, and per James Edwards of The Athletic, the Pistons <a href="https://theathletic.com/3995150/2022/12/13/pistons-trade-scenariors-noel-bogdanovic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aren't eager to move him</a>. It would (rightfully) take a big offer to pry him out of there. But with the way he's playing, it's probably worth the swing.</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the recent offensive explosion of Bojan Bogdanovic.

Good teams should be looking to trade for Bojan Bogdanovic

<p>While the NBA trade deadline isn't until Feb. 9, trade talks are starting to heat up.</p>
<p>Dec. 15 is known as the start of NBA trade season because any player who signed a contract last offseason can now be traded by their respective team, making it much easier for teams to negotiate deals and match salaries.</p>
<p>As of now, it seems that there are a lot of buyers and only a few sellers. The main sellers seem to be the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets, according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports</a>. NBA executives are waiting for more sellers to emerge, but since there's so much parity this season, many teams are looking to buy or stand pat.</p>
<p>So far, the most active teams on the trade market have been the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Rockets, according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fischer</a>. Let's take a look at each team and the moves they're considering.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>LOS ANGELES LAKERS</strong></span></p>
<p>Over the offseason, it seemed like a Russell Westbrook trade was inevitable. However, <a href="https://theathletic.com/4004360/2022/12/15/lakers-russell-westbrook-celtics-clippers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick of The Athletic</a> reports that "Westbrook&rsquo;s play this past month has made it increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the league&rsquo;s Feb. 9 deadline."&nbsp;Since becoming a sixth man on Oct. 28, the 34-year-old has averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game.</p>
<p>If Westbrook isn't expected to get dealt, why are the Lakers considered one of the most active teams?</p>
<p>Well, they are reportedly looking to pull off a smaller trade involving Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and potentially a protected first-round pick. Jovan Buha of The Athletic <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/lakers-looking-at-possible-patrick-beverley-kendrick-nunn-trades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke about this</a> two weeks ago, and Fischer <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> that L.A. has offered this package to various teams (including to the Pistons for Bojan Bogdanovic). It remains to be seen whether the Lakers will be able to flip this package for a significant contributor prior to the trade deadline. As always, they're also a team to watch once buyouts begin.</p>
<p>The Lakers are currently 11-16, which is the 12th-best record in the Western Conference. They have the NBA's 15th-ranked defense (allowing 110.1 points per 100 possessions) and 21st-ranked offense (scoring 108.8 points per 100 possessions).</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>NEW YORK KNICKS</strong></span></p>
<p>Big changes may be coming in the Big Apple.</p>
<p>The Knicks have "made plenty of its roster available for discussion, particularly Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose, Cam Reddish and Immanuel Quickley," according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fischer</a>.</p>
<p>One year after acquiring Reddish in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks are working with Reddish's camp to find him a new home. Fischer mentions that the Knicks and Lakers have talked about a deal involving Fournier and Reddish.</p>
<p>At one point earlier this season, the Knicks expressed interest in Rockets veteran Eric Gordon, but the two sides weren't able to reach an agreement.</p>
<p>New York is currently 15-13, which is the sixth-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks boast the NBA's 10th-best defense (allowing 109.1 points per 100 possessions) and 14th-best offense (scoring 110.2 points per 100 possessions).</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>HOUSTON ROCKETS</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As previously mentioned, Houston has emerged as an early seller. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Rockets have the second-youngest team in the NBA, with an average age of 23.58 years old &mdash; trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (23.14). </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They are focused on rebuilding and developing their young core, but they could also be open to moving certain players for the right price. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eric Gordon's name has surfaced in trade rumors over the last two years, but the Rockets have insisted that they won't move Gordon unless they receive a first-round pick. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are "roughly a half dozen teams" that have had preliminary talks about Gordon, according to <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Houston-Rockets-trade-options-17651050.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle</a>. Feigen mentions that Gordon is a top target for contenders (including the Phoenix Suns).</span></p>
<p>KJ Martin is another name to keep an eye on. The 21-year-old requested a trade over the offseason and "multiple sources believe he still wants out," according to <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10058513-latest-nba-intel-on-trade-season-storylines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report</a>. Pincus notes that the Suns have tried to acquire a package of Gordon and Martin.</p>

The Lakers, Knicks and Rockets are reportedly the most active teams in trade talks. Alex Kennedy breaks down the latest rumors.

Lakers, Knicks, Rockets are most active NBA teams in trade talks

<p>Atlanta H<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">awks big man John Collins is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a sprained left ankle, sources tell <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1598468835350564864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>. </span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Collins suffered the sprain on Wednesday night when the Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic, 125-108.</span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">This season, Collins is averaging 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 48.4% from the field, 21.9% from three-point range and 84.5% from the free-throw line.</span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Collins' name has surfaced in trade rumors over the last year, and the Hawks recently "opened preliminary trade discussions" involving him, according to <a href="https://theathletic.com/3910489/2022/11/18/hawks-suns-john-collins-jae-crowder-trade-talk-shams-inside-pass/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charania</a>. </span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">The Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets are among the teams that have reportedly expressed interest in the 25-year-old. (Our Nekias Duncan <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-rumors-report-utah-jazz-have-interest-in-atlanta-hawks-forward-john-collins-lauri-markkanen-kelly-olynyk-mike-conley-malik-beasley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke down the Jazz rumors</a> and how Collins would potentially fit in Utah).</span></p>
<p><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Atlanta is 12-10, which is tied for the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks currently have the NBA's 10th-ranked defense and 19th-ranked offense.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins is expected to miss at least two weeks due to his left ankle sprain.

Hawks' John Collins to miss at least 2 weeks with sprained ankle

<p>It feels like trade rumor season doesn't begin until John Collins' name is brought up.</p>
<p>Over the weekend, <a href="https://theathletic.com/3910489/2022/11/18/hawks-suns-john-collins-jae-crowder-trade-talk-shams-inside-pass/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic's Shams Charania reported</a> that the Atlanta Hawks "opened preliminary trade discussions" involving the talented forward, while listing the Phoenix Suns as a team with some level of interest.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added more Wednesday</a>, citing the Utah Jazz as a team that would covet Collins on their roster. From Fischer:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Jazz&rsquo;s interest in Hawks forward&nbsp;<a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/5832/" data-ylk="slk:John Collins" data-rapid_p="101" data-v9y="1">John Collins</a>&nbsp;is real, league sources said, and would seem to indicate Utah is considering how to add to this winning unit rather than subtract from it. Right now, the likelihood of Collins landing in Salt Lake City, though, seems low. Atlanta approached the Jazz about swapping Collins for Markkanen, sources said, which did not generate any traction.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's easy to see why the Hawks would want Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is scorching the nets this season, averaging a career-high 22.3 points (64.2% on twos, 36.1% on 5.7 threes per game). He isn't just a better shooter than Collins, but he's also a more willing shooter &mdash; on top of being able to get shots from different platforms. Pick-and-pops, spot-ups, off-ball relocations and movement triples coming after screens are all in Markkanen's bag.</p>
<p>Considering Markkanen can also get his own &mdash; 56.7% of his twos and 74.4% of his threes are assisted on, compared to 67.2/85.7 for Collins &mdash; he could take some of the creation burden off of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.</p>
<p>It's a little more difficult to parse out Utah's interest, even if the likelihood of a move doesn't seem high right now.</p>
<p>The Jazz are off to a 12-7 start behind the NBA's fourth-best offense. A move for Collins would be aiding a strength, particularly his ability to bend defenses with his rolling (and slipping) in ball-screens. Assuming the jumper bounces back &mdash; he's canning only 26.9% of his threes this year after draining nearly 39% of them across the last three seasons &mdash; Collins would be a valuable screening partner for their ball-screen-heavy guards.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how much Collins would solve Utah's solid-but-sliding defense. He's a better mover and weak-side rim protector than Kelly Olynyk, for example, but even the most optimistic view of him as a defender overall is neutral right now. You could argue the Jazz would have more room to ramp up their pressure in ball-screens; Olynyk has mostly operated in a drop to less-than-stellar results, whereas Collins may be more comfortable operating at the level.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>If a deal were to come to fruition, it seems likely that Olynyk would be the big piece coming back to Atlanta. His spacing and secondary (and honestly, random) playmaking in the half-court would open up avenues for the Hawks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Secondly, it's worth keeping an eye on the Hawks' tax situation. Swapping out Collins' long-term money for the expiring deal of Olynyk may be more valuable than the Hawks' fan base would like.)</p>
<p>Figuring out the rest of the deal is the fun part. As Fischer wrote in his piece, Mike Conley's salary could get them there, but two questions immediately pop up.</p>
<p>1) Do the Hawks&nbsp;<em>need&nbsp;</em>another point guard, even one who's played as well as Conley has before the injury?</p>
<p>2) Would the Jazz even have interest in moving Conley in a deal like this? He's still their most reliable creator out of ball-screens. You can talk yourself into a Conley-Collins two-man game down the stretch; Sexton-Collins might look different, at least early on.</p>
<p>The answer may be Malik Beasley, a sharpshooter (38.8% from three on 7.0 attempts over the past four seasons) whose deal could come off the books this summer (<a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/utah-jazz/yearly/cap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$16.5 million team option</a> for next season). The deal could also expand to include Rudy Gay ($6.5 million player option for next year) and Justin Holiday (expiring) swapping places as a "we're taking on the Collins money" tax from the Jazz.</p>
<p>I think there's further conversation to be had between the two sides, even if I didn't have the initial conversation on my bingo card.</p>

Nekias Duncan analyzes why the Jazz could covet John Collins and what they could send back to the Hawks in return.

Making sense of the Jazz's trade interest in Hawks forward John Collins

Nekias Duncan previews the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, Magic and Wizards ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season.

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Southeast Division

<p>With Jae Crowder still absent from the Phoenix Suns' bench, it appears that the team will not play hardball with Crowder and instead move toward a trade for the veteran forward. <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer broke down the rumors and movement in his most recent piece</a>, and a multitude of options seem to be available for both parties involved.</p>
<p>The 10-year veteran is believed to be asking for yet another three-year extension in the ballpark of $30 million, which the Suns have yet to budge on offering. The Suns have kept bench forward Cameron Johnson far and away from trade talks, as they now plan to replace Crowder with him in the starting lineup. Johnson is also extension eligible, and with the Suns heading deeper into the luxury tax, the projected extension of four years and $72 million makes trading Crowder even more important if he chooses to continue to sit out.</p>
<p>Multiple contending teams are interested in Crowder. The Miami Heat will have problems matching his salary with the newly-signed Caleb Martin, Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon until they become trade-eligible in a few months. Despite this, Heat officials have expressed that Miami is Crowder's preferred destination, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Fischer</a>.</p>
<p>Crowder's past teams have been linked to him as well. The Memphis Grizzlies have an injured Danny Green to toss out, but the Suns are looking for players who can help them win now in return. The Boston Celtics seem to be holding out on offering Grant Williams an extension, and the Suns have shown interest in Derrick White, but for now, Boston is reportedly out on the Crowder sweepstakes.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks have had talks about Crowder with the Suns this summer, as they have also made calls around oft-injured swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic. A potential trade of Landry Shamet and Crowder for Bogdanovic has made its rounds through NBA front offices, although Fischer's sources have claimed that Shamet has not been involved in the Suns' talks with Atlanta.</p>
<p>Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson seems to be available due to the state of the rebuilding Jazz franchise, and the Suns have recently made calls around him and his potential to help their bench. However, this would likely require further draft compensation on top of Crowder, something the Suns have been hesitant to include in recent trades.</p>
<p>Dallas, a team often thrown into trade talks for wings, is reportedly not interested in Crowder, per Fischer.</p>
<p>Whatever trade happens, it's important to note that it appears the Suns operate on a year-to-year schedule. They won't mortgage all of their future assets in trades, and may only use distant draft picks to make moves on the margins to improve their roster. It's likely that they'll look at trades that require them only moving Crowder, and not assets on top of him, to improve their roster.</p>

The Phoenix Suns and Jae Crowder are working towards a trade, and the options are open.

Suns, Jae Crowder exploring trade options as the season nears

<p>Over the last two seasons, Harrison Barnes has seen his name surface in the rumor mill several times. Most recently, the Sacramento Kings reportedly considered dealing Barnes to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for John Collins.</p>
<p>Entering his 11th NBA season, Barnes joked that he's following ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic's Shams Charania to keep tabs on his uncertain future.</p>
<p>&ldquo;You know how the NBA is,&rdquo; Barnes said, according to <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article266690806.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee</a>. &ldquo;I check Woj. I check Shams. They&rsquo;ve still got me here, so as far as I&rsquo;m concerned, this is where I&rsquo;m supposed to be and I&rsquo;m going to give it my best effort.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The 30-year-old is no stranger to being traded; the Dallas Mavericks dealt him to Sacramento back in 2019 for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph. Barnes understands it comes with the territory as an NBA player.</p>
<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s just part of the business,&rdquo; Barnes <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article266690806.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t really pay too much attention to that. The biggest thing is just getting ready for opening night. That&rsquo;s my focus. The guys on this court, the coaching staff, us building that trust now so when things get going and adversity hits, you have a base of relationships that you draw on.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Last season, Barnes averaged 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 threes, while shooting 46.9% from the field, 39.4% from three-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line.</p>
<p>He has started every game since joining the Kings, and new head coach Mike Brown recently told reporters that he'll remain in the starting lineup.</p>

Harrison Barnes has seen his name surface in the rumor mill recently. He opened up about his uncertain future with the Kings.

Harrison Barnes discusses trade rumors, uncertain future with Kings

<p>Jae Crowder seems ready to begin a new chapter away from the Phoenix Suns, which shouldn&rsquo;t come as a surprise if you&rsquo;ve followed his social-media activity throughout the offseason. From openly mentioning that he wants a fresh start elsewhere to liking tweets about him joining the Miami Heat or Dallas Mavericks, Crowder&rsquo;s intentions have been out in the open for a while now.</p>
<p>This awkward tension potentially reached a boiling point on Friday night, less than a week from when Phoenix opens up training camp following their jaw-dropping postseason exit in the Western Conference Semifinals.</p>
<p>After the Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin tweeted about how the position battle between Crowder and Cam Johnson would be a key storyline to watch during training camp, Crowder tweeted (then quickly deleted): &ldquo;99 WONT BE THERE!.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Phoenix has reportedly been shopping Crowder in recent weeks, including in trade discussions with the Utah Jazz as the Suns targeted Bojan Bogdanovic, who was ultimately dealt to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Arizona Sports 98.7's John Gambadoro reported that talks between the Suns and Jazz broke down over the potential inclusion of Jarred Vanderbilt alongside Bogdanovic, but the deal would&rsquo;ve involved Crowder heading out of the Valley.</p>
<p>With Crowder seemingly wanting to leave Phoenix, will a deal be struck before training camp opens on Tuesday? For a team looking to bounce back from postseason failure, it might not be the best idea to keep a disgruntled Crowder in the equation.</p>
<p>Although the veteran wing can be extremely volatile as an outside shooter, his winning tendencies and overall two-way presence would be a major boon for any contender around the Association.</p>
<p>Which teams make the most sense to pursue Crowder? Let&rsquo;s go ahead and dive into some potential destinations.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>CHICAGO BULLS</strong></span></p>
<p>Before injuries ravaged their roster last season, Chicago was nestled into the Eastern Conference&rsquo;s No. 1 seed thanks to their well-balanced attack on both ends. Now, Lonzo Ball's future up in the air due to a nagging meniscus issue, the Bulls need to find some more help defenders who can hold their own. Right now, Crowder could be the ideal remedy when forecasting all of the elite score-first wings in the East.</p>
<p><strong>Bulls receive: Jae Crowder</strong></p>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Coby White, Javonte Green</strong></p>
<p>Immediately, Crowder slides into an important slot for Chicago where he could benefit from a low-usage role similar to his current environment in Phoenix.</p>
<p>For the Suns, this type of haul should be the expectation in any potential Crowder-related transaction. If Bogdanovic was unable to net a first-round pick for Utah, it&rsquo;s hard to envision Crowder topping that barometer either.</p>
<p>With the inconsistencies of Cameron Payne plaguing the Suns&rsquo; guard play last season, especially in the playoffs, taking a flier on White for the price of Crowder makes sense. Meanwhile, Green is a smaller version of Crowder but someone who could play a role off the bench and produce when called upon.</p>
<p>It's possible that Chicago would want a pick back in this trade since they are parting with the No. 7 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (who is still just 22 years old), which could become a sticking point in negotiations.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">TORONTO RAPTORS</span></strong></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re a capable wing, there&rsquo;s no doubt that Toronto will show some level of interest. The Raptors are building their entire identity around wings, and the results are really beginning to bear some fruit. Inserting Crowder within Toronto&rsquo;s rotation would be a huge win, especially as a veteran mentor for younger players at his position like OG Anunoby and reigning Rookie-of-the-Year Scottie Barnes.</p>
<p><strong>Raptors receive: Jae Crowder</strong></p>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Thaddeus Young, Malachi Flynn</strong></p>
<p>Phoenix has been interested in Young since last year, when a trade or buyout from the San Antonio Spurs seemed inevitable. Instead, Toronto acquired the veteran in exchange for Goran Dragic and a protected 2022 first-round pick. Young is a strong candidate to replace Crowder, because what he doesn&rsquo;t provide in shooting he offers in spades everywhere else. Within head coach Monty Williams&rsquo; &ldquo;0.5&rdquo; system, he would thrive as a pass-happy connecting 4 who could play alongside Deandre Ayton or Dario Saric.</p>
<p>Flynn has been unable to find his footing in Toronto, but could get a long-term look in Phoenix off the bench. After Payne&rsquo;s postseason woes, the Suns would be wise to find some competition heading into training camp.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's possible that Toronto is content keeping Young, whom they just signed to a two-year extension. It all depends on how they value the 32-year-old Crowder and whether they think he's a big enough upgrade over Young to justify giving up Flynn.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">MIAMI HEAT</span></strong></p>
<p>Crowder&rsquo;s top choice seems to be a reunion with the Heat, but the Suns have no real value to extract there. It&rsquo;s doubtful that Miami would want to include Caleb Martin, who isn&rsquo;t eligible to be traded for another few weeks anyway. Instead, the Heat will have to get creative if they want to bring Crowder back into the fold and rope in a third team to facilitate.</p>
<p>Well, guess what? One organization has openly expressed a desire to do just that, as long as they get back an enticing young prospect or a draft pick. Say hello to <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-indiana-pacers-enter-uncharted-waters-searching-for-longterm-sustainability-kevin-pritchard-chad-buchanan-tyrese-haliburton-bennedict-mathurin-myles-turner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Indiana Pacers&rsquo; new vision</a>. They are expected to be one of the Association&rsquo;s most active teams from now through February&rsquo;s trade deadline.</p>
<p>Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-indiana-pacers-enter-uncharted-waters-searching-for-longterm-sustainability-kevin-pritchard-chad-buchanan-tyrese-haliburton-bennedict-mathurin-myles-turner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently told Basketball News</a> that they want to keep stockpiling ammunition while taking advantage of their newfound salary-cap flexibility. Not many teams would be willing to take on Duncan Robinson&rsquo;s contract, but Indiana is in the position to bite the bullet for another pick.</p>
<p>Quickly cobbling together a three-team deal with the Suns, Heat and Pacers, here&rsquo;s a potential framework where all sides could potentially walk out happy:</p>
<p><strong>Heat receive: Jae Crowder</strong></p>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Oshae Brissett, future second-round pick (via Miami)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pacers receive: Duncan Robinson, future first-round pick (via Miami)</strong></p>
<p>For Phoenix, landing Brissett from Indiana is the right kind of flier to take. Consistently showing an improved offensive game, Brissett could shine in the Suns&rsquo; system, spelling Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson off the bench. And with the Pacers wanting to have a large rotation to play as many young pieces as possible, Brissett&rsquo;s role could be slightly reduced heading into 2022-23.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">ATLANTA HAWKS</span></strong></p>
<p>The Hawks have pushed their chips to the middle of the table this offseason when they swung for the fences by acquiring Dejounte Murray. With their star backcourt of Trae Young and Murray, Atlanta is in win-now mode so acquiring Crowder certainly makes a lot of sense. Not only would Crowder help take some pressure off defensively, he would be set up well by Young and Murray on the perimeter.</p>
<p>As evidenced by the Suns insisting that Vanderbilt be included alongside Bogdanovic in a potential trade with Utah earlier this week, it wouldn&rsquo;t be a shock to see them try a similar method here with Atlanta.</p>
<p><strong>Hawks receive: Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet, two future second-round picks</strong></p>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Justin Holiday</strong></p>
<p>Instantly, the Suns upgrade their third guard spot with Bogdanovic, plus they add a hard-nosed, versatile wing as well. Who knows if the price would be a first-round pick, but maybe Phoenix could pull this one off with multiple second-round selections because of Bogdanovic&rsquo;s injury concerns over the past few years?</p>
<p>As ESPN&rsquo;s Brian Windhorst relayed earlier this week, the Suns are willing to take on salary past this upcoming season. Bogdanovic has an $18 million player option for 2023-24, but his fit within the Suns&rsquo; offense would be well worth the price.</p>
<p>Based on the other packages, this feels like the best bet for Phoenix leading into training camp, and Atlanta would welcome a win-now addition into the fold as well.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">CLEVELAND CAVALIERS</span></strong></p>
<p>All of the sudden, Cleveland looks like a real threat to make a deep postseason run. Thanks to the jaw-dropping addition of Donovan Mitchell earlier this month, the Cavaliers&rsquo; rotation is stocked to the brim going nine or 10 players deep. What about adding another piece like Crowder to bolster this strength even more?</p>
<p><strong>Cavaliers receive: Jae Crowder</strong></p>
<p><strong>Suns receive: Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens</strong></p>
<p>Crowder could slide into a starting role for Cleveland ahead of Isaac Okoro because of his shooting ability or headline the second unit alongside fellow veteran Kevin Love. Assuming Crowder jumps into a starting spot, which seems to be his desire, here&rsquo;s how the Cavaliers&rsquo; rotation would look:</p>
<p><em>Starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jae Crowder, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen</em></p>
<p><em>Second Unit: Ricky Rubio, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Kevin Love</em></p>
<p>With a rotation like that, it allows Cleveland to offload Osman and save some money on the backend for 2023-24. In Phoenix, Osman and Stevens would find roles within the second unit and benefit greatly from the spacing provided. The Suns covet shooters, so it wouldn&rsquo;t be a surprise to see them utilize Osman off the bench, while Stevens plays a smaller role as wing depth.</p>
<p>Over the next 72 hours heading into media day and training camp, Crowder&rsquo;s seemingly uncertain future in the Valley will be a story worth monitoring. We shall see whether Crowder stays with the Suns or heads elsewhere when the dust ultimately settles.</p>

Jae Crowder's days with the Phoenix Suns appear to be numbered. Evan Sidery breaks down five possible landing spots for Crowder.

Examining 5 potential trade destinations for Jae Crowder

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has levied a series of suspensions and fines following two mid-season altercations that broke out on the hardwood this week, sending tremors through playoff races in both conferences. In the most significant disciplinary action, four players involved in a Pistons-Hornets brawl have been suspended for a total of 17 games combined, while a separate skirmish between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks resulted in fines for both participants.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong>Pistons-Hornets brawl results in multi-game bans</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart received the longest ban, a seven-game suspension from the league for leaving the bench area and aggressively entering an on-court altercation during the Feb. 9 game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The NBA&rsquo;s announcement made clear Stewart&rsquo;s history of disciplinary issues was a factor in determining the length of his suspension.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stewart&rsquo;s teammate, All-Star center Jalen Duren, was suspended for two games for initiating the altercation and fighting, while Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received four-game suspensions for their roles in escalating the melee.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The brawl unfolded midway through the third quarter of Detroit&rsquo;s 110-104 win over Charlotte, beginning with a physical exchange between Duren and Diabate that quickly escalated into a full-blown fight involving multiple players. All four were ultimately ejected and later disciplined by the league office.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the punishment this week, defending his players while expressing disappointment over the spotlight on the incident. Meanwhile, the Hornets &ndash; currently fighting for a playoff spot &ndash; will be without Bridges and Diabate for four games each.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stewart&rsquo;s ban sidelines one of Detroit&rsquo;s key frontcourt defenders and enforcers, potentially affecting the team&rsquo;s interior defense as it navigates a difficult stretch of its schedule. Duren, however, remains eligible for Sunday&rsquo;s All-Star festivities despite his two-game suspension.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong>Wolves-Hawks incident draws fines</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a separate escalation during a Feb. 9 matchup, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were each fined $35,000 by the NBA after an on-court altercation. The clash occurred eight seconds into the fourth quarter of Minnesota&rsquo;s 138-116 victory, highlighted by Gueye making contact with Reid from behind, which led to both players grabbing each other and receiving technical fouls before being ejected.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the scuffle didn&rsquo;t escalate to the level of the Pistons-Hornets incident, league officials underscored that overly aggressive behavior will continue to draw financial penalties even when suspensions aren&rsquo;t deemed necessary.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the Pistons and Hornets, the suspensions come at a pivotal moment as both clubs seek to solidify their postseason positioning &ndash; Detroit atop the Eastern Conference standings and Charlotte clawing toward the play-in picture. Losing Stewart for seven games shifts rotation responsibilities and adds pressure to Detroit&rsquo;s frontcourt depth, particularly on the defensive end.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the Wolves-Hawks front, the fines serve as a warning rather than a structural disruption, but the skirmish highlights rising competitive tensions as the postseason nears.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the league continues to balance physicality with player safety and sportsmanship, the NBA&rsquo;s disciplinary actions this week underscore its focus on deterring on-court violence while maintaining competitive integrity.</span></p>

The NBA has levied a series of suspensions and fines following two mid-season altercations that broke out on the hardwood this week.

NBA hands out suspensions after Pistons-Hornets brawl; Wolves-Hawks scuffle earns fines

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After months of speculation, the Golden State Warriors have finally traded Jonathan Kuminga, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors will be sending the young forward to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis along with guard Buddy Hield.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ANALYSIS: The move comes after a prolonged period of speculation around Kuminga&rsquo;s future in Golden State. The 23-year-old &ndash; the No. 7 overall pick in 2021 &ndash; had been in and out of the rotation this season and requested a trade once eligible, seeking a fresh start and a bigger role elsewhere.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Golden State also made a secondary move, dealing backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second-round draft pick shortly after Porzingis&rsquo; acquisition, bolstering its future assets.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The trade officially closes the book on what had been one of the NBA&rsquo;s longest-running roster uncertainty storylines &ndash; Kuminga&rsquo;s mixed tenure with the Warriors, which included flashes of potential but persistent questions about fit and consistency. The move gives Kuminga a new opportunity to develop with the Hawks, while the Warriors pivot toward a veteran-led roster for a late-season push.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Atlanta acquired two players with upside: Kuminga, a former lottery pick with athletic tools and scoring potential, and Hield, a proven perimeter threat as part of its own roster reshaping after moving star Trae Young earlier in the deadline cycle.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kristaps Porzingis, a 7&prime;1&Prime; stretch big, brings floor spacing, rim protection and elite shooting ability when healthy, though his availability has been limited by injuries and illness this season. The Warriors are banking on Porzingis returning to form and providing a much-needed interior presence next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Porzingis gives Golden State a new look up front with the potential to stretch defenses and offer more size, addressing a long-standing need in their rotation. The pick acquired in the Jackson-Davis deal also enhances future flexibility.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors&rsquo; acquisition of Porzingis marks a new chapter while bringing closure to the Kuminga saga that had loomed over Golden State for months. As the trade deadline dust settles, both franchises have made substantive moves aimed at reshaping their trajectories in the Western Conference.</span></p>

After months of speculation, the Golden State Warriors have finally traded Jonathan Kuminga.

Warriors end Kuminga saga with trade for Kristaps Porzingis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The roster are set as follows:</span></p>
<h4><strong>Team USA Stripes</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry &ndash; Golden State Warriors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kawhi Leonard &ndash; Los Angeles Clippers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jaylen Brown &ndash; Boston Celtics</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Brunson &ndash; New York Knicks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Team USA Stars</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cade Cunningham &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyrese Maxey &ndash; Philadelphia 76ers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Team World</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka Doncic &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giannis Antetokounmpo &ndash; Milwaukee Bucks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikola Jokic &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victor Wembanyama &ndash; San Antonio Spurs</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p>

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

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Western Conference Reserves:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eastern Conference Reserves:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Some notable storylines for this year include:</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James Extends Historic Streak:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh Faces &amp; First-Time Selections:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p>

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

2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves announced

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Atlanta Hawks have continued to navigate the trade deadline with marginal moves, this time moving Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Duop Reath and two second-round picks, as reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Krejci, a 6-foot-9 guard forward that has a sweet shooting stroke, is currently averaging 9 points and 2.2 3-pointers made per game on 42.3% shooting, which ranks top 20 in the NBA.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to ESPN insider Bobby Marks, the move allows the Hawks to create roster space, and Atlanta now has seven future second-round picks at their disposal.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ANALYSIS: Atlanta is currently in their transition phase after trading away longtime franchise cornerstone Trae Young to the Washington Wizards last month, fully committing to building around first-time all-star Jalen Johnson and core pieces like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu, among others. Reath will be a backup big alongside Mo Gueye in the Hawks&rsquo; frontcourt, which also includes rookie Asa Newell.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the Blazers, they acquire a young piece in Krejci that can help with floor spacing as well as additional back up ball handling duties.</span></p>

The Hawks have continued to navigate the trade deadline moving forward Vit Krejci to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Duop Reath.

Hawks continue making moves, send Vit Krejci to Blazers

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James has long been revered as the symbol of longevity in the NBA. Playing the most seasons of all time at 23 years, James is still going strong even at 41 years old. After missing the first 14 games of the year, he is now averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now LeBron is slowly rounding to shape, and at </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">the top of this peak gameplay is James&rsquo; ever-talked about investments on his body. It has long been a story for years on how he spends millions of dollars every year to take care of his body, and this year is no different. Or perhaps, this has even more intensified each year as he grows older, adding more intensive routines to keep his body conditioned and in top tier shape to play against the best of the best.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">James offered a glimpse into the meticulous routine behind his longevity, walking through his game-day checklist as he prepared to play his first back-to-back of the season on Tuesday.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a postgame interview with ESPN&rsquo;s Dave McMenamin, that preparation included just about everything modern recovery has to offer, detailing his routine every game:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cold tub</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hyperbaric chamber</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nap</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Normatec</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Activation</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stretching</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rehabbing</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lifting</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pregame meal</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The results spoke for themselves. Despite it being his first back-to-back of the season, James delivered a near triple-double performance, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists to lead his team to a win over the Atlanta Hawks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At an age where most players have long since stepped away from the game, LeBron&rsquo;s attention to recovery, conditioning, and preparation continues to serve as the foundation for his sustained excellence &ndash; and nights like this remain the clearest proof of why he&rsquo;s still performing at an elite level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It remains to be seen if LeBron maintains this level of play until the end of the season, but the Lakers would certainly hope so as they fight for positioning in the tough Western Conference. And at the forefront of it all is James alongside Luka Doncic, who will try to contend for a title for the prestigious purple and gold brand.</span></p>

LeBron James revealed his detailed game-day routine after his first back-to-back game this year - the secret to his incredible longevity.

LeBron reveals his stunning routine, secret for his incredible longevity

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The future of star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta appears increasingly uncertain as the Hawks and Young&rsquo;s representatives have entered collaborative talks to explore a trade before the February 5 NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to multiple reports, the four-time All-Star and Atlanta have begun an amicable dialogue about finding a trade scenario that works for both sides. Young and his agents have been in discussions with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh over the past week, indicating that both parties are actively looking for a resolution.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Atlanta opted not to offer Young a contract extension last offseason, and with his $49-million player option for 2026-27 looming, the club&rsquo;s long-term plans have been in flux.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While nothing is imminent yet, the Washington Wizards have been discussed as a leading potential landing spot for Young. Talks have included possible frameworks around veteran guard C.J. McCollum&rsquo;s expiring contract and additional assets to make a trade work financially for both teams, according to Marc Stein.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">League observers and mock trade scenarios have also mentioned other clubs &ndash; from rebuilding teams seeking playmaking upgrades to contenders willing to take a swing on Young&rsquo;s scoring and assist prowess &ndash; with the Wizards continuing to surface as one of the suitors for the all-star guard.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the trade deadline approaching, both Young&rsquo;s camp and the Hawks front office are expected to intensify talks to identify a suitable deal. The four-time All-Star remains a high-impact offensive talent, but questions around defense, fit and team performance have reshaped how both sides view his role in Atlanta&rsquo;s present and future.</span></p>

The future of star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta appears increasingly uncertain, as both sides are working on a trade.

Trae Young, Hawks working on a potential trade

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history on Friday, recording a block in his 100th consecutive regular-season game &ndash; a streak that now stands as one of the longest in NBA history since blocks became a stat in 1973-74. In the Spurs&rsquo; 126-98 rout of the Atlanta Hawks, Wembanyama swatted away shots en route to his latest milestone, highlighting a defensive presence that has defined his young career.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only two players in league history have ever logged a longer streak of games with at least one block: Patrick Ewing(145) and Dikembe Mutombo (116). Wembanyama&rsquo;s 100-game run currently ranks third all-time, placing him in elite company among the NBA&rsquo;s greatest rim protectors.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wembanyama&rsquo;s streak dates back to his rookie season, and remarkably, he has recorded a block in all but two games of his NBA career, showcasing durability and consistency rarely seen at the center position. This extraordinary stretch underscores his impact as a generational defender: his height, wingspan and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing scorers around the rim, and his presence elevates the entire Spurs&rsquo; defensive ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At just 21 years old, Wembanyama&rsquo;s defensive impact is already historic. With his combination of shot-blocking, rebounding and all-around defensive instincts, he has established himself as one of the most disruptive big men in the modern game. Barring injury, he appears on pace to challenge even longer streaks down the line and could be a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors throughout his career.</span></p>

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history, recording a block in his 100th consecutive game.

Victor Wembanyama records block in 100th straight game

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Missing Trae Young due to a knee injury, Jalen Johnson has stepped up his game and is showing that he can be a capable star to build a team on.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson&rsquo;s rise was kind of expected and supposed to happen this season. The talent was always evident, the flashes from last season undeniable, and the physical tools have been impossible to ignore. But what he is doing now feels different. This kind of leap &mdash; the kind that changes a career, reshapes a franchise, and forces the rest of the league to pay attention.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a season where the Atlanta Hawks have started out with injuries and inconsistency, Johnson has become their stabilizer, their do-everything engine, and their unexpected source of hope early on in the season. While Trae Young sits with a knee injury, Johnson has not only stepped into a larger responsibility, but he has exceeded it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His back-to-back triple-doubles over his last two games have been kind of an exclamation point on what has become one of the best storylines in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks aren&rsquo;t just surviving because of him, they are afloat and in the middle of it all because of him.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The modern NBA is defined by size, versatility, and decision-making &ndash; and Johnson checks all three boxes in a way few forwards his age can. At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame and smooth athleticism, he has embraced the role of a jumbo playmaker in Atlanta&rsquo;s offense.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He attacks the rim with force, overwhelms smaller defenders, and uses his long strides to blow past slower ones. But what truly elevates his game is the way he manipulates defenses as both a driver and a passer. Whether he&rsquo;s initiating pick-and-rolls, operating in the short roll, or pushing in transition, Johnson processes the floor with the composure of a seasoned guard &ndash; all while playing the forward position and being 6&rsquo;9.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the version Atlanta dreamed of when they selected him in 2021 &ndash; the kind of multi-faceted forward who can anchor possessions on his own, create advantages for others, and serve as a connective tissue across every lineup combination.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnson&rsquo;s growth as a scorer has been just as impressive. His finishing touch around the rim continues to evolve, showcasing a mix of power and finesse that keeps defenses guessing. His improved jumper may be the most important development, as he&rsquo;s spacing the floor effectively, shooting the ball with confidence, and converting catch-and-shoot opportunities at a level that forces defenses to stay honest. When opponents bring help, he punishes them with skip passes and timely reads and his athleticism is put to good use with force.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He&rsquo;s no longer an &ldquo;upside piece&rdquo; Atlanta hopes will pan out. He&rsquo;s already delivering production and responsibility at a level far beyond what most young forwards in the league are asked to handle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the biggest testaments to Johnson&rsquo;s versatility is how seamless he looks in every part of the pick-and-roll action. He can be the handler, leveraging his size to see over defenses and make advanced reads. He can be the roller, catching in the short pocket and turning it into downhill pressure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s rare to find a forward who can fluidly shift roles based on personnel and matchups &ndash; rarer still for that forward to be 22 years old and just scratching the surface.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Atlanta&rsquo;s spacing tightens, Johnson becomes the playmaking valve. When possessions stall, he becomes the initiator. When the Hawks need someone to create something out of nothing, they turn to him. And lately, he has delivered to mark one of the best, if not the best, stretches of his young NBA career.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Trae Young, the Hawks&rsquo; offense could have cratered. But Johnson&rsquo;s play has provided a structure, a rhythm, and an identity they desperately needed. His triple-doubles were reflections of a player filling every gap the team had, while lifting them toward competitive relevance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His versatility has allowed the Hawks to maintain pace in the East during a stretch where many expected them to slide. He&rsquo;s become the heartbeat of the team: energetic, unselfish, relentless, and increasingly reliable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This leap by Johnson is one built on improved skill, stronger decision-making, and a growing belief from the organization that he&rsquo;s ready for more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Atlanta entered the season with questions about its long-term direction. But amid the uncertainty, Johnson has emerged as one of the clearest answers. His development brings stability, his playmaking brings structure, and more importantly, his confidence brings hope.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He&rsquo;s the Hawks&rsquo; future, and right now, he&rsquo;s also their present.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA is often defined by players who make &ldquo;the leap,&rdquo; but those leaps don&rsquo;t always look the same. Johnson&rsquo;s leap isn&rsquo;t defined by scoring explosions or spotlight moments &ndash; it&rsquo;s currently defined by completeness. The ability to do everything, affect everything, and help the Hawks survive one of their toughest stretches of the season.</span></p>

Jalen Johnson is powering the Atlanta Hawks through Trae Young’s absence with back-to-back triple-doubles and a breakout season.

Jalen Johnson’s star breakout season is keeping Atlanta alive in the East

<div dir="auto">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>Angel Reese: I post pictures of myself in a bathing suit but, multiple times people have made AI pictures of me naked. My family members are sending it to me, uncles are like, &lsquo;Are you naked on Instagram ? It sucks to see that and it&rsquo;s really hard that I have to go through that</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Interviewer: So when you were talking about being sexualized, a lot of people we like, &lsquo;Well, she asked for it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHRqOnDVui/?igsh=ZHUzNHA1NzFxM3Mz">Angel Reese: I don&rsquo;t get what that means. I&rsquo;m a beautiful woman. I&rsquo;ve been posting pictures in my bikini. I have a wonderful body and I work hard for it. And if I want to post a picture in my bikini I should be able to without being sexualized.&nbsp;</a></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHRqOnDVui/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHRqOnDVui/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Adrian Ewings (@aj.ewings)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>I reposted this video clip along with commentary from Adrian Ewing and was surprised to see some of the comments in my comment section&nbsp;</div>
<div><br />
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-2_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Seeing grown men justify why Angel Reese somehow deserves to be sexualized is depressing to see. But it wasn&rsquo;t just these cats in my comment section, people in the media like Jason Whitlock (who never misses an opportunity to bash Black People for his MAGA audience) and David Portnoy, founder of barstool, doubled down on his hatred for Angel Reese.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>I showed these my daughters volleyball carpool and this is what they had to say,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<div>Imani&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>&ldquo;Who said anything about Onlyfans ? Why would he jump to that ? She just did something that no other athlete has done before. Why do they care so much about her ? Why does it matter so much to them ? She is just living her life. So they don&rsquo;t want her (or any other WNBA player) so they chastise them for their Pay Us What You Owe us stance, but then they don&rsquo;t want them to earn money through any marketing opportunities or any other way either ? She comes out with her own shoes they mad. She breaks record on the court they mad. She says she doesn&rsquo;t want to talk to the media they mad. She criticizes her organization they mad. Why don&rsquo;t they both mind their business and let her live her life&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<div>Baby Sierra&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So where are all the men standing up for her ? I saw Shaq said something one time awhile ago but that&rsquo;s it ? Just you and Shaq ? Nobody else says anything ? Well I&rsquo;m glad you said something. Thank you for standing up for us&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Addy</div>
<div>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really weird that they are so focused on her. &nbsp;Don&rsquo;t they have any other topics to talk about ? Why are they so fixated and infatuated with her ? Do they focus this much on any other WNBA player not named Caitlin Clark ? It&rsquo;s just weird how much they are locked in on Angel Reese&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>All valid points made by the Carpool&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>To David Portnoy I ask:&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>What could this 23 year old young woman possibly have done to make you this upset with her ? So much so that you say you &ldquo;hate&rdquo; her ? You can&rsquo;t be still bent out of shape because she beat yall great white hope Caitlin Clark back in college so what is it ? Is it just a natural jealous and hatred of Black Women not needing your approval or consent to live their lives ? Or the fact that she has brilliantly taken the Caitlin Clark Mob&rsquo;s hatred toward her and transformed it into 7 figure earnings for herself and her brand ?&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Angel Reese just made history as the first professional athlete ever to walk at the Victoria Secret&rsquo;s Fashion Show. That means no other athlete in the history of athletes has ever done this before and as Rep Jasmine Crockett said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;The only people that are crying are the mediocre white boys that have been beaten out by people that historically have had to work so much harder,&rdquo;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">
<div>Unfortunately, it&rsquo;s not just mediocre white boys who are doing the bashing. Almost all of the comments I showed earlier from my Instagram comments section were by Black Men. Not just people like Jason Whitlock whose schtick is bashing the Black Community so he can continue to get pats on the top of his head from a MAGA audience that can then point to him and say,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;See I&rsquo;m not racist, here&rsquo;s a Black Man saying this&rdquo; But regular everyday Black Men who actually justified Angel another Black Woman being sexualized.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">A few days ago, Angel Reese responded to a viral post that put her side-by-side with Sid. She called the comparison rude and completely out of line.&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-11_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" role="textbox" aria-label="Message Body">
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">People keep asking me why I post about Angel Reese so much ? Well, I&rsquo;ll tell you why. Ever since she beat Caitlin Clark in college, there has been an onslaught of criticism hurled her way. She became the villain. Public enemy number one (to a certain specific demographic) And as a Black Man, whenever I see what sometimes seems like the entire basketball world bashing a young Black Woman, I&rsquo;m suppose to come to her defense.&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">People don&rsquo;t understand that young Black Girls see the criticism that Angel Reese receives and understand how it is a microcosm of life. This is how they are treated in their schools and how they will be treated as they grow up in this society. They will be judged more heavily, and criticized more heavily, and a higher expectation and standard will be placed on them than their white counterparts&nbsp;ie Stephen A. Smith ridiculing Rep Jasmine Crockett but having no issues with Trump&rsquo;s presentation.&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">So when my daughters and her teammate in our carpool tell me, &ldquo;Thank you for standing up for us&rdquo; I know, I&rsquo;m doing what I&rsquo;m supposed to be doing.&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>&ldquo;The most disrespected person in America is the Black Woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman."</div>
<div><span style="color: #020518; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;~Malcolm X</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #020518; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/7-etan-thomas-13_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></span></div>
</div>
</div>

Angel Reese Doesn’t “Deserve” To Be Sexualized. No Woman Does.

Angel Reese Doesn’t “Deserve” To Be Sexualized. No Woman Does

The Chicago Sky don’t deserve Angel Reese. Read more why:

The Chicago Sky as an organization do not deserve Angel Reese

<p>Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. She has spent the majority of the season injured and going through a tumultuous rehab process coupled with failed attempts to return. She hasn't played since July 15 .&nbsp;</p>
<p>Clark, the 2024 No. 1 pick, had been limited to 13 games this season when she suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever's win over the Connecticut Sun.</p>
<p>Caitlin Clark announced on social media&nbsp;Thursday night&hellip;</p>
<p>"I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season," Clark posted. "I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn't a big enough word to describe how I am feeling."</p>
<p>&ldquo;This has been incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important perspective. I am so proud of how this team has only gotten stronger through adversity this year. Now it&rsquo;s time to close out the season and claim our spot in the playoffs.&rdquo;</p>
<p>This brought a swift reaction from many of the Caitlin Clark mob.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-2_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-7_690w.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Here are the facts that not surprisingly, only actual WNBA fans will acknowledge, it would&rsquo;ve been very foolish for Caitlin Clark to risk further injury. In fact, if the Indiana Fever elected to treat Caitlin Clark with the same level of medical malpractice that the Indiana Pacers did with Tyrese Haliburton, and she came back and played and injured herself worst like Tyrese Haliburton did, and would have to miss the entire season next year like Tyrese Haliburton will, that would&rsquo;ve been even more of a catastrophe&hellip;&hellip;as it is for Tyrese Haliburton.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-8_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Of course CC wants to play, just as Tyrese Haliburton wanted to play in the NBA finals but it&rsquo;s not up to them. Any player is going to want to play that&rsquo;s the way Athletes are wired no matter what age or level. If you ask a middle school basketball player if they wanted to try a play in a big game even though they&rsquo;re injured nine times out of 10 they&rsquo;re going to say yes. It&rsquo;s ingrained in athletes to throw caution to the side, and sacrifice your body and health for the good of the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the walls of many high school weight rooms, coaches love to put quotes like,</p>
<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;Pain Is Weakness Leaving Your Body&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Or&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Pain You Feel Today Will Be The Strength You Feel Tomorrow&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Or&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;You Either Quit Or You Keep Going. They Both Hurt&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Or&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;That which does not kill us will only make us stronger&rdquo;</p>
<p>(Attributed to 2Pac or Nietzche whichever will drive home the gladiator, ignore your body and sacrifice for the team message)&nbsp;</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s such a ridiculous argument that people make when they say Tyrese Haliburton said he wanted to play or RG III said he wanted to play or Jayson Tatum or Kevin Durant said he wanted to play. Of course they are going to want to play. That&rsquo;s what athletes have been programmed to do.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But in every case, the medical team should have never cleared any of them to play. They are the doctors, the trainers, the medical professionals and they didn&rsquo;t do their job and they should all be held accountable just as when any profession doesn&rsquo;t do their job and catastrophe happens because of their negligence.</p>
<p>If someone goes to a doctor, and tells the doctor that they don&rsquo;t like taking medicine, and the doctor signs off on them not taking the medicine, and the person dies as a result of it, would it be ok because the patient said they didn&rsquo;t like taking medicine ? No. It&rsquo;s the doctor&rsquo;s job to give their medical, professional, diagnosis and recommendation, what they went to years of medical school and are being paid to do. Only in sports do people say, &ldquo;The athlete wanted to play&rdquo; &nbsp;It&rsquo;s your job to say, &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter what you want, you are not cleared to play&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>When Caitlin Clark came back in July and played in that game against the Connitcuit Sun, and re injured herself, it appeared as though they were trying to get her back for the big game against the NY Liberty, and you had all star wknd coming up, and they had the TV ratings to be concerned about. But she didn&rsquo;t look right even before she re injured herself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But real Caitlin Clark fans should be relieved that the Fever &nbsp;aren&rsquo;t risking her long term health for a short sighted goal of the current playoff position. Especially when even if they did somehow squeak into the playoffs would be facing one of the best if not the best teams in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx and, let&rsquo;s be honest&hellip;&hellip;their chances of making it past them are slim to none. Maybe even less than that&nbsp;</p>
<p>Caitlin Clark fans should breathe a sigh of relief that the Indiana Fever aren&rsquo;t electing to treat their franchise player as dispensable. We have seen that script before with RG3 and it ruined his entire career.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/5-etan-thomas-9_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>However, the Caitlin Clark mob doesn&rsquo;t care about her actual health or about her as a person. If they did they would&rsquo;ve listened to her multiple pleas with them to not use her to promote racism, hate, or bigotry. But just like her health, her opinion doesn&rsquo;t matter to them. Their only concern and desire is to be able to weaponize her as the symbol of white grievance, white supremacy, the great white hope, as the white damsel in distress who needs protection from all of the Black WNBA players who want to harm her because they hate her so much and are jealous of her. Now, they can&rsquo;t run with any of those narratives anymore. At least not until next season.&nbsp;</p>
<div>And for media people like Dick Vitale, Christine Brennan, Frank Isola, and Jason Whitlock, there&nbsp;will be no fouls to inflate into morality plays or on-court moments to twist into evidence of persecution, so they will have to find new narratives to promote&hellip;..</div>
<div>Or they will completely ignore a sure to be exciting WNBA playoffs with multitudes of ultra talented players altogether. Pay close attention to which one they choose.</div>

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season.

The Caitlin Clark mob is upset they can no longer weaponize her this season

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The stage is set for one of international basketball&rsquo;s premier events. The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tips off today, and a long list of NBA players will be trading their club jerseys for their national colors for this summer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year&rsquo;s competition features a loaded field of European stars, including MVPs, All-Stars, and young prospects eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. From Nikola Jokic anchoring Serbia to Giannis Antetokounmpo powering Greece and Luka Doncic leading Slovenia, some of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest names will headline what promises to be a thrilling tournament.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of the NBA talent set to suit up for EuroBasket 2025, followed by a guide on everything you need to know about the competition.</span></p>
<h2><strong>NBA players on EuroBasket rosters</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Czechia &ndash; Vit Krejci (Hawks)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Krejci gives Czechia size and versatility in the backcourt and frontcourt positions. While not a high-usage player in the NBA, he&rsquo;s expected to play a larger role as a two-way player for his national team.</span></p>
<p><strong>Latvia &ndash; Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Porzingis remains the cornerstone for Latvia. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man will be critical in a team that thrives on perimeter shooting.</span></p>
<p><strong>Portugal &ndash; Neemias Queta (Celtics)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Queta will carry the banner for Portugal as their first true NBA-level player. His rim protection and rebounding presence as well as his inside scoring make him central to Portugal&rsquo;s chances of competing in a tough field.</span></p>
<p><strong>Serbia &ndash; Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Clippers), Nikola Jovic (Heat), Tristan Vukcevic (Wizards)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Serbia looks like a powerhouse. Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, is the ultimate centerpiece who can dominate games with scoring, passing, and rebounding. Bogdanovic adds elite shooting and experience, while Jovic and Vukcevic provide youth and depth to keep Serbia dangerous across all positions.</span></p>
<p><strong>Turkey &ndash; Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Adem Bona (76ers)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sengun, one of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest young centers, will be Turkey&rsquo;s go-to option on offense. Bona, fresh off his rookie NBA campaign, brings athleticism and defensive intensity in the paint.</span></p>
<p><strong>Finland &ndash; Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Markkanen is Finland&rsquo;s unquestioned leader and most reliable scorer. After an All-Star leap in the NBA, he&rsquo;ll be expected to carry the Finnish offense against the continent&rsquo;s top teams.</span></p>
<p><strong>Germany &ndash; Dennis Schroder (Kings), Franz Wagner (Magic), Tristan da Silva (Magic)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The reigning World Cup champions return with Schroder orchestrating the offense and Wagner providing wing scoring and star power. Da Silva, fresh from his rookie year, adds another versatile forward to the mix for Germany.</span></p>
<p><strong>Lithuania &ndash; Jonas Valanciunas (Nuggets)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Valanciunas anchors Lithuania&rsquo;s traditional inside-out game. His physicality and rebounding remain vital, particularly against Europe&rsquo;s other elite big men.</span></p>
<p><strong>Montenegro &ndash; Nikola Vucevic (Bulls)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vucevic is Montenegro&rsquo;s main offensive hub. His inside-out skill set gives them a consistent scoring option in a balanced lineup.</span></p>
<p><strong>Sweden &ndash; Pelle Larsson (Heat)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Larsson, fresh off his rookie season in the NBA, offers Sweden perimeter shooting and length on the wing. He&rsquo;ll have to play above his experience level to make a real impact.</span></p>
<p><strong>Bosnia and Herzegovina &ndash; Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nurkic provides size, toughness, and leadership. His interior presence will be Bosnia&rsquo;s best weapon against stronger rosters.</span></p>
<p><strong>Georgia &ndash; Goga Bitadze (Magic), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Raptors)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Georgia has two NBA frontcourt players in Bitadze and Mamukelashvili. Both bring size, energy, and interior defense, giving Georgia a physical edge.</span></p>
<p><strong>Greece &ndash; Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The two-time NBA MVP returns as Greece&rsquo;s undisputed leader. Giannis&rsquo; all-around dominance makes Greece a perennial threat when he&rsquo;s on the floor.</span></p>
<p><strong>Italy &ndash; Simone Fontecchio (Heat)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fontecchio, a reliable floor spacer and shooter, will take on a heavy scoring load for Italy.</span></p>
<p><strong>Spain &ndash; Santi Aldama (Grizzlies)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aldama&rsquo;s versatility fits perfectly into Spain&rsquo;s balanced style of play. He can stretch defenses with his shooting while also rebounding effectively.</span></p>
<p><strong>France &ndash; Guerschon Yabusele (Knicks), Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Wizards)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">France boasts one of the deepest NBA contingents. Yabusele provides veteran stability, while Coulibaly, Risacher, and Sarr bring an injection of youth and athleticism. This blend of talent makes France a legitimate title contender.</span></p>
<p><strong>Israel &ndash; Deni Avdija (Blazers)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Avdija has steadily improved as a two-way forward in the NBA, and he&rsquo;ll now be Israel&rsquo;s top playmaker and scorer.</span></p>
<p><strong>Slovenia &ndash; Luka Doncic (Lakers)</strong><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Doncic headlines Slovenia as one of the most electrifying players in the world. He&rsquo;s capable of single-handedly carrying his country deep into the tournament, just as he has in previous years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These eighteen NBA franchises will see their players in action. The Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards lead the way with three representatives each. The Nuggets, Jazz, and the Wizards have multiple players in the field, while even smaller-market teams like the Raptors and Trail Blazers will be represented.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Everything you need to know about EuroBasket 2025</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><strong>2025 FIBA EuroBasket</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will feature 24 teams split into </span><strong>four groups of six</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Each group will play a </span><strong>single round-robin</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with the </span><strong>top four teams</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> advancing to the knockout stages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The knockout phase includes the </span><strong>Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, a Third-Place Game, and the Final</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, ensuring plenty of high-stakes basketball.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond continental bragging rights, EuroBasket also serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and global rankings. The competition has long been a proving ground where NBA players elevate their national teams while rising European prospects showcase their skills on a world stage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With superstars like Jokic, Giannis, and Doncic leading the way, and promising youngsters like Risacher, Sarr, and Jovic making their mark, EuroBasket 2025 has the talent and storylines to deliver one of the most memorable editions in recent history.</span></p>

The stage is set for one of international basketball’s premier events. The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tips off today

NBA players set for action at 2025 FIBA EuroBasket

<div dir="ltr">An Open Letter To RG3</div>
<div dir="ltr">&nbsp;</div>
<div dir="ltr">Dear RG3,
<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>My son Malcolm was one of the biggest RG3 fans growing up.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div>
<div>In 2011, The Washington Commanders had an open scrimmage for fans and the community. I took my son there and we watched the entire practice from start to finish including stretching, warm ups, everything. So afterwards, we were standing on the side and you walked by Malcolm and said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Hey you got braids like me&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>And Malcolm replied,</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;No, I have dreadlocks&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>And you laughed, and Malcolm asked if he could take a picture with you and from that day on, he was the biggest RG3 fan on earth. So that meant so was I.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>We went to the games, sat out in the stadium in the freezing cold, bought the RG3 jerseys, bought him an RG3 poster with you pointing up to the heavens and me and my wife used it to illustrate that athletes like you and Steph Curry in particular always give thanks and praise to Jesus Christ for everything they accomplish whether it was a touchdown (RG3) or 3 pointer (Steph Curry).</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Young Malcolm received the message and put the poster on his bedroom door. He would tap it every day as he walked by. We were full blown RG3 fans as a family. He even dragged his little sister Imani to the games.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div>
<div>I remember that infamous game in the 2012-2013 NFL Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks where you re-aggravated your knee injury during the game and ultimately tore your ACL and LCL. I remember watching my son asking over and over the entire game from the first snap why you were even playing. He kept saying,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;If RG3 is hurt and playing, couldn&rsquo;t he get hurt more ?&rdquo;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>He was literally yelling,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>"Look at his face daddy, he is in pain why is he still playing if he is in that much pain?"</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>When you went down, the look on Malcolm&rsquo;s face is something I will never forget. It was sheer horror followed by anger. I remember he couldn&rsquo;t even sleep that night he was so upset.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/robert-griffin-iii-an-open-letter/2013/01/07/5e4da812-58fd-11e2-beee-6e38f5215402_blog.html">The next day I wrote an article for The Washington Post mainly to convey Malcolm&rsquo;s frustration over the entire situation as we both felt that you should&rsquo;ve never been cleared to play and the medical staff, the coaches, and the entire organization failed you.&nbsp;</a></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Even now, whenever I am discussing the topic of a team neglecting a player&rsquo;s safety and well being by playing them injured and risking their health for &ldquo;The Big Game&rdquo; I use you as an example. It is a cautionary tale for athletes that should be repeated which I did recently in my article titled, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-indiana-pacers-rg3d-tyrese-haliburton?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLfDdtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmNyk6lZSSvwHjakPrXhs6dC9sgeHiJSuaRNTmALm5an_9ymtdg4Px4VUq94_aem_q_a1E4M2rtFYSDjf4ZGzWw">&ldquo;The Indiana Pacers RG3&rsquo;d Tyrese Haliburton&rdquo;&nbsp;</a></div>
<div>
<p>We as a family always supported you. I even did a few Fatherhood Panels with your father at different churches in the DMV including my church First Baptist Church Of Glenarden, Reid Temple, and we went to Wise High School. My daughter became friends with your niece. My wife hugs your mother every time she would see her in church. We loved your entire family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So now, years later I have to ask you, what happened to you since retiring and going into the media ?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let me say this, you are incredibly talented behind the mic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I don&rsquo;t have to agree with all of your perspectives and takes to be able to acknowledge that. You have the gift of gab, a big personality on screen, and I am happy you found something you are passionate about especially as I feel and will always stand on the fact that your career was unfairly taken from you by the Washington Commanders coach, medical staff and everyone else who still to this day failed to take responsibility for playing you and in essence ruining your entire career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But somewhere something changed. You morphed into someone I would have never expected.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By now everyone has seen what transpired with you and your comments regarding a racist disgusting tweet aimed at Angel Reese.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Quick recap, for those who are not aware, Angel Reese was named one of 3 athletes who will grace the NBA 2K26 cover and in response to that news, a now viral tweet replaced her face with that of an ape. So you responded with a tweet condemning the racist depiction and declared that racism has no place in society and can&rsquo;t we all just get along. The tweet was going just fine, but then it took a turn and you brought back up your notion that according to your anonymous sources Angel Reese does in fact hate Caitlin Clark so you was right along. And that&rsquo;s where you lost me.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>You couldn't just say it was racism, terrible and disgusting and leave it at that? Why would you feel the need to continue this narrative about Angel Reese hating Caitlin Clark ? Why even bring that up? Whether intentional or unintentional, you are fanning the flames for the Caitlin Clark white grievance mob.&nbsp;</p>
<div>You may not be aware of this but let me explain what you are doing again whether intentionally or not.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The Angel Reese is jealous of Caitlin Clark narrative you continue to parrot has been implemented for a reason. This entire situation has been manufactured ever since Angel Reese beat Caitlin Clark (The Great White Hope) in college. There is historical context to this.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Back in 1910, Boxer Jack Johnson beat James Jeffries (The Great White Hope of the time) this fight was marketed and widely viewed as a &ldquo;referendum on white superiority&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>The hate and anger was instant as his victory ignited&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://timeline.com/when-a-black-fighter-won-the-fight-of-the-century-race-riots-erupted-across-america-3730b8bf9c98" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://timeline.com/when-a-black-fighter-won-the-fight-of-the-century-race-riots-erupted-across-america-3730b8bf9c98&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1752743372198000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BLD6dkizo_qfoiccJB3jZ">bloody confrontations and violence</a>&nbsp; all throughout the country actually leaving two dozen people dead, almost all of them Black and hundreds injured and arrested. And that&rsquo;s when Jack Johnson became hated by the white masses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://theconversation.com/when-a-black-boxing-champion-beat-the-great-white-hope-all-hell-broke-loose-163413" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://theconversation.com/when-a-black-boxing-champion-beat-the-great-white-hope-all-hell-broke-loose-163413&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1752743372198000&amp;usg=AOvVaw39vP21OkVB_BH6KU_53lal">https://theconversation.com/<wbr />when-a-black-boxing-champion-<wbr />beat-the-great-white-hope-all-<wbr />hell-broke-loose-163413</a></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Fast forward to 2023, when a new Great White Hope arises (Caitlin Clark) and is defeated by Angel Reese but not only did she beat her, she told her about it along the way accompanied with the hand gesture in her face, and taunts (which Caitlin Clark did first accompanied with trash talking and taunts of her own that nobody had an issue with but I digress)&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Well, this isn&rsquo;t the 1910s so the Caitlin Clark mobs couldn&rsquo;t respond the way the James Jeffries mob did, but they could take their hate, anger, vitriol, racism, etc etc online, which they did all directed toward Angel Reese. She didn&rsquo;t just become a villain, as she told reporters she had been actually receiving death threats online for over a year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/loss-iowa-lsu-angel-reese-death-threats-rcna146023" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/loss-iowa-lsu-angel-reese-death-threats-rcna146023&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1752743372198000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3AAvUloVRuhTsBBuhBsniM">https://www.nbcnews.com/news/<wbr />nbcblk/loss-iowa-lsu-angel-<wbr />reese-death-threats-rcna146023</a><wbr />&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So, now back to you pushing this&nbsp;</div>
<div>Angel Reese is jealous of Caitlin Clark narrative. Do you realize exactly whose narrative you are promoting ? I don&rsquo;t see how you couldn&rsquo;t. You see your comment sections every time &nbsp;you disparage, demonize, and discredit Angel Reese. You even mocked her with your wife sitting in the background drinking tea like the movie &ldquo;Get Out&rdquo; or something.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Maybe you&rsquo;re not aware of this but this entire situation is now being weaponized by a certain demographic of Caitlin Clark fans. She is now being used as a symbol of white grievance which directly correlates to the MAGA narrative that the whole country is out to get the &ldquo;good christian white folks&rdquo;.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Despite the fact that Caitlin Clark has repeatedly asked not to be weaponized as a symbol of racism and bigotry, this has become much bigger than Caitlin Clark so it really doesn&rsquo;t matter what she requests.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The narrative is to protect the white damsel in distress in correlation to historically how even the thought of a &ldquo;white delicate flower&rdquo; being harmed or in danger or disrespected or whistled at would result in a vicious white mob attacking, lynching, mutilating, and murdering the suspected perpetrator.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>That&rsquo;s why the narrative that the entire WNBA are intentionally fouling her or viewing her with Latonya Harding eyes skating past Nancy Kerrigan, is not only inaccurate but also promotes this same dangerous mentality.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2024-09-23-jason-whitlock-says-dijonai-carrington-assaulted-caitlin-clark-in-attack/">Media members like Jason Whitlock purposely used the words &ldquo;assault&rdquo; and &ldquo;attack&rdquo; and &ldquo;stab in the eye&rdquo; when discussing a foul by Dijonai Carrington.</a></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/basketball/wnba/fever/2024/09/24/caitlin-clark-says-dijonai-carrington-eye-poke-wasnt-intentional-wnba-playoffs-indiana-fever-sun/75365622007/">All of the intentionally stoked outrage prompted Caitlin Clark to publicly denounce the narrative and state, &ldquo;the foul was unintentional."</a></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>And then and only then did people like Jason Whitlock back away from the narrative. But that&rsquo;s exactly what you are doing. You are pushing a very dangerous narrative.&nbsp;</div>
<p><a href="https://x.com/torreysmithwr/status/1943333887163158840?s=46&amp;t=FiXBDRUe_KpN8Ix5Vb08vg">Former Baltimore Ravens Torrey Smith was 100% spot on when he tweeted:</a></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="https://x.com/realrclark25/status/1943702842818052426?s=46&amp;t=FiXBDRUe_KpN8Ix5Vb08vg">Ryan Clark was also spot on when he tweeted:</a></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Here is my sincere honest question to you. Are you attempting to follow the breadcrumbs left by people like Jason Whitlock ? Meaning someone who purposely takes on certain positions and perspectives that you know will be applauded amongst a certain demographic?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Coincidentally, this is a meme that I saw floating around social media of you. I put it next to a meme that has been floating around social media of Jason Whitlock for sometime now and you are better than this !!! I know you are, but this is exactly what you are morphing into, and it hurts my heart to see.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-7_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Comedian Goddfrey was spot on how he described your spat with Ryan Clark a few months ago when he said,&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Every time you publicly dog a Black Woman, you&rsquo;re dogging your mother, your grandmother, your aunties.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>I don&rsquo;t know if you heard his message to you but please listen to his entire video. He agreed with you that children and family should be left out of the conversation which Ryan Clark also acknowledged and apologized to you for. But that aside, their points still stand.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ8EbTdJwlc/?igsh=N2g0eHBpcmJmczJp">https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ8EbTdJwlc/?igsh=N2g0eHBpcmJmczJp</a></p>
<p>Let me paint a another illustration.</p>
<p>Savion Glover&rsquo;s character Manray in the Spike Lee Classic Bamboozled.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Remember at the end when he was looking in the mirror as he was about to put on the Black Face and his conscious started to attack his soul and he just couldn&rsquo;t do it anymore. He couldn&rsquo;t participate in their minstrel show so he came on stage without the Black Face ? My hope and prayer for you is that you eventually get to the place where you simply can&rsquo;t do it anymore and you wipe the Black Face off, and come on to the stage as Robert Griffin III.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/4-etan-thomas-9_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Dear RG3: Please Don’t Turn Into Jason Whitlock

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has officially unveiled the groups for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, its in-season tournament spanning all 30 teams. Group stage play will run from October 31 to November 28, with knockout rounds &ndash; including quarterfinals, semifinals (December 13), and the championship (December 16) &ndash; scheduled in Las Vegas.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Western Conference Groups</span></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eastern Conference Groups</span></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Group C: New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each team will play four group games &ndash; two home, two away &ndash; on &ldquo;Cup Nights.&rdquo; The six group winners plus one wild-card per conference (top second-place team) advance to the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Takeaways</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Star-heavy Group C in the West promises high-stakes matchups and early tests for contenders like Houston, Denver, and Golden State.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eastern intrigue lies in Group A, where Cleveland and Indiana&rsquo;s clash may set an early tone for the East.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prime Video broadcasting expands the Cup's reach, spotlighting the tournament&rsquo;s peak during December&rsquo;s Vegas knockout stages.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Emirates NBA Cup offers midseason intensity, rewarding early cohesion and depth. With fierce competition and championship aspirations on the line, group dynamics will test contenders early and provide compelling basketball through the end of the year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Full group breakdown sets the stage for a high-impact tournament &ndash; expect fierce battles starting October 31.</span></p>
<p><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-weight: 400;" /></p>

The NBA has officially unveiled the groups for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, its in-season tournament spanning all 30 teams.

2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Group stage draw revealed

<div>The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain and that blunder resulted in a torn Achilles tendon. While understandable given the gravity of the situation, that decision proved to be very costly for not only the organization as a whole but more importantly to Tyrese Haliburton as it was just announced that he would miss the entire 2025/2026 season due to a torn achilles.&nbsp;</div>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<div>In contrast, this past summer, my daughter Imani Thomas class of 2026 was faced with a very difficult decision to play through an injury at Nationals and risk further more severe injury.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Here&rsquo;s the story: &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Imani had played through shin splints for the entire travel season with her team Maryland Juniors. These shin splints actually developed during her junior year high school season with Bishop McNamara, but she is a soldier and she pushed through like all athletes do.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>However, toward the end of her travel season, the shin splints continued to get worse. She did constant treatment and even started over compensating to protect her shin splints until one practice she could barely move. The assistant coach (Coach Ashley Williams) came up to me and said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Imani is a beast, and she is not going to stop playing no matter what I tell her. But you need to get this checked out because it&rsquo;s visibly getting worse&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So me and my wife Nichole took her to get X Rays and a MRI and it was discovered that her shin splints had turned into a stress fracture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>She was devastated. Nationals were coming up and like any athlete she contemplated just sucking it up and playing through the pain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The doctor was honest with us. He explained to us that if Imani was playing soccer, he would definitely not clear her to play because the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was relatively high. If she played football or rugby or any contact sport, he would also not clear her. But she plays volleyball, and the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was very low.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>However, if she landed wrong, the impact could be just as severe as if she got kicked. Then he asked how her mechanics were and I told him that she had been over compensating for quite some time. She&rsquo;s been pushing through and getting a lot of treatment but she has been in pain for a long time. And the doctor said honestly, it&rsquo;s a decision you have to make for her. She is going to want to risk it all and play. That&rsquo;s how athletes are.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So we talked to Imani, explained the risks, and together we came to the decision that it would be best to sit out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>And it was a very difficult process for her as it would be for any athlete but long term over short term was what was important.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Now, back to Tyrese Haliburton.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<div>NBA fans across the world witnessed what would have been a story of triumph. One for the archives of NBA history. The storyline would&rsquo;ve been.... Facing elimination in the NBA playoffs in a pivotal Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton battles through injury with superhuman perseverance and in heroic fashion to save the Pacers and propel them into victory solidifying this as one of the greatest finals performances in the history of the NBA. They probably would&rsquo;ve had a picture of Haliburton with a Superman emblem on his chest and a cape under his Warriors uniform. Would&rsquo;ve had his dad holding the same Pacers towel he waved in front of Giannis next to his son with the trophy. Would&rsquo;ve been a sportswriters dream as so many angles could&rsquo;ve been covered and explored.</div>
<div>
<p>People love stories of heroics. Isiah Thomas hobbling around on one foot in game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers and scoring 25 points in the 3rd quarter. Or Willis Reed walking out of the tunnel for the New York Knicks on his bum ankle in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals. Everything was set up for Haliburton to be added to that list.</p>
<p>High school, college and professional coaches across the country were just salivating to be able to use this as an example to their players to enforce the philosophy that &ldquo;pain is weakness leaving your body&rdquo;. They would&rsquo;ve used Haliburton as an example to young athletes that the game (not your health) is what matters most. And a real &ldquo;team player&rdquo; would sacrifice a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; for their team.</p>
<p>I have seen this all before. During my tenure with the Washington Wizards, I witnessed team trainer Eric Waters misdiagnose player after player because what was best for the Wizards organization was for that player to play.</p>
<p>I saw Richard Hamilton go off on the entire training staff after he learned that&nbsp;he had been playing through a torn groin, only disclosed to him after the team was out of playoff contention. He had been complaining about his groin for weeks and the trainers were giving him treatment two and three times a day all the while knowing his groin was torn, but they wanted to push for the playoffs so they didn&rsquo;t tell him.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I saw them tell Jarvis Hayes that he simply had a case of &ldquo;tendinitis&rdquo; in his knee and had him playing through the pain. Turned out he had a broken knee cap and ruined his entire career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I saw them tell Kwame Brown that he was just experiencing a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; in his leg and that he needed to play through the pain to show everyone that he was worthy of being the number 1 pick. Turned out later, he actually had a torn hamstring.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I saw Eric Waters tell Deshawn Stevenson there was nothing seriously wrong with his back and had him getting ice and stem and playing through the pain. After the season, upon further review by an outside doctor it was discovered that he actually had an Inflamed L5 Nerve that was stuck underneath a disc that required not one but two back surgeries to repair.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My point in saying all of this is not to simply blast Eric Waters, I am showing that this happens all the time in professional sports. With team doctors and trainers, there is a conflict of interest and the sworn medical oath becomes blurred and effects their diagnoses. They are hired by the teams and are in essence employees of the organization not employees of the players. So they don&rsquo;t have the players best interest in mind, typically, they only have the organization&rsquo;s.</p>
<p>The Indiana Pacers medical staff basically RG3&rsquo;d Haliburton. They &ldquo;Any Given Sunday&rsquo;d&rdquo; him. They Eric Waters&rsquo;d him.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing period.</p>
<p>The risks outweighed the rewards. Even from a team standpoint. This is your franchise player. This is a player who has the capability of single handedly turning an entire NBA championship finals series around. This is a player that you should&rsquo;ve done everything in your power to convey to him how important he is long term for them and how much they value his health and are looking out for his best interest etc etc. However, what they showed was the exact opposite.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It doesn&rsquo;t matter if Haliburton insisted on playing in Game 7, just like it didn&rsquo;t matter if Imani insisted on playing in Nationals.&nbsp;Sometimes, when it comes to their health, athletes need people to make the decision for them. That&rsquo;s our job as parents and we did that. That was also the job of the Pacers medical team, and they did not have the medical integrity to do that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Imani had her boot off now and is starting rehab and will be back full strength in a few weeks. Haliburton&rsquo;s calf strain turned into a ruptured Achilles and he will have to sit out the entire 2025/2026 season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In explaining the difference in how me and my wife Nichole handled her injury vs how the Pacers medical staff handled his, I started singing, &ldquo;They Not Like Us&rdquo; A Dad joke that fell flat with Imani but I don&rsquo;t care it was a good joke.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But in all seriousness, I hope all young players see this and learn that no matter what the circumstances or how big the game is, your health always comes first, and you ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion from your own doctors that have nothing to do with the organization like Kawhi Leonard did in San Antonio his last season there.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let me refresh everyone&rsquo;s memory.</p>
<p>Everyone with a microphone dogged Kawhi that season. Skip Bayless was still going on his hateful rants and baseless criticisms of Kawhi even after the Raptors beat the 76ers in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Skip Bayless tweeted out</p>
<p>&ldquo;Well, I guess it worked for No. 2 to quit on the Spurs last season complaining of what Spurs doctors decided was no more than a thigh bruise. He wound up in the East, playing against a hobbled, sick Embiid and an overrated Giannis. "Crime" pays.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Kawhi delt with Coach Popovich taking shots at him, his teammates taking shots at him, the team questioning his injury because their &ldquo;team doctors&rdquo; said he was fine. But he got a 2nd opinion and was told otherwise and did what was in his best interest. Danny Green was reportedly playing through a torn groin after being misdiagnosed by the same team doctors that misdiagnosed Kawhi.</p>
<p>And the Spurs are one of the most respected organizations in the NBA with one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. But, the bottom line is, any organization will throw you out there in a heartbeat injured if they feel it is best for the organization. They will publicly criticize you if you don&rsquo;t play and if you play and re-injure yourself worst or just don&rsquo;t play up to their expectations (as if they don&rsquo;t know your playing injured) they will get rid of you in a New York minute just like The Washington Commanders did RG3 and just like the Washington Wizards did with Jarvis Hayes.</p>
<p>I remember watching Grant Hill. He was about to literally take over the league.</p>
<p>People were calling him out for not playing hurt. Said he was soft, overrated etc etc just like they were saying about Haliburton before he shut them all up this playoff series.</p>
<p>The Orlando medical staff derailed Grant&rsquo;s entire career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Another example is the young Isiah Thomas. He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing in Boston in the playoffs but he played, ended up hurting himself more, ended up needing surgery, cost himself 100 million dollars came back and played after losing his sister and they traded him that summer because they knew about his injury and knew that he needed surgery.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-8_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Kyrie Irving goes and gets a 2nd opinion and they say you need surgery, the Celtics doctors didn&rsquo;t tell him he needed surgery, so he had his surgery and came back the next year strong. There is a reoccurring theme here.</p>
<p>I immediately called my son Malcolm who is working hard at The University Of Dayton right now as I write this article I hope he learned the lesson in what just happened to Haliburton. Told my daughter Baby Sierra and Imani the entire way to school yesterday, like literally the whole entire way I was going on an endless rant.</p>
<p>Told them stories of Eric Waters and Ernie Grunfeld trying to get me to take a cortisone shot in my pubic bone and go out an play when I was suffering an abdominal strain that kept me sidelined for an extended period of time. But also how the 2nd opinion I received from my doctor was that if I did that, I would almost certainly hurt myself worse because the Cortisone show wouldn&rsquo;t exceed the healing process, it was just make it so I didn't feel the pain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>But just think of it logically, your body sends pain signals to you when something is hurting to let you know to stop doing that. If you block that signal, you won&rsquo;t feel the warning you&rsquo;re supposed to feel. Made perfect sense to me so I told them no. And sure they tried to put pressure on me and have a beat writer pressure me through the power of the pin in a few articles (no I didn&rsquo;t have any actual proof of this but the timing and coincidence was way too convenient so I&rsquo;ll say &ldquo;allegedly&rdquo; had a beat writer pressure me through the media). But the end result was me standing firm and telling them no, I can&rsquo;t go.</p>
<p>However, the onus shouldn&rsquo;t be placed on the athlete&rsquo;s shoulders. Of course athletes are going to want to play but it shouldn&rsquo;t be up to them. A solution to this league wide issue was suggested to me by a lawyer by the name of Marlon Amprey. He explained that the Players Association should assemble a group of outside doctors/specialists (or specific doctors/specialists the player suggests) that have no connection to the team whatsoever.</p>
<p>That will provide 2nd &amp; 3rd opinions and give players detailed reports on their health and risk of injury. All doctors&rsquo; reports given by teams that drastically differ should go under review and there should be repercussions for team doctors and trainers who medically clear players who shouldn&rsquo;t be medically cleared to play.</p>
</div>
</div>

The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain.

The Indiana Pacers RG3’d Tyrese Haliburton

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Three contending NBA teams for next season &ndash; the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Atlanta Hawks &ndash; have each made significant roster moves this offseason.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In separate deals reported by ESPN&rsquo;s NBA insider Shams Charania, all three teams are signaling aggressive shifts in direction ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Houston Rockets are going all‑in this summer. After acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Suns, Houston shored up its core by re-signing Fred VanVleet on a 2‑year, $50M deal (with a player option), extending Steven Adams, and re-upping coach Ime Udoka. Now in free agency, they have landed veteran 3‑and‑D forward Dorian Finney‑Smith (4 years, $53M) to improve perimeter defense along with his reliable floor-spacing skills. Then they signed Clint Capela for more depth at their center position, and with $14M in cap space remaining, Houston is finalizing its championship roster.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets addressed frontcourt depth by trading for center Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento in a straight-up swap for Dario Saric. Valančiūnas, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season, will provide Nikola Jokić steady backup minutes and additional interior toughness. Despite moving Saric&rsquo;s cap hit, Denver stays under the first tax apron, preserving financial flexibility.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the biggest story of Denver&rsquo;s offseason has been acquiring Cam Johnson, who was traded in for Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick. Moreover, the Nuggets have brought back former Nugget champion in 2023, Bruce Brown, on a minimum deal.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Atlanta Hawks focused on spacing and backcourt versatility. They completed a sign‑and‑trade for wing Nickeil Alexander‑Walker (4 years, $62M, with player options and Trae Young playing a recruit role), and signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a 1‑year, $11M deal to boost 3‑point range off the bench. These moves aim to complement Trae Young while improving perimeter defense and shooting.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ANALYSIS: For the Rockets, they have dramatically elevated their ceiling, as Durant adds star power, VanVleet brings court leadership, and Finney-Smith and Capela shore up their defense. The franchise is firmly in win-now mode. The Nuggets have secured Valančiūnas to add size behind Jokić, and then Johnson and Brown are strengthening their bench rotation and sustaining their championship window. For the Hawks, these perimeter additions in Alexander-Walker and Kennard mean they prioritize spacing and two-way flexibility after also trading for Kristaps Porzingis days earlier. This is signaling readiness to support Young in a deeper push.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These strategic moves reflect each team&rsquo;s goals: Houston&rsquo;s aggressive contender build, Denver&rsquo;s championship continuity, and Atlanta&rsquo;s roster refinement. The summer&rsquo;s first wave sets a sharp tone &ndash; expect these teams to command attention come next season.</span></p>

Three contending NBA teams for next season – the Rockets, Nuggets, and Hawks – have each made significant roster moves.

Rockets, Nuggets, Hawks retool rosters with major offseason shakeups

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26 (8 ET, ESPN) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This will be the second time in NBA history that the draft will be held over two days, following its introduction over a year ago.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are all the first-round selections courtesy of the NBA: (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">article to be updated with the second-round picks)</span></em></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cooper-flagg"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cooper Flagg</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Duke) to the Dallas Mavericks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/dylan-harper"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dylan Harper</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Rutgers) to the San Antonio Spurs</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/vj-edgecombe"><span style="font-weight: 400;">VJ Edgecombe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Baylor) to the Philadelphia 76ers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kon-knueppel"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kon Knueppel</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Duke) to the Charlotte Hornets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ace-bailey"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ace Bailey</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Rutgers) to the Utah Jazz</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/tre-johnson"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tre Johnson</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(Texas) to the Washington Wizards</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jeremiah-fears"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jeremiah Fears</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Oklahoma) to the New Orleans Pelicans</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/egor-demin"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Egor Demin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (BYU) to the Brooklyn Nets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/collin-murray-boyles"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collin Murray-Boyles</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (South Carolina) to the Toronto Raptors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/khaman-maluach"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Khaman Maluach</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(Duke) to the Houston Rockets &ndash; </span><a href="https://www.nba.com/news/suns-rockets-trade-kevin-durant"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Suns</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cedric-coward"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cedric Coward</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Washington State) to the Portland Trail Blazers &ndash; </span><a href="https://x.com/memgrizz/status/1938089198935834700"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Grizzlies</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/noa-essengue"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Noa Essengue</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Chicago Bulls</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/derik-queen"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Derik Queen</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Maryland) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; </span><a href="https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/derik-queen-nba-draft-trade-forward-center-maryland-new-orleans-pelicans-atlanta-hawks-first-round-draft-pick-13"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Pelicans</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/carter-bryant"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Carter Bryant</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Arizona) to the San Antonio Spurs</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/thomas-sorber"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas Sorber</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Georgetown) to the Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hansen-yang"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yang Hansen</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Qingdao) to the Memphis Grizzlies &ndash;</span><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail-blazers-acquire-draft-rights-to-yang-hansen"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Trail Blazers</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/joan-beringer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joan Beringer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Cedevita Olimpija) to the Minnesota Timberwolves</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/walter-clayton-jr"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walter Clayton Jr.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Florida) to the Washington Wizards &ndash; </span><a href="https://x.com/utahjazz/status/1938070621159616606"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Jazz</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nolan-traore"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nolan Traor&eacute;</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Saint-Quentin BB) to the Brooklyn Nets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kasparas-jakucionis"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kasparas Jakučionis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Illinois) to the Miami Heat</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/will-riley"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Will Riley</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Illinois) to the Utah Jazz &ndash; </span><a href="https://x.com/WashWizards/status/1938082193785397462"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Wizards</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/drake-powell"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drake Powell</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (North Carolina) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; </span><a href="https://x.com/BrooklynNets/status/1938071333008482655"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Nets</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/asa-newell"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Asa Newell</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Georgia) to the New Orleans Pelicans &ndash; </span><a href="https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/atlanta-hawks-acquire-the-draft-rights-of-asa-newell-the-no-23-pick-in-the-2025-nba-draft"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Hawks</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nique-clifford"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nique Clifford</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Colorado State) to the Oklahoma City Thunder &ndash; </span><a href="https://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-acquire-draft-rights-to-nique-clifford"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traded to Kings</span></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jase-richardson"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jase Richardson</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Michigan State) to the Orlando Magic</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ben-saraf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ben Saraf</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Brooklyn Nets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/danny-wolf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Danny Wolf</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Michigan) to the Brooklyn Nets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hugo-gonzalez"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hugo Gonz&aacute;lez</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Real Madrid) to the Boston Celtics</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/liam-mcneeley"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Liam McNeeley</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Connecticut) to the Phoenix Suns &ndash; </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/charlotte-hornets-agree-in-principle-to-acquire-the-draft-rights-to-liam-mcneeley">Traded to Hornets</a></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/yanic-konan-niederhauser"><span>Yanic Konan Niederhauser</span></a><span> (Penn State) to the Los Angeles Clippers</span></li>
</ol>

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26, still in Brooklyn.

2025 NBA Draft: Full results

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a major three-team transaction, the Boston Celtics have sent 7-foot-2 former All‑Star Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is a three-team trade and the Brooklyn Nets are also involved. This move underscores Boston's aggressive salary-shedding strategy following key injuries and a recent Finals win in 2024.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Porzingis, 29, averaged 19.5 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.5 blk in just 42 games last season and holds the potential to stretch the floor and protect the rim. With him, the Hawks acquire size and shooting necessary for their roster to flourish. Atlanta also adds a second-rounder and addresses its need for a frontcourt upgrade alongside Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In return, Boston receives Georges Niang and a second-round pick, as the Celtics reduce tax burden clearing approximately $180 million in luxury-tax liabilities and dropping below the second salary-cap apron &ndash; a rapid teardown post-Tatum injury, who suffered a tear to his right achilles in their second-round loss to New York.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brooklyn lands guard/forward Terance Mann and the Hawks' No. 22 pick, boosting their 2025 draft assets to five first-round selections and utilizing cap space for maximum flexibility. The Nets cashed in draft capital with this trade as they now own 5 first round picks in this year&rsquo;s draft.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The deal is expected to become official on July 6 due to salary-cap timing rules.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ANALYSIS: For the Hawks, this is a high-risk, high-reward move as Porzingis brings elite shooting and defense, though his health remains a concern. For the Celtics, the franchise gains cap flexibility to rebuild or pursue new core pieces after losing both Holiday and Porzingis. For the Nets, they continue accumulating draft picks and cap space, emphasizing long-term strategic positioning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Atlanta is betting big on Porzingis upside to elevate its playoff prospects; Boston is resetting financially; and Brooklyn is poised for a draft-fueled offseason build. This is a monumental three-team shift that's reshaping Eastern Conference power dynamics.</span></p>

In a major three-team transaction, the Boston Celtics have sent 7-foot-2 former All‑Star Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks.

Saint Anselm Hawks