NBA

Karl-Anthony Towns relishes big impact on his return as Timberwolves beat Hawks

Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 22, 2023 at Target Center in...

After a 52-game absence through injury, Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns marked his return with a storybook ending: scoring 22 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the final seconds, helping them overwhelm the Atlanta Hawks with a 125-124 victory last night. Continue reading “Karl-Anthony Towns relishes big impact on his return as Timberwolves beat Hawks”

NBA

Stupid or smart? Confusing extension? Atlanta agree four-year, $68m Bogdanovic deal

Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks moves the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2023 at Capital One Arena in...

Fans and critics alike were surprised upon hearing the news of Atlanta’s latest move overnight, tying up sharpshooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to a long-term $68m extension – ignoring injury concerns and much more, including their Kevin Huerter trade decision that hasn’t exactly aged well, eight months on. Continue reading “Stupid or smart? Confusing extension? Atlanta agree four-year, $68m Bogdanovic deal”

NBA

NBA Q&A – Christmas special: A look at struggling teams, trade targets and stories to watch

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls look on against the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center on November 21, 2022 in...

More than a third of the way through the NBA regular season, title contenders and tanking teams have largely been identified. As for the cluster of teams flickering in the middle, the race to February’s All-Star break will decide where their future lies. I spoke to NBA expert Jack Brown for another Q&A, featuring Chicago’s issues, best Victor Wembanyama landing spots and more.
Continue reading “NBA Q&A – Christmas special: A look at struggling teams, trade targets and stories to watch”

NBA

Cam Reddish’s sour situation in New York just reinforces how quickly things can change

Cam Reddish of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO...

Overnight, Cam Reddish watched from the bench as his current ball club and the one who drafted him four years prior went head-to-head at the Garden. The 23-year-old addressed speculation he’s asked for a trade, as reports suggest New York are shopping him for interested suitors – less than a year after acquiring him. So, what’s happening to the former 10th pick?
Continue reading “Cam Reddish’s sour situation in New York just reinforces how quickly things can change”

NBA

Atlanta, Chicago among reported suitors for Jazz’s Rudy Gobert as speculation returns

Two Eastern Conference playoff contenders are among the teams targeting a noticeable upgrade at center this coming offseason and so Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert returns to the rumour mill once again as uncertainty shrouds the franchise after Quin Snyder’s resignation. Continue reading “Atlanta, Chicago among reported suitors for Jazz’s Rudy Gobert as speculation returns”

NBA

Atlanta, Detroit and Portland all early suitors in Deandre Ayton sweepstakes

Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western...

After a promising season ended with a forgettable postseason collapse on May 16, the cloud hanging over Deandre Ayton’s long-term future in Phoenix appears to be clearing this summer: multiple teams are readying themselves with lucrative max contract offers for 2018’s no. 1 pick. Continue reading “Atlanta, Detroit and Portland all early suitors in Deandre Ayton sweepstakes”

NBA

After firing James Borrego, Charlotte can’t afford to waste potential with his successor

Head coach James Borrego of the Charlotte Hornets speaks with players during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center...

In a surprise to some, the Hornets sacked their head coach James Borrego on Friday after the Hornets again failed to make the postseason for a sixth consecutive year. Despite more year-on-year improvement, it’s clear the franchise view themselves as much better than a play-in team, but will they get the next hire right? Frank Vogel, recently dismissed from the Lakers, and Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson are linked with the new vacancy.
Continue reading “After firing James Borrego, Charlotte can’t afford to waste potential with his successor”

NBA

NBA trade speculation: Dragic, Holmes and more including mooted Randle-Fox showcase

Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Richaun Holmes and Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings during the second half at State Farm...

Ahead of the February 10 trade deadline, NBA teams in both conferences are looking to trade players and improve their rosters – whether that be in an effort to bolster themselves with the playoffs in mind, finding long-term solutions for existing conundrums or opening up cap space with the summer offseason a consideration. As such, here’s a list of those prominent names…
Continue reading “NBA trade speculation: Dragic, Holmes and more including mooted Randle-Fox showcase”

Archives

Even after everything, 76ers’ high asking price for Ben Simmons isn’t a surprise

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during Round 2, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on June...

Even after everything – including a forgettable postseason – the 76ers have a high asking price for any interested suitors looking to take advantage of Ben Simmons’ situation in Philadelphia. Considering he’s a three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive team selection and only turned 25 last week, this latest news update on his future shouldn’t be surprising despite his struggles. Continue reading “Even after everything, 76ers’ high asking price for Ben Simmons isn’t a surprise”

Archives

Lakers’ LeBron James sidelined for 3-4 weeks with right ankle sprain

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to an apparent injury during the second period of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on...

After news confirmed perennial All-Star Anthony Davis (tendinosis, calf strain) would miss at least the next fortnight as he continues to recover from troubling injuries, his star teammate LeBron James is bracing himself to also miss a large chunk of what remains in the regular season after sustaining a right ankle sprain in their loss by the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend.
Continue reading “Lakers’ LeBron James sidelined for 3-4 weeks with right ankle sprain”

Archives

Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs Utah Jazz – Can Young and co sting their in-form visitors?

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 3, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta,...

After contrasting games against the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons respectively, Atlanta (10-11) welcome an in-form team out West – Quin Snyder’s Utah Jazz (16-5), who’ve lost just one of their last 13 games. Will they learn from their mistakes and avoid another close defeat? Continue reading “Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs Utah Jazz – Can Young and co sting their in-form visitors?”

Archives, Specials

LaMelo Ball isn’t surprised by his record-breaking numbers – you shouldn’t be either

LaMelo Ball makes history yet again with triple-double vs. Hawks

Charlotte Hornets’ 2020 draft pick LaMelo Ball (#3) officially replaced Markelle Fultz as the NBA’s youngest ever player to record a triple-double – 10 points, assists and rebounds – during their 113-105 win vs. the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night but his nonchalant response to questions post-game show this is just the start for a young guard with plenty to achieve in the league. Continue reading “LaMelo Ball isn’t surprised by his record-breaking numbers – you shouldn’t be either”