As the domestic campaign gets underway this weekend in France, projected 2023 top draft pick and teenage center Victor Wembanyama spoke with understandable caution about preferring team fit as well as a favourable environment rather than just being the No. 1 selection. Zion Williamson’s strength-and-conditioning coach provided an encouraging endorsement, Robert Williams III (knee) will miss the start of the season and more besides. Read the round-up here. Continue reading
Tag: Eastern Conference
Mitchell wanted Knicks trade, discusses true excitement to be part of Cavs core in first presser
Three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was honest in his introductory press conference as a Cleveland Cavalier, on the allure of being closer to family at home as a possible New York Knicks trade loomed large over the summer. Instead he’ll play for one of their cross-conference rivals out East and talked up what the future holds for them as part of an excellent young core. Continue reading
Redemption time? Philadelphia 76ers sign free agent big man Montrezl Harrell to two-year, $5.2m deal
Per an ESPN report earlier today, it has been confirmed that free agent big man Montrezl Harrell will join Doc Rivers and co in Philadelphia. Having most recently played with the Charlotte Hornets, the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year has a player option in the second year and will look to rebuild his reputation after a down 24 months as well as a marijuana charge.
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NBA injury update: Danilo Gallinari diagnosed with torn ACL, Lonzo Ball’s knee issues persist and more
With training camp ahead of the new campaign fast approaching, here’s a look at a few recent injury updates that are set to impact multiple title-contending teams across both conferences as they look for a formidable return to action this month – including Celtics’ offseason acquisition Danilo Gallinari and Lonzo Ball, whose knee issues after surgery in January remain. Continue reading
Cavs acquire Donovan Mitchell in surprising summer trade, what does this mean?
Donovan Mitchell’s trade situation is now finalised, after news broke last night confirming the Cleveland Cavaliers – not the New York Knicks – have acquired the three-time All-Star guard, sending three players, a trio of first-round picks and two swaps to Utah in return. All things considered, how will this deal impact both sides and more besides? Continue reading
Jayson Tatum wrist injury: Does Celtics star’s recent admission change the criticism on him?
Knives were out rather quickly as Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics fell in a winnable six-game series against the Golden State Warriors in last season’s NBA Finals. After the star forward revealed to B/R at the weekend he quietly played through a non-displaced left wrist fracture for three months, will that change the criticism or narrative weighted on his shoulders?
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Full steam ahead: Jarrett Allen excited before second full year with Cleveland Cavaliers
The 24-year-old big man, a first-time All-Star selection last year, recently spoke to the media about his eagerness to get back to work with his teammates in Cleveland after an injury-plagued season saw an impressive campaign dwindle as the Cavs narrowly missed the playoffs, losing in the play-in vs. the previous year’s surprise package in the Atlanta Hawks. Continue reading
Amid trade rumours, Miami’s Adebayo reaffirms desire to remain with Heat for his entire career
With season six of his NBA career two months away, Bam Adebayo – who recorded a new career-high in points (19.1) last term – wants to emulate Udonis Haslem by remaining with the Miami Heat for the rest of his playing days. While his name has risen in trade speculation this offseason, related to Kevin Durant’s desire to depart Brooklyn, the 25-year-old knows he can’t dwell on things out of his control, but reaffirmed his desire to stay in south Florida long-term. Continue reading
After agreeing reduced $68.6m deal, will 76ers and Harden hum along into true title contention?
Details of James Harden’s two-year contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers emerged overnight, confirming what was first reported: the 10-time All-Star guard agreed a reduced deal to help the franchise sign more quality players in their attempt to go all-out for a NBA championship charge this coming season. Will his bullish comments prove prophetic or not? Continue reading
Masterful or misguided? Beal and Lillard’s latest contract extensions predictably raise questions
Bradley Beal became the 10th player in league history to receive a no-trade clause as part of his five-year, $251m max contract extension with the Wizards. Ten days later, another All-Star – Portland’s franchise star Damian Lillard – inked a two-year, $121m max vet deal to remain with the Trail Blazers, now under contract until the 2026-27 season. Will these decisions age well?
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NBA Draft: Orlando take Paolo Banchero with No. 1 pick, Holmgren to OKC and Smith Houston-bound
After countless reports suggested Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr would be this summer’s top draft pick, the Orlando Magic presented the first in a night of surprises and trade moves aplenty by selecting Duke’s Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick – adding another talented youngster to an ever-growing core of players hopeful they’ll be nowhere near the lottery in the near future. Continue reading
Pistons open up cap space and hint at big summer, after trading Jerami Grant to Portland
It appears on the surface as though Detroit have settled with less than they could’ve got for a 28-year-old power forward who has been performing at an All-Star level these last two seasons. However, this move also frees up cap space ahead of an offseason packed with speculation insistent that upgrades are inbound: Suns’ wantaway big man Deandre Ayton among them. Continue reading
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