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After his season-high 45 points wasn’t enough to see them overcome Charlotte in a 121-118 overtime defeat early on Tuesday, Jayson Tatum played through illness and produced a decisive contribution during their narrow win over Eastern Conference rivals Milwaukee – the star forward is glad to be back home. Continue reading “Tatum shakes off illness in team effort as Celtics lead from start-to-finish vs. Bucks”
Bradley Beal is having to exercise patience, easier said than done. Phoenix made a big offseason splash to acquire the three-time All-Star guard, who has only managed to suit up for three games with his new ball club this season and will be unavailable a little while longer as he recovers from a lower back strain – just one of the physical issues that he’s been dealing with since training camp. Continue reading “Bradley Beal injury update: Suns guard sidelined until December with back strain”
If the phrase unlimited possibilities sounds familar, don’t be surprised. James Harden has forced his way out of another unsavoury situation and is now in the midst of another uncertain future with the LA Clippers – who haven’t managed to keep their two star players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George fit, while a second Russell Westbrook reunion is set too. That’s part of the fun now, right?
Continue reading “Unlimited possibilites? James Harden forced his way to another risky bet in LA”
The defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets open play in the new 2023-24 regular season overnight against LeBron James and the Lakers, in one of two intriguing Western Conference matchups primed for television viewing. Before then, I rewind back and reflect upon some fond memories for Denver as they clinched their first NBA title on home soil four months ago beyond a Miami team who fell short after exceeding expectations en route to an unlikely Finals trip. Continue reading “Rewind: As the new NBA season tips off tonight, a look back – Denver ended last term on top in five-game Finals series”
After averaging 20.3 points, 3.5 assists and 43.4% from three in 60 regular season games last term, Philadelphia 76ers’ shooting guard Tyrese Maxey has been tipped by many insiders to crack into the All-Star conversation in 2023-24. Judging by what his teammates and new head coach have been saying as the new season draws closer, him taking another leap shouldn’t be a surprise.
Continue reading “Embiid, Green and new head coach Nurse sing Tyrese Maxey’s praises before Year 4”
Under-the-radar teams often swoop in with a surprise, and that was the case last week when news emerged announcing the Philadelphia 76ers had agreed a one-year deal with free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. The deal was made official yesterday, and the championship contenders will hope the 27-year-old can produce more efficiently than a commendable year in Charlotte last term. Continue reading “Kelly Oubre Jr’s one-year 76ers deal now made official – a shrewd move for both”
Fresh from securing world championship status and spearheading his nation halfway across the globe with Germany, new Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder will look to continue in the same vein once the 2023-24 NBA season begins on October 24. Reunited again alongside old faces and with different expectations, the FIBA World Cup MVP’s trajectory is one to keep an eye on. Continue reading “Schroder had a summer to savour, but more responsibility awaits him in Toronto”
During a recent podcast appearance, Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie conceded uncertainty remains around the franchise, and leaguewide, until the respective futures of All-Star duo Damian Lillard and James Harden are resolved. Both made trade requests public in July and with a few weeks before training camp begins, multiple ball clubs are involved in potential scenarios. Continue reading “Nets’ Dinwiddie: Harden and Lillard’s unclear futures mean offseason isn’t over”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s insistence he won’t agree terms on another multiyear extension in Milwaukee next summer, unless he feels everyone’s on the same page and still in championship contention, is another timely reminder that star players’ title window can quickly be rendered finite. The franchises and fans they play for, are more than aware of that – but navigating this is a tricky task. Continue reading “Giannis’ honesty sheds light on an insatiable goal NBA stars continue battling”
Portland were surprisingly willing to trade him mid-season for an underwhelming return haul, and now versatile small forward Josh Hart has been rewarded for his intangibles, defensive effort and invaluable bench impact with a lucrative multiyear extension to stay in New York – paired alongside Villanova’s 2016 NCAA title teammates Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo. Continue reading “Josh Hart’s four-year, $81m extension with Knicks a testament to his work ethic”
Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year winners suiting up together on the same team hasn’t been seen during the NBA’s 77-year existence, but that’s about to change before 2023 ends after Memphis made a bold trade to bolster their backcourt. Jaren Jackson Jr spoke about how he’s motivated by their postseason play, and what better presence to join the fold than Marcus Smart? Continue reading “Jaren Jackson Jr excited before Marcus Smart link-up in Memphis, as he should be”
Empty stats on a struggling side, or genuine numbers to help build his standing as a young All-Star with leaps and bounds still to make? That’s the question Charlotte and critics are piling on LaMelo Ball, after the 21-year-old guard inked a five-year, $260m extension this offseason. What’s next, only he can decide. Continue reading “Perhaps they don’t know yet – LaMelo Ball’s extension kicks off clock in Charlotte”
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