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

Stuttering start: How worried should neutrals about the Timberwolves’ growing pains?

Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 9, 2022 at Target Center...

After recording an encouraging 4-2 start to the season, the newlook Minnesota Timberwolves have lost five of their last six games and face a tricky road schedule – starting in Memphis against Ja Morant and co on Friday night. So, are critics overreacting to their worrying tendencies, or will things worsen for a side in transition after a blockbuster offseason trade?
Continue reading “Stuttering start: How worried should neutrals about the Timberwolves’ growing pains?”

NBA

Gobert, Paschall and more: Offseason acquisitions galore as Timberwolves target big season ahead

Eric Paschall and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz react against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on November 06, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User...

As the dust has settled since the blockbuster Rudy Gobert trade to Minnesota, the Timberwolves have added a familar face for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year to feature alongside next season as their offseason moves continue after a preventable R1 playoff exit in late April. Continue reading “Gobert, Paschall and more: Offseason acquisitions galore as Timberwolves target big season ahead”

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Ja Morant listed as doubtful for rest of playoffs with right knee bone bruise

Injured Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies sits on the bench during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals tate Warriors of...

After relinquishing their hard-earned Game 4 advantage on Monday night, the Memphis Grizzlies have a seemingly impossible job on their hands: overturning their 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors without the franchise star guard who helped them get there. Continue reading “Ja Morant listed as doubtful for rest of playoffs with right knee bone bruise”

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NBA news digest: Head coach movement, injury updates and more as playoffs inbound

Head Coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 21, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage...

Mere moments after the Lakers’ season-ending overtime win vs. the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, news leaked surrounding Frank Vogel’s impending sacking – just 18 months after leading LA to a title following another injury-hit campaign. Alvin Gentry won’t remain Sacramento’s head coach, while there are updates on Luka Doncic (calf) and Gregg Popovich among others. Continue reading “NBA news digest: Head coach movement, injury updates and more as playoffs inbound”

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NBA news round-up: Shock Timberwolves sacking, Bulls contract extensions and more

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense against LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers on January 27, 2021 at Wells Fargo Center in...

With NBA practices starting next week ahead of the new season on October 3, there has been brief news updates aplenty across the league’s 30 teams. Players, coaching staff and front offices are making moves hoping to get incrementally better in a field of fine margins…
Continue reading “NBA news round-up: Shock Timberwolves sacking, Bulls contract extensions and more”

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Multiple NBA teams targeting wantaway Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen of the Chicago Bulls is defended by Trevor Ariza and Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines...

Lauri Markkanen was tipped to be a future All-Star after an impressive first two NBA seasons. If that’s still to be the case, the Finnish power forward will do it away from Illinois as multiple teams – Boston and Dallas among them – are keeping a close eye on his deteriorating situation. Continue reading “Multiple NBA teams targeting wantaway Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen”

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NBA Draft to be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 29

General view of the arena during the 2021 NBA Draft Combine on June 25, 2021 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly...

Per reports overnight, the NBA will hold this summer’s draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After hosting a virtual Green Room last November due to the COVID-19 pandemic, invites for an in-person setting are being sent to youngsters widely expected to be high lottery picks this year.
Continue reading “NBA Draft to be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 29”

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Best of the best: Karl-Anthony Towns believes Anthony Edwards is Rookie of the Year

Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the New York Knicks on March 31, 2021 at Target...

Minnesota Timberwolves’ two-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns publicly campaigned for teammate Anthony Edwards to win this year’s Rookie of the Year accolade after their 116-106 win over the Sacramento Kings. Charlotte Hornets’ guard LaMelo Ball, who fractured his wrist last month, remains a frontrunner for the award, with a timetable on his return undisclosed.
Continue reading “Best of the best: Karl-Anthony Towns believes Anthony Edwards is Rookie of the Year”

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Oklahoma State’s star freshman Cade Cunningham declares for 2021 NBA draft

As expected, the highly-rated point guard Cade Cunningham today announced he will enter this summer’s NBA draft after averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 27 games under head coach Mike Boyton this term. Continue reading “Oklahoma State’s star freshman Cade Cunningham declares for 2021 NBA draft”

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All-Star break over, what now? NBA Q+A: Rookie watch, trade targets and surging Suns

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns smiles prior to a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 4, 2021 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix,...

Midway through an unprecedented season hampered by COVID-19 protocols, troublesome injuries and more too, I spoke to LA Clippers fan and NBA expert Jack Brown shortly after the All-Star game – discussing multiple topics including: standout rookies, possible moves between now and the March 25 trade deadline while assessing true contenders from the pretenders. Continue reading “All-Star break over, what now? NBA Q+A: Rookie watch, trade targets and surging Suns”

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Exceeded expectations: Hornets chairman Michael Jordan praises rookie LaMelo Ball

Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on as LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a three-point basket during the...

Midway through his first NBA season, rookie point guard LaMelo Ball has adjusted to the game better than anyone thought he would early in his career, according to quotes emerging from Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets majority owner Michael Jordan earlier today.
Continue reading “Exceeded expectations: Hornets chairman Michael Jordan praises rookie LaMelo Ball”