NBA

Deni Avdija is Portland-bound, as the volatile trade market focuses on future

Deni Avdija of the Washington Wizards and Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers in action during the first quarter of the game at the Moda...

It’s remarkable in isolation the Washington Wizards received more for small forward Deni Avdija than either newly-crowned NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis or longtime star shooting guard Bradley Beal, but the trade market is so unpredictable that quality players on good contracts are worth their weight in gold – something emphasised by their return haul from this latest trade. Continue reading “Deni Avdija is Portland-bound, as the volatile trade market focuses on future”

NBA

Spurs win draft lottery, as Wembanyama lauds Texas in celebratory interview

May16 Victor Wembanyama and fans of Metropolitan92 during the LNB Pro A Betclic Elite basketball match between Boulogne-Levallois v Paris Basket at...

Often in recent years, there has been a sense of intrigue surrounding the no. 1 draft pick and who will be selected, with conceivably as many as four teenagers touted to go #1. Not this year: French teenage phenom Victor Wembanyama appears San Antonio-bound after the Spurs won the draft lottery overnight.
Continue reading “Spurs win draft lottery, as Wembanyama lauds Texas in celebratory interview”

NBA

The Wembanyama tank race: What does the Jakob Poeltl contract situation say about San Antonio?

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets goes up for a rebound against Jakob Poeltl of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at Barclays...

Jakob Poeltl. The 27-year-old Austrian big man is averaging 11.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game on 62.4 FG% for a rebuilding San Antonio Spurs ball club primed to battle other strugglers in hopes they get the number one draft pick this coming summer. Should they sell high while they have a chance before the deadline, or hold off with bigger plans in mind? 
Continue reading “The Wembanyama tank race: What does the Jakob Poeltl contract situation say about San Antonio?”

NBA

NBA Draft: Orlando take Paolo Banchero with No. 1 pick, Holmgren to OKC and Smith Houston-bound

Commissioner Adam Silver and Paolo Banchero pose for photos after Banchero was drafted with the 1st overall pick by the Orlando Magic during the 2022...

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 “NBA Draft: Orlando take Paolo Banchero with No. 1 pick, Holmgren to OKC and Smith Houston-bound”

NBA

Pistons open up cap space and hint at big summer, after trading Jerami Grant to Portland

Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on November 30,...

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 “Pistons open up cap space and hint at big summer, after trading Jerami Grant to Portland”

NBA

Staking his claim: Paolo Banchero believes he’s top player in this summer’s NBA draft

Alongside Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren, the Duke power forward is widely touted to be a top-three draft selection next week. So, would you expect any less than these bullish comments from the 19-year-old after a memorable college season?
Continue reading “Staking his claim: Paolo Banchero believes he’s top player in this summer’s NBA draft”

Archives

Cavs’ rookie center Evan Mobley sets milestone, just 14 games into NBA career

Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on...

The 20-year-old big man was one rebound shy of recording his fifth double-double of the campaign and was key down the stretch as the Cleveland Cavaliers recovered from a seemingly improbable 19-point deficit to sting the struggling Boston Celtics in the early hours on Sunday. Continue reading “Cavs’ rookie center Evan Mobley sets milestone, just 14 games into NBA career”

Archives

After opening day defeat, Detroit need Cade Cunningham at his best – quickly

Cade Cunningham and Hamidou Diallo of the Detroit Pistons look on while playing the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on October 20, 2021 in...

Lonzo Ball’s second made three-pointer of the evening, at 6:22 in the fourth quarter, erased Detroit’s slender lead – one they jostled for throughout – as Chicago executed plays better down the stretch and earned a 94-88 road win in their season-opener. It reinforced the belief the Pistons desperately need top draft pick Cade Cunningham (ankle sprain) to return and quickly. Continue reading “After opening day defeat, Detroit need Cade Cunningham at his best – quickly”

Archives

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”

Archives

Detroit Pistons win top pick in draft lottery, Cade Cunningham expected

Cade Cunningham of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks on as they play the Oregon State Beavers during the first half in the second round game of the...

You couldn’t wipe the grin from Ben Wallace’s face, as if he knew something we all didn’t, but the future Hall of Famer proved Detroit’s lucky charm overnight as they won this year’s draft lottery and will likely select star guard Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State next month. Continue reading “Detroit Pistons win top pick in draft lottery, Cade Cunningham expected”

Archives

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”

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”