Armed with a new starting backcourt duo, offseason trade acquisition Jerami Grant, a promising first-round draft selection in Shaedon Sharpe among others from an eventful summer, the Portland Trail Blazers will be quietly hopeful they can settle quickly and vastly improve upon a dismal 27-55 record last season – their worst finish since 2005-06. Will they?
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Tag: Western Conference
NBA news round-up: Zion progressing, Williams’ knee surgery, Wembanyama’s draft caution and more
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
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
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban does u-turn on NBA’s in-season tournament plans
After initially appearing reticent to the league’s in-season tournament plans, which could begin as early as the 2023-24 campaign, the Dallas Mavericks owner has since softened his stance – instead saying said proposals can potentially to build interest in the sport, while also lobbying a format change to the existing two-round draft, which has remained the same since 1989. 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
Chet Holmgren injury: OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti stresses team won’t tank after Lisfranc diagnosis
Disaster has already struck for OKC after news today confirmed their no. 2 draft pick, Chet Holmgren, will miss his entire rookie season with a Linsfranc injury to his right foot suffered in last week’s CrawsOver Pro-Am event. OKC’s GM Sam Presti told reporters this unwelcome blow will not impact the team’s competitiveness this coming season. But how does he know?
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Gobert, Paschall and more: Offseason acquisitions galore as Timberwolves target big season ahead
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
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
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