#Clippers/Jazz Game

[girlactionfigure]

Pro-Israel boxing legend Floyd Mayweather sitting courtside at the Clippers vs. Jazz game, proudly rocking Stars of David on his cap.

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[brucebocchi]

Persona characters as NBA fans

my reasoning for each decision beneath the cut

Celtics/Akechi: Driven by an inhuman amount of spite and need to prove themselves when talent alone is more than enough to do the job. Just an insane amount of homophobic slurs

Nets/Labrys: She has a Brooklyn accent. Don’t overthink it.

Knicks/Ryoji: Say the name of the team out loud. You get it.

76ers/Maruki: “The Process” really was just mass brainwashing if you think about it

Raptors/Kamoshida: No hate to the Raptors organization but they really need to eat crow for letting Drake hitch his wagon to the franchise

Hawks/Ruferu: I don’t know shit about P5X but look at the birdy! Trae Young is also small and annoying,

Hornets/Eikichi: I thought the colors matched. I have never played a Persona game.

Magic/Elizabeth: She thinks the team name is literal. Are you going to tell her otherwise?

Heat/Akihiko: You just know he would be really fucking annoying about “Heat Culture”

Wizards/Yusuke: The hat has cherry blossoms on it and that was enough to shape his rooting interests. I’m enjoying giving him hilariously inept franchises.

Bulls/Erina: Nostalgia is all we have left.

Cavaliers/Haru: Haru is extremely rich and speaks exclusively in Comic Sans, just like Dan Gilbert

Pistons/Junpei: Found out about the “Bad Boy” days and was hooked, only to find out he was born a couple years after that era ended.

Pacers/Ken: Young and surprisingly potent on offense, just needs a few years to toughen up a bit

Bucks/Ohya: beer

Mavericks/Izanami: An unfairly powerful being, capable of manipulating the truth, who must be defeated swiftly. But enough about Miriam Adelson

Rockets/Lisa: She’s an enormous Sinophile so you know damn well she latched onto Yao Ming and never let go

Grizzlies/Kanji: “Uh, hell yeah! Grit n’ grind! Whoop that trick! Be a man!” (actually he just really wants to feel Grizz’s fur)

Pelicans/Chie: You cannot convince me that Chie Satonaka is not a pelican herself.

Spurs/Takemi: A color scheme favorable to goths, a history of solid fundamentals, and a total freak on the up-and-up. Victor Wembanyama is over two feet taller than her.

Nuggets/Yukiko: She just keeps picking the good ones man idk what to tell you

Timberwolves/Koromaru: dogy :) 

Thunder/Nanako: Youngest team in the NBA gets everyone’s favorite baby sister

Trail Blazers/Adachi: I like making him suffer with these

Jazz/Teddie: You’d think it’s because he’s the whitest boy imaginable but he read the “Personal Life” section of Karl Malone’s Wikipedia page and was inspired

Warriors/Sophia: If Silicon Valley gets its way, every Warriors fan will be replaced by an AI by 2035

Clippers/Metis: Perpetual younger sibling syndrome. May not actually exist

Lakers/Shido: He’s been courtside at every home game since 1985. You never noticed?

Suns/Konoe: Eternally at the mercy of the whims of an arrogant tech bro when an AI would probably do a better job

Kings/Yosuke: I like giving him moribund franchises but he’s actually picking up some W’s lately. Good for him!

[mielcitronsyrup]

Okay, well....

Scratch all my dumb thoughts and manifesting, then...

I was like well, listen, the Spurs are flying into Chicago today to play the Bulls tomorrow Monday night. Victor and Connor will finally be in the same city again!!! Perhaps, the smalllesssstttt perhaps that is... Connor and some other Blackhawks players will be in attendance. And it wouldn't have even been a reach is the thing! Funnily enough, I've seen more interactions between the NBA and NHL this year than like in the last decade put together lol. The Utah Jazz has embraced the Utah Hockey Club and have had their players go to each other's games. And then just last night I saw that some Anaheim Ducks players went to a Clippers game and chatted with their players...

But after this 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers?..... I don't see any chance whatsoever for Connor or any other guy to make their way down to the United Center arena for the Spurs-Bulls game now lol.. Sighhhhhhh...

[nbatrades]

Charlotte Bobcats Acquire Melvin Ely and Eddie House from Los Angeles Clippers

On July 14th, 2004, the Los Angeles Clippers traded center-forward Melvin Ely and guard Eddie House to the Charlotte Bobcats for a 2005 second round draft pick (Daniel Ewing) and a 2006 second round draft pick (Paul Davis).

The 2001-02 season was a year of disappointment sprinkled in with some hope for the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year, the team won 39 games, its most in nine years. With young players such as Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Corey Maggette on the roster, the Clippers had hope to build into a legitimate playoff team.

In the 2002 offseason, the Clippers held two picks in the lottery at number eight and 12. First, the team drafted athletic power forward Chris Wilcox from the University of Maryland. Next, the team selected big man Melvin Ely from Fresno State.

A throwback big man with the ability to score in the post with either hand, Ely excelled at the college level. A two-time WAC player of the year, Ely led the Bulldogs in his senior year with 23.3 PPG and 9.1 RPG. After the draft, Ely signed the traditional rookie scale contract for four years with a team option in the last year for $7.3 million.

The Clipper had high hopes for the 2002-03 season after trading for point guard Andre Miller. The team was a disappointment dropping 12 of its first 18 games. Los Angeles fell to third-worst in the West with a 19-39 record, head coach Alvin Gentry was fired. Assistant coach Dennis Johnson took over for the rest of the season. After the coaching change, the Clippers weren't much better, finishing the year with a 27-55 record.

Ely was on the fringes of the Clippers rotation, but injuries to starters Michael Olowokandi, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom in the frontcourt opened up time for the rookie. Ely appeared in 52 games (seven starts) and tallied 4.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 0.6 BPG in 15.4 MPG.

The Clippers had somehow compiled four players on the roster who were drafted in the first round of the 1999 draft in Brand, Odom, Miller and Maggette. That meant they all would hit free agency in the summer of 2003. All four players were restricted free agents. On top of that, starting center Olowokandi and reserve Eric Piatkowski were unrestricted free agents.

It would be a key moment in the franchise's history. Los Angeles went halfway in restricted free agency. Brand and Maggette signed offer sheets of six years and $82 million, and six years and $42 million with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz respectively. The Clippers matched both offers, keeping the two players in Los Angeles.

Miller and Odom both signed six year offer sheets with the Denver Nuggets and Heat respectively. Los Angeles declined to match the offer sheets, losing both starters. Olowokandi signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves while Piatkowski departed for the Houston Rockets.

The Clippers added Eddie House in free agency, signing the combo guard to a two-year, $1.6 million deal. In the first round of the draft, the Clippers added center Chris Kaman. On the coaching front, the Clippers hired head coach Mike Dunleavy in the offseason.

The Clippers started the 2003-04 season 4-2 after six games, but dropped nine of their next 11 games to fall to 6-11. Los Angeles was 24-30 after 54 games and the team finished the season 4-24 over the last 28 games to finish 28-54.

Ely was unhappy in his second season with the Clippers. With the departures of Olowokandi and Odom, there was hope for him to see an uptick in minutes. However, players like the rookie Kaman and fellow 2002 pick Wilcox received more playing time under coach Dunleavy.

The former Fresno State college player hoped to be traded at the deadline but that never happened. Near the end of the regular season, Ely expressed interest in being selected by incoming NBA team the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft. But really, Ely just wanted to join a team where he could receive regular rotation minutes.

"I just want to play, so if that means going to another team, that's what I want to do. Obviously, I'm not a fit here. God willing, I could be somewhere else next season, start everything brand new ... and just try to get onto the court by any means necessary."

Overall, Ely saw action in just 42 games (two starts) with the Clippers and put up 3.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG and 0.5 APG in 12.1 MPG.

House was in a similar role to his previous stop with the Miami Heat. Mainly a reserve, House played in 60 games and made 10 starts. The guard posted 6.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.4 APG and 1.1 SPG in 19.8 MPG.

Ely's request for a trade didn't work out the exact way he had expected. The Bobcats were interested in taking Ely in the expansion draft, but the Clippers kept him on their list of protected players.

Instead, the Clippers worked out a deal where reserve center Peja Drobnjak was selected by the Bobcats in the expansion draft. Charlotte moved up to the second spot—drafting Emeka Okafor—of the draft while the Clippers moved down to number four—taking guard Shaun Livingston. As part of this arrangement the Clippers also received the 33rd pick in the draft.

Ely eventually got his wish as the Clippers sent him and House to the expansion Bobcats for two future second round picks in 2005 and 2006.

The primary motivation for Los Angeles was to free up cap space to make a run at Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant who entered free agency in the summer of 2004. The Clippers were considered a legitimate threat at signing Bryant because of his interest in staying in the Los Angeles area.

Ely was owed $1.7 million for the 2004-05 season and House's was $825,000. offloading those two salaries cleared a max cap slot for the Clippers to make a run at Bryant which turned out to be unsuccessful. The star guard returned to the Lakers.

Melvin Ely and Eddie House joined the expansion Bobcats after being cast off from the Los Angeles Clippers. Ely played in Summer League for the Bobcats in Salt Lake City. In six games, he contributed 11.7 PPG on 50% shooting and 4.8 RPG in 21.8 MPG.

The Bobcats were bad early on, starting their inaugural season 1-8. The club was just 8-31 after 39 games. Charlotte finished the season 18-64, tied for the second-worst record in the NBA.

House was waived in early December by the Bobcats as the club made room to acquire guard Kareem Rush from the Los Angeles Lakers. He later signed during the season with the Milwaukee Bucks. House played in 13 games (five starts) with Charlotte, compiling 11.1 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.8 APG and 1.8 SPG in 23.1 MPG.

Ely saw a boost in playing time with the Bobcats, playing in 79 games (17 starts) and recording 7.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG and 0.9 BPG in 20.9 MPG.

After the 2004-05 season, the Bobcats drafted point guard Raymond Felton fifth overall and power forward Sean May in the 13th spot of the draft. Charlotte began the 2005-06 season 5-17 which set the tone for another losing season. Charlotte was 26-56 which was an eight-win increase from the previous year.

Ely continued to grow his game as he tallied a career-high 9.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 APG and 23.6 MPG along with 0.5 SPG and 0.8 BPG during the ‘05-‘06 season. The big man flashed his post up skill on offense to the tune of 30 double digit scoring games in 57 appearances.

Charlotte had the third selection in the 2006 NBA Draft which it used to select Gonzaga University standout Adam Morrison. Ely entered restricted free agency during the 2006 offseason. The post up aficionado reportedly turned down potential sign-and trade offers from the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Instead, he signed a one year and $3 million qualifying offer deal with the Bobcats.. 

Due to poor defense and rebounding, Ely lost his place in the rotation to players like Emeka Okafor and Sean May. The dramatic decrease in minutes caused Ely to request a trade. Ely was producing just 2.9 PPG and 1.6 RPG in just 10.2 MPG, through 24 games before he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs. The numbers were a career-low for him.

Ely averaged 7.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG and 0.7 BPG in two and a half years with Charlotte. The big man shot 46% from the field and 62% from the free-throw line in that time in the 160 career games he played with the Bobcats.

The two second rounders the Clippers acquired from Charlotte were juicy. Since the Bobcats were expected to be bad, both second rounders could be in the early 30s.

That happened right away in the 2005 draft. Since Charlotte was tied for the second-worst record in the NBA, the pick it sent to the Clippers was 32nd in the draft. Los Angeles used the pick on guard Daniel Ewing from Duke. Ewing was a productive starter for a quality Blue Devils program, but there were questions about his lack of size, suspect shooting and point guard skills.

The Clippers signed Ewing to a three-year, $1.8 million contract. An undersized combo guard, Ewing played for the Clippers' Summer League team in Las Vegas, recording 8.0 PPG on 37.1% shooting, 2.6 RPG and 1.6 APG in five games.

Los Angeles began the 2005-06 season 5-1 and was 9-2 after 11 games. The winning continued at an unprecedented rate for the franchise's modern history. Los Angeles held the fifth-best record in the Western Conference at 47-35.

The Clippers made the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season, and it was the club's highest win total since 1974-75 when the team went 49-33. The franchise was the Buffalo Braves at that time and played in the Eastern Conference. Ewing played in 66 games in his rookie season, averaging, 14.7 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 APG and 0.6 SPG in 14.7 MPG.

NBA playoff seeding rules at the time stated that division winners in each conference take the top three seed. Due to that rule, the Clippers were the sixth seed in the Western Conference despite having the fifth-best record in the conference.

The Clippers faced the third-seed Denver Nuggets. Denver was 44-38 and had a worse record than Los Angeles but was the third seed because it won the Northwest Division. Since Los Angeles had the better record, it held homecourt advantage in the first round.

The Clippers had a 16-point lead late in the third quarter of Game One. Denver tied the score at 87 after an Andre Miller layup with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. The Clippers scored two after Vladimir Radmanovic was fouled and made free throws with 59.8 seconds left.

Elton Brand blocked Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony and Radmanovic was whistled for an offensive foul on a drive. Anthony missed two different shots that would've tied the game and the Clippers held on for the two-point win.

The Clippers led by as much as 25 points in the first half of Game Two and held on for a 98-87 victory. The Nuggets won the third game Anthony scored 24 points. In the fourth game, seven Clippers reached double figures and Los Angeles won 100-86. The Clippers closed out the series in Game Five with a 101-83 blowout victory.

Los Angeles matched up with the Phoenix Suns in the second round. Brand starred with 40 points, but Phoenix had four players score at least 17 in a 130-123 win. The Clippers used a 19-5 offensive rebounding advantage and a 31-6 edge in second chance points to take Game Two 122-97 victory.

In response to great play from Clippers guard Sam Cassell (25.5 PPG), the Suns had 6-foot-8 forward Shawn Marion primarily guard Cassell instead of the 6-foot-3 Nash. Marion helped limit Cassell to 2-for-10 shooting as the Suns took back homecourt advantage with a 94-91 Suns win in Game Three.

In Game Four, the Clippers led for most of the contest. Cassell hit a three-pointer with 27.2 seconds left to give them a six-point lead. They ended up taking the game 114-107 and tying the series 2-2.

Game Five was one of the best games of the 2006 postseason. Los Angeles trailed by 19 points early on but stormed back. With 39.2 seconds left and the Clippers down by three, Cassell knocked down a corner three to tie the game. Neither team scored again in regulation, forcing free basketball.

Los Angeles took a three-point lead with 3.6 seconds left in overtime after Cassell hit two free throws. Phoenix tied it after Raja Bell hit a corner three over a recently subbed in Ewing with 1.1 seconds left.

The Clippers turned it over on their subsequent inbounds play, and Marion missed a heave at the buzzer. The second overtime saw Marion and Leandro Barbosa scored 11 of Phoenix’s 14 points in the second overtime as the Suns outlasted the Clippers 125-118.

The decision by coach Dunleavy to sub in the rookie Ewing for Bell's three-pointer was heavily criticized after the loss. The team had one foul to give on the play and its original plan was to foul before anyone on Phoenix could get a shot off.

The Clippers took out Cassell, Brand and center Chris Kaman and had five perimeter players on the floor to switch and guard the three-point line. Ewing for his part said he intended to foul but didn't because he didn't want to foul Bell on a shot attempt creating free-throws (via ESPN):

"He caught the ball in the corner and turned and shot. I did the best I could, put pressure on the shooter. It was a good play for them and a bad break for us. It was judgment call. He made a tough shot. We have to live with it."

Brand had 30 points and 12 rebounds to help lead the Clippers to a 118-106 Game Six win and tie the series 3-3. The series finale saw Nash score 29 points and hand out 11 assists to lead Phoenix to a Game Seven 127-107 blowout victory.

Though Ewing is remembered for being on the floor for one of the Clippers' most significant playoff moments, he appeared in just six of the team's 12 games for a total of five minutes. The guard scored two points in the postseason.

In the 2006 offseason, Cassell re-signed with Los Angeles on a two-year, $13 million deal. In the draft, the Clippers filled a need in the frontcourt, adding 6-foot-11 center Paul Davis from Michigan State. A four-year player in college, Davis averaged 17.5 PPG and 9.1 RPG with the Spartans in his senior year.

Ewing played in Summer League for a second consecutive season with the Clippers. In five games, the guard averaged 31.6 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.0 APG and 1.6 SPG.

The 2006-07 season would be a rollercoaster ride for the Clippers. Expected to compete for a playoff spot, Los Angeles began the season 5-1 but soon dropped six of seven to fall to 6-7. A six-game losing streak dropped the team to 10-15 in December and a 7-1 stretch in January got the team to 24-22.

Injuries to point guards Sam Cassell and Shaun Livingston played a large part in the team's struggles all year. After 74 games, Los Angeles was in eighth place in the West with a 37-37 record. A 3-5 stretch in the last five games dropped the Clippers to 40-42. Los Angeles finished two games behind the seventh place Golden State Warriors and eighth place Los Angeles Lakers who both finished 42-40.

Ewing made appearances in 61 games in his second season and put up 2.9 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.5 APG and 0.5 SPG in 11.7 MPG. Ewing struggled to fill in at point guard with Cassell and Livingston out with injury as he felt more comfortable as a two-guard. Davis had a small role in his rookie season. The 6-foot-11 forward saw action in 31 games and amassed 1.6 PPG and 1.4 RPG in 5.8 MPG.

In the 2007 offseason, the Clippers waived Ewing. He ended his two-year run in Los Angeles with a stat line of 3.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.4 APG and 0.5 SPG in 127 games. The former Blue Devil shot 39% from the field, 32% from the three-point line and 78% from the free-throw line in two years. Ewing signed a two-year deal overseas to play with Khimki of the Russian League.

Davis played in Summer League with the Clippers in 2007. In Las Vegas, Davis started all five games, producing 12.6 PPG on 44% shooting and 8.0 RPG in 25.1 MPG.

Los Angeles' hopes for fielding a playoff team for the 2007-08 season were dashed before the start of the season. Brand ruptured his left achilles tendon during a routine offseason workout. The two-time All-Star would miss all but the last eight games of the season.

Los Angeles won its first four games but dropped 23 of the next 29 games. to fall to 10-23. The Clippers started a retooling, agreeing to a buyout arrangement with veteran starter Sam Cassell at midseason. After reaching 19-33, the Clippers went 4-26 over the final 30 games to finish the year 23-59.

In early January of 2008, Davis tore the ACL and lateral meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. The injury required surgery and ended his season abruptly. Davis averaged 2.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.5 APG and 8.8 MPG in 22 games.

In the 2008 offseason, Los Angeles underwent significant changes. The team was able to sign All-Star point guard Baron Davis, but lost Brand and Maggette to the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors respectively.

In response to losing Brand, the Clippers traded for former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby in a deal with the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers renounced their rights to Paul Davis, but later signed the big man to a contract.

Los Angeles began the 2008-09 season just 1-9. The team made a significant early-season deal, acquiring power forward Zach Randolph and guard Mardy Collins from the New York Knicks for forward Tim Thomas and guard Cuttino Mobley.

The losing continued as Los Angeles was 8-25 when it waived Davis along with guard Fred Jones in early 2009 to make room for recently acquired center Cheikh Samb. In 27 games, Davis was averaging 4.0 PPG and 2.5 RPG in 11.5 MPG. Over the course of three seasons, Davis appeared in 80 games with the Clippers, posting 2.2 PPG and 2.0 RPG. The big man shot 40% from the field and 74% from the charity stripe.

Melvin Ely on being eager to join the Bobcats (via LA Times):

"This is a great feeling to start all over with a brand-new team. I'm just happy that I can start with a new team and a new coach and a clean slate and finally show people that it wasn't a fluke that I was picked 12th and that I can go in there and help the new team out."

On the strengths in his game (via Bobcats.com):

"I'm a low-post presence, defensively and offensively, and that's something that every team needs. I'm hoping to add along with (Emeka) Okafor and all the other guys that have been there."

Eddie House on arriving in Charlotte (via Bobcats.com):

"I'm just happy to get the opportunity to come to a new team with a new start and a new beginning and try to start something good there. It's also a great opportunity for me to come in and show that I can play this game."

On how he feels he is best used:

"I just want to get on the court and play basketball. I'm a basketball player. It doesn't matter what position I'm at, I feel like I could have a positive effect on the game for my squad. If asked to run the one, I could do that. "I have definitely gotten better over the years. People don't know if I'm a one or a two. My answer since I came to the league is that I'm a basketball player. Once I get out on the court, that's what I do. I play hard."

On whether his jump shot is the best part of his game:

"Yes, I see that as my strong point. I think also the energy I bring to the floor. I energize the team. I get my teammates going and also get the crowd into it at the same time."

Charlotte Bobcats general manager and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff on adding Ely and House (via Bobcats.com):

"Adding these two players complements the make-up of our team very well. We now have six players that are 6-9 or taller for a nice rotation in the center and power forward positions and we have solidified our point guard position, as well."

On Melvin Ely:

"Melvin Ely is someone who commands respect in the low post on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. He is an old-school type of player who is physically tough. He can conceivably play multiple positions in the frontcourt, at both center and forward, and can attract double-teams in the post."

On Eddie House:

"Eddie House has the ability to be an outside shooting threat and will give us another scorer. Another thing I like about him is his versatility to play some point guard and off-guard."

On what the trade gives Charlotte (via Bobcats.com):

"The trade gives us another guy at 6’10 who was the 12th pick in the draft. The point is that he is a guy who can command respect on the low block. Kind of the old-school game, because I know people will have to double-team him. I think he’ll do a good job with rebounding. We feel comfortable with that. I think he matches up with a lot of the bigs we have and he and Emeka (Okafor) could play together. "In talking to Eddie House, I asked him about the point guard situation, he was telling me 'you know coach, sometimes they want me to play point guard, when I started to play point guard they'd pull me off and have me play the two.' My message to him was 'we just want you to come in and play basketball. Be yourself. That's how you excel.' There are things that we can do offensively when he's in the game that exemplify and are conducive to a good game."

On receiving Ely who was the 12th overall draft pick from 2002:

"Well, I'm just happy we got him. I can't speak for other people, but I'm certainly appreciative. Timing is everything. We were in the right place at the right time. There were some other offers from teams who had an interest in this young man, but we just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

On the deal’s effect on the Clippers salary cap room:

"They're in the Kobe Derby. This deal they tried to consummate at 12:01 a.m., but it didn't happen. But they probably want to make their move on Kobe. We certainly wish them well. They've been nice to us."

Los Angeles Clippers vice president of basketball operations Elgin Baylor on how the trade creates cap flexibility (via Clippers.com):

"We began discussions on this transaction in early July, with the goal of creating salary cap flexibility which would allow us to take advantage of any potential opportunities."

Image Credit:

Melvin Ely via UPI/Nell Redmond

Eddie House via Getty Images/Kent Smith

[kicksaddictny]

Introducing Nike Basketball’s Rookie Class of 2023

Nike’s roster of athletes is unmatched. From the greatest of all time to rising stars who are barrier breakers, we partner with the world’s best athletes with the goal of expanding sport for the next generation. To that end, Nike Basketball is proud to introduce its 2023 NBA Rookie Class. Together, these players represent the wave of the future, bringing the game to new heights. 

Anthony Black, Guard

Team: Orlando Magic

Last season, he was the only player in University of Arkansas history to reach more than 450 points, 180 rebounds and 140 assists in a season. 

He was also the only player in the SEC to reach the top 25 in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocked shots. 

Kobe Brown, Forward

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

In Kobe’s senior year at the University of Missouri, he became the third Division I player in the last 25 seasons to score 30 points in back-to-back games against nationally ranked teams. 

He was the only Division I player in the nation last year to shoot 55 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. 

Bilal Coulibaly, Guard

Team: Washington Wizards

He was quickly promoted to his senior-level French team after averaging 21.9 PPG, 2.6 SPG and 1.2 BPG.

He represents France at the international level.

Keyonte George, Guard

Team: Utah Jazz

His 506 points as a freshman at Baylor University were the second most in school history.

He holds the Baylor record for most 20-point games in program history.

Jordan Hawkins, Guard

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

He’s made the second most three-pointers in a single season in University of Connecticut program history, behind only Ray Allen.

He helped lead UConn to win the 2023 NCAA National Title. 

Dereck Lively II

Team: Dallas Mavericks

A five-star center out of Pennsylvania, he was ranked the No. 1 player overall in the state's class of 2022. ESPN ranked him the No. 1 High School Basketball Player in the class of 2022.

His 82 blocked shots last season were the second most by a Duke University freshman in a single season.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Forward

Team: Dallas Mavericks

He was a nationally ranked recruit from the class of 2020, concluding his high school career at the NBA’s Latin American Academy in Mexico City.

During NBA Summer League 2023, he averaged 12.6 PPG and 5.4 RPG at 25.4 MPG.

Brandon Miller, Forward

Team: Charlotte Hornets

At the University of Alabama, he became the first conference player ever to win SEC Player of the Year, SEC Freshman of the Year, and SEC Tournament MVP in the same season.

He led all Division I freshmen in scoring last year.

Amen Thompson, Forward

Team: Houston Rockets

In the 2023 NBA Draft, he was the No. 4 overall pick.

He averaged 16.4 PPG, 5.9 APG and 5.9 RPG during the OTE 2022-23 regular season.

Ausar Thompson, Forward

Team: Detroit Pistons 

A five-star recruit out of high school, he won a state title at Pine Crest High School with his brother Amen in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In the OTE 2022-23 season, he was named the regular-season MVP and finals MVP, averaging 21.0 PPG, 4.8 APG and 5.2 RPG.

Julian Strawther, Forward

Team: Denver Nuggets

He averaged a double-double in high school at 31.5 PPG and 11.1 RPG.

He represents Puerto Rico at the international level.

Cason Wallace, Guard

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

In high school, he was awarded two separate Player of the Year honors in the state of Texas.

Last year, at the University of Kentucky, he ranked among the NCAA leaders in assists per game, assist-to-turnover ratio, and steals per game.

Victor Wembanyama, Forward

Team: San Antonio Spurs

After winning the Pro A title with ASVEL of the EuroLeague, he went on to play for the Metropolitans 92 where he earned the league's title for scoring and blocks with an average of 21.6 PPG and 3.0 BPG during the 2022-23 season.

He was the No. 1 overall pick for the NBA 2023 Draft.

[lboogie1906]

Minister Mark A. Jackson (April 1, 1965) is a former basketball player. A point guard from St. John’s University, he played for the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets in a career spanning (1987-2004).

He grew up in Queens. He was regarded as one of the nation’s elite point guards.

He became a broadcast commentator for ESPN and ABC. He worked as an analyst for The YES Network’s New Jersey Nets games. In 2011 the Golden State Warriors hired him as head coach. He coached the team for three seasons but was fired in 2014 despite leading the Warriors to consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in over 20 years.

He was the first head coach hired by new owners. After inheriting a team that had made the playoffs just once in the previous 17 years, he promised to turn the Warriors into a good defensive team and playoff contender but struggled to a 23–43 record in his first year during the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season as the team suffered several injuries. With strong performances from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, he led the Warriors to a 47–35 record and a #6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. It was the first time the Warriors had made the playoffs since the 2006–07 season.

He signed under a four-year, $8 million contract, he earned two more years guaranteed on his contract in 2013, putting him under contract through 2014–15. The Warriors improved to 51–31, the team’s first season with 50 or more wins since 1993–94. They reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1992 but lost in the first round to the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games.

On May 17, 2014, he reached a multiyear agreement to return to ESPN as a game analyst.

He married singer and actress Desiree Coleman (1990-2017) and they have four children. His son, Mark Jackson, Jr., played for the Manhattan Jaspers after transferring from the University of Louisville. He is the older brother of AND1 streetballer Troy Jackson, known as “Escalade”. He is a Christian and a licensed minister. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[zanydestinycandy]

JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht Video Surfaces After Clippers-Lakers Game

Angeles Lakers Amidst Controversy

Dalton Knecht, a standout rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers, has already shown significant promise in the NBA. Drafted 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht has quickly become a valuable contributor to the Lakers' lineup. Despite his young age, the 6'7" forward has impressed with his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, and his overall contribution to the team.

Dalton Knecht's Early Success

Knecht has displayed remarkable scoring ability early in his NBA career. His standout performance came against the Utah Jazz, where he scored an impressive 37 points, the highest-scoring game by any rookie that season. This performance cemented his place as one of the most exciting newcomers in the league. On average, Knecht has been contributing nearly 21 minutes per game, adding around 1.6 three-pointers per game. His versatility on offense has been crucial for the Lakers, especially in a season full of ups and downs for the team.

The Video Controversy

Recently, Dalton Knecht found himself at the center of a controversy after a video surfaced showing an intense moment with his head coach, JJ Redick, following the Lakers' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 28, 2025. In the video, Redick appears visibly frustrated with Knecht during a timeout, with explicit language being used. This exchange quickly went viral, drawing attention to Redick's fiery coaching style and the dynamics between him and his rookie player.

Although the video sparked some debate among fans and analysts, Knecht’s performance on the court remained strong. In the same game, he scored 24 points, demonstrating his resilience despite the pressure. Knecht’s ability to bounce back after the incident reflects his mental toughness and commitment to his development as an NBA player.

JJ Redick’s Coaching Approach

JJ Redick, in his first season as the Lakers' head coach, has not been shy about his intense coaching style. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Redick's leadership has sometimes led to heated exchanges with players. However, despite the apparent frustration in the video, Redick has also publicly praised Knecht’s growth. After a stellar 35-point game from Knecht against the Phoenix Suns, Redick jokingly remarked that it was the most he had heard Knecht speak during a post-game interview, showing a lighter side to their relationship.

Moving Forward

In response to the controversy, Redick clarified his comments about Knecht's body language, saying, "I thought his spirit was good. I thought he played well. We're not going to talk about it anymore. We've talked about it. He's in a good spot. We're good." This shows that both Redick and Knecht are focused on the bigger picture—improving the team's performance and continuing to grow together throughout the season.

Conclusion

Dalton Knecht’s journey in the NBA has been marked by both high-performance and some off-court drama. However, his ability to maintain composure and focus on the game speaks to his potential as a future star for the Lakers. As he continues to develop under the watchful eye of coach JJ Redick, it’s clear that Knecht’s talent and resilience will be crucial to the Lakers' success moving forward. The recent incident may have sparked conversation, but it is Knecht’s on-court performances that will ultimately define his career in the NBA.

Read more

[tonyspicks]

Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz Prediction 02/13/2025: NBA Picks

Looking for expert NBA predictions to stay ahead of the game? Nick’s data-driven analysis has you covered! With insights like this pick for the Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz matchup, you’ll gain the edge to make smarter bets. Nick recommends taking the Over 226.5. For more winning picks and expert advice, visit Nick’s profile at Tony’s Picks today. Don’t miss out on exclusive insights—start turning predictions into profits now!

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/39kvzbu5

[worldnews24x7]

Powell, Zubac both score 26 as Clippers snap 3-game losing streak with 130-110 victory over Jazz

[home-inspiration-blog]

Clippers dominate Jazz, snap 3-game skid

INGLEWOOD — It wasn’t the start Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue had hoped to see. And he might have wanted to cover his eyes through the middle. It was, however, the finish he wanted to see from his team. The Clippers, despite more than a few shaky moments, overcame a short-handed but resilient Utah Jazz team for a 130-110 victory at Intuit Dome, snapping a three-game losing streak. But it took solid…

[influencermagazineuk]

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks finalized a monumental trade, moving Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, sending Anthony Davis to Dallas, with Utah Jazz as a part of this trade, in the three-way trade deal early Sunday morning as per the ESPN's Shams Charania. Charania reports the Lakers are giving up Davis, a and Max Christie in exchange for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. In this three-way trade, Jalen Hood-Schifino will go from the Lakers, along with a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks and another from the Clippers through the Lakers to the Jazz as the third part of the deal. Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons This shocked the basketball world. Even Charania posted on social media to assure his fans of its validity while still basking in the general skepticism that befell most Lakers' fans. It later turned out that the Mavericks started trading for the youngster and proposed the sending of Doncic to Los Angeles. This is something Los Angeles front office sees as an extremely rare opportunity to introduce the long-term face of the franchise: a young superstar. Doncic, widely considered one of the NBA's elite talents, finished third in MVP voting last season and has been the foundation of the Mavericks' success. Neither he nor Davis knew anything about the trade talks before the deal was done. At 31, Davis is one of the biggest men in the league, still dominating games at this point in his career. This season, he's averaged 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game for the Lakers. For all that he's doing on the court, the Lakers have decided to make the bold move, opting to build around a younger star in Doncic. Davis was ruled out with an abdomen injury during this win over the Knicks on Saturday night, in which Christie put in 15 points.  Doncic, meanwhile had been out of action since Christmas due to calf strain. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison spoke with ESPN's Tim MacMahon about the rationale behind the trade, saying, "I believe that defense wins championships. Bringing in an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a strong defensive mindset puts us in a better position to compete now and in the future." Reports indicate that Dallas had been growing increasingly concerned about Doncic's conditioning, especially as he became eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax contract this summer. The timing of the move is particularly shocking given that the Mavericks made the NBA Finals last season, led by Doncic and Kyrie Irving, before losing to the Boston Celtics in five games. Christie, who put up a stellar performance against the Knicks just prior to the trade, is now part of the new-look Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Lakers, who have been fifth in the Western Conference, have struggled to regain championship form since taking the 2019-20 title. Through Doncic, they may be able to make a deeper playoff run alongside LeBron James and other key contributors. The trade shook the sports world to its core, with many questioning whether Charania's report was hacked, as the sheer magnitude of the deal was hard to believe. Even LeBron James was caught off guard, finding out about the trade while dining, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Knicks player Jalen Brunson reacted in disbelief, asking if it was "April Fools'". Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton echoed that sentiment, questioning whether Charania's report was real. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also weighed in on social media, expressing his shock with a simple but telling reaction: "I’m sick rn…." Basketball fans won’t have to wait long to see Doncic take on his former team, as the Lakers are set to host the Mavericks on February 25 in what will undoubtedly be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. Read the full article

[news4usonline]

Kawhi Leonard's looming return

Until now, there was minimal certainty about when Kawhi Leonard would take the court this season. All that was known was that he planned on playing for the Los Angeles Clippers at some point this year. Over the past few weeks, some clarity and progression have finally occurred. Tyronn Lue typically fields questions on Leonard's status every Monday; until recently, he did not have much to report. Last week came with a major update that the superstar forward had begun practicing in a limited fashion—no contact, but still a significant step in the right direction. This week, the update was that Leonard has continued to progress, and there is a chance he will travel with the team on the road for the first time this season.

June 6, 2021-Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) brings the hammer down with a thunderous dunk aginst the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks, 126-111. Photo credit: Mark Hammond/News4usonline "We will see going forward after tonight and tomorrow to get a chance to reassess everything. He has progressed very well," said Lue prior to their game against Utah. "There is a chance he might travel with us, but that has not been determined yet." Leonard traveled with the team for training camp in Hawaii, but before that, the last time he flew with the team was during the first round of the 2024 playoffs when the Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks. If he attends the upcoming road trip, there is no guarantee he will play, but it would signify that he is at least close. The two-time Finals MVP made a name for himself in San Antonio and Toronto by winning championships. In Los Angeles, he has only participated in 28 out of a potential 43 playoff games for the Clippers. Health has always been and still is the number one concern since Leonard came to the team in 2019. "It is great, he is Kawhi Leonard," said James Harden on having him back at practice. "He is inching his way back toward the court, and we want him to take his time. Whenever he is ready, we will be ready for him." Leonard has been fantastic as a Clipper when he manages to stay on the court. In four seasons, he has averaged 24.8 points while shooting over fifty percent from the field and over forty percent from three. Just last year, in 68 regular season games, he posted career-highs in shooting percentage and minutes per game while earning an All-NBA 2nd Team selection.

Kawhi Leonard (2) goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The Clippers defeated the Jazz, 116-112. Photo credit: Mark Hammond/News4usonline If last season is any indication, Leonard is still one of the top ten to fifteen players in the NBA when healthy. The Clippers have also been without several other key players for stretches early on, including Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Terance Mann. Still, LA has found a way to stay afloat in an always-tough Western Conference. Powell (23.5) and Ivica Zubac (14.9) are both averaging career-highs, while Harden is doing his best Houston Rockets impression of himself. "With guys being in and out, it is tough. We have to have the same mentality every single night," said Ty Lue. "Playing the right way and building the right habits. Once we get everyone back healthy, if you continue to build the right habits, then they will hit the ground running once they get back." If and when Leonard returns, this Clippers team that prides itself on the defensive side of the ball can be extremely dangerous in a seven-game series. For the moment, they are being overlooked, but if they get lucky in terms of health, they are capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. Read the full article

[sparklymentalitypanda]

Game Winning Shots NBA Playoff Edition

Welcome to our latest video, "Game-Winning Shots: NBA Playoff Edition," where we explain the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in NBA playoff history. Buzzer beaters are rare and spectacular events that leave fans on the edge of their seats and create lasting memories. In this video, we'll take you on an exciting journey through ten of the most iconic game-winning shots that have defined the NBA playoff series and etched players' names into basketball lore.

LeBron James vs. Chicago Bulls (2011, Game 5): Witness LeBron James' incredible step-back jump shot that broke a tie with just 29.5 seconds left, propelling the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. Although not a perfect finish, this shot demonstrated LeBron's clutch performance under intense pressure

Kawhi Leonard vs. Philadelphia 76ers (2019, Game 7): Relive Kawhi Leonard's legendary buzzer-beater that won the series for the Toronto Raptors. This historic shot not only clinched the series but also paved the way for the Raptors' first-ever NBA Championship, ending the Golden State Warriors' dominance.

Damian Lillard vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (2019, Game 5): Experience Damian Lillard's poetic game-winning shot that sealed a 50-point performance and ended the era for the Thunder's star player, Russell Westbrook. This moment, despite being criticized by Paul George, remains a triumph for Blazers fans.

John Stockton vs. Houston Rockets (1997, Game 6): Step back in time to John Stockton's dramatic game-winner, aided by Karl Malone’s controversial screen, which left Rockets fans heartbroken and showcased Stockton’s skill and determination.

Damian Lillard vs. Houston Rockets (2014, Game 6): Feel the tension as Damian Lillard’s clutch buzzer-beater prevented a Game 7, advancing the Trail Blazers and cementing his reputation for delivering in critical moments.

Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson (2009, Game 1): Enjoy a double feature of clutch performances by Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson. Kobe’s memorable three-pointer against the Miami Heat and Joe Johnson's series-winning floater for the Utah Jazz exemplify their legendary status in making game-winning shots.

Jason Tatum vs. Brooklyn Nets (2022, Game 1): Relive the excitement of Jason Tatum's buzzer-beating layup that secured a victory for the Celtics and set the tone for their series sweep against the Nets, highlighting Tatum's multifaceted contribution.

Anthony Davis vs. Denver Nuggets (2020, Game 2): Celebrate Anthony Davis’s "Mamba shot" tribute to Kobe Bryant, a game-winning buzzer-beater that boosted the Lakers' momentum towards their 17th NBA Championship.

OG Anunoby vs. Boston Celtics (2020, Game 3): Witness OG Anunoby’s incredible three-pointer with just 0.5 seconds left, a crucial shot that kept the Raptors' playoff hopes alive, even though they ultimately lost the series to the Celtics.

Luka Dončić vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2020, Game 4): Marvel at Luka Dončić’s historic game, where he achieved a triple-double and nailed a stunning three-pointer in overtime, demonstrating his ability to perform under immense pressure.

These unforgettable moments are a testament to the players' skills, determination, and the high-stakes drama of the NBA playoffs. Each shot not only defined games but also shaped careers and legacies. Don't miss out on more thrilling basketball content; like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more NBA playoff action and unforgettable moments.

[heavenforblog1111]

Alright, so Kawhi Leonard is an intriguing presence in the NBA. He is a 2 time NBA champion and 2x Finals MVP. Yet, for some reason he doesn't draw much attention despite being a superstar. So, Can Kawhi Leonard win another title? 3 years back he won the championship and the Finals MVP with the Toronto Raptors and left the franchise to play for LA Clippers, LA being his hometown. Currently, he is recovering from an ACL tear and we expect him to come back this season after he missed the last season. Kawhi and the Clippers lost to the Denver Nuggets blowing a 3-1 lead in the playoffs in 2020. In 2021 playoffs, Kawhi suffered the ACL injury playing against the Utah Jazz. The Clippers were able to win the rest of the series without him and were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Kawhi is not the type of player to pile up stats. One may look at his stats and dismiss him if they hadn't seen him play before. Kawhi is the type of player who does what is required to win. He will get your team to win when you need it the most. Of course, there are certain exceptions where in he has not performed as expected for example his performance in 2020 playoffs when the Clippers lost despite having a 3-1 lead. Can Kawhi Leonard win another title? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHOConM6RQE Kawhi's style of play has derived comparisons from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Kawhi has several skills in his arsenal. He is a defensive monster while also possessing an offensive skillset. His foot work, ability to create his own shots, fade-away jumpers etc are amazing. He has a great legacy too. He is 2-time NBA champion and 2x Finals MVP. He has yet to win a regular season MVP though I believe that is not really his goal. His 2019 run was notably the greatest run in his career(at least till now) when he defeated the Golden State Warriors. Who would've thought that the Golden State dynasty would come an end to like that. Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles tear in the only game that he played against the Raptors. Meanwhile, it was in the same series that Klay Thompson tore his ACL too. Kawhi has one of the most interesting stories in the NBA. He was part of the San Antonio Spurs squad back in 2017. They were facing the Golden State Warriors(fully stacked at that time) and were winning the Game 1 against them. Kawhi, being the star of his team ended up with an injury and was taken out of the game. San Antonio lost the game and the series. Meanwhile Kawhi was out for the series, and he only played 9 games the next season. Later on, he came back to avenge is loss against Golden State and won the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors. Do I think Kawhi can win a championship again? I think that is an interesting question. I really do hope he wins another title. He is 31 years of age as of now. He has great teammates in Paul George and John Wall. I think it will be interesting if they contend for a title. Knowing Kawhi, he is definitely not done yet. I know he plays hard to win and he is definitely serious about winning more titles in his career. I hope he is back healthy and I think it will be interesting to see the Clippers contend for a title. Let me know your opinion in the comment section. Do you guys think the Clippers can win a title?

[therealcrimediary]

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from an embarrassing loss to the Miami Heat by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 115-92. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs, with Mobley scoring 17 points and recording a career-high eight assists. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Cleveland, who had been struggling with injuries and falling in the Eastern Conference standings. The Brooklyn Nets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 96-88 victory over the short-handed Toronto Raptors. Dennis Schroder scored 19 points against his former team, while Trendon Watford added 19 points. The Raptors have now lost 11 straight games and are winless since March 3. The New York Knicks cruised to a 124-99 win over the Detroit Pistons behind a franchise-record 11 three-pointers from Donte DiVincenzo, who scored a career-high 40 points. Jalen Brunson added 28 points for the Knicks, who won for the sixth time in seven games and remained in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Atlanta Hawks staged a stunning comeback from a 30-point deficit to beat the NBA-leading Boston Celtics 120-118. De'Andre Hunter hit a game-winning three-pointer with 9.2 seconds left to secure the victory for the Hawks, who were missing several key players due to injuries. The Celtics, despite 37 points from Jayson Tatum, saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end. In other games, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the Phoenix Suns 104-102 behind a strong performance from Jeremy Sochan, while the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-92 with Jalen Green scoring 27 points. The Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls 107-105, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 115-105 with Luka Doncic recording a triple-double. Additionally, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-103, the Sacramento Kings beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-96, and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 133-116.