#nba all-time power forwards

[viandclintbarton-supremacy]

All Star (Millie Bright x GN Reader) Featuring WSL + BPL players

Warning: Swearing, Mature content

Sam Kerr XL VS Erling Haaland XL

A massive day in English football that was arriving. The Women's Super League and The Premier League were in a agreement to have a All Star match. Both teams made up from Stars of the WSL and the PL and the week would draw a lot of inspiration from the NBA all star week, Contests, Celebrity match, etc

Even though their was some concerns about the players playing too much, the game would be in off season and players had a choice to play if they wanted too. The idea of playing with some of the best in the country and friends was a exciting idea so when where contacted to be apart of Pep's side you jumped at the chance

Much Excitement was gathering for the event, especially since you was contacted to be apart of the Haaland XL and would take on the Kerr XL. The days following up to the event was press, media and training with the teammates for the match. The likes of Haaland, Mead, Foden, Son, TAA, Leah Williamson, Walker and more. Whilst the other team would have Sam Kerr, KDB, Russo, Millie Bright, Daly, Ederson and more.

During training camp you met with friends like Mead, Leah and Heung Min Son and new like Haaland, Lauren Hemp, Thiago Silva just to name a few.

Training camp was filled with banter, fun and energy. You loved being around the league's top stars that sometimes it you had to pinch yourself to see if this was real.

"Ok team, this will be the line up for the game. everyone will have time on the pitch. Even though this is a game of fun, I'm sure we all don't like to lose" Pep said in a light hearted tone which was responded with smiles and head nods. The slide would show the line up and you study it.

GK - Mary Earps

DEF- Walker, McCabe, Le Tissier, Sliva

MID - Williamson, Son, Foden

ATT - Y/N, Haaland, Hemp

You smiled at the line up, This team looked good and the bench was good too. You felt a nudge behind you to see Haaland and received a high five turned into a fist pump. Hemp who was sitting next to you also did the same. Leah, Son and Foden would just be magic. the back 4 screamed hard work and aggression and Mary had that passion to motivate the entire team. You, Hemp and Haaland is a dangerous trio. Hemp with her pace and quick thinking, Haaland is well Erling Haaland and you were the Top Goal scorer in the F.A cup and Champions league last season. This Team was powerful.

The meeting went on as Pep gave game plans and who would most likely deal with who. Like the defence and Mary having to hold off Sam Kerr and Salah. Midfield up against Rice, KDB, Cuthbert and Toone.

"Y/N, Hemp,Haaland. You will most likely be up against Trippier" You rubbed your chin, he can be a challenge "Steph Houghton" You lean forward excitement filled you as you go up against a lioness legend "Harry Maguire" You smirked at the easy challenge "And Millie Bright" Your smirked turned into a full blown evil smile, Not only would you a Arsenal Striker go up against a Chelsea captain but you LOVED challenges and Millie fitted that category. You looked at your attacking teammates who also looked intrigued and ready untill "I got a tenner on F/N making one of them break" you hear McCabe say from the back who made the room laugh, you turned to her with you smile on show. What did McCabe mean by her bet? Well you had a reputation..............for being one of the biggest shit talkers there is.

Whenever you were marked by a defender you just talked...and talked.... and talked until you were in their head or made them so irritated that they would try and two foot you and not be able to focus most of the time you catching them off guard and finding yourself through on goal

One thing that everyone knew about you when playing

No one could shut you up.

"I SAY TWENTY!" Hemp shouts taking the bet on you gave an eye roll

"THIRTY AND A ROUND OF DRINKS ON ME IF IM WRONG!" You had to double take as Son jumped in on it which threw you off "SONNY!" you said flabbergasted as the rest of the team were taking that bet

"HUNDRED!" You turned to Pep and gave him a really look

"I HAVE ONE FOR YOU F/N!" you turned back to Leah " Millie is a tough one and won't be easily broken" You tilted your head a little bit, interest building "If you can get Bright to break, I will be your assistant for a 24 hours" The room filled with oohs as you crossed your arms leaning back, biting your tongue, feeling a nudge from Hemp as Son put his hands on your shoulders and shock you "Go on!" Son said "Yeah you can make her suffer" Hemp said You smiled at your friends

"And if I don't?"

"You would my assistant for a full day" You smirked and leaned forward "And then McCabe's for another 24 hours" Your smirk dropped god knows what Katie would make you do. The Team were enjoying every moment of this after the brief thought, You knew you were the best at it when it came to cracking people. You turned to Katie who had the most terrifying smile you have ever seen in your life and past lifes. Leah walked over to you with a smug and extended her hand "do we have an accord" she said in a posh accent

"I Accept" You stood up and shock to the team clapping and voicing excitement. As Leah back to her seat you gently pulled her towards you with a evil smirk "Sonny!" You said gaining the Korean's attention "Yes?" "You don't happen to have a spare Tottenham shirt i can borrow right?" You asked in a innocent voice to which Leah's grin dropped and the blood drained from her face as the room started to giggle. "Yes i do, Why would you need one" He said smiling innocently "Just thinking Leah suits white and black clothing" Leah gave you a glare before returning to her seat.

The bet was on!!!!!

After many training sessions, interviews, social media posts, recordings for tv and youtube

The day was here, The team arrived at a sold out Wembley Stadium. Fans were on a high to watch football, see interactions they thought they would never see. The whole team was excited and determined to have a great match.

The team would go out for the last training session on the field before the game, it was there you would see the other team on the other side of the pitch and there she was. Your challenge Millie Bright, you looked at the Lioness she was quite the looker and you shamelessly checked her out. But then had an idea that hopefully would work, It was simple. She just needed to look at you. and thankfully she did.

She caught you looking at her and she nodded at you but frowned at little when you didn't nod back. She waved but all you did was smirk and went back to warm up. You were all ready trying to get inside the Chelsea captain's head.

The match was about to start, you walked out to the field with your team and waiting to shake the enemy teams hand and say good games and such. As you looked around you had to admit. Being in Wembley, on the pitch in front of that crowd was something.

You felt like a immortal everytime you played there, the cheers, the atmosphere. To you Wembley was the stage where legends made. And you know that after you scored the last minute goal for arsenal in the F.A Cup final against West Ham last season. You loved it here.

You were shaken out of your thoughts as you saw Sam Kerr approach you, clasping your hand and both winking at each other before saying "Have a good game" and this would continue down the line until you held Millies hand and gave a smirk which made frown a little bit.

As the match kicked off, you went to your position and found yourself marked by Millie. You glanced at Hemp who gave you a smile and raised her eyebrows at you

"This gonna be a great match" you said to Mille "Yeah it's crazy it's happening" She said in a happy voice

"Too bad i didnt get the male chelsea captain to deal with"

"Ooh is that How's it gonna be?" Millie replied in a amused voice as she glanced at you as you just gave a smirked.

A couple minutes later, you would find yourself running through on goal and was heading towards goal as you feel Millie trying to push you off the ball as Eddison was ready to challenge you. As Millie tried to kick the ball away she ended up dragging you down but you got a kick out of it but Eddison's fingers tip skimmed the ball enough to divert it to the post.

Next thing you knew you hit the ground hard as you felt someone fall on you. You looked at who was on top of you and was Millie "Sorry if that was a bit rough, you ok?" She said with her own smirk trying to get back at you. You couldn't help but get hot under the collar feeling her hot breath fall on you as she was on top of you but you remained composed

"Nah I'm good. I like it Rough, especially in the postion" you said in a flirty voice as you looked Millie up and down who responded with a flabbergasted face before she quickly got up and brushed herself off. You evilly cackle to yourself loud enough to hear.

Later as your team received a corner you would take your postion and felt a strong presence behind you. You glance to see Millie. She stood next to you as she got ready to fight in the air. You felt her hand on your waist.

"Oh Millie" You said in a fake shock but flirty voice. To which Millie give you a seconed look and glared at you. But heard McCabe cackle and you saw Kerr in front of you starting to chuckle. And a friendly bump on the arm by walker. But at that moment you heard the whistle and the ball was kicked in by Hemp and you locked on to the ball and was about to jumped but saw Haaland jump into the air for the header. You would jocky agaisnt Millie and you managed to throw off balanced so she couldn't challenge Haaland who buried it into the net.

Thr crowd cheered as the team chased Haaland but before you ran, you looked to Millie who was in the ground.

"That wasn't the brightest idea, Brighty!" You said before running off. Not noticing Rachel Daly heard the pun and couldn't help but feel proud at the pun. "It'd beginning to look like you gonna be wearing that spurs shirt Leah" Daly said as he walked past a worried Leah. Millie was being broken down slowly.

The game was 1-1 and you weren't slowing down with the jabs either, you tell Millie irratation was rising. "You seem to not be enjoying the match Millie. What could be wrong?" Nothing. You were standing behind her and couldn't see her face as you started to walk in front of her getting ready to make a run for the ball as the counter attack was coming "It's a nice view by the way Millie"

"What?"

"You backside"

"E-excuse me!" You heard her say in a shock voice as she stuttered the sentence out. In that moment before she could register you sprinted off towards the goal as Son lobbed the ball towards the goal as the chased it. "LITTLE SHIT!" You heard Millie shout trying to chase you down. The sentence threw her off long enough for you acceleration to get distance on her. You saw Maguire coming in for a tackle to which you did a Ronaldo chop to the left sending Maguire sliding in embarrassment. The crowd rained oohh and cheers, as you continued but the slight delay of the move let Millie catch up and you then would pull off a Cruyff turn which resulted in something the world rarely saw with Millie Bright. You sent Millie falling face first onto the ground, you didn't looked back as you ran towards the goal you were one on one with Eddison. Calm and collected to curled the ball past the Brazilian into the goal which led to cheers and claps as you ran off to find Son to thank him for the assist. "LETS GO SONNY BOY!" As you embraced each other and felt others join the bundle. Not knowing Bright was at her limit

Half time would come along and you would walk back to the locker room not before noticing a glare from Millie

You sat down waiting for Pep to talk about the game plan and you felt hands on your shoulders "I can't see much from my postion but I think you winning this bet L/N" you hear Mary Earps say. You turn to her "yeah I feel bad though, hopefullyshe doesn't kill me" you grimaced "Oh she is gunning for you. I saw her face and know what that face means. Whatever happens Just apologise after the game. Hopefully you haven't pushed her too far that we never see you again" She said patting you in the back. Rest of the team walked in over the next couple minutes.

After the talk about the game plan and getting ready to go back out, you see Leah "You seem quiet Leah" Leah sighed

"Cause she bit off more then she could chew" Foden cheekly said as he grabbed a drink "Are you really gonna make her wear a Tottenham shirt? Couldn't be me" Declan Rice said giving you a friendly punch on the arm Leah groaned in annoyance "I'm getting annoyed here" She voiced in the room "So is Bright, You gonna be a good assistant" hear McCabe say as you and her step put of the locker room "ATLEAST I DIDN'T GET BOOKED A YELLOW!" You hear Leah shout at Katie before the door shut behind you, leaving you and Katie laugh as you walk back to the field

You were running into the box as a counter attack was on and Rice lobbed the ball into the box and you went to for the ball but felt a pain in your back sending flying as you jumped and just narrowly missing the goal post and falling to the ground. You gasped the wind was knocked out of you and winced "Jesus" you said sat up and saw Millie staring at you "Oh are you ok? I didn't break you did i?" She said in a sarcastic tone. You smirked "Yeah I deserve that one" you winched as you sat up "Yeah ya did brat" as she walked towards to you and extended her hand. You accepted her hand "Though I must say, You hit me so hard I started to angels. Then one helped me up" You winked at her "Oh for the love of"

*Whistle blows*

You notice the sub board

You run off to the sideline not before clapping and sending love to the crowd, high fiving the team and the enemy team

You glanced at Leah and wiggled your eyebrows. You won the bet and she looked miserable and fearful for that 24 hours

You approached your replacement Bethany England who became a close friend of yours during the All star team training.

You doubled high fived her "She all weared down for ya Bethy" She smiled and shook her head "GO GET ONE" You shouted to the the Tottenham captain

The match ended 5-3 to your team. You would shake hands and show respects

"Oi Millie!" You saw her coming towards you, You put your hands up as a sign of meaning no harm "You really a tough defend-Oof" She shoulder barged you into a stagger and walked to her team. You looked at her leave and then glanced at Daly who gave you, you are in trouble and I fear for your life look. You were shaken from your thoughts by two Tottenham players calling you. You turned with a smile and jogged to Son and Bethany for the trophy lift.

You be lying if you said you didn't feel bad about Millie. You admit you did a bit much especially in efforts for a bet. You found yourself in a secluded area of the hotel both teams would away for the night. You asked Leah if you could have Millies contact details in efforts to apologise. To which she did even after the endless teasing from the team after losing the bet. The team all agreed that Millie cleary let you in her head. You messaged the lioness

"Hey Millie, it's Y/N. Leah gave me your number. I wanted to apologise for my actions I got carried away and went to far in my shit talking today and I am at the hotel and I wanted to apologise in person. If you want nothing to do with me I understand"

"What door number and I will you at 11 pm"

You responded with the door and was left on read thus leading to you waiting outside your door with it open with anxiety building

"OI L/N!" You eyes snapped to the voice and there she was a furious lion that was Millie Bright marching towards you that you would say was murderous intent. Oh she gonna kill you. You put your arms up in defence

"Ok Millie, I'm sorry I really messed and you are very right to be piss-" You were cut off by Millie shoving into your room sending you stumbling. You hear the door slam and felt Millie grabbed you and put you agaisnt the door. You breath quicken as her face was inches away from yours as her breath was heavy and her eye were starring into your soul.

You gulped

------------------Mature Content-------------------

She grabbed both your wrist pining them above you head as she aggressively captured your lips with hers, shocking you, you tried to fight out of it. but couldnt help kiss back. She put her hand under your shirt rubbing your abs and grinded against you. You couldn't help but submit to this lioness. The frustration you gave her today made her lose it

You started to moan as she controlled you like her own toy. You could feel Millie smirk before slipping her tongue in your mouth. You were in bliss, Millie was pushing all the right buttons like you pushed hers on the field.

She stopped for a breather "Holy-"

She then kissing your neck lightly making you shut up tried to fight back moans.

"Such a brat" her kissing became harsher and harder making you curl your toes and move you hands against Millies hold but she was freakishly strong.

Millie stopped and locked eyes with you

"You are going to make up for today" you looked at her helpless as you felt her hand move from your waist to your backside and she grouped. "I can't wait to see that view." She said in a devilous voice as she grouped your backside You were in a trance, you couldn't look away from her and you were still trying to control your breathing.

"But since I didn't get a trophy today, I'm going to take another one and mark it" She said lickling her lips before biting down on your neck and sucked on it. Making your wide eyed. Squeezing you fists and your voice caught in your throat. You let herself submit under her control as she continued to grope and pull you towards her grinding movements. "F-fuck M-millie" you said as you felt her mark your neck

"We will" She said grabbing you and throwing you onto the bed and pinned you down. You were still trying to process what was happening.

"What's wrong? I thought you like it rough?" She said in a seductive voice lifted up your shirt to your neck. "And this postion" you placed kisses from the top of your abs and went lower

Making you feel scared but filled with excitement

She went Iower

You moaned as you closed your eyes

She went lower

It was at this moment you was Millies trophy for the rest of the night

-----------------Mature Content End--------------

You eyes fluttered open as you felt a hand play with your hair and stroke your head. You turned into the body you were intangled with and pressed your face into thier chest.

"Morning my Trophy" you heard the voice of Millie as you felt the vibrations of her speaking and looked up to her still half asleep. You felt her move strays of hair out of your face "You look cute when your all tuckered out" she said teasing you giving you pleasant flashbacks of the events of last night. "You say it like I didn't enjoy it" you gave a weak smile "Oh I know you enjoyed" She sat up slightly and drew you closer to her as she pecked your lips "I heard you enjoy it" You started to sheepishly smile, she pecked you again "I felt you enjoy it" you hid your face in her neck, pecking her neck and ribbing you face trying to hide

"Looks like I figured out how to finally shut you up"

The End

Well that was a different type of story I'm used to writing well the end part. I hope you guys enjoyed it and got a laugh and a gasp out of it.

I really wanted to write a story involving male and female footballers and I tried to make it work. Please let me know if you liked that idea btw

Please send feedback, If you want more Millie imagines request them 😁

[chloeangelic]

Line cook Joel origin story drabble

Here’s what I think line cook Joel’s origin story is, some info about him and Sarah, his general personality and interests, relationship history etc that might explain what he’s like in my series Belong to me

This is my most self indulgent series and Joel iteration, be warned lmao

Warnings: SPOILERS for ch 1-3, mentions of child abandonment

Word count: 1.2k

Joel is 40 in this AU, and I feel like it takes place in 2005ish, which doesn’t really come through in the chapters but it’s how I see the whole situation in my head.

Joel had Sarah at 24, with a sort of low commitment on and off girlfriend at the time who was somewhere in the 22-24 range. I’m not sure why she decided to go through with the pregnancy (pressure from her parents, maybe?) but she did, and Joel figured he would be involved as a typical baby daddy, having the kid live with their mom and seeing them as often as possible. However, her mom likely decided she was gonna put Sarah up for adoption, which was obviously an immediate fuck no from Joel, who basically swooped in and got custody of her. The mom moved to another city, and I don’t think Sarah or Joel ever heard from her again. 

Out of all my fics, this is the one in which Sarah’s mom has been involved the least. In my other tales (Joel is always a dad in my works haha), her mom usually is mentioned to have been involved for 1-5 years, but in this one she was not involved at all, and I think Joel’s sole responsibility for her from such a young age has made their bond very strong. I definitely see them being best friends and having a very good line of communication. 

He worked in construction for many years until his early 30s (hence why he still has a truck instead of a regular car), then when he’d gotten to a pretty high level with cooking at home, Sarah pushed him to apply for a cooking job. He was tired of the long hours working in construction and thought it would be a nice change to have some free time. He’s pretty grumpy at work because he prefers working individually and doesn’t care to get involved in anyone’s disputes in a high pressure environment like that, doesn’t like to excessively share about his life etc. He’s very observant and definitely cares about the people around him, but he likes being left alone to do his work efficiently so he doesn't have to get stressed or fall behind.

Speaking of work; Jermaine, who they stole cigs from and is also a cook at the restaurant, is one of his closest friends, and they like to hang out from time to time. If Sarah is out doing things on the weekend or at a sleepover, I can see Joel and Jermaine playing GTA San Andreas and eating at his house, maybe he also plays on his basketball team. Jermaine is like 37 or something and more outgoing than Joel. He's definitely around if Sarah needs something and Joel isn't available, sort of like an uncle next to Tommy. His relationship to Tommy is fine, though he says in an upcoming chapter that he's "done enough for that jackass" in what is, presumably, a loving way but probably has some truth behind it.

This whole basketball thing is very funny to me for some reason, but here’s the story: 

Joel played basketball in middle and high school (purely because he ended up being 6’6” and his parents put him in sports very quickly), and continued to play on different teams in his 20s/30s at a competitive level. At this point, I see him playing on a long term recreational team and DON’T @ me if this sounds insane, cause I know very little about basketball, but I think he’s a power forward on his team. 

If he wants Sarah to do him a favor, he definitely tells her that he “passed up an opportunity to play in the NBA to raise her instead” which is a massive lie. He has dragged Sarah along to many basketball games throughout the years, and she gets kinda bored but knows it means a lot to him that she’s there. She prefers watching pro/college basketball with him, though, and they do that often. 

Other than that, in his free time, he works out at the gym pretty often, and for two reasons. One is to be a better player, the second is that he wants to give Sarah some space and not have her feel like he’s breathing down her neck all the time. So he gives her the house to herself for a few hours to decompress after being around people at school all day, while he goes to work out, then he comes home and makes her dinner. 

Entertainment wise, I see him liking a lot of 90s hip hop (Radio Los Santos anyone?) and he definitely is a Sopranos enjoyer. He probably does a really shitty Tony impression.

At work, he wears black pants, black t-shirts, and black high top converse shoes. At home I see him wearing a pretty typical combo of jeans, basketball shorts (obvi haha), sweatpants, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, hoodies etc. This is likely my only non-flannel shirt wearing Joel. He of course wears a jersey and shorts while playing ball. 

As I mentioned, he doesn’t talk much about his life at work but he sometimes talks about Sarah, I think. They went on vacation together to Jamaica or something once and, when he came back, the waitress was like oooh, you’re so tan, look at you, and he was kinda flattered by her being touchy so he showed her vacation photos on his phone hahahaha

I obviously have to address his relationship to the waitress girly, so here:

As mentioned in ch 1, he has a very long term “crush” on her that started when she began working at the restaurant. I think they started talking more when she jokingly asked him to make her dinner cause she forgot to eat and then he actually did it, and she kept “forgetting” to eat so he kept cooking for her, and then she started bugging him on his breaks and he secretly liked it so then he started waiting for her to come out and keep him company. Also I say “crush” cause he’s obviously in love with her but hasn’t wanted to admit it to himself or anyone else haha, and she’s the same way back - which is why the narration is the way it is, with her actions showing her feelings but her not really conceptualizing them for herself, if that makes sense  

I think he said yes to her request to get her pregnant because, deep down, he does have a desire to have more kids, to be in a long term relationship etc. And sure, it’s a very unconventional way of going about it, but there’s obviously something in him that knows that he and this girl have a real chance at a relationship, so that confidence made him go okay, fuck it, let’s just do this completely out of order haha 

Prior to this, though, dating wise, I think he was in some relationships here and there, had some hookups but none of them really lasted all too long. Some of that might’ve been because he had full custody of Sarah and was never really by himself, he worked a lot, and always put Sarah first. Essentially he would need someone to fit into that puzzle, he wasn’t gonna try to make someone fit, they had to know and understand his situation and want to be a part of it.  

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions about this Joel of ours hahahah

[whitehotharlots]

The real problem with 2020 was probably just that the left sucks

Freddie DeBoer and Vincient Bevins have both recently published books that purport to examine the manner in which the left-seeming energy of 2020 dissipated. I have purchased each but not been able to bring myself to read either. Not because I dislike the authors; quite the opposite, I admire them greatly and read their debuts. The problem is that I really, really don't want to admit to myself how much the events of 2020 broke my hope and spirit.

What was your favorite lefty moment of that horrible year?

Was it the time an Hispanic business owner defended his storefront against anti-police protestors with a chainsaw, which caused said anti-police protestors to squeal that they were calling the police?

Was it when Chris Martin Palmer, an NBA reporter for ESPN, first tweeted "Burn that shit down. Burn it all down" along with a screenshot of a large arson in a dilapidated American city while his avatar was a cartoon portrait of George Floyd. And then, the very next day--same account, same avatar--he tweeted "They just attacked our system community down the street. It's a gated community and they tried to climb the gates. They had to beat them back. Then destroyed a Starbicls and are now in front my building. Get these animals TF out of my neighborhood. Go back to where you live."

(Screenshot below. It has to be seen to be believed):

Or, saving the worst for last, perhaps your fondest memory was of Seattle's "Capital Hill Autonomous Zone," typically referred to as CHOP or CHAZ. Autonomous Zones were first theorized by "anarcho-immediatist" poet Hakim Bey, who envisioned them as lawless areas within larger communities that provided "radical safety" to their inhabitants. No laws, sure, but a helluva lot of rules. You can shoot up on the sidewalk or light a car on fire no problem, but if you dare misgender someone, express a forbidden thought, or otherwise just look funny, you are liable to get murdered by one of the self-annointed CHAZ "security personnel," hormone-guzzling freaks armed with assault rifles.

You can guess how this played out. They had their tents, their drum circles, their needle exchanges, and their woefully pathetic community garden. They also executed at least one black child who was joyriding a stolen car within their supposedly law-free utopia. We know this happened because one of their brain dead community members posted a joyful tweet about the "beautiful shot placement" of said hormone-guzzling freaks (although a video of the incident, since scrubbed from the internet, confirmed the murder occurred after the vehicle was disabled).

What was the explanation for this? Not just for the murder itself, but for the celebration afterward? Well, they were scared and also the black kids were doing a minor crime. Literally, without exaggeration, within just a couple weeks of establishing their ideal, radical community, the left had become an even worse version of the murder cops they were supposedly protesting.

And so... I dunno. Maybe the spirit of 2020 wasn't coopted by powerful forces or anything so much as it just sucked? Like, maybe these people are just violent shitheads whose differentiation from the far right is much more a matter of style than of substance? Maybe there's no path forward. Maybe there's no light at the end of our tunnel but just another, shittier tunnel?

[lboogie1906]

John Thomas Salley (born May 16, 1964) is a former basketball player. He was the first player in NBA history to win championships with three franchises, as well as the first player in the NBA to win a championship in three different decades.

After being drafted in the first round out of Georgia Tech in the 1986 NBA draft, he played both power forward and center for the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Panathinaikos, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a long-time host of the former The Best Damn Sports Show Period. He is a vegan activist, chef, and wellness entrepreneur.

He was born in Brooklyn. He played on the basketball team at Canarsie High School. He graduated from Georgia Tech’s College of Management. He helped the Yellow Jackets win the 1985 ACC Championship, they advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. He left as Tech’s all-time leader in blocked shots. He holds Georgia Tech’s personal fouls record and has had his jersey number 22 retired.

He married Natasha Duffy (1993). They have two children together, and he has a daughter. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity initiated through Nu Omega Chapter in Detroit. He is a 33° Scottish Rite Freemason. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #omegapsiphi

[fannyyann]

Tkachuk feels connection to Jimmy Butler: ‘We both play the game with very high emotion’

Miami Herald article by David Wilson 

Matthew Tkachuk is one of the fiercest, most ferocious competitors in the NHL, so there was some appreciation when he saw the pictures of Jimmy Butler, one of the fiercest competitors in the NBA, wearing his jersey during a workout Thursday in Massachusetts. 

The similarities — not just between the parallel postseason runs of the Florida Panthers and Heat as No. 8 seeds in the Eastern Conference, but also play style and attitudes of their two star forwards — are Tkachuk does feel some level of connection to Butler. 

“We both play the game with very high emotion,” the superstar right wing said before the Panthers faced the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday at PNC Arena. 

The pictures of Butler in Tkachuk’s jersey were a hit in Florida’s locker room and Tkachuk, who admits he hasn’t “paid attention too much” to all the specifics of Miami’s season because of how often the team’s games overlap, made sure to watch as much of Game 2 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals Friday. 

What he saw was Butler distilled down to his purest form. The 33-year-old forward scored 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out six assists, nabbed three steals, blocked two shots and got into a forehead-to-forehead shouting match with Celtics forward Grant Williams in the fourth quarter of the Heat’s 111-106 win in Boston.

It all felt pretty similar to what Tkachuk did to the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Bruins last month in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. The 25-year-old winger had five goals, six assists, four power-play points, 22 shots, a plus-minus of plus-5, 20 hits and two blocked shots, and assisted on the series-winning overtime goal in Game 7 to finish off a historic upset in Boston.

Less than three weeks later, Tkachuk delivered another historic moment in Game 1 of the NHL’s East finals, scoring a game-winning goal to beat the Hurricanes in the sixth longest game in NHL history early Friday in Raleigh, North Carolina, just barely 21 hours before Butler’s show at TD Garden.

“They’re in a very similar spot as us. They’re like the underdogs and going into each series, and kind of just believing in their team. And he’s one of the leaders in that and kind of like the emotional leader,” Tkachuk said. “I love watching him play, especially more being down in Florida, seeing him more than I ever have. I’m very impressed with him. He’s a gamer. He’s pretty dialed in with what he’s done these playoffs. Last night was a big example. That was fun to watch.”

As a child, Tkachuk looked up to NHL stars like Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Rangers left wing Patrick Kane, who was a superstar for the Blackhawks back then, and also Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman David Ortiz because he rooted for the Red Sox. He loved how Ortiz thrived in clutch moments and tries to emulate it. 

He did a pretty good job to kick of the NHL Conference Finals earlier this week. 

“You want to be that guy at big moments,” Tkachuk said. “Jimmy and David Ortiz are two of the best at that. It was cool seeing Jimmy wearing my jersey. The guys got a big kick out of it.”

Tkachuk has one other connection to the Heat-Celtics series: He went to high school outside St. Louis with Boston superstar Jayson Tatum and they still keep in touch. 

The last time they talked, he said, was before Game 7 of Round 1, right before Tkachuk and the Panthers eliminated Boston with Tatum in attendance.

[richincolor]

New Releases

I got an early look at Rez Ball and am really looking forward to seeing it out in the world. I'm excited for that and several others this week.

Rez Ball by Byron Graves Heartdrum

This compelling debut novel by new talent Byron Graves tells the relatable, high-stakes story of a young athlete determined to play like the hero his Ojibwe community needs him to be. These days, Tre Brun is happiest when he is playing basketball on the Red Lake Reservation high school team—even though he can’t help but be constantly gut-punched with memories of his big brother, Jaxon, who died in an accident. When Jaxon’s former teammates on the varsity team offer to take Tre under their wing, he sees this as his shot to represent his Ojibwe rez all the way to their first state championship. This is the first step toward his dream of playing in the NBA, no matter how much the odds are stacked against him. But stepping into his brother’s shoes as a star player means that Tre can’t mess up. Not on the court, not at school, and not with his new friend, gamer Khiana, who he is definitely not falling in love with. After decades of rez teams almost making it, Tre needs to take his team to state. Because if he can live up to Jaxon’s dreams, their story isn’t over yet.  This book is published by Heartdrum, an imprint that publishes high-quality, contemporary stories about Indigenous young people in the United States and Canada.

Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson Heartdrum

In her remarkable second novel following her acclaimed debut, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, which won the Governor General’s Award and received six starred reviews, Jen Ferguson writes about the hurt of a life stuck in past tense, the hum of connections that cannot be severed, and one week in a small snowy town that changes everything.

Over-achievement isn’t a bad word—for Berlin, it’s the goal. She’s securing excellent grades, planning her future, and working a part-time job at Pink Mountain Pizza, a legendary local business. Who says she needs a best friend by her side?

Dropping out of high school wasn’t smart—but it was necessary for Cameron. Since his cousin Kiki’s disappearance, it’s hard enough to find the funny side of life, especially when the whole town has forgotten Kiki. To them, she’s just another missing Native girl.

People at school label Jessie a tease, a rich girl—and honestly, she’s both. But Jessie knows she contains multitudes. Maybe her new job crafting pizzas will give her the high-energy outlet she desperately wants.

When the weekend at Pink Mountain Pizza takes unexpected turns, all three teens will have to acknowledge the various ways they’ve been hurt—and how much they need each other to hold it all together.

Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter & Rocky Callen Candlewick Press

Channeling their own experiences, sixteen exceptional authors subvert mental health stereotypes in a powerful and uplifting collection of fiction.

A teen activist wrestles with protest-related anxiety and PTSD. A socially anxious vampire learns he has to save his town by (gulp) working with people. As part of her teshuvah, a girl writes letters to the ex-boyfriend she still loves, revealing that her struggle with angry outbursts is related to PMDD. A boy sheds uncontrollable tears but finds that in doing so he’s helping to enable another’s healing. In this inspiring, unflinching, and hope-filled mixed-genre collection, sixteen diverse and notable authors draw on their own lived experiences with mental health conditions to create stunning works of fiction that will uplift and empower you, break your heart and stitch it back together stronger than before. Through powerful prose, verse, and graphics, the characters in this anthology defy stereotypes as they remind readers that living with a mental health condition doesn’t mean that you’re defined by it. Each story is followed by a note from its author to the reader, and comprehensive back matter includes bios for the contributors as well as a collection of relevant resources.

With contributions by: Mercedes Acosta * Karen Jialu Bao * James Bird * Rocky Callen * Nora Shalaway Carpenter * Alechia Dow * Patrick Downes * Anna Drury * Nikki Grimes * Val Howlett * Jonathan Lenore Kastin * Sonia Patel * Marcella Pixley * Isabel Quintero * Ebony Stewart * Francisco X. Stork

Monstrous by Jessica Lewis Delacorte Press

Forced to spend her summer in her aunt’s strange small town, a teen girl discovers dark secrets hidden in the woods. From the author of Bad Witch Burning comes another pulse-pounding novel perfect for fans of Supernatural and Lovecraft Country.

Don’t go outside past dark. Come straight home after church. And above all—never, ever, go into Red Wood.

These are the rules Latavia’s aunt tells her as soon as she arrives in Sanctum, Alabama for the summer. Weird, but Latavia isn’t here to solve any scary small town mysteries; she’s here for six weeks and six weeks only, and then she’s off to college and won’t look back. Still, Sanctum has its perks—mainly, the cute girl who works at the local ice cream shop.

But Latavia can’t ignore how strange her aunt’s tiny town is. The residents are suspicious of her and at times hostile, and it’s clear she’s some kind of outsider. That’s proven when Latavia is dragged out of her house in the dead of night, into the forbidden Red Wood, and presented as a human sacrifice to an ancient monster.

Latavia won’t be eaten without a fight. She’ll do whatever she has to do to survive—even if that includes making a deal with the monster, endangering her crush and family, and even risk turning into a monster herself.

The Name Drop by Susan Lee Inkyard Press

New from the author of Seoulmates comes a story of mistaken identities, the summer of a lifetime, and a love to risk everything for.

When Elijah Ri arrives in New York City for an internship at his father’s massive tech company, Haneul Corporation, he expects the royal treatment that comes with being the future CEO—even if that’s the last thing he wants. But instead, he finds himself shuffled into a group of overworked, unpaid interns, all sharing a shoebox apartment for the summer.

When Jessica Lee arrives in New York City, she’s eager to make the most of her internship at Haneul Corporation, even if she’s at the bottom of the corporate ladder. But she’s shocked to be introduced as the new executive-in-training intern with a gorgeous brownstone all to herself.

It doesn’t take long for Elijah and Jessica to discover the source of the they share the same Korean name. But they decide to stay switched—so Elijah can have a relaxing summer away from his controlling dad while Jessica can make the connections she desperately needs for college recommendations.

As Elijah and Jessica work together to keep up the charade, a spark develops between them. Can they avoid discovery—and total disaster—with their feelings and futures on the line?

Goddess Crown by Shade Lapite Walker Books US

In this thrilling Afro-fantasy, the first set in the lush, opulent kingdom of Galla, a girl raised in secret must leave her sheltered rural home for the subtle dangers of the royal court, where she becomes caught up in deadly power struggles and romantic intrigue.

Kalothia has grown up in the shadows of her kingdom, hidden away in the forested East after her parents were outed as enemies of the king. Raised in a woodland idyll by a few kindly adult caretakers, Kalothia can hunt and fish and fend for herself but knows little of the outside world. When assassins attack her home on her sixteenth birthday, she must flee to the king’s court in the West–a beautiful but lethal nest of poison, plots, and danger, overseen by an entrenched patriarchy. Guided by the Goddess herself, can Kalothia navigate this most worldly of places to find her own role? What if she must choose between her country and her heart? Excitement, romance, and a charismatic heroine shine in this first book set in the unforgettable kingdom of Galla.

[principiumindividuationis777]

In one sense, you are looking at the greatest small forward of all time. Larry Bird was the greatest forward ever, but he was naturally a power forward who changed positions to accomodate Kevin McHale in the starting lineup.

Another small forward near the top of the list, John Havlicek, was also a shooting guard, and so could fit at either as needed.

Julius Erving, though, is the best out-and-out three in basketball history, over and above LeBron James, without a doubt: A better scorer in an era with better defense, a better rebounder, a better shot-blocker, at least as good all-around on defense... the only area in which LeBron might have an edge is passing, but Erving was also a better player in the clutch, so the choice is not even difficult.

As great as Dr. J was in the NBA, as seen here, his greatest seasons were in the often overlooked ABA.

[johncarlomelchor]

My BEST NBA PLAYER 🏀🔥

1.Giannis Antetokounmpo🏀🔥

A.K.A: GREEK FREAK🏀🔥

Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo[a] (born Adétòkunbọ̀;[b] December 6, 1994) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Antetokounmpo's country of origin, in addition to his size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills have earned him the nickname "Greek Freak". Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards and one of the greatest European players of all time.

Jersey No:34🎽

Team:Milwaukee bucks🦌

Position:Power forward/Small forward

League:NBA🏀

Born: December 6,1994

Listed Height: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)

When GREEK FREAK SAID

WHEN YOU FOCUS

ON THE PAST

🏀THAT'S YOUR EGO🏀

[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

[mjordan-nba-nhl]

TOP 10 NBA ALL-TIME POWER FORWARDS OF NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Tim Duncan - 26,496 (19.0 ppg), 15,091 (10.8 rpg), 4,225 (3.0 apg)

Karl Malone - 36,928 (25.0 ppg), 14,968 (10.1 rpg), 5,238 (3.6 apg)

Dirk Nowitzki - 31,560 (20.7 ppg), 11,489 (7.5 rpg), 3,651 (2.4 apg)

Charles Barkley - 23,757 (22.1 ppg), 12,546 (11.7 rpg), 4,215 (3.9 apg)

Kevin Garnett - 26,071 (17.8 ppg), 14,662 (10.0 rpg), 5,445 (3.7 apg)

Kevin McHale - 17,335 (17.9 ppg), 7,122 (7.3 rpg), 1,690 (1.7 bpg)

Bob Pettit - 20,880 (26.4 ppg), 12,849 (16.2 rpg), 2,369 (3.0 apg)

Elvin Hayes - 27,313 (21.0 ppg), 16,279 (12.5 rpg), 1,171 (2.0 bpg)

Pau Gasol - 20,894 (17.0 ppg), 11,305 (9.2 rpg), 3,925 (3.2 apg)

Dennis Rodman - 6,683 (7.3 ppg), 11,954 (13.1 rpg), 1,600 (1.8 apg)

[leafatlas]

Best power forwards in history

Whenever discussing the greatest power forwards of all time, the name Tim Duncan inevitably comes up. The problem with saying the Big Fundamental is the greatest power in NBA history is that Duncan wasn’t a power forward! He played center for the majority of his career. Yes, when he played second banana to David Robinson, Timmy played PF. However, after Robinson’s retirement, he was the San…

[paleyshelie]

NBA 2K25: The 5 Best Teams for Point Guards to Join

In basketball, the point guard (PG) position is often seen as the most pivotal role on the court. A point guard is responsible for controlling the flow of the NBA 2K25 MT game, distributing the ball, and ensuring the offense runs smoothly. In NBA 2K25, the importance of the point guard position is reflected in the way players can customize and elevate their PGs in MyCareer.

Choosing the right team can make a significant difference in your point guard’s career trajectory. Whether you’re looking to become a star or help a team reach the next level, the team you select in NBA 2K25 will have a lasting impact on your path to success. While there are numerous teams to consider, this article will focus on the top five teams that provide the best opportunities for point guards to shine. These teams are well-suited for a PG to thrive, whether it’s due to roster needs, playing time, or the surrounding talent.

Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are currently in a bit of a rebuilding phase, but that also means they offer one of the most appealing opportunities for a point guard to step into a prominent role. Historically, the Bulls have been home to great point guards like Derrick Rose, but recent seasons have seen the team struggle to find a consistent playmaker.

Why the Bulls Are a Great Fit for a Point Guard:

Lonzo Ball's Absence: The Chicago Bulls were once in a solid position with Lonzo Ball at the point guard spot, but his knee injuries have kept him sidelined for much of the past few seasons. This leaves a significant hole in the team’s backcourt. As a result, there is plenty of playing time available for a point guard to step in and lead the offense. Alleviating Zach LaVine’s Pressure: The pressure on Zach LaVine to be both a scorer and a ball handler has been immense. A true point guard would not only help take some of that load off LaVine but also allow him to focus more on his scoring role, which is where he thrives. This dynamic can create a great opportunity for a point guard to make an immediate impact and help elevate the team’s performance. Playing Time: The absence of a reliable point guard means that a new player at this position could quickly earn a starting role. With the team looking to rebuild, it’s a perfect scenario for someone to step in and take control.

New Orleans Pelicans The New Orleans Pelicans are a team with massive potential, particularly thanks to the all-around talent of Zion Williamson. However, the team has faced challenges in terms of playmaking and overall offensive cohesion. CJ McCollum has played as the primary ball handler, but he’s more suited to the shooting guard position. This opens the door for a new point guard to come in and make a difference.

Why the Pelicans Are a Great Fit for a Point Guard:

Shift in Roles for McCollum: With McCollum being more of a shooting guard than a true point guard, adding a fresh face at the PG position would allow the team to optimize its roster. A new point guard could come in and run the offense, with McCollum returning to his natural shooting guard role, creating a more balanced backcourt. Zion Williamson's Presence: Zion is one of the most dynamic and powerful forwards in the game. Having a point guard who can facilitate the offense and get Zion the ball in the right spots would be a game-changer. The Pelicans’ offense could flourish with a PG who can not only score but also generate easy scoring opportunities for Zion. Potential Contenders: With the right strategies in place, the Pelicans have the potential to contend in the Western Conference. A point guard who can elevate the team’s playmaking and defensive efficiency would push the Pelicans into playoff contention, making it an exciting destination for a MyCareer PG.

Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are one of the most talented teams in the league, boasting players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, since the departure of Chris Paul, the team has struggled to find a reliable point guard to orchestrate the offense. With three of the NBA’s top scorers in Durant, Booker, and Deandre Ayton, the Suns are only one piece away from truly contending for an NBA championship. A strong point guard would be that missing piece.

Why the Suns Are a Great Fit for a Point Guard:

Star-Studded Roster: The Suns’ roster is loaded with talent, but a true point guard is needed to help tie it all together. Durant and Booker are elite scorers, but they are best when they don’t have to focus on ball handling and creating opportunities. A point guard who can run the offense would allow them to focus on scoring and defense, taking the Suns to the next level. Opportunity to Start: Despite the team’s star power, the point guard position is a glaring weakness. A player who excels at facilitating and scoring could quickly earn a starting spot and make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. Open Space for Passing: With shooters like Booker and Durant spacing the floor, a point guard would have plenty of opportunities to create scoring chances. A PG who can break down defenses and find open teammates will thrive in this system.

San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of an exciting transition, led by the phenom Victor Wembanyama. While the addition of Chris Paul in the offseason was a notable move, the veteran point guard is nearing the end of his career. This creates an opportunity for a young, dynamic point guard to step in and lead the team into the future.

Why the Spurs Are a Great Fit for a Point Guard:

Victor Wembanyama's Presence: Wembanyama is a once-in-a-generation talent who can dominate both ends of the floor. A point guard who can set him up and unlock his full potential would be invaluable to the team. With Wembanyama protecting the rim and creating mismatches on offense, a point guard would have plenty of opportunities to dish out assists and score efficiently. Replacing Chris Paul: While Chris Paul is a future Hall of Famer, he’s no longer the player he once was. The Spurs need a new point guard to take over and continue to build around Wembanyama. This provides a perfect opportunity for a MyCareer player to step in, take over the offense, and potentially become the team’s new leader. Strong Coaching and System: The Spurs are known for their disciplined system and excellent coaching staff. A point guard in San Antonio would have the chance to develop their skills in an organized, team-oriented environment.

Utah Jazz The Utah Jazz are a team in flux, but they have a promising young star in Lauri Markkanen. Since the departure of Mike Conley, the Jazz have struggled to find a consistent point guard to run the offense. This makes the Jazz one of the most appealing teams for a point guard in NBA 2K25.

Why the Jazz Are a Great Fit for a Point Guard:

Lauri Markkanen Needs a Playmaker: Markkanen has shown great potential as a scorer, but he needs a point guard who can facilitate the offense and create easy opportunities for him. A playmaker who can get Markkanen open shots and get him involved in the offense would help the Jazz become a more potent team. Consistent PG Play Needed: Since Conley’s departure, the Jazz have lacked a true point guard to stabilize the offense. This opens the door for a MyCareer player to step in and earn a starting role with relative ease. The opportunity for consistent playing time and a leadership role is there for the taking. Rebuilding and Opportunity: The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, which means there are fewer established stars taking up playing time. A point guard who can prove themselves early on could quickly become the face of the franchise and build a legacy in Utah. Conclusion Choosing the right team for your point guard in NBA 2K25 is crucial for advancing in MyCareer. Each of the five teams mentioned—Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz—offers unique advantages that make them ideal for a point guard looking to make a significant impact. Whether it’s a need for leadership, playmaking, or the opportunity to play alongside superstar talent, these teams provide the best environments for a point guard to thrive. By selecting one of these teams, you can ensure that your journey to Buy 2K25 MT stardom is both exciting and rewarding.

[monsterkong]

Leading Through Crisis: How NFL & NBA Executives Inspire Change and Navigate Uncertainty

Leading through a crisis is one of the toughest challenges any executive, manager, or entrepreneur can face. It’s easy to feel like the world is against you, and the pressure from stakeholders, customers, and employees can be overwhelming. However, the ability to lead through adversity and transform challenges into opportunities is what defines the best leaders.

As a former executive in the NFL and NBA, I’ve faced my fair share of crises—whether it was dealing with economic downturns, internal controversies, or the toxic energy from fans and the media. But through it all, there was one guiding principle: you have to play offense, no matter how much the world is playing defense.

🏈 The NFL & NBA Crisis Leadership Playbook

What does it look like to lead during tough times in the world of professional sports? When things aren’t going right on the field or court, everyone’s eyes are on the business side to see how leadership will respond. In those moments, you can’t afford to play defense. You must shift the mindset of your entire organization, and that starts with the leadership.

As a leader, one of my core beliefs is that your losses are not your fault, but you can make them your responsibility. This mindset doesn’t allow room for finger-pointing or blame. Instead, it encourages you to take control and find solutions.

For example, when a team is losing, it’s easy to say, “We’re having a bad season because of XYZ.” But that kind of thinking only leads to complacency. Instead, we say, “This isn’t ideal, but how can we improve tomorrow?” This forward-thinking mindset ensures that we keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.

💪 The Power of Playing Offense: Navigating Change

Navigating change isn’t just about reacting to what happens—it’s about taking proactive steps to shape your future, regardless of the challenges that are currently in your path. In my keynote speeches, I emphasize that conquering change starts with inspiring our teams and organizations to take ownership of their actions and outcomes.

Playing offense means being strategic, being resilient, and continuously moving forward. It’s about having the courage to lead with conviction, even when external forces are trying to drag you down.

🚀 The Importance of Winning Monday

When you’re leading through uncertainty, it’s vital to create small, tangible victories that build momentum. That’s why I always stress the importance of winning Monday. When your team wins Monday, it’s not just about getting through the workday—it’s about setting the tone for the entire week.

Winning Monday is a small win, but it has a massive impact. When you start the week with success, you build momentum that carries through to the rest of the week. By winning just one day at a time, you create a cycle of success that lasts all year long.

💯 Commitment to Winning Through Crisis

Leadership in times of crisis requires one key ingredient: commitment. Commitment to your team, to your mission, and to winning—even when things look bleak. My keynote is a promise to you: I’ll teach you the strategies and mindset shifts necessary to conquer change and lead your team to success.

When you commit to winning Monday, you commit to winning the year. And when you commit to winning the year, you commit to transforming the way you lead through adversity. That’s the power of playing offense.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you're leading a sports team, a business, or just navigating your own personal challenges, the ability to play offense is crucial. Don’t let external forces dictate your response—take control of your mindset, inspire those around you, and always be looking for the next opportunity, even in the toughest of times. Let’s make each day—starting with Monday—a victory, and build momentum toward an extraordinary future. 🌟

[5p0rt5]

Karl-Anthony Towns Trade to the New York Knicks: A Game-Changer

In a blockbuster NBA trade finalized in late September 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent their franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. This move represents a major shake-up for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Details of the Trade

The trade involves the Knicks receiving Towns, while the Timberwolves acquire Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick. For the Knicks, this deal brings in a versatile big man with a rare combination of shooting range and playmaking skills, a player who is arguably one of the best shooting centers in the NBA. Meanwhile, Minnesota bolsters its roster with a solid, All-Star power forward in Randle and a sharpshooting guard in DiVincenzo, all while regaining some draft capital to offset past trades​(Sportsnet.ca)​(MPR News).

Why Did This Trade Happen?

Towns had been the face of the Timberwolves since being drafted first overall in 2015. However, Minnesota has been reshaping its team around young star Anthony Edwards and made a huge gamble last year when they acquired Rudy Gobert, shifting Towns to a less familiar power forward role. Despite Towns being a key part of the team’s deep playoff run in 2023-24, Minnesota’s front office, led by Tim Connelly, decided it was time for a bold move to restructure their team with a more balanced lineup​(Sportsnet.ca)​(MPR News).

For the Knicks, this trade marks a continuation of their aggressive push toward title contention. By bringing in Towns, who is from New Jersey and has ties to Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau from their shared time in Minnesota, New York is betting big on the idea that a duo of Towns and Jalen Brunson can lead them deep into the playoffs​(MPR News).

What’s Next for the Timberwolves and the Knicks?

This deal drastically changes the outlook for both teams. The Timberwolves are banking on Randle to complement Anthony Edwards and help lead the team into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Knicks are hopeful that adding Towns will make them a legitimate contender in the East, as they now have an elite big man who can stretch the floor and dominate offensively in ways few other centers can​(Sportsnet.ca).

A Major Shift in the NBA Landscape

For fans and analysts alike, this trade could significantly alter the power dynamics in both conferences. The Knicks are putting themselves in a position to compete with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, while the Timberwolves aim to keep pace with powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors in the West.

Thought Experiment: Will This Trade Pay Off?

Consider this: If you were in charge of a franchise, would you risk breaking up a team that had shown promise for a deep playoff run to bring in new stars? Is the allure of a player like Karl-Anthony Towns worth the risk of giving up core pieces like Julius Randle and future draft picks? Think about the long-term impact on team chemistry and the pressure to succeed immediately. Would you make that call?

Sources:

Sportsnet

MPR News

[lboogie1906]

Karl Anthony Malone (July 24, 1963) is a retired basketball player. Nicknamed “the Mailman”, he played the power forward position and spent his first 18 seasons (1985–2003) in the NBA with the Utah Jazz and formed a formidable duo with his teammate John Stockton. He played one season for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a two-time NBA MVP, a 14-time NBA All-Star, and an 11-time member of the All-NBA first team. His 36,928 career points scored rank second all-time in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he holds the records for most free throws attempted and made, in addition to being tied for the second-most first-team All-NBA selections with Kobe Bryant and behind LeBron James. He is considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

Born in Summerfield, Louisiana, he was the youngest of nine children and was raised on a farm by his single mother, Shirley. Shedrick Hay, his father, was married to a different woman and raised a family with her.

He played college basketball at Louisiana Tech University. In his three seasons with Louisiana Tech, he helped the Bulldogs basketball team to its first-ever NCAA tournament and first place in the Southland Conference. The Utah Jazz drafted him in 1985 with the 13th overall pick in the first round. He appeared in the playoffs every season in his career, including the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 with the Jazz. He played his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he played his third Finals in 2004. He competed in the Summer Olympic Games of 1992 and 1996; he won gold medals. He joined the staff of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team in 2007 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

He married Kay Kinseyn (1990), winner of the 1988 Miss Idaho USA pageant. They have four children. K.J. played football at LSU and was invited to the 2018 NFL Combine. He has three other children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[afrotumble]

🏀 Scottie Pippen graced the NBA hardwood for seventeen seasons, establishing himself as an elite player and the quintessential small forward. The multidimensional Pippen ran the court like a point guard, attacked the boards like a power forward, and swished the nets like a shooting guard. A seven-time All Star, Pippen went to the basket equally well with either hand and his effortless release on his jump shot meant defenders were at his mercy no matter what the situation. Pippen was a key factor in the Chicago Bulls six NBA championships in the 1990s. As testimony to his remarkable talents, Pippen was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996. Pippen was also recognized for his defensive talents, named eight times to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Pippen won gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, the first coming as a member of the original Dream Team.🏀 #NBA