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Articles by ArticlesNbaby Robert O'Neill
Three-time NBA All-Star out indefinitely with injury
The Sacramento Kings have undergone more changes this season than any team in the NBA. After getting out to a 13-18 start, the team fired head coach Mike Brown and replaced him with Doug Christie. Then, in February, Sacramento traded 2023 All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, ending Fox’s seven-and-a-half year run with the team. Despite the circumstances, though, the Kings have kept pushing along.
'Glad it's over'
The basketball world was shocked earlier this month when the Dallas Mavericks traded star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Not only was the trade head-scratching, but it came out of nowhere. ESPN’s Shams Charania announced the deal shortly after midnight on February 2. Since then, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has faced no shortage of criticism for the trade itself and for handling its aftermath.
Joel Embiid, 76ers considering knee surgery for star
This season has been one to forget for the Philadelphia 76ers. With 16 games to play, Philadelphia currently holds the 12-seed in the Eastern Conference at 20-36. While the Sixers could still catch the 10-seed Chicago Bulls and sneak into the Play-In Tournament, it’s a staggering fall for the team that has finished over .500 every season since 2017-18, winning 50 or more games in four of the seasons.
Kevin Durant makes NBA history in loss
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has racked up no shortage of accolades throughout his illustrious NBA career. The 36-year-old has been NBA MVP (2014), a two-time NBA Champion (2017, 2018), a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a 15-time NBA All-Star. Durant achieved another accolade Tuesday night in Phoenix’s 119-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. With a free throw in the third quarter, he became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points.
Atlanta Hawks star to miss rest of season with injury
The Atlanta Hawks have made the NBA playoffs in each of the past three seasons, but extending the streak to four years may prove challenging. Atlanta has a 22-25 record and is ninth in the Eastern Conference. They are three games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers for the final playoff spot and just two games behind the six-seed Miami Heat. Jumping Miami would see Atlanta avoiding the Play-In Tournament, where the Hawks have never played.
Former NBA All-Star signs with G-League team
Two-time NBA All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas is looking to return to the league. On Monday, Thomas took the first step, re-joining the Salt Lake Stars, the G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news first. Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is pursuing another NBA return, signing into the G League and rejoining the Utah Jazz’s Salt Lake City affiliate, sources tell ESPN. Last season, Thomas averaged 33 points in four G League games en route to a call up to the Suns.
NBA star returning from injury this week
The Orlando Magic have been one of the NBA’s best teams this year. They have a 22-16 record and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. Barring a collapse over the final three months of the regular season, Orlando should make the postseason for the second straight season. This would be the team’s first time going to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 2018-19 and 2019-20.
NBA All-Star to miss multiple weeks with injury
The Toronto Raptors have been one of the NBA’s worst teams this season, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. At 7-18, Toronto is the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the NBA overall. On Wednesday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Toronto is now expected to be without leading scorer and 2024 NBA All-Star Scottie Barnes for multiple weeks as Barnes recovers from a right ankle injury.
NBA world reacts to major announcement
In 2004, the NBA decided to capitalize on its growing international popularity and host preseason games in China. From 2004-19, the league hosted 28 preseason games in the nation, featuring 17 different teams. According to a report from ESPN on Thursday, the league is set to make its return to China in October when the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns play a pair of preseason games in Macao.
NBA coach rips team's effort after blowout loss
The Denver Nuggets have had an uncharacteristically poor start to the 2024-25 NBA season. Their 148-115 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night dropped them to 9-7 on the campaign. While 16 games doesn’t seem like much, it’s roughly one-fifth of the 82-game NBA season, and issues that don’t get resolved now could continue to present themselves for the rest of the year. After Denver’s blowout home loss, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone went off on his team.
Lakers add two former head coaches to JJ Redick's staff
Whether or not JJ Redick’s lack of coaching experience will hinder him in his new role as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, it was pivotal for Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, and the rest of the Laker brain trust to surround Redick with an experienced coaching staff. On Wednesday, the team took the first step in that process, hiring former longtime NBA head coaches Scott Brooks and Nate McMillian to assistant roles on Redick’s staff. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski had the news first.
Four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker announces retirement
After 12 professional seasons with four different teams, four-time NBA All-Star guard Kemba Walker is retiring. Walker announced the news Tuesday on his social media, issuing a statement along with the announcement. Thank you, basketball. pic.twitter.com/gLUbQnZMP5 — Kemba Walker (@KembaWalker) July 2, 2024 Walker made sure to thank God, the game of basketball, his parents, coaches, teammates, and others.
Bam Adebayo, Heat agree on contract extension
With the NBA offseason set to kick into high gear starting with Wednesday night’s Draft, the Miami Heat have made a big move to secure one of their young stars through the rest of the decade. On Wednesday, the team agreed on a three-year extension with three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo. The Athletic’s Shams Charania had the news first.
NBA world buzzing over major trade news
The NBA season has been over for less than 72 hours, but we already have a significant trade ahead of next week’s NBA Draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year guard/forward Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for two-time NBA All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the trade Thursday afternoon on X.
NBA world reacts to huge Lakers coaching news
When the Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham on May 3, shortly after the team’s playoff exit, it marked the team’s fourth coaching change since LeBron James signed in 2018. Luke Walton was fired in favor of Frank Vogel, who won the 2020 NBA Championship with the Lakers before being fired in 2022 in favor of Ham.
NBA world reacts to series-clinching blowout
The Minnesota Timberwolves saw their season come to an end with a whimper on Thursday night, losing 123-103 to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The result was never in doubt, as Dallas stormed out to a 69-40 lead at halftime and spent the rest of the game waiting for the clock to hit zero to advance to its first NBA Finals since 2011. It was a competitive series throughout, and a blowout was certainly unexpected, especially with the game in Minneapolis.
NBA world reacts to Suns coaching change
For the third time in three seasons, the Phoenix Suns will have a new coach to open the next NBA season. After the 2022-23 season, the team fired head coach Monty Williams just one season after going a franchise-best 64-18 and two seasons after making it to the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history. Former Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel was tabbed to take over for Williams.
NBA world reacts to massive coaching news
With the Los Angeles Lakers firing Darvin Ham last week after just two seasons at the helm, one of the NBA’s top coaching jobs has once again become open. One of the names that the Lakers were reportedly targeting, however, has already been taken off the board. Friday night on SportsCenter, just hours after Ham’s firing, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin identified Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as a candidate for the job. Dave McMenamin on the Lakers coaching search.
76ers' stars questionable for Game 2 against Knicks
As the Philadelphia 76ers look to battle back and even up their first-round series with the New York Knicks on Monday night, they may be without at least one of their most important players. Per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey missed the Sixers’ shootaround Monday morning as he’s suffering from an illness. He’s listed as questionable for the game.
NBA world reacts to Bulls friendly fire collision
Early in the second quarter of Wednesday night’s NBA Play-In Tournament game between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, disaster appeared to have struck for Chicago. As center Andre Drummond and guard Alex Caruso were rushing back up the court in transition, the pair collided, with Caruso seemingly taking the brunt of the hit. Bulls guard Alex Caruso leaves the game after being shaken up in a collision with teammate Andre Drummond. Drummond stepped on Caruso's foot.
T'Wolves forward Karl Anthony-Towns may return before playoffs
As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare for what could be a special postseason run, the team will be reportedly getting a big player back from injury soon. Minnesota, currently sitting at 54-24 and tied with the Denver Nuggets for the Western Conference’s top seed, expects four-time All-Star forward Karl-Anthony Towns to return to action before the postseason. FanDuel’s Shams Charania shared the news Monday morning.
Former NBA champion announces retirement due to injuries
Utah Jazz forward Otto Porter Jr. announced Monday that he would be retiring from the NBA after an 11-year career due to injuries. The Jazz, who traded for Porter in February, released a statement on Porter’s behalf on Monday night. Otto Porter Jr. has announced his retirement: "For the past 11 years, I had the chance to live my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
Rudy Gobert fined $100,000 for 'money' gesture toward referees
Minnesota Timberwolves center and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is never one to shy away from controversy. Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gobert fouled out after a loose ball foul with 27 seconds remaining with the Timberwolves holding a 97-96 lead. Gobert refused to leave the court, instead staying near the scorer’s table and making a money gesture at the referees.
Trae Young to undergo finger surgery, will miss at least a month
As the Atlanta Hawks try to hold on to the 10-seed in the Eastern Conference and make the Play-In Tournament, they’ll be without their best player. All-Star guard Trae Young will be out for at least a month after suffering a torn ligament in his pinky finger which will require surgery. An @emoryhealthcare injury update: During Friday’s game, Trae Young suffered a left-hand injury.
Nets fire Jacque Vaughn, Kevin Ollie named interim coach
As the NBA continues its All-Star break before returning to play Thursday night, one team has made a change at head coach. The Brooklyn Nets have parted ways with head coach Jacque Vaughn after just a season and a half at the helm. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski had the news first on Monday morning. The Brooklyn Nets dismissed coach Jacque Vaughn on Monday morning, sources tell ESPN.
NBA suspends Tristan Thompson for 25 games
Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. The league announced Tuesday that Thompson’s suspension without pay was for testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, a growth hormone and muscle enhancer. Thompson’s suspension will begin with Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He will be eligible to return on March 16 when Cleveland faces the Houston Rockets in Houston.
NBA world buzzing over Victor Wembanyama's historic triple-double
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama made NBA history Wednesday night in San Antonio’s 130-108 win over the hapless Detroit Pistons. Wembanyama became the youngest center in NBA history to record a triple-double, the first of his career, scoring 16 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists.
Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstera agree on record-setting extension
Erik Spoelstra has been the head coach of the Miami Heat since 2008, making him the longest-tenured coach in the team’s history and second-longest in the NBA behind Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. Tuesday night, the Heat and Spoelstra reportedly agreed on an extension that will keep the 53-year-old as head coach through this decade and into the 2030s.
NBA world reacts to insane Nikola Jokic ejection
For the second time this season, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was ejected after getting two technical fouls for arguing. Near the end of the first half of Denver’s 114-106 win over the Chicago Bulls, Jokic thought he was fouled going to the basket, but the referee didn’t make a call. Jokic argued as he went back up the court and was given two technical fouls in rapid succession, leading to the ejection.
Chicago Bulls unveil Ring of Honor, Michael Jordan first inductee
For basketball fans of a certain age, hearing the name Chicago Bulls evokes memories of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the rest of the members of the 1990s dynasty. On January 12, when the Bulls host the Golden State Warriors, a new Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor will be unveiled at the United Center. The team announced the news on Tuesday.
NBA world reacts to Draymond Green suspension
For the fifth time in his NBA career, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended. Green was suspended for five games for his role in Tuesday night’s brawl between the Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves where Green choked Minnesota center Rudy Gobert. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the suspension Wednesday night. The NBA is suspending Golden State’s Draymond Green for five games, source tells ESPN. Significant hit for the Warriors.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr hit by car in Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is in stable condition after being hit by a car outside his home in Philadelphia’s City Center on Saturday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. Oubre is expected to miss “significant time” due to injuries suffered in the accident, but the injuries aren’t considered to be season-ending, per Wojnarowski. It’s unclear what injuries Oubre suffered.
NBA world reacts to Charles Barkley's Knicks critique
While the 2023-24 NBA season is barely a week old, that hasn’t stopped TNT analyst Charles Barkley from advocating the New York Knicks make a significant roster move. “I think the Knicks need to do something… You see how this movie’s gonna end… ‘We play hard. We’re solid.’ But they’re not contenders… This team here is not gonna win anything… You can’t be mediocre and stick with that,” Barkley said on Inside the NBA Tuesday evening.
NBA world reacts to Charles Barkley's championship prediction
As the 2023-24 NBA season gets underway and season predictions have started to roll in, TNT Sports analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has given his pick. Speaking to the media before Tuesday’s NBA on TNT season opener, Barkley announced he was picking the Boston Celtics. “The one thing the Celtics were missing was a point guard, and they got probably the best point guard available.
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