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Articles by Dmitry Planidin
30 Teams in 30 Days: Charlotte Hornets 2019-20 Season Preview
(Phantom Designs/Def Pen Sports) It has never been an easy task to manage a professional basketball franchise in the state of North Carolina for obvious reasons. The states college teams are more well-known around the globe, and that is not an exaggeration. Whether we are talking about the Charlotte Hornets or Bobcats, the NBA franchise has been struggling to find star power, playoff success, and basic continuity for decades now.
Spain Wins the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Ricky Rubio Named MVP
Spain takes home the gold at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, with Phoenix Suns point guard Ricky Rubio (left) claiming tournament MVP. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) Spain has defeated Argentina in a much-anticipated 2019 FIBA World Cup final, 95-75, to become two-time World champions. Ricky Rubio was named the final game MVP. The Phoenix Suns guard tallied 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 6-for-11 shooting from the field.
2019 FIBA World Cup Preview: Groups G, H
Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert anchors a French team that highlights groups E and F of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) The 2019 World Cup is just hours away now. 32 top national teams are set to determine the best basketball nation in the world. The spectacle starts on August 31st with only two teams staying alive to battle for the title on September 15th. Every contender should go through two group stages.
2019 FIBA World Cup Preview: Groups E, F
A depleted Team USA will have stiff competition in their group for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) The 2019 World Cup is just hours away now. 32 top national teams are set to determine the best basketball nation in the world. The spectacle starts on August 31st with only two teams staying alive to battle for the title on September 15th. Every contender will have to go through two group stages.
2019 FIBA World Cup Preview: Groups C and D
Spain and Serbia highlight groups C and D in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) The 2019 World Cup is just hours away now. 32 top national teams are set to determine the best basketball nation in the world. The spectacle starts on August 31st with only two teams staying alive to battle for the title on September 15th. Every contender should go through two group stages. A team should end up at first or second place to advance to the next round in each group stage.
2019 FIBA World Cup Preview. Groups A, B
The Def Pen Hoops preview of the 2019 FIBA World Cup starts with groups A and B. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) The 2019 FIBA World Cup is just hours away now. 32 top national teams are set to determine the best basketball nation in the world. The spectacle starts on August 31st with only two teams staying alive to battle for the title on September 15th. Every contender will go through two group stages. A team needs to end up in first or second place to advance to the next round in each group stage.
Derrick Williams Wins German National Title
Derrick Williams will enter NBA free agency after his first overseas title with Bayern Munich (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports) The former 2nd overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft has won German national championship with Bayern Munich. Derrick Williams’ team swept its rival ALBA Berlin in the Bundesliga Finals, 3-0. Bayern won its second consecutive national title and fifth overall. Nihad Djedovic was named Bundesliga Finals MVP.
Rick Pitino Wins His Second Overseas Trophy
Rick Pitino led Panathinaikos to Greek league and cup title this season (Thomas Joseph/USA TODAY Sports) The member of the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame class is back at winning titles. Rick Pitino won his first major trophy in Europe with Panathinaikos as the Greens swept Promitheas 3-0 in the Greek League finals, finishing their flawless playoffs campaign.
Euroleague's Olimpia Milano Hires Ettore Messina In Hopes for a Organizational Reset
Ettore Messina has been Gregg Popovich’s assistant in San Antonio for five years (AP) One of the most prominent European coaches, Ettore Messina, has moved to Europe ending his five-year tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. Messina has officially signed a three-year deal with the Italian powerhouse, Olimpia Milano. Gregg Popovich’s former lead assistant in San Antonio will hold head coach and president of basketball operations positions simultaneously with Olimpia Milano.
REPORT: Celtics, Lakers in Trade Talks for Anthony Davis
Trade talks involving Anthony Davis are heating up as the Celtics and Lakers make their moves (Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports) The New Orleans Pelicans are getting closer to move their All-NBA forward Anthony Davis. The Lakers and Celtics emerged as frontrunners at the moment as both teams are now in talks with the Pelicans, report ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe, Ramona Shelburne, and Brian Windhorst.
CSKA Moscow Defeats Anadolu Efes 91-83 to Claim 8th Euroleague Title
CSKA Moscow celebrating their 8th Euroleague title (Photo: Euroleague) The Russian powerhouse is once again at the top of the most prestigious European club competition. CSKA Moscow beat Real Madrid 95-90 on the way to the Euroleague final that was set against this year’s Cinderella team, Anadolu Efes.
Georgian Center, Projected First Round Pick Goga Bitadze Declares for 2019 NBA Draft
Goga Bitadze (Photo: KK Buducnost) Goga Bitadze joined the group of elite European prospects that will be eligible for the draft this summer. The Georgian center is projected as a first round pick. Bitadze, 19, has just completed his Euroleague season with Montenegrian club Buducnost, breaking many records for a teenager in the process. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 24 minutes per game while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 31.3 percent beyond the arc.
French Forward Sekou Doumbouya Declares for 2019 NBA Draft
Sekou Doumbouya (Photo: Limoges CSP) One of the top European prospects has officially entered the pool of the best young players in the world that will be eligible for the draft this June. Sekou Doumbouya will be the youngest player available in the draft and the youngest since Giannis Antetkounmpo in 2013. The forward is projected as a lottery selection, not expected to fall out of the top 10.
Why Doncic-Porzingis duo is a much bigger deal than you think
Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis (Phantom Designs for Def Pen Sports) The NBA is one of the most successful professional leagues in the world for a variety of reasons. From lucrative TV deals, sponsorship and endorsements to outstanding marketing and PR models – the NBA thrives all over the board. But what makes the league truly special is often overlooked and those talents being taken for granted by the American public.
Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto Completes Three-Team Trade Involving Carlos Santana, Edwin Encarnacion from Hospital Bed
Jerry Dipoto (Elaine Thompson / AP Photo) Jerry Dipoto, general manager of the Seattle Mariners, completed a three-team trade on Thursday afternoon with Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana as the headliners. The major part of this deal sees Edwin Encarnacion heading to the Seattle Mariners, Yandy Diaz goes to the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Indians acquired Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers.
REPORT: Yankees to Bring Back Starter JA Happ
JA Happ pitching in the ALDS earlier this year. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) JA Happ and the New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to terms of a three-year contract worth $_ million to bring him back to the Bronx. Happ was rumored to have signed with multiple teams, but he expressed interest in going back to the Yankees. Jon Heyman of FanCred reported the agreement would be for two-years worth $34 million and a vesting option for a third-year. Yankees and Happ are working to finalize deal.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Wanted by Rockets in Trade
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, is rumored to be wanted by the Houston Rockets in a three-team trade also rumored to involve Phoenix Suns Forward Trevor Ariza, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The? Houston Rockets are? emerging? as? a suitor for? Los Angeles? Lakers guard Kentavious? Caldwell-Pope in? multi-team trade scenarios,? such? as? with??
REPORT: Dirk Nowitzki Set to Make 21st Season Debut Tonight vs. Suns
Dallas Mavericks big man and future Hall-of-Famer will make his 21st season debut against the Phoenix Suns. (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press) Dirk Nowitzki is finally set to make his debut for the Dallas Mavericks against the Phoenix Suns on December 13, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The former MVP missed the team’s first 26 games due to recovery from surgery on an injured ankle, which kept him sidelined much longer than originally anticipated.
Twins Catcher Joe Mauer Announces Retirement From Baseball
Joe Mauer in one of his final at-bats of the 2018 season and ultimately his career. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Joe Mauer has announced his retirement from the Minnesota Twins after spending the last fifteen years with the organization. All fifteen years of his career, Mauer played for the Twins and he has officially announced that he’s calling it quits.
Dez Bryant Tears Achilles in Saints Practice
Dez Bryant walks off field after loss to Eagles ( Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America) The New Orleans Saints newest addition Dez Bryant suffered an Achilles tear in practice Friday. The 30-year-old receiver signed with the Saints Thursday after an extended stay on the free agent market. Dez Bryant was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the injury on Twitter.
GAME OF THE DAY: Hayward Makes His Return to Utah in Celtics vs. Jazz
(Streeter Lecka/Getty) After having his season cut short last year with a horrific leg injury, Gordon Hayward is back on the court. But tonight he will also be back in the arena where he started his NBA career, in Salt Lake City. The Boston Celtics continue their West coast swing tonight against the Utah Jazz in a prime-time matchup of two of the NBA’s best teams. But all eyes will be on Hayward as he makes his first return to Utah, one of the league’s loudest and most difficult places to play.
REPORT: LeBron James' Relationship With Suns Exec James Jones Helped Lakers Secure Tyson Chandler
LeBron James and James Jones share a deep-rooted friendship dating all the way back to their days with the Miami Heat, then the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images) LeBron James is not only the best basketball player alive, but he is also perhaps the shrewdest NBA mind in the game today. James knows how to help facilitate and construct a roster worthy of making deep playoff runs, as evidenced by the past eight seasons.
Lance Thomas Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, Will be Re-Evaluated in 4 Weeks
Lance Thomas will be sidelined for at least a month following knee surgery. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) As the New York Knicks trudge along in what is another campaign in their arduous rebuilding process, they were also recently dealt a blow on the injury front. Forward Lance Thomas underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, an operation that often isn’t friendly to a player’s long-term outlook. According to the Knicks, Thomas underwent the surgery on Thursday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Hassan Whiteside Says Chris Bosh Helped His Career: 'I Miss Him A Whole Lot'
Chris Bosh’s absence has hurt Hassan Whiteside on and off the floor. (Bart Young/Getty Images) While Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside’s value across the NBA has took a significant hit in recent years, he still has all the requisite tools to make a big impact. Looking to make a name for himself as a largely unknown product out of Marshall University, Whiteside had to battle through D-League stints before earning a role in Miami.
2018 College Basketball Team Preview: #18 Mississippi State Bulldogs
Quinndary Weatherspoon celebrating with his teammates. (Photo Credit: MSU Athletics) Mississippi State is one of the great mysteries when it comes to the SEC and its substantial growth.
2018 NFL Power Rankings: Week 6
Odell Beckham Jr. gave voice to the Giants’ struggles but has received much criticism for doing so. (Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America) Typical of most NFL seasons, a majority of the league has settled somewhere around mediocre through five weeks. While you’ll find one (possibly unexpected) plot twist about a third of the way through these NFL Power Rankings, you’ll otherwise find a league that easy to identify the top five and bottom five.
2018 College Basketball Team Preview: #19 Syracuse Orange
Tyus Battle (Photo by Gregory Shamus/ Getty Images) Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange are coming off an extremely up-and-down season. This seems to be the trend for the Orange as of recent years. This season, however, seems to be one that will feature far more ‘ups’ than ‘downs’ for Boeheim. Syracuse finished 23-14 (8-10) last season with one of the worst offenses in the country- especially amongst the “power-6” conferences.
REPORT: Karl-Anthony Towns, T-wolves Agree to Super Max
Karl-Anthony Towns (Zhong Zhi/Getty Images AsiaPac) The Minnesota Timberwolves currently have all eyes on them following the reported Jimmy Butler trade request. So why not bring more attention while everyone is already looking? Former Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns has reportedly agreed to sign his super max extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
REPORT: Richard Jefferson Loses Father, 65, in Drive-By Shooting
The father of NBA players Richard Jefferson, Richard Jefferson Sr., was reportedly killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton. (Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports) Free agent forward Richard Jefferson has reportedly lost his father, 65, in a drive-by shooting in Compton according to TMZ. Law enforcement officials involved tell TMZ that Richard Jefferson Sr. was in a residential area near a liquor store when a vehicle came up and opened fire.
Kings Guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to Have Arthoscopic Knee Surgery
Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (above) injured his knee while playing for the Serbian national team and will have arthroscopic surgery. (James Ham/NBC Sports Bay Area) Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic suffered a minor knee injury while playing for the Serbian national team and will have arthroscopic surgery, according to the Kings’ official press release. The Serbian Bogdanovic experienced left knee discomfort early in the first quarter, according to the press release.
Derrick Williams Locates New Opportunity in Germany, Seeks Future NBA Return
Derrick Williams handles the ball as a member of the Cavaliers in 2017. (David Liam Kyle/NBAE/Getty Images) When former NBA forward Derrick Williams reached agreement on a deal with Bayern Munich in Germany this week, it symbolized his willingness to make a difficult choice that some professional athletes aren’t comfortable facing today: locating a new, unexpected path to his goal.
2018 NFL Power Rankings: Week 2
Patrick Mahomes looked like the real deal in Week 1. Thus, the Chiefs make a strong debut in the NFL Power Rankings. (Photo Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports) We didn’t post a Week 1 NFL Power Rankings because doing so before any games are played is kind of a foolish exercise, much in the vein of the preseason polls in college football.
Mets' David Wright Will Start In Final Homestand
David Wright (Al Bello/Getty Images) New York Mets third baseman David Wright will play one last time in the final homestand of 2018, he expects to be finished playing baseball after making one more start in the team’s second-to-last game of the season. With the Mets having a terrible season and no star to trot out besides Jacob DeGrom, the move is only fitting right now. Wright will be activated for the homestand beginning Sept. 25 and start at third base Sept. 29 against the Miami Marlins.
Longtime 'Voice of the Clippers' Ralph Lawler Announces Intent to Retire After 2018-19 Season
Ralph Lawler has spent 40 years as the voice of the Los Angeles Clippers. (Mark J.
Ranking the Top Young Guards In the NBA: Jamal Murray
Gary Harris and Jamal Murray are one of the league’s best up-and-coming backcourts (Denver Nuggets/NBA.com) The NBA Twitter world has been in disarray since the Finals ended. From Dennis Rodman making diplomatic visits to North Korea to our annual discussion of how good Nikola Jokic is, I thought I’d do my part to soothe tensions by making a completely pointless list of the best young players in the game. Up next in our list of the league’s top young guards: the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray.
30 Teams in 30 Days: Los Angeles Clippers 2018-19 Season Preview
(Phantom Designs for Def Pen Sports) The Los Angeles Clippers look to be one of the more interesting teams in the NBA next season. The front office has refused to completely strip the roster and rebuild despite moving on from former franchise cornerstones Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan all in the last year, which could plunge the once-contending Clippers into a dreaded state of mediocrity for years to come.
Clippers Match Pelicans' Offer Sheet for Tyrone Wallace
Tyrone Wallace was a pleasant surprise for the Clippers in 2017-18. (David Zalubowski/AP) The Los Angeles Clippers have matched the New Orleans Pelicans two-year, $3 million offer sheet for third-year guard Tyrone Wallace, according to the team. Clippers’ president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank confirmed the team was retaining Wallace: “We identified Tyrone as a versatile, competitive and tough-minded player who adds to the organizational culture.
2018 NFL Preview: The NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles should cruise to another NFC East title in 2018, no matter who’s at quarterback. (Photo Credit: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports) Projected NFC East End-of-Season Standings 1 Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) 2 New York Giants (8-8) 3 Dallas Cowboys (7-9) 4 Washington Football Team (6-10) Philadelphia had the deepest team in the league last season, without question.
2018 NFL Preview: The NFC South
Although the Saints aren’t as dependent on Drew Brees as they once were, they’re once again the favorites in the NFC South. (Photo Credit: Chris Graythen, Getty Images) Projected NFC South End-of-Season Standings 1 New Orleans Saints (13-3) 2 Carolina Panthers (10-6) 3 Atlanta Falcons (10-6) 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) It took New Orleans a while to get going last year. But once they started rolling, they showed how good they can be.
Timberwolves Officially Pursuing Loul Deng
Loul Deng may soon become a Minnesota Timberwolf (Ron Jenkins/AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly one step closer to becoming the official home for all former Chicago Bulls. After acquiring Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, and Derrick Rose, the jokes started flooding in of coach Tom Thibodeau frantically signing every player he could get his hands on who played under him in Chicago. Those jokes just keep getting louder as the Wolves plan to make a run at recent free-agent Loul Deng.
Best Young Power Forwards in NBA: Julius Randle
Dario Saric fits in right alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images North America) Ranking the top-five young power forwards in the NBA. At number three, The Philadelphia 76ers’ Dario Saric. The NBA Twitter world has been in disarray since the 2018 NBA Finals ended. From Dennis Rodman making diplomatic visits to North Korea to our annual discussion of how good Nikola Jokic is.
30 Teams in 30 Days: Cleveland Cavaliers 2018-19 Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have decisions to make about the direction of the team./Phantom Designs for Def Pen Sports Everybody knows there’s an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. The greatest player on the planet has left the Cleveland Cavaliers, and therefore absolutely everything has changed in Cleveland. Throw out everything you thought you knew about this team, these players, and their expectations. LeBron James is gone and the rules have changed.
Two-Way Contracts: Superficially Alluring yet Fundamentally Flawed
Briante Weber (Tim Warner/Getty Images) “I think two-ways are the worst thing to happen to players in a long time.” This was said by an unnamed NBA agent via text regarding the league’s newest darling, two-way contracts. It is the kind of blunt negativity that is directly antonymous with the norm. These deals are usually gushingly praised instead of critiqued in a way that suggests they never should have existed in the first place.
Official La Liga Games to be Held in the United States From This Season
Getty This season, for the first time in its 89-year history, LaLiga will hold official games on foreign soil after a 15-year agreement was signed with multinational media, sports and entertainment group Relevant in New York today. The venture, whose purpose is to cultivate and promote football in the United States and Canada as part of La Liga’s expansion, will also serve as a platform leading up to the 2026 World Cup which will take place in North America.
JJ Redick Says He Discovered Caged Girl While Using Car Service
JJ Redick shared on his podcast how he found a caged girl in the back of his car service ride. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers guard JJ Redick shared the story of how his sister-in-law and he discovered what he described as a caged girl in the back of his car service ride on the latest episode of his podcast. Redick said that after a photo shoot for MrPorter.com in New York City, the company sent a car service for him, his wife, and her twin sister.
Kevin Durant, Will Smith Heading Venture Capitalism Initiative For Black Investors
Kevin Durant has made multiple savvy moves away from the hardwood throughout his career. (Kimberly White/Getty Images) As his past has proven, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant is not only one of the best basketball players alive, but the 29-year-old has used his immense platform to branch out into different realms as well. Durant will reportedly now also be part of a new venture-capital fund along with fellow celebrity Will Smith.
Victor Oladipo Can Lead the Indiana Pacers to New Heights
Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis will be key cogs for the Indiana Pacers next season. (Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports) The Indiana Pacers quietly had one of the most sound offseasons among any NBA team. They didn’t land a high-profile free agent. There were no LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard rumors. A string of minute moves has propelled the Pacers from an average Eastern Conference team to one that will enter the regular season as a candidate to finish among the top four.
REPORT: Texas Rangers Trade Cole Hamels To Cubs
Cole Hamels (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) The Chicago Cubs have just significantly bolstered their pitching rotation, reportedly acquiring pitcher Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers. Yahoo’s Jeff Passan reported the deal as done on Thursday night. The report says the Cubs will send several low minor-league prospects to Texas, and the Rangers will send a “significant” amount of cash to help cover the rest of Hamels’ salary.
Lamar Odom Returning to Basketball, Will Play Professionally in China
Lamar Odom will make his return to professional basketball. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) A long and arduous path back to basketball for former Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lamar Odom is set to finally come to fruition. After battling legal matters and drug issues for the better part of the last half-decade or so, Odom is set to finally make his return to professional basketball after last suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012.
REPORT: New York Yankees to Acquire JA Happ from Toronto Blue Jays
JA Happ waiting to pitch earlier this year. (Rob Carr/Getty Images) The New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays sending JA Happ to the Yankees. Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman reported that a deal for Happ was in place, and eventually reported that the Blue Jays will receive Infielder Brandon Drury and Outfielder Billy McKinney. #Yankees getting J.A. Happ for Drury and Billy McKinney, per @Feinsand and @JonHeyman. Drury alone would be quite a score for #BlueJays.
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