Basketball Network

Gatorade wanted to make a breakthrough in the sports beverage industry and there was no better way to do so than to feature Michael Jordan in a TV commercial. At the time, MJ had just won his first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan inked a 10-year, $13.5 million deal with Gatorade and was about to star in the company’s TV commercial. The idea was to use Disney’s “I Wan’na Be Like You” song from the 1967 film “The Jungle Book” as the ad’s jingle.

Sixers rookie takes a shot at Alperen Sengun before playing his first NBA game – “He play like he got a refrigerator on his back” Many agreed that the 2026 NBA Draft class is one of the most talented in recent memory, with at least four franchise player prospects. But it’s not just the Top 4, Top 5 or even the Top 10. It’s a group loaded with talent all the way to the second round. It also has some of the most confident rookies in years.

There have been many colorful personalities throughout NBA history, but very few can match the uniqueness of the man formerly known as Ronald William Artest Jr. Whether it was his relentless defense or simply the way he carried himself off the court, Artest was always someone who was never afraid to show his true self. Even if it often rubbed some people the wrong way.

Despite being a highly touted basketball player and one of the NBA’s all-time legends, Kevin Durant has shifted his athlete-only mindset and influence past the hardwood in recent years. Famously, after he left the high-tech side of the Bay Area, where he kick-started his business career, KD began diversifying his business portfolio when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.

Weight issues are not a new challenge for Charles Barkley. Early in his NBA career, he had struggled with conditioning and maintaining a consistent playing weight. This put him in the crosshairs of critics and the great Moses Malone was able to convince him to change his ways and set him in the right direction. Fortunately, Barkley heeded his advice and turned a corner, developing an elite work ethic and a healthier relationship with food.

Starbury looked back on his impeccable career journey from violent Brooklyn streets to the NBA. © Brett Davis-Imagn Images Before he rose to NBA stardom, Stephon Marbury’s story of growing up in the projects of Coney Island is still one of the most foundational tales of New York City hoops.

Jordan’s style keeps finding its way back into the spotlight — from baggy fits to viral memes. © KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Michael Jordan built a legacy that goes far beyond just basketball. Sure, his trophy cabinet is filled with six championship rings, six Finals MVPs and five regular-season MVPs. But he turned the NBA into a global brand and inspired generations to come.

It would be reckless to rank playoff teams’ seasons before postseason basketball tips off. In Iman Shumpert’s view, however, there may be one exception. That team is the Los Angeles Lakers. On the latest “Shump Street” episode, he already gave them the highest grade possible, stating, “I gotta give ’em A+.” The former NBA veteran then emphasized that his stance is already set. Even the outcome of the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets will not change it, Shump said.

After a long and arduous regular season that saw them end up with the second-worst record (37-45) since their dynasty began in 2015, the Golden State Warriors have one more chance to salvage their up-and-down campaign. However, standing across from them is a familiar foe, an All-Star who has rejuvenated his career and brought the Los Angeles Clippers back from a 6-21 start to the brink of a postseason ticket: Kawhi Leonard.

Mark Cuban shared some of the measures he undertook to improve the working conditions of the Dallas Mavericks organization. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The 90s were indeed a rough patch for the Dallas Mavericks, given their consistent losing records and the poor state the franchise was in during those years. However, there was a glimmer of hope when the organization acquired the draft rights to Dirk Nowitzki, the ninth pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. Not to mention the arrival of Steve Nash via trade.