Author: njatal

J.B. Bickerstaff: Ricky Rubio’s Torn ACL Rehab ‘Progressing in the Right Direction’

Cleveland head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave an injury news update on Ricky Rubio’s rehab from the season-ending torn ACL he suffered last year, revealing that Rubio could come back in January.

“I would expect him, if things go the right way, sometime early next month,” Bickerstaff said. “So we’re definitely progressing in the right direction.”

Rubio was averaging a career-best 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 36.3 percent shooting from the field and 33.9 percent from beyond the arc when he suffered the injury on Dec. 28. At the time, Rubio played a significant role in Cleveland’s massive turnaround to becoming a play-in tournament participant.

As a veteran point guard, Rubio helped Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen become All-Stars. The positive impact he had was so palpable that after he got traded to Indiana for Caris LeVert, Cleveland re-signed him over the summer to a three-year pact despite Rubio missing a chunk of time rehabbing his knee.

The post J.B. Bickerstaff: Ricky Rubio’s Torn ACL Rehab ‘Progressing in the Right Direction’ appeared first on SLAM.

REPORT: Toronto Looking at Big Return if They Trade Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby

The Toronto Raptors (16-21) have gotten off to a less-than-desirable start to the season and currently sit at 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Although they’re looking outside the playoff and play-in tournament picture, Toronto doesn’t seem likely to blow up the roster and start a rebuild. However, if Raptors president Masai Ujiri decides that tanking is the best long-term option, he could reportedly find a significant haul trading Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

“Or maybe they go all in and consider trading Siakam and Anunoby for what would likely be massive returns of picks and young talent,” Sportsnet’s Michael Grange wrote. “‘A s—load’ was the ballpark estimate provided by one league insider.”

The Raptors could use that trade to help build a strong roster around reigning Rookie of the Year and SLAM 239 cover star Scottie Barnes.

Siakam is averaging 26.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Anunoby is averaging a career-high 18.6 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from beyond the arc. Siakam is a solid second or third star that any team would like to pair with their superstar duo.

Anunoby has emerged as an intriguing trade candidate and is putting up borderline All-Star numbers as a two-way wing for the Raptors. Siakam and Anunoby have deals that go through the 2023-24 season, with Anunoby carrying a player option for the 2024-25 season.

Barnes is a cornerstone talent for Toronto, and shipping off veterans like Siakam and Anunoby would force Barnes into a more significant role. The Raptors have lost seven of their last 10 games and are 5-18 on the road. They’ve made the postseason in eight of the previous nine seasons and won an NBA title in the 2018-19 campaign.

A decision will likely be made soon as the trade deadline approaches, and Ujiri can’t go wrong with either choice.

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REPORT: Toronto Marks Scottie Barnes As their Only Untouchable Player

REPORT: Toronto Marks Scottie Barnes As their Only Untouchable Player

The Toronto Raptors have supposedly significant SLAM 239 cover star Scottie Barnes as the only untouchable gamer on their lineup, according to Josh Lewenburg of TSN.

2022 The ruling Rookie of the Year is still adapting to ending up being a gamer on top of challengers searching reports, however his very first year in the League highlighted simply how brilliant his future might be in Toronto while the Raptors effort develops around him and pursue their 2nd title in franchise history.

The possibility of a Raptors restore is still establishing. On Tuesday afternoon, Toronto (11-23) sits 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re 1.5 video games back of the Bulls for the last play-in area, and if the season were to end now, it would be the 2nd time in 5 seasons that the Raptors missed out on the playoffs.

Toronto has a three-game homestand, beginning with back-to-back contests versus the Charlotte Hornets.

The post REPORT: Toronto Marks Scottie Barnes As their Only Untouchable Player appeared initially on SLAM.

REPORT: Jordan Clarkson Likely to Hit Unrestricted Free Agency

Jordan Clarkson has actually been having among the very best seasons of his profession, heading into agreement settlements this summer season.

Since Thursday, Clarkson averages 20.7 points per video game on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. Utah (21-23) is likewise in ninth location and is a prime prospect to play in the play-in competition. With Clarkson leading Utah into a possible postseason look, it’s most likely he will get a huge payday for his efforts.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, Clarkson might apparently select to decrease the $14.3 million gamer alternative he has and end up being an unlimited complimentary representative. Free firm might be his finest option due to CBA guidelines avoiding Utah from providing Clakrson an agreement extension in his favored series of $20 million per season.

Clarkson remains in the prime of his profession and is bonafide playoff risk after balancing 17.3 points per video game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field over his last 3 postseasons. At 30-years-old, Clarkson can be a primetime scorer off the bench efficient in bring groups to wins when it matters one of the most.

Utah is set to host the Magic on Friday.

The post REPORT: Jordan Clarkson Likely to Hit Unrestricted Free Agency appeared initially on SLAM.

REPORT: Clippers are Discussing a John Wall Trade for Frontcourt Depth

The Los Angeles Clippers have actually supposedly begun talking about trade bundles for John Wall, according to NBA expert Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Wall is playing his very first year with the Clippers after signing up with the group as a totally free representative. He’s presently out after suffering a stomach injury, however when he’s healthy, the five-time All-Star is balancing 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.2 helps per video game on 40.8 percent shooting from the field and 30.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The Clippers (23-22) have genuine title goals, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George blazing a trail. Wall was anticipated to come in and contend for the beginning point player function and has actually settled in as a strong 6th guy who can begin in areas. The Clippers have actually handled Leonard’s load management and are still developing their chemistry as a group.

Including frontcourt depth behind Ivica Zubac and Moses Brown might assist the Clippers acquire some ground in the Western Conference playoff standings. The trade due date is Feb. 9, and it’ll be fascinating to see what moves the Clippers will make their group much better.

The Clippers are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers this evening.

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New Off-Broadway Play “King James” Examines How LeBron’s Time in Cleveland Helped Bring Two Strangers Together

“King James,” the brand-new off-Broadway play, has actually taken control of NYC in current weeks. The production takes a look at how sports fandom can bring individuals from various strolls of life together and even stimulate relationships that otherwise might never ever be formed. In this case, it concentrates on 2 boys in Cleveland who satisfy ideal as LeBron James is entering his novice season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. The play continues to study how their relationship develops throughout the years, and even strikes a couple of bumps on the roadway, all while LeBron’s profession is at the same time progressing– the play begins in 2003 however ends over a years later on, following LeBron from Cleveland to Miami and back to Cleveland.

Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary, Gotham, Blue Bloods) plays Matt and Glenn Davis (star, manufacturer and Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company; The Christians, Head of Passes, The Brother/Sister Plays, Downstate) plays Shawn. Jointly they completely (severe when it requires to be, and humorous simply as appropriately) give the leading edge styles around race, household characteristics, relationship, death and betrayal. The play was composed by Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) and directed by Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Fences), while Khloe Janel definitely eliminates it from the DJ cubicle.

You can capture King James at the Manhattan Theatre Club up until June 18.

The post New Off-Broadway Play “King James” Examines How LeBron’s Time in Cleveland Helped Bring Two Strangers Together appeared very first on SLAM.

Gregg Popovich Says Jalen Brunson’s ‘Got it All’ After Career-High Outing

Jalen Brunson has actually been as excellent as promoted after signing a four-year handle the New York Knicks (21-18) as the crown gem of their offseason moves over the summer season.

To this point, Brunson has actually balanced career-highs in points (20.8 points) and helps (6.5) per video game on 46.7 shooting from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. On Wednesday, Brunson set the tone of New York’s 117-114 win over the Spurs after scoring a career-high 38 points, 7 board, and 6 pennies.

The 38-point trip left Popovich in a complimentary state of mind with the five-time champ stating Brunson’s “got it all.”

“He’s got it all, “Popovich stated of Brunson, per Sports Illustrated.” He’s got the ability, however he’s likewise got the strength. He’s got the basketball IQ to opt for it. Simply a hell of a rival.”

The 2024 SLAM x BlackOps Awards: LeBron James, Jalen Brunson and More

The 2024 SLAM x BlackOps Awards: LeBron James, Jalen Brunson and More

Every summertime, fitness instructor Chris Brickley’s star-studded BlackOps runs are the talk of the offseason. It’s a chance for basketball fans to see what their preferred gamer has actually contributed to their bag and to see a few of the very best hoopers on the planet go at it.

Brickley at first called the runs “BlackOps” due to the fact that he desired the exercises and open go to be discreet. Here, he offers us his breakdown of another year of BlackOps Basketball and his award choices.

The 2024 SLAM x BlackOps Awards

Breakout Season: Paolo Banchero

Photo by @kees2life This was the 4th summer season I dealt with Paolo. His energy was laser-focused! We would go 60-75 minutes, and he did every drill at video game speed. Coming off his very first All-Star season and playoff run, he desired more

. I think we will see Paolo in much more All-Star

Games and a lot more playoff runs. The Magic will be excellent this year. Finest Summer Shooter Award: Klay Thompson Klay was available in this offseason appearing like an entirely various gamer. He appeared an action quicker, and he shot extremely well all summertime.

He actually broke every shooting record this summer season. In CJ McCollum’s defense, Klay locked in with me in August/September, while CJ held lots of records and worked

with me in May/June. Finest Middle Schooler I Have Ever Worked With: JJ Crawford During the exercise, JJ’s dad (Jamal Crawford ), Jordan Clarkson and Boardroom’s Nick DePaula were seeing. Ju was striking NBA three-pointers at a high portion, getting the ballhandling drills I was offering him and getting pails on my interns! The web constantly offers the interns a tough time, however they can actually protect. After the exercise, Jamal and I talked hoops for about an hour, and it was among my preferred discussions of the summer season. Jamal is a real trainee of the video game. I’m calling it now: JJ Crawford will be a top-five choice one day!

Draft Day Award: Matas Buzelis and Tyler Kolek

I think both of these guys will have long NBA professions. Matas will be a name we see on ESPN’s Top 10 plays lot of times this season. Tyler Kolek is my sleeper from this previous draft. The Knicks got an excellent playmaker and scorer at No. 34.

I believe he’ll bring terrific energy with

the 2nd system. NCAA Award: lan Jackson The finest thing that occurred to Ian Jackson was that to begin his senior season, he dropped in the rankings. His whole exercise method altered at that minute, and Ian ended up being a guy on the basketball court. He exercised with me 5 days a week– often two times a day– and went hard! I put him in circumstances where he played 1-on-1 with NBA gamers, and he more than held his own– he was wowing everybody in the fitness center. I can’t wait to see what he does at UNC this season. High School Award: Kiyan

Anthony & Chris Cenac Jr. I’ve seen Kiyan Anthony establish from a youngster running around MSG to getting pails in the NBA BlackOps runs. He is continuously texting me, revealing his seriousness to get in more exercises and keep enhancing. Chris Cenac played in the Brickley Invitational and surprised me throughout the exercise part. At 6-10, he can shoot the 3, end up around the rim, play in the mid-post and attempt to soak on you by the rim. It’s not a surprise he’s escalating up the rankings!

Chris Brickley Invitational Award: Tyran Stokes and Jasper Johnson

Tyran Stokes is ranked No. 1 in the Class of 2026 for a factor– he’s a match headache. He can shoot and discover his colleagues, and his motor is constantly on 100. Jasper Johnson went nuts in the video game, striking difficult shot after difficult shot. He actually advises me of D’Angelo Russell. Kentucky is producing top-level potential customers today.

Coach Award: Russell Westbrook

People can state what they desire about Russ, however the truth is he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and among the Top 75 NBA gamers of perpetuity. This was the 2nd offseason in a row where he put in the time to coach a more youthful gamer. Last summer season, it was Azzi Fudd from UConn, and this summer season it was New Jersey legend Isaiah Briscoe. Russ welcomed Briscoe to a few of his 6 a.m. exercises and shared some gems. Russ and I have actually established an authentic relationship throughout the years, and I’m happy to have him as a buddy.

GOAT Award: LeBron James

I was blessed to assist prepare LeBron for his Gold medal run. His work absolutely settled, as he wound up getting MVP of the Olympics at 39 years of ages! Aside from his terrific exercises, towards completion of the summertime, I was used a great deal of NBA training positions, and I required somebody to talk with who understands the video game and business. I connected to LeBron without any expectations– if he didn’t react, I would not have actually been distressed at all, understanding he has a million things going on. He sent me some excellent guidance, and it was precisely what I required to hear. Thanks to the GOAT for taking the time to do that.

Finest Group Workout of the Summer: Kevin Durant and CJ McCollum

There was something unique about the energy at The Summit, with music shrieking through the Bose speakers. Usually, gamers slowly develop to game-speed actions, however this exercise was various. KD captured the ball in the corner, ripped through difficult with 2 dribbles and struck a stunning pull-up– similar to he remained in a championship game. I passed the ball to CJ, and he did the exact same thing. For the next 65 minutes, both gamers provided it their all. That was incredible.

Finest Rapper Basketball Player: Russ

Russ chose to take basketball seriously and pertained to me after training with his Atlanta fitness instructor. He ended up being a knockdown shooter. The change in his video game was ridiculous. He had dribble relocations, was striking NBA 3s with consistency and simply had fun with self-confidence. I believe Russ ended up being the very best rapper-shooter l’ve ever dealt with.

Finest BlackOps Matchup: Jalen Brunson vs. Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Quickley, fresh off signing his $ 175 million handle the Raptors, was having fun with supreme self-confidence versus All-Star point player Jalen Brunson. There was absolutely a sense of significant competitors. Quickley supported Brunson for the Knicks before being traded to the Raptors, so it seemed like Quick was having fun with a chip on his shoulder. Viewing these 2 go at it for nearly 2 hours was very amusing. It resembled enjoying a terrific boxing match. They were offering it their all and not slowing down. Guy, that was a terrific run!

Pictures by @nextsubject.

The post The 2024 SLAM x BlackOps Awards: LeBron James, Jalen Brunson and More appeared initially on SLAM.

Internet Will Re-Evaluate Kevin Durant’s Knee in Two Weeks

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Nets will re-evaluate Kevin Durant (MCL sprain) in 2 weeks, per the group.

swingman Jimmy Butler drove to the rim and got his shot obstructed by Nets point forward Ben Simmons. Butler fell back into KD’s knee, and the two-time Finals MVP remained on the ground for a couple of minutes before he stayed in the video game. The Nets called a timeout 30 seconds later on as KD kept rubbing at the knee up and down the flooring. Durant returned to the locker space to get taken a look at and didn’t return.

“He’s in excellent spirits as all of us are,”Kyrie Irving stated of Durant, per ESPN.

“The strength of our group is us selecting each other up. Simply being prepared for whatever’s tossed at us. I believe among the best qualities of our group is our bench and the method we support each other, regardless of who’s in the lineup. And now it’s time to head out and exhibit that till we discover the timeline with K and when he might be offered once again. We simply got to be fully grown about it.” The injury could not have actually occurred at an even worse time for Brooklyn. The Nets have actually won 18 of their previous 20 video games,

going on a 12-game win streak that catapulted them into 2nd location in the Eastern Conference playoff image. Brooklyn will need to count on Irving and a next-man-up mindset to maintain their momentum and avoid a collapse like they suffered in 2015. Almost a year back, Durant suffered a knee sprain on Jan. 15, 2022, that required him out of action for near 2 months.

The Nets were 27-15 at the time and went 5-17 throughout his lack, consisting of an 11-game losing streak. Brooklyn eventually made the playoffs as a play-in group however got swept in the preliminary by the NBA Finals runner-up Boston Celtics. KD has actually balanced 30 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.4 helps per video game as he’s led the Nets back to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

It’ll be fascinating to see how Brooklyn will endure his lack and how they use gaining from the lessons they found out throughout their collapse in 2015. The post Nets Will Re-Evaluate Kevin Durant’s Knee in Two Weeks appeared initially on SLAM.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is Aiming to Make His Nightly Dominance ‘Boring’

Giannis Anteteokounmpo is perhaps the very best basketball gamer on the planet due to his constant capability to control the paint and developing jumper.

After 10 seasons and one champion with the Bucks, the Greek Freak is all set to be so dominant that it ends up being a routine thing to anticipate. That it’s “uninteresting” to see him install the kind of efficiency he just recently had versus Washington. Antetokounmpo dropped 55 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 helps on Tuesday as the Bucks beat the Wizards 123-113, snapping Washington’s five-game winning streak.

“I wish to get in a position … … that my video game is dull,”Antetokounmpo stated. “I simply do what I do, and individuals do not discuss it since it ends up being uninteresting — — I do it every night. That’s what I wish to do. I desire other individuals to seem like my video game is tiring. I do not get tired. The greats — — the very best gamers — never ever get tired. They head out there, and they constantly offer their finest any provided night.”

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