Mac McClung Will be the First G League Player in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Mac McClung will supposedly end up being the very first G League gamer to take part in the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest this All-Star weekend.

Mac McClung, a Delaware Blue Coats guard whose marvelous dunks have actually gone viral, has actually accepted an invite to complete in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend next month in Salt Lake City, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe and Houston’s KJ Martin. The post Mac McClung Will be

the First G League Player in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest appeared initially on SLAM.

Iman Shumpert Shares His Take on the Competitiveness of the NBA on DraftKings’ Starting Five

When Iman Shumpert brings up to The Compound to movie an episode of the DraftKings Starting Five, it’s clear the previous NBA champ is still as hyped about the video game as ever. Shumpert understands what it requires to complete in the League after a decade-long NBA profession– however as he goes on to inform SetFree Richardson, Jadakiss, Danielle Alvari, and later on us, when he’s seeing gamers like Celtics’ All-Star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and super stars like Ja Morant he’s simply as pleased with their artistry.

“You got ta think: someone that can keep a dribble, reveal the ref that you’re holding them off balance however keep themselves on balance to complete or practice being out of balance and finishing, they’ve mastered it,” Shumpert informs us on set. “You see a lot of various gamers that come out of college sleek [and] able to do things that we weren’t dealing with cause the college video game wasn’t half that things wasn’t even permitted. The video game is developing and there’s ending up being a universal understanding of what you can do.”

To place on efficiencies like what we’ve seen up until now this NBA season– from 71-point nights to 100-plus video game overalls– is as much testimony to the level of skill as it is enthusiasm.”This young group, they’re so gifted and in love with [the video game],” Shumpert continues. “You understand what I’m stating? They sleep with basketballs [and] their video game shoes on. I enjoy that. They remain in pressure circumstances and they’ll still windmill it. Like, they do not care and they are so secured therefore in love and trusting of their bodies. Me being someone that had all them surgical treatments, I’m like, I want I might trust my body on video game 55, [and] I’m simply doing a windmill on a breakaway in traffic.

I keep in mind being that young and simply dribbling to a location and simply resembling, f *** it, let’s attempt it. I’ve never ever done it from this angle, turn by doing this bent, however let’s do it. It’s like, those kids that resembled 5 and they were attempting those grown relocations and you like, bruh, your ‘lil self can’t do that, like cool down. They kept doing it and kept doing it and now they look at a grown up like, you ain’t even worked on the things I worked on. I mastered it.”

Shumpert, who dressed for the Knicks and won a champion with the Cavaliers in 2016, has both played together with and versus NBA super stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Now, he’s seeing direct how the next generation of standouts not just appreciate the older gamers, however are taking their video game even further. “Now, they take a look at a matured like you ain’t even deal with all the things I dealt with. I mastered your video game in my mind at 8. I begin dealing with Steph Curry video game, too, then I included a ‘lil Melo video game ’cause I needed to find out how to play in the post. Now I got Kyrie Irving all up in my head so you can’t stop me. It’s insane. It’s so cool to talk with a kid now that’s playing in the pros and they resemble, yeah I been enjoying Kyrie my entire life and I resemble, dang brother that’s insane. I’m old. Me and Kyrie are old? Wow. Kyrie [is] more youthful than me so I’m like, Kyrie is who you appreciate? We’re enjoying a brand-new generation of simply killas. It’s cool.”

As for the level of competitiveness in the League, Shumpert’s next take stimulates a discussion among the Starting Five:” They wan na win however I implied the competitive nature of I’m gon na rating on this end and you can’t score on the other end. I believe the grittiness of that has actually left– part of it is them getting used to officiating, the hand monitoring is gone, the capability to rough someone up sorta got eliminated entirely however I simply seemed like that’s what [is doing not have] when I enjoy it…… I understand what it’s like to be in the League and it’s like Iman you got 4 fouls, stop and I’m like, pet dog who’s letting someone lay a ball up? Like why y’ all mad at me, brother? I didn’t even nasty ’em, like that was a tic-tac call. It’s like you do not simply get layups, you do not simply get open shots, you have to do it under pressure or I do not think it.

I’m one of those guys. I do not think he’s that excellent [if] he can’t do it under pressure,” he includes. “…… That’s what I wind up seeing however like I stated that’s my individual [viewpoint] I desire y’ all to play how I desire y’ all to play and it’s like nah, they fretted about scoring 150 points and they’re doing it effectively.”

When it comes to what SetFree, Kiss and Danielle believe? See the DraftKings’ Starting Five series here.


Pictures through The Compound and DraftKings.

The post Iman Shumpert Shares His Take on the Competitiveness of the NBA on DraftKings’ Starting Five appeared initially on SLAM.

Learn More About Tyrese Haliburton: Pacers Star on High School Musical, Steve Urkel and MORE

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has actually had rather a year: he was called an All-Star, just recently signed a max agreement extension with the group and simply appeared on the cover of SLAM 245.

In our cover story, Haliburton opens about his journey so far and how he “enjoys” showing all the skeptics incorrect. Still, the 23-year-old does not take himself too seriously. Basketball, he states, is a “kid’s video game,” and brings him back to memories of having a ball in his baby crib and playing computer game. That’s the delight behind Haliburton’s ever-apparent smile when he’s out there on the wood.

“When I’m playing basketball, it’s simply enjoyable,” he informed SLAM. “It’s like I’m a kid once again, you understand? Which’s what I enjoy about it. This isn’t a task for me. This is an enthusiasm of mine and something I truly like to do.”

Check out the complete story here.

SHOP NOW To be familiar with the All-Star more, we took a seat with Haliburton and amazed him with products from his past for the most recent episode of “Bag Talk.

“Inspect it out listed below. The post Get to Know Tyrese Haliburton: Pacers Star on High School Musical, Steve Urkel and MORE appeared initially on SLAM.

The 2023 SLAM x Black Ops Awards: Jimmy Butler, Tom Brady and More

Every summertime, fitness instructor Chris Brickley’s star-studded Black Ops open runs amass buzz on social networks. It’s a chance for basketball fans to see not just what their preferred gamers depend on, however to enjoy them hoop and compare versus other leading names in the video game.

He at first called the runs “Black Ops” since he desired the exercises and open go to be discreet. Here, Brickley is providing you an expert breakdown of another year of Black Ops Basketball.


The 2023 SLAM x BlackOps Awards

Breakout Season: Bones Hyland

Photo by @NextSubject This was my very first off-season dealing with Bones. Each time we exercised, he was really excellent. I was amazed at how well he shot the ball together with his favorable mindset. I believe the Clippers are a fantastic area for him and


I’m all set for him to have a breakout year. Mentor Award: Donovan Mitchell Photo by @kees2life Over the previous couple of off-seasons, the Mentor Award went to Carmelo Anthony. Donavan Mitchell is now the brand-new recipient of that award– not just is he a coach towards young gamers in the NBA however he likewise is a coach to a few of the country’s most elite.


After exercises, he would speak with guys like Ian Jackson and Elliot Cadeau and provide some

effects this season. Both gamers play both sides of the ball and are very excited to improve. Yell out to the searching department in Houston, they did their thing. The Future Award: Cooper Flagg Photo by @mksworld_ I believe Cooper is an as soon as in a generation kind of gamer. He is incredibly flexible and can end up above the rim, with both

hands. He’s a consistent match

issue on offense and fantastic on the protective end. He’s a monster. His propensity for obstructing shots is as excellent as I’ve seen at the high school level and he has something that you can’t teach. He has that DOG in him. Prior to reclassifying, Cooper was among the most outstanding gamers at the Brickley invitational. Finest BlackOps Duo: Klay Thompson and Kevin Love Photo by @NextSubject Klay Thompson and Kevin Love matured together, however they never ever used the exact same group. This offseason when they used the exact same group at the Black Ops run, it was unique to see. They won 5 straight video games, which I believe was the very first time a group did so in BlackOps history. The method they enhanced each other, you would have believed they were colleagues in the past. Klay was vacating the ball, K-Love was discovering him and vice versa. It appeared like they both didn’t miss out on a shot. Shooting Award: Paige Bueckers Photo by @capturedbymikee We did a lot of shooting drills, however Paige struck 29 3s in a row. That was one of the most 3s we’ve seen consecutively all offseason. I’m delighted to enjoy Paige play this year at UConn, she’s going to advise individuals how great she is. The last time she’s played a complete season, she was college basketball’s Player of the Year. Surprise Player Award: Ty Jerome Photo by @kees2life Ty has actually remained in

the League for 4 seasons. The Cavaliers will be his 4th group. I believe with the best chance Ty is going to stun a great deal of individuals in the League. He’s extremely elite from an ability viewpoint. There’s absolutely nothing that he can’t do: he contends an elite level, his ball handling is elite therefore is his decision-making. I believe he might be an intense area off the bench for the Cavs this year.


Early Riser Award: Jimmy Butler

Photo by @kees2life No one exercises as early in the early morning as Jimmy Butler. He features a various kind of energy in the early mornings; he’s going to have either c and w or heavy metal blasting on the speakers and the health club is going to seem like a sauna. I believe I still dream about the number 78– that’s what the health club required to be set for each time Jimmy exercised. Not just did he get a great exercise however everybody in the fitness center got in an excellent sweat, too.

Jimmy is all set to have among the very best seasons of his profession! He had a fantastic summertime of exercises.


Finest Black Ops Matchup: Donovan Mitchell vs Trae Young

Photo by @kees2life It was enjoyable seeing 2 of the most elite guards in the NBA address each other. Initially, Donovan was simply expected to exercise and view the run once Trae got here, he encouraged Donovan to play. Both of them were addressing each other and the series ended 3-2.


Donovan’s group got the win for the day. High Flyers Award: Obi Toppin

. They both posterized numerous gamers this offseason. I’m thrilled to view Obi with the Pacers. The majority of viral image image: Jan(Russell Westbrook exercise ) Photo by @NextSubject Shoutout our intern from Vietnam, Jan. Jan had a difficult job all offseason with safeguarding a few of the NBA’s finest gamers. He absolutely had a tough time protecting Russell Westbrook! I do not blame him however this photo in specific went viral throughout the world. We joke about it with him to this day. Football Player Hooper Award: Tom Brady and Steffon Diggs Photo by @kees2life If I was beginning a basketball group of NFL gamers. I would absolutely have Stefon Diggs as my point player and Tom Brady as my shooting guard. Both of these guys are truly talented on the basketball court. I would state Tom Brady is a much better shooter, however Diggs is a much better playmaker. Diggs has bounce, too. A Lot Of Surprising Shooter Award: H.E.R. Photo by @NextSubject Grammy acclaimed artist H.E.R. has actually established a big-time jumpshot!! In the past, the very best artist shooting award would go to J. Cole, however I believe Gabi would make a run for that award now. She can truly shoot it. Ask Jimmy Butler.’He’s Next’Award: Kiyan Anthony Photo by @NextSubject Not just did

he grow a couple of inches this summertime, however Kiyan Anthony truly went far for himself on the EYBL Circuit. He has actually established a few of his daddy’s footwork, which has actually made him among the most elite grassroot gamers in the nation. Sky’s the limitation for Kiyan. A Lot Of Viral Moment: Tom Brady Photo by @kees2life The most viral minute was absolutely the Tom Brady exercise. It got 34 million views throughout all platforms within the very first 48 hours. On my page, it was shared 58,600 times. That’s one of the most of any video this summer season. Tom Brady is the GOAT!


The 2024 SLAM x BlackOps Awards: LeBron James, Jalen Brunson and More by Chris Brickley The post The

2023 SLAM x Black Ops Awards: Jimmy Butler, Tom Brady and More appeared initially on SLAM.

Read our SLAM 240 Cover Story on No. 1 NBA Draft Pick Victor Wembanyama

At simply 18 years of ages, Victor Wembanyama is the most hyped worldwide draft possibility in years. Now, the No. 1 choice in the 2023 NBA Draft is headed to San Antonio.

Last October, we had Wemby on the cover of SLAM 240. Read his cover story and get special SLAM 240 Cover Tees here.

READ HERE

SHOP NOW The post Read our SLAM 240 Cover Story on No. 1 NBA Draft Pick Victor Wembanyama appeared initially on SLAM.

Head Coaches Around the NBA Praise Jaden Ivey’s Influence on Detroit

When the Detroit Pistons chose Jaden Ivey with the 5th total choice of the 2022 NBA Draft, the three-time champs were hoping the elite professional athlete would be the secret to turning the franchise around beside Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart.

Through 30 video games, the novice out of Purdue has actually developed that his elite athleticism is his biggest present, and till he can harness it simply a bit more, it will cause some battles as he discovers the NBA. He can’t blow by protectors like he performed in high school and college. Now he needs to discover how to alter speeds and harness his deadly primary step to shoot outside the paint.

“You enjoy him the open flooring, and he’s harmful,” Pistons head coach Willie Green stated per The Athletic. “He’ll continue to establish his shot. He’ll improve as time advances. That’s simply how those guys are.”

Fortunately for Ivey, there is self-confidence in Detroit and from coaches around the NBA that Ivey has the work ethic required to end up being a critical focal point to the Pistons going back to relevance. Within Detroit, Ivey exercises with Pistons assistant coach Rex Kalamian and gamer advancement coach Jordan Brink after practice to enhance his mid-range video game.

The gains have not been instant, however Detroit and Ivey understand that the mid-range addition to his bag will require challengers to protect him truthfully and will be an important counter versus groups obstructing the paint when Ivey drives to the rim. Alternatively, Ivey has actually promptly assisted Detroit get to the free-throw line more frequently. Since Tuesday, the Pistons rank no. 1 in free-throw efforts per video game, and Ivey ranks 4th on the lineup in complimentary tosses per video game, 3rd amongst all novices with 4.2.

“He has fun with a valiancy, from the outdoors searching in,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff stated.” And it’s one of those things where, if you continue to put in the work when you have that state of mind, you have a chance to be a truly great gamer, and I believe he does.”

The advancement and enhancement will come as Ivey continues to deal with his video game. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley saw that Ivey is “a really major kid about his work.” He discovered this characteristic when the Magic hosted pre-draft exercises and interviews with Ivey.

“Sitting down and speaking with him a bit, he’s a really major kid about his work,” stated Mosley, whose Orlando group, the holder of the No. 1 choice, exercised and talked to Ivey throughout the pre-draft procedure. “You appreciate that. You take pleasure in that. To see somebody who takes their craft seriously. Being among those guys who is going to be the very first in the health club and last out of the health club. He’s got a basketball mind and simply wishes to work.”

Clippers head coach Ty Lue stated Ivey has actually been “fantastic” throughout his novice year. He has actually likewise seen that Ivey’s previously mentioned pressure on the rim assists tip video games in Detroit’s favor. The previous champ thinks that the issues Ivey will deal with originated from “simply comprehending the NBA video game,” and compared the previous lottery game choice to Russell Westbrook, particularly comparing how they get downhill and remain in attack mode.

“At the point player position, more than anything, simply comprehending the NBA video game,” Lue stated when inquired about the huge issue young guards deals with. “What (Ivey) does every night? He plays hard, he assaults, and he gets downhill. Quickly, he’ll see, ‘OK, I need to get a mid-range shot. Now, I need to enhance my 3-point shooting.’ That’ll open whatever for him. The modification of speed, modification of speeds … he’ll get that. Now, he’s a lot like Westbrook when he came into the video game– getting downhill, assaulting.

So far, Ivey is balancing 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.1 helps per video game on 41.2 percent shooting from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The post Head Coaches Around the NBA Praise Jaden Ivey’s Impact on Detroit appeared initially on SLAM.

Jaylen Brown Believes He Has ‘Other Limits to Reach in the Future’ with Jayson Tatum

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have actually reached another level of success this season, and it’s all in pursuit of going back to the NBA Finals and leading Boston to their record 18th NBA title.

After a beast getaway on Wednesday, Brown thinks that The Jays have “other limitations to reach in the future.” Brown dropped a season-high 41 points and 12 rebounds, while Tatum included 31 points and 10 rebounds to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 125-114. It was the 5th 40-point video game in Brown’s profession and the 10th time that Brown and Tatum integrated to score 70+ points.

“I do not believe this is the very best you will see,” Brown stated, per ESPN. “I certainly believe we’ve got other limitations to reach in the future, in our profession. This is simply part of the procedure.”

The Memphis-Golden State Rivalry Continued with ‘Trash Talk’ on Christmas Day

Another chapter of the Golden State-Memphis competition was composed after the Warriors won the Christmas Day video game in between the heated enemies.

Golden State lasted longer than Memphis 123-119 due to Jordan Poole’s wonderful 32-point trip assisting make Ja Morant’s 36-point effort mute. The win was highlighted by some heated jaw-jacking in between the Warriors and Grizzlies, especially in between colleagues Klay Thompson (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 helps) and Draymond Green (13 rebounds, 13 cents, 2 blocks, one take) and Grizzlies swingman Dillon Brooks.

Duncan Robinson: the Fastest to Knock Down 800 Career Three-Pointers

Duncan Robinson is now the fastest shooter to ever strike 800 profession three-pointers after striking 3-5 triples versus Minnesota on Monday.

Robinson achieved the amazing task late in the very first quarter off his very first shot of the video game. Robinson played 14 minutes and wound up publishing 9 points, 4 rebounds, and a take in Miami’s 113-110 win over Minnesota.

Tyrese Haliburton Will Miss the Next Two Weeks Due to a Sprained Elbow and Knee Bruise

The Indiana Pacers have actually ruled Tyrese Haliburton out after he suffered a sprained left elbow and small knee contusion versus the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

Haliburton suffered the injury late in the 3rd quarter when he lost his ideal shoe, fell awkwardly, and injure his left knee and elbow on the play.

“He’ll get took a look at tomorrow carefully,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated, per ESPN. “He’s leaving of Madison Square Garden on crutches, so I would think his schedule on Friday will remain in concern, and most likely Saturday, too, however who understands.

“One of the fantastic aspects of Tyrese is he has actually been banged up the in 2015 and a half that he’s been with us, and he constantly wishes to play. He constantly wishes to play, and it’s something that’s actually assisted our culture as a group. We’ll hope for the finest. We’re certainly not going to put him in damage’s method.”

Haliburton published 15 points and 7 helps before he left the video game for excellent; on the season, Haliburton is balancing 20.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 10.2 pennies per video game on 48.0 percent shooting from the flooring and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc.

The post Tyrese Haliburton Will Miss the Next Two Weeks Due to a Sprained Elbow and Knee Bruise appeared initially on SLAM.

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