Nikola Vucevic Says He ‘d Like ‘One Last Year in Orlando’

When Nikola Vucevic initially went into the NBA in 2012, he bet the Orlando Magic for 9 seasons, leaving as the all-time leader in made basket (4,990), 2nd in rebounds (6,381), 3rd in blocks (550 ), 3rd in points scored (10,423) and 4th in video games played (591 ). He likewise assisted the Magic end their six-year playoff dry spell with 2 straight postseason looks.

Now, after 3 seasons with the Chicago Bulls, the two-time All-Star just recently confessed that he ‘d like to last to play “one in 2015 in Orlando.”

“Of course, yeah,” Vucevic informed the Sixth Man Show. “That’s something that I would enjoy to do. We’ll see when that is possible, if that’s sensible and how everything exercises. At least get one last year in Orlando. I believe it’s just best it occurs. We’ll see.”

Kelly Oubre to Undergo Surgery to Repair a Torn Hand Ligament

The Charlotte Hornets revealed Kelly Oubre Jr. would go through surgical treatment to fix a torn ligament in his shooting hand. The treatment is set for Thursday.

The Hornets stated that “updates on the treatment and his rehab status will be supplied when proper.” Oubre missed out on 3 of Charlotte’s last 4 video games with the injury.

The 27-year-old wing is balancing a career-high 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 takes per video game on 42.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Hornets will likewise miss out on Gordon Hayward for their upcoming Wednesday night video game versus Memphis due to a hamstring injury he suffered on Monday versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

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REPORT: Negotiations Heating Up Between Hornets and Miles Bridges

The settlements in between Hornets and limited totally free representative Miles Bridges are “collecting traction in talks on a brand-new offer” and are “positive” that the 2 celebrations can pertain to an arrangement soon, according to NBA expert Adrian Wojnarowski.

As Soon As Bridges and Charlotte settle an offer, it will likely assist the NBA complete their examination and provide Bridges a suspension for his function in an offseason arrest that’s dried up his market as a totally free representative and left him off a lineup a quarter of the method through the season. The length of the suspension is uncertain.

Bridges balanced 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 helps per video game and have actually been a foundation member of the Hornets franchise given that he was prepared 12th total in the 2018 NBA Draft. As a limited totally free representative, lots of around the League anticipated Bridges to draw a $100 million plus deal sheet that Charlotte likely would’ve matched. His offseason actions altered that market, as specified above.

Charlotte (8-24) has actually handled some injury issues with LaMelo Ball, particularly missing out on double-digit video games due to ankle injuries. Signing Bridges will assist Charlotte update their lineup at the wing and will bring some home entertainment and physicality to a lineup aiming to make a run for a play-in seed and an area in the playoffs.

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REPORT: Trae Young Could Request a Trade Out of Atlanta

SLAM 241 cover co-star Trae Young might apparently ask for a trade out of Atlanta, according to NBA expert Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

have actually established a close bond. Fields has the thumbs-up to enhance the group nevertheless he sees finest however performing those aspirations has actually been challenging up until now. Atlanta has actually made it clear they’re prepared to part methods with John Collins, however a partner hasn’t been discovered. Young is balancing 27.6 points and 9.8 helps per video game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.7 percent from beyond the arc. Atlanta will play the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. The post REPORT: Trae Young Could Request a Trade Out of Atlanta appeared initially on SLAM.

REPORT: Fred VanVleet Drawing Free Agent Interest from Phoenix and Orlando

Fred VanVleet is supposedly drawing complimentary representative interest from the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic, according to NBA expert Shams Charania of the Athletic.

It’s essential to keep in mind that this situation might play out IF VanVleet chooses to opt-out of his gamer alternative next summer season. VanVleet increased to prominence after signing with the Raptors as an undrafted totally free representative in 2016. As a novice, he played in Toronto and with their G League affiliate. The following season he came off the bench and played in 76 routine season video games with the Raptors.

VanVleet ultimately played a popular function in Toronto winning their first-ever title in 2019. In 2022, he ended up being the 5th undrafted gamer to make the All-Star video game in 2021. VanVleet is balancing 18.2 points, 6.3 helps, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 takes per video game this season. He’s played in 36 video games so far, missing out on 8 contests due to a back injury.

VanVleet’s four-year offer that he checked in 2020 might end this offseason if he does not sign his gamer choice. He’s making $21.3 million this season and might make $22.8 million if he does get the additional year.

VanVleet and Toronto are set to play the Milwaukee Bucks on the roadway on Tuesday.

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REPORT: Gary Trent Jr. Anticipated to Opt-Out of Player Option

According to Michael Scott of HoopsHype, Gary Trent Jr. is anticipated to decrease his $18.6 million gamer for the 2022-23 season and end up being a totally free representative for the very first time in his profession.

Trent is balancing 16.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 helps, and 1.6 takes per video game on 43.0 percent shooting from the field and 33.5 percent from beyond the arc. His progressive enhancement considering that he was prepared by Portland Trail Blazers in 2018 will assist him make a strong 2nd agreement. Scotto thinks that the Raptors aren’t keen on dedicating to Trent long-lasting.

“According to many NBA executives who talked to HoopsHype at the G League Showcase, the leading Raptors trade prospect is all Gary Trent Jr.,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported.

“The present belief from those executives is Trent Jr. will pull out of his $18.8 million gamer choice and get in unlimited complimentary company this summer season. 2 executives informed HoopsHype they think Trent might make $20 million or more if he went into unlimited complimentary firm. There’s uncertainty among a number of front workplaces throughout the league that Toronto would want to maintain Trent Jr. if he eclipses the $20 million yearly variety.”

The Raptors got Trent in the middle of the 2020-21 season after trading away Norman Powell for the previous Duke Blue Devil. In the 112 video games Trent has actually bet Toronto, he’s balanced 17.7 points per video game. Due to the fact that of that production, it’ll be challenging to let Trent walk, however the Raptors remain in the middle of being a playoff danger while they are battling being a high-draft choice group or tanking.

Toronto (13-18) will want to break their six-game losing streak versus Cleveland (21-11) on Friday.

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Inside Jimmy Butler’s Closet: TOP DRWR is Auctioning the Superstar’s Varsity Jackets, Sneakers and More

Let’s take it back to ‘06. Long before he became a six-time NBA All-Star, Jimmy Butler was dropping buckets as a senior at Tomball High School in Texas, where he averaged 19.9 points and served as team captain. Still, he was considered a two-star recruit, and went on to play at Tyler Community College before catching the attention of Marquette. 

Let’s take it back to ‘06. Long before he became a six-time NBA All-Star, Jimmy Butler was dropping buckets as a senior at Tomball High School in Texas, where he averaged 19.9 points and served as team captain. Still, he was considered a two-star recruit, and went on to play at Tyler Community College before catching the attention of Marquette. 

The story goes that the same young player who once was overlooked emerged into a college standout, and is now one of the most dominant players in the League. Butler wears that on his sleeve through his gritty playing style and his unwavering confidence, and quite literally: the Miami Heat superstar has rocked personal and custom-made high school and college varsity jackets inside arena tunnels throughout the season. 

While the apparel is personal to Butler—his Tomball varsity jacket even features a captain patch as well as the year 2007 and his jersey number—he’s teamed up with TOP DRWR, an innovative platform that’s the premier destination for all things high end fashion, to bring a unique experience to NBA fans and style icons.

TOP DRWR, which was co-founded by one of the illest artists in the game, French Montana, is now offering their first unveiling which includes an auction of ten items from Butler’s personal closet, including both varsity jackets, a pair of Jordans and more.

Done in partnership with The Shop Miami, all of the items have been curated by longtime stylists Calyann Barnett and Khalilah Beavers. Barnett, who has worked with everyone around the game including Dwyane Wade, is one of the most innovative visionaries in the NBA fashion world. Then there’s Khalilah Beavers, who has styled everyone from Butler to Carmelo Anthony to Jimmy Butler, and has redefined the style across the League through her work. 

The first auction is available at www.topdrwr.io and will close on Thursday, August 31, 2023. A portion of the proceeds from TOP DRWR’s initial auctions will be donated to the Social Change Fund United to support important issues impacting the Black community. 

To get a better sense of what kind of heat TOP DRWR offers, look no further than their vast collection of apparel, sneakers and luxury accessories from designers including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Versace, Fear of God, Off White, and Rolex. You don’t have to be a 6-7 NBA All-Star to show out like you’re in the tunnel or on LeagueFits—but thanks to TOP DRWR, you can look like one. 

Don’t just cop clothes, cop pieces. Sign up here. 

The post Inside Jimmy Butler’s Closet: TOP DRWR is Auctioning the Superstar’s Varsity Jackets, Sneakers and More appeared first on SLAM.

Steve Kerr on Young Players Keeping Their ‘Spirits Up’ During Tough Times

Steve Kerr and the Warriors are still aiming to discover a method to mesh their future while looking optimize their champion window this season. At 15-17, the outcomes have actually been blended in focusing on establishing their young stars and concentrating on winning another champion behind their veteran core.

On Tuesday, their 132-94 loss to the Knicks in Madison Square Garden can be chalked up as a combined outcome as they never ever led and played without Stephen Curry for the 3rd straight video game considering that he went down with a shoulder injury on Dec. 14. Golden State never ever led after the Knicks opened the video game with an 8-0 run and never ever recalled throughout a wire-twire-win that offered New York their 8 straight win.

The Warriors made it as close as 35-33 in the first-half however the Knicks retreated in time and went into halftime with a 69-56 lead.

“The Knicks remain in an excellent groove today. They absolutely beat us,” Kerr stated per ESPN. “We sank tonight. We’re attempting to hang in there and we will. Another video game tomorrow.”

When Anthony Slater of The Athletic inquired about the 4th quarter effort Kerr obtained from Jordan Poole (26 points), Moses Moody (11 points), Jonathan Kuminga (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 helps) James Wiseman (4 points, 3 rebounds, one take, 2 blocks), the nine-time champ stated that Golden State’s young guys are “working their butts off” which they have “to keep our energy and our spirit up” when “things do not work out.”

REPORT: Bucks, Mavericks, and Wizards Are Interested in Trading for Immanuel Quickley

The Bucks, Mavericks, and Wizards have actually apparently revealed interest in obtaining third-year sharpshooter Immanuel Quickley, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Quickley had actually grown as a starter this season, balancing 20.3 points, 5.3 helps, and 4.9 rebounds per video game throughout his 8 starts when he took control of R.J. Barrett’s area in the stunning lineup while he recuperated from a finger injury.

As a trade target, Quickley might function as another capable scorer on a playoff competitor like the Mavericks, who are trying to find another gamer to assist eliminate Luka Doncic from all the scoring and playmaking tasks he needs to handle. Quickley might be viewed as an upgrade over Grayson Allen for the Bucks as a two-way combination guard that can shoot well.

The Wizards might utilize another guard that can identify start and play as a combination guard beside Bradley Beal on offense.

The Knicks are supposedly looking for first-round draft choice settlement in exchange for Quickley. They’re in the playoff photo with the seventh-best record in the Eastern Conference playoff photo, thanks to Quickley’s contributions as a starter and off the bench.

The previous SEC gamer of the year is balancing 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 helps per video game while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

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VIEW: Damian Lillard Pass Clyde Drexler as Portland’s All-Time Scoring Leader

Damian Lillard has actually sealed himself as possibly the best Portland Trail Blazer of perpetuity after passing Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to end up being the all-time scoring leader in franchise history.

Lillard (18,047 profession points) went into Paycom Arena 21 points except passing Drexler (18,040 points as a Blazer). By the time the last buzzer sounded, Lillard had actually dropped 28 points on 9-17 shooting from the field, 6-12 from beyond the arc, 3 rebounds, and 6 helps. Lillard connected Drexler with a deep triple in the 3rd quarter and after that took control of the franchise record with a complimentary toss with 1:33 left in the 3rd.

“It’s a fantastic sensation to arrive,” Lillard stated per ESPN. “It’s been an objective of mine, and the list has a lot of gamers, terrific history of our company, so to lastly be No. 1 is an unique achievement that I’m happy of.”

Lillard is the 10th active gamer to end up being a franchise’s all-time leader in points. He is among 3 scoring leaders who presently bets that group, too, signing up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry in the unique list. Lillard is a popular hooper in the NBA neighborhood, and the fans at Paycom Arena offered him a standing ovation after the Thunder PA commentator informed the crown Lillard had actually reached the historical accomplishment.

“Even throughout the video game tonight, I wasn’t playing concentrated on getting to the record,” Lillard stated. “I was playing the video game simply attempting to win. I understood it would take place ultimately.”

Lillard took control of the record after playing 730 profession video games with Portland, 137 less than it took Drexler to reach (867 ). The Blazers prepared Lillard 6th total in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Weber State.

The six-time All-Star is balancing 28.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.0 helps per video game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field and 40.4 percent from downtown. For his profession, Lillard has actually set up 24.7 points, 4.2 boards, and 6.7 cents per video game on 43.8 percent shooting and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.

“Damian’s dedication to Portland is now incapsulated with this distinguished profession turning point,” Trail Blazers basic supervisor Joe Cronin stated in a declaration. “His commitment, humbleness, and effort have actually been pillars for his course to this extremely minute. On behalf of the company, we wish to praise Damian on this fantastic accomplishment and eagerly anticipate much more.”

Dame Time and the Trail Blazers will seek to return on track versus the Thunder on Wednesday.

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