- by njatal
Here’s a Look Back on Jamal Murray’s Ascension Over the Years– SLAM 230 Cover and More
After being sidelined for the 2021-22 season, Jamal Murray has not just handled to make a complete healing from his ACL tear however simply assisted lead the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever champion title.
Given that his college days, the super star has actually constantly been a force to be fixed up with, and now, Murray has actually made certain everybody understands that. In honor of his, and the Nugget’s triumphant season, here’s an appearance back at Murray’s ascension throughout the years– from his SLAM 230 cover story to his days at Kentucky and more.
2016: FEATURE IN SLAM 199
Back in 2016, a 19-year-old Jamal Murray was ending up his very first, and just, season of college basketball at the University of Kentucky.
In SLAM 199, Murray opened about his choice to get in the NBA Draft, handling expectations and more. You can read this story and more in our SLAM Digital Archives, which has every copy of SLAM, ever.
SLAM 230 In 2020, Murray was getting ready for what would be a breakout run in the bubble.
Murray was balancing a then-career high 18.5 points per video game throughout the 2019-2020 season. For the cover of SLAM 230, we spoke with Murray about how he reveals himself through basketball and how he’s motivated by martial arts legend Bruce Lee, practices mindfulness and more.
- by njatal
Steve Kerr: ‘There’s a Chance’ Andrew Wiggins Could Return and Play on Saturday
Andrew Wiggins has actually been missing from Golden State’s lineup for 15 successive video games due to a kidnapper injury and a subsequent non-COVID health problem.
The Warriors have actually stated they desired Wiggins to be a complete individual in practice before he can play once again, which terms has actually lastly been fulfilled. Head coach Steve Kerr revealed Wiggins took part in all practice activity on Thursday which “there’s a possibility he might play tomorrow,” according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.
Andrew Wiggins practiced completely today, Kerr stated.
“There’s an opportunity he might play tomorrow.”
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 6, 2023
Wiggins ‘return begins the heels of Kerr revealing Stephen Curry might return from his shoulder injury as quickly as Jan. 13 when the Warriors begin their next trip versus the San Antonio Spurs next week.
The Warriors (20-19) are coming off a last-second loss to the Pistons. They seek to go back to their winning methods on Saturday when they handle the Orlando Magic. They’re 2 video games back of getting 4th location in the Western Conference playoff standings.
The post Steve Kerr: ‘‘ There’s a Chance’Andrew Wiggins Could Return and Play on Saturday appeared initially on SLAM.
- by njatal
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.”
NIKOLA. VUCEVIC. Enormous shot!@NikolaVucevic|@NBCSBulls pic.twitter.com/CMRd8S5rnf!.?.!— Chicago Bulls(@chicagobulls
— )January 3, 2023 Vucevic balanced 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks
per video game on 49.9 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and made his very first All-Star Game in 2019 after setting up 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds per video game on 51.8 percent shooting from the field. This year, Vucevic is doing what he can to assist Chicago make their 2nd straight postseason look. Vooch down the lane!@NikolaVucevic|@NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/1ysAhWXLvm!.?.!— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)December 19,
2022— ield The Bulls (19-22) are set to play the Wizards on Wednesday, then the Thunder(18-23)on Friday. The post Nikola Vucevic Says He ‘d Like ‘ One Last Year in Orlando’ appeared initially on SLAM.
- by njatal
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.
Sources: Hornets forward Kelly Oubre Jr. will go through surgical treatment on a torn ligament in his left hand and miss out on 4-to-6 weeks. Oubre– balancing a profession high 20.2 points– suffered the injury in the very first week of the season and has actually been playing through the discomfort on his shooting hand.
—– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2023
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.
The post Kelly Oubre to Undergo Surgery to Repair a Torn Hand Ligament appeared initially on SLAM.
- by njatal
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.
. @MilesBridges AT THE BUZZER— #AllFly pic.twitter.com/B4isBaxEEH!.?.!— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 20, 2022
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.
The post REPORT: Negotiations Heating Up Between Hornets and Miles Bridges appeared very first on SLAM.
- by njatal
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.
B/R Sources: Rival executives are of belief Hawks safeguard Trae Young might be next star gamer to demand trade if group does not make inroads come playoff time. More news and nuggets for @BleacherReport: https://t.co/7u9PY3fpjJ!.?.!— Chris Haynes(@ChrisBHaynes)December 22, 2022 Young is under agreement till 2026-27 and can pull out after the 2025-26 season if the Hawks do not fulfill playoff expectations. The two-time All-Star and the Hawks have actually been searching for the rhythm and consistency that assisted them make a go to the Eastern Conference Finals 2 years back. The ninth-place Hawks(16-16)are a playoff competitor in spite of the offseason trade acquisition of SLAM 241 cover co-star Dejounte Murray. What you truly understand about the Dirty South?Dejounte Murray and Trae Young cover SLAM 241. https://t.co/JA8oG1KC8Z pic.twitter.com/2X95SX5UNj!.?.!— SLAM(@SLAMonline)December 13, 2022 Atlanta is under brand-new management in the front workplace after they worked with Landry Fields as their basic supervisor.— Young and Fields supposedly satisfy typically and
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.
- by njatal
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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- by njatal
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.
The post REPORT: Gary Trent Jr. Anticipated to Opt-Out of Player Option appeared initially on SLAM.
- by njatal
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.
- by njatal
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.”
Steve Kerr on the battles from the more youthful part of the lineup tonight vs Knicks pic.twitter.com/6B5u1T5sj4!.?.!— Anthony Slater(@anthonyVslater)— December 21, 2022 As the Warriors continue to mesh their maxamzie both their present and future lineups, they will need to see that Poole, Moody, Kuminga, Wiseman, and Andrew Wiggins (when healthy)can taking the torch Curry, KlayThompson, and Draymond Green lit and continue to construct on the champion DNA and culture that’s resulted in 4 titles because 2015. The post Steve Kerr on Young Players Keeping Their ‘ Spirits Up’During Tough Times appeared initially on SLAM.