Beginning Lineup’s Jayson Tatum NBA Action Figure Captures the Celtics Superstar’s Elite Game

We’ve got a special 32-page mini mag on Starting Lineup’s New NBA Action Figures.

His video game– and his tradition, if it’s not prematurely to talk about such things– lies at a special crossway of old and brand-new, historical and cutting edge. Jayson Tatum is 24 years of ages, and it appears concurrently as if he’s remained in the League a years, or hardly at any time at all. The fact, as he starts his 6th NBA season, is that Tatum is a three-time All-Star and among the most total forwards in the video game.

The old and historical go back to his school child days in St. Louis, where his household connections spoke with future success. He’s the godson of Larry Hughes and a cousin of Tyronn Lue. After a college year in Durham at Duke, he landed in Boston, the NBA’s a lot of history-obsessed city, where like all excellent gamers, he’s compared to the legends (Larry and otherwise) who used the green and white before him. At the exact same time, he likewise established a deep connection with among the renowned legends of the Celtics’ biggest competitor. With Tatum, the connections to the previous run deep, and in numerous instructions.

His video game? That’s completely brand-new school, and currently genuinely elite. He revealed it throughout the 2019-20 season, when his per-game scoring leapt from almost 16 ppg to much better than 23 points per. Last season, in his 3rd straight All-Star project, he balanced 26.9 points, 8 rebounds and 4.4 helps per video game, developing himself because uncommon tier of gamers who do whatever really, extremely well.

Tatum selected the playoffs, as all Boston greats must, to genuinely reveal himself to the basketball-watching world. He led the Celtics past Giannis and the protecting champs from Milwaukee, then past a ruthless team from Miami and into the NBA Finals, where it took Stephen Curry and the healthy, resurgent and refilled Golden State Warriors to keep Boston from another title and Tatum from his. He opted for Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors and the present of comprehending what it will require to lead his group to a champion.

You do not need to think in fate to like Tatum’s chances. He’s whatever an NBA basic bearer requires to be: profoundly skilled, extremely concentrated on enhancing and a pleasure to enjoy, owner of among the best and most total offending video games of his generation. He might not have the high-wattage character of the majority of the remainder of the brand-new Starting Lineup generation of which he’s so deservedly a part, however Tatum has the peaceful swagger and a certain sense of design– those Taco Js, celebrated on his figure, are currently renowned– to choose it. Most significantly, he’s got the video game.

Put simply: He’s currently so excellent and most likely not yet near his peak. More All-Star choices, more MVP factor to consider and much more deep playoff runs appear all however inescapable. The green and white, and the video game in basic, remain in great hands.

The post Starting Lineup’s Jayson Tatum NBA Action Figure Captures the Celtics Superstar’s Elite Game appeared initially on SLAM.

ENJOY: Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram Play SLAM Point Em Out

“Who’s footing the bill?”

While on set for their SLAM 242 cover shoot, we had Zion, CJ and BI play Point ‘‘ Em Out– and let’s simply state, they did not dissatisfy. The New Orleans Pelicans trio had us splitting up.

Examine it out listed below.


Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, who simply appeared on the cover of SLAM

242, just recently opened about the group’s pursuit this season and how they intend on taking the franchise to brand-new heights. Check out here. SLAM 242 is offered now,

along with Gold Metal Editions and Cover Tees. Store now. The post WATCH: Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram Play SLAM Point Em Out appeared initially on SLAM.

NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 30 Players: 30-21 825670622 173 In 1994, the very same year that SLAM was established, another staple in the basketball world made its huge launching: the National Basketball Players Association’s Top 100 Camp. For 3 years, the NBPA has actually been associated with assisting a number of your preferred gamers long before they reached the NBA. Through comprehensive programs, the Top 100 Camp prepares elite high school hoopers for whatever the future might hold, both on and off the court. The camp stresses 3 core concepts needed for gamers to optimize their capacity: character, education and ability advancement. Campers get mentorship from existing and previous NBA gamers and follow a sophisticated training routine developed to prepare them for the next level. In addition, every camper takes part in seminar and classes fixating subjects such as tension management, hiring pressures and more. Because ’94, numerous NBA gamers have actually come through the Top 100 Camp. This year’s occasion is set to occur at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL, from June 8-13. Initially, to commemorate 30 unbelievable years, we’re looking back at the leading 30 NBPA members who have actually struck the court at the Top 100 Camp. 30. Zach LaVine Of all the high-flyers on this list, Zach LaVine may have the craziest hops. At 6-5, 200 pounds, he in some way makes zipping previous protectors, skyrocketing through the air and punching a nasty jam over a seven-footer appearance simple and easy. His jaw-dropping highlights and amazing efficiencies in dunk contests– like his famous battle with Aaron Gordon in 2016– alone make him an ideal prospect for this list, however LaVine is likewise a two-time All-Star and an elite well-rounded scorer who has actually balanced over 20 points per video game for his profession. 29. Zion Williamson It’s unusual for a high school gamer to arrive at the cover of SLAM. Then once again, it’s unusual for a high school gamer to be like Zion Williamson was in 2017. The kid from Spartanburg, SC, required our attention, frequently going viral on social networks for his abstruse dunks and blocks. The ultimate cover line: “He’s 16. He’s 6-7. He’s explosive like Russ. He soaks like LeBron. Are you all set for Zion Williamson?” No lies informed. At the Top 100 Camp in 2016, he was called MVP. The Zion experience has actually been restricted in the NBA due to injuries, however when the New Orleans Pelicans star has actually been healthy, he’s been an unstoppable force who still lights up social media. 28. Bam Adebayo In an interview with SLAM in 2019, Jimmy Butler explained his colleague Bam Adebayo– now a 3x All-Star– completely: “He works very difficult and he’s all over on the flooring. You require him to pass it, he can pass it. He rebounds, he deals with the ball, he sets terrific screens. You can’t take him off the flooring. He’s an essential part to what we wish to do and what we will continue to do. [Head coach Erik Spoelstra] understands– in order to win, you got ta have Bam out there on the flooring.” That all still uses today. 27. De’Aaron Fox Do not blink– you may miss out on De’Aaron Fox do something magnificent. The lightning fast guard was a McDonald’s All-American in high school, ranked as one of the leading employees in the country. He went to the University of Kentucky for one year, starring along with Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk, before going into the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was chosen 5th general by the Sacramento Kings. Gradually however undoubtedly, Fox has actually become an All-Star and made the Kings amazing and pertinent for the very first time in a very long time. 26. Karl-Anthony Towns We have actually seen really couple of huge males in the history of the NBA with the adaptability and ability of Karl-Anthony Towns. That’s to state: We have actually seen extremely couple of huge guys in the history of the NBA who are simply as comfy behind the arc and in the mid-range as they remain in the paint. KAT, now 28, stands 7 feet high, has actually balanced 10.8 rebounds per video game over his 9 seasons in the League and is a profession 40 percent three-point shooter. And he simply assisted lead the very best Timberwolves group in twenty years all the method to the Western Conference Finals. 25. DeAndre Jordan Throughout those peak Lob City years, DeAndre Jordan owned the paint for the Los Angeles Clippers. He managed the glass, balancing 13.1 rebounds per video game from 2013-18. He safeguarded the rim, balancing 1.8 blocks over that exact same period. And sometimes, he tossed down a dunk so vicious, so effective, so incredible, that colleagues and fans were left questioning what the hell simply occurred (please go rewatch his poster on Brandon Knight). Jordan now brings experienced management to the Denver Nuggets, where he assisted the franchise capture its very first champion in 2023. 24. Donovan Mitchell Twelve groups handed down Spida in the 2017 NBA Draft. Twelve. Mitchell, who comes from Elmsford, NY, and went to college at Louisville, made the majority of those groups are sorry for that choice practically instantly. He balanced 20.5 points as a novice and was an All-Star by his 3rd season. He’s now made 5 straight All-Star Games, consisting of in 2023 when he was called a starter. Really couple of gamers in the League have Mitchell’s mix of athleticism and ability. To put it clearly: the explosive guard– presently on the NBPA Executive Committee– is difficult to stop. And at 27 years of ages, he’s simply entering his prime. 23. Al Horford For the previous 16 years, Big Al has actually been a huge existence in the NBA. The trusted center is still playing an essential function for a traditionally excellent Boston Celtics group that simply tore its method through the Eastern Conference. Horford was a star at Grand Ledge High School in Michigan, won back-to-back championship games at the University of Florida (2006, 2007) and has actually been called an All-Star 5 times throughout his prolonged NBA profession (4 times with the Hawks, as soon as with the Cs). And he ain’t done yet. 22. Kyle Lowry When he went into the League in 2006, Kyle Lowry didn’t remove immediately. It wasn’t till his 5th season in the NBA that the 6-0 point guard, who had actually been traded by the Grizzlies to the Rockets in ’09, ended up being a long-term starter. Lowry hasn’t recalled given that, assisting groups in Houston, Toronto, Miami and Philly with his hard-nosed, aggressive, energetic design of play– a design that has actually made him a fan preferred and made him 6 All-Star choices. In the North, where he won a champion in 2019, Lowry will constantly be called Mr. Raptor. 21. Baron Davis Baron Davis was an artist with the basketball. Ludicrous dribble bundles, fancy helps, beast posters– the 1997 Gatorade National Player of the Year and two-time NBA All-Star constantly placed on a program. After starring at UCLA, Davis was the 3rd general choice in the 1999 Draft and assisted lead a powerful Hornets group for the very first stretch of his professional profession. He later on signed up with the renowned “We Believe” Warriors team that advanced to the 2nd round of the 2007 playoffs as a No. 8 seed. Injuries robbed us of more years seeing him play, no concern, however when the electrifying guard was at his finest, that was a few of the most amusing ball to view. The post NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 30 Players: 30-21 appeared initially on SLAM.

In 1994, the exact same year that SLAM was established, another staple in the basketball world made its huge launching: the National Basketball Players Association’s Top 100 Camp. For 3 years, the NBPA has actually been associated with assisting much of your preferred gamers long before they reached the NBA. Through substantial shows, the Top 100 Camp […]

The post NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 30 Players: 30-21 appeared initially on SLAM.

For 3 years, the NBPA has actually been included in assisting numerous of your preferred gamers long before they reached the NBA. Given that ’94, hundreds of NBA gamers have actually come through the Top 100 Camp. 30. He went to the University of Kentucky for one year, starring along with Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk, before going into the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was chosen 5th general by the Sacramento Kings. 26.

Jayson Tatum Breaks Boston Record For Most 50-Point Games

Jayson Tatum is just 24-years-old, and he’s currently taken control of Hall-of-Famer Larry Bird’s location in the record books.

The three-time All-Star formally passed the three-time MVP for a lot of 50-point video games in Boston Celtics history after he scored a season-high 51 points on 15-23 shooting from the field, 7-12 from beyond the arc, and a best 14-14 from the charity stripe to lead Boston to a 130-118 win over Charlotte. Tatum has actually published more 50-point video games than Bird and Paul Pierce COMBINED.

“He makes me appear like a much better coach,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated per ESPN. “He didn’t choose shots; he got catch-and-shoots, he left the dribbles, he got layups. The other piece of that is the humbleness of our group to actually deal with him to get those 51 points.”

Tatum’s 51-point effort was his very first 50-point getaway considering that he scored 54 and 51 last season and notched a career-high 60 points throughout the 2020-21 project. Tatum has actually connected Gilbert Arenas for the third-best scoring efficiency on MLK Day after Agent Zero dropped 51 points in 2007.

“It’s been a while because I scored 50,” Tatum stated per Yahoo Sports. “So I required that a person.”

Tatum scored his 51st point with 38 seconds left after tearing down his seventh triple of the night, which drew “MVP” chants from the Charlotte crowd. After Charlotte cut Boston’s result in 98-95 following a set of totally free tosses from Jaden McDaniels, Tatum can be found in and reacted with 18 fourth-quarter indicate put the video game out of reach.

Boston (33-12) holds the leading area in the League after Tuesday and is 4.5 video games ahead of Brooklyn (27-15) for the leading area in the Eastern Conference.

The post Jayson Tatum Breaks Boston Record For Most 50-Point Games appeared very first on SLAM.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ARCHIVES 2020: JAMAL MURRAY COVERS

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.

READ HERE Celebrate ‘ Mal’s champion status with this unique SLAM 230 Cover Tee.

SHOP NOW Jamal Murray takes us through his collab with New Balance on the TWO WXY V3. How well does Jamal Murray understand his colleagues? Enjoy to discover. The post Here’s a Look Back on Jamal Murray’s Ascension Over the Years– SLAM 230 Cover and More appeared initially on SLAM.

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.

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.

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.

The post Kelly Oubre to Undergo Surgery to Repair a Torn Hand Ligament appeared initially on SLAM.

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.

The post REPORT: Negotiations Heating Up Between Hornets and Miles Bridges appeared very first on SLAM.

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.

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