GiveMeSport - NBA

Legendary college basketball head coach Bobby Knight dies at 83

Olivier Neven — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 01:00:56 GMT

Legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight has died at 83 years old, his family announced on Wednesday. Knight last coached with Texas Tech University in 2008, and is best known for his long stint at the head of Indiana University between 1971 and 2000, during which he led the Hoosiers to three NCAA National Championships and the last unbeaten season in men's Division 1 college basketball in 1976.

Kevin Durant 'should have been cognizant of what he signed up for' with the Brooklyn Nets

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:10:20 GMT

When Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both made the decision to join the Brooklyn Nets during the 2019 free agency, with them, they brought championship expectations to New York. After hiring Steve Nash as their head coach, and subsequently trading for a third star, James Harden, these expectations only grew stronger. However, the experiment failed tremendously, with all three stars now no longer on the team, and reflecting back upon Durant’s tenure as a Net, NBA writer Mark Medina believes that the 35-year-old should have been ‘cognizant of what he signed up for’.

5 greatest Boston Celtics players to never win a championship

Kit Espina — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:54:41 GMT

Without a doubt, the Boston Celtics stand out as one of the few NBA franchises that have won it all. From consecutive championships to nurturing the league’s best players, this team is among those that exemplify excellence throughout its history.

Most iconic broadcasters in NBA history

Martim Andrade — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:33:14 GMT

In the dynamic realm of professional basketball, the voices emanating from the broadcast booth often take on a significance rivaling the on-court action itself. These voices are not mere narrators; they are the storytellers who craft the game's narratives, stoke the fires of excitement, and etch indelible moments in the memories of fans.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has redefined player empowerment in the NBA

Andy Quach — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:58:23 GMT

Through the last decade or so, the NBA has seen a massive shift, with the power in negotiations and contracts going from the owners and front offices to the players. Not too long ago, a player was pretty much tied to his team for the duration of his current contract unless his franchise decided to part ways with him in a trade, which, of course, was always the intended application of a contract.

Ranking the top 5 Asian NBA players of all time

Kit Espina — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:06:38 GMT

Although there are several Asian players playing in the NBA right now, they’re not as common as those coming from North America or Europe. Even if that’s the case, several men hailing from Asia have left their mark on the league, either by their performance on the court or the impact they made outside of it.

Minnesota Timberwolves have 'good contract to ship out' if 'young nucleus' fails

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:30:20 GMT

The future of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks very bright, at least on paper, and as such the organization spent their off-season opting to retain and extend large parts of its roster, including Jaden McDaniels who had a breakout year, in a strong signal of intent to maintain roster continuity. While the deal looks to be an expensive one, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that it would still be a great trade asset to ‘ship out’ if push comes to shove and the team are not where they feel they should be further down the line.

LeBron James can take Los Angeles Lakers star to the 'next level'

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:01:19 GMT

After earning a long-term extension with the L.A. Lakers after a stand-out post-season, Rui Hachimura has spent much of the summer off-season developing his game further with the help of his teammate and 18-time All-Star, LeBron James. As a result, NBA writer Mark Medina believes that James, as well as the Lakers coaching staff, can really help take the 27-year-old’s game to the ‘next level’ by offering ‘constant feedback’ throughout the season.

Damian Lillard trade could 'blow up’ in the Phoenix Suns’ face'

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:30:18 GMT

After giving up a plethora of roster depth to trade for Kevin Durant last year, the Phoenix Suns needed to recuperate some of what they had lost. After acting as the third team in a trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, and giving up center Deandre Ayton in the process, NBA writer Mark Medina warns that his departure could possibly ‘blow up in the Suns face’ as this season is now championship or bust.

New York Knicks trade for Joel Embiid would be 'bad move' for both parties

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 22:00:18 GMT

The New York Knicks are reportedly monitoring the situation in Philadelphia as it pertains to Joel Embiid. Should the 29-year-old decide he wants to escape from the wrath of “The Process” in search of a new challenge, the Knicks could be poised to make a deal. However, NBA writer Mark Medina doesn’t believe a Knicks-Sixers trade for the star would be a success for either party, arguing that the Knicks would likely have to give up too much depth, while on the 76ers end, they would have to re-carve out roles for each of their players.

5 NBA unicorns that paved the way for Victor Wembanyama

Andy Quach — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:31:19 GMT

An NBA unicorn is a player whose combination of collosal size and fine-tuned skills defies logic, an athlete that's as hard to find in the common world as a unicorn. Throughout the history of basketball, a few of these mythological behemoths have come and gone, absolutely dominating the league their tenure before disappearing into the ether, never to be seen again.

Karl-Anthony Towns facing uncertain future with Minnesota Timberwolves

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:00:18 GMT

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be using this season to see whether the Karl-Anthony Towns – Rudy Gobert experiment will yield any success after failing to live up to expectations last season, albeit largely marred by injuries to the star. However, should the team fail to get back on a winning path, then this may present an opportunity for which the 27-year-old could be traded, with NBA writer Mark Medina believing it is by all means possible due to the sheer fluidity of the NBA.

10 biggest NBA Draft busts of all time

Kit Espina — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:37:13 GMT

For every star that transcends the game, like Michael Jordan or LeBron James, there’s also a corresponding draft pick that didn’t pan out. Throughout the NBA’s history, there have been several players who shouldered a lot of expectations on their shoulders only to fail under their weight.

What to expect from Scoot Henderson in his rookie NBA season

Jabari Jelks — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:50:35 GMT

There's a new franchise player for the Portland Trail Blazers. Explosive rookie point guard Scoot Henderson will take over a spot previously occupied by Blazers legend Damian Lillard. Henderson enters the NBA with the experience of playing against professional players as a member of the G League Ignite the previous two years.

5 storylines from the last week in the NBA

Martim Andrade — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:36:32 GMT

The NBA is officially back, and after one full week of basketball, the storylines are already pouring out of the league. From brilliant rookie performances to superstars reasserting themselves as the top dogs of the NBA, there was no shortage of talking points in the last seven days of action.

L.A. Lakers have 'a fighters chance' to win NBA title for big reason

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT

NBA championships are extremely hard to come by, but the L.A Lakers will be hoping that their name is etched into history once again as they look to break the tie with the Boston Celtics and become the league’s most decorated team. While NBA writer Mark Medina doesn’t necessarily believe that the Purple and Gold will be the team hoisting up the Larry O'Brien trophy when the post-season is all said and done, as long as they are able to ‘stay healthy’ and ‘fully maximize their potential’ as a group, then he believes they stand in good stead to try.

Miami Heat now in ‘precarious position’ after failed Beal and Lillard trades

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:31:24 GMT

Many had high hopes for the Miami Heat going into the off-season with all the trade rumors linking them to varying NBA superstars. Reality struck, though, and after losing key depth players in free-agency, while also failing to trade for a superstar on two separate occasions, NBA journalist Mark Medina argues that the Heat are now in a ‘precarious position’ as trading for a Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal may have ended up making them even more ‘vulnerable’.

Jaden McDaniels earned $136 million extension after ‘breakout’ season with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:01:23 GMT

After being a bright spark in a disappointing season for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, the team ensured that they signed forward Jaden McDaniels to a long-term contract extension, a move in which NBA writer Mark Medina argues benefits the organization by signaling their intent to build roster continuity and depth around their two franchise stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, in what is one of the smaller market teams in the NBA.

Potential James Harden-Russell Westbrook pairing "could create more headaches" for L.A. Clippers

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:00:26 GMT

James Harden has yet to feature for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2023-24 NBA regular season, making it no secret that he would rather be playing his basketball elsewhere. While trade talks between the Sixers and the L.A. Clippers have reportedly paused, NBA writer Mark Medina believes that should they resume and the 10-time All-Star gets his move, then a reunion with Russell Westbrook could ‘create more headaches than solutions’.

5 players poised for their first NBA All-Star Game in 2024

Ashwath Krishnan — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:45:24 GMT

Even considering the recent lack of competition, the NBA All-Star game shall always remain a “badge of honor” for many players. Dozens of hoopers compete for the mid-season contest yearly, in hopes of adding the game to their resume.

What to expect from LaMelo Ball in 2023-24

Jabari Jelks — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:16:26 GMT

After signing a max deal to remain with the Charlotte Hornets this offseason, All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball aims to make his first playoff appearance in 2023-24. With the new distinction as "franchise player," can LaMelo stay healthy and lead Charlotte to a postseason trip next season?

NBA Northwest Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:30:25 GMT

The Denver Nuggets are the team to beat in the NBA's Northwest Division – and throughout the whole league. They are the reigning champions, after all. And while the Mile High City franchise lost a key cog during the offseason in Bruce Brown, they remain one of the best, if not the best team in the league today.

Identifying a breakout candidate on every NBA team

Andy Quach — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:14:52 GMT

Every year in the NBA, there seems to be an unexpected hero that climbs his way into the rotation of a playoff team and ends up becoming a valuable contributor. Sometimes, this breakout player can even be the reason for his squad's overachievement. Most organizations that have a deep run in the postseason have at least one or two role players that play beyond their expectations heading into the season.

NBA winners and losers of the week

Jakob Love — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:15:27 GMT

As the NBA rolled out its first full week of action, the excitement in the air was palpable. Though it's early days with most teams having only played a handful of games, the curtain has been lifted on the potential storylines for this season.

Golden State Warriors’ stance on retiring Kevin Durant’s jersey

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:31:24 GMT

Although Kevin Durant departed from the Golden State Warriors over four years ago, his legacy with the team in which he won two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards is still being discussed, with the 35-year-old recently coming out and stating that he feels his jersey should be retired by the organization. Despite playing only three seasons with the team, NBA writer Mark Medina thinks that it is only a matter of time before KD gets his wish, likely after his retirement and inevitable hall of fame induction.

DeAndre Ayton would've been 'frustrated' under Frank Vogel’s Phoenix Suns

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:00:24 GMT

After being the subject of trade rumors for a number of years, the Phoenix Suns finally offloaded Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers in the blockbuster deal which saw Damian Lillard dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks. According to NBA writer Mark Medina, though, this move may benefit the 25-year-old as the journalist argues that he would have been ‘frustrated’ in having to play more defense under Suns head coach, Frank Vogel.

Boston Celtics have ‘course corrected’ Marcus Smart departure with Jrue Holiday

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:31:24 GMT

After the Boston Celtics traded away their veteran leader Marcus Smart, many were left wondering how the organization would fill the undeniable void left by his departure. After later trading for Jrue Holiday, though, NBA writer Mark Medina believes the Celtics have now ‘course corrected’ the Smart’s departure by adding one of the league’s best perimeter defenders to an already star-studded roster.

Kevin Durant was the ‘ultimate cheat code’ for the Golden State Warriors

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 21:00:25 GMT

When Kevin Durant opted to join the Golden State Warriors during 2016 free-agency, there was little doubt across the league who would be winning the NBA championship that following season. Reflecting on the 35-year-old’s short, yet impactful, tenure in the Bay Area, NBA journalist Mark Medina argues that getting KD was the ‘ultimate cheat code’ as the Warriors themselves were already coming off the back of a record-setting 73-9 season.

Portland Trail Blazers have 'match made in heaven' with Scoot Henderson

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 20:01:24 GMT

After the departure of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers began to make the moves to surround their new rookie point-guard Scoot Henderson by bringing in depth across all areas of the court. With all this new talent around him, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that it will do ‘wonders’ for the 19-year-old, further stating that he is a ‘match made in heaven’ for the franchise who are in a time of rebuild.

Rui Hachimura ‘just scratching the surface’ of his potential on the Los Angeles Lakers

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 14:00:24 GMT

Since arriving to the L.A. Lakers after a mid-season trade, Rui Hachimura has gone from strength-to-strength and has established himself as one of the Purple and Gold’s most important role players for the regular season. According to NBA writer Mark Medina, the belief around the organization is that the 25-year-old is just ‘scratching the surface’ on what he can do on the basketball court, with him now in an environment upon which he can develop his ‘unique skills’.

Klay Thompson contract extension update emerges with Golden State Warriors

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:31:24 GMT

Inevitability is just around the corner with Klay Thompson signing a contract extension to keep him with the Golden State Warriors, but for now at least, talks between the two parties have come to a halt. Nevertheless, NBA writer Mark Medina doesn’t believe that it is a cause for concern, while he also doesn’t expect it to be a distraction for Thompson or his teammates.

L.A. Clippers have 'healthy dose of skepticism' over potential James Harden trade

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:00:23 GMT

Any deal between the Philadelphia 76ers and the L.A. Clippers for 10-time NBA All-Star, James Harden looks all but over. However, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that it is a ‘no-brainer’ for the Clippers to still engage in trade talks in an attempt to acquire the 33-year-old, although he does accept that a deal may not end up materializing.

D'Angelo Russell is the ‘missing piece’ for the Los Angeles Lakers

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:30:24 GMT

D’Angelo Russell has entered the 2023-24 season as the L.A. Lakers starting point-guard with a lot to prove after a disappointing post-season campaign where he was virtually a non-factor. However, NBA writer Mark Medina believes that he is the most important role player, arguing that he has the ‘most potential’ of the Lakers’ supporting cast, while viewing him as the ‘missing piece’ in terms of fueling offensive chemistry on the court.

L.A. Lakers’ stance over handing Christian Wood a long-term contract

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:45:24 GMT

The L.A. Lakers signing Christian Wood to a veteran minimum deal to bolster their rotation depth was seen as a no-risk deal for both parties. When asked whether there was the opportunity for the 28-year-old to earn a long-term deal with the Purple and Gold, NBA journalist Mark Medina argues that at the moment they are only a ‘stop-gap’, though, that is subject to change if he impresses this season.

Chicago Bulls’ poor execution of 'controllables' cost 10 wins last season

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 21:01:25 GMT

Last year, the Chicago Bulls suffered another season in which they fell short of making a playoff run, bowing out in the play-in tournament at the hands of the Miami Heat. In a sit down with NBA writer Mark Medina, though, Bulls star DeMar DeRozan argued that had they executed the ‘controllables’ more last season, then that could have been the difference in them getting 10 more wins, which in-turn likely would have seen them earn an automatic playoff berth.

One thing the Golden State Warriors 'love' about rookie Brandin Podziemski

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 20:01:24 GMT

Drafting a first-round NBA Draft pick higher than 20 is not something the Golden State Warriors have become accustomed to over the last decade, but this year saw them select the WCC co-Player of the Year, Brandin Podziemski out of Santa Clara. Although he is not expected to see much time on the court for the Warriors this upcoming season, NBA writer Mark Medina suggests that the organization are intrigued by the 20-year-old, and love the competitiveness that he has shown throughout the summer league and the pre-season.

5 keys to the Toronto Raptors' 2023-24 season

Jabari Jelks — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 18:00:24 GMT

Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, there isn't much talk about the Toronto Raptors and their ceiling as a team. The club experienced its most tumultuous offseason in years, as well, with head coach Nick Nurse making way for rookie bench boss Darko Rajaković, and longtime Raptors guard Fred VanVleet signing a huge deal with the Houston Rockets in free agency.

Can the Miami Heat return to the NBA Finals in 2023-24?

Jabari Jelks — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:32:46 GMT

The Miami Heat made a surprise run to the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed in 2022-23, led by a superhuman effort from Jimmy Butler and surprisingly capable cast of role players.

Comparing the NBA debuts of Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James

Kit Espina — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 18:26:16 GMT

After what seemed like forever, Victor Wembanyama finally played his first NBA game for the San Antonio Spurs this 2023-24 season. And like LeBron James two decades ago, all eyes were on the French star as he faced Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was 'more concerned over playing for next contract' at Golden State Warriors

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:31:23 GMT

Winning four NBA championships in 10 seasons, it is hard to argue that the Golden State Warriors have made many personnel mistakes in that time. However, one name springs to mind, with NBA writer Mark Medina believing that trading two picks away to acquire Kelly Oubre Jr. was one of their rare mistakes, with his priorities appearing to lie with padding the stat line rather than making an effort to fit into Steve Kerr’s coaching system.

Boston Celtics on 'inevitable collision course' after 'night and day' Milwaukee Bucks move

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:00:24 GMT

Both of the top two finishers in the Eastern Conference last season made significant changes to their respective rosters, with the Milwaukee Bucks shocking the NBA by trading for superstar Damian Lillard, while the Boston Celtics landed the collateral damage in that trade of Jrue Holiday, while also picking up big man Kristaps Porzingis. As a result, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that the two teams are on an ‘inevitable collision course’ to face up against each other in the Eastern Conference Finals and battle it out for a trip to the Finals.

Gary Payton II's influence on Golden State Warriors rookie

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:30:24 GMT

As an undrafted guard out of Oregon State, Gary Payton II has had to grind his way to a role, albeit a small one, in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and nobody understands the prospect of waiting for their moment to shine more so than him. The Warriors' first-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft Brandin Podziemski not expected to feature too much on the court during his rookie season, NBA writer Mark Medina discusses how the 30-year-old veteran is taking him under his wing and instilling the confidence in him that he needs to thrive when he does get his inevitable opportunity to step to the biggest stage in basketball.

James Harden 'trying to put pressure' on Philadelphia 76ers to be traded

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:30:24 GMT

James Harden enters the regular season still as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers organization, albeit against his wishes, with a trade looking more and more unlikely. According to NBA writer Mark Medina, the 33-year-old has had to resort to making himself unavailable to the team in order to ‘put pressure’ and force the Sixers’ hand into trading him, but as it stands, they aren’t willing to ‘pull the trigger’ on a deal if it means they are no longer in championship contention.

Chicago Bulls have made ‘better choice’ over DeMar DeRozan

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:01:23 GMT

All signs point to the Chicago Bulls going in the direction of maintaining roster continuity, with the organization thought to be engaging in talks with All-Star DeMar DeRozan over a long-term contract extension. NBA writer Mark Medina argues that it would be more beneficial for the Windy City to extend the 34-year-old to maintain its core and add some ‘quality role players’ around them rather than blow it all up in a rebuild.

5 NBA teams that should trade for James Harden

Andy Quach — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:49:28 GMT

With the 2023-24 NBA season having officially kicked off on Tuesday, James Harden has officially begun another year with the Philadelphia 76ers. This comes as a surprise, as Harden publicly demanded a trade away from the Sixers in the early summer. As the offseason dragged on without a deal, he put further pressure on the front office by criticizing Philadelphia president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey.

NBA Southeast Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:18:09 GMT

The NBA's Southeast Division is one of the more intriguing groups in the 2023-24 season. While it’s easy to say that the Miami Heat are the best team in the division after they made it to the NBA Finals in the most recent playoffs, they aren’t exactly the team to dominate the regular season. To recall, the Atlanta Hawks finished with a better record than the Heat in 2022-23.

Ranking the 10 best under-25 players in the NBA

Kit Espina — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:05:22 GMT

It’s no secret that LeBron James is getting old and nearing the end of his reign over the NBA, as the four-time champion is turning 39 soon. Along with the King, the league’s most popular stars are also nearing the end of their respective primes, such as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. Luckily for NBA fans, there is a slew of young stars who are on the rise, with some having even achieved superstar status already.

Milwaukee Bucks made 'once in a lifetime move' with Damian Lillard trade

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:01:23 GMT

The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the entire NBA when they unexpectedly traded for Damian Lillard who all but looked like he would be heading to his preferred destination of the Miami Heat. After giving up defensive prowess Jrue Holiday in the deal, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that the Bucks won’t regret doing so as getting the ‘dynamic point-guard’ was a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ that they simply could not refuse.

Honest prediction emerges after Miami Heat miss out on Damian Lillard

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:30:24 GMT

After a successful season where the Miami Heat made the NBA Finals as an eighth seed, they sought to bolster their roster by adding their top trade target, Damian Lillard, with hopes of forming a big three with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, a deal failed to be struck, seeing the seven-time All Star traded to their Eastern Conference rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks, ultimately leaving the Heat short-handed this season. As a result, NBA writer Mark Medina estimates that their playoff ceiling is reaching the second-round at best, although he predicts they will likely lose in the first round, should they even earn an NBA playoff berth.

5 dark horse MVP candidates for the 2023-24 NBA season

Kit Espina — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:56:34 GMT

Whenever a new NBA season starts, several players come to mind when talking about potential MVP winners. And while guys like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić are the most popular names in MVP discussions, there’s always the possibility of someone else coming into the picture and surprising with their stellar play.

5 "what-ifs" for the 2023-24 NBA season

Ashwath Krishnan — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:54:41 GMT

The long, storied history of the NBA is littered with "what-ifs": What if Michael Jordan went first overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, instead of third? What if highly-touted prospect Len Bias hadn't died before joining the Boston Celtics dynasty? What if Derrick Rose never tore his ACL?

NBA 2023-24 Opening Night recap

Martim Andrade — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:42:26 GMT

After 134 days without NBA basketball, the 2023-24 season has finally begun. Starting off on a doubleheader night of hoops, the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, had their ring ceremony, being rewarded with a beautiful piece of jewelry for the incredible season they had.

Miami Heat at ‘huge disadvantage’ with ‘whole offseason strategy’ now ruined

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:30:24 GMT

After the Miami Heat’s failed attempts to put together a package good enough to make a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard, and his subsequent move to their Eastern Conference rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks, many have been left wondering how the Heat possibly move forward from this. NBA writer Mark Medina argues that the team’s entire off-season strategy with ‘clearing the decks’ for a player that never arrived has put them at a severe disadvantage compared to their conference competitors, while also effectively ending their chances of making the NBA Finals for a second year in a row.

‘No doubt’ over Prince, Vanderbilt, Hachimura problem for Darvin Ham’s L.A. Lakers

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:00:23 GMT

For the first time in a very long time, the L.A. Lakers possess depth in seemingly all positions on the court, which has brought questions about how head coach Darvin Ham plans to utilize his players, especially at the forward position with Taurean Prince, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura all competing for the same starting role. NBA writer Mark Medina argues that due to each of their unique skill sets, the starting position will ‘always be subject to change’.

L.A. Lakers have now made 'indication' over Taurean Prince starting role

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 23:30:24 GMT

The L.A. Lakers now have depth in all areas of their roster, largely due to their free-agency upgrades, including the addition of Taurean Prince who, since his arrival, has impressed the Purple and Gold’s coaching staff which put himself into contention for a starting-five role. NBA writer Mark Medina argues that the 29-year-old shouldn’t necessarily get the starting nod over Jarred Vanderbilt or Rui Hachimura, but his three-point shooting capabilities may give him the ‘edge’.

Predicting the top 5 offenses for the NBA 2023-24 season

Kellar Ellsworth — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:01:24 GMT

The saying “Defense wins championships” still holds water. Yet over the last decade, just three NBA teams won a championship without a top-five offensive rating. However, before the last 10 years, humble offenses like the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons (19th), 2009-10 Los Angeles Lakers (11th), and 2007-08 Celtics (11th) could strangle opposing offenses on their way to a chip.

Golden State Warriors and Chris Paul fit has 'question marks'

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:30:25 GMT

The Golden State Warriors’ regular season is set to get underway as the team hope their new roster additions, including Chris Paul, are enough to help them mount a championship charge. NBA writer Mark Medina believes that the Warriors have improved their roster and are one of a handful of teams who have a ‘realistic’ chance of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy, although he still has ‘question marks’ over CP3’s fit with the team.

NBA Pacific Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:30:26 GMT

Take one glance at the NBA’s Pacific Division, and people will immediately notice how stacked it is for the 2023-24 season. Each franchise boasts a roster filled with proven All-Stars and promising talent, a combination that can propel each of them to the top of the Western Conference in no time at all.

NBA Southwest Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:14:22 GMT

The new NBA season is upon us, and the Western Conference is starting the new campaign with much promise. The Southwest Division, in particular, is shaping up to be an exciting arena in the coming months, especially with the highly-touted rookie Victor Wembanyama making his debut for the San Antonio Spurs.

1 question lingering over every NBA team ahead of the 2023-24 season

Jakob Love — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:31:55 GMT

As the new NBA season is set to tip off, it brings with it a sense of hope, anticipation, and scrutiny for every team stepping onto the court. The dynamics of each team are like complex puzzles with numerous pieces that need to fit perfectly for a shot at the coveted championship. However, some pieces raise questions — questions that could potentially influence a team's journey through the season.

NBA Central Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:30:24 GMT

The Milwaukee Bucks just shook the NBA by acquiring Damian Lillard during the offseason. Now, they have arguably the best duo in the league in Dame and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Houston Rockets 2023-24 NBA season preview

Andy Quach — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:51:16 GMT

The Houston Rockets officially reached the tail end of their rebuild this offseason, when the organization and its decision-makers made moves to accelerate the remaining portion of their team's reset. A little under three years ago, the Rockets were forced to trade away one of the greatest players in franchise history in James Harden. After the former MVP's departure, Houston was understandably void of talent, which had them repeatedly contending for the top pick in the NBA Draft lottery.

NBA Atlantic Division projections for the 2023-24 season

Kit Espina — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:18:26 GMT

The landscape of the NBA has changed once again, with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics loading up on talent in their respective bids to become champions. The latter, of course, is just one of the five teams vying for that honor in the Atlantic Division.

How the G League is shaping today's NBA

Jakob Love — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:46:50 GMT

The transformation of the NBA Development League (D-League) to the NBA G League marked a significant shift in the NBA's approach to developing all different levels of talent. Initially launched in 2001, the league has considerably evolved from a small-scale venture to a principal hub for growing basketball talent.

5 players you forgot were still in the NBA

Ashwath Krishnan — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:53:16 GMT

The NBA is an ever-changing industry, with new players making their way in and out of the league each year. This is only normal, considering that there are 60 draft picks per year, to go alongside a plethora of free agents. However, some players still manage to stick around, and stand the test of time. A lot of these players might be (or once were) star players, but some also aren’t.

L.A. Lakers' shooting 'won't be best of the best' without Curry, Thompson or Lillard

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT

The L.A. Lakers have sought to make strides in their three-point shooting as they look to gear up for an NBA championship charge, led by their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Despite making such additions, though, NBA journalist Mark Medina doesn’t believe that they will come close to being one of the best three-point scoring teams, arguing that if they rank better than top-15 in the league, then that is an ‘added bonus’.

5 stars the Los Angeles Lakers should target for the post-LeBron James era

Kit Espina — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:01:23 GMT

LeBron James’ time with the L.A. Lakers will undoutedly end sooner rather than later, especially since the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is turning 39 this year. Sure, he is still dominating in the league and doesn’t look like someone near his 40s. But The King can't go on forever, and considering his history of having his head turned by greener pastures, there's not guarantee he even closes his career in Purple and Gold.

DeMar DeRozan's stance on retiring with the Chicago Bulls

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 15:00:24 GMT

DeMar DeRozan is set to enter the final year of his contract with the Chicago Bulls, and all rumors point to a possible long-term extension being on the cards. According to NBA writer Mark Medina, the 34-year-old can see himself retiring at the United Center as he feels that the Windy City has really ‘become his home’.

Ranking the NBA's best single-game performances since 2000

Jacob Ward — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:23 GMT

In the evolving landscape of professional sports, moments of individual brilliance often shine as beacons of excellence. These exemplary performances not only captivate audiences, but etch themselves into the annals of history. Over the past two decades, the world of sports has witnessed a breathtaking array of single-game displays that have left spectators in awe, rewriting record books and forging legends.

Top 5 NBA point guards of all-time

Scott Graison — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:00:22 GMT

Some of the greatest players to ever grace an NBA court have been at the point guard position. Also referred to as the One, the lead guard is responsible for running things on the floor, as a quarterback would in football. They're responsible for bringing the ball up the court, organizing their offense and making sure the ball moves from player to player in order to find the best shot possible. It is one of the most difficult positions to play in basketball, which makes the successes of some of the greatest point guards in league history that much more impressive.

Top 10 home court advantages in the NBA

Jakob Love — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 14:00:23 GMT

The home court advantage in the NBA offers a mix of real and felt benefits. Players relish the familiarity of their own locker rooms, the cheers of hometown fans, and the daily routine in their own city. Additionally, some arenas come with unique perks that give the home team an extra edge. Whether it's the high-altitude challenge in Denver, the lively crowd in San Francisco, or the unique design of Madison Square Garden in New York, the home court often acts as a stronghold.

Predicting the top 5 defenses in the NBA for the 2023-24 season

Kellar Ellsworth — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:30:25 GMT

Winning an NBA Championship, more often than not, requires a team to have a top-10 defensive rating. Occasionally, a team bucks that trend with an overwhelming offense. The reigning champion Denver Nuggets, for example, ranked fifth in offense, but just 15th in defense. However, the Nuggets’ sluggish regular season finish, as they primed for the playoffs, likely skewed those numbers. It’s worth noting Denver finished fourth in defensive rating in the playoffs.

5 bold predictions for Chet Holmgren for the 2023-24 NBA season

Kit Espina — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:26:41 GMT

Even after missing his first year in the NBA due to a foot injury, Chet Holmgren still remains a highly-anticipated young star. Standing at 7-foot-1 with a slender frame, the Oklahoma City Thunder rookie boasts a skill set that would make any franchise better from the get-go. The Gonzaga product blends impressive paint defending abilities with slick handles and reliable outside shooting ability, making him a threat all over the court.

5 biggest threats to Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Kit Espina — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:59:12 GMT

After the United States failed to conquer the most recent FIBA World Cup, Team USA is looking to avenge its loss in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But unlike in decades past, several countries have risen up to the challenge of taking down the Americans.

Ranking the top 75 NBA players - 25-1

Jakob Love — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:57:20 GMT

Welcome to the third part of our NBA Top 75 series, where we finally unveil the elite of the NBA – the top-25 players who define the game's excellence. In this segment, we delve deeper into the upper echelons of basketball greatness. Each entry in this exclusive list represents the pinnacle of athleticism, skill, and dedication.

L.A. Clippers' stance on using Russell Westbrook in trade package for James Harden

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:30:22 GMT

James Harden is still desperately trying to force a move away from the Philadelphia 76ers specifically to the L.A. Clippers, but the Sixers seem uninterested in potential trade packages. If the Los Angeles team remain keen to get the 33-year-old, then perhaps they may need to include an All-Star in a deal, such as Russell Westbrook. NBA writer Mark Medina doesn’t believe that he would necessarily be a good fit with Embiid, though, while the Clippers also appear to value the triple-double machine’s presence on their team.

Brooks and VanVleet 'need to live up to higher standard' on the Houston Rockets

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:00:23 GMT

The Houston Rockets spent a considerable amount of their salary cap on two free-agent signings in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in moves that they felt would bring veteran experience to a young locker room. However, after a poor showing from both of their new acquisitions in their pre-season debuts, NBA journalist Mark Medina argues that if the Rockets are to be successful this season, then both Brooks and VanVleet need to ‘be better’ and ‘live up to a higher standard’ going forward.

Ranking the 10 greatest players to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award

Gabriel Guimarães — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:12:03 GMT

The NBA is always churning out new stars for its fans. Although some of these guys are expected to reach this star level, others exceed expectations and become something beyond their most optimistic fans’ dream. The Most Improved Player Award was created to acknowledge this type of evolution.

76ers' trade position emerges on James Harden and L.A. Clippers

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:00:23 GMT

Tip-off to the start of the NBA regular season is mere days from getting underway and James Harden, as of now, is still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers despite requesting a trade away from the team during the off-season. With it made known that the 33-year-old wants the L.A. Clippers, NBA journalist Mark Medina doesn’t believe that they can offer a trade package valuable enough to persuade the Sixers to agree to a deal.

5 challenges the Phoenix Suns will need to overcome to win the 2023-24 Championship

Kit Espina — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 21:16:13 GMT

The Phoenix Suns have reloaded during the offseason by adding Bradley Beal to their current All-Star duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. While the offensive potential of these three All-Stars is off the charts, there are still many factors that’ll prevent the Suns from becoming champions this season.

Ranking the top 75 players in the NBA - 50-26

Jakob Love — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:40:56 GMT

In our second installment of the top-75 players in the NBA, we rank 50-26, showcasing a dynamic blend of emerging and veteran talents. The list features young players poised to take the next step towards greatness alongside older players who continue to dominate the game.

Why the Los Angeles Clippers must trade for James Harden

Kit Espina — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:00:50 GMT

James Harden remains with the Philadelphia 76ers … for now. With the L.A. Clippers interested and seemingly renewing talks on a potential deal, it looks like The Beard could get what he wished for sooner rather than later.

Indiana Pacers 2023-24 NBA season preview

Andy Quach — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:02:20 GMT

After a few seasons in limbo, in which the Indiana Pacers were too good to take advantage of the NBA Draft lottery, but not good enough to truly compete for a title, it appears that the franchise has finally found a direction they're comfortable building around. This new path for the organization came after they traded away All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings, taking advantage of the Kings playoff mandate in order to steal away Tyrese Haliburton in the deal.

10 NBA stars under the most pressure in 2023-24

Kit Espina — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:40:10 GMT

When the going gets tough, fans can expect the NBA’s best stars to step up and bring the bacon for their respective teams. The thing is, not everyone will make it to the Finals next year, and there are a lot of top dogs in the league who need to win to cement their legacy.

5 reasons to be optimistic about the Boston Celtics this season

Martim Andrade — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:36:00 GMT

The Boston Celtics have been one of the most promising teams since 2017, having reached the Eastern Conference finals five times in the last seven years. They came painfully close to bringing an NBA Championship back to Boston in 2022, taking the Golden State Warriors to six games in the Finals. Led by the superstar duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and surrounded by a very capable supporting cast headlined by Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the sky is the limit for the Celtics.

Ranking the top 75 players in the NBA - 75-51

Jakob Love — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:45:27 GMT

We are excited to launch our first GIVEMESPORT NBA player rankings, releasing it in three segments. This initial release spotlights players ranked 75 to 51. Our rankings are a reflection of last year's performance, coupled with an analysis of young players poised for significant development and acknowledgment of veterans whose pace may taper as the season advances. Stay tuned as we unveil the subsequent rankings in this engaging three-part series.

'Teaching moment' for Ime Udoka’s Houston Rockets after 'bad example'

Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:35:50 GMT

The Houston Rockets’ priority in the off-season was to bring in veteran experience by adding Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet to their locker room, where their roster boasts a plethora of young up-and-coming talent in a stacked Western Conference. After each having a poor outing in their first pre-season game as members of the Rockets, though, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that it was a ‘teaching moment’ for newly appointed head-coach, Ime Udoka.

Golden State Warriors 2023-24 NBA season preview

Andy Quach — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:10:58 GMT

The Golden State Warriors failed to repeat last season after winning the 2022 NBA Finals. While Stephen Curry looked as dominant as ever, if not more so, as he further approaches the twilight of his prime, his core running mates have started to show their age.

How the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce trade shaped today's Boston Celtics

Martim Andrade — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:38:37 GMT

The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in the history of pro sports for a reason. In their long, storied history, they've had players, coaches and executives that have continuously been once step ahead of their rivals, setting and raising the standards in the NBA in each era. Now counting 17 NBA Championships to their name, the Celtics are known around the league for being run as well as any other basketball team has, with the legacy of the great Red Auerbach watching over the franchise as they continue to chase NBA glory.

Ranking the best NBA Draft classes since 2010

Jacob Ward — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:30:55 GMT

The NBA Draft has consistently been the center of excitement, hope, and expectation in the basketball universe. For the past decade, it has served as the breeding ground for a new generation of stars. From the early 2010s to the current era, each draft class has brought its own unique blend of talent and narratives to the forefront. In the world of professional basketball, few events can stir as much passionate debate and fervor as the NBA Draft.

Ranking the 5 best coaches in Boston Celtics history

Kit Espina — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:01:21 GMT

The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have been guided by several stellar head coaches throughout their long history in the league. These individuals have ushered the team throughout its many iterations to the ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Detroit Pistons 2023-24 NBA season preview

Andy Quach — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:26:33 GMT

While the general NBA public has started to appreciate and pay more attention to rebuilding teams in the past few years, squads that aren't contending for the playoffs are at constant risk of becoming irrelevant. If a franchise's exciting prospects don't play well or aren't available, it can quickly take them out of the League Pass rotation for many fans of the league. This is exactly what happened to the Detroit Pistons after Cade Cunningham went down with a season-ending injury just 12 games into the 2022-23 season.

5 NBA milestones that could be reached next season

Martim Andrade — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:10:40 GMT

Just last season, LeBron James made history and became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with a beautiful fade-away shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder, overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387 points.

Charlotte Hornets 2023-24 NBA season preview

Andy Quach — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:17:41 GMT

There are a few teams in the NBA that have a claim for the best summer ahead of the 2023-24 season. The Milwaukee Bucks added Damian Lillard, the Boston Celtics countered by acquiring perhaps the best individual answer for Dame, Jrue Holiday, and the Phoenix Suns crafted a brand new big three by trading for Bradley Beal. As for the organization that had the worst offseason, that title might belong to the Charlotte Hornets alone.

Top 10 NBA Opening Day performances of the last decade

Jakob Love — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:31:14 GMT

Opening Day of the NBA season is more than just the beginning of a long basketball calendar; it's a showcase of what's to come. Traditionally spotlighting some of the most anticipated teams, Opening Day is a realm where the excitement for the upcoming season meets the legacy of the sport. Over the years, this day has been storied with stellar performances from players who not only aim to kickstart their season on a high note, but also seek to etch their mark in the rich narrative of the league. Between 2013 and 2022, the hardwood has bore witness to a series of Opening Day masterclasses, where players have stepped up to lead their teams to victory, often setting the pace for the season ahead.

Are the Sacramento Kings contenders in 2023-24?

Jabari Jelks — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:35:49 GMT

In 2022-23, the Sacramento Kings ended their seventeen-year playoff drought and made waves in the Western Conference. After capturing the third seed and playing a competitive, seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors in the quarterfinals, can the Kings reach a new plateau in 2023-24? Led by Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox, and supported by a promising young crop of players, head coach Mike Brown's squad is poised to compete with the cream of the crop in the West.

5 takeaways from the NBA general managers' survey

Kellar Ellsworth — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:35:19 GMT

Every year, NBA.com polls the 30 general managers on the biggest topics surrounding the Association’s upcoming season. The survey takes the league’s temperature on the NBA’s best player, most significant offseason acquisitions, title favorites, and much more. People working inside these organizations often hold contrary opinions to the average fan.

Ranking all 30 NBA teams based on their starting shooting guard

Jacob Ward — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:32:36 GMT

In the star-studded NBA, it's almost a necessity to have an elite shooting guard that can score, pass, and defend to win a championship. These shooting guards are some of the best scorers in the world and most are the glue to their respective teams. Let's take a look at - and rank - every team's starting shooting guard for the 2023-24 NBA season.

Ranking the 5 greatest Boston Celtics teams ever

Kit Espina — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:58:46 GMT

Throughout the decades, the Boston Celtics have established themselves as one of the best franchises in the NBA. From its early years to how the roster is assembled these days, excellence has always been the name of the game for this team. There is a reason why they are the winningest franchise in the history of the league.

Ranking the 5 greatest Los Angeles Lakers teams ever

Kit Espina — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:01:50 GMT

The L.A. Lakers have seen their fair share of history throughout the 76 years the franchise has existed in the NBA. During that period, there have been several iterations of this team that have risen to the top of the league and cemented themselves as some of the greatest the league has ever seen. From Elgin Baylor to LeBron James, some of the most legendary stars in basketball history have at some point donned the Lakers jersey.