The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Even with a sample size of exactly one game, there are meaningful takeaways. Here’s what we learned about the Bucks, Nets, Lakers and Warriors on Opening Night. The Bucks
Month: October 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
With Kawhi Leonard out for most, if not all, of the season, can Paul George step into a primary role and keep the Clippers in the playoffs? The Clippers are in a certain kind of NBA limbo, though not one of their own making. Kawhi Leonard’s torn ACL may have dashed the franchise’s championship hopes
12:43 AM ET NEW ORLEANS — After a stressful day Tuesday with Ben Simmons being tossed out of practice and then suspended, the Philadelphia 76ers players gathered for a team dinner after flying to New Orleans in an effort to clear the air. After laughing and getting their minds off basketball for a few hours,
As New Orleans Pelican Zion Williamson misses another season opener due to injury, league execs wonder what the future holds if he cannot remain healthy. Zion Williamson was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft for a reason: he’s the kind of player who can change a franchise, even a troubled one like
1:02 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — When the Knicks took a four-point lead with nine seconds to go in Wednesday night’s season opener against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, it appeared the home team was on the verge of a feel-good win to start Kemba Walker‘s Knicks career. It turned out
The two most dramatic storylines to open the 2021-22 NBA season could be resolved with a 76ers-Kings trade swapping Ben Simmons and Marvin Bagley. It would seem we have reached an impasse. The blasé Patrick Star quote encapsulates both the Ben Simmons situation in Philadelphia and the Marvin Bagley situation in Sacramento. Simmons has been
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN KEMBA WALKER‘S FIRST basket in a New York Knicks uniform was a simple one. A couple minutes into New York’s preseason opener at Madison Square Garden against the Indiana Pacers, Walker had the ball at the top of the key. He then executed a give-and-go with Julius Randle, darted around
As the NBA season kicks off on Oct. 19, the dysfunction is well underway with a scathing reproach from Marvin Bagley’s agent directed at the Kings. Ben Simmons dominated headlines with his drama on the 76ers on the opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season. However, the Sacramento Kings, consistently regarded by fans (NBA Twitter
4:16 AM ET LOS ANGELES — LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook failed their first real test together, a 121-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors on opening night, but they found some common ground. The defeat meant that all three of them lost in their Lakers debut: James against the Portland Trail Blazers
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors laughing while working out prior to the start of an NBA Basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at ORACLE Arena on March 14, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using
Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Jose Altuve’s Game 4-tying home run was historic in nature by Scott Rogust Steph Curry looked like he had an easy to points but he failed horribly when he tried to go for the dunk, even goaltending himself. Warriors superstar guard Steph Curry is one
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 13: (L-R) Former NBA players Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller and Shaquille O’Neal attend the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) Brian Snitker leaving Luke Jackson in to face Cody Bellinger is a fireable offense by Scott Rogust Shaq
8:02 PM ET Jamal Collier MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks handed out their championship rings and unveiled the banner for the franchise’s first championship in 50 years ahead of Tuesday night’s season-opening 127-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets. “Milwaukee, we did it,” Bucks forward Khris Middleton said to the crowd at Fiserv Forum during the
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 17: Diamond DeShields #1 of the Chicago Sky celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in Game Four of the WNBA Finals at Wintrust Arena on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
8:00 AM ET It’s opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season, but our experts are already looking ahead to the postseason. Will Tuesday’s game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets be an Eastern Conference finals preview? Last year, the playoff series between the two juggernauts came down to Kevin Durant‘s foot, and the Nets
Every NBA season is worth being excited about. Here are 50 reasons to celebrate the start of the upcoming season. The last two seasons have not gone the way anyone would have expected or hoped. With the coronavirus pandemic shifting and shortening the league schedule, the rhythms of the season have been interrupted, each wrapping
8:00 AM ET The 2021-22 NBA season is here! Less than three months ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks were hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy after winning Game 6 of the NBA Finals over the Phoenix Suns. After somehow squeezing in the NBA draft, free agency, summer league and preseason into another truncated offseason,
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports College football media reacts to Washington State firing Nick Rolovich for refusing COVID mandate by Cody Williams Seahawks rumors: Cam Newton not in play with Russell Wilson out by Aryanna Prasad Ben Simmons was at 76ers practice but was casually wearing sweatpants with his phone
6:22 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Monday that he would have “preferred” that the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association come to an agreement on a vaccine mandate, in part to avoid it becoming an “adversarial” issue for the league’s players, as it has for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.
In 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers extended Kevin Love‘s contract through 2022. Three years later, it’s no longer clear where he fits on the rebuilding team. When the Cavaliers traded for Kevin Love in the summer of 2014, it was clear what the goal was. They wanted him to team up with Kyrie Irving and LeBron
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and
3:35 PM ET Talks between the Phoenix Suns and Deandre Ayton on an extension to his rookie contract have ended without a deal, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday. Ayton expected a maximum contract and owner Robert Sarver hasn’t offered it yet for the 2018 No. 1 overall pick. Ayton, a key part of
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 17: Brianna Turner #21 of the Phoenix Mercury is defended by Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky during the first half of Game Four of the WNBA Finals at Wintrust Arena on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
8:00 AM ET It’s time for our dumbest NBA preseason tradition: League Pass Rankings! These rankings turn 10 today. I can’t believe I continue to trick publications into running them. These are not power rankings! They are watchability scores, derived from an ancient formula Bill Simmons claims appeared before him when he ingested too many
In her first season with the Chicago Sky, Candace Parker helped lead her team to a WNBA Finals victory and you could see how much it meant to her. Candace Parker is 1-for-1 in seasons played with the Chicago Sky and WNBA Finals victories. In the former No. 1 overall pick’s first year with the
3:33 PM ET Phoenix Suns guard/forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $90 million rookie contract extension, his agents, Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports, told ESPN on Sunday. Bridges’ deal — averaging $22.5 million per season — is fully guaranteed, the agents said, and starts with the 2022-23 season. Goldfeder and
Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Why France have emerged as World Cup contenders again by Clemente Lisi Kyrie Irving will not be allowed to play or practice with the Brooklyn Nets until he is vaccinated. The Brooklyn Nets have made it abundantly clear they have no interest in Kyrie Irving being a
Kyrie Irving won’t get vaccinated. The Nets won’t let him play or practice until he does. Even if neither side backs down a Kyrie Irving trade is unlikely. Kyrie Irving‘s refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has kept the Brooklyn Nets in limbo since media day. There is no vaccine mandate for NBA players but
1:58 PM ET Associated Press CAMDEN, N.J. — Ben Simmons practiced with the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time this season Sunday, though no decision was made on his status for the season opener. “He was just one of the players,” coach Doc Rivers said. Simmons was a holdout for training camp and the early
6:18 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Charlotte Hornets signed guard LiAngelo Ball to a non-guaranteed contract Thursday, paving the way for him to eventually sign with their G League team, a source confirmed to ESPN. Ball, who averaged 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 17.4 minutes across five games for the Hornets’ entry
Kevin Huerter doesn’t seem destined for NBA stardom. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t incredibly important to the present and future of the Atlanta Hawks. The act would be incredibly corny, but it would be fitting. You could give Kevin Huerter a nickname like the Hold Steady and you would have summed up his career
ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith criticizes Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving for refusing to comply with NBA vaccine requirements. Kyrie Irving has been refusing the COVID-19 vaccine due to unfounded concerns about its safety, and the Nets are no longer tolerating it. Neither is Stephen A. Smith. On Oct. 12, the team released a
4:45 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN THIBODAUX, La. — For roughly an hour, the New Orleans Pelicans mostly rode in silence as they traveled to Nicholls State University for an open practice. The drive from the practice facility in the suburb of Metairie out to the campus is among one of the hardest-hit areas of the
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Brooklyn Nets will no longer be offering Kyrie Irving a $186 million extension. Kyrie Irving just might do enough off the court to take himself out of the game this season. When the Brooklyn Nets made it clear that they would abide by citywide precautions and mandate vaccinations
5:15 PM ET ESPN News Services The Sacramento Kings are exercising the third-year option on guard Tyrese Haliburton, a source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday. Haliburton averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 58 games last season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team. He suffered a season-ending knee injury
Western Conference teams have posted a winning record against Eastern Conference teams in 12 straight seasons. Will that change in 2021-22? Between the rise of small-ball and the proliferation of 3-point shooting, the NBA has undergone seismic changes over the past decade. Throughout it all, Western Conference teams have consistently dominated their Eastern Conference counterparts
2:21 AM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry looks primed for another run at the third MVP award of his career. The 33-year-old guard scored 41 points during Friday’s 119-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the final preseason game before Tuesday’s regular season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers at
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images The Chicago Bulls made a big splash in free agency. If they want it to translate to playoff success, they’ll need to answer these questions. Few teams made more noise this offseason than the Chicago Bulls. They made a huge splash in free agency, adding both Lonzo Ball and DeMar
10:58 AM ET After architecting the franchise’s first NBA championship in 50 years, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst has agreed to a long-term contract extension, he told ESPN on Friday. Horst had one year left on his contract, and his new deal — finalized Friday morning with his agent, Brian Elfus, and team officials
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. With the NBA season just days away we’re looking at a few NBA players who posted career-bests last season that might not be entirely replicable. I always root for
3:04 PM ET ESPN News Services Ben Simmons, who has cleared health and safety protocols and is eligible to rejoin the Philadelphia 76ers, will not play in Friday night’s preseason finale, the team announced. Simmons’ absence is listed by the team as “reconditioning” and he did not travel with the team to Detroit for the
This week, The Long Two breaks down how much the Brooklyn Nets will miss Kyrie Irving on the court and how good the Raptors’ young core has looked. If Kyrie Irving were as intelligent as he fancies himself, he might have avoided getting into this mess altogether. Instead, he has chosen to put both his
4:27 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will miss the start of the regular season because of a right foot injury that required offseason surgery, Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said on Thursday. Williamson received scans on Wednesday, and after reviewing the scans with Dr.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets cheers from the bench during a pre season game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is
11:48 PM ET Kevin Durant said he wishes “none of this stuff would happen” but he isn’t upset that Kyrie Irving is not with the Brooklyn Nets. Durant said he has not spoken to Irving since the Nets decided on Tuesday that their starting point guard will not practice or play with the team until
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. As I mentioned a few newsletters ago, I am dipping my toes back into the water of making preseason predictions and picks this year. It’s something I’ve mostly eschewed
8:00 AM ET FIFTY-FIVE MINUTES before tipoff at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook take the court for a joint workout that Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy guides. “We’ve been tied at the hip, pretty much, since we made the acquisition,” James says of Westbrook at media day. “We’re
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Ben Simmons blinked first. After a summer of evolving trade demands and completely stonewalling direct contact from his teammates and the Philadelphia 76ers organization, after holding out of training
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Conor McGregor goes on racist rant aimed at Ali Abdelaziz, Dagestan by Amy Kaplan Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid took a playful jab at Andre Drummond, as the two have quite the past. Now that Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond are teammates for the Philadelphia 76ers, it really has sitcom
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 13: Brittney Griner #42 and Skylar Diggins-Smith #4 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrate after defeating the Chicago Sky in Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
1:10 AM ET Kyrie Irving said Wednesday night he still hopes to return and play for the Brooklyn Nets but that “this is about my life and what I am choosing to do,” as he explained his decision to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving, speaking on Instagram Live, said he is neither pro-vaccine nor
Oct 4, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) react during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports It didn’t take long for the Jon Gruden to USC rumors to heat up by Alicia de Artola
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images Joel Embiid can’t help throwing a little shade while he praises Andre Drummond by Braulio Perez With the NBA’s Opening Night all set to arrive next week, the Boston Celtics have two stars who have recently tested positive for COVID-19. The 2021-22 NBA regular season is almost here and fans
3:33 PM ET Associated Press CAMDEN, N.J. — This much is known: Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia. But there’s no clear sign yet the All-Star guard is set to rescind his trade request and actually play for the 76ers. Even coach Doc Rivers — publicly, at least — says he’s unsure of the status
The one and only Michael Jordan has come out in support of the NBA’s protocols leading up to the regular season arriving. For a while now, there’s been plenty of drama across the NBA when it comes to players getting vaccinated and having to follow the league’s protocols on COVID-19. Most notably, Kyrie Irving has
8:00 AM ET Behold, the top 10 NBA teams in our 10th annual League Pass Rankings. Reminder: These are watchability scores, not power rankings! We score teams, 1-10, in five categories: ZEITGEIST: Do actual humans care about this team? STAR/HIGHLIGHT POTENTIAL: Do you stick around games, at the expense of sleep and loved ones, because
Zaire Wade, the 19-year-old son of Dwayne Wade, is signing an NBA G League contract with the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz affiliate team. Three years after Dwayne Wade hung up his jersey, his son Zaire is set to follow in his footsteps — on a Wade-affiliated team, no less. According to The
2:52 AM ET Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons passed his physical and held a meeting with the team’s front office on Tuesday but remains ineligible to participate in team-related activities until Friday at the earliest due to NBA health and safety protocols, sources told ESPN. Simmons met with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Mike Zimmer finally said something nice about Kirk Cousins after Seahawks win by Josie Rohach Tyron Woodley finally got the Jake Paul tattoo and its hilarious (Photo) by Curtis Calhoun New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson is apparently recovering from foot surgery. Third-year superstar Zion Williamson, of the New Orleans Pelicans,
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets follows the action from the bench during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user
7:04 PM ET Associated Press BOSTON — The Boston Celtics say center Al Horford has tested positive for COVID-19. Horford is currently in isolation and didn’t travel with the team for its two-game exhibition road trip to Florida, which includes games in Orlando on Wednesday and Miami on Friday. He is the second Celtics player
11:12 AM ET Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the Brooklyn Nets until he is eligible to become a full participant under local COVID-19 vaccination requirements, general manager Sean Marks said Tuesday. “Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently the choice restricts his ability to
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers. (Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports) The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot to prove this season after the most tumultuous offseason in the NBA. They may have the most important questions to answer in basketball. The Philadelphia 76ers spent the entire offseason in the NBA news cycle. They gave content to
10:21 PM ET After staying away for the first two weeks of the preseason, 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons reported to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday night, sources told ESPN. As the Sixers played the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons took a COVID-19 test in the arena, sources said. The initial test starts several
Oct 4, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Drew Eubanks (14) in the first half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports One of the greatest storylines in the NBA last season was Mike Conley’s All-Star Game appearance. Which player can
8:00 AM ET SAN DIEGO — Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap and Joe Harris were all trying their best, but this was not their night. On the plush, manicured lawn of Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai’s picturesque La Jolla, California, home, the Nets’ four veterans were no match for Tsai’s two sons at bocce
Shaquille O’Neal continued his criticism of Ben Simmons as Simmons continued his holdout in Philadelphia. Shaquille O’Neal has a reminder for Ben Simmons. The two have at least one thing in common. “In all my championships, I shot 30-40 percent in the Finals ( from the free-throw line ),” O’Neal told FanSided. “That’s not what
11:29 AM ET Discussions have gained momentum on All-Star Ben Simmons returning to the Philadelphia 76ers, likely as soon as this week, sources told ESPN on Monday. Philadelphia management and coach Doc Rivers progressed in talks over the weekend with Simmons’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, on a resolution for Simmons to report to
Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) Yankees vs. Red Sox MLB live stream reddit: Watch AL Wild Card Game by Jordanna Clark 2021 PFL Championships: Raush Manfio reflects on gauntlet on the path to the lightweight finals by Curtis Calhoun Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball and the Los
5:06 PM ET Kyrie Irving returned to practice Sunday, but the Brooklyn Nets sound like a team coming to grips with the realization that its starting point guard will not play in home games for the foreseeable future. While the situation around Irving’s availability for home games due to New York City’s COVID-19 protocols could
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during a pre season game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms
1:57 PM ET Eric WoodyardESPN DETROIT, Mich. — Ben Wallace is an NBA Hall of Famer, NBA champion and four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Now the 47-year-old can add basketball operations and team engagement advisor for the Detroit Pistons to his resume. The Pistons announced Friday that Wallace has been hired in this role
The Indiana Pacers reportedly are still in the hunt to acquire Ben Simmons from the 76ers, this time they’ve offered Caris LeVert for the disgruntled 76ers star. The longer Ben Simmons remains on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, the more teams are presumably added to the mix as a potential trade partner. Through these rumors, however,
2:11 PM ET Associated Press MIAMI — Udonis Haslem and Bam Adebayo were yelling at each other during practice Sunday, which was a critical step for the Heat. It meant things were normal again. Their captain is back. Haslem — the NBA’s oldest active player at 41– returned to practice Sunday, joining his team for
After a brief but stellar showing last season in Houston, Kevin Porter Jr. confirmed that he’ll be starting at point guard for the Rockets this year. When news of Kevin Porter Jr.’s meltdown in Cleveland came out, many questioned if he could ever find his footing in the league. He was traded to the Houston
Washington Wizards forward Kyle KuzmaMandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports With the 2021-22 NBA season scheduled to begin soon, these five players have the most to prove this season. The NBA off-season is a time filled with hot takes, trade and free agency rumors, player rankings and a lot of criticisms. While media discusses this
12:03 PM ET Associated Press GREENSBORO, N.C. — Former NBA guard J.R. Smith is set to make his debut next week as a golfer for North Carolina A&T. The school announced that Smith will play his first collegiate tournament Monday and Tuesday at the Phoenix Invitational hosted by Elon. The tournament will take place at
Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors. (Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) UFC Vegas 39: Mackenzie Dern vs. Marina Rodriguez preview and prediction by Curtis Calhoun Alex Cora gives ominous update on Chris Sale before postseason by Scott Rogust Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry becomes one of the first victims of new NBA rule change. Monday
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA preseason is officially underway and even a sample size of a single game we’re already seeing some rookies showing out against the increased level of competition and
Federal prosecutors announced an enormous fraud case Thursday morning, which included the arrest of 18 former NBA players. The final days before the NBA season finally starts are usually filled with injury updates, glowing assessments of preseason games and optimistic goals for the upcoming season. Oh, and accusations of massive, collaborative insurance fraud. On Thursday,
8:43 PM ET Associated Press TORONTO — Ontario’s major indoor professional sports teams have been given the green light to host capacity crowds. The NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors will be able to play in front of full arenas when their seasons start this month, Ontario Sports Minister
Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis III out a month with quad injury by Jaleel Grandberry Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson questions why the team hasn’t hired him for a position. It’s not the easiest task to be a professional athlete in the City of Brotherly Love.
4:38 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has long been an admirer of LeBron James, but he added an extra layer of praise to his famous foe’s accolades in advance of Friday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked what it’s been like to play against James for
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles as he speaks to the media during Los Angeles Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2021 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Here’s how close Cardinals were to taking a lead of
7:00 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving will be able to practice at the team’s facility in Brooklyn, sources confirmed to ESPN, but still won’t be able to play in home games due to the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The change in Irving’s status is due to the city determining that the
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors are a team with a lot of questions surrounding the team. Which ones weigh the most on the team heading into the season? It seems like forever ago that the Golden State Warriors were the quintessential star of
8:00 AM ET With less than two weeks until the start of the regular season, the uncertainty around Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving continues to swirl. The Nets listed Irving, 29, as ineligible to play in Friday’s preseason game against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. New York City’s COVID-19 protocols allow only NBA players with
Jarrett Allen has done everything you could ask from a young, athletic big man. But his place with the Cleveland Cavaliers still doesn’t feel secure. Jarrett Allen joined the Brooklyn Nets in the years when the team was still reeling from giving up all their first-round picks to the Boston Celtics in a 2013 trade.
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. With the start of the season less than two weeks away, Ian Levy and Ben Ladner share their award predictions for NBA MVP, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders Which NBA teams and players could disrupt the races for home-court advantage and awards during the 2021-22 season? After the New York Knicks‘ surprising run to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference last season, could head coach Tom Thibodeau’s crew pull off that feat again in an improved East?
The NBPA released a memo to players informing them that they will not be subject to random tests for marijuana during this season. After the NBA season froze in March 2020, the league stopped testing NBA players for any types of drugs. But when players were brought back for the NBA Bubble restart in July
7:41 PM ET Associated Press NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets listed Kyrie Irving as ineligible to play in their home preseason game Friday, another strong indication he has not met New York’s vaccination requirement. Irving has not been with the Nets for any of their practices in New York, where professional athletes are required
LaMelo Ball has endless talent, creativity and imagination. What can he do for the Charlotte Hornets now that he has experience too? In a May contest against the moribund Pistons, LaMelo Ball did one of the coolest things anyone has done on the basketball court in a long time. Detroit turned the ball over and
Unvaccinated NBA players who break quarantine in Toronto may be subject to face criminal charges, including prison time and fines. In 2020, when the NBA resumed the season in the bubble, the proposed punishment for leaving the bubble was a mandated quarantine, more rigid COVID testing and a deduction in pay for any games missed.
1:50 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Los Angeles became the third NBA city to pass a sweeping COVID-19 vaccine mandate that will impact its NBA teams, joining New York and San Francisco. The ordinance, which was both passed by the Los Angeles City Council and was signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti Wednesday, will go into effect
With only two weeks left before the start of the season, the Brooklyn Nets are unsure about what Kyrie Irving’s intentions are concerning the coronavirus vaccine. At a point in time, Kyrie Irving was given the monicker ‘The Bus Driver’ for his renowned ankle-breakers that often left defenders dazed and confused. In 2021, however, Irving is operating
This week, The Long Two looks at how Jordan Poole could help fill in for Klay Thompson and whether the Knicks can replicate last year’s success. Given the variables at play, it’s nearly impossible, and certainly exhausting, to confidently project a likely outcome for the Golden State Warriors this season. Uncertainty over how Klay Thompson
10:56 AM ET Associated Press NEW YORK — Eighteen former NBA players have been charged with defrauding the league’s health and welfare benefit plan out of about $4 million, according to an indictment Thursday in New York. Federal prosecutors planned a news conference for noon ET Thursday to describe the case that was brought in
Russell Westbrook, Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports Giants: Second-half stats back up Gabe Kapler’s pitcher choices for NLDS by Alicia de Artola Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook reveals that Pau Gasol was his favorite player growing up. Pau Gasol officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on Tuesday,
11:00 PM ET PHOENIX — Trevor Ariza will be sidelined about two months after having surgery on his right ankle, the Los Angeles Lakers announced Wednesday. Ariza, one of 11 new players added in the offseason, underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure Wednesday. He has missed most of training camp because of the ankle. The Lakers
De’Andre Hunter will be crucial to the short- and long-term success of the Atlanta Hawks, provided he stays healthy enough to remain on the court. Most NBA teams fall into one of two categories: those aggressively pursuing as many wins as possible and those stockpiling talent with the hope of eventually competing for a championship.
John Collins has become one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. Is that enough to help take the Hawks to the next level? It would be unavailing to try and categorize John Collins within the broader positional category of big men. While he certainly possesses conventional qualities of both power forwards and
After receiving a hefty fine for missing the 76ers first preseason game, Ben Simmons might be reconsidering his holdout. Last week, Ben Simmons liked an Instagram post with a graphic detailing the fines he could receive for missing out on the Philadelphia 76ers practices and games. But the fine he received after missing the 76ers
5:57 PM ET Kevin Durant said he’s still envisioning Kyrie Irving being a part of the Nets’ championship pursuit but he also acknowledges that it will be “hard to duplicate what he brings” if he can’t play home games in Brooklyn. Irving missed his second straight day of practice in Brooklyn as New York City’s
Bradley Beal revealed that he’s unvaccinated for “personal reasons” during the Washington Wizards’ Media Day on Monday. Bradley Beal joins a list of NBA players who are unvaccinated heading into the start of the 2021-22 NBA season. During the Washington Wizards‘ 2021 Media Day on Monday, Beal said that he isn’t vaccinated due to “personal
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 13: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
Ben Simmons listed his Ritz-Carlton residence for sale, furthering his stance that he will never play for the Philadelphia 76ers again. Time is ticking between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons. The organization’s No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft has made it clear that he refuses to step on the court for Philadelphia
12:09 PM ET Associated Press MADRID — Pau Gasol announced his retirement from basketball on Tuesday, ending a career that lasted more than two decades and earned him two NBA titles and a world championship gold with Spain’s national team. The 41-year-old had already announced his farewell from international basketball in August after Spain lost
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports NFL Week 5 2021 full schedule by Josie Rohach LSU football: 3 big names to target to replace Ed Orgeron by John Buhler Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk continues to impress his teammates after the team’s first preseason game. The Los Angeles Lakers made a lot of offseason acquisitions, and
8:59 PM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Brian Windhorst Close ESPN Senior Writer ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books The Brooklyn Nets remain unclear on All-Star guard Kyrie Irving‘s ultimate intentions to get vaccinated and
After cashing in this summer, can Gary Trent Jr. cement himself as a fixture of the Toronto Raptors’ post-Kyle Lowry era? Gary Trent Jr. is waltzing into a golden opportunity in 2021-22. With Kyle Lowry now in Miami, the Toronto Raptors will be reinventing themselves. Fred VanVleet figures to take over as their full-time point
How can OG Anunoby take the next step as an offensive threat, without sacrificing the defensive intensity that’s made him so essential to the Toronto Raptors? As he enters his fifth season, OG Anunoby is trying to become something that may or may not actually exist. The idea of a two-way wing holds an outsized
Golden State Warriors, Andrew Wiggins, Jusuf Nurkic (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) Jaguars owner responds to Urban Meyer’s ‘inexcusable behavior’ by Josie Rohach Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins got vaccinated just in time to put Jusuf Nurkic on a poster. After what felt like an eternity debating Andrew Wiggins’ possibilities this season with the Golden State
2:34 PM ET Kyrie Irving did not practice with the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday as the point guard is unable to practice or play in New York under the city’s COVID-19 vaccination protocols. After practicing with the team last week at training camp in San Diego, Irving did not attend the team’s first
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Andrew Wiggins celebrates getting vaccinated by yamming on Jusuf Nurkic by Jordanna Clark The Toronto Raptors are finally playing basketball in Toronto again after a long time away. The ongoing pandemic forced a lot of things to be done far differently. One of those things was where the Toronto Raptors
12:41 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Brooklyn Nets are being tapped as the heavy favorites to win this season’s championship by the league’s general managers, and star Kevin Durant is picked as the slight favorite to win his second Most Valuable Player award. In the annual survey of all 30 general managers released Tuesday by
If you think a Scottie Pippen comparison is hyperbolic for Tyrese Haliburton, maybe you need to watch more of Tyrese Haliburton. Scottie Pippen has become the archetypal second-best guy. That’s kind of what happens when you win six championships as the wingman for arguably the greatest player in basketball history. But the legacy that’s been
De’Aaron Fox is fast. But is he fast enough to outrun the chaotic legacy of the Sacramento Kings, and strong enough to carry his team with him? Plastic bullets fill the air. Bone claws slowly protrude from skinned knuckles. Jim Croce’s voice offers sad reservations about time and bottles. And there is De’Aaron Fox, at
During an Instagram Live, Lakers enter Dwight Howard said that teammate LeBron James gave him permission to take a 3-pointer for every two blocks he had this season. Over the course of his 17-year career, Dwight Howard has amassed a total of 2,192 blocks for an average of 1.9 a game in his career. Had
2:44 AM ET Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins on Monday explained his decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine, noting that he felt “forced” to do so in order to continue his NBA career. “The only options were to get vaccinated or not play in the NBA,” Wiggins said after the Warriors’ preseason opener against
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. In general, I tend to shy away from making preseason predictions about the NBA. I have no reason to think my insight or analysis is any more prescient than
10:52 AM ET The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have agreed to a reduction in pay of 1/91.6th of a player’s salary for each game an unvaccinated player misses because of local COVID-19 vaccine mandates, sources told ESPN, a decision that stands to impact Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving. The decision on a
Will the Phoenix Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals help propel Deandre Ayton into having a career year? Heading into the 2021 NBA playoffs, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton was one of the league’s biggest wild cards. Fresh off a run to the NBA Finals, he now appears poised to cement himself as one
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA preseason officially got underway Sunday with two championship favorites — the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers — facing off. It’s tough to draw too many meaningful
8:00 AM ET With NBA opening night just over two weeks away, teams are starting to construct their rosters and determine which players will be healthy for the start of the regular season. Several top players were sidelined by injuries in 2020-21 — Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard,
Golden State Warriors, Andrew Wiggins Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports Did Steelers get robbed on blown call? NFL Rules Expert thinks so by Josh Hill Watch Michael Kay’s call as Aaron Judge cements Yankees’ playoff fate (Video) by Mark Powell Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins is vaccinated and will be available for all home
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has high goals for this upcoming season, including winning Defensive Player of the Year. While all the focus for Philadelphia 76ers fans this offseason has been the ongoing drama with Ben Simmons, this team is still looking like legit contenders in the Eastern Conference. That will always be the case
4:10 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins received a COVID-19 vaccination and will be eligible to play in home games this season. Warriors coach Steve Kerr made the announcement following Sunday’s practice. “Andrew got vaccinated,” Kerr said. “He just told me today that he was fine with us acknowledging it
Mitchell Robinson has carved out a niche with the New York Knicks with insane highlights and absurd numbers. Now he’s ready for more. There can be beauty in simplicity. Catch ball. Dunk ball. Stand here. Jump. Swat ball. That’s not to call Mitchell Robinson’s basketball responsibilities simple. He is often playing as the defensive anchor
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an incredibly efficient creator despite carrying the entire load for the Oklahoma City Thunder. What if they put more talent around him? By the box score, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already looks like a star for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 23.7 points, 5.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game last season on
Brandon Ingram is just five years into his NBA career but once again finds himself in the unfortunate position of being defined by his relationship to others. Brandon Ingram has established a healthy NBA resume. He’s averaged 23.8 points per game for two consecutive seasons. He’s made an All-Star team and won Most Improved
Why Zion Williamson’s foot injury could spell trouble for the Pelicans, plus what Michael Porter Jr.’s max extension means for the Nuggets moving forward. Monday’s NBA headlines rightfully centered on a small but vocal group of maddeningly selfish and deeply misguided players using incoherent, bad-faith rhetoric to support grossly irresponsible and scientifically indefensible decisions to
After quieting critics by guiding his Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, what does Trae Young have in store for an encore? Trae Young might be the NBA’s next great villain. Like any good wrestling heel, Young seems to revel in infuriating fans. After hitting a game-winning floater in Game 2 of the Atlanta
5:42 PM ET Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell was not wearing his normal No. 45 jersey at practice Saturday. Instead, Mitchell wore No. 22 to pay tribute to Utah Utes football players Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan. “I wanted to pay my respects,” Mitchell, entering his fifth season with the Jazz, said after the practice,
With the Minnesota Timberwolves mixing things up with the front office on Wednesday, Karl-Anthony Towns can’t believe what’s going on. The Minnesota Timberwolves have stunned so many folks in the basketball world, as they stole the show news wise on Wednesday. In case you missed it, the organization decided to fire President of Basketball Operations
Last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves fired GM Gersson Rosas. It was the latest move to showcase the franchise’s instability, but could it be a blessing in disguise? The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a state of disarray. This is not particularly newsworthy on its own since that has been the standard state of the franchise since
Ben Simmons continues to troll the 76ers — yhis time he does it by liking an Instagram post about how much the team can fine him if he continues to hold out. There are so many takes on the Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers rift but if you fancy some petty humor, then it might
6:43 PM ET SAN DIEGO — Kevin Durant celebrated his 33rd birthday on Wednesday in San Diego complete with birthday cake and the Brooklyn Nets‘ rookies serenading the star. Now in his 15th season, Durant says he is “growing every single day” and understands the game more as he adapts and evolves to the changes
May 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) warms up before the NBA play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports 3 Urban Meyer replacements the Jaguars should already be considering by Brad Berreman Draymond Green is never afraid to say
6:26 PM ET The NBA has reached a 95% vaccination threshold of its players, reflecting a steady rise since the opening of training camps this week, league sources told ESPN on Thursday. That uptick — which includes players who’ve minimally received one vaccination shot, sources said — comes as unvaccinated players prepare for losses of
Bam Adebayo has quickly become one of the most dynamic centers in basketball, and the 24-year-old’s growth will be key to Miami’s pursuit of an NBA title. A full appreciation of Bam Adebayo begins with the understanding that he isn’t a first option. The Heat’s 24-year-old Swiss-Army knife center doesn’t singlehandedly lift his team into
Already a generational scoring talent, Zion Williamson may only be scratching the surface of his potential as a player. Even in an era when young stars take less time than ever to ascend, Zion Williamson’s rise is exceptional. With fewer than 100 NBA games under his belt, the 21-year-old has already established himself as one
7:36 PM ET EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Nineteen seasons into his NBA career and with a slew of accomplishments to show for his tenure, Carmelo Anthony‘s résumé would suggest an automatic featured role for this season’s Los Angeles Lakers. However, Anthony, 37, is open to whatever his new team asks of him as he continues
Heading into a contract year, can Jaren Jackson Jr. re-establish himself as a core piece of the Memphis Grizzlies alongside Ja Morant? One year ago, Jaren Jackson Jr. appeared to be headed toward a max contract extension. He was fresh off a sophomore season in which he averaged 17.4 points while shooting 39.4 percent from
Memphis has always been a city of music. Here are three songs that sum up the city’s newest young star, Ja Morant. Great NBA players have a tell, some signature tic or stylistic element that makes them who they are. Observant viewers could see a silhouette of Kevin Durant’s jumper or of Chris Paul bringing
With the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has already cemented himself as one of the best players in the league. What happens next may be out of his control. Jayson Tatum has been places. Not just any places. Members-only, behind-the-velvet-rope, you-must-be-this-tall-and-successful-to-enter places. He’s been to so many places it’s hard to remember he’s still only 23.
3:40 PM ET Tim Bontemps Brian Windhorst Close ESPN Senior Writer ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books The Philadelphia 76ers did not pay Ben Simmons the $8.25 million — 25% of his contract — that he was owed Friday and placed that money into an escrow
While NBA news has been overtaken by players who are unvaccinated, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James says why he chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins, Bradley Beal, Jonathan Isaac. What do those four names have in common? They’re some of the top players in the NBA who remain unvaccinated. During
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 08: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Miami Heat in action against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on March 08, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms
How can we measure Luka Doncic’s greatness against expectations when he just keeps smashing them each season? Much of an NBA player’s reputation rests on what is expected of them, and whether or not they meet those expectations. If fans assume a player will offer very little and they then display consistent competence, it may
8:12 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said Thursday that he does not feel like it’s his place to push the COVID-19 vaccine on teammate Andrew Wiggins. Speaking for the first time since training camp began, Green made it clear that even as a leader of the Warriors, he is
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid had a fiery response to recent Ben Simmons reports. With the ongoing saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons, All-Star center Joel Embiid has remained relatively quiet. He made his first public comments on Monday during the teams media day. Majority of what Embiid said then was just him
12:25 AM ET EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — As exhausted as LeBron James appeared after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ second day of training camp — plopped down on a chair in the interview room, sneakers unlaced and sweat dripping from his forehead — the Lakers star explained Thursday that it actually was a sign of fire