While the long-delayed return of Zion Williamson will help the Pelicans, his injury has revealed that their problems are much deeper than his absence. The New Orleans Pelicans season has been haunted by the absence of Zion Williamson. On media day, it was announced that he had suffered a foot injury but that the team
Month: January 2022
9:05 PM ET CLEVELAND — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made clear Monday that his stance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine will not change in the wake of Kevin Durant‘s knee injury that is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. Irving is unvaccinated and therefore ineligible to play at home because of a
Baron Davis accomplished so much in his decorated NBA career. But his most lasting impact may be in what he’s done off the court. The terms “robber baron” and “captain of industry” refer to the same phenomenon, but differ in connotation. In the 19th century, wealthy, powerful industrialists amassed unforeseen wealth in the United States
3:20 PM ET CLEVELAND — As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for life without Kevin Durant for at least the next month, coach Steve Nash wants them to do so with as positive an outlook as possible. Durant sprained the MCL in his left knee during Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. While Nash said
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has never been better and he’s keeping the Denver Nuggets afloat without two of his most talented teammates. In a competitive Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets have managed to stay afloat this season without Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray, who both averaged 19-plus points per game last season. As of
8:00 AM ET The Memphis Grizzlies‘ franchise-record 11-game win streak ran out of steam during Friday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but something tells us Ja Morant & Co. aren’t done putting their stamp on the NBA this season. Even with the defeat, the Grizzlies’ 30-15 record is the second best in franchise history through
6:35 PM ET Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green will be out at least two more weeks after evaluations indicated that the soreness in his left calf is tied to “the involvement of a disc in his lower back.” Green left last Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers early because of a sore left
11:09 AM ET After the Brooklyn Nets diagnosed All-NBA forward Kevin Durant with a sprained MCL of his left knee, the franchise expects a four- to six-week rehabilitation before his return, sources told ESPN. Durant underwent imaging on Sunday morning after Saturday night’s injury, and a realistic benchmark for Durant could be a return coming
1:48 AM ET DENVER — After the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 37-point loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, the second-biggest loss of LeBron James‘ 19-year career, another franchise great weighed in with his disgust. “We as Lakers fans can accept being outplayed but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of
8:58 PM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant injured his left knee during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team called it a left knee sprain, and it occurred with just under six minutes left in the quarter as Pelicans guard Herb Jones drove to
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Boston Celtics center Al Horford. (Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports) UCLA football fans react to Chip Kelly’s contract extension by Ethan Lee The family of Boston Celtics forward Al Horford made waves on Twitter by bad-mouthing the Philadelphia 76ers during Friday night’s game. Al Horford’s time in Philadelphia didn’t exactly
12:36 PM ET DALLAS — Mavericks power forward/center Kristaps Porzingis has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols after missing the past seven games and is expected to play in Saturday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also cleared the protocols. Dallas won six of the seven games missed by
With Cam Reddish whisked away to the New York Knicks, reports now reveal that the Los Angeles Lakers tried — and failed — to court him away from Atlanta. Although Ben Simmons has taken up the NBA news cycle with his desire for a high-value trade, it seems that Cam Reddish quietly did the same
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports) Florida football schedule 2022: Way-too-early game-by-game picks for Billy Napier’s first season by Ethan Lee Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine had to leave Friday’s game against the Warriors with a knee injury but the latest update leans towards optimism. The Bulls got a big scare on
8:40 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN CHICAGO — Bulls guard Zach LaVine exited Friday’s 138-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter with a left knee injury and did not return. LaVine did not travel with the team to Boston for its matchup against the Celtics on Saturday night, and instead will remain
The Los Angeles Clippers could miss both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard for the rest of the 2021-22 season, per Clippers sources. Last week, Clippers sources indicated that there was a “strong possibility” that Kawhi Leonard could return before the end of the 2021-22 season. One week later, Clippers sources are now offering a more
12:08 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN PHILADELPHIA — After beating the Boston Celtics to win for the ninth time in 11 games Friday night, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid said “there’s really no urgency to change anything” with his team with just under four weeks to go until the NBA’s trade deadline. “I feel great, man,” Embiid
After a 941-day absence, Klay Thompson returned to the NBA in a way only he could. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Klay Thompson made his NBA return in a way only Klay Thompson could: with a quick trigger and absolutely no conscience. Given his fiery competitiveness and stone-cold confidence,
2:43 PM ET After an absence of six weeks in the wake of right thumb surgery, Miami Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo is targeting a return against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, sources told ESPN on Friday. Adebayo has been ramping up for a return in practice, and his return comes with the Heat surging
Jun 17, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian recording artist Drake sits beside Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry at Toronto Raptors Championship Parade. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports Vikings: Justin Jefferson laughs off ridiculous All-Pro snub by Scott Rogust Miami Heat star Kyle Lowry played some one-on-one basketball with rap star Drake at the FTX
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 Lakers are working through myriad problems right now but Russell Westbrook is the most obvious by far. In Wednesday night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, he shot 2-of-14
7:40 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. will miss 2 to 4 weeks after an MRI revealed significant bone bruising in his right knee, the team announced on Thursday. Jones Jr. hyperextended his knee during Wednesday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets after landing awkwardly on his leg 36 seconds into the
A new development indicates a Ben Simmons trade is nowhere near fruition: the asking price has gone up for the 76ers point guard, according to ESPN. Every day, new rumors about the availability of Ben Simmons seem to crop up, but a Jan. 12 update holds more water than prior assumptions. On Wednesday night, Simmons’
12:25 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks delivered another statement win on Thursday night with a 118-99 thumping of the Golden State Warriors, continuing their trend of being at their best this season when matched up against other likely title contenders. The Bucks blitzed the Warriors from the start, jumping out to
In a trade involving four teams, the Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-rounder for Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-rounder. One month after trades open up for players picked up in free agency, a comprehensive list includes those who are restricted, those with at least two years remaining on
11:40 AM ET The Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks for Kevin Knox in a swap of former first-round draft selections, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Atlanta also will receive a protected first-round draft pick via Charlotte, sources tell Wojnarowski, while the Knicks will acquire veteran forward Solomon Hill and
Damian Lillard has been out for almost two weeks and now the Trail Blazers will have him out even longer with the star guard now undergoing surgery. The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t had star guard Damian Lillard on the floor since Dec. 31 as he’s been nursing an abdominal injury that has plagued him a
8:00 AM ET JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. There, Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles stood, watched and waited as the All-Star closed in. Butler’s mission: Peace. At this point, the quick wits, sharp tongues and competitive fires of both Butler and Ingles had been clashing for years,
Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan is having an MVP-caliber season because of a lesson he picked up from Kobe Bryant about always improving. Kobe Bryant may be gone but his impact on basketball will remain forever, in large and small ways. DeMar DeRozan is proof of that as he delivers an MVP-type season with the
6:45 PM ET With the NBA trade deadline a month away, Ben Simmons‘ agent — Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul — met with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand on Wednesday, and the sides remain at a stalemate over the All-Star guard’s immediate future, sources told ESPN. Simmons
According to new reports, the Sacramento Kings are apparently open to trading two of their young guards for Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons. It seems the Sixers’ adamance about holding off on lowball Ben Simmons offers has finally paid off — or, at least, that’s the way it’s trending. The Kings have been popping
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski indicated that there is “no movement” in the Ben Simmons trade saga — and there likely won’t be any until the 2022 NBA Draft. Persistent since last summer, the Ben Simmons trade rumors kicked up a notch in December, when Dec. 15 opened the door to more trade possibilities for the
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. It’s been a brutal season for the Boston Celtics, hammered again by injuries and COVID-related absences, struggling to keep themselves in the playoff picture and dealing with some apparent
8:00 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN THE STADIUM CREW has already begun to disassemble the United Center floor, turning the arena from a basketball court to a hockey rink following the Chicago Bulls‘ victory over the Orlando Magic. It’s Jan. 3, and as they stack the courtside seats, remove the scorer’s table and line the outside
Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James complimented Ja Morant’s incredible chasedown block that aided their win. In their marvelous 127-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies brought the heat to L.A., pushing the Lakers to perfectly execute on every shot. And even on perfectly-executed shots, the
9:54 PM ET While more than 300 NBA players have entered the league’s health and safety protocols this season because of COVID-19-related issues, several league general managers told ESPN that a debilitating issue remains the recent surge of team staffers — from coaches to support staff and beyond — entering protocols for the same reason.
Jan 8, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Vikings next head coach could mean poaching Cowboys assistant by Scott Rogust Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker got the Toronto Raptors mascot thrown in
7:50 PM ET Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has agreed to a contract extension through the 2027-28 season — and will assume a new title of president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Altman has engineered a franchise renaissance and reshaped a roster that has shown the promise of becoming a long-term
It’s a matter of when the 76ers trade Ben Simmons, but they are reportedly trying to attach Tobias Harris to a deal. Depending on the week, or even the day, the Philadelphia 76ers may or may not be close to trading Ben Simmons and a new rumored suitor may even emerge. On the new suitor
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9): Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The New York Knicks are back to disappointing fans after a rough first half of this season. However, there are a few superstar trades that could help them recapture the magic that sent them to the playoffs last season. It’s been a typical New
2:16 PM ET Draymond Green’s seven-second performance Sunday sparked controversy in the betting community and caused one sportsbook to delay payouts until it investigated the flurry of prop bets that were placed right before tipoff. Green experienced tightness in his lower calf while warming up but wanted to start in Golden State Warriors‘ home game
The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that injured power forward Zion Williamson will continue rehabilitating his foot “away from the team.” In December, Pelicans fans awaited for the return of Zion Williamson before receiving a depressing update: Williamson’s foot injury actually regressed, and it would be much longer until he was able to return to
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 Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers played on Sunday night, though I was not among those who tuned in. I was watching a movie instead. It was not
3:25 PM ET The Orlando Magic have extended the contracts of president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond through the 2025-2026 season, sources told ESPN on Monday. Talks on new deals for Weltman and Hammond started at the end of last season, sources said. Both executives were headed into the final year of their
10:20 PM ET PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers coach and former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups says he believes Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is “the most skilled player” ever to play the point guard position. “Kyrie is just, he’s a wizard, man,” Billups said before Monday’s game against the Nets. “He’s must-see TV.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Cavaliers forward Kevin Love. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) 3 New Orleans Saints who won’t be back for the 2022 season by Scott Rogust Russell Wilson comments on Seahawks future after potential last game with Seattle by Ethan Lee Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love
8:00 AM ET Klay Thompson returned after 941 days away from the court. The Golden State Warriors Splash Brother, who hadn’t played in an NBA game since the 2019 Finals due to ACL and Achilles injuries, made his much-anticipated season debut with 17 points in 20 minutes during the Warriors’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyler Herro and Jusuf Nurkic had to be separated on Wednesday night as tempers nearly boiled over the top on the hardwood. The Miami Heat ended up getting a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, but fans were most definitely treated to some extra fireworks in the middle of the action. That’s
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring on a three-point shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
3:01 AM ET LOS ANGELES — Ja Morant just keeps soaring to new heights. In Sunday’s 127-119 win over the Lakers, the budding Memphis Grizzlies star’s ascent was quite literal, as Morant’s two-handed chase-down block on Lakers guard Avery Bradley left both teams marveling at the play. “That’s probably the best block I’ve ever seen
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. If you were to delineate contenders by statistical resumes alone, ignoring the noise of injuries and COVID-related absences, you’d really find just three teams this season, all in the
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) Raiders fans already trying to recruit Davante Adams on Twitter by Scott Rogust Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant pulled off a two-handed block against the Lakers that appeared to defy the laws of physics. Ja Morant might have rockets in his shoes and go-go-gadget arms.
11:03 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — As his name was introduced last in the starting lineup, Klay Thompson sat in his seat, stared ahead and soaked everything in. Chase Center delivered one of its loudest roars, 941 days in the making. After being out for nearly 31 months that have tested his physical and mental
LeBron James spoke on how he wanted to snatch Malik Monk from Charlotte — and how it “doesn’t make sense” how well it all worked out. LeBron James is an athlete, entrepreneur, and at this point, general manager. While unofficially listed in Lakers management, the NBA legend has been known to have his run of
While the GOAT battle between these two rages on, LeBron James has finally tied Michael Jordan in this unique stat comprised of NBA veterans. For those who continue to debate that LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan, there’s a new statistic to use in heated Twitter arguments. On Jan. 4, James tied Jordan with
According to Isaiah Thomas, the Boston Celtics wouldn’t consider bringing him back on a 10-day contract the way the Lakers and Mavericks have. A December COVID outbreak has seen NBA teams bring capable veterans back into the league, including the Boston Celtics. On Dec. 22, the Celtics signed Joe Johnson to a 10-day contract, contributing
3:03 PM ET The Detroit Pistons are acquiring 7-foot-2 Bol Bol in a trade with the Denver Nuggets, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Detroit will send Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets to Denver for Bol, sources said. Bol, 22, has shown flashes of promise with Denver, but has never
Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard could return before the end of the season, which could affect the chances of a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have still advanced to an even 19-20 record and a tentative playoff spot. But with him, the Clippers could perhaps move even further in the
Klay Thompson is set to make his return to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and he’s channeling his inner Bill Murray from Space Jam. After over two years, the Golden State Warriors are set to have Klay Thompson return to their starting lineup. Thompson had been out since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA
11:33 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN BOSTON – After Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown produced the first triple-double of his career in Boston’s 99-75 victory over the New York Knicks here at TD Garden Saturday night, he shot down the idea that he and Jayson Tatum can’t have an effective long-term partnership. “I think we can
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 10: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 10, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms
5:42 PM ET ESPN News Services Five-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion Klay Thompson will be available to play for the Golden State Warriors in Sunday night’s game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State star made it official with his own creative announcement on Instagram as he so loves to do. Thompson has
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives against Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celticsduring their game at Madison Square Garden on January 06, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User
8:00 AM ET MAKING HIS WAY through the Golden State Warriors locker room following a preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Zaza Pachulia heard the familiar sound of a ball bouncing on the organization’s practice floor. Pachulia assumed one of the Warriors’ young players was getting some extra shots in. What the longtime NBA
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Shaedon Sharpe to begin practicing at Kentucky this week, so will he play this season? by John Buhler Where is the National Championship Game 2022? by John Buhler Some massive news has come in for the Golden State Warriors, as it’s looking like Klay Thompson is getting ready to
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. Under Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors have continually broken offensive norms and shattered statistical benchmarks. The 3-point shooting gets the most attention but the imprints of their offensive
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 31: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
12:16 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant said he hasn’t had any extra conversations with teammate Kyrie Irving about getting a COVID-19 vaccination that would allow him to play in every game this season, not just most of the road games. Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, returned to the
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 06: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks drives against Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 06, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph,
6:57 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Julius Randle apologized in a statement on his Instagram account on Friday, saying that his thumbs-down gesture to Knicks fans during Thursday’s win over the Boston Celtics as well as his postgame remarks were “an example of how sometimes you say things you regret to people you
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball ‘Manningcast’ featuring A-Rod sounds terrible by Scott Rogust Julius Randle gave New York
12:57 PM ET Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols after testing positive for COVID-19. Kidd is the 13th NBA head coach to enter the protocols this season. Kidd tested positive Thursday night after the team traveled to Houston for the road game Friday against the Rockets. Assistant coach
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) Davante Adams hints at feelings towards Packers using franchise tag by Cody Williams Dallas Cowboys players Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb turned up courtside for Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony with the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki’s night of honor at American Airlines Center brought out the
Attending a Dallas Mavericks game may come back to haunt Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper. By sitting courtside alongside Dallas Cowboys teammate CeeDee Lamb to celebrate the iconic Dirk Nowitzki at a Dallas Mavericks game on Wednesday night, wide receiver Amari Cooper could be in trouble with the NFL. Because Cooper is an unvaccinated player, he could
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. On Wednesday night, Stephen Curry put up his second-straight stinker, shooting 5-of-24 from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc in a 17-point loss to the Dallas
12:44 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Despite helping his team engineer a remarkable comeback from 25 points down against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, star forward Julius Randle wasn’t happy. Midway through the fourth quarter, Randle made a layup and, as he ran back to the other end
Nic Claxton has played fewer than 70 NBA games, but the Nets’ wiry big man could be the key that unlocks the best version of a title contender. Kevin Durant and James Harden excluded, the most crucial variable in Nets’ championship aspirations isn’t a former All-Star big man, a sharp-shooting wing or a mercurial, galaxy-brained
6:01 PM ET Associated Press The first time that Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, the NBA didn’t even have health and safety protocols. It shut down the league instead. This time, the Utah Jazz center might miss just a few days. Gobert has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed Thursday on the virus-related
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images The Long Two: Nets need Nic Claxton, Jalen Brunson helps lead the Mavs by Ben Ladner With an NBA expansion looking more and more likely, basketball fans in Seattle and Las Vegas are getting fired up about the future. While we may be in the middle of another exciting NBA
8:00 AM ET FOR MOST OF Monty Williams’ tenure coaching the Phoenix Suns, the downs have followed the ups. An 8-0 record in the NBA bubble two seasons ago still resulted in missing the play-in game to qualify for the postseason. Last season, making the franchise’s first Western Conference finals in a decade was met
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) Former NFL QB offers Caleb Williams $1 million NIL deal to shirk USC, Georgia by Alicia de Artola Dirk Nowitzki was honored on Wednesday night at the Mavericks game but head coach Jason Kidd was ready to get him back on the court. It was
12:39 AM ET DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki watched and listened to two tribute videos and three high-profile speakers Wednesday night before he finally took his place behind the lectern, which featured “41 FOREVER” on the front and was set up in the center of the American Airlines Center court for a postgame ceremony in which
Former WNBA star and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon talks about leading her own professional basketball team with the Las Vegas Aces. Basketball star Becky Hammon has been circling the top as a candidate for leading professional basketball teams for years, but it was the Las Vegas Aces who finally gave her a
11:46 AM ET INDIANAPOLIS — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will make his season debut Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers — but Nets coach Steve Nash didn’t want to reveal whether Irving would start or come off the bench. No matter what Nash decides to do, he is confident that Irving will play “a
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Red Sox legend Luis Tiant shares heartbreaking message after passing of Jim Corsi by Scott Rogust The Over and Back Podcast remembers the life and career of Boston Celtics legend “Mr. Clutch” Sam Jones. The NBA world lost a great one as Boston Celtics legend Sam Jones passed away.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 02: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbling the ball drives towards the basket on Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or
8:00 AM ET IT’S A FEW hours after dusk on a Monday in early December, and the Golden State Warriors‘ gleaming spaceship, the Chase Center, is about to transform into a vibrating dance party. The frenzy will be identical to those created by superstar Stephen Curry‘s one-man scoring blitzkriegs, but Curry will be swaying and
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. Offenses have, in general, had a tough time this season and it’s about more than the endless shuffling of lineups as teams navigate a surge in COVID cases and
3:14 AM ET LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook bounced back from nine turnovers Sunday by committing zero turnovers in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 122-114 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, the first time the point guard protected the ball that well in nearly six years. Westbrook snapped a personal streak of 407 straight games
7:11 PM ET The Miami Heat have ruled out forward Jimmy Butler for Wednesday night’s game against the Trail Blazers in Portland. Butler injured his right ankle late in the third quarter of Monday night’s 115-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Heat provided no other updates Tuesday beyond ruling him out against the
Though Antonio Brown trying to get away from MetLife Stadium was a big subplot of yesterday, he never left New York after quitting the Bucs and football. Antonio Brown was the talk of the NFL on Sunday, but not for anything he did on the field — well, at least in terms of playing in
10:38 AM ET After missing four games in the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been cleared and will join the team for Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Suns, at 28-8, have the second-best record in the league. Williams entered the league’s health and
12:27 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has heard the chatter about whether his backcourt mate, Ja Morant, should make his first All-Star Game this season. But after Morant’s latest dominant performance — 36 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and a game-high plus-24 in 33 minutes of a 118-104
4:20 PM ET After a two-year layoff with significant injuries, there’s optimism that Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson will make his return against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, sources told ESPN. A final decision on Thompson’s debut is expected to be made once the Warriors return from back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday in
The Rajon Rondo trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers got a little bigger after the Knicks trade for Denzel Valentine. It’s been a rather quiet transactional front so far in the NBA this season. While teams struggle to deal with how to properly handle COVID-19 without changing the rules on everyone, deals
8:00 AM ET DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls ended 2021 with fireworks. They started 2022 with some too. The NBA’s leader in fourth-quarter scoring was at it again this past week, knocking down wild, buzzer-beating 3-pointers in back-to-back fashion to stun the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. Thanks to DeRozan’s late-game heroics, the Bulls
10:03 PM ET ESPN News Services OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey, back after missing three games while in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double during Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Giddey finished with 17 points, 14 assists
5:16 PM ET Marc J. Spears Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and is expected to play in Monday’s home game against the Miami Heat, a source told The Undefeated. Green played 34 minutes in the Warriors’ Christmas Day win over the Phoenix Suns, dishing out 10
Seth Partnow, author and former Director of Basketball Research for the Milwaukee Bucks, spoke with FanSided about his new book, The Midrange Theory. Last month saw the release of Seth Partnow’s new book, The Midrange Theory. Throughout the book, Partnow, the former director of basketball research for the Milwaukee Bucks, explores the evolution of basketball
12:08 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant didn’t mince words after a disappointing 120-116 loss to a severely undermanned LA Clippers squad on Saturday night. He was frustrated by not only the fact that the Nets dropped their second straight game, but that they did so against a team he thought
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green isn’t happy with the NBA’s decision to cancel their game against the Denver Nuggets. Green cited the Nuggets getting an unfair advantage, as well as inconsistent policy, for his frustration in a well-time social media discussion. Many NBA players, including LeBron James, have grown upset with the Association’s COVID-19
12:02 AM ET Jamal Collier Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning 3-pointer for the second consecutive night Saturday, leading the Bulls to a 120-119 road victory over the Washington Wizards, their seventh straight win. DeRozan, who hit a game-winner Friday to defeat the Indiana Pacers, is the first player in NBA history
The Golden State Warriors have made it clear they have no intention of trading their young players to win now, but is that the right decision? After two consecutive years with a postseason appearance, expectations were tempered for this year’s Golden State Warriors. Yet a third of the way through the season, the Warriors have
2:28 PM ET Superstar point guard Luka Doncic is among three Dallas Mavericks who have cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and are expected to rejoin the team before Sunday’s game in Oklahoma City. Shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and power forward Maxi Kleber have also cleared the protocols after missing several games because
The Boston Celtics paid tribute to NBA legend Sam Jones on Friday afternoon. Jones passed away at 88 years old. Only Bill Russell has more championships than Jones, who retired with 10. Jones died on Thursday and the Celtics honored their team legend before their game against the Phoenix Suns with a tribute. “Sam Jones
10:42 AM ET ESPN News Services Sam Jones, a clutch scorer who won 10 titles with the Boston Celtics during their dynasty in the late 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 88. Jones died Thursday night in Florida, where he had been hospitalized in failing health, Celtics spokesperson Jeff Twiss said. The
Cincinnati football star Coby Bryant will honor the late Kobe Bryant during the Cotton Bowl. Ahead of the biggest game of his life, Cincinnati football player Coby Bryant will pay tribute to the person he was named after, honoring the late Kobe Bryant during the Cotton Bowl. No. 4 Cincinnati may be the last undefeated team
3:56 AM ET LOS ANGELES — If 2022 goes anything for the Los Angeles Lakers like LeBron James‘ first game since turning 37, L.A. could have big things in store. James scored a season-high 43 points in just 29 minutes in the Lakers’ 139-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, dominating the action from the
Nov 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports Tennessee fans think Purdue players are faking injuries in Music City Bowl by Mark Powell The Cleveland
7:57 PM ET Jamal Collier After Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer, a one-legged heave as the clock expired to lead the Bulls to a 108-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday afternoon, he stood several steps behind the 3-point line and raised both arms in the air.