LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) Braves worst-case Freddie Freeman scenario is playing out before their eyes by
Month: February 2022
8:00 AM ET What happens when you pair a former NBA MVP with the current favorite to win this season’s award? Well, you get the latest version of the Philadelphia 76ers, who have looked unguardable since James Harden‘s debut alongside Joel Embiid on Friday night. In two games — on the road against the Minnesota
NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Dennis Schröder is expected to remain with the Houston Rockets, meaning he won’t hit the buyout market this March. The 2022 NBA trade deadline was a sight to behold, with premier talent being swapped across the league as if each change wasn’t transformational. The Celtics participated in that profound
That didn’t take long. The Philadelphia 76ers dismantled the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, and James Harden made franchise history. There wasn’t much of an adjustment period for Harden with his new team, as the star guard has fit in seamlessly in a lineup featuring the likes of Joel Embiid,
2:51 AM ET LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers season found a new low on Sunday, with their 123-95 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans being met by a chorus of boos from the Crypto.com Arena crowd throughout the night. Russell Westbrook, the L.A. native whom the franchise completely overhauled its roster to acquire
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry attend the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
Feb 19, 2022; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is introduced during the 3-Point Contest during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports LeBron James All-Star Game intro has everyone convinced he’s coming back to Cleveland by Scott Rogust Golden State Warriors
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 26: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a free throw late in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 26, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
5:47 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — After two games playing alongside James Harden, it took a single word for Joel Embiid to describe how he felt about the way the two superstars are fitting together in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ offense. “Unstoppable,” Embiid said with a smile after finishing with 37 points — including
It sure looks like Joel Embiid is having fun playing alongside James Harden. It’s only been one game so far, but Embiid definitely seems to be thrilled to have his new teammate. So far, so good for Joel Embiid and James Harden. Harden, who was moved from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers in
11:30 PM ET ESPN News Services CHICAGO —Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant broke the franchise record for most points in a regular-season game with 46 on Saturday night as he powered his team to a 116-110 victory over the Bulls. Morant broke Mike Miller‘s previous record (45 points) set in 2007. The third-year guard set
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) ESPN’s John Clayton says there’s no truth to Russell Wilson rumors by Scott Rogust James Harden scored his first points with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, and of course they included a free throw. Harden’s struggled to reach the line at such a consistent clip
1:44 AM ET MILWAUKEE — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving said he can finally see “light at the end of the tunnel” after playing the best game of his truncated season in Saturday’s surprising 126-123 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The star guard scored a season-high 38 points to lead his undermanned team down the
The Dallas Mavericks have turned their season around with one of the NBA’s best defenses, while Derrick White has given the Celtics exactly what they need. It wasn’t long ago that the Dallas Mavericks’ season, and a year of Luka Dončić’s prime, was on the brink of falling by the wayside. On December 30, Dallas
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. Coming out of the All-Star Break all eyes are on movement — fringe playoffs team trying to secure spots, fringe contenders trying to move up. To break down some
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports) Latest Kirk Cousins report should make Vikings fans cringe by Scott Rogust Bellator 275: Gegard Mousasi wobbles, finishes Austin Vanderford in under 90 seconds (Video) by Thomas Albano The Lakers struggled early in their first game after the All-Star Break, as the crosstown rival Clippers made
6:41 PM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green participated in his first team practice since early January on Saturday afternoon. “It’s great just to have his energy back in the gym, his voice,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He looked great, physically. So that’s a very positive step for
With the way the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling, would LeBron James consider leaving and returning home to the Cleveland Cavaliers (again)? Well, it looks like Savannah James might be a little homesick for Akron, Ohio. Savannah, the wife of LeBron James, took to Instagram to share someone’s post about Arkon as a story. It’s
PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 09, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms
How is greatness born? In Mike Sielski’s new book, The Rise, he tries to answer that question by looking at the early life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant burnished his legacy every way he could, attempting to translate his faults into virtues, his failures into lessons. He loved telling stories and the tale
1:10 PM ET MILWAUKEE — Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant continues to make progress in his rehab from a sprained left MCL and his return to the floor will happen at some point in the next week, according to coach Steve Nash. “Every day closer,” Nash said after shootaround before Saturday’s game against the
The Over and Back NBA podcast is celebrating the NBA at 75 by rewatching some of the greatest Slam Dunk Contests in NBA history. Michael Jordan didn’t need the 1987 Slam Dunk Contest to become Air Jordan, the 23-year-old was already well on his way to becoming one of the NBA’s pre-eminent superstars. In Jordan’s
Before newly-acquired Philadelphia 76ers point guard James Harden is set to make his debut on Feb. 25, he battled it out against teammate Joel Embiid. There are many reasons the Ben Simmons/James Harden trade seems to be working out for all parties, but a primary one is this: Harden no longer has to face off
12:42 AM ET The final verdict on the Philadelphia 76ers trade for James Harden won’t come for months — maybe even years. Until then, every moment Harden and Philadelphia’s MVP-frontrunner Joel Embiid spend on the court together will be something of a Rohrsarch test. Some will see chemistry, others calamity — sometimes both will be
Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight gets kicked out of the UConn-Xavier basketball game, only to return a little bit later as a man of the people in the UConn student section. James Bouknight might be an anonymous player on the Charlotte Hornets, but he is a living legend in Storrs, Connecticut among the UConn faithful. While relaxing a
Although James Harden has his sights set on Philadelphia, Joel Embiid apparently had another acquisition in mind: Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal. Inside reports from the Brooklyn Nets camp have indicated that there was a growing distance between Kevin Durant and James Harden for months on end, with Harden gradually withdrawing from the organization. With that
6:57 PM ET In the aftermath of LeBron James‘ public comments on a possible return to Cleveland and media reports describing his agency’s displeasure with the organization, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, insisting that there’s no movement underway to seek management changes
With New York City mayor Eric Adams phasing out COVID-19 vaccine mandates in New York City, Kyrie Irving will be cleared for Brooklyn Nets home games. In the unofficial case between Kyrie Irving vs. The City of New York, it seems that Irving has finally won out after all these months. The controversial Nets guard
Brooklyn Nets fans are hopeful NYC soon lifting its vaccine mandate will allow Kyrie Irving to play home games again, but it might not be that simple. Kyrie Irving has played just 14 games for the Brooklyn Nets this season, all of them coming on the road since the start of the new year because
Isiah Thomas still finds ways to fire shots at his longtime rival, Michael Jordan, by declaring LeBron James the eventual GOAT in basketball. Isiah Thomas made the coveted NBA75 list alongside LeBron James and Michael Jordan, but Thomas only considers one of them to be basketball’s GOAT — and it isn’t Jordan. Thomas joined ESPN’s
6:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN Shortly after James Harden was introduced as the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the superstar guard was asked the question dominating the NBA world after the blockbuster trade deadline swap with the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons: How will this partnership with Joel Embiid work? “I think we complement
Jayson Tatum addresses those who want to break up Tatum and fellow Celtics shooter Jaylen Brown: “I think we’re both still very far from our prime.” Early into the season, Marcus Smart embarrassed young Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for their refusal to pass the ball. But the story is a little more
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 20: Kevin Garnett laughs with Paul Pierce during the presentation of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is
James Harden will finally get the chance to prove the trade was worth it in his Philadelphia 76ers debut on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The city of Philadelphia doesn’t have to wait any longer. It’s time for James Harden’s 76ers debut. The blockbuster trade that sent Ben Simmons to Brooklyn and made Harden a
10:47 PM ET The Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets held a moment of silence and linked arms in solidarity with Sacramento center Alex Len and his home country of Ukraine ahead of Thursday’s game at the Golden 1 Center. Len and Toronto Raptors wing Svi Mykhailiuk, the two Ukrainian players in the NBA this season,
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 03, 2022 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
3:00 PM ET NEW YORK — As Ben Simmons begins a new chapter in his career with the Brooklyn Nets, questions about the divorce he experienced with the Philadelphia 76ers linger. But as those questions about how he’ll fit with a new team after such a spectacular exit with an old one continue to filter
The Over and Back NBA podcast is celebrating the NBA at 75 by rewatching some of the greatest Slam Dunk Contests in NBA history. It was sold as a youth movement, the new wave, a new generation of top-tier dunkers ready to take the mantle from your Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan types. When Wilkins
8:00 AM ET The NBA’s Eastern Conference is deeper than it has been in decades, setting up what should be a wild sprint to the playoffs over the final seven weeks of the 2021-22 NBA regular season. With five teams within 2.5 games of first place in the conference, and just six games separating sixth
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 6: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during the basketball game against Golden State Warriors at Staples Center March 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) Donda 2 live stream: How to listen to new Kanye West album by Cody Williams A non-rookie
4:23 PM ET NEW YORK — As the Brooklyn Nets continue to wait and hope that the New York City vaccination mandate gets lifted and Kyrie Irving is able to play in home games again, Nets coach Steve Nash sees a renewed sense of optimism from the 29-year-old guard that a resolution might be coming
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Every NBA team has that one guy who became a fan favorite for bruising physicality and a willingness to do whatever it took to protect their teammates. In order to put together a comprehensive list of every NBA team’s greatest enforcer of all time, the question must first be asked:
4:46 PM ET The New York Knicks and guard Kemba Walker have agreed that the four-time All-Star will be sidelined for the remainder of the team’s schedule, allowing him to work out in preparation for the 2022-23 season, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. In a statement released by the team, Knicks president of basketball operations
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the midst of PR problem as news emerges about Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and an embarrassing marketing blooper. The Pelicans have had it tough as a franchise, trading away players intended to be cornerstones such as Anthony Davis, Lonzo Ball, and Chris Paul, among others. When New Orleans pinned
11:40 AM ET The Cleveland Cavaliers are promoting assistant general manager Mike Gansey to the GM title in the wake of Koby Altman’s recent ascension to president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Gansey’s climb completes a remarkable rise in the Cavaliers’ front office: a Cleveland high school player hired an intern in
The Over and Back NBA podcast is celebrating the NBA at 75 by rewatching some of the greatest Slam Dunk Contests in NBA history. In 1988, the NBA slam dunk contest was still trying to figure out exactly what it wanted to be. Early competitions featured some of the league’s top stars and legendary dunkers
4:55 PM ET Guard Jevon Carter plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks once he clears waivers, agents Mark Bartelstein and Reggie Brown of Priority Sports told ESPN on Tuesday. The Nets waived Carter upon reaching an agreement with free agent guard Goran Dragic on Monday. Carter is the second perimeter player this month 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. This week on The Long Two, Ben Ladner looked at the difficult decision the Blazers are facing at the trade deadline — whether or not to trade Damian Lillard.
Michael Jordan had a hilarious moment with fellow NBA75 inductee Magic Johnson, challenging the “old dog” to a legendary game of 1-on-1. The ultimate test of talent in basketball is this: defeating Michael Jordan in a game of 1-on-1. Although the Ball patriarch LaVar Ball has long claimed that he could defeat Jordan in a
2:12 PM ET New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been absent from the court this season due to a foot injury, but according to JJ Redick, Williamson has been absent as a teammate his entire time in the NBA. “There’s a responsibility that you have as an athlete when you play a team sport
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Footprint Center on February 15, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Dallas radio host proposes Aaron Rodgers-to-Cowboys trade by Scott Rogust Watch: Man arrested for taking joy ride at Petco Park by Ethan Lee The Phoenix Suns must tread water without All-Star point guard Chris Paul going forward. While the Phoenix Suns are blessed with the best record
The 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was another disaster in a long line of them. But I just can’t give up on the dunk contest yet. Saturday night’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest was not good. A litany of meandering preambles, missed attempts, and underwhelming finishes made for another in a long line of underwhelming dunk
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders ESPN’s ranking of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team has been revealed. What did we get right and what did we get wrong about our countdown of the league’s 76 greatest legends? Michael Jordan tops the list, followed by LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain. The top 10
The Over and Back NBA podcast is celebrating the NBA at 75 by rewatching some of the greatest Slam Dunk Contests in NBA history. There’s only one place we can begin a series on slam-dunk contests: the “inaugural” NBA slam-dunk contest in 1984. The 1984 NBA slam-dunk contest, of course, wasn’t the first professional dunk
All-Star Weekend proves once again that challenges are different than games as Tyrese Maxey and Scottie Barnes hilariously fail to make easy shots. As entertaining as it can be to see athletes demonstrate their skills in carnival-like competitions, it’s true that many of the challenges during NBA All-Star Weekend are starkly different than gameplay. Nothing
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 20: Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo pose for pictures after the introduction of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
12:53 PM ET Free agent guard Goran Dragic is signing for the rest of the season with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Bill Duffy of BDA Sports told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Dragic began the season on the Toronto Raptors before he was sent to the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline and subsequently had
Former Boston Celtics teammates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen had an awkward interaction at the NBA 75 ceremony at the All-Star Game. One of the highlights of the NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland was the introduction of the NBA 75 team, which features the top 75 players in the league’s history. Two of the players
8:00 AM ET NBA All-Star Weekend was a showcase of today’s superstars, but it was also a celebration of the best players throughout 75 years of league history. Earlier in the 2021-22 season, the NBA unveiled its 75th Anniversary Team, a squad full of iconic players representing different points in the evolution of basketball. But
LeBron James drained the game-winning shot right in front of the folks in Cleveland, which is the absolutely perfect way to end the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. One of the greatest things about sports is the storylines and the archetypes that are so often present in games, athletes, and careers. So, when a hero-turned-villain-turned-hero-turned maybe
8:00 AM ET With the conclusion of Sunday night’s All-Star game in Cleveland, the NBA is officially on break until Thursday. As the league-leading Phoenix Suns have built a 6.5-game lead over the second place Golden State Warriors in the West, the East race continues to be tight. The Miami Heat sit atop the East,
New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Does Aaron Rodgers-Shailene Woodley breakup make Broncos trade less likely? by Ethan Lee Anthony Davis injury sends Lakers fans into immediate panic by Ethan Lee Stephen A. Smith ripped off a three-minute tirade against the New York Knicks after they blew a 28-point lead to
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 11: Bronny James #0 of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers is greeted by his father and NBA player LeBron James after defeating the the Perry Pumas in the Hoophall West tournament at Footprint Center on December 11, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) LeBron James reopens door for potential
11:19 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CLEVELAND — The two kids from Akron stole the show at Sunday night’s All-Star Game. Stephen Curry put on a shooting clinic all evening, hitting 16 3-pointers and scoring 50 points, while LeBron James hit an absurd, one-legged turnaround jumper to clinch the victory for Team LeBron over Team Durant
Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez credits his success to his family: his parents and siblings, his Spanish NBA mentors, and his New Orleans teammates. “Las cosas en equipo. Las cosas en familia. Saben mucho mejor.” Willy Hernangomez has tasted victory in a way few other professional athletes ever have. Willy wasn’t the first person to win
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a time-out from the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on November 02, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
8:08 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CLEVELAND — Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul will be out for the next six to eight weeks due to an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, a source confirmed to ESPN. The injury is a massive blow to a Suns team with the league’s best record and knocks the All-Star
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks holds up the trophy after winning the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading
11:00 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CLEVELAND — Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns demanded an answer as he bounded into the interview room following the 3-point contest at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday night. “Who bet against me?” Towns asked with an ear-to-ear grin. Whoever did, lost. Towns, thanks to a record-setting 29 points in 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.The 50-piece Giannis Antetokounmpo hung on the Indiana Pacers last night was noteworthy for more than a few reasons. It was the third 50-point game of his career and, on
New York Knicks high-flier Obi Toppin used creativity to lift himself to the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk competition championship. The last time NBA All-Star Weekend emanated from Cleveland (1997), the weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest was so poorly received the NBA would cancel the contest completely, removing it from the weekend schedule for 1998. The contest would
11:12 PM ET CLEVELAND — Obi Toppin was the top dunker at NBA All-Star weekend. The New York Knicks forward went through the legs, tapped the ball off the backboard and finished with a one-handed slam to score a 47 on his final dunk and win NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He beat the Golden State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 12: Ayo Dosunmu #12 of the Chicago Bulls against the Oklahoma City Thunder at United Center on February 12, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images
7:35 PM ET The 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend is in full force as the league’s biggest stars meet in Cleveland. This year’s edition saw multiple events with new formats — starting with Rising Stars Challenge that took place on Friday night. Saturday’s action is headlined by three events: the 3-point contest, slam dunk contest and
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 16: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Sacramento Kings in the first half on February 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
7:51 AM ET Brianna Williams The 2022 NBA All-Star Game is the 71st edition of the midseason showcase. While hosting the league’s biggest stars on one court has been a constant for several decades, save for 1999, due to the NBA lockout, much has transformed since the game’s beginning in 1951. One change that easily
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis got dinged up when playing against the Utah Jazz. With his ankle injured, when will Davis be able to return? The Los Angeles Lakers are certainly having a, uh, season. Unfortunately for the Lakers and their fans, this particular season has been marred by injuries while certain members of
Feb 18, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Team Worthy head coach James Worthy is introduced during the 2022 NBA Rising Stars Challenge at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports You have to see Myles Garrett’s windmill slam to believe it (Video) by Scott Rogust Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worhty dropped an F-bomb
Clyde Drexler did not approve of Portland trading CJ McCollum and has a reminder for Damian Lillard. History has a way of repeating itself. In February of 1995, the Portland Trail Blazers were at a crossroads. They had been to the Finals twice with a group led by Clyde Drexler in 1990 and 1992, but
11:49 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CLEVELAND — The Rising Stars Challenge became the latest part of All-Star Weekend to undergo a format change, and it was a success. The event, which features the top first- and second-year NBA players, employed an entirely new format this season. Rather than just being one game involving those players,
The Over and Back NBA podcast is celebrating the NBA at 75 by rewatching some of the greatest Slam Dunk Contests in NBA history. The 1986 NBA slam-dunk contest is famous for being the night when spectacle took center stage. 5-foot-6 Atlanta Hawks point guard Michael Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb probably wasn’t the night’s best
7:01 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CLEVELAND — San Antonio Spurs legend and four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili and WNBA legends Swin Cash and Lindsay Whalen headlined the 11 finalists from the North American and Women’s Committees for the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The other eight finalists were: former Los Angeles Laker Michael
Here are the trade grades for the Indiana Pacers sending Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in a multi-player deal involving Tyrese Haliburton. So the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings made a deal with Domantas Sabonis going to Northern California and Tyrese Haliburton to the Hoosier State. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers sent Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb and a
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. Most of the NBA is preparing to take a break for the All-Star festivities but everything else is popping off — awards races, budding rivalries, and more. To break
9:49 AM ET Four months into the season, the odds to win the NBA championship have seen significant change at the top. The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, considered second-tier contenders to begin the season, enter the All-Star break as the favorites to win the NBA title at sportsbooks around the nation. Meanwhile, the
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play against the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading
9:53 PM ET Anthony Davis will be out at least four weeks after an MRI showed that the Los Angeles Lakers star has a mid-foot sprain, the team announced Thursday. Davis suffered the injury in the team’s 106-101 win against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. He underwent X-rays at Crypto.com Arena that revealed no fracture,
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 had spent much time reading scouting reports before the 2021 NBA Draft then you probably recognized the Golden State Warriors taking Jonathan Kuminga with the No. 7
12:53 AM ET NEW YORK — As Tom Thibodeau watched his beleaguered Knicks blow a 28-point lead to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, even he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. The veteran coach flailed his arms and shook in apparent disbelief as he watched his team get outhustled down the stretch in
Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images After the fight: Daniel Jacobs and the end of a boxer’s road by Jeremy Herriges Kevin Durant had some fun on Twitter after the Brooklyn Nets roared back to beat the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden Wednesday evening. Kevin Durant got the last laugh after the Brooklyn Nets
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN After Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid battled for the right to be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player all last season, it appears this year’s chase for the award could once again come down to the two All-Star big men. Embiid, after coming in second to Jokic in last year’s
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a personal moment before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting
11:27 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis exited Wednesday night’s game against the Utah Jazz with a right ankle sprain and will not return. X-rays revealed no fracture, and according to the team, Davis will be re-evaluated after the upcoming All-Star break. Davis came down on Rudy Gobert‘s heel,
Luka Doncic landed at the top of our 25-under-25 rankings, two years in a row. To celebrate, The Step Back commissioned a pair of custom sneakers for him. For the past five years, FanSided’s NBA team at The Step Back has begun each new NBA season by ranking the 25 best young players in the
The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of more leadership from their stars including LeBron James according to Hall of Famer Laker James Worthy. Have the Los Angeles Lakers hit rock bottom? Hard to tell. The question has been asked frequently. Their current record, 26-31, 9th place in the Western Conference is statistically their
7:41 PM ET After missing two months due to an ankle injury, there’s optimism guard Derrick Rose will return to the New York Knicks‘ lineup out of the All-Star Break next week, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Rose has been progressing on the court for a return, and barring setbacks, there’s confidence he’ll be ready
In light of the hamstring injury to 76ers guard James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen will be assuming his place in the NBA All-Star Game. It stung to see LeBron leave Cleveland (again) for Los Angeles, but this All-Star Weekend, Cavs fans now have a reason to cheer on Team LeBron despite his departure.
10:46 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the New York City vaccination mandate that is preventing Nets guard Kyrie Irving from playing in home games “doesn’t quite make sense to me” during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up on Wednesday morning. As an unvaccinated player against COVID-19, Irving cannot play at the
Feb 15, 2022; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden practices at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Hollywood sign replaced to honor Rams Super Bowl 56 win by Alicia de Artola NBA Twitter could not believe what James Harden was wearing during the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the
11:37 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 50 points and made 17 of his 21 shots from the field Tuesday night to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 128-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The 21 attempts were the fourth fewest in a 50-point game in NBA history. It marked the first
The life of an Army Veteran changed in a major way at the Charlotte Hornets game on Wednesday night. Talk about a night to remember for Army Veteran Forrest Severson and his wife Sarah. Severson, who will medically retire from the Army this month, was on hand for the contest between the Charlotte Hornets and
Goran Dragic, Chicago Bulls. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Goran Dragic was expected to be a buyout candidate after being traded to the Spurs. Now that he’s a free agent, these NBA teams could be great fits. The NBA Trade Deadline was exceptionally busy, punctuated with blockbuster deals such as James Harden and Ben
3:42 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN CAMDEN, New Jersey — James Harden on Tuesday said his newfound partnership with center Joel Embiid can deliver the Philadelphia 76ers their first championship in almost 40 years. “For me, it made sense, man,” Harden said of the blockbuster trade during his introductory news conference at the team’s practice facility.
Because of injuries, vaccinations and dissatisfaction the Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 only played 16 games together. How might we remember them if they made it to 17? To understand the suspension that is time, one must examine the spider web cables that hold and ensnare it. It is 2029 and the Memphis Grizzlies are about
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 Ben Simmons for James Harden swap has been completed and the ultimate perception of the trade will be based on how each team performs over the next 18
After LeBron James couldn’t deliver for the Lakers down the stretch on Saturday night, Skip Bayless loss his mind on Twitter. With the game on the line between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, of course LeBron James wanted the ball in his hands. Down 117-114, James had overtime on his mind and
11:51 PM ET NEW YORK — The sense of relief was palpable for the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night as they snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 109-85 win over the Sacramento Kings. As the victorious players made their way back to the locker room, their cheers and excitement were felt and heard through
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 08: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is pursued by DeAndre’ Bembry #95 and Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on February 08, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading 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. NBA All-Star Weekend is just days away and will provide a welcome break for some teams looking to get healthy or integrate new pieces. For others, it may be
Vanessa Bryant posted a Valentine’s Day tribute to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Monday, Feb. 14 was Valentine’s Day. In the sports world, messages were posted on their social media accounts to their significant others. Vanessa Bryant shared a touching tribute to her late husband and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on
9:23 PM ET Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley has agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract extension, his agent Kevin Bradbury of Rep1 Basketball told ESPN on Monday night. Beverley has been in the final season of a three-year, $40 million contract, so the new agreement will take him through the 2022-2023 season. After arriving
NBA fans are still losing their minds after James Harden was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA was flipped upside down on Thursday when things got across the finish line and James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Rumors had been swirling for a while, and things finally got
3:06 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Philadelphia 76ers announced Monday that superstar guard James Harden will miss the team’s final two games before the All-Star break — Tuesday at home against the Boston Celtics and Thursday in Milwaukee against the defending champion Bucks — as well as the All-Star Game in Cleveland this weekend as
Just days after the Washington Wizards lost Bradley Beal for the remainder of the regular season, they got some scoring insurance in Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis represents a shift for the Dallas Mavericks, who acquired him back in 2019 from the New York Knicks in hopes he’d add to a 1-2 scoring punch with Luka Doncic.
Among the many celebrities at Super Bowl LVI was Lakers star LeBron James, who was enjoying the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show by dancing to the music. Earlier in the 2021, LeBron James was one of the many people who encouraged Odell Beckham Jr. to move to Los Angeles Rams. When OBJ arrived in November,
Thursday’s trade deadline is in the books, and the NBA looks quite a bit different entering this week than it did to start the last. The Philadelphia 76ers can finally move on from the Ben Simmons saga, adding a former MVP alongside Joel Embiid. Simmons will join a Brooklyn Nets team that is left wondering
Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images Erin Andrews on Tom Brady: ‘He’s my inspiration’ by Aryanna Prasad With the NBA trade deadline arriving on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, will Brooklyn Nets star James Harden end up getting sent out of town? All eyes are on James Harden right now. With the trade deadline arriving on
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 15: James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before game 5 of the Eastern Conference second round against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center on June 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
6:13 PM ET The LA Clippers have lost yet another top player indefinitely this season after recently-acquired Norman Powell was diagnosed with a fractured bone in his left foot on Sunday. Powell suffered the injury last Thursday when he scored 19 points in 34 minutes during a 112-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Powell sat
Ben Simmons was reportedly emotional on a phone call with Kevin Durant when the Brooklyn Nets finalized a trade for him on Thursday, Feb. 10. The NBA trade deadline featured the conclusion of the Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers saga. He did not play a single game this season as he wanted a trade from the team,
11:19 AM ET Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine is traveling to Los Angeles to get further evaluation on his left knee but still hopes to participate in next Sunday’s All-Star Game, sources told ESPN. LaVine has been experiencing discomfort in the knee for several weeks, and although a January MRI showed no structural damage,
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21): Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports The San Antonio Spurs are basically playing for NBA Draft position right now, but they actually can make a few moves to set up their next dynasty. The NBA Trade Deadline is here, and the San Antonio Spurs are in a spot that fans aren’t
The Spurs traded guard Derrick White to the Celtics. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) Cowboys rumors: 3 overpaid players who need to be cut this offseason by Mark Powell The Boston Celtics were extremely active at the trade deadline, including giving up multiple players and picks for Derrick White from the Spurs. It was a busy
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is now the all-time leading scorer in NBA history across the regular-season and playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers my not have had the greatest week in terms of their performances and the lack of moves at the NBA trade deadline, but the team and fans got to witness history
10:07 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — No player in league history has scored more points while wearing an NBA uniform than LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star, who came into Saturday night needing 19 points to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most combined regular season and postseason points, made a 3-pointer less than five
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports Georgia football: Kirby Smart rolled up to SEC coaches meetings in legendary fashion by Braulio Perez The Raptors finally found a home for Goran Dragic, flipping him to the San Antonio Spurs for Thad Young. How will this deal work out for both teams? The Toronto Raptors acquired Goran Dragic this
Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings. (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) New York Mets: First move to make once the lockout ends by Seth Carlson Some Sacramento Kings fans absolutely hate this trade their team just made with the Indiana Pacers by giving up on Tyrese Haliburton in exchange for Domantas Sabonis in a package deal. While Indiana Pacers fans
Ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, fans are losing their minds over a four-team deal that just went down. If you were looking for some late drama leading up to the NBA trade deadline, we’ve been delivered just that. On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported the final details on a four-team trade
The Los Angeles Lakers trade plans were nonexistent from the start, as they lacked assets to make a meaningful deal on deadline day. Finally, we’ve reached a logical conclusion. No more Lakers fans jumping into your mentions yelling “THT, Kendrick Nunn and a first!” at the top of their social media lungs. All caps or
8:52 PM ET MIAMI — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant says he doesn’t feel that former teammate James Harden owes him an explanation for wanting to leave the organization. Harden was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday that sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two future first-round
The Portland Trail Blazers sent Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Twitter users are wondering what’s next for Damian Lillard. The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 10, giving teams in playoff contention the opportunity to make a move to help them make a push for the NBA Championship. The
Can the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Damian Lillard after the Blazers dealt C.J. McCollum to the Pelicans? Why a deal is still unlikely: To put it simply, despite the Lakers’ fanbase’s insistence that they trade for Lillard, it’s still quite unlikely. Unless the trade between the Blazers and Pelicans for C.J. McCollum loaded the
The Charlotte Hornets found their new center before the trade deadline, picking up Montrezl Harrell from the Wizards for two players and a draft pick. The NBA trade deadline had the Wizards making moves and the Hornets biding their time but the two eventually came together for a trade. Washington sent center Montrezl Harrell to
1:29 PM ET MIAMI — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant has started doing more on-court work as he inches his way back from a sprained left MCL injury, but there still is no firm timetable for his return, coach Steve Nash said Saturday. For the first time since suffering the injury on Jan. 15, Durant
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 Trade Deadline provided everything we could have asked for — early action, lots of trades and several huge names on the move. To break down some of
12:40 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid said he’s glad to be done answering questions about “that subject” now that the Ben Simmons saga is officially in the past for the 76ers. “Yeah, I’m happy that I’m not going to be answering any more questions about that subject,” Embiid said after finishing with
Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) Chiefs: Travis Kelce won’t ever get over Super Bowl loss by Aryanna Prasad Rob Pelinka may not have been entirely truthful about consulting LeBron James over potential trades to improve the Los Angeles Lakers roster at the NBA trade deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers were
Beloved Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was thrilled to see James Harden go to Philadelphia, believing that the 76ers are now in position to chase rings. Meek Mill is known for his bars, and he’s known for his fervent love of the 76ers. In one tweet, he used his verbal prowess to predict greatness for a
PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 09, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on January 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
8:56 PM ET Hoping to turn the page after a week of uneasiness leading up to the trade deadline was met with poor play on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers held a practice in San Francisco on Friday, ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors. “It’s a new day,” said Lakers coach
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) If LeBron James wants to win anything in Los Angeles this year, he needs to get to work convincing players on the buyout market to come to the Lakers. The NBA trade deadline came and went without the Lakers being able to get any deals done.
2:14 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said that the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons was a difficult one to make, but one that ultimately will allow both Harden and the Nets to get the fresh start they needed. “Make no
Now that James Harden has finally been traded, what does the 76ers depth chart and 76ers roster look like and what their lineup could be for the playoffs. Well, folks, it happened: Ben Simmons was traded ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. After an offseason of wondering what exactly the hell was going to happen,
1:26 AM ET DALLAS — Hours after the Mavericks traded their other player on a maximum contract, Luka Doncic sizzled as Dallas’ lone star, scoring a career-high 51 points in a 112-105 win over the LA Clippers on Thursday. As fans filled the American Airlines Center, where workers had to remove giveaway posters of Kristaps
Until the very last moment, it seemed like it might not happen. But it did, so who won the James Harden for Ben Simmons swap? First, it just made sense on paper. Then it began leaking from fake trades on Twitter to actually sourced rumors. We’ve known for days that both the Philadelphia 76ers and
With the acquisition of Cam Reddish, the New York Knicks are looking to free up space for their star — which means Knicks players are available for trade. When New York first traded for Cam Reddish, it was considered a steal from the Atlanta Hawks, but that doesn’t mean NYC was ready for Reddish. Part
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 08: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at State Farm Arena on February 08, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is
1:21 AM ET WASHINGTON — As the Brooklyn Nets closed the book on James Harden‘s brief tenure with the franchise, coach Steve Nash acknowledged he couldn’t help but wonder what might have been had circumstances worked out differently for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Harden over the past two seasons. Speaking after Thursday’s 113-112 loss
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 30: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on January 30, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of
Both the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans took bold swings head of the NBA trade deadline, but where will those moves ultimately take them? Both the blessing and the curse of building around someone like Zion Williamson is the urgency he places upon the present. A player this dominant, this soon with this kind of
An even(ish) swap of two rares is an exceedingly rare occurrence, especially at the NBA Trade Deadline. But James Harden for Ben Simmons could be a win-in. The Nets’ big three dissolved before it ever fully came together, broken apart more by the constantly changing forces of the NBA trade market than any real on-court
1:23 PM ET The Nets have traded James Harden to the 76ers in a blockbuster deal that ends the former MVP’s short-lived Big Three stint in Brooklyn and also signals a fresh start for Ben Simmons, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Harden is on the move via trade for the second time in just over
The Los Angeles Lakers may not be pushing for a Russell Westbrook trade but one could come if LeBron James wants John Wall badly enough. There was always a chance the Lakers and Russell Westbrook marriage would not work out. At this point, it’s certainly looking like it. The question for Los Angeles is how
8:31 AM ET Although Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden wants a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has resisted making that formal request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons, sources told ESPN. Harden is hopeful that 76ers president of basketball operations
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. Four teams got a jumpstart on the NBA Trade Deadline with a pair of massive Tuesday trades. The Sacramento Kings sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson to
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images LeBron James nominated for embarrassing Razzie for Space Jam: A New Legacy by Braulio Perez New York Knicks fans are worried about the status of R.J. Barrett after he suffered an injury late on Tuesday night. In a game that New York Knicks had no shot of winning against the
9:22 PM ET PORTLAND — Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook will not play in Wednesday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of tightness in his lower back, the team announced. It will be the first game Westbrook has missed all season. Westbrook felt the same tightness in his back in Tuesday night’s
The NBA has announced the full field for the 3-Point Contest during All-Star weekend and fans are sure to be fired up. The high-flyers putting on a show during the Dunk Contest at the All-Star Game may make plenty of headlines, but don’t forget about the 3-Point Contest for a second. Each year, the competition
2:47 PM ET The Utah Jazz have agreed to trade injured veteran forward Joe Ingles in a three-team deal in which the Western Conference contender will land promising third-year guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Jazz will acquire Alexander-Walker from the Portland Trail Blazers and reserve forward Juancho Hernangomez from the San
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. There is no hotter team in the NBA right now than the Memphis Grizzlies, who knocked off the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night to stretch their league-best win streak
Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) NBA Twitter trolling Nets into oblivion for getting blown out by Celtics by Scott Rogust After taking Ja Morant out of the air with a dangerous blow to the face, Marcus Morris was ejected from the Clippers vs.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports) Report: Mike McDaniel should quell Dolphins concerns about Tua Tagovailoa by John Buhler The Washington Wizards will have to play the rest of the season without Bradley Beal, who is set to undergo wrist surgery. The Wizards are in the middle of a major skid and
3:42 AM ET LOS ANGELES — A troubling loss to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night led to an uneasy admission within the Los Angeles Lakers‘ locker room: The roster is not working, and something must be done to get the team back on course with Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching. The suspicion
The action kicked off early with a handful of big trades days before the actual NBA Trade Deadline. Here are all the latest rumors and analysis of every completed deal. We’ve already seen a few of the biggest dominos fall with Domantas Sabonis and CJ McCollum both traded on Tuesday. Here are the deals we’ve
Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers, vaccination rate Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports WM Phoenix Open expert picks, best bets for PGA Tour golf this week by Cody Williams Los Angeles Lakers fans are losing their minds on Twitter after Buddy Hield was traded by the Kings to the Pacers. Is Rob Pelinka aware
Los Angeles Lakers fans loudly booed Russell Westbrook after he turned the ball over on consecutive possessions in Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Los Angeles Lakers are drastically underperforming this season, and fans are fed up. One of their big offseason acquisitions, Russell Westbrook, is not playing to the level that fans were
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball made some history after being named to the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA announced all of the participants for the 2022 All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio, with Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant being one of them. However, due to him being sidelined with an MCL sprain, he is unable to
5:16 PM ET Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will miss the rest of the season due to surgery needed on his left wrist, the team announced on Tuesday. The Wizards earlier this month said Beal was diagnosed with an injury to the scapholunate ligament and would be reevaluated in one week. That process revealed the
Well, things got a little testy between Julius Randle and an assistant coach for the New York Knicks on the sideline of the Knicks’ latest loss. During yet another disappointing Knicks loss (this time in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers), Randle and Scott King, an assistant for the Knicks, were spotted arguing. During the
11:06 AM ET The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to trade CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. In return, the Pelicans are sending Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Didi Louzada, a future first-round pick and two future second-round picks to the Blazers, sources said.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) The point guard position is one that has had some of the greatest of all time at the position, but when looking at each franchise, it’s hard to pick just one for each team. There have been some amazing point guards in
7:45 PM ET EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — While much of the discourse about this season’s Los Angeles Lakers has centered around the acquisition of Russell Westbrook and how the point guard has not been an ideal fit, LeBron James insists there is no one player responsible for the team still scuffling along below .500 as
WNBA free agency moved quickly and the power structure of the league could see some big shifts. Who were the biggest winner and losers? The WNBA is going to look a little different in 2022, but not necessarily as different as it could have looked. The Seattle Storm are running things back, even after Breanna
12:28 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN OKLAHOMA CITY — As the Golden State Warriors took on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, Klay Thompson said he tried not to think of the night six years ago when he torched OKC, knocking down 11 3-pointers in the Western Conference Finals. But as he knocked down two back-to-back
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images Winter Olympics 2022 men’s freestyle skiing moguls final: How to watch online by Ethan Lee Was Tyreek Hill hurt when he raced Micah Parsons at the Pro Bowl? by Aryanna Prasad Draymond Green announced that he will not be participating in the 2022 All-Star Game due to injury. The NBA
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. We’re just four days away from the NBA Trade Deadline and we’ve already seen some dominoes fall with the Cleveland Cavaliers picking up Caris LeVert from the Pacers for
6:35 AM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Ramona Shelburne Close ESPN Senior Writer Senior writer for ESPN.com Spent seven years at the Los Angeles Daily News When Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reached out to Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Ricky Rubio and multiple draft picks for Caris LeVert from the Pacers. Which side won the trade? The Cavaliers and Pacers will face off on Sunday night, so Caris LeVert won’t even have to go very far to introduce himself to his new teammates after being traded from Detroit to Cleveland.
8:00 AM ET With the NBA trade deadline just days away (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET), teams around the league are looking to make deals. Sunday saw Caris LeVert traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as LeVert joins a team in Cleveland that has continued to defy expectations this season despite significant guard
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks. (Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) Tyrann Mathieu’s son showed more effort in Pro Bowl celly than any actual players by Ethan Lee The officiating in the Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks game on Sunday evening stunk almost as bad as the Pro Bowl. In what should have been
4:40 PM ET The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert in a trade, sources told ESPN on Sunday, a significant addition to one of the most promising young rosters in the Eastern Conference. LeVert goes to the Cavaliers with a 2022 second-round pick via Miami for Ricky Rubio‘s expiring contract, a lottery-protected
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant responded to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith yet again regarding his take. Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is not shy about sharing his thoughts on Twitter. That is evident, especially when he is talked about by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. That all began earlier in the week, where Smith said if
3:56 PM ET DENVER — The Brooklyn Nets do not plan to trade James Harden prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Nets coach Steve Nash made that clear before Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets as Harden’s name continues to pop up in trade speculation. “Yes,” Nash said. “That’s correct.” Nash also said Harden has
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ surge into the NBA playoff picture has surprised many, but the data suggests this young Cavs team is right where it belongs. At the midway point of the NBA season, few would have predicted that the Cleveland Cavaliers would sit with a top-10 record and the league’s sixth-best point differential. The Cavs’
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. I was raised on the beautiful two-man synergies of John Stockton and Karl Malone, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, and Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. There’s something magical about
Nov 20, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers and guard Seth Curry (31) questions an official about an offensive foul call during the second half at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Watch: Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill tries Stone Cold beer chug at NHL All-Star
2:30 AM ET LOS ANGELES — For the second time this season, Russell Westbrook was benched by Lakers coach Frank Vogel to close out a game. Only this time, the Lakers won, beating the New York Knicks 122-115 in overtime on Saturday. And the result made all the difference to Westbrook in accepting the decision.
Making picks for the NBA All-Star Team is hard. But what if we were only picking from players who wear t-shirts under their jerseys? The 2021-22 NBA All-Star Game starters will be announced Thursday night on TNT, and the reserves will be revealed on Thursday, Feb. 3. But here’s an important question: if there was
The Portland Trail Blazers made a pretty big move when the traded Robert Covington, but it doesn’t look like that trade was actually good for them. Robert Covington isn’t exactly the best player in the NBA. He’s not someone that a franchise could necessarily build a team around. However, Covington is a valuable asset that
4:13 PM ET ESPN News Services LeBron James, who has missed the Los Angeles Lakers‘ past five games with swelling in his left knee, returned to the starting lineup against the New York Knicks on Saturday night. Prior to the game, coach Frank Vogel said James would be a gametime decision. He was officially listed
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets passes the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of their game at Golden 1 Center on February 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is
2:17 PM ET Associated Press MILWAUKEE — Veteran center Greg Monroe is back with the Milwaukee Bucks on a 10-day contract. Monroe, 31, played 165 games for the Bucks from 2015 to 2017. He played five games earlier this season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards while on 10-day contracts with each of those
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 24: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after being called for a foul during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 95-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
1:47 AM ET SALT LAKE CITY — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving doesn’t want his team getting too down on itself despite the fact it has now dropped a season-high seven straight games after an embarrassing 125-102 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night. As the losses pile up, skepticism around the league grows
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. NBA All-Star starters were revealed last night and the inclusion of Andrew Wiggins was really the only surprise. But as each roster gets filled out with reserves (announced Feb.
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 full All-Star rosters revealed and the Dunk Contest field confirmed, NBA All-Star Weekend is starting to take shape. We’re still two weeks away, with the trade deadline to
5:12 PM ET Sashi Brown is leaving Monumental Sports and the NBA’s Washington Wizards to return to the NFL as an executive with the Baltimore Ravens, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Adam Schefter on Friday. The Ravens haven’t announced the news, but team officials confirmed the hiring to ESPN. Brown had just been promoted
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 30: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a three point basket in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on January 30, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
2:56 PM ET The LA Clippers are trading Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and a future second-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The pick the Clippers are sending out is a 2025 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. The
Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage called out the pay inequity between WNBA coaches and players as Aces coach Becky Hammon gets $1M salary. It’s hard to quantify just how much basketball’s greatest players deserve to make. Steph Curry made NBA history this season with the most three-pointers ever made, and his second super max
3:25 AM ET LOS ANGELES — The LA Clippers might find out more about whether Paul George will play again this season when he undergoes an MRI on his right elbow on Feb. 24, but head coach Ty Lue did not sound optimistic about a potential Kawhi Leonard return this season. After the Clippers squeezed
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 12: DeAndre’ Bembry #95, Paul Millsap #31 and Patty Mills #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images Sean Strickland details the origins of Kevin Holland beef (Video) by Curtis Calhoun Some are taking Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid’s most recent tweet as a shot towards Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers saw their recent five-game winning streak end on on Wednesday, Feb. 2 after a 106-103 loss to
8:00 PM ET NBA Insiders The 2021-22 NBA All-Star player pool is set after the NBA announced the Eastern and Western Conference reserves on Thursday night. The West reserves were led by two sets of teammates — Phoenix’s Chris Paul and Devin Booker and Utah’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell — with Luka Doncic (Dallas
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Blazers face the franchise-defining choice of trading Damian Lillard or holding onto him for another playoff run. The trade deadline typically serves as an inflection point of the NBA season, both for the league as a whole and for individual teams. Championship contenders try to upgrade their rosters,
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The NBA trade deadline is one week away. Which stars could be on the move? Last season’s deadline saw two major deals among the flurry of last-minute trades, both involving the Orlando Magic‘s massive rebuild: The Denver Nuggets acquired forward Aaron Gordon, while the Chicago Bulls dealt for center Nikola
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 Phoenix Suns have been winning a lot lately — their 10-point win over the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday night brought their current win streak to 11 games, the longest
11:34 PM ET LOS ANGELES — As someone who hones his craft in a league in which minority coaches occupy the majority of the head-coaching positions, Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers said he can’t help but appreciate how the NBA operates compared to the NFL. “I’m really just kind of so proud of
The Washington Wizards look set to be active on the trade market, including some motivation to move guard Spencer Dinwiddie. The Washington Wizards started this season nicely (10-3), but they’ve since faded to being outside the play-in tournament if the playoffs started today. A shakeup could be coming as the Feb. 10 trade deadline gets
8:51 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The NBA on Tuesday night unveiled the rosters for this month’s Rising Stars Challenge, which featured the presence of G League Ignite players for the first time. Four top prospects playing for the Ignite — Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels, Scoot Henderson and MarJon Beauchamp — joined 12 players from each
Although Golden State Warriors small forward Andrew Wiggins has come under scrutiny for his All-Star nomination, his past few games merit recognition. Andrew Wiggins made news for all the wrong reasons recently when he made the 2021-22 All-Star roster over players deemed more impressive by NBA players and media, such as Rudy Gobert and Draymond
8:00 AM ET SENSING AN ACROBATIC opportunity, Ja Morant skips with excitement and raises his left hand. He’s already calling for a lob as he approaches the 3-point line on the left wing, with Memphis Grizzlies backcourt mate Desmond Bane crossing half court in transition. Bane picks up his dribble, takes two long strides down
Jan 10, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) dunks as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) watches in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports Giants release statement regarding Brian Flores lawsuit by Aryanna Prasad The NBA is setting the stage for All-Star Weekend 2022 in
3:57 PM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN ANTONIO — The Golden State Warriors will be without more than half of their active roster, including Stephen Curry, when they face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in the second game of a back-to-back. After dropping 40 points against the Houston Rockets on Monday, Curry is listed as
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 decline of the post-up is well understood, although the degree to which it has led to adaptation rather than extinction doesn’t get enough attention. The post-up has, generally,
7:48 PM ET Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will miss at least his team’s next four games after being diagnosed with a ligament injury in his left wrist. The Wizards said Beal was diagnosed with an injury to the scapholunate ligament and would be reevaluated in one week. Beal will miss Tuesday night’s game against
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 17: Allen Iverson responds to being introduced at halftime during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is
1:26 PM ET PHOENIX — James Harden (right hand strain) went through all of the Brooklyn Nets‘ shootaround Tuesday and has been upgraded to probable for the game Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. “I think he’s feeling less irritation,” Nets coach Steve Nash said after the shootaround. “So the inflammation’s come down. Therefore, the
12:56 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN HOUSTON — For the second time in 10 days, the Houston Rockets were giving the Golden State Warriors every inch of fight they had in them. And for about three quarters, it looked to be wearing the Warriors down. But then in the fourth, Stephen Curry erupted. He scored 21
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. To really succeed a team needs to have multiple lineups it can rely on and depth has perhaps never been more important than this season, with the Omicron variant
12:53 PM ET The 2022 NBA trade deadline (Feb. 10, 3 p.m. ET) has already started buzzing with some moves, including a voided trade, to put players with new teams for the 2021-22 regular season. The Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks for Kevin Knox II in a swap of