Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London was an elite two-sport athlete, playing AAU basketball with NBA stars like Zaire Williams, Scottie Barnes and Tre Mann. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London was the first receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, but the No. 8 overall pick maintains that if he chose a different path in
Toronto Raptors
Mar 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse looks on in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports NHL Playoffs: Avalanche vs. Predators Game 1 TV channel and more by Scott Rogust Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse shut down rumors
Raptors forward Pascal Siakam made the absolute most of a push-off during Game 4 of Toronto’s playoff series against the 76ers. The Raptors got a much-needed win in Game 4 against the 76ers, hanging on to avoid a sweep on Saturday. They did it thanks to 34 points from Pascal Siakam, who also came through
Apr 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after his offensive charge against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter in game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Packers targeting massive trade to get Aaron Rodgers
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) Stephen A. Smith absolutely torches Ben Simmons for not playing Game 4 by Mark Powell Game 5 of the Raptors vs. 76ers is coming up on Monday night as Philadelphia looks to close out the series and Toronto hopes to extend. The NBA Playoffs will continue
Apr 28, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) gestures as he speaks with team mates in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Watch Dustin Poirier name the second round
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors won the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year award. But was Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley robbed of the award? With the NBA Playoffs commencing, the league announced the winners of some of their year-end awards, such as Defensive Player of the Year. On Saturday, Apr. 23, the league
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) USC football fans will love what Matt Leinart said about Lincoln Riley by Alicia de Artola Tyson Fury TKOs Dillian Whyte in round 6 with uppercut (Video) by Jeremy Herriges Joel Embiid gave a round of applause to the referees after the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 4
The Philadelphia 76ers look to complete the sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a Game 4 victory on Saturday, Apr. 23. The Toronto Raptors are on the verge of being the first team eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, as they face an 0-3 deficit to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite returning home to Toronto and the
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds back Danny Green #14 as he yells at a referee in the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly
Apr 18, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts with forward Tobias Harris (12) after a score and one against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Freddie Freeman
In Joel Embiid’s postgame interview, following the Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the Toronto Raptors, he spoke about what was said to Nick Nurse. During the NBA playoffs, it is expected for players to heckle their opponents. It is a high-intensity atmosphere, and it often brings out the best in the players. Most would expect 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 NBA Play-In Tournament wraps tonight, setting the final two playoff spots, with the postseason proper beginning Saturday and Sunday. To break down some of the biggest questions in
The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets feature three of the smartest and most creative stars in the NBA. How will their first-round matchup play out? The NBA playoffs have a way of selecting for the most disciplined, intelligent and adaptable teams, but it’s still rare for the first round to deliver the kind of
With the start of the playoffs just a few days away, it’s time to hand out some awards for the 2021-22 NBA season. Amazingly, we are less than two weeks away from the end of the NBA season, which means it’s time to get to work on selecting 2021-22 award winners. I, of course, do
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 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was an embarrassment. The NBA, which once prided itself on high-flying, larger-than-life superstars used their All-Star Saturday night showcase, for a boring, mundane, uncompetitive contest.
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
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
While Toronto Raptors fans may have been somewhat stressed, head coach Nick Nurse was put through the wringer in Toronto’s win over the Miami Heat. Most casual NBA fans probably thoroughly enjoyed watching the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat battle back and forth through multiple overtimes as Toronto eventually won 124-120. Raptors fans and Heat
NBA All-Star voting ends this week. Which players from the Eastern Conference deserve a spot in this year’s All-Star Game, and which ones just miss the cut? NBA All-Star voting closes this Friday, and while I don’t have an official media vote for who gets into this year’s game, I still went through the exercise
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
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
Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports) Seattle Seahawks: 3 players who won’t be back in 2022 by Aryanna Prasad Joe Johnson nails first shot back in improbable return with Celtics (Video) by Alicia de Artola The Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs made an awesome gift to a Canadian foodbank, sending them
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 more than a month since we last looked at the rookie class as a whole. Over that stretch, several rookies have continued to impress while Cade Cunningham
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 26, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
The NBA will make the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls forfeit second-round draft picks as penalty for tampering in Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry deals. The long-awaited verdict for the tampering trade charges involving Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry has finally been released. After a four-month investigation, the NBA has determined that the offending
Longtime Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry reiterates that he will always be a Raptor at heart — and he still plans on retiring as one. Loyalty can be a tricky notion in the NBA. Some of the best players who remained fiercely loyal were only ever rewarded in kindness, failing to win a coveted
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant complimented the basketball IQ of Toronto Raptors rookie forward Scottie Barnes relative to his young age. The Brooklyn Nets may have won their Nov. 7 game against the Toronto Raptors, but the Raptors came away with a different kind of win: high praise from one of the best forwards in
This week, The Long Two breaks down how much the Brooklyn Nets will miss Kyrie Irving on the court and how good the Raptors’ young core has looked. If Kyrie Irving were as intelligent as he fancies himself, he might have avoided getting into this mess altogether. Instead, he has chosen to put both his
How can OG Anunoby take the next step as an offensive threat, without sacrificing the defensive intensity that’s made him so essential to the Toronto Raptors? As he enters his fifth season, OG Anunoby is trying to become something that may or may not actually exist. The idea of a two-way wing holds an outsized
After cashing in this summer, can Gary Trent Jr. cement himself as a fixture of the Toronto Raptors’ post-Kyle Lowry era? Gary Trent Jr. is waltzing into a golden opportunity in 2021-22. With Kyle Lowry now in Miami, the Toronto Raptors will be reinventing themselves. Fred VanVleet figures to take over as their full-time point
After receiving approval from the Canadian government, the Raptors are back to playing home games in Toronto; this latest Raptors news is sending a positive message to “We The North” faithful. Their first preseason game at home is against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 4. The first home regular season game is versus the Washington
After years as the inferior conference, there seems to be some optimism that the East may be deeper than the West this season. After a fast and furious summer that included trades, the draft and free agency, the landscape of the league has changed quite a bit in the span of just a couple of
Free agent forward Stanley Johnson is signing a contract with the Chicago Bulls. In the 2020-21 NBA season, the 25-year-old averaged 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 61 games played on the Toronto Raptors. This was an improvement over his 2.4 points-per-game average in the 2019-20 season. Shooting-wise, he averaged a
According to oddsmakers via BetMGM sportsbook, the Golden State Warriors are now the official favorites to trade for Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers. Even the San Antonio Spurs could pursue a trade; the odds have now been updated. For a reminder, all bets are void if Simmons returns to the 76ers. However, that scenario
Every player in the NBA has had a down year. If they haven’t, it is likely only a matter of time. It could be that they were trying to find their fit on a new team, battling injuries, or simply trying to do too much under immense pressure. Regardless of the reason, a season-long slump
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and rapper Drake (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images) USMNT vs El Salvador live stream reddit: Watch FIFA World Cup Qualifying – CONCACAF by Scott Rogust With Drake’s new album, Certified Lover Boy, set to drop in the coming hours, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant reacted on social media.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been working to trade three-time All-Star Ben Simmons. Thus far, they have been unsuccessful with negotiations, considering Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations, and general manager Elton Brand are demanding a king’s ransom for their point guard. Per sources, now they are aiming to trade Tyrese Maxey along with
Mandatory Credit: Rich Schultz/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports NBA Twitter freaks out after Bulls land Lonzo Ball in sign-and-trade by Mark Powell Phoenix Suns keeping Chris Paul with mega 4-year deal by Gerald Bourguet NBA Free Agency has started with a bang, and now-former Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is taking his talents to South
Summer is drawing to a close and while the buzz surrounding free agency has lessened, there are still some impactful moves that teams can make. Now is the time for the front office executives to trim out their roster, take a closer look at some veterans, and possibly taking a chance on a young prospect
Dalano Banton, the Toronto Raptors’ No. 46 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, has officially signed a two-year, $2.5 million rookie deal with the organization. Banton is the first Canadian player in NBA history to be drafted by the Raptors. The signing was made official this morning. In 58 combined games played at Western Kentucky
(Image courtesy of Sharp Magazine) Oddsmakers at the Bovada sportsbook are offering -400 odds on Miami Heat ending up in hot water over a recent deal that saw former Raptor Kyle Lowry head south to the heat from up north in Toronto. After finishing sixth in the eastern conference and getting wrecked 4-0 by the
According to oddsmakers at BetOnline, the Portland Trail Blazers are the favorites to trade for Ben Simmons, if the 76ers are still aiming to move on from the three-time All-Star point guard. The Trail Blazers’ front office told reporters a few days ago that the organization has no future plans to surrender a first-round draft
The NBA is investigating potential tampering from the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls for their respective deals for Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball. Once the NBA free agency negotiation window opened up last Monday, two of the biggest point guards on both the unrestricted and restricted markets quickly flew off the board. The Chicago Bulls
The Miami Heat completed their sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors that officially landed them veteran point guard Kyle Lowry. Once the free agency negotiation window opened up earlier this week, the available point guards flew off the open market. While Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry was not the first to be taken off the board,
For the past several years, the Western Conference has widely been considered the deeper, more talented conference. Don’t look now, but the teams in the East have caught up and passed them as the premier conference in the league. Considering the elite-level talent (superstars) and the rising young stars, the argument could easily be made
Ben Simmons apparently thinks he has too much of a social life to play for the Portland Trail Blazers or Toronto Raptors. After an embarrassing playoff performance, the rumor mill surrounding Ben Simmons has been churning rapidly. The 25-year-old still has four years and $145 million remaining on his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, but
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports With the Los Angeles Lakers finding their point guard in Russell Westbrook, here are the top three destinations for free agent Kyle Lowry. This NBA offseason, there are set to be plenty of teams in search of a starting point guard, from teams on the rise to those planning
The 2021 NBA Draft is the 75th edition of the draft, and it is scheduled to take place next Thursday, July 29. According to numerous 2021 NBA mock drafts, the Cleveland Cavaliers are projected to draft Evan Mobley, the seven-foot tall forward/center and Pac-12 Player of the Year (2021) for the USC Trojans, with the
The 2021 NBA Draft is the 75th edition of the draft, and it is scheduled to take place next Thursday, July 29. According to numerous 2021 NBA mock drafts, the Cleveland Cavaliers are projected to draft Evan Mobley, the seven-foot tall forward/center and Pac-12 Player of the Year (2021) for the USC Trojans, with the
The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Champions once again. Fifty years after winning their first title, the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games behind a sensational performance from their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee drafted the two-time regular season MVP and now Finals MVP back in 2013 with the 15th overall pick. Every year the
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers, D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves. (Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports) Here is how All-Star point guard Ben Simmons could get trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors this offseason. Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons has a robust trade market, one that includes reported
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Steam is picking up on the Ben Simmons trade rumors, and it doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon. Five teams have been directly linked to Simmons; here’s a way each of them can pull off the big move. According to The New York Times‘ Marc Stein, there are five
James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors, Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports) Who is Dee Devlin? by Maria Morales The Golden State Warriors could trade James Wiseman and the No. 7 overall pick to the Toronto Raptors for former All-Star Pascal Siakam. Needing to make the NBA Playoffs after a two-year postseason absence, the Golden
If it still hasn’t sunk in just yet, it bears repeating: the New York Knicks are making their first trip to the NBA Playoffs since 2012-13. Naturally, it’s understandable that most Knicks-centered articles are examining their ceiling this season. Alas, according to Kanye West, the present is the past – so, like Yeezy, we’re looking
Three teams in the Eastern Conference are expected to compete for a spot in the NBA Finals. The Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are clearly head-and-shoulders above the next tier of teams in the East. Still, those organizations are not going to just lay down and concede defeat. Last year the Miami HEAT
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 06: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors pushes Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 06: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors is fouled by Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: A general view of the Toronto Raptors logo at Amalie Arena during a game against the New York Knicks on December 31, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions
Mar 19, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Norman Powell (24) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Bulls swing for the fences, pull off huge trade for Nikola Vucevic by Ian Levy The Toronto Raptors are in a rare
It’s rare to see a win-win trade at the NBA Deadline, but credit the Raptors and Trail Blazers for achieving just that with the Norman Powell deal. The Raptors approached the NBA Trade Deadline with quite a few decisions to make. One of their biggest calls was to decide whether or not Norman Powell was
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 17: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Chiefs re-sign Demarcus Robinson to bolster receiver depth by Matt Verderame Cavs will buyout Andre Drummond, freeing him from trade rumor purgatory by Josh Hill Down to the wire, Kyle Lowry had been linked to the Lakers, 76ers and Heat. In the end, the Toronto Raptors decided to keep their point
Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images NBA trade rumors: Warriors are actively shopping Kelly Oubre Jr. by Steven Kubitza The Cleveland Cavaliers have received interest from the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors in regards to center Andre Drummond. The NBA trade deadline is only a couple of days away, and all eyes will be on the Cleveland
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) Bellator 256: Liz Carmouche vs. Vanessa Porto official for April 9 by Amy Kaplan Kyle Lowry may want to stay with the Toronto Raptors, but if he is traded, his preferred destination would be to the Miami Heat. Thursday is the 2021 NBA trade deadline, so the clock
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Michael Chandler’s latest Instagram post will get you excited for UFC 262 or you are dead inside by Thomas Albano The Miami Heat want to make moves ahead of the 2021 NBA trade deadline. Two players they have their eyes on are Toronto Raptors point
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 03: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) Raiders release Lamarcus Joyner after two seasons by Steven Kubitza Red Sox thank Jackie Bradley Jr. in emotional farewell tribute (Video) by Scott Rogust As the NBA’s trade deadline approaches, do the Los Angeles Clippers
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors. (Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) Clemson football: Travis Etienne’s NFL Draft stock soars after blazing 40 at Pro Day by John Buhler No matter how it ends, point guard Kyle Lowry plans to retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors. With the 2021 NBA trade deadline looming, one
Kyle Lowry’s contract may prevent him from getting moved at the NBA trade deadline. The NBA trade deadline takes place on March 25 and there is expected to be tons of movement. One of the larger names that keeps coming up in trade rumors is Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, who was reportedly linked to
There are three teams listed as reported trade destinations for Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. This season, the Toronto Raptors were expected to be contenders in the Eastern Conference, especially after they retained Fred VanVleet on a long-term deal. Instead, the Raptors sit in fifth place in the conference standings with a 16-17 record, where
Former Lakers and Houston Rockets center Demarcus Cousins. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports The Houston Rockets are reportedly parting ways with center DeMarcus Cousins in the coming days. Here are thee playoff contenders who should sign him. Prior to the start of the 2020-21 season, the Houston Rockets decided to create a bit of
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports Bradley Beal blames gravity for the Wizards’ struggles by Steven Kubitza The Boston Celtics’ and Toronto Raptors’ struggles so far this season can be encapsulated in this 43-second clip from their matchup Thursday night. Both the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors have struggled so far this NBA season. The two teams
NBA Twitter had fun at the expense of Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. After a strong start to the 2020-21 campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks are falling back down to earth at rapid speed. Things started to go downhill once point guard Jrue Holiday was sidelined after entering
Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images Jessica Pegula, daughter of Bills and Sabres owners, pulls off massive Australian Open upset by John Buhler Bucs nearly cut Leonard Fournette until Antonio Brown stepped in by Cole Thompson The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the precipice of moving center Andre Drummond, possibly to the Toronto Raptors. With the Cleveland Cavaliers
The March 25 NBA trade deadline can’t come soon enough for these title hopefuls that need to bolster their rosters. As the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season winds down, front offices across the league need to conduct objective evaluations of their respective teams. Are they good enough to win this year’s championship as