Victor Wembanyama doesn’t like being called “The Unicorn.” It’s the nickname mostly associated with Latvian standout Kristaps Porzingis. About the only thing Wembanyama and Porzingis have in common is their height. Both are extremely tall men raised on European soil. But the comparisons end there. Wembanyama is a far, far better prospect at this stage … [Read more…]
The 2017-18 NBA season can’t arrive soon enough, especially after a super-busy offseason that saw Kyrie Irving traded to Boston, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joining forces with Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, and Chris Paul teaming up with James Harden in Houston. All the wheeling and dealing and activity by many teams are meant … [Read more…]
When Tim Duncan announced his retirement from basketball, there were no journals in the Players’ Tribune or made-for-TV specials or farewell tours. He revealed his decision in a one-page press release. His final game turned out to be a loss in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference semifinals at Oklahoma City. When the final … [Read more…]
For almost two decades, the San Antonio Spurs have accumulated an impressive collection of rings, bronze hardware and gold trophies. Between future Hall-of-Famers Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, and head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have combined for 18 NBA championship rings, three most valuable player awards, three Coach of the Year awards … [Read more…]
When San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich unleashed Kawhi Leonard, the 2014 NBA Finals turned into a one-sided contest. Leonard looked like a different player after a disappointing Game 2. He scored a playoff-career high 29 points in Game 3 and followed that up with a 20-point, 14-rebound effort in Game 4. The Spurs won … [Read more…]
Tim Duncan rattled some cages when he told TNT’s David Aldridge that his San Antonio Spurs are excited to face the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. “We’re glad that we’re back here. We’re excited about it. We got four more to go. We’ll do it this time,” Duncan said moments after the Spurs … [Read more…]
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have to be asking themselves, “Where would our team be now if we still had James Harden?” Durant and Westbrook won’t say it publicly but privately they have to be frustrated at Oklahoma City owner Clay Bennett and general manager Sam Presti for allowing their good friend to leave town. … [Read more…]
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka had a Willis Reed moment. For those who are too young to remember Willis Reed, he’s the guy who lifted the New York Knicks to a world championship in 1970 by sinking two baskets at the start of Game 7 despite a leg so badly hurt he could barely jog. … [Read more…]
While all eyes have been focused on Kevin Durant during his remarkable scoring binge this month, lost in the shuffle is the brilliant play of Reggie Jackson. The third-year pro out of Boston College has been more than just a backup plan for Oklahoma City while Russell Westbrook continues to recover from knee surgery. Jackson … [Read more…]
The Spurs made it to the NBA Finals and had the Miami Heat on the ropes, but were unable to prevent LeBron James and Co. from winning their second straight title. This year, San Antonio should still be the class of the Southwest Division, but the gap is narrowing. The rest of the division is … [Read more…]