
Articles

Luka Doncic Still Bothered By Leg Injury
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has admitted that he played through a leg injury at the FIBA World Cup. "I do not know what to say," Doncic said ahead of Slovenia's final game at the tournament. "It's not okay. At the same time, I have to prepare for one more game, and then for a […]
Taavi Pailk
JaVale McGee Preferred Kings To Warriors
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, JaVale McGee elected against joining his former team, the Golden State Warriors, when the Dallas Mavericks waived him last month. The 35-year-old won two championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, but he decided to join the Sacramento Kings instead for the upcoming campaign. McGee won multiple rings […]
Taavi Pailk
Ben Simmons Expects To Be "All-Star Caliber" Player Again
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons is apparently looking to return with a bang in 2023-24, with ESPN's Marc J. Spears reporting that he's hoping to get back to All-Star form. "He's talking about being an All-Star again. He said in some workouts in Miami he put the ball through his legs and dunked," Spears said […]
Taavi Pailk
Nick Nurse Believes Paul Reed Is Ready To Take A Step Up
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Paul Reed has a big fan in new head coach Nick Nurse, who believes the 24-year-old can do a lot more for the team. "He's had a great summer -- amazing. He's really worked," Nurse said of Reed on Patrick Beverley's podcast. "From the moment I got the job, he got in […]
Taavi Pailk
Rui Hachimura Seen As Starter Ahead Of Christian Wood
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura looks set to be a starter for the team in 2023-24. After singing a two-year deal with the club this week, Christian Wood noted that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has told him he sees him playing a "big" role, but team sources have told The Athletic's Jovan Buha […]
Taavi Pailk
Chris Paul Expected To Start For Warriors
Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul will be a starter for the team this season, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears. "I do expect him to start. And I think it's like five-minute spurts," Spears said on Yahoo Sports' Good Word with Goodwill podcast. "I don't know that they really want his minutes to […]
Taavi Pailk
Jake Sanderson Gets $64 Million Contract From Senators
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson has signed a big extension with the team, inking an eight-year contract worth $64.4 million. He will carry a $8.05 million cap hit through the 2031-32 campaign. The 21-year-old American earned himself the big contract with a very impressive rookie campaign. He tallied 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in […]
Taavi Pailk
Morgan Frost Agrees To Extension With Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost has agreed to a two-year extension with the team. He is getting a two-year, $4.2 million contract. Frost was a restricted free agent after completing a one-year, 800,000 deal. The 24-year-old, who was a first-round pick in 2017, struggled to make an impact in his first couple of seasons in […]
Taavi Pailk
Michael Del Zotto Announces Retirement
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto has announced his retirement from the NHL. The 33-year-old last played in the league in 2021-22 when he made 26 appearances for the Ottawa Senators. Del Zotto is best known for his time with the New York Rangers, who selected him 20th in the 2008 NHL Draft. 121 of his 262 […]
Taavi Pailk
Luka Doncic Has Taken Conditioning "More Serious" This Offseason
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has had a more professional approach to his conditioning this summer, according to his teammate at the World Cup, Mike Tobey. "I'd say I feel he's a little bit more rested," Tobey told EuroHoops. "He looks fresh and in shape, he's really taking care of his body and himself a […]
Taavi Pailk
Blake Griffin's Reunion With Celtics "Unlikely" At Present
The Boston Celtics are interested in bringing back veteran forward Blake Griffin for another campaign, but his return appears unlikely for now, writes Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. Griffin himself recently noted that he loved life in Boston last season, but it looks like he still hasn't made up his mind whether to continue […]
Taavi Pailk
P.J. Washington Aims To Become A Consistent Scoring Threat
Charlotte Hornets forward/center P.J. Washington has focused on becoming a better scorer this offseason. "I want to be consistent scoring on all three levels," Washington told Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. "I want to feel comfortable shooting the three. I want to feel comfortable taking two dribbles and getting into my middie. I want […]
Taavi Pailk
Shaquille Harrison Could Have Role To Play For Grizzlies Early On
Memphis Grizzlies guard Shaquille Harrison could see regular action early on in the season due to Ja Morant's 25-game suspension. Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal has noted that according to the NBA collective bargaining agreement, any player suspended more than six games will be put on the team's suspended list after five. That will […]
Taavi Pailk
Franz Wagner Returns To Action Wednesday
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) was back on the court Wednesday as Germany beat Latvia to lock up a semifinal spot at the FIBA World Cup. It was a proper nail-biter, and Germany eventually came out on top 81-79, with Wagner contributing a team-high 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He entered the game off […]
Taavi Pailk
Martin Necas Wants To Take Another Step In 2023-24
Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas is eager to develop further in 2023-24 after enjoying a career year last term with 71 points. "It was a nice bounce-back season, I would say, after a year that was disappointing for everyone," Necas said at the NHL European Player Media Tour. "I was pumped to prove myself a […]
Taavi Pailk
Patrick Kane Linked With Move To Detroit
Right wing Patrick Kane (hip) has been backed to sign with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2023-24 NHL season. Long-time Chicago Blackhawks beat writer John Dietz posted on social media that the star winger is looking to follow Alex DeBrincat. "Watch for Patrick Kane to sign with the Detroit Red Wings," John Dietz posted. […]
Taavi Pailk
Lucas Raymond Ready For Higher Expectations
Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond is looking forward to facing higher expectations in 2023-24. "Last season, I think we took a step as a team, moved in the right direction, and coming into this season we're taking an even bigger step," Raymond told NHL.com. "Expectations are getting higher for the team but also […]
Taavi Pailk
Miro Heiskanen Aims To Become NHL's Best Defenseman
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen is full of confidence following a 73-point season and believes he can win the Norris Trophy. "That's one thing I really want to win," Heiskanen said at the NHL European Player Media Tour. "I want to be the best defenseman in the NHL." Heiskanen was seventh in the Norris voting […]
Taavi Pailk
Filip Zadina Eager To Prove Himself In San Jose
San Jose Sharks right wing Filip Zadina is confident he can ignite his NHL career following his offseason move from Detroit. "I've just got to stay healthy," Zadina said at the NHL European Player Media Tour. "Once I stay healthy the whole season, for the future, it will come. I believe I'm a good player. […]
Taavi Pailk
Cale Makar Hopes Avalanche Get New Deal Done With Devon Toews
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar hopes the team can sign his running mate Devon Toews to a new deal. Toews enters a contract year in 2023-24. "I feel like he's one of the best defensemen in the League," Makar recently told NHL.com. "I don't know if he's underrated anymore. I have no doubt they'll get […]
Taavi Pailk
Myles Turner Wants To Become A 50/40/90 Player
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has set himself a very ambitious goal, wanting to become a member of the 50/40/90 shooting club. "Working on multiple things. Obviously, still improving my shot. Get my numbers up there. I really strive to be like a 50/40/90 guy," Turner said on the Setting The Pace podcast when asked […]
Taavi Pailk
Rudy Gobert Believes Timberwolves Have Great Potential
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert sees a lot of upside in the team. "I think we have the potential to be really, really good," Gobert told EuroHoops. "I think we're going to have a good training camp. Build good habits. I think we have the potential to be a top-two defensive team. And I don't […]
Taavi Pailk
Jalen Johnson Has Worked On His Game With LeBron James
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has had a special training partner in the summer as he's prepared for his third NBA season. The 21-year-old shares a trainer with LeBron James in Chris Johnson, and he's had the opportunity to work with the Association's all-time leading scorer in Los Angeles. "He's giving me pointers on how […]
Taavi Pailk
Jonas Valanciunas Set To Stay In New Orleans
New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas has been in trade rumors all summer, with the team reportedly looking to move on from him due to his defensive shortcomings, but it now appears that there won't be a break-up after all. The Lithuanian giant will continue as the Pelicans' starting center, writes William Guillory of The […]
Taavi Pailk
Warriors Want To Lock Up Klay Thompson For The Rest Of His Career
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Klay Thompson is about to enter the final year of his contract, but he should have no issues securing a new long-term deal with the team. According to Warriors owner Joe Lacob, there have already been some brief discussions on an extension, and he is very much interested in keeping Thompson […]
Taavi Pailk
Bucks Officially Waive Alex Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived Alex Antetokounmpo. He was signed only on Friday, but it appears as though the move was only made to retain Antetokounmpo's G League rights. The youngest of the Antetokounmpo brothers played 32 games with the Bucks-affiliated Wisconsin Herd in the second tier last season, averaging 5.8 points in 22.3 […]
Taavi Pailk
Andre Drummond Calls Himself The Best Rebounder
Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond has named himself the best rebounder ever and believes he has a good shot at making the Hall of Fame. "I used to play 40-plus minutes. I was a star -- All-Star, All-NBA, I've done it. Hall of Fame candidate, best rebounder ever ... I'm the best ever," Drummond said […]
Taavi Pailk
Jeremy Sochan Believes Spurs Will Be "Scary" With Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs power forward Jeremy Sochan believes the team will take a huge step forward with No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama in the lineup. "I think it's going to be scary," Sochan told Bryan Kalbrosky of For The Win. "Defensively, it's going to be hard to score against us. We are long. We're […]
Taavi Pailk
Zion Williamson "Really Focused" On Being Ready For Season
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has reportedly worked very hard during the offseason to get ready for the 2023-24 NBA campaign. "Was told he's been really focused on making sure his body is prepared for a long season," The Athletic's Will Guillory posted on social media. "Think he's gonna come in with a chip […]
Taavi Pailk
Celtics Confident Of Having Kristaps Porzingis Healthy For Training Camp
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (foot) is expected to be available when training camp starts. The sweet-shooting giant is recovering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, which kept him out from World Cup action. "This is something that we should be able to navigate and manage in the next few weeks and be ready […]
Taavi Pailk