Clippers' James Harden has played his best with Kawhi Leonard sidelined
James Harden stepped up as a key player for the Clippers in the absence of Kawhi Leonard during the first-round playoff series with the Mavericks. [ more ]
Clippers rout Pelicans with a lineup that is paying big dividends
The Clippers' starting lineup of Harden, Mann, Leonard, George, and Zubac has played the most minutes together since Leonard and George joined the team in 2019.
The Clippers' improved performance and dominance on the court may be attributed to the stability and continuity of their starting lineup. [ more ]
Durant reflects on his time with the Brooklyn Nets and acknowledges that the trio of Durant, Irving, and Harden didn't have enough time together.
Durant emphasizes that he enjoyed playing for Brooklyn and representing the community, regardless of the challenges and changes that occurred during his tenure. [ more ]
Should the Heat give up Tyler Herro in a Bradley Beal trade?
Tyler Herro is younger and cheaper than Bradley Beal, but should the Miami Heat trade him to make the most of Jimmy Butler's window anyway?Another summer, another round of trade rumors involving Bradley Beal and Tyler Herro.Both guards have been the subject of trade chatter for the last several years but, this time, it appears a move is likely to happen.
How the Nets can build a contender ahead of 2023 NBA Draft
The Nets could have up to 11 first-round draft picks over the next seven summers.They can also create upwards of $100 million in outgoing salary this offseason alone while keeping their newfound core together.That's a whole lot of capital to use in trade negotiations as general manager Sean Marks looks to rebuild his team following the mass exodus of superstars from Brooklyn.
Predicting the contract of Raptors PG Fred VanVleet in free agency
The Toronto Raptors have some big questions to answer in the offseason, with Fred VanVleet's status on the team chief among them.Will the Raptors choose to bring him back, or will he end up signing elsewhere and calling time on one of the best careers in Raptors history?VanVleet is projected to opt out of the final year of his contract and cash in on one last big payday.
When does NBA Free Agency begin for the Chicago Bulls?
While the Chicago Bulls made several splashy moves in 2021 by adding DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso to this team's core, the Bulls were incredibly quiet in last year's free agency period.After making no moves in three straight transaction cycles, there's mounting pressure on the front office to make the most of this 2023 free agent class.
When does NBA Free Agency start for the Toronto Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors are just a few weeks away from what promises to be one of the most impactful offseasons in team history, as they have multiple big names hitting the market and a ton of fairly obvious needs the team needs to get ironed out relatively soon.After last season, where the Raptors signed Otto Porter Jr. and called it a day, more impactful additions and retentions are needed.
Mikal Bridges Rumors: 'Nets Aren't Interested' in Blazers Trade After Draft Lottery
Sarah Stier/Getty Images The Portland Trail Blazers may want to get help for Damian Lillard this offseason, but it doesn't seem like a Mikal Bridges trade is going to be an option for them.Per The Athletic's Alex Schiffer, the Nets "aren't interested" in dealing Bridges to Portland even after the results of the 2023 NBA draft lottery.
Boston Celtics could go after Ex-MVP in free agency
After coming up short as NBA Championship favorites, the Boston Celtics are facing-what could be-a pivotal offseason.There's certainly room for improvement after the way Boston's season came to a close, losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.There's been speculation that the team may look to trade some of its core, specifically Jaylen Brown, but that's not the only way they can improve.
Bulls Rumors: Rebuilding around Zach LaVine is a necessary gamble
The Chicago Bulls are facing a very difficult offseason.It's one where the front office has to decide if it's going to double down on a core that hasn't moved past the first round of the playoffs or give up on hefty investments.Following the Phoenix Suns' second-round loss to the Finals-bound Denver Nuggets, Sean Deveney, Heavy, looked at the Suns' options for Deandre Ayton after another underwhelming playoff performance.
'Elimination Game Tatum' Is Real For Jayson and the Celtics
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images Jayson Tatum's elimination-game resume is longer (and probably better) than you think.He just turned 25 in March, and he's already played in 13 elimination games in his career.He's 8-5 overall and 3-0 this postseason.And beyond that, Tatum undoubtedly hits another level individually when faced with these stakes.
Damian Lillard's backlash at fans may massively benefit the Bulls
It's been a rough 36 hours for Chicago Bulls fans everywhere, as I'm sure several of us are well on our way through the seven stages of grief.No, the Bulls haven't moved up to draft in the top four this year.Not only that, they won't be drafting at all for that matter.After trading away their first-round pick for Nikola Vucevic, their second-rounder for Otto Porter Jr., and having Denver's second-rounder confiscated as punishment for Lonzo Ball, Chicago is out of luck here.
2023 NBA Draft according to YODA: First round centers
In this part of the 2023 NBA Draft according to YODA (short for Ye Olde Draft Analyzer), I'm looking at the centers.Previously, I wrote about first round guards, wings and forwards.To reiterate (for those not interested in clicking into one of the other articles), I think there are four meaningful NBA positions:
Guards - traditional point guards and shooting guards who don't have the size to play traditional small forward (think Bradley Beal, Monte Morris, Jordan Goodwin) Wings - traditional SGs and SFs who don't have the skills/aptitude of a PG but aren't big enough to tussle with the big boys (think Corey Kispert, Will Barton) Forwards - traditional PFs or SFs but aren't full-time centers (think Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Rui Hachimura) Centers - the big guys who patrol the paint and protect the rim but generally not quick enough to defend the perimeter or keep up with wings and guards (think Daniel Gafford, Kristaps Porzingis)
For the uninitiated, YODA is my stat-driven prospect evaluation system that uses only publicly available information.
Bruce Brown Praises James Harden, Calls Him 'One of the Best Teammates I've Ever Had'
Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images The Brooklyn Nets' short-lived experiment with James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving didn't end well, with all three eventually parting ways and getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.But Bruce Brown said Harden was an excellent teammate, on and off the floor.
The Wizards' hiring of Michael Winger is a sign of good things to come
After a month-long wait and speculation regarding the new front office structure, the Washington Wizards finally have their guy.As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, former Los Angeles Clippers General Manager Michael Winger has agreed to become the president of Monumental Basketball, giving him full leadership of the Washington Wizards.
The case for the Raptors hiring Steve Nash as head coach
The Toronto Raptors might be on the verge of doing something unthinkable, as the latest reports from all over the basketball world confirmed that Steve Nash interviewed with the team for their head coaching vacancy.By all accounts, Nash ended up impressing the team in an interview.Replacing Nick Nurse with Nash would be a serious system shock for this fanbase, especially after he is coming off one of the most disappointing tenures in recent league history as coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game Tonight: Celtics vs Heat Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for May 23
How did we get here?The Boston Celtics are down 0-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the No. 8 seeded Heat, and elimination from the NBA postseason - and a slew of questions regarding the direction of the team moving forward - is seemingly imminent.Miami was dominant during the series' first game in the Sunshine State, knocking down a scorching 54.3% from the 3-point line on 35 attempts and 56.8% shooting overall on May 21.
The Celtics can't allow these two stats to happen again vs. Heat in Game 2
Celtics A brutal third quarter doomed the Celtics in Game 1, but these two stats didn't help.First of all, allow us to take this opportunity to remind Celtics fans to breathe.The Celtics lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Heat on Wednesday, falling 123-117.If we've learned anything about this year's Celtics team, we know that dropping a game is not the end of the road.
What the Celtics said about Joe Mazzulla's matchup with Erik Spoelstra ahead of Game 1
Celtics The Celtics' rookie coach takes on a two-time champion.The spotlight was on Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla for a fair amount of the time during the latter half of the Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinal series against Philadelphia.There were some concerns that the Celtics' old habits would sink them, particularly after they failed to get a shot off at the end of Game 4 after deciding to play the final seconds without drawing up an after timeout play.
From 'The Big A' to 'Playoff Jimmy': Top 25 performances in NBA conference finals history
ESPN staffMay 16, 2023, 09:00 AM ET
As this year's NBA conference finals take place with the Boston Celtics facing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference and the Denver Nuggets facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the West, we take a look back at the most impressive outings in this round, going back to the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar up through last year's performances from Jimmy Butler and Luka Doncic, with the help of Basketball-Reference.com's game score archive.
Hernandez: James Harden delivers a trademark disappearing act at the worst time for the Clippers
James Harden had a poor playoff performance in the Clippers' loss to the Mavericks, raising concerns about his consistency and impact on the team. [ more ]
NBA betting: How the Clippers' recent surge is impacting both betting, fantasy
The Clippers initially struggled after James Harden joined the team, but Westbrook's willingness to come off the bench improved the team's performance.
Harden's attitude of being the system may have hindered the Clippers' ability to mesh together. [ more ]
James Harden powers Clippers past Warriors for their sixth consecutive win
The Clippers' stars, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, have been consistent in starting together in all 18 games since Harden's arrival via trade.
Harden proved his value by leading the Clippers to a victory against the Golden State Warriors, contributing 11 assists and 28 points. [ more ]
NBA betting: How the Clippers' recent surge is impacting both betting, fantasy
The Clippers initially struggled after James Harden joined the team, but Westbrook's willingness to come off the bench improved the team's performance.
Harden's attitude of being the system may have hindered the Clippers' ability to mesh together. [ more ]
NBA betting: How the Clippers' recent surge is impacting both betting, fantasy
The Clippers initially struggled after James Harden joined the team, but Westbrook's willingness to come off the bench improved the team's performance.
Harden's attitude of being the system may have hindered the Clippers' ability to mesh together. [ more ]
'Constant communication' is helping James Harden find his role with Clippers
The Clippers have prioritized communication and collaboration with their new player, James Harden.
Harden has been given the freedom to be creative and contribute to reading defenses.
Harden compares his experience with the Clippers to joining the Brooklyn Nets, where he also had the freedom to be himself and collaborate with his fellow stars. [ more ]
In Part 1, we discussed new paths in a new era.Here, let's dive into the best routes to actually get there.Trades, baby!In part one, the argument was made that the Raptors need to focus on building around Scottie Barnes and forget about their dual timeline, because it simply wasn't working.With Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby being their most valuable assets (outside of Scottie Barnes, obviously), many may ask the question, which one should the Raptors trade?
Nick Nurse thanks Raptors franchise in combative 76ers press conference
The Toronto Raptors made a huge shift in their organizational philosophy, abandoning their Nick Nurse-led future via an unceremonious firing in order to tear down their old structure and build something new.However, Nurse was not out of work for very long after shoving his championship ring in Daryl Morey's face.
Grade the Trade: Raptors-Rockets proposal centered on No. 4 pick
The Toronto Raptors appear to be willing to make some big changes on their roster, with names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby finding themselves in the rumor mill once again.The trades are afoot, with some fans and observers eyeing a very quick rebuild.While the Portland Trail Blazers' package of Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick seems to be the preferred haul for Toronto, the idea of trading with the Houston Rockets, who own the No. 4 pick after the conclusion of another dreadful season, might hold some appeal as well.
Nick Nurse joining 76ers as coach fuels Raptors-Philly rivalry
The Toronto Raptors believed that the Nick Nurse era had run its course after a disappointing season in 2022-23, as they won just 41 games and missed the playoffs one season after they won 48 games and gave the Philadelphia 76ers everything they could handle in their postseason series.Nurse did not wait long to find his next job, however.
Raptors news: Nick Nurse linked to 76ers, 2 elite prospects eyed
The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers might be in different stages of contention at this point, but they are both looking for new coaches.Nick Nurse was let go by Toronto for missing the playoffs, while Philly fired Doc Rivers after stalling out in the second round.The 76ers' initial list of candidates included names like Nurse, Monty Williams, and Mike Budenholzer.
Could Nick Nurse join a huge Raptors rival after latest firing?
The Toronto Raptors had one of the most disappointing seasons in the NBA, so much so that they parted ways with head coach Nick Nurse after the end of their 41-41 campaign.The Philadelphia 76ers managed to follow suit, firing Doc Rivers after yet another poor postseason performance.The 76ers' initial coaching list appears to focus almost entirely on former head coaches with postseason experience.
When Ron and I last talked, the Washington Wizards had just parted ways with previous team president Tommy Sheppard.Now the Wizards have found Sheppard's replacement - Michael Winger, a 43-year old NBA executive who gained experience with three successful franchises over the past couple decades.The resume version of his background would highlight the fact that he's been part of executive leadership groups that reached seven conference finals and two NBA finals over the past 13 years.
Washington Wizards: former All-Star duo finally reunite at charity event
Recently it was revealed that the former star duo of the Washington Wizards John Wall and Bradley Beal reunited to help benefit the Diggs All-Star Charity.A charity event hosted by the Diggs brothers of the NFL.This was revealed in a post made by the star point guard himself where he shared numerous slides featuring photos of him and his former teammate together again.
The Washington Wizards may be in position to trade for Chris Paul
With the Phoenix Suns' season over, the Washington Wizards might be in a decent position to conduct an offseason trade.Throughout the 2022-'23 season, veteran point guard Chris Paul has been showing signs of major decline.Sure, he averaged 13 points, eight assists, and one steal but he only played in 59 games.
Tales of Brent Burns: Teammates talk cheetah attacks, his 'Mary Poppins' bag and loving the NHL's 'big kid'
Greg Wyshynski, ESPNMay 22, 2023, 07:00 AM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer.RALEIGH, N.C.-- There's conformity among many NHL players.And then there's Brent Burns.Breaking up the parade of monotone business suits and well-groomed exteriors while entering the arena is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound defenseman wearing loud patterns, lugging a comically enormous camouflage backpack and sporting a chaotic scraggle of beard around a toothless hockey grin.
1 76ers free agent Raptors could sign for cheap in offseason
The Toronto Raptors will look under every crevice for cheap talent with a somewhat high offensive ceiling as they try to improve their roster.This could lead them back to one of their most hated rivals in the Philadelphia 76ers, as they likely won't bring their whole roster back.The 76ers imploded against the Boston Celtics, with Joel Embiid and James Harden both playing well below the standard that was expected of them.
'Here comes Scott Foster': Jaylen Brown criticizes official for double-technical on leg-grab play
Celtics "Here comes Scott Foster just right away before even deciphering the situation..." said Brown.Jaylen Brown took a snapshot of Georges Niang grabbing his knee during of Game 7 and posted it, along with other photos, to his Instagram page with the caption "energy is shifting."
Jayson Tatum scores 51 as Celtics dominate 76ers in Game 7: 3 takeaways
Celtics Tatum set the NBA record for most points in a Game 7. The Celtics got a historic performance from Jayson Tatum on Sunday, while the 76ers got yet another postseason no-show from both of their stars as the Celtics claimed a 112-88 victory in Game 7 to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jayson Tatum's Historic Game 7 in Celtics' Win vs. Embiid, 76ers Leaves Fans in Awe
Adam Glanzman/Getty Images It was a Game 7 masterpiece from Jayson Tatum.Boston's superstar dropped 51 points to keep the Celtics' season alive on their home floor and once again proved he's one of the best players on the planet-not so humbly this time around-en route to a 112-88 blowout over the 76ers.
Ben Simmons Clowned by Fans for Posting Photo of 76ers' Blowout Loss to Celtics on IG
Ben Simmons was watching from his couch as the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated in a blowout 112-88 Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics.The former 76ers guard posted a photo of the Eastern Conference Semifinals loss on his Instagram story Sunday, earning less-than-impressed reactions from Philadelphia fans.
Potential 76ers implosion in offseason could benefit Raptors
Some might find it unfair for Toronto Raptors fans to throw stones at the Philadelphia 76ers for ending their season in embarrassing fashion.I, however, am not one of those people.This is a time for looking at the MVP in Joel Embiid and (to paraphrase David Byrne) ask ourselves, "Well, how did we get here?"
Doc Rivers said this aspect of Game 6 will be 'hard to recover' from
Celtics There was a significant disparity in missed calls favoring the Celtics, ESPN reported Sunday.The NBA's officiating report from Game 6 found more than a dozen officiating errors favored the Celtics while there were four that favored the Sixers, the report found, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday.
Watch: Jaylen Brown takes hit to the face, gets his leg illegally grabbed by Georges Niang in Game 7
Jaylen Brown is back to playing basketball without his protective face mask, and he took a hard hit to the face during the second quarter of Game 7. Brown jumped to contest a James Harden layup attempt when Harden's hand met Brown's face.Brown fell backward and hit the basket support, remaining on the ground for a few moments.
BOSTON -- As Jayson Tatum connected on another 3-pointer midway through a third quarter on Sunday -- en route to outscoring the Philadelphia 76ers in the period by himself -- he turned to a raucous Boston crowd and let out a cathartic yell."This is my s---" he said.
Odds, picks, betting tips for Celtics-76ers Game 7
ESPN's fantasy basketball and basketball betting tips cheat sheet is your pregame destination for basketball betting predictions and our best intel and data, featuring ESPN's proprietary Basketball Power Index (BPI) to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions.NBA game odds for Sunday, May 14 are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.
Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game Tonight: Celtics vs 76ers Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for May 14
The Boston Celtics have reached a familiar refrain: Game 7 in the Eastern Conference postseason.In 2022, the Cs played Milwaukee and Miami en route to an NBA Finals appearance.Should Boston return to the Finals in 2023, it'll take at least one more winner-take-all affair, with Philadelphia taking three thus far in the Eastern Conference's No. 2-No. 3 second-round matchup.
76ers analyst has grim feeling about facing Boston Celtics in Game 7
Liberty Ballers' Bryan Toporek has a grim outlook about the 76ers facing the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals' No. 2-No. 3 matchup on May 12 - believing that a loss for Philadelphia could mean the end of the current era of Sixers basketball."But if the Celtics beat the Sixers on Sunday and knock them out of the playoffs for the third time in the past six seasons, it will likely have long-lasting ramifications," Toporek wrote.
Why Golden State's ultimate X factor is center Kevon Looney
Kendra Andrews, ESPNMay 12, 2023, 08:00 AM ET
STEVE KERR SAT in his Vancouver hotel room pining over one of his players during the Golden State Warriors' preseason trip to Canada in 2016.He called assistant Chris DeMarco to his room, and the two sat and discussed their then-second-year center, Kevon Looney.
Driven by fear, the Celtics found a way to survive in Game 6
Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterMay 12, 2023, 02:20 AM ET
Close ESPN.comNBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books
PHILADELPHIA -- The fear of infamy can be a great motivating force.Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum felt this in different but important ways Thursday night as the Boston Celtics were facing a disastrous end to their season at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.
3 takeaways as Jayson Tatum got hot late in Game 6 to save Celtics season
Celtics Tatum turned a nightmarish game into a memorable finish.The Celtics survived a roaring Philadelphia crowd and three quarters of nightmare basketball from Jayson Tatum in Game 6 on Thursday, claiming a dramatic 95-86 victory to force Game 7.Here are the takeaways.1. Jayson Tatum was 4:14 away from a deeply uncomfortable summer full of questions about his ability to lead a team in the clutch and maybe even his status as a top player in the NBA.
The Celtics are shuffling up their starting lineup ahead of a decisive Game 6 against the 76ers
Celtics Robert Williams is expected to make his first start of the 2023 postseason on Thursday night.With their backs up against the wall, the Celtics are shaking up their starting lineup ahead of a do-or-die Game 6 in Philadelphia.Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed ahead of tip-off that Robert Williams will start on Thursday night, joining Al Horford in Boston's frontcourt.
What can the Raptors learn from the 2022-23 playoffs?
Filtering the playoffs so far through the perspective of the Toronto Raptors.What plays to steal and lessons to learn.This is the second year in a row I've written a "lessons from the playoffs" piece, and I borrowed the idea originally from the exceptional and brilliant Caitlin Cooper.Last year, I actually nailed some things.
Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game Tonight: Celtics vs 76ers Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for May 11
It isn't necessarily the toughest thing to have imagined the Boston Celtics getting into a 3-2 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals given their post-All-Star break struggles in the regular season, but this feeling is unfamiliar.Boston may not be ready for the 76ers led by reigning MVP Joel Embiid and revived former MVP James Harden - or, even worse perhaps, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla may not be ready for the moment.
Celtics vs. Sixers prediction and odds for Game 6 (Can Boston force Game 7?)
Boston Celtics fans are hoping for a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals because that would mean that the team kept its season alive on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.Philly stole Game 1 and 5 in Boston to take a 3-2 series lead, but it finds itself as a short underdog in the latest odds for Game 6. Why?