Long before we had the current iteration of the Knicks, one with draft picks and young assets, New York often preferred to take the approach of star hunting, even when they were well past their prime or were plagued with injuries, in hopes that it would lead to instant success.That strategy lead to multiple head-scratching contracts, losing picks, and ignoring the development of what young players they did have, and as it so often has for other franchises, it failed the Knicks and set them back multiple years.
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.
When the Lakers selected Max Christie 35th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he was reportedly a no-brainer unanimous pick by the scouting department spearheaded by assistant general manager and co-owner Jesse Buss.The Michigan State product was on Buss' radar as early as 2016 as he felt that Christie embodied the skillset that would thrive in the NBA today.
Rob Pelinka says Lakers intend to 'keep young core together'
In the relatively short term between LeBron James' postgame press conference after the Lakers Game 4 loss on Monday to the Nuggets and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka's exit interview on Tuesday, quite a lot transpired.For the first time in his career, LeBron tossed out the idea of retirement.
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.
The following is part of Raptors Republic's series of pieces reviewing the season for the Toronto Raptors.You can find all the pieces in the series here.Toronto's most accomplished player and go-to guy, Pascal Siakam.Although it wasn't the greatest season for the Raptors as a team, it was yet another successful year individually for Spicy P as he set multiple highs and was given his second berth as an All-Star.
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.
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.
Steve Nash surprisingly emerges as coaching candidate for Raptors
An offseason full of changes could be on the horizon for the Toronto Raptors.Their first step heading into the summer, however, revolves around finding a new head coach.After Nick Nurse was relieved of his duties a little more than a month ago, there have been many names linked to the Raptors' head-coaching job.
Would Kenny Atkinson be a good hire for the Toronto Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors are officially starting to interview some of the hottest candidates on their initial shortlist, with Sacramento's Jordi Fernandez, Milwaukee's Charles Lee, and Denver's David Adelman all getting consideration.It is only a moment of time before Kenny Atkinson gets his chance to make an impression.
9 Potential Boston Celtics free agent targets with ties to Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics have reached the conference finals four times in the last six years as Jayson Tatum has gone from top pick to superstar.The 25-year-old has been first-team All-NBA for two straight years and is just entering his prime, but he has been unable to lift the Celtics to their 18th championship.
Proposal reunites former Boston Celtics teammates who didn't see eye-to-eye
Former Boston Celtics teammates Jaylen Brown and Kyrie Irving - who famously didn't see eye-to-eye when the latter was a Celtic for two seasons, leading to the former being benched during the 2018-19 season - would be reunited as teammates on the Mavericks alongside All-NBA guard Luka Doncic if the trade Dallas Basketball's Dalton Trigg concocted ever came to fruition.
Interesting Jaylen Brown proposal sends picks, championship depth to Celtics
Once Jaylen Brown made comments to The Ringer's Logan Murdock that didn't fully back the idea of him returning to the Boston Celtics, the mock trade makers began working on finding the perfect deal for both parties."As long as I'm needed," Brown said about his future in Boston."It's not up to me.
NBA Rumors: Jazz's Donovan Mitchell price was 'far too steep' for Heat
The Miami Heat's front office has taken more than their fair share of criticism over the past season or so.Dating back to about two years now, you specifically focus on the flurry of movement and rumors that have surrounded the Heat in that time frame.Now, keep in mind that this is also a time frame that has included Jimmy Butler dragging this Miami Heat team to as close to the "promised land" as he could possibly get on several occasions without actually winning a title, having gone to a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics last season and taking this Heat team to the NBA finals during the bubble.
The Lakers signing Tristan Thompson heading into the postseason was a move done largely for his off-court contributions.The on-court production he provided in Game 4 vs.Denver in the Western Conference Finals was an added bonus but also typified the mindset Thompson brought to the team.For a franchise that has been substandard for large parts of the last two seasons, Thompson's approach was a welcome sight.
Report: Mavericks have 'no interest' Kyrie Irving for D'Angelo Russell trade
In a week that has already seen reports that LeBron James might retire and that the Lakers have no intention of offering D'Angelo Russell the maximum contract they could give him, speculation about whether or not the team will pursue Dallas Mavericks free agent and LeBron's former championship teammate, Kyrie Irving - and if James will push them to do so - has only grown in intensity.
Acquiring Kyrie Irving will be very difficult for the Lakers this offseason
The first domino of the Lakers offseason was a very powerful one played by LeBron James barely an hour after the final buzzer of Game 4 on Monday.After some cryptic, eyebrow-raising postgame comments, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and Dave McMenamin of ESPN both reported that LeBron was considering retirement.
Report: Lakers are no longer interested in signing Kyrie Irving
For a number of reasons, the Lakers avoided a potentially messy offseason with their rout of the Grizzlies in Game 6 on Friday.On top of the avalanche of noise that would have come from multiple directions had they failed to close out the Grizzlies, a certain courtside visitor for the contest would have certainly been a talking point throughout the summer once again.
Boston Celtics NBA Playoffs Game Tonight: Celtics vs Hawks Injury Report, Starting Lineup, Predictions, TV Channel for April 27
The Boston Celtics are 48 minutes away from either the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the 76ers or from returning to the TD Garden for an unfathomable winner-take-all finale after stunningly failing to close the door on a defiant Hawks team.Game 6 has plenty of gravity.Boston had a fourth-quarter lead in Game 5 but saw Trae Young ice the Cs in the final seconds from way downtown to force another faceoff at the State Farm arena.
Race for the West: Warriors can't capitalize on Mavs' slide, Lakers' loss in LeBron return
There are many reasons why the Warriors' stunning collapse against the Timberwolves on Sunday night stung.But perhaps the biggest?It was a major opportunity to create separation in the West and avoid the play-in games.Golden State currently sits in sixth place in the West at 39-37 with six games left in their regular season.
Player Review: O.G. Anunoby finally receives the All-Defence recognition he deserves
O.G. Anunoby spent the 2022/23 NBA season at the front of everyone's minds.Whether you were the player he was defending, desperate to pass him or his teammates relying on his steady presence, or every GM in the league calling Masai Ujiri to see if he was available - Anunoby is finally the name everyone is bringing up.
Nets rule Ben Simmons out for season with goal of rehabbing back
The Nets have ruled embattled star forward Ben Simmons out for the remainder of the year, head coach Jacque Vaughn said after Nets practice on Tuesday, ending a months-long charade revolving around the status of the oft-injured former All-Star.Simmons had missed all 17 games coming out of the Feb. 15-24 NBA All-Star break due to a combination of left knee and lower back soreness.
Kevin Love to Aaron Rodgers: 'I've got the best QBR in New York'
Kevin Love was hesitant, but with Aaron Rodgers sitting courtside, he had to let it fly.Love had already done it twice in the third quarter of the Heat's Game 1 victory over the Knicks on Sunday, but this time was different.This time, he fired a two-handed, full-court outlet pass over 2022 Slam Dunk Champion Obi Toppin's leaping contest as Miami's star Jimmy Butler out jumped Toppin to catch the ball, then proceeded with an uncontested two-handed dunk.
The New York Knicks advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a 106-95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio Wednesday night.The win began much earlier than that.The Knicks won this series on September 25, 2017, the day trading Carmelo Anthony outta town went down.The biggest return New York received from Oklahoma City appeared to be Enes Kanter, but they also acquired a second-round pick owed by a lousy Chicago team that figured to be in the low-to-mid 30s, the sweet spot to take a shot on a project.
Knicks' NBA Draft plans could be impacted by Mavericks' tailspin | amNewYork
The New York Knicks entered this season all set up for success in the upcoming NBA Drafts.They have 10 first-round draft picks from 2023 to 2029 and six potential first-round picks in just the next three drafts.That's an impressive collection of picks that give the Knicks the flexibility to consolidate picks to move up and draft elite talent or package picks for star-caliber NBA players.
Kyrie Irving ready to leave turbulent times in Brooklyn behind and focus on future in Dallas
Kyrie Irving is ready to move on from his time in Brooklyn and focus on his future in Dallas.
Irving spoke about his desire to have conversations that weren't had before the trade deadline and his need for peace of mind in a drama-free environment. [ more ]
Kyrie Irving Takes Shot At NYC Mayor Eric Adams During Mavs-Nets Game
Kyrie Irving scored 36 points against his former team, the Nets, and took a jab at NYC Mayor Eric Adams during the game.
Irving's comment was referring to Adams' COVID-19 vaccine mandate policy, which prevented Irving from playing in home games or games in New York since he chose not to get vaccinated. [ more ]
Kyrie Irving asked to be traded from the Nets to get his own peace of mind and thrive in a new situation.
Irving felt that needed conversations were not had before the trade deadline and wanted to be in a situation where he didn't have to worry about off-court drama or media talk. [ 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 ]
The Lakers simply aren't interested in what Dallas could offer in a trade, according to multiple team sources
To call Monday's report about Kyrie Irving asking the Mavericks to trade for LeBron James illogical would be quite the understatement.The Lakers aren't trading LeBron and if they are, it won't be to Dallas.There are numerous reasons for that sentence to be true, but none more so than the fact that the Mavericks don't have anything attractive in a trade.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA.Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country.Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.As more days pass since LeBron James' comments about retirement, the more they feel like less of a serious proposition and the more they feel like the ponderings of a player who just ended a long, exhausting season.
What does the offseason hold for the Lakers and LeBron James?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA.Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country.Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.There is no such thing as a quiet offseason for the Lakers but even by those standards, the swiftness with which the upcoming one became abnormal was jarring.
Lakers have reportedly had 'internal discussions' about trading for Trae Young
Any thoughts of rest for the weary were pretty quickly tossed out the window barely hours after the conclusion of the Lakers loss in Game 4 to the Nuggets on Monday.LeBron James was responsible for that as anyone with discussion of a potential retirement, immediately tossing a level of uncertainty into the team's offseason plans.
LeBron James reportedly considering retirement, uncertain about future with Lakers
After being swept for just the third time in his career on Monday, LeBron James will head into the offseason with all possibilities open, including even reportedly retirement.LeBron delivered the cryptic postgame quotes but it was Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report who reported that retirement is on the table for the 38-year-old.
While the Miami Heat ultimately came up short in their heroic bid to land the franchise's fourth NBA title against the Denver Nuggets, they can still confidently look back at this season as a relative success all things considered.That being said, extending their championship window will require a lot of front office gymnastics to improve the roster.
Heat run out of gas against the Knicks, lose 101-92
The Miami Heat have had several chances to take control of the standings.They made a push to come so close to the 5th seed, trailing by only 1.5 games at one point.Now it's looking more and more slim of getting there, as the Heat have dropped 3 straight games since, including tonight's loss in New York 101-92.
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.
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.
Hernandez: Here's the reason LeBron James won't retire, he'll return to the Lakers
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
While LeBron James was sidelined because of a torn tendon in his right foot, some of the medical experts he consulted doubted whether he would play again this season."It was a significant injury," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka recalled Tuesday at the team's practice facility in El Segundo.
Plaschke: No shame in this sweep. Lakers battle to final seconds of inspirational season
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
LeBron James had the season on his hands, the series in his legs, the beginnings of a miracle within his reach.Yet, in the end, he just couldn't get high enough.In a play that typified the Lakers uphill battle of a season, James' potential score-tying jumper was blocked by Denver's Aaron Gordon in the final seconds Monday to cement the Nuggets' 113-111 victory and a four-game sweep of the Western Conference Finals.
LeBron James and the Lakers eliminate Grizzlies in a Game 6 rout
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The golden yellow sticks flashing throughout the arena, LeBron James standing at the opposite end of the court at the free-throw line taking in the game and the moment around him.To his right, Kyrie Irving sat courtside.Ahead of him on the left, Jack Nicholson was in his seat.
1. Playoff games in the National Basketball Association provide a unique opportunity to witness the intensity of competition between some of the best players in the world. 2. The atmosphere in the arena during the playoffs is electric, with fans and players alike feeling the gravity of the moment. 3. The uncertainty
Regardless of where the Lakers' run through the NBA playoffs ends, it's impossible not to see that Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have both set themselves up for massive paydays in restricted free agency this summer.The Lakers have Bird Rights on both players - meaning they can go over the cap to re-sign them - and also have the ability to match any offer another team throws at either player by virtue of them both being restricted free agents.
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.
Celebrity sightings at the 2023 NBA and NHL playoffs
Is it just us or have these playoffs been more star-studded than normal?Aaron Rodgers becoming a Madison Square Garden fixture.Sauce Gardner not realizing he was sitting right next to Jessica Alba.Even Los Angeles Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson making his triumphant Crypto.comArena return for the first time in years.
The 8 best free agents for the Washington Wizards to pursue this year
Following a disappointing season, the Washington Wizards may be looking to make some big moves this offseason.With no trade assets and what will likely end up being a late lottery pick, it seems like one of the better areas to do so would be free agency.Currently, the Wizards are set to extend Kristaps Porzingis and re-sign Kyle Kuzma each to deals upwards of $20 million per year.
Warriors clear Atkinson to interview for Bucks' head coaching job: report
A month after being in the coaching candidate pool to turn around a downtrodden franchise, Kenny Atkinson is among the targets for a team on the other end of the winning spectrum.The Warriors' assistant is in the running for the Milwaukee Bucks' top job, according to a report Wednesday from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Nothing plagues LeBron James like Stephen Curry and the Warriors
In his 20th NBA season LeBron James has officially reached the ageist chapter of his hero's journey.Since passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, the 38-year-old hasn't been able to take a dribble without being declared the oldest to do this or that, as his son literally waits in the wings to take up his father's mantle.
Could Nets target Raptors' Fred VanVleet after early playoff exit?
Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors were the only team in the Atlantic Division that did not make it to the postseason this year.Even after trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets managed to make it into the first round of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.Brooklyn landed two long-term fixtures with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson in the Durant trade, but the flaws in their roster started to show during their sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kyrie Irving, Jack Nicholson make triumphant returns for Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game 6
Today in updates that surely no one will speculate about, Kyrie Irving decided to show up and sit courtside for Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game 6 in Los Angeles.Joining him - sitting in his customary seats to the right of the scorer's table on the TV broadcast for the first time in seemingly forever - was Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson.
Damian Lillard had a front-row seat for the Brooklyn Nets' Game 3 loss to Philadelphia at Downtown's Barclays Center on April 20.Though he didn't stick around for the Nets' elimination here on Saturday, the Portland Trail Blazers' seven-time NBA All-Star point guard could find himself in a Nets uniform come next season.
The Nets were snoozing their way through an opportunity to lengthen their lead in the ongoing race with Miami for the coveted sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.Then, they finally sounded the alarm.Cameron Johnson scored 31 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, as Brooklyn used a late burst to sneak past the slumping Houston Rockets, 123-114, in front of 17,074 relieved fans at Downtown's Barclays Center.
Bill Simmons predicts LeBron James will 'ring chase' with Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Luka Doncic and Mavericks
Because it's a day that ends in y, Bill Simmons has some crazy, harebrained prediction about the NBA.And even by his lofty standards, this one requires lots of leaps in logic.On a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" that was aptly named "half-baked ideas," Simmons threw out a possibility of not just LeBron James leaving the Lakers, but forming a wild superteam alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Draymond Green on the Dallas Mavericks.
Nets lack of consistency hurting Brooklyn in final weeks of season | amNewYork
Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) and Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) compete for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.The Nets are in a battle to stay out of the play-in round but on Sunday night Brooklyn's effort once again fell flat against an Orlando Magic team that they should have been able to beat.