Category: Basketball

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon points towards weird things going on within the Dallas Mavericks’ organization following the demotion of athletic trainer Casey Smith.

(via RealGM):

The Dallas Mavericks are embarking on a critical season after missing the playoffs and play-in altogether last season. The decision from the Mavericks to demote longtime athletic trainer Casey Smith has created an extra layer of uncertainty to their situation. 

“There’s weird stuff going on with the Mavericks as far as not involving the roster, [but] involving the organization,” said Tim MacMahon on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast. “This banishment of Casey Smith, who is probably the most respected athletic trainer in the NBA. [He] was overseeing that whole group, basically their whole medical group. He wan an essential part of the front office. Put it this way, when the Mavericks sent a contingent to Slovenia for Luka’s supermax press conference, Casey Smith was there. He’s been on the bench for 20 years. He’s not going to be on the bench this year. He’s not going to be a traveler. It is not his decision.

“There’s a lot of people… There’s a combination of people being pissed and people being concerned with the Mavericks’ organization about that. 

“I’m not going to get into why that decision was made because I honestly haven’t gotten a straight answer. I’ve gotten a lot of second hand answers. And I’ve gotten two kind of different second hand answers, neither of which are great.

“And then you also have Scott Tomlin who has been there forever. By the way, Casey Smith and Scott Tomlin are like Dirk’s best friends. Scott Tomlin, longtime PR guy, is actually going to work for Dirk. He’s going to be the executive director of Dirk’s foundation. Leaving right after they get home from this trip. A decision made in the wake of Casey Smith’s reassignment. I don’t think that decision is made, especially with this timing, if everything is hunky dory I’ll put it to you like that.

“There’s a lot of weirdness going on with this organization right now.”

Enes Kanter Freedom, who was effectively kicked out of the NBA in February of 2022 because of his strong vocal opinions on geopolitical issues, specifically concerning the treatment of Uyghur Muslims by communist China, condemned the Saturday attack on Israel that has killed at least 100 Israelis in an attack for which the Islamist movement Hamas is taking responsibility.

“I’ve been closely monitoring what’s going on in the Middle East,” Kanter Freedom said. “I’ve come across numerous messages, and I believe that it’s very important to address the situation in Israel with clarity. What is happening there is undeniably barbaric, acts of terrorism that cannot be softened with ‘buts’ or additional justifications. 

“The loss of innocent lives can never be justified by any means. It’s crucial to emphasize that these events have nothing to do with Islam. In fact, Islam teaches that taking the life of one innocent person is equal to killing entire humanity. We have to condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with the innocent people in Israel. Many of my Palestinian friends are not supporting Hamas, each act of Hamas terrorism; taking away hopes for peace in the region.” 

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Enes Kanter Freedom condemns unprecedented attack on Israel: ‘Undeniably barbaric’ https://t.co/PAxhKiUv4L

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 7, 2023

Danny Green of the Philadelphia 76ers recently shared his perspective on the offensive prowess of two rising NBA stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, in a conversation on the “Run Your Race” podcast.

While he acknowledged the exceptional talents of both players, Green suggested that Gilgeous-Alexander possesses a more extensive offensive skill set.

Green praised both Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, labeling them as MVP-caliber players. He expressed his belief that Luka Doncic is already a better all-around player who excels in making his team better, likening him to LeBron James in that regard.

Doncic is known for his ability to contribute across the board, including impressive triple-double performances.

However, Green highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique offensive talents, describing him as “that dude” on the offensive end of the floor.

He emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander’s deep offensive toolbox, which includes a smooth mid-range game, versatility in finishing plays, and excellent ball-handling skills.

According to Green, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to use his body effectively and smoothly execute his moves sets him apart.

“I think Shai has a deeper bag,” Green said. “Shai is that dude. Offensively he’s just skilled. Luka’s skilled too. It’s not far off. I’m just saying Shai has a deeper bag.

“He’s very skilled. He’s so hard to guard because they both know how to use their bodies well. Shai makes it look a little bit smoother.

“He has a little more mid-range, a little bit more in-between, a little more [Kyrie Irving] in his game with the finishes and the handle.

“I think Luka uses his body more when he’s in the paint and in the post. Shai uses his shoulders unbelievably well on every dribble.”

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Danny Green thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a deeper bag than Luka Doncic

“Both of these guys are MVP caliber players…[Luka] is closer to Bron than anybody… More of a triple-double guy… Shai is just that dude.”

Thoughts? 🤔

(via @TidalLeague)pic.twitter.com/wUAJEP7fmN

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2023

Danny Green of the Philadelphia 76ers recently shared his thoughts on the talents of Luka Doncic, hailing the Dallas Mavericks’ young superstar as being closer to LeBron James in terms of elevating his team’s performance.

During an appearance on the “Run Your Race” podcast, Green was asked to compare the offensive skills of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Green expressed high praise for both players, labeling them as MVP-caliber talents.

“Both of these guys are MVP-caliber players,” said Green. “I think Luka right now, I don’t want to say a better all-around player, but probably makes the team better. He is closer to Bron than anybody in that fashion. More of a triple-double guy.”

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Danny Green thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a deeper bag than Luka Doncic

“Both of these guys are MVP caliber players…[Luka] is closer to Bron than anybody… More of a triple-double guy… Shai is just that dude.”

Thoughts? 🤔

(via @TidalLeague)pic.twitter.com/wUAJEP7fmN

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 7, 2023

Jamal Murray, a key player in the Denver Nuggets’ journey to their first NBA championship last season, is on the verge of securing a lucrative super-max contract extension with the team.

Nuggets’ general manager, Calvin Booth, has expressed his anticipation of offering Murray this substantial extension.

Booth stated in an interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda, “We’re anticipating that we’re probably paying him the supermax. He’ll probably make All-NBA.”

Murray has until October 23 to agree to a three-year, $145 million extension. However, it’s widely expected that Murray will opt to wait until next summer, as he stands to potentially earn the coveted league’s super-max contract should he secure a spot on an All-NBA team.

Given Murray’s outstanding performance during the Nuggets’ championship-winning campaign and his full recovery from a left knee ACL surgery, the organization is confident he will achieve this milestone.

While securing Murray’s super-max contract will have salary cap implications for the Nuggets, Booth is enthusiastic about rewarding the guard for his exceptional contributions to the team’s success.

During the previous season, Murray, at the age of 26, averaged 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 32.8 minutes per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents.

Ben Simmons, who had a challenging season last year, is making a positive impression on Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn during the team’s training camp.

Vaughn expressed his satisfaction with Simmons’ performance, highlighting his ability to push the basketball, maintain a fast pace, and play with force.

These qualities align with what the Nets were seeking, and it appears Simmons is determined to deliver.

“I think what we’ve seen is his ability to push the basketball, do it over and over again, play with extreme amount of pace, get to the rim, play with force. All the things that we were asking and I was searching for last year,” Vaughn said about Simmons.

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expects Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, and Pascal Siakam to show signs of improvement this season.

(via Toronto Raptors):

“Jakob is very important, I think he’s going to make a next step. Scottie obviously, Pascal. I expect from all of those guys to make a next step and to get better this year.”

In the course of the match, a tense situation unfolded as Isaiah Canaan found himself in a disagreement with Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman.

As the game came to a halt, the Olympiacos guard approached to eavesdrop on the conversation between the Turkish coach and Kostas Sloukas, triggering an intense response from Ataman.

Meanwhile, Sloukas had moved to the opposite side of the court, and Canaan conducted himself as if he were facing any other adversary.

“I was just standing there trying to listen, minding my own business. Sloukas came and bumped me, so I bumped him back. He bumped his coach, and Coach Ataman got upset about it. He said some disrespectful things, but I’m a man – you say something disrespectful to me, I’m going to respond man-to-man, and I don’t care who you are,” the player explained in an interview with Sport24.

“That’s all it was. I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a coach, I’ve had my battles against him,” Canaan said about Ataman. “I’m a competitor, I’m leaving it all out on the court. When I’m off the court, I’m a family guy, a good guy, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help my team win.”

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— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) October 7, 2023

Isaiah Canaan’s future with Olympiacos Piraeus was uncertain during the offseason. However, he played a pivotal role in securing the team’s initial victory in the EuroLeague.

Canaan kicked off the overtime period with a three-pointer, igniting a remarkable 12-0 scoring spree that left OAKA in disbelief. Following the game, the guard expressed his joy over the triumphant outcome.

“It was an intense battle. They brought it. They threw the punches, but we weathered the storm and stayed together, and responded with our own punches,” he said in an interview with Nova Sports.

“The environment was crazy, their fans were unbelievable tonight. They made it tough for us, we just made it through, stuck together, and played Olympiacos basketball.”

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More details:https://t.co/vjusyEurVM

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) October 7, 2023

The Phoenix Suns have positioned themselves as contenders by adding Kevin Durant at the trade deadline last season and acquiring Bradley Beal this offseason, forming a new Big 3 alongside Devin Booker.

The Suns’ roster underwent significant changes during the offseason, with the departures of Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, leaving Booker as the sole remaining player from the 2021 team that reached the NBA Finals.

Expectations are sky-high for the Suns as they enter the upcoming season, especially following their second-round playoff exit at the hands of the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, last year.

When asked about the heightened expectations on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Durant shared his perspective.

“I don’t even look at seasons like that,” the two-time champion said. “I understand that’s a part of the expectations and the talent level that we have on our team. But I don’t even look at it like that.”

Durant emphasized the importance of the team’s development and how quickly they can come together.

“Obviously, if we don’t win the title, we’ll get pounced on,” he added. “But individually as players, we just look to get better and do our jobs the best we can do.”