D’Angelo Russell responds to reports about joining Lithuanian national team

Photo: New Orleans Pelicans/Twitter The hope to see Zion Williamson play for the Pelicans this season got another hit. NBA insider Shams Charania reports that the 22-year-old’s hamstring might have healed but his conditioning is far from where it should be. “From what I’m told the Pelicans don’t think Zion…

Bulls assistant Maurice Cheeks is anticipated to transition from his current full-time, on-bench position under Billy Donovan’s staff. However, Cheeks may still continue with the team in a different capacity under Donovan. Additionally, assistant coach Chris Fleming is no longer part of the staff as Chicago and Donovan make adjustments….

Former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter is set to plead guilty to federal charges related to his involvement in an alleged sports gambling operation. According to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Porter faces a felony charge filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Porter’s…

Australia secured a 92-80 victory over Spain in their Olympic opener. Josh Giddey led the charge for Australia, demonstrating his all-around skills. The 21-year-old guard scored 17 points, with 8 assists and 8 rebounds in the game. Giddey’s performance helped Australia build a 14-point lead in the first half. Spain…

Photo: dailysnark.com When Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Nets last summer, the tea played hardball and he ended up staying in Brooklyn. The two sides find themselves in that same situation again as the 30-year-old point guard again requested to be traded after rejecting Nets’ contract extension offer….

Welcome to another installment of Hoops, Rap and Everything Black, a weekly column that zeroes in on the two fundamental components of SLAM—hoops and rap—while threading in other aspects of the vibrant tapestry of Black culture. Let’s get it. Maria Isabel, 27, is on her way to becoming a superstar,…