Category: Interview

AJ Dybantsa: ‘My voice is actually pretty powerful, guys listen to what I say’

AJ Dybantsa has just been biding his time to get to the NBA. With him finishing up his senior year at Utah Prep, he is set to join BYU for his likely one-and-done season. ESPN named Dybantsa the No. 1 player in the 2026 draft class following his …

AJ Dybantsa has just been biding his time to get to the NBA. With him finishing up his senior year at Utah Prep, he is set to join BYU for his likely one-and-done season. ESPN named Dybantsa the No. 1 player in the 2026 draft class following his freshman year, and he’s been on the national radar ever since. The McDonald’s All-American is a three-level scorer with the athleticism to seamlessly defend positions one through four.

Representing Team USA at the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit, the Brockton native spoke with HoopsHype after a practice session about his growth over the past year, balancing competitiveness with camaraderie among fellow players, his take on mock drafts, and more.

Dwyane Wade Q&A: LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Pat Riley, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz

Dwyane Wade discussed how Social Change Fund United came together with Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, his thoughts on the Utah Jazz, if he’d ever transition to the front office, if he’d consider a minority stake in his hometown Chicago Bulls, LeBron James’ longevity, how their Miami Heat trio with Chris Bosh compares to other superteams around Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, the divorce between Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

NBA Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade was one of the best playmakers on the court during his career, and now he’s looking to make a new game-changing play in retirement.

Wade collaborated with RealTruck to create a customized one-of-a-kind “Champions Edition” 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 25th to benefit Social Change Fund United.

Before the auction, Wade discussed how Social Change Fund United came together with Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, what project SCFU is working on, his thoughts on the Utah Jazz, if he’d ever transition to the front office, if he’d consider a minority stake in his hometown Chicago Bulls, LeBron James’ longevity, how their Miami Heat trio with Chris Bosh compares to other superteams around Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, the divorce between Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler, and more with HoopsHype.

Legendary NBA writer Jack McCallum: Michael Jordan kind of needed Sports Illustrated. LeBron doesn’t need anybody

Hall of Fame basketball writer Jack McCallum started covering the NBA in 1981, just as the Magic Johnson, Larry Bird rivalry was taking shape. After authoring 12 books, including the bestseller Dream Team, and 30-plus years at Sports Illustrated, …

Hall of Fame basketball writer Jack McCallum started covering the NBA in 1981, just as the Magic Johnson, Larry Bird rivalry was taking shape. After authoring 12 books, including the bestseller Dream Team, and 30-plus years at Sports Illustrated, McCallum can be regarded as one of the most impactful basketball writers ever.

The renowned sportswriter spoke with HoopsHype about covering the league as its popularity was gaining steam, following the Mike D’Antoni Suns for an entire season, how David Stern had some similarities with Donald Trump, and more.

Santiago Aldama talks contract extension, new coach, and more

Santiago Aldama, the Memphis Grizzlies’ versatile forward, has taken a significant leap in his fourth NBA season, embracing a larger role and showcasing his dynamic skillset as he nears restricted free agency. Standing at 6-foot-11, Aldama has …

Santiago Aldama, the Memphis Grizzlies’ versatile forward, has taken a significant leap in his fourth NBA season, embracing a larger role and showcasing his dynamic skillset as he nears restricted free agency. Standing at 6-foot-11, Aldama has thrived with increased offensive freedom, often playing as a hybrid forward or even a wing despite his near-seven-foot frame.

In a recent interview with HoopsHype, Aldama discussed his journey, the impact of international play, and the coaching shift to Tuomas Iisalo.

Zach Edey: ‘It’s been an up and down season for sure’

After winning the Naismith College Player of the Year for two straight seasons at Purdue, Zach Edey was drafted ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Many wondered if his game could adapt to the fast-paced perimeter-oriented NBA level, but very …

After winning the Naismith College Player of the Year for two straight seasons at Purdue, Zach Edey was drafted ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Many wondered if his game could adapt to the fast-paced perimeter-oriented NBA level, but very quickly, he has hushed those skeptics, averaging over 20 minutes per game with the trajectory to be a double-double machine in the near future.

After a matchup against the Clippers, Edey talked with HoopsHype about his rookie year, teammates who have given him the best advice, a Yao Ming anecdote, and more.

NBA Intel: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Caris LeVert, Khris Middleton, Wizards, Grizzlies, OKC

HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto reports on Atlanta’s direction looking ahead, including Trae Young’s future as he’s eligible for extension talks this summer, Caris LeVert’s free agency plans, Dyson Daniels’ case for Defensive Player of the Year, and Clint Capela’s future. Wizards forward Khris Middleton also discussed his Bucks legacy and Washington’s future, while teammate Justin Champagnie explained how he nearly quit basketball before earning a four-year contract this season. Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer discussed his welcome to the NBA moment trash-talking with Kevin Durant, playing for UConn’s Dan Hurley, and life as a two-way player behind the scenes. Lastly, updates on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With just over two weeks until the end of the regular season, some teams are making vacation plans as they head to the lottery, while others are gearing up for the playoffs or a Play-In appearance to continue their season.

In the meantime, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on Atlanta’s direction looking ahead, including Trae Young’s future as he’s eligible for extension talks this summer, Caris LeVert’s free agency plans, Dyson Daniels’ case for Defensive Player of the Year and Clint Capela’s future.

Wizards forward Khris Middleton also discussed his Bucks legacy and Washington’s future, while teammate Justin Champagnie explained how he nearly quit basketball before earning a four-year contract this season. Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer discussed his welcome to the NBA moment trash-talking with Kevin Durant, playing for UConn’s Dan Hurley, and life as a two-way player behind the scenes.

Lastly, updates on the Oklahoma City Thunder are all included below.

Scotty Pippen Jr: I’ve carved out my own path now

Over the last two seasons, Scotty Pippen Jr. has established himself as an impactful NBA player. Ever since leaving the Lakers after his rookie year, he has been a staple rotation point guard in the Grizzlies’ robust depth chart. Pippen Jr. talked …

Over the last two seasons, Scotty Pippen Jr. has established himself as an impactful NBA player. Ever since leaving the Lakers after his rookie year, he has been a staple rotation point guard in the Grizzlies’ robust depth chart.

Pippen Jr. talked with HoopsHype after a game vs. the Clippers about his mindset with Ja Morant in and out of the lineup, advice he’s gotten from him, growing up behind the shadows of his father, and more.

Jalen Brunson x Josh Hart Q&A: On Villanova, Tom Thibodeau, podcast, more

Knicks guards Brunson and Hart spoke with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto about how the Villanova commercial with Mikal Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo happened, stories behind the scenes at Villanova, why Hart’s having a career season, how Brunson’s life has changed since becoming the captain of the Knicks, the similarities and differences between Tom Thibodeau and Jay Wright, and what could be next for them after retirement down the line.

While the Villanova quartet of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Donte DiVincenzo never got their chance at an NBA reunion with the New York Knicks on the court, the former Wildcats have reunited again.

All four players participated in a hilarious and memorable commercial representing Villanova as part of AT&T’s Guaranteed Madness campaign.

Brunson and Hart spoke with HoopsHype to discuss how the commercial happened, stories behind the scenes at Villanova, why Hart’s having a career season, how Brunson’s life has changed since becoming the captain of the Knicks, the similarities and differences between Tom Thibodeau and Jay Wright, and what could be next for them after retirement down the line.

NBA Intel: Kevin Durant Trade talks, Jimmy Butler, Warriors, Lakers, Suns, Timberwolves, Nets

New reporting on Kevin Durant trade talks, what Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the team when he acquired Jimmy Butler, and interviews with Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith on his Brooklyn Nets tenure and free agency future, and Warriors frontcourt players Kevon Looney on his upcoming free agency and Quinten Post’s view of rookie life in the league behind the scenes from HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

The NBA trade deadline gave a glimpse into the upcoming potential trade market for Kevin Durant this summer, the Warriors new life following the Jimmy Butler acquisition, and more.

Thus, HoopsHype has gathered new intel on trade talks surrounding Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, what Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the team when he acquired Jimmy Butler, and interviews with Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith on his Brooklyn Nets tenure and free agency future, and Warriors frontcourt players Kevon Looney on his upcoming free agency and Quinten Post’s view of rookie life in the league behind the scenes.

D’Angelo Russell: ‘I’ve been on so many different teams where the team’s not a priority’

Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell discussed coach Jordi Fernandez behind the scenes, how Fernandez compares and contrasts to Kenny Atkinson, his desire to re-sign with the Nets in free agency, his experience with the Lakers, Austin Reaves, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Following Brooklyn’s 111-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center, Nets guard D’Angelo Russell spoke with HoopsHype about coach Jordi Fernandez behind the scenes, how Fernandez is similar to former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, his desire to re-sign with the Nets in free agency, his experience with the Lakers, Austin Reaves, and more.