Dylan Harper was born to play basketball. His father, Ron Harper, is a five-time NBA champion who played alongside Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Currently ranked as a Top 5 prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper sat down with HoopsHype after a …
Dylan Harper was born to play basketball. His father, Ron Harper, is a five-time NBA champion who played alongside Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Currently ranked as a Top 5 prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper sat down with HoopsHype after a recent practice at the Nike Hoop Summit to talk about his influence from his parents, NBA players he tries to emulate, flying under the radar amongst his peers, and more.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves discussed how he travels privately during the offseason by booking hotels and flights, a wild travel story with the Lakers in Portland, what happens on the team flight after games, the possibility of being a Laker for life, D’Angelo Russell’s free agency, what he’s learned from LeBron James, why Anthony Davis should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, and the chip on the team’s shoulder going up against the Denver Nuggets in a playoff rematch with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.
On his path from an undrafted rookie to stardom with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has had many memorable moments in hotels, including a life-changing call to play in the NBA while in El Segundo, California, and avoiding a fire while playing for the Lakers at a Portland hotel.
“I was in there for probably two months and got a call from my agent (Aaron Reilly), and it was them offering me a regular contract that, for me, was the start of my journey, so the Residence Inn always has a special place in my heart,” Reaves said during a Hotels.com “Perfect 10” digital content segment.
Following his segment, Reaves spoke with HoopsHype and discussed how he travels privately during the offseason when booking hotels and flights, a wild travel story with the Lakers in Portland, what happens on the team flight after games, the possibility of being a Laker for life, D’Angelo Russell’s free agency, what he’s learned from LeBron James, why Anthony Davis should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, and the chip on the team’s shoulder going up against the Denver Nuggets in a playoff rematch.
Cooper Flagg, the young phenom currently projected as No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA draft, has been a name on many basketball fans’ radar over the past couple of years After one practice at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, the 6-foot-11 forward from …
Cooper Flagg, the young phenom currently projected as No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA draft, has been a name on many basketball fans’ radar over the past couple of years
After one practice at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, the 6-foot-11 forward from Maine sat down with HoopsHype to talk about transferring to the powerhouse Montverde Academy, the impact of Brian Scalabrine, getting advice from LeBron James, preparing for Duke, and more.
Known by many for the Memorial Day Miracle, two-time All-Star Sean Elliott has been a beloved figure in the San Antonio community for decades and served as the Spurs’ color commentator for quite some time. On behalf of Fresenius Kidney Care, Elliott …
Known by many for the Memorial Day Miracle, two-time All-Star Sean Elliott has been a beloved figure in the San Antonio community for decades and served as the Spurs’ color commentator for quite some time.
On behalf of Fresenius Kidney Care, Elliott spoke with HoopsHype about the unicorn Victor Wembanyama, the potential for the Spurs, kidney disease awareness, and more.
Kings guard Malik Monk believes he’s Sixth Man of the Year and wants to re-sign with Sacramento, he told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk is playing the best basketball of his career, which could result in an NBA award by the end of the season and a sizable pay raise this summer.
While in New York over a recent East Coast road trip, Monk, Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, and coach Mike Brown spoke with HoopsHype about Monk’s Sixth Man of the Year candidacy and the importance of re-signing Monk in free agency.
Monk’s Sixth Man of the Year candidacy
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According to HoopsHype’s Global Rating, Monk is among the top candidates for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, along with Naz Reid, Bobby Portis, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Monk has to win it,” Sabonis told HoopsHype. “If he doesn’t win it, it’s rigged. He definitely brings energy and light. If we’re down, he’s always up and in a good mood off the court, too, so that really helps during a long season with ups and downs.”
Monk has made a strong case for the award, ranking ahead of Reid and Portis in points per game (15.4) and all four players in assists (5.1) this season. Bogdanovic leads the group in scoring (16.8), while Portis leads in rebounding (7.3).
“There aren’t many guys out there coming off the bench averaging 15 points and five assists on good efficiency,” Fox told HoopsHype. “He affects the game in different ways. If he needs to score 30, he does it. If he needs to have six or eight assists, he’s done it. I think he’s as good as anybody coming off the bench.”
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When asked by HoopsHype where he stacks up in the award race, Monk answered without hesitation.
“Number one, 1,000 percent,” Monk told HoopsHype. “I think I was number one last year, too. I was hoping. I feel like I should win it this year for sure. I feel like nobody off the bench does what I do for the team, especially not just scoring but facilitating and making plays on the defensive end now way more than ever. I think I bring everything off the bench, and I definitely should win.”
At times, a team’s record in the standings can impact votes for an individual award. In the Sixth Man of the Year race, Reid’s Timberwolves will finish among the top teams in the West. Portis’ Bucks will have to weather the storm for the rest of the regular season, likely withoutGiannis Antetokounmpo. Monk’s Kings are still fighting for a potential playoff berth, while Bogdanovic’s Hawks are locked into a Play-In spot.
“It should not even be a debate on Sixth Man of the Year with Malik’s body of work and us fighting for a playoff spot,” Kings coach Mike Brown told HoopsHype. “He should be the hands-down winner.”
Monk’s free agency
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Monk is not only one of the top Sixth Man of the Year candidates, he’s also among the top unrestricted free agents on the market this summer.
“We better keep him,” Sabonis told HoopsHype when asked about Monk’s looming free agency. “I think there’s no excuse. I’ll talk to Monte (McNair) and Vivek (Ranadivé). We’ve got to keep him. He’s a big piece for us moving forward.”
Monk has now appeared in 72 or more games in three straight seasons and has been a consistent player for Sacramento following his two-year, $19.4 million deal in the summer of 2022. Heading into free agency this summer, Sacramento has Early Bird Rights on Monk and can sign him up to a four-year, $78 million contract.
With Monk out due to a sprained MCL in his right knee, he admitted the injury has made him think more about his upcoming free agency, but noted he’s also leery of placing any expectations on his free agency price range this summer.
“I’m comfortable in Sacramento,” Monk told HoopsHype. “I’d love to play here again, for sure. I’ve been here for two years and made friends with everyone, including the training staff and front office. I’d love to be back here.”
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A key to Monk’s comfort level in Sacramento has been reuniting with Fox, his former college teammate at Kentucky. In the years since their days as Wildcats, Fox noted Monk has become a significantly improved playmaker in pick-and-roll sets after being limited to catch-and-shoot jumpers or pull-up jumpers off one dribble in college.
Monk’s chemistry with Fox, adoration from Sabonis, and his relationship with coach Brown have helped him thrive in a career season and could solidify Sacramento as his long-term home.
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“It’s just as easy to see how important Malik is for our organization,” coach Brown told HoopsHype. “He is loved by his teammates, the organization, and the city. Hopefully, his free agency won’t last too long and he’ll be a King long term!”
You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, formerly known as Twitter.
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein tells HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto he wants to re-sign in free agency.
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein has made the most of his chance as a starter and is earning himself a nice pay raise this summer as one of the top unrestricted free-agent centers on the market.
Several executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Hartenstein could command around $13 million a year in free agency this summer, roughly the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
While averaging career-highs in minutes (24.9), rebounds (8.3), steals (1.1), and following a season-high nine assists in a win versus the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden, Hartenstein spoke to HoopsHype about his free agency future and journey to this point.
Hartenstein discussed falling in the draft unexpectedly, how his time with the Los Angeles Clippers changed his career trajectory, working with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau behind the scenes to improve defensively, how Nikola Jokic helped him as a passer, and why he’d like to re-sign with the Knicks this summer.
Shelvin Mack, the eight-year NBA veteran who played for seven different franchises, went to two consecutive Final Fours as a starter for the Butler Bulldogs and currently is a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. He was a part of the 60-22 …
Shelvin Mack, the eight-year NBA veteran who played for seven different franchises, went to two consecutive Final Fours as a starter for the Butler Bulldogs and currently is a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. He was a part of the 60-22 Atlanta Hawks team, played in Kobe Bryant’s last game, and is a Greek League champion.
Mack sat down with HoopsHype and talked about his March Madness experience, Brad Stevens, Quin Snyder, playing in Europe, and more.
With March Madness in full swing, you may have seen a funny AT&T commercial that showcases Kendrick Perkins, Carmelo Anthony, and TJ Ford, players from the 2003 NBA Draft. In partnership with AT&T, Perk took some time out of his hectic schedule to …
With March Madness in full swing, you may have seen a funny AT&T commercial that showcases Kendrick Perkins, Carmelo Anthony, and TJ Ford, players from the 2003 NBA Draft. In partnership with AT&T, Perk took some time out of his hectic schedule to talk with HoopsHype about a wide range of topics including the brewing sport betting scandals, Draymond Green, Boston Celtics, and more.
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell discussed the similarities and differences between playing alongside LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, the unfair injury-prone label on Anthony Davis, his bond with Austin Reaves, and more with HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell recently discussed how he’s handled the pressure of a contract season and wants to remain a Laker in free agency this summer as part of a lengthy interview with HoopsHype.
In the remainder of the interview, Russell explained how the birth of his son, Riley, has changed his life, the similarities and differences between playing alongside LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, how the season has gone for the Lakers, the unfair injury-prone label on Anthony Davis, his bond with Austin Reaves, and more below.
Kevon Looney, a mainstay with the Warriors during their most successful years, has had various roles throughout his career with the team. His experiences extend beyond the court, too, including a recording session with rapper MAYZIN, where he lent …
Kevon Looney, a mainstay with the Warriors during their most successful years, has had various roles throughout his career with the team. His experiences extend beyond the court, too, including a recording session with rapper MAYZIN, where he lent his voice to the single ‘Hot Coffee’.
On behalf of Invisalign, the Warriors’ big man spoke with HoopsHype on the unfortunate passing of coach Dejan Milojevic, the emergence of Jonathan Kuminga, the struggles of the season, and more.
