Tag: Basketball

2024-25 Indiana Pacers: A quick preview

The Indiana Pacers could once again blow past expectations this season, and they have the potential to emerge as a Top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. GM Kevin Pritchard has assembled a talented group that has already shown what they’re capable …

The Indiana Pacers could once again blow past expectations this season, and they have the potential to emerge as a Top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. GM Kevin Pritchard has assembled a talented group that has already shown what they’re capable of, especially after their surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

The addition of Pascal Siakam in January solidified the Pacers’ core. Siakam’s stellar play, shooting a career-high 54.9 percent from the field and averaging 20-plus points per game for the fifth consecutive season, adds a critical piece to Indiana’s offense. Pairing Siakam with Myles Turner gives the Pacers the potential to turn their already elite offense into a more balanced team. If they can lift their defense into the Top 15 in defensive rating, they could be one of the most complete units in the league.

Tyrese Haliburton‘s health will be key, as he drives the engine of the offense, and with the depth the Pacers have their rotation is stacked. Obi Toppin, who played all 82 games last season and averaged a career-high 10.3 points, strengthens an already deep roster.

2024-25 Houston Rockets: A quick preview

The Houston Rockets have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster, boasting a solid young core, but in the stacked Western Conference, they could face stiff competition for a play-in spot. Over the past few years, the Rockets have added …

The Houston Rockets have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster, boasting a solid young core, but in the stacked Western Conference, they could face stiff competition for a play-in spot.

Over the past few years, the Rockets have added talented players like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, both of whom are eligible for extensions as they enter the final year of their rookie contracts. Whether these two become long-term cornerstones for head coach Ime Udoka remains to be seen. If they don’t fit into the Rockets’ long-term plans, they could be potential trade assets, especially since the team has stockpiled draft capital to make a big move when the time is right.

The long-term goal is clear: evolve into a playoff team, if not this season, then by next year, with an eye toward competing for titles later on.

However, the immediate focus will be on improving their offense, which lagged behind their defense last season. With continued development, the Rockets could be in the play-in conversation this year, but given the depth of competition in the Western Conference, they’ll need to take big steps forward to secure their spot.

2024-25 Detroit Pistons: A quick preview

Last season, the Pistons finished with the worst record in the league (14-68) and ranked near the bottom in offensive efficiency and three-point shooting. To address these weaknesses, new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon prioritized …

Last season, the Pistons finished with the worst record in the league (14-68) and ranked near the bottom in offensive efficiency and three-point shooting. To address these weaknesses, new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon prioritized shooting in the offseason, re-signing 6-foot-9 sharpshooter Simone Fontecchio and acquiring players like Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. through free agency and trades.

Cade Cunningham, now locked into a five-year, $224 million max extension, will lead the team alongside Jaden Ivey with an upgraded supporting cast. Furthermore, many of the veterans brought in are on short-term deals, allowing Langdon the flexibility to evaluate which players fit the team’s future plans without long-term commitments.

While the Pistons will be more competitive in the first half of the season, the expectation is that they’ll shift focus to securing a better draft position after the All-Star break. This move will likely make their overall winning percentage look worse than their performance through the first 60 games, masking the progress made on the court.

2024-25 Golden State Warriors: A quick preview

The Golden State Warriors are primed for a stronger season, with hopes resting on a Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry continuing his MVP-level play, and key contributions from their younger players. After parting ways with Klay Thompson …

The Golden State Warriors are primed for a stronger season, with hopes resting on a Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry continuing his MVP-level play, and key contributions from their younger players. After parting ways with Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to Dallas, the Warriors gained valuable financial flexibility and retooled their roster. They brought in reinforcements like Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton, adding much-needed shooting depth and bench support – crucial to their offensive system.

The development of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis will be key, as the Warriors aim for more consistent contributions from their bench. With Curry leading the way, the Warriors have the potential to bypass the play-in tournament entirely and secure a top-six spot in the West in a best-case scenario.

2024-25 Denver Nuggets: A quick preview

The Denver Nuggets remain strong contenders for another championship run, but their title hopes will largely depend on the development of young players and more consistent performances from key veterans. With the new apron rules impacting their …

The Denver Nuggets remain strong contenders for another championship run, but their title hopes will largely depend on the development of young players and more consistent performances from key veterans. With the new apron rules impacting their ability to upgrade the roster, Denver lost starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando, a major blow to their defense. His departure puts the spotlight on former first-round picks Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, who now have the opportunity to step up and fill the void.

The Nuggets also faced a tough setback with first-round pick DaRon Holmes II suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in summer league, derailing plans for him to play a crucial backup role. Although Denver brought in veterans Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook in free agency, their success will still hinge on internal growth.

Denver’s championship aspirations rest heavily on Nikola Jokic, but they’ll need strong support from Jamal Murray, who returned to form during their 2023 title run but struggled in the playoffs. As Murray enters the prime of his career at 26, he will be crucial alongside Jokic in running the offense, especially in pick-and-roll ,drive-and-kick or dribble-handoff situations where Murray needs to be the decision maker at times. Furthermore, the Nuggets will also require more consistency from Michael Porter Jr., who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but needs to deliver high-level performances more regularly.

2025 combo guard Dante Allen includes Vols in top three

2025 combo guard Dante Allen includes Tennessee basketball in top three schools.

2025 four-star combo guard Dante Allen named Tennessee as one of his top three schools.

Allen’s top three schools are Tennessee, Villanova and Georgia. His commitment date is scheduled for Oct. 16, according to Dushawn London of 247Sports.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound combo guard prospect is from Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida.

Allen ranks as the No. 63 overall national prospect in the class of 2025. He also ranks as the No. 10 combo guard and No. 12 player in Florida, according to 247Sports.

Tennessee has one commitment in its 2025 recruiting class. Center DeWayne Brown committed to the Vols on April 20. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound prospect is from Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama.

WATCH: Ref makes hilarious mistake during Bills-Texans

WATCH: Ref makes hilarious mistake during Bills-Texans:

Clay Martin, head referee for the Week 5 clash between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, added to the NFL referee blooper reel on Sunday.

While trying to tell the audience that quarterback Josh Allen had stepped out of bounds before fumbling late in the first quarter, Martin fumbled himself:

“After crew discussion, the runner was out of bounds before he fumbled the basketball,” Martin said.

Basketball season is right around the corner, and with Martin currently serving as head coach for a high school varsity basketball program, the mistake is justified. But, the blooper will live on forever.

Watch the full call from Martin here:

2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers: A quick preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers are quietly positioning themselves as dark horse championship contenders, with the potential to be a Top 4 team in the Eastern Conference this season. Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension removes any offseason uncertainty, …

The Cleveland Cavaliers are quietly positioning themselves as dark horse championship contenders, with the potential to be a Top 4 team in the Eastern Conference this season. Donovan Mitchell‘s contract extension removes any offseason uncertainty, securing the All-Star guard for at least the next three years. Now, the focus shifts to new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who inherits a talented roster returning with the same formidable starting five.

After a promising run last year, the Cavaliers are poised to aim higher. Anything less than a deep playoff run will be considered a disappointment. Mitchell, one of the elite guards in the league, is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot, facilitate for his teammates, and attack the rim. His backcourt partner, Darius Garland, also dealt with injuries in the postseason, but when healthy, the duo forms one of the most potent backcourts in the NBA.

The Cavs’ starting five – Mitchell, Garland, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen – ranks among the best in the league. While there may be concerns about depth, the combination of Mobley and Allen gives Cleveland a defensive edge, especially in the paint, where both excel as shot-blockers, averaging 1.4 and 1.1 blocks per game, respectively, last season. Mobley, only 22, continues to develop into a star, and his growth will be key to Cleveland’s success this season.

As the team looks to avoid the luxury tax (after re-signing Okoro), potential roster moves may involve cutting non-guaranteed contracts like Tristan Thompson or Sam Merrill. However, with the same roster largely intact, Atkinson’s coaching and Mobley’s continued development, particularly in improving floor spacing, will be the key factors in propelling the Cavaliers into serious championship contention.

2024-25 Chicago Bulls: A quick preview

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to dismantle their roster and focus on a full rebuild around their remaining young talent. After years without significant roster changes, the Bulls shook things up this summer by trading away DeMar DeRozan, their top …

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to dismantle their roster and focus on a full rebuild around their remaining young talent. After years without significant roster changes, the Bulls shook things up this summer by trading away DeMar DeRozan, their top offensive weapon, and Alex Caruso, their defensive anchor. Although they missed the optimal window to get maximum value for both players, their trades have now positioned the team for a youth movement.

The future now centers around guard Josh Giddey, rookie forward Matas Buzelis, Coby White, and Patrick Williams. Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, had an impressive Summer League showing and is expected to play a significant role this season. Standing at 6-foot-8 with rare ball-handling skills for his size, Buzelis brings much-needed versatility to the Bulls, though his shooting remains a work in progress.

Despite persistent trade rumors, Zach LaVine remains on the roster, leaving questions about whether the Bulls will trade him before the season or if he still fits into their future plans. Nikola Vucevic has also failed to meet expectations in Chicago, leaving the Bulls with a depleted frontcourt. The only reinforcement heading into the season is the addition of Jalen Smith on a bargain contract.

2024-25 Charlotte Hornets: A quick preview

Last season, the Charlotte Hornets struggled without their offensive leader, LaMelo Ball, leading to a disappointing campaign. However, the team enters this year with a projected win total of 30.5, a significant improvement from their previous two …

Last season, the Charlotte Hornets struggled without their offensive leader, LaMelo Ball, leading to a disappointing campaign. However, the team enters this year with a projected win total of 30.5, a significant improvement from their previous two seasons (21 wins in 2023-24 and 27 wins in 2022-23). This summer, they hired Charles Lee, who many considered to be one of the top upcoming head coaches. Then, the Hornets focused on upgrading their roster and acquiring valuable draft assets. They re-signed Miles Bridges to a three-year, $75 million deal, traded for Josh Green, and selected Tidjane Saluan and KJ Simpson in the draft.

While the Bridges signing was notable, the key moves came from a series of trades that provided Charlotte with much-needed flexibility. Despite being over the salary cap, the Hornets managed to acquire Green, all while adding seven second-round picks in the process. The Hornets acquired three of those second-round picks along with DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown, and Duane Washington Jr. to help facilitate the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves’ trade of Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

The team’s improvement largely hinges on the health of Ball, who played only 21 games last season but was the team’s leading scorer with 23.9 points and 8 assists per game. His return is the primary source of optimism, as the offense will once again revolve around his playmaking. Brandon Miller, named to the All-Rookie 1st Team after averaging 17.3 points per game, adds another key element to their offensive firepower. On the defensive end, Bridges and Mark Williams form a solid defensive presence, although Williams is currently sidelined with a strained tendon.