Basketball at the Paris Olympics and USA’s dominance
The stage is set for an exhilarating men’s Olympic basketball tournament in Paris. With Greece, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Spain securing the final spots through early July’s Olympic qualifying tournaments, the competition is poised to be fierce when the games begin on July 27. Team USA’s dominance Team USA stands as the undisputed favourite, a position they’ve held for years. This year’s team, by USA men’s basketball director Grant Hill, is being reviewed as potentially the best since the 2008 “Redeem Team.” With a star-studded roster, the American team is expected to dominate the court. However, the rise of international basketball talent means that the path to gold may not be as straightforward as it seems. France, playing on home soil, will have the crowd’s fervent support. With the presence of Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, the French team boasts a formidable defence. Their combination of height and skill could prove a significant obstacle for any opponent. Canada a serious contender Canada emerges as another serious contender. They possess the second-highest number of NBA-level players in the tournament, trailing only Team USA. This wealth of talent positions them as a strong candidate to challenge for the top spot, especially as the tournament progresses into the knockout stages. Serbian and Greek powerhouse Serbia, led by the phenomenal Nikola Jokic, and Greece, powered by the dynamic Giannis Antetokounmpo, are also teams to watch. Both players bring a level of skill and versatility that can change the dynamics of any game, making their respective teams potential dark horses in the tournament. This year’s men’s Olympic basketball tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, thanks to the calibre of players and teams participating. While Team USA remains the favourite, the competition is fierce, and the outcome is far from certain. As the games unfold in Paris, basketball fans worldwide will be watching to see if the international challengers can rise to the occasion and dethrone the American giants.
A historic NBA moment: LeBron and Bronny James set to play together
Before Thursday, there had never been a father-son duo playing in the NBA at the same time. This historic milestone is now set to be achieved, as the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James—the eldest son of LeBron James—with the 55th pick in the second round of the draft. This moment marks the first time a father and son will be teammates in the NBA, an achievement celebrated by the James family and basketball fans alike. Bronny’s Instagram post “Beyond blessed,” Bronny James shared on Instagram, encapsulating the excitement and gratitude felt by the family. The James family received the news at an intimate dinner party in New York, surrounded by close family and friends, including LeBron’s mother, Gloria, and Savannah’s parents. The occasion was marked by an emotional champagne toast led by LeBron himself. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, emphasized the significance of this moment. “In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court, and that feels like something that could be magical,” Pelinka said. He highlighted the potential historical impact if LeBron chooses to stay with the Lakers next season. “NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.” Bronny’s significant progress Bronny, 19, has shown promise in his basketball career despite facing significant challenges. During his single season at USC, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. His season was notably interrupted by a cardiac arrest episode that required surgery to treat a congenital heart defect. After nearly five months of recovery, Bronny returned to the court, demonstrating resilience and determination. Cleared to be drafted by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel, Bronny’s performance during the draft combine further solidified his potential. He excelled in agility drills and was a top performer in the 3-point shooting drills, showcasing his skills and readiness for the NBA. Pelinka praised Bronny for his character and work ethic, qualities that align with the Lakers’ values. “Bronny is, first and foremost, a person of high character,” Pelinka said. “And second, he is a young man that works incredibly hard.” Lebron’s dilemma As for LeBron, he faces a decision regarding his Lakers contract. He has until 5 p.m. ET Saturday to opt into the final year of his contract, worth $51.4 million, or become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers are keen on retaining LeBron and are prepared to offer a maximum three-year, $162 million deal to keep him with the franchise. Anthony Davis’ support for Bronny Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis expressed his support for the team drafting Bronny. He praised Bronny’s defensive abilities, playmaking skills, and overall basketball IQ. Davis also acknowledged the pressure Bronny faces due to his father’s legacy but commended his determination to create his own path. “He wants to create his own path and he doesn’t want to be— even though he’s LeBron James’ son, he doesn’t want to be seen as that,” Davis said. The Lakers’ journey with Bronny will begin with the NBA Summer League play against the Houston Rockets on July 12 in Las Vegas. Bronny will wear No. 9, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting chapter in his basketball career and a historic moment for the NBA. As the James family gets on this unprecedented journey, the basketball world watches with anticipation, ready to witness history in the making.
Basketball’s rising popularity in France ahead of Paris Olympics
Darius Pollock, a 20-year-old Parisian, can often be found shooting 3-pointers on a court behind the centuries-old Saint Paul church near Place de la Bastille. He is just one of many players who grace the courts of the French capital daily, reflecting a surge in basketball’s popularity in France. Rise of Victor Wembanyama to NBA stardom This growing enthusiasm is largely fueled by the rise of Victor Wembanyama to NBA stardom. “It has unlocked something in France,” Pollock notes, capturing the sentiment of many. Basketball’s appeal is climbing rapidly and is expected to reach new heights during the upcoming Paris Olympics, with heightened expectations for the French men’s team. France has a storied history of producing top NBA talent. Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion, is perhaps the most famous, with his No. 9 jersey retired by the San Antonio Spurs. Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves recently clinched the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. However, the current wave of talent is exceptional. Last year, Wembanyama went No. 1 in the NBA draft. This year, Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr are anticipated to be top picks, possibly even the first and second selections, with Tidjane Salaün also projected to be a high first-round pick. Antonin Guezel, a local basketball player, expressed pride in these achievements, noting that they make the NBA dream seem attainable. “Some of these talents grew up here, Victor is from the Paris area,” he told The Associated Press. While female French players have not yet made a significant impact on the WNBA, their presence is growing. In April’s draft, Carla Leite and Leila Lacan were selected by Dallas and Connecticut, respectively. Guezel, 21, refined his skills at Glacière, an outdoor court nestled under an overhead subway station in the 13th arrondissement, one of many such courts across Paris. There are about 750,000 registered basketball players in France, an increase of nearly 70,000 from two years ago and 170,000 since 2014. This figure only captures those officially registered; many more play informally, echoing the culture of street basketball in the United States. Basketball’s impact on the youth Sports historian Lindsay Krasnoff observes that basketball, or “le Basket,” has never been more popular in France. “On all the courts I pass now, there is always someone playing,” she says, adding that teenagers wearing NBA jerseys and carrying basketballs are now a common sight in Paris. One popular court is behind Halle Carpentier, near the Saint-Martin canal. Here, players wait their turn for 4-on-4 games, with winners determined by reaching 21 points, or 16 on busier days. This court’s close fences and intense playstyle resemble New York City’s iconic West 4th Street courts, where trash-talking is common, and fouls are rarely called. “If you call a foul here, you are weak. So you shut your mouth,” says Lina Redjem, the only woman among more than 30 players waiting to get on the court. As basketball’s popularity in Paris continues to rise, the city’s courts remain vibrant hubs of athleticism and community, reflecting the sport’s growing significance in French culture.
18th NBA Title for Boston Celtics after win over Dallas Mavericks
In a historic victory, the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to secure their 18th NBA championship, surpassing their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, for the most titles in NBA history. The Celtics’ commanding performance at the TD Garden cemented their place as one of the greatest teams in the league. Youngest head coach Joe Mazzulla’s words Head coach Joe Mazzulla, who at 35 is one of the youngest coaches to win an NBA championship, praised his team’s determination and resilience. “You have very few chances in life to be great … you’ve got to take the bull by the horns and you’ve got to own it, and our guys owned it,” he declared during the trophy presentation. Contrary to expectations of a tight series, the Celtics dominated, wrapping up the finals in just five games. They led by 21 points at halftime in the decisive Game 5 and never trailed, demonstrating their superiority throughout the series. The Celtics’ entire playoff run was marked by dominance, losing only three games on their way to the title. Jayson Tatum’s reflection of the season Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who played a crucial role throughout the season, reflected on the team’s journey. “We’ve responded all year and this was no different,” Tatum said. “We owed our fans, it’s been a long journey.” Tatum’s exceptional performance on Monday included 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players. Jaylen Brown, who scored 21 points in Game 5, was named Finals MVP. “It was a full team effort and I’m going to share this with my brothers and my partner in crime Jayson Tatum, he was with me the whole way,” Brown said, embracing Tatum during the celebration. The Mavericks struggled to keep up with the Celtics’ pace. Star player Luka Dončić finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds but had a difficult night defensively and committed seven turnovers. “I’m proud of every guy that stepped on the floor, all the coaches, all the people behind [the scenes],” Dončić said. “Obviously, we didn’t win the finals, but we did have a hell of a season.” Kyrie Irving, gracious in defeat Kyrie Irving, facing his former team, managed just 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting. Irving, who has had a turbulent history with the Celtics, acknowledged their victory graciously. “We finally ran into a team that beat us fair and square,” he said. “We weren’t able to respond to a lot of their runs. When I was shaking [Celtics players’ hands at the end of the game] that was a sign of respect for their journey.” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd remained positive despite the defeat. “Yes, we lost [the finals] 4-1 but they fought against the Celtics and unfortunately we just couldn’t make the shots that we had to, or we turned the ball over and they took full advantage,” Kidd remarked. “There’s lots of positives in this run.” For the Celtics, the championship marks the end of a series of near misses. After losing in the NBA finals two years ago and falling short in the conference finals multiple times in recent years, this victory is particularly sweet. Tatum, addressing critics who doubted the team’s potential, said, “What they gonna say now?” With an impressive season record of 80 wins out of 101 games, the Celtics have indeed had the final word. Their dominance throughout the playoffs and the finals has reasserted their position at the pinnacle of the NBA.
Will coach Hurley get $100 million contract?
One of the most talked-about topics in both college and professional basketball circles is the potential hiring of UConn head coach Dan Hurley by the Los Angeles Lakers. According to an NBA insider, the Lakers are ready to offer Hurley a hefty eight-year, $100 million contract to coach the team, which features superstar LeBron James. This news has sparked a wave of excitement and speculation among fans, analysts, and critics alike. UConn head coach Dan Hurley’s thrilling move For some, the idea of Hurley moving to the NBA is thrilling. They see his successful tenure at UConn as a solid foundation for making the leap to the professional level. Hurley has a reputation for developing young talent and instilling a strong work ethic in his teams, which could be beneficial for the Lakers. Additionally, his energetic coaching style and ability to motivate players might be just what the team needs. Is Dan Hurley the right choice for Lakers? However, not everyone is convinced that Hurley is the right fit for the Lakers. Critics point out that the transition from college basketball to the NBA is not always smooth. College coaches often face challenges in adjusting to the different dynamics of coaching professional athletes. The NBA requires managing egos, handling a gruelling schedule, and dealing with the pressures of high expectations, especially for a team like the Lakers. Critics question whether Hurley’s experience in college basketball can translate to success at the NBA level. To gain a better understanding of the situation, it’s helpful to look at what some top NBA insiders are saying. A fresh and energetic option Firstly, Adrian Wojnarowski, a well-respected NBA reporter, suggests that the Lakers see Hurley as a fresh and energetic option who could bring new life to the team. Wojnarowski mentions that Hurley’s track record at UConn, particularly his ability to turn around programs and build winning teams, is a key factor in the Lakers’ interest. Secondly, another insider, Shams Charania, adds that the Lakers’ front office believes Hurley’s coaching philosophy aligns well with the team’s current roster. Charania highlights that Hurley’s emphasis on defense and teamwork could mesh well with the Lakers’ goals, especially with LeBron James leading the charge. Lastly, Stephen A. Smith provides a more cautious perspective. He acknowledges Hurley’s success at the college level but emphasises the stark differences between coaching in college and the NBA. Smith warns that the Lakers must consider these differences carefully before making such a significant commitment. The potential hiring of Dan Hurley by the Los Angeles Lakers is a hot topic with varied opinions. While some are excited about the fresh energy Hurley could bring, others are wary of the challenges he might face in the NBA. Only time will tell if Hurley will accept the reported offer and how successful he will be if he does.
Minnesota Timberwolves boycott interview
The Minnesota Timberwolves has reportedly boycotted an interview recently with the beloved show “Inside the NBA” to show their support for teammates Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. After their Game 4 win in the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves chose not to engage in the traditional postgame interview with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. This decision stood out, despite the Dallas Mavericks dominating the series and winning in just five games. This act of solidarity highlights the strong bond within the Timberwolves’ locker room, a bond that remained intact even though they were favoured and lost their playoff series. NBA insiders Jon Krawczynski and Shams Charania, writing for The Athletic, detailed the Timberwolves’ offseason and shed light on the team’s unity. According to their report, the decision not to appear on “Inside the NBA” was a collective one, made to support Gobert and Towns, who had been subjects of harsh criticism from prominent analysts, particularly Draymond Green. The criticism of Towns and Gobert was not unexpected, but the comments made by Draymond Green were perceived by the Timberwolves as crossing a line. Green, a Golden State forward and panellist on the show, was accused of letting personal feelings interfere with his professional analysis. Phoenix Suns announcer Eddie Johnson even suggested that Green’s judgement was clouded by jealousy over Gobert’s four Defensive Player of the Year awards compared to Green’s one. This perception seemed to resonate within the Timberwolves’ camp, leading them to take a stand. The decision to boycott “Inside the NBA” was more than just a reaction to criticism; it was a statement of team loyalty and chemistry. The Timberwolves demonstrated that their bond was strong enough to withstand external pressure and criticism. This unity was evident in their collective decision to protect their teammates from what they saw as unprofessional and personal attacks. Whether this stance by the Timberwolves will set a precedent or remain an isolated incident is yet to be seen. “Inside the NBA” is a staple in NBA media, known for its entertaining and insightful commentary. However, the Timberwolves’ decision brings out a significant point: loyalty to teammates can outweigh the desire for media exposure. This incident may encourage other teams to similarly protect their players from what they perceive as undue criticism. Critics might mock, noting that this was the Timberwolves’ only opportunity to take such a stand in the Western Conference Finals. Nevertheless, their action sends a clear message about the importance of team unity and support. Anthony Edwards, for example, had previously turned Barkley’s visit to Minnesota into a meme, indicating that the team has had a playful yet assertive stance on such matters before. In the end, the Timberwolves decided they had enough. This incident raises questions about how active players like Draymond Green critiquing their peers will be viewed moving forward. It remains to be seen how this dynamic will evolve, but the Timberwolves’ boycott has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the ongoing dialogue about player relations and media criticism in the NBA.
Minnesota Timberwolves create NBA history
The Minnesota Timberwolves made history by staging the largest comeback ever in a Game 7 of the NBA playoffs, overcoming the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, with a 98-90 victory. This impressive feat happened on Sunday night, marking a remarkable moment in NBA history. Initially, the Timberwolves were down by 20 points in the second half and trailed by 15 points at halftime. However, they fought back with determination. Anthony Edwards, who had a quiet first half with just four points, no rebounds, and three assists, finished the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Despite his poor shooting performance, Edwards made crucial contributions in the second half, including waving goodbye to the Denver crowd as the game concluded. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels were also influential in the Timberwolves’ victory, each scoring 23 points. This win propels the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 20 years, where they will face the Dallas Mavericks starting Wednesday at Target Center. The Nuggets, who were the defending champions, saw their hopes of reaching the conference finals dashed. Jamal Murray was a standout for Denver, scoring 24 points in the first half and helping the Nuggets to a 53-38 lead at halftime. His three-pointer early in the third quarter extended the lead to 58-38. The Timberwolves’ renowned defence turned the tide, closing the third quarter with a 28-9 run, narrowing the gap to 67-66. Rudy Gobert then scored to give the Timberwolves their first lead since the first quarter. When Towns picked up his fifth foul, Naz Reid, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, played a crucial role, contributing on both ends of the floor. A key moment came when Reid made two free throws and a dunk before assisting Edwards for a crucial three-pointer, putting the Timberwolves ahead 92-82 with three minutes remaining. Despite Murray’s 35 points and Nikola Jokic’s 34 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists, the Nuggets could not reclaim the lead. This Game 7 was Minnesota’s first since their victory over Sacramento 20 years ago, which was also their only other trip to the conference finals. Denver, on the other hand, was in their fifth Game 7 in the past six seasons and missed out on what could have been their third conference finals appearance in that span. Nuggets coach Michael Malone had anticipated a close game but acknowledged the unpredictability of the series, which ended in a dramatic fashion with the Timberwolves’ historic comeback.
NBA Sportsmanship Award goes to
Philadelphia 76ers’ rising star, Tyrese Maxey, continues to shine in the NBA, adding another achievement to his impressive resume. The league announced Maxey as the recipient of the 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award, a testament to his exemplary conduct both on and off the court. The importance of the award The NBA Sportsmanship Award, named after the legendary Joe Dumars, celebrates players who embody the spirit of fair play and respect in the game. Maxey’s selection as the winner underscores his commitment to sportsmanship throughout the season. Maxey’s journey to this award showcases his remarkable growth as a player. In his fourth NBA season, he emerged as a force to be reckoned with, averaging career-highs in points, assists, and steals. His stellar performance throughout his career earned him a spot in the prestigious NBA All-Star game, where he showcased his skills on a national stage. Tyrese Maxey’s growth in NBA Not only did Maxey excel statistically, but he also demonstrated exceptional care for the ball, averaging a mere 1.7 turnovers per game. This feat places him alongside NBA greats like Kyrie Irving, highlighting his efficiency and decision-making on the court. Maxey’s recognition as the NBA Sportsmanship Award winner is a testament to his character and conduct as a professional athlete. He joins a select group of players who have received this honour, further solidifying his place among the league’s brightest stars.
Michael Jordan’s new Tequila brand
Michael Jordan, the iconic basketball legend, is making waves in a new field far from the basketball courts. His venture into the world of business, particularly with his tequila brand Cincoro, has now not only brought him immense success but has also made his son, Marcus, incredibly proud. Despite retiring from basketball, Jordan continues to demonstrate his unparalleled determination and success, this time in the realm of business. His partnership with Cincoro, alongside his son Marcus and other collaborators, has proven to be a profitable endeavour. Jordan’s successful Tequila business A recent Instagram post from Cincoro’s official account highlighted Jordan’s pivotal role as a founding co-owner since 2019. The post praised Jordan’s commitment to excellence, emphasising his influence in shaping the brand’s high-quality product. Jordan’s success in the tequila business not only adds to his legendary status in the sports world but also establishes him as a formidable businessman. His son Marcus, who is actively involved in the venture, proudly acknowledges his father’s achievements. Jordan – The top entrepreneur With his legacy extending beyond the basketball court, Jordan’s involvement in Cincoro not only solidifies his position as a successful entrepreneur but also serves as a source of pride for his family. His endeavours in business complement his ownership of the Charlotte basketball team, further showcasing his diverse talents and accomplishments. In conclusion, Michael Jordan’s foray into the tequila business not only demonstrates his entrepreneurial acumen but also underscores the pride and admiration his son Marcus holds for him. Jordan’s success transcends sports, making him a respected figure in both the basketball world and the realm of business.