All Things Basketball with GD podcast

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:39)Defensive Player of the Year: Mikal Bridges, Rudy Gobert, Marcus Smart (00:40 - 04:27)Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro, Cam Johnson, Kevin Love (04:28 - 07:02)Most Improved Player: Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Dejounte Murray (07:03 - 11:28)Coach of the Year: Taylor Jenkins, Erik Spoelstra, Monty Williams (11:29 - 14:40)Rookie of the Year: Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley (14:41 - 18:08)MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic (18:09 - 25:15)Call to action (25:16 - 26:22)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:39)Tuesday's matchups: #8 Cavs at #7 Nets and #8 Clippers at #7 T-Wolves (00:40 - 07:13)Wednesday's matchups: #10 Hornets at #9 Hawks and #10 Spurs at #9 Pelicans (07:14 - 12:36)Friday's matchups: #9 Hawks at #8 Cavs and #9 Pelicans at #8 Clippers (12:37 - 20:14)Eastern Conference 1st round preview#1 Heat vs #8 Hawks (20:15 - 23:49)#2 Celtics vs #8 Nets (23:50 - 28:08)#3 Bucks vs #6 Bulls (28:09 - 31:12)#4 Sixers vs #5 Raptors (31:13 - 35:32)Western Conference 1st round preview#1 Suns vs #8 Pelicans (35:33 - 38:41)#2 Grizzlies vs #7 T-Wolves (38:42 - 41:21)#3 Warriors vs #6 Nuggets (41:22 - 44:12)#4 Mavericks vs #5 Jazz (44:13 - 47:28)Call to action (47:29 - 48:35)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:35)End of the season recap of the Knicks overall (00:36 - 02:34)Knicks' end of season gradesJulius Randle and RJ Barrett (02:35 - 10:42)Evan Fournier, Alec Burks and Mitchell Robinson (10:43 - 22:04)Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin (22:05 - 31:55)Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson (31:56 - 38:07)Nerlens Noel, Jericho Sims, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride and Cam Reddish (38:08 - 46:48)Tom Thibodeau and Leon Rose (46:49 - 55:55)Call to action (55:57 - 57:03)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:44)Eastern Conference play-in games (00:45 - 09:21)Western Conference play-in games (09:21 - 15:44)Lakers' end of season gradesLeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook (15:45 - 27:13)Malik Monk, Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves (27:14 - 33:27)Wayne Ellington, Stanley Johnson, Avery Bradley, Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza and Kent Bazemore (33:28 - 38:39)Frank Vogel and Rob Pelinka (38:40 - 43:04)Call to action (43:05 - 44:11)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:47)Congrats to the short documentary Queen of Basketball about the life and career of Lusia "Lucy Harris (directed by Ben Proudfoot as well as executive producers Shaquille O'Neal and Steph Curry) for winning an Oscar (00:48 - 01:59)Tight scoring race between LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo (02:00 - 04:09)The 40+ and 50+ point games for the week including a career high 55 for Kevin Durant (04:10 - 11:22)Some near misses of almost 40+ point games (11:23 - 12:42)Class of 2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees (12:43 - 30:30)Making a case for 3 people for the Hall of Fame: one male player, female player and a coach (30:31 - 35:13)Call to action (35:14 - 36:20)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:47)Fantasy basketball news (00:48 - 01:46)Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum as Players of the Week (01:47 - 04:35)Anthony Davis returns but Lakers are still reeling; Kareem criticizes Lebron (04:36 - 11:35)Playoff race between Miami, Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia for the #1 to #4 seed in the Eastern Conference (11:36 - 16:32)Playoff race between Northwest foes Denver, Utah and Minnesota for the #5 to #7 seed in the Western Conference (16:33 - 19:41)Race for the East play-in games between Cleveland, Atlanta, Charlotte and Brooklyn (19:42 - 23:50)Steph Curry ruled out for the regular season; should be available for the start of the playoffs; Jerami Grant out for rest of the season (23:51 - 24:56)Paul George returns to the Clippers after missing 43 games with the elbow injury (24:57 - 26:06)Robert Williams suffers a torn meniscus; out 4-6 weeks (26:07 - 26:56)Rookie sensation Evan Mobley out with an ankle injury; hoping to come back before the regular season ends (26:57 - 27:48)Julius Randle out for the regular season with a quad injury; some Knicks talk (27:49 - 33:40)Call to action (33:41 - 34:47)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:28)Women's Final Four matchups: South Carolina vs Louisville and UConn vs Stanford (00:29 - 07:07)Championship game between South Carolina and UConn (07:08 - 10:21)Dawn Staley as the next great coach in the women's game (10:22 - 14:53)Men's Final Four matchups: Kansas vs Villanova and North Carolina vs Duke (14:54 - 20:14)Championship game between North Carolina and Kansas (20:15 - 23:59)Bill Self's resume as a college coach (24:00 - 28:29)Call to action (28:30 - 29:36)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:50)Final 4 preview for the mens & womens games (01:36 - 10:01)Karl Anthony Towns and Jayson Tatum as Players of the Week (10:02 - 11:14)Players ruled out for rest of the season (11:15 - 13:15)Ja Morant ruled out for the next 2 weeks (13:16 - 14:40)Chris Paul returns from thumb injury; Suns clinch #1 seed throughout the playoffs (14:41 - 16:41)The rise of the Celtics (16:42 - 17:59)NYC mayor Eric Adams lifts indoor mandate for unvaccinated players; Kyrie Irving now eligible to play home games (18:00 - 20:13)Mike Malone signed a multiyear extension with the Nuggets; terms not yet disclosed (20:14 - 20:47)Isaiah Thomas and Jose Alvarado signed for the rest of the season with the Hornets and Pelicans respectively (20:48 - 22:00)Julius Randle fined $40K for antics following the Knicks' loss to Utah; more Knicks talk (22:01 - 27:15)Call to action (27:16 - 28:23)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdude

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategies https://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdude Show notes: Intro (00:00 - 00:37) This season's scoring season comparable to the 1983-84 season (00:38 - 02:50) Intro for last week's scoring binges (02:51 - 03:10) Recap of the 40 point scorers for the week with some who got close to 40 (03:11 - 11:06) Teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant each scoring 50+ points for the week; also my take on KD's tirade against NYC Mayor Eric Adams (11:07 - 14:46) Lebron James becoming the oldest player to have multiple 50+ games in a season at age 37 (14:47 - 15:57) Recapping my thoughts on the scoring this season & predictions of what's to come (15:58 - 18:34) Call to action (18:35 - 19:41)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:30)When I first began following the career of Cheryl Miller (00:31 - 02:35)Cheryl's early life (02:36 - 05:24)Her years at Riverside Polytechnic High School (05:25 - 07:39)The first 2 years at USC (07:39 - 18:28)The 1984 Olympic team, in her backyard of Los Angeles (18:29 - 21:05)Her junior and senior years at USC (21:06 - 23:26)Her international play in the 1986 Goodwill Games & World Championships, both in Moscow (23:27 - 25:28)The injury that ended her playing career at age 22 (25:29 - 26:33)Her post-playing career, including coaching & in the broadcasting industry (26:34 - 32:38)Her accolades (32:39 - 34:38)What others had to say about her as well as my thoughts in closing (34:39 - 39:02)Call to action (39:03 - 40:09)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:49)Fantasy basketball talk (00:50 - 01:58)Jayson Tatum & Karl Anthony Towns as Players of the Week (01:59 - 03:20)Brooklyn Nets travel to Philly to play the 76ers for the first time since the James Harden trade (03:21 - 09:56)Gregg Popovich becomes the all-time regular season wins leader (09:57 - 12:31)Devin Booker returns from Health & Safety protocols; Phoenix clinches a playoff berth (12:32 - 14:12)Draymond Green due back March 14 after recovering from a lower back injury thus missing a month (14:13 - 15:06)Steph Curry surpasses the 20,000 points scored mark (15:07 - 16:26)LeBron James reaches over 10,000 assists; only player ever with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds & 10,000 assists (16:27 - 19:55)Kevin Garnett's #5 jersey retired in Boston (19:56 - 25:13)NCAA Tournament Final Four predictions for both the men & women (25:13 - 28:10)Call to action (28:11 - 29:17)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:31Lusia "Lucy" Harris and her humble beginnings (00:32 - 02:46)Lucy's entrance into Amanda Elzy HS (02:47 - 05:10)Lucy chooses Delta State as her college to attend (05:11 - 07:00)Correction: 1973-74 was her freshman seasonLucy's start of a 3 year championship run at Delta State (07:01 - 12:22)Lucy on the international stage (12:23 - 16:31)The New Orleans Jazz drafts Lucy in the 1977 draft (16:32 - 19:12)Lucy plays briefly in the WBL, the 1st women's pro league (19:13 - 20:25)Lucy's life after her basketball playing days (20:26 - 21:53)The making of the Queen of Basketball documentary, her children and her passing (21:54 - 23:32)Lucy's accolades (23:33 - 24:50)What others had to say about Lucy and the legacy she leaves behind (24:51 - 31:50)Call to action (31:51 - 32:58)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:44)Ja Morant drops 52 pts; now being mentioned as a MVP candidate (00:45 - 2:10)Fantasy basketball adds for the coming weeks ahead (02:11 - 6:25)Karl Anthony Towns explodes with 39 pts vs Warriors; solidifying his claims as the best shooting big in the league (06:26 - 7:49)The 60th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain's 100 pt game (07:50 - 13:30)Devin Booker placed in Health & Safety protocols; huge blow to Phoenix (13:31 - 14:32)Zion Williamson still out indefinitely (foot); CJ McCollum "not worried" about Zion not talking with him initially when he arrived via trade (14:33 - 15:51)Kevin Durant makes his return to the Nets' lineup Thursday vs Miami; Kyrie Irving get booed in Boston on Sunday (15:52 - 19:08)LeBron goes nuts with 56 pts in a prime time game vs Warriors; Russell Westbrook implies that he didn't come into the season with expectations (19:09 - 21:26)Mike Krzyzewski coaches his final home game; loses to in-state rival UNC (19:10 - 28:04)A pair of 40+ pt games on Sunday: Khris Middleton and Nikola Jokic who added yet another triple double (28:05 - 29:03)Brittney Griner detained in Russia (29:04 - 30:24)Call to action (30:25 - 31:32)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:43)Harden makes his debut for the 76ers (01:43 - 09:46)Lakers and their woes continues (09:47 - 17:54)Chris Paul fractures his thumb and will be out 6 to 8 weeks (17:55 - 19:33)Draymond Green due to return mid-to-late March from healing from his back injury (19:34 - 20:07)The ship be sinking: Kemba Walker shut down for the season, Derrick Rose gets an additional procedure done on his ankle & the underachieving Knicks (20:08 - 34:17)Correction: Jaden Ivey plays at Purdue and not at Notre Dame although his hometown is from South Bend, INNets as the 3rd best team in the NBA to win the title this season??? (34:18 - 35:38)Call to action (37:11 - 38:17)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:26)Wilt's entrance into Bill Russell's NBA (00:27 - 03:05)Celtics march onto another 7 straight titles (03:06 - 20:05)Red Auerbach retires and Bill becomes the league's 1st black head coach/player (20:06 - 21:34)Bill's debut in his new role; loses to Wilt's 76er team in the playoffs thus snapping an 8 straight title run (21:35 - 23:41)The famous Cleveland summit in support of Muhammad Ali's boycott of the Vietnam War (23:42 - 24:42)Boston bounces back; win another title which makes him the 1st black head coach to win a NBA title (24:43 - 27:11)Bill's final season with the Celtics; wins his 11th title in 13 years with 2 as a player/coach (27:12 - 31:11)Correction: it was actually Red Auerbach who drafted Jo Jo White and not BillPost-playing career which included color commentary for NBA games & 2 coaching stints elsewhere (31:12 - 35:44)His accolades for his career (35:45 - 42:45)Call to action (42:46 - 43:53)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:23)Bill Russell & his early life in the South (00:24 - 03:07)His family's migration west to Oakland, CA (03:08 - 05:05)His high school years (05:06 - 07:33)His college years at University of San Francisco (07:34 - 13:41)His applying for the 1956 NBA Draft (13:42 - 16:17)Correction: K.C. Jones was another draft pick that made in that famous draftThe Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia (16:18 - 18:38)His rookie season as a Boston Celtic (18:39 - 27:47)His next few seasons in the league (27:48 - 32:15)Call to action (32:16 - 33:22)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:44)All Star Game (00:45 - 12:27)Team LeBron 163, Team Durant 160LeBron James hits a fadeaway jumper to seal the victorySteph Curry named All Star MVP; 50 pts including a record 16 3PGsJoel Embiid drops 36 pts & 10 rebs in the lossThe introduction of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team at halftime (12:28 - - 20:05)Of course COVID and life itself affected the ceremonyQuite a few legends not present: Larry Bird, Walt Frazier, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Willis Reed, Steve Nash, Dave Cowens, Anthony Davis, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, Tim Duncan, Bill RussellPosthumously honored: Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, Sam Jones, Elgin Baylor, Hal Greer, Nate Thurmond, Paul Arizin, Dolph Schayes, Moses Malone, George Mikan, Dave DebusschereOf course beef was the main course of the day: Michael Jordan vs Isiah Thomas, Jordan vs Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce vs Ray AllenShaquille O'Neal a part of the ceremony after missing the 50th Anniversary Team's celebrationA glimpse at what to expect the rest of the season (20:06 - 22:23)Call to action (22:24 - 23:30)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:34)Taco Bell Skills Challenge (00:35 - 05:18)Participants: Team Antetokounmpo (Giannis, Thanasis & Alex), Team Cavs (Darius Garland, Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen), Team Rooks (Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham & Josh Giddey)Round 1 - shootingRound 2 - passingRound 3 - relayFinal round - fastest time to hit a half court shotWinner: Team CavsMountain Dew 3 Point Contest (05:19 - 09:23)Participants: Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Zach LaVine, CJ McCollum, Patty Mills, Karl Anthony Towns, Fred VanVleet, Trae YoungFinal round: Karl Anthony Towns, Luke Kennard, Trae YoungWinner: Karl Anthony TownsAT&T Slam Dunk Contest (09:24 - 16:23)Participants: Cole Anthony, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Jalen Green, Obi ToppinFinal round: Obi Toppin, Juan Toscano-AndersonWinner: Obi ToppinThe 7 best dunkers to never win this contest (16:24 - 24:31)Call to action (24:32 - 25:39)

Discussing all things related to basketball including the draft, free agency, stories from days of old as well as fantasy tips and strategieshttps://linktr.ee/gdthatsportsdudeShow notes:Intro (00:00 - 00:34)Rising Stars Challenge (00:35 - 05:40)Team Isiah 50, Team Worthy 49 (semifinals)Team Barry 50, Team Payton 48 (semifinals)Team Barry 25, Team Isiah (finals)Cade Cunningham named the tourney's MVPHBCU Classic (05:41 - 07:05)1st inaugural game highlighting historically black colleges and universitiesHoward 68, Morgan St 66Kyle Foster led Howard with 18 ptsTNT's Ultimate NBA Draft (07:06 - 26:53)Consist of drafting the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team along with 4 wild card selections thus totaling 80 playersThere were 8 teams which drafted 10 players eachIt was a snake draft (i.e. 1 thru 8 then 8 back to 1 and so on); draft order determined by blind drawThe draft order:Team Dominique Wilkins, Team Jerry West, Team According to Sources (Shams Charania and Chris Haynes), Team Sue Bird, Team Quavo, Team Inside the NBA Tuesday crew (Adam Lefkoe, Dwayne Wade and Candace Parker), Team Inside the NBA Thursday crew (Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal), Team D.L. Hughley4 wild card selections: Klay Thompson, Chris Bosh, Nikola Jokic, Tracy McGradyCorrection: Team Dominique selected Dolph Schayes with his last pick (not Danny who also played in the league)Call to action (26:54 - 28:00)

All Star Weekend preview (00:49)Fri:Rising Stars ChallengeTEAM ISIAH: Precious Achiuwa (TOR), Desmond Bane (MEM), Saddiq Bey (DET), Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton (IND), Jaden Hardy (G League), Isaiah Stewart (DET)TEAM WORTHY: Cole Anthony (ORL), MarJon Beauchamp (G League), Josh Giddey (OKC), Jalen Green (HOU), Herbert Jones (NOP), Tyrese Maxey (PHI), Jalen Suggs (ORL)TEAM BARRY: Cade Cunningham (DET), Dyson Daniels (G League), Evan Mobley (CLE), Isaac Okoro (CLE), Alperen Sengun (HOU), Jae'Sean Tate (HOU), Franz Wagner (ORL)TEAM PAYTON: LaMelo Ball (CHA), Scottie Barnes (TOR), Ayo Dosunmu (CHI), Scoot Henderson (G League), Bones Hyland (DEN), Jonathan Kuminga (GSW), Jaden McDaniels (MIN)TEAM ISIAH vs TEAM WORTHY -> 1st to 50 ptsTEAM BARRY vs TEAM PAYTON -> 1st to 50 ptsFinal: Winner of TEAM ISIAH/TEAM WORTHY vs TEAM BARRY/TEAM PAYTON -> 1st to 25 ptsSat:Taco Bell Skills ChallengeTEAM CAVS: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan MobleyTEAM ANTETOKOUNMPO: Giannis (MIL), Thanasis (MIL), Alex (G League)TEAM ROOKS: Cade Cunningham (DET), Scottie Barnes (TOR), Josh Giddey (OKC)3rd rounds: shooting (100 pts), passing (100 pts), relay (200 pts)Final round: half court shot (2 teams with most pts)Mountain Dew 3 Point ContestCJ McCollum (POR), Trae Young (ATL), Zach LaVine (CHI), Desmond Bane (MEM), Karl Anthony Towns (MIN), Fred VanVleet (TOR), Luke Kennard (LAC), Patty Mills (BKN)The highest 3 scores compete in the finalsAT&T Dunk ContestCole Anthony (ORL), Juan Toscano-Anderson (GSW), Jalen Green (HOU), Obi Toppin (NYK)1st rd -> 2 dunks, highest 2 scores goes to finalsFinals -> 2 dunks, combined scores for the winSun:All Star GameTEAM LEBRONStarters: LeBron James (CLE), Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL), Nikola Jokic (DEN), Steph Curry (GSW), DeMar DeRozan (CHI)Bench: Luka Doncic (DAL), Darius Garland (CLE), Jimmy Butler (MIA), Chris Paul (PHO), Donovan Mitchell (UTA), Fred VanVleet (TOR), Jarrett Allen (CLE)TEAM DURANTStarters: Joel Embiid (PHI), Jayson Tatum (BOS), Ja Morant (MEM), Trae Young (ATL), Andrew Wiggins (GSW)Bench: Devin Booker (PHO), Zach LaVine (CHI), LaMelo Ball (CHA), Karl Anthony Towns (MIN), Dejounte Murray (SAS), Khris Middleton (MIL), Rudy Gobert (UTA)

Week 17 review (00:38):Mon:Brandon Ingram (NOP) & Pascal Siakam (TOR) named Players of the WeekLaMelo Ball (CHA) & Dejounte Murray (SAS) to replace Kevin Durant & Draymond Green for the All Star GameGordon Hayward (CHA) injures his ankle in the CHA/TOR game; out indefinitelyGame of the Night: PHO on the road holds off a 4th qtr rally to beat CHI 127-124; Devin Booker 38 pts (5 3PGs)Tue:James Harden (BKN) still dealing with hamstring issues; to miss 3rd straight game15 greatest coaches announced for the 75th Anniversary season: Red Auerbach, Larry Brown, Chuck Daly, Red Holtzman, Phil Jackson, KC Jones,Steve Kerr, Don Nelson, Gregg Popovich, Dr Jack Ramsay, Pat Riley, Doc Rivers, Jerry Sloan, Erik Spoelstra, Lenny WilkensNotable snubs: Rudy Tomjanovich, Alex Hannum, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Tommy Heinsohn, Bill Fitch, George Karl, Rick Carlisle, Rick AdelmanGame of the Night: PHO still on the road defeats PHI 114-109; Booker 35 ptsWed:Bradley Beal (WAS) to undergo wrist surgery; out for the rest of the seasonKelly Oubre Jr (CHA) fined $15K for profane language towards a fanRussell Westbrook (LAL) to miss LAL/POR game with a sore backGame of the Night: UTA takes down GSW 111-85; Bojan Bogdanovic 23 pts & Hassan Whiteside 17 rebs with 7 blksThurs:WAS assistant coach Mike Batiste suspended 2 games for going into the stands to confront a fanBeal has successful wrist surgeryAll Star Draft for Team LeBron & Team DurantTeam LeBron starters: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Jokic, LeBronTeam LeBron bench: Luka Doncic, Darius Garland, Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Fred VanVleet, James HardenTeam Durant starters: Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, Andrew WigginsTeam Durant bench: Devin Booker, Karl Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Khris Middleton, LaMelo Ball, Rudy GobertPat Connaughton (MIL) out indefinitely; bone fracture in handGame of the Night: PHO blows out MIL 131-107; DeAndre Ayton 27 pts (7 players in double figures)Fri:Team Durant's charity: Greater Cleveland Food BankTeam LeBron's charity: Kent State I Promise Scholars ProgramHarden (PHI) won't play this weekend for his new teamGM Sean Marks (BKN) on the Harden/Ben Simmons trade: we've seen enough...it was best for both sidesGarland out for CLE/IND game with a sore backFantasy basketball buy candidates: Andre Drummond (BKN), Daniel Gafford (WAS), Montrezl Harrell (CHA), Marvin Bagley III (DET), Reggie Bullock (DAL)Sell candidates: Spencer Dinwiddie (DAL), Richaun Holmes (SAC), Derrick White (BOS), Chris Boucher (TOR)Joel Embiid after the PHI/OKC game about Simmons being traded: winning not the biggest factor for himGame of the Night: CHI defeats MIN 134-122; DeMar DeRozan 35 pts, Nikola Vucevic 26 ptsSat:John Collins (ATL) to miss at least 3 games with strained footDerrick Jones Jr (CHI) returns to the lineup; missed 17 games with the finger injuryGame of the Night: GSW squeezes by LAL 117-115; Klay Thompson 33 pts (5 3PGs) & Steph Curry 24 ptsSun:Norman Powell (LAC) out indefinitely with an injured footConnaughton has successful hand surgery; out 4 weeks

Trade deadline breakdown (00:35)Friday, 2/4LAC: G/F Norman Powell, F Robert CovingtonPOR: G Eric Bledsoe, F Justise Winslow, G Keon Johnson, 2025 2nd rd pick (via DET)Sunday, 2/6CLE: G/F Caris LeVert, 2022 2nd rd pick (via MIA)IND: G Ricky Rubio, 2022 lottery protected 1st rd pick, 2022 2nd rd pick (via HOU), 2027 2nd rd pick (via UTA)Tuesday, 2/8NOP: G CJ McCollum, F/C Larry Nance Jr, G/F Tony SnellPOR: G Josh Hart, G Tomas Santoransky, G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G/F Didi LouzadaSAC: F/C Domantas Sabonis, G Jeremy Lamb, G/F Justin Holiday, 2027 2nd rd pickIND: G Tyrese Haliburton, G Buddy Hield, C/F Tristan ThompsonWednesday, 2/9UTA: G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, F Juancho HernangomezSAS: G Tomas SantoranskyPOR: G/F Joe Ingles, F Elijah HughesThursday, 2/10MIL: F/C Serge IbakaSAC: G Donte DiVincenzo, G/F Josh JacksonDET: F Marvin Bagley IIILAC: F Semi Ojeleye, G/F Rodney HoodSAS: G Goran Dragic, 2022 lottery protected 1st rd pickTOR: F/C Thaddeus Young, C Drew Eubanks, 2022 2nd rd pick (via DET)PHI: G James Harden, F Paul MillsapBKN: G Ben Simmons, G Seth Curry, C Andre Drummond, 2022 1st rd pick, 2027 protected 1st rd pickBOS: G Derrick WhiteSAS: G/F Josh RIchardson, G Romeo Langford, 2022 lottery protected 1st rd pickPHO: F Torrey CraigIND: F Jalen Smith, future 2nd rd pickCHA: F/C Montrezl HarrellWAS: G Ish Smith, C Vernon Carey JrWAS: F/C Kristaps PorzingisDAL: G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Davis BertansBOS: C Daniel TheisHOU: G Dennis Schroeder, C Enes Freedom, F Bruno Fernando

Week 16 review (00:34)

All Star reserves reaction/Rising Stars thoughts (00:42)East:Jimmy Butler (MIA), Darius Garland (CLE), James Harden (BKN), Zach LaVine (CHI), Khris Middleton (MIL), Jayson Tatum (BOS), Fred VanVleet (TOR)West:Devin Booker (PHO), Chris Paul (PHO), Luka Doncic (DAL), Rudy Gobert (UTA), Donovan Mitchell (UTA), Karl Anthony Towns (MIN), Draymond Green (GSW)Actually Draymond may not play so they'll have to pick a replacement playerAmong four guys: Dejounte Murray (SAS), Anthony Edwards (MIN), Jaren Jackson Jr (MEM), Desmond Bane (MEM)Outside of that, I got 6 out of 7 picks for the WestThe biggest snubs to me in the East was Jaylen Brown (BOS) & Jarrett Allen (CLE)There's still a possibility for either guy to make it with Kevin Durant likely to be replaced since he's injuredAnother under the radar snub to me was Pascal Siakam (TOR) who's playing great even in light of OG Anunoby improving & rookie Scottie Barnes playing wellOverall I got 5 of 7 picks for the EastKudos to the East coaches for not picking a guy like Kyrie Irving given his small body of work & the circumstances of him playing part-timeKudos to the West coaches for not choosing Anthony Davis who's been hurt most of the 1st half of the season & Russell Westbrook who's having a down yearFor the Rising Stars Challenge, they've changed the format to a round robin of 4 teams with 7 guys on each rosterConsists of 12 rookies, 12 sophomores & 4 G-LeaguersHere's the list of players...Rookies:Scottie Barnes (TOR), Cade Cunningham (DET), Ayo Dosunmu (CHI), Chris Duarte (IND), Jalen Green (HOU), Josh Giddey (OKC), Herbert Jones (NOP), Davion Mitchell (SAC), Evan Mobley (CLE), Alperen Sengun (HOU), Jalen Suggs (ORL), Franz Wagner (ORL)Sophs:Precious Achiuwa (TOR), Cole Anthony (ORL), LaMelo Ball (CHA), Desmond Bane (MEM), Saddiq Bey (DET), Anthony Edwards (MIN), Tyrese Haliburton (SAC), Tyrese Maxey (PHI), Jaden McDaniels (MIN), Isaac Okoro (CLE), Isaiah Stewart (DET), Jae'Sean Tate (HOU)G League:MarJon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels, Jaden Hardy, Scoot HendersonSo the question was asked: why isn't there any NYK players on either list?The talk around the league is about all the young talent they haveBottom line: Tom Thibodeau's coaching style doesn't lend itself to leaning heavily on his rookies & sophsWould have loved to see Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin or Immanuel Quickley there, but they aren't getting the consistent minutes that allow them to shineThe only player we'll likely see that weekend is Toppin in the Dunk Contest (hopefully he doesn't get robbed again)Nonetheless I'm interested in seeing this new format & how it shakes out

Chuck Cooper (00:45)SF/PF - 6'5", 210 lbBorn 9/29/26 in Pittsburgh, PA (birth name: Charles Henry Cooper)Grew up in a segregated Pittsburgh area; attended Westinghouse HSEnrolled at WV State College, a HBCU where he stayed only one semesterWas drafted by the US Navy to serve during World War IIAfter his tour of duty he went back home to Pittsburgh & attended Duquesne University4 year starter scoring a school record 990 points; Led his team to 2 NIT tourneysWas the 1st Black player to play a college game south of the Mason-Dixon lineIn the 1950 Draft he became the 1st Black player drafted by BOS (2nd round, 13th overall)Also drafted: teammate Bob Cousy (4th), Bill Sharman (17th), Earl Lloyd (101st)Made his NBA debut on 11/1/50, one day after LloydPlayed for 4 seasons in BOS before being traded to Milwaukee Hawks for 1 1/2 seasonsWas released & signed with Fort Wayne Pistons but played only 32 games there & then retired from the NBAWould go on towards a life of social activism, particularly in the Pittsburgh areaInducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 & the Naismith HoF in 2019 as a contributor; #15 jersey retired in 2001Died 2/5/84 of liver cancer in Pittsburgh at the age of 57Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton (13:33)PF - 6'7", 220 lbBorn 10/13/22 in England, AR (in the Little Rock area); birth name: Clifton NathanielGot the nickname Sweetwater because of his mixing water with sugar & not from his love of soda which was previously reportedHis family migrated to CHI at age 8; played both basketball & baseball at DuSable HSCHI Daily News called him one of the 2 greatest HS basketball players in Illinois historyAttended Xavier University (of LA), a HBCU, for one season before being drafted by the US Army to serve during World War IIAfter his service he started playing with the Dayton Metropolitans, NY Rens & Harlem Globetrotters from 1948-50In the offseason he played baseball with the CHI American Giants (Negro Leagues)Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein sold his contract to the NYK for $12,500 ($2500 to Clifton)Clifton thus became the 1st Black player to sign with the NBAAn integral part of the team; made the NBA Finals in his 1st 3 seasonsEnded up making one All Star appearance during his 7 seasons with NYKWas traded to DET where he played only one season due to his unhappiness with his role; retired after the seasonPost-NBA he went back to the Negro Leagues; came out of retirement from basketball to play in the ABL, for the CHI Majors in 1961A knee injury forced him to retire for good from all sportsWith no pension from the NBA he became a taxi driver serving the CHI areaInudcted into the Naismith HoF in 2014 as a contributorDied 8/31/90 In Chicago at age 67Earl Lloyd (25:10)SF - 6'5", 200 lb (nicknames: Big Cat, Moon Fixer)Born 4/3/28 in Alexandria, VA (birth name: Earl Francis Lloyd)Attended Parker-Gray HS, a segregated school in AlexandriaDrafted in the 1950 Draft by the Washington Capitols (9th round, 101st overall)Played his 1st pro game on 10/31/50; one day before Chuck Cooper & 4 days before Nat CliftonOnly played 7 games as a rookie; team folded in 1951Was drafted to serve in the US Army to fight during the Korean WarHad his most successful season in 1954-55 as SYR won the NBA titleHe & teammate Jim Tucker became the 1st Blacks to play in a NBA FinalsPlayed 6 seasons in SYR before being traded to DET for cash; played 2 seasons there until he retired in 1961Inducted into the Naismith HoF as a contributor in 2003Died 2/26/2015 in Fairfield Glade, TN at age 86

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All Star Reserves - East (00:30)The candidates:F Jimmy Butler (MIA), G Tyler Herro (MIA), G Zach LaVine (CHI), F Tobias Harris (PHI), G Darius Garland (CLE), C Jarrett Allen (CLE), F Khris Middleton (MIL), G Jrue Holiday (MIL), G James Harden (BKN), F Miles Bridges (CHA), G LaMelo Ball (CHA), G Fred VanVleet (TOR), F Pascal Siakam (TOR), F OG Anunoby (TOR), F Jayson Tatum (BOS), G Jaylen Brown (BOS), F Julius Randle (NYK), F Domantas Sabonis (IND), G Bradley Beal (WAS)Reserves consist of 2 guards, 3 frontcourt players & 2 wild cards picksMy predictions (probably no Kyrie Irving given the short amount of games played):G - Darius Garland -> being that the game will be in Cleveland he is pretty much a shoo-in, especially with the way the team is playingG - James Harden -> with the slight chance that Kevin Durant can't play he should make it in & could be the only representativeF - Jayson Tatum -> pretty much solid all season long for a team that's hanging around in the playoff pictureF - Jimmy Butler -> as the leader of the top team in the conference it seems he's guaranteed to get inF - Jarrett Allen -> I think the city of Cleveland will be rewarded with 2 players from their team getting inW - Zach LaVine -> The wait is over; he finally makes his 1st appearance this yearW - Jaylen Brown -> Will probably make a return to the game againPossible replacements for Kevin Durant: Khris Middleton, Domantas Sabonis, Fred VanVleetI think VanVleet sneaks in as Durant's fill-inAll Star Reserves - West (24:16)The candidates:G Devin Booker (PHO), G Chris Paul (PHO), F Draymond Green (GSW), G Desmond Bane (MEM), G Donovan Mitchell (UTA), C Rudy Gobert (UTA), G Luka Doncic (DAL), C Karl Anthony Towns (MIN), F Anthony Edwards (MIN), G D'Angelo Russell (MIN), G Russell Westbrook (LAL), C Jusuf Nurkic (POR), F Brandon Ingram (NOP), C Jonas Valanciunas (NOP), G Dejounte Murray (SAS)Reserves consist of 2 guards, 3 frontcourt players & 2 wild cards picksMy predictions (probably no Anthony Davis, Paul George or Damian Lillard thanks to injuries):G - Devin Booker -> the top player for the league's best team is a shoo-in to make the gameG - Luka Doncic -> was among the leading vote getter in the early returns but squeezed out by Ja Morant; he makes the squad nonethelessF - Karl Anthony Towns -> enjoying a fantastic season for a surprising Minnesota teamF - Anthony Edwards -> the exciting sophomore has been a key cog in Minnesota's surge as playoff contendersF - Rudy Gobert -> the anchor of a tough Utah defense will once again make the teamW - Donovan Mitchell -> the de facto leader of a solid Utah squad (I'm doing a mea culpa: Mitchell over Dejounte Murray)W - Chris Paul -> the quarterback for the top team in the NBAThe results come this Thursday, Feb 3rd

Hakeem Olajuwon - 7'0", 255 lb (00:30)Born 1/21/63 in Lagos, Nigeria (Akeem Abdul Olajuwon)Family of 6; his parents owned a cement mixing companyStarted playing at age 15; mostly played soccer & handball when youngerEntered a basketball tournament at Muslim Teachers CollegeAs a HS junior he played in All-Africa GamesEmigrated to the US to attend the University of Houston in 1981Coach Guy Lewis invited him on the recommendation of a friendRedshirted in his 1st year; his soccer & handball skills served him well for basketballIn his debut season he came off the benchMade it to the Final 4; lost to eventual champs UNCIn the summer of 1982 he worked out with HOU's Moses MaloneWith his newfound skills which earned him the nickname The Dream, he became the starter & averaged 13.9 PPG, 11.4 RPG & 5.1 BPGA member of the famed fraternity Phi Slama JamaMade it to Final 4 again to face Louisville & won behind Olajuwon's 21 pts, 22 rebs & 8 blks; upset in the Finals to NC StateReturned the following season; led the nation in rebounds (13.5), blocks (5.6) & FG% (67.5)Got back to the NCAA Finals; lost to Patrick Ewing's Georgetown teamDeclared himself eligible for the 1984 Draft; HOU wins the coin toss & picks him #1Other picks: Michael Jordan (#3), Charles Barkley (#5), John Stockton (#16) & Oscar Schmidt (#131)Made the All Star team as a rookie; finished 2nd to Jordan as Rookie of the YearHim & Sampson formed what was the Twin TowersIn 1985-86 his sophomore season a greater successBeat SAC, DEN & LAL to reach NBA Finals; lost to BOS in 6 gamesThe next few seasons saw Sampson's decline due to his sore knees; was eventually tradedIn his 1st full season as the franchise player & under new coach Don Chaney he led the league in rebounds (13.5); lost in 1st rd to SEAIn 1989-90 he had one of the greatest defensive seasons by a center since Bill RussellHis 14 RPG & 4.6 BPG led the NBA; had one of the only 4 quadruple-doubles in history: 18 pts, 16 rebs, 10 asts & 11 blksIn 1990-91 he became a truly devout Muslim; changed his name from Akeem to HakeemMissed 25 games (broken orbital bones)In 1991-92 he endured a coaching change with Chaney fired & replaced with Rudy Tomjanovich; missed 7 games (irregular heartbeat)In 1992-93 the team & Hakeem progressed under coach Rudy TWon Defensive Player of the Year while leading the NBA in blocks (4.2)Finished 2nd in MVP voting to Barkley; lost in West semis to SEA1993-94 became his greatest season; won another DPOY, league MVP, a NBA title & a Finals MVPAveraged 27.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.7 BPG, 1.6 SPG & 52.8% FG; topped POR, PHO, UTA & NYKIn 1994-95 his team got off to a sluggish start; reignited by midseason trade for college teammate DrexlerAs 6th seed they got back to the Finals; beat UTA, PHO, SAS in the West & swept ORL to win back-to-back titles & another Finals MVPFrom 1995-96 to 2000-01 they never matched that playoff success againMade Dream Team II & won a gold medalPlayed 2 more seasons with HOU before going to TOR; ended a 20 year stay in HOURetired after the 2001-02 season; after his playing career he ran his Big Man CampACCOLADES:Became only player in the top 11 all time in 4 major categories when he retiredNow is the all time leader in blocks, 9th in steals, 12th in points & 14th in reboundsHis #34 jersey retired (2000)Inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2008 & FIBA HoF in 2016Named to 50th & 75th Anniversary Teams12x All Star, 12x All-NBA, 9x All-Defense, 2x Reb Champ 3x Block Champ, 1 MVP, 2x DPOY, 2x NBA Champ, 2x Finals MVP, 1 Olympic gold medal

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Isiah Thomas (00:30)6'1", 180 lb; played PGBorn April 30, 1961 in Chicago, IL; family of 9 children (7 boys, 2 girls)Grew up in roughest & poorest part of town (Chicago's West Side)His mother Mary Thomas had a TV movie based on her lifeWent to St Joseph HS in the Westchester area; led them to state finals as a juniorAs a top prospect, goes to Indiana University; many thought the combo of coach Bob Knight & Isiah would clashFinished freshman year being named 1st team All-AmericanSelected to US Olympic team in 1980; US boycott those OlympicsLed his team as a sophomore to a NCAA title over UNC; named tourney's Most Outstanding PlayerAfter declaring hardship for 1981 Draft, 2nd overall pick by DET (#1, friend Mark Aguirre of DePaul to DAL)In 1981-82 the drafting of Isiah & Kelly Tripucka (12th overall) with the trade for Bill Laimbeer propelled them to 39-43Started in the 1982 All Star Game as a rookieHis obvious competitive drive led Laimbeer to give him the nickname Zeke (Isiah's alter ego)A leader & floor general in only his 2nd seasonWith the hiring of Chuck Daly in his 3rd season, became more aware of getting his teammates involved; finished 2nd in assists (11.1 APG)Participated in highest scoring game in history: DET beating DEN 186-184 in 3 OTs (47 points, 17 assists, 5 rebounds & 4 steals)In his 1st taste of playoffs; loses in 5 games to NYK (scored 16 points in 94 seconds to force OT in Game 5)Sets assist average record with 13.9 in 1984-85; lost in the playoff semis to BOS1985 All Star Game also known as the "freeze out game"; rookie Michael Jordan supposedly not being passed to which was arranged by Isiah who strongly denies thisMade major strides in 1986-87 finishing 3rd in the East; had their most crushing blow in losing to BOSWith DET ahead 107-106 with 5 secs left in Game 5; he threw an inbounds pass that Larry Bird stole & threw it to Dennis Johnson who scored the go-ahead basketAfter winning Game 7, brass rookie Dennis Rodman said Bird's overrated & that if he were black he'd be just another good player which Isiah agreed with (later does a press conference with Bird present to refute what he said)Took yet another step in 1987-88 exercising the demons by defeating BOS to reach NBA Finals vs good friend Magic JohnsonWhile leading 3-2 Isiah sprains his ankle & playing on one leg scored 43 points (25 in a quarter) before losing to LAL in Game 6 & then Game 7Finally reaches the summit in 1988-89 winning his 1st NBA title knocking off BOS, MIL, CHI & LAL; included controversial midseason trade: Adrian Dantley to DAL for Isiah's buddy AguirreFor 1989-90 he captured back-to-back title defeating IND, NYK, CHI & POR (Finals MVP); started out slow but went on a 25-1 run & finished 59-23Efforts at a 3-peat thwarted in 1990-91 by CHI in a season; more controversy: walked off the court with his teammates (something done to them by BOS)In Chuck Daly's last season they were eliminated from playoffs, 1st round to NYK; left off the inaugural Dream Team rosterFor 1992-93 he made one last All Star appearance; missed the playoffsWas in the twilight of his career during 1993-94; in his final game he torn his AchillesACCOLADESRetired as 3rd all time in assists & 5th in stealsStill holds DET records as all time leader in minutes, points, assists & stealsHis #11 jersey retired & named to the 50th Anniversary Team in 1996; 75th Anniversary Team in 2021Inducted into the Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame (1993), Michigan Sports H0F (1998) & Naismith HoF (2000)12x All Star (2x MVP), 5x All-NBA, 1 Assist Champ, 2x NBA Champ with a Finals MVP

Week 13 review (00:28)

George Gervin: 6'7", 180 lb (00:29)Played some small forward but mostly shooting guardBorn in Detroit, MI on April 27, 1952Comes from a family of 6; dad left home in his early years; grew up in povertyStarted playing basketball at a young age with his cousin & neighborhood kid named Ralph SimpsonIn his sophomore year at Martin Luther King HS, he tried out for the teamWillie Meriweather, the JV coach & a father figure to him, convinced the head coach to keep him on the teamAlso befriended the school's janitor Mr Winters who gave him access to the school's gymHis basketball skills improved, but his grades weren't that goodExperienced a growth spurt to 6'4" as a senior; averaged 31 PPG & 20 RPG leading team to state quarterfinals; became All-State (1970)Received a scholarship to Cal State - Long Beach; became homesick then left school after 1st semesterTransferred to Eastern Michigan for 1 1/2 seasons; for 39 games he averaged 26.8 PPG & 14.4 RPGIn a divisional semifinals, tempers flared with a Roanoke VA player & he punched out the playerCosts the head coach his job & George being kicked off the team & suspended for next season; Olympics & Pan Am games invites also revokedTook his talents to the Eastern Basketball Association, a semi-pro league where he averaged 40 PPG (paid $300/week)Was discovered by scout Johnny Kerr of the Virginia Squires who saw him score 50 pts in a gameGot signed to a $40K/year contract for VIR in 1973Spent a little over a year with the team; had teammates Julius Erving & Swen NaterTeammate Fatty Taylor 1st gave him the nickname Iceberg Slim; nickname evolves into the IcemanWhile playing in his 1st All Star game during his 2nd year, VIR deals him to SAS for $228KABA's leading office called deal into question; eventually allowed it to go thruFinished the 2nd half of the season with SAS; was drafted by the NBA's PHO in 1976 (3rd rd, 40th) but chose to stay in the ABAFor the next 2 seasons he ranked among the ABA's top 10 in scoring while making 2 All Star gamesIn the 1975 All Star game he was reunited with his childhood friend Ralph Simpson on the same teamAppeared in the 1st ever Slam Dunk contest in 1976 at the halftime of that All Star game along with Julius Erving, David Thompson, Artis Gilmore & Larry KenonUpon the NBA-ABA merger bringing in SAS there was a prevailing thought on whether he could score like he did in that league, especially after averaging just 23.1 PPG after his 1st NBA seasonWent on to not only score but lead the league in that category 4 of the next 5 seasons as well as making 9 straight All Star gamesThe most famous scoring title came in 1977-78 between him & David Thompson (DEN) which came down to the very last dayDavid scored 73 pts in an early game while George needed 58 pts to become the scoring champ (27.22 to 27.15)He ends up scoring 63 pts, including a 33 pt quarter which set the record that was set earlier by ThompsonIn 1978-79 he had what was his most successful season with another scoring title (29.6 PPG), finishing 2nd in the MVP voting (lost to Moses Malone) & had his best run to a NBA title losing in the Eastern Conference Finals to WASThe hiring of Cotton Fitzsimmons in 1984-85 pretty much marked the nearing of the end of George's stay in SASGet dealt the following season to CHI for David GreenwoodPlayed one season there; team also had Michael Jordan who played only 18 games because of a broken footRetired from the NBA in 1986 but played in Europe for a few seasonsInducted into the Hall of Fame & named to the 50th Anniversary team in 1996Best known for his finger roll shot, extending it out to the free throw line

Week 12 review (00:38)Mon:Ja Morant (MEM) & DeMar DeRozan (CHI) as the most recent Players of the WeekLeague reschedules 11 postponed games; changes times of 10 more gamesKevin Porter Jr & Christian Wood (HOU) both suspended one game for detrimental conductJimmy Butler (MIA) suffered an ankle injury in a loss to GSW; to miss a few gamesAnfernee Simon (POR) scored 41 pts as his team beats ATL; Trae Young with 56 pts & 14 asts in the lossJoel Embiid (PHI) with a triple double (31 pts, 15 rebs, 10 asts) as they blow out HOUJa Morant's 36 pts & Desmond Bane's 29 pts helps MEM on the road crushes BKNTue:Donovan Mitchell (UTA) & Joel Embiid (PHI) wins Players of the Month for DecemberJosh Giddey (OKC) & Franz Wagner (ORL) Rookies of the MonthTaylor Jenkins (MEM) & Erik Spoelstra (MIA) Coaches of the MonthJoe Ingles (UTA) enters health & safety protocolsJa Morant's 26 pts & Jaren Jackson Jr's 22 pts leads MEM in a back-to-back win on the road over CLEWed:Dirk Nowitzki's #41 jersey reitred by DAL after halftime of their game vs GSW: DAL gets the upset win over GSW behind Luka's 26 ptsDamian Lillard (POR) out at least a week with an abdomen injuryMIL to waive DeMarcus Cousins & add Langston Galloway on FriKyrie Irving (BKN) makes his season debut on the road vs IND; Kyrie with 22 pts & Kevin Durant with 39 pts; Domantas Sabonis has a triple double (32 pts, 12 rebs, 10 asts) in the lossThu:KD & Steph Curry leads 1st round of All Star voting for the East & WestWAS announcer Glenn Corser makes a public apology for confusing who Kevin Porter Jr's dad was; thought he was former WAS player from 1970sRudy Gobert (UTA) enters H&S protocols; his 2nd time he's dealing with COVID issuesLarry Nance Jr (POR) out at least a week with a knee injuryTyler Herro (MIA) & Jusuf Nurkic (POR) both fined $25K for the skirmish they got intoNon-boosted players to be subjected to daily testing & mask requirements while traveling; extended up to Jan 19NYK, down 25 pts, gets the comeback win over BOS thanks to a RJ 3PG buzzer beater; Evan Fournier with 41 pts (10 3PGs)In that game Julius Randle gives the NYK fans at home the thumbs down signPHO blows out LAC & becomes 1st team to get 30 wins; Chris Paul's triple double (14 pts, 13 rebs, 10 asts)Fri:50th year anniversary of LAL's 33 game win streak; finished the season 69-13 (a record at the time)Coach Jason Kidd enters H&S protocols; 13th head coach to do soRandle writes an Instagram statement about NYC & his love for the NYK fansMIL on the road blows out BKN; Giannis Antetokounmpo with 31 pts & 9 asts, Bobby Portis Jr's 25 pts & 12 rebsKD on Kyrie's vaccination status: I'm not going to force him to get vaccinatedFred VanVleet's triple double (37 pts, 10 asts, 10 rebs) leads TOR over UTABehind LeBron's 32 pts, 9 asts, 8 rebs, 4 stls & 3 blks, LAL blows out ATL; moves into top 10 steals leaders all timeSat:Randle fined $25K for egregious use of profane language during practice & postgameCoach Lloyd Jenkins (MEM) enters H&S protocols; 14th head coach nowDillon Brooks (MEM) injures ankle in a win over LAC; out 3-5 weeksJaylen Brown gets his 1st triple double (22 pts, 11 rebs, 11 asts) as BOS defeats NYKSun:DEN trades C Bol Bol to DET for Rodney McGruder & 2022 2nd rd pick via BKNKlay Thompson makes his season debut after missing 2 1/2 seasons; GSW defeats CLE while scoring 17 pts; his reaction: "it's unbelievable & worth every second."MEM on the road beats LAL; Bane with 23 pts & JJJ's 21 pts; Russ Westbrook struggles with just 6 pts

Sam Jones (00:31)Played some small forward & point guard but mostly played shooting guardBorn in Wilmington, NC on June 24, 1933Went to a historic African American prep school called Laurinburg InstituteAttended a small HBCU school NC College which became NC Central University laterWas a 3 times All-CIAA; coached by Hall of Fame coach John McClendon & Floyd BrownSpent 4 years there as well as 2 years in the militaryWas initially drafted by Minneapolis Lakers in the 1956 draft during the 8th round but chose to go back to college to get his degree after finishing his military serviceEnter Red Auerbach, the BOS coach who was looking to draft a player in the upcoming 1957 draftRed visited University of NC but was told by another coach about Sam & how good he wasSo sight unseen, Red drafted Sam 8th overall of that draftThis shocked Sam to be drafted by a team that had just won a NBA title & just returned 11 of their playersWanted to become a HS teacher after college & thought he was closer to that dream after being selected by BOSIn fact Sam had an offer from one HS to teach; asked for a $500 increase when offered the position; the school refused & as they say the rest was historyHis rookie season was anything but spectacular; averaged only 4.6 PPG & 10.6 MIN & was the 3rd SG behind Bill Sharman & Frank RamseyRed was actually preparing Sam to be the heir apparent to Bill Sharman as the team's starting SGIn his next 2 seasons he played SF coming off the bench with the young KC Jones to form the alliance of the Jones BoysRed decided to move Ramsey to SF which opened the door for Sam to get closer to being the starting SG in futureHis big break came in 1960-61 when Sharman had to sit due to injuriesWhile not entirely comfortable being a starter, he began to adjust nicely with a 15 PPG average in his debut as the team's lead SGIn his next 3 seasons he settled into being the position & started becoming a clutch performer, particularly in the playoffsin 1961-62 where he became an All Star for the 1st time, BOS played PHW to a grueling 7 games in the Eastern Divisional Finals where he hit a game winner over Wilt Chamberlain (Wilt declared Sam as BOS' best player)Against LAL in the Finals, he scored 5 of the team's 10 pts in OT of Game 7 in the finals to win their 4th straight NBA titleIn 1962-63 he averaged 19.7 PPG & a career best 47.6 FG% while upping his game in the playoffs with a 23.8 PPG to help win their 5th straight titleHad his career year in 1964-65 averaging 25.9 PPG (4th in the league) while making his 3rd All Star game; also named to the All-NBA 2nd team for the 1st time (behind 1st teamers Oscar Robertson & Jerry West)BOS finished that season 62-18; had his greatest postseason ever with 28.6 PPG to lead them to their 7th straight titleWould play another 4 seasons; appearing in 2 more All Star games & won 3 of 4 NBA titles in those yearsIn his final game fittingly so, he hit the clinching basket for Game 7 in the Finals to beat a Elgin Baylor-Jerry West-Wilt Chamberlain led LAL squad to win his 10th NBA title for BOSRetired from basketball in 1969 at the age of 36Inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame, North Carolina Sports HoF (the 1st African-American to be honored), Naismith HoF & the inaugural American Basketball HoFNamed to the 25th, 50th & 75th NBA Anniversary TeamsDid become a substitute teacher in Maryland for over 30 yearsRetired from teaching & moved to St Augustine, FL; died in Boca Raton, FL at the age of 88 on Dec 31, 2021Statements from the BOS organization, NBA commission Adam Silver & good friend Bill Russell came in honoring SamNickname: Mr Clutch, The Shooter

Week 11 review (00:29)Mon:NBA making adjustments to health & safety protocols; isolation period from 10 to 6 daysDeAndre Ayton & coach Monty Williams (PHO) enters protocolsTrae Young clears protocols; scores 29 pts in a loss to CHI; DeMar DeRozan 35 pts & Zach LaVine 30 ptsMEM on road squeaks by PHO; Ja Morant with 33 pts & Desmond Bane 32 ptsBKN on read blows by LAC; James Harden 34 pts, 15 asts & 8 rebsTue:Bogdan Bogdanovic joins 12 ATL players in protocolsKevin Durant, Kyrie Irving & LaMarcus Aldridge clears protocolsEvan Mobley clears while Darius Garland enters protocolsRicky Rubio tears ACL in a CLE loss to NOP; out for seasonCoach Mark Daigneault (OKC) enters protocols; 5th coach to do so this seasonMIA takes down WAS; Tyler Herro 32pts, Duncan Robinson 26 pts & Jimmy Butler 25 pts with 15 astsDEN on rad edges GSW; Nikola Jokic 22 pts & 18 rebs; Steph Curry with 3000 3PGs madeWed:Isaiah Thomas, formerly with LAL, signs a 10 day contract with DALMIA/SAS game postponed; MIA without 8 players needed to playKyrie attended his 1st practice; says he missed playing ballMEM defeats LAL; Morant 41 pts & 10 rebs; LeBron with 37 pts, 13 rebs & 7 asts in the lossChimezie Meku drops a 3 at the buzzer as SAC beats DALThu:Julius Randle (NYK) enters protocolsGSW/DEN game postponed; Austin Rivers & coach Mike Malone enter protocolsDraymond Green complains on Twitter about postponed gamePHI on road beats BKN in KD's 1st game back from protocols; led by Joel Embiid (34 pts) & Tyrese Maxey (25 pts)TOR reducing arena capacity to 1000 guests for next 3 weeksFri:BOS Hof Sam Jones passes away at 88 years old (more in my latest Player Spotlight episode)1/3 of NBA referees out with either injuries or COVID protocols; calls up G League refsJonas Valanciunas (NOP) enters protocolsSAS assistant coach Becky Hammon hired by the WNBA's Las Vegas AcesOther WNBA news: New York Liberty hires former Phoenix Mercury coach Sandy BrondelloDeMar DeRozan hits game winner as CHI beats IND 108-106; also scores 28 pts & Coby White with 24 ptsBOS upsets PHO; Jaylen Brown/Marcus Smart 24 pts (lead 7 players in double figures)LAL closes out 2021 with a blowout win over POR; LeBron with 43 pts & 14 rebsSat:Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) enters protocolsWomen refs from the G league being called up for NBA gamesLuka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr & Maxi Kleber clears protocolsLance Stephenson signs a 10 day contract with IND, his original drafted teamDeMar DeRozan opens 2022 in the same way he closed 2021: a game winner to beat WAS; scores 28 while LaVine has 35GSW on road takes care of UTA; Curry 28 pts & 9 asts along with Andrew Wiggins' 25 ptsLAC on road takes down BKN; Eric Bledsoe with 27 pts; KD on loss: team needs to adjust attitude or the losses will pile upSun:Coach Chauncey Billups (POR) clears H&S protocols; will return to the sideline MonDraymond clears H&S protocols; will play MonKyrie to join BKN on road this coming weekJaylen Brown drops 50 pts & 11 rebs as BOS beats ORL in OTJosh Giddey (OKC) becomes the youngest player ever to record a triple double (17 pts, 14 asts, 13 rebs) in a loss to DALSAC upsets MIA; Buddy Hield (26 pts with 7 3PGs) & DeAaron Fox (24 pts)PHO on road crushes CHA; Devin Booker's 24 pts leads 7 players in double figuresLAL struggles a bit but defeats MIN; LeBron 26 pts, Malik Monk 22 pts & Russell Westbrook with 20 pts but also 9 TOs

Bob Pettit: 6'9", 205 lb (00:29)Played some center but mostly a power forwardBorn in Baton Rouge, LA on Dec 12, 1932Son of a county sheriff who comes from a modest upbringingAttended Baton Rouge HS; was cut from his varsity team twiceHis dad built him a hoop set in their backyard so he could practice his shootingGrowing to 6'4" he tried out again as a junior & made the team; incorporated a rigid practice regimeMade the All-City prep team as a junior; led his HS team to its 1st state title in 20 years as a seniorReceived scholarship letters from up to 14 universities; chose to stay close to home by attending LSUHad a stellar career at LSU with a 27.4 PPG & 14.6 RPG; team had a 59-15 recordWas a 3 time All-SEC, 2 time All-American & only the 2nd 30 or more PPG scorer in college history (the other player: Frank Selvy of Furman University at 41.7 PPG)Became the 1st LSU Tiger to have a jersey retired in any sport; inducted into their Hall of FameWas drafted 2nd overall in 1954 draft with the Milwaukee Hawks (1st overall pick: Selvy, Baltimore Bullets)With only $100 in his bank account he signs a $11,000 contractEstablished himself early as a big man who doesn't have to play with his back to the basketMany weren't sure how we would hold up against the big men of his day because of his gangly builtWon Rookie of the Year & made both the All Star game & All-NBA in that same season with a 20.4 PPG & 13.8 RPG)Owner Ben Kerner moved the team to St Louis; led the league in scoring after his sophomore season with a 25.7 PPG average & 16.2 RPGWon the 1st ever MVP award & named All Star game MVP that seasonSTL undergoes a major overhaul in the offseason; traded the draft rights for Bill Russell to BOS for Ed Macauley & rookie Cliff Hagan; also added Slater Martin & Alex HannumIn 1956-57 his team finished 34-38 but got all the way to the Finals only to lose to BOS in a grueling 7 game seriesIn 1957-58 Hannum became the full time head coach of STL; set Bob to play strictly as a PF after 2 seasons at CTeam finished 41-31 as he had 24.6 PPG & 17.4 RPG; defeated both DET & BOS to capture a NBA titleDropped 50 pts & 19 rebs in the deciding Game 6 to clinch that title; Giannis Antetokounmpo became the 2nd player to score 50 in a deciding game last seasonBob's teams followed their title season with 3 more seasons atop the conference but couldn't capture another titleHis 29.2 PPG led the league & was the highest average ever at that time; won 2nd league MVP that seasonIn 1960-61 he became one of 5 players to average 20 or more RPG in a season; one of 3 players to average 20 or more PPG & RPG with 27.9 & 20.3 respectivelyThe following season he finished with 31.1 PPG (3rd in the league) & 18.7 RPG (4th) but team had only a 29-51 record; Kerner turned to Bob to coach the final 6 gamesKerner hired former Knick Harry "the Horse" Gallatin as the coach for Bob's last 3 seasons; made the playoffs 2 of the 3 but again couldn't reach the FinalsHis final season was riddled with knee issues which allowed him to play only 50 games (22.5 PPG & 12.4 RPGRetired after the 1964-65 season at age 32Went into the banking industry where he worked for 23 years; became a financial consultant soon after & retired in 2006Finished his career as the NBA's leading scorer all time & 2nd in rebounds all timeInducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (1970)11 time All Star & All-NBA (10 times 1st team), 2 time MVP, 4 time All Star MVP, 2 time scoring champ, 1 rebound champ, 1 NBA champNamed to the 25th, 35th, 50th & 75th Anniversary TeamNever averaged under 20 PPG or 12 RPG in a season

Week 10 review (00:28)Mon:Players of the Week: Jayson Tatum, BOS (East) and Karl Anthony Towns, MIN (West)Steve Kerr named head coach of the USA mens basketball teamNBA allowing replacement players amid the COVID crisis in the leagueAndrew Wiggins (GSW) enters health & safety protocolsDamyean Dotson (NYK) signs a 10 day contractJoel Embiid drops 41 pts & 10 rebs as PHI beats BOS 108-103Dejounte Murray delivers a triple double (24 pts, 13 asts, 11 rebs) as SAS upsets LAC 116-92 on the roadDraymond Green gets another triple double (16 pts, 11 rebs, 10 asts) as GSW blows out SAC 113-98Rudy Gobert with 23 pts & 21 rebs help UTA get the win vs CHA 112-102Tue:Adam Silver has no plans to put season on hold; his quote: "it's something we're gonna have to learn to live with"Of the 10 teams playing on Christmas Day, more than 30 players in H&S protocolsManu Ginobili, Tom Chambers and Lindsay Whalen among the first timers on the Hall of Fame ballotLuka Doncic (DAL) enters H&S protocols; already sidelined with ankle issuesJalen Brunson's 28 pts leads DAL to a win over MINPHO on the road defeats LAL thanks to Devin Booker's 26 pts, 9 rebs and 7 astsWed:BKN/POR game canceled (BKN has 10 players in H&S protocols)TOR/CHI game canceled (TOR has 8 players in H&S protocols)BOS signs Joe Johnson while ATL signs Lance StephensonDerrick Rose (NYK) out for 8 weeks after ankle surgeryObi Toppin (NYK) clears H&S protocols and rejoins teamBOS gets 34 pts from Jaylen Brown as well as 21 pts, 11 rebs & 7 asts from Robert Williams as they defeat CLE 111-101Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops a triple double (27 pts, 12 asts, 11 rebs) as OKC beats DEN 108-94Thu:James Harden & Paul Millsap (BKN) clears H&S protocolsBradley Beal (WAS) enters H&S protocolsZach LaVine are among 5 players to clear H&S protocols for CHIKarl Anthony Towns joins Anthony Edwards in H&S protocols for MINCJ McCollum (POR) healed from collapsed lung; cleared for non-contact drillsKemba Walker puts up 44 pts, 9 rebs & 8 asts in a loss to WAS who was without Bradley Beal 124-117Steph Curry (GSW) scores 46 pts including 8 3PGs to beat MEM 113-104SAS goes to LAL & defeats LAL 138-110 thanks to Keita Bates-Diop's 30 pts (11-11 FG) & 7 rebsFri:League is bringing forth efforts to get players to take the booster shot (97% vaccinated)Darren Collison (LAL) signed to a 10-day contract (retired in 2019)Sat:All Star voting begins on this day; runs until Jan 28Paul George (LAC) out at least 3-4 weeks with a torn UCL in his elbowDewayne Dedmon (MIA) to miss 1-2 weeks with a MCL sprainCoach JB Bickerstaff (CLE) signs a contract extension running thru 2026-27Sun:Lonzo Ball (CHI) enters H&S protocolsMiles Bridges & PJ Washington (CHA) enters H&S protocolsJohn Collins (ATL) enters H&S protocolsDraymond Green (GSW) enters H&S protocolsDonovan Mitchell to miss the next 1-2 games with a lower back strainJosh Giddey (OKC) records a scoreless double double (10 rebs & 10 asts), the first in 50 years, as the team beats NOP 117-112Jimmy Butler returns after missing 12 of 13 games as MIA defeats ORL 93-83Joel Embiid's 36 pts & 13 rebs contributes to a PHI win over WAS 117-96Nikola Jokic drops 26 pts, 22 rebs & 8 asts as DEN gets past LAC 103-100

Christmas Day games (00:34)NYK 101, ATL 87ATL played without Trae Young (COVID)NYK led by Julius Randle and resurgent Kemba Walker who posted a triple double (2nd Knick to do so on Christmas)John Collins and Delon Wright led ATLNYK got back bench firepower: Obi Toppin and rookie Quentin GrimesAt 15-18 NYK need to get on a run like last year50 win formula: at least 21 road wins (slightly above .500) & 29-30 home gamesOnly one other team in contention in the East that has a losing home record: PHI (6-8)Had luxury last yr of having no fans in MSG; gotta get over that and win in front of the fansTo quote Knicks game analyst & radio show host Alan Hahn it's the heaviest jersey in the NBA and it's not even closeNYK in their 75th season only have 2 championshipsTo win a chip in NYC would be the ultimate for whoever does itHave an 18 game stretch where they play only 5 teams with a .500 or better recordOnly 2 games out of the 6th spot in the East playoffsMIL 117, BOS 113Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to lineup (COVID) and had a monster gameBOS actually up by 13 points with 5 mins leftYou cannot discount a team that has the heart of a championFolks are talking about Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, but Giannis still lurking and capable of carrying his teamBKN far from invincible; top of the Eastern Conference still up for grabsGS 116. PHO 107The prime matchup of the day: top 2 teamsWill be battling each other all season long; don't see LAL or LAC being in the mixSteph Curry doing Steph Curry things albeit on a bad shooting night; Otto Porter Jr filling in admirably for Andrew Wiggins (COVID)Chris Paul & Deandre Ayton stood out for PHO; Devin Booker held in check (much like Jru Holiday did in NBA Finals)Draymond Green playing All Star level basketball while not scoring a lot of pointsGS squad a very deep squad; played this game without Wiggins & Jordan Poole (COVID); Klay Thompson & James Wiseman not due back til JanBKN 122, LAL 117A lot of stars missing: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and LaMarcus Aldridge (COVID) for BKN while LAL without Anthony Davis (MCL sprain)LAL's Staples Center now called Crypto.com ArenaJames Harden makes his return (COVID), has triple double; Patty Mills with a game for the agesLeBron 39 points; passes Kobe for most points scored on Christmas Day and passes Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the player with the most points scored on a single dayRussell Westbrook had a triple double but struggled with his shooting (4-20 FG)LAL did rally to tie this game up, much of it with Westbrook on the benchLeBron publicly supporting the embattled Westbrook as well as the acting coach David Fizdale who's filling in for Frank Vogel (COVID)Westbrook giving effort; results just aren't there yetSometimes when a guy goes home to playing in a place for a team he grew up rooting for, that person's bound to press a bitThis is what's happening with Westbrook; sort of like what Kemba Walker is experiencing with NYKWhat lit a fire under Kemba was Coach Tom Thibodeau jettisoning him to the benchThere's not a lot of places to trade him to; not really a demand for himLAL pretty much stuck with Westbrook; gonna have to figure it outUTA 120, DAL 116Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr leads 9 DAL players out for this gameDonovan Mitchell doing Donovan Mitchell type of things; Bojan Bogdanovic and Mike Conley also had good gamesDAL led by Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen BrunsonDonovan Mitchell aggravates his lower back; diagnosis to followUTA in the mix behind GS & PHO as top teams in the conferenceSide note: NBA All Star voting started on Christmas Day

Nate "Tiny" Archibald (00:28)6'1", 150 lb.Born in South Bronx, NY (Patterson Housing Projects) on 9/2/48Attended DeWitt Clinton High School; cut from the team as a sophomoreWas brought back after a mentor put in a good word about him to the coachThen excelled; named team captain & became All-City selection (1966)Got the nickname Tiny after his father, who was called Big TinyStruggled with grades; not offered scholarships from major collegesAttended Arizona Western Community College for a year before transferring to UTEP under the legendary Don Haskins for 3 solid yearsHaskins coached other guards like Bobby Joe Hill who led his team to a NCAA title & later Tim HardawayStood out in 5 postseason exhibition games; scored 51 pts in Aloha Classic & averaged nearly 40 PPG in those gamesOnly drafted in 2nd round (19th overall) of the 1970 draft (Cincinnati Royals)In that draft: Bob Lanier, Rudy Tomjanovich, Pete Maravich, Dave Cowens, Calvin Murphy & Sam LaceyA starter his 1st season due to the contract holdout of Flynn RobinsonStruggled as a rookie but did okNearly traded after his 1st season; team instead dealt Norm Van Lier to CHIBlossomed in his next season with solid start & finished strongHad a season for the ages his 3rd year; team moved from Cincinnati to Kansas CityBecame the 1st & only player to lead the league in scoring (34 PPG) & assists (11.4); made the All Star Team for the 1st timeBroke the record at the time of Guy Rodgers (11.2 APG for CHI)Despite those gaudy numbers his teams never finished above 36 winsTroubles back in the Bronx - 2 brothers in jail on various charges & another brother strung out on drugs; 2 brothers lived with him in KC & the other in a rehab facilityAfter his stellar 1972-73 season an Achilles injury left him to play only 35 gamesDid bounce back the following 2 seasons after; made the All Star Game twiceMade playoffs for the 1st time (lost to CHI - WC semis 4 games to 2)Got traded after the 1975-76 season to NYN for Jim Eakins, Brian Taylor & 2 future 1st round picks (Phil Ford & Otis Birdsong)NYN needed some star power after entering the league following the ABA mergerHad an injury riddled season playing only 34 games (foot injury)Traded somehow after that season to BUF for George Johnson & 2 future 1st round picks (Micheal Ray Richardson & Cliff Robinson)Never played a game for them (torn Achilles)Was traded yet again after the Braves moved from Buffalo to San Diego to BOS along with Marvin Barnes, Billy Knight & a future 2nd round pick (Danny Ainge) for players like Sidney Wicks, Freeman Williams & Kermit WashingtonDidn't have pleasant start due to being a bad fit next to JoJo White, clashing with player/coach Dave Cowens & dealing with having a bad reputation, a checkered injury history & a bloated contractTransformed his game to fit what new coach Bill Fitch demanded during the offseasonHis renaissance coincided with rookie season of Larry BirdA key member in the resurgence of the mighty Celtics which led to a championship (1980-81)Became an All Star Game participant in 3 seasons with BOS, one year winning a All Star MVP awardPlayed 2 more seasons in BOS; one season in MILRetired in 1984; entered Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991Named to NBA's 50th Anniversary Team (1996); 75th Anniversary Team (2021)Returned to college to get his bachelor's degree from UTEP & a Masters from FordhamRuns a basketball school for underprivileged childrenWorked for NBA in the Community Relations DepartmentToday's comparison: a healthier Kyrie Irving with passing ability of Russell Westbrook; his transformed years more like Chris Paul

Week 9 review (00:32)Main story for Week 9 in the NBA is COVID & the amount of players out in health & safety protocolsMon:2 CHI games postponed due to lack of players (up to 10 players in COVID protocols)League officials expecting a spike in COVID cases during the month of JanuaryTue:Steph Curry becomes the all time 3PGs made leader, passing Ray Allen with 2947 made 3sCongrats from the NBA family: Adam Silver, Seth Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Bill Russell, Rudy Gobert, Ja Morant, John Wall, Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol & Baron Davis (his predecessor at GS)The questions coming out of this is 1) Is Steph the greatest shooter of all time? & 2) Where does him breaking this record rank among the greatest performances by an opponent at MSG?League puts out new guidelines for COVID regarding both the players & staff including gameday testing for players who haven't received their booster shotWed:UTA hires former Celtic Danny Ainge as the team's CEOLaMelo Ball (CHA) clears health & safety protocols; set to practice in G LeagueTOR reduces fan attendance down to 50%; will Canada ask TOR to play their games elsewhere?Thu:Coach Stephen Silas (HOU) gets treated for dehydrationAnthony Edwards (MIN) becomes the youngest players to make 10 3PGs in a game (124-107 win over DEN)BKN signs G Langston Galloway to a 10-day contractLAL signs G Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract, using the hardship exemption to make the additionZion Williamson (NOP) gets a biologic injection in his fractured foot; will be out 4-6 weeksCoach Dwane Casey (DET) out for Thu game due to personal reasonsFri:Russell Westbrook (LAL) & DeMar DeRozan (CHI) cleared to play after being in COVID protocolsNBA & the Players Association agree to the added health & safety protocols regarding COVIDLaMelo Ball (CHA) to rejoin the team in POR after missing 6 gamesKarl Anthony Towns (MIN) receives NBA Cares Award for the month of Nov thanks to the charity work with HopeKids & the Community Coat Drive in MINAnthony Davis injures his knee in the team's 110-92 loss to MINKyrie Irving (BKN) agrees to come back for road games with the team; also enters COVID protocolsSat:Anthony Davis diagnosed with MCL sprain; out for 4 weeksFormer Heat Mario Chalmers, who last played in the league in 2018, signs with the DEN's affiliate team in the G LeagueKemba Walker (NYK) returns to the starting lineup & drop 29 points in a 114-107 loss to BOS; what to do with Kemba when everyone who's in COVID protocols comes back?Sun:Coach Frank Vogel (LAL) enters health & safety protocols; assistant coach David Fizdale to be the interim coach)NBA postpones 5 games (Sun: DEN/BKN, CLE/ATL, NOP/PHI; Mon: ORL/TOR; Tue: WAS/BKN)Devin Book (PHO) returns after missing 7 games due to hamstring issues & scores 16 in the team's 137-106 win over CHAPlayers who missed time in COVID protocols:Trae Young (ATL); Al Horford (BOS); Kevin Durant, James Harden & LaMarcus Aldridge (BKN); DeMar DeRozan & Zach LaVine (CHI); Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley & Issac Okoro (CLE); Jordan Poole (GS); Serge Ibaka (LAC); Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, Avery Bradley, Dwight Howard & Avery Bradley (LAL); Giannis Antetokounmpo & Bobby Portis (MIL); Anthony Edwards (MIN); RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes & Kevin Knox (NYK); Terrence Ross & RJ Hampton (ORL); DeAaron Fox, Alex Len & Marvin Bagley III (SAC); Pascal Siakam & Precious Achiuwa (TOR)

Player spotlight (00:31)Ray Allen: 6'5", 205 LB, SGBorn Walter Ray Allen Jr in Merced, CA (7/20/75)Born on the Castle Air Force Base, parents Flora & Walter Allen SrA child of a military family that lived in England, Germany, Oklahoma & South Carolina (his years of high school)In Daizell, SC (Sumter County) he attend Hillcrest HSHad an English accent; was picked on because of thatStood out thanks to his athletic ability & work ethicGrowth spurt led him to concentrate fully on basketballLed Hillcrest HS in his senior year to state title, dropped 25 pts & 12 reb in that gameDecided to go to UConn over University of KentuckySpent 3 years under coach Jim CalhounFinished his career as UConn's 3rd all time leading scorerAll-American & Big East Player of the Week in his last season, won the BE Tourney over Allen Iverson's Georgetown HoyasHe & standout Rebecca Lobo became 1st players to have jerseys retired at UConnDrafted in 1996 as the 5th overall pick by MIN; traded away along with Andrew Lang to MIL for 4th overall pick Stephon MarburyIn rookie season, started in all but one game; appeared in Dunk Contest that seasonMade 1st All Star appearance his 4th season (1999-2000) while finishing as MIL's leading scorerChosen to compete in 1st 3 Point Shootout & won, beating Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Allan Houston & Peja StojakovicLater that year he, Sam Cassell & Glenn Robinson went to the Eastern Conference Finals but lost to PHI in 7 gamesIn 2002-03 halfway thru the season he was included in a package deal to SEA for Gary Payton & Desmond MasonIn 2003-04 he played only 55 games due to injuries but bounces back the season after2 years later, averaged a career high of 26.4 PPG (includes a career high 54 pts vs UTA); again played only 55 games that season (ankle surgeries)That offseason, was dealt along with Glen Davis to BOS for a package of players & picksIn BOS, captured his 1st NBA title (2007-08) with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce & Rajon Rondo; 4 games to 2 over LALIn 2008-09 his BOS team lost in the EC semis to ORL 4-3In 2009-10 BOS made it back to the NBA Finals but lost to LAL, 4-3For the next 2 seasons BOS Big 3 of him, Garnett & Pierce could not overtake MIA's Big 3 of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade & Chris Bosh as they knocked them out of the playoffs in consecutive yearsAfter 2011-12 season he became a free agent & after feeling somewhat underappreciated & disrespected by the BOS front office he signs with MIAIn 2012-13, was a key bench player in MIA's run to an NBA titleIn Game 6 in those Finals vs SAS he hit what many say is the biggest shot of his career (3PG that sent game to OT & ended up winning)After 2013-14 season he became a free agent again & ended up sitting out the seasonUpon some consideration of joining either BOS or MIL he ultimately decided to call it a career & officially retired in 2016Finished career as #1 in 3PGs made (regular season & playoffs)Inducted into the Hall of Fame (2018) & this year named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary TeamCAREERMIL: 7 seasons, 3 All Star appearancesSEA: 5 seasons, 4 AS appearancesBOS: 5 seasons, 3 AS appearances, 1 NBA championshipMIA: 2 seasons, 1 NBA championship2 time All-NBA, led NBA in 3PGs made 3 times, only player to drop 7 3PGs in a Finals game twice, most 3PGs in a Finals series (22), holds BOS record for consecutive FTs made (72, beat Larry Bird's 71), won a gold medal for USA Basketball in 2000, won the Joe Dumars Sportsmanship Award in 2003His acting credits: playing Jesus Shuttlesworth opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee directed He Got Game. Also Harvard Man & commercial Uncle Drew: Chapter 4

Week 8 review (00:24)Mon, 12/6Donovan Mitchell (UTA) & DeMar DeRozan (CHI) both named Players of the WeekDeRozan placed on health & safety protocols (COVID)Alex Caruso to miss at least a week (hamstring)Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) scored 27 pts on his 27th birthday win over CLE 112-104Nikola Jokic in DEN loss to CHI records 60th career triple double, passes Larry Bird (8th place all time)PHI on the road defeats CHA in OT 127-124; Joel Embiid, 43 pts, 15 reb, 7 astTue, 12/7Bam Adebayo (MIA) had successful thumb surgery; out 4-6 weeksTJ McConnell (IND) had wrist surgery; out 10-12 weeksCJ McCollum (POR) diagnosed with collapsed lung; out indefinitelyBKN beats DAL 102-97; Kevin Durant (24 pts) & James Harden (23 pts)LAL over BOS 117-102; LeBron James drops 30 pts & Russell Westbrook 24 ptsWed, 12/8Owner Jeanie Buss not ready to make decision on Frank Vogel's job statusJa Morant, already out (knee), placed in health & safety protocols (COVID)All Star voting begins on Christmas Day & ends Jan 22Solomon Hill (ATL) out for season, torn hamstring tendonCLE beats CHI 115-92; Darius Garland, who's having a fine season, led with 24 ptsPHI, in a rare double road game in CHA, wins again 110-106; Joel Embiid with 32 pts & Seth Curry had 23 ptsLAC, without Paul George, defeats BOS 114-11; rookie Brandon Boston Jr led 6 players in double figures with 27 ptsThur, 12/9IND & TOR cancel practices (COVID concerns); just as a precautionUTA blows out PHI on the road 118-96; Mitchell, 22 pts & Rudy Gobert, 17 pts & 21 rebMEM tops LAL 108-95; Jaren Jackson Jr & Desmond Bane, 25 & 23 pts respectivelyLeBron James records his 100 triple double; only 4 players ahead of him: Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Jason KiddFri, 12/10Dillon Brooks (MEM) & Kyle Kuzma (WAS) fined $25K & $15K; Brooks: confronting ref & leaving floor late & Kuzma, making obscene gesture to fanRick Carlisle misses IND win over his old team DAL (COVID); Lloyd Pierce steps in & led them to 106-93 victoryLAL, playing with Anthony Davis (knee), beats OKC 116-95; LeBron's 33 pts & Avery Bradley with 22BKN tops ATL 113-105; Durant, 31 pts & Harden, 20 pts & 11 astPHO, without Deandre Ayton (illness), beats BOS 111-90; JaVale McGee's 21 pts & 15 rebSat, 12//11Former ATL owner Michael Gearon Sr dies; part of the front office - 1977 to 2015Zion Williamson (NOP) suffers yet another setback (foot)Former star player Isaiah Thomas joins the G League ShowcaseJerami Grant (DET) injures thumb; out indefinitely & reevaluated in 6 weeksUTA on the road defeats WAS 123-98; Donovan Mitchell 28 ptsMIA over CHI 188-92; Duncan Robinson 26 pts, Dewayne Dedmon 20 pts & 12 reb, Kyle Lowry 16 pts & 14 astPHI beats GS 102-93; Joel Embiid 26 pts & 9 rebSun, 12/12RJ Barrett & Obi Toppin (NYK) enters health & safety protocols; Alec Burks left the team (personal matters)Zach LaVine & Troy Brown Jr (CHI) enters health & safety protocolsLuka Doncic (DAL) to miss the next 2 games (ankle issues)Kevin Durant fined $25K for shouting obscenities at a fanBKN handles DET 116-104 without James Harden (rest); Durant, league high 51 pts; playedLeBron James puts up his 101st triple double (30 pts, 11 reb, 10 ast) in a LAL win over DETUPCOMING NOTABLE GAMESMon: CLE vs MIA, MEM vs PHI, DAL vs CHA, DEN vs WAS, LAC vs PHOWed: PHI vs MIA, DAL vs LAL, UTA vs LACThur: BKN vs PHI, PHO vs WASFri: ATL vs DEN, BOS vs GSSat: BOS vs NYK, MIL vs CLE, UTA vs WASSun: CHI vs LAL, ATL vs CLE, BKN vs DEN, PHO vs CHA

Week 7 review, part 1 (00:28)Week 7 review, part 2 (28:30)Player spotlight, Bob McAdoo (37:12)Show notes to come shortly...

Week 6 roundup (00:32)Mon, 11/22LeBron James suspended 1 game & Isaiah Stewart 2 gamesQuestioning whether other players fear LeBron as opposed to JordanLeBron's NBA is vastly different than Jordan'sJaylen Brown return from hamstring injuryAlvin Gentry loses in his debut as SAC coach after Luke Walton firingTue, 11/23NYK beating LeBron-less LALTyler Herro impressive for MIA; Most Improved Player & 6th Man of the Year winner?Luka Doncic returns (knee & ankle sprains)Wed, 11/24LeBron James 39 pts in his return in OTDisappointed in being suspended & "devastated" missing NYK gameThere's a difference: coming in as a visitor vs. being one who plays 41 home gamesBKN blows out BOS; Kevin Durant passes Allen Iverson for 25th on the all time scoring listNo games for Thu, 11/25 (Thanksgiving)Fri, 11/26HOU's rookie Jalen Green to miss at least one week (hamstring)NOP's Zion Williamson cleared to practice fully (foot)PHO blows out NYK at MSG 118-97; 15th straight winJa Morant (MEM) suffers a left ankle sprain; out several weeksLAL lose 3-OT thriller to SAC 141-137Sat, 11/27PHI's Joel Embiid returns after missing 9 games (COVID); 42 pts & 14 rebsCLE's Evan Mobley returns (elbow) being out 4 gamesNYK travels to ATL getting the win 99-90PHO goes to BKN & beat them 113-107; 16 straight winsMIA goes to CHI & wins 107-104Sun, 11/28MIL, already thin at center, signs DeMarcus CousinsATL's Bogdan Bogdanovic out 2 wks (ankle) & Cam Reddish (wrist) day-to-dayGoran Dragic leaves TOR to deal with personal mattersJohn Wall talks with HOU & his return to lineup unlikelyGSW's Klay Thompson & James Wiseman rehabbing in G LeagueTEAM OF THE WEEK: Phoenix Suns (3-0)PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephen Curry (GSW)UPCOMING GAMESGSW at PHONYK at BKNPLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Pete Maravich (24:13)Born in Aliquppa, PA on 6/22/47Son of Press Maravich, former NBA playerPlayed HS ball in NC before attending LSU to play for his fatherAveraged 43.6 PPG for freshman teamMoved to varsity club averaging 43.8, 44.2 & 44.5 PPGBefore the advent of the 3pt shot; his records still standsPlaying style looked down upon during his dayPerfect player comparison: an offensive minded Jason WilliamsDrafted 3rd overall in 1970 draftNot well received because of rookie contract ($1.9M overall)Played with Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy & Walt HazzardAs a rookie: 23.2 PPG (9th in league) & a 36-46 recordSophomore season: 19.3 PPG & leaned more on Hudson but same recordDealt to the expansion team New Orleans Jazz for Dean Meminger, Bob Kauffman & future draft picks (David Thompson & Alex English)Needed a marquee player to sell tickets; already a legend from LSU days1st season for NOJ: shot only 41.9% FG1975-76 season: in only 62 games shot a career best 45.9% & 25.9 PPG (3rd overall)1976-77 season: led the league with 31.1 PPG; had a 68 pt game against NYK1977-78 season: played in only 50 games due to knee issues; 27 PPG1978-79 season: play diminished (knees); 22.6 PPG & made All Star teamMoved from New Orleans to Utah; phased out of him in favor of Adrian Dantley (LAL)Waived in mid-season; picked up by BOSTransformed into a more complementary player getting to playoffs with rookie Larry BirdRetired from the game because of his bad kneesStruggled with bouts of depression & alcoholism before coming to ChristInducted to the Hall of Fame in 1987Died 1/5/88 of a heart attack brought on by an unidentified heart condition while playing pick-up ball in Pasedena, CA

Week 5 roundup (00:29)TEAM OF THE WEEK:MIL 3-0 (EAST), GSW 4-0 (WEST), PHO 4-0 (WEST)PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Giannis Antetokounmporunner up: Stephen CurryHIGHLIGHTS:GSW travels to BKN & soundly beats them 117-99, fans chanting MVP for Steph CurryStephen A. Smith of First Take scolds Kevin Durant for decision going to BKN (Kyrie Irving vaccine fiasco)LAL pretty much a .500 team without LeBronLeBron back on Friday; has altercation with Isaiah Stewart (DET); suspension or a fine?Luke Walton fired as SAC coach; Alvin Gentry takes overINJURIES:TOR: OG Anunoby (hip pointer) out "for a while" CHI: according to coach Nick NurseCHI: Nikola Vucevic (COVID) no return date yet; already missed 5 gamesGSW: Klay Thompson (knee) practicing 5-on-5 drills; could be back before Christmas; James Wiseman (knee) could be back even soonerDEN: Nikola Jokic (wrist) out "a while" according to coach Mike MaloneCLE: Collin Sexton (meniscus tear) out for the season; rookie Evan Mobley (elbow) out 2-4 weeks; Lauri Markannen (COVID) due back MondayATL: De'Andre Hunter (wrist) out for 2 monthsBOS: Jaylen Brown (hamstring) available to play Monday; Robert Williams II (knee) missed last week's gamesNYK: Mitchell Robinson in the concussion protocols; will miss some gamesDAL: Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) out all last week; may be back TueLAL: LeBron James (abdomen strain) back this past Friday; missed 8 games priorPHI: Joel Embiid (COVID) still out; missed past 7 games (went 1-6 over that span)HIGHLIGHTED UPCOMING GAMES:NYK vs LAL (Tue), BOS vs BKN (Wed); NYK vs PHO (FRI), GSW vs POR (Fri), BKN vs PHO (Sat); ATL vs NYK (Sat), CHI vs MIA (Sat), LAC vs GSW (Sun)FANTASY ADDS:Lauri Markkanen (CLE), Kevin Huerter (ATL), Jalen Brunson (DAL), Aaron Gordon (DEN), Scottie Barnes (TOR)Player spotlight: Julius Erving (21:07)Born in Roosevelt, NY (Feb 22 1950)A regular playing in Rucker Park in Harlem delighting the crowdCollege: UMass, 3 yearsLeft UMass early to sign with Virginia Squires of the ABA (1971)Drafted: Milwaukee Bucks (NBA - 1st rd, 12th pick overall)Although drafted by MIL, tried to link up with Atlanta Hawks but to no avail thanks to VAS filing court injunctions against him signing thereGoes back to VAS to play his 2nd season with them 4 games inDealt to NY Nets (ABA) after seasonIn 1st season with NYN he, along with young players like Larry Kenon & Billy Paultz, led the team to an ABA title & his first of 3 MVP awardsHis dunking prowess helped revolutionize both leagues; influenced by Connie HawkinsParticipated in 1st ever dunk contest (ABA) beating David Thompson, George Gervin, Kenon & Artis GilmoreAfter the 1975-76 season the ABA folded with NBA taking in NYN, SAS, DEN & INDIn a salary dispute with NYN leading them to trade him to PHI for $3 millionRumor: wanted to play for the NY Knicks; coach Red Holtzman didn't think he'd be a good fitLead them all the way to the NBA FInals in his 1st season with players like George McGinnis, Lloyd B. Free & Doug Collins; ended up losing to POR 4 games to 2 after a 2-0 leadPHI mgmt decided to build winning team around Erving; traded for defensive stalwart Bobby Jones & later Moses MaloneAcquisition of Malone was the catalyst that would take the Sixers over the top to help Erving get his lone NBA championship beating their rivals BOS & then LALDecided that 1986-87 season would be his last as a player; teams paid tribute to the beloved legendary star on his farewell tourInducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993Before Michael Jordan's Space Jam Erving had his own fiim in 1979, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

Show notes:NBA Next 26 players, Part 2 (00:35)Grant Hill - sensational talent coming out of Duke who could have been more if not for ankle injuriesDwight Howard - dominant center for his 1st 10 seasons; mostly everyone agrees that he was robbed of a spot on the NBA 76 listKyrie Irving - mercurial oft-injured star who is his own worst enemy at timesNikola Jokic - quite accomplished big man for only 6 seasons in the league; won an MVP unlike Shaq who made the top 50 with only 4 seasons playedBernard King - dynamic scorer who also was robbed of being more because of major knee injuriesBob Lanier - center often overshadowed by the likes of Kareem, Cowens & WaltonTracy McGrady - another underrated great scorer whose also overlookedYao Ming - phenom from China who globally impacted the NBA & basketball in generalDikembe Mutombo - defensive dynamo from the center position; ultimate team playerTony Parker - the lightning quick quarterback of those San Antonio Spurs dynasty teamsDerrick Rose - former league MVP whose knee injuries kept him from being the player he could've beenKlay Thompson - one of the greatest shooters the league's ever seen; key component of the Golden State Warriors championship squadsBen Wallace - another defensive stalwart who was the last line of defense for the 2003-03 champs Detroit PistonsChris Webber - former #1 overall pick who lived up to the billing & then some; put Sacramento on the NBA map with his outstanding play

Show notesMy NBA next 26 players, part 1 (00:39)Upon the announcement of the NBA's top 76 players of all time, I compiled 26 players who you could make a case for being on the list.My list contains the following:3 league MVPs9 Rookie of the Year winners2 Finals MVPs13 Hall of Famers11 players who won championships (6 multi winners)3 Defense Players of the Year winners8 who made the All-Defense team4 scoring champs2 Most Improved Player of the Year winners7 number 1 picks overall in their respective draftsSo here we go (in alphabetical order)...LaMarcus Aldridge - model of consistency for 13 seasons (18.6 PPG, 8.5 R, 49% FG in that span)Walt Bellamy - great player in his own right but played in the shadow of giants Wilt Chamberlain & Bill RussellChauncey Billups - Mr Big Shot; a late bloomer but the maestro of 2003-04 champion Detroit PistonsChris Bosh - unsung member of the Miami Big 3; a dynamic player with Toronto who altered his game during his time with the HeatVince Carter - high flyer who was dominant his 1st 11 seasons but bounced around the league his last 11Adrian Dantley - phenomenal scorer (4 straight seasons averaging 30+ PPG) who is often overlooked given his height & abilityJoe Dumars - great 2 way player for the Detroit Pistons of the late 80s & the GM & architect of those early 2000s Piston teamsAlex English - a fantastic scorer many said was snubbed from the NBA 50 list & snubbed yet againPau Gasol - Spanish phenom who was as consistent a big man for his 1st 15 seasons (18 PPG, 9.5 R, 1.7 BK, 51% FG)Paul George - current 2 way player who could very well make the next NBA 100 list when all is said & doneArtis Gilmore - intimidating big who played in the era of Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Dave Cowens & Bill WaltonManu Ginobili - slept-on Argentinian star who was the catalyst from the bench for the San Antonio Spurs dynasty

Eastern Conference (00:27)ATLANTICBoston (4-6): Jaylen Brown to miss 1-2 weeks (hamstring); Marcus Smart calls out Brown & Jayson TatumBrooklyn (7-3): Word is no change to NYC vaccine mandate so no Kyrie Irving; James Harden's shooting slump & his adjustment to new foul rulesNY Knicks (6-4): dead last: opponents 3PG shooting; Immanuel Quickley's shooting slump; injury issues with Mitch Robinson & Nerlens NoelPhiladelphia (8-2): Joel Embiid (COVID) to miss at least next 6 games; Tobias Harris (COVID) also out; still no Ben Simmons: mental health issuesToronto (6-5): Pascal Siakam (shoulder) back after missing 1st 10 games; OG Anunoby & Fred VanVleet playing like All StarsCENTRALChicago (6-3): DeMar DeRozan & Zach LaVine playing great; Nikola Vucevic off to slow startCleveland (7-4): Collin Sexton (torn meniscus) out indefinitely; Ricky Rubio a 3PG shooter nowDetroit (1-8): Cade Cunningham struggling; poor PG play; sophomore slumps for Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart & Saddiq BeyIndiana (4-7): Malcolm Brogdon's injury woes continue; Myles Turner adding 3PG shotMilwaukee (4-6): injuries to Jrue Holiday & Brook Lopez; Khris Middleton (COVID) out a week agoSOUTHEASTAtlanta (4-6): Trae Young struggling with new foul rules; need more from John Collins, Bojan Bogdanovic, De'Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter & Danilo GallinariCharlotte (5-6): Miles Bridges betting on himself & playing well; need more from PJ Washington, Mason Plumlee & Jalen McDanielsMiami (7-2): best team in East; Jimmy Butler playing like MVPOrlando (3-8): Jalen Suggs struggling with shot; Cole Anthony's phenomenal play; Wendell Carter Jr's health key for themWashington (7-3): Bradley Beal finally getting help from newcomers Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma & Montrezl HarrellWestern Conference (27:30)NORTHWESTDenver (5-4): Michael Porter Jr's horrendous start & now a back injury; struggles at PG; Jamal Murray (knee) back in JanuaryMnnesota (3-5): Anthony Edwards, D'Angelo Russell & Malik Beasley struggling with shot; need Patrick Beverly to be starting PGOKC (3-6): Josh Giddey the possible ROY?; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing well but needs helpPortland (5-5): Damian Lillard off to a slow start; CJ McCollum's great start; Justuf Nurkic playing well but lack of blocks a concernUtah (7-3): Donovan Mitchell's hot start but FG% not so good; still need to keep Mike Conley fresh for the playoff runPACIFICGS (8-1): league best record; Klay Thompson (knee) & young big James Wiseman (knee) out; Jordan Poole off to fine start; must bring Klay off the bench when he returnsLA Clippers (5-4): Paul George on a MVP-like run; Reggie Jackson stepping up; need big guys Marcus Morris Jr & Serge Ibaka healthyLA Lakers (5-5): LeBron James & his abdomen strain; Anthony Davis' health always key; Russell Westbrook's struggles fitting inPhoenix (5-3): winning despite reports about owner Robert Sarver; Chris Paul going strong (now 3rd on the all-time assist list); Deandre Ayton's lower leg injurySacramento (5-5): Harrison Barnes & Richaun Homes playing great; DeAaron Fox scaling his game backSOUTHWESTDallas (6-3): Kristaps Porginzis' Injury troubles continue; Luka Doncic playing like a MVPHouston (1-9): rookie Jalen Green not living up to hype; Kevin Porter Jr off to a slow start; keep eye on young center Alperen SengunMemphis (5-4): Ja Morant's amazing start; need more from Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane's surprising startNO (1-9): Zion Williamson (foot) weeks away; Brandon Ingram (hip) missed 4 games; Nickeil Alexander-Walker strugglingSA (3-7): Dejounte Murray's phenomenal start; need more from Derrick White & Doug McDermott

NBA's Top 75 list, the last 26 players (00:35)Show notes:The NBA took the top 50 & added 26 players (with a tie between 2 players) which makes up the top 75So therefore we won't have the luxury of removing the likes of a Bill Walton, Paul Arizin or Dolph Schayes for exampleThe NBA's thinking: if they're on the original top 50 they'll remain on the listSo we will talk about those last 26 players who made the listStarting off with the NBA righting a wrong from the previous top 50 by adding Dominique Wilkins & Bob McAdoo to the top 75As for those remaining 24 players we'll highlight a few guys from the listNo-brainers: the late great Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook & Gary PaytonSo let's discuss the other guys on this list:Ray Allen. part of that great 1996 draft class, started with MIL, SEA, BOS as part of the Big 3 with Garnett & Paul Pierce, & then with MIA winning 2 titles in his careerAllen, coming out of UConn, still stands as the all time leader in 3 point goals made & so therefore I say he belongs on the listGiannis Antetokounmpo from MIL is the youngest players on the list & yet one of the most accomplished players nonethelessCarmelo Anthony, the scoring extraordinaire from the great 2003 draft, by my estimation I guess he should be on the listExcuse my omission, but Steph Curry is a no-brainer that should be on the list given his accoladesAnthony Davis is an interesting case study in terms of guys on the list: not all that accomplished while with NOP but yet thanks to him being a Laker & winning a title I think that pushes him over the edge to make the listJames Harden is someone, based on the numbers & accomplishments, who should make it onto the listKawhi Leonard is another person who certainly has the credentials, which includes 2 titles & 2 Finals MVPs in his coffers, for making this list despite his balky kneesThe choice of Damian Lillard is the stunner for me; not much on the resume especially in terms of postseason successAnother stunner: Reggie Miller; he's all over the TV now with TNT & NBA TV, but he was never a regular season stalwart (18 seasons with only 5 All Star appearances & only 3 time ALL-NBA)Miller did most of his damage in postseason but not to the tune of winning a title so yes he comes up short in my estimation of being worthy of having a place on this listSteve Nash, another player from that awesome 1996 draft class, also was in the league for 18 seasons but was way more accomplished than the aforementioned Miller & is more deserving of making the listFolks like to throw shade at Nash for winning the MVP in 2004-05 narrowly beating out Shaquille O'Neal, but he came back that following year to win it againPaul Pierce, a player I have no love for, got his championship thanks to the arrival of Garnett & Allen to BOS; I will say him winning the Finals MVP probably places him on this listDennis Rodman is being debated in terms of him deserving to be on the listRodman was a rebounding extraordinaire (led the league 7 times) given his size & a defensive stalwart (8 times All-Defense) who I feel has a rightful place on this listSo in conclusion, my 2 definite questionable additions are Damian Lillard & Reggie Miller while my 2 that we can debate about is Paul Pierce & Anthony Davis