Washington Wizards Reminded That Bottled Water In Hotel Room Isn't Free
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Marcus Smart has been working hard on his conditioning this summer
Once Marcus Smart clears waivers following the buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards, he will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers. He agreed to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with L.A. on Saturday, and people hope he will significantly improve the team in terms of perimeter defense, an area in which it has struggled during recent seasons. But there is some concern that perhaps Smart isn't the same player he once was. He appeared in just 54 games over the last two seasons due to multiple injuries, and some feel his game also declined, particularly on the defensive end, where he has been one of the NBA's best for years. However, Marc Stein had what sounds like good news in that department in a recent edition of his "Stein Line" substack. He wrote that the veteran guard has been working to get back in shape this offseason. 'I'm likewise told that Smart (like [Luka] Dončić) has been working hard on his body this summer,' Stein wrote. 'Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season. 'But the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.' Smart was named to the All-Defensive first team for the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons. He was a key member of the Boston Celtics during his first nine NBA seasons, and with his help, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times in seven seasons and got to the NBA Finals in 2022. They traded him in 2023 as part of a radical makeover of their roster that resulted in them winning it all in 2024. While he has spent plenty of time on the injured list since, he isn't exactly old at 31 years of age, and none of the injuries he has had are the type that could seriously rob him of his ability. Now that Smart is once again playing for a team that could go far in the playoffs, not to mention the fact that the second year of the contract he agreed to is a player option year, he could be poised for a resurgence this coming season.
Newsweek
20 hours ago
- Newsweek
Pacers' TJ McConnell Sounds Off About Kyrie Irving
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indiana Pacers and point guard T.J. McConnell are fresh off of a run to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they came up just short against the Oklahoma City Thunder and lost Game 7 of the series following star point guard Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles injury. During the Finals, McConnell became a household name. Everyone in Indiana had already come to love him, but he hadn't been a name talked about much around the league. With fans getting to see him on the biggest stage in basketball, McConnell stepped up and played at an incredibly high level. T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo byThroughout the course of the series against the Thunder, McConnell averaged 12 points per game off of the bench to go along with 4.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. Read more: Lakers Linked to Potential Trade for 2-Time All-Star Guard Now that his name has grown, McConnell is being much more active in the media. Recently, he spoke out with a strong opinion about who the toughest player in the NBA is to guard. Of course, McConnell is known as a tenacious defender. He wreaks havoc on many opposing guards. However, there is one guard that he has difficulty with in particular. That guard is none other than Dallas Mavericks' superstar point guard Kyrie Irving. During an appearance on the "Christian Kuntz Podcast," McConnell spoke out with a strong message about Irving. "Who's the hardest guy I've had to guard? Kyrie Irving," McConnell said. "The ball's on a string. You're on an island, and you just don't know what he's gonna do. You could force him one way, but he still ends up getting the way you don't want him. His handle is impeccable. It's impeccable. He's got the greatest handle I've seen. He could really shoot it like, he's fast, it's just, it's a tough place to be mentally when you're when you're guarding Kyrie." Read more: Warriors' Stephen Curry Doesn't Hold Back About Ja Morant Irving is currently working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered. There is no concrete timetable for his return to the court, but the Mavericks are hoping that he'll be playing during the 2025-26 season. All of that being said, McConnell showering Irving with this kind of praise is telling. Irving has been a lethal scorer and ball-handler his entire career. McConnell and the Pacers will have their work cut out for them during the 2025-26 campaign. Without Haliburton on the court, they'll have a steep hill to climb to remain as one of the top teams in the NBA. For more on the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Blake Wesley Should Get Another Shot At Making An NBA Roster
INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 08: San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) dunks during the San Antonio ... More Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers NBA game on April 08, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) After getting traded to the Washington Wizards via way of the San Antonio Spurs, Blake Wesley has been waived, and is now a free agent. The 6'5 combo guard has three years of NBA experience, but is only 22 years old which means teams should be giving him a look. Athletic firecracker While Wesley never carved out a real role in San Antonio, there's no questioning his athletic ability, or aggressive playing style. The Notre Dame product is relentless in attacking the rim, and putting pressure on defenders who are back-peddling to get in position. One would think the Wizards, who are rebuilding, could use a player like him, but given how they're committed to the development of Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, clearly the organization felt as though they couldn't juggle more projects. Because at the end of the day, Wesley is a project, three years of experience or not. He's yet to string together long stretches of consistent production, even despite his aforementioned athletic prowess. Finding a new home Given the 22-year-old's pressing need for development minutes, he and his representation should clearly seek opportunities with teams that are both young, and somewhat low on guards. The Charlotte Hornets would make some sense, especially as LaMelo Ball is often injured, and recently-acquired Collin Sexton is more of a scorer. The Phoenix Suns, while not a team that's rebuilding, is short on point guards - and plenty heavy on off-guards - which could be another interesting situation, assuming Wesley can even crack the rotation on a team that's clearly trying to be competitive. Finally, there are the Brooklyn Nets. The organization is currently relying on two international rookie point guards, so to have Wesley around in their back pocket wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. Wesley does offer 156 games of experience, and on the Nets he should be able to get minutes. The team is clearly rebuilding, meaning a 22-year-old should be right within their wheelhouse. Regardless of the destination, Wesley is too intriguing to not get one more crack at the big stage. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
