Latest news with #ChrisHaynes
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
USC men's basketball freshman Alijah Arenas out 6-8 months with torn meniscus
Late Wednesday afternoon, USC men's basketball suffered a major blow. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Trojan freshman Alijah Arenas suffered a torn meniscus. According to Haynes, Arenas will be out for at least 6-8 months and could potentially miss the entire 2025-2026 college basketball season. The news is particularly brutal timing for Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. It comes just a few weeks after he was cleared to begin practicing with the team. Back in April, he spent nearly a week in the hospital after surviving a car crash. "Alijah is a tremendous worker, teammate, competitor, and person," USC coach Eric Musselman told ESPN. "He is understandably disappointed that he will not be able to take the court to start the season, but his health is our No. 1 priority. We have no doubt that he will come back even stronger. We look forward to supporting him during this process." A five-star recruit, Arenas was expected to play a major role right away for the Trojans. He was one of several major offseason additions for the USC program, including Auburn transfer Chad Baker-Mazara and Maryland transfer Rodney Rice. With Arenas expected to miss the majority of the season, the Trojans will need to rely on other players to step up in his absence. After going just 17-18 in Musselman's first season, USC will be looking to return to NCAA Tournament contention in 2025-2026.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Yahoo
"My stomach was growling and tomorrow came" - Michael Beasley recalls being broke and sleeping in his car for two years
"My stomach was growling and tomorrow came" - Michael Beasley recalls being broke and sleeping in his car for two years originally appeared on Basketball Network. Former NBA player Michael Beasley made an emotionally-charged revelation during a recent episode of the "3s and Ones" podcast with Chris Haynes. In his monologue, Beasley talked about being broke because his family spent his money and his CPA stole the rest of it. Because of this, Beasley said that from 2021 to 2023, he slept in his car and did not even have $5.39 to buy his favorite Checkers & Rally's Famous Seasoned Fries. What made it even worse was that nobody was there to help him when he was at the lowest point of his life. "I went from crying for help to trying myself. Like everybody that's on my line now and everybody want to like…I don't want, I don't like you. Like my stomach was growling and tomorrow came. I was hungry by myself, and tomorrow came. I don't like you. I don't have to like you. I like me. I like me that much. Because I was there for me. God, right? Every fu—ng day, every fu—ng dribble, every time, every DM and this is why I don't like y'all saying my name. Because when I was there, I was…all of you DMs, everybody. I see hurt. But tomorrow came. I couldn't let the sun beat me," Beasley said. Beasley said he was afraid to admit he was afraid It was in a longer video of the interview where Beasley admitted he went broke and he blamed it on the IRS, his "baby mamas" (take note, plural) and his accountant. He also talked about how his family excessively spent his money while his CPA took the rest of his bank account. Mike admitted that as early as his third year in the NBA, he was blocking Kobe's shot but didn't have any money in his bank account. Beasley also claimed that the people close to him did not bother to check on him during these trying times because they thought he was okay, as he always projected a confident image to the outside world. Deep inside, Mike said that he was just as scared as anybody could be in his situation, but he was too afraid to admit it to anybody. He said he turned to basketball and was able to gut it out and survive the ordeal. "I tell these kids in my gym, like 'Yo, you want to be Michael Beasley or Kevin Durant?" he added. "You understand? And they get that. I tell my kids. I say, 'Yo, I'm known as one of the best basketball players ever. Do you want to be that? Without a job? Or do you want to be kicking ni—as in the balls, making 40 million a year, says Draymond,'" Beasley did not get the support from the NBA This isn't the first time that Beasley talked about fighting his demons alone. Three years ago, during an appearance on "The Pivot" podcast, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft talked about the lack of support he got from the NBA community when he was going through his darkest moments. "I don't talk to nobody," Beasley said. "I've reached out and I've reached out so much that I have to die with some kind of dignity…I know it's not sustainable, but at the same time, who do I go out with?" I've been trying to find good people for so long, I'm tired, bro." Mike is one of the most talented bucket-getters that ever played in the NBA and even the best players in the game admit that he was your favorite player's favorite player. However, he also dealt with many personal demons that destroyed his NBA career. Oftentimes, people blame him for the fate he suffered because of his immaturity and indiscretions. However, when you are fighting your battles alone, that's what really drags people to the bottom. Luckily, Beasley had basketball to turn to. He might still not be well off today, but at least he's still in one story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Haynes Reveals Damian Lillard's Reaction On Getting Waived, New Details Suggest He Was Planning To Leave Bucks Next Summer
Chris Haynes Reveals Damian Lillard's Reaction On Getting Waived, New Details Suggest He Was Planning To Leave Bucks Next Summer originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Damian Lillard was blindsided, and he's not alone. Advertisement After the Milwaukee Bucks made the stunning decision to waive Lillard and stretch his $113 million contract over five years in order to sign Myles Turner, NBA insider Chris Haynes dropped a series of bombshells that peeled back the curtain on how it all unfolded and how it's reverberating throughout the locker room. "I spoke with Damian Lillard briefly, and, you know, he was surprised. He was surprised. The Bucks did recently go out there to Portland to meet with Dame, but they did not tell Dame that this was coming. He had no clue about that as well. I was told that Dame found out about the situation just like everybody else found out." "So, you know, you could read into that as you may, but at the end of the day, he's going to be a free agent, first time ever in his career. He's going to have the opportunity to choose his own team." "And, you know, he's been working out. I've been seeing videos of him working out, rehabbing right now. So he's in a good place mentally. But there's definitely things that could have been done and handled differently, for sure." Advertisement That alone has sent shockwaves through the NBA world. Lillard, a future Hall of Famer and one of the league's most respected veterans, was not even given the courtesy of a heads-up before his abrupt release. This wasn't just a cap-clearing move; it was a cold, calculated departure from the loyalty-based culture Milwaukee used to pride itself on. Marc J Spear has since confirmed that Lillard likely would have left the Bucks next summer anyway had he reached free agency under healthier circumstances. "Don't feel bad for Damian Lillard. This is a win-win. Dame had a player option for next summer that he was considering not exercising. No secret living away from family in Milwaukee was a challenge. So he gets his $ and is now an unrestricted free agent free to go where HE wants." Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo is said to be 'not pleased' with how the franchise dumped his co-star. Advertisement Haynes reported that Antetokounmpo 'didn't like how it was handled' and has been 'weighing his options' regarding his future with Milwaukee, again stirring up those annual whispers about whether the Greek Freak might finally explore other teams. In the immediate aftermath, it's clear Milwaukee prioritized cap maneuvering and long-term roster fit. By stretching Lillard's $112.6 million deal, they'll now carry $22.5 million in dead cap space for the next five years. That's a significant hit and shows just how desperate they were to reshape the team around Giannis. In return, they acquired Myles Turner, a 28-year-old elite rim protector and floor spacer coming off a season where he averaged 15.6 points and shot a career-best 39.6% from three. Turner gives Giannis the defensive anchor and frontcourt partner he's lacked since Brook Lopez's prime. But at what cost? Lillard's Bucks tenure ends with bittersweet disappointment. After arriving in 2023 with championship hopes, he battled injuries, chemistry issues, and playoff heartbreak. He averaged 24.6 points and 7.0 assists but never got to show his full impact in the postseason due to health setbacks. Advertisement Now, his departure leaves behind more than just cap room. It leaves questions about culture, trust, and whether the Bucks just made a win-now gamble that could haunt them later. Related: Ranking The 5 Best Destinations For Damian Lillard After Getting Waived By The Bucks This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release
The post Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release appeared first on ClutchPoints. The NBA world was shocked when the Milwaukee Bucks made the decision to waive Damian Lillard, as the star guard is still recovering from tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. With the Bucks trying to make moves to create space to make other moves to help them stay competitive, Lillard seemed to be on the outside looking in. Advertisement Lillard is now a free agent for the first time in his career, and there will be interest in him once he is close to ready to return. There are already two teams that are being named as potential suitors, with one of them being his former team, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. 'Teams have been reaching out and trying to gauge his interest. One of those teams to look out for is the Miami Heat,' Haynes said. 'That was a team that was trying to trade for him when Dame did request a trade from Portland initially. That's one team that's going to be in the mix. 'Throw Portland in there as well, a team that could possibly make a reunion.' Advertisement Lillard returning to the Trail Blazers would be interesting, but it's where everything started for him. At the same time, they're not considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and Lillard wants to win, so it would be a sight to see him go back. Damian Lillard waived by the Bucks Lillard's tenure with the Bucks probably did not go the way that he or the team wanted in his two years. They were able to make the playoffs, but injuries to Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the playoffs doomed them both years, as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers back-to-back. Now, the Bucks are trying to revamp their roster, and Lillard will have to decide where he'll be playing basketball next. Advertisement The Trail Blazers could use a player like Lillard if they want to see some substantial growth in their team, but they would have to wait until he comes back from injury. They have young players that have shown potential, such as Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and they recently added a veteran in Jrue Holiday. The Blazers will need a lot more if they want to be competitive, and they could add more pieces in free agency. They also just bought out Deandre Ayton, which means they'll be moving forward with Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Yang Hansen as their center depth. Related: NBA rumors: Bulls insider dumps cold water on Jonathan Kuminga possibility Advertisement Related: Why Paul Pierce thinks Michael Jordan will change how Ex-players cover the NBA
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: DeAndre Ayton a ‘strong possibility' to join Lakers per NBA Insider
The post Lakers rumors: DeAndre Ayton a 'strong possibility' to join Lakers per NBA Insider appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers remain the top suitors for DeAndre Ayton following the center's buyout with the Portland Blazers. For many, Ayton is best suited to address the Lakers' needs at center as a rim protector who can clean up around the glass. One NBA insider believes there's a strong chance, Chris Haynes. Advertisement Ayton signing with the Lakers is likely going to happen, according to Haynes. 'That is a strong possibility. Strong possibility,' Haynes said of Ayton joining the Lakers. 'The Lakers already had a plethora of options to look for at the center position in free agency. You had Clint Capela out there. You had Brook Lopez out there. 'Now, you add DeAndre Ayton, all of a sudden, to the equation. If they're able to land this, which again, sources have told me this is a strong possibility, you will pair him up with Luka Doncic, who was in his draft class. 'DeAndre Ayton, the 2018 NBA Draft's No. 1 pick. Luka Doncic, No. 3. So you have the pairing on that, and I think it makes sense just for the route the Lakers are trying to go. This is Luka's team. They want to build for him. They want to have guys around the same age that can go where he goes. I think you're look at the future of what the Lakers are trying to do,' Haynes concluded. Advertisement After the Lakers' first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, addressing the center position will be a top priority for Los Angeles this summer. 'Free agency hasn't started, and he has to clear waivers. He clears waivers Wednesday,' Haynes added. 'All signs are pointing in that direction.' The Lakers' trade for Doncic sacrificed their All-Star center, Anthony Davis, and his two-way production in the frontcourt. After a deal for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was reversed at the trade deadline due to a failed physical, Los Angeles is undoubtedly in the market for an impactful center. And Ayton makes a lot of sense. Advertisement Kendrick Perkins warns teams about DeAndre Ayton Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes DeAndre Ayton is on his last chance after a spoiled opportunity with the Blazers. However, Perkins believes if Ayton buys into the Lakers' culture, it could be a success. 'When DeAndre Ayton is locked in, he's focused, he's losing himself in the team, he's a hell of a player. Double-double. The problem is that it hasn't been the case,' Perkins said. We'll see where Ayton's next stop will be as he enters free agency. Related: Former Mavericks guard adds intrigue to LeBron James trade rumors Related: Lakers land forward on $12 million deal after losing Dorian Finney-Smith
