Latest news with #EasternConferenceSemifinals
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Report: Pacers Showing Interest in Top-Tier Myles Turner Replacement
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 finished the 2024-25 NBA season just one win away from an NBA championship. Unfortunately, Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Pacers simply didn't have enough to pull out a win. Heading into free agency, it was widely expected that Indiana would keep its core intact. Most reports suggested that the Pacers were willing to go into the luxury tax to keep longtime starting center Myles Turner. That did not end up being the case. Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the fourth quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 04, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the fourth quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 04, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo byOn Tuesday, the news broke that Turner had signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Central Division rival Milwaukee Bucks. Read more: Tyrese Haliburton's 1-Word Reaction to Fever Winning Commissioner's Cup Needless to say, that news shocked the fans in Indiana. After years of trade rumors surrounding Turner and the Pacers holding onto him, the center left town the second he was actually expected to stay on a lucrative long-term deal. Following Turner's departure, Indiana is left with a major hole in its starting lineup. The front office will need to find a replacement at the center position. To that end, the Pacers are already showing interest in one potential replacement. According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, Indiana has registered interest in free agent big man Deandre Ayton. He was bought out recently by the Portland Trail Blazers, although the Los Angeles Lakers are considered by most to be the front-runner to sign him. As noted by Fischer, Ayton and the Pacers previously agreed to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet a few years back. At the time, the Phoenix Suns chose to match the contract offer sheet, blocking Indiana from signing Ayton. "Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton," Fischer wrote. "Don't forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent." While the Pacers are interested, Fischer did say that the Lakers remain the front-runner. "The safest forecast remains that Ayton winds up a Laker after clearing waivers." Read more: Report: Lakers Have Discussed Trades for 3 Centers Ayton is scheduled to clear waivers on Wednesday evening. Indiana fans could have an answer to that question later on this evening. Only time will tell, but Ayton would be a very intriguing pickup for the Pacers. He's a much better rebounder than Turner, although he can't stretch the floor as well and isn't nearly as polished offensively. Expect to hear more on Ayton and Indiana in the near future. For more on the Indiana Pacers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Rafael Devers trade puts new spotlight on Jaylen Brown's Celtics future
The post How Rafael Devers trade puts new spotlight on Jaylen Brown's Celtics future appeared first on ClutchPoints. When Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown first arrived in Beantown in 2016, Boston sports were in full bloom. The New England Patriots were still thriving under the dynastic duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Boston Red Sox were building towards their best season in franchise history, and the Boston Bruins were about to start an eight-year streak of making the playoffs. In 2025, Boston sports are on the decline. And in the wake of the Red Sox's shocking trade of Rafael Devers, Brown is the only athlete left standing to serve as the current ambassador of Boston sports. Advertisement Although Devers wasn't promoted to the Red Sox until 2017, he signed with the organization way back in 2013. The three-time All-Star was a part of their last World Series in 2018 and was expected to be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. Instead, he was stunningly dealt to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday for a lackluster return, leaving Boston with one less fan-favorite. Why Boston needs Jaylen Brown more than ever Following this massive move — which sent shockwaves through the Boston sports fanbase — Brown is now the second-longest tenured athlete of Boston's four major sports teams. Only Bruins star David Pastrnak has been in town longer. Advertisement While 'Pasta' would normally be expected to fill in as the torchbearer for Boston sports due to his seniority, the B's are beginning a rebuild and are no longer contending for the Stanley Cup every season like in years prior. Regardless, Celtics star Jayson Tatum would likely supersede him with his impressive resume; however, he's rehabbing a ruptured Achilles for at least several months and can't truly take over as the face of Boston sports until he returns. With no Devers and the Bruins and Patriots fresh off dismal campaigns, it's up to Brown and the C's to uplift 'Titletown.' The reigning NBA Finals MVP even said so in May after Tatum went down and the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 'I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now,' Brown admitted. 'Obviously, with [Tatum] being out and us kind of ending the year, but there's a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so looking forward to what's next.' Why trading Jaylen Brown now seems even less prudent Brown could shoulder a lot of responsibility heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. Of course, that's all dependent on whether or not the Celtics trade him. Advertisement Since the Celtics are facing a titanic luxury tax bill and various penalties under the new CBA if they don't shed significant salary, the front office may be forced to ship some expensive players away. And next season, Brown is set to make over $50 million. Despite his pricy contract, Brown has shown he's worth the cost throughout his career. The four-time All-Star promised to 'go to war' for Boston immediately after he was drafted, and he's followed through, helping the Celtics win it all in 2024 and playing through a partially torn meniscus during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. If the Celtics had it their way, they'd manage to avoid the second apron while keeping Brown in the process, per ESPN insider Shams Charania. That'll be easier said than done, yet trading Brown away might send the city into a frenzy. Advertisement Devers is gone, the Patriots' dynasty days are over, and Bruins fans must watch on as the former longest-tenured Boston athlete, Brad Marchand, plays some of the best hockey of his life for the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals. Marchand was sold for a single pick in March, and three months later, Devers was sent packing for scraps. If the Celtics treat Brown similarly, the built-up backlash will be unimaginable. Given the impressive reputation of Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, Brown will likely only be moved if the deal is superb and timely. But even if the front office gets that opportunity, losing Brown would mean losing another pillar of Boston sports — and enraging the fanbase during the first year of new ownership. The pressure to keep homegrown stars while competing for championships is on in Boston, and perhaps Stevens can achieve that balance with Brown and succeed where the Red Sox have failed. Related: RUMOR: Kristaps Porzingis linked to Suns as Celtics explore trade options Related: Exclusive: How Celtics 'blindsided' Aaron Nesmith with Pacers trade
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Is jersey number 0 cursed? Fans can't get over insane theory after Tyrese Haliburton's injury resembled Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum
Tyrese Haliburton's injury has put the Indiana Pacers far behind the winning line in the NBA Game 7 finals decider, as the OKC Thunder eventually secured the 103-93 win. As Haliburton fell on the floor after a non-contact injury, a wild theory surfaced, which coincidentally reflects that three NBA superstars who wore jersey no. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 0 succumbed to the same Achilles during postseason games. Many fans believe that the jersey number is cursed as three fallen star lost their chance of a championship. Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury resembled Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum , which sparked jersey no. 0 curse speculation So, is jersey number 0 cursed? While any rational thinker would dismiss it as a superstition, a recently surfaced wild theory suggests that three NBA stars— Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and now Tyrese Haliburton have met with the same fate, coincidentally, they wear the same jersey number. Let's put things in perspective, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had been battling a nagging calf strain for several games leading up to the NBA Finals. But in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his worst fears materialized. Just minutes into the first quarter, Haliburton crumpled to the floor clutching his lower leg. His father later confirmed it was a torn Achilles. 'I know the risks, I know everything that comes with it. I just had to hear it was OK,' Haliburton had said days earlier. The 24-year-old had been the heart of Indiana's playoff run, averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, including four game-winning shots. His exit not only cost the Pacers their floor general but also highlighted the growing list of casualties this postseason. Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum add to the injury epidemic. The string of Achilles injuries began with Milwaukee Bucks guard Lillard, who went down in Game 4 of the first round. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Just weeks later, Boston Celtics forward Tatum followed suit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. Both stars, according to former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, had reportedly been experiencing calf pain prior to the injury, just like Haliburton. 'Even with Jayson Tatum… and Dame — [I asked] was your calf hurting before? And they both said yes,' Arenas revealed during a Finals watch party. Their stories mirror a larger trend. According to injury analyst Jeff Stotts, eight Achilles tears occurred during the 2024–25 NBA season—a staggering number that already shattered the previous high of five. That count doesn't even include Haliburton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo (preseason), or draft prospect Jalon Moore (via Sporting News). Fans react to the theory of the cursed jersey number 0 NBA fans, especially the Indiana Pacers supporters, were quick to respond to the wild theory. 'Unbelievable,' one fan reacted with a shocked-faced emoticon. 'No way that's insane,' another reacted. 'Zero chance this is a coincidence??' one fan made a claver joke on the theory. 'There's some voodoo afoot,' another wrote. It is possible that the reason for these injuries is fatigue, overwork, and even low-top shoes as potential contributors. With players clocking over 40 minutes per night during the postseason, many believe the physical load is simply unsustainable. Achilles injuries, after all, are among the most traumatic in sports, often requiring a year of rehab with no guaranteed full recovery.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Celtics' Joe Mazzulla on the hot seat next season?
Joe Mazzulla has just completed his third season as the Boston Celtics' head coach. Unfortunately, the team's season didn't end the way we all hoped, as the New York Knicks eliminated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Furthermore, Mazzulla's coaching skill is set to be put to the test next season. Without Jayson Tatum, Mazzulla must develop some of the younger talent on the roster while also implementing a different offensive system. Throughout his tenure with the Celtics, Mazzulla has been the subject of consistent scrutiny, primarily due to Boston's 3-point-heavy offensive approach. However, that same system has seen the third-year head coach secure a 74% regular season win ratio, winning 182 of the 246 games he's led the team. Mazzulla's Celtics are also 33-17 in the postseason. Cedric Maxwell and John Zannis recently debated Mazzulla's credentials as a head coach on a recent episode of the eponymous CLNS Media "Cedric Maxwell" podcast. The duo then asked the ever-important question of whether Mazzulla could survive a bad season for the Celtics in the 2025-26 campaign, especially with the team needing to bounce back the following year. You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video above. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why New York Knicks can eye this low-cost option to pair with Jalen Brunson in backcourt?
The New York Knicks are currently not only searching for a new head coach but also looking for an ideal — and affordable — backcourt partner for point guard Jalen Brunson. They need someone who can provide 3-point shooting and solid defense. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A potential solution has emerged i.e. Gary Trent Jr. The current Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard could fill that role in the team. Gary Trent Jr. could be the right fit alongside Jalen Brunson Empire Sports Media's Dylan Backer has suggested that the Knicks should consider pursuing Gary Trent Jr. in free agency. He noted the team needs a consistent scorer, and Trent could be that player. Highlighting the Knicks' shortcomings in their second unit, Backer said Trent's defense could address an area of weakness during the regular season. Trent has already demonstrated his ability while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is known as a strong defensive backcourt player and averaged 11.1 points and one steal per game, while shooting 41.6% from three on nearly six attempts per game. Another advantage is that he is not expected to command a large contract, which could allow the New York Knicks to acquire him without giving up a major player. New York Knicks eliminated from playoffs, coaching change follows Despite high hopes, the New York Knicks were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, losing to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6. Soon after, team president Leon Rose announced the firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau via a written statement on social media, a move that shocked many NBA fans and drew criticism. The statement read: "Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in a different direction.' He also thanked Thibodeau for 'pouring his heart and soul into each and every day' as the Knicks' head coach, highlighting the team's 'tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: Potential candidates rumored to replace Thibodeau include Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, former Knicks lead assistant coach Johnnie Bryant, former Hornets head coach James Borrego, and Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson.
