Latest news with #MostImprovedPlayer
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Who is the bet to win NBA Most Improved Player?
Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick throw out names such as Ty Jerome, Andrew Nembhard and Amen Thompson to win NBA Most Improved Player, discussing the early openings they see in the betting market.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mercury's Satou Sabally shows love to Wings fans who ‘didn't boo' her
The post Mercury's Satou Sabally shows love to Wings fans who 'didn't boo' her appeared first on ClutchPoints. Thursday was a hectic day for Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally. She played against her former team, the Dallas Wings, for the first time back in the College Park Center. Advertisement Following the game, Sabally said she's moving on from the Wings after they booed her during the game. However, she mentioned that it was a sign of respect for them to do that. Despite the negativity surrounding her return, the All-Star starter had some kind words on her Instagram story for some Wings fans. 'Thanks to those that didn't Boo lmaooo,' Sabally wrote. 'Dallas will always be my Rookie Grounds, and I love the city.' During her time in Dallas, Sabally shone and proved why she was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. Being nicknamed 'The Unicorn' wasn't just for show. She can do just about anything on the court. The 2023 season was when she truly made her mark. Sabally won the Most Improved Player Award, along with making the All-WNBA first team. Advertisement The following season, she suffered a shoulder injury that kept her out until the All-Star break. After playing for the German Women's National Team, she came back and played the rest of the season with the Wings. That was the beginning of the end, though, as Sabally was traded to the Mercury during the offseason. Satou Sabally is thriving with Mercury For the second time in her career, Sabally is an All-Star starter. She's played in every game this season, despite the team missing Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Natasha Mack for extended periods. As a result, there's been more of an offensive burden placed on the German National Team star. Regardless of that, she rose to the occasion and has turned herself into a truly complete player. Advertisement The playmaking has improved, while the scoring and shooting efficiency have always been present. Playing alongside Thomas and Copper makes her life even easier, as she's open a good chunk of time due to their slashing abilities. There doesn't appear to be any love lost between her and the Wings organization. Some of that bad blood might brew some more on Monday, as the two teams will square off once again in Phoenix. Related: Former Mercury head coach files lawsuit against team Related: Satou Sabally's fiery response to getting 'booed' by Wings fans
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gilbert Arenas opens up about why Michael Jordan was never his favorite player growing up
(Image Source - Getty Images) Most kids growing up in the '90s worshipped Michael Jordan—but not Gilbert Arenas. Despite being raised in a Bulls-loving home and forced to watch every MJ game, his heart latched onto a different star, Penny Hardaway. One highlight reel, one jersey number change, and Arenas was all in. His story proves that sometimes, your true basketball hero isn't the one with the rings—but the one who made you feel something. How Penny Hardaway's High‑School Highlights Stole Arenas' Fan Heart Gilbert Arenas shares that while his dad insisted he watch all the Chicago Bulls games—complete with the Michael Jordan craze—his genuine love for basketball originated from a different source. After he caught Penny Hardaway's thrilling high school highlights leading up to the 1993 NBA Draft, he was completely hooked. Arenas recalls, 'My first favorite player was Penny Hardaway… I changed my number to 25 in high school' as a nod to his idol. That one gesture laid the groundwork for his lifelong devotion. GILBERT ARENAS EXPOSES HIMSELF AS THE ULTIMATE GLAZER In a world where most were mesmerized by Jordan's six NBA titles, Arenas felt a subtle pull towards Hardaway's Magic—their speed, skill, and style made a stronger impression than Jordan's honors. This passion wasn't just a phase. During high school, Arenas would get into debates with his classmates to champion Hardaway as the better player and purposefully selected #25—the number Penny wore while playing for the Orlando Magic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It wasn't a lack of understanding about how great Jordan was. Arenas admired him—his father had even filled their house with Bulls memorabilia—but emotions won out over the accolades. 'Michael Jordan was not my favorite player… but my dad forced me to watch Jordan all day'. This tug-of-war between responsibility and enthusiasm uncovers a significant truth: the first fandoms we create aren't always driven by numbers or victories—they're shaped by intuition and individual bonds. Gilbert Arenas took that early motivation and turned it into results: while at Arizona, he snagged First-Team All-Pac‑10 honors in 2001 and capped off his sophomore year by guiding the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship game. He was picked 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2001, and he climbed the ranks to become the NBA Most Improved Player in 2003, eventually becoming a three-time All-Star with Washington. During his career, Arenas embodied Penny's style—quick guard moves, bold scoring, and a game that was all about creativity and confidence. His personal motto? Go with what inspires you, not what conforms to expectations. Also Read: Memphis Grizzlies make a sneaky trade on Sunday that could change their defensive outlook The story of Gilbert Arenas highlights how fandom can be irrational—and that's part of its charm. Even though Michael Jordan was a global superstar, it was the style of Penny Hardaway that caught the eye of a young kid, not the championships. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Indianapolis Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Could an ex-Pacer help the team post-Myles Turner in a very specific situation?
As you've probably heard, the Indiana Pacers need a center. Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Pacers, right now, with Tony Bradley and (maybe) Isaiah Jackson (he's a restricted free agent) at the position on the roster. But there is a free agent with a long history with the Pacers who thinks he could help out in a very specific situation: Jermaine O'Neal. "I like my chances against anyone in the post," O'Neal, 46, said during a visit to The Dan Patrick Show. "If we're talking full court, I'm not doing that. These legs don't have that much gas." O'Neal said he'd dunked as recently as a month ago and that he could lead any rec league in scoring. "I try to stay in pretty good shape," O'Neal said. "Every year I have kids from my school or my club that want to challenge me 1-on-1. I'm the old guy they think they can beat. I have to remind them I got paid to do this. I'm not going to allow a teenager to beat me." O'Neal made six all-star teams with the Pacers from 2001-2008, was All-NBA three times and Most Improved Player in 2001-02. He averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Patrick immediately started asking O'Neal who he could beat, including No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James. "Just straight post work? I think I have a chance," O'Neal said. "Throw me the ball in the post, 1-on-1, I still like my chances because I'm still nimble. Mano a mano, I've got a chance. I have a chance to win in a 1-on-1, whether I win or not, we'll see."
New York Post
29-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Julius Randle staying with Timberwolves on $100 million contract
Julius Randle is staying put. The former Knicks forward, who was traded to the Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns deal right before the start of training camp last year, is set to sign a new three-year, $100 million contract to remain with Minnesota, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday. The third year is a player option. Advertisement Randle, 30, had a $30.9 million option for 2025-26 Julius Randle averaged 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Timberwolves last year. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The move comes after the Timberwolves gave forward Naz Reid a five-year, $125 million contract. Randle averaged 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in his first season with the Timberwolves last season, helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season. Advertisement He was especially impressive in Minnesota's second-round win over the Warriors, averaging 25.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.4 rebounds across the five-game series, before struggling against the Thunder in the conference finals. Before he was sent to the Timberwolves in the blockbuster Towns deal along with Donte DiVincenzo, Randle spent five seasons with the Knicks. The Kentucky product was a polarizing player among Knicks fans for his playoff struggles and ball-dominant playstyle, but he was a central figure in bringing the franchise back to relevance after years in the gutter of the NBA. Advertisement In 2020-21, for instance, Randle willed the Knicks to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference behind a terrific individual season, averaging 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and earning an All-Star nod and the Most Improved Player award. Julius Randle (30) is getting a three-year, $100 million contract from the Timberwolves. NBAE via Getty Images After a lackluster 2021-22 campaign, he notched back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2022-23 and 2023-24 as the co-star to Jalen Brunson. The seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft, Randle spent the first four seasons of his career with the Lakers, then one with the Pelicans before arriving in New York.
