Latest news with #NBAToday
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Dylan Harper drops 8-word reaction as Times Square debut fuels NBA draft buzz and San Antonio Spurs rumors
Images via Jeff Haynes/ Getty Images The night before the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper stood in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by bright lights, flashing billboards, and the unmistakable energy of New York City. For one of the nation's top prospects, it was a moment of reflection before the rush—a rare pause in the chaos of draft week as he prepared to take the next step in his basketball journey. Dylan Harper overwhelmed by Times Square debut as NBA draft buzz reaches new heights On Tuesday evening, as the NBA world descended upon New York, Dylan Harper shared a brief but powerful reaction online after seeing himself featured across Times Square screens. The post quickly made the rounds on social media, showcasing just how much the experience meant to the former Rutgers star. 'Surreal. Excited. Two best words to describe it,' Harper said, capturing the emotion of being front and center on basketball's biggest stage. That moment in the city that never sleeps may be the calm before the storm. Harper is widely projected to go No. 2 overall in Wednesday night's draft, potentially landing with the San Antonio Spurs , where he could join forces with rising superstar Victor Wembanyama. Speaking earlier Tuesday on 'SportsCenter', Harper acknowledged how often the possibility of teaming up with Victor Wembanyama crosses his mind. 'I mean, in everyday life, just getting in the gym to really eating dinner, you're going to think about it all day,' he said. 'That would definitely be great… just because [Wembanyama and Stephon Castle ] are two young players, young stars.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How three Filipino cardinals eligible to be the next pope remember Pope Francis CNA Read More Undo Harper, who averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game at Rutgers, declared for the draft on March 31 during an appearance on NBA Today . His size, playmaking, and feel for the game have made him one of the top backcourt options in this class. Also Read: Angel Reese ignites NBA draft buzz by calling Derik Queen 'Baby Jokic' in bold comparison While Cooper Flagg remains the consensus No. 1 pick, Harper is in the center of the No. 2 conversation, alongside Kon Knueppel, Ace Bailey , and Tre Johnson. Whether or not he joins Wembanyama in San Antonio, Harper's Times Square appearance served as a reminder—his time has come, and the basketball world is watching. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time Business News
Malika Andrews Moves On from NBA Finals as ESPN Faces Backlash Over Haliburton Coverage
The 2025 NBA Finals delivered a thrilling Game 7, with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching their first championship, led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the victory was overshadowed by a devastating injury to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and a brewing controversy over ESPN's coverage, placing host Malika Andrews in the spotlight as she shifts to new projects. The Indiana Pacers entered Game 7 with high hopes, driven by Haliburton's resilience despite a lingering calf strain. The 25-year-old All-Star, who had authored a historic playoff run with 197 assists and clutch shots, confirmed his availability to ESPN's Malika Andrews before the game, saying, 'Calf's good. I'm ready to go.' Tragically, his championship dream ended early when he collapsed in the first quarter with a non-contact injury, later confirmed by his father to ESPN as a torn Achilles. Haliburton, who had already scored nine points, was helped off the court and ruled out for the game. Despite the pain, he remained a vocal leader, cheering his teammates from the sidelines on crutches. Pacers teammate TJ McConnell praised his selflessness, noting, 'That just speaks volumes to who Tyrese Haliburton is.' The injury drew heartfelt reactions from sports stars like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes, who expressed their support on X. As the game unfolded, ESPN's broadcast came under fire for its handling of Haliburton's injury. Fans and former NBA players criticized the network for repeatedly airing footage of the moment Haliburton went down, with some alleging an inappropriate camera angle was shown. Former NBA star Detlef Schrempf took to X, demanding, 'Stop showing it again and again! Show the game!' Viewers echoed the sentiment, with one posting, 'They're gonna talk about it nonstop all game, aren't they?' The backlash highlighted a broader debate: how much focus should broadcasters place on injuries during critical moments? While acknowledging a star player's exit is standard, many felt ESPN's coverage crossed a line, detracting from the game's intensity and Haliburton's privacy. The controversy added to existing tensions, as Andrews had previously faced scrutiny over her coverage of Black players, which she addressed in 2024 as being rooted in 'falsehoods.' Amid the controversy, Malika Andrews, a prominent ESPN host, transitioned to her next assignment with poise. Having covered the Finals extensively, including pre-game interviews with Haliburton and post-game discussions with Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrews announced her latest venture on her Instagram Story. She shared that fans could catch her full conversation with the Finals MVP on NBA Today , signaling a shift from the Finals drama to fresh content. Andrews' ability to navigate high-pressure moments has been a hallmark of her coverage, though her role at ESPN remains under scrutiny as her contract's future is uncertain. Despite the network's challenges, Andrews continues to focus on delivering engaging basketball stories, maintaining her reputation as a skilled and resilient journalist. As the NBA moves to the offseason, attention turns to the upcoming draft, where the Dallas Mavericks are poised to select Duke's Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. Meanwhile, ESPN faces the task of addressing fan concerns over its Finals coverage to rebuild trust. For Haliburton, the road to recovery from a potential season-ending Achilles injury looms large, casting uncertainty over his 2025-26 campaign. The 2025 Finals will be remembered for both triumph and heartbreak, with ESPN's coverage decisions sparking a conversation about media responsibility. As Andrews forges ahead, her ability to rise above the noise underscores her growing influence in sports journalism. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
NBC Sports
7 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NBA Trade Rumors Roundup: More Kevin Durant trade rumors, including Jrue Holiday involved in deal
While other NBA trade rumors are out there, the Kevin Durant trade talks cast a shadow over everything. It is the first domino to fall, just don't expect any action until at least Monday (nobody is going to step on Game 7 of the NBA Finals and risk the wrath of the league). Still, let's start there with this roundup of rumors. Jrue Holiday part of multi-team Durant trade? Kevin Durant is the biggest name on the trade market right now. Jrue Holiday might be second, but the Celtics need to trim their salary, and there are numerous reports suggesting that Holiday could be the player on the move. Could Durant and Holiday be part of one massive trade, not for each other but as the big salaries in a huge multi-team deal? Here is Zach Lowe from the Zach Lowe Show podcast: 'The focus, for me, is on Jrue Holiday. I think there are even — I've heard there have been at least very broad discussions of three-team Durant-related trades where Jrue Holiday is … moved somewhere.' Holiday ended up in Boston — where he was a key part of their 2024 title run — because he was part of a massive deal, the Damian Lillard trade. Could something like that happen again? Just something to watch, although it's a safe bet Holiday gets traded somewhere this offseason. Durant has controlled his trade market Durant has his list of preferred landing spots — Houston, San Antonio, and Miami — and to this point has done a good job controlling the market with that request. Durant has some leverage because he only has one year remaining on his contract ($54.7 million) and can refuse to sign an extension with a team, essentially making him a rental. ESPN's Brian Windhorst laid it out well on Friday's NBA Today (hat tip Real GM): 'His trade value is depressed because he's limiting his market. He is effectively doing that. He made it very clear he wants to have agency on where he finishes his career. He is, by doing that, depressing the market and forcing himself to a certain spot. That has been very effective so far.' The problem for the Suns is that those other teams know this. The Spurs are largely out of the running because they are not coming near the Suns' asking price and are not upping their offer (reportedly based around Devin Vassell). As previously discussed here, the Rockets are patiently waiting for the market to come down on Durant and the Suns to take their Jabari Smith Jr.-based offer. And as for Miami... Heat won't put Ware in Durant trade One sticking point in the Durant to Miami trade idea is that the Heat will not include 21-year-old center Kel'el Ware in the trade, report Marc Stein and Jake Fischer at The Stein Line. Without Ware — and with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo understandably unavailable as well — the Suns will require multiple first-round picks to make this deal work, as they won't be thrilled with the players they are getting back. So far, these sides appear to be quite far apart on a deal, but talks are ongoing. Suns want 2025 first-round pick One of the things the Suns are seeking in return for a Kevin Durant trade is a high first-round pick, reports Mark Stein. That could include Toronto at No. 9 (more on them below), Houston at No. 10, San Antonio at No. 14 (although they seem unlikely to be a contender), Minnesota at No. 17, and Miami at No. 20. Whether any of those teams would include that pick remains a question mark. Jakob Poeltl not available in Durant trade The Toronto Raptors are on the outside looking in at this point in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, but they remain interested and are still lurking around. It's not one of the teams on Durant's list of places he would sign an extension, but Toronto has been here and done that before, trading for Kawhi Leonard in 2018. What would a Raptors trade for KD look like? It would not involve center Jakob Poeltl, reports Michael Grange of Sportsnet in Canada. Grange notes the Suns asked about Poeltl at the trade deadline and were shot down then. He also explains the entire situation well, including the Suns using the Raptors as leverage. "[The Suns] are looking to recoup value after trading two quality starters, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, along with four unprotected first-round picks, for just over two seasons of Durant that yielded a second-round playoff exit, a first-round playoff exit, and no Play-In appearance this past season. If the Raptors are presented as having a strong offer waiting in the wings, perhaps one of Durant's preferred suitors steps up with something richer, or a team like Minnesota — another team with interest that's outside Durant's list — sweetens the pot.' The Raptors know they are being used for leverage and don't want to play that game. Toronto, like everyone else, is looking at the East next season and seeing something relatively wide open — Indiana does not strike fear in the hearts of opponents — and wants to put together a team that has a chance of a deep playoff run. Poeltl will be part of that team. Teams interested in Cody Martin Interesting note: a lot of teams have shown interest in Phoenix's Cody Martin, Marc Stein reports, adding that he may 'very well factor into any direct or multi-team deal' for Kevin Durant. The 6'5" wing averaged 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15 minutes a night off the bench for the Suns last season. Just something to monitor. Wizards want to trade up in draft One rumor flying around is that the Washington Wizards, with picks No. 6 and 18, are looking to package those and maybe a player to move up into the top five in the draft and get a point guard (reporting via Grant Afseth). Ideally that would be Dylan Harper, but the Wizards don't have the juice to pry the No. 2 pick away from the Spurs. That has turned the focus to Jeremiah Fears. The latest NBC Sports Mock Draft has Fears going to Utah at No. 5, and if Ace Bailey slips out of the top four — a real possibility — that makes it more likely that Fears goes higher. Can Washington find a deal to move up one spot and get Utah's No. 5 pick? It's something to watch.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN writer Brian Windhorst explains why Ace Bailey is a 'dangerous' prospect
Former Rutgers forward Ace Bailey is no longer considered a lock to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA draft after declining several workout requests, prompting ESPN senior writer Brian Windhorst to label him a "dangerous" prospect. Bailey, who has yet to visit any team, canceled a workout on Friday with the Philadelphia 76ers, who select third. The prevailing thought is that Bailey and his representation are declining workouts to ensure he lands with a specific team that can offer him a significant role to maximize his development. The 6-foot-8 standout has consistently been projected to be the third or fourth pick by most mock drafts. However, Bailey is falling down draft boards and could now be selected in the 3-8 range on Wednesday, which, as Windhorst explained Friday on "NBA Today," could be problematic for front offices. Every year, there is a dangerous prospect in the draft; he is a dangerous prospect. He is, obviously, incredibly talented: You draft him, it could be a grand slam. You pass on him, and somebody else drafts him, you might have it all over your face. If you draft him and it doesn't work out because of these concerns, that could get you fired. ... I think the team that gets him will be a team with a general manager who is very safe in his job, who says, 'Trust me. I believe in this player.' Bailey was a third-team All-Big Ten selection, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal on 34.6% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked ninth among all freshmen in points (527) and 10th in rebounds (215). The 18-year-old measured slightly smaller than expected at the draft combine last month, after Rutgers listed him at 6 feet, 10 inches. Teams were also displeased with his apparent lack of preparation and focus at the combine, factors that have also hurt his draft stock. Bailey is highly touted because of his size, scoring and instincts on both ends of the court. He still projects to be a potential franchise cornerstone at the next level, though he may not be selected as high as initially thought after a precarious predraft process.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jalen Williams' ‘Scottie Pippen vibes' leave Kendrick Perkins in awe
The post Jalen Williams' 'Scottie Pippen vibes' leave Kendrick Perkins in awe appeared first on ClutchPoints. After Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams scored 40 points in Game 5 to lead the team past the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it had the basketball world buzzing about where he ranks as one of the best No. 2 options. The Thunder guard would even be compared to Scottie Pippen in that regard, as the observation was made by ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. Advertisement Perkins had a segment on 'NBA Today' where he focused on a player who 'stood on business,' saying Williams did in Game 5 with the 40-point performance. He would go as far as to say that the outing gave him 'vibes' of Pippen and explained how he effectively played his role as a 'Robin' on the team, which means he was sidekick or No. 2 option to Oklahoma City's Batman in MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 'He did just that. That boy stood on business last night. He been standing on business all series long, especially the last three games,' Perkins said. 'And I'm talking about J-Dub [Williams], that gave me Scottie Pippen vibes, 1991 vibes. You talking about Game 5 NBA Finals, the biggest stage. And you go out there, you hang a 40-piece, right? I already think Scottie Pippen is the best Robin of all time. This was one of those games right here where your Robin showed up. Kendrick Perkins explains further how Thunder's Jalen Williams is '1b' Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Perkins wouldn't be the only one to make the comparison between the Thunder All-Star and Pippen, as Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst would bring up the same observation. The former Oklahoma City player would even say that besides being the second option on the team, he is also '1b' next to Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement 'But when you think about Robins, you think about what SGA needed,' Perkins said. 'We asked all year long, who was going to be that bona fide number two, rise to the occasion? Was it going to be J-Dub? Was it going to be SGA? He has finally came up and stepped up to the plate. That guy's a certified number two option, 1b on this team.' At any rate, the Thunder is one game away from capturing its first championship in franchise history since the team relocated from Seattle, as the Supersonics, to their present home in Oklahoma City. With a 3-2 series lead, Game 6 will be in Indiana on Thursday. Related: Mark Daigneault sends honest message to Thunder before Game 6 Related: Tyrese Haliburton's calf injury update puts Game 6 status in doubt
