Warriors' Stephen Curry Names His All-Time NBA Starting 5 with Michael Jordan, More
Dec 8, 2022
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry moves the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
So what is Stephen Curry's all-time starting five?
The Golden State Warriors star point guard was asked to pick the four players from NBA history who would join him in the ideal starting lineup during an interview with Sports Illustrated, and he went with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O'Neal.
"I'm at PG. I'm going with Magic—we'll play hybrid guards," he said. "You got Jordan. You got Dirk spacing the floor, shooting the ball. And you got the big man, the Diesel, holding it down. So, that's a solid lineup I think."
While that's a lot of talent to share one basketball, a lot of the skill sets do mesh nicely.
Curry and Johnson would keep the ball moving. Curry and Nowitzki would space the floor. Shaq would dominate the paint and give both Curry and Jordan a solid pick-and-roll partner. Jordan, being Jordan, would give the team that isolation scorer for when the play broke down or the team needed a huge bucket in crunch time. Johnson, Curry and Jordan could push the pace in transition.
It would be fun to watch. And basically impossible to play against.
Knicks' Obi Toppin to Be Re-Evaluated in 2-3 Weeks After Scans on Leg Injury
Dec 8, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are building some momentum with back-to-back wins this week, but they will be without a rotation player for the foreseeable future.
According to the team, forward Obi Toppin will miss the next 2-3 weeks after imaging revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right fibula on Thursday.
Toppin has come off the bench while appearing in all 25 games this season and is averaging 7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game. The 6'9" forward has shown improvement in his three-point shooting, connecting on 35.1 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. However, his efficiency has dropped dramatically as his field-goal percentage of 42.1 is down from 53.1 percent in 2021-22.
The eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, the Dayton product has yet to demonstrate the ability to produce consistently for the Knicks. He's scored in double figures just seven times this season, which is the same as his number of games with at least 20 minutes. In his career, he's averaging just 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 159 games.
While the Brooklyn native isn't much of a contributor, his absence will be a blow to New York's depth. Veteran point guard Derrick Rose and forward Cam Reddish had already been removed from the rotation. Without Toppin available to spell star power forward Julius Randle, more minutes will be available in the frontcourt for Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims.
At 12-13, the Knicks are still in last place in the Atlantic Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference. But after holding back-to-back opponents to under 90 points, New York appears to have found a formula for success.
The Knicks will look to stay hot when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (7-18) on Friday.
Hawks Rumors: Dejounte Murray Expected to Miss 2 Weeks with Ankle Injury
Dec 8, 2022
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray is potentially facing two weeks on the sidelines because of a left ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
That will leave the Hawks further short-handed, with John Collins (ankle) and De'Andre Hunter (hip) also dealing with injuries.
Murray, 26, went to Atlanta last offseason in a trade that sent Danilo Gallinari, the Hawks' first-round picks in 2025 and 2027, the Charlotte Hornets' 2023 protected first-rounder and pick-swap rights in 2026 to the San Antonio Spurs.
The returns have been positive for Atlanta. Murray is averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three.
Only Trae Young is averaging more points (27.2) and assists (9.5) per game on the team, giving the Hawks a complementary backcourt as Murray takes some of the playmaking and defensive pressure off Young.
The Hawks have had an adjustment period nonetheless, going just 13-12, good for fifth in the deep Eastern Conference.
Bogdan Bogdanović's season debut last week should provide a boost, however, especially given the team's injury status.
But even while other drama persists in Atlanta—from the potential for a fallout between Young and head coach Nate McMillan after last week's conflict, to the latest round of rumors that Collins may be on the trade block, yet again—Murray and Young have settled in well next to each other.
That's important for the team's long-term success, though Murray's absence will make the next two weeks an uphill climb for these Hawks. Bogdanović likely will return to the starting lineup, while both Justin and Aaron Holiday should see a bump in minutes.
Knicks Rumors: Lakers, Heat, Bucks Have Expressed Interest in Cam Reddish Trade
Dec 8, 2022
New York Knicks forward Cam Reddish during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
It was less than a year ago that the New York Knicks acquired forward Cam Reddish in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, but the team has reportedly been fielding offers to ship him away for quite some time.
"[S]everal teams have expressed interest in trading for Reddish since the Knicks acquired him in January 2022," SNY's Ian Begley wrote. "The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams who reached out to New York in that span."
Reddish was removed from the Knicks rotation this week and hasn't played since last Saturday's 21-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks. New York has won back-to-back games since then and has a 12-13 record.
On Wednesday, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported that the Knicks were working with Reddish and his representatives to secure a deal for him. However, the 23-year-old later said that he wasn't trying to force his way off the team.
"I haven't requested any trades," he said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. "I have not. Y'all seem to know more than me, for real. I don't know what y'all talking about, but I haven't requested no trade, nothing like that."
Reddish has failed to make an impact since he entered the league as the No. 10 overall pick in 2019. The Duke product has a career average of 10.2 points on 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc. Still, he is young and he has the potential to develop into a contributor in the right situation.
The Bucks are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but they could use some extra firepower to compete against the defending conference-champion Boston Celtics. The Heat have been bitten by the injury bug early in the season and lack depth.
Begley noted that the Lakers and Knicks had engaged in discussions recently about a potential trade that would've required a third team to complete. Los Angeles has an open roster spot after waiving Matt Ryan and desperately needs to add shooting.
For now, Reddish will continue to ride the bench when the Knicks return to action on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets (7-18).
NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel Deal Discussed Between Mavericks, Pistons
Dec 8, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Detroit Pistons looks on prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 25, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks have reportedly had trade talks involving center Nerlens Noel, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Noel has "drawn interest from several contending teams," per Begley.
Detroit acquired Noel in an offseason trade from the New York Knicks, but he has struggled to find playing time with his new team. He's appeared in just six games this season, scoring 11 total points and grabbing 19 rebounds.
The 28-year-old hasn't played in any of the Pistons' last six games despite the squad falling to 7-20 on the season.
The Pistons have instead been relying on young centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, making Noel expendable.
Despite his limited action in 2022-23, the veteran could still be an impact player in the right location.
Noel averaged 4.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during the past two years with the Knicks, especially helping on the defensive end. In 2020-21, his 5.2 win shares ranked second on the team behind Julius Randle as the squad earned the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
His 3.8 defensive box plus/minus was the best in the NBA that year, per Basketball Reference.
Noel's rim-protection could make him a valuable part of a rotation for any contender, especially one looking to upgrade defensively.
Dallas is fourth in points allowed per game due to the team's slow pace, but the squad is just 11th in defensive rating. No one on the team averages more than one block per game, while veteran shot-blocker JaVale McGee has seemingly fallen out of the rotation.
Adding Noel alongside Dwight Powell could provide depth to the frontcourt as the Mavericks look to build on last year's run to the Western Conference Finals.
Cam Reddish Denies Knicks Trade Rumors, Says He Hasn't Requested Deal out of NY
Dec 8, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks may eventually trade Cam Reddish, but it is not because he has asked for such a move.
"I haven't requested any trades," he said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. "I have not. Y'all seem to know more than me, for real. I don't know what y'all talking about, but I haven't requested no trade, nothing like that."
The comments come after Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported the Knicks were working with Reddish's representatives to find a trade after he was taken out of the rotation.
Reddish and Derrick Rose were not in the rotation during New York's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday and Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau seemingly prefers Quentin Grimes in the backcourt, and the second-year playmaker responded with 23 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two assists during the win over Atlanta.
"I'm not sure [why]," Reddish said when asked to discuss being out of the rotation. "I'm not the one to ask. I'm not really sure to be honest with you. I was doing what I could to the best of my ability on both sides of the floor. I'm gonna say it again, all of the other stuff is out of my control.
"My role, all that stuff, isn't necessarily up to me. I'm just coming in and doing what I'm told to do. … I'll roll with what Coach say, and that's that."
New York acquired Reddish from the Hawks in a trade during the 2021-22 campaign. He has appeared in 35 total games for the team with averages of 7.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.
The Duke product has never lived up to the expectations that came with being the No. 10 overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft, but he is still just 23 years old and could benefit from a change of scenery given the way his time with the Knicks has unfolded.
He is set for restricted free agency after this season, so that change of scenery may come relatively soon even if it isn't because of a trade.
NBA Rumors: Bulls' Zach LaVine 'Certainly Isn't' on Trade Market amid Knicks Buzz
Dec 8, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 4: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 4, 2022 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks may have to wait if they want to explore a potential trade for Zach LaVine.
During a discussion on what New York may do to maximize its roster this season, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Chicago Bulls guard "certainly isn't now" available but suggested perhaps he will be ahead of the trade deadline.
LaVine was brought up in the context of the Knicks perhaps regretting that they were unable to land Donovan Mitchell in a trade this past offseason.
Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson make up a formidable trio, but New York likely doesn't have the star power to realistically challenge the top teams in the Eastern Conference come playoff time.
And the postseason is anything but a guarantee considering it is 12-13 and in ninth place in the early Eastern Conference standings.
That is better than the Bulls, though, who are 10-14 and in 12th place as one of the most disappointing teams in the league. Chicago made the playoffs last season and has some star power with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but things have not clicked to this point.
It also doesn't help that Lonzo Ball is yet to play this season with a knee injury.
Perhaps the losing will continue to a point that the Bulls decide their best option is to look ahead to the future and move on from their current core. That could mean trading DeRozan, LaVine or both, and the Knicks are one potential landing spot.
The UCLA product was an All-Star in each of the past two seasons and is averaging 22.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game behind 42.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.2 percent shooting from deep in 2022-23.
While LaVine is known for his electrifying dunks, he can also hit from the outside and attack the lane to either score or set up his teammates.
Chicago surely hopes to make a run with plenty of time remaining in the season if it is not looking to move LaVine, but it will eventually have to turn things around if that is the path it chooses.
Otherwise, it may make more sense to trade some of the core.
Nets' Kyrie Irving Covers Up Nike Logos on Shoes vs. Hornets After Contract Ended
Dec 8, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: A view of the taped sneakers of Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on December 07, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Nike officially dissolved its business relationship with Kyrie Irving earlier this week after he had amplified an antisemitic movie on his social media platforms back in October and initially didn't apologize for doing so.
On Wednesday night, Irving responded to that decision by covering up the Nike logo on his sneakers during a 122-116 win over the Charlotte Hornets:
Kyrie Irving covered up the Swoosh on his Nike Kyrie 3 with some messages following his official split with the company.
It remains to be seen where the high-profile sneaker free agent will end up with his successful time with Nike—Irving's signature shoe was one of the apparel brand's most popular—now over.
Knicks Fans Rip Trae Young's Shooting Woes vs. NY as Hawks Lose Sans Dejounte Murray
Dec 8, 2022
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) goes to the basket against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Wednesday evening couldn't have gone much worse for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, who fell 113-89 to the host New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Dejounte Murray departed after four minutes with a left ankle sprain and did not return. Atlanta looked lost without him on both ends and notably made just 6-of-36 three-pointers,
Bogdan Bogdanovic missed all 10 of his attempts from beyond the arc. Young made 9-of-20 field goals but missed all four of his three-pointers. That marked the first time all season he did not hit at least one three-pointer in a game.
On a night where Young wore "King of Broadway" sneakers during pregame warmups, the Hawks star was anything but en route to a minus-26 performance. He sat the entire fourth quarter with the game well out of hand.
Meanwhile, the Knicks were led by Julius Randle and his 34 points, 17 rebounds and five assists. Quentin Grimes added 23 points, including 5-of-7 three-pointers.
This has not been a good year for Young, who is posting career-worst marks from the field and the three-point line. His three-point percentage has dipped below 30 percent.
The talented superstar has seen much better days, especially at the Garden, where he led the Hawks to a first-round playoff victory over New York in 2021 and simultaneously became one of the Knicks fanbase's most hated villains.
But the Knicks crushed the Hawks on this day, and Twitter criticized Young's performance.
What happened to @TheTraeYoung?When he doesnt have the ball all he ever does is stand by half court. How does that help your team when you dont even shoot 30% from 3 😂😂
There’s this dislike on Trae Young, there’s confidence and there’s cocky. Trae is cocky and he’s wearing shoes stating ‘King of Broadway’ your team’s down 23 to the Knicks. You’re not that guy….
Trae Young is a ball hog and a cry baby. He doesn't play any defense and is a selfish player. He really thinks he can beat a team by himself. The Hawks will not go far with his play as of lately.
Trae Young is shooting his highest volume ever in his career (21.6 FGA) and lowest FG% (40.8%). Pretty inexcusable after the Hawks made the move to add Dejounte
Young and the 13-12 Hawks have now lost five of their last seven games. They'll stay in New York to take on the Brooklyn Nets Friday evening.
NBA Twitter Rips Russell Westbrook, Lakers for Play Without LeBron in Loss vs Raptors
Dec 8, 2022
TORONTO, ON - December 7 In first half action, Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the hoop
The Toronto Raptors took on the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA basketball action at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
December 7 2022 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis for Wednesday night's road matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
It went about as expected.
The shorthanded Lakers were blown out, 126-113, dropping them to 10-14 on the season.
Russell Westbrook struggled to carry the load without the superstar duo in action, coming off the bench to score 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field along with nine rebounds, three assists and five turnovers.
Dennis Schröder led the Lakers with 18 points. Fred VanVleet (25 points), Pascal Siakam (25 points) and O.G. Anunoby (23 points) paced the Raptors.
It was hardly a banner performance from Westbrook or his teammates, and NBA Twitter let them know about it.
Hope people see the real Westbrook. Seems like too many fans forgot about last season. Today is a nice reminder #Westbrook should not be extended. #Lakers
The Lakers have largely stabilized after a 2-10 start, going 8-4 since, and Westbrook coming off the bench and playing well has been a catalyst for the change in form. Even with James and AD out, the Lakers didn't mess with that chemistry.
Darvin Ham indicates that Russell Westbrook will likely come off the bench tonight despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis being out because he likes Westbrook’s rhythm with the second unit.
It's hard to go against a playoff-caliber team like the Raptors (13-12) on the road without your two best players, however. The Lakers getting smoked didn't exactly come as a huge surprise—the Raptors opened the contest on an 11-0 run, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
James, AD and veteran guard Patrick Beverley are all considered day-to-day going forward, so it's possible the Lakers won't be this undermanned when they travel to Philadelphia to face the Sixers on Friday night.
But one of the storylines surrounding this Lakers team is that the supporting cast isn't good enough. That was readily apparent on Wednesday.
