basketball

Isaiah Thomas Says He Had AK47 Pulled On Him In Deleted Post

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The two-time NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas claims he and his friends saw a young person brandishing a firearm over the weekend, and he had a terrible experience in a now-deleted post. Thomas also feels that his notoriety may have saved his life. The guard for the Phoenix Suns spoke candidly about the incident on Twitter, describing it as a genuinely “life changing moment.” All in all, the event has clearly shocked and shaken the NBA guard in what sounds like a wild altercation.

He said that on Monday, when his group was out and about in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, a young person with an AK-47 approached them. The hometown hero expressed his sincere belief that “if it wasn’t for who I was and him recognizing me in my own city he probably woulda ended all of our lives.” IT sent a warning to his almost two million followers. He said, “Really trippin on how these young kids are moving around!!!” and urging everyone to be careful during this terrifying time. Overall, it’s a scary moment for IT, and we are glad that the situation was resolved without anything popping off. 

Read More: Jaylen Brown Calls Out Stephen A. Smith For Reported Criticism, Gets Support From Isiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas Is Ok After Having An AK47 Pulled On Him

Isaiah Thomas played collegiate basketball at Washington, a short drive away, after growing up in Tacoma. He has played for a few teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics. Additionally, he became one of the Celtics’ best players during his time, making the all-star team. Nevertheless, injuries hampered his career, and he was never able to get back to an elite level. Thomas said of the terrifying experience, “We just gotta pray for these young men!!! God was working yesterday frfr. Damn it coulda all been over that quick smh. FOR NO REASON AT ALL!!!!!”

The 35-year-old, who was unsigned in 2022–23, returned to the NBA this season. Before being given the opportunity to play with the Phoenix Suns, he was a member of the NBA G League’s Salt Lake City Stars in March. Thomas played in six games during the regular season, totaling 19 minutes. In the playoffs, he was involved in Game 1 of Phoenix’s series-opening defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Read More: Ja Morant Responds To Isaiah Thomas’ Next Year Comments

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Bronny James Will Only Workout For The Suns And Lakers After Decling Several Other Teams

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Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that approximately ten teams have sent workout invitations to USC guard Bronny James since he announced his candidacy for the NBA draft in April. After a stellar combine and pro day, Bronny’s draft stock has risen expeditiously. His performance has had several teams reach out for individual workouts. Nevertheless, Bronny and his camp have declined all offers except to. Brony will work for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns ahead of the draft. He has now narrowed down the teams he wishes to play for.

“I’m told he’s only going to visit a couple of those, and that’s going to include the [Los Angeles] Lakers and the Phoenix Suns,” Charania said on Run It Back. According to Charania, James’s final destination can be determined by the “development plan” and “guaranteed money” that the teams provide. The Lakers have been the odds-on favorite to draft Bronny since before the combine. Bronny getting drafted is more of a possibility now than it was a month ago.

Read More: LeBron James Sends Heartfelt Message To Bronny After His Pro Day At Lakers Facility

Bronny James Will Only Workout For Lakers And Suns

Given the numerous allegations that have surfaced over the last almost two months claiming that Bronny James is connected to his father LeBron James’s squad, the Lakers aren’t a major surprise. The father-son team has indicated a strong desire to play in the NBA together. In the NBA draft, which starts on Wednesday, June 26, the Suns are drafting with the number 22 pick. A number of players are in the running for the choice. According to Charania, James may be selected early in the second round or late first round.

We know Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, has adamantly stated his client will not be signing a two-way contract. Given the tremendous degree of interest in his potential, someone will most likely select him in June, even if a two-way contract is no longer an option. Lakers fans have expressed their desire for the team to choose Bronny, and since the draft class of this year is thought to be among the poorest in recent memory, it would not be a terrible idea to take a risk on your star player’s kid.

Read More: Rich Paul Makes It Clear That Bronny James Will Not Sign A Two-Way Contract

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Rich Paul Makes It Clear That Bronny James Will Not Sign A Two-Way Contract

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As Bronny James progresses through the NBA Draft Combine and Klutch Sports Pro Day at the Lakers practice facility, his agent, Rich Paul, is a key figure in the draft process. With Bronny’s stock on the rise, he has several workouts scheduled with teams ahead of the 2024 NBA draft. Paul, who also represents Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, recently spoke with Chris Haynes of the Bleacher Report about one of the contracts Bronny will not be signing this summer. This insight into Paul’s role and his stance on Bronny’s contract adds a layer of understanding to the draft process.

When asked if it Is true that he wouldn’t sign Bronny to a two-way contract, Rich Paul replied, “Yes, that’s absolutely true. Teams know that. I’m not doing that.” Paul claims that Bronny’s desire to be limited to the NBA roster sends a clear message to all teams. It doesn’t seem like Klutch wants Bronny to take the two-way player route, where they split their time between the NBA and the G-league, which is what many second-round selections end up doing. Making this claim probably implies that some teams won’t be selecting Bronny in the draft. Bronny will not sign a two-way contract, so if they do want to choose him, they will either need to offer him a position on the roster or let him go.

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Rich Paul Draws Line In The Sand Over Bronny’s Contract Situation

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Rich Paul (L), Timothee Chalamet and his father Marc Chalamet attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Chris Haynes then asked Paul about where Bronny could get drafted. Paul said, “Bronny’s range has been all over. Some teams think he goes 20 to 40, some say 30-50, and some teams think he’ll go undrafted. It just takes one team.” Paul continued, “This is something I do every year during the draft process. This is not Bronny-centric. He’s a part of our draft class. I have to try to help find the right fit for all my guys as well as the right deal. So that’s how I’m looking at it.” Bronny having the best agent in the game is probably going to end up working in his favor. 

The Lakers and other organizations are anticipated to cooperate with Bronny before to the 2024 NBA Draft, even if he could frighten some people away. Despite the fact that a two-way deal is off the table, someone will probably choose him in June due to the high level of interest in his potential. Lakers supporters have stated that they want the club to choose Bronny, and because this year’s draft class is regarded as one of the weakest in recent memory, it would not be a bad idea to take a chance on the son of your biggest player.

Read More: Mase Asks Rich Paul If He Plans To Get LeBron James And Bronny On The Same Team

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Jaylen Brown Wins Eastern Conference Finals MVP After All NBA Snub

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After a hard-fought victory of 105-102 on Monday, the Boston Celtics triumphed over the Indiana Pacers, sweeping the Eastern Conference Finals in four games. Despite the challenges, Jaylen Brown’s exceptional performance earned him the series MVP title. Brown’s average of 29.8 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game throughout the series is a testament to his resilience. A day after being overlooked for All-NBA honors, he bounced back with a stunning forty points in Game 2. His game-tying three-pointer in Game 1 pushed the game into overtime, which the Celtics eventually won. 

While Brown is often seen as Jayson Tatum’s second in command, the two shared the spotlight in this series. Tatum’s impressive average of 30.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists would have made him a strong contender for the Larry Bird Trophy on his own. Together, their combined efforts proved to be a formidable force that the Pacers and every other team in the playoffs struggled to overcome. Despite the distractions surrounding Brown, such as the controversy over his exclusion from the All-NBA teams and the Stephen A. Smith incident, the team’s unity and strength prevailed, leading to their victory.

Read More: Jaylen Brown Calls Out Stephen A. Smith For Reported Criticism, Gets Support From Isiah Thomas

Jaylen Brown Awarded Series MVP

The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Pacers were all defeated by the Celtics in a total of 14 games thus, their route to the NBA Finals has often been rather steady. While Kristaps Porziņģis hasn’t played since the opening round, they also went up against teams with their best players injured. The Heat’s Jimmy Butler,  Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen were all hurt on this NBA Finals run. Luck is a big part of winning a championship. So far, the Celts have been pretty lucky to go along with some truly dominating play. 

Porzingis coming back healthy for the Finals would bode well for Boston. Brown, Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford will all need to step up significantly if Porziņāis isn’t ready. The Celtics are presumed to take on the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs feature two of the best late-game closers in the association, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. All in all, the NBA Finals will be incredible. Let’s see if Jaylen Brown can lead his team to a chip. 

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Fires Back At Jaylen Brown After Being Called Out For Slanderous Source

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Chris Paul May Be Set For A Reunion With The Clippers This Offseason

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According to Marc Stein’s most recent essay, Chris Paul may rejoin the Clippers this summer. If the 39-year-old point guard becomes a free agency, Stein is told by sources that many clubs would be interested in signing him. Among them is Los Angeles. Paul was a franchise star during the “Lob City” period and stayed with the team for six years. He has previously mentioned the Lakers and Spurs as possible teams for the 12-time All-Star to sign with. After Golden State lost in the play-in round, Paul told reporters last month that he had no intention of retiring. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he wanted to keep him around because “he still had good years left.” 

Stein asserts that Chris Paul would rather remain near his family in Los Angeles. Paul, who will get a non-guaranteed $30MM contract for the upcoming season, will need to first qualify for free agency. With an early salary guarantee expiring on June 28, the Warriors will have a little over a month to determine if he is worth the financial commitment. Paul’s salary can be guaranteed by Golden State, or the franchise can trade Paul to another team. It might be possible to extend the guarantee date with Paul’s approval.

Read More: Chris Paul Is Possibly Gearing Up To Team Up With LeBron James On The Lakers

Chris Paul may Be Reuniting With The Clippers

Chris Paul would be making a comeback to the Clippers. He was a five-time All-Star during his six years as the Lob Thrower for the Lob City Clippers. Paul gave the Warriors a significant boost in the non-Curry minutes of the previous campaign. He demonstrated his ability to lead a second unit. It is generally anticipated that James Harden will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. The Beard will be the starting point guard when they open play at the brand-new Intuit Center in October of next year. Chris Paul will serve as the backup floor general. 

Paul would be a good addition on a veteran minimum deal and a good choice for limited minutes off the bench. Paul could choose to stay in Los Angeles with his family, which would make the potential reunion all the more enticing. Overall, CP3 might be headed back to the team he led for some time, being a backup to Harden, with whom he may still not be on good terms. 

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Clippers Big Man Ivica Zubac’s LA Home Was Burglarized

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Last week, late Wednesday night, Clippers center Ivica Zubac’s home in the Los Angeles area was broken into and burglarized. The LAPD is currently searching for the perpetrators. Around 11:30 PM on May 22, three persons were seen inside the 27-year-old’s crib, according to TMZ Sports. Police were sent to the location when the thieves were detected, maybe by a surveillance camera or by a witness on the property, even though the 7-foot tall center was not at home at the time. Police are looking into the burglary after creating a report. It’s unclear what, if anything, was stolen during the break-in.

Zubac, a 2013 second-round selection, has been the victim of a burglary at his house before. When police arrived at the location in 2021, two suspected individuals had already left the premises. Zubac’s $20k dollar Rolex watch vanished after his residence was broken into. This season, Zubac has averaged over 12 points and 9 rebounds while playing for the Clippers. In the NBA playoffs’ opening round, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the club.

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Ivica Zubac’s Home Burglarized

DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 03: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers during the third quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 03, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Throughout his time in the NBA, Ivica Zubac has resided in the Los Angeles area, being with the Clippers and Lakers. In his third season in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Clippers after selecting him with a second-round choice in the 2016 NBA draft. He joined the Clippers during the 2018–19 season. He helped lead Los Angeles to the playoffs, where it was defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round. According to his current contract, Zubac will begin his final season in 2024–2025.

The Clippers are looking to resign Paul George on a discounted deal, which may be hard to do. The Clips payroll is bloated with older star players like Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Zubac has been a constant on the Clippers. He is a reliable double-double machine and a good anchor on defense. This, unfortunately, is the second time his Los Angeles home has been broken into in the past few years. All in all, the good news is that Zubac and his family were unharmed and didn’t have a run-in with the burglars. 

Read More: Clippers Make Ivica Zubac Available Amid James Harden Speculation

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Bill Walton Passes Away From Cancer At 71

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Multiple sources state that Bill Walton, a former NBA MVP and Hall of Famer who went on to become one of the game’s great commentators, has passed away from cancer. Walton was 71 years old. Before being chosen first overall in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton was a standout player at UCLA under John Wooden. He played for the Trail Blazers, Clippers, and Celtics for ten seasons, missing five due to foot problems. If not for his health problems, Walton’s career might have placed him among the top echelon of Basketball players. Walton passed away on Monday, the NBA said in a statement, surrounded by his loved ones.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.” The NBA commish added, “Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans.”

Read More: NBA News: TNT Loses NBA Rights, “Inside The NBA” Is Coming To An End

Bill Walton Passed Away From Cancer At 71

Prior to switching to college basketball in 2012, Walton worked as a main analyst for NBA games for ESPN and ABC when he first started there in 2002. In 2009, the American Sportscasters Association listed him among the best 50 sportscasters of all time. Additionally, he also worked for CBS and NBC. The 6-foot-11 Walton, selected first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1974 NBA draft, spent ten seasons in the league, winning titles with both the Blazers (1977) and the Boston Celtics (1986). Over his career, he recorded 6,215 points (13.3 per game), 4,923 rebounds (10.5 per game), 1,034 blocks (2.2 per game), and 1,590 assists, all of which contributed to his double-double average. Additionally, Walton was a two-time All-Star who finished first in the NBA in blocks and rebounds in 1977. In 1986, he was named Sixth Man of the Year.

“What I will remember most about him was his zest for life,” Adam Silver said in his statement. “He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.” He concluded his statement by saying, “As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him.” Overall, it is a sad day for the NBA as it grieves one of its seminal figures in Walton.

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Steph Curry And Ayesha Curry Welcome Their 4th Child Into The World

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Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry announced to his Instagram followers that he and his wife Ayesha had welcomed a newborn boy into their family. The black-and-white image showed what appears to be Curry’s hand wrapped around the child’s small arm. Curry reports that his child arrived a bit sooner than anticipated. He was born on May 11 and is already content, healthy, and adjusting to life as a member of their growing family of six. Steph also revealed the name of his little son, Caius Chai Curry.

For some admirers, Ayesha’s pregnancy may seem to have happened quickly because she didn’t disclose her pregnancy until March when she revealed it in a Sweet July magazine cover story. After their third child was born in 2018, she and Steph decided to try again last year. But she told the tabloid they felt they were done having kids. Caius joins older siblings Riley Elizabeth, 11, Ryan Carson, 8, and Canon W. Jack, 5. Overall, Steh and Ayesha’s family is growing once more. The announcement is a major one for the greatest shooter in NBA history. 

Read More: Steph Curry Expecting Fourth Child

Steph Curry Welcomes 4th Child

Steph Curry and Ayesha Curry made a joint Instagram post on Sunday, May 26, announcing the arrival of their fourth child, a boy named Caius Chai. They said that on May 11, their kid was delivered prematurely. “Our sweet baby boy decided to make an early arrival!! He’s doing great and we are finally settling in at home as a family of 6! So grateful!” Steph wrote the caption on a black-and-white photo of the newborn’s foot being held. “Caius Chai 5/11/24” the NBA star wrote at the end of the caption. In her cookbook announcement, Ayesha announced her pregnancy in Marc, saying, “Getting to experience this through [Canon’s] eyes and through Ryan and Riley’s eyes has been so cool,” she shared. “Their perspectives are so different, and it’s been the most exciting thing.”

Steph recently revealed to the Associated Press that he and Ayesha attempted to schedule the birth of their newest kid to coincide with the NBA star’s debut at the Olympics in Paris. It will be a busy summer for Steph despite not playing in the playoffs. Steph is getting ready for the Paris Olympics and is now taking care of his newborn. All in all, Steph and Ayesha are welcoming their newest addition to their family, and the NBA star is used to balancing hoops and family at this point. 

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Travis Kelce Booed During Mavericks-Timberwolves While Patrick Mahomes Gets Standing Ovation

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Sunday night, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals, and they did it with a couple of NFL stars sitting courtside. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce both sat courtside during last night’s Western Conference matchup. The Chiefs duo, who have won three Super Bowls in the previous five years, appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely as they watched Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić show out in crunch time once again for the Mavs. Meanwhile, as Kelce and Mahomes appeared on the Jumbotron, fans at America Airlines Arena enjoyed themselves immensely by booing Taylor Swift’s boyfriend. 

As the spotlight turned to Travis and his teammate Patrick Mahomes, who was seated courtside, the crowd’s reaction was a mix of applause and jeers. Travis, seemingly taken aback but still sporting a grin, was the unexpected focus of attention. When his QB was revealed, the audience reacted much more warmly. There was a lot of applause, and Mahomes got up to hype the crowd. He was surrounded by admirers, and his wife Brittany was by his side. Overall, the crowd did not feel Kelce at all, but they were happy to see the best quarterback in football.

Read More: Travis Kelce Defends Harrison Butker After Controversial Speech That Included Remarks About Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce Booed And Patrick Mahomes Cheered At Mavs Game

Before the game, the Mavs apparently made fun of Kelce on Twitter by saying, “Our guy Pat and @taylorswift13’s boyfriend in the house!” Who knows why the Dallas audience was more welcoming to Pat than to Travis Kelce, but it could have something to do with Mahomes’ being a Texas Boy. The quarterback stood out at Texas Tech. Mahomes has also been a frequent guest at Mavs games and recently picked them to make it to the NBA finals. He is clearly a Mavericks fan. As for Kelce, the hate probably comes from his elevated celebrity status due to his involvement with Taylor Swift.

Also seated with Travis and Pat Mahomes was their new teammate, Hollywood Brown. Brown is the latest target for the superstar quarterback, and he got some bonding time with his team’s two leaders. The Mavs are up 3-0 on the Timberwolves. Patrick Mahomes will more than likely be present in Dallas for Game 4. Overall, we can understand if Travis Kelce doesn’t show up again. 

Read More: Patrick Mahomes Picks The Dallas Mavericks Making the NBA Finals Over The Minnesota Timberwolves

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Stephen A. Smith Fires Back At Jaylen Brown After Being Called Out For Slanderous Source

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On First Take on Friday, Stephen A. Smith revealed some derogatory remarks on Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown that he had heard from an “NBA source.” The segment has caused quite a stir on social media, becoming a huge talking point over the weekend. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, and Jay Williams debated on Friday whether Brown was the NBA’s most underappreciated player. He mentioned in closing remarks that he had received a text from an NBA source. According to the unnamed insider, Brown isn’t underappreciated—rather, “he’s just not liked.”

“I wanted to read to y’all what an NBA source just sent me,” Smith said. “He said, ‘Jaylen Brown, it’s not so much that he’s underrated, it’s that he’s just not liked because of his I-am-better-than-you attitude. He knows it. It’s the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be.’ That’s what an NBA source just sent me.” Smith continued by noting that while he personally liked Brown, he did question whether the source’s claims were accurate. The remarks started a beef with NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, who called what Stephen A. did slander. Brown eventually responded on Twitter, quoting a video of the remarks with “State your source.” Now, Stephen A. has responded.

Read More: Jaylen Brown Calls Out Stephen A. Smith For Reported Criticism, Gets Support From Isiah Thomas

Stephen A. Smith Claps Back At Jaylen Brown

Stephen A. Smith must have noticed Brown’s tweet since he went back to X to reiterate his position. “First off, that’s not happening. It’s journalism. Not revealing sources,” wrote the Smith. “Secondly, if you continue to watch the segment, I completely disagreed with them — as did Kendrick Perkins. The point we were actually discussing is how under appreciated you are and why that may be, which is why I read the quote. I even brought up how socially conscious you are, and how that may not be liked, knowing you’re a good brother. Also, that you’re a $300M man and you deserve it. But that doesn’t mean naysayers don’t get heard. That comes with the territory.”

In response to the original video, Kendrick Perkins expressed his frustration as well, stating that it omits their uplifting discussion about Brown’s off-court activities. Ultimately, Stephen A. is sure to address this drama in today’s edition of First Take. The anonymous source being able to just trash players with no consequences is nothing new. It was wild that Stephen A. even brought that quote up because it was so disparaging. Overall, the saga may continue this week.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Calls Out LeBron And Warns The Lakers Not To Trust Him In Their Coaching Search

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