Doc Rivers Names His Title Favorites For 2023/24 NBA Season

Doc Rivers has named the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics as his conference favorites for the upcoming NBA season. Rivers named the teams while speaking with reporters at an ESPN press conference, as Rivers will be joining the network as a broadcaster this season. “Denver has to be the favorite. Aaron Gordon was such a good pickup for them and its one that not enough people talk about,” Rivers said, “However, the West is wide open. They [Denver] will have old contenders, young contenders. Meanwhile, Boston lost Marcus Smart, they lost their best defensive players. And then they go and get probably the best defensive guard in the league. I think that makes them the favorite in the East.”

Rivers joins the broadcast booth after parting ways with the Sixers at the end of last season. However, it’s not Rivers’ first time behind the mic. After leaving the Magic in 2003, Rivers joined ABC to call the 2004 Finals. Rivers will join veteran broadcasters Mike Breen and Doris Burke on the broadcast team for the 2023/24. However, he also confirmed at the ESPN press conference that he had made no long-term agreement with the network.

Read More: Doc Rivers Says He’s “Just Gonna Enjoy Life” For The Time Being

Rivers’ Former Player Misses Second Practice

Doc Rivers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: James Harden #1 (R) and head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers interact during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on February 15, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, things aren’t going well with Rivers’ former team. James Harden missed Sixers practice for the second day in a row on Thursday. After stating that no reason was given for the first absence, the organization has now said Harden is away from the team due to a personal matter. “I think the organization has made it clear what’s going on. They’re working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that’s what we’re focused on,” head coach Nick Nurse said when asked about the absence. Furthermore, Nurse said it was “unlikely” that Harden would play in the team’s preseason finale against Atlanta on Friday.

The missing of practice is something that experts have been surprised hasn’t happened sooner with Harden. The veteran has something of a reputation for being disruptive during offseason activities when he is trying to force a trade. However, it is believed that rumors of renewed discussions between the Sixers and Clippers compelled Harden to put in a few weeks of good behavior.

Read More: Ime Udoka Says Fred VanVleet Was A “Better Fit” Than James Harden For Rockets

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Jrue Holiday Praises Celtics During First Press Conference

Newly acquired guard Jrue Holiday wasted no time in praising his team. “I feel like coming here is definitely my best chance of winning and being able to help the guys here that have made big moves and done great things in this league. So, I’m here to really just help set up that game and become a champion. I’m on the right side,” Holiday said during his first press conference in Boston.

`The Celtics acquired Holiday in exchange for two first-round picks, Robert Williams III, and Malcolm Brogdon. Holiday, who had 19.3 points and 7.4 assists a game last season, will likely become the Celtics’ starting point guard in place of Derrick White. Holiday suddenly became available after being included in the Damian Lillard trade. The Blazers made it clear that they were looking to flip Holiday as they were happy with their core of young guards. Furthermore, he is the second blockbuster trade executed by the Celtics. Earlier in the offseason, they acquired Kristaps Porziņģis from the Wizards.

Read More: Damian Lillard Files For Divorce From Wife Kay’La

Holiday Will Face Close Friend Giannis

Jrue Holiday
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 24: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on March 24, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

“JT and JB were out there after people defensively and … I think for us to be a great team, obviously, those two are gonna carry us along a lot of the way. I just want to make it easier for them, I know that I am a threat offensively. And I know that I do love to pass and be that type of player, but I can also be aggressive offensively, too. Not only that, defensively I feel like I’m pretty good,” Holiday said of his new teammates.

However, the trade means that Holiday will now have to regularly face one of his closest friends in the league. Jrue is my fucking brother for life. I love his family, I love him. I appreciate him and I wish him nothing but the best. He blessed me with a fucking championship. He’s the one who made that huge steal in Game 5 of the Finals. I went to battle with him multiple times. Fuck basketball. Fuck the media shit. This guy is my brother for life, and it’s always going to be like that,” Giannis Antetokounmpo told Bleacher Report.

Read More: James Harden Shows Up To 76ers Training Camp Amid Trade Request Drama

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Jrue Holiday Traded To The Celtics For Two First-Round Picks

The Portland Trail Blazers have traded Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics for two first-round picks, Robert Williams III, and Malcolm Brogdon. The first-round picks are the Warriors’ 2024 pick and the Celtics’ 2029 pick, which is unprotected. Williams III was the 27th overall pick in 2018 and had 8.3 rebounds a game last season. Meanwhile, Brogdon was drafted in 2016 and traded to the Celtics in 2022. He had 14.9 points per game last season. Holiday, who had 19.3 points and 7.4 assists last season, will likely become the Celtics’ starting point guard in place of Derrick White.

Holiday’s time in Portland only lasted a couple of days, although that was to be expected. Holiday was one of the pieces that moved around the league during the Damian Lillard trade. However, the Blazers made it clear that Holiday was still on the trade block as the team was happy with its complement of young guards. Now he will continue his journey in Boston as part of a Celtics team that has built themselves into a serious Eastern Conference favorite. Earlier in the offseason, the Celtics dealt with the Washington Wizards for a new starting center in Kristaps Porziņģis.

Read More: Damian Lillard Reveals Blazers Made Him Fake Injury For Better Draft Pick

Giannis Sad To Lose Jrue Holiday

One person who won’t be happy to have to play Holiday regularly will be Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis, who played with Holiday the last three seasons in Milwaukee, expressed his sadness at losing his highly-regarded teammate. However, in Holiday’s place, Giannis will now have new teammate in Damian Lillard.

“Jrue is my fucking brother for life. I love his family, I love him. I appreciate him and I wish him nothing but the best. He blessed me with a fucking championship. He’s the one who made that huge steal in Game 5 of the Finals. I went to battle with him multiple times. Fuck basketball. Fuck the media shit. This guy is my brother for life, and it’s always going to be like that. He’s going to thrive wherever he ends up,” Giannis told Bleacher Report.

Read More: Shams Charania Roasted For Tweeting Wrong Damian Lillard Trade

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Snoop Dogg Voices Support For Nia Long Amid Celtics Call Out

Many famous faces have voiced their support for Nia Long as she publicly took aim at the Boston Celtics for the way the team handled her ex-fiance’s infidelity. Among those household names was Snoop Dogg. “Accountability to my sis and nefews. Retribution is in order. I stands with u @iamnialong I. got ya bac,” Snoop wrote in the comments of Long’s Instagram post.

Long made headlines earlier this week when she openly named her husband’s mistress and blasted the team he formerly coached. According to Long, no one from the Celtics reached out to her after news broke that they were investigating her husband for an “inappropriate relationship” with a Celtics employee. “If you’re in the business of protecting women — I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing,” Long wrote. The Celtics suspended and eventually fired her ex-fiance Ime Udoka early in the 2022-23 season. Udoka was subsequently during the offseason by the Houston Rockets.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Stops By Conor McGregor’s Dublin Pub

Snoop Wants To Do Children’s TV

However, supporting Nia Long isn’t the only thing that Snoop has been up to recently. Elsewhere, Snoop has expressed his desire to work in children’s television. “I actually really, really, really, really, really want to do a kid show. I can see it, you know, where it’s like they come to me for advice, for information, for fun, for wisdom, for knowledge. That’s something that I haven’t done and I feel like I’m setting up with the things I do in real life. The kids are our future so you know if I do things for the kids when I’m going to lay still gonna be here pushing the line,” he told Distractify.

Previously, Snoop co-created the 2022 animated series Doggyland on YouTube. “We wanted to bring our show to YouTube and YouTube Kids, which provides free access to everyone, so all the kids can enjoy it. I’ve always wanted to create a kid-friendly series that lets kids be kids and is truly representative of the Culture with everything from the music to the characters.” However, it now appears that he is looking to bring his programming to a wider audience through the media of television.

Read More: Snoop Dogg & Chris Stapleton Cover “In The Air Tonight” As Monday Night Football Theme

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Jaylen Brown Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Jaylen Brown, the NBA sensation, has made significant strides both on and off the court. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be a staggering $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth in a relatively short span of time? Let’s delve deeper into the journey of this NBA star.

Born on October 24, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jaylen Brown’s basketball journey began in Marietta, where he showcased his skills at Wheeler High School. As a senior, he averaged an impressive 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, earning him the title of Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. His prowess on the court didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, he was recognized as Mr. Georgia Basketball, a first-team Parade All-American, and a McDonald’s All-American.

Choosing to play college basketball for the California Golden Bears, Brown continued to impress. He was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in his freshman year and the All-Pac-12 First Team in his sophomore year.

Read More: Donovan Mitchell Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

The NBA Journey

Jaylen Brown
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics, recognizing his potential, drafted Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Making his debut against the Brooklyn Nets, he scored 17 points, earning him the title of Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October. Brown’s performance on the court has been consistently stellar, averaging 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his career. His contributions have been pivotal in the Celtics reaching the Eastern Conference Finals multiple times.

Read More: Draymond Green Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Financial Milestones

Jaylen Brown
Cambridge, MA – July 26: Boston Celtics SG Jaylen Brown signs his supermax contract extension, flanked by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, left, and John Carlos, right. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Brown’s financial journey in the NBA is as impressive as his on-court achievements. His rookie contract with the Celtics was a four-year deal worth $22.1 million. Not one to settle, Brown turned down an $80 million initial offer, holding out for a better deal. His patience paid off when, on July 25, 2023, he signed the largest contract in NBA history: a five-year $304 million extension, translating to an average annual salary of $61 million.

Endorsements have also played a significant role in boosting Brown’s net worth. He has inked deals with renowned brands like Under Armour, Beats by Dre, and Pepsi.

Read More: Devin Booker Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Personal Life And Investments

jaylen brown
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 13: Jaylen Brown speaks onstage during “Extending Success Beyond the Game” at Variety and Sportico’s Sports and Entertainment Summit, presented by City National Bank at 1 Hotel West Hollywood on July 13, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

Off the court, Brown has made some notable investments, including purchasing a seven-bedroom mansion in Wellesley, Massachusetts, for $7.8 million. The mansion, which spans 10,100 square feet, sits on a 1.5-acre lot.

Brown’s interests extend beyond basketball. He’s an avid fan of anime and soccer and is a member of the Boston Celtics’ social justice council. His commitment to giving back to the community is evident through the Jaylen Brown Family Foundation, which supports educational and athletic programs for Boston’s youth. Brown’s dietary choices reflect his advocacy for animal rights, as he is a vegetarian.

Read More: Bradley Beal Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Conclusion

Jaylen Brown’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and strategic decisions both on and off the court. As he continues to shine in the NBA and make impactful contributions to society, his worth, both in terms of finances and influence, is only expected to grow.

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NBA to Continue Christmas Tradition with Five-Game Slate Featuring Lakers-Celtics

NBA announces Christmas Day games NBA com

The cherished holiday tradition of NBA basketball on Christmas Day is set to dazzle fans once again, marking its 76th year of celebration. A thrilling lineup of matchups awaits, offering a full day of basketball excitement for enthusiasts worldwide.

Bringing together NBA superstars, this year’s festivities will showcase the talents of seven Kia MVP awardees from the past 15 seasons. The likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic are poised to grace the courts.

The Miami Heat, reigning Eastern Conference champions, lead a formidable ensemble of teams into Christmas Day action. The day’s grand finale presents a clash between the 2022 champions, the Warriors, and the Nuggets, setting the stage for a thrilling duel.

Historic rivalries find renewed vigor as the Lakers face the Celtics in a quest for their 18th championship, and the Knicks take on the Bucks with a chance to secure their 24th Christmas Day victory.

Anticipation is high for the Dec. 25 matchups, including a showdown between the 76ers and the Heat and a clash between the Mavericks and the Suns, recalling the dramatic encounter between Durant and Irving earlier.

With star power, rivalries, and unforgettable moments, the NBA’s Christmas Day extravaganza promises to be a basketball spectacle for the ages.

The post NBA to Continue Christmas Tradition with Five-Game Slate Featuring Lakers-Celtics first appeared on The Source.

The post NBA to Continue Christmas Tradition with Five-Game Slate Featuring Lakers-Celtics appeared first on The Source.

Jaylen Brown & Celtics Agree On Richest Contract In NBA History

Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics have agreed to a five-year, $304 million supermax contract, making for the richest deal in NBA history. The two-time NBA All-Star’s agent, Jason Glushon, confirmed the news to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Tuesday. In addition to the base salary, the deal features a trade kicker and does not include a player option.

Brown is coming off a year in which he set career highs with 26.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Prior to the new deal, he was set to earn $28.5 million in 2023-24 on the final year of his previous contract. Jayson Tatum will also be eligible for a supermax extension next July after being named to the All-NBA team last season. He could be set to earn upwards of $318 million over five years, making it difficult for the team to retain both players.

Read More: Boston Celtics And Jaylen Brown To Resume Contract Talks Next Week

Jaylen Brown During The Eastern Conference Finals

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Brown had been apprehensive about committing to staying in Boston long-term prior to Tuesday. When asked about his future with the Celtics in March, he admitted he was unsure whether he’d be staying. “I don’t know,” Brown told Logan Murdock of The Ringer. “As long as I’m needed. It’s not up to me. We’ll see how they feel about me over time and I feel about them over time. Hopefully, whatever it is, it makes sense. But I will stay where I’m wanted. I will stay where I’m needed and treated correct.”

As a team, the Celtics made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, before being eliminated by the Miami Heat. In the offseason, they’ve since added Kristaps Porzingis in a blockbuster trade involving Marcus Smart. The Celtics were able to retain Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, Derrick White, and Al Horford.

Read More: Kristaps Porziņgis Trade Saved By Memphis Grizzlies

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Marcus Smart Shoots Down Jaylen Brown Beef Rumors: “Brothers For Life”

Marcus Smart says that he, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown are “brothers for life,” after the Boston Celtics traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart was asked about a rumored feud between himself and Brown on Sunday. Brown has yet to address Smart’s departure on social media.

“I actually want to clear up something I’ve seen online that it was going around that because JB didn’t post something about me like JT did, that we had beef,” Smart said. “Jayson and Jaylen are my brothers for life. (When) My mom passed away, JB was actually one of the people on that plane that came to Dallas to the funeral. I just want to shut all rumors now that I and JB had beef. I have no beef with anybody with the Celtics.”

Read More: Jaylen Brown Reacts To Marcus Smart’s Public Call-Out

Marcus Smart & Jaylen Brown On The Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics low-five during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on November 25, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

Smart also spoke in more detail about his departure from the Celtics. He revealed that the trade came as a complete surprise to him. “I went to the gym next day to get my stuff, talked to Brad (Stevens) and Joe (Mazzulla),” Smart told CLNS Media. “It was definitely shocking to find out that way, especially because the week before, I was already told we were good, there were no trade talks with me and we were good. I understand the business side of it, I’ve always been like that. I’m the first one to tell anyone, you can’t mix personal with business, it just doesn’t mix. I understand it’s a business. For me, it’s just the courtesy.”

The Celtics acquired Smart with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. In the time since, he had become one of their longest-tenured players and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.

Read More: Malcolm Brogdon Calls Out Celtics For Losing Team Identity

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SOURCE SPORTS: MIA-BOS Game 7 was TNT’s Highest Watched East Finals Game of All-Time

HEAT Blow Out Celtics to Win East Finals Game 7

A ton of people watched Game 7 between the Miami HEAT and Boston Celtics. The HEAT won 103-84 to go on to the NBA Finals in front of an average viewing audience of 11.9 million people.

The 2023 East Finals Game 7 was the most-watched NBA Eastern Conference Finals game of all time. The game peaked at 14.2 million viewers, and the complete set of games was the most viewed conference finals on TNT in a decade.

According to Front Office Sports, Game 7 was the third most-watched NBA on TNT ever and topped the 2013 ECF battle between the LeBron James and Dwyane Wade-led HEAT against Paul George’s Indiana Pacers.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: MIA-BOS Game 7 was TNT’s Highest Watched East Finals Game of All-Time appeared first on The Source.

Gunna Makes 1st Public Appearance At Heat-Celtics Game 6

Gunna made his first public appearance since taking a plea deal in the massive YSL RICO case on Saturday night. He was in attendance during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. He sat courtside for the event with Nechie. Diddy and Yung Miami were also both at the game together.

Watching on as the Celtics won 104-103, Gunna rocked dark shades with a sleeveless top and pink and black pants. When NoJumper posted a picture of Gunna at the game, fans were quick to bring up his accusations of snitching. “Didn’t he snitch or something?” one commented. Another wrote: “He out there too. Not hidin or nun.” Many more shared images of rats.

Read More: Celtics Fans Storm Boston Streets After Insane Game 6 Win Over Miami Heat

The Celtics Force A Game 7

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to defeating the Miami Heat 104-103 in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Center on May 27, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

When Gunna first accepted his plea deal, he received tons of backlash online. Rumors that he snitched on Young Thug and his YSL associates in doing so quickly spread. While Gunna denied the accusations in a statement at the time, it may not have been enough for many fans. “While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way,” Gunna told WSB-TV. “My focus of YSL was entertainment — rap artists who wrote and performed music that exaggerated and ‘glorified’ urban life in the Black community.”

As for the game, the Celtics took home the victory with a last-minute put-back by Derrick White. They will have a chance to make history by overcoming a 0-3 deficit in Game 7 on Monday night. Check out a picture of Gunna during Game 6 at the link below.

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