Ben Simmons is someone who NBA fans have largely run out of favor with. Overall, there are some obvious and glaring reasons for that. Although he used to be one of the most exciting players in the league, he has fallen off. He barely plays these days, and when he does, he barely puts in any effort. Ultimately, it has been very hard to watch. Some said he was a jump shot away from being as good as LeBron James. However, he will likely never be a superstar-caliber player, ever again.
Throughout this past year with the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons was on and off with his availability. However, once Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were traded, he ultimately just stopped playing altogether. For many fans, this was incredibly frustrating. Although, in the eyes of Simmons, it was for a good reason. He had been suffering from back issues, including an impingement to a nerve in his back. Subsequently, there were rumblings about Simmons’ commitment to basketball and whether or not he would even come back.
With the NBA offseason on the horizon, and rumors about a trade swirling, Ben Simmons has taken to Instagram. In the picture above, you can see that Simmons has signaled a return to the court. However, fans shouldn’t get ahead of themselves. We go through this cycle every single offseason with Simmons. However, it never fails to get some fans excited. Unfortunately, they are setting themselves up for some harsh disappointment.
As far as Ben Simmons and his future is concerned, there is no telling what is going to happen next. Overall, he is someone who has very little trade value left. That said, it is going to be very difficult for the Nets to get rid of him if they want to. On the flip side, maybe he is getting better and maybe he will play well this year. When it comes to Simmons, there are just always way too many unknowns out there. Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news from around the sports world.
George Karl is someone who has never shied away from giving his opinion on Twitter. Overall, the former NBA coach is not exactly well-liked by a lot of people. For instance, DeMarcus Cousins and Karl pretty well hate each other. Additionally, this same dynamic stands between Karl and JR Smith. However, Karl is a huge fan of Carmelo Anthony, which is interesting when you consider his hatred for other stars he’s worked with in the past. Whatever the case, Karl is a unique member of NBA Twitter.
Just like the rest of us, he has been watching the NBA Finals. He used to coach the Denver Nuggets, so you can imagine he is interested in what they are doing. Last night, they lost Game 2 to the Miami Heat. Subsequently, the series is tied up at one game apiece. Karl was on edge during the match, and decided to lash out at none other than Skip Bayless. This all took place after Skip decided to disparage Nikola Jokic for his shots. “I have never ever seen a man luck in as many shots as Joker did tonight. We used to call them “greasing” in shots. Tonight Joker was one big tub of Crisco,” Bayless said.
Karl did not have a particularly favorable reply to this as he simply said, “This man is an embarrassment to sports media.” Needless to say, he disagrees with what Skip Bayless had to say on the matter. Karl is clearly not the only person who dislikes Skip. After all, Shannon Sharpe is leaving Undisputed and many believe it is because of a deteriorating relationship with Bayless. Skip has been known to upset people in the past, and now more than ever, people are feeling emboldened to call him out on his behavior.
Hopefully, for Karl, his Nuggets can come back and win this series. They are still the favorites to win it all, and barring a disaster in Miami, that is still very much the case. Let us know what you think of George Karl calling out Skip, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.
Lil Wayne is an artist who loves sports. Over the years, he has made that love of sports quite clear. Although he may not be a fan of the two teams playing, he will always pop out at a game if it interests him. Overall, this is especially true during the NBA Finals. Regardless of who is playing, the NBA Finals always act as the perfect event to go to. This is especially true if you can get yourself some courtside tickets. Subsequently, you get to experience the intensity from the ground floor.
Last night, the Denver Nuggets hosted Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. As you can see in the tweet down below, Lil Wayne was sitting courtside at the game with his son, Kameron. Overall, they appeared to be having a good time, albeit a bit shy in front of those cameras. Either way, it was a great game for them to go to. While the Nuggets came back from an early hole, it was the Heat who were ultimately able to prevail. Now, the series is tied at 1 heading back to Miami.
Heading into this series, the Denver Nuggets were seen as obvious favorites. In fact, it seemed as though they could have swept the series. Now, however, the Nuggets could be in a lot of trouble. The Heat are a team that knows how to win, and they will be looking to end this series as fast as possible. Although, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will be looking to overcome some adversity and come through with a bounce-back performance.
Hopefully, this series continues to provide some entertainment. Some were worried that this could be a very fast series. Although, a 7-game thriller is still very much on the table. Let us know who you think will win, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and information from around the NBA.
Tonight, the NBA Finals will begin in Denver, Colorado. Overall, it is set to be a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. These two teams have taken many different routes to get to the NBA Finals. Firstly, you have the Denver Nuggets who were the best team in the West all season and secured the first seed. Secondly, you have the Heat, who were five minutes away from not even making it to the NBA Playoffs. As an eighth seed, they made the Finals, which is simply unfathomable.
Going into this series, there is a very obvious favorite, and for good reason. If these two teams were in the same conference, they would have played one another in the first round. Although, to completely write off the Heat would be a huge mistake. They boast the talents of Jimmy Butler, who has been phenomenal in the playoffs. According to ESPN, he has averaged 28.5 points per game in the postseason. Moreover, the team also has Bam Adebayo, Caleb Martin, and Duncan Robinson, who have all played their role extremely well.
That said, the Denver Nuggets have the man who should have won MVP this season, Nikola Jokic. As ESPN reports, Jokic is averaging a triple-double in the playoffs. Not to mention, players like Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, and Michael Porter Jr. have all been lights out. Furthermore, you can’t forget to mention Aaron Gordon, who has kicked it up a notch this season. Overall, the Nuggets are just a complete team. They have systematically decimated all of their opponents, including the Lakers, who they beat in a sweep. One could make the argument that they are currently playing their best basketball of the entire season.
An NBA Finals To Remember
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: The 2018 NBA Finals MVP trophy sits near the microphone before the press conference for Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals.
With all of this being said, the question remains: who is going to win it all? Ultimately, this is where the Miami Heat Cinderella run comes to an end. Sure, Jimmy Butler has carried the Heat, but if the Celtics series proved anything, it’s that they have glaring weaknesses that the Nuggets can exploit. Moreover, Jokic had Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert, and Deandre Ayton in hell in the first three rounds. Simply put, there is no way Adebayo has any shot of stopping him. Jokic will feast in the paint all series long, all while kicking the ball out to shooters like MPJ and Murray. It could get ugly very fast if the Heat go cold from beyond the arc.
Overall, it seems as though this series is destined to be short. The Heat will win one game in Miami, but the Nuggets should be able to handle their business with ease. That said, the Nuggets will be taking home the Larry O’Brien trophy in five games, and they will do so on their home court. For Nikola Jokic, it will be career-defining. For Jimmy Butler, it will just be more bulletin board material for next year.
Bob Myers is one of the most respected executives in all of basketball and it is easy to see why. Overall, he put together one of the greatest dynasties in the entire history of the NBA. The Golden State Warriors won four titles starting in 2015 and made it to six NBA Finals. Although the team had some down years, they came back in 2022 and won it all. It was a huge achievement for the team that showcased just how well put together the Warriors have been throughout all of these years.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, they were not able to get over the hump this year. They had a weak regular season that resulted in a sixth seed in the West. Furthermore, they were pushed to seven games by Sacramento before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in six. It was not the end of the season that the Warriors were hoping for, and now, they have big decisions to make. However, moving forward, Myers will not be making these decisions.
BREAKING: Golden State’s Bob Myers – a two-time executive of the year and architect of four NBA championships — is stepping down as the franchise’s president and general manager, he told ESPN on Tuesday. “It’s just time,” Myers said. pic.twitter.com/r9nkqFOETw
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Bob Myers announced that he would be stepping down from the team. Overall, Myers was not fired or anything like that. Instead, he just believes now is the best time for him to leave. He has accomplished everything he has set out to, and he is happy leaving right now. Although Warriors fans are certainly going to miss him, it seems like Myers will get to enjoy some much-needed time off. Either way, this is an end of an era for the Golden State Warriors. What happens from here on out, is anyone’s best guess.
In the eyes of many, the dynasty ended as soon as the Warriors lost to the Lakers. Steph Curry is getting older, as is Klay Thompson. Additionally, there is this sense that Draymond Green will want to leave and join LeBron James in L.A. Whatever the case, it was a pleasure watching the Warriors over the past decade. Give us your thoughts on this news, in the comments section below.
Camelo Anthony has retired after 19 remarkable years as one of the NBA’s most exceptional shooters. The All-Star took to social media on Monday to share his farewell message to the league and fans. Anthony was noted for his impeccable shooting skills and competitive drive and his departure from the NBA is undoubtedly bittersweet. However, his dedication to his craft has influenced many across the sport.
In the video, Anthony shared a heartfelt message, while keeping hope for what the future holds for him. Ghostface Killah’s “All That I Got Is You” played in the background while he wished the NBA goodbye. “I remember the days when I had nothing. Just a ball on a court and a dream of something more. But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong. My communities, the cities I represented with pride, and the fans that supported me along the way,” he said. “I am forever grateful for those people and places ’cause they made me Carmelo Anthony.”
Anthony’s impact and legacy are without question, and his absence will forever be felt in the league. From his impressive early days at high school to his stellar career strides, Anthony’s days on the court were filled with hope, highs, lows, and strength. As the NBA says goodbye to one of its greatest stars, let’s take a look at his illustrious career.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 01: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Syracuse Orangeman looks on during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at MCI Center on March 1, 2003 in Washington, DC. The Orange won 93-84 in overtime. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
A young Carmelo Anthony first garnered attention during his high school years in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2001, he was honored as the metro player of the year in the popular daily newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. During his time in Maryland, he gained other titles, including Baltimore’s County Player of the Year and All-Metropolitan Player of the Year.
Anthony continued to attract attention after enrolling at Syracuse University. He played under the training of Jim Boeheim and won his first NCAA championship in 2003. The Orangemen successfully defeated the Kansas Jayhawks while Anthony was still a freshman. He played for just one season, but made a significant mark, achieving 20 points and 10 rebounds in the final.
Boeheim and Anthony made magic together, and the coach referred to the rising star as the “best player in college basketball”. Anthony was awarded the Most Outstanding Player Award and quickly began the journey to turning pro. In the 2003 NBA draft, he declared his eligibility and left college basketball behind.
NBA Career Beginnings With The Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony was the third pick overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 draft. He debuted in October of the same year at the age of 19 and wasted no time etching his name in the history books. A major feat came when he was the third youngest player to reach the 1,000-point count, which helped him secure second place for the NBA Rookie of the Year honor.
Anthony also achieved a monstrous feat when he played a major part in redeeming the Nuggets’ horrific previous season. He took the team from a 17-65 record to a remarkable 43-39 in his debut season. In addition to this, the Nuggets ended up qualifying as the eighth seed. Anthony also became the first rookie in years to lead a playoff team in scoring.
The Denver Nuggets and Anthony continued to enjoy a fair amount of success in the mid-2000s. Anthony had already risen through the ranks to become a household name. His stunning performance as a prolific scorer began to cement his status as one of the best shooters the NBA had ever seen. Anthony spent a little over half a decade with the Nuggets before the rumor mill began making the rounds that he requested a trade.
In 2011, Carmelo Anthony was officially traded to the New York Knicks. After a strong debut with the Denver Nuggets, all eyes were on the star to deliver once again. His presence in New York kicked off a massive campaign for the Knicks to achieve greater success. Anthony continued to impress, with over 25 points per game, reaffirming his strength as a scorer.
While with the Knicks, Anthony earned numerous NBA All-Star selections and All-NBA Team honors. However, regardless of his unquestionable status as one of the best shooters, the New York Knicks still suffered many losses. The team won only one playoff series during his seven seasons with them. Anthony would later ask to be traded after clashing heads with Phil Jackson, the team president at the time.
Between 2017 and 2018, Carmelo Anthony enjoyed moderate success with Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. As questions about his performance began to surface, Anthony came back swinging after signing with the Portland Trail Blazers. He kept beating his previously set high scores with the team as their games progressed. It was also during his time with the Trail Blazers that he joined the top 10 list of NBA all-time career scorers. Anthony ended his career at the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played with his longtime friend, LeBron James.
Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy
“You’re one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen.”
From his first year at Syracuse, it became quite obvious that Anthony was destined for greater success. He has amassed a total 28,289 points over his distinguished career and is the ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list. Anthony also achieved success with the U.S. national team, earning three gold medals and one bronze.
In Denver, where his professional NBA career began, Anthony is somewhat of a savior. The Nuggets’ turnaround after his debut is an iconic moment in basketball history. Anthony led the team to the playoffs in every season he spent with the team. He achieved several outstanding feats with the Knicks as well and is widely celebrated in New York for his contributions.
Outside of the court, the seasoned basketball player was known for his charity work. He has also been dedicated to fighting social injustices and using his voice to champion good. Along with his colleagues and friends, he has provided aid and relief to many underprivileged people in his community and beyond.
As he stated in his retirement video, Anthony has passed the torch on to his son Kiyan, a buzzing prospect, and the son he shares with LaLa Anthony. The world will celebrate Carmelo Anthony for years to come, and a Hall of Fame honor is definitely underway.
James Harden is certainly one of the biggest names in the entire NBA. Although he may not be the player he used to be, he is still an effective playmaker. Overall, he did a solid job with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he has always struggled in the playoffs, and we saw that against the Celtics. Now, he is a free agent and most pundits out there believe he wants to leave Philadelphia. Simply put, playing for Doc Rivers is just not the move. Consequently, a lot of speculation is happening right now.
For the vast majority of the season, the consensus was that Harden would go to the Houston Rockets. Of course, he has a history with that team. Moreover, they have a young core and there would be few expectations to win. Additionally, the team now has Ime Udoka who is seen as a fantastic head coach. It is certainly an interesting place for him to go. However, now, a new team is joining the rumor mill. In fact, this is a team that will be desperate to add some depth to the roster.
With free agency pending for James Harden, I’m hearing there is another team prominently on is radar in addition to Houston. That team is the Phoenix Suns.
According to reporter Brian Geltzeiler, the Phoenix Suns are rumored to be on James Harden’s radar. Of course, the team has the talents of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Harden’s former teammate Chris Paul is in Phoenix as well, however, it has been reported that the Suns are looking to get rid of him. That said, perhaps James Harden would fit in well on the team. Meanwhile, there are also rumors that the Suns could be pursuing Kyrie Irving. Although this would end up being a mistake, most likely.
Either way, this should end up being a compelling free agency. If the Houston Rockets get the first pick and secure Victor Wembanyama, then perhaps James Harden will just go to Houston. At that point, the team will be a very attractive option. Let us know where you want to see Harden go, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news from the sports world. We will always keep you informed.
Kwame Brown is someone who does not shy away from speaking on the topics of the day. Overall, Brown has found himself in beefs with the likes of Stephen A. Smith and even Gilbert Arenas. However, most of the time, it is just Brown defending himself from past slander. He is someone who does not appreciate dirt being thrown on his name. Consequently, we have gotten some very memorable social media posts from the former NBA star. Over the weekend, we got to see that all over again.
Ultimately, this is due to Ja Morant’s antics on Instagram Live. Unprompted, Morant toted a gun while listening to NBA YoungBoy. Of course, he had previously gotten in trouble for this months ago. However, he clearly has not learned his lesson. Subsequently, he could be hit with another suspension. In fact, this suspension would be a lot lengthier than the previous one. Moreover, there could be a whole bunch of endorsements that Ja would lose. Needless to say, this was a very bad move.
“I’ve heard of NBA Youngboy but you NBA Dumb boy bc you got to be the stupidest mf in the league” pic.twitter.com/MrbogC9knh
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 15, 2023
During the clip above, Kwame Brown spoke about just how badly Ja Morant is messing up right now. Overall, he believes the obsession with guns is just a terrible look. Moreover, he thinks Ja is working himself out of the league. This subsequently led to Brown calling Morant “NBA Dumb Boy” which is a wild insult. Although, you can’t say that Brown isn’t a creative person. Either way, it was a reality check for Ja Morant, who continues to make some grave mistakes early in his career. Whether or not he will redeem himself, still remains to be seen.
Overall, it is going to be very interesting to see what happens next to the Grizzlies star. After a disappointing season, the Grizz clearly needs to retool. Moreover, with Morant and his antics, it remains to be seen how much longer the franchise will put up with this. That said, it is very hard to get rid of the face of your franchise, who is putting people in the seats every single night. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the NBA.
The 2023 NBA playoffs are heating up as eight teams find themselves entrenched in the semi-conference finals. In the East, the fifth-seed New York Knicks are taking on the eighth-seed Miami Heat. On the other side of the Eastern bracket, the second-seed Boston Celtics battle against the third-seed Philadelphia 76ers. In the West, the first-seed Denver Nuggets are facing off with the fourth-seed Phoenix Suns. In addition, the other side of the Western bracket features the seventh-seed Los Angeles Lakers against the sixth-seed Golden State Warriors.
There is a uniqueness to this year’s NBA playoffs, as many of the final teams entered as lower seeds. Both the Lakers and Heat made the playoffs through the play-in tournament, and yet they have now positioned themselves to make a run at the championship. Because of this, predictions for the conference finals have been all over the place. As the semi-conference finals wrap up, here’s a look at our NBA playoffs 2023 predictions for the conference finals.
Knicks Vs. Heat
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Winner: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat currently hold a 3-1 lead against the New York Knicks and it is likely that the Heat will be able to hold onto this lead and advance. While the Knicks showed great improvement this year, in large part due to their free agency signing of Jalen Brunson, the Heat’s playoff experience has gotten the better of the Knicks in this series. New York impressed in their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Heat have been in full control of this series since Game 1.
With Jimmy Butler leading, the Miami Heat’s defense has suffocated the Knicks throughout the series. In Game 3, the Knicks only scored 86 points and have barely cracked the 100-point mark in most games. Along with this, the Heat’s mix of experienced veterans such as Kevin Love and Kyle Lowry and young newcomers such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus has played their individual roles perfectly. Despite being the eighth seed, Miami has figured it out come playoff time. The Heat made the NBA Finals as a fifth seed in 2020, so Miami is no stranger to winning as an underdog. Although there’s no telling what the Knicks have in store, our NBA playoffs 2023 predictions for the semi-conference finals are leaning towards the Heat.
76ers Vs. Celtics
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
Perhaps the most competitive series so far has been between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The 76ers recently won two straight and took a 3-2 lead heading into Boston for game 6. Led by MVP Joel Embiid and James Harden, the 76ers’ star power has been on full display throughout the series. While the Celtics’ own stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have also played well, it is the difference of Embiid that will propel the 76ers into the next round.
The MVP has scored 30 or more points in the last three games of the series and Boston has been unable to find a way to stop him. While it seems this series may go to game 7, with Embiid healthy, it appears the 76ers will be hard to beat twice in a row. Because of their crucial game 5 victory, the 76ers look to be in full control of the series. Barring injury, the 76ers look like they will win this one. It is difficult to count the Celtics out, but it is even harder to bet against Joel Embiid.
Lakers Vs. Warriors
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been a curious case this year. Despite injuries and on-court struggles, much like the Heat, they found their rhythm at the right time. Both Anthony Davis and Lebron have played in top form throughout the playoffs. Along with this, mid-season acquisitions D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura have played significant roles in the Lakers’ late-season successes. While the Golden State Warriors are tough, a grueling seven-game series against the Sacramento Kings may have left the Warriors without much gas in the tank.
As the Lakers currently hold a 3-1 lead in the series, it seems that they will go on to win. Coming off a tough seven-game series, it appears that the Warriors do not have enough to overcome such a tall task. The Lakers’ offense has clicked all series and shows no sign of slowing down, as Lebron and AD combined for 50 points in game 4. The Lake Show will look to close out Golden State in the Bay Area in game 5.
Nuggets Vs. Suns
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Winner: Denver Nuggets
The Phoenix Suns overloaded their roster with a trade for Kevin Durant at this year’s trade deadline in hopes of winning an NBA Championship. However, behind Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets currently hold a 3-2 lead and look ready to finish the series. Jokic posted a triple-double in game 5 and it seems that the Nuggets are on the brink of playing in the conference finals. While the Suns have been impressive in this series, an injury to Chris Paul has significantly hurt Phoenix’s chances.
Role players such as Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Bruce Brown have been crucial for the Nuggets’ success and the entire team is executing at a high level, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Aside from game 1, each of the following games has been a shootout, and without Chris Paul, it will be difficult for the Suns to go bucket for bucket with the Nuggets. Much like Joel Embiid and the 76ers, it is difficult to bet against Nikola Jokic, especially when his team holds a 3-2 lead. Because of this, the Nuggets will finish off this series in the next few games and become one step closer to an NBA Championship.
DeMarcus Cousins got to play a lot of great basketball with the likes of Anthony Davis. Although Cousins ultimately left New Orleans and bounced around the league, he and AD were solid together. Overall, Davis has certainly upgraded in terms of his career trajectory. He got out of New Orleans and immediately won an NBA title with LeBron James. Now, he is in the fight of his life against the Golden State Warriors. He has looked fantastic, and consequently, fans are seeing him as a top-five player again.
Recently, DeMarcus Cousins got to speak on AD and his play as of late. Although Cousins may not be in the league anymore, he still knows a lot about the game. Overall, he is someone who has always been complimentary of AD. On Tuesday morning, Cousins continued that trend while on Run It Back with Shams Charania. During the interview, Cousins went so far as to say that Davis is the best player in the league. Although, the caveat here is that Davis needs to stay healthy.
“When [Anthony Davis] is locked in & focused and also when his health is in a good place, he’s one of the best players to touch the court… He’s dominating in the [Lakers vs. Warriors] series.”
“He’s probably the most talented two-way player to ever touch the floor. When he’s committed, and when his mind is focused and he’s in the right place, on any given night, he’s going to be the best player on the floor, on both ends,” DeMarcus Cousins said. “Just his versatility alone, we’ve praised his versatility since he’s stepped foot in the league. We know what he is on the defensive side of the ball. When he’s locked in and focused and also when his health is in a good place, he’s one of the best players to touch the floor.”
At this point, the Lakers could very well win the title if Davis continues on this trajectory. Sure, injuries have been an issue, but this is the postseason and he looks great right now. Moreover, he has been able to ease the pressure on LeBron James. Now, the Lakers are as balanced as ever, and they are showing the league what they can do. Let us know if you agree with Cousins, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the sports world.
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