In the lead-up to the NBA Draft, one of the rumored trades surrounds Clippers veteran Paul George. According to March Stein, the Clippers have been gauging interest in George’s services. The veteran forward has been with the Clippers since 2019 and has a player option year in 2024/25.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported.
Furthermore, Stein identified the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets as potential suitors. Both teams are in search of veteran talent. Furthermore, they have been reportedly willing to part with their high draft picks to acquire George. However, these trades, and other potential moves, appear to be in doubt.
Final pre-draft notebook @YahooSports is live, unpacking news and notes from last night’s Kristaps Porzingis-Marcus Smart-Tyus Jones trade, plus details on Paul George, De’Andre Hunter, Pascal Siakam, the Pacers, Hawks, Lakers and more: https://t.co/8rJYIIbnmj
Reportedly, the Clippers have received several offers for George from around the league. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Blazers had an offer featuring the third-overall pick rejected. Meanwhile, Ian Bagley of SNY reported that the Knicks had made contact with LA about George. However, talks did not progress very far.
Furthermore, the Clippers were briefly involved in a failed trade for the Celtics’ Malcolm Brogdon. However, Brogdon’s injury history nixed the deal. While the Clippers could still make a move, it appears that their gauging of George’s value did not yield the results they were hoping for.
As a result, the Knicks will look to run it back with a team anchored by their tandem of George and Kawhi Leonard. Since George and Leonard joined the team in 2019, the team has had minimal success. After reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2021, the team missed the playoffs in 2022 and were eliminated in the first round in 2023.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Another player who has been linked with a move but will likely stay with his current team is Zion Williamson. The young New Orleans Pelicans star, who is currently in the midst of an infidelity scandal, has been linked with a potential move away from New Orleans.
One potential trade partner was the Charlotte Hornets. This would have sent Williamson to Charlotte in exchange for the second-overall pick in the draft. These rumors were based on the idea that the Pelicans were especially keen on the highly-touted prospect Scoot Henderson.
“Zion getting traded before Thursday’s draft is fairly unlikely [according to] multiple league sources” reported The Athletic. “The Pelicans have yet to even include Williamson in any formal offers made to the teams holding top-3 picks, league sources tell The Athletic. There have been varying reports about how much interest Charlotte or Portland would even have in shipping off the No. 2 or No. 3 picks in a potential Williamson trade.”
Stephen A. Smith has always been a huge fan of the New York Knicks. Overall, the Knicks are one of the most historic teams in the entire NBA. However, they haven’t actually won anything since all the way back in 1973. Of course, the fans are not happy with this reality, and Smith is one of the people on the frontlines, holding the franchise accountable. Luckily, the team has been better in recent years. Although, they still haven’t been able to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Today, Stephen A. and the First Take crew discussed the Knicks and their power forward, Julius Randle. While speaking to Paul George, Randle claimed that the Knicks are not that far from truly competing for a championship. Overall, this rubbed Smith the wrong way. In his mind, this is just a ridiculous thing to say given their performance against the Heat. Additionally, Randle has been a no-show in the playoffs, as his stats always take a hit.
“Come postseason time, you know, put a taller defender on him, contest his shots, he’s going to dribble too much, he’s gon’ force shots he don’t need to force,” Smith said. “And he’s not going to be nearly as effective during the postseason as he is in the regular season. You know this is coming. You can’t learn to use your right hand? Is it that much for me to ask that you can become a bit ambidextrous, that you can remember that God gave you two hands and two arms? That you don’t actually have to always use your left?”
Ultimately, this was yet another epic rant from the likes of Stephen A. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of some of his sanity. He just wants the Knicks to be good, but it just hasn’t happened. Hopefully, Smith can see them win at least another championship in this next decade. Otherwise, the rants will continue to be plentiful.
Despite the NBA playoffs reaching their climax, there is plenty of fuel for the rumor mill. Whether it’s the Suns low-key rebuilding or the Trail Blazers making major draft moves, no teams are safe from the rumors. NBA fans should prepare themselves for a monster offseason across the league. Of course, HotNewHipHop will have all the latest news in terms of moves and rumors.
A little further east, the Sixers are looking at an uncertain future. Despite having the reigning MVP, and seeming like one of the better teams during the regular season, Philadelphia sucked in the playoffs. After seeing off the Nets, the Sixers squandered multiple chances to see off the Celtics in the second round. That led to yet another second-round exit, and the departure of head coach Doc Rivers. However, Rivers may not be the only core piece leaving.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a lay up past Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
We already know that James Harden is not returning to Philadelphia. However, rumors are starting to swirl about another member of the team. Joel Embiid, star Sixers center and reigning MVP, has started to be linked with a move away from Philadelphia. While it’s pertinent to state that these are very early rumors right now, they could soon “grow legs”. Furthermore, this is coming from some of the most connected media voices in the game.
NBA insider Marc Stein responded to questions about the Knicks and Embiid in a recent Substack Q&A. He called the rumor “strictly media chatter” and that “There are no legs to it…YET.” However, this can be paired with a few other sources. The New York Post‘s Stefan Bondy claims that Embiid “is the guy to watch for the Knicks” and has been since midseason. Furthermore, Bondy also notes that the Boston series “only intensified that belief.” While there is no indication that Embiid wants to leave, the Knicks could offer a monster package. The team has plenty of young players and 11 first-round picks over the next seven years. Do you think Embiid will leave the Sixers? Let us know in the comments.
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.
Julius Randle and the New York Knicks are catching a lot of slander right now. Of course, this is due to their second-round exit at the hands of the Miami Heat. Overall, fans would have liked to have seen better from Randle, especially in Game 6. Stephen A. Smith was so mad at Julius Randle that he begged for the man to be traded. However, it seems like the biggest Randle criticism is coming from Kenyon Martin. This came during an episode of Gilbert Arenas’ YouTube show, where Martin was upset about Randle’s post-game celebration after the fifth match in the Heat series.
Essentially, Julius Randle helped the Knicks win and then immediately went and kissed his wife Kendra. For some reason, Kenyon Martin was appalled by this. He claimed that his partner was the last thing he thought about during games. Moreover, he would rather be celebrating with his guys as opposed to his wife. Overall, it was an unnecessary rant as Julius Randle’s marriage really has nothing to do with anything. That said, Kendra opted to respond to the story on social media.
Julius Randle Supported By Wide Kendra
slow news day I guess. Both of us grew up in single parent homes. We never saw our dads respect our mothers. I’m so grateful my kids get to grow up watching their dad be the best father and husbandhttps://t.co/hzBFd7fLoP
By the way that game was after a win. He would never be in the mood to kiss or even talk after a loss lol. But talk about real issues. Not a husband and father loving his family.
“Slow news day I guess. Both of us grew up in single parent homes. We never saw our dads respect our mothers. I’m so grateful my kids get to grow up watching their dad be the best father and husband,” Randle explained. “By the way that game was after a win. He would never be in the mood to kiss or even talk after a loss lol. But talk about real issues. Not a husband and father loving his family.” Clearly, Kendra and Julius Randle will continue this ritual, whether he is playing in New York or abroad.
Kenyon Martin’s Comments
These days, retired NBA stars are saying almost anything. There seem to be a ton of complains about the current NBA, and some of them are just too ridiculous to take seriously. Martin’s anger over Julius Randle and his wife kissing is just another example of this. Let us know your thoughts on this matter, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.
Stephen A. Smith has always been a massive fan of the New York Knicks. However, the team hasn’t always given him a lot to cheer for. In fact, the Knicks have not won an NBA title since 1973. Overall, this has made New York basketball fans extremely sad. Regardless, they still support the team because they know it is the right thing to do. Even if this causes severe psychosis, there are still going to out and cheer on the orange and blue, whenever they can. Luckily, this year has seen a welcomed change.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Subsequently, they drew the Miami Heat, who are an eighth seed. With that in mind, it was believed that the Knicks would come through with the series win. However, the Heat have proven to be a very difficult opponent. The Heat won Game 1, made Game 2 very interesting despite a loss, and then won Game 3. Now, the Knicks are down 2-1 in the series, and tonight, they could be down by two.
“Jimmy Buckets is about to run y’all out of there. … The man is coming to take you out. What are you going to do New York Knicks?” pic.twitter.com/4HFPswAQef
As a result, Stephen A. is very worried about his Knicks. He knows they could be in trouble, and he wants the whole team to be better. Overall, he was particularly harsh on Julius Randle, who is extremely inconsistent. Moreover, he is more so worried about none other than Jimmy Butler. “Jimmy Buckets is about to run y’all out of there. … The man is coming to take you out. What are you going to do New York Knicks?” Smith asked. It is a very good question as Butler looks like a man on a mission these playoffs.
The Miami Heat are one of those teams that is always dangerous, regardless of what seed they are. In the bubble, they made it to the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, they were very close to going to the Finals last season, as well. Needless to say, where there is a will, there is a way for the Heat. Let us know if you think they will knock off the Knicks, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports world.
Stephen A. Smith and the rest of Knicks nation were flying high last week. The team won its first playoff series since 2013 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Knicks second-round matchup with the Heat didn’t start well. On Sunday, the Knicks proved to be no match for the Miami Heat. Miami lit up Madison Square Garden from deep. As well as, Jimmy Butler having a typical Butler playoff performance. According to Smith, the Knicks could be in massive trouble.
The legendary media personality didn’t hold back on his Knicks Monday. Smith was appalled by the defensive effort of his Knicks. However, Smith did give credit to the shooting of the Heat. It would have been hard for any team to beat a team that was shooting that well. However, the Knicks are in desperate need of Julius Randle to return. Randle was injured in the first half of the series-clinching game over Cleveland. Now the team is just trying to hold it together until his return.
The Heat were able to feast from every area of the floor on Sunday. The missing Randle could have impacted the game by being another low post presence for the Knicks. However, it felt like the Knicks had no answer for the spectacular shooting performance of the Heat. Randle’s availability for Game 2 has yet to be determined. But if the former Kentucky Wildcats star can’t go, the Knicks will need to dig deep. Losing both games in the Garden will be hard for the Knicks to come back from.
Smith and the diehard New York fanbase know the challenge ahead. The team still has players that can lead them to victory without Randle. First-year guard Jalen Brunson has been a welcomed sight to a team desperate for good point guard play. One has to believe that Brunson is capable of carrying the load while the team waits on Randle to return. Is Stephen A. Smith’s Knicks in serious jeopardy of being sent home? Can New York overcome Randle’s absence? Let us know your opinions on the Knicks in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Stephen A. Smith celebrated like every other fan in the Big Apple on Wednesday night. After eliminating the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks won their first playoff series since 2013. The Knicks didn’t have to wait long to find out who their second-round opponent would be. The Miami Heat pulled off a massive upset over the Milwaukee Bucks. Now the second round will include a rivalry renewed with the Heat and Knicks. However, Smith doesn’t seem too worried about his Knicks.
On Thursday’s edition of First Take, Smith was asked how much the Knicks should fear the recent performances of Jimmy Butler. At the same time, Smith didn’t diminish the amazing first-round performance from Butler. However, he also doesn’t believe the Knicks will be afraid of Butler either. In a passionate response, Smith gave every Knicks fan the emotions on Thursday. Smith believes the moment could be too big for the Heat when they arrive at Madison Square Garden. Check out the clip of Smith’s firey response below.
The Knicks never really felt the challenge with the Cavaliers in round one. The series surprisingly ended after five. Now, the Knicks will welcome a team with nothing to lose to New York. However, the Knicks could be down a huge star at the start of the series. Knicks star forward Julius Randle was injured in the team’s Game 5 victory in Cleveland. Randle reappeared on the sideline for the Knicks in the second half. However, he returned in street clothes.
At the same time, the Heat are also dealing with injuries. Miami sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand earlier in their first-round series with Milwaukee. Herro would be unavailable for the team unless they were to make the finals. The second-round matchup between the Heat and Knicks is destined to be great basketball. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith that the Knicks will handle business? Or will the Heat continue their miracle run through the Eastern Conference? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Fat Joe is one of the most prominent fans of the New York Knicks. Although Spike Lee is probably a cut above him, there is no doubt where Joe’s allegiances lie. Overall, he has stuck with the team throughout the worst and best of times. However, throughout the years, there haven’t been too many reasons to cheer for this team. Now, the Knicks are actually looking very good. They dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers in just five games in the first-round. Moreover, they caught a break as the Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Miami Heat in the first round.
Subsequently, the Knicks are going to face off against the Heat. Yesterday morning, when Fat Joe appeared on First Take, it was unknown if the Heat would move on. That said, it didn’t stop the artist from giving his predictions about the Knicks’ next series. As you will see below, the legendary rapper is very excited about facing Miami. In fact, he believes the Eastern Conference Finals are a lock for his team right now.
Fat Joe Is An Optimist
“We killing Miami if they come. Oh no we are,” Fat Joe explained. “I see them clicking on all four and what’s so crazy the fact that Randle get hurt, it let Obi and all the guys off the bench — Quickley — and they built this confidence. And it all started when we brought in [Josh] Hart. Brunson doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He didn’t make the All-Star Game. Brunson is MVP. The Knicks haven’t won in 20 years. All of a sudden we winning it’s because of his poise, his winning mentality.”
Stephen A. Smith was very intrigued by this possibility. Additionally, Fat Joe and Stephen A. think the NBA Finals aren’t that much of a stretch. The Knicks have been solid against the Celtics this season, which could potentially lead to an upset. However, the rapper still thinks teams like the Denver Nuggets have the best shot at actually winning the title. Let us know who you have winning it all, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.
