raptors

Pacers Trade For Pascal Siakam

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The Indiana Pacers have sent Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks to Toronto in exchange for two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam. Siakam, averaging 22.2/6.3/4.9 this season, gives Indiana a proven tandem partner for rising star Tyrese Haliburton. At 23-17, the Pacers have the highest-scoring offense in the NBA. However, Siakam would become just their second 20-point shooter behind Haliburton. Despite the move, and the heavy price for it, the Pacers will need to work quickly on an extension, as Siakam is a free agent in the offseason.

“I’m excited that Pascal is getting a first-class opportunity with the Pacers, being paired with Tyrese [Haliburton] and Myles [Turner] and being coached by a great coach in Rick Carlisle. His future looks bright there,” Siakam’s agent, Todd Ramasar, told Andscape. Per ESPN, the Raptors received two 2024 first-round picks and another in 2026.

Read More: Bronny James’ First USC Start Ends As A Scoreless Nightmare

Warriors Coach Dejan Milojevic Dies

However, the trade was preceded by tragic news on the West Coast. The NBA has postponed a game between the Warriors and Jazz following the death of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. Milojevic, 46, suffered a heart attack in Salt Lake City on January 16 during a private team dinner and passed away the following day. Milojevic had served on Steve Kerr’s staff since 2021 and was well-regarded both within the NBA and abroad. Furthermore, at least one team interviewed Milojevic about their head coaching vacancy following the 2022/23 season.

Prior to coming to the NBA, Milojevic established himself as a proven winner in Eastern Europe. Additionally, his time coaching Serbian side Mega meant that he was closely involved with the early development of Nikola Jokic. “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević’s sudden passing. This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa,” The Warriors wrote on social media.

Read More: WNBA Announces Warriors-Owned Bay Area Expansion Team

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Pistons Fans Rejoice As Team Losing Streak Ends At 28

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With a 129-127 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, the Detroit Pistons ended their historic losing streak at 28. Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 12 assists as the Pistons’ streak ended as the longest single-season streak in NBA history and tied for the all-time losing streak. “I feel amazing. We just kept battling. It’s been a long stretch, all these losses, but I’m just happy to be part of a group of guys who don’t quit,” Cunningham said following the win. Meanwhile, Pistons rejoiced on social media, noting they could finally redeem the Wingstop promotion that had been cruelly mocking them for 28 games.

Toronto, playing short-handed in the second game of a back-to-back scheduling decision, pushed the Pistons until the final whistle. Toronto was without franchise cornerstone O.G. Annuoby, who had been traded earlier in the day. However, the return, which included former third-overall pick RJ Barrett, was not available for the game against Detroit. “It was a very emotional day for everyone. I’m really proud of the energy our guys had, taking everything into account. I also don’t want to take anything away from what Detroit did. They played a really good game and hit some very, very timely shots,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said.

Read More: LeBron James Wants To Start Streaming

LeBron Goes Viral But Lakers Fall

On the other side of the country, LeBron James went viral as the Lakers prepared to play the Timberwolves. A short video showed LeBron greeting each of his teammates with a personalized greeting, typically with a unique handshake. Everyone appeared in high spirits, suggesting the occurrence to be a regular thing to hype the team before a big game. Examples of LeBron’s handshakes include mustaches and head pats.

However, the Lakers were deflated following a controversial finish to the subsequent loss to Minnesota. Trailing 107-104, LeBron hit what he thought was a game-tying three. However, the bucket was ruled as a two and the Lakers would go on to lose 108-106 after Anthony Edwards drew a game-sealing foul. “What the hell do we got replay for? What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It’s just like, who is a part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there making Teslas? Like, what’s going on?” LeBron lamented, discussing the NBA’s replay system.

Read More: Nikola Jokic Ties Obscure Wilt Chamberlain Record

Best Reactions To Pistons Losing Streak Ending

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Drake Provides Hilarious Commentary For Raptors-Celtics Game: Watch

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Drake got the opportunity to provide some color commentary for his beloved Raptors as he joined the broadcast booth for the team’s in-season tournament game against the Celtics. Drake’s highlights included poking fun at some of the Celtics’ bench players getting minutes in a close game. “Payton Pritchard’s out there looking like a crypto scammer,” Drake trolled as the rest of the broadcast team barely restrained their laughter. Pritchard, Boston’s 2020 first-round pick, put up 5-3-3 in 17 minutes against the Raptors.

However, Drake was likely the only one having fun in the Raptors fandom. While the Raptors kept it close, they were unable to topple the white-hot Celtics. Boston locked it down defensively in the final moments of the game and escaped with a 108-105 victory to improve to 10-2 on the season. Meanwhile, the Raptors fell to 5-7, dropping their second game in a row.

Read More: Drake & Nicki Minaj Show Love To Sexyy Red For Upcoming Deluxe Album

Drake Breaks Tour Income Milestone

Meanwhile, Drake has had a massive week. He dropped Scary Hours 3, a surprise EP that, much like For All The Dogs, appeared to fuel a lot of beef. He also announced that he would be touring with J. Cole in 2024. The Cole collab will serve as an extension of this year’s It’s All a Blur Tour and will operate as the Big As The What? Tour.

However, speaking of It’s All a Blur, Drake also set a new record this week. Even with less than half of the tour dates’ revenue reported, the tour is already the highest-grossing rap tour in history. The previous benchmark was set by Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 The Big Steppers Tour. Furthermore, it remains to be seen where the new benchmark will eventually be set. As mentioned, the figure of $129.1M comes from just 30 of the tour’s 72 concerts. While it may be the best rap tour ever, it remains to be seen where it lines up with 2023 tours overall. Beyonce and Taylor Swift both hit the tour circuit this year too. Furthermore, both megastars are also likely to expect some astronomical revenue figures as well.

Read More: “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?”: Drake & J. Cole Add 10 New Dates

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SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Announces Preseason Games Between Raptors, Kings, Pistons, and Thunder for 9th NBA Canada Series

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NBA Announces Preseason Games Between Raptors, Kings, Pistons, and Thunder for 9th NBA Canada Series

The NBA has exciting news for Canadian basketball fans as they announced the return of the NBA Canada Series presented by Bell with two preseason games in October 2023. On Oct. 8, the Toronto Raptors, led by Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, will face the Sacramento Kings at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. The Kings boast a talented roster, including Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, under the coaching of Mike Brown, the unanimous 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year.

On Oct. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring Canadians Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montréal native Luguentz Dort, will take on the Detroit Pistons at Montréal’s Bell Centre. The Pistons showcase promising players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, making the matchup thrilling for basketball enthusiasts.

Tickets for these games will be available for sale soon, and fans can register for exclusive presale access on NBA.com/CanadaSeries. Get ready for some high-flying NBA action in Canada!

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Announces Preseason Games Between Raptors, Kings, Pistons, and Thunder for 9th NBA Canada Series first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Announces Preseason Games Between Raptors, Kings, Pistons, and Thunder for 9th NBA Canada Series appeared first on The Source.

Drake Trolls Fred VanVleet With “Guangdong Dragons” Joke

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Drake joked that Fred VanVleet is headed to the Guangdong Dragons after the former Toronto Raptors star agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets. He did so while commenting on a farewell Instagram post from the former NBA champion.

“My look alike…the love is forever thank you for your character and your contributions over the years the city will never forget!!! Good luck with everything on the Guangdong Dragons……..I mean the Rockets,” Drake said. In response, VanVleet told him to “relax.”

Read More: Houston Rockets Linked With Massive Contract For Fred VanVleet

Drake & Fred VanVleet During A Raptors’ Game

TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 21: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high-fives rapper Drake during game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 2019, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

As for VanVleet’s original message, he wrote: “Words can’t do justice to how thankful I am to the city that watched me grow from a young kid praying for a chance to a NBA CHAMPION, All-Star, and a father of 3! I am forever indebted to the franchise that gave me a shot when no one else would. We built things together that can never be broken, and accomplished things that will stand forever. I went from the fans not knowing who I was, to fan favorite, to most hated and I’m thankful for every second of it. To the city, franchise, and country that watched me grow every step of the way – THANK YOU.” Check out the full post below.

VanVleet signed with the Raptors after going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. After playing with the team’s G League affiliate, VanVleet eventually became one of the most important players on the roster. He made his first NBA All-Star Game in 2022.

Drake Trolls Fred VanVleet

The move for the Rockets comes after they brought in Ime Udoka to be their next head coach. It’s Udoka’s first position since his infamous departure from the Boston Celtics, last year

Read More: Ime Udoka Signs With The Rockets, Fans React

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Jordan MVP “Raptors” Officially Unveiled

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One of the best new hybrid sneakers we have seen in quite some time is none other than the Jordan MVP. Overall, this is a shoe that combines the three iconic Michael Jordan sneakers. This list includes the Air Jordan 6, Air Jordan 7, and Air Jordan 8. Consequently, you can deduce these are an homage to Michael Jordan’s first three titles and Finals MVPs. Although, the way in which these shoes are combined is quite tasteful. This is a breath of fresh air for fans who are otherwise repulsed by hybrid shoes.

Throughout the last few months, we have seen a plethora of these colorways get teased online. Overall, it is easy to see why. This is a brand-new shoe and fans want to get their hands on them. Furthermore, the best way to build hype for a new shoe is by coming out with all sorts of colorways. With the Jordan MVP getting new releases very soon, Jumpman has just blessed us with some new official images. Below, you can find the new “Raptors” color scheme.

Read More: Jordan MVP “Black Royal” Officially Unveiled

“Raptors” Jordan MVP

Jordan MVP
Image via Nike

As you can see from these images, the “Raptors” influence here is very obvious. Firstly, the upper is covered in black suede. Secondly, there is some purple and red throughout the rest of the sneaker. This appears in places such as the midsole, tongue, inner lining, and even the overlay near the back of the shoe. When put together, you get a shoe that is definitely going to turn some heads. Moreover, it’s just clean and a nice reference to the 90s.

More Photos

At the time of writing this, the Jordan MVP “Raptors” does not yet have a release date. However, it is expected to be dropping very soon for a price of $165 USD. If you love the Toronto Raptors, then these kicks are absolutely going to be for you. Let us know what you think of this sneaker, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest brands.

Image via Nike
Jordan MVP
Image via Nike

Read More: Jordan MVP Revealed In Five More Colorways

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Kendrick Perkins Would Love To See JJ Redick Coach In The NBA

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Kendrick Perkins and JJ Redick haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. With both serving as ESPN contributors, they have often taken opposing sides on hot-button issues. In March, they notably clashed when Perkins claimed that MVP voters value Black players less. However, that doesn’t mean the two of them actively dislike each other.

Furthermore, Redick could be leaving ESPN in the near future. The 15-year NBA veteran has reportedly been interviewed by the Toronto Raptors during their head coach search. However, Redick is just one of several candidates being considered by the Ratpors and there is no evidence to suggest that he is a front-runner. That hasn’t stopped Perkins from sharing his thoughts on the potential hire.

Perkins Supports Reddick Interview

Speaking with TMZ, Perkins put his full support behind Redick potentially landing an NBA coaching gig. “I honestly love it,” Perkins said about Redick’s reported meeting. “One thing about JJ is that he knows his shit. Also, on top of that, every time you see a former player who played the game get an opportunity to sit in that seat, you love to see it. Obviously, he’s jumping ahead of a few guys who I would love to see get an opportunity that’s been waiting in line. You hate to see it because those guys have been serving as assistants for 15, 20 years. But I still wanna see a guy like JJ do it.”

Redick is certainly an unorthodox choice. Despite this 15-year career in the NBA, Redick has no coaching experience at any level. He has previously garnered interest from teams, such as the Boston Celtics, but opted to pursue broadcasting rather than coaching. That could put him at a disadvantage compared to some of the other candidates. Fellow outside candidate Becky Hammon spent eight years with the Spurs before taking a WNBA head coaching position. Kenny Atkinson spent four years as head coach of the Nets. Redick is the only currently-named candidate without any coaching experience on his resume. However, that’s not going to stop Kendrick Perkins from believing in him.

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Becky Hammon And JJ Redick Among Raptors Coach Candidates

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The Toronto Raptors are in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Nick Nurse. Nurse coached the Raptors to an NBA title but couldn’t replicate the success in subsequent seasons. The Raptors’ front office described the decision as “an opportunity for us to reset, to refocus, to put into place the personnel and the players who will help us reach our goal of winning our next championship.”

The Raptors are conducting a deep search, considering candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka was reportedly a serious contender for the role at the time of Nurse’s firing. However, he has now more strongly linked with the Houston Rockets’ vacancy. Two names who have reportedly interviewed with the Raptors, however, are Becky Hammon and JJ Redick.

Raptors Considering Hammon, Reddick

DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Assistant coach Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Spurs and head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs look on against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena on April 5, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

Becky Hammon is a women’s basketball legend. Going undrafted in 1999 after a productive career at Colorado State, Hammon quickly became a WNBA fixture. While never winning a title, she was a key contributor for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars. After she retired in 2012, she joined the coaching staff of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. She spent eight seasons with the Spurs before leaving to take the head coach position with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces in 2022. She led the Aces to the 2022 title.

DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 26: JJ Redick announces the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on October 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

JJ Redick was a Duke basketball standout who enjoyed a productive 15-year career in the NBA. Selected 11th overall in the 2006 draft, he spent seven years with the Magic. After the Magic, he spent time with the Bucks, Clippers, Sixers, Pelicans, and Mavericks before retiring in 2021. After retiring, Redick joined the ESPN broadcast team. However, Redick has no formal coaching experience at any level of the game. However, he and Hammon are just two of many candidates the Raptors are considering.

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Drake Goes Full Dad Mode, Stops Adonis From Eating Too Much Candy

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Drake is continuing to soak in the success of his newest album, the 21 Savage-assisted, Her Loss. The former Degrassi star was spotted courtside at the Raptors vs. Lakers game in Toronto on Wednesday night (December 7). Additionally, he was accompanied by his five-year-old son Adonis.

A clip of the pair courtside at Scotiabank Arena has since gone viral on social media. An arena worker is seen coming up behind the “Hotline Bling” singer and his son to offer them more candy. Adonis is already enjoying a pack of Skittles. 

Drake sits with his son Adonis while the Toronto Raptors play the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on April 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Drizzy happily takes the first new bag of candy from the worker. Subsequently, she shows him a couple more bags, which the five-year-old seems to want as well.

Drake Steps In

It appears as though the Toronto superstar is trying to explain to his little twin that he could only indulge in one or the other.

As the global ambassador for the Raptors, Drake is spotted in his signature courtside seat quite often. This wasn’t Adonis’ first NBA game either, as the Grahams have been spotted enjoying games together in the past.

The five-year-old’s basketball skills have been documented by his father over the years. In the most recent clip, he can be seen dribbling two basketballs at once.

The 6 God’s newest project, the aforementioned Her Loss debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Overall, it served as his 12th No. 1 album and 21 Savage’s third.

Consequently, Her Loss dethroned Taylor Swift’s Midnights as the No. 1 album in the U.S. at the time. Subsequently, the album has also sparked some memes on social media since its release. Namely, the intro, “Rich Flex” has been made fun of all over the internet. In various videos, users poke fun at the way in which Drizzy starts the track off.

Additionally, neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis played for the Lakers last night. Nonetheless, the father-son-duo still got to enjoy a 123-116 Raptors win. 

Do you think we’ll ever see Adonis play basketball professionally? Comment down below.

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Air Jordan 37 “Raptors” Revealed: Photos

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The latest Air Jordan silhouette has arrived and if you have been counting since 1985, then you would know that this is the Air Jordan 37. It is a shoe that fans have been waiting for, especially since this model is an homage to the Air Jordan 7. It is even getting some of the same colorways as that iconic shoe, including the “Toronto Raptors” model, which can be found down below.

As you will see from the official images, this Air Jordan 37 recreates the colorway nicely as we have a mostly black upper with some mesh all around. This is then bolstered by some purple, yellow, and even red on the outsole. These are elements that come together perfectly and they certainly give you that vintage Raptors feel.

If you are looking to grab this brand-new shoe, you will be able to do so as of Thursday, October 13th for a price of $185 USD. Let us know what you think of the Air Jordan 37, in the comments down below. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sneaker world.

Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike