Latest news with #76ers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York"
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York" originally appeared on Basketball Network. In 1963, the late Dolph Schayes went straight from a 15-year Hall of Fame career to become the Philadelphia 76ers' player-coach. Expectations were high, but like many ex-athletes before and after him, it didn't take long for the former 12-time All-Star to learn a hard truth: success on the court doesn't automatically carry over to the sidelines. Schayes' early struggles are certainly noteworthy because, on paper, he had the perfect setup. Remember, Wilt Chamberlain — a once-in-a-generation talent — anchored the Sixers' roster at the time. While this might sound like a dream start for any basketball coach, the 2004 book "Wilt: Larger Than Life" reveals the challenges behind it. Chamberlain's impact In the early NBA years, it was almost impossible to find a bigger superstar than Chamberlain. Joining the league in 1959 as Philadelphia's territorial pick, the former Harlem Globetrotter made an immediate impact, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year, earning All-Star honors and leading the league in scoring (37.6 points per game) and rebounds (27.0 per game) as a first-year. But Chamberlain's dominance on the court wasn't the only thing that drew attention — his off-court stories did, too, ultimately boosting his superstar status. Chamberlain, known for his larger-than-life persona and rumored to have been with over 20,000 women, fully embraced the spotlight and became a cultural force beyond basketball. Wilt's star allure tested team chemistry The towering 7'1" center stood out on Schayes' roster — not just for his height, but for his star power, the kind of status that often came with special treatment. It's certainly a double-edged sword that can create friction within a team. Of course, that's not always the case — some former MVPs, like Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan, kept a low, grounded profile and were beloved by their teammates. But Chamberlain, who won the award four times during his storied 14-year NBA career, wasn't wired that way. He gladly accepted the extra perks that came with his heightened status in the league and within the Sixers organization. If anyone deserved them, it was him. Still, other players on the team resented it — especially when success was hard to come was caught in the middle Schayes, who had to manage it all, recalled key moments when this challenging dynamic came to a head. "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York," the 1966 Coach of the Year admitted. "One of the conditions, I think, for Wilt to come back to Philadelphia from San Francisco was that he could live in New York. Wilt was a night person. I think Wilt felt he wasn't as noticeable at night. He didn't like to practice in the morning. The guys wanted to practice early, to get it over with, so they had the rest of the afternoon off. But because of Wilt, we'd practice late in the day, at 4:00. The guys held it against me." Ultimately, his hands were tied. Schayes recalled team owner Ike Richman telling him to side with Chamberlain, saying, "There's no other way," likely fearing the fallout for the franchise if their cornerstone player decided to walk away. Tensions flared again during the 1965 playoffs against the iconic Boston Celtics. After winning Game 3, Dolph called for practice, but Wilt, citing fatigue, stayed in New York City. Boston took Game 4 in overtime, putting Philadelphia on the brink of elimination. Before Game 5, the Big Dipper missed another morning practice. While frustration ran high, the 76ers' head coach publicly defended his star player. "Wilt killed himself yesterday. He played a great game. So I excused him from practice… Before Tuesday night's game we're going to hold a strategy session. And Wilt will be there," he said. However, not every Sixer shared that support, as one anonymous player disclosed to the press. "Sure, he should have been here [at the practice]. Isn't Wilt just like you and me?" he was quoted. "Today was the same as it's been all year long. Wilt misses a practice and it sort of aggravates the guys." Ultimately, basketball is a team game. No matter how dominant a player is, no one wins alone, making team cohesion essential for sustained success. It's clear the Sixers lacked that unity in 1965, which played a major role in their 4-3 loss to the Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals. Afterward, Boston's superstar Bill Russell, known for his leadership and locker room presence, highlighted that very issue. "This may sound trite, but it's very true," the NBA icon explained. "I think this is a team game. I'm not saying anything bad about Wilt Chamberlain. He had a great and I voted for him for Most Valuable Player. But any time you take this game out of the team realm, you foul up your team."This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Simmons Has Played Just 108 Games And Earned $1.36 Million Per Appearance Over The Last 4 Years
Ben Simmons Has Played Just 108 Games And Earned $1.36 Million Per Appearance Over The Last 4 Years originally appeared on Fadeaway World. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made headlines with a historic $285 million extension that will see him earn nearly $1 million per game by 2030, another former All-Star's name is trending for the opposite reason: Ben Simmons. Once hailed as the next great two-way star, Simmons' fall from grace has become one of the most staggering declines in recent NBA history. Over the last four years, the Australian point-forward has appeared in just 108 games but earned over $148 million in that span, amounting to a jaw-dropping $1.36 million per appearance. Here's a year-by-year breakdown of Simmons' earnings and game count: 2021–22: 0 games played - $34 million earned 2022–23: 42 games played - $35.4 million earned 2023–24: 15 games played - $37.8 million earned 2024–25: 51 games played - $40.3 million earned Total: 108 games - $147.5 million earned This isn't a tale of a role player riding the bench. Simmons was once an elite defender and high-IQ playmaker, a 6'10' point guard with the vision of Magic Johnson and the body of a modern big. A three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive First Team member, and 2019-20 All-NBA selection, Simmons earned his $177 million extension from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. At that time, he was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and arguably one of the most valuable transition threats in the league. But the downfall came fast and hard. Following a disastrous 2021 playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, where he infamously passed up an open dunk in crunch time, Simmons sat out the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health and back issues. The Nets traded for him, believing he'd eventually return to form, but that optimism never paid off. What followed were seasons plagued by injuries, questionable effort, and underwhelming performances. His once-elite perimeter defense waned. His reluctance to shoot, particularly from outside the paint, became more glaring. And now, in the summer of 2025, Simmons remains a free agent with no takers. Simmons is reportedly seeking more than a league-minimum contract, but even that is proving a hard sell. While his size and defensive instincts still intrigue some teams, his health remains a red flag. His offensive limitations, including an unwillingness to even attempt jump shots, make him a tough fit in today's pace-and-space game. Meanwhile, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are redefining the modern superstar. Shai just led the Thunder to their first-ever NBA title, won the MVP, scoring title, and both playoff MVP awards, and was rewarded with a deal that will pay him $78.8 million in the 2030–31 season alone. That's nearly $1 million every game. Simmons' career earnings will remain a cautionary tale, a player who once had all the tools but couldn't stay healthy or evolve. The NBA pays for production. And in Simmons' case, it paid for potential that never fully story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"After I retired, I thought he didn't like me" - Allen Iverson says realizing Kobe Bryant admired him was one of the most eye-opening moments of his life
"After I retired, I thought he didn't like me" - Allen Iverson says realizing Kobe Bryant admired him was one of the most eye-opening moments of his life originally appeared on Basketball Network. There was never a handshake during the battle. Never a wink, never a pat on the back. It was a straight war between Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant, two avatars of a basketball era driven by ego, edge and expression. They stood on opposite poles of style and temperament: Iverson, the rebellious genius from the streets of Hampton, Va., who turned swagger, braids and baggy shorts into symbols of NBA authenticity; Bryant, the meticulous assassin from Lower Merion, Pa., who patterned his approach on Michael Jordan's cold-blooded precision. Appreciation from Kobe On the court, it felt personal with every jab step, every bucket, every stare. And for Iverson, that intensity lingered long after the buzzer. "After I retired, I thought he didn't like me because of how he was on the basketball court," Iverson said. "We would speak before the game and after the game whatever. But during the game, it was like, 'Damn, this dude got a problem with me.'" Iverson wasn't being paranoid. That was just Bryant — clinical, focused and unforgiving. But under that glare was something else, respect. A deep, almost obsessive admiration. It just took years for Iverson to find out. They both famously met in the 2001 NBA Finals with Iverson leading the Philadelphia 76ers to battle against the Los Angeles Lakers. He dropped 48 points in Game 1 and notoriously stepped over Tyronn Lue. The Sixers' lone win in that series came at the expense of one of the most dominant duos in NBA history, Shaquille O'Neal and Bryant. The Lakers would go on to win the series in five, but for a moment, Iverson had the stage and he made it unforgettable. Bryant, only 22 at the time, was already known for studying the greats. He would rewatch games in the middle of the night, dissect old footage and chase greatness with the relentlessness of a man on borrowed time. But Iverson, unlike Jordan or Magic Johnson, was Bryant's peer. He wasn't a finished product to admire from afar, he was a real-time rival. That made the admiration complex and respect Iverson never heard Bryant say he respected him. So when the game was done and the lights dimmed, he assumed the silence was intentional. It made sense. In their 14 matchups, Bryant often played Iverson harder than anyone. He bodied him. Shadowed him and took it personally. And in that space, respect looked like resistance. But the truth unraveled slowly, years later, in the wake of tragedy. The Laker icon passed away in January 2020 and the basketball world mourned in disbelief. Among the many players who paid tribute, Iverson's pain stood out. That was when the stories started to come in, from Bryant's inner circle who saw what the public never did. "But hearing the stories, the people that loved him, the people in his family tell me stories about how he admired me and how he talked about how much I pushed him," Iverson said. It wasn't a moment, but a collage of them. Bryant admired Iverson's fearlessness in going at the trees in the paint; he pushed himself in practice, because he didn't want to be outdone by the Sixers icon. That admiration had always been there, it just came wrapped in silence, masked by the mentality he had. For Iverson, hearing those things brought clarity. The cold game face, the refusal to dap up mid-game, the fiery trash talk, it wasn't hate. It was reverence, Bryant-style. Their bond makes perfect sense. Both are undersized for their positions and accused of being too selfish, too stubborn, too much of something. Both vilified and adored in equal measure. And both, in very different ways, changed the story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets summer league grades: Tyrese Samuel drops 19 in loss to 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets (1-4) went into Friday's Las Vegas Summer League against the Philadelphia 76ers (3-2) looking to come away from the event with more than one win to hang their hat on. Brooklyn came into the contest with some players dealing with injuries so the team decided to get extended looks at other players, but it did not lead to the result they wanted. The Nets lost to the 76ers 87-83 despite getting a great game out of center Tyrese Samuel, who finished the contest with 19 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 8-of-10 from the field. Samuel wasn't the only one who showed up to play as guard Quincy Olivari had 18 points and two rebounds prior to his injury and forward Grant Nelson had 11 points and four rebounds. Brooklyn had control of the game in the first quarter, but once Mark Armstrong (23 points) and Judah Mintz (20) got going for the 76ers, the Nets did not have a way to keep up until the end when they finally started making some shots against Philadelphia's zone. With that being said, here are the Nets player grades following Friday's loss to the 76ers: Caleb Daniels: C+ Daniels drew another start with the rookies not playing in this one, but he wasn't able to recreate the magic he had earlier in the summer league. Daniels had some good looks over the course of the game, but he wasn't able to find the touch necessary to finish plays. To his credit, Daniels did a great job of rebounding the basketball and he showed some skill as a secondary playmaker within the offense. Quincy Olivari: B- Olivari did not shoot the ball well in this one as he couldn't find his touch from the outside, but that didn't stop him from making an impact on the offensive end. Olivari remained aggressive with the ball in his hands and as a result, he was able to generate some free-throws and score some points that way. Despite showing some of his passing chops in previous games, Olivari turned the ball over entirely too much against Philadelphia. Tosan Evbuomwan: C- From the beginning of this game, it was clear that Evbuomwan did not have his usual touch on the offensive end as he was missing some shots that he makes in his sleep. Evbuomwan, who can usually get himself going driving to the rim and getting two feet in the paint, just wasn't able to finish against the 76ers' defense. Evbuomwan did a good job of making plays for his teammates and he was a solid presence on the glass as well. Tyrese Samuel: A+ Samuel was the star of this game for the Nets as he seemingly couldn't miss when the ball got to him as he was making shots from inside the paint and from the perimeter as well. Samuel did not play much in the first few games of the summer league for Brooklyn, but he has been making his minutes count over the past two contests. Samuel was a rebounding machine and he had some nice moments creating for his teammates. Grant Nelson: B Nelson had a solid game at center for the Nets as he showed his ability to make an impact on the offensive end on the inside and on the perimeter. Nelson hasn't been too aggressive on the offensive end over the course of the summer league, but this was probably his most complete game. While Nelson did a good job of rebounding the ball, he also fouled too much on the defensive end. Dre Davis: C- Davis saw some extra minutes in this one with all of the players that were out for various reasons and he showed the good and bad parts of his game. Davis could not get anything going on the offensive end in terms of his shooting, especially from three-point land. Davis did a great job of hustling to get back on defense to block some shots, but that tenacity also came with some extra fouls as well. TJ Bamba: B Bamba didn't have his best game shooting the ball, but it was encouraging to see him continue to be aggressive on the offensive end despite his shooting struggles. Bamba has always shown his willingness to give more effort than the average player and that led to him getting some rebounds and steals thanks to his timing and instincts. Bamba is a solid defender in most matchups thanks to his unique blend of size and athleticism.
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Could it Happen? Best Trade Destinations for LeBron James From Lakers
It has been bandied about all offseason, and there's still not a definitive answer to the No. 1 question in the NBA: will LeBron James ask for a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers? James, who has a no-trade clause, opted into his $52.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season with the Lakers in June. Then, James' agent, Rich Paul, released an ominous statement, saying that James "values a realistic chance of winning it all" and understands the Lakers' challenge in "preparing for the future," which has sparked the notion that a trade is at least possible. It appears likely that if next season isn't James' last in the NBA, then 2026-27 will be the last dance for the future Hall of Famer. Making a trade for a 40-year-old — granted, James remains one of the top-25 players in the sport — on an expiring contract who has final say on any trade is complex. But coming off a 22nd season that saw James average 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game, suffice to say there's still plenty left in the tank. Here are the three best trade destinations for James, should he and the Lakers seek to move on from each other. 3. Philadelphia 76ers James and the 76ers could be a match for a variety of reasons. For starters, Philadelphia is better than its 24-58 record last season, as the prolonged absences of Joel Embiid and Paul George played an enormous role in that outcome. As a result of their nightmare 2024-25, the 76ers got the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — assisted by a bump in the NBA Draft Lottery — and selected Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe. They also have 2024 first-rounder Jared McCain returning from a knee injury and could still re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who broke out to average a career-high 21.9 points per game in 28 contests after the 76ers acquired him in February. Put James with star guard Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia's compelling young core, and the 76ers should be at least a top-eight seed in an Eastern Conference reeling in injuries (e.g. the Indiana Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton and the Boston Celtics with Jayson Tatum). Plus, if Embiid can return at some point during the season, Philadelphia then has a three-headed scoring monster in Embiid, Maxey and James and is a legitimate threat in the East. This is a franchise built to contend right now. Of course, that potential being realized is heavily reliant on health. Philadelphia could base a trade package for James around George and a future unprotected first-round pick (2030). The Lakers get an immediate replacement for James in George and future draft capital for their troubles, while the 76ers shed future payroll and embark on a compelling, short-term experiment. And Philadelphia certainly qualifies as a big market, likely to James' desire. All that said, holding out hope for both Embiid being close to 100% for the postseason and Philadelphia's young nucleus making a drastic jump would involve James taking a major leap of faith. 2. Miami Heat "Alright, wanna get nuts? C'mon … let's get nuts!" James returned to Cleveland. Why can't he return to Miami, too? Clearly, the Heat have no interest in rebuilding, exemplified by them holding Tyler Herro and Bam Abebayo near and dear to their heart… despite trading Jimmy Butler at last season's trade deadline and then being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs in a series where they lost by 30.5 points per contest. This would be a fun reunion. With Norman Powell now in the fold, Miami has a pair of ball-handlers who can score both off the dribble and from distance in Herro and the aforementioned Powell. Accompanied by the versatile Adebayo and burgeoning young players like Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic, James would be a veteran enhancement for a team looking to retool, rather than rebuild. Back in the place where he won his first two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, James' return would boost Miami's attendance and perhaps help James get back in better graces with parts of the fan base that are still scarred from his 2014 departure. On the court, James and the Heat would attempt to make a one-year push for the NBA Finals in a slumping Eastern Conference. Miami could offer Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier and a future unprotected first-rounder to Los Angeles for James and Shake Milton, giving the latter two immediate rotation pieces who could be deployed in a variety of ways. Worst-case scenario: Wiggins doesn't fit into head coach JJ Redick's rotation, and the Lakers try to move him for a future first-round pick down the road. What likely stops this reunion from coming to fruition is James potentially feeling that the Heat aren't a LeBron James away from contending, if you will, even in a lesser Eastern Conference, and that a new home has to be a place built to win in the immediate future. 1. San Antonio Spurs One could argue that the Spurs don't need to trade for James, just like how they didn't have to trade for Kevin Durant. When coming up with the best combination of basketball fit, what it would take to acquire James and matching timelines, though, the Spurs are the cleanest trade destination for the 21-time All-NBA honoree. The idea that a team could go from the 13th seed in the Western Conference to playing in the conference finals sounds absurd, but it's a possibility for the Spurs and even more of a possibility if James is in the mix. Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, who San Antonio acquired at last season's NBA trade deadline, only played five games together before injuries got in the way. In-between Wembanyama and Fox is second-year guard and the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Stephon Castle — who flashed as a promising scorer in his rookie season — fellow guard Dylan Harper (the No. 2 pick in this year's NBA Draft), the scrappy Jeremy Sochan, the budding Julian Champagnie and proven and stable wings in Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. San Antonio's rotation is a combination of players who are entering their prime or just getting started and can both score off the dribble and shoot with efficiency. What it doesn't have is a veteran star complement, which is where James comes into the equation. The Spurs wouldn't be asking James to play hero ball or possibly even be their No. 2 scorer. He can be an attacking scorer who plays off the ball more and provides Wembanyama and Fox with a priceless mentor. San Antonio could offer Los Angeles Vassell, Harrison Barnes and its 2028 first-rounder for James and Milton, giving the Lakers two immediate rotation players, if not at least one starter. Plus, in this trade, the Spurs wouldn't surrender a haul for a one-to-two-year rental in James while still having a plethora of first-rounders at their disposal. The 40-year-old James' arrival in San Antonio would be similar to Tom Brady's 2020 arrival in Tampa Bay at 42 years old, as the now-FOX Sports NFL Analyst instantly provided both veteran and star power to a talented Buccaneers team that needed a boost. Of course, Brady didn't provide a mere boost, rather, a shove, helping Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV in his first season with the franchise. Plus, James can be around legendary head coach Gregg Popovich, who became the franchise's full-time President of Basketball Operations in May with interim Mitch Johnson becoming the full-time coach. If the Spurs get to the precipice of the NBA Finals, maybe James would stick around for another year? Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
