Latest news with #All-DefensiveFirstTeam
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Sooner than later': ESPN's Tim Legler sees likely superstar in Houston's Amen Thompson
'He's going to be a superstar in this league, I believe it,' ESPN's Tim Legler says of rising Rockets star Amen Thompson. 'And he's going to get there sooner than later.' Earlier this spring, the Houston Rockets didn't win the decisive Game 7 of their best-of-seven, first-round playoff series versus the Golden State Warriors. But for a relatively young team featuring numerous high draft picks from recent years, the Rockets did learn a lot about what they're made of. Specifically, as ESPN analyst Tim Legler pointed out on the ALL NBA Podcast, they learned quite a bit about rising star Amen Thompson. Legler's observations: I have such an indelible memory of the end of the year, that Game 7 against Golden State. The fact that Amen Thompson was more comfortable than any player on the floor, practically, outside of (Steph) Curry and (Jimmy) Butler, said a lot to me. He did everything in that game, with all that pressure. He's going to be a superstar in this league, I believe it. And he's going to get there sooner than later. To Legler's point, Thompson was magnificent in Game 7. In 37 minutes, the 22-year-old finished with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting (56.3%) while also grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. After a relatively slow start to the playoffs, perhaps due to some jitters in his first career appearance, Thompson was a force over the final four games — averaging 20.0 points (54.7% FG), 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks. The versatile 6-foot-7 guard/forward was also dynamic on defense, as shown in the NBA All-Defensive First Team honor that Thompson received after the season. While much of the offseason talk in Houston has surrounded the arrival of Kevin Durant, it's worth emphasizing that he's not the only star player on the 2025-26 Rockets. Big man Alperen Sengun was an All-Star last season, and it's very possible that Thompson could be joining that tier in the near future. Best of all, both are 23 or younger, which gives them ample room to continue getting better over the months and years ahead. More: As sophomore on NBA's All-Defensive First Team, Amen Thompson is in elite company
USA Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NBA star makes bold claim about Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green
Draymond Green is a four-time NBA champion. He's also a former Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time All-Defensive First Team selection, a four-time All-Defensive Second Team selection and a four-time All-Star. The Golden State Warriors forward is a future Hall of Famer and a generational defensive talent who was an integral part of the franchise's dynasty. However, in a recent episode of the "Gils Arena" podcast, former NBA star Kenyon Martin made a bold claim. The 47-year-old former forward declared that he can name "more than 200 players" who were/are more talented than Green. "Let's not act like Draymond was LaMarcus Aldridge," Martin said. "...I can list 200 people that are better at basketball than Draymond Green right aside, we're talking about going out and playing basketball." Despite his bold claim, Martin did not provide a list of people he believes are more talented players than Green. It's also worth noting that the rest of the podcasting panelists were in vocal disagreement with his claim. Nevertheless, Martin is clearly not a fan of arguably one of the most skilled and versatile defenders the NBA has seen. Regardless of Martin's comments, Green will once again anchor the Warriors' defense when he suits up for his 14th season with the franchise, in pursuit of a fifth championship ring. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indiana Fever assistant led Caitlin Clark through uncharted injury waters
Caitlin Clark's second WNBA season with the Indiana Fever has gotten off to a frustrating start due to separate injury stints that have sidelined the star guard for a combined 10 games. Prior to the left quadriceps and left groin injuries that sidelined Clark this season, Clark had played in 185 straight games across college and the start of her WNBA career. Given her run of good health and relative unfamiliarity navigating back from inury, Clark has needed someone to lean on. Fever assistant coach Briann January has been key in that regard. January, who had several injuries plague her throughout her phenomenal 15-year career that included stops in Indiana (2009-17), Phoenix (2018-19), Connecticut (2020-21), and Seattle (2022). January tore her ACL in June 2011, forcing her to miss most of the Fever season. She then tore her right meniscus during Game 5 of the 2015 WNBA Finals, and she played through the injury and had surgery following the season. January suffered a torn meniscus again in the same knee in 2017, missing the final weeks of the Fever's season. On top of all this, she also dealt with minor foot injuries throughout the 2019 season with the Phoenix Mercury. With a laundry list of injuries from her playing career, January was still able to collect several accolades, including being a 2015 WNBA champion with the Fever, a 2014 WNBA All-Star selection, a five-time WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection, and a two-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. With Clark still in the early stages of what will eventually be a legendary WNBA career, there is nobody better to guide her through the difficulties of recovery than January. 'Coach Bri, she's been through injuries herself, and she's always kind of just been there,' Clark said before Indiana's game against Golden State on Wednesday. 'Even if I'm in the weight room extra after practice, like she'll come in there and and talk to me and just help me work through the extra lifting that I have to do, because she's experienced those type of things as a player, and she kind of knows how it goes, and knows that those days can get long. So I really appreciate her.' Being an injured athlete, regardless of the severity, can evoke a range of emotions, from frustration over what caused the injury to feeling left out while attending team activities. For Clark, January has provided a calming influence as the second-year WNBA phenom deals with the emotions of her recovery and snapping a six-year streak of never missing a game due to injury, which dates back to her high school years. "It's been challenging mentally, just, you know, staying in it," Clark said Tuesday. "You're way more busy when you're hurt than (when you're playing). You're coming in and all you do is, you know, scout, film and come out here and walk through things. I've been here for hours and hours on hours trying to get my body right and do everything I can to put myself in a position to be available the rest of the year.' Regarding January, the former Fever icon and current assistant coach wants to make sure Clark takes her time in recovery, absorbs knowledge from the staff on both the sidelines and in coaching meetings, and observes the game from a different perspective. 'It's not just lace them up and hoop. Can't do that anymore, right?' January said. 'Like, the season is long, 44-game sprint. Taking care of your body is a real big priority. And I'm really proud of the way she's kind of been attacking this.' 'We [January and the 2015 Indiana coaching staff] were able to talk basketball and really dissect the game, and that helped me as a point guard come back. I came back from my ACL injury after being able to sit in those coaches meetings in 2012, and I played the best basketball I had up until that point. We won a championship. And so that sitting out really helped me. And so, just from my experience, trying to help Caitlin in that same regard, like talk through the game, help her see it in a different perspective.' As Clark and the Fever continue through the 2025 season, hopefully, the wisdom and guidance of January will allow the Hawkeyes legend to prosper in an already impressive career. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
FACT
03-07-2025
- Sport
- FACT
Tickets are now on sale for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025
The exciting event is taking place at Etihad Arena. Do you know your backboard from your brick? Well, get ready to dribble your way over to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025. We are buzzing with excitement as the teams have been unveiled. Returning for the fourth time to the capital, the event will take place on 2 and 4 October 2025, and will feature the New York Knicks competing against the Philadelphia 76ers. The New York Knicks currently boast a powerhouse lineup that includes two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, and 2022 NBA All-Defensive First Team honoree Mikal Bridges. Both Bridges and Brunson took to the court in Abu Dhabi with the USA Basketball Men's National Team ahead of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while Towns made his appearance at The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 representing the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Philadelphia 76ers are headlined by 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid, nine-time All-Star Paul George, and 2024 All-Star Tyrese Maxey. Embiid made his Abu Dhabi debut with the USA Basketball Men's National Team ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. So far, we know that the event will feature big names from the world of basketball, past and present. Taking place at Etihad Arena, the event will also feature fan experiences, including a custom Nike shoe studio and behind-the-scenes tours. Last year's event featured the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, drawing big names from the sports world, including Derek Fisher, Muggsy Bogues, and Shaquille O'Neal. Rapper 2 Chainz also made an appearance. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 is the brainchild of an incredible partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, and they've pulled out all the stops to make this event an absolute slam dunk. From jaw-dropping performances on the court to mind-blowing interactive experiences off the court, this collaborative effort is all about providing fans with the ultimate basketball experience of a lifetime. Tickets are now available via Ticket Master and are priced from AED 500 for general tickets to AED 21,995 for courtside seats. For those seeking a premium experience, special ticket packages—including VIP access, hospitality perks, and local hotel accommodations—will be available at GO: Visit for tickets and more information.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Golden State Warriors move fast in free agency and target Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for help
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors aren't wasting any time fixing what broke them last season. After a playoff exit that exposed their lack of wing depth and defense, they've locked onto two names—Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. One brings elite perimeter defense, the other sharpshooting and versatility. With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler still in win-now mode, the front office is pushing hard to reload before the window closes. Golden State Warriors target Herb Jones for his All-Defensive First Team impact and elite wing defense Herb Jones, who was named to the 2024 All-Defensive First Team, put up averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals over just 20 games with the New Orleans Pelicans before his season was cut short by knee surgery. Jones offers top-notch perimeter defense and athletic versatility qualities that were notably absent when Stephen Curry got injured in Game 1 against the Lakers during the Western Conference semifinals. The Pelicans might consider a trade due to their roster requirements and salary cap situation, but Golden State would probably have to include some young players, possibly even Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo Standing at six-foot-five, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a two-way guard who put up an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with a shooting percentage of 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc during his last season with Minnesota. Now an unrestricted free agent, he's attracting attention from teams like Detroit and Atlanta. His skills in perimeter defense and off-ball shooting fit seamlessly into the Warriors' game plan, providing Curry and Butler with essential spacing and depth in the guard position. There are reports indicating he might be able to secure a deal worth more than the mid-level exception — but Golden State has the financial flexibility and roster space to make it happen. Golden State ended the last regular season with a 48–34 record and exited in the second round, which pointed out their need for more size, athleticism, and perimeter defense. Despite bringing in Jimmy Butler and going on a 23–7 run to make the playoffs, injuries to Curry and depth issues caused problems down the line. The front office is now making a strong effort to address these weaknesses—especially on the wings, where they faced the most matchup challenges. Provides top-notch defense but needs resources and a trading partner ready to take on contracts. It's easier and faster—he's a free agent without restrictions. Golden State can make a solid mid-level offer. While Detroit and Atlanta are potential buyers, the Warriors stand out as an attractive destination for contenders. Also Read: James Harden declines player option and intends to sign $81.5M Los Angeles Clippers deal The way Golden State is reshaping their wings combines a fierce approach with sensible choices. Targeting Herb Jones might lock in a strong defense, assuming the trade isn't overly expensive, while bringing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker would provide quick shooting and adaptability on both offense and defense. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
