Latest news with #All-DefensiveTeam
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
LeBron James showers high praise on Alex Caruso, calling him Oklahoma City Thunder's defensive X-factor ahead of NBA Finals
Image viaWith the 2025 NBA Finals tipping off Thursday night at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, all eyes are locked on the clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, two teams hungry for their first championship. But while stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton dominate the headlines, LeBron James has singled out a different name as a potential game-changer. On the eve of the Finals, James delivered high praise for his former Lakers teammate, Alex Caruso, calling him the ultimate defensive Swiss Army knife, one that could tilt the series in OKC's favor. LeBron James highlights Alex Caruso's championship value During a Wednesday episode of the ' Mind the Game ' podcast, hosted alongside Steve Nash , LeBron James didn't mince words when breaking down Oklahoma City's playoff success. The four-time NBA champion took a moment to celebrate a player he believes embodies everything a championship team needs. 'Then they come off the bench with one of my favorite teammates of all time in Alex Caruso,' James said. When Nash chimed in with 'He's a DOG,' James quickly agreed and expanded on it. 'He's like the ultimate Swiss Army knife. We've seen him guard Giannis, the Joker, ANT, Julius Randle, Jamal Murray, all in this postseason,' James noted. 'You check the plus/minus after the game, and AC might have five points, three rebounds, two assists, and his plus/minus will be a god damn +17.' Alex Caruso , who joined the NBA as an undrafted rookie in 2016 and later won a title with James on the Lakers in 2020, has become a staple of OKC's defensive identity. That was clear in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, where LeBron broke down one of his favorite moments. Image via Nathaniel S. Butler/ Getty Images 'When I was watching the game yesterday,' James recalled, 'AC was guarding Anthony Edwards on the wing. Edwards got middle, something you try to prevent, but AC didn't stop. After the help defense rotated, he sprinted all the way to the corner to contest a three. That type of effort wins games.' Alex Caruso's elite defense and playoff hustle fuel Oklahoma City Thunder's Finals push The 31-year-old guard has carved his career out of hustle plays, anticipation, and grit. In 2024–25, he averaged 7.1 points over 54 games and earned his second consecutive All-Defensive Team honor. His playoff numbers, 8.8 points, 2.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, might not leap off the page, but it's the impact behind those stats that matters. In a previous interview on The Old Man & the Three, Caruso credited LeBron and Rajon Rondo for shaping his defensive instincts. 'They're just so smart,' Caruso said. 'Watching them operate was like chess, they were two moves ahead.' As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepares to host Game 1, head coach Mark Daigneault will lean on Caruso to shadow top Pacers like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam . According to LeBron, that's where the series could shift. 'With that kind of effort,' James said on the podcast, 'they're going to keep winning.' Also Read: 'I just played, that was my training': LeBron James reveals shocking truth about his early basketball days and how streetball forged his NBA legacy When LeBron James breaks down your hustle frame by frame on a podcast, calls you the 'ultimate Swiss Army knife,' and once coached you on the floor, you know you're doing something right. Alex Caruso may not light up the scoreboard. Still, with defensive IQ, relentless effort, and deep postseason experience, he could be the heartbeat of the Thunder's championship push. As the Finals tip off Thursday night in Oklahoma City, Caruso's presence might just be the X-factor that keeps OKC marching toward history.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves have another level to offer in fantasy and reality next NBA season?
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze the standout players primed for growth and a major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value ahead of the 2025-26 season. Up next, the Minnesota Timberwolves ... Making consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals is an accomplishment, not a disappointment. The Wolves were one of the best teams during the final quarter of the NBA regular season and won a couple of rounds in decisive fashion. The unexpected run ended on Wednesday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed the gentlemen's sweep over Minnesota, closing them out in a 124-94 blowout in OKC. That's no knock on the Wolves, as they inevitably had to face off against the NBA's best who were an unstoppable force on both ends all season long. Still, there's a lot to like about the Timberwolves moving forward. I'm not engaging in the exhaustive debate on whether he should or shouldn't be the face of the league. What I do know is that Ant-Man has taken major strides year-over-year and is quickly establishing himself as a star in real life and fantasy. He led the league in 3s made and put up career-highs in points and shooting efficiency (59.5 TS%). He sported a 30-plus percent usage rate again, only adding to his versatility as a secondary playmaker. The high turnover rate is baked into his floor price, and its worth noting that he received a few votes for the NBA's All-Defensive Team. I have Edwards as a top-15 option in most points and 9-category formats when factoring his durability —playing 79 games in three consecutive seasons and never less than 72 games per year in his career. Edwards' offensive growth, highlighted by improvements in assist rate and shot selection, signals continued upside in both scoring and secondary stat contributions. McDaniels was a hidden gem in fantasy this season, returning a seventh-round value after going undrafted in 68% of Yahoo leagues. Since he's not a volume scorer who carries a sub-20% usage rate, his skillset caters more to category over points leagues. That aside, his postseason play showed he can turn up offensively when given the chance. Jaden McDaniels this season➡️playoffs:12.2 ➡️ 15.4 PPG5.7 ➡️ 6.1 RPG1.3 ➡️ 1.4 SPG47.7 ➡️ 55.4 FG%Stepping up. — StatMuse (@statmuse) May 20, 2025 McDaniels doesn't hurt you anywhere — he's efficient, gets stocks and has a low turnover rate. He's a core member of the Wolves' future and any bump in production would have him replicating a top-80 type of season. I'm in on him being an option in the seventh round. Then there's Julius Randle — the wildcard. With a $30.9 million player option looming, his decision to stay or test the waters will be another situation to monitor this offseason. The Thunder managed to revert Randle back to Playoff Julius of the Knicks in this series, holding him to two of his worst scoring performances of his postseason career. Those down moments shouldn't minimize his overall impact in the postseason, though. He was arguably the Wolves' most consistent player prior to the OKC series. Julius Randle appreciation post — Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 9, 2025 When it comes to fantasy, however, he vastly underperformed, finishing six rounds lower than his average draft position (ADP) of 62. The production dropoff is understandable given the change in role and environment, but fantasy managers missed on a guy who typically has 20-10-5 upside. The usage rate remains strong, so a bounce back is more likely than not if he stays in the Twin Cities. I'm more inclined to draft Randle around the sixth round in points leagues. Category formats? I'd avoid paying that cost. It's a pivotal offseason for Minnesota, especially following another Western Conference finals exit, where it's clear that tweaks are necessary to become a champion. The rotation could undergo some significant changes with Naz Reid's imminent extension, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's impending free agency and, of course, Randle's player option. Still, the Timberwolves had four players inside the top 100, proving they're a solid place to glean fantasy value.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves have another level to offer in fantasy and reality next NBA season?
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze the standout players primed for growth and a major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value ahead of the 2025-26 season. Up next, the Minnesota Timberwolves ... Making consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals is an accomplishment, not a disappointment. The Wolves were one of the best teams during the final quarter of the NBA regular season and won a couple of rounds in decisive fashion. The unexpected run ended on Wednesday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed the gentlemen's sweep over Minnesota, closing them out in a 124-94 blowout in OKC. That's no knock on the Wolves, as they inevitably had to face off against the NBA's best who were an unstoppable force on both ends all season long. Still, there's a lot to like about the Timberwolves moving forward. I'm not engaging in the exhaustive debate on whether he should or shouldn't be the face of the league. What I do know is that Ant-Man has taken major strides year-over-year and is quickly establishing himself as a star in real life and fantasy. He led the league in 3s made and put up career-highs in points and shooting efficiency (59.5 TS%). He sported a 30-plus percent usage rate again, only adding to his versatility as a secondary playmaker. The high turnover rate is baked into his floor price, and its worth noting that he received a few votes for the NBA's All-Defensive Team. I have Edwards as a top-15 option in most points and 9-category formats when factoring his durability —playing 79 games in three consecutive seasons and never less than 72 games per year in his career. Edwards' offensive growth, highlighted by improvements in assist rate and shot selection, signals continued upside in both scoring and secondary stat contributions. McDaniels was a hidden gem in fantasy this season, returning a seventh-round value after going undrafted in 68% of Yahoo leagues. Since he's not a volume scorer who carries a sub-20% usage rate, his skillset caters more to category over points leagues. That aside, his postseason play showed he can turn up offensively when given the chance. Jaden McDaniels this season➡️playoffs:12.2 ➡️ 15.4 PPG5.7 ➡️ 6.1 RPG1.3 ➡️ 1.4 SPG47.7 ➡️ 55.4 FG%Stepping up. — StatMuse (@statmuse) May 20, 2025 McDaniels doesn't hurt you anywhere — he's efficient, gets stocks and has a low turnover rate. He's a core member of the Wolves' future and any bump in production would have him replicating a top-80 type of season. I'm in on him being an option in the seventh round. Then there's Julius Randle — the wildcard. With a $30.9 million player option looming, his decision to stay or test the waters will be another situation to monitor this offseason. The Thunder managed to revert Randle back to Playoff Julius of the Knicks in this series, holding him to two of his worst scoring performances of his postseason career. Those down moments shouldn't minimize his overall impact in the postseason, though. He was arguably the Wolves' most consistent player prior to the OKC series. Julius Randle appreciation post — Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 9, 2025 When it comes to fantasy, however, he vastly underperformed, finishing six rounds lower than his average draft position (ADP) of 62. The production dropoff is understandable given the change in role and environment, but fantasy managers missed on a guy who typically has 20-10-5 upside. The usage rate remains strong, so a bounce back is more likely than not if he stays in the Twin Cities. I'm more inclined to draft Randle around the sixth round in points leagues. Category formats? I'd avoid paying that cost. It's a pivotal offseason for Minnesota, especially following another Western Conference finals exit, where it's clear that tweaks are necessary to become a champion. The rotation could undergo some significant changes with Naz Reid's imminent extension, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's impending free agency and, of course, Randle's player option. Still, the Timberwolves had four players inside the top 100, proving they're a solid place to glean fantasy value.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves have another level to offer in fantasy and reality next NBA season?
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze the standout players primed for growth and a major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value ahead of the 2025-26 season. Up next, the Minnesota Timberwolves ... Making consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals is an accomplishment, not a disappointment. The Wolves were one of the best teams during the final quarter of the NBA regular season and won a couple of rounds in decisive fashion. The unexpected run ended on Wednesday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed the gentlemen's sweep over Minnesota, closing them out in a 124-94 blowout in OKC. That's no knock on the Wolves, as they inevitably had to face off against the NBA's best who were an unstoppable force on both ends all season long. Still, there's a lot to like about the Timberwolves moving forward. Anthony Edwards trending toward first-round status I'm not engaging in the exhaustive debate on whether he should or shouldn't be the face of the league. What I do know is that Ant-Man has taken major strides year-over-year and is quickly establishing himself as a star in real life and fantasy. Advertisement He led the league in 3s made and put up career-highs in points and shooting efficiency (59.5 TS%). He sported a 30-plus percent usage rate again, only adding to his versatility as a secondary playmaker. The high turnover rate is baked into his floor price, and its worth noting that he received a few votes for the NBA's All-Defensive Team. I have Edwards as a top-15 option in most points and 9-category formats when factoring his durability —playing 79 games in three consecutive seasons and never less than 72 games per year in his career. Edwards' offensive growth, highlighted by improvements in assist rate and shot selection, signals continued upside in both scoring and secondary stat contributions. Jaden McDaniels making a name for himself McDaniels was a hidden gem in fantasy this season, returning a seventh-round value after going undrafted in 68% of Yahoo leagues. Since he's not a volume scorer who carries a sub-20% usage rate, his skillset caters more to category over points leagues. That aside, his postseason play showed he can turn up offensively when given the chance. McDaniels doesn't hurt you anywhere — he's efficient, gets stocks and has a low turnover rate. He's a core member of the Wolves' future and any bump in production would have him replicating a top-80 type of season. I'm in on him being an option in the seventh round. Julius Randle: $30.9 million question mark Then there's Julius Randle — the wildcard. With a $30.9 million player option looming, his decision to stay or test the waters will be another situation to monitor this offseason. Advertisement The Thunder managed to revert Randle back to Playoff Julius of the Knicks in this series, holding him to two of his worst scoring performances of his postseason career. Those down moments shouldn't minimize his overall impact in the postseason, though. He was arguably the Wolves' most consistent player prior to the OKC series. When it comes to fantasy, however, he vastly underperformed, finishing six rounds lower than his average draft position (ADP) of 62. The production dropoff is understandable given the change in role and environment, but fantasy managers missed on a guy who typically has 20-10-5 upside. The usage rate remains strong, so a bounce back is more likely than not if he stays in the Twin Cities. I'm more inclined to draft Randle around the sixth round in points leagues. Category formats? I'd avoid paying that cost. Advertisement Wolves are ascending, but can they take next step? It's a pivotal offseason for Minnesota, especially following another Western Conference finals exit, where it's clear that tweaks are necessary to become a champion. The rotation could undergo some significant changes with Naz Reid's imminent extension, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's impending free agency, and, of course, Randle's player option. Still, the Timberwolves had four players inside the top 100, proving they're a solid place to glean fantasy value.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Was Brutally Honest With Steve Kerr on Warriors' Jimmy Butler Trade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Although six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler III has forced his way out of two of his most recent franchises in spectacularly acrimonious fashion, he remains a terrific two-way talent on the hardwood. The 35-year-old's midseason addition galvanized the Golden State Warriors, returning the club back into pseudo-title contention instantly while transforming its perimtere defense. More Golden State Warriors News: Warriors GM Seemingly Hints at Plan For Jonathan Kuminga's Future After adding Butler in a blockbuster midseason trade, the Warriors closed out their season on an elite 23-8 run (23-7 with Butler in the lineup), en route to a 48-34 record and the Western Conference's No. 7 seed. Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28,... Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. More Photo byNow armed with a new "Big Three" of Butler, 11-time All-Star and two-time MVP point guard Stephen Curry, plus four-time All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive Team power forward/center Draymond Green, the Warriors had reclaimed their confidence and competitive swagger. During a new conversation with The San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami in a recent episode of his podcast "The TK Show," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed that Butler's former coach, Erik Spoelstra, had glowing things to say about the man who led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in four years. My "TK Show" conversation with Steve Kerr -- on the Warriors season that was, Jimmy Butler, partnership with Steph Curry, Jonathan Kuminga and more. -Spotify: -Apple: — Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 21, 2025 "Erik Spoelstra told me immediately, 'He's going to be great for you.' And I know Spo really well from the last couple of summers and I trust him," Kerr said. Kerr and Spoesltra have both been on Team USA men's basketball program's coaching staff during the 2021 and '24 summer Olympic games. Kerr took over from Hall of Fame ex-San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich to serve as the U.S.'s head coach last summer. "I believed him and he was right. Within a couple of days of his arrival, Jimmy was so easy to speak with," Kerr said. "He reminded me of Andre [Iguodala] with the basketball intellect, but also the interest in the world perspective and the maturity. It was really fun to get to know Jimmy right away and to see the impact he had on our team and our locker room." In the postseason, Golden State made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies during a play-in tournament clash, and then proceeded to the playoffs proper. More Golden State Warriors News: Warriors' Draymond Green Wins Major NBA Honor Despite a size and athleticism advantage, the Warriors upset the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets in a seven-game first round slugfest. In a new episode of his podcast "The Draymond Green Show," Green asserted that he, Butler and Curry will all collaborate with Golden State's front office when it comes to roster construction. "You just got to have a conversation ... what can be seen from the stands or from some numbers — it ain't always what it seems," Green said. "We'll be in the weeds ... trying to make it all make sense. The goals will be the goals — trying to win a championship. I stand on that 100 percent." More Golden State Warriors News: Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Reveals Big Offseason Roster Goal Former Heat Star Calls Out Jimmy Butler After Warriors Playoff Exit Warriors Are Reportedly Already Preparing to Trade for Celtics Star Dwyane Wade Offers Blunt Reaction to Jimmy Butler's Playoff Run For more Golden State Warriors and general NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
