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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Denver Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic sparks tears of joy after marvelous horse racing triumph
Nikola Jokic. Image via: Getty Images Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic already has a profound passion for horse racing. Basketball is not the only goal of his life. When it comes to taking part in horse-racing competitions, he doesn't step back. On Sunday, the Nuggets star was seen getting emotional at the sight of one of his horses' wins. Nikola Jokic's passion-driven reaction to his horse's victory showcased his unwavering love for his horses as well as the sport. He not only has a successful NBA career, but also has a thriving passion for horse racing. The competition took place in Subotica, Serbia, and the potential basketball star was spotted celebrating after a triumphant victory. On their way to the finishing line, he jumped over the gate to meet his horse and the driver. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic's horse racing triumph brought him to tears After a tough time at the 2025 NBA Finals, Nikola Jokić was excited to spend his time in his home country, Serbia. He couldn't keep his calm for all the upcoming horse racing games that were yet to happen. It seemed like this was the only game that amazed him. Earlier on Sunday, the 6-foot-11 star was seen celebrating this victory. He jumped over the gate, lifted his driver, and sprayed champagne all over the group, including his horse, and later on himself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo This indeed was something to celebrate, and given that it was Nikola Jokic, a celebration was a must and true to form. Nikola Jokic had his profound passion for horse racing at a very young age Nikola Jokic is a tremendously talented basketball player who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets. His passion for horse racing is well-known, and his recent emotional reaction to one of his horses winning the race was evident from the short clips. His love for horse racing rivals his unwavering passion for basketball. He holds a special place in his heart when it comes to horse racing. At the age of 12, his parents took him to race day in his hometown, which made him fall in love with horses and the game instantly. Nikola Jokic's achievements in the NBA Nicknamed 'The Joker', Nikola Jokic has been playing with the Denver Nuggets since 2015. He has even won the MVP title three times. He won the NBA All-Star title 7 times and the All-NBA First Team title 5 times. In 2015, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds in five Summer League Games for the team after being drafted by the Nuggets. Also read: Is Joel Embiid's time with the Philadelphia 76ers running out? Analyst sounds alarm over recurring injuries FAQs What is the nickname given to the Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic? Nikola Jokic is nicknamed 'The Joker'. How many times did Nikola Jokic win the MVP title? Nikola Jokic won the MVP title three times. Who are Nikola Jokic's siblings? Nikola Jokic's siblings are Nemanja Jokic and Strahinja Jokic. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Miami Herald
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Young Thunder Champ Sheds Light on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Leadership Style
Oklahoma City Thunder All-NBA First Team point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a banner year in 2024-25, earning his first MVP award while leading his team to a 68-14 record and its first post-Seattle SuperSonics championship. In a fresh conversation with Sportskeeda's Mark Medina, young shooting guard Ajay Mitchell spoke about learning from Gilgeous-Alexander and some of Oklahoma City's other great vets during his eventful 2024-25 season, which ended in a title. Mitchell was occasionally trotted out in spot playoff minutes during the postseason, although the former No. 38 pick in the 2024 draft wasn't a night-in, night-out contender. Mitchell reflected on Gilgeous-Alexander's preferred leadership style. "I think the way he leads [is] by the way he acts. Seeing him in the gym after practice and before practice, and the way he takes care of his body," Mitchell said. "It's just the way he's consistent throughout everything. For young players like us, it's really important to have leaders like that and see how they go about the game. It really helped me just learn from him, not only just asking questions. But looking at what he does and looking at the way he acts really helps." Mitchell, who has plenty of defensive upside, spoke glowingly about what he's been able to glean from All-Defensive Team Thunder wings Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso. "They're great defenders. They're the best defenders in the league," Mitchell raved. "Seeing how they go about the game, for me it was the way they watched film. I think it was kind of different than in college. There, we just watch film. But they were really pointing on the guys they were going to guard. It's the way the game is so slow for them on defense, the way they can make reads and be playmakers on defense, I think that's a big part of it. It's not just about guarding your guys, but being able to make defensive plays. They can read players and get steals. The way they go about defense is amazing. There is a lot to learn from." Related: NBA 2K Makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Announcement Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Could Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo Team Up With $215,159,700 Atlanta Hawks to Improve Title Odds?
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via USA Today) In a bold trade proposal that has the potential to shake up the NBA landscape, the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to a blockbuster deal that would land them two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks . The trade idea, first floated by Connor Thoms of Bleacher Report, suggests Atlanta could be an unexpected suitor for the Greek Freak, especially in a rapidly changing Eastern Conference. Proposed Trade Breakdown Here's how the trade would look according to Thoms' hypothetical scenario: Atlanta Hawks Receive Milwaukee Bucks Receive Giannis Antetokounmpo Jalen Johnson Zaccharie Risacher Kobe Bufkin Four first-round picks One pick swap This package gives Milwaukee a mix of promising young players and future draft capital, while Atlanta forms a formidable 'Big 3' with Antetokounmpo joining All-Stars Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. Eastern Conference Shake-Up Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) If executed, this deal would dramatically alter the balance of power in the East. With Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Boston's Jayson Tatum both expected to miss the upcoming season due to injuries, the door is open for a new contender to rise. Pairing Giannis with Trae and Porzingis offers Atlanta a lethal combination of speed, size, and shot-making that could push them deep into the playoffs. Antetokounmpo's Uncertain Future According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly 'open-minded' about leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready for a Glow-Up? [Get Your Reading Now] Undo Glow-Up Packages from $15 [Sign Up] Undo Affect Your Future Now! (Book Today) Undo That openness comes after the Bucks' disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who dispatched them in five games. Ashish Mathur, who reported on the trade idea for NBA Analysis Network, emphasized the weight of such a move: 'It will be intriguing to see if Antetokounmpo stays with Milwaukee or requests a trade.' Giannis has been loyal to Milwaukee since being selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Over his 12 seasons with the Bucks, he's helped transform the franchise into a perennial playoff team and led them to an NBA title in 2021. Bucks' Recent Moves Signal Change Since their playoff exit, the Bucks have been active in retooling their roster: - Waived and stretched Damian Lillard - Signed Myles Turner and Gary Harris - Re-signed Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Jericho Sims Despite these moves, Milwaukee doesn't currently look like a true title contender, prompting growing speculation that a Giannis trade may become a reality. Giannis Antetokounmpo by the Numbers The Greek Freak remains one of the league's most dominant forces. Last season, he earned All-NBA First Team honors while posting monster stats: Stat Category 2024-2025 Season Average Points 30.4 Rebounds 11.9 Assists 6.5 Steals 0.9 Blocks 1.2 He's also locked into a lucrative three-year, $175 million extension signed in 2023, with a salary of $54.1 million for the upcoming season. A Hall of Fame Trajectory Already etched in NBA history, Antetokounmpo's resume includes: - 2× MVP - 1× NBA Finals MVP - 1× Defensive Player of the Year - 9× All-Star - 2021 NBA Champion With career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, Giannis is all but guaranteed to be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While this trade remains hypothetical, it underlines a major question heading into the 2025-26 season: will Giannis remain loyal to Milwaukee, or is it finally time for a new chapter? Also read: NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Sign Marcus Smart with a $11 Million Deal; High-Stakes Move for Defensive Reinforcement With Atlanta positioning itself as a bold contender and the Bucks seemingly at a crossroads, the NBA world will be watching closely. Would Giannis actually leave the only NBA home he's ever known to chase another ring in Atlanta? Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 1 of the top 100 NBA players ever? Not to Bleacher Report
After one of the greatest individual seasons ever, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has surely asserted himself as one of the basketball greats. It took conventional wisdom a while to catch up to how absurdly great the 27-year-old is, but an MVP award, NBA Finals MVP trophy, scoring title and championship ring are enough of a stacked trophy case for most. Well, not to Bleacher Report. The outlet's NBA staff published the top 100 NBA players of all time. Considering it's mid-July, right now is the perfect time to reflect on the league's rich history and vote for who is among the greatest that have tied up their sneakers on the hardwood. Despite three straight 30-plus point campaigns and three All-NBA First Team honors, Gilgeous-Alexander was not listed among the best 100 players ever. Instead, other active players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Paul George were listed ahead — even with lesser resumes. So, this is clearly an oversight. Perhaps Bleacher Report's staff conducted the poll while the NBA playoffs were still happening. A project like this requires weeks. Still, a championship shouldn't be the deciding factor for a layup entry like Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander has had an abnormal path to superstardom. He went from afterthought of the 2019 George to LA Clippers blockbuster to a Gen Z Michael Jordan in just three seasons, but that should've been enough time for their writers to understand just how historically special he is. The average fan might've learned how dominant Gilgeous-Alexander was this past season. The Thunder had one of the greatest seasons ever and were constantly on national television. But two straight top-five MVP finishes, including runner-up last year, clearly showed where his trajectory was going as he entered his prime. Shame on Bleacher Report for the mishap. They should know better.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rod Thorn gave high praise to young LeBron: "There has never been a 21-year-old player as good as LeBron James. He is the best ever"
Rod Thorn gave high praise to young LeBron: "There has never been a 21-year-old player as good as LeBron James. He is the best ever" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Before LeBron James' 22nd birthday, Rod Thorn could already see greatness written all over him. The long-time NBA front office executive who famously drafted Michael Jordan had watched plenty of stars emerge. However, he believed James was on an entirely different track, someone who could dominate the league for a long time. Advertisement "There has never been a 21-year-old player as good as LeBron James. He is the best ever," Thorn said of James in an interview with David Friedman. "I mean, his all-around game, his great quickness, his explosiveness off the dribble, his understanding of the game, his sight of the floor—there has never been a 21-year-old like him." "He has a chance to be one of the all-time great players before his career is finished," added Thorn. Thorn stopped short of predicting if LBJ could eventually surpass MJ, but he got his message across: The kid from Akron was a totally different beast. LeBron's Year 3 was special At 21, James was already a grizzled veteran. He had three years under his belt and had just carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first playoff series victory since 1993! In comparison, at the same age, Jordan was still preparing to leave North Carolina for the NBA through the draft. Advertisement With this in mind, it's easy to see why Thorn spoke so highly of him. The King averaged 31.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the regular season as he led the Cavs to the fourth seed (50-32). He already finished second in MVP voting behind Steve Nash and earned All-NBA First Team honors alongside Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O'Neal. If Bron's regular season was insane by any metric, his postseason performances were not too far behind. James averaged 31 points, eight boards and six dimes across two series and had two triple-doubles in 13 outings. In fact, he managed to pull off this feat in his first playoff game, recording 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while playing the entire 48 minutes. The poise and production James showed in that postseason only strengthened the belief that he was something the league hadn't seen before. He took the defending Eastern Conference champions, the Detroit Pistons, to seven games and nearly willed the Cavs to an upset. No one needed to squint to see what was coming. And to Thorn's credit, he already saw it in full view. Advertisement Related: Rick Fox explains why Kobe never hung out with other teammates: "He was on a course and any minute or day wasted doing something else was going to slow him down getting to that point" MJ and Kobe comparisons Even then, the media has done its best to compare LeBron with the greats of the past, especially Jordan. Thorn was among the few who saw MJ's development as a rookie sensation, so nobody was as qualified to give an opinion. "It's too early to say that (LeBron is going to be better than MJ), but I think that as far as all-around ability and athletic ability, plus size — see, he has size that even Julius (Erving), Michael and Kobe don't have. He's a bigger guy. You're talking about a 6'8", 250-pound guy," stated Thorn. Advertisement Of course, Rod considered Jordan the best of all time and recognized Bryant as the closest to MJ in terms of play style. Still, what he saw from LeBron in 2006 convinced him that he was going to be an all-time great when all is said and done. Fast-forward 19 years, and Thorn's early praise holds up. LeBron has played more seasons than Jordan and Bryant, made more All-NBA teams than anyone in history, and sits atop the league's all-time scoring list. He's won championships in three different cities, remained a top-tier player well into his late 30s and has outlasted most of his peers by nearly a decade. Whether you have him at the top of the list or not, there's no denying LBJ's greatness anymore. The only thing Thorn missed was how long James would keep going. Related: "Michael Jordan absolutely couldn't have played through those cramps" - When Isiah Thomas defended LeBron for sitting out in the 2014 NBA Finals This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
