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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The NBA is already punting on the Eastern Conference
For most of the 21st century, the disparity between the NBA's Western and Eastern Conferences has been a chasm. The prevailing sentiment among hoops fans has been that the West's overall quality usually blows the East out of the water. Between the contrast in the number of All-NBA selections, the massive difference in the number of league champions this millennium (17 for the West, nine for the East), and the sheer amount of free agent superstars who seemingly waste no time running to states like California and Texas, it's hard to ignore this reality as a basketball lover. I just never thought the NBA itself would directly acknowledge the gulf between the West and East. Well, at least heavily imply it exists, you know? On Friday, the league revealed (news-dumped) its opening night and Christmas schedules. These are, as I'm sure all of you know, traditionally considered the two biggest evenings on the NBA regular season calendar. One tips off eight months of professional men's basketball after a much-needed summer break. The other is essentially a marquee league showcase for people who have been paying attention to the NFL and college football up until that point and are ready to start devoting their energy elsewhere. But when you look at the reported games, you'll notice there's a distinct lack of Eastern basketball flavor. Of the seven total opening night and Christmas games, only the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are carrying the East's torch. One game. Of 14 total slots, just two East teams. Woof. Essentially, the only two teams being featured are the two who might end up meeting in this year's Eastern Conference Finals. Otherwise, the NBA is temporarily giving up on selling the East to hardcore fans and casuals alike. By ignoring everyone else, the NBA is saying no other East team this season has the juice. At least, not yet. NBA WIN TOTALS: To be clear, I'm not surprised by this development. With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers operating without an injured Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, respectively, for the entire season, the East is extremely top-heavy. Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks aren't in flux, but they're also not very good. The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons could all be nice stories and great teams by the end of the year, but they're likely not going to attract a lot of eyeballs right now. There's not a lot to work with here. While the East was already weaker than the West on paper, it, by default, has even less intrigue than ever. By comparison, the West has, at minimum, three of the NBA's five best teams (the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokić's Denver Nuggets, and Kevin Durant's Houston Rockets). Luka Dončić plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the most popular sports team in the world. Potential all-time generational talent Victor Wembanyama is a San Antonio Spur. And, of course, there's still the electric Steph Curry in Golden State and the intrigue of Cooper Flagg in Dallas, among other hotspots. If you were a league trying to sell yourself to bog-standard sports fans, it's just good business to center this conference. But that's the thing. Most of us already knew the NBA's West generally provided better basketball than the East. You know, especially as it tries to get back on its feet. It's still pretty jarring to see the league, the people running the show, agree with us. Serbia has a golden European opportunity For those of you jonesing to see some of your favorite NBA players hoop it up again, may I humbly suggest this year's EuroBasket tournament? I mean, let's be honest, three of the league's four best players will be featured. It's no amateur showcase of young players. It's a serious affair with the vaunted title of European champion on the line. So, to put it lightly, I think it's worth our time. But not every nation participating in EuroBasket is created equal. With all due respect to squads like Iceland and Jeremy Sochan's Poland, they're probably going to have the chance to go home early and put their feet up. FIBA's been keeping track of the leading contenders for the gold medal so far, and I have to say: it's pretty spot on. With Nikola Jokić in the fold, this is Serbia's tournament to lose: I'm not saying Serbia is guaranteed its fourth-ever European championship and the first in nearly a quarter-century. Squads like Franz Wagner's Germany and the always-tough France will be tough outs. But I feel a lot less confident in the French without their twin towers in Rudy Gobert and Wembanyama, who won't play in the tournament. And while Germany is a well-oiled machine of efficiency, it doesn't have the same level of talent or depth that Serbia's program possesses. The Serbians are not so quietly ranked second in FIBA's men's world rankings. They're only a year removed from putting a genuine scare into arguably the greatest on-paper team the United States has ever assembled. And they've only gotten better since then, with more young players coming into their own. Also, again, they still have the world's best player in his prime in Jokić. Call me old-fashioned, but I think it's wonderful that a country with a population of less than seven million people can really put itself on the map as a mainstream basketball powerhouse by winning EuroBasket. Shootaround Kevin Durant isn't fazed by Thunder venom anymore. I don't think he's bluffing. Sydney Colson's season-ending injury is devastating for the Fever. Cory Woodroof outlined some replacement options. Speaking of the injured Fever, at least Caitlin Clark is keeping busy courtside. Grown man Tyrese Maxey doesn't know how to use a standard kitchen tool. This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA deservedly overlooking Eastern Conference with Christmas schedule
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Commits $5 Million To Help 77 Young Athletes Around The World
Luka Doncic Commits $5 Million To Help 77 Young Athletes Around The World originally appeared on Fadeaway World. On the same day he signed a monumental three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic made another announcement that showcased his heart just as much as his talent. The All-NBA superstar took to X to share a personal mission that goes far beyond basketball: a $5 million commitment to support 77 young athletes around the globe in pursuing their dreams. 'Today I'm also committing $5 million to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything, and I'm lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation.' The number 77 is no coincidence, it's the jersey number Doncic has worn since entering the NBA and is now closely tied to his brand and identity. This pledge isn't just a gesture; it's a symbol of his values, legacy, and desire to use his platform for meaningful change. In a summer full of headlines about his record-breaking contract and the Lakers' pursuit of another championship, Doncic's philanthropic move is a reminder that greatness isn't measured only in points or dollars. Doncic's initiative comes at a time when he's establishing deeper roots in Los Angeles, signaling that his commitment to the franchise is matched by a growing commitment to community and impact. Just hours before his charitable announcement, he officially extended his contract with the Lakers through 2028, a deal that removes him from next summer's free agency class and sets him up for a projected $417 million supermax in three years. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka called it 'a monumental moment for our franchise,' and the fanbase has embraced Doncic as the future of Lakers basketball. But this $5 million donation reminds everyone that Luka's story began well before he landed in Los Angeles. A kid from Slovenia who became a Real Madrid prodigy and then an NBA superstar, Doncic knows the power of opportunity. He understands that behind every professional athlete, there was once a child who just needed a break, access to training, mentorship, gear, or simply belief. Through this new global effort, Luka is hoping to be that catalyst for 77 young athletes. The program's details are still emerging, but reports indicate that the funds will be distributed through a combination of scholarships, facility support, mentorship, and direct training assistance for underprivileged youth from different corners of the world. Whether it's a rising hooper in Eastern Europe, a young point guard in Africa, or a struggling athlete in the inner cities of the U.S., Doncic's reach and intention are clear, he wants to empower others to dream as big as he once did. At only 26, Luka Doncic is already cementing a legacy that extends well beyond basketball courts. He's not just the future of the Lakers, he's becoming a global ambassador for sport, character, and hope. And for 77 kids around the world, he's now the reason they get to keep chasing story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers confirm Tyrese Haliburton to miss entire 2025-26 season
It's official: Tyrese Haliburton will not play in the 2025-26 season. Pacers president Kevin Pritchard confirmed Monday that Indiana's star point guard will miss next season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Advertisement "He will not play next year," Pritchard said in a news conference. "We will not jeopardize that. Don't get any hopes up that he will play." Doyel: Subtract two starters, Pacers are still a playoff team. Doesn't add up? Don't tell Kevin Pritchard 5 takeaways: What we learned from Kevin Pritchard news conference However, he said that the surgery went well and that he's making good progress so far and he believes he'll return better than ever. "He plays best when he's really hungry," Pritchard said. "I'm guessing next year, he's going to be chomping at the bit to prove to everybody that he's back. We're just gonna have to take it slow and make sure he's back to 100%. I expect great things, him being an All-NBA player and him hitting big shots. We witnessed something with clutch shot making that I'd never seen in the NBA and I've seen some pretty good basketball players in my time." Advertisement Pritchard said it's going to be tough for Haliburton, however, to take a whole season off because he's so obsessed with basketball. Pritchard values his counsel and has had him attend draft workouts in the past, and Haliburton even showed up for the Pacers' Summer League camp. "He's going to have time to fill," Pritchard said. "I've joked with him, he's just going to have to be my general manager the next couple of years. Which will be a lot better than Chad (Buchanan)." Pacers coach Rick Carlisle alluded to Haliburton's likely season-long absence in a radio interview June 24. "People should be very hopeful," Carlisle told 107.5 FM. "This is going to be a long haul, a long road back. Obviously, very unlikely that he'll play at all next year. I don't think I'm speaking out of school as a non-medical person." Advertisement Recovery for such an injury ranges from 8-10 months. Haliburton had surgery June 23. "With an Achilles disruption, if the rope tore, and tore in half, that has to be put back together. And so surgery will definitely be required to re-approximate or put those kind of frayed ends back together so they can heal," Dr. Patrick Kersey told IndyStar's Dana Hunsinger Benbow. "Those are generally kind of sewn or tied back together like you would similar (to sewing fabric back together). 'And then that will scar and heal over periods of time. It is a little bit of a vulnerable area and takes a bit of time and so recovery is anywhere between eight to 10, 11 months. So, it'll be a bit of time before he's probably back playing basketball." The Pacers will likely start Andrew Nembhard at point guard and move Bennedict Mathurin into the starting lineup as the shooting guard. T.J. McConnell will remain a key reserve at point guard and will be joined by second-round pick Kam Jones of Marquette, who was selected No. 38 overall in last month's NBA draft. IndyStar reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Pacers confirm Tyrese Haliburton to miss entire 2025-26 season
New York Times
07-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic agree to 5-year, $239 million max contract extension: Source
The Orlando Magic and forward Paolo Banchero have agreed to a five-year, maximum-salary contract extension worth approximately $239 million that, once signed, will be the most expensive contract in franchise history, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. The contract extension will begin with the 2026-27 season and will run through the 2030-31 season, including a player option for the final season of the deal, The Athletic has learned from a league source. Advertisement Banchero, who will turn 23 in November, would receive higher annual salaries that would bring the total value of the contract to approximately $287 million if he wins NBA MVP, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award or is named to the All-NBA First Team, Second Team or Third Team during the upcoming 2025-26 season. Banchero has established himself as the Magic's centerpiece player since the team drafted him with the first pick in 2022 after his freshman year at Duke. He opened last season as a potential All-NBA candidate before he suffered a torn oblique muscle in the Magic's fifth game, an injury that forced him to miss 34 consecutive games. He finished the season averaging 25.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and averaged 29.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during the Magic's first-round series defeat to the Boston Celtics. Banchero joined LeBron James and Luka Dončić as the only players 22 years old or younger in NBA history to compile at least 4,000 points, 1,300 rebounds and 900 assists during their first three NBA seasons. Magic officials expect their team to contend in the Eastern Conference in upcoming seasons, with 23-year-old Franz Wagner, 24-year-old Jalen Suggs and newly acquired 27-year-old Desmond Bane all under contract at least through the 2028-29 season. However, the team's contractual control of its promising nucleus comes at a hefty price — a price that will force the Magic's decision-makers to tread carefully to avoid the NBA's punitive first and second aprons in the seasons ahead. No matter how skillfully the Magic manage their cap sheet, team officials will find it difficult to build out their roster and maintain roster balance because of the aprons. That's the downside of having four highly paid players, two of whom will be on max-salary deals. Advertisement The 2025-26 season will be the first season of new contracts for Wagner and Suggs. Wagner's deal will average approximately $45.0 million over the next five seasons, while Suggs' deal will average $30.1 million over the next five seasons. Bane is due an average of $40.8 million per season over the next four seasons. Wagner's and Suggs' contracts run through the 2029-30 season, which also will be the fourth year of Banchero's new deal. If Banchero declines his option for the 2030-31 season, Banchero, Wagner and Suggs would be on schedule to hit free agency at the same time. Banchero also could be eligible for an annual salary at 35 percent of the league salary cap. It is possible that Banchero could sign the contract extension as early as Monday night.
Reuters
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Report: James Harden gets new 2-year, $81.5M deal with Clippers
June 29 - James Harden declined his player option in order to sign a new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers worth $81.5 million, ESPN reported Sunday. The 11-time All-Star guard will return to the Clippers after spending the past two seasons there. The second year of the new pact reportedly has a player option and partial guarantees. Harden, who turns 36 before next season begins, played 79 games (all starts) for Los Angeles in 2024-25 and averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds, though his 3-point shooting ticked down from 38.1 percent the year before to 35.2 percent. He was named to the All-NBA third team, his first All-NBA honor since 2019-20. Harden also put up 18.7 points, 9.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game during the Clippers' seven-game playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. The Clippers were the fifth seed in the Western Conference but will strive for better postseason results with Harden at the center of their plans. --Field Level Media
