Latest news with #AndrewWiggins
Edmonton Journal
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Canadians taking starring roles in NBA Finals
Article content There has never been an NBA Finals with as much Canadian flavour as the one set to tip on Thursday. While players like Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins have played key roles in the past in the biggest basketball series of the year and others like Dwight Powell, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, Joel Anthony, Todd MacCulloch to Bill Wennington, Rick Fox and Mike Smrek have played bit parts, the 2025 matchup between Oklahoma City and Indiana is a completely different scenario.
National Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Post
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Canadians taking starring roles in NBA Finals
There has never been an NBA Finals with as much Canadian flavour as the one set to tip on Thursday. Article content While players like Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins have played key roles in the past in the biggest basketball series of the year and others like Dwight Powell, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, Joel Anthony, Todd MacCulloch to Bill Wennington, Rick Fox and Mike Smrek have played bit parts, the 2025 matchup between Oklahoma City and Indiana is a completely different scenario. Article content Article content The best player in the series, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, hails from Hamilton. Article content His teammate Lu Dort, arguably the best defensive player in these Finals, is from Montreal. Article content Andrew Nembhard, who just helped lock down all-NBA New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, might be Indiana's top defender and is from Aurora, Ont. Article content The team's third-leading regular-season scorer, Bennedict Mathurin, is from the same Montreal-Nord neighbourhood as Dort and the two are close (not to mention Pacers scoring leader Pascal Siakam has spent a good portion of his life living in Toronto on his way to becoming an iconic Raptor). Article content Canadians will have their fingerprints all over this matchup. Article content The spotlight firmly will be on Gilgeous-Alexander, the sublime scoring machine. If he goes off, as he usually does, the heavily favoured Thunder should cruise to the franchise's first title (the 1979 NBA championship won by the Seattle Supersonics doesn't count). Article content The Pacers will scheme to prevent that from happening and it's fitting that Nembhard, Gilgeous-Alexander's frequent teammate with Canada's national team, will be asked to do much of the heavy lifting in that regard. Nembhard had nine steals over the final two games against the Knicks, frustrating Brunson, and has had at least three swipes four times in these playoffs. Article content Article content Nembhard also has been a big threat at the other end, shooting 48.3% from three, matching his mark in 17 playoff games a year ago, while handing out 5.1 assists for the high-octane Pacers. Article content He's going to be important, too, both for what Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle will ask from him defensively, and for the pressure he'll take offensively off Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Article content Haliburton will likely be hounded by Oklahoma City's defensive-stoppers Dort, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Jaylen Williams. That was the case in the two regular-season matchups between the teams, with Nembhard tasked with running the offence more in those meetings.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Andrew Wiggins' Cryptic Post Has Fans Worried
Andrew Wiggins' Cryptic Post Has Fans Worried originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Andrew Wiggins balled out for the Miami Heat in his 17 appearances for his new team following his mid-season trade from the Golden State Warriors. Advertisement The former All-Star headed to South Beach as part of the Jimmy Butler deal, and while Wiggins' arrival did not exactly make the Heat instant championship contenders, there's no denying that he showed a lot of potential in Erik Spoelstra's system. Wiggins averaged 19.0 points on 45.8% shooting, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.1 triples in 32.1 minutes per game. The Heat, however, went 6-11 during this stretch. Wiggins was able to help Miami secure the No. 8 seed in the East, but they ultimately got swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Miami Heat small forward Andrew Wiggins. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Wiggins recently grabbed the attention of fans on social media because of a rather cryptic Instagram post. The Heat forward posted an all-black photo on his Instagram stories, which was accompanied by an excerpt from EBK Jaaybo's song entitled "Felt That In My Soul." Advertisement "Been feeling pain since you left, I felt that in my soul spiritually. Walking this earth without you here just feels so weird to me," the lyrics of the song said. While there is really no way to tell what exactly Wiggins was trying to convey with his post here, more than a few fans could not help but feel worried for the 30-year-old. "Someone needa check up on Wiggins man," the caption of an X post read. "Much love pray all is well @22wiggins ❤️" a comment said. "🙏🏾😫" reacted a user. "He's been a lemon for us but hopefully he's alright mentally," said another. Advertisement "Damn 💔" a supporter wrote. "Watching your father pass on slowly over the course of 2 years has to alter your brain. No other way around it," declared a fan. As that last comment indicated, some users assumed that Wiggins' post was connected to the death of his father, Mitchell Wiggins, in September 2024. His passing followed an extended period of declining health, which forced Andrew Wiggins to take multiple leaves of absence from the Warriors to be with his family. Related: Erik Spoelstra's Ex-Wife Breaks Silence Amid Damaging Jaime Jaquez Jr. Rumor This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Massive 3-Team Trade Idea: Supertalented Center And Proven Wing To Lakers; Ja Morant To Heat
The 2024–25 NBA season has been a rollercoaster for several franchises, and as the offseason approaches, we expect bold moves to happen. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite a strong 50-32 regular-season record and a blockbuster midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic, faced a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 37-45 record, are seeking a resurgence after a lackluster season that saw them move on from franchise star Jimmy Butler. Advertisement In this context, a massive three-team trade proposal emerges: the Lakers acquire a supertalented center and a proven wing to bolster their roster, while the Heat bring in dynamic point guard Ja Morant to rejuvenate their backcourt. Morant, who averaged 23.2 points and 7.3 assists over 50 games this season, could provide the spark Miami desperately needs. The Memphis Grizzlies won't want to move on from their core superstar player in a perfect situation, but Morant's future has been up in the air following multiple seasons of inconsistency, and it might be time for all parties to move on. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Wiggins, Kel'el Ware Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (MIA) This potential trade could redefine the trajectories of all franchises as they each aim to return to playoff contention in the near future. Let's go through what this trade could do for each team involved. Lakers Add Two Strong Pieces Around Luka And LeBron Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images By parting with Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith (in a sign-and-trade), two players who we predicted could leave the team this summer, the Lakers can make a strategic move to enhance their championship aspirations. Reaves was the third option this season, but if the player rejects the expected offer from the Lakers to seek at least $200 million, he could be traded this summer. Advertisement Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit despite a 50–32 regular-season record, the Lakers are poised to retool their roster around stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Acquiring Andrew Wiggins and Kel'el Ware addresses critical needs. Wiggins, who averaged 18.0 points per game with a 44.8% field goal percentage during the 2024–25 season, brings versatile defense and scoring ability to the wing position. His experience and athleticism complement Doncic's playmaking and James's leadership, especially when considering he had Finals MVP-worthy performances in the 2022 NBA Finals. Kel'el Ware, a promising 21-year-old center, adds youth and athleticism to the Lakers' frontcourt. In his rookie season, Ware posted 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 55.4% from the field. His presence addresses the Lakers' need for a dynamic big man who can protect the rim and finish around the basket. No doubt, he would be an immediate upgrade over who the Lakers had competing at center this past season: Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len. Advertisement This trade allows the Lakers to balance their roster by adding a seasoned wing and an emerging center, providing Doncic and James with the support needed to contend in the competitive Western Conference. Heat Create Another Big Three To Contend In The East Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images The Miami Heat, after a 37–45 season and missing the playoffs, are seeking a resurgence. Acquiring Ja Morant offers the opportunity to form a new Big Three alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. One of the key targets for the Miami Heat, as seen in our previous article, Morant averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game during the 2024–25 season. The superstar showcased his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities, despite only playing 50 games and dealing with more controversy. Advertisement His explosive athleticism and leadership can revitalize the Heat's offense and bring excitement back to Miami, and he could be the immediate superstar replacement for Jimmy Butler. While Morant's tenure in Memphis included some off-court issues, a change of scenery and the Heat's strong organizational culture could provide the structure he needs to thrive. Miami's history of maximizing player potential under head coach Erik Spoelstra bodes well for Morant's integration. His addition positions the Heat to re-enter the Eastern Conference playoff picture and potentially contend for a title. Grizzlies Kickstart Their Retool Around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Memphis Grizzlies, facing early playoff exits and internal challenges over the past few seasons, are poised to retool their roster around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Trading Ja Morant for Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith (via sign-and-trade), and two first-round picks from Miami provides a fresh start. Advertisement Reaves, who averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2024–25 season, brings versatility and scoring to the backcourt. His ability to play both guard positions complements Bane's sharpshooting and Jackson's interior presence. Finney-Smith adds defensive prowess and three-point shooting to the Grizzlies' wing rotation. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shot 41.1% from beyond the arc. His experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to Memphis's young core. The inclusion of future first-round picks provides the Grizzlies with additional assets to continue building for the future. This trade allows Memphis to move forward with a redefined identity, focusing on a cohesive and balanced roster. By acquiring players who fit their system and culture, the Grizzlies set the stage for sustained success in the Western Conference, even without head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was surprisingly fired at the end of the season. Related: Lakers Unlikely To Re-Sign Two Players In 2025 Free Agency
National Post
19-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Gilgeous-Alexander closer to becoming first Canadian star to lead NBA champion
Whatever way Game 7 between Oklahoma City and Denver went on Sunday, it was going to result in a bit of a rarity, a key Canadian player advancing to an NBA conference final. Article content Article content Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the best Canadian of them all, ended up going forward when the Thunder demolished the Nuggets, robbing countryman Jamal Murray — a key reason the series even got that far — of a third appearance in the league's third round of the playoffs. Article content Article content Until Murray and Andrew Wiggins made conference finals three out of four years combined, starting in 2019-20, it was extremely uncommon for Canadian stars, or even starters, to make it this far. Article content Steve Nash was the key exception for many years. The pride of Victoria, B.C., the only Canadian to win NBA MVP honours (twice), until Gilgeous-Alexander likely joins him any day now, was the second-best player on a Dallas Mavericks team that won two seven-game series before falling short to eventual champion San Antonio in 2002-03, and the best player on three Phoenix Suns squads that lost one round away from the championship (twice falling to the team that would win it all). Article content Before Nash, Canadians had occasionally been starters on team's to make the NBA's last four (like Toronto-born Rick Fox at times for the Los Angeles Lakers dynastic teams, or Winnipeg's Todd MacCulloch for Philadelphia, or Montreal's Bill Wennington being the backup centre for the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls) and Brampton's Tristan Thompson would do it regularly later for Cleveland setting the stage for recent events. Toronto-born, Kamloops, B.C-raised Kelly Olynyk made two deep runs himself, one for Boston and one for Miami when the Heat lost to Los Angeles in the bubble in Orlando. Article content Article content Thompson helped inspire players such as Wiggins, of Vaughan, Ont., and Murray, of Kitchener, who would go on to win a championship in absolutely crucial roles. Murray was clearly Denver's No. 2 player in 2023 and that's still the case today, while Wiggins had a career year the previous season when Golden State surprised Boston in the final. At worst, Wiggins was the Warriors' third-best player that year and some would argue he was their second-most impactful. Article content Now, Gilgeous-Alexander not only joins them, but has a chance to do something a Canadian hasn't before — be the guy opponents fear the most at this point of the playoffs or beyond. Article content While the NBA is wide open this year, with New York and Indiana the unexpected last ones standing in the East and the Minnesota Timberwolves as Oklahoma City's opponent, it won't be easy.
